In the previous chapter, I discussed how diet and the habits of daily living influence immunity. Once an immune-enhancing lifestyle is in place as a foundation, you can begin to build upon it. In this second step, you start the process of strengthening your immunity by reducing oxidative stress to the immune cells with antioxidants and by incorporating bio-oxidative therapies into your viral immunity plan.
Oxidative stress, also referred to as free radical damage, is the product of the natural process of using oxygen for metabolism. Antioxidants, substances that neutralize oxidative stress, are necessary to defend your body against cellular damage and to strengthen the immune system. In our highly polluted world, we can easily become oxygen-deficient, and in some cases of viral illness, improving oxygen utilization or even adding oxygen by using oxidative therapies such as ozone, can help your immune system defend the body against viruses.
In this chapter, I explain how oxygen, one of the fundamental elements for life, helps and hinders natural immunity. I show how antioxidant adaptation (the way cells cope with the consequences of oxygen metabolism) is one of the most important biochemical components in the treatment of chronic and degenerative diseases, aging, and viral illnesses.
You can improve your oxidative adaptation by adding antioxidants to your nutritional supplement plan. Additionally, you can complement your dietary protein intake with a full-spectrum amino acid supplement along with specific single amino acids with antioxidant activity. This is recommended for immune enhancement and viral protection. Further recommendations include the use of second-generation antioxidants, specialized powerful nutritional substances, and glutathione, crucial to health and immunity.
Oxygen is the most important element on Earth, required for life by all higher organisms. Paradoxically, even though we cannot live without oxygen, the same cellular processes that utilize oxygen produce destructive byproducts. Let's look at why oxygen is so necessary, how it is utilized, the problems that arise when our cells metabolize oxygen, and what happens when we are oxygen deficient.
Biologists divide living organisms into two basic groups depending on how they utilize sunlight and air: aerobic, or oxygen-using organisms, and anaerobic, those that can live in low-oxygen or oxygen-free environments. Anaerobic organisms are primarily microbes that include pathogens such as viruses, while among the aerobic types are animals, plants, and humans.
The air we breathe is composed of mostly nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen. The human body contains these same elements plus carbon, and these four primary elements make up about 95 percent of our bodies' mass; trace elements make up the remainder. Oxygen, the most abundant element on this planet, composes 50 percent by weight of the Earth's crust; it's found in water as H2O (hydrogen plus oxygen), and in the atmosphere, of which 20 percent is oxygen. It is also the most abundant element in the human body: We breathe in an average of 150 cubic feet of pure oxygen each day.
Oxygen supports all the biochemical activity in our organs, tissues, and cells. It is the primary fuel that makes energy to support life. Scientists who study oxygen report that by measuring air samples and oxygen levels from bubbles trapped in amber and polar ice, they have determined that two million years ago the oxygen content of Earth's atmosphere was between 35 and 44 percent. Today's oxygen air content is now about 20 percent, and in cities with excessive pollution, the oxygen content can be as low as 9 percent.
It may be that one of the causes of immune dysfunction is both antioxidant maladaptation and decreased oxygen intake. Also, if we breathe rapidly and shallowly due to stress, as is very common with urban dwellers, we take in less oxygen and retain more carbon dioxide. Not only does this type of respiration reduce our oxygen levels, but it causes acid buildup in the blood, further predisposing us to illness and increasing our susceptibility to viral infection.
The process of converting air to energy is nothing short of miraculous, but at the same time, it is very simple. We take in oxygen through our lungs when we breathe; then the oxygen and other elements are separated out, the oxygen is retained, carbon dioxide and other wastes are exhaled. Oxygen is then mixed into the blood and pumped throughout the body by the heart. The oxygen-enriched blood is carried in the hemoglobin, an iron-containing molecule within individual red blood cells, to every cell in the body. A fully oxygenated system is required for health and natural immunity; poor oxygen intake or improper utilization of oxygen can lead to brain fog, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections and degenerative chronic conditions like heart disease.
Smoking, exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, poor diet, inadequate water intake, anemia, allergy and respiratory infections, and lack of fitness all reduce oxygen levels in our bodies. On the other hand, general fitness and regular aerobic exercise—walking, running, jumping rope, chopping wood, bicycling, or swimming—all promote and improve respiration and better oxygenation. Breathing exercises like pranayama or qi gong (mentioned earlier) are excellent for getting more oxygen to the tissues and cells without stressing the body. However, during aggressive exercise, although more oxygen is utilized, it can increase oxidative stress and cellular damage, making one more vulnerable to viral infections.
As mentioned earlier, most pathogens (including viruses and bacteria) are anaerobic—they do not require oxygen to live and reproduce. They also do not have strong natural protective defenses against oxygen-containing molecules such as superoxides and peroxides (like hydrogen peroxide, discussed below). Therefore, viruses and other anaerobic microorganisms cannot survive in richly oxygenated tissues; this means the greater the oxygen level in our bodies, the more resistant our cells are to invasion and infection by viruses and bacteria. Here again we see the oxygen paradox: more oxygen helps protect us and it also produces increased oxidative stress.
We should never minimize the importance of air quality, oxygen content, and proper breathing. If air pollution is high, oxygen content will be low, and in addition, you will take all the toxic chemicals in the polluted air into your body through the natural process of respiration. These chemicals contribute to immune dysfunction and increase yourrisk for cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Low oxygen levels cause fatigue, increased susceptibility to infection, and metabolic imbalances that can lead to low thyroid function and other conditions. Among other things, that is why it is so important to practice deep-breathing exercises (as discussed in chapter 6). Keep in mind that deeply inhaling polluted air only increasesthe concentration of toxic chemicals in your body, so practice deep breathing in as pure an environment as possible.
Viruses and other anaerobic, microorganisms cannot survive in richly oxygenated tissues; this means the greater the oxygen level in our bodies, the more resistant our cells are to invasion and infection by viruses and bacteria. We should never minimize the importance of air quality, oxygen content, and proper breathing.
The Chinese say that the best time to practice is in the very early morning hours between five and seven when the air pollution is lower and the oxygen content is higher after a night of photosynthesis by local plants. You can also temporarily increase the oxygen content in your body through specialized treatments that supply oxygenated substances, which we'll consider next.
Bio-oxidative therapies involve oxygenating substances, such as hydrogen peroxide, dioxychlor, and ozone, that increase the oxygen levels in the body. These are used to treat diseases including cancer, heart disease, and active chronic viral infections like hepatitis. A physician trained in bio-oxidative medicine administers ozone therapy and intravenous hydrogen peroxide. Oral methods of enhancing oxygen are also available, and include taking hydrogen peroxide and dioxychlor, both of which have been shown to neutralize viruses. Hyperbaric oxygen is another form of oxygen therapy in which pure oxygen is administered to the patient who lies in a pressurized chamber. Hyperbaric oxygen is used to improve wound healing from crush injuries, burns, and radiation injuries. It reduces swelling and edema and is being researched for use in heart disease, after stoke, chronic fatigue, and multiple sclerosis.
Let's look at three bio-oxidative therapies useful in the treatment of chronic viral infections.
