The Corsello Centers - Current Medical Issues

ANTHRAX / The Overt and Hidden Threat:

As everyone knows, there is a distinct difference between exposure to any pathogen and infection. Infections can be either relatively mild, such as the localized cutaneous (skin) anthrax form or potentially lethal, as in the inhaled (respiratory) anthrax infection. This does not have to be the case.

The best preventive defense against any infection is a strong immun-system. The plagues of the Middle Ages should have taught us this lesson. In those trying times there were people who carried the dead bodies and never became ill. The distinction between those who succumbed and those who survived was a well- defended immun-system.

Taking precautions against exposure should be the first line of defense, but when that is not possible, creating a defensive immun-fortress within oneself remains the best and most important tool for all of us.

Another issue of concern is widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in people who have been exposed, but not necessarily infected. At this rate, thousands of people will be put on antibiotics without the minimum protective shield of concomitant use of probiotics, which I will later explain. Probiotics, such as lactobacillus acidophilus are part of the protective intestinal bacteria that are destroyed by the oral antibiotics. Without this protection, the immun-system will be further downgraded. In the field of immunology and among complementary-alternative physicians, such as myself, this is a well-known fact.

Another very important preventive precaution is that of making use of natural substances that have antibacterial and antiviral properties, and those that empower the immun-system.

In the previous article, I gave you some general guidelines about diet and attitude, and I promised more specific recommendations:

	Herbal extracts such as *oregano oil, olive leaf, rosemary and thyme* all have important antibacterial properties. **Sambuca berries, an old and well-known antiviral remedy is used extensively in Italy.**
	The Immuno Support Pack (formally Infection Nutrients Pack) / (available from Global Nutrition, Inc., 1-888-461-0949) is a combination of many different products that are immun-regulating and have antiviral and antibacterial properties. I recommend, preventively, two packets a day, five days a week. On the weekends we use a very powerful mushroom extract known as Mycoferon from Metagenics, Inc. as an immun-enhancer. This product is also backed by abundant scientific research. For more detailed information on the Immuno Support Pack *and* how to purchase, click here. Or call **Global Nutrition, at 1-888-461-0949**
	Mycoferon / In the case of an active infection we bombard the infective agents with both products in high quantities: 4 packs a day of Immuno Support Pack and 2 dropper fulls of Mycoferon, 4 times a day. With this intervention my patients and I have been able to handle many viral and bacterial infections without the use of antibiotics. An HIV positive patient cannot exceed 1 dropper full 3 times a day. Mycoferon increases IL1 (interleukin-1), a good humeral immun-protective principle. Too much IL1 can lead to lean body mass waste in HIV positive patients. For more detailed information on the Mycoferon Nutrients Pack and how to purchase, click here. Or call Global Nutrition, at 1-888-461-0949.
	Probiotic Plus / The intestine is the site of a very powerful system for immun-surveillance. The good bacteria that populate the intestine are part of this defensive system. Some of these bacteria are lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidus and many others.

Top quality probiotics, such as Probiotic Plus or Natren (available in health food stores), are absolutely necessary during antibiotic usage, in the dose of 1 tablespoon at bedtime. Which ever probiotic you choose, however, make sure it is of the highest quality. “Buy less, but buy the best.” For more detailed information on the Probiotic Plus and how to purchase, click here.

Or call Global Nutrition at 1-888-461-0949.

The Role of the Liver in Immun-Regulation /

Keeping the liver detoxified and the bowels clean empower the immun-system. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts and other liver protective vegetables such as artichoke, dandelions, and red beets are all important foods in times of infection and toxic exposure, especially when combined with stress.

Milk Thistle, Lipoic Acid and Ayurvedic Products / (HepatoForte)

To augment the efficacy of these foods, we recommend the above products. The usage of all these interventions can make us impervious to most infections.

Photoluminescence / Ultraviolet irradiation of Blood (UVIB)

Prior to the advent of antibiotics in Europe as well as the United States, this was the method of choice in case of serious infections.

