PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome) is an endocrine disorder that is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of infertility. It occurs among all races and nationalities. The primary features are lack of regular ovulation and irregular or absent periods. There is also an excessive amounts or effects of androgenic hormones. The symptoms and severity of the syndrome vary greatly between women. While the causes are unknown, insulin resistance (often secondary to obesity) is heavily correlated with PCOS.

Other symptoms may include acne, weights gain (but not always) or have trouble losing weight, male pattern baldness or thinning hair on the scalp, hair growth on the face, back, or chest or sometimes, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). About half of women with PCOS have high insulin and blood sugar levels called insulin resistance. When the body doesn't use insulin well, blood sugar builds to high levels. If not treated, this can lead to diabetes. High cholesterol levels are also common with PCOS.

In PCOS, there are multiple cysts in the ovaries, which are actually small, undeveloped follicles that have had their growth stunted. The cysts, as well as the connective tissue around them produce male hormones called androgens. Androgens are then released into the blood stream and alter the feedback within the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPO axis). The amount of estrogen then increases in relation to progesterone causing an increase in testosterone and Luteinizing hormone (LH).

Treating PCOS

The two most important key factors that any woman could do to lower her risk of PCOS is to eat heart-healthy, low glycemic foods, along with regular exercise.

Foods to Avoid:

-Cut out all forms of refined sugar
-Cut out all refined (simple) carbohydrates. Follow the Full Spectrum Diet. This says to cut out all white foods, which include all white bread, rice, pasta, low fiber foods, most breakfast cereals and rice cakes.
-Reduce animal products and fats
-Avoid all soda, fruit juice and sugary drinks
-Avoid milk and dairy products
-Avoid alcohol and caffeine
-Avoid fertility diets that suggest you eat large amounts of yams. This is not appropriate for PCOS
-Reduce the intake of oily, fried, and sugary foods, fried snacks and fast foods
-Do not miss meals; and do not starve in terms of total quantity of food

Foods You Should Eat:

-Eat adequate amounts of protein
-Eat as much fresh vegetables as you can
-Eat foods, which nourish the liver such as dark green vegetables, lemons, carrots and beets
-Eat fruit light in sugar and sweetness such as berries
-Eat complex carbohydrates (lower glycemic carbohydrates), which tend to have more fiber such as bran cereal, brown rice, whole wheat, whole-grains and nuts and grains like quinoa, whole oats, and bulgur.
These foods help women with PCOS to maintain steady blood sugar and insulin levels and may assist in weight loss. A diet composed of mainly low-GI foods will also help to combat the effects of insulin resistance.

Supplements and Herbs

-Chlorophyl helps reduce symptoms of hypoglycemia without raising blood glucose levels
-Include supplements that help improve insulin resistance such as B vitamins, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid and chromium. Chromium increases the sensitivity of insulin receptors. Recommended dosage is 300 micrograms/day.
-Essential fatty acids, including flax oil, evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis), and black currant oil, act as anti-inflammatory and hormonal regulators.
-Supplementation with antioxidants, including zinc, and vitamins A, E, and C, is also recommended.
-Western herbal medicine uses phytoestrogen and phytoprogesteronic herbs, such as blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and false unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum), as well as liver herbs, like dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum), to work toward hormonal balance.
-Acupuncture works on the body's energy flow according to the meridian system. Chinese herbs, such as gui zhi fu ling wan, can be effective.
-In naturopathic medicine, treatment focuses on helping the liver function more optimally in the hormonal balancing process.
-Exercise is the second most important key to PCOS. Exercise helps the body's cells use glucose as energy, reducing blood glucose levels. A structured exercise plan can help the body use insulin more efficiently and gradually reduce insulin levels. Regular exercise also improves circulation, reduces blood pressure, increases levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), your good cholesterol and helps with weight loss.

Fibroids and Healing Them Naturally

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Fibroids are nodules of fibrous tissue that can grown anywhere on the body. Uterine fibroids are the most common noncancerous tumors of the female reproductive organs. According to the location of the fibroid in the uterus, they can be divided into three types. Fibroids can grow underneath the uterine lining (submucosal), within the uterus walls (intramural) or can be found on the outer walls of the uterus (subserosal).