Ozone: Ozone (O3) may be thought of as an energized form of simple oxygen, O2. It is a pale blue gas that naturally occurs in the Earth's atmosphere, formed when oxygen interacts with ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is produced commercially for industrial and medical purposes. Before the antibiotic era, ozone was used to treat a variety of infections including wounds; it was a disinfectant in dentistry and used to treat colitis through rectal insufflation. In 1945, the German surgeon, Erwin Payr, M.D., was among the first to use ozone intravenously to treat disease.
Ozone therapy has developed considerably since then and it is now used to treat a wide variety of conditions including viruses such as hepatitis and herpes. Ozone therapy is administered by removing 50 to 100 milliliters of the patient's blood, enriching it with ozone, and then reinfusing it intravenously. Some doctors also irradiate the blood with ultraviolet light before reinfusing it into the patients.
Besides medical ozone therapies, there are other ways to enhance the levels of ozone in your body. Ozone generators increase the ozone content of the air in a room. Treating water with ozone causes the oxidization of a wide range of chemicals and also kills bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Though ozone generators help purify air and ozonated water is a proven disinfectant, both of which improve general health, they do not directly affect viruses in your body.
Because of its antimicrobial effects and oxidative properties, ozone therapy is useful for viral immunity. If you have a chronic viral disease, consider medical ozone therapy to reduce the viral burden in the tissues. Keep in mind that intravenous ozone is not an approved therapy for chronic viral disease and though it may be helpful, it does not completely eradicate all viruses in your body. Only use a physician certified in the use of medical ozone therapies.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production is a naturally occurring process in the body. Cells of the innate immune system produce hydrogen peroxide in response to microbial infection; it is also involved in other cellular processes including hormone regulation and the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
H2O2is a clear, colorless liquid that mixes readily with water and is widely used as a topical disinfectant in a 3 percent solution commonly sold in pharmacies and grocery stores. A 30 percent reagent grade is diluted in sterile distilled water and used in bio-oxidative medicine. Though this form of hydrogen peroxide can be helpful in chronic viral diseases, it can cause serious burns to the skin and inside the blood vessels and must be administered with the utmost caution.
Oral ingestion of 35 percent “food grade” hydrogen peroxide is recommended by some doctors when intravenous therapy is unavailable. A few drops of the solution are added to water and consumed on an empty stomach three times daily. It is important to avoid eating food or taking vitamins and minerals at the same time because the hydrogen peroxide can cause rapid oxidation of these substances resulting in stomach irritation. However, I do not recommend either intravenous or oral hydrogen peroxide to my patients since it is such a highly caustic substance, and if handled improperly can cause permanent tissue damage.
A safer method is the use of hydrogen peroxide as a detoxifying bath. Add one pint of 35 percent food-grade hydrogen peroxide to a full bathtub of warm water. If you have sensitive skin begin by adding a quarter of a cup of hydrogen peroxide and gradually increase the amount each day until you achieve at least one cup per bathtub. Soak for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Although this way of using hydrogen peroxide does not get it directly into the body, it assists in detoxifying the skin, thereby improving health.
Dioxychlor: Dioxychlor is an oral product developed by Professor Robert W. Bradford of American Biologics and Medical Center, and used extensively in his clinic in Tijuana, Mexico. It is composed of chlorine and two atoms of oxygen, prepared in a homeopathic form called Dioxychlor D3 for oral use by patients. According to Dr. Bradford, who reports having used it extensively with patients over the last decade, Dioxychlor is safe and effective for adjunctive treatment of fungal infections and viruses.
Oxygen is important to life and essential to good health, yet living in an oxygen-rich environment generates negative consequences. This is referred to as the oxygen paradox. As mentioned earlier, oxygenation is the process of introducing oxygen to a system. By breathing (respiration), we inhale oxygen-containing air and thereby oxygenate our tissues and individual cells, which need oxygen for their metabolism. Oxidation, the energy-releasing process in which oxygen combines with other chemicals, is a result of oxygen metabolism. Oxidation removes an electron, resulting in a release of stored chemical energy.
Normal oxidation happens within the body and in all natural things. You can see it in the rusting of iron or the browning of an apple when cut in half and left uneaten on the table. Oxygen fuels combustion; without O2, fires don't burn at all, and in a similar manner it stimulates cellular metabolism. Unless tissue levels of oxygen remain within appropriate ranges, excess spontaneous oxygen activity (oxidation) occurs and can lead to cellular and tissue damage, called oxidative stress. This can produce damage to DNA, resulting in increased risk of disease, including cancer, and eventually the complete degeneration of tissue and death of the organism. Oxidative stress is one of the causes of disease and aging, but at the same time it is an essential part of life.
Oxidation is a spontaneous and irreversible chemical process—a match does not un-burn, a brown apple does not become white and crisp again. However, our bodies are neither a match nor an apple, and though some oxidative processes exhaust important chemicals in our bodies, we have the ability to regenerate our cells and tissues by providing nutrients, especially antioxidants.
Free Radicals and Antioxidant Maladaptation: Due to stress, aging, infection, and other factors, chemical bonds become split in such a way that a molecule is left with an unpaired electron, making it very reactive and unstable. This is called a free radical. Free radical molecules react with the first compatible molecule to restore their stability, altering the structure of both in the process. Normally the body has adaptive mechanisms that automatically restore metabolic stability by providing extra molecules to neutralize free radicals. This neutralization process, the adding of electrons by taking one from another molecule, is called reduction, and is the natural opposite pole to oxidation. The entire process is referred to as the oxidation-reduction cycle.
However, a chain reaction can occur when there is an excess of free radicals. As mentioned earlier, free radical accumulation can be caused by exposure to pollution, radiation, smoke, stress, lack of exercise, or repetitively overexercising. The normal reduction process cannot keep pace with the increased level of oxidation, and this imbalance in the oxidation-reduction cycle is referred to as antioxidant maladaptation. Tissue and cellular damage, called free radical pathology, result because antioxidant activity is insufficient.
At this point, even though tissue damage has started, no specific disease may manifest. The person with active free radical pathology may only feel tired or vaguely not well. However, the stage is set for illness as a wide range of diseases are associated with the damage caused by free radical pathology, including cancer, heart disease, allergies, cataracts, macular degeneration, mental impairment and Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and nearly all of the other chronic degenerative diseases.
Antioxidant maladaptation and free radical pathology can significantly affect the immune system, which can result in increased vulnerability to viral infections. Immune dysfunction from antioxidant maladaptation can occur in many components of the immune system, and include:
Drugs cannot treat the causes or results of oxidative stress. In fact, many drugs deplete the very substances that repair oxidative damage. Only naturally occurring substances can help the body overcome antioxidant maladaptation, rebuild immunity, and restore health.
Antioxidants are substances that are naturally manufactured in our bodies and provided in the diet that help to neutralize free radical damage. Antioxidants work against oxidation. As we age, deal with a chronic disease, live in urban areas high in pollution, or live under psychological stress, free radical damage occurs, and we require more antioxidant protection. In other words, more free radicals get generated than our bodies can normally handle or adapt to. Under normal conditions, antioxidant adaptation naturally occurs within our bodies and includes the activities of enzymes, glutathione, and uric acid. Though these substances are very powerful and essential antioxidants, most must be obtained from food.
