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A Prmctical A*r**Z Rof*rence {*

Drug*Free Remed,ies us ing vitarnins,
Miruermls, Herbs & Food, Supplements
PartTwo ITHE DISORDERS
Considerations
[l Croup is a viral infection, so antibiotics will not help.
In most cases, self-care measures at home-such as breath-
ing moist air and drinking fluids-can speed your child's
recovery. More aggressive treatment is rarely needed.
f If your child's symptoms persist or worsen, his or her
doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, epinephrine, or an-
other medication to open the airways. For severe crouP/
your child may need to spend time in a hospital receiving
humidified oxygen. Rarely, a temporary breathing tube
may need to be placed in a child's windpipe.
E Fresh cold air may also help a child with croup to breathe
by reducing the swelling of the trachea and 1ar1mx.
CUSHING'S SYNDROME
See under ADRENAL DISoRDERS.
CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most cornrnon inherited illness
among Americans of northern and western European an-
cestry. It occurs in people of all ethnic backgrounds and is
most common in Caucasians. It occurs with approximately
e'qual frequency in men and women. About 30,000 people in
the United States (70,000 worldwide) have been diagnosed
with CF and 1,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
It is estimated that about 12 mitlion Americans-adults
and children-are silent carriers of the defective gene that
leads to this disease. Many of them don't know that they
are CF carriers. The gene responsible for CF was identified
in 1989 on human chromosome 7, and it encodes instruc-
tions for a protein that regulates the passage of salt in and
out of the cells of the body's exocrine glands. This defective
gene transforms the protein called the cystic fibrosis trans-
membrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and causes it to
produce a mucus too thick and too abundant for the body
to excrete.
hr most people with CF, the genetic inshrrctions omii just
one of the protein's 1,480 constituent amino acids-a tiny
glitch, but a devastating one that affects many different
glands in the body, including the pancreas, sweat glands,
and glands of the digestive and respiratory systems.
A11 human cells (except red blood cells, eggs, and sperm)
contain two copies of this gene, one inherited from each
parent. CF results when both copies of the "CF gene" are
abnormal. If one copy is abnormal and the other is normal,
an individual is said to be a carrier. He or she will show no
signs of CF, but can pass on a defective gene to offspring.
Statistically, a child of two carrier parents has a 1-in-4
chance of inheriting CF; al-in- chance of being completely
free of the mutant gene; and a7-in-2 chance of being a car-
rier, like the parents.
The airway, gastrointestinal tract, bile ducts of the liver,
ducts of the pancreas, and the male genitourinary tract all
357
CYSTIC FIBROSIS
produce mucus. Cystic fibrosis alters this normally protec-
tive mucus and transforms it into a thick, abnormal excre-
tion that obstructs airways and damages tissue. Symptoms
of CF begin early in life. Glands in the lungs and bronchial
tubes secrete large quantities of thick, sticky mucus that
blocks lung passages and provides the perfect place for
harmful bacteria to thrive. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (also seen
in cancer and burn patients) is the bacteria that most com-
monly colonizes the lungs, resulting in chronic coughing
and wheezing, difficulty breathing, and recurrent lung in-
fections. Once established, the bacteria remain in the lungs
and are responsible for repeated outbreaks of infection'
The bacteria form their own dense structure, called a
biofilm, ald are immune to most current treatments. They
also produce toxic proteins that can cause tissue damage
and weaken the immune system. The lungs of many chil-
dren with CF are inhabited or colonized by the Pseudomo-
nas aeruginosabacteriabefore they are ten years of age.
Thick secretions also often obstruct the release of pan-
creatic enzymes, resulting in digestive difficulties and
malabsorption problems, particularly problems with the
metabolism of fats. Malnutrition may result because a lack
of necessary digestive enzymes means that nutrients from
foods are not properly absorbed. This in turn can cause
pain after eating and, especially in young children, a fail-
ure to gain weight normally. Pancreatic enzymes need to
be replaced to counter this.
Persons with this disease also lose excessive amounts of
salt through iheir sweat glands. Sweating may be profuse,
and the sweat itself contains abnormally high concentra-
tions of sodium, potassium, and chloride salts. Other signs
suggestive of CF include clubbing of the fingers and toes (a
result of poor oxygenation due to weak lung function);
greasy, bulky, foul-smelling stools; and salty-tasting skin.
The reproductive organs may be affected, causing in-fertil-
ity in almost all men and some women.
The identification of the CF gene has enabled research-
ers to begin developing new approaches to diagnosis and
treatment of the disease' A test is now available in *'hich
cells are swabbed from the inside of the cheek and then
examined for the presence of defective genes. The presence
of both normal and mutant CF genes indicates that the in-
dividual is a carrier. If only mutant genes are there, CF is
indicated.
The most widely used test for CF is the electrolyte sweat
test. Developed over forty years ago, the sweat test detects
the excessive amounts of electrolytes (charged mineral
salts) found on the skin of many people with CF. A physi-
cian would likely recommend that a sweat test be per-
formed on a child who failed to gain weight despite
adequate feeding, or who suffered from very frequent re-
spiratory infections. CF testing is currently recommended
only for those individuals with symPtoms highly sugges-
tive of the disease, or with a family history of the disorder.
Howevet, if there is doubt about the diagnosis, the sweat
test can be confirmed by performing a genetic test.
 THE DISORDERS lPartTwo
F IB ROS IS