The cause of their growth is unknown. With many of my female patients who have fibroids, it tends to be seen throughout their family history. Often times, their mothers, sisters, aunts or grandmothers have suffered from them as well. Next to heredity, other causes have been thought to be stress related, improper diet, excessive weight gain and imbalances in hormone levels.

Hormonally, estrogen seems to be part of the problem. When estrogen levels are high during a women’s period, this estrogen surge seems to stimulate tumor growth. Therefore, fibroids often grow larger during the menstrual cycle as the uterus engorges with blood, then shrinks after the cycle. They also tend to grow larger during pregnancy and shrink after menopause due to the lack of estrogen.

Symptoms can range between no symptoms at all or a women can experience heavy bleeding, abdominal masses, abdominal pain, pressure against the bladder, bowels or pelvic floor, vaginal discharge, infertility, miscarriage or anemia.

Western medicine looks at several ways to treat fibroids, depending on their size and depending on how much pain or havoc they are causing the body. Western treatments include pharmacological inhibition of estrogen secretion, Progestin supplementation, prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, a myomectomy, or hysterectomy.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, we treat fibroids differently, based on the site of the fibroid. Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been found to be most effective. Especially, when the fibroid is less than 5cm. Although, clinically, I have had success with fibroids that are larger than 5cm and have been able to shrink these fibroids with a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine, diet as well as, lifestyle changes.

Acupuncture treatments are based on the clinical diagnosis of stagnation and/or dampness. Combinations of local and distal points are used in order to move energy and blood. Channels that are focused on include the Conception channel, the Spleen, Stomach, Liver and Kidney channels.

Herbal medicine has long been the apothecary of the world. Folklore and ancient recipes have been past down for centuries. Nowadays, research studies are being done on some of these herbs, herbal combinations and formulas. Single Chinese herbs such as Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) and Gan Cao - Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), taken together has shown to decrease fibroids. Formulas most effective for abdominal masses include: Chai Hu Shu Gan San with Xie Fu Zuo Yu Tang for Qi and Phlegm Stagnation. Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan with Xiao Liu Fang for Blood Stasis. Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan for Phlegm Damp. These formulas have shown to be even more effective when combined with a diet low in fat that minimizes coffee, black tea, chocolate and alcohol.

The Western Herbal Materia Medica has shown that some herbs are effective for balancing hormone levels. Chaste tree berry has been shown to promote progesterone production by increasing luteinizing hormone. Linoleic acid, found in omega-6 fatty acid form and linolenic acid, found omega-3 fatty acid form are both essential oils found in Flaxseed oil. These two essential oils found in Flaxseed can reduce estrogen production and are beneficial for women with fibroids.

Nutritional considerations are a diet low in fat that minimizes coffee, black tea, chocolate and alcohol. Limit the amounts of red meat and pork eaten. Avoid high fat and fried foods. Some women have find that their fibroids decrease when taking up a vegetarian diet.

Changes in lifestyle can also play apart in reducing fibroids. Increase or add exercise to your life. Meditation, visualization and simple breathing techniques are all very helpful in relieving stress in our lives. “Holding on” to certain beliefs in our lives, may be an improper way of thinking. Metaphysical expert, Louse Hay suggests that a probable cause of fibroids and cysts is “nursing a hurt from a partner or a blow to the feminine ego”. Certainly, these are options to consider.

References

1. Boericke, William M.D., Materia Medica with Repertory, 1927, Boericke & Runyon
2. Chevallier, Andrew, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, 1996, Dorlilng Kindersley Limited
3. Gaeddert, Andrew, Chinese Herbs In The Western Clinic, Get Well Foundation 1994
4. Hay, Louise, You Can Heal Your Life, Hay House Inc. 1984
5. Mehl-Madrona, L. Complementary medicine treatment of uterine fibroids
6. 2002 Altern Ther Health Med 8;2:34-6, 38-40, 42, 44-6
7. Richardson, Jack N.D., The Little Herb Encyclopedia (Third Edition), 1995, Woodland Health Books

The Allergy Elimination Diet

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

By removing specific foods from our diet, we have a better sense of what the culprit is and what it is that is triggering the reaction.

