Best Product for Excess Cortisol Production

Q. Can you recommend a product that helps reduce excess cortisol production?

A. If you have excess cortisol production, I have two recommendations.

AdrenoHS-SOD by BioGenesis. Please be aware this product has 20mg of lithium in it. Lithium is often prescribed by physicians for depressive disorders, headaches, and hyperthyroidism in higher amounts. But this is a low amount, it is not the same level as used in medications, however, there can be some interactions with some medications. If you are on any medications, please let me reference the medications you are on to make sure there would be no negative interactions you should be aware of when taking this product.

Catecholecalm by DFH. This helps balance cortisol and balance catechholemines, and is lithium free.

Benefits of Green Superfood Drinks

Q. What are the benefits of taking a green superfood drink? If I already eat enough vegetables, are they necessary? I've heard some brands contain mostly fillers such as rice bran and lecithin. Which do you think is the best one in terms of the combination between nutritional density, taste, and price. I've tried a couple that just tasted like swamp water.

A. Green superfood drinks provide additional antioxidant support and nutrients to help aid the body's protection of cellular damage, and the nutrients are important to support the liver's detoxification process. Overall, these greens help the body maintain a more alkaline pH, which results in lowered risk for disease and lessens the burden of many of our organs to function in a healthier way. Enzymes that are provided in these green drinks help clean up unnecessary waste products and reduce inflammation in the body which can burden the body's overall health over time.

One of our favorites is PaleoGreens because it is made from mostly certified organic ingredients. This comes in lemon-lime or mint flavors. Both are tasty, and sweetened with stevia. The fact that most of the ingredients in this are certified organic is reflected in the price. Design's for Health reports one serving has equivalent antioxidant capacity to 4 servings of vegetables, based on ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity), a USDA-developed method for measuring antioxidant activity.

This is some further information from DFH: "Unlike other greens products, we never add fillers or bulking agents (such as whole grasses, apple fiber or pectin, rice bran, or flax), which can greatly dilute nutritional potency and are a potential source of genetically modified material. Because the cellulose fiber in whole grass is indigestible, it prevents the grass’s valuable phytonutrients from being released in the digestive system." and "No alfalfa, a common ingredient in all other leading brands (which has been shown to cause autoimmune disease)"

Please see the link I've included for this product and to read our many customer reviews. PaleoGreens does contain organic rice flour and unbleached lecithin.

NanoGreens is also a nice greens mix. You get more powder for the money, but it doesn't contain as many certified organic ingredients as PaleoGreens, though many are. There is only one flavor, and it has a mild taste and it is also sweetened with stevia. BioPharma Scientific states that NanoGreens supply the proven phytonutrition / antioxidant power of up to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables of all the colors. This is based on their independent lab test for ORAC values.

NanoGreens does not contain alfalfa either, but it does contain rice bran and lecithin. Both companies are very careful about their formulation techniques and are quality products.

This being said, it is great you are eating vegetables, current ADA recommendations are 9-13 servings daily of fruit and veggies for better health. This is a lot of servings, but if you do not get this in your diet, then you may want to consider supplementing with one of these greens products to get the additional nutritional support.

GI Microb X relieves my eczema, how long do I take and any other suggestions?

Q. I have been taking GI Microb X for the past 4 months due to my eczema on my hands. It is the only thing that I have found that helps relieve the symptoms. I need to order some more today, but wanted to ask you how long I can take this product and if there is anything else that I can do for my eczema (food related)?

A. I would suggest taking a break from the GI Microb-X. This product is not meant to be used for long periods of time without taking a break.

Treating eczema can be challenging because there are several things that need to be accessed and controlled:

- Food Allergies - need to be determined and allergenic foods should be excluded from the diet for up to one year. If you need help with this, I can give you some guidance.
- Lowering histamine
- Killing negative bacteria and Candida Albicans in the gut (GI MicrobX helps with this)
- Healing the intestines from damage caused by food allergies and bacteria
- Elevate immune system

I would recommend starting to address gut healing, and I will also recommend other supportive products. Here are my recommendations (based on research with eczema patients) to get started on:

• Genuine Norwegian Cod Liver Oil - for the essential fatty acids and extra vitamin A & D. Helps to lower inflammation and EFAs help reduce eczema. Take 2-3 tsp / day with food, and increase cold water fish in your diet to 2-3 servings per week.

• GI Revive - to heal the gut lining. Take 1 heaping tsp, twice daily, mix with water or juice.

• Dandelion Tincture - helps an immune mechanism that is important in destroying bacteria and foreign particles. The activation of this could result in restoration of your own ability to destroy bacteria. Take 20 drops three times daily with water, 30 minutes before meals.

• Immunitone Plus - strengthens your immune system and herbs that more gentle to the GI tract that still have anti-microbial and anti-yeast activity.

• HLC Intensive Probiotic - it is important to replenish the good bacteria in the gut after using GI MicrobX. The ingredients in this product will also wipe out your good gut flora. I would recommend 2 caps with 2 meals a day.

