Richard J. Ablin, PhD is author of The Great Prostate Hoax: How Big Medicine Hijacked the PSA Test and Caused a Public Health Disaster. Constantine Kotsanis, MD joins Dr. Ablin and me for discussion of the misuse of the PSA test, inappropriate treatment of prostate issues and how to keep the prostate healthy. Click here to find podcasts, show archives and how to listen nationwide.

Call the cops
Well, strictly speaking, call the feds, not the police. People who market a natural cure (or any cure at this point) for Ebola are either misinformed or crooked.They are also clearly breaking the law because the FDA does not allow such a thing (even if there was good evidence that a natural remedy worked and in this case there is not). Even the drugs being tried for Ebola are experimental and have not been shown to work reliably.

What went wrong in Dallas?
Sadly, the first patient diagnosed on US soil with Ebola,Thomas Eric Duncan, died this week in Dallas’ Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. It is pretty clear that his chances might have been better if he had received standard Ebola treatment when he first went to the hospital rather than 3 days later when he was much more critically ill. We’ll never know, but I have to wonder about these possibilities: Thomas was given an antibiotic the first time he went to the hospital. Unfortunately, Ebola is a virus and viruses are not affected by antibiotics. Worse yet, antibiotics damage our friendly bacteria (probiotics) that are a crucial component of our immune defense against pathogens like viruses. What if he had been given a probiotic instead? What if he had been given an IV of vitamin C. Vitamin C not only has antiviral properties but, also offers powerful antioxidant protection against the free radicals that are released during the disease-fighting process. A big dose of vitamin D might have been in order to help immune function. With Thomas’ dark skin, it is statistically likely that he had less than optimum levels. Why not try a good dose of colostrum to bolster immune function? What about elderberry extract? It has been shown to be a natural antiviral. And for good measure, why not support the poor struggling liver with a combination of the herb extract silymarin, alpha lipoic acid and selenium? LINK

This combination (or even a single item from the list) might have helped or maybe not. One thing I know for sure, it wouldn’t have hurt!

Our bigger concern
The wall-to-wall news coverage has caused unnecessary panic. Even if additional cases do turn up in the US, we will not have an epidemic because our procedures here are much better able to contain the spread. I probably have a better chance of winning the PowerBall than of even meeting someone who has it, let alone coming into contact with his or her bodily fluids. A much bigger threat is not being prepared for the annual seasonal flu or the contagious disease du jour going around the office.

Build immune function
In last week’s newsletter I gave some advice for building immune strength. Here are more nutrients to consider.

• Omega 3 – These fatty acids found in fish, grass-fed beef and eggs (if from chickens fed an omega-3 enhanced diet) help the immune system. (Of course, as I outline in Fat Free Folly, omega-3’s also benefit the heart, brain and eyes, etc.). LINK
• Vitamin C – This is probably the first and perhaps only nutrient the average person thinks of in connection to immunity. Choose supplements that contain bioflavonoids because they work better and stay in the body longer.
• Minerals – For example, zinc improves immune function and many other things. And magnesium is critical to immune function and hundreds of other reactions in the body. (As much as 70% of the population is low in magnesium.)
• Vitamin A – This often overlooked nutrient is especially important for immune function and the health of the mucous membranes (like those that line the sinuses, throat, lungs and intestines) where viruses and bacteria often take up residence. LINK Note, carrots do not contain vitamin A per se. Probiotics help us convert the carotene in carrots into A.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month” controversies
LISTEN to that show in the archives. We certainly don’t want to diminish the sincerity and generosity of those of you who contribute to breast cancer charities, but thought it important to shed some light on profiteering. Breast Cancer Awareness month was started by makers of one of the main breast cancer drugs. That firm profits greatly by the over-use of mammograms which in turn lead to types of over-treatment that we discussed during this show. Most cancer charities offer no information on real prevention (not to be confused with early detection) or any support from natural sources. Also, some products that might not be good for us are callously made more appealing with marketing called “pink-washing.”

Helpful links:
8 pink foods that help prevent breast cancer.
Decrease risk naturally.
Forgotten natural cancer cure.
Thermography
My articles on cancer

My guest, Sayer Ji, was a widely recognized researcher, author, and lecturer who founded and chairs the world’s most widely-referenced, evidence-based natural health resource of its kind, GreenMedInfo.com. He’s also a Steering Committee Member of the Global GMO Free Coalition (GGFC), an Advisory Board Member of the National Health Federation. Please help spread the good word—forward this newsletter to friends and family.

MY BOOKS:

Fat-Free Folly. Challenges dangerous mainstream thinking about fats. Supported with generous amounts of current science and grounded in a common sense historical framework. Learn how to build health and lose weight while enjoying more delicious food.

Natural Alternatives to Nexium, Maalox, Tagamet, Prilosec & Other Acid Blockers. Subtitle: What to Use to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and Gastric Ailments. Besides explaining the dangers of these medications and helping fix the real cause (which is seldom too much acid) this book is also helpful for solving other digestive problems.

Aloe Vera – Modern Science Sheds Light on an Ancient Herbal Remedy. Research shows that Aloe has benefit beyond skin and digestion–also for immune function, detoxification, nutrient absorption, blood antioxidant levels, blood sugar regulation and more. Learn how to pick the most potent brands.

The information contained in this newsletter has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Copyright 2014 Martie Whittekin, CCN