UVIB, contrary to antibiotic usage, does not produce strains of resistant bacteria and is more powerful than most antibiotics. UVIB not only kills bacteria, but any living organism, such as viruses, parasites, yeast, etc., that takes residence in our body. It is, therefore, the most broad spectrum, non-toxic disinfectant of our blood and our entire body. It is, however, less convenient than just taking a few pills by mouth, and this is why it fell into disrepute with the advent of antibiotics. At a time, however, when we are reaching the end of the line with antibiotic resistant bacteria and with dreadful viral infections, UVIB is a true lifesaving intervention. Through my associates we have an Internal Review Board (IRB) permit from the FDA, to conduct this treatment and we are ready to use it when you need it.

ATTITUDE / and the Immun-system

Maintaining a sense of equilibrium and retaining courage and dignity in the presence of threats remains vitally important in immun-regulation.

Psychoneuroimmunology, the science that studies the relationship between mood and immun-functions, has amply demonstrated that demoralization lowers immun-functions and opens the door to infections.

Now, more than ever, we have to do everything in our power to use our family and community resources to give us the strength and resolve to stay uplifted. Individual techniques such as relaxation training, meditation, prayer, laughter and my “ultimate healer” - good music, are incredible tools to bring our immun-system back into fighting order.

If you haven’t found any tool of your own to bring your body into a more peaceful and comfortable state of being, please feel free to call our Stress Management Department for a consultation, and we will endeavor to help you find one

I hope that having shared with you some of the many tools that we have at our disposal will give you a sense of encouragement and confidence that will further empower your immun-system and will finally bring a smile to your face.

By feeling helpless and defeated we would fall right into the hands of our enemies, who have egregiously violated our basic human right to wellness and freedom from the scourges that have decimated humanity in the past. This shall never happen to us all.

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Biological Terrorism / What is it?, What To Do?

The events of September 11, 2001 (9/11) and the recent incidents of biological terrorism have dramatically changed our way of living and the way we think about ourselves. What I find most upsetting is the fear that has overtaken the American public, often justified, but at times heightened by a lack of awareness that building our immun-system can avoid infections. During the great scourges of the Middle Ages there were many people who not only survived, but did very well in spite of various plagues. What distinguished these people from those who succumbed, was their superb immun-systems.

Maximizing our immunity is the equivalent of building a fortress around us so we do not fall prey to infections at first exposure.

When antibiotics are unavoidable, it is important to remember that they kill both good and bad bacteria and strip our intestinal defenses of their capacity to hold back a garden variety of infective agents. Antibiotics are also known to remove the outer layer of bacterial cells, making them invisible to the immun-system. (Cell Wall Deficient Forms: Stealth Pathogens, by Dr. Lida Mattman). By not being recognized by the immun-system, one of the major defenses that of engulfing and destroying bacteria is precluded and these dangerous invisible forms are left free to multiply at will.

If one needs to use broad spectrum antibiotics, it is necessary to take probiotics (such as lactobacillus acidophilus) to increase the number of protective intestinal bacteria. A top quality probiotic contains more than lactobacillus (for more information see “The Ageless Woman”, available from Global Nutrition, Inc., 1-888-461-0949). Good probiotics repair the damage done to the intestinal immun-system by broad spectrum antibiotics.

Here are some of the essential steps to improve our immun-system:

STEP #1 / A clean gut reduces the absorption of toxins and assists the immun-system.

Step#2 / Proper diet. There is no doubt that the American diet is the most nutrient-depleted diet in the world. The first thing to eliminate are the empty calorie foods poor in nutrients such as soft drinks. Fast foods are notoriously loaded with hidden carbohydrates and toxic fats (trans fats) and are depleted of immun-protective nutrients such as zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins and essential fatty acids.