Excessive protein may irritate the immune system and keep it in a state of overreactivity. The protein in cow's milk, specifically, is a frequent offender, and for people with a genetic predisposition to allergy it may be a hidden cause. One general treatment strategy, therefore, is to follow a low-protein diet and try to eliminate milk and milk products.

Food allergies can play a major role during childhood. They are related before age 6. You can manipulate an infant's diet and do well in helping their skin. Eggs, orange juice, peanuts, corn and milk have been implicated as aggravators in children. Parents should consult with their physicians about trying elimination diets. In general, these are foods that should not be eliminated. It is only after testing them out by, first eliminating them and then re-introducing them back into the diet. Such diets seem to work best in infants less than 2 years old. After age 6, it is believed by experts that food plays a minimal role in most people.

For adults, diet manipulation should be undergone by each individual. If you think there's any food you eat that has an adverse effect on your body, avoid it and see what happens, If your problem clears up,you may have a food allergy.

MANAGING YOUR ALLERGIES

Antihistamines interfere with brain activity, causing drowsiness and depression. Never use antihistamines if you have a tendency toward depression or mental dullness. Even when these drugs do not depress mental activity, they merely suppress allergy rather than cure it. As a result the pattern of immune overresponsiveness is strengthened rather than weakened, meaning that more treatment will be required in the future.

This is even more so with steroid drugs (cortisone and related compounds). Never use cortisone, prednisone, or other steroid drugs to treat allergic reactions unless they are very severe or life-threatening. If you must take these powerful hormones, limit your use of them to two weeks. Steroids perpetuate allergy through their suppressive action. They also lower immunity.

Air-conditioning your house is probably the single most important thing you can do to alleviate pollen problems, and it can help with two other chief inhalants: mold and dust mites.

Vitamin C has antihistamine activity. Vitamin C supplementation has been reported to help people with hay fever in preliminary research. Consider 3,000 - 6,000 mg of Vitamin C in divided doses, per day.

Bioflavonoids such as Quercetin, might act synergistically with Vitamin C as both have antihistaminic activity. Although some doctors of natural medicine advise people with hay fever to take 400 mg of Quercetin two to three times per day, only limited preliminary clinical research has yet suggested that Quercetin benefits people with this condition.

EMOTIONAL ASPECT:

There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or "excess emotions" that will lead to illness.

According to metaphysical expert Louise Hay, allergies relate to the fact that we deny our own power! Who are you allergic to? Emotional congestion, fear of the calendar or a belief in self-persecution or guilt are other issues that tend to come up very often with those who have allergies.

Again this emotional aspect is, indeed, part of the ellimination diet that must be addressed as well, in order to heal.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also looks at allergies in an energetic way. Acupuncturist Heidi M. Hawkins, L.Ac explains allergies in TCM, which is an energetic medical system, meaning it affects a person's health via their energy systems. "Energy (Qi) courses through the body in pathways called meridians. TCM seeks to address any imbalance in health by affecting this energy. All symptoms, including allergies, are indicative of an energy imbalance.

An allergy, by energetic definition, is the body's signal that something isn't right. Allergies call attention through a reaction to anything that a person is not in "right relationship" with. This could be virtually anything: things found in nature, man-made chemicals, even another person! All "sensitivities" and "intolerances" are included in this, a very broad definition of allergy. Energetic definition of allergy does not require immune response to an allergen, only a reaction of some kind: something which disrupts the balance of a person's qi in any way.

Allergies make sense. The body responds with an allergic reaction as a way of communicating to you that you have had too much of something. The body tells you to stay away from something for a good reason, such as toxic overload. Something as simple as a food can become toxic if too much of it is eaten, especially if it is not properly metabolized. Many people have compromised digestive metabolism because of poor diet, medications such as antibiotics, and the presence of parasitic organisms or Lingering Pathogenic Factors. To address the allergy properly, it is important to treat these underlying reasons, and not just the allergy itself."

These are all musts, that I always suggest a patient do in case of allergies. The Allergy Elimination Diet is the best way to balance all aspects of your mind, body and emotional spirit.

HIV and Alternative Medicine

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

The fact that there has to be a "day" for this disorder, saddens me, yet it is appropriate for everyone to be more aware and that is why, as a society, we do this.

HIV is a virus. Viruses infect the cells of living organisms and replicate (make new copies of themselves) within those cells. A virus can also damage human cells, which is one of the things that can make an infected creature become ill.

