Necessary Niacinamide

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We all know that for about the past 50 years antibiotics have been greatly overused in people and animals. This abuse of oft needed antibiotics has created a period of difficulty wherein most antibiotics no longer are effective when necessary. If you're a regular reader of Natural Health News, the internet's first natural news site, you recognize that we have informed readers on the many helpful uses of niacin, niacinamide, or as it is commonly known, vitamin B3. Now a new study shows us what may be another valuable use -
Vitamin B3 offers superbug protectionThe September, 2012 issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation reported the discovery of Cedars-Sinai researchers of a protective effect for vitamin B3 against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph infection that is resistant to antibiotic treatment. The finding is the result of research concerning a rare disorder known as neutrophil-specific granule deficiency, which involves a mutation in the gene CEBPE that regulates some of the body's antimicrobial factors. Afflicted individuals have weakened immune systems that render them vulnerable to infections such as staph. "Our goal in studying a rare disorder is that it may give us broad insight into the immune mechanisms that protect healthy individuals against staph infections," noted first author Pierre Kyme, PhD, who is a researcher at Cedars-Sinai's Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases in the Maxine Dunitz Children's Health Center and the Immunobiology Research Institute. "We found that if you over-express the gene in normal individuals, the body's immune cells do a better job of fighting off infection." The team determined that a high dose of a form of vitamin B3 known as nicotinamide or niacinamide stimulates CEBPE, which enhances white blood cells' ability to combat staph infections. When the vitamin was tested in human blood, it boosted the immune system's staph-killing ability up to 1,000-fold in a matter of hours compared to treatment with saline. And in mice that received injections of 250 milligrams nicotinamide per kilogram body weight prior to staph infection, bacterial counts in the animals' spleens and kidneys were 100-fold lower after 48 hours compared with animals injected with saline. The researchers suggest that targeting CEBPE with other compounds than nicotinamide could also help treat staph infections. Senior coauthor and Cedars-Sinai professor of medicine Phillip Koeffler, MD remarked that "There's more research to be done, but we believe that vitamin B3, and other compounds that are able to increase the activity of this particular gene, have the potential to be effective against other antibiotic-resistant bacteria in addition to strains of staph." "It's critical that we find novel antimicrobial approaches to treat infection and not rely so heavily on antibiotics," stated pediatric infectious disease physician and coauthor George Liu, MD, PhD, of Cedars-Sinai's Maxine Dunitz Children's Health Center. "That's why this discovery is so exciting. Our research indicates this common vitamin is potentially effective in fighting off and protecting against one of today's most concerning public health threats." SOURCE

Selections from Natural Health News

Cholesterol, Dementia, Schizophrenia, Detoxification,

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Calculating Cholesterol

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Natural Health News has over eight (8) pages of articles addressing the cholesterol charade.  I am posting the top four (4) in light of the new push to get more people on a very dangerous drug that in reality has no real benefit to protect you from cardiovascular disease.
What statin drugs and other anticholesterol pharmaceuticals do is harm your health in so many other ways it is almost unfathomable that doctors them selves do not do more deep research on the concept.
You are at risk of muscle damage and kidney failure, heart failure, liver failure, diabetes, dementia, cancer and many more health derangements should you fall into this drug deception.
There are many safer and more natural ways to keep cholesterol in balance.  It is something you need not something to be depleted.
If you are interested in balancing cholesterol please contact us for more information and natural suggestions that do work with a lack of serious adverse effects.
And consider this -  Misled over the benefits of statins

Natural Health News: Cholesterol: Another Wrong Conclusion
Feb 21, 2011
I don't know where people's heads have been since the cholesterol bonanza began, but my stand is that these pundits overlooked a known fact, which now seems to be getting press after some 30 years. It's triglycerides!
http://naturalhealthnews.blogspot.com/
Low Cholesterol Does A Body Bad - Once More, with feeling
Dec 23, 2008
UPDATE: Women in Government have a new ad campaign to push you to get cholesterol testing. This same organization has been behind the Gardasil propaganda campaign. For women especially, it is very important to get ...
http://naturalhealthnews.blogspot.com/
Natural Health News: More reports on low cholesterol and cancer
Feb 23, 2008
Some studies have linked low cholesterol levels to higher death rates from cancer in general, Dr. Kouichi Asano, of Kyushu University, Fukuoka, and colleagues explain in the International Journal of Cancer. "With respect to ...
http://naturalhealthnews.blogspot.com/
Cholesterol and Statins: Another physician reviews the Jupiter study
Nov 14, 2008
It's been going this way for a while: even healthy people should be on the cholesterol-reducing drugs known as statins. That, in a nutshell, is the verdict of a study published over the weekend which found that even in people ...
http://naturalhealthnews.blogspot.com/


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Can we please hear both sides

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Another pertussis cluster has led to the banning of non-vaccinated children from a school district in the Tucson area.  In all the news reports the issue of "non-vaccinated children" is the target or emphasized catch phrase.

I recall writing an article in the mid 90s after interviewing a California (MD) pediatrician who also included homeopathy in his practice.  His emphasis was that it is the non vaccinated child who is always the healthiest and has the most resistance to disease.

From NHN 2008: New Focus: Responding to Specific Queries

Now the idea today is that it is the non-vaccinated adult whose childhood vaccine has worn off and has not gotten a booster shot may be the new target.  Or it could be a combined attack.

A funny way to approach public health if you ask me, after spending the bulk of my work over decades with a strong public health focus.

Sadly little has changes at WA DOH since Selecky's departure.  Inslee replaced her with another non- responsive bureaucratic hack.

Maybe, prhaps, this article will get some courageous health care providers thinking outside the box and give this a shot.

But alas, "here we are."***

While it is a tragedy that people are dying from the current pertussis outbreak, I believe it is important for facts rather than propaganda be provided to the community at large.
The AMA (American Medical Association) knew in the late 1920s that pertussis vaccine caused neurological problems.
Now we know that the pertussis vaccine is often associated with whooping cough outbreaks and many who have had the vaccine contract the disease.
And of course the friendly people at WA DOH are announcing everywhere that the only thing that will help this is to get the jab.
New Article re: WA DOH Vaccines and Fluoride
I encourage people to get the facts before you get the shot because the government or anyone giving out these vaccines is required by law to explain it to you, and give you the risk and benefit data as well.  Usually you are not provided with this information in my experience.
You are probably not told that for whooping cough especially, that vitamin C is a valid and effective help.  Vitamin A in the oil form (not single beta carotene) in short runs of high doses will help fight off pneumonia, and it works well with vitamin C.  Usually I use liposomal vitamin C and Hanna Kroeger’s Sunny A.

