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Copyright © 1999 Betty Kamen by Nutrition Encounter, Novato, CA 94948
All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means or for any reason without the consent of the publisher. The information contained is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this newsletter. Please consult your health professional for any matter relating to your health. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The information and opinions provided are believed to be accurate and sound, based on our best judgment. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Statements made in this issue have not necessarily been evaluated by the FDA. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Infection-Figher Pack

Did you get the flu this season?" As winter nears its end each year, this is a common question. Last year, however, the question was replaced with: "How long were YOU sick?"

From east to west across the country, and even in Europe, last year's viral bug hit hard, with very few escapees. But thanks to an infection-fighting group of nutrients, suggested by Serafina Corsello, M.D., of New York City and Huntington, New York, those afflicted were completely well in three days instead of the more usual three weeks - if they knew about her unusual compilation of nutrients. I have been so impressed with the results of this particular team of elixirs that, along with the Band-Aids and the burn ointment, my medicine cabinet now houses the Infection Nutrients Pack.

If you are nutrition-aware you may already be familiar with the eight ingredients in this amazing bundle. And if you are an advanced student of nutrition science, you will certainly note that the recommendations are upscale - the result of our alternative health industry's onward march for better and better. But I know about another reason for this particular assemblage, too! I know that some of Dr. Corsello's grandma's advice has also found its way into this pack.

Well, okay, I will concede that Dr. Corsello's genius for understanding human biochemistry (as no one I have ever encountered in my half century of involvement in this field) had substantial influence, too. Add to that her ability to cull the best of all that cutting edge stuff, and it's no wonder this pack is so effective.

Whatever the contributing reasons, the result is a nutrient compendium that helps to short-circuit the winter nemesis, be it a weak virus or a powerfully strong invader. And it's not only the popular bug of the time that gets wiped out quickly with these goodies - myriad infections have gone down the tube with their use.

As I describe the contents of this bundle, you may say, well, you did take a few of the eight items on the list. But it's the quality and the totality - the very specific formulation of each substance in the entire pack and the use of them together that helps to turn the tide.

And here's the really good news: Because the nutrients are arranged and wrapped in individual doses, it's extraordinarily convenient and cost effective. You don't have to open eight jars at each swallow, nor will you be running to the store because you ran short of one item. Nor will you be left with an oversupply of only part of what you were taking once you are well.

The components in the Infection Nutrients Pack are expressly designed to allow your body to fight infections naturally, and to prevent the "domino effect." We all know that viral infections can lead to bacterial infections that lower your resistance, making you vulnerable to parasites and yeast overgrowth. So Dr. Corsello recommends specific defensive nutrients to stand guard over your immune system - protectors that work synergistically. (Synergy in this context refers to the nutrients functioning with a greater benefit than is achieved with each alone.)

So it is that this assortment of helpers has proved to be one of the best insurance policies you could use against any infection. As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and several people I know who took this pack were inflicted with mild discomfort for only a few days, instead of experiencing major misery for three or more weeks!

In other words, it works!

If you check the marketplace, you would be hard pressed to find another anti-infection pack similar to this one. For starters, it contains standardized herbal remedies. Why is standardization of herbs important? Because the company producing standardized products must have a microbiological laboratory evaluate the herbs for the presence of parasites and other infective agents, and for petrochemical residues such as DDT. Once the herb passes this control test, the active therapeutic ingredients are measured, and their quantities properly listed on the label. It is imperative when using herbal products to use only standardized varieties.

As for the attributes of the rest of the nutrients used in this pack, you can be assured that they have been selected because they are not only synergistic, but also because they offer optimal absorption.

The quality lesson is over. Now let's get down to basics. Here are the eight ingredients in the Infection Nutrients Pack (which I think would have been better named the Infection-Fighting Nutrient Pack):

(1) Multi-Vitamin Mineral Botanical Complex

A balanced multi-vitamin mineral botanical complex provides all of the B vitamins and antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E) you require, helping to protect you from the damage of the infective cascade.