People can become infected with HIV from other people who already have it, and when they are infected they can then go on to infect other people. Basically, this is how HIV is spread.

HIV stands for the 'Human Immunodeficiency Virus'. Someone who is diagnosed as infected with HIV is said to be 'HIV+' or 'HIV positive'.

HIV Statistics

*More than 25 million people have died of AIDS since 1981.
*Africa has 12 million AIDS orphans.
*At the end of 2006, women accounted for 48% of all adults living with HIV worldwide, and for 59% in sub-Saharan Africa.
*Young people (15-24 years old) account for half of all new HIV infections worldwide - around 6,000 become infected with HIV every day.
*In developing and transitional countries, 6.8 million people are in immediate need of life-saving AIDS drugs; of these, only 1.65 million are receiving the drugs.

Ways in which you can be infected with HIV

-Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person

-Sexual intercourse without a condom is risky, because the virus, which is present in an infected person's sexual fluids, can pass directly into the body of their partner. This is true for unprotected vaginal and anal sex.

-Oral sex carries a lower risk, but again HIV transmission can occur here if a condom is not used - for example, if one partner has bleeding gums or an open cut, however small, in their mouth.

-Contact with blood from an infected person.

-If sufficient blood from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person then it can pass on the virus.

-From mother to child. HIV can be transmitted from an infected woman to her baby during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. There are special drugs that can greatly reduce the chances of this happening, but they are unavailable in much of the developing world.

-Use of infected blood products. Many people in the past have been infected with HIV by the use of blood transfusions and blood products which were contaminated with the virus - in hospitals, for example. In much of the world this is no longer a risk, as blood donations are routinely tested.

-Injecting drugs. People who use illegal injected drugs are also vulnerable to HIV infection. In many parts of the world, often because it is illegal to possess them, injecting equipment or works are shared. A tiny amount of blood can transmit HIV, and can be injected directly into the bloodstream with the drugs.

It is not possible to become infected with HIV through:

-sharing crockery and cutlery
-insect / animal bites
-touching, hugging or shaking hands
-eating food prepared by someone with HIV
-toilet seats

Global statistics can be found at: http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm

Know Your Numbers

Two numbers should be looked at, when discussing HIV infection:

If you are being treated for HIV or AIDS, your doctor uses a number of blood tests to check how you're doing. One of the most important tests measures VIRAL LOAD, the amount of HIV in your blood. Another very important test counts your CD4 CELLS, sometimes called T-CELLS. CD4 cells are a key part of your body's disease-fighting defenses, called the immune system.

CD4 cells help to organize your body's defenses against disease. Doctors can take a sample of your blood and count the number of CD4 cells. Healthy adults and teenagers usually have a CD4 count of at least 800 cells per CUBIC MILLIMETER of blood (a cubic millimeter is a very small amount, roughly one small drop).

HIV attacks CD4 cells, and as time goes by people with HIV often see their CD4 counts drop. The lower your CD4 count, the greater your chances of getting a number of very serious diseases. When your CD4 count is below 200, the risk of illness becomes severe.

Viral load tests, which tell the doctor how much HIV is in your blood, are a very important clue to how quickly HIV is doing harm. These tests go by several different names, like PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or bDNA (branched DNA), but they all work roughly the same way. They count HIV's genetic material -- the building blocks of the virus. People with a high viral load are much more likely to get sick or die of AIDS than people with a low viral load.

Studies have shown that when treatment reduces your viral load, it also reduces your chance of getting an AIDS-related infection or dying. Recently, a group of expert scientists reviewed 18 studies of anti-HIV drugs, which involved over 5,000 patients. Over and over again they found the same thing: The more viral load was reduced, the healthier the patients stayed.

Alternative Medicine and HIV

Over the last decade, researchers have identified a number of drugs that slow progression of the virus as well as therapies to treat the many opportunistic infections that attack people with HIV disease.

Although as yet, there is no cure, the key to effective treatment is early detection and intervention. This is done by strengthening the immune system, reduce stress, maintain good nutritional practices and exercise as a way to relieve stress and boost your immune system.