Step#3 / Immun-empowering nutrients. The immun-system requires not only a very good diet, but in times of stress, supplemental nutrients to replenish those that are eliminated by the stress factors. Among the most important are magnesium, B6 and zinc - a very important mineral to mobilize macrophagic activities (the “pac man” of the immun-system). Taking nutrients that empower the immun-system is a must during these times of stress and potentially lethal bacterial and viral exposure. Herbs, such as oregano oil, rosemary, thyme and olive leaf extracts, all are backed by very sound science and have antibacterial properties. There is much more than we know that can be done. This is a brief template of measures that need to be taken as soon as possible.

STEP #4 / Relaxation. Fear is an emotion that works negatively on the immun-system. We are living in a time when we need courage and pride, qualities that are extremely important for survival. Courageous and determined people help themselves and others, and collectively help the whole nation. It is, therefore, most important that we acquire and maintain these qualities. As I said in my book, “The Ageless Woman”, attitude is a very important aspect of our immun-defenses. All forms of relaxation training and good humor are of great help to shore up our resolve and our immun-system.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) has finally announced that “half of the hypothyroidism cases have gone undiagnosed.” Millions of people have been erroneously diagnosed as depressed when they really had an imbalance of the thyroid. Among the many properties of the thyroid is that of enhancing norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter whose deficiency might lead to depression.

According to the AACE the current diagnostic standards for thyroid imbalance are definitely inefficient. In borderline cases the most effective test, which only few endocrinologists endeavor to do, is the measurement of the TSH after an injection of the Thyroid Releasing Hormone (TRH).

The TSH blood test alone fails to disclose borderline nonetheless clinically significant cases. According to the AACE the use of TSH alone fails to diagnose 50% of clinical hypothyroidism. This fact has been known for a long time to complementary, alternative Physicians. For years, Broda-Barnes encouraged the use of clinical indicators such as the morning body temperature to determine thyroid insufficiency.

For more information on this very complex subject, I refer you to my chapter on thyroid and adrenals in The Ageless Woman book. In it you will also find a whole list of the clinical signs which are still the golden standard for the diagnosis of clinical hypothyroidism.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Sophisticated and costly tests such as the TRH challenge should only serve to validate a clinical impression.

Most cases of hypothyroidism are due to the presence of high toxic load and to inadequate levels of thyroid hormone precursors such as tyrosine and iodine.

Prescribing thyroid hormones before one removes the toxic load will often lead to palpations and other unpleasant symptoms. Before starting any type of hormonal replacement it is always prudent to check and remove the toxic load.

Detoxification combined with iodine and the amino acid tyrosine ought to be the first line of treatment. Very often once the thyroid tissues have been cleaned and properly nourished, they will produce adequate amounts of hormones. Most importantly, for the hormones to produce desirable effects, the binding sites of the various organs that respond to thyroid stimulation have to be cleaned (detoxification).

Another factor that leads to hypothyroidism is low progesterone so common in our stressed population. It is therefore imperative to measure the level of progesterone and supplement it as needed before instituting all of the other interventions.

Another form of hypothyroidism is due to the inability of the precursor hormone, tetraiodotyronine (T4), to become the active hormone triiodothyronine (T3). The diodinase enzyme that allows this transformation depends on adequate amounts of two trace minerals, copper and zinc.

Now that the AACE has (finally) expressed its concerns with so many undiagnosed cases of hypothyroidism, let’s continue doing what we in functional medicine have done all along.

My motto is, “be cautious and gentle when dealing with any hormonal replacement.” Endocrinology, the branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and correction of any hormonal imbalance requires the gentleness of a butterfly and the precise vision of an eagle.

Dehydroepinandrosterone (DHEA) is a well-known anti-aging hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. DHEA is converted mostly into testosterone in men and into estrogen in women. In most cases this is exactly the effect that one desires in order to manage menopause or andropause.

When the increase in estrogen or testosterone is not desirable 7-keto, the naturally occurring metabolite of DHEA, is the treatment of choice.

7-Keto has been studied also for its immune stimulant properties. Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that 7-keto increases the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) an immune-stimulant, in the lymphocytes by more than 100%. Both DHEA and 7-keto increase the body's ability to defend against viruses, bacteria and cancer cells.

In these troubled times boosting the immun-system is by far the best defense against any attack.

