02/12/2010: Susie from Las Vegas, Nv: "I would like to make my own Vitamin C, I was wondering what the shelf life is?"

10/22/2010: Edward from Nashville, Tn: "Hey! Whenever I get sick I take Sodium Ascorbate. I find the best way is in tablet form. Sometimes I'll crack the tablets and dissolve the powder in water. It works great."

[WARNING!]  08/16/2011: Robert from St. John's, Newfoundland And Labrador, Canada: "Be very careful eating the skin of any citrus most especially lemons. Lemons have five very potent/powerful/extremely dangerous pesticides sprayed on them when shipped. Look at the shipping carton for the list. They are so toxic a person should wash their hands after handling them because the poisons are absorable through the human skin.

It is virtually imposible to remove the shipping poisons from citrus which is naturally oily and disolves the hydrocarbon based poisons deep into the peel.

How about the new "grease' sprayed on apples-instant prolonged headaches. Be careful, watch everything you eat."

08/16/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France: "The apples I buy in the supermarket nowadays are very greasy and there is no way to get rid of that grease. Do you mean that? I don't understand why they do it, maybe so that insects don't attack them? Eating is more and more becoming a hazardous activity! Sometimes I don't even feel like eating and think: why bother? No wonder we are all ill....."

08/17/2011: Lily from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia: "Franscisca, I think that is wax on the apple, but who knows what they put in that. It puts me off too. Lily."

09/13/2011: Maria from Gippsland, Australia: "The fruit is coated in wax, petroleum type (or it used to be as it's cheap). This is done to to keep them from dehydrating as they can spend a long time in storage. A lot of us nowadays don't even know when apple season is as we can buy them 12 months of the year.

Love the idea of the dried organic unwaxed orange peel. As it also contains flavonoids, phytonutrients & Limonin it makes it a nutritious addition to our diet."

05/01/2013: Michelle from Hickory, Nc: "Thanks for the information, what is all of your opinions on organic fruit? Would the peel be safe to eat? The wax you guys are talking about is on organic apples as well. I take a knife and scrape as much wax off then wash with vinegar before giving to my children."

05/01/2013: Molly from Corte Madera, Ca: "Sorry to hear about this. I used to get up one or two times a night and thought this was totally normal as this was the case with family members and Oprah :). I later had terrible insomnia that I treated first with drugs but later cured with diet and a temporary supplement to regulate my cortisol levels in the evening. I went off sugar first, then gluten, then dairy. I discovered I no longer needed any of the meds I was taking (one for sleep, one for the side effects from the first - depression). Amazingly to me, I have never had to get up at night to urinate since. I don't know if your husband's meds could be effecting his hormones (I now know my problem was a hormone imbalance), but trying an elimination diet or adjusting his medication might be something to explore. Speaking with a naturopath might also help as you search for an answer. It seems like daily ACV, oil pulling, and/or eating naturally fermented, live foods like sauerkraut might be other things to try just to increase immunity and strengthen his system in general by countering or flushing out toxins. Good luck! Hope you both are sleeping better soon :)"

05/01/2013: Oldriska from Prague, Czech Republic: "The idea is interesting. I used to wonder if I had imposed my illness on me somehow - subconsiously, or otherwise; I think it's one of the phases some people with a serious health problem go through. As much as I would love to get rid of my condition, which is atypical trigeminal neuralgia (constant facial pain), or trade it off for more "smaller" issues, I find that there is little I can do. Ignoring the disease is impossible, if there is pain as a constant reminder. So even when people tell me not to think about the pain and I'll be okay, they don't know what they're talking about. Nerves are a part of the autonomous nerve system -- no matter how hard I try, wish or pray or try to ignore them -- I cannot stop them from hurting. Maybe I just did a bad job picking my illness:)"

05/01/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Yes, I have had shingles at least 5 times, and one episode set off the nerves on my left rib and couldn't wear anything tight on it for over two years. As I wrote in my post... Pick your illness... to help others because John Sarno called his illness bluff and overcame by perseverance and study.

I have found my answers and overcome all but two huge liver cysts (autoimmune), the teeth need made NEW. I read a LOT. 5-8 hours a day and I don't feel very intelligent but I am determined. Nerve pain is excruciating...

I encourage you to read the work of Dr. Batmanghelidj. Watercure.com... and Carolyn Dean, the miracle of magnesium, and read about coconut oil, since I have come to believe it heals the body teeth to rectum.... Get a good multi mineral and milti vitamin and some omegas and GO SLOW VERY SLOW. SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE IN AGONY. You can overcome too. I found one of my answers after much search and trial on 4-27-13.. YAY :)

The body will heal given the right ingredients at the right time and I am proof.
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before food
- Eat normal meal with coconut oil in food with supplements of magnesium citrate plus multi mineral and mutli vitamins and omegas and folic acid, betafood, sea salt in diet every meal
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before next meal,
- Eat normal with magnesium citrate and multi mineral and betafood, coffee is a weakness so I drink some water between meals
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before next meal
- Eat normal with betafood, some coffee

I also add yogurt, cranberry and garlic for intestinal health... May your JOY BE FULL"

05/01/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Oldriska--I don't know if this will help but pain comes from inflammation. I had been informed over twenty years ago that magnesium provides some protection against the stimulating effects of hidden sources of MSG, which has permeated our food supply. I've had multiple injuries but have not had the pain I used to have before I started taking it every day. I thought eating more spinach was giving me the calcium I needed after a hysterectomy. Prior to that I had been eating spinach to keep my eyes from drying out so I could tolerate contacts. Long story shortened: spinach and chocolate contain oxalic acid that prevents the absorption of magnesium that is required so calcium can do its job. Believe me I learned the hard way due to the grinding bone-on-bone pain after neck and back injuries."

05/01/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Hello again Oldriska--I had to stop posting earlier and couldn't finish... I sent it without proof reading. You might want to try taking 1/4-1/2 tsp of turmeric in warm water when you are in pain. Hidden sources of manufactured glutamic acid (MSG) are hard to stay away from. "MSG" is a nerve stimulant. Turmeric and ginger reduce inflammation. I use them both on my vegetables and eggs. Just make sure there are no fillers in the ingredients. Beware of the flowing/anti-caking agent in your salt. Try using "Real Salt"."

05/01/2013: Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada: "Hi Oldriska: I'm so sorry you are in such pain. Have you checked out Earth Clinic's page on Trigeminal Neuralgia?

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/trigeminal_neuralgia.html

Also, facial massage, trigger point release, acupressure and acupuncture have been of use to some. I hope you find something that works for you. Take care, Bess"

05/03/2013: Leah from Philadelphia: "Have you looked into DMSO for your pain?"

05/04/2013: Mary from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada: "Hi Joy: What is beta food? Did Dr. B's water cure help you loose any weight? (if you needed to I mean) I was shocked to learn the edema I have been suffering all these years meant that I was dehydrated and lacking salt. I was and am shocked. Thank you again!!! I will let you know how `The Water Cure`works for me. Am very intrigued!!!! Mary"

05/04/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "AF betafood is a lot of things in one supplement, for gallbladder support. Root of beet, carrot, oat flour , dried beet leaf, defatted wheat germ, cal mag bovine liver nutritional yeast bovine kidney alfalfa flour ect.. Etc.. Worth the big expense if your digestion is faulty. I took ten a day for a month a felt much better able to digest my food.

One thing Dr. Batman didn't go into a lot of detail about that I was missing was that magnesium in a raito of 1 cal 1 mag is best because our food is high calcium and that also affects our bodies water systems.

I'm not losing any weight but using coconut oil and was using the meat trying to get digestive tract free of yeast and trying to heal liver cysts. One problem at a time.... Hope you find yourself feeling better and eating more variety."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Mary you asked me about weight... I gained some trying stuff but it was worth it. Since the stevia incident I have dropped my protocol and lost 5 pounds this week. My goal is to drop 5 more in the next two weeks, tell you how in my next post ..... I'm going to run a post you might be interested in about a show my spouse talked me into watching on OPB . I don't watch much t.v."

05/01/2013: Oldriska from Prague, Czech Republic: "The idea is interesting. I used to wonder if I had imposed my illness on me somehow - subconsiously, or otherwise; I think it's one of the phases some people with a serious health problem go through. As much as I would love to get rid of my condition, which is atypical trigeminal neuralgia (constant facial pain), or trade it off for more "smaller" issues, I find that there is little I can do. Ignoring the disease is impossible, if there is pain as a constant reminder. So even when people tell me not to think about the pain and I'll be okay, they don't know what they're talking about. Nerves are a part of the autonomous nerve system -- no matter how hard I try, wish or pray or try to ignore them -- I cannot stop them from hurting. Maybe I just did a bad job picking my illness:)"

05/01/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Yes, I have had shingles at least 5 times, and one episode set off the nerves on my left rib and couldn't wear anything tight on it for over two years. As I wrote in my post... Pick your illness... to help others because John Sarno called his illness bluff and overcame by perseverance and study.

I have found my answers and overcome all but two huge liver cysts (autoimmune), the teeth need made NEW. I read a LOT. 5-8 hours a day and I don't feel very intelligent but I am determined. Nerve pain is excruciating...

I encourage you to read the work of Dr. Batmanghelidj. Watercure.com... and Carolyn Dean, the miracle of magnesium, and read about coconut oil, since I have come to believe it heals the body teeth to rectum.... Get a good multi mineral and milti vitamin and some omegas and GO SLOW VERY SLOW. SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE IN AGONY. You can overcome too. I found one of my answers after much search and trial on 4-27-13.. YAY :)

The body will heal given the right ingredients at the right time and I am proof.
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before food
- Eat normal meal with coconut oil in food with supplements of magnesium citrate plus multi mineral and mutli vitamins and omegas and folic acid, betafood, sea salt in diet every meal
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before next meal,
- Eat normal with magnesium citrate and multi mineral and betafood, coffee is a weakness so I drink some water between meals
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before next meal
- Eat normal with betafood, some coffee

I also add yogurt, cranberry and garlic for intestinal health... May your JOY BE FULL"

05/01/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Oldriska--I don't know if this will help but pain comes from inflammation. I had been informed over twenty years ago that magnesium provides some protection against the stimulating effects of hidden sources of MSG, which has permeated our food supply. I've had multiple injuries but have not had the pain I used to have before I started taking it every day. I thought eating more spinach was giving me the calcium I needed after a hysterectomy. Prior to that I had been eating spinach to keep my eyes from drying out so I could tolerate contacts. Long story shortened: spinach and chocolate contain oxalic acid that prevents the absorption of magnesium that is required so calcium can do its job. Believe me I learned the hard way due to the grinding bone-on-bone pain after neck and back injuries."

05/01/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Hello again Oldriska--I had to stop posting earlier and couldn't finish... I sent it without proof reading. You might want to try taking 1/4-1/2 tsp of turmeric in warm water when you are in pain. Hidden sources of manufactured glutamic acid (MSG) are hard to stay away from. "MSG" is a nerve stimulant. Turmeric and ginger reduce inflammation. I use them both on my vegetables and eggs. Just make sure there are no fillers in the ingredients. Beware of the flowing/anti-caking agent in your salt. Try using "Real Salt"."

05/01/2013: Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada: "Hi Oldriska: I'm so sorry you are in such pain. Have you checked out Earth Clinic's page on Trigeminal Neuralgia?

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/trigeminal_neuralgia.html

Also, facial massage, trigger point release, acupressure and acupuncture have been of use to some. I hope you find something that works for you. Take care, Bess"

05/03/2013: Leah from Philadelphia: "Have you looked into DMSO for your pain?"

05/04/2013: Mary from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada: "Hi Joy: What is beta food? Did Dr. B's water cure help you loose any weight? (if you needed to I mean) I was shocked to learn the edema I have been suffering all these years meant that I was dehydrated and lacking salt. I was and am shocked. Thank you again!!! I will let you know how `The Water Cure`works for me. Am very intrigued!!!! Mary"

05/04/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "AF betafood is a lot of things in one supplement, for gallbladder support. Root of beet, carrot, oat flour , dried beet leaf, defatted wheat germ, cal mag bovine liver nutritional yeast bovine kidney alfalfa flour ect.. Etc.. Worth the big expense if your digestion is faulty. I took ten a day for a month a felt much better able to digest my food.

One thing Dr. Batman didn't go into a lot of detail about that I was missing was that magnesium in a raito of 1 cal 1 mag is best because our food is high calcium and that also affects our bodies water systems.

I'm not losing any weight but using coconut oil and was using the meat trying to get digestive tract free of yeast and trying to heal liver cysts. One problem at a time.... Hope you find yourself feeling better and eating more variety."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Mary you asked me about weight... I gained some trying stuff but it was worth it. Since the stevia incident I have dropped my protocol and lost 5 pounds this week. My goal is to drop 5 more in the next two weeks, tell you how in my next post ..... I'm going to run a post you might be interested in about a show my spouse talked me into watching on OPB . I don't watch much t.v."