Keep in mind that all nutrients get zapped during an infection. When I see the word botanical in a multi-nutrient listing, I know the formulator is aware that plants contain many phytoprotectants. An astute physician who recommends botanicals along with isolated nutrients knows that natural plants are comprised of substances that are not only tried and true, but more importantly, contain constituents we have yet to fully identify - unlike the detached or isolated nutrients.

In this case, these botanicals are included to help your liver combat viral infections.

(2) Malic Acid and Magnesium

a.) Malic Acid

Have you had your tart green apples or currants today? If not, chances are you're not getting enough malic acid. (The very word comes from the Latin malum, which means apple.) This energy-burning nutrient has traditionally been used for stress, tender points, pain, persistent fatigue, muscular pain, arthritic-like symptoms, and for recovery from exercise.

b.) Magnesium

Magnesium is necessary for bronchodilation, vasodilation, and the processing of essential fatty acids. The definitions that follow mark the importance of these consequences in fighting your winter infection.

Bronchodilation: (Broncho pertains to your windpipe.) A bronchodilator has the power to cause an increase in the diameter of the hollow tubular structure of your bronchi, the branches of your windpipe, or trachea.

Vasodilation: Like bronchodilation, vasodilation causes anincrease in the diameter of your blood vessels.

Essential fatty acids: When we discuss the word "essential" as it relates to fatty acids, it means more than indispensable. Essential in this context means the substance must be on your plate. You must eat it because your body doesn't make it. Essential fatty acid metabolism is primary for your recovery.

So you see that magnesium protects your heart and other vital organs, which suffer during acute infections. By the way, these are just a few of the approximately 370 biochemical cellular pathways that magnesium facilitates.

Magnesium and malic acid are formulated together for good reason. Studies have shown that these two nutrients are especially synergistic. They both play a role in energy production, helping to dispense with the fatigue we experience with infectious invasion. Flu victims who take these two supplements rarely have to say, "I ache all over" because this dynamic duo relaxes inflamed muscles. The combination produces a union important to muscle integrity.

Magnesium and malic acid are also necessary for removing the toxic load that distracts your immune system from inhibiting, or fighting, infections.

(3) Standardized Echinacea

Echinacea has become a household word - now a commonly used herb for maintaining your immune system. There is evidence that echinacea can increase levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), one of the most important cytokines, the family of molecules engaged in immunological or inflammatory responses. Cytokines help to attract the right kinds of white blood cells to sites of infection, and they assist in sending other get-well chemical messages from white blood cell to white blood cell.

No wonder that standardized echinacea is a highly effective anti-infection herb with the ability to combat broad-spectrum infections! And of course it has none of the harmful side effects of pharmaceutical antibiotics.

Caveat: Echinacea should never be taken continuously for months. You can, however, use it safely for three to four weeks. Then stop for one or two weeks, and resume only if necessary. You don't want to overstimulate those cytokines.

(4) Standardized Goldenseal

Alkaloids are active substances found naturally in plants. The alkaloids in goldenseal are effective anti-infection remedies, especially for Alkaloids are active substances found naturally in plants. The alkaloids in goldenseal are effective anti-infection remedies, especially for reducing the inflammation of your body's mucus membranes - the ones that line your respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary tracts.

These inflammatory conditions, as we all know too well, are induced by infections.

One of the most noted alkaloids in goldenseal, berberine, has been shown to have antibiotic activity that works with a vengeance more powerful than some prescription antibiotics - but, again, without the side effects, of course.

Berberine can also lower fever by enhancing your immune system's ability to handle fever-producing compounds produced by microorganisms. This is unlike the effect of aspirin, which suppresses fever through its action on prostaglandins. Goldenseal is in synergy with echinacea.

Another caveat: Do not take goldenseal if you are pregnant.