Babies Sleep Better If They Are Drugged And Vaccinated In The Afternoon

Here is some information from a 1937 medical journal addressing this concern -
“Ascorbic acid has a definite effect in shortening the period of paroxysms from a matter of weeks to a matter of days. We have not checked by cough plates or otherwise in this preliminary work to see whether the infectivity subsides simultaneously with the spasmodic symptoms, but are continuing with a larger series of cases in which these and other tests will be employed.

TABLE

Case
Age
(years)
Sez
Contact
Duration of
Symptoms
Treatment
Results
1
R.T.
6
M
School
6 weeks—typical
150 mg. per day
7 days—cough reduced markedly
10 days—cough disappeared
2
C.H.
1�
M
Unknown
Temperature 102 F.
Bronchopneumonia
when men
3 weeks—typical
10 days “fever”
at home
inhalations
sinapisms
expectorants		}3 daysNo effect
7 days—temperature normal, cough reduced
14 days—cough disappeared
175 mg. daily—11 dys
3
M.C.
12
M
School
10 days—typical
200 mg. daily
6 days—cough reduced
13 days—only occasional night coughs
15 days—all cough absent
4
J.P.
6
F
School
over 4 weeks—
typical
200 mg. daily
3 days—cough less, no vomiting
7 days—occasional cough
5
B.O.
2�
M
Known case
2 weeks—typical
250 mg. daily
5 days—cough disappeared
6
H.F.
7
M
School
2 weeks—typical
375 mg. daily
4 days—cough less
9 days—night cough only
11 days—all cough absent
7
E.H.
22

Maid
Child in house had
whooping cough
4dys., paroxysmal
cough, vomited
once, no whooping
500 mg. daily—3 days
125 mg. daily.		4 days—cough less, no vomiting
6 days—coughed only once in 2 days
11 days—cough absent
8
B.P.
4
M
Known case
10 days—typical
500 mg. daily—4 days
250 mg. daily—4 days		5 days—cough disappeared
9
M.W.
6�
F
School
2 weeks—typical
500 mg. daily—4 days
250 mg. daily—5 days		4 days—cough reduced
7 days—coughed once in 24 hours
9 days—cough disappeared
10
W.C.
4�
F
Sister (Case 9)
1 week—typical
500 mg. daily—4 days
250 mg. daily—5 days		Same as for Case 9
The dosages used have been empirical with a tendency to use larger doses early in the disease as our experience of its effects progressed. The acid is available at reasonable prices, and the danger of overdosage seems negligible. Animals have received 2,000 times their estimated requirements without any deleterious effects. Any excess is excreted by the kidneys.

CONCLUSIONS

  1. A method has been described for the treatment of whooping cough by ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
  2. Ascorbic acid definitely shortens the paroxysmal stage of the disease, particularly if relatively large doses are used early in the disease.
The ascorbic acid used by us was the Hoffmann-LaRoche product sold under the trade name of “Redoxon”. Grootton and Beszonoff 4 have shown that the product is identical chemically, physically and biologically with the original product prepared by Szent-Gy�rgi.

REFERENCES

  1. , T.: Vaccination against whooping cough, J. Am. M. Ass., 1933, 101: 137.
  2. , F.: Internat. Med. Digest, 1936, 29: 121.
  3. , H. H.: Whooping cough. Clin. J., 1936, 65: 246.
  4. , O. and Beszonoff, N.: Action de la vitamine C sur la toxine diphth�rique, et sensibilit� du bacille de la coqueluche vis-a-vis de l’hydroquinol et de le vitamine C. Ann. de l’Inst Pasteur, 1936, 56: 413.
  5. , P. and Sala, T.: Rev. fran�. De P�d., 1921. 4: 509. (Quoted by Grootton and Beszonoff).
  6. , J. and Niederberger, W.: Vitamin C In der Pneumonie-Behandlung., M�nch. med. Wochschr.. 1936, 83: 2074.
  7. , A.: Beobachtungen �ber Ascorbins�urewirkung bei der krupp�sen Pneumonie, Wien. Arch. f. inn. Med., (in press). (Quoted by Gander and Niederberger).
  8. , G. J. and Daniels, A. L: Vitamin C studies with children of pre-school age, J. Nutrit., 1936. 12: 15.
  9. , O. A. and King, C. G.: The distribution of vitamin C in plant and animal tissues and its determination, J. Biol. Chem., 1933. 103: 687.
  10. , M. Almaden, P. and King, C.G.: Vitamin content of human tissues, J. Biol. Chem., 1934, 106: 525.
From The Canadian Medical Association Journal, Volume 37, August 1937, Number 2, pp. 134-136″
This article was originally entered here in April 2012: 
http://blog.seattlepi.com/naturalnotes/2012/04/04/can-we-please-hear-both-sides/

*** with thanks to Baba Ram Das and Bill Greenberg, MD (Harvard)
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FLU FOR YOU? or Prevention

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The fact is the practice of flu vaccination in the elderly is not based on evidence, but an article of faith.
Should the Elderly Get the FLU jab? 

Use the search window in the right column to find our numerous posts on vaccines, flu, vitamin D, vitamin C, and more Natural Health News to keep you healthy and well...

From Dr Eisenstein
 

The risk of children suffering from flu can be reduced by 50% if they take vitamin D, doctors in
Japan have found. The finding has implications for flu epidemics since vitamin D, which is
naturally produced by the human body when exposed to direct sunlight , has no significant side effects, costs little and can be several times more effective than antiviral drugs or vaccines according to research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Only one in ten children, aged six to 15 years, taking the sun shine vitamin in a clinical trial came down with flu compared with one in five given a dummy tablet. Mitsuyoshi Urashima, the Japanese doctor who led the trial, told The Times that vitamin D was more effective than
vaccines in preventing flu.

Vitamin D was found to be even more effective when the comparison left out children who were already given extra vitamin D by their parents, outside the trial. Taking the sunshine vitamin was then shown to reduce the risk of flu to a third of what it would otherwise be.

Dr. Damien Downing, a doctor and medical consultant has publicly stated that governments "do like" epidemics as a chance to impose their will. The London based doctor has been advising patients to increase their vitamin D intake rather than get the vaccine.

You might be shocked to know that there are many physicians in both Canada and the United
States who prescribe as much as 50,000 IU of vitamin D daily as a treatment for a long list of
chronic diseases.

Dr. John Cannell, MD, suggests high dose vitamin D (50,000 IU) be consumed for three days at the first sign of a cold or the flu. If you have an infection, the truth is you need more vitamin D. In other words, vitamin D acts as a natural antibiotic. It works against every type of microbe (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites).