11/15/2009: Faranak from Toronto, Ontario, Canada: "Hello,

I would like to get in touch with Mr. Robert Gilbert Frie the author of the aritcle ' Remylinization in retrospect' and how he has cured his Trigeminal Neurlagia and Cluster Migraine.

I would really appreciate, if you could give me his contact info. I have been diagbosed with Atypical Facial Neuralgia. I have some questions as I would like to try his recommeneded course of treatment.

Best regards"

EC: Hi Faranak,

We just emailed Robert your inquiry. However, the email address we have on file for Robert might not be working since that post is dated more than 4 years ago!

05/01/2013: Christina from Sammamish, Washington: "Thank you for the input on prednisone. When you went on 20 for 14 days, did you taper it or just come off it?"

05/01/2013: Christine from Shoreline, Wa, Usa: "Is it the old-fashioned little bottle of Compound W, or the newer "freezing-type" of Compound W?"

05/01/2013: Oldriska from Prague, Czech Republic: "The idea is interesting. I used to wonder if I had imposed my illness on me somehow - subconsiously, or otherwise; I think it's one of the phases some people with a serious health problem go through. As much as I would love to get rid of my condition, which is atypical trigeminal neuralgia (constant facial pain), or trade it off for more "smaller" issues, I find that there is little I can do. Ignoring the disease is impossible, if there is pain as a constant reminder. So even when people tell me not to think about the pain and I'll be okay, they don't know what they're talking about. Nerves are a part of the autonomous nerve system -- no matter how hard I try, wish or pray or try to ignore them -- I cannot stop them from hurting. Maybe I just did a bad job picking my illness:)"

05/01/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Yes, I have had shingles at least 5 times, and one episode set off the nerves on my left rib and couldn't wear anything tight on it for over two years. As I wrote in my post... Pick your illness... to help others because John Sarno called his illness bluff and overcame by perseverance and study.

I have found my answers and overcome all but two huge liver cysts (autoimmune), the teeth need made NEW. I read a LOT. 5-8 hours a day and I don't feel very intelligent but I am determined. Nerve pain is excruciating...

I encourage you to read the work of Dr. Batmanghelidj. Watercure.com... and Carolyn Dean, the miracle of magnesium, and read about coconut oil, since I have come to believe it heals the body teeth to rectum.... Get a good multi mineral and milti vitamin and some omegas and GO SLOW VERY SLOW. SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE IN AGONY. You can overcome too. I found one of my answers after much search and trial on 4-27-13.. YAY :)

The body will heal given the right ingredients at the right time and I am proof.
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before food
- Eat normal meal with coconut oil in food with supplements of magnesium citrate plus multi mineral and mutli vitamins and omegas and folic acid, betafood, sea salt in diet every meal
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before next meal,
- Eat normal with magnesium citrate and multi mineral and betafood, coffee is a weakness so I drink some water between meals
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before next meal
- Eat normal with betafood, some coffee

I also add yogurt, cranberry and garlic for intestinal health... May your JOY BE FULL"

05/01/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Oldriska--I don't know if this will help but pain comes from inflammation. I had been informed over twenty years ago that magnesium provides some protection against the stimulating effects of hidden sources of MSG, which has permeated our food supply. I've had multiple injuries but have not had the pain I used to have before I started taking it every day. I thought eating more spinach was giving me the calcium I needed after a hysterectomy. Prior to that I had been eating spinach to keep my eyes from drying out so I could tolerate contacts. Long story shortened: spinach and chocolate contain oxalic acid that prevents the absorption of magnesium that is required so calcium can do its job. Believe me I learned the hard way due to the grinding bone-on-bone pain after neck and back injuries."

05/01/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Hello again Oldriska--I had to stop posting earlier and couldn't finish... I sent it without proof reading. You might want to try taking 1/4-1/2 tsp of turmeric in warm water when you are in pain. Hidden sources of manufactured glutamic acid (MSG) are hard to stay away from. "MSG" is a nerve stimulant. Turmeric and ginger reduce inflammation. I use them both on my vegetables and eggs. Just make sure there are no fillers in the ingredients. Beware of the flowing/anti-caking agent in your salt. Try using "Real Salt"."

05/01/2013: Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada: "Hi Oldriska: I'm so sorry you are in such pain. Have you checked out Earth Clinic's page on Trigeminal Neuralgia?

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/trigeminal_neuralgia.html

Also, facial massage, trigger point release, acupressure and acupuncture have been of use to some. I hope you find something that works for you. Take care, Bess"

05/03/2013: Leah from Philadelphia: "Have you looked into DMSO for your pain?"

05/04/2013: Mary from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada: "Hi Joy: What is beta food? Did Dr. B's water cure help you loose any weight? (if you needed to I mean) I was shocked to learn the edema I have been suffering all these years meant that I was dehydrated and lacking salt. I was and am shocked. Thank you again!!! I will let you know how `The Water Cure`works for me. Am very intrigued!!!! Mary"

05/04/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "AF betafood is a lot of things in one supplement, for gallbladder support. Root of beet, carrot, oat flour , dried beet leaf, defatted wheat germ, cal mag bovine liver nutritional yeast bovine kidney alfalfa flour ect.. Etc.. Worth the big expense if your digestion is faulty. I took ten a day for a month a felt much better able to digest my food.

One thing Dr. Batman didn't go into a lot of detail about that I was missing was that magnesium in a raito of 1 cal 1 mag is best because our food is high calcium and that also affects our bodies water systems.

I'm not losing any weight but using coconut oil and was using the meat trying to get digestive tract free of yeast and trying to heal liver cysts. One problem at a time.... Hope you find yourself feeling better and eating more variety."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Mary you asked me about weight... I gained some trying stuff but it was worth it. Since the stevia incident I have dropped my protocol and lost 5 pounds this week. My goal is to drop 5 more in the next two weeks, tell you how in my next post ..... I'm going to run a post you might be interested in about a show my spouse talked me into watching on OPB . I don't watch much t.v."

05/01/2013: Oldriska from Prague, Czech Republic: "The idea is interesting. I used to wonder if I had imposed my illness on me somehow - subconsiously, or otherwise; I think it's one of the phases some people with a serious health problem go through. As much as I would love to get rid of my condition, which is atypical trigeminal neuralgia (constant facial pain), or trade it off for more "smaller" issues, I find that there is little I can do. Ignoring the disease is impossible, if there is pain as a constant reminder. So even when people tell me not to think about the pain and I'll be okay, they don't know what they're talking about. Nerves are a part of the autonomous nerve system -- no matter how hard I try, wish or pray or try to ignore them -- I cannot stop them from hurting. Maybe I just did a bad job picking my illness:)"

05/01/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Yes, I have had shingles at least 5 times, and one episode set off the nerves on my left rib and couldn't wear anything tight on it for over two years. As I wrote in my post... Pick your illness... to help others because John Sarno called his illness bluff and overcame by perseverance and study.

I have found my answers and overcome all but two huge liver cysts (autoimmune), the teeth need made NEW. I read a LOT. 5-8 hours a day and I don't feel very intelligent but I am determined. Nerve pain is excruciating...

I encourage you to read the work of Dr. Batmanghelidj. Watercure.com... and Carolyn Dean, the miracle of magnesium, and read about coconut oil, since I have come to believe it heals the body teeth to rectum.... Get a good multi mineral and milti vitamin and some omegas and GO SLOW VERY SLOW. SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE IN AGONY. You can overcome too. I found one of my answers after much search and trial on 4-27-13.. YAY :)

The body will heal given the right ingredients at the right time and I am proof.
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before food
- Eat normal meal with coconut oil in food with supplements of magnesium citrate plus multi mineral and mutli vitamins and omegas and folic acid, betafood, sea salt in diet every meal
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before next meal,
- Eat normal with magnesium citrate and multi mineral and betafood, coffee is a weakness so I drink some water between meals
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before next meal
- Eat normal with betafood, some coffee

I also add yogurt, cranberry and garlic for intestinal health... May your JOY BE FULL"

05/01/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Oldriska--I don't know if this will help but pain comes from inflammation. I had been informed over twenty years ago that magnesium provides some protection against the stimulating effects of hidden sources of MSG, which has permeated our food supply. I've had multiple injuries but have not had the pain I used to have before I started taking it every day. I thought eating more spinach was giving me the calcium I needed after a hysterectomy. Prior to that I had been eating spinach to keep my eyes from drying out so I could tolerate contacts. Long story shortened: spinach and chocolate contain oxalic acid that prevents the absorption of magnesium that is required so calcium can do its job. Believe me I learned the hard way due to the grinding bone-on-bone pain after neck and back injuries."

05/01/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Hello again Oldriska--I had to stop posting earlier and couldn't finish... I sent it without proof reading. You might want to try taking 1/4-1/2 tsp of turmeric in warm water when you are in pain. Hidden sources of manufactured glutamic acid (MSG) are hard to stay away from. "MSG" is a nerve stimulant. Turmeric and ginger reduce inflammation. I use them both on my vegetables and eggs. Just make sure there are no fillers in the ingredients. Beware of the flowing/anti-caking agent in your salt. Try using "Real Salt"."

05/01/2013: Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada: "Hi Oldriska: I'm so sorry you are in such pain. Have you checked out Earth Clinic's page on Trigeminal Neuralgia?

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/trigeminal_neuralgia.html

Also, facial massage, trigger point release, acupressure and acupuncture have been of use to some. I hope you find something that works for you. Take care, Bess"

05/03/2013: Leah from Philadelphia: "Have you looked into DMSO for your pain?"

05/04/2013: Mary from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada: "Hi Joy: What is beta food? Did Dr. B's water cure help you loose any weight? (if you needed to I mean) I was shocked to learn the edema I have been suffering all these years meant that I was dehydrated and lacking salt. I was and am shocked. Thank you again!!! I will let you know how `The Water Cure`works for me. Am very intrigued!!!! Mary"

05/04/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "AF betafood is a lot of things in one supplement, for gallbladder support. Root of beet, carrot, oat flour , dried beet leaf, defatted wheat germ, cal mag bovine liver nutritional yeast bovine kidney alfalfa flour ect.. Etc.. Worth the big expense if your digestion is faulty. I took ten a day for a month a felt much better able to digest my food.

One thing Dr. Batman didn't go into a lot of detail about that I was missing was that magnesium in a raito of 1 cal 1 mag is best because our food is high calcium and that also affects our bodies water systems.

I'm not losing any weight but using coconut oil and was using the meat trying to get digestive tract free of yeast and trying to heal liver cysts. One problem at a time.... Hope you find yourself feeling better and eating more variety."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Mary you asked me about weight... I gained some trying stuff but it was worth it. Since the stevia incident I have dropped my protocol and lost 5 pounds this week. My goal is to drop 5 more in the next two weeks, tell you how in my next post ..... I'm going to run a post you might be interested in about a show my spouse talked me into watching on OPB . I don't watch much t.v."

05/01/2013: Oldriska from Prague, Czech Republic: "The idea is interesting. I used to wonder if I had imposed my illness on me somehow - subconsiously, or otherwise; I think it's one of the phases some people with a serious health problem go through. As much as I would love to get rid of my condition, which is atypical trigeminal neuralgia (constant facial pain), or trade it off for more "smaller" issues, I find that there is little I can do. Ignoring the disease is impossible, if there is pain as a constant reminder. So even when people tell me not to think about the pain and I'll be okay, they don't know what they're talking about. Nerves are a part of the autonomous nerve system -- no matter how hard I try, wish or pray or try to ignore them -- I cannot stop them from hurting. Maybe I just did a bad job picking my illness:)"

05/01/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Yes, I have had shingles at least 5 times, and one episode set off the nerves on my left rib and couldn't wear anything tight on it for over two years. As I wrote in my post... Pick your illness... to help others because John Sarno called his illness bluff and overcame by perseverance and study.

I have found my answers and overcome all but two huge liver cysts (autoimmune), the teeth need made NEW. I read a LOT. 5-8 hours a day and I don't feel very intelligent but I am determined. Nerve pain is excruciating...

I encourage you to read the work of Dr. Batmanghelidj. Watercure.com... and Carolyn Dean, the miracle of magnesium, and read about coconut oil, since I have come to believe it heals the body teeth to rectum.... Get a good multi mineral and milti vitamin and some omegas and GO SLOW VERY SLOW. SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE IN AGONY. You can overcome too. I found one of my answers after much search and trial on 4-27-13.. YAY :)

The body will heal given the right ingredients at the right time and I am proof.
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before food
- Eat normal meal with coconut oil in food with supplements of magnesium citrate plus multi mineral and mutli vitamins and omegas and folic acid, betafood, sea salt in diet every meal
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before next meal,
- Eat normal with magnesium citrate and multi mineral and betafood, coffee is a weakness so I drink some water between meals
- 1-2 cups water 1/2 hour before next meal
- Eat normal with betafood, some coffee

I also add yogurt, cranberry and garlic for intestinal health... May your JOY BE FULL"

05/01/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Oldriska--I don't know if this will help but pain comes from inflammation. I had been informed over twenty years ago that magnesium provides some protection against the stimulating effects of hidden sources of MSG, which has permeated our food supply. I've had multiple injuries but have not had the pain I used to have before I started taking it every day. I thought eating more spinach was giving me the calcium I needed after a hysterectomy. Prior to that I had been eating spinach to keep my eyes from drying out so I could tolerate contacts. Long story shortened: spinach and chocolate contain oxalic acid that prevents the absorption of magnesium that is required so calcium can do its job. Believe me I learned the hard way due to the grinding bone-on-bone pain after neck and back injuries."

