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Is Zinc the Missing Nutrient in Childhood Asthma Care?
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/09/23/zinc-childhood-asthma.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola September 23, 2025
Story at-a-glance
- Childhood asthma affects 4.6 million U.S. kids, and research now shows zinc deficiency drives more inflammation, worse lung function, and greater breathing problems
- Zinc strengthens airway barriers, trains immune cells, reduces allergic inflammation, and helps repair tissues, making it central to protecting children against worsening asthma symptoms
- A review in Nutrients found zinc deficiency in children consistently linked to more severe asthma and allergic rhinitis, with greater benefits when levels were restored
- A large U.S. analysis showed overweight children eating more zinc-rich foods had up to 29% lower odds of asthma and fewer attacks compared to peers
- Zinc works best when sourced from whole foods like beef, lamb, oysters, and eggs, with supplements serving only as a backup when your diet falls short
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, characterized by wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 4.6 million children in America are currently living with asthma, making it a leading cause of missed school days and hospital visits.1
However, asthma is not just a breathing problem — it involves chronic inflammation of the airways that leaves the lungs hypersensitive to allergens, pollutants, and infections. This disease is deeply tied to a child’s immune system, and when it comes to optimal immunity, one of the key nutrients that you need is zinc.
Recent studies point to how having low levels of zinc correlates with more severe asthma. This brings forward an important question. Could improving zinc intake help children gain better control of this disease?
Zinc’s Multifaceted Role in the Body
Zinc is an essential mineral found throughout your body’s organs, tissues, and fluids. It’s the second-most abundant mineral in your body next to iron. Your muscles, bones, liver, and skin all need zinc to function optimally — it’s actually involved in “over 300 enzyme-mediated reactions, gene transcription, and protein structure.”2 Here are some of zinc’s important functions:
• Protects your cells from free radicals — Zinc works within the redox cycle, where it competes with metals like iron and copper to limit the creation of most damaging free radicals, preventing unnecessary harm to your cells.
• Acts as a coenzyme for copper-zinc superoxide dismutase — This antioxidant enzyme stops fats in your cell membranes from breaking down (lipid peroxidation), keeping inflammation in check and tissues healthier.
• Supports the thymus gland — Zinc keeps thymulin, a hormone in the thymus, at healthy levels, which allows T cells to mature properly. T cells are the immune system’s frontline soldiers, and without zinc, they don’t develop as they should.
This lack of development pushes the immune system toward what’s called a Th2-dominant state. To put it simply, this means your body reacts to harmless triggers — like dust or pollen — as if they were dangerous, sparking allergic inflammation.
• Influences other key immune players — It regulates group 2 innate lymphoid cells, which are important in managing asthma and allergies. Zinc also keeps dendritic cells, which decide whether to spark or tolerate an immune reaction, balanced.
• Acts like a shield for your body’s barriers — It keeps the epithelial lining, the thin layer of cells that covers your airways and skin, strong and intact. It does this by stabilizing proteins called tight junctions that hold cells together, creating a protective wall. When zinc is lacking, that wall weakens, and allergens or irritants can slip through more easily, leading to chronic inflammation and hypersensitivity.
• Supports apoptosis (programmed cell death) — By doing so, zinc helps prevent unnecessary cell loss and ensures tissues repair effectively. It allows the body to heal from oxidative stress or toxic exposures without spiraling into chronic damage. This protective role highlights why zinc is so important in preventing atopy, the genetic tendency to develop allergic conditions like asthma, eczema, and hay fever.
However, your body has no way to store zinc long-term; this means you have to constantly get it from your diet. Without a steady daily supply, you risk falling short and becoming zinc-deficient. For children dealing with asthma, this deficiency could be an important reason why their symptoms worsen.
Zinc’s Link to Childhood Asthma Becomes Clearer
A recent literature review published in Nutrients gathered evidence on how zinc influences childhood asthma and allergic rhinitis. It highlights this nutrient’s effects on oxidative stress and immune balance, and why it could be the missing piece in children’s asthma care.3
The researchers analyzed both observational and interventional studies to determine how zinc — along with other nutrients — shapes the severity of symptoms, lung function, and even the long-term outlook for airway health.
“Trace elements like zinc and iron, and vitamins like A, C, and D, can alter the immune response and enhance the body’s antioxidant capacity. These are often deficient in children suffering from atopy, with zinc and vitamin A deficiency linked to airway inflammation,” an article in News-Medical.net reports.4
• What defines zinc deficiency? Certain factors affect zinc levels, such as age, gender, inflammation, and individual body rhythms. However, the levels are different between adults and children. In children 10 years old and below, this is defined as having zinc levels below 70 µg/dL in males and 66 µg/dL in females. Meanwhile, adults are considered zinc-deficient if they have levels below 74 µg/dL (males) and 70 µg/dL (females).5
• Children living with asthma and allergies formed the focus of this research — In these groups, zinc deficiency was consistently associated with more severe disease. These children appear to have worse lung function, higher oxidative stress, and more frequent breathing issues. And even though zinc deficiency was not always “severe enough” to meet the lab cutoffs used in adults, the children still experienced worse outcomes when their zinc levels ran low.
• One striking finding was the effect of zinc on allergic rhinitis — Children with this condition were more likely to have swollen nasal tissues and lower zinc levels in their blood. Interestingly, during acute allergy flare-ups, zinc levels in the mucosa (the lining inside the nose) actually increased, hinting that zinc shifts to the site of inflammation. This redistribution indicates that zinc is actively pulled into the tissues where it is needed most, leaving less circulating in the bloodstream.
• Zinc status also matters during the developmental stage — The researchers noted that when mothers had adequate zinc during pregnancy, their children had better lung function and a lower risk of developing asthma, proving that zinc’s role starts even before a child is born.
• The most significant improvements were observed in kids with lower zinc levels to begin with — This suggests that zinc supplementation offers the biggest payoff when deficiency is present. In other words, if your child already eats plenty of zinc-rich foods like beef, lamb, or shellfish, supplementation might not create dramatic changes. But if their diet lacks these foods, the difference in breathing and recovery could be much more noticeable.
• The delivery method also affects the outcome — While some trials found zinc supplementation led to improvements, others reported little change. These inconsistencies were often due to variations in dosage, duration, or even whether the zinc was given orally or intranasally.
This research made one thing clear: Zinc deficiency is not just a side note in asthma care; it’s a driver of worse symptoms, more inflammation, and weaker immune control. For children struggling with breathing problems, ensuring adequate zinc intake offers a practical way to support recovery and resilience alongside conventional treatments. And in asthmatic children dealing with other health conditions like obesity, optimizing levels of this nutrient becomes even more important.
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Zinc Shows Protective Effects in Overweight Children with Asthma
A 2024 cross-sectional analysis published in the World Allergy Organization Journal investigated how dietary zinc intake influences asthma in overweight and obese children and adolescents. The researchers used data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2020 to determine whether children struggling with both excess weight and asthma had lower zinc intake compared to their healthier peers.6
• The study analyzed 4,597 overweight or obese children and adolescents under 20 years old — Of this population, 963 have asthma. After adjusting for confounding factors, the researchers discovered that higher zinc intake consistently correlated with a reduced asthma risk.
• The researchers divided the participants based on their dietary zinc intake — Four groups were created, based on the lowest to highest intake. Compared to the lowest intake group, children in the second quartile had 22% lower odds of asthma, while those in the third quartile had 24% lower odds. Those in the fourth quartile had 29% lower odds.
• This connection held even after adjusting for asthma treatments — Children with higher zinc intake also had fewer recent asthma attacks, strengthening the case that zinc isn’t just about long-term risk but could also make day-to-day management easier.
• Sensitivity analyses (tests that check whether findings hold under different assumptions) confirmed the results — However, because the study was cross-sectional, it cannot prove that zinc intake directly prevents asthma; only that the two are strongly linked. Even so, it strengthens the notion that improving zinc intake is a safe and low-cost step that supports a child’s health. According to the researchers:
“Our findings align with existing research, even if the precise mechanisms by which zinc influences asthma in overweight or obese individuals remain incompletely known. Zinc, recognized for its antioxidant properties, contributes to diminishing oxidative stress through a variety of mechanisms.”7
• Zinc does not act in isolation — A separate 2024 study published in the World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics looked at how zinc levels and other related blood markers affect asthma symptoms. The researchers found that ferritin, a protein that stores iron, was significantly higher in asthmatic children as well.
Zinc and ferritin work in a web of immune responses. When ferritin rises due to inflammation, zinc’s role in balancing oxidative stress and supporting immune cells becomes even more important.8
Overall, these studies prove that nutrition is not just background noise in asthma care — it plays a measurable role. As News-Medicat.net concludes:
“These results emphasize the importance of considering nutritional factors in asthma management and warrant further research into the therapeutic potential of zinc supplementation. Future studies using prospective cohort designs and randomized controlled trials may shed further light on the causal effect of dietary zinc intake on alleviating asthma in this population.”9
Practical Steps to Address Zinc Deficiency in Childhood Asthma
If your child is struggling with asthma, it’s important to go beyond just treating the symptoms. The real problem often starts with inflammation and an overactive immune response. Zinc plays a key role in calming that inflammation, strengthening airway barriers, and keeping the immune system balanced. Here are five practical steps for you to take to help optimize their zinc levels:
1. Make zinc-rich foods part of your daily meals — The most reliable way to improve zinc intake is through food. Focus on meats like grass fed beef and lamb, along with seafood such as oysters or shrimp (derived from safe, clean sources). These foods give your child zinc in a form the body uses easily.
Pastured eggs, beans, and lentils also provide zinc, but know that the zinc they provide isn’t absorbed as efficiently. Adding vitamin C-rich foods like fruit at the same meal helps your body use zinc from plants better.
2. Minimize ultraprocessed and junk foods from their diet — Processed meals often contain seed oils and additives that irritate the body and make asthma symptoms harder to manage. In addition, while zinc is often used in breakfast cereals and other packaged fortified foods, I recommend avoiding these products. You will do far better by consuming the whole-food sources of zinc noted above.
3. Support your child during allergy seasons — If your child deals with allergies alongside asthma, know that their zinc gets pulled into inflamed tissues, especially in the nose and lungs. During high-pollen seasons, make sure meals are packed with zinc-rich options every day. If you’re already doing this, pay attention to whether your child still experiences worsening symptoms — this is often a sign that zinc needs to be boosted even further.
4. Don’t forget about pregnancy and early life nutrition — Adequate zinc intake during pregnancy helps shape your baby’s immune system and reduces their risk of developing asthma later. Focus on whole foods like meats, seafood, and eggs during pregnancy and breastfeeding to give your child the strongest start possible.
5. Use supplementation strategically if diet alone falls short — Always match supplementation with food-based sources so you aren’t relying on pills alone. Think of zinc supplements as a backup, not the foundation.
By addressing zinc deficiency head-on, you’re not just helping manage asthma flare-ups — you’re giving your child stronger immune defenses, healthier lung function, and better recovery when challenges arise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Zinc for Childhood Asthma
Q: Why is zinc important for children with asthma?
A: Zinc plays several key roles in protecting your child’s airways. It helps immune cells mature properly, reduces allergic inflammation, and strengthens the barriers that line the lungs. Zinc also supports tissue repair, so the body recovers better after flare-ups. Without enough zinc, your child’s immune system is more likely to overreact to harmless triggers like dust or pollen, making asthma symptoms worse.
Q: How common is asthma in children?
A: Asthma is one of the most widespread chronic conditions in children today. The CDC reports that 4.6 million children in the United States are currently living with asthma. It isn’t just about wheezing or shortness of breath — it’s also a major reason kids miss school and need urgent medical care, putting stress on both children and families.
Q: What does the research say about zinc and asthma?
A: Several studies have found that zinc deficiency is linked to more severe asthma symptoms. Kids with lower zinc levels often have poorer lung function, higher oxidative stress, and more frequent breathing issues. On the other hand, children who consume more zinc-rich foods are less likely to suffer attacks, and overweight children with higher zinc intake showed up to a 29% lower risk of asthma in one U.S. study.
Q: What foods provide the best sources of zinc?
A: The most effective sources of zinc are whole foods like beef, lamb, oysters, shrimp, and eggs. These give zinc in a form the body absorbs easily. Plant-based foods like beans and lentils also contain zinc, though less is absorbed. Pairing these with vitamin C-rich foods, like fruits, can help improve absorption. Relying less on processed or fortified foods and more on whole-food options is the best way to keep zinc levels healthy.
Q: Should I give my child zinc supplements for asthma?
A: Supplements are helpful mainly when there is a real deficiency or when diet falls short. The biggest improvements in breathing and recovery are usually seen in kids who start out with low zinc levels. Whole foods are ideally the foundation, with supplements acting as a backup if needed. Even then, it’s important to be consistent and combine them with good dietary habits for the best results.
Fisetin — An Unsung Hero in the Fight Against Vascular Calcification
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/07/03/fisetin-cardiovascular-benefits.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola July 03, 2025
Story at-a-glance
- Fisetin, naturally found in strawberries, apples, and onions, prevents artery stiffness by halting harmful calcium buildup in blood vessels
- Regular consumption of fisetin-rich foods significantly reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, effectively lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke
- Fisetin enhances your body’s natural defenses by activating enzymes that switch off dangerous signals responsible for arterial calcification
- Eliminating ultraprocessed foods from your diet protects your arteries from chronic inflammation and metabolic damage
- Daily physical activity and targeted carbohydrate intake help maintain healthy insulin levels, which is essential for preserving flexible arteries and good cardiovascular health
One of the most overlooked threats to your cardiovascular health is vascular calcification, meaning your arteries harden and stiffen as calcium builds up within their walls.