50 mg dailY. Do not lmportant in immune function

Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended exceed a total of 100 mg and healing of tissue. Use zinc
ages of twelve qluconate lozenges or 0PtiZinc
here are for adults. For childrenbetween the daily from all suPPlements
iorbest absorption. Taking 30
the recom-
and seventeen, reduce the dose to three-quarters mg a day maY allow children to
melded amount. For children between six and twelve' use take less antibiotics to treat
dose, and for children under the upper resPiratory inlections.
one-half the recommended
age of six, use one-quarter the recommended amount'

100 mg daily. Acts as an immunostimulant.

Coenzyme 016
plus
As directed on label. Supports the immune sYstem's
NUTRIENTS Coenzyme A
detoxification of many
COMMENTS from Coen4rme-A
SUPPLEMENT SUGGESTED DOSAGE dangerous substances.
Technologies

,,:iiir..:.i-. - r: - . 3 mg daily. Low levels o{ coPPer and

:s::n:i!,.:jrn'.::3::i: n::::,
Copper
selenium have been linked
Aids in
Alui uulltlullrrrv infection
lll controlling and
Complete Enzyme As directed on label, on
200 mcg daily. lf You to cystic fibrosis.
helps digestion, and thins the selenium
Blend an empty stomach'
mucous secretions of ihe are pregnant, do not
Take behrueen meals'
lungs. Contact Your PhYsician exceed 40 mcg daily.
to find a high-quality enzyme To supply minerals and
Kyo-Green As directed on label.
blend. Some of the food-based chlorophyll needed to
enzvmes do not have the same from Wakunaga
control infection.
poiency as non{ood-based 0r
chlorophyll As directed on label.
enzymes.
500 mg each hvice dailY, Needed for rePair of lung
Aids in the maintenance and L-cysteine
Vitamin A As directed on label. on an emPtY stomach. tissue and to Proteci the llver
repair of ePithelial tissue, and
plus Take with water or juice. (See AMIN0 ACIDS in Part
which makes uP the mucous L-methionine
carotenoid comPlex Do not take with milk. Take 0ne.)
with membranes. Use emulsion
with 50 mg vitamin 86
As directed on label. form for better absorption and
beta-carotene and 100 mg vitamin C
qreater safety at higher doses.
for better absorption.
.100 Aids in digestion, healing,
Vitamin B comPlex mg of each maior As directed on label. Helps the Pancreas to function
and tissue rePair. Lipoic acid
B vitamin 3 times daily, properly and controls the
plus extra with meals (amounts metabolism o{ sugar.
of individual vitamins
in a comPlex will vary). As directed on label. Clinical tests have Proven that
MethylsulfonYl-
50 mg 3 times dailY. this supplement combats lung
vitamin 82 methane (MSM)
(riboflavin) damage.