(5) Standardized Ginger

More than just a culinary delight, ginger is an extremely beneficial botanical that has been used for centuries by numerous cultures for its therapeutic values. Ginger is a time-proven remedy for indigestion, upset stomach, and easing cold symptoms and sore throats.

Standardized ginger assists your gastrointestinal tract by stimulating bile flow. It preserves the integrity of your digestive system, which is usually damaged during any type of infection. Ginger also has natural anti-inflammatory properties necessary to fight free radicals - the highly reactive molecules that are suspected agents of tissue damage in a wide variety of circumstances, including times of infection.

And that nauseous feeling that comes with the flu? It disappears with the use of ginger.

(6) Bromelain

You may know bromelain as the sulfur-containing enzyme that digests protein when you take it with food. You probably also know that it's derived from the hardy pineapple stem. But bromelain possesses two other major properties:

1. it is anti-inflammatory (and helpful in the reduction of swelling)
2. it offers pancreatic support

Since bromelain can modulate cytokines and thereby immunity, and because it offers digestive assistance, you can see how important it is in infection fighting. And here's the synergy: It has the ability to enhance the antibiotic potential of some of the other ingredients in this group of healing potions.

Bromelain is well absorbed orally - a safe and effective supplement.

(7) Acidophilus

Acidophilus is one of the most important food-type supplements. Although Dr. Corsello's grandma may not have had the scientific facts (not yet known in her day), she taught her granddaughter the importance of consuming this kind of product. Nearly every health-minded society consumes a fermented or cultured food product of one type or another, and has done so for centuries.

Empirical observation shows that the addition of foods with good-guy bacteria is associated with disease prevention and therapy. Asians use fermented vegetables. Africans use fermented millet. For Bulgarians, it's yogurt. Germans - sauerkraut. Greeks serve yogurt and cucumbers with every meal. Eskimos eat "rotten" fish and "rotten" eggs. Yes, Americans eat cheese and sour cream, but the ultra high temperatures and processing manipulations applied to produce these foods in our country leave us with denatured products with nary a beneficial enzyme left.

And so it is that acidophilus is a must, supporting your intestinal system - the site of 80 percent of your immune resources. Keep in mind that during infections, yeast tends to overgrow because your immune system is so busy fighting off other injurious agents.

Bacteria found in acidophilus help restore a supportive bacterial environment to an intestinal tract affected by disease and antibiotics.

(8) Zinc Lozenges

Zinc is an essential component of the active site of a variety of enzymes. Zinc lozenges are one of the best oral disinfectants, especially in the presence of sore throats. Most infections enter through the oral and respiratory tract, where these lozenges can create an efficacious barrier.

Zinc also is an immune activator when accompanied by vitamin C, echinacea, and eucalyptus, all of which soothe the throat while offering added protection.

The zinc lozenge is the largest white supplement in the package. You are instructed to remove it from the pack and suck on it.

That's the pack. What else can you do to facilitate recovery? Here's some advice from Dr. Corsello's Italian Grandma: eat lightly, drink plenty of fluids, rest, think positively, eat good chicken soup.

Woops! I think the last item came from my grandma!

How to Use the Infection-Fighting Nutrient Pack

As with any supplementation, it's always a good idea to consult a knowledgeable physician before beginning a new program, especially if you are pregnant or lactating.

Most people can stop their usual nutrient regimen while on this comprehensive infection-fighting pack.

High amounts of B vitamins can overfeed yeast and parasites in your intestines. If you are taking three to four packets a day, you have enough B vitamins to carry you through the acute infection stage.

Early on, use one package twice a day. Increase to four if the infection is severe, and continue until the infection is completely under control.

In the case of upper respiratory infections, ear infections, or flu, use one package four times a day.

Continue taking at least one packet for a few days after your symptoms are under control. Although you may no longer have symptoms, some infective agents may still be present. (They're sneaky that way.) When the infection is over, resume your regular supplement program.

How to Order the Infection Nutrients Pack:

Call Global Nutrition at 1-888-461-0949 for detailed information.

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