05/01/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Hello again Oldriska--I had to stop posting earlier and couldn't finish... I sent it without proof reading. You might want to try taking 1/4-1/2 tsp of turmeric in warm water when you are in pain. Hidden sources of manufactured glutamic acid (MSG) are hard to stay away from. "MSG" is a nerve stimulant. Turmeric and ginger reduce inflammation. I use them both on my vegetables and eggs. Just make sure there are no fillers in the ingredients. Beware of the flowing/anti-caking agent in your salt. Try using "Real Salt"."

05/01/2013: Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada: "Hi Oldriska: I'm so sorry you are in such pain. Have you checked out Earth Clinic's page on Trigeminal Neuralgia?

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/trigeminal_neuralgia.html

Also, facial massage, trigger point release, acupressure and acupuncture have been of use to some. I hope you find something that works for you. Take care, Bess"

05/03/2013: Leah from Philadelphia: "Have you looked into DMSO for your pain?"

05/04/2013: Mary from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada: "Hi Joy: What is beta food? Did Dr. B's water cure help you loose any weight? (if you needed to I mean) I was shocked to learn the edema I have been suffering all these years meant that I was dehydrated and lacking salt. I was and am shocked. Thank you again!!! I will let you know how `The Water Cure`works for me. Am very intrigued!!!! Mary"

05/04/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "AF betafood is a lot of things in one supplement, for gallbladder support. Root of beet, carrot, oat flour , dried beet leaf, defatted wheat germ, cal mag bovine liver nutritional yeast bovine kidney alfalfa flour ect.. Etc.. Worth the big expense if your digestion is faulty. I took ten a day for a month a felt much better able to digest my food.

One thing Dr. Batman didn't go into a lot of detail about that I was missing was that magnesium in a raito of 1 cal 1 mag is best because our food is high calcium and that also affects our bodies water systems.

I'm not losing any weight but using coconut oil and was using the meat trying to get digestive tract free of yeast and trying to heal liver cysts. One problem at a time.... Hope you find yourself feeling better and eating more variety."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Mary you asked me about weight... I gained some trying stuff but it was worth it. Since the stevia incident I have dropped my protocol and lost 5 pounds this week. My goal is to drop 5 more in the next two weeks, tell you how in my next post ..... I'm going to run a post you might be interested in about a show my spouse talked me into watching on OPB . I don't watch much t.v."

05/01/2013: Mary from Regina, Saskchewan: "Hi Joy: How awful I have a similar story. Have you ever tried Diatomaceous Earth? I have just started. I have read it helps greatly with food allergies. I started with way too much which made me constipated (2 TBsp 2X per day on empty). I have backed off to 1/2 tsp 1 time per day and will work up. I could post more results as I go if you like.

Keep up the good work! Mary"

05/01/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Mary. So sweet, I have overcome ALL my allergies to food, water, air, clothes, and nature by reading the work of DR. Batmanghelidj and coming to understand that histamine is a dehydration signal to warn the body. I can eat anything I want as long as I drink the right amount of water at the right time and take supplemental mulit minerals (especially magnesium and very LITTLE calcium) multi vitamins and omegas and betafood with coconut oil and yogurt and sea salt, garlic, cranberry, papaya tablets when needed.

I enjoy my food without the fear of midnight panics brought on by stomach issues and no longer do I have to fear anxiety from allergies... I am Free. Been a L.O.N.G..... J.O.U.R.N.E.Y. To wellness and so I encourage you also to go slow and overcome. I have never used the clay but can tell you I WOULD HAVE stood on my head for an hour a day if I thought it would help. I AM FREE!"

05/04/2013: Mary from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada: "Thank you so much for referring me to the work of Dr. Batmanghelidj!!! What a humanitarian!!! I am trying to watch everything about him online!! I have already sent links to friends. Which books helped you the most? I want to buy one but it seems some have an audio with that is also helpful. As one who has struggled with food allergies etc for years I am very interested. Thanks again!! Mary"

05/04/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I bought them all but no tapes. I like them all, the back book teaches about our misunderstandings. I learned sooooo much. I sent a box to my sis. I gave them as gifts. I tell everyone who will listen. I know one person doesn't have all the answers but people treated their pets and they got healed too. He made a big dent in the medical dysfunctional- information. He changed my life and gave me HOPE... Glad to tell you this good news... Hope you spread it far and wide too! I am still trying to get my health figured out to be honest I suspect it is thyroid issues I'm up against, my numbers are normal ? My weight is normal. Something is still out of balance!"

05/05/2013: Mary from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada: "Thank you Joy!!! I will purchase the set. I have had breast pain for years!!! The only way I could get it to go was to topically apply DMSO. I have done the water cure for 2 days today will b day 3. Yesterday halfway through the day my pain went!!!! It has only ever gone away for about 2 -3 days with a DMSO treatment!!!! Breast Pain Gone!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you I am telling everyone!!

I also want to figure out how to help congenital Heart failure for my little min pin. Love him sooooo much!! He is on all the usual heart meds including viagra(to open his lungs so he can breath). Thirdly, I wanted to mention subclinical hypothyroidism that is not picked up from blood work but self diagnosed by body temperature. Check out http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/ . I am being treated for it with a compounded T3 mixture called liiothyronine. It has really helped.

Cheers, Mary"

05/05/2013: Joy from Batttleground, Wash: "wilsons is caused from toxic copper that can be displaced by ZINC SUPPLEMENTS. I went and looked on hub pages... toxic metals and how to displace them... a book by Frances Bleuet, Everybody can heal. I'm thinking about buying her book, not sure yet!"

09/28/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, I just prayed for Marv and want to see him make a full recovery from hepatitis C. Now, I am very troubled that you are having problems getting help from the VA, the Veterans Administration. I am a veteran also. I have had both good and bad experiences with the VA. Many veterans have hepatitis C. The VA is legally obligated to help these veterans. Did Marv ever recieve any blood transfusions? Also did he ever get any shots that are prodects of the blood? If he served in Vietnam he almost certainly did get such a shot. There was some shot they gave ALL of us as far as I know. I forgot what it was called.

If he has not yet joined the DAV he owes it to himself to join. The DAV is the Disabled American Veterans. They have been very helpful to me when dealing with the VA....Oscar"

09/28/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Oscar- You are an inspiration to Marv and me in a very dark hour. He is, for the first time, hopeful that he may live a longer life. Thank you for your prayers, and concern for others.

I have a question about lactoferrin (apololactoferrin) use to lower iron overload, and redistribute existing iron to the blood and away from Hep-C virus attachment to it. Has anyone used this alongside BHT use, or is it a non-issue with BHT being sufficient by itself. Advanced cirrhosis always involves iron overload, I have read elsewhere. Hep-C feeds on the excess iron, and even steals it from forming blood platelets, etc.

Any ideas on this? We are so comforted by the heartening news of your, and others', recovery, from Hep-C, so generously reported here on EarthClinic. --T."

09/28/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Oscar- To answer your questions: The VA has not done very extensive bloodwork, and won't do a ferrous iron test, nor are they doing anything else but giving up on Marv. They have not even bothered to help get him on a transplant list. I have cautioned him about that anyway, having read up on it.

Perhaps the best thing to do, as this lovely site does, is to simply jump to the solution, and skip the problem alltogether. I am all about throwing enough crud against the wall and seeing what sticks, giving each trial more than a fair shake.

I love solutions, and loathe fighting "the powers that be. " Marv remembers everyone getting shots from the same needle gun enroute to 'Nam. Grounds for disability, but it sits on the judges desk, and is called "a non-combat" related health issue. --T."

09/29/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, Please have Marv join the DAV. These people are VERY good at looking out for veterans. It is what they do. They are VERY familiar with all the crap some people in the VA system do to thwart veterans and know the best ways to deal with said crap.

Also that shot I discussed earlier is a blood product. Much of the blood being used to make those injections was infected with hepatitis C.

But, this BHT treatment has worked very well for many people when NOTHING else did. So called non-responders to the conventional treatments. At this time the best results are with a dosage of between 200mg to 350mg of BHT taken on an empty stomach twice a day. Also, best results are reported by those who do NOT take milk thistle or any of it`s extracts. Do NOT mix the BHT treatment with anything other than moderate doses of vitamins. Also, I do recommend joining the BHT CURES group here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/BHTcures/

Many people have achieved dramatic improvement in a few weeks to a few months. I do think it is at least worth trying. I want to see Marv get well like I did and so many others also. Sincerely, ...Oscar"

09/30/2012: Wayfarer from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Dear, dear Oscar-- Marv is on his third day with BHT, and being a large man, is already on 350mg 2x per day, and feeling better than he has in a long time, as well as quite hopeful. We see you as a very important person (VIP) and speak your name often! He insists on doing just the bare minimum of Vit C, plus BHT. He's not being good about doing a tspn of oil at all. As a large man, is this neccesary? And can it be organic coconut oil?

VA is $180.00 to join, and right now, I have spent several small fortunes on various healing protocols, and can't swing it. He is, however, trying a different angle with the VA, but is told it will take 12 months at least to get any money or aid, and must begin from scratch. Can this org. help make that wait more brief? Appears all they could do is give some minimal financial support, as they claim not combat related. I smell a lawsuit with that tainted blood issue.

I will try to navigate this site better, and go to the group you mentioned. I feel like I am writing too much here, but like you, my desire to share experience of what works is very strong. Thank you. --T."

10/01/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayfarer, I am happy to learn that Marv tolerates the BHT well and is already feeling better after only a few days. That is NOT unusual. Many people respond very well to this BHT treatment and very quickly.

Now it is important that he be seeing a medical doctor for test monitoring purposes. He is a veteran and is eligible for such services. All veterans are. There is NO requirement that he have been in combat or even served in a time of war. If Marv is a Vietnam war veteran and he got that shot I think he did he may very well be elidgible for a substantial disability claim. He needs to get in contact with a DAV [ Disabled American Veterans ] officer. These DAV people are devoted to America`s veterans and absolutely know how to deal with the VA. He may very well have a substantial disability claim if he seved in Vietnam and has hepatitis C.

Also, you did say Marv is a large man. For that reason I know of no reason for him to be concerned about taking that tablespoon of vegetable oil. That is a concern for thin or very lean people only.

From what you have told me it seems to me that Marv is responding well to the BHT treatment. But it is important that he be having liver function tests and viral load count tests done on a regular basis. So, again: Please have Marv get in touch with the DAV. They WILL walk him through any problems the VA comes up with. I can not help but think the VA is worried because he may very well be eligeable for a substantial disability claim. The DAV will know what to do to help you people. Sadly, many veterans have to fight for their rights with the VA and the DAV knows how to do that....Oscar"

10/01/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Dear Oscar, Thank you so much for clarity on this matter re: the VA. Marv only recently became aware that he could be eligible for disability aid through the VA for Hep C. He had, off-and-on for 20 years, tried for it because of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but could not make it over the VA's humps and bumps. He has holes in his memory, and has blacked out the entire experience, therefore invalid in the VA's opinion. Marv could not tell them where he had been or what he had experienced, and so was repeatedly denied help by the VA. This, of course, is the very nature of PTSD, to have no memory of a traumatic experience. What a catch 22.

Now, with the recently discovered late stage cirrhosis and Hep C, they told him he "likely got it in 'Nam. " I thought this a strange remark. More likely, he got it in their group shots/ tainted blood shot!

I am the daughter of an attorney, and my instincts say lawsuit, or settlement of a disability claim. We will join the DAV today! He just got word of the decision being mailed to him for regular SS disability. We don't know what their decision is yet. Could be yes or no. Would this have any bearing on a VA disability claim settlement? Are you aware of any legal claim being settled in this manner? Or is this their quiet way of putting it to rest, to avoid legal action?

I am particularly annoyed, as I have born the financial burden, but in love, of paying for a great many things in caring for him and trying to find a cure. I am also quite ticked that I also must assume I have this, and begin to heal me, too. I have my own catch 22's with private insurance. It seems smarter to me to avoid the insurance rate hikes, being dropped, etc, and just assume the worst. I do already feel liver pain, and at the liver spot under my index toe. All positive test results are required to be reported, which in some countries already is grounds to not be employed. It would be safe to assume, as have long been together.

I have been doing the lypo Vit C, as am told this can also generate complete healing. Plan to move to BHT when run out of it. This strong form of Vit C can act as a strong detoxifier, and could null the BHT.

I am so grateful to you, and to EarthClinic and staff. You both have already made a huge difference in our lives, to have received such friendly guidance and suggestions. Some of us are more disfunctional than others, and don't know how to do everything!

