End Fatigue

Treating Infections Without Antibiotics - New Help For Staying Healthy During The Winter Cold And Flu Season! Thymic Hormone - A Natural And Powerful Immune Enhancer -

by Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.

As winter approaches, we have a wonderful new tool called Thymulin that is available for fighting infections. Thymulin is a major hormone, made by the thymus gland, that regulates our immune system. As we get older, and more so in the face of severe stress, our Thymus gland shrinks. Although normal to some degree, a significant decrease in Thymulin levels (as is seen in AIDS patients) can wreak havoc on your immune system.

In the past, all we had available were Thymus Glandulars. Basically, it was ground up tissue from animal Thymus glands. Its ability to restore Thymus activity was not optimal (for a number of reasons).

Recently, a technique was discovered (and patented) for producing the pure, natural Thymus hormone (Pro Boost) from cell cultures. Studies previously suggested that this hormone could help augment the immune system in viral infections (e.g., Hepatitis C, AIDS) and some cancers.

A recent study in CFIDS patients with markedly elevated Epstein Barr antibody levels showed a dramatic drop in the antibody levels after six weeks of treatment. Many physicians are finding that in CFIDS patients with persistent viral, yeast, bowel or other infections, using Thymic hormone (Pro Boost) has been very helpful. I've found that using it even for 2 to 3 days at the onset of an infection can drastically shorten the length of the infection and often stops it on the first day.

How Do I Use Pro Boost? (Thymic Hormone)

Pro Boost (used to be called Bio Pro A) comes in packets (4mcg in each packet). The powder in the packet must be poured under the tongue and be allowed to dissolve and be absorbed sublingually (i.e., under the tongue). Any powder that is swallowed is destroyed in the stomach. Pro Boost is too effective and expensive (at $2.00 per packet) to allow it to be wasted by swallowing it.

For acute infections (e.g., colds, flu, bladder infections), use 1 packet 3 times a day for 1 to 5 days, or until the infection is nearly resolved. You may choose to use 1 packet a day for a few more days if there are some lingering symptoms. Use it with the other treatments discussed in this article.

Pro Boost can also be used to prevent infection, (e.g., if one member of the family is sick, the rest of the family can also take it as a preventative), as well as giving the person who is sick the chance of a speedier recovery.

Interestingly, studies are in progress using it in pets (¼ packet on the tongue 4 times a day) for severe infections (e.g., Feline Peritonitis). For CFIDS patients with chronic, persistent, flu-like symptoms (e.g., symptoms for years) or other infections, it is reasonable to use 1 packet 3 times a day for 6 to 12 weeks, and then 1 packet a day for 3 months (and then as needed). There are usually no side effects. It seems to actually help some patients with autoimmune illnesses (e.g., Lupus), suggesting that, like many natural products, it acts as an adaptogen (i.e., it brings the system to normal).

Where Can I Get Pro Boost?

Pro Boost can be ordered through our web site.

What Else Is New For Treating Infections?

Although probably not as effective as Thymic hormone, Olive Leaf Extract seems to be helpful against viral respiratory infections and perhaps yeast infections. It seems most helpful in fighting the common cold. In my experience, it has been very helpful (cold gone in 24 to 36 hours) in about half the people who try it. The dose is 1000mg (two 500mg capsules) 3 times a day for 3 to 7 days. If it causes nausea, cut the dose in half.

As people have learned about Olive Leaf from friends, it has become widely available in health food stores. If you have trouble finding it, Olive Leaf Extract can also be ordered through my office.

What Else Can I Do To Prevent The Flu?

1. For most of my patients who repeatedly get respiratory infections that take forever to go away, I consider an empiric trial of Cortef 7½mg in the morning and 5mg at noon for 2 to 3 months.

2. The flu vaccine is a double-edged sword. In some CFIDS patients it can cause mild flu-like symptoms for a few days, and rarely, a severe flare of the CFIDS. Unless you are one of the 10 of the infection and make it much easier for your body to heal.

9. Take Tylenol® for muscle aches and use Cepacol® or Chloraseptic® mouthwash for sore throats. Saltwater (mixed as described above for the nasal rinse) also helps sore throats. If you use Tylenol frequently, use the NAC supplement 500mg a day so you don't deplete your Glutathione levels.

10. Consider an Antibiotic, if nasal and lung mucus stays yellow for more than 7 to 14 days, or if you're getting worse after 3 to 4 days. Take Nystatin, 2 tablets 2 to 3 times a day, while on the antibiotic.

Erythromycins (e.g., Zithromax or Biaxin) are usually preferable to Penicillin. Interestingly, patients sometimes find that all their CFIDS symptoms (not just the cold) may improve on Erythromycin or Tetracycline (e.g., Doxycycline). If that happens, I would take a 6 week course of the Biaxin 500mg 2 times a day or Doxycycline 100mg 2 times a day. If you feel better on the antibiotic (take Pro Boost, Echinacea and Nystatin in conjunction with it), keep repeating 6 week courses of the antibiotic, Pro Boost and Nystatin until the symptoms stay gone. Be sure to be on Nystatin and perhaps also take Sporanox 200mg 2 times a day once a week (e.g., each Sunday) while on the antibiotic to prevent yeast overgrowth.

I would also check for Lyme's Disease using a blood or urine test. I recommend using BBI Labs at 800-866-6254. They can arrange to have your home-based lab draw the blood and mail it to them. They use "PCR" testing which avoids the common false positive Lyme tests seen with other technologies.

11. Try using a Humidifier or Vaporizer (not one that leaves you wet) in your bedroom. You can also make a steam room by running a hot shower in your bathroom and then breathing in the steam. Or, try a steam inhaler that is additionally wonderful for chronic and acute sinusitis (available from Bernhard Industries at 305-861-2536).

You no longer have to feel powerless in the face of winter infections! Patients often find that after using the our treatment protocol, they can go back to enjoying winter sports. One of my patients that I treated at the end of last winter felt so well that she's now a ski instructor!