Vitamin D deficiency is common during the winter months, especially in countries far north of
the equator. Vitamin D acts as an immune system modulator, preventing excessive production of inflammatory cytokines and increasing macrophage (a type of white cell) activity. Vitamin D
also stimulates the production of potent antimicrobial peptides in other white blood cells and in epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract, protecting the lungs from infection.

50 Percent Reduction In Flu Infections Using Vitamin D

Altogether 354 children took part in the trial. Vitamin D was found to protect against influenza A but not against the less common influenza B.

The trial, which was double blind, randomised , and fully controlled scientifically, was conducted by doctors and scientists from Jikei University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan.
The children were given a daily dose of 1200 IUs (international units) of vitamin D over a period of three months. In the first month children in the group taking the vitamin became ill just as often as those taking the dummy tablet. But by the second month, when the vitamin level in the children’s blood was higher, the advantage of the vitamin was clear.

The Japanese scientists, writing in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, say that the anti-
viral drugs zanamivir and oseltamivir reduce risk of flu infection by 8 percent in children who
have been exposed to infection, compared with a 50 percent or greater reduction with vitamin D.

Antivirals are typically more effective than vaccines for the influenza virus which suggests that
both forms of medical intervention would consistently fail in similar studies when pitted against
vitamin D.

Antivirals are expensive, and possibly toxic. Vitamin D additionally supports bone health but is believed to reduce risks of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other illness, including various bacterial and viral infections.

The Japanese finding supports a theory that low blood levels of the sunshine vitamin occurring in winter explain why flu epidemics generally peak between December and March.

1. Get a Vitamin D blood test25(OH)D
2. Make sure your whole family has adequate blood levels of Vitamin D this flu season (>50 to 80ng/ml). Most children and adults Vitamin D blood level is <30ng font="" ml.="">
3. Adults .................................. 5,000 IU daily.
4. Children ............................... 1,000 IU/25lbs.
5. Chronic conditions....................... 10,000IU daily 
6. At the first symptoms of a cold or flu 1,000IU/ lb. daily for 7 days.
 
Examples:
 50 lb daily         50,000IU daily.   
 
100 lb daily       100,000IU daily.
150 lb daily       150,000IU daily.
200 lb daily       200,000 IU daily.

NB from Natural Health News: 

Vitamin A will assist in protecting lung health and against pneumonia. Vitamin E is also helpful to carry oxygen across the alveolar membrane in the lungs into the blood.

Healthy fat in your diet is required to absorb Vitamins A-D-E-K.

Add adequate daily vitamin C and probiotics. Always stay hydrated.
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Just Let Your Natural Beauty Shine This Summer

Summer is a time to celebrate natural beauty. Indeed, with such a wonderful chance to spend time at the beach or the cabin, who has time to worry about putting on makeup?

Of course, for many people, the thought of going "au naturale" can be daunting. Most of us have wrinkles, noticeable pores, and skin discoloration that we don't want ruining our fun in the sun, and taking away from our sun-kissed summer glow. And on top of that, many of us consider eye makeup a must have for any public outing, and can't bear the thought of leaving the house without it.

The good news, however, is that at medical spas, you can address get summer-ready in no time with effective and non-invasive procedures and products. This article will address three of the most exciting summer procedures you can get at a medical spa.

3D Skin Rejuvenation for a New You

Most of us have at least one - but probably a few - skin conditions that we'd love to live without. That's why we go to great lengths to hide them from sight, often sacrificing summer fun like swimming or sun tanning.

Thankfully, 3D Skin Rejuvenation, which is available at major medical spas, effectively addresses multiple skin conditions including: redness, wrinkles, sun spots, sagging skin, and large pores. What's more, unlike other laser treatments that only address one or two conditions and therefore oblige you to combine treatments, 3D Skin Rejuvenation has all your skin needs covered!

This treatment is available to men and women of any age, and can be found at cutting-edge medical spas. While most commonly used on the face and neck, the treatment is excellent for hands, arms, and the abdomen (so you can feel confident in that new bikini). 3D Skin Rejuvenation is non-invasive, and results can be seen immediately, which means you can walk out of the medical spa and into a sizzling summer with confidence.

Pearl Photo Facials to Address Sun-Damaged Skin

Unfortunately, many skin problems are actually triggered by our love of summer. Alas, wrinkles, sun spots, and other skin can result from catching up on some rays. And while we try our best to protect our skin in the summer, sometimes our efforts still leave us with some damage or unsightly spots.

Fortunately, Pearl Photo Facials from leading medical spas are a non-invasive procedure that can reverse sun-related skin damage. And the news get even better: It only takes about 3-4 days for your damaged skin will peel off and reveal the fresh, bright, and beautiful skin hiding underneath.

Also remember that you can combine Pearl Photo Facials with other skin procedures to get the most out of your medical spa experience. That means you can take care of those other pesky skin problems, while taking a stand against existing sun damage!

LATISSE Eye Lash Enhancement for Glamorous and Low-Maintenance Lashes

With LATISSE, you can put your mascara tube aside for the summer without worrying about sparse, dull eyelashes. LATISSE is an eye lash enhancement product available at medical spas that helps you grow fuller, darker eyelashes in only 8-12 weeks. Imagine waking up on your summer vacation with beach-ready eyelashes. You won't have to worry about your mascara bleeding while in the sun or the water!

Plus, if you want to put on some extra eye makeup for an ultra-glam night on the town, it won't interfere with your LATISSE applications. So now, you can face the heat -- or all of your fun summer adventures -- with effective, safe and popular medical spa products like LATISSE.
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Get Lost in the Natural Beauty of Seychelles



All the 115 islands of Seychelles are divided in to two islands, inner and the outer islands. Blessed with a tropical climate throughout the year, Seychelles is an anytime visit place, one can reach this place by air and through sea. The nonstop scheduled flights of Air Seychelles are available every time from France, Italy, Mauritius, Singapore and South Africa. One can also reach the island cruising through ship. Previously, Seychelles was not a developed area but today it is regarded as one of the most developed area with high standards of living.