1,000-2,000 mcg daily' Needed for ProPer digestion A powerful antioxidant that also
Viiamin 812 n/cnogenol As directed on label.
on an empty stomach. and assimilation of nutrients, protects the lungs.
including iron. Use a lozenge,
sublingual, or sPraY form. As directed on label. To relieve in{lammation.
Raw pancreas
(SCE GLANDULAR THERAPY
glandular
3,000-6,000 mg dailY, For tissue rePair and in Parl Three.)
Vitamin C and
in divided doses. immune function. As directed on label.
with raw spleen
bio{lavonoids glandular
Repairs tissue and Prevents and
Vitamin E As directed on label.
cell damage. Also helps in the raw thymus
Do not to exceed As directed on label.
glandular
200 IU dailY {rom utilization of vitamin A. Use
all supplements. d-alpha-tocoPherol f orm. 400 lU dailY Aids in protecting the lungs.
Vitamin D

100 mcg twice dailY Deficiency is common in those

Vitamin K
with this disorder. Needed
{or proper digestion.
0r
alfal{a
See under Herbs, below. Herbs
min-
fl AUatta extract supplies vitamin K and necessary
with cystic fibrosis
Relieves inf lammatton. e-rals, whlch are often deficient in those
Essential fatty acids As directed on label'
(fish oil, primrose oil)
Carflon: DHA omega-3 oil had ;;" i, absorption problems' It is also a good source of chlo-
no etfect on breathing in
children with Delta 508
rophyll.
homozygous cystic f ibrosis'
fl Boswellia, bromelain, cayenne, ginger' and peppermint
So don't use DHA alone; use a
blend oi DHA and EPA.
can aid in reducing inflammation'
Expectorant herbs such as cayenne, elecamPane'
gatlic'
supplement As directed on label' Needed for healing. Use Protein
ff be effective in help-
Protein
0r
from a vegetable source or a noret ound, hyssop, and mullein may
free form amino As direcied on label' free form amino acid. ing to clear some of the congestion'
Speak to 5lour doctor before
acid (Amino is a Chinese herbal
Balance from Anabol
using a protein suPPlement' f Clearlungs from RidgeCrest Herbals for this condition'
tiatunls) Iorrnrlu thatls highly reconunended