I deeply believe in the power of sharing what we have found, in love toward one another, especially at this time. Marv has helped literally thousands of men with their sobriety over the past 32 years, for free and for fun. A more functional person would have been the director of a treatment center, knowing what he knows how to do. He is a very rare and special man, whom I pray lives a very, very long time.

Many blessings to you! --T."

10/03/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York. Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, I don`t know where to start. So Marv has PTSD. I do also. I got shot in the guts really badly in 1968 and was sent back to a front line unit in Vietnam 6 months later. There was no mercy back then for servicemen. I had a friend who got shot three times, had all his teeth blown away and on an on. Still they kept sending him and me back into action. And yes you can only remember fragments of what happened at the time.

The DAV will know how to deal with all this. And his SS disability claim will have NO bearing on his VA claim. From what I know he is eligible for both. If anything the eligibilty for SS disability would help with the VA claim. Get in touch with the DAV. You will get the help you need. My father, who was a WWII veteran did not even know he was elidgable for VA health care until he I made him aware of it. The VA does not advertise all this.

Now, as to your concerns about you being infectected with HCV: There is an inexpensive test that can answer that question. Get that test and find out. It is called the HCV antibodies test. Look, do not get all freaked out. This BHT stuff really does work if taken as discussed for a very many people. There is a very good chance you are NOT infected also. Stay in touch in this forum and do join the BHT CURES GROUP. I am the primary monitor there and am on your side so to speak. BHT CURES GROUP here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/BHTcures/

Sincerely, ...Oscar"

10/03/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Hi Oscar, I have tried to navigate the yahoo trip, but my email lists my name (unfortunate), and I don't know how to change that. This site is much easier, so I will try not to abuse the privledge in writing to you, specifically. I am also enjoying the EarthClinic group as a whole, very much.

Great info on last post. Thank you. Our local DAV is pretty weak, and we can't even get a good phone #, and have tried many. We are in Modesto. Marv's agent at VA is making him wait for SS decision first, and is not returning repeated calls. It all starts with this agent. We do need DAV's help, as have been told it takes 12 months to get any VA disability. Way too long to wait! Big runaround. At least the disability claims don't cancel each other out, you think. Will know more very soon, and will try to get a good blood panel on him, too.

RE: myself... That antibodies test is the one that is now reported to the CFDC and insurers. Didn't use to be that way. (AID's people have total privacy?! But not us?! ) Hence, my concern. Pre-existing condition, blah, blah, blah.... With my private insurer. I am not married to Marvin. I have my own financial reasons why not, but it means I am not insured through VA, though I am a Significant Other, a status they do not recognize the same way.

I will have to just plot my own course of action, and my numbers may have to wait until I'm certain I am clear. Sorry, can't help others with my numbers. And, I do suspect I am not clear of the 'happy virus. ' Having dealt with many addict/ alcoholics, I have seen this virus jump pretty darn fast to the partner. I just don't need that albatross to deal with around my neck, with my insurer.

My local paper had a front page story that all people of the baby boom generation should get tested for it. I see it as an 'experiment' done on us somehow, but then I have a rather suspicious nature! --T."

04/23/2013: Leah from Philadelphia, Pa: "Dear wayfarer, I'm not sure if my last post went through. In case it was lost due to Internet connection, ill quickly post my suggestion again. Please have your partner and yourself take B12 and a b complex. B12 is strongly antioxidant and will mop up excess iron. Also it will help heal and protect nervous system and therefore should be good for PTSD too. Kind regards"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  04/30/2013: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca: "Dear Oscar, I had to tell you! Marvin's scores were finally obtained, and despite doing BHT not at all well-- not consistentaly, only a small dose 1x/ day, mixed with food and his medicines (5), he still has seen his scores drop from ALT 248 and AST 303, to ALT 98 and AST 59. These are from the Veterans, so aren't listed in millions. I trust you understand them anyway. His recent bloodwork they said he hadn't had ALT/AST tests in 6 months, when he has had two tests, 3 & 5 months ago. Oddly, they didn't include these, and though they drew many vials of blood last week, have "no ALT/AST tests for 6 mths" for this visit.

He has been, during the past 3 months, doing it right, by itself, 2x/ day, w/o food, by itself. Pity they didn't give us those scores, because I'm sure they're even better. But perhaps they didn't test him at all this time.

All in all, very hopeful news. Thank you. He did have to go back on meds, as has terrible ascites and they came back.

I have one question about drinking distilled water while using BHT, and if you have any remarks on that, please reply. --The Wayseeker."

05/01/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker from Modesto, Well, that is a very substantial improvement in liver function especially when the person using the BHT treatment was in LATE STAGE CIRRHOSIS. From everything I have read about cirrhosis of the liver, it is very difficult to get ANY improvement when said cirrhosis is at the advanced stage.

Also, from what you said it appears to me he was mixing the BHT with other medications at the same time he took the BHT. I have warned people to NEVER do that. So stop doing that. For this treatment to work you have to use it as I have been discussing.

Regarding distilled water: Distilled water is the BEST water to use. Always drink adequate amounts of DISTILLED WATER. Distilled water is water and NOTHING else. That IS what you want to be drinking. As sick as Marvin is he, you really should join the THE NEW BHT CURES GROUP here to get quick responses to any questions you may have here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_New_BHT_Cures_Group/

We have a team of people devoted to helping people such as Marvin. He has shown significant improvement and if he uses the BHT treatment as recommended I see very good reason to believe the treatment will pull him through this health crisis. Many very sick people have gotten well using the BHT treatment as recommended....Oscar"

05/01/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker from Modesto, Marvin is showing substantial improvement in his liver function test results. Do use the BHT treatment as recommended. Do NOT mix the BHT with any other medication at the time it is ingested. I very much recommend drinking the DISTIILED water. As sick as Marvin is I do recommend joining the NEW BHT CURES GROUP here so that we can provide quick answers for your concerns here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_New_BHT_Cures_Group/

We want to help, but for this treatment to work you have to take our suggestions seriously. Do NOT mix BHT with ANYTHING except a gulp of water at the time it is ingested....Oscar"

05/01/2013: Wayseeker from Moxietown, California: "Thank you, Oscar, for such a quick response! Yes, Marv is a bit unteachable, but I did get his attention with these test results, and he was waiting to hear what you would say!

I wrote at the group suggested, but got no reply in my questions about ascites... over five days. Plus, it was difficult to manuever my way on that site. Personality clash, with a... Big Eater. Much like a difficult day with my sweetie!

However, so glad to hear about the distilled water concern, as it may have potential to pull out the BHT as an inorganic solid. Did you use distilled water at the time of your recovery?

Thank you, again, and I really pray he can pull out of this. He let it get a lot worse before became at all willing to do anything to try to help himself. --Wayseeker"

05/02/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, Yes, I have been only drinking the distilled water for many years including and before 1997, the year I began my BHT treatment for hepatitis C. What name are you using at the NEW BHT CURES GROUP ? I will pay close attention to your postings if I can find them. Also, why not sign off as Marvin at the end of any postings over there? That way I will know it is you. We have had some great recovery stories coming in with this BHT treatment. The fact that Marvin had significant improvement in his liver function test results is very significant for someone with late stage cirrhosis. I hope Marvin realizes that. There is NO conventional treatment I am aware of available for that condition. Does Marvin realize that? The doctors pretty much give up on people with late stage cirrhosis....Oscar"

05/02/2013: Wayseeker from Motown, Ca: "Hi Oscar- I really only have two questions now about BHT, and that is if BHT is still working for you while only drinking DISTILLED WATER? And the other is like it, which is, were you drinking distilled water at the very time of your recovery?

I love what I have been reading about distilled water, but have only the concern about using it with BHT, and making sure the BHT is effective.

I am deeply heartened by the fact that it is presently all that you drink! That is just what I wanted to hear!

Please respond here with this info, and we are on our way! --Wayseeker"

05/03/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, Yes, I drink distilled water. I was drinking distilled water before I ever used the BHT treatment. I drank it while I was treating my hepatitis C infection. And I still drink distilled water. Good quality distilled water [ I use the Poland Springs brand ] is water and NOTHING else. Tap water can contain all sorts of unhealthy other things. And mineral water contains who knows what. All sorts of minerals are not good for you....Oscar"

09/28/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, I just prayed for Marv and want to see him make a full recovery from hepatitis C. Now, I am very troubled that you are having problems getting help from the VA, the Veterans Administration. I am a veteran also. I have had both good and bad experiences with the VA. Many veterans have hepatitis C. The VA is legally obligated to help these veterans. Did Marv ever recieve any blood transfusions? Also did he ever get any shots that are prodects of the blood? If he served in Vietnam he almost certainly did get such a shot. There was some shot they gave ALL of us as far as I know. I forgot what it was called.

If he has not yet joined the DAV he owes it to himself to join. The DAV is the Disabled American Veterans. They have been very helpful to me when dealing with the VA....Oscar"

09/28/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Oscar- You are an inspiration to Marv and me in a very dark hour. He is, for the first time, hopeful that he may live a longer life. Thank you for your prayers, and concern for others.

I have a question about lactoferrin (apololactoferrin) use to lower iron overload, and redistribute existing iron to the blood and away from Hep-C virus attachment to it. Has anyone used this alongside BHT use, or is it a non-issue with BHT being sufficient by itself. Advanced cirrhosis always involves iron overload, I have read elsewhere. Hep-C feeds on the excess iron, and even steals it from forming blood platelets, etc.

Any ideas on this? We are so comforted by the heartening news of your, and others', recovery, from Hep-C, so generously reported here on EarthClinic. --T."

09/28/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Oscar- To answer your questions: The VA has not done very extensive bloodwork, and won't do a ferrous iron test, nor are they doing anything else but giving up on Marv. They have not even bothered to help get him on a transplant list. I have cautioned him about that anyway, having read up on it.

Perhaps the best thing to do, as this lovely site does, is to simply jump to the solution, and skip the problem alltogether. I am all about throwing enough crud against the wall and seeing what sticks, giving each trial more than a fair shake.

I love solutions, and loathe fighting "the powers that be. " Marv remembers everyone getting shots from the same needle gun enroute to 'Nam. Grounds for disability, but it sits on the judges desk, and is called "a non-combat" related health issue. --T."

09/29/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, Please have Marv join the DAV. These people are VERY good at looking out for veterans. It is what they do. They are VERY familiar with all the crap some people in the VA system do to thwart veterans and know the best ways to deal with said crap.

Also that shot I discussed earlier is a blood product. Much of the blood being used to make those injections was infected with hepatitis C.

But, this BHT treatment has worked very well for many people when NOTHING else did. So called non-responders to the conventional treatments. At this time the best results are with a dosage of between 200mg to 350mg of BHT taken on an empty stomach twice a day. Also, best results are reported by those who do NOT take milk thistle or any of it`s extracts. Do NOT mix the BHT treatment with anything other than moderate doses of vitamins. Also, I do recommend joining the BHT CURES group here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/BHTcures/

Many people have achieved dramatic improvement in a few weeks to a few months. I do think it is at least worth trying. I want to see Marv get well like I did and so many others also. Sincerely, ...Oscar"

09/30/2012: Wayfarer from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Dear, dear Oscar-- Marv is on his third day with BHT, and being a large man, is already on 350mg 2x per day, and feeling better than he has in a long time, as well as quite hopeful. We see you as a very important person (VIP) and speak your name often! He insists on doing just the bare minimum of Vit C, plus BHT. He's not being good about doing a tspn of oil at all. As a large man, is this neccesary? And can it be organic coconut oil?

VA is $180.00 to join, and right now, I have spent several small fortunes on various healing protocols, and can't swing it. He is, however, trying a different angle with the VA, but is told it will take 12 months at least to get any money or aid, and must begin from scratch. Can this org. help make that wait more brief? Appears all they could do is give some minimal financial support, as they claim not combat related. I smell a lawsuit with that tainted blood issue.

I will try to navigate this site better, and go to the group you mentioned. I feel like I am writing too much here, but like you, my desire to share experience of what works is very strong. Thank you. --T."

10/01/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayfarer, I am happy to learn that Marv tolerates the BHT well and is already feeling better after only a few days. That is NOT unusual. Many people respond very well to this BHT treatment and very quickly.

Now it is important that he be seeing a medical doctor for test monitoring purposes. He is a veteran and is eligible for such services. All veterans are. There is NO requirement that he have been in combat or even served in a time of war. If Marv is a Vietnam war veteran and he got that shot I think he did he may very well be elidgible for a substantial disability claim. He needs to get in contact with a DAV [ Disabled American Veterans ] officer. These DAV people are devoted to America`s veterans and absolutely know how to deal with the VA. He may very well have a substantial disability claim if he seved in Vietnam and has hepatitis C.

Also, you did say Marv is a large man. For that reason I know of no reason for him to be concerned about taking that tablespoon of vegetable oil. That is a concern for thin or very lean people only.