The Seychelles Tourism Board is collaboration between the public and private sector. It tries their best to provide one of the best holidays in Seychelles to all the tourists and the vacationers who come here to spend their leisure time. Seychellois have a very rich culture. At all the social gatherings plenty of food and drinks are served to celebrate any particular occasion. The Creole cuisine mainly consists of fish, rice, meat, fruits and food crops. One of the interesting dishes is the Bouyon Kreson or the water cress soup that is prepared by mixing ingredients like potato, watercress, egg, milk and butter. Other delicious dishes include the palm heart salad and the potato curry. Some of the most rare and endemic flora like Bilenbi Maron and Bwa Bannann are found here. Children can have a wonderful time out here watching one of the rarest bird species on earth, the Paradise Fly catcher. Visitors eagerly wait for the moment to watch giant tortoises laying eggs. It is the lifetime experience to watch these calm animals giving birth to the new ones.

If you are planning to go for a holiday in Seychelles or is in Seychelles then you are really lucky as there are some important events that are yet to be organized in the coming months. Currently, the Cultural Bazaars are being held. In August the South East Monsoon Sailfish Tournament and in September World Tourism Day is held with great zeal and enthusiasm. There are many special deals and offers provided by various travel websites for Seychelles and hence before fixing a holiday one must do an online research and go for the best deal.

Seychelles is mainly famous for its islands and hence one should always visit the islands given below and enjoy their holidays in Seychelles

Mahe: It is one of the largest islands in Seychelles that is located on the north eastern part of the country. It earned its name from the name of the British Governor Bertrand-François Mahe de La Bourdonnais. The capital city Victoria city is famous for tuna fishing and canning industry.

Praslin: Located 44 kms away from Mahe, Praslin is the second largest island. It has a total population of 6500 people. The island is home to some of the best hotels and resorts. The lush green tropical forests are always one of the best places to visit.

LaDigue: Every hotel at LaDigue organizes buffet evenings twice a week which is another important reason for the tourists to pay a visit to this place. Moreover, the foot tapping music played by the local musicians adds to the entertainment factor.
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Costa Rica - The Natural Beauty

Ideally located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua towards the north, the Pacific Ocean towards the west and south, the Caribbean Sea towards the east and Panama towards the south-southeast Costa Rica is one of the happening tourist destinations.

Costa Rica is generally considered to be a very safe travel destination. Costa Ricans as a whole are honest and friendly. Statistically,Costa Rica has a low crime rate as compared to other countries.

There are many places in the Caribbean and Central America that offer unique things to do, but Costa Rica brings it to a new level with a combination of exciting and interesting activities on land, on the beach, and at sea.

Just as tourist tastes are varied, so are the tourist attractions that Costa Rica offers in the form of natural beauty, sun and sea, hospitality, history, adventure, and fun. All these attractions are concentrated in a small area where distance does not present a problem.

Attractions:

Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica is littered with volcanoes. Some are active, like the popular Arenal which offers visitors views of red falling lava at night and constant rumbles throughout the day.

Nosara Wildlife Rescue

Nosara is reminiscent of the Land Time Forgot with its untainted natural beauty and relative isolationism. This paradisaical getaway is home to the Nosara Wildlife Rescue (NWR), which serves as a place of healing for Costa Rican wildlife - especially howler monkeys. If you are an animal lover, NWR offers an enriching experience of close encounters with Costa Rica's wildlife in their natural habitat.

White Water Rafting

Costa Rica is famous for its rivers of warm water, exciting & diverse whitewater and incredible scenery. Whitewater rafting is a great way to experience Costa Rica.

Tortuguero

Refreshing and relaxing, exquisitely evergreen the Tortuguero canals is a must-see while in Costa Rica.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde's variable climate and high altitude has helped produce an extremely high biodiversity. It is home to over 100 species of mammals, more than 400 species of birds, thousands of insect species and around 2500 species of plants - containing the largest number of orchids in the world. Monteverde is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges worldwide.

Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo is a beautiful beach town that is equally a tropical paradise as well as a multicultural hotspot.

Tamarindo is the most developed beach on the Nicoya Peninsula and one of Costa Rica's best-known surf spots.

Montezuma

Montezuma Bordered by Waterfalls on the North and South you will find an international community that knows how to enjoy life. Numerous Unique Beaches are framed by Jungle covered cliffs, with a lively Beach side Village at the Center of it all. When you arrive in Montezuma you will find Excellent Restaurants, Eclectic Shops, and a variety of Nightlife awaiting your enjoyment.

Corcovado National Park

A beautiful black sand beach and rain forest combination on the undeveloped Osa Peninsula. Only problem is getting there.

Costa Ballena

Costa Ballena is located on the south Pacific coast between Dominical and Uvita. Much of this area is within the protection of Marino Ballena National Park which is a marine park with the purpose of protecting dolphins, whales and other sea life

One of the most interesting creatures that can be found here are the Humpback Whales, which come down to rear their young annually.

Rain Forest Aerial Tram

The Rain Forest Aerial Tram - Pacific allows visitors to discover the hidden secrets and hanging gardens of the Transitional Tropical Rain forest from a totally different perspective.
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How Using Organic Natural Beauty Products Can Give You Flawless Skin



From time immemorial women have loved to pamper their skin. It is this desire that attracts them to beauty and skin care products that will nourish their bodies. Many ladies are more than happy to invest their time and money on rejuvenating natural beauty products and handmade skin care products. Listed below are some of the most common natural toiletries women regularly use.

Natural Make-Up Remover

Organic liquid Castile soap mixed with water is a pure and natural product that can be used for cleansing the skin to remove make up. By placing a few drops on a wash cloth or in a sink full of water to wash your face will remove make up and cosmetics from the face.

You can also use plain olive or coconut oil to remove mascara and oil based make up as well as waterproof ones. They are great for the skin and will nourish it in a natural way. Microfiber is another beauty product that works really well, it will even remove mascara and other heavy eye makeup without the use of soaps or alcohol based cleansers or toners. Natural microfiber works really well with all skin tones.

However, if you have really oily skin and prefer not to introduce any extra oil to your skin, the liquid castile soap in water is more than sufficient to do the trick.

Moisturizers and Lotions
For some people, pure coconut oil is all they need to help moisturize their face and body. It is a beautiful oil with lots of natural goodness. It contains collagen and naturally occurring lauric acid which is easily absorbed by the skin. If you don't like the scent of coconut, you can buy fractionated coconut oil, which is still natural but has been deodorized to remove the coconut scent. If you have acne prone skin, the coconut oil's anti-bacterial natural properties is known to help this condition.

On the other hand, if you have dry skin and worry about your skin drying out, using natural lotion bars with skin hydrating properties can work magic in helping you prevent aging in a healthy way. You can make your own homemade lotion bar and add some zinc oxide to it for its sunscreen benefits and added protection from the elements.

