An international team of scientists announced on Wednesday they had unravelled the genome of the parasitic worm that causes bilharzia, a disease that each year claims hundreds of thousands of lives.


The breakthrough could throw open the way to new drugs to fight a curse that rivals malaria and tuberculosis in many tropical countries, they said.

In fact, the blood fluke's genetic profile suggests it may be vulnerable to treatments already used for other diseases, the investigators said.

Bilharzia, also called schistosomiasis or snail fever, occurs when people bathe or wade in river or lake water inhabited by tiny snails that are the parasite's intermediate hosts.

The snails release the microscopic, fork-tailed parasites into the water, and these burrow into the bather's skin.

From there, they travel in the blood to the urinary and intestinal organs, including the liver, where they mature. The worms can grow up to a centimetre (0.4 of an inch) long and live five to 10 years on average in humans, although the record is 40 years.

Once inside the body, the parasites reproduce -- the female worm lives inside the thicker male -- and release thousands of eggs.

The eggs are shed in urine and faeces, which enables them to find their way back into snail-inhabited water, and thus the cycle starts again.

People infected with the fluke can suffer internal bleeding, organ damage, diarrhoea and anaemia.

Around 210 million people have been infected in 76 countries, according to a 2006 estimates, and the death toll is 280,000 each year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. Parts of the Middle East, Brazil, Venezuela and some West Indian islands are also badly affected.

The new probe, published in the British journal Nature, gathered scientists from the United States and Europe in a years-long endeavour to crack Schistosoma mansoni's genetic code.

First Aid is the temporary help given to an injured or a sick person before professional medical treatment can be provided. This timely assistance, comprising of simple medical techniques, is most critical to the victims and is, often, life saving. Any layperson can be trained to administer first aid, which can be can be carried out using minimal equipments. Basic training
in first aid skills should be taught in school, in work places and, in general, be learnt by all, as it is mandatory to our modern and stressful life.

There are several conditions that require first aid and Medindia has endeavored to enlighten its viewers on some of them.

Choose your food wisely

With the increased requirement of all nutrients in your body it is important to eat a well balanced diet. Your daily diet should consist of a variety of food from different food groups.

Milk and dairy products: skimmed milk, yogurt, buttermilk, cottage cheese –that are high in calcium, essential amino acids and Vitamin B-12. Talk to your doctor if you are lactose sensitive.
Cereals, whole grains, dals, pulses: they are good sources of protein.

Vegetables: these provide vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Fruits: eat fresh/seasonal fruits and avoid processed /canned fruits.
Meat/Fish/Poultry: these provide the essential animal proteins. Vegetarians need to consume about 1.5 ounces of nuts and 2/3 cup of legumes for proteins. One egg, ½ ounce of nuts, or ¼ cup of legumes is considered equivalent to 1 ounce of meat, poultry, or fish.

Fluids: Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, especially water and fresh fruit juices. Make sure you drink clean filtered water – if you need to go outdoors carry your own water or buy bottled water from a reputed brand -– most diseases are caused by waterborne visurses. Therefore ensure that you are consuming clean water both at home and outdoors. Go easy on the commercial and packaged juices as they have a very high sugar content.
Fats and Oils: Special attention needs to be paid to cooking fats and oils. Ghee, butter and coconut milk/oil are high in saturated fats and are best avoided. Vanaspati and Dalda are both high in trans fats, equally as bad as saturated fats.

Avoid larger varieties of fish exposed to industrial pollutants


Even though fish is a good source of protein, certain fish may contain potentially unsafe levels of naturally occurring mercury. It is best to avoid the larger predator fish, such as shark or swordfish as it may contain potentially unsafe levels of mercury. These fish absorb the mercury from the contaminated water and the mercury binds tightly to the proteins in fish muscle and remains there even after the fish is cooked.

Processed or canned fish should also be avoided as they are preserved in saline (salt solution), which may lead to water retention.

Some foods are no-nos


During pregnancy your should try to avoid:

• Raw seafood, such as oysters or uncooked sushi

• Cheeses with a white, 'mouldy' rind, such as Brie and Camembert, and blue-veined cheeses like Stilton.