Whether you have been diagnosed with HIV or not there should be an emphasis on improving lifestyle issues. Taking control of or your life and taking an active role in any disorder is an important adjunct to treatment. Consideration of alternative therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine may offer additional opportunities for those living with HIV/AIDS to be proactive in their treatments.

Mind Medicine

Stress is natural and affects your emotions. It can help you to deal with some situations. However, excessive stress can cause physical symptoms, it can damage your immune system and make you ill. Find ways of managing the stress in your life. Find ways to relax and recharge your batteries. Listen to your body; if you are tired, rest and you'll be better for it.

HIV can bring anxieties. One way of tackling these are through getting information, by learning about your condition, gaining confidence in it, in yourself and making informed choices for your future.

Boost Your Immune System with Meditation

Fold your hands gently in your lap and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths. Then just sit. If you have never meditated before, you will probably feel as if your mind is full of thoughts. Don't try to stop the thoughts, just watch them. Imagine that you are on the bank of a river and that your thoughts are the river going by. Don't try to stop the river, just watch it. Within a week, you will see the river begin to slow down. You may become impatient, or even bored. That's okay. If you find yourself complaining, just watch the thoughts pass by. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes. You may find that you fall asleep because you are so relaxed. That's good because, in many ways, you have begun to let go. Continue at this pace and each day allow just alittle more time for yourself to meditate. Doing this allows you to relax and forget about time.

Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins Beneficial for HIV Infection

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that have at least one unpaired electron, which makes them highly reactive. Free radicals promote beneficial oxidation that produces energy and kills bacterial invaders. However, in excess, they produce harmful oxidation or "oxidative stress" that can damage cell membranes and cell contents. These free radicals cause inflammation.

In human beings, free radicals are the natural by-products of many processes within and among cells. Free radicals are created by exposure to various environmental factors, cigarette and tobacco smoke, air pollution, alcohol, drugs, radiation from televisions and computers, chemicals and a busy, stressful life.

Antioxidants are a classification of several organic substances, which include vitamins C and E, vitamin A (converted from beta- carotene), selenium, alpha lipoic acid, and carotenoids. Together as antioxidants, these substances are thought to be effective in helping to prevent certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and cataracts. At the cellular level, antioxidants serve to deactivate certain free radicals in turn helping to decrease inflammation. The best source for antioxidants are in fruits and vegetables.

Acetyl-l-carnitine: is a molecule that occurs naturally in the brain, liver, and kidney. Natural levels of Acetyl-l-carnitine diminish as we age. Acetyl-l-carnitine is related to the amino acid L-Carnitine, which is a carrier of fatty acids across mitochondrial membranes, where energy is produced within each cell. N-Acetyl Cysteine (N-AC) is protective to Liver tissue and aids in breaking down excessive mucus.

Alpha Lipoic Acid: is a unique antioxidant that is both water and fat soluble, which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes to and is important for the production of energy inside the cell by utilizing sugar to produce energy contributing to mental and physical stamina, reducing muscle fatigue and neutralizes free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid recycles and enhances the effects of both Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Alpha Lipoic Acid targets liver protection and is helpful for patients on hepatotoxic medications such as antiretrovirals, antifungals and typically any long-term medication protocols. No known contraindications exist. Possible side effects include skin rash and the potential of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. People who may be deficient in vitamin B1 (such as alcoholics) should take vitamin B1 along with alpha lipoic acid supplements.

Astragalus: is a Chinese herb that has been used for centuries for its immuno-modulating qualities. There is mixed scientific evidence on its efficacy with HIV, but well documented studies on its ability to stimulate the immune system. This herb is used often used in conjunction with other immune boosters such as reishi, maitake and shitake mushrooms.

Beta-carotene: (Carotenoids), of which beta-carotenes are the most popular, are found in many fruits and vegetables, animals, plants and microorganisms. The body converts beta carotene into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, growth, cell division, reproduction and immunity. Among the 600 or more carotenoids in foods, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein are well- known leaders in the fight to reduce the damage from free radicals and are helpful with eye health.

Boxwood: has been shown in research to foster immune stimulation and promotion of t-cell activation. This can be found in capsule and tincture.