When your arteries lose flexibility, your heart works harder to pump blood, significantly raising your risk for hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. In fact, you could have it right now. Research indicates that nearly half of all adults over the age of 60 have some level of calcification throughout their body, also known as diffuse calcification.1
To manage the issue, researchers are turning towards fisetin, a natural flavonol found abundantly in foods like strawberries, apples, and onions. Interestingly, fisetin also exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promote better overall health.
Fisetin Prevents Calcium Buildup in Arteries
In a study published in Aging,2 researchers investigated how fisetin helps prevent vascular calcification, a process that makes your blood vessels stiff and less able to function properly. To conduct their study, they used human vascular smooth muscle cells, segments of mouse arteries, and a special mouse model that mimics calcification caused by too much vitamin D.
The team treated cells and tissues with high levels of calcium and phosphate, which simulates conditions that promote artery hardening, and then added fisetin. They closely monitored changes in calcification markers, such as genes and proteins involved in calcium deposition.
• The impact of fisetin on cardiovascular health — When fisetin was added, it dramatically reduced the buildup of calcium in the artery cells and in artery segments from mice. Specifically, it lowered activity levels of genes known to promote calcification, including BMP2, ALPL, and CBFA1.
For context, BMP2 is a gene that signals your body to start depositing calcium, ALPL promotes mineralization, and CBFA1 is crucial in transforming smooth muscle cells into bone-like cells — none of which you want happening in your arteries. In other words, fisetin directly interrupts the dangerous transformation of your artery cells from smooth, flexible structures into hardened, calcium-filled tissues.
• Going deeper into fisetin’s effectiveness — The researchers observed that fisetin significantly reduced calcification markers across all experimental setups, proving it is consistently beneficial, and this wasn’t a minor improvement at all. It was substantial enough to suggest that regular intake of fisetin-rich foods or supplementation could effectively shield your arteries from harmful calcium buildup.
Interestingly, these benefits hinged strongly on one crucial enzyme called dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1). When researchers turned it off, fisetin lost its protective effects completely. Even worse, shutting down this enzyme increased calcification, showing that DUSP1 is what fisetin activates to halt the hardening of arteries.
• Fisetin works right away — Time-related specifics were equally striking. In mouse models overloaded with vitamin D (a known way to rapidly induce artery calcification) the introduction of fisetin led to visible improvements in as little as two weeks. Calcium deposits were lower, showing fisetin works swiftly to prevent artery stiffening from progressing once introduced.
• Groups who will benefit the most from fisetin — The research strongly indicates that anyone already at risk from conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or vitamin D overload (which excessively raises calcium levels) will likely see significant heart-health benefits from fisetin. These groups typically face higher risks of rapid vascular calcification.
Conversely, the effectiveness of fisetin compared to untreated scenarios was stark. Cells and tissues exposed to high phosphate and calcium without fisetin quickly became calcified, mirroring the conditions that lead to stiff, blocked arteries in people. But with fisetin treatment, those same tissues remained flexible and significantly less mineralized.
• A look into the biological processes — The central player in vascular calcification is a protein called p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). Think of this protein as a harmful switch that, when activated by stress signals like excess calcium and phosphate, instructs your artery cells to harden and calcify.
Fisetin’s primary action involves activating DUSP1. When it raises the levels of DUSP1, p38 MAPK gets turned off, blocking the harmful signal pathway.
• Fisetin also helps maintain balance in cell signaling — Normally, cells in your arteries carefully regulate their internal calcium levels, but certain conditions disrupt this balance. High phosphate, chronic inflammation, and metabolic disorders upset calcium regulation, pushing smooth muscle cells toward calcification. By enhancing DUSP1 activity, fisetin restores balance, preserving the natural state of your arteries and safeguarding your cardiovascular system from unnecessary strain.
• The dual role of fisetin for your overall health — Not only does fisetin halt calcium buildup, it also addresses inflammation and oxidative stress, which are powerful contributors to artery disease.
Other Health Benefits of Increasing Fisetin Intake
In a meta-analysis published in Acta Scientific Nutritional Health,3 researchers investigated the different health-promoting effects of fisetin. Moreover, they highlighted its specific advantages for your cardiovascular system.
• Maintain lipid balance — This means your cholesterol and triglyceride levels become healthier. Animal studies showed substantial reductions in LDL cholesterol, commonly called “bad cholesterol,” and triglycerides after fisetin administration. This improvement is essential because lower LDL and triglycerides directly reduce your risk of plaque buildup in arteries, thereby dramatically lowering your chance of heart attack or stroke.
• Improve insulin sensitivity — This is a critical factor for managing and preventing Type 2 diabetes and its related cardiovascular complications. Laboratory tests showed improvements within weeks of fisetin supplementation, particularly on animal models of insulin resistance.
• Manage blood pressure — Several studies cited in the review demonstrated significant drops in blood pressure after fisetin was administered regularly. High blood pressure puts relentless strain on your heart and arteries, increasing risks of severe cardiac events.
• Control metabolic dysfunction — The most substantial cardiovascular benefits of fisetin appeared among test animal models. In these groups, fisetin not only normalized cholesterol levels and blood pressure, but also reduced inflammation. These benefits could also translate for human applications, too.
• Modulate the MAPK pathway — As noted in the previous study, this pathway triggers inflammatory responses in your blood vessels, contributing to plaque buildup and vascular damage if unchecked. Studies reviewed showed that fisetin blocks these inflammatory signals at their source, creating powerful protection against heart disease.
• Antioxidant capabilities — Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals, and fisetin stands out because it specifically protects cardiovascular tissues. Previously published literature outlined in the featured study illustrated that fisetin directly scavenges damaging free radicals in heart cells, reducing oxidative stress and minimizing tissue damage.
When oxidative stress is controlled, your heart stays healthier and functions more effectively, significantly reducing your risks of long-term cardiovascular conditions.
• Anticancer properties — Interestingly, the researchers noted that fisetin helps fight cancer, specifically by activating tumor suppressor pathways through the p53 protein:4
“P53 is often referred to as the ‘guardian of the genome’ because it regulates critical cellular processes, such as DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis (programmed cell death), in response to cellular stress or DNA damage.
In many cancers, p53 is either mutated or downregulated, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and evasion of apoptosis. Fisetin has been shown to restore or enhance the function of p53, promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells.”
• Endothelial function support — Healthy endothelial cells are crucial for proper circulation, blood pressure control, and overall heart health, and fisetin was shown to help keep endothelial cells functioning optimally, maintaining healthy blood vessel dilation and smooth blood flow.
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How to Protect Your Arteries and Improve Cardiovascular Health
If you’re dealing with early signs of arterial stiffness or simply want to ensure your cardiovascular system remains strong, tackling the root causes is your best strategy. Here are my recommendations to help you effectively improve your heart health naturally:
1. Boost your fisetin intake through diet — Start incorporating more fisetin-rich foods into your meals daily. Strawberries, apples, onions, cucumbers, and even persimmons contain significant amounts of this beneficial flavonol. As the prior studies have shown, increasing your fisetin intake will help reduce the risk of artery calcification, as well as lower inflammation, and improve overall heart health.
2. Cut out ultraprocessed foods from your life — Avoiding ultraprocessed foods, especially those high in linoleic acid (LA) is one of the most effective steps to protect your cardiovascular system.
These synthetic products directly fuel inflammation and oxidative stress, which are major drivers of artery stiffness. Instead, replace these harmful choices with whole, nutritious foods. Ideally, swap high-LA vegetable oils with healthy fats instead, such as grass fed butter, ghee, or tallow.
For a detailed explanation of the dangers that LA poses to human health, I encourage you to read my study published in Advances in Redox Research.5 There, I discuss crucial topics, such as LA’s effect on cardiolipin, metabolic function, and gut microbiome.
3. Get moving with regular exercise — Make exercise a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s biking, swimming, or lifting weights, regular physical activity significantly reduces inflammation and insulin resistance, improving the flexibility and health of your arteries.
If you are new to exercise, I recommend you start walking. This simple act, done gradually and steadily, is one of the most effective forms of exercise anyone can do. Best of all, it’s an exercise that can’t be overdone. For an in-depth look at the benefits of walking, read “The Benefits of Walking — How to Get More Steps in This Summer.”
4. Lose excess weight — In relation to the previous point, excess weight leads to plaque buildup in your arteries, thus restricting blood flow to your heart. Ultimately, this affects your other organs, too, as they won’t get enough blood. To help you tackle the root cause of obesity, read “Study Challenges the Current Definition of Obesity.”
5. Boost your vitamin K2 intake — This nutrient serves as your body’s master regulator for calcium distribution, ensuring that it supports important functions instead of calcifying your arteries. That said, I recommend boosting your K2 intake via fermented foods, such as natto and homemade fermented veggies. Certain cheeses, such as Munster, Gouda, and Brie, are also rich in vitamin K2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fisetin and Vascular Calcification
Q: What is vascular calcification, and why is it harmful?
A: Vascular calcification occurs when calcium builds up in artery walls, making them stiff and less flexible. This condition increases the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes, especially prevalent among adults over age 60.
Q: How can fisetin help prevent vascular calcification?
A: Fisetin, a naturally occurring flavonol found in strawberries, apples, and onions, prevents artery calcification by activating the enzyme DUSP1. This enzyme inhibits harmful signals (specifically the p38 MAPK pathway) that otherwise lead to hardened arteries.
Q: Who would benefit most from increasing fisetin intake?
A: Individuals with conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or those experiencing excessive vitamin D intake can gain cardiovascular benefits by regularly consuming fisetin-rich foods or supplements.
Q: Beyond cardiovascular health, what other health benefits does fisetin provide?
A: Fisetin supports overall health by improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels, enhancing insulin sensitivity, lowering blood pressure, reducing oxidative stress, and exerting anticancer effects by activating the p53 tumor suppressor pathway.
Q: What dietary and lifestyle changes can I make to improve cardiovascular health?
A: To protect your heart and arteries, incorporate more fisetin-rich foods (like strawberries, onions, apples), eliminate ultraprocessed foods, increase physical activity, manage body weight, and consume vitamin K2-rich foods like fermented vegetables and specific cheeses (Gouda, Brie, and Munster).
Heart attack survivors face a hidden nightmare: Two-thirds develop brain damage
Reproduced from original article:
https://www.naturalhealth365.com/heart-attack-survivors-face-a-hidden-nightmare-two-thirds-develop-brain-damage.html
by: June 28, 2025</span
(NaturalHealth365) You beat the odds. You survived a massive heart attack when your heart literally stopped doing its job. The doctors called you lucky. Your family threw a celebration. You thought the worst was behind you.
Then you tried to go back to your normal life and realized something was wrong.
You can’t remember where you put your keys. Simple conversations leave you confused. Tasks you’ve done a thousand times suddenly feel impossible. Your brain feels like it’s wrapped in thick fog that never lifts.
Welcome to the nightmare that doctors don’t warn you about – and a shocking new study reveals it’s happening to almost everyone who survives cardiogenic shock.
Two-thirds of survivors get their brains scrambled
Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center just released a bombshell report that should wake up every person dealing with heart disease.
They tracked 141 people who survived cardiogenic shock – a life-threatening condition where your heart literally can’t pump enough blood to keep your organs alive – and discovered that 65% developed new brain damage by the time they left the hospital. Even worse, 53% were still mentally impaired three months later.
Dr. James de Lemos, who led this research, didn’t mince words: “Nearly two-thirds of cardiogenic shock survivors experienced cognitive impairment within three months of hospital discharge, underscoring a critical but overlooked aspect of recovery.”
Think about those numbers for a second. If you survive one of the most catastrophic heart events possible, you’ve got better than a coin flip’s chance of walking out of that hospital with a damaged brain. And nobody, not your cardiologist, not your nurses, not your discharge team, is going to warn you about it.
What cardiogenic shock does to you
Here’s what happens when your heart goes into cardiogenic shock: it basically gives up. Whether from a massive heart attack, severe heart failure, or surgical complications, your heart just stops pumping enough blood to keep you alive.
About 100,000 Americans go through this hell every year. Until recently, most people died. Period. However, medical technology has advanced to the point where up to 70% of patients now survive the initial event.
The problem? While doctors are patting themselves on the back for keeping you breathing, your brain is slowly starving to death.
Your brain needs about 20% of all the blood in your body to function properly. When your heart can’t pump enough blood, your brain cells start dying from oxygen starvation. Even if the medical team manages to get your heart working again, the damage to your brain tissue might already be permanent.
The medical cover-up that’s destroying lives
The medical establishment has known for years that heart problems cause brain damage, but they have not paid much attention to what kind of life they’re sending people back to.
Dr. Eric Hall, who led the study, admits: “We found that cardiogenic shock is associated with cognitive impairment, which is an under-recognized consequence strongly linked to patients’ overall quality of life.”
“Under-recognized” is medical speak for “we’ve been ignoring this massive problem for decades.”
So imagine yourself lying in that hospital bed, grateful to be alive, while doctors explain your discharge instructions. Nobody mentions that there’s a two-thirds chance you won’t be able to think straight for months – maybe years. Nobody suggests cognitive testing. Nobody connects you with brain specialists who might be able to help.
You get sent home to discover your mental decline on your own, wondering if you’re going crazy.
How to protect yourself before crisis strikes
The harsh truth is that once your heart goes into cardiogenic shock, the brain damage is probably already happening. Your best defense is to ensure your heart never reaches that point.
Here’s how to keep your heart so strong it never fails catastrophically:
Ditch the foods that are literally poisoning your cardiovascular system. Processed junk, sugar-loaded garbage, and those toxic seed oils they put in everything are creating chronic inflammation that’s slowly destroying your heart and blood vessels.
Feed your heart the nutrients it actually needs to stay strong. CoQ10, magnesium, omega-3s, and hawthorn berry are beneficial for your cardiovascular system.