3sB
PartTwo ITHE DISORDERS
f Eucalyptus, garlic, orlion, tea tree oil, and thyme have
natural antiseptic properties and fight in{ection.
f Echinacea, licorice, and Siberian ginseng are good for
building up the immune system.
Cautions: Do not take echinacea for longer than three
months. It should not be used by people who are allergic to
ragweed. Licorice root should not be used during preg-
nancy or nursing. It should not be used by persons with
diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or
a history of stroke. Do not use Siberian ginseng if you have
hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, or a heart disorder.
f Lung Tonic from Herbs, Etc., is a combination of many
organic herbs designed to support the lungs.
f Other herbs beneficial for cystic fibrosis include ginger,
goldenseal, and yarrow tea.
Caution: Do not take goldenseal intemally on a daily ba-
sis for more than one week at a time. Do not use it during
pregnancy or if you are breast-feeding, and use with cau-
tion if you are allergic to ragweed. If you have a history of
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, use it only
under a doctor's supervision.
Recommendations
Q Eat a diet consisting of 75 percent raw fruits and vege-
tables, and raw nuts and seeds.
E l'take sure your intake of calories, protein, and other
nutrients is adequate. People with CF require as much as
50 percent more of many nutrients than normal. Take
supplements to provide required enzymes, vitamins, and
minerals. Antioxidant supplements (vitamins A, E, and
Coenzyme Q1g) have been shown to increase blood levels
of these nutrients and reduce airway inflammation. The
supplements were given in a novel micellar formulation to
allow for better absorption.
E h-rctude in the diet foods that are high in germanium,
such as garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and onions. Germanium
helps to improve tissue oxygenation at the cellular level.
[l During hot weather, drink plenty of fluids and increase
your salt intake.
E po not eat foods that stimulate secretions by the mu-
cous membranes. Cooked and processed foods cause ex-
cess mucus buildup and drain the body of energy. These
foods are harder to digest. Do not eat animal products,
dairy products, processed foods, sugar, or white flour
products.
f tl,hen you must take antibiotics, take acidophilus to
replace " friendly" bacteria.
359
CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Considerations
E Recent media reports on the beneficial effects of the
spice turmeric (actually, its pigment, curcumin) in treating
CF should not be taken to indicate that this is a cure. It is true
that in animal tests conducted by Yale University, curcumin
achieved beneficial results. Curcumin is a weak calcium-
pump inhibitor and this enhances the energy transport
mechanism of the cell, which appears to be defective in pa-
tients with CF. At this point, researchers caution that taking
curcumin pi1ls as a supplement, along with the existing CF
drug therapies, has not been tested and could pose hazards.
A phase I safety trial is being conducted. Research is still in
the preLiminary stages.
f the symptoms of cystic fibrosis are normally controlled
with a number of different drugs. Antibiotics are used to
combat the infections to which people with CF are prone,
especially in{ection wltln Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of
microbe that is attracted to the sticky mucus in the lungs.
f Pancrelipase (also sold under a variety of brand names,
including Viokase) is a prescription product containing a
combination of digestive enzymes that is often prescribed
for people with CF and other pancreatic insufficiencies.
f tvtany people also take anti-inflammatory drugs such
asibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, and others), naproxen (Napro-
syn, Aleve), or prednisone (Deltasone and others).
E A small handheld device called the Flutter helps people
with CF to dislodge mucus from the airways. It can replace
conventional physiotherapy.
E fne future of CF treatment may lie in gene therapy. In
the laboratory, normal CF genes have been successfully in-
troduced into cells from people with CF. Experiments in
rats have indicated that replacing the defective CF genes
with normal ones in just 10 percent of the lung-lining cells
improves lung function. However, because the genes in the
cells of the reproductive system are unaffected by this pro-
cedure, the defect can still be passed on to offspring. As part
of this gene therapy, work is proceeding with vector aero-
sols. Avector is like a shuttle that can deliver a good copv of
the defective gene to the appropriate place in the body.
f Dornase (Pulmozyme) is a naturally occurring enzyme
that breaks down DNA molecules. Part of the reason the
mucus that clogs the airways of people with CF is so thick
and sticky is that it contains large molecules of DNA re-
Ieased by white blood cells as they die fighting cfuonic bac-
terial infection. This makes the mucus even denser and
more difficult to expel. Breaking down the DNAmolecules
helps to thin the mucus. Other drugs that are used to in-
crease sputum volume and decrease its thickness include
N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) and guaifenesin (Humibid
LA, Entex). Still others such as albuterol (Ventolin) and
theophylline (Theo-Dur) open airways.
f Levels of two fatty acids-arachidonic acid (AA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-have been found to be out
 THE DISORDERS I PartTwo
CYSTITIS

50 mg h,vice daily.
of balance in people with CF This
lipid imbalance is most vitamin B6
(pyridoxine)
noticeable in the lungs, pancreasr and' intestine-all of the and
in this area vitamin 812 1,000-2,000 mcg daily.
Research
ur"u, *ort affected by cystic fibrosis' For improved circulation Use
Vitamin E 200 lU dailY.
seems Promising. d-alpha-tocoPherol f orm.
is adminis-
El When the antibiotic tobramycinto(Nebcin)
be more effective in Protein metabolism dePends
-ered by aerosol spray, it has proved Zinc lozenges
on zinc. The skin is comPosed

;;hilg infected lung tissue than when administered primarily o{ Protein.