• Avoid consuming unpasteurised milk (buffalo or cow's milk from the local vendor).

• Pate, raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs (cook all meat until there are no pink bits left and eggs till they are hard). All are possible sources of bacteria that can harm your unborn child.

• Liver and liver products (pate, liver sausage) should be avoided, too, because they may contain large amounts of the retinol form of vitamin A, too much of which could be bad for your developing baby.

• For some women, it is also important to avoid peanuts and foods that contain them. If you, your partner, or any of your other children (if you have any) have a history of allergies such as hayfever, asthma, or eczema, avoiding peanuts during pregnancy and breastfeeding may reduce your baby's chances of developing a potentially serious peanut allergy.

• Many women choose to avoid alcoholic drinks during pregnancy, too. Drinking too much alcohol can cause physical defects, learning disabilities, and emotional problems in children, so many experts recommend that you give up alcohol while you are pregnant.

• If you smoke, it is best for you and your baby to give up, the sooner the better. But, of course, this is often easier said than done.

• You might want to cut down on caffeine, too. This may be easy for women who are suddenly revolted by the stuff during their first trimester, but not so for everyone. Why is caffeine a potential problem? Research has linked consuming more than 300mg of caffeine a day with an increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. To be on the safe side stick to no more that two mugs of instant coffee or three cups of tea or two cans of cola per day. Or, although there is no evidence that moderate amounts of caffeine will harm you or your baby, you may want to switch to decaf hot drinks and colas, instead.

Take a suitable antenatal vitamin-mineral supplement


In an ideal world - free of morning sickness or food aversions - a well-balanced diet would be all an expectant mum ever needed. But in the real world, a vitamin-mineral supplement may be good insurance that a pregnant woman will be able to meet her nutritional needs. Ask your doctor whether you should take a vitamin supplement.

Folic acid is one supplement that is particularly important to take before you conceive -- and for the first three months or so of pregnancy. A lack of this B vitamin has been linked with neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida. The Ministry of Health recommends that women should take 0.4 mg (400 micrograms) of folic acid in a supplement at least until the 12th week of pregnancy.

Later on in your pregnancy most women may need to take iron or calcium supplements to make sure you're getting enough of these key minerals. Your iron levels will be checked periodically during your pregnancy, and your doctor will advise you about your individual needs.

If you are a strict vegetarian, have a medical condition such as diabetes, gestational diabetes, or anaemia, or if you have a history of low-birthweight babies, do talk with your doctor about any special supplements you might need.

Remember, though, that more is not always better: Vitamin A supplements which contain retinol, the animal form of vitamin A, can be toxic to unborn babies in large quantities. Megadoses of most vitamins and minerals could be harmful to your developing baby. Avoid self- medication and always check with your doctor before taking any antibiotics, antacids and painkillers.

Don't try to lose weight while you're pregnant


Dieting during pregnancy is potentially hazardous to you and your developing baby. Some diets can leave you low on iron, folic acid, and other important vitamins and minerals. Remember, weight gain is one of the most positive signs of a healthy pregnancy. Women who eat well and gain the appropriate amount of weight are more likely to have healthy babies. So if you're eating fresh, wholesome foods and gaining weight, relax: you're supposed to be getting bigger!

Gain weight gradually


Weight gain varies amongst individuals and depends on many factors. The average weight gain during pregnancy seems to be between 8 kilos and 15 kilos. Concentrate on eating a healthy diet: plenty of carbohydrates, lots of fruits and vegetables, reasonable amounts of protein, and just a little in the way of fats and sugars. However, if you are over 90 kgs or under 50 kgs, your doctor may advise a diet customised for you.

When you put on weight may be as important as the total amount. Most women gain the least weight during the first trimester and steadily increase, with the greatest amount being put on in the third trimester when the baby is growing the most.

Eat small meals every few hours


Even if you're not hungry, chances are your baby is, so try to eat every four hours. And if morning (or all-day) sickness, food aversions, heartburn, or indigestion make eating a chore, you may find that eating five or six small meals, rather than the usual three larger ones, is easier on your body. Remember, your developing baby needs regular sustenance, and you need to keep up your energy levels, so try not to miss meals.