Stop treating symptoms and start fixing root causes. High blood pressure, insulin resistance, and chronic stress are all warning signs that your heart is headed for trouble. Most doctors just want to throw pills at these problems instead of actually solving them.
Get real testing that can catch problems before they kill you. Standard heart tests often miss early problems that advanced testing can identify years in advance. For example, talk to a holistic doctor about C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen, two tests that measure levels of inflammation in the body.
Improve your body’s detoxification systems. Environmental toxins, heavy metals, and chronic infections are all attacking your cardiovascular system. Your liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system need support to protect your heart from this toxic assault.
Your heart and brain are connected, whether doctors admit it or not
What happens to your heart directly affects your brain. When your cardiovascular system breaks down, your brain pays the price. The medical system might want to treat these as separate issues, but your body knows better.
Thousands of people are walking around right now thinking they’re “heart attack survivors” when they’re actually brain damage victims who don’t even know what happened to them.
If you are ready to give your heart the protection it needs, consider Jonathan Landsman’s Cardiovascular Docu-Class, featuring 22 leading heart health experts who understand the real connection between heart and brain health. These aren’t the same doctors who ignore cognitive damage – these are experts who know how to prevent heart disease before it destroys your life and your mind. Get lifetime access to strategies that could save both your heart and your ability to think clearly.
Sources for this article include:
Reverse metabolic syndrome in 12 weeks by eating more calories from almonds
Reproduced from original article:
https://www.naturalhealth365.com/here-is-how-eating-more-calories-can-reverse-metabolic-syndrome-in-12-weeks.html
by: June 18, 2025
(NaturalHealth365) What if reversing metabolic syndrome was as simple as reaching for the right snack? Scientists at Oregon State University have recently demonstrated that consuming a handful of almonds daily can significantly improve your health in ways that should prompt every doctor to reconsider their treatment approach.
Published in Nutrition Research, this 12-week study tracked people with metabolic syndrome and discovered something remarkable: those who ate just 2 ounces of almonds daily – about 45 nuts – showed dramatic improvements in cholesterol levels, waist circumference, and gut inflammation.
This matters because metabolic syndrome affects nearly 40% of American adults and makes them three times more likely to suffer heart attacks or strokes.
What happened when scientists fed people more calories
The Oregon State researchers split 77 people aged 35-60 with diagnosed metabolic syndrome into two groups. One group ate 320 calories worth of almonds daily. The control group ate crackers with identical calories but lacking the healthy fats, protein, and micronutrients found in almonds.
After just 12 weeks, the almond group showed:
Cardiovascular improvements:
- Significant decreases in total cholesterol
- Major reductions in LDL cholesterol
- Noticeable waist circumference reduction
Gut health benefits:
- Dramatic improvements in intestinal inflammation markers
- Better gut barrier function in participants with baseline inflammation
- Reduced inflammatory compounds like calprotectin and myeloperoxidase
Nutritional transformation:
- Marked increases in vitamin E levels
- Enhanced intake of magnesium, copper, biotin, and healthy fats
- Better overall nutrient status across multiple categories
What 9 out of 10 Americans don’t get enough of
Here’s something shocking: More than 90% of Americans don’t get enough vitamin E, a nutrient crucial for heart health, nerve function, and blood clotting regulation. Just one ounce of almonds provides 50% of daily vitamin E needs – the highest amount in any tree nut.
“Even factoring in those who take supplements, vitamin E remains a nutrient of concern in the U.S.,” notes co-author Maret Traber. “Consuming almonds could help fill this gap.”
The study participants showed improved vitamin E-to-cholesterol ratios within weeks, indicating better cardiovascular protection at the cellular level.
Why almonds work so well
Lead researcher Laura Beaver explains: “The changes in cholesterol levels suggest that a metabolic shift occurred in people who snacked on almonds daily.” This isn’t just about individual nutrients – it’s almonds’ unique combination working synergistically:
- Healthy fats improve lipid metabolism
- Fiber and polyphenols support gut barrier function
- Protein provides satiety without weight gain
- Concentrated micronutrients fill critical gaps that most people don’t even know they have
Participants managed to add 320 calories daily without packing on pounds. How? Almonds’ protein and fiber kept them satisfied longer, naturally crowding out cravings for junk food.
Other natural solutions to combat metabolic syndrome
Almonds aren’t the only game-changer. Several other natural approaches have demolished metabolic syndrome in clinical trials:
Chromium and magnesium: Chromium picolinate (200-400 mcg daily) helps cells effectively use insulin, while magnesium (400-600 mg daily) can help lower blood pressure and inflammation levels.
Intermittent fasting: The simple 16:8 eating window has been shown to reverse insulin resistance and shrink waistlines in multiple studies. People often see changes in cholesterol within 2-3 months.
Green Tea Extract: EGCG extract (400-500 mg daily) specifically targets belly fat while improving how cells respond to insulin. It even helps clear fat from the liver.
Berberine: Berberine works just as well as the diabetes drug metformin for blood sugar control, and also improves cholesterol levels and reduces inflammation. Most people take 500 mg twice daily.
Quick HIIT sessions: Just 15-20 minutes of high-intensity intervals three times a week can help reverse insulin resistance and improve every metabolic marker within three months.
Why food beats pills every time
This almond research upends Western medicine. Instead of masking symptoms with drugs, we’re seeing real root-cause healing through nutrition.
Dr. Emily Ho puts it perfectly: “Unless there is concern about nut allergies, it’s easy to recommend a handful or two of almonds as a healthy snack, especially for people concerned about their metabolic disease risk.”
Think about it – 45 almonds cost less than a typical supplement, need no prescription, and deliver benefits that extend way beyond metabolic syndrome. Additionally, people noticed real changes within weeks simply by swapping their usual snacks.
The bigger picture beyond almonds
Here’s what gets exciting: almonds work best as part of a complete strategy. Getting nutrients from whole foods creates effects you can’t replicate with just isolated supplements.
The nutrients in almonds work together synergistically, acting as a team. This same principle applies to other whole foods and lifestyle changes that target multiple metabolic pathways simultaneously.
For anyone dealing with metabolic syndrome, this research proves you don’t have to accept declining health or rely solely on medications with side effects. Simple, sustainable changes can create real improvements.
The key is consistency and combining approaches that make sense together. Your body responds better to comprehensive support than isolated interventions. If you’re ready to discover comprehensive strategies for cardiovascular health that go beyond simple dietary changes, the Cardiovascular Docu-Class features 22 leading experts who reveal advanced approaches to reversing heart disease, clearing arterial plaque, and optimizing circulation naturally, including the latest research on how nutrition directly impacts cardiovascular function.
Your heart doesn’t have to settle for gradual decline. Sometimes the most powerful healing comes in small, consistent amounts.
Sources for this article include:
Stress has hijacked your hormones – but nature’s ancient answer is making a scientific comeback
Reproduced from original article:
https://www.naturalhealth365.com/stress-has-hijacked-your-hormones-but-natures-ancient-answer-is-making-a-scientific-comeback.html
by: May 12, 2025
(NaturalHealth365) Nearly 80% of Americans report experiencing stress that affects their physical health, and millions more suffer from what holistic healthcare providers call “adrenal fatigue” – that bone-deep exhaustion that sleep can’t fix. The constant pressure to perform, endless notifications, and 24/7 connectivity have pushed our stress response systems beyond their natural limits.
When your body stays in fight-or-flight mode for months or years, it fundamentally changes how you respond to even minor stressors. Now, scientists are catching up to what traditional healers have known for centuries about a remarkable herb that helps your body handle stress better.
When stress becomes your new normal
Ever feel like you’re running on empty, even after a full night’s sleep? Or notice how stress seems to hit you harder than it used to? You’re not imagining things. Chronic stress fundamentally changes how your body responds to everyday challenges, and the toll on your adrenal glands – those tiny glands that produce your stress hormones – can be devastating.
A recent meta-analysis published in the EXPLORE journal examined nine clinical trials with 558 participants and found something remarkable. An ancient herb called ashwagandha doesn’t just help you feel calmer – it reduces the stress hormone cortisol by measurable amounts while significantly lowering anxiety and perceived stress levels.
Science finally catches up to tradition
This research is compelling because it validates centuries of traditional use with modern scientific methods. Participants taking ashwagandha experienced a 4.72-point reduction in perceived stress scores, a 2.19-point decrease in anxiety measures, and their cortisol levels dropped by 2.58 points. These numbers represent real people feeling genuinely better.
The herbs used in these studies ranged from 125 to 600 milligrams daily, taken for 30 to 90 days. Both pure root extracts and combinations of root and leaf showed benefits, giving people options based on their preferences and needs.
Why ashwagandha isn’t your typical stress band-aid
That third cup of coffee often makes you more jittery. A glass of wine might relax you temporarily, but it leaves you feeling worse the next day. These quick fixes backfire because they’re only masking the problem. Ashwagandha works completely differently. Instead of covering up symptoms, it actually helps your body become more resilient to stress.
New research published in Molecules discovered something fascinating – this herb actively reduces brain inflammation. Not just any inflammation, but the specific kind that chronic stress triggers, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and brain fog.
The magic lies in compounds called withanolides. Think of them as nature’s stress-response regulators. They influence inflammatory molecules with names like TNF-α and various interleukins while shielding brain cells from the damage that constant stress can cause. It’s like having a buffer between you and life’s daily pressures.
Those tiny glands that control everything
Picture two small triangular glands perched on top of your kidneys. These are your adrenals, and they’re working overtime in our modern world. Every time you face a deadline, argue with your partner, or even check your overflowing inbox, these glands pump out stress hormones.
Here’s the problem: when your adrenals never get a break, they start functioning like an overworked employee – less efficiently, more erratically. This affects your energy when you wake up, your ability to focus during the day, and how well you wind down at night.
Ashwagandha seems to give these exhausted glands the support they need. Rather than forcing them to work harder (like stimulants do), it helps them work smarter. Research indicates it may help restore natural cortisol patterns – energizing you in the morning and allowing relaxation at night.
Making it work in real life
So you’re intrigued and want to try ashwagandha? Here’s what works based on the research. Most successful studies used standardized extracts – basically, versions where the active compounds are measured and consistent.
People typically start with smaller amounts, somewhere between 125 and 250 milligrams daily. Some gradually increase this if needed. The key seems to be consistency – taking it daily for at least a month. This makes sense when you think about it. You’re not putting a bandage on stress; you’re helping your body develop better stress-handling abilities.
Timing matters too. Some folks find evening doses help them unwind, while others prefer morning to set a calmer tone for their day. There’s no universal “right” time – it depends on your body and lifestyle.
Ashwagandha should be part of a bigger stress-busting strategy
Herbalists call Ashwagandha an adaptogen – a plant that helps your body adapt to whatever life throws at it. It’s not alone in this category. Rhodiola has impressed researchers with its ability to reduce inflammatory markers. Siberian ginseng has helped people maintain energy and resilience for generations.
But here’s the thing – no herb, no matter how impressive, can compensate for a life that’s completely out of whack. If you sleep four hours a night, live on takeout (fast) food, and haven’t moved your body in weeks, ashwagandha can only do so much.
Think of it as one tool in your stress-management toolkit. Quality sleep, regular movement, nourishing food, and genuine downtime all play crucial roles. When you combine ashwagandha with these foundational practices, people often see the most dramatic improvements.
The bottom line? Managing chronic stress and supporting exhausted adrenals isn’t about finding one magical solution. It’s about giving your body multiple forms of support so you can handle whatever challenges come your way with more grace and less wear and tear on your system.
Sources for this article include:
The Hidden Key to Boundless Energy
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/04/06/the-hidden-key-to-boundless-energy.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola April 06, 2025
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Modern environmental factors including seed oils, endocrine disruptors, estrogens and EMFs allow harmful gut bacteria to proliferate, producing endotoxins that severely compromise mitochondrial function and reduce cellular energy production
- While ketogenic diets provide short-term benefits, long-term carbohydrate restriction impairs mitochondrial function and creates reductive stress in cells, necessitating a more balanced approach
- Excessive consumption of omega-6-rich seed oils severely damages mitochondrial function and makes skin more susceptible to sun damage, making these processed oils one of the biggest threats to health
- A healthy gut environment requires proper cellular energy to maintain low oxygen levels, allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive and produce protective short-chain fatty acids that strengthen your intestinal barrier
- Restoring health requires systematically reducing exposure to environmental toxins while gradually reintroducing healthy carbohydrates to support mitochondrial function and maintain proper gut bacteria balance
In my interview with Sean Kim of Growth Minds, we discussed the decades I’ve spent searching for the best ways to help you reclaim your health.1 When you consider how different modern lifestyles are from our ancestors’ days, it reveals many clues about why you might feel tired, run-down or prone to illness. Those ancestors had their own health challenges, but they weren’t swimming in artificial chemicals, electromagnetic fields and processed seed oils that drive chronic diseases.
You face these threats every day, and your body is likely struggling as a result. I’ve devoted my life to understanding how food, environment and daily habits affect you at the cellular level. That journey led me to study how your mitochondria produce the energy you need. Mitochondria are known as your cells’ power stations.
They depend on proper fuel, stable hormone levels and minimal toxic exposures to keep you thriving. If those factors are off balance, you’ll feel it. The question is: how do you get them back on track?
While a ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting help you lose weight initially, they’re a short-term fix with long-term consequences. As I explained to Kim, there’s a deeper story about how your body responds to various fuels, especially when you’ve been under stress or exposed to toxic influences.
You have to look at your gut, your hormone systems and your environment to fully understand what’s going on and restore optimal health. When I first explored diets high in fat and extremely low in carbohydrates, I saw benefits for some people in specific circumstances. Over time, however, I discovered that your system needs more than a strict low-carb diet provides.