Naturally occurring antioxidants are found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, as well as dark green, leafy vegetables, green tea, and herbs. Though most antioxidants can be obtained from food, in people living under environmental and psychological stress, those with viral infections or cancer, and those eating a poor diet, the need for antioxidants is higher and supplements are required.
The most common nutritional antioxidants include vitamins C, E, B2, B6, B12, carotenoids (beta carotene), the minerals zinc and selenium, and the amino acids arginine, lysine, cysteine, and glutamine. Second-level antioxidants include co-enzyme Q10, lipoic acid, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins such as are found in grape seeds.
Vitamin C: The foundation of any antioxidant program is vitamin C, the single most important antioxidant. It is useful in preventing premature aging and cell death, and it protects us against cancer and other diseases, including those caused by viruses.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin and is an essential nutrient for normal body function. The nine water-soluble vitamins in our bodies (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin folate, and vitamin C) are essential nutrients that readily dissolve in water. They are not stored well in body tissue, so must be continuously supplied through the diet or by supplementation. Most animal species can synthesize vitamin C from glucose and other sugars, but humans, monkeys, guinea pigs, and a few other animals need to obtain it in their diet. It is required for the synthesis of collagen, a structural, glue-like component of nearly all tissues, especially blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, bone, and the joints. It also has numerous other functions, including an immune-enhancing activity.
Though the exact details of how vitamin C works to enhance immune activity are still unknown, research indicates that it improves the activity of disease-fighting white blood cells; increases interferon levels; modifies antibody responses; increases IgA, IgG, and IgG anti-body levels; and supports thymus gland function. In one study, buffered vitamin C was found to raise NK cell function tenfold in 78 percent of patients.
Vitamin C is found in nearly all foods, but is highest in fruits and vegetables. Some tropical sources, like camu camu (Myrciaria dubia), an Amazonian fruit containing thirty times more vitamin C than citrus, make excellent supplemental sources. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, sweet red peppers, parsley, currants, acerola berries, rose hips, all citrus fruits, strawberries, and even potatoes are good sources of vitamin C. However, the amounts of vitamin C in these foods are not sufficient to treat diseases other than scurvy, the classical vitamin C deficiency disease and the cause of many deaths in previous centuries. To maximize the immune system and antioxidant properties of vitadmin C, or treat viral illnesses, supplemental dosages of vitamin C are required in addition to dietary sources.
HOW TO TAKE VITAMIN C: Vitamin C is usually taken orally, although it is also used intravenously by physicians for acute and chronic viral infections. It comes in a variety of forms, the least expensive and most widely being pure ascorbic acid crystals; this is a mild acid usually well tolerated by most people taking average dosages of vitamin C. However, when using very large dosages to treat infections, I recommend the buffered form, which is gentler on the stomach and does not over-acidify the system.
To buffer ascorbic acid, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, or combinations of these minerals are combined with ascorbic acid. Avoid the sodium form of buffered vitamin C as it may contribute to water retention and high blood pressure. When higher dosages are indicated, I recommend powdered calcium-magnesium-potassium ascorbate, which provides about 2,500 mg of vitamin C per rounded teaspoon.
Though two-time Nobel prize winner Linus Pauling popularized high dosages of vitamin C in the early 1970s for everything from the common cold to cancer, it had extensive clinical use as early as the 1950s, notably by Frederick Klenner, M.D., who practiced in North Carolina. He advocated the “100 gram cold”: 100 grams (1,000mg = 1 gram) of pure ascorbic acid powder in water taken over a twenty-four-hour period to treat the common cold (Klenner 1971). Though no doctor today would recommend such a high dose to treat a cold, vitamin C is still used for its many benefits in dosages that far exceed the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 60 milligrams per day.
Numerous studies done on vitamin C for the common cold have shown that it has limited effect on directly preventing a cold, but that taking vitamin C does reduce the severity and shorten the duration of the cold by about one third. Vitamin C has been used effectively to treat numerous viral illnesses including mononucleosis, chicken pox, hepatitis, herpes simplex and herpes zoster, viral encephalitis, viral pneumonia, and the flu.
It is now accepted that moderate daily dosages of vitamin C in the ranges from 200 mg to 500 mg are sufficient for daily supplementation. However, most naturopathic physicians, as well as medical doctors practicing natural therapies, recommend higher dosages in the range of 500–2,000 mg daily. Since optimal blood levels of vitamin C are reached easily with 200 mg, and amounts over that are excreted in the urine, I recommend taking vitamin C in frequent but lower dosages: 200–500 mg two to four times per day, providing a daily total up to 1,000–2,000 mg.
However, there are times when larger dosages are necessary, such as in the treatment of chronic viruses. In these cases it is usually recommended to take the highest dose that the body will tolerate—called bowel tolerance—over a course of several days or even weeks; this may be as high as 10–30 g per day (1 g = 1,000 mg).
The term “bowel tolerance” was coined by Robert Cathcart, M.D., of Los Altos, California, in 1981 to indicate that when the body has reached a level of tissue saturation, a temporary, acute gastrointestinal intolerance to vitamin C occurs, causing urgent watery diarrhea (Cathcart 1981). Uncomfortable gas and bloating may also occur. Interestingly, though average bowel tolerance is reached in most people between 2,000–5,000 mg, in cases of infection, patients can tolerate 20,000 mg (20 g), or more, of vitamin C taken by mouth over the course of a day without any signs of diarrhea.
Bowel tolerance is still used as a method of monitoring the body's need for vitamin C when using higher dosages. Here's how: take 1,000 mg of vitamin C in divided dosages (the total dose divided into smaller amounts) every one to two hours until diarrhea appears, then reduce by 1,000 mg until it stops. Stay on the tolerated amount (the therapeutic dose) until your condition resolves. Then decrease it slowly to avoid “rebound scurvy,” a temporary condition thought to occur when high dosages of vitamin C are abruptly discontinued, and move toward a daily maintenance dose of 500 to 2,000 mg.
VITAMIN C SAFETY AND INTERACTIONS: Though vitamin C is very safe, it has recently been called a “pro-oxidant,” which means the opposite of an antioxidant, because it is thought to cause oxidative damage to blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis. Pro-oxidants are substances that accelerate oxidative stress. One of the main pro-oxidants in the body is iron, and some scientists have expressed concern that vitamin C, when taken in high dosages, can increase the pro-oxidative damage caused by iron. Other safety concerns have been raised about taking high doses of vitamin C, and include the possibility of increased risk for calcium oxalate kidney stones, vitamin B-12 depletion leading to pernicious anemia, increased iron absorption, depletion of copper, and increased urinary excretion of uric acid.