Occasional treats are okay


You don't have to give up all your favourite foods just because you're pregnant. But processed or canned foods and snacks and sugar-packed desserts shouldn't be the mainstay of your diet, either. So as far as snacks are concerned, try a banana rather than luxury ice cream, or badam / kesar milk instead of a gajjar halwa dripping with calories. But don't feel guilty if you fancy the occasional chocolate. Enjoy every bite!

Antioxidants: We mention antioxidants because they are important in preventing and fighting cancer. Cancer begins in the cell. Cellular changes are brought about by toxins, alcohol, smoke, free radicals, and the aging process. Antioxidants help turn these free radicals and their precursors (the toxins) into harmless chemicals. Vitamins C, D, A, E, and selenium are antioxidants. New antioxidants are being discovered (invented) all the time, like Pycnogenol, Amrit Kalash, and Microhydrin.

Arsenic: A form of arsenic once used as insect poison has won U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval as a leukemia treatment after studies found small doses helped patients with a rare but deadly form of the disease. Should only be used under careful supervision.

Boluses: A bolus is like a suppository, used either vaginally or anally. Dr Schulze created a bolus of Squaw Vine herb, Slippery Elm Bark, Goldenseal root, Yellow Dock root, Comfrey root, Marshmallow root, Chickweed herb, Mullein leaf, Garlic bulb and Coconut and Tea Tree oil. Some boluses can be made into suppositories by mixing the materials and placing them into the freezer. These would be used for cervical problems.

Bovine Cartilage is much cheaper than Shark Cartilage, and is being presently studied with some very good results.

Castor Oil Packs were a favorite of Edgar Cayce, especially for breast cancer. It was thought by many to pull the tumors from the body, however, clinical research shows increased T-cell, NK (natural killer cells), and macrophage activity.

Chelation: Chelation therapy is a form of detoxification. It is used to clean the body of toxic heavy metals, excess calcification and arterial plaque build up. It also stimulates the immune system, sharpens the appetite (digestion) and generally helps to eliminate the by-products of metabolism. Because of all this, many consider it an excellent treatment against cancer. It can be done orally or intravenously.

Chinese Bitter Melon - commonly used by Asians as part of their diet, it is used regularly to clean the blood and for anti-viral and anti-tumor effects.

Contortrostatin is a protein extracted from the venom of the Southern Copperhead, a poisonous snake. It does not kill cancer cells, but stops their growth, preventing metastases (the spread of cancer). Like the new anti-angeogenesis drugs in the news lately, Contortrostatin stops the growth of new blood vessels, something that is needed for the spread of cancer. This is a new drug and it may be awhile before it is on the market.

D-limonene is a terpene, a compound found in plants. The best source of d-limonene is the oil from orange peels. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin found that when d-limonene was added to the diets of rats who had developed tumors, 90% of them had their tumors disappear completely. This has never been tested on humans, so it is not available. However, you can do what most juice experts have been saying for years: juice the orange and the peel together—just make sure your oranges are organically grown.

DMSO and MSM, both sulfur compounds, have been found useful in the treatment of cancer. DMSO, when given to a patient undergoing chemotherapy may help the doctor reduce the dosage of the chemo-therapeutic agent. On its own, DMSO has been used by several clinics, including the Donsbach Clinic in treating cancers of the bladder, ovary, breast and skin. Studies by Dr. Stanley Jacobs at Oregon Health Sciences University show that MSM significantly slows the development of both mammary and colon tumors. MSM may also reduce pain and inflammation.

Escharotic salves: Black and yellow salves are sometimes called botanical surgery. The salves works best on skin cancers and many have had success with breast cancer.

Exercise is very beneficial in cancer therapy. Those who exercise, work, or play tend to do better than those who stay in bed.

Garlic: There has been more written about the wonderful benefits of garlic than any other food source known. It's history dates back 3,500 years: Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was the first to write that garlic was an excellent medicine for eliminating tumors. It may also help restore natural killer (NK) cell activity.