For your hands, you might try this cream. It has soothing chamomile and calendula and zinc for healing. It is fragrance free. It is also important to avoid exposure to chemical irritants and any other agents that might cause skin irritation. Avoid greasy cream preparations since they block sweat ducts.

• Calendula Diaper Care by Welda

I hope this helps, please let me know if you need further guidance!

Do you have any products that would treat virus and /or bacteria?

Q. Do you have any products that would treat virus and /or bacteria?

A. Yes we have many great products for treating bacteria and viruses. You will want to focus on using antimicrobials to kill the microbes, as well as immune enhancers to aid in your own body's defense system.

Some of my favorites are:

• Immunitone, DFH: excellent herbal combination targeting strengthening your immune system—take 1-2 caps twice daily between meals
• HLC Probiotics by Pharmax: good bacteria for the gut, make up huge part of your first line of immune system, and aid in overcoming pathogenic bacteria in the gut- take 1/4- 1/2 tsp 2-3 times daily with meals.
• Alli-cinn by Pharmax: active ingredient in garlic and cinnamon bark oil, great for killing microbes, take 1-2 capsules with a meal one or two times daily.
• Olive leaf extract by DFH: very strong anti-viral, was used by many people to fortify systems during the anthrax threat. Take 1-2 capsules between meals twice daily.
• L-lysine by DFH: inhibits viral growth very effectively, used to control Epstein Barr, herpes, cytomegalo and many other viral infections. Take 1 capsule twice daily between meals.
• Paleomeal or Whey cool by DFH: this is a whey protein which is critical for immune function. You may also consume additional chicken, organic eggs, and fish for protein, but this is a great tasting varied way to consume immune enhancign protein. We have a recipe section that involves these protein powders too!

Mother has 1 lung due to cancer & is diagnosed with Shingles. Any suggestions?

Q. My mother has one lung due to cancer, and was diagnosed with shingles in December. Is there anything that you recommend that will help her overall health?

A. I strongly recommend that your mother takes the following immune boosting supplements:
AHCC ImmunoKinoko by QOL, a Japanese medicinal mushroom extract used to strengthen the immune system. Studies show AHCC improves Quality of Life for patients with cancer, HIV, chronic fatigue, diabetes, and immune disorders. As a dietary supplement take two AHCC Capsules once daily before mealtime. For additional immune support take two capsules three times daily before mealtime.

Finest Pure Fish Oil Liquid (with essential oil of orange) by Pharmax is another wonderful and extremely beneficial supplement. As a dietary supplement take 1-6 teaspoons daily with meals, mixed into food such as applesauce or yogurt, or taken directly into mouth.

What affect will Monolaurin have on my Epstein Bar Virus? Any other suggestion?

Q. I was diagnosed with the EBV (Epstein Bar Virus) about a year and a half ago and had many symptoms such as headaches, chills, tiredness and persistent nausea. I took some supplements which helped a little and am trying Monolaurin now. Will it kill the virus, as well as the nausea and chronic fatigue? Is there anything else I should take which is anti-viral and good for my immune system?

A. Monolaurin is very effective in limiting the growth of EBV and is recommended in your case. Yet it is not the only thing necessary to help you recover. EBV will continue to live in your body for life, similar to the other herpes viruses. Because of this, you will need to take other measures to support your immune system, such as daily vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and essential fatty acids, in addition to rest, healthy mental imagery, and healthy diet.

Eat plenty of healthy protein and good fats daily (such as Coconut Oil and Omega 3s) since they are all important for immune function. Organic eggs are a great food for you, as is organic butter, wild caught salmon, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, avocado, coconut oil, etc. You should eat at very least 8 oz. per day of animal protein.

Supplements I recommend are:

• Monolaurin by Ecological Formulas: Take 2-6 capsules twice daily between meals.
• L-lysine by DFH: Take two caps per day in split doses.
  This is an excellent antiviral in addition to Monolaurin. By the way, Monolaurin is also found in coconut oil, so you would benefit from using coconut oil for cooking and baking.
• Immunitone Plus by DFH: Take 2 per day. This contains many immune boosting and re-energizing herbs, which is much needed after this long battle your immune system has endured.
• Whey Cool Protein Powder: This is organic whey protein, which is raw and active in helping the immune system. It would be good if you could have a protein shake every morning including this, frozen blueberries, some coconut milk, and the Cod liver oil I list below. (it tastes good!)
• Finest Pure Cod Liver Oil, by Pharmax: Take 1 Tbs. daily in your smoothie or straight off a spoon. This contains both omega-3s- proven to support immune function- and vitamins A and D, needed for healthy immune function.
• HLC High Potency Probiotics, by Pharmax: Take 1/2 tsp daily. You can blend it into your shake or take it off a spoon. It is delicious. This are good bacteria, needed to support your immune system. If you are deficient, which most people are, than your immune system has to allocate some of its "forces" to your gut, and therefore has a tougher time dealing with your virus.

What's the difference between MCT oil and Monolaurin & are either anti-viral?

Q. What is the difference between MCT oil and Monolaurin as a dietary supplement? I am looking for something containing anti-viral properties.