Rethinking What It Means to Eat Well
In my interview with Kim, I made it clear that I used to be a leading advocate of ketogenic diets. I even wrote a No. 1 bestselling book on the topic. Many people have used a ketogenic diet with good outcomes for weight loss and insulin control, and I believed that kind of diet could support you in turning your health around. The results people experienced weren’t imaginary. Many of them had real successes.
Over time, however, more detailed research into mitochondrial function made me change my stance. It’s not enough to measure your short-term results. You have to look at what happens over many years. If you keep forcing your body into a state of ultra-low carbohydrate intake, you risk backing up electron flow in your mitochondria. That jammed-up electron flow weakens your cells’ ability to produce steady energy, a phenomenon otherwise known as reductive stress.
It also encourages shifts in your gut bacteria that harm you more than help you. You need healthy gut bacteria to make short-chain fatty acids, which keep your colon lining strong and keep harmful pathogens in check. A balanced intake of healthy carbohydrates is key once you’ve corrected the root concerns. Your brain needs glucose, and while you can survive on fewer carbs for a while, it’s easy to slip into a stressful metabolic state if you don’t consume enough healthy carbs.
How Your Environment Shapes Your Health
Everyday toxins also affect you at the cellular level. Throughout our talk, I explained to Kim that I’ve identified four main stressors that diminish your mitochondrial energy production. These factors silently harm your gut health, disrupt your hormones and trigger damaging oxidative stress.
First, you have the overconsumption of omega-6 seed oils, which are rich in linoleic acid. These highly processed cooking oils are the single biggest nutritional danger you face. You’ll find them in countless packaged foods, snack items and restaurant meals. The main reason why excess LA causes disease is that it prevents your mitochondria from working well. It also makes sun exposure more damaging due to the accumulation of these fats in your skin cells.
Second, you have excess endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in your environment. These come from plastics, personal care products and even certain pesticides and mimic hormones, like estrogen, in your body. Many of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals reduce fertility and create hormonal imbalances. Xenoestrogens found in everyday items like plastic are one example of EDCs with widespread reach.
It’s also important to minimize exposure to synthetic estrogens, such as those found in hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives. Estrogen increases intracellular calcium levels and decreases mitochondrial function. In fact, estrogen dominance is nearly as dangerous as excessive LA intake when it comes to destroying your mitochondrial function.
The third significant threat to cellular health comes from pervasive exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) due to the proliferation of wireless technologies. EMFs increase calcium ion concentrations within cells, resulting in the production of harmful free radicals.
Together, widespread exposure to LA in seed oils, EDCs in plastics and EMFs impair your cells’ ability to generate energy efficiently. This energy deficit makes it challenging to sustain the oxygen-free gut environment necessary for beneficial bacteria to flourish.
As your gut barrier weakens, it allows harmful substances to breach your intestinal wall and enter your bloodstream. This intrusion triggers a systemic inflammatory response, with wide-ranging effects on your health. Of particular concern is the proliferation of oxygen-tolerant bacteria, which are not ideally suited for the gut environment.
These microorganisms produce a potent form of endotoxin — the fourth major threat to your cellular health — known as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). When LPS enters your bloodstream through a compromised gut barrier, it leads to a severe condition known as endotoxemia, which often progresses to septic shock — a state of systemic inflammation that’s sometimes fatal.
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Restoring Gut Health as Your Foundation
A healthy gut is pivotal to your well-being. In my interview with Kim, I explained that if your healthy gut bacteria can’t thrive, your body faces one hurdle after another. An oxygen-free environment is necessary for beneficial bacteria that create short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, propionate and acetate to thrive. These compounds help keep your colon lining strong by nourishing the cells that line your gut wall.
Your body needs cellular energy to keep oxygen levels low in your colon, however. So, if your mitochondria aren’t functioning properly and your cellular energy is low, you’re likely to have excess oxygen in your colon that boosts harmful bacteria.
The end result is an upsurge in toxic byproducts, including more potent forms of endotoxin. That’s why simply cutting carbohydrates might seem to help in the short term: if you starve harmful bacteria of their favorite fuels, they don’t multiply so fast.
Yet you pay for it later by ultimately decreasing the cellular energy you need for robust digestion and a healthy metabolism. A diet that includes high-quality fiber from vegetables and other sources of healthy carbohydrates is key, but if you have a compromised gut, it’s important to start with easier-to-digest options, like white rice or slowly sipping dextrose water daily for a week or two.
You want to steer clear of a low-carb diet, especially long term. If you keep your body in a constant energy deficit, you’re only compounding your mitochondrial problems. You’re also setting yourself up for increased stress hormone release, which breaks down your lean muscle tissue to make emergency glucose.
By cutting out mitochondrial poisons and nourishing your gut with healthy carbohydrates, you give your body the chance to restore that protective mucus layer, keep oxygen levels low in your colon and restore mitochondrial health for increased cellular energy.
When you remove the factors that destroy your cellular energy, you can then enjoy moderate to higher carbohydrate intake without wrecking your metabolic function. This might mean 200 to 350 grams of quality carbohydrates in a day, but the exact amount varies by your personal needs, activity level and genetics. The key is to focus on real, whole-food sources instead of ultraprocessed carbs that contain seed oils and refined sugar.
Let me emphasize once more that you should clear out the elements causing harm before you increase your carbohydrate intake. That means cutting back on omega-6-rich seed oils, limiting endocrine-disrupting chemicals, reducing EMF exposure and repairing your gut so it’s able to handle more fiber.
Practical Steps to Tame the Toxins
During my discussion with Kim, we touched on ways to reduce exposure to chemicals and stressors, so you enhance your health from the inside out. If you want to limit microplastics and hormone-disrupting substances, start by cutting down on plastic packaging.
Swap plastic containers for glass whenever possible, and avoid heating foods in plastic. Be mindful of personal care items with synthetic fragrances or complex chemical blends. Even so-called “organic” products often contain compounds that destabilize your hormones, so read labels carefully.
You also want to be wary of your Wi-Fi router and the constant signals from your phone. If you keep your phone by your bed at night, you’re exposing your body to nonstop EMFs. Turning off your wireless devices or switching to airplane mode gives your cells a break, but a better option is to turn off your Wi-Fi at night — or even shut off the power to your bedroom.
Also, try wired internet at home and see whether you notice improvements in your sleep or focus. As you move beyond eating well, also look into ways to speed up the removal of toxins. Sweating is one of the best methods. Traditional exercise does the job as you increase circulation, but an infrared sauna takes it further if you have access to one.
Grounding, or walking barefoot on natural surfaces like sand or soil, also helps reduce extra electrical charges in your body. You still want to watch out for walking barefoot on unnaturally hard floors every day, which promotes the development of joint or foot issues. Even so, a dose of nature is calming, and you might find that grounding on natural surfaces like grass or the ocean is a soothing method to connect with your environment.
During the interview, I also noted that sunlight is both beneficial and at times harmful, depending on your overall health. You absolutely need adequate sun exposure to help your body produce vitamin D and provide other benefits. However, if you’re carrying an excessive amount omega-6 seed oils in your skin cells, they’re prone to oxidation when exposed to sunlight, increasing the risk of skin damage.
Too many of these oxidizable fats in your tissues magnifies any negative effects from UV rays. To maximize the benefits of sun exposure and minimize the risks, eliminate seed oils from your diet. I recommend avoiding sun during peak hours (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in most U.S. regions) until you’ve been seed-oil-free for at least six months.
The Promise of Future Health Innovations
As I told Kim, I believe technology itself becomes a friend if it’s harnessed in the right way. Yes, you should reduce EMF exposure from your phone and your Wi-Fi. Still, advanced computer systems, including artificial intelligence, help you monitor your health in real time.
In the near future, you might use AI-driven software that tracks your daily habits, recognizes patterns in your hormone levels and reminds you to make adjustments to your diet or supplement routine. It’s like having a health coach who’s always there, offering personalized feedback based on data from wearable devices or blood tests.
Progress in the field of mitochondrial research is also advancing at a rapid pace. We’ve come a long way in understanding how molecules like coenzyme Q10 help push electrons through your mitochondrial chain. Further investigations could pinpoint more specific strategies to optimize that electron flow, so you generate energy without building up damaging free radicals.
I’m particularly excited about new insights into gut therapies that restore the colon’s oxygen-free environment, such as an approach that combines targeted probiotics with supportive nutrients to revive the cells lining your gut.
Doing so would let beneficial microbes flourish and block harmful bacteria from expanding. This holds the promise of turning gut health into a more precise science, where you measure shifts in your microbiome composition and match specific interventions for faster results.
As these new approaches gain traction, I’m working to gather data and share it with you. I’m driven by a mission to show you that your body already has the blueprint for abundant energy and balanced hormones. The problem is interference. Environmental pollutants, seed oils and stressors have created roadblocks. If you reduce them systematically, you’ll give yourself a fresh start.
Charting Your Path to Lasting Vitality
In my interview with Kim, I emphasized that your mitochondria lie at the heart of your health story. They decide whether you have the energy to thrive or whether you struggle with chronic fatigue and cellular stress. By addressing the four main stressors — seed oils, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, endotoxins and EMFs — you free up your mitochondria to run at full power. You stop feeding the processes that tear down your gut and your energy.
You also open the door for a truly balanced diet, one that includes not just healthy fats and proteins, but also the right kind of carbohydrates. You deserve to feel vibrant, and your cells are programmed to help you get there.
Clear away plastic toxins, turn off your Wi-Fi at night, choose glass bottles and avoid consuming seed oils. As your gut health improves, introduce better fiber sources that feed your beneficial gut microbes and support mucin production, which protects you from leaky gut.
If you take these steps, you’ll likely see a positive ripple effect. Your thyroid might perk up, your hormones rebalance and your gut wall becomes sturdier. In time, you might even be able to tolerate moderate sun exposure without burning as easily, since your cell membranes are no longer packed with unhealthy fats.
No matter where you are in your health journey, let this knowledge empower you — you can fix the hidden obstacles that drain your energy and derail your gut, and feel confident in a plan that nourishes you from your cells outward, letting you enjoy a fuller life.
This is what I hope you’ll take away from my conversation with Kim: you have more control over your well-being than you realize. When you align your habits with what your body needs, you unleash the boundless energy that’s been waiting inside you all along.
6 Bodily Tissues That Can Be Regenerated Through Nutrition
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Reproduced from original article:
https://greenmedinfo.com/blog/6-bodily-tissues-can-be-regenerated-through-nutrition2
Posted on: Friday, October 28th 2022 at 5:00 pm
Written By: Sayer Ji, Founder
.jpg "6 Bodily Tissues That Can Be Regenerated Through Nutrition")
It may come as a surprise to some, especially those with conventional medical training, but the default state of the body is one of ceaseless regeneration. Without the flame-like process of continual cell turnover within the body – life and death ceaselessly intertwined – the miracle of the human body would not exist
In times of illness, however, regenerative processes are overcome by degenerative ones. This is where medicine may perform its most noble feat, nudging the body back into balance with foods, herbs, nutrients, healing energies, i.e. healing intention. Today, however, drug-based medicine invariably uses chemicals that have not one iota of regenerative potential; to the contrary, they almost always interfere with bodily self-renewal in order to suppress the symptoms against which they are applied.
Despite the outright heretical nature of things which stimulate healing and regeneration vis-à-vis the conventional medical system which frowns upon, or is incredulous towards, spontaneous remission in favor of symptom suppression and disease management, over the course of the past few years of trolling MEDLINE we have collected a series of remarkable studies on the topic…
Nerve Regeneration – There are actually a broad range of natural compounds with proven nerve-regenerative effects. A 2010 study published in the journal Rejuvenation Research, for instance, found a combination of blueberry, green tea and carnosine have neuritogenic (i.e. promoting neuronal regeneration) and stem-cell regenerative effects in an animal model of neurodegenerative disease.[1] Other researched neuritogenic substances include:
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom
- Apigenin (compound in vegetables like celery)
- Blueberry
- Ginseng
- Huperzine
- Natto
- Red Sage
- Resveratrol
- Royal Jelly
- Theanine
- Ashwaganda
- Coffee (trigonelline)
There is another class of nerve-healing substances, known as remyelinating compounds, which stimulate the repair of the protective sheath around the axon of the neurons known as myelin, and which is often damaged in neurological injury and/or dysfunction, especially autoimmune and vaccine-induced demyelination disorders. It should also be noted that even music and falling in love have been studied for possibly stimulating neurogenesis, regeneration and/or repair of neurons, indicating that regenerative medicine does not necessary require the ingestion of anything; rather, a wide range of therapeutic actions may be employed to improve health and well-being, as well.
[View the first-hand biomedical citations on these neuritogenic substance visit our Neuritogenic Research page on the topic]
Liver Regeneration – Glycyrrhizin, a compound found within licorice, and which we recently featured as a powerful anti-SARS virus agent, has also been found to stimulate the regeneration of liver mass and function in the animal model of hepatectomy. Other liver regenerative substances include:
- Carvacrol (a volatile compound in oregano)
- Curcumin
- Korean Ginseng
- Rooibos
- Vitamin E
[view the first-hand biomedical citations on the Liver Regeneration research page]
Beta-Cell Regeneration – Unfortunately, the medical community has yet to harness the diabetes-reversing potential of natural compounds. Whereas expensive stem cell therapies, islet cell transplants, and an array of synthetic drugs in the developmental pipeline are the focus of billions of dollars of research, annually, our kitchen cupboards and backyards may already contain the long sought-after cure for type 1 diabetes. The following compounds have been demonstrated experimentally to regenerate the insulin-producing beta cells, which are destroyed in insulin dependent diabetes, and which once restored, may (at least in theory) restore the health of the patient to the point where they no longer require insulin replacement.