Germanium enhances the availability of oxygen to both normal and cancer cells. It is well known that cancer cell's worst enemy is an oxygen-rich environment - they die quickly. Several studies have shown GE-132, a laboratory version of the naturally occurring compound from Japan, has excellent anti-tumor activities and helps the patient in strength and quality of life. It is thought to do this by strengthening the immune system. Germanium also seems to stimulate interferon production. Note: Kidney problems have resulted in taking the wrong (inorganic) form of Germanium: GeO2.

Glandulars: The average American diet is lacking in enzymes, which overburdens our endocrine system and associative organs (liver, pancreas, etc.). Many cancer centers in addition to enzymatic therapies, also use glandulars to help rebuild the thyroid, adrenals, and thymus glands.

Homeopathy is the introduction of an small amounts of medicine into the body, a medicine chosen to be similar in nature to the problem the patient is having. Proven to be a popular and inexpensive treatment worldwide, it causes a "vaccination-like" response in the body. Two new anti-cancer homeopathic medicines are Nucleic acids 2LC1 and 2LCL1. There a many published studies showing an good improvement rate worldwide using Homeopathy.

Incurables Program: Dr. Richard Schulze and Dr. John Christopher, both Master herbalists and healers, developed "Incurables" Programs. They believe that disease results from a failure of the immune system, mainly due to bad diet and their programs kick the immune system into high gear.

They helped many who were called "incurable" by medical doctors" - people who had been told by their physicians in essence to go home and set their houses in order (get the wills made, end off relationships and die, basically...there was nothing more that traditional medicine had to offer them). Using their methods, teachings and herbal remedies, these people brought themselves back to life.

Some of the main points of it are: 1) Get off animal products and onto a raw vegan diet. Further, when one is very ill, one gets off solid food and drinks a great deal of freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices. 2) Cleanse the elimination channels (intestinal cleanse first, then kidney and liver cleanses. 3) Massage and exercise, sunshine, and other vital things we often don't do. 4) Hydrotherapy (hot and cold water therapy) and other healing approaches are used. Since this is a very intense program, you should consult a doctor, hopefully one who is friendly to and conversant in natural methods, before starting this program.

Inositol is a natural phytochemical (plant chemical) found in rice bran. Several studies have shown it to increase Natural Killer (NK) cell activity, thus also exhibiting anti-tumor activity. A supplemental form is known as Cell Forte with IP-6™.

Isoflavones are substances found in soybeans that have several anti-cancer properties. These include inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, slowing down their DNA synthesis and cell division, and inhibiting angiogenesis. Isoflavones seem to stimulate genetic changes, returning cancer cells back into non-cancerous ones.

Jason Winters Tea - Like the Essiac formula, this tea is a blood cleanser. Jason Winters traveled around the world on a desperate journey to heal his terminal cancer. Near death, he finally came across the right combination of the right herbs, healed himself, wrote a book, gave lectures, and helped others heal their cancers. You can find this tea in most health food stores.

Live Cell Therapy: Begun in Switzerland and used widely in Germany, as well as in Canada and Mexico, it is outlawed in the US. Cancer is, among other things, due to DNA damage. When a cell dies the new cell that grows to replace the dead cell is a duplicate of the dead cell because the DNA is passed on to the new cell. However, in cancer, the DNA has gone wild and creates an entirely new cell. Cellular changes are brought about by toxins, alcohol, smoke, malnutrition, free radicals, and the aging process. In Live Cell Therapy, DNA from animal fetuses (in the form of thymus extracts, Resomillan® [spleen extract] , and other forms) is injected. According to its proponents, live cell therapy helps organs regenerate, improves hormonal responses, and enhances immune system responses. The pill form has not yet proven itself effective.

Melatonin is best known as the hormone that helps us sleep. It has also been proven to stimulate natural "killer cells" by enhancing Interlukin-2 production. Besides helping to increase longevity of cancer patients, they also report a better quality of life.
Mogu (Kombucha): The mogu tea, also known as kombucha (cum boo chuh), dates back to the 5th century A.D. Mogu is a fermented tea-like drink made from black tea, sugar, and a live pancake-shaped fungus with the consistency of a wet mushroom. Mogu produces acids similar to those made by the liver. It binds with toxins in the digestive tract and carries them out of the body via normal waste elimination. Mogu can help prevent and treat cancer. If prepared properly, it has no known harmful side effects in regular dosage of a cup or two a day.