Natural Exfoliating Products

For certain skin type's sugar or salt scrub are ideal handmade skin care products when exfoliation is needed. You can make your own scrub by simply mixing equal parts of oil, be it coconut or olive oil to sugar or salt and your body exfoliating product is ready. To make your scrub extra special, you can add drops of essential oils like Neroli, Lavender or Geranium that are known to have skin revitalizing properties to the scrub and use it on the whole body.

These days, there are many expensive products available in the beauty and skin care industry with farfetched claims on the outcome to expect in exchange for their outrageous prices. However, more often than not there are plenty of natural alternative that are much cheaper and nourishing for the body that you can make yourself.

Remy Baker is an online entrepreneur and the author of Scent2Riches Perfume Making from Home Guide. Remy loves everything about handmade craft and perfume making, she's enjoys showing people the tricks of the trade; especially how to make perfumes for $5 or less.
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More reason to skip skim

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UPDATE:  Crazy to see all the frenzy over the news that the FDA is going to stop allowing trans-fats in food. What you aren't hearing is exactly how the oils suggested to be substituted are in fact trans-fats with low smoke points and damaging to the heart.

Here are a few articles to help you consider the finer facts, and accurate ones as well.


~~~~~~~~~

In the 80s when the trend went to no fat and low fat diets we advised our clients and students to keep healthy fats alive in their diets. 

FAT FACTS written in 2002

This quote is from May 2013
"Skim milk is not helpful for losing weight, as numerous studies have revealed, and in a recent study of 10,500 school-age children, it was actually harmful in terms of weight gain and loss of calcium absorption as a result of the “skimming” process. The fat content in whole milk slows sugar absorption and improves calcium uptake."
UPDATE: 4 Nov, 2013 - Now it seems everyone is again jumping on my wagon when it comes to sound nutrition information regarding healthy fat.

Oscar Will lll wrote this in 2011
Cut to the present, and the idea that corn, soy and other vegetable oils are preferred for optimal health continues to be dominant, yet the United States still has high rates of cardiovascular disease. We are overweight and unhealthy despite five decades of low-fat and no-fat health advice and faddism. How could the medical community, our Food and Drug Administration and so many others be so wrong about dietary fats? Read his full article here.
But even more apropos is a recent piece by UK doctor John Briffa, MD.

Briffa calls mainstream medicine to task on this faulty fat fiasco, and I am with him 100%.  He too combines the faulty fat fiasco right along with a great new expose on the great cholesterol caper.  Yes there is fallacy in the drug dictate that you all need cholesterol drugs and low cholesterol (NOT).
Last Saturday, The Times newspaper here in the UK carried a piece I wrote about the relative merits of butter, margarine and cholesterol-reducing spreads. I think it’s great we have got to the point where a major, ‘serious’ newspaper is commissioning and publishing pieces that challenge nutritional orthodoxy and do not swallow food industry misinformation […] Complete article
And he says more of what he has already said about cholesterol, as have I for many years, (use the search box for my cholesterol posts).  

So, won't you agree, it is now about time for the about face.

Selections from more than 30 articles at Natural Health News
 
Ever Think That Your LOW-FAT or NON-FAT Diet Craze Might Lead
Jul 08, 2006
Review finds current vitamin D recommendations insufficient to achieve healthy blood levels. A review published in the July, 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which sought to determine the optimal ...
Natural Health News: Support for Healthy Fats
Dec 22, 2011
It's no longer enough for top-line chefs and adventurous home cooks to eat grass-fed steaks; those steaks need to be finished with duck fat or real butter. ... Nutrition science is beginning to turn the idea that all fat is bad for you on its head, with high-profile nutritionists like Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health and a professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School, working to debunk the idea that low-fat diets are ...
Natural Health News: Cholesterol: Another Wrong Conclusion
Feb 21, 2011
The comes the low-fat/non-fat diet and all kinds of health problems reach new, high levels. More drugs, less benefit, more cases, no recovery, lack of prevention too! High levels of cholesterol do not predict the risk of stroke.
Natural Health News: Jogging Your Memory
Aug 10, 2006
The along came the no-fat and low-fat diet schemes, so along came behavioral and glandular problems because we had not fat to feed the brain, hormone production and strong healthy cell walls (yes indeed, these are made ...
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More on Cell Phone and EMF Health Risks

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For almost twenty years I have been writing about the risk of EMF and cell phone use to your health. This new study is of concern because we do know of the real impact of oxidation stress on the body.  Perhaps it is time to rethink your reliance on cell phones, tablets,and all microwave devices.
Cellphones cause oxidative stress, may up cancer risk
TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- There  is considerable oxidative stress on the tissue and glands close to a cellphone when in use and this may increase cancer risk, Israeli
researchers say.

Dr. Yaniv Hamzany of Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of  Medicine and the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department at the  Rabin Medical Center looked for clues in the saliva of cellphone users.

Since the cellphone is placed close to the salivary gland when in use, he and fellow researchers Raphael Feinmesser, Thomas Shpitzer, Dr. Gideon Bahar and Rafi Nagler of Tel Aviv University and Dr. Moshe Gavish  of the Technion in Haifa examined the saliva content of 20 heavy-user patients, defined as speaking on their phones for a minimum of 8 hours a  month.

Most participants speak much more, Hamzany said, as much as 30-40 hours a month. Their salivary content was compared to that of a control group, which consisted of deaf patients who either do not use a cellphone or use the device exclusively for sending text messages and other non-verbal functions.

The study, published in the journal Antioxidants and Redox Signaling,  found compared to the control group, the saliva of heavy users showed indications of higher oxidative stress -- a process that damages all aspects of a human cell, including DNA -- through the development of toxic peroxide and free radicals -- a major risk factor for cancer.

Although the study didn't uncover a conclusive "cause and effect" relationship between cellular phone use and cancer, the research adds to  the building evidence cellphone use might be harmful in the long term, the researchers said.

SOURCE:  UPI http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2013/08/06/Study-Cellphones-cause-oxidative-stress-may-up-cancer-risk/UPI-40681375764470/#ixzz2bCzYApRt
Selections from more than 30 posts on Natural Health News 
Natural Health News: Your Eyes and Cell Phone Damage
Jun 26, 2010
A user should avoid use of mobile in rural areas or a car where the cell phone uses more power and the SAR value can be ten or hundred times higher than the normal," they suggest. This group of scientists is also planning to ...
Natural Health News: Better Let Go of that Cell Phone
Sep 27, 2012
Recently, Congress tasked its investigative arm, the General Accountability Office (GAO), to consider the health risks of mobile phones and to report back to Congress. While a previous report published in May 2010 by the US ...
Natural Health News: San Francisco Passes Cellphone Radiation Law
Jul 20, 2011
