Tuberculosis

It is usually spread through coughing, when infected droplets become airborne and are then inhaled.  At this point, the body may be able to successfully fight off the infection and eliminate the bacteria completely.  However, if the immune system does not function as well as it should, the bacteria may reach the lungs, multiply and start destroying the lungs. If the immune system is able to fight off the infection at this stage, the bacteria may become dormant for some time, but can be “reactivated” later.  Once the infection is in the lung, it can spread to the lymphatic system and contaminate other organs. 

The bacteria can also be spread through foods such as unpasteurised milk. The primary infection is then located in the digestive tract.

The first symptoms of tuberculosis resemble those of influenza with general malaise, coughing, loss of appetite, night sweats, chest pain, and low-grade fever. 

At first, cough may be unproductive but as the disease progresses, so does the production of mucus. 

As the condition deteriorates, fever, night sweats, chronic fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, and shortness of breath may occur. 

Because the bacteria are destroying lung tissue, the sputum (coughed up mucus) may be bloody. 

Since tuberculosis can mimic a number of diseases, diagnosis can be difficult and it may be some time before it is recognized.

Less than a century ago, tuberculosis was rampant and destroyed living tissue rapidly. Survivors would face many months of recovery.  With better living conditions, proper nutrition and the discovery of antibiotics, the disease has been declining steadily for several decades.  However, the incidence of tuberculosis is on the rise again since the 1990’s when antibiotic resistant strains appeared.

The bacteria seem to be more pernicious and virulent than ever.  People with weaker immune systems such as the elderly, young children, malnourished people and those suffering from autoimmune disorders, are more at risk of contracting the disease. 

Those who carry a dormant form of tuberculosis are susceptible to see the bacteria reactivated when their immune system weakens.  This can occur in due to:

• Stress 
• Lack of sleep 
• Aging 
• Poor nutrition 
• Steroid therapy 
• Infection 
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes 
• Drug and alcohol abuse 
• Environmental pollution 
• Overcrowded living conditions  

• Drink several large glasses of carrot juice per day for its vitamin A content, which is essential for lung tissue healing.
• Undernourishment is very dangerous for a person suffering from tuberculosis.  It is vital to follow a diet containing plenty of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables for the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes needed to fight off the infection. If appetite is poor, high quality juices freshly pressed from fruits and vegetables can help meet nutritional needs. 
• Since it can be harder for those with tuberculosis to convert dietary beta-carotene into vitamin A, make sure to eat foods rich in vitamin A such as wheat grass, spirulina, chlorella, blue-green algae, green kamut^®, barley green, garlic, onions, leeks, turnips, grapes and pineapples.  
• Foods that support the immune system are green, leafy vegetables, apples, apricots, parsnips, oranges, quinces, parsley, carrots, turnips, collard greens, celery, seaweed, kelp, plantago, dulse, Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake mushrooms.  
• Figs, fig roots, dried taro roots, oysters, natural honey, lychee fruits, fresh mulberries, pears, soy bean sprouts and fresh apricots are food with known immune-boosting properties against tuberculosis.  
• When dealing with tuberculosis avoid: cow’s milk and other dairy products, white bread, pasta and cereals, refined foods, processed foods, sugar and sweets, red meat, shellfish (high heavy metal contamination) and caffeine.

Conventional tuberculosis treatment involves the use of antibiotics for one year or longer.  Because of the possibility of antibiotic resistance, using natural therapies in conjunction with conventional medical treatments usually gives better results.  

Echinaforce would be the most important remedy, because it helps support the immune system and fights the bacteria.  It is a strong antibacterial agent and a large spectrum antiviral, which can help fight even antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.  Studies show that bacteria do not develop a resistance to Echinaforce.  Echinaforce is also anti-inflammatory, which will help control the spread of bacteria and diminish the intensity of the symptoms.  Echinaforce is safe to combine with antibiotics and antivirals.

Bio-Strath would also be a very useful supplement.  It brings 61 nutritional elements to the body and increases the assimilation of the same elements from the diet.  This could be a great help in tuberculosis, which was known as the “wasting disease”, because those suffering from it would rapidly lose weight from undernourishment.  Bio-Strath also stimulates the appetite, another very important factor in tuberculosis.  It is a rich source of all the B vitamins, which help build stamina and maintain energy levels.  Vitamin B6 is especially important to help prevent liver problems resulting from prolonged antibiotic treatment.

Stinging nettle is a good source of silica, which helps rebuild damaged lung tissues.  It also helps protect bones from deterioration, reducing the risks of osteopenia or osteoporosis.  Many tuberculosis patients have a silica deficiency, particularly in their bones.  Silica not only increases resistance but also prevents scar tissue.  Stinging Nettle is also a good source of other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and sulfur, that help strengthen the body and repair damaged tissues. 

Unfortunately, antibiotics disrupt the intestinal flora, which plays a key role in immunity. Molkosan can help maintain the natural flora of the intestinal tract, eliminate Candida and other harmful gut bacteria and optimize the assimilation of alkaline minerals. It also helps maintain the integrity of the digestive tract. 

Milk Thistle is the best herbal to protect the liver, an organ that can be affected by tuberculosis.  If the liver is compromised, it will affect the whole body because it has a wide range of functions, including: blood purifying, hormone activation, storage, fat digestion, essential elements production, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol levels, etc.

A healthy lifestyle that includes adequate food, gentle exercise and good, regular sleep can only help the immune system in its war against these very aggressive bacteria!