Noni Juice, sometimes called Tahitian Noni, is a commercially available extract coming from a south seas island plant. Natives there have reportedly used it for centuries to treat a wide variety of diseases. There have been many anecdotal, but few scientific, reports on it's ability to greatly assist the body in overcoming cancer.

Olive leaf extract has enormous antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, and heart health benefits. The active ingredient Oleuropein interferes with viruses in several ways: It disrupts the viral amino acid production, inhibits replication, and in retro-viruses neutralizes enzymes that are needed to alter the RNA of a healthy cell whereby the virus would be able to take over those cells.
Pecta-Sol is Modified Citrus Pectin. Pectin is a complex carbohydrate molecule found in most plants but especially citrus fruit. Pectin is used in making jellies and is an ingredient in some anti-diarrhea medicines. The long-chain molecule found in grocery store pectin is not absorbed by the body. Modified Citrus Pectin is made from shorter molecular chains and is readily absorbed from the intestinal tract. Pecta-Sol fights the spread of cancer by preventing or inhibiting metastases. Cancer cells are particularly susceptible to having Modified Citrus Pectin attach to them because of the nature of their cell membranes. Once the Modified Citrus Pectin has attached itself to the cancer cells floating in the blood stream, the cancer cells become coated and unable to attach themselves to the lining of blood vessels or other potential metastatic sites. This process can only occur in the bloodstream, hence the importance of allowing the short chained pectin to be absorbed by the body. It is often recommended to take this product with PCSpes.

PC SPES has been used by men with prostate cancer to arrest the progression of the disease and it may also help treat lymphoma, leukemia, breast cancer, and melanoma. PC SPES combines extracts of eight herbs: Scutellaria baicalensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ganoderma lucidium, Isatis indigotica, Panax pseudo-ginseng, Serenoa repens, Dendrantherma morifolium, and Rabdosia rubescens. All of these are Chinese herbs except Serenoa repens, an extract of the American dwarf palm or saw palmetto. The combined mixture of herbs contains flavonoids that have antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic actions and includes isoflavones that have some estrogen-like activity PC SPES also contains compounds that may enhance immune cell action and components that interfere with testosterone metabolism and prevent testosterone from binding to prostate cells. Acting together in the PC SPES mixture, individual components may team up to block prostate cancer progression, in part, by blocking androgen supported prostate cell growth and by causing cell death.

SOD is a naturally occurring enzyme that absorbs highly damaging free radicals and coverts them to hydrogen peroxide. Scientists have found the more susceptible a normal cell has become to carcinogens, the less SOD it has. A German version of SOD, combined with copper, has shown remarkable abilities in dealing with cancer cells, causing dramatic tumor remissions. SOD has also shown to be very useful in counteracting the effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

Ukrain: Clinical studies have shown that this highly effective derivative of a certain plant extract and thiophosphoric acid improves the overall health and strength of terminal cancer patients, boosts their immune systems and blocks tumor growth. It appears to be effective against many types of cancer, except for Leukemia and brain cancer.

Urea: Urea, which comes from urine, is used to break the hydrophobic bonds of cancer cells, which are protected from the body's own immune cells. Urea breaks up this water structure, the colony of cells is suddenly unable to feed, and the cancer is unprotected from the body's immune system. It especially appears to work well with liver cancers.

Cause of Cancer and other Chronic Immune Dysfunction Syndromes

The main cause of cancer and other chronic immune (Wei) dysfunction syndromes is a weakened or suppressed immune system (Wei Qi) due to many causative factors which can be categorized into climatic changes, food factors, emotional factors and hereditary factors.

Climatic Changes and External Factors

According to Chinese medical theory, dampness or humidity weakens the energy of the spleen-pancreas complex aggravating any immuno-suppressed condition. The continuous air pollution, indiscriminate use of artificial chemicals, disrespectful dumping of tons of garbage into our rivers and seas, and the creation of holes in the ozone layer. Burning of forests has increased the CO2 in our atmosphere causing an increase in temperature enough to flood coastal cities and create dryness in productive farmlands, and deplete our supply of vital oxygen.