San Francisco supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved legislation aimed at helping consumers reduce their exposure to cellphone radiation, a move that industry groups denounced but that Supervisor John Avalos ...
Natural Health News: Maine to consider cell phone cancer warning
Dec 21, 2009
Congratulations to those legislators who take an interest in the health of thier constiuents. San Francisco is working on a similar regulation as Maine. Cell phone and EMF links to cancer has clearly been established in ...
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CHILDREN RUN BETTER UNLEADED

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In the nation’s largest lead Superfund site, Bunker Hill, a 1500 square mile, an EPA designated NPL area stretching from the Idaho, Montana border on into Washington State, children are not running very well.

The lead testing of children is being compromised. Not only are thousands of children not being tested by a multitude of government agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency there are serious repercussions for anyone speaking out about lead and the health problems exposure can cause.

In desperation the Silver Valley Community Resource Center a 25 year old non-profit organization
whose board and members represent six generations of families living in the area with chronic
lead poisoned health conditions reached out to begin a Community Lead Health Project in the summer of 2012. The project began on a small scale with 3 families and five children. Out of the five children tested two were found with elevated lead levels. SVCRC and its outside networking support followed up with Medicaid EPSTD, Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment case management recommendations that have never been extended to anyone in the area.

The organization is reaching out to find funds to begin a community supported Lead Health Clinic
designed with the help of international and national lead experts including the late Dr. John Rosen, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, who spent considerable time testing and educating families over many years.

SVCRC is currently seeking funds to extend the critical need of testing children for lead exposure.

If you would like to contribute, please send contributions fully tax deductible to SVCRC, PO BOX 362, Kellogg, ID 83837
Website: www.silvervalleyaction.com
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More Fish Oil Folly from Mainstream Medicine

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Recently I sent out a message about this study, pointing out the use of fractionated omega 3 in the DHA only form, and a low dose, les than therapeutic recommendations.

Now another of many commentaries has been published.

Before you believe the talking heads on your TV station or the internet aggregator sites, do a bit of your own investigation.  We hope this helps.
Several scientific studies have found a reduction in prostate cancer associated with increased omega-3 intake.1-11 A recent report purportedly showed the opposite.12
This report was based on a single blood test of plasma fatty acids in a group of 834 men who were followed up to six years to assess prostate cancer risk (low- and high-grade disease). A smaller group of 75 men was followed up to nine years to assess only high-grade prostate cancer risk.
The results showed that slightly higher omega-3 plasma percentages from this single blood test were associated with a greater risk of low-grade (44%) and high-grade (71%) prostate cancers over the multi-year follow-up.
This report was turned into news stories with headlines blaring “Omega-3 fatty acids may raise prostate cancer risk.”
Omitted from the media frenzy was the fact that this study was not about fish oil supplement users. The authors admitted they did not know how the study participants achieved what turned out to be very low omega-3 plasma percentages in all groups.
In fact, omega-3 plasma levels were only about 40% of what would be expected in health conscious people taking the proper dose of fish oil.12 ,13 The insufficient levels of plasma omega-3s in all the study subjects were overlooked by the media. Had these very low plasma levels of omega-3s been recognized, it would have been apparent that this report had no meaning for those who boost their omega-3 consumption through diet and supplements.
Also absent from the reporting was that more men with slightly higher omega-3 plasma levels had confounding risk factors for greater risk of contracting prostate cancer at baseline, such as having higher PSA scores and a positive family history. Although the authors attempted to statistically control (through a statistical model called multivariate analysis) for some of these risk factors in their analysis, the concern remains that the baseline data was confounded and therefore the statistical analysis invalid, and that the reported results are compromised by higher rates of preexisting disease along with a genetic predisposition, not because of the miniscule variance in the amount of their plasma omega-3.
Prostate cancer sharply increases by 120% to 180% in men who have a first-degree relative who had contracted prostate cancer. Nearly double the men who contracted prostate cancer in this study had a positive family history, and although the researchers attempted to statistically control for this confounding factor, this fact was conveniently overlooked by the mainstream media as omega-3s were instead labeled the culprit.
Associating a one-time plasma omega-3 reading with long term prostate cancer risk is ludicrous. That’s because plasma omega-3 changes rapidly with short-term dietary changes. It does not reflect long-term incorporation of omega-3 into cells and tissues. In this report, differences in baseline omega-3 blood measures were so trivial that if a man had just one salmon meal the night before, he could have wound up in the “higher” omega-3 group even if he never ingested another omega-3 again.14
Numerous flaws in this report render its findings useless for those who supplement with purified fish oils and follow healthy dietary patterns. This article represents Life Extension®’s initial rebuttal to this spurious attack on omega-3s that was blown out of proportion by the media.

Prostate cancer is a slow developing malignancy that can take decades to manifest as clinically-relevant disease. Commonly recognized risk factors for contracting prostate cancer are diet, body mass, race, family history, hormone status, and age.15,16
An under-recognized risk factor associated with developing prostate cancer is coronary artery disease.17 We at Life Extension long ago observed that men with clogged coronary arteries often developed prostate cancer (and vice versa). A renowned prostate oncologist named Stephen Strum, M.D., made a similar observation and established a common factor behind coronary heart disease and prostate cancer, i.e., bone loss.
Coronary artery disease is clearly linked with osteoporosis,18 as lack of vitamin K prevents calcium from binding to bone and instead allows it to infiltrate and harden the arteries. The ensuing bone loss results in the excessive release of bone-derived growth factors that fuel prostate cancer propagation and metastasis.
Long after Dr. Strum published his elaborate correlation, a 2012 study of 6,729 men showed coronary artery disease to be associated with a 35% increased risk of prostate cancer.17
The reason we bring up the connection of heart disease and prostate cancer is that the authors of the controversial study apparently failed to assess overall baseline health status of the study subjects. We initially suspected that men in the higher group of plasma omega-3 (which turned out to be low by our standards) were more likely to have coronary heart disease. That’s because men with heart disease are told by their cardiologists to eat less red meat and more cold-water fish. So it would not be surprising if the plasma percentage of omega-3 was higher in men with prostate cancer as they may have been trying to eat healthier to avoid bypass surgery or a sudden heart attack.