A. For maximum antiviral activity take Monolaurin, which is the active ingredient in coconut oil. Even though MCT oil by Crayhon Research is from coconut oil, is will not be nearly as potent as taking Monolaurin straight. It does not hurt to take both, but if choosing only one, stick with Monolaurin. You can see dosage recommendations on the webpage.

Also, consider adding L-lysine into your antiviral regimen. It is known for its ability to limit viral growth.

ImmunoKinoko AHCC is helping to save Chris' life.

Q. ImmunoKinoko AHCC...is helping save Chris' life and welcome any and all opportunities to share our experience.

A. Thank you SO much to the makers and sellers of ImmunoKinoko AHCC—we fully believe it is helping save Chris' life and welcome any and all opportunities to share our experience with anyone who's willing to listen.

Chris stayed at a treatment center—IBC Hospital in Mexico—for a month (shortly after learning that the cancer had spread to 7 tumors—4 in the chest, 2 in the pelvis and 1 in L2 (lumbar 2 of lower spine). With no hope offered of Chris to live longer than a year (and before we met Jonathan, the scientist who recommended ImmunoKinoko AHCC, Poly-MVA and Beta 1, 3D Glucan as well as several other things) we sought out various treatment centers in other countries who offered alternative treatments to help fight cancer (and other disease) and/or prolong their lives

By looking at him you would never guess that he has Stage IV cancer and was told he would be passing away within a year. (This was 2 ½ years ago)!

—Take care, Karen

Natural safe alternative to flu vaccine for children.

Q: I have three children, ages 7, 5, and 2 and of course, as all parents are, I am worried about the increase of illness around us already. I choose not to get the H1N1 vaccine for them as I am concerned about putting a unknown into their bodies. They are healthy children, no major medical concerns, and I am looking for a product that will help boost their immune system.

A: Below are my top recommendations for supplements to help boost the immune system of your children.

Muco Coccinum is a homeopathic flu prevention supplement and it works very well to prevent infection and increase the immune response if your children start to get sick. For natural prevention for your children: 1 tablet per week throughout the winter season. For your youngest who is 2 years old, 1/2 tablet per week should be enough.

Immune Support Kit for Kids by ChildLife Essentials is an excellent group of supplements to keep on hand in case any of your children start getting sick. At the first sign of the sniffles or before airline travel, start dosing up on each of these right away. They will improve your childrens' ability to fight off the infection naturally.

Monolaurin is an anti-microbial agent that protects the immune system from a range of infectious agents, mainly virus and fungus infections. Monolaurin is a glyceride ester derivative of lauric acid, a fatty acid found naturally in breast milk and certain vegetable oils, such as coconut oil. It is very safe for children and adds extra support for the immune system. You can break them open and sprinkle the Monolaurin into something such as applesauce or yogurt for your children. I would recommend one capsule a day for preventive, if they start to come down with 2 a day for the youngest and 3 or more a day in divided doses for the older two children.

For overall good intestinal health, and as a daily supplement, I recommend a good probiotic, once a day with meals. Over 90% of our immune function begins in our intestinal tracts, so keeping it healthy with good bacteria is an important part of overall immune health. Here is a good probiotic for your little ones: HLC High Potency- It comes in a powder or capsules, which ever you prefer. (the powder tastes great right off the spoon).

Immunokinoko-AHCC: Powerful Protection against a Host of Pathogens

ImmunoKinoko AHCC is what I first think of when I want to arm myself against the Swine Flu, biochemical warfare and other immune attacking health issues.

Throughout history, we've always contended with disease-causing bugs. Our ancestors used garlic, salt, herbs and fermentation to kill bacteria, fight infections, and stimulate their immune system. In the 1950s we discovered Penicillin in nature, and have capitalized on its benefits, which we're now realizing are limited since it doesn't address viruses, fungus, parasites or tumor cells.

As our human race and hunger for survival persists, so does the mission for more effective medicine. Today, we want to share with you the news about a special plant extract from Japan which can literally help people prevent and fight disease caused by resistant bacteria, fungus, tumors, and viruses. It comes from hybrid medicinal mushrooms, and is manufactured through an enzymatic fermentation process. AHCC promotes numbers and activity of T-cells, Natural Killer Cells, and infection detecting Dendrites.

Research has proven AHCCs ability to protect against Avian flu and West Nile viruses, Methyl resistant bacteria (MRSA's), opportunistic infections including Candida Albicans, and cancer.

Over 80 valid studies have been published supporting the evidence that AHCC helps the immune system respond to pathogens and tumors. It has been studied by researchers at Harvard Medical School, Yale University School of Medicine, and other highly qualified medical institutes. Currently, we have several clients with some forms of cancer using AHCC with some reported decrease in cancer spread and/or tumor size, thus living a better quality of life. If you haven't already added it to your 21st century survival tool box, now is the time!

Check out the scientific research and videos on ImmunoKinoko-AHCC

For more information on dosing or other questions, you may contact Rockwell Nutrition's Licensed Health Care Team.

-Rachael Richardson, RD, LN.