- Gymenna Sylvestre (“the sugar destroyer”)
- Nigella Sativa (“black cumin”)
- Vitamin D
- Curcumin (from the spice Turmeric)
- Arginine
- Avocado
- Berberine (found in bitter herbs such as Goldenseal and Barberry)
- Bitter Melon
- Chard (yes, the green leafy vegetables)
- Corn Silk
- Stevia
- Sulforaphane (especially concentrated in broccoli sprouts)
[view the first-hand biomedical citations on the Beta Cell Regeneration research page]
Hormone Regeneration – there are secretagogues, which increase the endocrine glands’ ability to secrete more hormone, and there are substances that truly regenerate hormones which have degraded (by emitting electrons) into potentially carcinogenic “transient hormone” metabolites. One of these substances is vitamin C. A powerful electron donor, this vitamin has the ability to contribute electrons to resurrect the form and function of estradiol (estrogen; E2), progesterone, testosterone, for instance. [2] In tandem with foods that are able to support the function of glands, such as the ovaries, vitamin C may represent an excellent complement or alternative to hormone replacement therapy.
Cardiac Cell Regeneration – Not too long ago, it was believed that cardiac tissue was uniquely incapable of being regenerated. A new, but rapidly growing body of experimental research now indicates that this is simply not true, and there is a class of heart-tissue regenerating compounds known as neocardiogenic substances. Neocardiogenic substances are able to stimulate the formation of cardiac progenitor cells which can differentiate into healthy heart tissue, and they include the following:
- Resveratrol
- Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero)
- Red Wine Extract
- Geum Japonicum
- N-acetyl-cysteine
Another remarkable example of cardiac cell regeneration is through what is known as fetomaternal trafficking of stem cells through the placenta. In a recent article we discussed the amazing process known as “fetal microchimerism” by which the fetus contributes stem cells to the mother which are capable of regenerating her damaged heart cells, and possibly a wide range of other cell types.
Cartilage/Joint/Spine Regeneration – Curcumin and resveratrol have been shown to improve recovery from spinal cord injury. Over a dozen other natural compounds hold promise in this area, which can be viewed on our Spinal Cord Injury page. As far as degenerative joint disease, i.e. osteoarthritis, there are a broad range of potentially regenerative substances, with 50 listed on our osteoarthritis research page.
Ultimately, regenerative medicine threatens to undermine the very economic infrastructure that props up the modern, drug-based and quite candidly degenerative medical system. Symptom suppression is profitable because it guarantees both the perpetuation of the original underlying disease, and the generation of an ever-expanding array of additional, treatment-induced symptoms.
This is the non-sustainable, infinite growth model which shares features characteristic of the process of cancer itself – a model, which by its very nature, is doomed to fail and eventually collapse. Cultivating diets, lifestyles and attitudes conducive to bodily regeneration can interrupt this pathological circuit, and help us to attain the bodily freedom that is a precondition for the liberation of the human soul and spirit, as well.
Additional related articles:
- Brain Regeneration: Why It’s Real & How To Do It
- How Music Can Support Brain Regeneration & Healing
- How WHOLE Turmeric Heals The Damaged Brain
- Boost Memory, Regenerate Neurons with This Ancient Plant
- Broccoli Can Stimulate Brain Regeneration
- The Flame of Cell Life-Death In The Miracle of Regeneration
References
[1] NT-020, a natural therapeutic approach to optimize spatial memory performance and increase neural progenitor cell proliferation and decrease inflammation in the aged rat. Rejuvenation Res. 2010 Jun 29. Epub 2010 Jun 29. PMID: 20586644
[2] Photo-induced regeneration of hormones by electron transfer processes: Potential biological and medical consequences. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl. 1993. Updated 2011 Aug ;80(8):890-894. PMID: 21814301
Article updated: 10-28-22
The Antidepressant Properties of Lycopene
Reproduced from original article:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/03/08/lycopene-antidepressant-properties.aspx
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola March 08, 2025
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Research reveals lycopene’s antidepressant properties, showing it reverses stress-induced synaptic damage and enhances brain plasticity, thereby improving mood and emotional resilience
- Lycopene demonstrates significant anticancer effects against multiple types of cancer, including pancreatic, ovarian, cervical, and liver cancers
- Lycopene offers powerful protection for digestive and neurological health, including combating H. pylori infections, preventing peptic ulcers and reducing age-related cognitive decline, memory loss and neuroinflammation
- Lycopene has benefits for cardiovascular health, including reducing inflammation markers, improving blood pressure and protecting against heart damage while enhancing vascular health
- Studies indicate lycopene effectively combats metabolic disorders by neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species and reducing inflammatory mediators, making it a natural intervention for conditions like obesity and Type 2 diabetes
Lycopene, the vibrant red pigment that gives tomatoes their characteristic hue, is a powerful carotenoid that has been increasingly recognized for its diverse health benefits, ranging from cardiovascular support to cancer prevention. Beyond these well-established roles, emerging research suggests another application for lycopene: mental well-being, as it has antidepressant properties.
Specifically, scientists suggest this natural compound could play a surprising role in lifting your mood and bolstering your emotional resilience. However, lycopene’s reach doesn’t stop at mental health. Its potent antioxidant actions extend far beyond, acting as a cellular bodyguard throughout your body. By neutralizing harmful free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, lycopene contributes to a foundational level of wellness.
Adding another layer to its impressive profile, research is increasingly highlighting lycopene’s beneficial role in digestive health and metabolic disorders. By consuming more of this natural compound, readily accessible in everyday foods, you could unlock a more balanced and healthier life.
Lycopene Found to Lift Mood in Animal Study
A study published in Food Science & Nutrition explored the ability of lycopene to act as an antidepressant1 by using a model of chronic stress in mice. This type of stress, known as chronic social defeat stress, is designed to mimic conditions that lead to depression-like symptoms in humans.
• Lycopene helped alleviate depression in mice subjects — Symptoms exhibited by the stressed mice included a noticeable reduction in social interaction, and a marked loss of pleasure, a condition known as anhedonia. However, when the mice were treated with lycopene, they saw significant improvements in these depression-like behaviors as well as improvement in their overall demeanor.
• Researchers examined how lycopene achieved these effects — Stress wreaks havoc on the intricate connections in your brain, specifically at the points called synapses. Think of synapses as communication junctions between brain cells that are essential for everything from daily mood regulation to your ability to think clearly. The study showed that stress reduced important synaptic proteins in the mice brains, and lycopene reversed this damage.
• Lycopene enhances synaptic plasticity — This is your brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Synaptic plasticity occurs throughout life, and allows nerve cells in your brain to compensate for injury and disease, and adjust their activities in response to new situations or changes in the environment.
This improvement suggests that lycopene helps the brain become more resilient and adaptable, which is key to overcoming the negative impacts of stress.
• Lycopene also affects brain pathways — The research highlighted lycopene’s influence on a brain pathway known as BDNF-TrkB. BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor, acts like fertilizer for your brain cells, promoting their growth, survival and the formation of new synapses. TrkB is essentially the receptor for BDNF, the docking station on brain cells that allows BDNF to exert its beneficial effects.
The study found that lycopene increases the levels of BDNF and the activity of its TrkB receptor, strengthening the very system within your brain that’s involved in maintaining mental health and emotional balance. So, this research indicates that lycopene helps alleviate depression symptoms by promoting healthier synaptic plasticity through the BDNF-TrkB pathway.
What Are the Other Health Benefits of Lycopene?
A 2024 review published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism highlights the wide range of health benefits attributed to lycopene.2 It emphasizes lycopene’s role as a potent antioxidant, underscoring its capacity to neutralize harmful free radicals within your body.
• Lycopene combats oxidative stress — This process is implicated in numerous health problems and the aging process itself. Lycopene stands out in this regard, offering stronger protection than many other antioxidants you may be familiar with.
• It has cancer-protective benefits — The review details how research consistently links lycopene consumption to a reduced risk of serious conditions that are heavily influenced by oxidative stress, including pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. Studies mentioned in the review show that lycopene has demonstrated anticancer effects in both animal models and human cell lines.
For instance, in rat models, lycopene was shown to slow down the progression of ovarian cancer. Human studies even suggest that lycopene can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments for cervical cancer. Further, lycopene suppresses the development of liver cancer in animal models and has toxic effects against colorectal cancer cells in lab settings.
• Lycopene supports your digestive health — Beyond cancer prevention and support, the review explores lycopene’s protective effects on your digestive system. Peptic ulcers are often caused or worsened by factors like stress, alcohol and certain medications. Here, lycopene emerged as a gastroprotective agent, with animal studies showing that lycopene shields the stomach lining from alcohol-induced injury.
Moreover, lycopene combats Helicobacter pylori infection, a common bacterial culprit in peptic ulcers.
• It plays a role in safeguarding your neurological health — Neurodegenerative diseases, which are characterized by the gradual loss of neurons, represent a major health challenge worldwide. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are just two examples from a long list.
Research highlighted in the review suggests that lycopene mitigates memory loss, cognitive decline and neuronal damage often associated with aging. It also combats age-related oxidative stress in the brain by reducing lipid peroxidation — damage to fats in cells — and boosting the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Dietary lycopene is even linked to a reduction in age-related neuroinflammation.
• Your cardiovascular health also stands to benefit from lycopene intake — Epidemiological studies, as outlined in the review, consistently link lycopene intake with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Lycopene supplementation reduces markers of inflammation like C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, improves blood pressure and enhances vascular health.
Studies in animal models further reveal lycopene’s ability to protect against heart damage induced by toxins and mitigate vascular arteriosclerosis, a condition involving the hardening of arteries.
The review also details lycopene’s lung-protective properties and benefits for sperm quality and fertility, skin health and vision. Further, lycopene has been shown to offer protection against various toxins, including bacterial and chemical toxins, pesticides, herbicides and fluoride.
In short, the review positions lycopene as a powerful, naturally derived compound with far-reaching implications for human health and disease prevention.
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How Does Lycopene Help Combat Metabolic Disorders?
Another 2024 review published in the journal Nutrients explores the connection between lycopene and a cluster of related conditions, specifically metabolic syndrome, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.3 As it turns out, lycopene, with its notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offers a natural way to improve metabolic health as well.
• Lycopene helps prevent metabolic conditions — The paper emphasizes the significant role of both oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in the development of metabolic illnesses. These processes, the review explains, contribute to a range of metabolic dysfunctions, setting the stage for conditions like insulin resistance, high blood pressure and unhealthy blood lipid levels.
• It excels at neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) — These are harmful molecules that contribute to oxidative stress. This ability to combat ROS is attributed to lycopene’s unique chemical structure, packed with conjugated double bonds. These bonds enable lycopene to effectively scoop up and neutralize these damaging free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress throughout your body.
• Study highlights lycopene’s anti-inflammatory effects — The Nutrients review also points to numerous studies showing that lycopene effectively reduces inflammation in the context of metabolic diseases, both in animal models and human trials. Lycopene acts by regulating signaling pathways that are involved in the production of inflammatory mediators — essentially, it helps to turn down the volume on your body’s inflammatory responses.
Specifically, it reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α. These cytokines are like messengers that promote inflammation, and lycopene helps to dampen their activity. Additionally, lycopene reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators like COX-2 and iNOS and also reduces nitric oxide production, all of which contribute to the overall inflammatory burden in metabolic disorders.
Four Easy Ways to Boost Your Lycopene Intake
If you’re looking to harness the mood-boosting and health-protecting power of lycopene, incorporating more of it into your daily diet is a straightforward approach. It’s all about making simple, delicious choices in your everyday meals. You can easily increase your lycopene consumption by focusing on foods that are naturally rich in this beneficial compound. Here are five practical tips to help you get started:
1. Make cooked tomatoes a dietary staple — Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, especially when cooked, as cooking them makes the lycopene more bioavailable. Think rich tomato sauces, hearty tomato-based soups and stews, or even simple roasted tomatoes as a side dish. By making cooked tomato dishes a regular part of your meals, you add a natural lycopene source to your meal rotation.
2. Snack on watermelon — Beyond tomatoes, watermelon is another tasty way to get lycopene. While it doesn’t contain as much lycopene as tomatoes, watermelon is still a good source, and it’s both hydrating and enjoyable, especially during warmer months. Choose ripe watermelon for the best lycopene content and enjoy it as a snack regularly. If you are someone who enjoys fruit for dessert, watermelon is a particularly beneficial choice.
3. Vary your lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables — Don’t rely on just one type of lycopene-containing food. To ensure you’re getting a broad spectrum of nutrients and making your diet more interesting, actively vary your choices. Incorporate options like guava, which provides a surprising amount of lycopene, alongside your tomatoes and watermelon.
Pink grapefruit and papaya are also excellent choices. Enjoy half a pink grapefruit or add slices of papaya to your breakfast or smoothies. Bell peppers, particularly red ones, also contribute to your lycopene intake and are easily added to many dishes. By rotating between these different fruits and vegetables, you’ll not only boost your lycopene levels but also enjoy a wider range of flavors and textures in your diet.
4. Combine lycopene-rich foods with healthy fats — To maximize lycopene absorption, pair your lycopene-rich foods with healthy fats. Lycopene is fat-soluble, meaning it’s absorbed best when consumed alongside healthy fats such as grass fed butter, ghee or tallow. Remember, small changes in how you prepare and combine your meals make a big difference in boosting your lycopene intake and reaping its many health rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lycopene
Q: What is lycopene, and how does it benefit mental health?
A: Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and carotenoid responsible for the red color in tomatoes and other foods. Research suggests it has antidepressant properties, as it helps reverse stress-induced synaptic damage, enhances brain plasticity and supports emotional resilience. Lycopene increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes neural growth and improves mental well-being.