When we asked the authors of the report if they assessed the baseline cardiovascular status of the subjects, their reply was, “No, I don't believe this to be the case.”
Read the rest of the story here
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Big Government Plan for Your Supplements

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Here's the latest CODEX update from National Health Federation


The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) celebrated its 50th year of existence the first week of July while also conducting its 36th session, with several hundreds of member-state delegates and non-governmental organizations in attendance.  Chairman Sanjay Dave was re-elected as CAC Chairman and presided over the meeting in a fair and business-like manner.
          But fair and business-like did not compensate for the Commission’s gross nutritional ignorance that resulted in certain Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) being approved for vitamins and minerals over the repeated and strong objections of the National Health Federation (NHF), a Codex-accredited non-governmental organization.
          As Scott Tips – the NHF’s delegate at that meeting – remarked afterwards, “Of course we spoke up in opposition to approval of these NRVs, because they will reduce by 20% to 66% all but one of the already-low B vitamin NRVs, increase Calcium NRVs while reducing Magnesium NRVs (the exactopposite of what modern nutrition tells us should be done), and promote, at best, subsistence nutrition when optimal nutrition is called for here. These are standards that would only allow consumers to put one foot before the other, barely avoiding slipping into the grave, as they shuffle through life.  Consumers deserve better, they deserve optimal nutrition that allows them to maximize their potential and quality of life.”
          To continue reading the full report of what happened at this most recent meeting, CLICK HERE. The fight over these NRVs is not over and will continue in November in Germany at the Nutrition Committee meeting to be held there.
          Another detailed critique of the proposed Codex recommendations has been written by health journalist Bill Sardi, as commissioned by the NHF.  The entire critique can be read online.  Sardi has written the U.S. delegate to Codex in the past, opposing passage of similar guidelines. He has been an outspoken critic of Codex.
          Codex has drawn the similar ire of other health-freedom advocates.  There is a concern that Codex solely serves the needs of big business and that it is a conduit for disease mongering by establishment of nutrient recommendations that lock in in a certain level of disease in human populations that then requires more doctoring and drugs.
          For more information, contact the National Health Federation, the only health-freedom organization with standing to participate at Codex meetings.

Proposed Changes In Recommended Daily Dietary Intake
Of Essential Vitamins & Minerals
CODEX (World Health Organization/ Food & Agriculture Organization
of The United Nations) versus Daily Value/Reference Daily Intake
NUTRIENTProposed
Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) -CODEX		100% Daily Value(what is listed on dietary supplement labels)
based on RDI
(Reference Daily Intake)		Difference
Thiamin (Vitamin B1)1.2 mg1.5 mg-20%
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)1.2 mg1.7 mg-30%
Niacin (Vitamin B3)15 mg20 mg-25%
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)1.3 mg2.0 mg-35%
Folic acid (Vitamin B9)400 mcg400 mcgNo change
Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)2.0 mcg6.0 mcg-66%
Vitamin A550 mcg (1833 IU)1500 mcg (5000 IU)-64%
Vitamin C45 mg60 mg-25%
Vitamin D200 IU (5 mcg)400 IU (10 mcg)-50%
Calcium1000 mg1000 mgNo change
Iodine150 mcg150 mcgNo change
Iron14 mg18 mg-22%
Magnesium240 mg400   mg-40%
Zinc12 mg15 mg-20%
IU = international units
Mg = milligrams
Mcg = micrograms		Source: CODEX NRVs CCNFSDU PWG Discussion PaperRDI -Reference Daily Intake
Source: Nutribase.com

          Minneapolis, Minnesota will be the hosting city for Codex Alimentarius’ next Committee meeting on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (August 24-30, 2013). NHF will be there participating not only at the plenary session but also at the working group session on the Guidelines on Risk Management Recommendations for Residues of Veterinary Drugs, with the intent and goal of keeping as many drug residues out of our foods as possible.
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Malnutrition Equals Obesity

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While this article from Gary Scattergood is written about the issue of malnutrition in the UK it is certainly appropriate to raise the same question in the US.

In the late 60s when I was in college earning my NP degrees I studied nutrition as an integrated part of the the curriculum.  Certainly we knew then that malnutrition was an issue directly related to health, not some obscure thought.  Even then we knew cancer for instance was a nutritional disease as were many hospital related deaths.

Disease now is just thought of as a deficiency of some pharmaceutical drug and the problem is not addressed from all possible and interrelated issues.
 
Shame on health providers, shame on dietitians, government, and big business along with seemingly ignorant legislators.
Put the spotlight on malnutrition instead of obesity

The UK is in dire need of a national strategy to tackle malnutrition, which is at least as big a problem to public health and the public purse as obesity.

According to Dr Elizabeth Weekes, from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, widespread attention on the so-called obesity epidemic was overshadowing the fact that 3M people in the UK were either malnourished, or at severe risk of malnutrition, at any time.

One million of those are over 65 years old and 400,000 of them live in London. The problem is more likely to be experienced in deprived areas and it is likely that “far more people are malnourished now than they were 10 years ago” due to the economic climate and government welfare cuts.

Don’t recognise a problem

“The problem we have in the UK is that people don’t recognise we have a problem [with nutrition] or, if they do think we have a problem, they think it is about obesity.

“Malnutrition costs at least as much to health and social care costs as obesity,” said Weekes at the Government Knowledge conference ‘Beating the Nutrition Recession: Tackling Food Poverty’ in London last month.

She added there were “millions of reasons” why malnutrition occurs including physical, psychological and social factors. The consequences, she said, however, were clear.

“Malnourished people are more prone to illness, less likely to recover from illness and the cost of treating someone who is malnourished in hospital is twice that of someone who is well-nourished.”

Weekes said she was particularly alarmed by the results of a recent survey, which showed that 60% of carers in the community were concerned about the nutritional intake of a patient. Furthermore, 16% of recipients reported fears  that a patient was underweight or had a very small appetite and yet had no sources of nutritional support or advice.

“Another figure that staggered me was that 55% of people being cared for use nutritional supplements,” she added.
 
Another stark figure she revealed was that 70% of malnourished people who were admitted to hospital were more malnourished when they left.

She told delegates it was essential a national malnutrition strategy was formulated.

“The Malnutrition Taskforce (an independent group of experts across health, social care and local government) is calling for a national strategy, particularly for the elderly, but I feel quite strongly it should be for everyone,” she added.
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High Heat Warnings

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In very hot weather it is best to bring your loving animal companion indoors.
Here are some tips for your dog.
  • Supply shade. 
  • Supply enough water. One quart of water with 1 TBSP raw apple cider vinegar helps people in hot weather and it is safe and helpful for your pets too. Plus it deters fleas and other pests. 