Another of the external factors is the overuse of medications presently killing more people a year than car accidents. Antibiotics have become a home remedy for anything that looks like an innocent cold, killing friendly bacteria in our gut and allowing yeast overgrowth in increasing numbers. The "pill" once hailed as sexual liberation, has so many side effects (yeast overgrowth one of them) that it is incredible to me that so many women are still taking it. And of course, cortisone, radiation therapy, anti-cancer drugs all suppress the very immune system they are supposed to support!

Food Factors and Changes

We have processed the goodness out of our foods, ingested toxic metals from our cooking methods, increased the fat intake, decreased the dietary fiber with chronic constipation and degenerative diseases as a consequence. But the biggest threat to our health is the enormous intake of sugar and aspartame (Nutrasweet, Sweet 'N Low). There is also consistent evidence of contaminated poultry and injection of antibiotics and hormones into meat. So what does the American public think? Are they just going to eat this meat anyway? I guess they are. But don't try to sell me the idea that we have the best food in the world. Is it not ironic that we have a special "health food" section? What shall we call those other foods? "Unhealthy foods"? You know, we should.

Emotions

Eastern medicine recognized the relationship between emotions and the damage they do to organs 5,000 years ago. You can easily guess which one damages the immune system (Wei Qi) raising the rate of "wear and tear" within the body. Yes, it is worry, STRESS. Blame whatever you will -- job, spouse, bills, kids, the complexity of life -- stress has become one of America's most common health problems. In every cancer, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other CIDS patient that I have seen in my practice, stress was the ultimate triggering factor, the straw that broke the camel's back. And most often, it is the single cause of relapse. Only very recently has Western medicine begun investigating stress.

Hereditary Factors

Heredity is one of the main means of spreading CIDS. The biggest culprit here is the yeast cell, Candida albicans. Candida is considered the number one aggressor when our immune system is suppressed. With the increased progesterone in the third trimester of pregnancy, CIDS patients with Candida see an aggravation to their condition. Unrecognized (mistake #1) or insufficiently treated by doctors (mistake #2), yeast cells are transmitted to the newborn who may be born with thrush, but more likely will start showing symptoms of ear infections. And since Candida collects fluid in the middle ear, pressing against the ear drum, imitating a bacterial infection, antibiotics are given in repetitive doses (mistake #3), providing the ideal climate to enhance the growth of the yeast cell. It is not uncommon to see 4 year-olds who have been on antibiotics for almost all of their short lives. The rest is a modern classic. These children crave sugar, become hyperactive, receive Ritalin, demonstrate learning disabilities and are labelled problems (Mistakes innumerable). Those children never get a chance! CIDS is NOT a disease of "Yuppies"; it affects children and adolescents in much greater numbers than you suspect.

Knowing that the above factors are the causes of a suppressed system and secondarily lead to an invasion of yeast, viruses, bacteria and parasites, we realize that although the problem cannot be rectified by a single medication (which is only a dream), it can be controlled by a total holistic approach.

Cure for Chronic Immune Dysfunction Syndromes

Signs of a Depressed Immune System

The very first micro-organism to sense the decreased strength of our immune system (Wei Qi) is the Candida cell. In fact it starts multiplying before the patient exhibits one single symptom. Hence, immuno-suppressed patients present themselves with yeast symptoms. Of course, the reader thinks about a vaginal yeast infection, and indeed, millions of victims show such a symptom. Alas, this is not all. Multiple food sensitivities, bloating, gas, constipation or loose bowels, PMS, no menstrual cycle at all, cravings for sugar and carbohydrates, inability to lose weight, loss of short-term memory and concentration, panic attacks, inability to hold chiropractic adjustments, dizzy spells, postnasal drip, moodswings, urination frequency and burning, loss of sexual desire, metallic taste in the mouth and irritability, all are symptoms of yeast overgrowth. Once the patient's immune system is busy fighting this massive yeast invasion, viruses such as Herpes Simplex family (like CEBV) have an easy time multiplying and exhibitng their own symptomatology -- muscle fatigue, sore throats, flu-like symptoms, low grade fevers and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Often a hypersensitivity towards sunlight and sound is noted. The patient catches one cold after another, sensitivities towards the environment increase, and the patient feels like he will never recover from an endless flu. As if he does not have enough to deal with already, almost every CIDS is invaded by the ultimate enemy, parasites. They will add their own ailments (loose stools, ravenous appetite with weight loss) but often blend symptoms with those of yeast and viruses.