Q: How does lycopene help prevent and fight cancer?
A: Lycopene has been shown to provide anticancer effects against multiple cancers, including pancreatic, ovarian, cervical and liver cancers. Studies suggest it slows tumor growth, enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy and protects cells from oxidative stress. Lycopene’s antioxidant properties help neutralize harmful free radicals, which can contribute to cancer development.
Q: What are lycopene’s benefits for digestive and neurological health?
A: Lycopene supports gut health by preventing peptic ulcers and combating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections, a common cause of stomach issues. It also helps protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline, memory loss and neuroinflammation, making it beneficial for preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Q: How does lycopene support cardiovascular and metabolic health?
A: Lycopene improves heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure and protecting blood vessels. It also plays a role in preventing metabolic disorders, such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes, by reducing oxidative stress, controlling inflammatory markers and supporting insulin regulation.
Q: What are the best ways to increase lycopene intake?
A: To boost lycopene levels, include cooked tomatoes (sauces, soups and stews) in your diet, eat lycopene-rich fruits like watermelon, guava, papaya and pink grapefruit, and pair these foods with healthy fats (e.g., grass fed butter, ghee or tallow) for better absorption.
Natural Molecules With Anti-Cancer Properties Could Help In These Times Of Turbo Cancers
Reproduced from original article:
https://anamihalceamdphd.substack.com/p/natural-molecules-with-anti-cancer
By: Ana Maria Mihalcea, MD, PhD Feb 25, 2025
We live in a time of turbo cancers and a world that is ever increasing its toxicity and danger for human beings. Both prevention and support for cancer patients is important. Many have been discussing the beneficial effects of Ivermectin and Fenbendazole, but there are so many more molecules available that can additionally support cancer patients and all of those who never want to get cancer.
The Magic of Ivermectin in Oncology
A Drug Made for Animals and Taken by Humans to Treat Cancer: Fenbendazole
Mebendazole: A Cancer Fighting Drug We Find at the Supermarket
I wanted to write about some resources that I have been working with for many years. Sometime in 2019, I met Daniel Stanciu, PhD who at that time was writing the internationally known Cancertreatmentsresearch. He was a physicist who’s life changed dramatically when his former wife developed cancer. He researched almost every natural cancer treatment and repurpose drug that was scientifically available in the world. We used to have many conversations as I have been supporting cancer patients in my integrative clinic and we would discuss novel approaches. You can see our interview from 3 years ago here:
Bringing Light To Novel Cancer Treatment Approaches
Here are some of the many possibilities.
Please read here of 10 cases of advanced cancer cases that achieved complete remission:
10 Cases of Complete Remission from Advanced Cancers after using Supplements or Repurposed Drugs
HCA Garcinia Cambodia combined with Alpha Lipoic Acid
The fruit of G. cambogia contains xanthones, which inhibit preneoplastic lesions in Breast and colon cancer, and induced cancer cell death in mouth, leukemia, breast, gastric, and lung cancer cell lines. Garcinol, inhibited cell proliferation and induced cancer cell death in leukemia, breast, colon, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Combined therapy with Alpha lipoic acid and HCA has been proposed as an antineoplastic regimen that shifts the metabolism of cancer cells from aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect) to respiration. Combined lipoic acid and HCA were evaluated in cancer models with lung carcinoma, melanoma, and bladder carcinoma. Several case series and a case report describe the treatment of patients with advanced metastatic cancer with a combination regimen of alpha lipoic acid and oral HCA.
Curcumin
Curcumin (CUR) is a yellow polyphenolic compound derived from the turmeric plant. It is widely used to treat many types of diseases, including cancers such as those of lung, cervices, prostate, breast, bone and liver. High doses of curcumin of 7 grams per day have induced clinical remission in multiple myeloma and reduction of tumor burden in many other cancers.
The Role of Curcumin in Cancer Treatment
Curcumin acts on the regulation of various immune modulators, including cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which partly explains its anticancer effects. It also takes part in the downregulation of growth factors, protein kinases, oncogenic molecules and various signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling.
Quercetin: even more anti-cancer potential than Curcumin?
EGCG
Green tea extracts EGCG a direct anti-tumor effect in several tumor types including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Case reports indicate complete remission of CLL with high dose EGCG. EGCG has successfully reduced tumor growth in bladder, colon cancer and been shown to have considerable anti-cancer effects in many other cancer types.
EGCG complete remission Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Thymoquinone
Thymoquinone which is contained in Black Cumin Seed Oil has been shown to modulate nine out of the ten hallmarks of cancer. Many studies have shown the effects of Nigella sativa on various cancer cells, and the list is long offering up over 57 reviewed papers on the subject finding black cumin to be effective against cancers such as blood, breast, colon, pancreatic, lung, leukemia, skin, fibrosarcoma, renal, prostate, and cervical cancer. It has profound anti-inflammatory effects.
Thymoquinone in the clinical treatment of cancer: Fact or fiction?
Thymoquinone: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Citrus Bergamont
Citrus Bergamont (CR) inhibits via the malevolate pathway of cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis that cancers use to grow. The uptake of fatty acids not only by the tumor cells but also the connective tissue cells necessary for building new cancer cells can affect continued tumor progression. CR inhibits this uptake and has been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth in colon cancer. It also inhibits cancer stem cells, and important mechanism that prevents metastatic disease. Statin drugs have been able to inhibit cancer cell growth but have significant side effects. CR exhibits similar benefits of statin drugs without side effects.
Anti Cholesterol Strategy to Fight Cancer
Grape Seed Extract
The key reason Grape Seed Extract is used as a food supplement is its high content of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC), powerful substances found in the bark of trees, fruit skins, seeds, and leaves. Natural sources of OPCs include grape seeds and skins, blueberries, cranberries, and coffee. Proanthocyanidins are developed by plants as a defense against biotic and abiotic stressors, protecting them from pathogens and predators. The potential benefits of Proanthocyanidins are extensively studied, covering cardiovascular health, inflammation, skin health, immunity, brain health, gastrointestinal health, metabolic syndrome, microbial infections, and oncology.
These benefits are likely related to their impact on the microbiome, increasing diversity and improving the balance of gut microbes (2).
While there are various areas where OPCs can help, those that stand out the most are:
1. Microbial infections
Pathogen Adhesion: Proanthocyanidins may represent a good support to help the body maintain a healthy response to the adhesion of pathogens to the mucosal surfaces, such as the urinary tract epithelium;
Biofilm Formation: microbes regulate through biofilm formation for survival from host defense, which is often found difficult in its eradication with simple anti-microbial agents. Research indicates Proanthocyanidins may represent a good support for the human body when it comes to adherence, motility and biofilm formation of major microbial infections including Candida albicans
Viruses: Proanthocyanidins maintain a healthy response to external agents (7).
2. Oncology support
Unhealthy Stem Cells: Proanthocyanidins may help reverse EMT through Suppression of TGF- β Signaling Pathway
Angiogenesis: Grape seed proanthocyanidins inhibit MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion, VEGF and angiopoietin 1 signaling, to inhibit angiogenesis
Hypoxia-Inducible Factors: Proanthocyanidins suppress HIF-1α-dependent pathway
3. Inflammation and pain
Gut Microbiota: Proanthocyanidins may contribute to maintaining healthy gut microbiota, which is essential for a well-functioning immune system.
Neuropathic Pain: Proanthocyanidins have been shown to help suppress matrix metalloproteinase-9/2 (11), inflammasomes in macrophages (12), and inhibiting the activity of pyramidal cells in the insular cortex
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – marker of inflammation was lowered.
NF-κB Signaling Pathway: Inactivating the NF-κB signaling, and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2
Chrysin
Chrysin is a flavonoid present in various natural sources such as honey, propolis, and certain plant species, exhibiting varying concentrations across different sources. For example, honeydew honey contains approximately 0.10mg/kg of Chrysin, while forest honeys boast a higher concentration of around. Chrysin has gained considerable attention during the recent years due to its outstanding potential to add value to life in multiple key areas of health, including
1. Brain health
Chrysin has been identified as a potential MAO (Monoamine Oxidase) inhibitor and GABA mimetic. MAO is one of the few enzymes involved in the process of dopamine metabolization. As such, Chrysin may offer significant support in a variety of brain related health challenges, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, anxiety, brain tumors, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and ischemic stroke.
2. Oncology support
Chrysin demonstrates not only modulation of MAO-B but also stronger inhibition of MAO-A, which has implications in oncology (4). Recent research from UCLA suggests that substances blocking MAO-A can enhance the activity of T-cells in the immune system and inhibit tumor-associated macrophages, potentially aiding in immune response against tumors. Multiple scientific studies have suggested that Chrysin has an important potential to suppress the enzyme aromatase (CYP19) relevant when it comes to unhealthy breast cells, since aromatase is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone into estrogen.
3. Other benefits
Testosterone support: Due to its aromatase inhibition potential, Chrysin is also expected to represent good support for a healthy testosterone level.
Liver and Kidney support: Chrysin, has been also suggested to represent a relevant liver and kidney support in the presence of natural or chemical toxins
Chrysin a promising anticancer agent: recent perspectives
Modified Citrus Pectin
Modified Citrus Pectin is a soluble fiber derived from citrus peels, processed to enhance its absorption and availability to the body’s cells. In its natural form, pectin is a large molecule that is not absorbed by the human digestive tract. Modified citrus pectin is a pectin form that undergoes enzymatic processing to reduce its molecular weight and size. These are smaller particles, called modified citrus pectin, are more easily absorbed through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream. Once it has entered the circulation, Modified Citrus Pectin binds to and blocks galectin-3, a protein that fuels inflammation, hardens tissues and organs—including the arteries—and can give rise to a number of serious health impacts throughout the body.Galectin-3 is also involved with several cellular activities, which include apoptosis, cell migration, proliferation, angiogenesis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and it is therefore known to play a key role in the spread and metastasis process. In unhealthy cells, Galectin-3 over-expressing cells show an increased migration, whereas down-regulation ofgalectin-3 expression results in decreased migratory and invasive characteristics of unhealthy cells. Therefore, Modified Citrus Pectin, as a galectin-3 inhibitor, is expected to support the body in the fight against the spread of unhealthy cells.
Modified Citrus Pectin also possesses chelating properties, enabling it to bind with heavy metals and toxins in the body and facilitate their excretion. This enhances the body’s detoxification abilities.
I have written about the properties of Galectin induced turbo cancers from Lipid nanoparticles and their inhibition by Curcumen, Berberine and Citrus Pectin here:
Glycolysis Inhibitors
Drugs and Supplements that Block Fermentation and Help Fight Cancer
Glucose Absorption Inhibitors to Inhibit Tumor Growth
Glycolysis, the process of breaking down glucose for energy, is essential for cellular function. It is a fundamental metabolic pathway that occurs in the cytoplasm of cells, where glucose (a six-carbon sugar) is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate. This process generates energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADH. Glycolysis consists of ten enzymatic steps and is the first stage of both aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Unhealthy cells, have Glycolysis upregulated
(“Warburg effect”) insuring energy production as part of the Fermentation process, in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic process).
Downregulating glycolysis can:
Promote metabolic flexibility, encouraging the body to use other energy pathways, such as fat oxidation. Indeed, it has been suggested that Glycolysis inhibitors can support Ketogenic Diet. Reduce lactate buildup, helping to maintain better cellular function and reduce fatigue as well as supporting the normal function of the immune system. Support overall cellular health, especially in cases of metabolic stress.
Glycolysis Inhibithree
Targeting 3 Key Steps in Glycolysis
PHLORIZIN – derived from the bark of apple trees, natural compound studied for its role in glucose transport.
TANSHINONE IIA – found in the Chinese traditional herb Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a natural compound studied in relation to HK2 (Hexokinase II).
Shikonin – a natural naphthoquinone compound from the root of Zi Cao (Lithospermum erythrorhizon), a traditional Chinese herb, studied for its role in cellular processes like Pyruvate Kinase M2(PKM2) activity.
AHCC®
Is one of World’s leading immune health supplements.
AHCC® contains an unique Shiitake-Mycelia extract discovered by Japanese scientists in 1989. Today, its potential is supported by over 30 scientific studies, including clinical studies in humans. AHCC® is extracted from Shiitake mushrooms. However, what makes AHCC® different compared to other Shiitake extracts is that it is grown in fermenters. During this process, mushroom enzymes modify the natural polysaccharides to generate active compounds called partially acetylated alpha-glucans. These partially acetylated alpha-glucans are responsible for and contribute to the superior absorption and strong clinical efficacy of AHCC®. Indeed, AHCC® outstanding results have been observed in relation to mechanisms & health challenges such as: Natural Killer and T- cell number and activity, Human Papillomavirus infections. Various Bacterial, Fungal and Viral infections
Genistein
Genistein is a naturally occurring isoflavone found in plants like soy and Sophora japonica, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It plays a significant role in supporting women’s health, particularly in hormonal balance and bone strength, helping to reduce post menopausal side effects. Additionally, Genistein is being studied for its potential role in oncology, where its influence on cellular pathways and estrogen receptors may offer protective benefits in cancer management. Its dual action makes it valuable for both general well-being and specific therapeutic areas.
Genistein is a potent isoflavone that exerts significant effects on various intracellular mechanisms. It is known to modulate cell signaling pathways, such as the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, which are crucial for cell survival, growth, and differentiation. Genistein also influences apoptosis (programmed cell death) by regulating Bcl-2 proteins and promoting the activation of caspases. Additionally, it affects estrogen receptors and can inhibit the activity of enzymes like tyrosine kinases, as well as topoisomerase II reducing excessive cell proliferation. These mechanisms make Genistein of interest for both hormonal balance and potential anticancer therapies.
