Information and facts on Tuberculosis

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Tuberculosis or also called "TB" is a very contagious disease caused by the bacteria named "Mycobacterium tuberculosis". It is mainly a lung disease, but it can affect any body organ, including the bones, kidneys, intestines, spleen, and liver. One of the most deadly among infectious diseases, TB is found throughout the world. Although it has a long history, modern medical knowledge of this disorder was not acquired until late in the nineteenth century. Early medical literature described it as phthisis which means “consumption.” TB is usually spread by infected airborne droplets that are coughed up by individuals with the active disease and then inhaled by susceptible persons. Once inhaled, the bacteria normally lodge itself in the lungs. The body may successfully battle the infection at this point, if the immune system is not functioning well, however, or if another onslaught of the bacteria reaches the lungs, chances are the bacteria will multiply and proceed to liquefy and destroy lung tissue. Tuberculosis may also be contracted from contaminated food or from milk that has not been pasteurized. In such cases, the primary attack of the infection normally is in the digestive system. This type of tuberculosis is more common in developing countries.

Symptoms of TB may be somewhat slow in their developing and look like the following: influenza, coughing, loss of appetite, night sweats, chest pain, and low grade fever. At first, the cough may be nonproductive, but as the disease progresses, increasing amounts of sputum are produced. As the condition worsens, fever, night sweats, chronic fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, and shortness of breath might happen, and the sputum may become bloody, in advanced cases, TB of the larynx can occur, making it hard to talk more than just a whisper. Chest X-ray, sputum culture, and a tuberculin skin test are used to diagnose the disease. Not so long ago, the medical community expected tuberculosis to become more of a curiosity than a serious public health problem. Antibiotic regimens that could successfully combat the disease had been developed, and living standards had risen so that the poor nutrition and inadequate hygienic standards that had once helped TB to spread and flourish were no longer prevalent. Yet after decades of declining TB reported that between 1985 and 1991, there was an 18% increase in active TB infections in the USA. Other health authorities also report that TB is once again on the rise. Worse, new strains of TB have been appearing that are resistant to conventional antibiotic treatment.

Tuberculosis  now appears to be more pernicious and virulent than ever. Several factors that have come into play have contributed to tuberculosis’s comeback. First, to be successful against TB, antibiotic treatment must usually be taken every day for about one year after the initial diagnosis. The symptoms, however, improve much sooner. Researchers have documented thousands of cases in which people stop thier treatment after the symptoms are gone but before the infection is under control. This results in the most susceptible of the TB bacteria being killed off, while the most antibiotic resistant bacteria staying alive and proceed to produce new generations that resist conventional treatment. Other important factors in the resurgence of TB are the AIDS epidemic (HIV infection increases susceptibility to infectious illness of every kind) and the rising numbers of people living in circumstances that are conducive to the spread of the disease, including both homeless shelters and prisons. The worsening poverty and crowded living conditions in our inner cities also provide ideal conditions for tuberculosis to spread and grow. Increased immigration to the USA from the world’s poorer countries and more world travel in general may be a factor as well.

Unlike many infectious illnesses, TB is a chronic disease, and it is debatable whether an absolute cure can ever be achieved. In many if not most cases, some tubercie bacilli appear to remain in the lung in a dormant state even after the disease has been treated and its progress arrested. Relapses can then occur at any time, normally in response to lowered immunity. This can result from stress, aging, poor nutrition and diet, steroid therapy, infection, a chronic disease such as diabetes, or anything else that impairs the functioning of the person's immune system. The risk of contracting tuberculosis is highest among African-American and Hispanic men between 25 and 45 years of age; individuals who have had TB in the past; persons with multiple sex partners; recent immigrants from Mexico and from countries in Africa, South America, and Asia; drug and alcohol users; residents in institutions such as mental health facilities and nursing homes; persons who have undergone gastrectomy the surgical removal of all or part of the stomach; and individuals with weakened immune systems, especially those with HIV or AIDS.  

Nutritional and herbal treatment has grown in usage along with conventional medical treatment as a combination to combat the deadly nature of this disease.

 
Nutrient / Supplement Importance
( 1 - 10 )
Helpful notes
Essential fatty acids 8 they help strengthen your body's immune system which is weaken by TB. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil.
Multi-vitamin & Mineral supplement 10 contains vitamin C, vitamin D , vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, selenium, potassium, and zinc which all are helpful in both the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis . The nutrients found in a daily supplement are also needed for good general health and well being.
Pyridoxine 10 vitamin B6 is needed to prevent deficiency caused by TB drugs
Pantothenic acid 10 good anti stress vitamin
Methioine 10 protects both the lungs and the liver
Garlic 10 garlic is a natural antibiotic that has been shown to inhibit the formation of free radicals which can benefit people with TB . Garlic also helps boost the immune system. A combination herbal immune system remedy often includes garlic in an herbal blend.
Reishi 8 reishi mushroom serves to boost the immune system weakened by TB. Normally found in an immune system herbal mixture like the Symmetry product Immunity.
vitamin E 9 this vitamin help to protect lung tissues and aid in the body's healing process.
vitamin C 9 needed to have a strong immune system and for general healing.
vitamin D 8 People with TB may need extra vitamin D for healing. It is also required for proper utilization of calcium and phosphorus.
Selenium  9 this mineral is very important to protect aganist free radicals and boost the immune system.
Zinc 8 mineral that promotes healing and works well with vitamin C, selenium, and vitamin E.
Bioflavinoids 8 bioflavinoids are powerful anti-viral agents and increase energy levels. They are found in fruit and vegetable based supplements.
Pomegranate seed extract 8 strong anti-oxidant
Grape Seed extract 8 is a powerful anti-oxidant and promotes healing
Glutathione 8 aids in protecting the lungs and cell from free radical damage

 

Other Changes To Make

  • drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

  • eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

  • nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

  • juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

  • do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

  • carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

  • a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

  • do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

  • do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

  • use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

  • brown rice is good to eat

  • avoid red meat and animal fats

  • reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

  • fast a few days a month

  • get at least 8 hours of sleep 

  • exercise light to moderate amounts

  • avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

  • do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

  • do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

  • do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

  • do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.
Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.

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........Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.