Therapeutic Measures

Avoid greasy and fatty foods. Shun the number one killer, sugar (fructose, sucrose, corn syrup, honey). I have already mentioned to avoid aspartame at all costs. The diet of an immuno-suppressed patient should be a high protein, low carbohydrate alkaline one. Avoid breads, dairy products (except butter and eggs), vinegar, apples, pears, grapes, mushrooms, canned foods, coffee, wine, beer, champagne or anything else that is fermented (miso and tofu). Every CIDS patient would show 50% improvement simply by following these guidelines.

Emotional stress factors should be faced and handled through talk therapy with a friend or counsellor (should be a good listener).

Learning how to breathe and how to meditate such as the Melchizedek Method or Holographic Sound Healing will greatly magnify the spiritual healing techniques the patient is having and heal holographically increasing the patient's Wei Qi (vital energy) a thousand fold, opening one's heart to unconditional love and activating the light body (merkaba) of the patient. You can access online Advance Qi Meditation Techniques.

The two herbal formulas which are time tested and scientifically proven and improved in mainland China to detoxify the blood, cells and detox organs (such as the liver, bowels, kidney and lungs) are "C" Cessiac and "Y" Yuccalive and which consequently build and strengthen the immune system (Wei Qi). The Liver Flush program should be done with the herbal products for optimum results.

Obviously, we have to increase the strength of our immune system (Wei-Yong Qi), and this can be achieved through numerous possible treatments. Qigong, Alkaline Kangen Water, sun gazing, acupuncture and moxibustion, pranic healing, germanium, coenzyme Q10, Vitamin C, Beta carotene, Antioxidant (grapeseed, bilberry, cranberry extract), Horsetail Grass extract, Milk Thistle, Astragalus, Echinacea, Buteyko method of breathing, Ozone therapy, Vitamin E and Zinc, Green drinks, Microflora (Super-Neoflora) containing a specific bacteria, Bacillus Latersporus, and exercise are just a few that can be tried. By effectively treating the underlying causes of the suppression of the immune system by yeast, parasites, viruses and bacteria, and by avoiding the triggering factors mentioned, one will allow the immune system to restore itself. More than ever in this world, this is a must. If you are not going to start today, when will you start? And if you don't do it for yourself, who will? Join the Cancer/CIDS Support Group NOW to learn how to strengthen your immune system with these powerful tools.

How we long for the rains to start and then we wait for them to go away! Rainy season brings with it its own set of discomforts and inconveniences. We have to take extra care of ourselves during the monsoon.

Some tips that could help you:

Always fresh

* Wear cool clothing. This is a sweaty time with the humidity being high. Wearing comfortable clothes is important. Choose cool light weight materials that dry fast. Avoid synthetic fabrics as they retain heat and perspiration and may even cause rashes and prickly heat. Make sure that your clothes are not too tight and fitting.
* Wear good, supportive rainy wear shoes as the roads are slippery, sometimes waterlogged and full of potholes. Dirty water mixed with sewage and soil can cause a host of infections. Also the flowing water may bring with it a lot of litter, such as broken glass bottles, wooden or metal splinters, old containers, papers and rags among other things. Never venture out bare feet. Keep an eye on potholes, open drains or manholes when you are out on the street.
* If you are working, it is wise to leave an extra set of clothes and shoes in your office in case you are drenched in the rain. Keep some wet tissues in your purse and use them to wipe away grime and sweat.
* To keep cool and fresh, bathe at least twice a day using a good deodorant soap and talcum powder. Dry yourself well after a bath.
* Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself well hydrated. You could have plenty of boiled/filtered water. Lemonade, khus sherbet, and rose sherbet are all excellent cooling agents that reduce heat stress and are refreshing as well.