From what you have told me it seems to me that Marv is responding well to the BHT treatment. But it is important that he be having liver function tests and viral load count tests done on a regular basis. So, again: Please have Marv get in touch with the DAV. They WILL walk him through any problems the VA comes up with. I can not help but think the VA is worried because he may very well be eligeable for a substantial disability claim. The DAV will know what to do to help you people. Sadly, many veterans have to fight for their rights with the VA and the DAV knows how to do that....Oscar"

10/01/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Dear Oscar, Thank you so much for clarity on this matter re: the VA. Marv only recently became aware that he could be eligible for disability aid through the VA for Hep C. He had, off-and-on for 20 years, tried for it because of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but could not make it over the VA's humps and bumps. He has holes in his memory, and has blacked out the entire experience, therefore invalid in the VA's opinion. Marv could not tell them where he had been or what he had experienced, and so was repeatedly denied help by the VA. This, of course, is the very nature of PTSD, to have no memory of a traumatic experience. What a catch 22.

Now, with the recently discovered late stage cirrhosis and Hep C, they told him he "likely got it in 'Nam. " I thought this a strange remark. More likely, he got it in their group shots/ tainted blood shot!

I am the daughter of an attorney, and my instincts say lawsuit, or settlement of a disability claim. We will join the DAV today! He just got word of the decision being mailed to him for regular SS disability. We don't know what their decision is yet. Could be yes or no. Would this have any bearing on a VA disability claim settlement? Are you aware of any legal claim being settled in this manner? Or is this their quiet way of putting it to rest, to avoid legal action?

I am particularly annoyed, as I have born the financial burden, but in love, of paying for a great many things in caring for him and trying to find a cure. I am also quite ticked that I also must assume I have this, and begin to heal me, too. I have my own catch 22's with private insurance. It seems smarter to me to avoid the insurance rate hikes, being dropped, etc, and just assume the worst. I do already feel liver pain, and at the liver spot under my index toe. All positive test results are required to be reported, which in some countries already is grounds to not be employed. It would be safe to assume, as have long been together.

I have been doing the lypo Vit C, as am told this can also generate complete healing. Plan to move to BHT when run out of it. This strong form of Vit C can act as a strong detoxifier, and could null the BHT.

I am so grateful to you, and to EarthClinic and staff. You both have already made a huge difference in our lives, to have received such friendly guidance and suggestions. Some of us are more disfunctional than others, and don't know how to do everything!

I deeply believe in the power of sharing what we have found, in love toward one another, especially at this time. Marv has helped literally thousands of men with their sobriety over the past 32 years, for free and for fun. A more functional person would have been the director of a treatment center, knowing what he knows how to do. He is a very rare and special man, whom I pray lives a very, very long time.

Many blessings to you! --T."

10/03/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York. Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, I don`t know where to start. So Marv has PTSD. I do also. I got shot in the guts really badly in 1968 and was sent back to a front line unit in Vietnam 6 months later. There was no mercy back then for servicemen. I had a friend who got shot three times, had all his teeth blown away and on an on. Still they kept sending him and me back into action. And yes you can only remember fragments of what happened at the time.

The DAV will know how to deal with all this. And his SS disability claim will have NO bearing on his VA claim. From what I know he is eligible for both. If anything the eligibilty for SS disability would help with the VA claim. Get in touch with the DAV. You will get the help you need. My father, who was a WWII veteran did not even know he was elidgable for VA health care until he I made him aware of it. The VA does not advertise all this.

Now, as to your concerns about you being infectected with HCV: There is an inexpensive test that can answer that question. Get that test and find out. It is called the HCV antibodies test. Look, do not get all freaked out. This BHT stuff really does work if taken as discussed for a very many people. There is a very good chance you are NOT infected also. Stay in touch in this forum and do join the BHT CURES GROUP. I am the primary monitor there and am on your side so to speak. BHT CURES GROUP here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/BHTcures/

Sincerely, ...Oscar"

10/03/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Hi Oscar, I have tried to navigate the yahoo trip, but my email lists my name (unfortunate), and I don't know how to change that. This site is much easier, so I will try not to abuse the privledge in writing to you, specifically. I am also enjoying the EarthClinic group as a whole, very much.

Great info on last post. Thank you. Our local DAV is pretty weak, and we can't even get a good phone #, and have tried many. We are in Modesto. Marv's agent at VA is making him wait for SS decision first, and is not returning repeated calls. It all starts with this agent. We do need DAV's help, as have been told it takes 12 months to get any VA disability. Way too long to wait! Big runaround. At least the disability claims don't cancel each other out, you think. Will know more very soon, and will try to get a good blood panel on him, too.

RE: myself... That antibodies test is the one that is now reported to the CFDC and insurers. Didn't use to be that way. (AID's people have total privacy?! But not us?! ) Hence, my concern. Pre-existing condition, blah, blah, blah.... With my private insurer. I am not married to Marvin. I have my own financial reasons why not, but it means I am not insured through VA, though I am a Significant Other, a status they do not recognize the same way.

I will have to just plot my own course of action, and my numbers may have to wait until I'm certain I am clear. Sorry, can't help others with my numbers. And, I do suspect I am not clear of the 'happy virus. ' Having dealt with many addict/ alcoholics, I have seen this virus jump pretty darn fast to the partner. I just don't need that albatross to deal with around my neck, with my insurer.

My local paper had a front page story that all people of the baby boom generation should get tested for it. I see it as an 'experiment' done on us somehow, but then I have a rather suspicious nature! --T."

04/23/2013: Leah from Philadelphia, Pa: "Dear wayfarer, I'm not sure if my last post went through. In case it was lost due to Internet connection, ill quickly post my suggestion again. Please have your partner and yourself take B12 and a b complex. B12 is strongly antioxidant and will mop up excess iron. Also it will help heal and protect nervous system and therefore should be good for PTSD too. Kind regards"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  04/30/2013: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca: "Dear Oscar, I had to tell you! Marvin's scores were finally obtained, and despite doing BHT not at all well-- not consistentaly, only a small dose 1x/ day, mixed with food and his medicines (5), he still has seen his scores drop from ALT 248 and AST 303, to ALT 98 and AST 59. These are from the Veterans, so aren't listed in millions. I trust you understand them anyway. His recent bloodwork they said he hadn't had ALT/AST tests in 6 months, when he has had two tests, 3 & 5 months ago. Oddly, they didn't include these, and though they drew many vials of blood last week, have "no ALT/AST tests for 6 mths" for this visit.

He has been, during the past 3 months, doing it right, by itself, 2x/ day, w/o food, by itself. Pity they didn't give us those scores, because I'm sure they're even better. But perhaps they didn't test him at all this time.

All in all, very hopeful news. Thank you. He did have to go back on meds, as has terrible ascites and they came back.

I have one question about drinking distilled water while using BHT, and if you have any remarks on that, please reply. --The Wayseeker."

05/01/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker from Modesto, Well, that is a very substantial improvement in liver function especially when the person using the BHT treatment was in LATE STAGE CIRRHOSIS. From everything I have read about cirrhosis of the liver, it is very difficult to get ANY improvement when said cirrhosis is at the advanced stage.

Also, from what you said it appears to me he was mixing the BHT with other medications at the same time he took the BHT. I have warned people to NEVER do that. So stop doing that. For this treatment to work you have to use it as I have been discussing.

Regarding distilled water: Distilled water is the BEST water to use. Always drink adequate amounts of DISTILLED WATER. Distilled water is water and NOTHING else. That IS what you want to be drinking. As sick as Marvin is he, you really should join the THE NEW BHT CURES GROUP here to get quick responses to any questions you may have here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_New_BHT_Cures_Group/

We have a team of people devoted to helping people such as Marvin. He has shown significant improvement and if he uses the BHT treatment as recommended I see very good reason to believe the treatment will pull him through this health crisis. Many very sick people have gotten well using the BHT treatment as recommended....Oscar"

05/01/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker from Modesto, Marvin is showing substantial improvement in his liver function test results. Do use the BHT treatment as recommended. Do NOT mix the BHT with any other medication at the time it is ingested. I very much recommend drinking the DISTIILED water. As sick as Marvin is I do recommend joining the NEW BHT CURES GROUP here so that we can provide quick answers for your concerns here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_New_BHT_Cures_Group/

We want to help, but for this treatment to work you have to take our suggestions seriously. Do NOT mix BHT with ANYTHING except a gulp of water at the time it is ingested....Oscar"

05/01/2013: Wayseeker from Moxietown, California: "Thank you, Oscar, for such a quick response! Yes, Marv is a bit unteachable, but I did get his attention with these test results, and he was waiting to hear what you would say!

I wrote at the group suggested, but got no reply in my questions about ascites... over five days. Plus, it was difficult to manuever my way on that site. Personality clash, with a... Big Eater. Much like a difficult day with my sweetie!

However, so glad to hear about the distilled water concern, as it may have potential to pull out the BHT as an inorganic solid. Did you use distilled water at the time of your recovery?

Thank you, again, and I really pray he can pull out of this. He let it get a lot worse before became at all willing to do anything to try to help himself. --Wayseeker"

05/02/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, Yes, I have been only drinking the distilled water for many years including and before 1997, the year I began my BHT treatment for hepatitis C. What name are you using at the NEW BHT CURES GROUP ? I will pay close attention to your postings if I can find them. Also, why not sign off as Marvin at the end of any postings over there? That way I will know it is you. We have had some great recovery stories coming in with this BHT treatment. The fact that Marvin had significant improvement in his liver function test results is very significant for someone with late stage cirrhosis. I hope Marvin realizes that. There is NO conventional treatment I am aware of available for that condition. Does Marvin realize that? The doctors pretty much give up on people with late stage cirrhosis....Oscar"

05/02/2013: Wayseeker from Motown, Ca: "Hi Oscar- I really only have two questions now about BHT, and that is if BHT is still working for you while only drinking DISTILLED WATER? And the other is like it, which is, were you drinking distilled water at the very time of your recovery?

I love what I have been reading about distilled water, but have only the concern about using it with BHT, and making sure the BHT is effective.

I am deeply heartened by the fact that it is presently all that you drink! That is just what I wanted to hear!

Please respond here with this info, and we are on our way! --Wayseeker"

05/03/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, Yes, I drink distilled water. I was drinking distilled water before I ever used the BHT treatment. I drank it while I was treating my hepatitis C infection. And I still drink distilled water. Good quality distilled water [ I use the Poland Springs brand ] is water and NOTHING else. Tap water can contain all sorts of unhealthy other things. And mineral water contains who knows what. All sorts of minerals are not good for you....Oscar"

EC: WARNING!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_dioxide

"Inhaling finely divided crystalline silica dust in very small quantities (OSHA allows 0.1 mg/m3) over time can lead to silicosis, bronchitis or (much more rarely) cancer, as the dust becomes lodged in the lungs and continuously irritates them, reducing lung capacities (silica does not dissolve over time). This effect can be an occupational hazard for people working with sandblasting equipment, products that contain powdered crystalline silica and so on. Children, asthmatics of any age, allergy sufferers and the elderly (all of whom have reduced lung capacity) can be affected in much shorter periods of time."

05/01/2013: Paul from Lisle, Usa: "Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is not crystalline silica. Both are essentialy pure silicon dioxide, but not in the same structure, which makes all the diffence in the world here. DE is made by diatoms and is amorphous. Crystalline silica comes from quartz containing rocks, including sand. The particles do not begin to get dangerous until they get below a few microns in size and are able to get into the lungs."

05/01/2013: Michelle from Tallahassee, Fl: "Does the evaporated milk have to be warm? How many time are you supposed to apply it to the stye? Because mine is huge and I tried putting urine but it didn't help. Now I can't go to work. Also do you put it directly into your eye or around the stye? Please help."

04/30/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Yes, go to Carolyn Dean's web site about magnesium now... The doctors do not understand and they will let him die, because they don't KNOW. Go today. Remember Tim Russert ? They let him die and helped him along the way ..... How to Change your Life With Magnesium"

05/01/2013: Anon from Anon: "Warm bath full of Epsom salts (magnesium )."

09/28/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, I just prayed for Marv and want to see him make a full recovery from hepatitis C. Now, I am very troubled that you are having problems getting help from the VA, the Veterans Administration. I am a veteran also. I have had both good and bad experiences with the VA. Many veterans have hepatitis C. The VA is legally obligated to help these veterans. Did Marv ever recieve any blood transfusions? Also did he ever get any shots that are prodects of the blood? If he served in Vietnam he almost certainly did get such a shot. There was some shot they gave ALL of us as far as I know. I forgot what it was called.

If he has not yet joined the DAV he owes it to himself to join. The DAV is the Disabled American Veterans. They have been very helpful to me when dealing with the VA....Oscar"

09/28/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Oscar- You are an inspiration to Marv and me in a very dark hour. He is, for the first time, hopeful that he may live a longer life. Thank you for your prayers, and concern for others.

I have a question about lactoferrin (apololactoferrin) use to lower iron overload, and redistribute existing iron to the blood and away from Hep-C virus attachment to it. Has anyone used this alongside BHT use, or is it a non-issue with BHT being sufficient by itself. Advanced cirrhosis always involves iron overload, I have read elsewhere. Hep-C feeds on the excess iron, and even steals it from forming blood platelets, etc.

Any ideas on this? We are so comforted by the heartening news of your, and others', recovery, from Hep-C, so generously reported here on EarthClinic. --T."