None of these concerns have been conclusively proven. However, dialysis patients, those with chronic kidney disease, patients with hemochromatosis (an iron-overload disease), gout, and those with a history of forming kidney stones should avoid taking vitamin C in the higher ranges unless under the direct supervision of a physician. Keep in mind that regardless of the outcome of the above concerns, when taken in high dosages, vitamin C can cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Several drugs deplete vitamin C levels, including estrogen-containing birth control pills, corticosteroids like prednisone, and frequent use of aspirin. The reverse is less significant; vitamin C has a limited or no effect on any drugs. However, those on anticoagulants, like Coumadin (warfarin sodium), should limit their use of vitamin C, as high dosages may interfere with the blood thinning activity of these drugs.
VITAMIN C SUMMARY: Vitamin C is essential in any supplement plan, and for general health, taking 75–200 mg in a daily multivitamin is adequate to prevent heart disease and achieve basic benefits. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University in Cornelius, Oregon, recommends 120 mg daily, double the RDA but lower than therapeutic levels. For optimum risk reduction of heart disease, stroke, and cancer, certain people may require substantially larger amounts of vitamin C for optimal physical health and to achieve therapeutic benefits.
To obtain maximum antioxidant benefits, most doctors practicing natural medicine recommend daily dosages in the range of 500–2,000 mg. When taking vitamin C in dosages above 500 mg, take it in divided dosages spread out throughout the day. For the treatment of viral illness, very high dosages are required, taken orally (6,000–30,000 mg) to bowel tolerance or used intravenously (30,000 mg or higher) in a physician's office. Though some studies indicate toxicity in high dosages, none of these adverse reactions have been confirmed in the laboratory or in human subjects. Indeed, many thousands of people take very high dosages of vitamin C daily without any ill effects.
Vitamin E: The second most important antioxidant is vitamin E. It is the premier fat-soluble antioxidant (as vitamin C is the most important water-soluble antioxidant). Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins E, D, A, and K) dissolve in the presence of fats and oils, and are stored in the body's fatty tissues and the liver. Vitamin E is not a single substance, but a group of compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols.
Alpha-tocopherol is the most abundant and most biologically active form. Vitamins C and E work synergistically in the body, such that vitamin E partners with vitamin C, helping to reduce any pro-oxidant effects of vitamin C, while vitamin C assists in regenerating used (oxidized) vitamin E, thus increasing the antioxidant effects of vitamin E.1 It also works synergistically with selenium and vitamin A.
Though vitamin E does not have specific effects on the immune system, it is so highly protective against oxidative damage that it is important to an immune-enhancing program. It protects the thymus gland and white blood cells from chronic viral disease, such as in AIDS or chronic HCV, during times of tissue stress. Vitamin E slows down the aging process, protects against cancer, improves circulation, speeds wound healing, and reduces inflammation caused by prostaglandin activity (body chemicals involved in inflammation). All of these properties indirectly bolster immune function. Vitamin E is particularly helpful in the elderly and is so important an antioxidant that all multivitamin supplements contain it.
HOW TO TAKE VITAMIN E: Food sources include polyunsaturated vegetable oils (like canola and safflower oil), seeds, nuts, whole grains, wheat germ oil, and soybeans. Leafy greens, like spinach, also contain small amounts of vitamin E. Like vitamin C, sufficient amounts of vitamin E can be obtained from dietary sources for general health, but for optimal health and disease-prevention benefits, supplemental vitamin E is required.
Vitamin E comes in many forms but is available in two basic forms: the synthetic alpha-tocopherol acetate and the all-natural d-alpha-tocopherol, which can be found with other naturally occurring tocopherols such as gamma- and delta-tocopherols. The natural forms are considered more absorbable, so I recommend all-natural, fat-soluble vitamin E succinate (a weak acid used in cellular metabolism) containing mixed tocopherols. It is best taken with a meal or with some oily food, like avocado or nuts, to assist absorption. Water-soluble forms of vitamin E are also available, and though more expensive than fat-soluble forms, they may be useful in patients who have poor absorption of fats and oils.
Though the RDA is less than 30 IU, the generally recommended foundational dose is 200–500 IU. Occasionally up to 800–1,600 IU is required for heart disease patients, or for post-mastectomy patients and those with fibrocystic breast disease. However, when taking vitamin E to bolster immune function, such high dosages are not necessary. In my practice, I generally recommend dosages between 400–800 IU.
SAFETY AND INTERACTIONS: Vitamin E is well tolerated and is safe even in the higher ranges, though some people have reported headaches and nausea when taking over 1,000 IU at one time. Since vitamin E can affect blood clotting, patients on blood thinners, like Coumadin or even aspirin, should take only the lower dosages unless under the supervision of a physician. In these cases, vitamin E may interfere with platelet aggregation (clumping of the blood-clotting cells), causing an increased bleeding tendency. Cholesterol-lowering drugs like cholestryramine resin (Prevalite and Questran) and colestipol (Colestid) can deplete vitamin E in the body.
Vitamin A and the Carotenoid Family: Though not classified as an antioxidant, vitamin A deserves mention in this section because it is a fat-soluble substance essential for proper immune function. Vitamin A maintains healthy epithelial tissue, such as the skin and the outer lining and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Since these tissues serve as the first line of nonspecific, defense-inhibiting viral organisms to lodge on the surface of your lungs, throat, and nasal passages, it is important to keep them strong and vital. By maintaining healthy epithelia, vitamin A helps in creating a strong barrier the most important nutritional against infection.
Vitamin A also improves white blood cell function and increases antibody responses to infections. For viral infections, this vitamin is one of the most important nutritional factors, and it is well known that a vitamin A deficiency contributes to increased susceptibility to infection.
Vitamin A also improves white blood cell function and increases antibody responses to infections. For viral infections, this vitamin is one of the most important nutritional factors, and it is well known that a vitamin A deficiency contributes to increased susceptibility to infection. A number of studies have shown that vitamin A supplementation reduces morbidity (the relative incidence of disease) and death from measles; it has also been used to reduce morbidity in AIDS patients.
Vitamin A is taken orally in a preventive range of 5,000–25,000 IU, and clinically is used as high as 150,000 IU or more for short-term therapeutic purposes under the supervision of a physician. For proper absorption, vitamin A requires fat and minerals and is synergistic with vitamin E, vitamin C, lipoic acid, zinc, and all of the carotenoids. Therefore, it is best taken with food and a multivitamin and mineral supplement.
Vitamin A belongs to a class of substances called retinoids, which are found only in animal products. Dietary sources of vitamin A include animal liver, butter, milk, egg yolks, salmon, shellfish, and fish liver oils. Vitamin A precursors are found in chili peppers and carotene-containing fruits and vegetables. Commercially, it is obtained from fish liver oil and is available in inexpensive softgel capsules.
Since vitamin A is stored in the liver, high therapeutic dosages, if taken over a period of several months, can cause liver damage in humans. For this reason, the more expensive water-soluble, or mycelized form—which is less hard on the liver since it absorbs more readily into the bloodstream and bypasses the liver—is recommended in viral hepatitis or any condition where liver damage is present, such as cirrhosis. Since safety can be an issue when using vitamin A, it is contraindicated in pregnancy, during nursing, or for women attempting pregnancy. Children are particularly susceptible to vitamin A toxicity, so all bottles should be keep out of their reach.