Dry up fast

* In case you do get drenched, on reaching home, wash your hands and feet with warm water and a disinfectant soap immediately. Change your clothes immediately and wash them with plenty of soap and hot water if possible.
* Air out your footwear, socks, umbrella and raincoat to dry. If these things are kept wet they become a breeding ground for germs and moulds.

Counter the diseases

* Monsoons also bring in waterborne diseases. Take special care that your food is prepared hygienically. Tap water may be contaminated by overflowing ground water that gets mixed with it during the monsoons. Rinse your plates and dishes with filtered water before use.
* Ensure that all cooked food is covered well to keep away flies and other insects. Frequent power cuts, a common occurrence during monsoons could spoil food in the refrigerator easily, exposing it to bacteria. As far as possible, eat freshly prepared food and prepare it in small quantities so that you do not need to store it in the refrigerator for very long.
* Monsoons also show a rise in contagious diseases. Ensure that you and your family are not in close contact with someone who is suffering from a viral infection or conjunctivitis.
* If you experience any symptoms of nausea, headache, fatigue or fainting talk to your doctor right away as it may be a sign of heat stress.
* Monsoons usually see slack business for roadside vendors of foods like cut fruits, juices, snacks, fried foods, chaat, gol guppas, and water/milk based drinks. If you really must eat out -- choose a place known for its good hygiene and quality food, but try to steer clear of curd and curd-based preparations, salads, fermented and raw preparations. Bacterial growth increases rapidly during a hot and humid weather. Ask for branded, sealed bottled water in case you are not carrying your own supply.
* Use filtered water for cooking, kneading the dough and for washing vegetables, dals and meats. Clean leafy green vegetables several times over in filtered boiled water and steam them to get rid of any germs and bacteria.

Keep your home clean and fresh

* Air your home frequently and keep windows open for maximum cross ventilation.
* Avoid collection of stagnant water in open vessels, flowerpots or coolers as these are the perfect breeding ground for mosquito larvae which cause malaria.
* If you have indoor plants, ensure that there is no water logging and change water in the flower vases everyday. Alternatively pour some kerosene oil in case the water cannot be drained out.
* Use insect repellents to get rid or mosquitoes and other insects.
* Keep you home fresh and clean and use a good disinfectant to clean the floors and bathrooms.
* Get pest control done for your home -- that will save you from flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, termites and other disease carrying insects.

Pre-monsoon check

* Do ensure that your home is safe to avoid any unpleasant incidents.
* Be watchful of any seepage especially on the roof and walls and near electrical fittings as it may cause electrocution.
* Carry out thorough pre-monsoon checks in your home and get an electrician to fix all faulty wiring and switches.
* Have your plumber fix any leaking fixtures and get your drains cleaned and de-silted well before the rains.

Check list before you leave home

* Always carry enough cash and don’t forget your umbrella or raincoat.
* Always keep your vehicle's fuel tank reasonably full or use a local cab which is reliable.
* Keep your mobile phone charged at all times and carry your phone charger along.
* Carry a bottle of water and a snack with you.
* Always keep your family informed in case you are stuck anywhere in the rain.

Washington, July 8 (ANI): Chinese herbs have been found to be effective in relieving side effects of the endometriosis treatment, say researchers.

Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder affecting as many as one in six women of reproductive age.

It can cause pelvic pain, irregular and painful periods, and infertility.

A systematic review by Cochrane researchers has shown that women experienced significant benefits after laparoscopic surgery.

The women also suffered fewer adverse effects if they were given Chinese herbs, compared with conventional drug treatments.

The researchers reviewed two trials, which together focused on a total of 158 women.

In one trial, Chinese herbal medicine provided symptomatic relief comparable to that provided by the hormonal drug gestrinone, but with fewer side effects.

In the other trial, CHM was more effective than the hormonal drug danazol, and also resulted in fewer side effects.

"These findings suggest that Chinese herbs may be just as effective as certain conventional drug treatments for women suffering from endometriosis, but at present we don't have enough evidence to generalize the results," said lead researcher Andrew Flower of the Complementary Medicine Research Unit at the University of Southampton in the UK. (ANI)