through the iraditional intravenous route'

linked
El tow levels of selenium and vitamin E have been
Needed for repair of all tissues
to cystic fibrosis and cancer' Free {orm amino
and for ProPer hair growth.
fib13sis is available
El Further information about cystic(See Health and Med-
acid (Amino
Balance from Anabol
Use a formula containing both

irom the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation' Naturals)

essential and nonessential
amino acids.
ical Organizations in the Appendix')
500 mg daily, on an Needed tor flexibility of the
L-cystine
empty stomach. Take skin and {or hair texture. (See
CYSTITIS with water or juice. Do AMINO ACIDS in Part 0ne.)
not take with milk. Take
with 50 mg vitamin 86
SEC BLADDER INFECTION.
and 100 mg vitamin C
lor better absorPtion.
DANDRUFF Helps prevent dry skin. Aids
Vitamin A Up to 20,000 lU daily.
lf you are Pregnant, do in healinq of tissue.
that occurs when
Dandruff is a common scalp condition plus not exceed 1 0,000 lU dailY.
white flakes' It is Antioxidants and Precursors ol
dead skin is shed, producing irritating mixed carotenoids 15,000 lU dailY.
vitamin A.
;;;;1y ;.."ditlon of oily, raiher than dry' skin' and occurs
are shed' An important antioxidant
*,r ttfr{ cels renew themselves and the old cells Vitamin C with 3,000-6,000 mg dailY,
to Drevent tissue damage
and discard skin cells at a bioflavonoids in divided doses.
;;;" people tend to generate to ihe scalP and to aid in
shows that severe
faster rate than others' Recent research healing.

associated with seborrhea (a

.ur", oi flaking scalp, usually
overgrowih ol the
,yp* dermriitis;, may be caused by an Protects the scalP and
"f naturally on the skin' 1 tbsp 3 times dailY,
veast Pituros4oru* o'oi', which [ives Lecithin granules
before meals. strengthens cell membranes
illness' hormonal 0r
';;#;'.1" u" triggered by trauma'
"tlrbohydraie capsules 1,200 mq 3 times dailY, o{ the scalP and hair.

imbalances, i*prop"t
consumption' and the beiore meals.

.orrrr*ptlo., oi ,ogut' Deficiencies of nutrients such as the

n-"o-pi"" vitamins, essential fatty acids' andis normally
selenium
nr* Ui"r, fit ked to dandruff as well' Dandruff Herbs
worse in the winter months' rinse'
problem' El 4., infusion of thyme may be used as a hair
Dandruff is an annoying and embarrassing antiseptic and anti-
but is rarely serious' Thete i no cure
for dandruff' but the [l Aloe vera cream or gel is a powerful o{the pure gel' or a
ilflammatory. Twice u Juy upplitutigT
condition can be minimized'
;n"*p"; .or,,ult irrg aloe veia, should be beneficial'
taking dande-
NUTRIENTS fl Those with dandruff can benefit from
SUPPLEMENT SUGGESTED DOSAGE COMMENTS lion, goldenseal, and red clover'
on a daily ba-
Coution:Do not take goldenseal internally
,,..V.*rY| 4 time' Do not use it during
sis for more than o'-te w"eek at a
and use with cau-
Essential fatty acids
pr"g"r".y or if you are breast-feeding'
(ilaxseed oil, Primrose If you have a history of
oil, or salmon oil) I'r"'if yo, ur" ailergic to ragweed' use it only
cardiovascular disease, diaf,etes' or
glaucoma'
Supplies needed minerals,
Kelp 1,000-1,500 mg dailY
esoeciallv iodine, ior better hatr under a doctor's suPervision'
grbwth and healing o{ the scalP'

200 mcg daily. li You An important antioxidant to aid

Selenium
in controlling dry scalP'
Recommendations
are pregnant, do not
taw foods' Eat
exceed 40 mcg daily.
f fat a diet consisting of 50 to 75 percent
100 mg of each major B vitamins are needed for soured Products such as Yogurt'
'/-rtamin B comPlex
B vitamin twice daily, healthv skin and hair. Use a flour' choco-
with meals (amounts high-siress formula. Sublingual E Avoid fried foods, dairy products' sugar'
forms are best for absorption'
of individual vitamins late, nuts, and seafood'
in a comPlex will vary).