In adults, large dosages in the range of 50,000 IU or higher, if taken for long periods of time (at least several months or longer) can produce symptoms of hypervitaminosis A, which include headache, fatigue, emotional instability, nausea, and muscle and joint pain; followed by dry, cracked skin, brittle nails, hair loss, and irritability. If you are taking vitamin A and are experiencing any of these symptoms, discontinue your intake until all the symptoms clear.
CAROTENOIDS: Vitamin A is a family of nutrients composed of retinal (preformed A) and carotenoid (provitamin A) groups. Carotenoids are called provitamins since they are converted to vitamin A in the body; this takes place by the action of enzymes in the intestinal tract that split the carotene molecule in half. The conversion process to make retinal from carotenoids depends on hormones and other nutrients, such as thyroid hormone, zinc, and vitamin C.
Besides being converted to vitamin A, carotenoids have useful properties of their own. Though they do not have the same antiviral effect as vitamin A, they exert a powerful antioxidant action on cancer activity, are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and have immune-enhancing capabilities. One study demonstrated an increase of CD4+ T lymphocytes with supplements of beta-carotene. Numerous studies have shown that beta-carotene reduces oxidative stress in HIV and AIDS, and can assist in endothelial tissue preservation.
Carotenoids are found only in plants, and the intense red, blue, purple, yellow, and orange colors in fruits and vegetables are due to plant pigments that have high carotenoid content. There are over 600 known carotenoids in nature, though only about 30 to 50 have vitamin A activity.
Carotenes, a group of carotenoids, are found in all dark green, leafy vegetables (spinach, collards), yellow- and orange-colored fruits and vegetables (apricots, peaches, carrots, yams, squash), and red fruits and vegetables (strawberries, tomatoes). Beta-carotene is the most abundant of the carotenoids found in human food and is named after the orange color in carrots, a food high in beta-carotene.
HOW TO TAKE CAROTENES: Though a diet rich in vegetables and fruits can supply the basic carotenes, extra supplementation of the full spectrum of carotenoids is often necessary to obtain optimal immune function and antioxidant protection. Carrot juice, vegetable juice made from dark, leafy greens, and many of the “green” health drinks from freshwater or sea algae (spirulina, chlorella) are rich in mixed carotenes. Indeed, they are so rich in carotenes that if carrot juice or mixed green vegetable juice is included in the diet several times per week, additional supplementation of beta-carotene is rarely needed.
Carotenes are available commercially in synthetic or natural forms, but they are best taken in the natural form derived from palm oil or the algae species of the Dunaliella genus. Most commercial beta-carotene supplements are the synthetic form, so read labels carefully. The supplemental range is from 25,000 IU up to 300,000 IU (100,000 IU = 60 mg).
CAROTENE SAFETY AND INTERACTIONS: Carotenes are considered very safe but should be used with caution in patients with existing liver damage. When taking high dosages or drinking carrot juice daily, the palms of the hands and soles of the feet can take on a distinctive yellow-orange hue. This condition, called carotenosis or carotemia, is harmless and clears up completely once the supplementation or juice is discontinued. The same cholesterol-lowering drugs that deplete vitamin A can reduce beta-carotene absorption.
OTHER CAROTENOIDS: Besides beta-carotene, other carotenoids are also important in disease prevention. These include alpha-carotene, gamma-carotene, beta-zeacarotene, cryptoxanthine, zeaxanthine, lutein, and lycopene. The red color in tomatoes and watermelon is due to pigmentation from lycopene, which has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Lutein, found in cool-weather, green, leafy vegetables like kale, collards, peas, and romaine lettuce, may help to prevent macular degeneration in the eyes.
B-Vitamin Antioxidants: Nearly all members of the B-complex family are water-soluble, including B2, B6, and B12, and are not stored in the body in appreciable amounts, so they must be provided daily in the diet. Vitamins B2, B6, and B12 have important antioxidant activity and are necessary for normal immune function. Since B vitamins are synergistic with each other, it is generally advised to take a B-complex or a multivitamin when using additional B vitamin supplementation.
VITAMIN B2: Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is a member of a group of fluorescent yellow pigments called flavins. It is the substance that turns the urine bright yellow when you take extra B2. It acts as a coenzyme necessary for normal energy metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and it helps to activate vitamin B6 and convert niacin (B3) into a form more easily utilized by the body.
Among its numerous other functions, vitamin B2 has antioxidant activity and assists the function of vitamin E. Low levels of riboflavin can result in reduced antibody production, leading to reduced immunity. It is found in organ meats, like liver, and in all red meat, eggs, and dairy products. Unless there are specific symptoms of deficiency, dietary sources and a multivitamin provide adequate levels. However, numerous drugs cause depletion of riboflavin, including thorazine, tricyclic antidepressants (Elavil, Tofranil), oral contraceptives, and many antibiotics (minocycline, the penicillins, tetracycline, and sul-fonamides).
VITAMIN B6: B6, or pyridoxine, is one of the most important vitamins, functioning in the formation of proteins and as a coenzyme in more than one hundred different metabolic processes in the body. Among its many functions, it has antioxidant capabilities, and, as is the case with riboflavin, a deficiency of pyridoxine can lead to fewer antibodies, a reduction in lymphocytes, and thymus gland atrophy.
It is found in organ meats, red meat, milk, eggs, seafood, whole grains, bananas, avocados, soybeans, nuts, seeds, and brewer's yeast. Additional supplementation of B6 is useful, and is available in two forms: pyridoxine hydrochloride and pyridoxal-5-phosphate, which is the more active form and the form into which the liver converts pyridoxine in the body.
General dosage is between 50–100 mg, with a therapeutic range of up to 500 mg. B6 works synergistically with other B vitamins and magnesium, but it is best absorbed when taken alone, with an additional B-complex or multivitamin taken at a different time. Dosages in excess of 2,000 mg, or long-term use of dosages of 500 mg, can lead to nerve damage, with symptoms of numbness and tingling in the hands and feet and a stumbling gait. Once discontinued, all symptoms clear without any lasting effects. Many of the same drugs that deplete B2 also lower B6 levels: conjugated estrogens (Premarin) and esterified estrogens (Estratab) deplete B6.
VITAMIN B12: Like B6, vitamin B12, or cyanocobalamin, is necessary for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and it prevents pernicious anemia, a condition of the red blood cells that occurs most often in the elderly. Vitamin B12 is also necessary for the maturation of the white blood cells. Like B2 and B6, vitamin B12 plays a role in the immune function such that low levels can impair natural immunity. This vitamin may also have activity against viruses; in one laboratory study, B12 inhibited HIV viral replication in human monocytes and lymphocytes (Weinberg 1995).
The best dietary sources are liver, red meat, eggs, dairy products, and seafood, but B12 is available in a wide range of pills, tablets, sub-lingual and nasal sprays, and can be taken by injection or intravenously. Unless there is medical evidence of severe B12 deficiency or a condition that would benefit from the injectable form, oral administration is effective over time for healthy adults.