09/28/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Oscar- To answer your questions: The VA has not done very extensive bloodwork, and won't do a ferrous iron test, nor are they doing anything else but giving up on Marv. They have not even bothered to help get him on a transplant list. I have cautioned him about that anyway, having read up on it.

Perhaps the best thing to do, as this lovely site does, is to simply jump to the solution, and skip the problem alltogether. I am all about throwing enough crud against the wall and seeing what sticks, giving each trial more than a fair shake.

I love solutions, and loathe fighting "the powers that be. " Marv remembers everyone getting shots from the same needle gun enroute to 'Nam. Grounds for disability, but it sits on the judges desk, and is called "a non-combat" related health issue. --T."

09/29/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, Please have Marv join the DAV. These people are VERY good at looking out for veterans. It is what they do. They are VERY familiar with all the crap some people in the VA system do to thwart veterans and know the best ways to deal with said crap.

Also that shot I discussed earlier is a blood product. Much of the blood being used to make those injections was infected with hepatitis C.

But, this BHT treatment has worked very well for many people when NOTHING else did. So called non-responders to the conventional treatments. At this time the best results are with a dosage of between 200mg to 350mg of BHT taken on an empty stomach twice a day. Also, best results are reported by those who do NOT take milk thistle or any of it`s extracts. Do NOT mix the BHT treatment with anything other than moderate doses of vitamins. Also, I do recommend joining the BHT CURES group here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/BHTcures/

Many people have achieved dramatic improvement in a few weeks to a few months. I do think it is at least worth trying. I want to see Marv get well like I did and so many others also. Sincerely, ...Oscar"

09/30/2012: Wayfarer from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Dear, dear Oscar-- Marv is on his third day with BHT, and being a large man, is already on 350mg 2x per day, and feeling better than he has in a long time, as well as quite hopeful. We see you as a very important person (VIP) and speak your name often! He insists on doing just the bare minimum of Vit C, plus BHT. He's not being good about doing a tspn of oil at all. As a large man, is this neccesary? And can it be organic coconut oil?

VA is $180.00 to join, and right now, I have spent several small fortunes on various healing protocols, and can't swing it. He is, however, trying a different angle with the VA, but is told it will take 12 months at least to get any money or aid, and must begin from scratch. Can this org. help make that wait more brief? Appears all they could do is give some minimal financial support, as they claim not combat related. I smell a lawsuit with that tainted blood issue.

I will try to navigate this site better, and go to the group you mentioned. I feel like I am writing too much here, but like you, my desire to share experience of what works is very strong. Thank you. --T."

10/01/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayfarer, I am happy to learn that Marv tolerates the BHT well and is already feeling better after only a few days. That is NOT unusual. Many people respond very well to this BHT treatment and very quickly.

Now it is important that he be seeing a medical doctor for test monitoring purposes. He is a veteran and is eligible for such services. All veterans are. There is NO requirement that he have been in combat or even served in a time of war. If Marv is a Vietnam war veteran and he got that shot I think he did he may very well be elidgible for a substantial disability claim. He needs to get in contact with a DAV [ Disabled American Veterans ] officer. These DAV people are devoted to America`s veterans and absolutely know how to deal with the VA. He may very well have a substantial disability claim if he seved in Vietnam and has hepatitis C.

Also, you did say Marv is a large man. For that reason I know of no reason for him to be concerned about taking that tablespoon of vegetable oil. That is a concern for thin or very lean people only.

From what you have told me it seems to me that Marv is responding well to the BHT treatment. But it is important that he be having liver function tests and viral load count tests done on a regular basis. So, again: Please have Marv get in touch with the DAV. They WILL walk him through any problems the VA comes up with. I can not help but think the VA is worried because he may very well be eligeable for a substantial disability claim. The DAV will know what to do to help you people. Sadly, many veterans have to fight for their rights with the VA and the DAV knows how to do that....Oscar"

10/01/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Dear Oscar, Thank you so much for clarity on this matter re: the VA. Marv only recently became aware that he could be eligible for disability aid through the VA for Hep C. He had, off-and-on for 20 years, tried for it because of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but could not make it over the VA's humps and bumps. He has holes in his memory, and has blacked out the entire experience, therefore invalid in the VA's opinion. Marv could not tell them where he had been or what he had experienced, and so was repeatedly denied help by the VA. This, of course, is the very nature of PTSD, to have no memory of a traumatic experience. What a catch 22.

Now, with the recently discovered late stage cirrhosis and Hep C, they told him he "likely got it in 'Nam. " I thought this a strange remark. More likely, he got it in their group shots/ tainted blood shot!

I am the daughter of an attorney, and my instincts say lawsuit, or settlement of a disability claim. We will join the DAV today! He just got word of the decision being mailed to him for regular SS disability. We don't know what their decision is yet. Could be yes or no. Would this have any bearing on a VA disability claim settlement? Are you aware of any legal claim being settled in this manner? Or is this their quiet way of putting it to rest, to avoid legal action?

I am particularly annoyed, as I have born the financial burden, but in love, of paying for a great many things in caring for him and trying to find a cure. I am also quite ticked that I also must assume I have this, and begin to heal me, too. I have my own catch 22's with private insurance. It seems smarter to me to avoid the insurance rate hikes, being dropped, etc, and just assume the worst. I do already feel liver pain, and at the liver spot under my index toe. All positive test results are required to be reported, which in some countries already is grounds to not be employed. It would be safe to assume, as have long been together.

I have been doing the lypo Vit C, as am told this can also generate complete healing. Plan to move to BHT when run out of it. This strong form of Vit C can act as a strong detoxifier, and could null the BHT.

I am so grateful to you, and to EarthClinic and staff. You both have already made a huge difference in our lives, to have received such friendly guidance and suggestions. Some of us are more disfunctional than others, and don't know how to do everything!

I deeply believe in the power of sharing what we have found, in love toward one another, especially at this time. Marv has helped literally thousands of men with their sobriety over the past 32 years, for free and for fun. A more functional person would have been the director of a treatment center, knowing what he knows how to do. He is a very rare and special man, whom I pray lives a very, very long time.

Many blessings to you! --T."

10/03/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York. Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, I don`t know where to start. So Marv has PTSD. I do also. I got shot in the guts really badly in 1968 and was sent back to a front line unit in Vietnam 6 months later. There was no mercy back then for servicemen. I had a friend who got shot three times, had all his teeth blown away and on an on. Still they kept sending him and me back into action. And yes you can only remember fragments of what happened at the time.

The DAV will know how to deal with all this. And his SS disability claim will have NO bearing on his VA claim. From what I know he is eligible for both. If anything the eligibilty for SS disability would help with the VA claim. Get in touch with the DAV. You will get the help you need. My father, who was a WWII veteran did not even know he was elidgable for VA health care until he I made him aware of it. The VA does not advertise all this.

Now, as to your concerns about you being infectected with HCV: There is an inexpensive test that can answer that question. Get that test and find out. It is called the HCV antibodies test. Look, do not get all freaked out. This BHT stuff really does work if taken as discussed for a very many people. There is a very good chance you are NOT infected also. Stay in touch in this forum and do join the BHT CURES GROUP. I am the primary monitor there and am on your side so to speak. BHT CURES GROUP here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/BHTcures/

Sincerely, ...Oscar"

10/03/2012: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca/ Usa: "Hi Oscar, I have tried to navigate the yahoo trip, but my email lists my name (unfortunate), and I don't know how to change that. This site is much easier, so I will try not to abuse the privledge in writing to you, specifically. I am also enjoying the EarthClinic group as a whole, very much.

Great info on last post. Thank you. Our local DAV is pretty weak, and we can't even get a good phone #, and have tried many. We are in Modesto. Marv's agent at VA is making him wait for SS decision first, and is not returning repeated calls. It all starts with this agent. We do need DAV's help, as have been told it takes 12 months to get any VA disability. Way too long to wait! Big runaround. At least the disability claims don't cancel each other out, you think. Will know more very soon, and will try to get a good blood panel on him, too.

RE: myself... That antibodies test is the one that is now reported to the CFDC and insurers. Didn't use to be that way. (AID's people have total privacy?! But not us?! ) Hence, my concern. Pre-existing condition, blah, blah, blah.... With my private insurer. I am not married to Marvin. I have my own financial reasons why not, but it means I am not insured through VA, though I am a Significant Other, a status they do not recognize the same way.

I will have to just plot my own course of action, and my numbers may have to wait until I'm certain I am clear. Sorry, can't help others with my numbers. And, I do suspect I am not clear of the 'happy virus. ' Having dealt with many addict/ alcoholics, I have seen this virus jump pretty darn fast to the partner. I just don't need that albatross to deal with around my neck, with my insurer.

My local paper had a front page story that all people of the baby boom generation should get tested for it. I see it as an 'experiment' done on us somehow, but then I have a rather suspicious nature! --T."

04/23/2013: Leah from Philadelphia, Pa: "Dear wayfarer, I'm not sure if my last post went through. In case it was lost due to Internet connection, ill quickly post my suggestion again. Please have your partner and yourself take B12 and a b complex. B12 is strongly antioxidant and will mop up excess iron. Also it will help heal and protect nervous system and therefore should be good for PTSD too. Kind regards"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  04/30/2013: Wayseeker from Modesto, Ca: "Dear Oscar, I had to tell you! Marvin's scores were finally obtained, and despite doing BHT not at all well-- not consistentaly, only a small dose 1x/ day, mixed with food and his medicines (5), he still has seen his scores drop from ALT 248 and AST 303, to ALT 98 and AST 59. These are from the Veterans, so aren't listed in millions. I trust you understand them anyway. His recent bloodwork they said he hadn't had ALT/AST tests in 6 months, when he has had two tests, 3 & 5 months ago. Oddly, they didn't include these, and though they drew many vials of blood last week, have "no ALT/AST tests for 6 mths" for this visit.

He has been, during the past 3 months, doing it right, by itself, 2x/ day, w/o food, by itself. Pity they didn't give us those scores, because I'm sure they're even better. But perhaps they didn't test him at all this time.

All in all, very hopeful news. Thank you. He did have to go back on meds, as has terrible ascites and they came back.

I have one question about drinking distilled water while using BHT, and if you have any remarks on that, please reply. --The Wayseeker."

05/01/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker from Modesto, Well, that is a very substantial improvement in liver function especially when the person using the BHT treatment was in LATE STAGE CIRRHOSIS. From everything I have read about cirrhosis of the liver, it is very difficult to get ANY improvement when said cirrhosis is at the advanced stage.

Also, from what you said it appears to me he was mixing the BHT with other medications at the same time he took the BHT. I have warned people to NEVER do that. So stop doing that. For this treatment to work you have to use it as I have been discussing.

Regarding distilled water: Distilled water is the BEST water to use. Always drink adequate amounts of DISTILLED WATER. Distilled water is water and NOTHING else. That IS what you want to be drinking. As sick as Marvin is he, you really should join the THE NEW BHT CURES GROUP here to get quick responses to any questions you may have here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_New_BHT_Cures_Group/

We have a team of people devoted to helping people such as Marvin. He has shown significant improvement and if he uses the BHT treatment as recommended I see very good reason to believe the treatment will pull him through this health crisis. Many very sick people have gotten well using the BHT treatment as recommended....Oscar"

05/01/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker from Modesto, Marvin is showing substantial improvement in his liver function test results. Do use the BHT treatment as recommended. Do NOT mix the BHT with any other medication at the time it is ingested. I very much recommend drinking the DISTIILED water. As sick as Marvin is I do recommend joining the NEW BHT CURES GROUP here so that we can provide quick answers for your concerns here: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_New_BHT_Cures_Group/

We want to help, but for this treatment to work you have to take our suggestions seriously. Do NOT mix BHT with ANYTHING except a gulp of water at the time it is ingested....Oscar"

05/01/2013: Wayseeker from Moxietown, California: "Thank you, Oscar, for such a quick response! Yes, Marv is a bit unteachable, but I did get his attention with these test results, and he was waiting to hear what you would say!

I wrote at the group suggested, but got no reply in my questions about ascites... over five days. Plus, it was difficult to manuever my way on that site. Personality clash, with a... Big Eater. Much like a difficult day with my sweetie!

However, so glad to hear about the distilled water concern, as it may have potential to pull out the BHT as an inorganic solid. Did you use distilled water at the time of your recovery?

Thank you, again, and I really pray he can pull out of this. He let it get a lot worse before became at all willing to do anything to try to help himself. --Wayseeker"

05/02/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, Yes, I have been only drinking the distilled water for many years including and before 1997, the year I began my BHT treatment for hepatitis C. What name are you using at the NEW BHT CURES GROUP ? I will pay close attention to your postings if I can find them. Also, why not sign off as Marvin at the end of any postings over there? That way I will know it is you. We have had some great recovery stories coming in with this BHT treatment. The fact that Marvin had significant improvement in his liver function test results is very significant for someone with late stage cirrhosis. I hope Marvin realizes that. There is NO conventional treatment I am aware of available for that condition. Does Marvin realize that? The doctors pretty much give up on people with late stage cirrhosis....Oscar"

05/02/2013: Wayseeker from Motown, Ca: "Hi Oscar- I really only have two questions now about BHT, and that is if BHT is still working for you while only drinking DISTILLED WATER? And the other is like it, which is, were you drinking distilled water at the very time of your recovery?