CoQ10: (Coenzyme Q10) is a vitamin-like compound also called "ubiquinone". It is an essential component of cells and is utilized by the mitochondria in the normal process of energy production. It helps convert food into energy at a cellular level. Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, much like vitamins C and E, helping to neutralize the cell-damaging molecules known as free radicals. CoQ10 is one in a series of ubiquinones, naturally occurring compounds produced in nearly every cell of the body, and was discovered as recently as 1957.

The primary function of CoQ10 is as a catalyst for metabolism. Acting in conjunction with enzymes, the compound speeds up the vital metabolic process, providing the energy that the cells need to digest food, heal wounds, maintain healthy muscles, and perform other bodily functions as a major antioxidant in cardiac tissue and has protective effects on brain tissue. Studies indicate high dosage can be used safely and effectively. Certain cholesterol lowering drugs have also been shown to deplete coenzyme Q-10. Patients on cholesterol lowering drugs should consider adding at least 200mg of CoQ-10 daily.

Echinacea: (see drug-herb interactions) has been documented to stimulate the chemicals that promote t-cell activation and antibody production. It is very effective in lessening the course of the common cold and respiratory infections when used short term. There are some conflicting studies on its use long term as well as a caution that it may briefly increase viral load. Avoid long term (7- 10 days only) use as well as use prior to viral load blood counts. During the acute onset of a cold, 2 to 4 cups of strong echinacea tea or 3 capsules 3 times daily can help limit the course of the illness.

Fiber: helps in regulating lipid levels, removes toxins and provides bulk for healthy bowel habits. The colon requires bulk for it to achieve healthy movement. Optimal intake of fiber is about 25-30 grams per day. The ideal combination of soluble fiber (psyllium husk) and insoluble fiber (flax oil, fiber) helps to absorb water and toxins and adds roughage to bulk up stool and sweep away built up debris in the intestinal tract.

Foods high in fiber are fruits such as apples peaches, raspberries and tangerines. Vegetables such as acorn squash, raw broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, spinach, black-eyed peas, cooked zucchini, kidney beans and lima beans. Also cooked whole- grain cereal, cold (All-Bran, Total, Bran Flakes), whole-grain cereal, hot (oatmeal, Wheatena) and whole-wheat or 7-grain bread.

Powdered psyllium is a quality source of supplemental fiber. Be sure to drink plenty of water, otherwise the fiber will form an obstructing mass, adding to your condition. Start with one rounded tablespoon of the powder stirred well into a glass of water or diluted juice.

Fish Oil: is known for being rich in unsaturated fatty acids and provides rich OMEGA-3 fatty acids, (Pure EPA 360mg/DHA 240mg). Fish Oils are made from natural marine lipid concentrate and may help reduce or inhibit risk factors involved in cardiovascular disease, as well as inflammatory and immune disorders. Long term use of fish oil shelp prevent aging skin, menopausal symptoms, promote better circulation, lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, reduce heart related risk, and the pain of arthritis. Omega-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish and deep sea fish oil help to protect against heart and blood vessel disease. Natural, essential fatty acids are essential to normal human cell and tissue growth and maintenance. If not found regularly in the diet, the diet must be supplemented. These fatty acids are especially abundant in brain cells, nerve relay stations (synapses), visual receptors (retinas), adrenal glands, and sex glands. The most biologically active tissues in the body. Take. 1000mg of fish oil in the morning and 1,000 mg in the evening.

Flaxseed oil: is derived from the seeds of the flax plant. Flaxseed oil and flaxseed contain substances that promote good health and is used as a nutritional supplement. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid, which appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, cholesterol and a variety of other health conditions. Flaxseed also contains a group of chemicals called lignans that may play a role in the prevention of cancer. Take 1,000 mg of flaxseed oil in the morning and 1,000 mg in the evening.

Ginger: is helpful in tea or herb form for controlling nausea and vomiting. An anti-inflammatory, ginger has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory. Taking 6–50 grams of fresh or powdered ginger per day indicated that ginger might be helpful. Suggested Dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg of powdered ginger daily

Glutamine: is one of the most abundant amino acids in our bodies, found in the gastrointestinal tract. This amino acid is compromised when the immune function is low. Studies have shown that Glutamine is one of the best amino acid supplements in maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal lining and helps to repair gastrointestinal damage. It can also be helpful in managing diarrhea. 1 to 2 grams of powdered glutamine may be mixed in smoothies or water.