  • Use a cold and wet kerchief tied loosely around their neck. 
  • Thoroughly wet their ears, and if needed, the area under their legs. 
  • Keep off hot concrete as it can burn their paw pads.

Natural Health News: HOT WEATHER TIPS
Jun 19, 2012
Hot Weather Help. Elders and others need to pay close attention in hot weather. This news article has some good information about being older and the current hot heat throughout most of the US. By LINDSEY TANNER - AP .



Natural Health News: Worried About Heat? Hot Weather Help
Jul 20, 2011
Hot Weather Help. Elders and others need to pay close attention in hot weather. This news article has some good information about being older and the current hot heat throughout most of the US. By LINDSEY TANNER - AP ...
Natural Health News: Cooling Down in Hot Climates
Jun 11, 2011
“Cool Wave” towel is a must for all of your warm weather activities! Order Now! . Large 16” x 26” towel . Keeps you cool without getting you wet . Will remain10 to 20 degrees cooler than current air temperature for 4 to 5 hours

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A Different Way of Approaching Drug Resistant TB

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Over many years we have covered the topic of vitamin C and its benefits in health and disease.  We have also written on the benefits of garlic for drug resistant TB and how microbiological research proved this.  As this kind of science continues to be rejected by mainstream medicine and Big PhRMA we can only hope the information presented here helps you to be able to speak out to your health care providers about broader care options.  Please use the search function to locate our earlier vitamin C posts and TB related coverage. You can find more about vitamin C on our web site, http://leaflady.org, and our Whooping Cough article on the Seattle PI web site, Natural Notes blog.  Thanks for reading.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is extraordinarily sensitive to killing by a vitamin C-induced Fenton reaction. 

Nat Commun. 2013;4:1881. doi: 10.1038/ncomms2898.
Vilchèze C, Hartman T, Weinrick B, Jacobs WR Jr.

Source

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.

Abstract

Drugs that kill tuberculosis more quickly could shorten chemotherapy significantly. In Escherichia coli, a common mechanism of cell death by bactericidal antibiotics involves the generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals via the Fenton reaction. Here we show that vitamin C, a compound known to drive the Fenton reaction, sterilizes cultures of drug-susceptible and drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent oftuberculosis. While M. tuberculosis is highly susceptible to killing by vitamin C, other Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens are not. The bactericidal activity of vitamin C against M. tuberculosis is dependent on high ferrous ion levels and reactive oxygen species production, and causes a pleiotropic effect affecting several biological processes. This study enlightens the possible benefits of adding vitamin C to an anti-tuberculosis regimen and suggests that the development of drugs that generate high oxidative burst could be of great use in tuberculosis treatment.
PMID:
 
23695675
 
[PubMed - in process]
More background information

Drug-Resistant TB “Extraordinarily Sensitive” to Vitamin C
Monday, 24 June 2013 21:00 By John Otrompke, Contributing Writer

vitc2
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) crystals. Courtesy Visuals Unlimited
Researchers looking for options to control multi-drug resistant tuberculosis were surprised to learn that vitamin C given along with iron, could wipe out a wide variety of strains---at least in vitro.
Reporting in Nature last month, Dr. William Jacobs, Jr., professor of microbiology, immunology & genetics at Yeshiva University, NYC, said, "Mycobacterium tuberculosis is extraordinarily sensitive to killing by a vitamin C-induced Fenton reaction."
The findings suggest that tuberculosis could be prevented or treated in populations with subclinical infections using simple and inexpensive nutritional supplements---an important discovery in a time when antibiotic-resistant strains are on the rise. This has not yet been tested in infected humans, but it's certainly plausible.
"The bactericidal activity of vitamin C against M. tuberculosis is dependent on high ferrous ion levels and reactive oxygen species production, and causes a pleiotropic effect affecting several biological processes," Dr. Jacobs and his colleagues noted.
Making a Killing
"We started our research about two years ago, when we made a surprise discovery," he Dr. Jacobs told Holistic Primary Care. "We predicted that if we added isoniazid and cysteine to isoniazid-sensitive tuberculosis in culture, the bacteria would develop resistance. We knew isoniazid acts as a reducing agent, generating reactive species, so we tried another agent, vitamin C, to replace cysteine, but instead of causing resistance, we ended up killing off the culture--- something totally unexpected."
He cautioned that scientists don't yet know whether patients vulnerable to tuberculosis should take vitamin C. "We know that for this killing to occur, you also need to take the element iron along with vitamin C; this is something that could be explored, maybe in synergy with existing drugs, since one third of the world's population is sub-clinically infected with tuberculosis."
The problem, he says, is that "it would cost a lot of money to research further, and drug companies are not inclined to do that research because they can't get a return on their investment, since vitamin C is not patentable," he explained.
Meanwhile, the researchers at Yeshiva are trying to replicate their findings in vivo. "We've done the experiment in mice just a few months ago, and it did not work," said Jacobs. "But mice metabolize vitamin C differently from humans; mice make vitamin C, whereas humans can't."
Dr. Jacobs' team has also tested Vitamin E, but it didn't kill tuberculosis."
He is hoping to continue the work on vitamin C, suggesting that the combination of ascorbic acid and iron might help boost the efficacy of drug regimens.
"Vitamin C is safe and inexpensive, so drug companies should go head and do a clinical trial, although we don't know how the vitamin C would get to where tuberculosis is, in a macrophage in the patient's lungs," he said.
No Resistance
MycoTuberculosis1
Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Image courtesy CDC
TB doesn't appear to develop resistance to vitamin C. "In a genetics lab, we typically discover things by isolating resistant mutants. We tried to find resistant mutants to vitamin C numerous times, but we've been unsuccessful, which is exactly what you'd want in a good drug," Dr. Jacobs explained.
However surprising, these findings are not the first time a study has shown that vitamins are helpful in combating TB. "For example, vitamin D actually turns on macrophages to kill TB, but that is a different mechanism; vitamin D actually stimulates an immune response," Dr. Jacobs said. The vitamin C and iron combo has a more direct cytotoxic effect.
"We need more funds to explore this; right now is a very difficult time at the National Institutes of Health to get grants. Typically the NIH will fund 25% of grants, but because of budget cuts they're only funding 6% of grants, and typically to develop a drug for use in people would cost half a billion dollars," explained Dr. Jacobs. However, it shouldn't be nearly as expensive to research the viability of vitamin C as a therapy for TB.
"If I had the money, I would go ahead and think abut doing this as an early bacteriocidal therapy. First, I would just monitor the amount of vitamin C in a patient's blood, when we gave it to them. Before a patient newly-infected with TB started on standard therapy, I would like to do a two-week trial with vitamin C as one of agents. That way, we could test a new regimen, to see if the tuberculosis got killed or not, and then go back and start them on standard therapy."
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