In our practice we have used the Immuno Support Pack (formally Infection Nutrients Pack) very effectively. In case of severe infections, we recommend the combination of our Immuno Support Pack and Mycoferon. The latter can also be purchased in any good health food store.

I recently treated myself for early stage pneumonia with a combination of the three.

I used 5 packs of Infection Nutrient Pack daily and 4 dropperfuls of Mycoferon, three times a day. In three days my lungs cleared up and I then lowered the amount for the next two days to 3 packs of Infection Nutrients and 1 dropperful of Mycoferon three times a day. For the next two days, I only used 1 pack and 1 dropperful and then I was able to resume my regular nutrient program.

For more information on either of the above products check out The Corsello Dispensary web site or call Global Nutrition, Inc. at 1-888-461-0949.

Many of us also have food allergies. Allergies connected to the Immunglobulin E (Ige) are easy to recognize. They provoke hives or worse spasm of the glottid, immediately upon ingestion of the insulting food such as shrimps or strawberries. Other forms of allergies, better known as delayed food sensitivities, are more insidious and need a special blood test (IGg 4) to be diagnosed. Delayed food sensitivities are difficult to diagnose just on clinical signs because the body doesn’t develop an immediate and easy to identify response. Rather it develops an immunological response similar to what happens in the case of infections.

The reference for this article is National Human Adipose Tissue Survey FY 82, EPA -5605-86-039, December 1986.

Intestinal problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating, mal-digestion (burping, sensation of fullness, etc.) are often related to excessive intestinal permeability – commonly known as the leaky gut syndrome. This increased intestinal porosity is also one of the sources of generalized weakened immunity, since 60% of our body’s antibodies are produced in the intestinal lining. Uncontrolled intestinal leakage, in which undigested food and pathogenic organisms (yeast, bacteria, parasites, etc.) move into the circulatory system can create many serious health problems, including rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma.

People who have leaky gut syndrome are typically found to have low secretory IgA (S-IgA). S-IgA’s job is to bind toxins, pathogenic microorganisms and allergenic food particles. When the level is low and the intestinal lining is irritated and porous, sensitivities to food are often the result. When we evaluate patients at our Centers, those with leaky guts usually prove to be reactive to more than half of the 70 foods in our test panel.

Low S-IgA also causes serious mal-absorption. When this occurs, oral vitamins are poorly absorbed, as are vital components of foods. Oral vitamins, in fact, are often counterproductive because they end up feeding the many bacteria that are residing in the intestine. At our Centers, we treat such cases with either intramuscular injections or intravenous infusions, while simultaneously taking steps to promote the healing of the intestine.

(GS CONNECTION June 24, 1998 - Vol.1, No.2) Smeculol E, Pedreira S, Niveloni S, Vazquez H, Maurino E, Bai JC, Meddings JB. Permeability tests detect celiac disease (CD) in first degree relatives: preliminary results (Digestive Diseases Week abstract #G1700). Gastroenterology 1998; 114(4;Part 2):A371

Fifteen years ago H.pylori was discovered as the primary cause of peptic ulcers. Scientists suggested in the Gastroenterology Journal that H.pylori, when associated with longterm treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), causes heightened damage to the gastric mucosa. In this scenario the H.pylori appears to act as the "crucial trigger". Japanese researchers also studied 1300 adults with atrophic gastritis and found the H.pylori infections to be a four-fold risk factor for atrophic gastritis. The authors, in fact, observed that people with H.pylori are four times more prone to atrophic gastritis than the average population.

The cancer research branch of the World Health Organization (WHO) also, in 1994, designated H.pylori as a Class I carcinogen.

After scrutiny, international data epidemiologists saw this clear association and the American Journal of Gastroenterology reported that inoculation in vitro with the H.pylori bacterium activates the telomerase enzyme that is tied to uncontrolled cancer cell growth.

In 1999 the National Public Health Institute of Finland reported a significant relationship between H.pylori infections and elevated serum lipid profiles in men.


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