I love what I have been reading about distilled water, but have only the concern about using it with BHT, and making sure the BHT is effective.

I am deeply heartened by the fact that it is presently all that you drink! That is just what I wanted to hear!

Please respond here with this info, and we are on our way! --Wayseeker"

05/03/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Wayseeker, Yes, I drink distilled water. I was drinking distilled water before I ever used the BHT treatment. I drank it while I was treating my hepatitis C infection. And I still drink distilled water. Good quality distilled water [ I use the Poland Springs brand ] is water and NOTHING else. Tap water can contain all sorts of unhealthy other things. And mineral water contains who knows what. All sorts of minerals are not good for you....Oscar"

04/30/2013: Patti from Owensboro, Ky: "I will be very interested to see the pics. I have been using Hemp Oil on my basal/actinic keratosis. This is my second round of AK and first time for basal. Seems to be helping, though not like you are saying. Sounds a lot like the topical chemo I did the first time. Good luck!"

05/14/2013: Nadine from Anchorage, Ak: "Could someone please give me the procedure for using Apple Cider Vinegar and Peroxide treatment for basil cell carcinoma. Thank You."

04/30/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Please read Dr. Batmanghelidj book called ABC OF ASTHMA ALLERGIES & LUPUS. He has some very wonderful information on how the body works and how to maximise your health even if you are dying, come back to life. Water, salt, minerals, nutrients in the right proportions and at the right time for the body to be optimum health.. hope you get to have your mother for years to come ..."

04/30/2013: Wayseeker from Motown, Ca: "Distilled water removes flouride from the body, and decalcifies the pineal gland, when one drinks around a gallon/a day, two glasses at a time. Amazing stuff!"

05/01/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "There's an interesting website called toxic metals stored in the body and how to displace them naturally.... and a watercure website to aid in your search for thyroid health..... Also, Mary Shomon wrote a book of reviews of all things that help thyroid health."

08/05/2009: Loraine from Orlando, Fl: "This question is for Woong from malaysia: How do you get your kids in school without them being vaccinated. I have also heard many negative things about vaccines but am worried that my children would not be accepted in school if I dont get them vaccinated. Can you please advice."

08/05/2009: Selena from Chula, Ga: "I have a form that I typed up for myself and a few friends that do not have their children vaccinated (as well as myself used for college and nursing job.) I would be happy to forward it to anyone interested. They can not force you to have your children vaccinated. I even used it 10 years ago for my daughter in daycare. BY the way...the daycare RN called me one morning and said all of the children in my daughter's group had broken out with a strange looking form of chicken pox. My daughter is the only one who did not get it and she was the only one who had not received the chicken pox vaccine, however she did get chicken pox 1 year later after I purposely exposed her to a neighbor's child with it. (Just like my mother did me). Vaccines are dangerous. Do your research and don't get your information from your doctor. Your children are worth it."

08/06/2009: T from Baltimore, Md, USA: "From Dr. Mercola's site - Legally avoiding vaccinations:
http://www.mercola.com/article/vaccines/legally_avoid_shots.htm

Vaccination Liberation - looks to be a great resource with letter templates, links to state laws, etc.
http://www.vaclib.org/index.htm

Excellent letter from a lawyer parent to a school board:
http://www.vaclib.org/letters/Letter_Oregon_School_District.htm

With the swine flu being so hyped and school starting again soon, we are potentially facing some big issues. We may encounter pressure, if not outright assault, on our sovereign rights over our own bodies and the care of our children. Arm yourself with knowledge now to stay healthy and to keep Big Pharma and government out of your bodies, your childrens' bodies, and your wallet."

[YEA]  08/07/2009: Woog from Kl, Malaysia: "My kids are still young. I guess I will worry about school when time comes. I may opt to homeschool my kids. I can't publicly tell you my other option but u can email me if u really wanna know.

If you look up websites recommended in Earthclinic, you can find that in US, you have a lot of ways to handle the issue of vaccination and school enrolment. Pretty easy and convenient. You can also try to contact ppl from those websites.

Health is more important. Find a school that will accept your unvax kids. I rather haf the inconvenience of homeschooling them then to have to take care of them my whole life should they be damaged by vaccines. I haf seen damaged done but docs will never say it's from vax.

If they are no longer able to take care of themselves, how are they gonna learn in the first place. At anytime, I rather have a not-so-smart kids than have kids who are not even able to take care of their own basic needs like bathing, eating, etc.

Being in the US, you have great homeschooling materials. Here, it is not that widely accepted and materials are not all that cheap or available. SO you have an advantage.

Weigh your choices. Good Luck!"

08/11/2009: Kathleen from Vancouver, Wa, USA: "IF, just in case...if there were mandatory vaccinations, especially for our children. What can a novice to natural remedies do to prevent harm from the vaccinations. I have read a few things online, but most would confuse someone who has never heard of MMS or a mixture of other supplements. What would be the most understandable method of protection. Thanks!"

08/12/2009: Woog from Kl, Malaysia: "Kathleen, what I did for my elder one was I fed her flax seed oil, coconut oil, spirulina, loads of Vit. C, all the good stuff I can afford or get my hands on. This was when she was a baby but as long as your child is willing to take them, feed them especially coconut oil. If you refer to coconut oil and it's benefits in this website or any other website, you'll find that it covers a lot of things.

My younger child, I refuse to let her be given even Vitamin K at birth. Absolutely nothing and she is stronger than the sis. Except for Roseola, she dun get fever. FLus, yes. Just give her water, vit c.

I'd question the doctors till I get a confident answer from the doctor. Read the inserts for the vaccine. Is it 100% effective? If not then give u something that is 100% effective? Will there be side-effects? Docs will most likely say mild fever, rashes, etc BUT is the doctor willing to support your child for life should your child get bad reactions such as seizure, paralyse, etc? Most likely you'd get kicked out of the doc's office if u were to question like that but hey it's your child's health and life we are talking about here. If your child can't function like a normal person, do you know who will take care of the child? YOU!!!

Read about nutrition, understand food. We can't be perfect but you have got to be strong-willed to not let your child consume too much sugary food, junk food. It's not easy. I am surrounded by ppl who hands out candies to kids to calm them but I am firm with my NO. Unless I am not aware, Ihave never seen my child licked a lollipop before.

Meat, as far as I can avoid them for my child, I will. My understanding is that meat takes 3 times longer to digest and sitting inside too long will produce toxic stuff so maybe when they are older.

Refer to Dr. Mercola's site, read Dr.Mendelssoh's book, www.doctoryourself.com, www.nmaseminars.com, http://www.vitamincfoundation.org/, www.thinktwice.com n d sites they refer. Find your balance."

01/12/2010: Tamara from Boaz, Alabama: "Does anyone out there know if it is required to get your child immunized to go to school. They are telling us that if our children are not they cannot enter school. I do not want my child to be immunized."

01/12/2010: Heidi from Fargo, Nd: "In most states there is a form you can fill out to state that you do not immunize. Ask for the form, or check online to get the correct laws for your state. We homeschool, and yet, we still need to fill out a form with the school district stating we choose not to immunize."

01/12/2010: Boris from Mason City, Iowa: "Tamara from Boaz Alabama.

All you need to do is sign a paper that says, that for religious reason you don't want your children vaccinated. Ask the school about it they should have a form. We did this in Washington, Oregon, Iowa. so I think they can force you to take vaccinations, they can say that your children can't come to school if there is an epidemic I think, but you really don't want them at school in that circumstance anyway. Hope this helps.

Aurora"

01/12/2010: Kathleen from Full Time Travler, Usa: "Hi about vaccinations. In Michigan you had to sign off with the school. My step daughter does not vaccinate her kids and all three are in school. Check with your school district."

01/12/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa: "Hi Tamara, from Boaz, Alabama. You've been given good advice already about the religious exemptions. I just want to add that you can also get it at your local health department.

I'm so happy you made the decision you have. I wish my daughter had listened. My two grandsons are both affected from vaccines (although tptb will never admit it). My 6 yr old grandson has ADHD (a pre-curser to Autisim). My nearly 2 yr old grandson is about to undergo testing for Autisim. It breaks my heart to see any child damaged with vaccines."

04/30/2013: Danielle from Jacksonville, Florida, Usa: "I am 28 years old and am pregnant with my first child. I was recently asked by my doctor if I wanted the TDAP vaccine. I haven't had a vaccine since I was a child and have always been against the Flu shots that are so widely pushed these days. This had me researching vaccines and I know that most pediatricians will want my child to start them. Honestly I don't know all of them and I know they have increased significantly since I was a child. I happened to come across Earth Clinic researching TDAP vaccine and I thought it would be helpful to ask advice from like-minded/open minded people.

By reading this discussion I see that a lot of you are against most or all vaccines. I am against most that they push on adults such as the flu, but haven't really had to think much about all the ones they are giving children these days. I know most pediatricians will look at you like your crazy for not wanting your child to receive any type of vaccine. I want to continue my research and was wondering if there are any websites that anyone recommends that list the vaccines given to children and what is actually in them? I also would like to find a pediatrician that would be open to the idea of not giving vaccines and open to homeopathic medicine if they exist. Any information on the subject would be greatly appreciated. I have already learned a lot from others whom have posted information on the subject, but anything new would be great.

Thanks, Danielle"

04/30/2013: Patti from Owensboro, Ky: "First of all, the doctor works for you! You are the boss. You tell them what to do and you need to start behaving like a boss right now. Make sure you are comfortable before your child is born. Your infant will be protected at birth from your own immunities. Wait until the child is at least 2 yrs old if you must give them the vaccines. Go to The Farmacy on facebook, they have alot of information. Your child DOES NOT have to have them to attend school. You will most likely have to sign a form, that's all. They cannot ask you why! It is your choice. Please take steps to learn your rights now, before you have this child. Autism is rampant, and they (CDC) will never convince me that vaccinations don't have something to do with it. Please continue to educate yourself and family members. Good luck to you."

05/03/2013: Leah from Philadelphia: "Yes, start reading now. I used to be sceptical and then I heard they used mercury, aluminum and formaldehyde. These are serious neurotoxins and yes they still use them for pregnant moms and babies (flu, tetanus and some others). Detailed discussion here: http://www.whale.to/vaccine/king.html#Thimerosal_myth_1:"

EC: Hi Anthony, you can send it to staff@earthclinic.com and we can attach it to your post. Our staff account uses anti-spam filtering, so you will have to confirm it just after sending it. Look for the auto-reply email our server will send you.

04/30/2013: Anthony from Philadelphia: "Hi. I'm sorry, I'm confused with what you want me to do? Thanks!"

04/30/2013: Leah from Philadelphia, Pa: "Dear Anthony from Philadelphia,

From what I have read on Dr Mercola's website, you should get your detox pathways opened again before you have the fillings removed. This is because at the time of removal some mercury vapour or crumbs might still get into your system, so you need to be stong and healthy to withstand that and you need it done by a trained biological dentist.

If you have a naturopath, homeopath, or chiropracter who does nutitional counseling, I would expect them all to recommend certain basic changes in your diet: avoid tap water, juice and soda (fluoride poisoning can cause a host of debilitating chronic illnesses including digestive problems), avoid hyper-processed foods (fried, baked, preserved with chemicals etc), and focus on a paleo-type diet rich in spring water, organic fruits, vegetables, raw milk, eggs, pastured, grass fed meat, healthy fats like coconut, olive, cod liver oil, and grass fed butter etc.

If your digestive tract is really causing you problems with whole foods you could try veggie juice fasting. You also need vitamin B12, C, selenium and sulphur to open you detoxification routes (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/glutathione-the-mother-of_b_530494.html. I have mentioned in the Crohn's page that DMSO, B12, melatonin and pig duodenum (http://simplehealthsolutions.info/a-to-z/dmso-for-crohns-disease/) have worked for that condition and I suspect you would benefit too.

You mentioned that you are taking calcium even though your cal to mag ratio is off. I think you should stop the Cal. To slowly detox heavy metals eat cilantro, spirulina and chlorella. Also the zero sperm count to me indicates you need lugol's iodine which will also help flush bromine, fluorine, chlorine and other heavy metals out. Take it slow so you don't detox too fast. Diatomaceous earth is also another really good detoxifier. Aloe vera is an other fabulous detoxifier. Look up liver cleansing and coffee enimas on this site too. May be a good option for you. All my suggestions should be researched further and discussed with your naturopath to make sure you are getting the right kind of each and not detoxing too fast.

I am concerned that you are still taking Lialda because it can cause side effects such as kidney-liver damage and UC (http://www.lialda.com/lialda-side-effects.aspx). If I were you, I would work with my Dr/naturopath to get off meds. It is highly likely they are contributing to your ill health, especially if they are capable of causing kidney/liver disfunction and UC.