There are two coenzyme forms of B12: methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin; since methylcobalamin is more efficiently utilized, it is the preferred form for oral supplementation. Coenzymes are non-protein substances, including many vitamins and minerals, that act as enzymes in the body. A basic oral dosage is between 1,000–2,000 micrograms (mcg) with a therapeutic upper range of 6,000 mcg.
For the elderly and patients with chronic disease or viral illness, most natural-medicine oriented doctors still prefer intramuscular injections or intravenously administered B12 over oral forms. Injections of 1,000–3,000 mcg are given in the hip or buttock muscle 1–3 times each week.
Many drugs inhibit B12 absorption, including oral contraceptives, time-released potassium, histamine-2 blockers used for gastritis and ulcers (Axid, Pepsin, Tagamet, Zantac), proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid, Prilosec), antibiotics, and cholesterol-lowering drugs. There is virtually no known toxicity to B12, even in high dosages.
Antioxidant Minerals: Several common trace minerals such as selenium and zinc are critical for proper immune function. There is concern over agricultural practices that deplete soil (and therefore the foods grown on the depleted soil) of essential trace elements, particularly those that affect immunity. This makes supplementation mandatory in immune deficiency states or when fighting an infection.
SELENIUM: Selenium, considered one of the most important trace minerals in the body, is necessary for the production of the antioxidant enzyme system called glutathione peroxidase, a substance that works with vitamin E and helps to convert harmful oxidized fats into less harmful substances. Selenium also has antioxidant roles of its own and is one of the most potent anticancer nutrients. Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D., who has researched selenium since 1959, contends that it not only prevents cancer, but may cure some of its types. In addition, selenium helps thyroid hormone function, protects against heart attack and stroke, and helps to remove mercury and cadmium from the system.
Its immune system activities include stimulating phagocyte activity (the white cells that destroy invading microorganisms), increasing T lymphocytes, and improving thymus function. Supplementation with only 200 mcg of selenium has been shown to increase NK cell activity. Because of its immune-stimulating function and antiviral activity, selenium supplementation is recommended by many health authorities as a supportive therapy in both the early and advanced stages of AIDS.
The RDA for selenium is 55 mcg per day, though optimal protection is achieved at 200 mcg daily. Selenium is synergistic with vitamin E, helping to enhance its antioxidant effect. Therapeutic dosages can range from 400–1,200 mcg, though these higher dosages should not be used for longer than one month without professional supervision. The preferred oral forms are selenium picolinate or selenomethionine, and the best food sources are Brazil nuts, yeast, whole grains, garlic, eggs, liver, and seafood.
Dietary selenium deficiency has a direct effect on lowering immune activity, while selenium toxicity, which includes symptoms of depression, nervousness, nausea and vomiting, is rare. It can occur when supplemental intake reaches 3,500–5,000 mcg, but in some people, as little as 900 mcg can result in toxicity. Selenium is depleted by corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, and has been shown to reduce the toxicity of the anticancer drug Adriamycin without reducing its therapeutic effects.
ZINC: Zinc has antioxidant effects and works with superoxide dismutase (SOD), one of three naturally occurring enzymes in the body that has antioxidant properties, to neutralize oxidative damage to the cell's genetic material. Zinc is found in every cell of the body and is a component of more than 300 known enzymes and involved in more than 100 metabolic processes, including nearly every aspect of immune function and wound healing. It plays a significant role in immunity and healing.
Adequate levels of zinc maintain T-cell function, assist thymus hormone function, and white cell activity. Zinc supplementation improves age-related low immune status, restores thymus hormone levels, and has antiviral activity. Zinc and copper work synergistically as passive viral inhibitors, and they can help prevent autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer.
A typical daily dosage for zinc is between 15–25 mg, with an upper limit for therapeutic purposes at 150 mg. I recommend the picolinate form, which is zinc bound with picolinic acid. Sucking on 15–25 mg zinc gluconate lozenges can shorten a common cold. Zinc is found naturally in oysters and shellfish, red meat, liver, black-eyed peas, eggs, wheat germ, tofu, and pumpkin seeds.
Zinc is considered nontoxic, but long-term use above 300 mg can cause copper depletion, resulting in anemia and reduced HDL-cholesterol. When taking extra zinc in the higher dosages, consider adding 1 mg of copper (best taken in a multimineral), as zinc competes with copper, iron, calcium, and magnesium absorption. In high dosages, zinc may depress immune function, and numerous drugs deplete zinc, including corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, and diuretics used to treat high blood pressure.
Second-Line Antioxidants: Referred to as second-line antioxidants, several classes of very potent antioxidant substances have been discovered in the last few decades. Ongoing research indicates very promising results for some of them including coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid, and flavonoids.
COENZYME Q10: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), or ubiquinone, is densely concentrated within the mitochondria, the energy-producing sites within cells. It is a powerful antioxidant and prevents tissue damage throughout the body. CoQ10 is found in all plant and animals cells; however, dietary sources are insufficient to produce the effects attributed to it in lab studies, so supplementation is necessary. Food sources include organ meats, red meat, fish, nuts, vegetable oils, cereal bran, and dark green, leafy vegetables.
Though CoQ10 is principally known as a nutrient for heart disease, it has also been found to improve the body's energy reserves and enhance general immunity in older people and those with chronic illness. Since tissues and cells involved in immune function have a high requirement for energy, CoQ10 may be an important adjunct in maintaining normal immune integrity and in supporting the immune system when weakened by viral disease.
It has been shown to normalize immunoglobulin G (IgG), an antibody that is part of the humoral immune response and often is elevated in chronic viral disease; to increase phagocytic activity of macrophages; and to reduce morbidity from infections. Studies suggest that CoQ10 may help to reverse immunosuppression related to aging or in chronic disease.
Most of the CoQ10 in the body is biosynthesized within the cells in a complex process involving other nutrients, particularly the B vitamins, vitamin C, and trace minerals. Therefore, a healthy diet and a multivitamin and mineral supplement are important in maintaining sufficient levels of this important antioxidant. A foundational dosage of CoQ10 is 30–90 mg, and the therapeutic range is between 100–300 mg.
CoQ10 is a pharmaceutically-produced substance and comes as a tablet or capsule. Since it is fat soluble, it absorbs best when taken with a fatty meal or with a little oil. Some manufacturers offer it in a softgel caplet combined in soybean or palm oil. It works synergistically with vitamin E to prevent damage to lipid membranes and plasma lipids, and also with carnitine, lipoic acid, lycopene, magnesium, and B vitamins. Idebenone, a synthetic analog and newer form of CoQ10, is considered more easily absorbed than ubiquinone, making it more useful for older people; it is taken in the same dosages. However, it is difficult to obtain in the United States.
There are no reported adverse effects of CoQ10 supplementation, though some people find it too energizing and should not take it in the evening before bedtime as it may cause difficulty in falling asleep. CoQ10 helps to protect against the side effects of several drugs, including Adriamycin. It is depleted by many drugs, including diuretics, some antidepressants, and blood pressure lowering medications.