Licorice: (Glycerrhiza) (see drug-herb interactions) also has been used as a complementary immune modulator, although it should be avoided in people with hypertension. In my experience the immune modulators work much better when combined together rather than used as singular treatments. Licorice can be consumed as a tea daily and the mushrooms may be included in food preparation or taken in liquid tincture form for a more consistent higher dose.

Pau D'arco and Una de Gato: (Cat's Claw) are also clinically used to stimulate immune function and may be consumed in tea form daily or liquid tincture either during acute illness or as a preventative measure.

Probiotics: (Acidophilus, Bifidus, lactobacillus spirogenes) help to maintain balance of good and dangerous bacteria and compete for the food the dangerous bacteria need to grow and cause us problems. Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus may be found in yogurt with active culture or in supplements and can be consumed freely without known side effects. It should be refrigerated to maximize shelf life. Patients on antibiotic therapy, diagnosed with thrush, diarrhea or constipation should consider taking probiotics 2 capsules 3 times daily with meals. For thrush a capsule can also be opened in some water and used daily as a mouth rinse.

Vitamins A, C and the B vitamins increase the immune function. Minerals such as Selenium help to stimulate immune function and fight infection, while Zinc enhances the immune system and assists in wound healing.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Herb-drug interactions are very common. Some herbal medicines may cancel the effect of a prescription drug, others may reduce it, or even exaggerate it. If you are on HIV medication or medications for associated symptoms or disorders, consider the information below:

Dong Quai: taken for menopausal symptom control. Do not mix Dong Quai with warfarin (anticoagulants), St John's Wort and some antibiotics such as sulfonamides, quinolones.

Echinacea: mostly taken as an immune boost to prevent cold and flu. Do not mix Echinacea with some heart medications, antifungal medications, HIV medications and anti-anxiety medications.

Ephedra: A powerful decongestant. Contains ephedrine, which can open up bronchial passages. It's controversial because it's a powerful stimulant that can raise blood pressure, cause insomnia and high blood pressure. Do not mix with heart medications or if you are being treated for high blood pressure, glaucoma or thyroid problems.

Feverfew: taken to reduce the severity of migraines. Do not take with other migraine medications, as, it may raise heart rate and blood pressure. Feverfew has the potential to react with warfarin anti- coagulants, increasing the thinning of blood.

Ginkgo: increases blood flow and circulation throughout the body, can also help improve memory. May interact with anti-coagulant medications such as Aspirin, Coumadin, heparin and warfarin, causing the blood to thin too much, and provoking a serious bleeding disorder. A recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine describes a case of a man who'd been taking Aspirin to prevent a heart attack and had spontaneous bleeding into the eye from the iris within a week of taking a daily dose of ginkgo. Should not be taken with HIV medications.

Garlic: is thought to help lower cholesterol and prevent the formation of blood clots that could lead to heart attacks. Garlic capsules may increase blood thinning if you are already on anti- coagulants. Do not take with diabetes medication because it may cause a decrease in blood sugars. Use caution with HIV medications.

Ginseng: used to help reduce stress, boost energy and improve stamina, and may also help lower cholesterol. Can cause nervousness and excitation, and overuse can lead to headaches, insomnia and heart palpitations. Can increase blood pressure. Should not be used if you are taking prescriptions for high blood pressure or Coumadin.

Hawthorn: claimed to be effective in helping reduce angina attacks by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Should not be taken digoxin, a heart medication. The mix may lower heart rate too much.

Kava: is used to treat anxiety. It's also used to relieve insomnia and nervousness. Do not take Kava if you have a history of liver problems. Also do not mix with antidepressants, sedatives, and do not mix Kava with alcohol.

Licorice: used to treat coughs, colds and peptic ulcers. High doses can lead to increased blood pressure, water retention and potassium loss. Do not use with diuretics or digoxin because it could lead to further loss of potassium, essential for heart function.

St. John's wort: a natural anti-depressant for mild to moderate depression. Do not take with other anti-depressants, HIV medications, oral contraceptives, some heart/blood thinning medications and Tamoxifen (a cancer drug).

Valerian: a mild sedative with hypnotic effects, used to promote sleep, Should not be taken with alcohol or Valium.