Genistein as a Potential Tool to Fight Metastasis & More
Boswellia AKBA
Historically, Boswellia has been valued not only in the context of cultural rituals for its soothing properties and fragrant aroma , but also for its medicinal properties, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. The active compounds, Boswellic acids, are known to help support joint health, reduce inflammation, and have been studied for their potential benefits related to health conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Scientific studies have identified Boswellic Acids, particularly AKBA (Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid), as key compounds responsible for its health benefits.
Anti-cancer properties of boswellic acids: mechanism of action as anti-cancerous agent
The mechanisms of activity of BAs comprise a variety of targets, including the enzymes of angiogenesis and others such as topoisomerases, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), cytochrome P450, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK, especially p38) which are either promoted or inhibited by BAs
Apigenin
Apigenin can induce apoptotic cancer cell death via increasing ROS generation in cancer cells, the downregulation of anti-apoptotic factors Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl as well as the up-regulation of apoptotic factors Bax and Bim.
Apigenin can induce cell cycle arrest at the G2/M and S phases.
In suppressing metastasis of cancer cells, apigenin administration interferes with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as well as suppresses the expression of MMP-9, a factor involved in the progression and invasion of cancer cells.
Most studies indicate activity in Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer, Skin Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Prostate Cancer. Diminished the incidence of UV light-induced cancers.
Apiginin is a great Nootropic which improves cognitive function and is neuroprotective. It also promotes relaxation with slight sedative effect, supports sleep and ameliorates Post-Stroke Cognitive Deficits.
Glutamine Inhibition
Most Cancer Types are dependent on Glutamine. Glutamine metabolism is upregulated in many forms of cancer as it is required for Nucleotides, Glutathione, ATP and Lipid production. Prostate tumors, Brain tumors, Triple Negative Breast tumors, Leukemia are known to be most dependent on Glutamine Mutations in the genes IDH1 and IDH2, which also change how glutamine products are used in a cell, are common in certain types of brain cancer and leukemia.
Glutamine Inhibition increases the effectiveness of Metformin and 2DG against tumors cells. BRAF inhibition causes a shift of cancer cells to glutamine for resistance & survival. GLS inhibition restores sensitivity to the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib in cells that have developed resistance.
Glutamine Inhibifour
Glutamine Inhibifour is the first food supplement designed with the GLUTAMINOLYISIS pathway in mind.
Targeting glutamine metabolism as a therapeutic strategy for cancer
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Budwig Diet & their Antitumor Activity
Baicalein
Potential to modulate PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, NF-κB, Notch, ROS, and Shh signaling. Anti-migration and anti-invasion potential. Anti-angiogenesis potential due to inhibition of 12-Lipoxygenase. Outstanding Iron chelator and anti-Fenton property. Inhibits TLR4 and the downstream HIF‐1α and VEGF expressions
Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Colo Rectal Cancer
There are many more possibilities, and you can find out more on the cancertreatmentsresearch.com site.
___________________________________________________________________________
Daniel proceeded to create MCS formulas and design supplements that help cancer patients, while omitting any fillers, toxic nanoparticles. 50% of the proceeds continue to go to research natural cancer solutions. His supplements have been of such tremendous quality that they are used in clinical trials by very esteemed cancer institutions around the world. I have been listed on his site as an integrative Oncology consultant for many years and my book Light Medicine – A New Paradigm – The Science of Light, Spirit and Longevity due to its case reports of using integrative approaches to support cancer patients effectively. I use the MCS formula supplements in my clinic while treating patients with many different natural intravenous molecules in collaboration with their Oncologist. He has branched into antiaging and longevity which is my specialty. Now that we have the good news that Robert F Kennedy Jr has been confirmed, and we have so much needed shake up with our current administration, we are looking into a much more hopeful future in which doctors who use natural cancer treatments supportively may not be hunted by the governmental agencies and specialty boards. There are a lot of possibilities for help. Many pharmaceutical repurpose drugs can be replaced with natural supplements that have equivalent effect. For example instead of Metformin use Berberine, instead of a Statin, which is a mitochondrial toxin, use Citrus Bergamot. In my clinic I use many of these molecules intravenously as well for shedding related chronic illness with remarkable results, like Resveratrol, Quercetin, Curcumin, Artemesinin, EGCG etc. Any cancer patient can use Glycolysis and Glutamate inhibition.
The History and Therapeutic Mechanisms Of Chlorine Dioxide
Reproduced from original article:
https://pierrekorymedicalmusings.com/p/the-history-and-therapeutic-mechanisms
Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings
Chlorine dioxide was discovered over 200 years ago. It’s use has steadily expanded into many industries and therapeutic applications despite a near global regulatory blockade on clinical research.
Jan 27, 2025
I believe that my writings on chlorine dioxide are the most important (and the most dangerous) work I have yet done on Substack. Although several experts have written extensively on this topic previously (here, here, and here), this similar effort of mine simply results from my wish to become as knowledgeable as possible about this critically important therapeutic (there is no better way to do so than personally researching and writing about a topic).
This is the 3rd in my ongoing series of posts. In the first two I presented the political context in which chlorine dioxide has been attacked during Covid (“Trump’s Bleach Conference”) and in the 2nd post I detailed the success achieved by Bolivia’s national chlorine dioxide program against Covid.
In this post I will review its discovery, chemical properties, industrial applications, and therapeutic mechanisms. Upcoming posts will cover the history of the attacks faced by the pioneering researchers and practitioners, followed by a review of the safety studies of oral ingestion and a compilation of studies showing efficacy in a number of diseases. Be sure to subscribe so as not to miss out on these critical upcoming posts.
Ultimately, what me and my growing network of clinical and scientific experts of this therapeutic compound want to achieve, is for the FDA (and the copycat regulatory agencies worldwide) to lift its restrictions on performing clinical research trials of chlorine dioxide in human diseases. If anyone from MAHA is reading this right now (and I know some are), please add chlorine dioxide (and DMSO) to the list of therapies currently being suppressed by the FDA that need to be reversed (RFK Jr listed more than a dozen other such therapies in the below recent tweet):
Note that, in the below, many (but not all) references were found from the superlative theuniversalantidote.com’s website, from their “interactive reference guidebook” document.
Chlorine Dioxide – What It is, What It Isn’t
Chlorine Dioxide is a small, volatile and strong molecule consisting of 1 chlorine atom and 2 oxygen atoms.
- It is a gas at normal temperatures and pressures.
- Yellowish/green color and has an odor similar to that of chlorine.
- Denser than air and is water soluble at standard temperatures and pressures up to 2500ppm.
- Explosive in air at concentrations >10%. It is therefore normally generated in-situ (on-site) within an aqueous solution at <0.3%
- Chlorine dioxide is a biocide. This means it kills all bacteria, viruses, and fungus on contact through a process of oxidization.
Chlorine dioxide was initially discovered in 1814 by Sir Humphrey Davy and was commercially produced in 1940 as a bleaching agent. It is labeled as a strong oxidizing agent, microbicide, and antiseptic. Based on these references here and here, chlorine dioxide is also known to have the ability to “neutralize various toxins, pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals contaminating drinking water.”
As an added bonus, it can do all of that without producing any harmful organic compounds as occurs with nearly all other disinfectants (like bleach – which contrary to FDA “warnings,” chlorine dioxide certainly is not).
Chlorine dioxide is more effective as a disinfectant than chlorine in most circumstances against waterborne pathogenic agents such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa – including the cysts of Giardia and the oocysts of Cryptosporidium.
Chlorine dioxide has been extensively studied within multiple fields (commercial, industrial, healthcare) and by multiple entities including: EPA, HHS, USDA, CDC, NIH, NASA, DOD, independent laboratories, and universities worldwide.
Chlorine dioxide is registered as a sterilizer and biocide and is used to sterilize medical facilities and laboratories including BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs which handle the world’s most deadly pathogens. It was used to decontaminate the Senate offices in 2001 after the anthrax attack, and was also used in Ebola hot spots.
From this systematic review paper on chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant:
Different chemical structures with properties of disinfectants have been identified. These chemical structures include alcohol, aldehydes, anilides, biguanides, bisphenols, diamidines, halogen-releasing agents, halophenols, heavy metal derivatives, peroxygens, quaternary ammonium compounds, phenols, and cresols. However, each disinfectant attacks different target areas of the micro-organisms. Disinfectants can be divided into two broad groups: oxidizing and non-oxidizing disinfectants. Disinfectants containing halogens such as chlorine, iodine, and oxygen releasing materials are called oxidizing disinfectants, while disinfectants that bond to structures such as quaternary ammonium compounds and amphoterics are known as non-oxidizing disinfectants.
Oxidizing agents like chlorine dioxide are chemical compounds that accept electrons from “electron donors.” This is important because relative to chlorine dioxide, all pathogens (disease causing organisms or substances) are electron donors.
So what happens to chlorine dioxide after it reacts and oxidizes the pathogens? In aqueous systems, chlorine dioxide eventually decomposes into generally safe byproducts that naturally occur in our environment, i.e. chloride ions (like in table salt), oxygen (O₂), and other non-toxic residues.
From Chat GPT when asked to contrast chlorine dioxide with bleach:
Chlorine dioxide and bleach (sodium hypochlorite) are both powerful oxidizing agents commonly used as disinfectants, but they differ significantly in their chemical structure, mechanism of action, and applications. Here’s how they compare:
1. Chemical Composition
- Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂): A gas at room temperature, typically dissolved in water for use. It is a single molecule composed of one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms.
- Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite, NaOCl): A liquid solution containing sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient, along with water and small amounts of other chemicals.
2. Mechanism of Action
- Chlorine Dioxide: Kills microorganisms by disrupting their metabolic processes and breaking down cell membranes and proteins. It primarily reacts with organic matter through oxidation.
- Bleach: Also acts as an oxidizer, generating hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in water, which destroys bacteria and viruses by disrupting their enzymes and proteins.
3. By-products
- Chlorine Dioxide: Produces fewer harmful by-products, primarily chlorite and chlorate ions (initially), which are less persistent in water systems compared to bleach by-products.
- Bleach: Can produce potentially harmful chlorinated organic compounds (e.g., trihalomethanes and chloramines), especially when reacting with organic matter in water. (Editorial note: this is extremely important, trihalomethanes are suspected carcinogenic disinfection by-products[ associated with chlorination of naturally occurring organics in raw water.
4. Effectiveness
- Chlorine Dioxide: Remains effective over a wide pH range (4–10) and is less affected by the presence of organic matter, making it suitable for challenging disinfection tasks.
- Bleach: Its efficacy decreases significantly outside a pH range of 6–8 and in the presence of organic matter.
5. Applications
- Chlorine Dioxide:
- Water treatment (municipal, industrial, and potable water systems).
- Food and beverage sanitation.
- Medical disinfection and biofilm removal.
- Bleach:
- Household cleaning and laundry.
- Pool and spa disinfection.
- Surface disinfection in healthcare and other settings.
6. Safety and Stability
- Chlorine Dioxide: Typically generated on-site because it is unstable as a concentrated gas and can decompose explosively. However, it is considered safer for certain applications due to fewer toxic by-products.
- Bleach: Stable in liquid form but degrades over time, particularly when exposed to light and heat. It has a strong, recognizable smell and can be irritating to skin and respiratory systems.
7. Odor and Residue
- Chlorine Dioxide: Has a less pronounced odor and does not leave a strong chemical residue or taste in treated water.
- Bleach: Has a strong chlorine smell and can leave noticeable chemical residues.
Summary:
While both are effective disinfectants, chlorine dioxide is often preferred for applications requiring minimal by-products and effectiveness in diverse conditions, whereas bleach is more common for general-purpose household and industrial disinfection.
TIMELINE OF ITS ADOPTION ACROSS INDUSTRIES
Taken from pioneer Jim Humble’s website, here I provide a short paraphrased history of its use in industry where I also dug up the references:
1811: Chlorine dioxide is discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy, when he adds sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to potassium chlorate (KClO3). In the early 1900’s it was recognized as an antimicrobial biocide and became known for its disinfectant properties.
1930’s: Due to concerns about the logistics of safely transporting the gas, sodium chlorite began to be manufactured as a relatively safe precursor chemical, and the industries using chlorine dioxide would then generate the gas onsite as needed. Because of chlorine dioxide’s solubility in water, it starts being used as a water treatment.
1944: First commercial application. Used as a biocide/taste and odor control agent in domestic water at Niagara Falls in the USA.
1950’s: Increasing use of chlorine dioxide in water treatment plants and swimming pools in the U.S.A. Likewise it is discovered that chlorine dioxide destroys biofilm, the algal slime that collects in cooling towers, among other places and harbors harmful bacteria. Chlorine bleach by contrast cannot kill biofilm.
1956: Brussels, Belgium, switches to chlorine dioxide from chlorine for its drinking water disinfection operations. This marks the first large scale use of chlorine dioxide for potable water treatment.
1967: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States first registers chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant and sanitizer. The registration is for chlorine dioxide in the liquid form. Indicated uses include food processing (!), handling and storage plants, bottling plants, washing fruit and vegetables (!), sanitizing water, controlling odors, and treating medical wastes.
1970’s: The EPA begins recommending using chlorine dioxide instead of chlorine bleach to treat water. Hundreds of municipal water systems successfully convert to chlorine dioxide. This happens across the United States and Europe; more so for the latter. The conversion is catalyzed by a safer environmental profile of chlorine dioxide over chlorine, because chlorine dioxide does not produce any harmful byproducts, as does chlorine bleach.
1977: Three thousand municipal water systems achieve biological control using chlorine dioxide (EPA document here)
1980’s: Chlorine dioxide gradually replaces chlorine in many industries – in the pulp and paper industry as a bleaching agent, in industrial water treatment as a biocide and as an odor control agent, in food processing as a sanitizer.