LIPOIC ACID: Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), also called thioctic acid, is found in small amounts in the body and in a variety of foods, especially red meat and organ meats. In the body, it is important for energy production as it helps to convert carbohydrates into usable energy. For this reason, it is often used as an adjunctive treatment for diabetes. ALA is a powerful antioxidant and helps to recycle other antioxidants, principally vitamins C and E. However, it may replace vitamin E when it is in short supply in the body, since it is both water- and fat-soluble and has a broader range of antioxidant activity than either vitamins C or E. It also functions as a chelating agent in the removal of excess iron, copper, and toxic metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium.
Lipoic acid has been shown to be an effective antioxidant in the treatment of AIDS due to its ability to raise plasma levels of vitamin C and glutathione, and to improve immune function by raising the number of T-helper cells. It has also been shown to inhibit viral replication in AIDS. The preventative dosage range is between 25–100 mg, an average treatment range is 300–600 mg, and the therapeutic range is as high as 600–1,000 mg. There are no known toxic effects with these higher dosages, but as with all nutrients, I recommend taking lipoic acid in therapeutic-range doses only under the supervision of a health professional.
FLAVONOIDS: Flavonoids are a group of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in nearly all plants, in which they are concentrated in the seeds, bark, flowers, peel, or skin. There are over 4,000 known flavonoids and many occur in common beverages like tea, coffee, beer, wine, and fruit juices. These include red- and blue-pigmented anthocyanidins; the white and pale-yellow compounds rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol; citrus bioflavonoids; and green tea polyphenols.
Most medicinal herbs are also rich in flavonoids, such as ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum). These compounds have considerable health benefits including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant activity.
Quercetin: Quercetin is one of the most common flavonoids in the human diet and one of the most important in an antiviral program. It is found in apples, onions, black tea, leafy green vegetables, beans, and other fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It has been studied for its anticancer activity in breast, colon, lung, ovarian, prostate, and other cancers. Quercetin has been shown to affect natural killer cell function, and it is thought to have activity that protects cells (cytoprotective) from oxidative damage. Perhaps its most interesting uses are as a chemokine and cytokine inhibitor in the treatment of chronic viral illnesses and as an antimicrobial against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Quercetin is recommended by naturopathic physicians as a natural antihistamine for allergies, and it is useful in treating hay fever and asthma. It is also useful in the treatment of interstitial cystitis, a chronic urinary tract inflammatory syndrome characterized by severe pelvic pain. The recommended dosage of quercetin is 400 mg, 2 to 3 times daily. To treat chronic viral infections, the dosage is 1,000 mg, 3 times daily. There have been no proven cases of toxicity with quercetin supplementation, and though there is some concern that quercetin may pose a cancer risk, no human studies or clinical evidence have confirmed this.
Proanthocyanidin: Originally called pycnogenol by its discoverer, Jacques Masquelier, a professor at the University of Bordeaux, France, oligomeric proanthrocyanidin complexes (OPCs), also called procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs), were first extracted from pine bark in 1951 and later from grape seeds in 1970. They have powerful antioxidant activity. In fact, grape seed extracts have stronger antioxidant effects than vitamins C and E, or beta-carotene. PCOs also exert antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects.
Proanthocyanidins are found in pine bark, grape seeds and grape skin (and therefore in red wine), tea (green and black), and many herbs, notably bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), black currants (Ribes nigrum), and elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Antiviral effects have been shown with elderberry extracts against influenza virus. Another herb, hamamelis bark (Hamamelis virginiana, also known as witch hazel), has activity against human herpes virus 1; the Amazonian herb, Sangre de Drago (Croton lechleri), containing several flavonols including proanthocyanidins, has also been shown to be effective against viral infections. Daily dosage recommendations range between 50–100 mg. No side effects or interactions are attributed to proan-thocyanidin supplementation.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and enzymes and are necessary for the structural components of the body and the maintenance of life. Proteins make our muscles, tissues, and organs, and even compose part of our bones. The immune system is also largely made from proteins, including the immunoglobulins (one of the main components of first-line defense), and is directly affected by how proteins are utilized in the body, how much protein we eat, and the quality of protein we take in. A full complement of amino acids is found in high-quality protein from seeds and nuts, legumes, whole grains, eggs, fish, poultry, and organic meats.
An amino acid is a compound containing an amino group and an acidic function. This acidic function makes proteins from meat more acidic in the body, so it is recommended that the majority of dietary protein come from plant sources. If one is eating large amounts of animal protein—as one does in bodybuilding—the flushing out of accumulated acids with plenty of water is essential, along with abundant intake of alkaline vegetables to balance acid buildup from eating meat.
Twenty specific amino acids make up all the proteins in the human body: alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine. There are other amino acids in the body, such as taurine and ornithine, that have functions not directly related to building protein. These twenty amino acids are divided into two groups, called essential and nonessential.
This terminology is somewhat misleading, as all the amino acids are crucial to life; however, what biologists refer to as the essential group are those that cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained through the diet. There are eight essential amino acids: isoleucine, methionine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
In chronic disease, aging, and chronic viral illness, adequate dietary protein is critical, as was outlined in step 1. However, people with these conditions often are not able to digest and absorb all the amino acids they need for tissue repair and healing. To enhance protein intake, an amino acid supplement is recommended, and is best taken in the form of a protein powder drink.
Supplemental amino acids come in many varieties, and certain forms are much better for immune-enhancing than others. Due to possible gastrointestinal allergic reactions, like cramping or gas for people with chronic disease, I suggest avoiding amino acid products made from soy, milk casein, gluten (or wheat proteins), and eggs. Proteins consumed should also have a high biological value, as measured by the nitrogen retained for growth (expressed as a percentage of absorbed nitrogen), and be lactose free.
Like many nutritionists and naturopathic physicians, I specifically recommend hydrolyzed, or pure, dairy or goat whey because it is made up of smaller, more easily digested particles that have less allergic reactivity than conventional whey products. Some products combine hypoallergenic rice protein to complement the whey; many of these products are classified as medical foods and are not available in health stores. To obtain them, consult your doctor or see the resource section at the end of this book.
Whey protein includes many subfractions besides amino acids, including beta-lactoglobulin, immunoglobulins, bovine (cow) serum albumin, lactoperoxidases, lysozyme, and lactoferrin—a potent immunomodulating substance discussed in step 6.
Some whey products contain very high levels of immunoglobulin complexes, substances necessary for rebuilding the immune system, and in certain cases they may be more beneficial than pure whey. However, it is extremely important not to take whey protein products, especially the immunoglobulin-enhanced products, if you have an autoimmune condition like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or any chronic inflammatory condition. In these cases, adding immunoglobulins from milk-based products could cause the immune system to overreact to the foreign proteins, causing increased inflammation.
People who benefit most from whey People who benefit most from whey protein supplementation are those with weakened constitutions, age-related immune decline, who are in recovery from a long illness, or have general immune weakness.
People who benefit most from whey protein supplementation are those with weakened constitutions, age-related immune decline, who arein recovery from a long illness, or have general immune weakness. The recommended supplemental dosage is between 15–20 g per day.
The recommended supplemental dosage is between 15–20 g per day. Of course, whey is also beneficial for healthy people who want to improve their protein status and increase their muscle mass. Hydrolyzed whey protein has been shown to effectively boost levels of glutathione, the powerful, naturally occurring antioxidant (discussed in the previous section on antioxidants). In addition to a whey protein supplement, specific amino acids have been shown to improve immune status and enhance glutathione levels, so additional supplementation with these substances can further enhance immunity.
Arginine: This amino acid is sometime referred to as a growth hormone enhancer and muscle builder. It is important for cell growth, wound healing, recovery from illness, and during times of stress. It strengthens the immune system by increasing NK cell activity, increasing white cell production, and stimulating white cell response. It promotes resistance against infection and stimulates the thymus gland. It is useful in chronic fatigue syndrome and immune dysfunction. I recommend a foundational dose of 500–1,000 mg daily, with a therapeutic range of 1,500–6,000 mg, and sometimes as high as 30 g.
However, high sustained dosages have been shown to activate herpes simplex virus, acting as an antagonist to lysine, an amino acid that helps to reduce herpes virus activity. In these cases, arginine supplementation should not be used and one should even avoid arginine-containing foods such as nuts, cheeses, and chocolate.
Otherwise, arginine is a safe substance, free from side effects; however, since arginine works synergistically with ornithine to stimulate growth hormone, some doctors warn against its use in diabetes, as the growth hormone increase it can cause may overwork the pancreas. Arginine should also be avoided in cancer patients, as high dosages have been shown to increase cancer cell growth.
Lysine: Lysine is an essential amino acid necessary for growth and needed to maintain nitrogen balance. It helps in the absorption of calcium and reduces its excretion, maintains healthy blood vessels, and reduces activity of sexually transmitted herpes viruses and cold sores. Food sources include brewer's yeast, legumes, dairy, wheat germ, fish, turkey, and meat. Generally, supplementation of lysine is not needed; however, to treat an active herpes condition 1,500–3,000 mg of lysine twice daily is required.
Lysine is considered safe; however, when taking high dosages (15–40 g) abdominal cramping and diarrhea have been reported. Also, high dosages may increase the risk of gallstones and raise cholesterol. I generally recommend using lysine only during the duration of a her-pes outbreak, though some doctors suggest a maintenance dosage of 1,000 mg daily to prevent recurrences.
Cysteine: Cysteine is an important amino acid due to its antioxidant activity. It is a nonessential amino acid and is one of only a few that contains the sulfur component thiol. Cysteine is involved in many of the body's detoxification pathways; it helps eliminate toxins, drugs, and heavy metals that have a destructive effect on the immune system. It also increases the formation of glutathione. Research has shown that cysteine increases white blood cell numbers, activates cytotoxic T cells, and improves immunomodulation.
The recommended supplemental form is as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in dosages of 200–500 mg per day, with a therapeutic range of between 1,500–5,000 mg. NAC is an important therapeutic nutrient in its own right, and is used as a mucolytic (a substance that reduces phlegm). It is also beneficial in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis. Since cysteine can leach out metals, it is best to take it along with a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement with additional zinc and copper. Vitamin C prevents cysteine from oxidizing into cystine, another amino acid that can lead to kidney stones when elevated in the body.
Glutamine: Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is important in building muscle and speeding wound healing. It is also used by the brain as an alternative fuel when glucose levels are low, and serves as an energy source for the cells of the gastrointestinal tract and is useful in “leaky gut” syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Glutamine has immune-enhancing functions that include increasing white cell proliferation, and it is used by the white cells and macrophages as a source of energy. It combines with NAC to promote glutathione synthesis and is synergistic with vitamin B6 and magnesium. Though healthy people do not need glutamine supplementation, it is useful for general immune weakness and for those losing muscle mass due to illness.
Therapeutic dosages can be as high as 40 g per day, but a basic range is from 500–2,000 mg. During periods of stress, when you are engaging in heavy exercise, and / or treating bowel disease, the dosage can climb upward to 4,000–8,000 mg (4–8 g). The optimal dosage is not yet known, but there are no toxic side effects. It is best taken in the powdered form, mixed directly into water or juice. Glutamine should not be taken by those with kidney failure or cirrhosis of the liver.
Food sources include all meats, fish, and eggs; however, over-cooking animal protein foods destroys much of the available gluta-mine. Slow cooking, pressure cooking, or steaming help preserve glutamine and other important vitamins and minerals.
Glutathione and Its Restoration: Glutathione, referred to as GHS in its reduced form, is a naturally occurring protein composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Due to its powerful antioxidant activity, it has been referred to as the master antioxidant.
According to Parris Kidd, Ph.D., a cellular biologist, co-author of Antioxidant Adaptation, and former professor at the University of California at Berkley, it can “fine-tune” the oxidative state of cells, helping to maintain a cellular environment conducive to antioxidant activity, and thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage. It is associated with protection from cancer and a wide variety of degenerative diseases. Research has also found that higher levels of glutathione in older adults is associated with better health, which has led to the idea that low levels of glutathione in white cells is a predictor of premature aging and poor immune status.
Glutathione is mainly stored and metabolized in the liver, the organ most involved in detoxification processes. The liver is also one of the principle sites of common viral infections such as hepatitis B and C, as well as several of the Epstein-Barr viruses. Liver protection with natural medications and glutathione restoration becomes critically important in a viral immunity program.
Glutathione deficiency inhibits the natural immune response. It is thought to have potent antiviral activity, and low glutathione levels may cause a “pro-viral” effect. Adequate levels in the cells are necessary for T-cell proliferative response, activation of cytotoxic T cells, and other T-lymphocyte functions. Numerous studies have shown significant glutathione depletion in AIDS and HCV patients.
Effective glutathione restoration involves avoidance of substances that cause depletion, practicing detoxification regimens, and deliberate supplementation. Though low glutathione levels are associated with poor health and immune status, it is still unclear if oral supplementation is of any direct benefit to humans, even though some studies in mice indicate it has effectiveness in increasing natural killer cell activity.
Many of the antioxidants and amino acids discussed in this section increase glutathione levels, including vitamin C, NAC, and glutamine. Vitamin C supplementation (as little as 500 mg) in particular appears to significantly raise glutathione levels. Michael Murray, N.D., a naturopathic physician and a leading authority on natural medicine, strongly agrees and recommends that doctors avoid the use of the expensive glutathione supplements, suggesting that patients stay with vitamin C. The amino acid L-methionine and its activated form, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), also raise glutathione levels.
Many toxic substances deplete glutathione including common over-the-counter drugs, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol). Meanwhile, NAC protects the liver against acetaminophen toxicity and is often recommended to be taken with acetaminophen in patients with compromised liver function. Other factors that cause glutathione deficiency include dietary methionine deficiency, ultraviolet exposure from sunlight, iron overload, tissue damage from injury or burns, and bacterial and viral infection. Patients with compromised immunity and chronic viral diseases should not take iron or iron-containing multivitamins; they should also avoid the use of acetaminophen and shun direct sun exposure.