1983: The EPA recommends chlorine dioxide as a solution for the problem of trihalomethanes (THMs). When chlorine is used to disinfect water and make it potable (chlorination), THMs are produced as a by-product. THMs have been linked to cancer (i.e., they are carcinogenic). Chlorine dioxide does not produce THMs.
1988: The EPA registers chlorine dioxide as a sterilizer. This means chlorine dioxide is both safe and effective to use in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and laboratories.
1990: Use of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant, sanitizer and sterilizer grows across many industries and countries. Some of the industries are the beverage industry, fruit and vegetable processing plants, pulp and paper industries, and industrial waste treatment sites. These industries are spread across the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.
2001: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other government agencies use chlorine dioxide to decontaminate buildings contaminated with Anthrax. The chlorine dioxide was completely effective against the tiny Anthrax spores. The buildings, walls and furnishings suffered no damage from the treatment.
2005: FEMA again uses chlorine dioxide. It is used to eradicate mold infestations in homes damaged by the flood waters from Hurricane Katrina. After a 12-hour treatment, a New Orleans restaurant is able to banish all mold inside without rebuilding.
2010: The United States Food and Drug Administration issue a warning on using the chlorine dioxide formulation called Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS – made by combining sodium chlorite with hydrochloric acid) and pioneered by Jim Humble in his numerous treatment protocols. The FDA repeatedly describes it as industrial bleach while at the same time approving chlorine dioxide for use in mouthwashes, toothpastes, and as a food service disinfectant, citing it as being a better alternative than chlorine.
2014: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) registers ProKure V and PERFORMACIDE® as disinfectants against the Ebola virus. Both contain chlorine dioxide. ProKure V claims it “begins to kill pathogens in a matter of seconds, whereas other commonly used, more traditional disinfectants take minutes. The rapid speed in which ProKure V kills pathogens makes it a product of choice for helping contain infectious-disease outbreaks and keeping public facilities cleaner and safer for everyone.” Chlorine dioxide is a potent virucide.”
EFFICACY AND SAFETY AS A BIOCIDE
Chlorine dioxide is one of, if not the fastest known and “complete spectrum” disinfectants, killing all forms of bacteria (aerobic, anaerobic, gram positive and negative), viruses, fungi and yeast, typically within a minute of contact, (spores a little longer), and notably without damage to animal cells, or even tissue culture cells.
In this mouse study (know that mice are more sensitive than humans to toxicities for many but not all compounds), they found that at concentrations between 5 and 20 ppm (this concentration becomes highly relevant in a later post when I discuss safety of oral treatment dose concentrations), chlorine dioxide killed almost all of the bacteria and fungi present while no damage to lung cells, eyes, or other organs was observed, even when 40ppm was added to their drinking water sub-chronically. The study concluded “chlorine dioxide showed favorable disinfection activity and a higher safety profile tendency than in previous reports.”
This is a very short list of papers showing in vitro and/or in vivo (animals) efficacy against a number of viruses and bacteria (more on this in a later post).
Typhoid, Norovirus, Hepatitis C virus, HPV, HIV, Influenza A Virus, E.Coli, Listeria, Rotavirus, Mycobacterium Avium, Hepatitis A Virus, staph aureus, also hospital pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Moving away from in vitro data in order to show that it can cure infectious disease in animals (in vivo study), in a randomized controlled trial from 2008 they exposed 10 mice to aerosolized influenza A and aerosolized chlorine dioxide at (0.03 ppm) simultaneously for 15 minutes. A control group of 10 mice were exposed to only the aerosolized influenza A for 15 minutes. Sixteen days after exposure, none of the mice exposed to the chlorine dioxide influenza A group had died, but 7 out of 10 mice in the influenza only control group died. That is a 70% fatality for the mice that did not receive aerosolized chlorine dioxide. Did you catch that? Extremely low doses of chlorine dioxide protected 100% of those mice from influenza.
Moving past in vitro and in vivo trials, in a later post I will review the efficacy of chlorine dioxide in the treatment of infectious and other diseases in humans. There I will provide a compilation of all published human clinical trials and studies (which are artificially few due to the suppression of clinical research using chlorine dioxide.
A comprehensive list of all organisms it has been studied and shown efficacy against is beyond the scope of this post, however, know that in a 2010 study, concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 ppm inactivated ≥ 99.9% of the viruses with a 15 sec treatment. The antiviral activity of CD was approximately 10 times higher than that of sodium hypochlorite which is standard bleach.
NASA actually referred to chlorine dioxide as “A Universal Antidote” back in 1988 (p.118 from this Annual Report), where these statements appear:
- The special properties of the Alcidem formulation, which has been approved by U.S. regulatory authorities, enable it to destroy mold and fungus, as well as bacteria and viruses, with minimal harm to humans, animals or plants
- NERAC conducted a computer search of more than a dozen databases and uncovered scores of applications, among them treatment of viral, fungal and bacterial infections in animals; treatment of human skin diseases; disinfection and sterilization of medical facilities;
- The University of Connecticut Medical School is studying the effects of the Alcide compound on human wound healing and scar tissue suppression.
- At Israel’s Hebrew University Dental School, trials are in progress on a plaque reducing mouthwash and in England researchers are meeting success in human clinical trials of treating herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases.
I cannot over emphasize the importance of the above NASA document from 1988. In it, they admit that it treats a broad range of infections in animals, aids in wound healing (I have a lot on that later), and was having success in treating herpes and other STD’s. Never forget this when you read statements from regulatory agencies across the world where they repeatedly warn that it is a “toxic bleach,” “bleach like substance,” and is “dangerous for ingestion.” Absurd.
Also take note of the fact that NASA never refers to it again in such a positive way. The next mention by NASA was in 1991 when referring to its use in the space shuttle where they caution of the risk of developing hemolytic anemia and disturbing thyroid function (such risks are negligible to non-existent in clinical practice).
Therapeutic Mechanisms Of Action
- Anti-bacterial mechanisms: chlorine dioxide interacts intricately with sulfur-containing compounds that are abundantly found in various bacteria. This interaction disrupts the metabolic processes of these microorganisms, effectively inhibiting their reproduction and growth. Remarkably, at lower concentrations of 0.25 mg/L, CD can eradicate 99% of E. coli (15,000 cells/mL) within a mere 15 seconds.
- Anti-fungal mechanisms: causes significant damage to fungal cell membranes. This damage leads to the leakage of intracellular components such as potassium ions (K⁺) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), suggesting that ClO₂ disrupts membrane integrity.
- Anti-viral mechanisms: ClO₂ inactivates viruses by oxidizing specific amino acids, such as cysteine, methionine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, in viral proteins. This oxidative modification leads to protein denaturation, impairing the virus’s ability to infect host cells. ClO₂ reacts with viral components, including proteins and genetic material. These reactions compromise the virus’s structural integrity and functionality, leading to its inactivation. In its gaseous state, ClO₂ can penetrate the outer shells of encapsulated viruses, leading to their inactivation.
In this post, Andreas Kalcker describes the “dual properties” of CDS:
It possesses the unique ability to effectively oxidize pathogens that exhibit an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) lower than its own ORP of 0.95V. This means that it can target and neutralize various harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, by disrupting their cellular processes and ultimately leading to their demise.
At the same time, CDS also functions as a powerful reducing agent, as it can interact with and reduce harmful free radicals that have higher ORPs—such as hydroxyl radicals (OH-) which possess an ORP of 2.8V. In this process, chlorine dioxide transforms these detrimental radicals into harmless water molecules. This dual functionality is particularly important in the context of therapeutic applications, as it allows CDS to both eliminate harmful agents while simultaneously protecting healthy cells from oxidative stress.
From this masterful review article in the University of Guadelajara journal on mechanisms of chlorine dioxide, they report even more broadly systemic therapeutic mechanisms:
- low concentrations of ClO2 can protect erythrocytes (red blood cells) from oxidative stress while inhibiting myeloperoxidase (MPO)-mediated excessive hypochlorous acid (HClO) production, thus reversing inflammatory responses and macrophage activation.
- increases the expression of heme-oxygenase (HO-1), protects cells from death caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), enhances the expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and contributes to the resolution of the inflammatory process.
- It promotes apoptosis (programmed cell death) in neutrophils, which helps resolve inflammation effectively
- It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory responses by inhibiting macrophage activation in humans, thus reducing inflammation
- Here it is important to review the different types and functions of macrophages (our immune system’s first line of defense against toxins and pathogens) :
Monocytes are bone marrow derived precursors of tissue macrophages that are critical effectors of wound healing, clearance of bacteria and cellular debris and induction and resolution of inflammation. Macrophages that are associated with classical inflammation are termed M1 and those cells produce factors such as TNF-α, IL-1 and other proinflammatory factors. Macrophages that are associated with reversal of inflammation and suppression of immune responses are termed M2. In the context of ALS pathogenesis, the M2 macrophage phenotype within the spinal cord is associated with normal function, whereas the appearance of new M1 type macrophages within the spinal cord is associated with disease progression.
These data suggest that systemic macrophage associated inflammation may play a significant role in ALS disease progression.“ In this study of a chlorine dioxide precursor in ALS, they report “these mechanisms of downregulation transform inflammatory monocytes/macrophages from a proinflammatory to a basal phagocytic (wound healing) state.”
I will cover the studies showing improved survival and function in ALS patients in a later post.
- taurine-chloramine is a product of activated neutrophils and represents the most relevant functional product formed under the influence of chlorine dioxide. This molecule activates nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2), (this transcription factor regulates the inducible expression of numerous genes for detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes), and inhibits production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- In a study of a different precursor, they report, “Of importance, a single dose of NP001 (a patented formulation of chlorite) caused a dose-dependent reduction in downregulation of CD16-expressing inflammatory macrophages in blood.”
- In this study, they found that the above WF10 (another patented formulation) exerts potent immune-modulatory effects through generating endogenous oxidative compounds such as taurine chloramine. Proliferation and IL-2 production of anti-CD3 stimulated PBMC were inhibited by WF10, as was the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NFATc.
- In another study of the NP001 proprietary formulation of pH stabilized, purified chlorite, they found that in the presence of heme-associated iron, presumably from the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex on the surface of phagocytic cells, it is converted from a prodrug through a hypochlorite intermediate, to an intracellular form of taurine chloramine (TauCl). TauCl is a long-lived effector molecule within macrophages that down-regulates NF-kB expression and inhibits production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in part through activation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). A phase 1 controlled trial of NP001 in patients with ALS demonstrated the safety, tolerability, and dose dependent down-regulation of monocyte activation.
More therapeutic mechanisms:
Taken from this Andreas Kalcker substack post, he describes the effects of chlorine dioxide solution (CDS) using venous blood gas analysis:
- The blood pH became more alkaline, indicating a reduction in acidity and an increase in basicity.
- Blood oxygen levels increased, suggesting enhanced oxygenation throughout the body.
- The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in blood decreased, implying effective CO₂ elimination via respiration.
- There was an observable improvement in acid-base balance, particularly in base deficit, reflecting better pH regulation within the body, essentially reducing metabolic acidity, frequently a fundamental factor in numerous modern diseases
- Blood glucose levels normalized, with reductions in hyperglycemia noted in other cases.
- A significant decrease in blood lactic acid levels was observed, indicating improved removal of metabolic waste products.
Based on the above and considering the molecular composition of chlorine dioxide (two atoms of oxygen), Kalker argues in his mechanisms of action post here (where I paraphrase for brevity:
“chlorine dioxide transports oxygen to all parts of the body where water is present. The bound oxygen dissociates in the presence of excess protons in areas of disease (like spike protein). The released oxygen optimizes the saturation of hemoglobin in the red blood cell and thus improves oxygen delivery to the most acidic cells and their compromised mitochondria first, while the chlorine ion (not chloride) eliminates pathogens or acidic toxins and restores pH balance. This improvement in cellular oxygenation is thought to be yet another positive therapeutic mechanism for reversing disease.
Images depicting the effects of CDS on blood on a Nikon Phase contrast Microscope:
Effects of CDS in Human Blood under phase contrast microscope
In these phase contrast microscopy images above, the impact of CDS on small red blood cells is clearly visible. Initially, the cells were highly agglutinated and oxygen-deprived. Following the infusion of CDS at a maximum concentration of 3000 ppm from the left side, immediate signs of oxygenation can be observed. After a mere 12 minutes, all blood cells exhibit optimal oxygenation levels.
**As a pulmonologist, I don’t know how you can “see” improved oxygenation, although it can be inferred by the dramatic increase in the exposed surface area of each blood cell as they de-aggregate.
Overall, studies and treatment experiences reveal that treatment with chlorine dioxide:
- is broadly antimicrobial against nearly all infectious pathogens
- reduces inflammation
- prevents scarring
- aids in wound healing
- is non-toxic when orally ingested (in appropriate concentrations)
- reduces oral plaque
- treats oral atrophic candidiasis
- is a potent deodorizer
- has in-vitro anti-cancer cell effects, stimulates an in-vivo anti-cancer cell immune response and is also effective when injected intra-tumorally, or via a combination of oral, enema, and IV administration.
This combination of properties is not found in any other compound. The therapeutic uses for chlorine dioxide are endless. And therein lies the problem. Stay tuned for my upcoming post which compiles the studies and trials in a diverse set of human diseases.
** Please know that I am not recommending that anyone use chlorine dioxide orally given it is not FDA approved for oral ingestion in any medical condition, nor has it been approved by any foreign regulatory agency, nor is it classified as a food supplement. What I am trying to do is amass the critical information needed to petition the “new” FDA (and other regulatory agencies worldwide) to remove their restriction on performing human subjects research with orally ingested chlorine dioxide.