I hope this helps and I wish you well again soon.

PS you can find raw grass fed milk at Reading Terminal Market and Mama's Wellness Joint in downtown Philly."

04/30/2013: Plumhappy from Eugene, Usa: "The bloating will go away as your body responds to the borax and better eating. It is amazing that as you feel better you feel like eating better and less. I am enjoying the process. I feel like a new me."

EC: Please note, the mentioned website appears to us to be untrustworthy in the extreme.

04/29/2013: Nolongersad from Queensland, Australia: "Hi there, just reading your post and felt I wanted to comment about your periphal neuropathy. My husband also had this, started with the soles of feet and pain/ burning. He was diagnosed with POEMS disease. This is quite rare but maybe a visit to the G.P is needed. Most doctors have never heard of it so maybe read up on it first. His diagnosis took 3 years."

04/30/2013: Rita from Wareham, Ma: "I may have been unclear on the previous post. What I meant to say was I have spent $10,000.00 on supplements from other sources. I was trying to see if Bill from the Philipines knows anything about that site before I get involved. Thx and sorry if I created any confusion. It's sort of a new concept and I am skeptical of anything until it's been proven not just take their word for it..."

05/01/2013: Tiny Dancer from Dayton, Oh: "Try B12 "PATCHES"..... it worked for me and is still working."

05/02/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Hi Rita--Blackstrap Molasses is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. It is also an excellent source of B vitamins. A nutrition almanac emphasizes taking B vitamins as a whole because if you take just one, you cause a deficiency in the others so if a B-12 patch is being used a TBP of BSM would very beneficial. The B vitamins can also reduce pain.

Binders and fillers of vitamins, supplements and medications cause more trouble than is being recognized. They can cause more pain than the active ingredient is helping. I learned over twenty years ago that I cannot ingest the gelatin capsule without causing problems. Another culprit was in my table salt. That tiny amount used to cause me excruciating sciatica. The flowing/anti-caking agent in the spices are another thing to watch out for. This has been a result of piecemeal learning for over twenty years. I'm just sharing what I have learned, applied and what worked for me.

I will add that I've had multiple head, neck and back injuries from horses, cars and hurried missteps. Since I have using food and spices as my medicine, with better results, even my PCP is impressed and after looking at an MRI, the MD for the head and neck traumas wondered why I was not in so much pain. He had me go to neck specialists questioning whether I should have surgery to no avail. I just wish I had learned what I know now long ago. That's what makes me sad.

Both of my babies were breech but only one was a caesarean. Learning how to eat to avoid pain has helped the bowel difficulties, but I wish I had known this twenty-nine years ago because there is damage that cannot be repaired."

08/05/2009: Loraine from Orlando, Fl: "This question is for Woong from malaysia: How do you get your kids in school without them being vaccinated. I have also heard many negative things about vaccines but am worried that my children would not be accepted in school if I dont get them vaccinated. Can you please advice."

08/05/2009: Selena from Chula, Ga: "I have a form that I typed up for myself and a few friends that do not have their children vaccinated (as well as myself used for college and nursing job.) I would be happy to forward it to anyone interested. They can not force you to have your children vaccinated. I even used it 10 years ago for my daughter in daycare. BY the way...the daycare RN called me one morning and said all of the children in my daughter's group had broken out with a strange looking form of chicken pox. My daughter is the only one who did not get it and she was the only one who had not received the chicken pox vaccine, however she did get chicken pox 1 year later after I purposely exposed her to a neighbor's child with it. (Just like my mother did me). Vaccines are dangerous. Do your research and don't get your information from your doctor. Your children are worth it."

08/06/2009: T from Baltimore, Md, USA: "From Dr. Mercola's site - Legally avoiding vaccinations:
http://www.mercola.com/article/vaccines/legally_avoid_shots.htm

Vaccination Liberation - looks to be a great resource with letter templates, links to state laws, etc.
http://www.vaclib.org/index.htm

Excellent letter from a lawyer parent to a school board:
http://www.vaclib.org/letters/Letter_Oregon_School_District.htm

With the swine flu being so hyped and school starting again soon, we are potentially facing some big issues. We may encounter pressure, if not outright assault, on our sovereign rights over our own bodies and the care of our children. Arm yourself with knowledge now to stay healthy and to keep Big Pharma and government out of your bodies, your childrens' bodies, and your wallet."

[YEA]  08/07/2009: Woog from Kl, Malaysia: "My kids are still young. I guess I will worry about school when time comes. I may opt to homeschool my kids. I can't publicly tell you my other option but u can email me if u really wanna know.

If you look up websites recommended in Earthclinic, you can find that in US, you have a lot of ways to handle the issue of vaccination and school enrolment. Pretty easy and convenient. You can also try to contact ppl from those websites.

Health is more important. Find a school that will accept your unvax kids. I rather haf the inconvenience of homeschooling them then to have to take care of them my whole life should they be damaged by vaccines. I haf seen damaged done but docs will never say it's from vax.

If they are no longer able to take care of themselves, how are they gonna learn in the first place. At anytime, I rather have a not-so-smart kids than have kids who are not even able to take care of their own basic needs like bathing, eating, etc.

Being in the US, you have great homeschooling materials. Here, it is not that widely accepted and materials are not all that cheap or available. SO you have an advantage.

Weigh your choices. Good Luck!"

08/11/2009: Kathleen from Vancouver, Wa, USA: "IF, just in case...if there were mandatory vaccinations, especially for our children. What can a novice to natural remedies do to prevent harm from the vaccinations. I have read a few things online, but most would confuse someone who has never heard of MMS or a mixture of other supplements. What would be the most understandable method of protection. Thanks!"

08/12/2009: Woog from Kl, Malaysia: "Kathleen, what I did for my elder one was I fed her flax seed oil, coconut oil, spirulina, loads of Vit. C, all the good stuff I can afford or get my hands on. This was when she was a baby but as long as your child is willing to take them, feed them especially coconut oil. If you refer to coconut oil and it's benefits in this website or any other website, you'll find that it covers a lot of things.

My younger child, I refuse to let her be given even Vitamin K at birth. Absolutely nothing and she is stronger than the sis. Except for Roseola, she dun get fever. FLus, yes. Just give her water, vit c.

I'd question the doctors till I get a confident answer from the doctor. Read the inserts for the vaccine. Is it 100% effective? If not then give u something that is 100% effective? Will there be side-effects? Docs will most likely say mild fever, rashes, etc BUT is the doctor willing to support your child for life should your child get bad reactions such as seizure, paralyse, etc? Most likely you'd get kicked out of the doc's office if u were to question like that but hey it's your child's health and life we are talking about here. If your child can't function like a normal person, do you know who will take care of the child? YOU!!!

Read about nutrition, understand food. We can't be perfect but you have got to be strong-willed to not let your child consume too much sugary food, junk food. It's not easy. I am surrounded by ppl who hands out candies to kids to calm them but I am firm with my NO. Unless I am not aware, Ihave never seen my child licked a lollipop before.

Meat, as far as I can avoid them for my child, I will. My understanding is that meat takes 3 times longer to digest and sitting inside too long will produce toxic stuff so maybe when they are older.

Refer to Dr. Mercola's site, read Dr.Mendelssoh's book, www.doctoryourself.com, www.nmaseminars.com, http://www.vitamincfoundation.org/, www.thinktwice.com n d sites they refer. Find your balance."

01/12/2010: Tamara from Boaz, Alabama: "Does anyone out there know if it is required to get your child immunized to go to school. They are telling us that if our children are not they cannot enter school. I do not want my child to be immunized."

01/12/2010: Heidi from Fargo, Nd: "In most states there is a form you can fill out to state that you do not immunize. Ask for the form, or check online to get the correct laws for your state. We homeschool, and yet, we still need to fill out a form with the school district stating we choose not to immunize."

01/12/2010: Boris from Mason City, Iowa: "Tamara from Boaz Alabama.

All you need to do is sign a paper that says, that for religious reason you don't want your children vaccinated. Ask the school about it they should have a form. We did this in Washington, Oregon, Iowa. so I think they can force you to take vaccinations, they can say that your children can't come to school if there is an epidemic I think, but you really don't want them at school in that circumstance anyway. Hope this helps.

Aurora"

01/12/2010: Kathleen from Full Time Travler, Usa: "Hi about vaccinations. In Michigan you had to sign off with the school. My step daughter does not vaccinate her kids and all three are in school. Check with your school district."

01/12/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa: "Hi Tamara, from Boaz, Alabama. You've been given good advice already about the religious exemptions. I just want to add that you can also get it at your local health department.

I'm so happy you made the decision you have. I wish my daughter had listened. My two grandsons are both affected from vaccines (although tptb will never admit it). My 6 yr old grandson has ADHD (a pre-curser to Autisim). My nearly 2 yr old grandson is about to undergo testing for Autisim. It breaks my heart to see any child damaged with vaccines."

04/30/2013: Danielle from Jacksonville, Florida, Usa: "I am 28 years old and am pregnant with my first child. I was recently asked by my doctor if I wanted the TDAP vaccine. I haven't had a vaccine since I was a child and have always been against the Flu shots that are so widely pushed these days. This had me researching vaccines and I know that most pediatricians will want my child to start them. Honestly I don't know all of them and I know they have increased significantly since I was a child. I happened to come across Earth Clinic researching TDAP vaccine and I thought it would be helpful to ask advice from like-minded/open minded people.

By reading this discussion I see that a lot of you are against most or all vaccines. I am against most that they push on adults such as the flu, but haven't really had to think much about all the ones they are giving children these days. I know most pediatricians will look at you like your crazy for not wanting your child to receive any type of vaccine. I want to continue my research and was wondering if there are any websites that anyone recommends that list the vaccines given to children and what is actually in them? I also would like to find a pediatrician that would be open to the idea of not giving vaccines and open to homeopathic medicine if they exist. Any information on the subject would be greatly appreciated. I have already learned a lot from others whom have posted information on the subject, but anything new would be great.

Thanks, Danielle"

04/30/2013: Patti from Owensboro, Ky: "First of all, the doctor works for you! You are the boss. You tell them what to do and you need to start behaving like a boss right now. Make sure you are comfortable before your child is born. Your infant will be protected at birth from your own immunities. Wait until the child is at least 2 yrs old if you must give them the vaccines. Go to The Farmacy on facebook, they have alot of information. Your child DOES NOT have to have them to attend school. You will most likely have to sign a form, that's all. They cannot ask you why! It is your choice. Please take steps to learn your rights now, before you have this child. Autism is rampant, and they (CDC) will never convince me that vaccinations don't have something to do with it. Please continue to educate yourself and family members. Good luck to you."

05/03/2013: Leah from Philadelphia: "Yes, start reading now. I used to be sceptical and then I heard they used mercury, aluminum and formaldehyde. These are serious neurotoxins and yes they still use them for pregnant moms and babies (flu, tetanus and some others). Detailed discussion here: http://www.whale.to/vaccine/king.html#Thimerosal_myth_1:"

02/18/2011: Kk from Forest, Va: "Just diagnosed with Lyme 6 weeks ago. Trying to find ways to get better. Found a lot of good info here. What is oil pulling? Thanks."

EC: See our section on Oil Pulling under Remedies.

04/30/2013: Glorylight from Wake Forest, Nc: "Lil, look into live kefir grains... I think it will really help you!!"

04/30/2013: Cndace123 from Kansas: "Okay so two to 3 weeks, while taking 6 pills of liquid garlic they were gone??! :) then after that did you take 2-3 pills a day or is that more weeks?"

11/19/2012: Bugsy77 from Wichita, Ks, Usa: "I used a water, honey, ACV, ginger and cinammon tonic to help with internal yeast I think is causing my perioral dermatitis and it gave me an awful sore throat and terrible indigestion. Didn't work for me either."

11/21/2012: Lee from Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur: "Did you dilute the mixture?"

02/13/2013: My2cents from Rock Hill, Sc, Usa: "Hi, sorry I did not se your comment sooner. I used the acv/honey as it was directed. So here is what I did, I used two tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and two tbs honey and 1/4 cup warm water. I have never had trouble with vinegar irritating my throat. I believe that perhaps this simply irritated my throat more than it already was. I am usually a big believer in ACV. It just did not do the trick this time."

04/30/2013: Nicolette from London, Uk: "If you suffer with sensitivity to yeast then I find vinegar of any sort is not advised.

Try plain warm table salted water. Not too salty as this can feel strong on the skin. Gargle and snort through the sinus system till all passages are clear. Do this 3 time a day on the infected areas for 3 days until clear. This is the most natural way I have found that works for me.

You can purchase a saline solution nasal spray from the pharmacy for easier applications through the day. Most effective for kids and if you find you are susceptible to picking up colds after travel on long flights!"

04/30/2013: Sri from Singapore: "Ok.... I figured this out after my first attack.

1. LOW FAT VEGAN MEAL
2. EAT SMALL AMOUNTS multiple times- large amounts put load on pancreas
3. Take grapefruit seed extract, Good Digestive enzymes, Turmeric
4. Don't take tea or coffee, especially after meals
5. I took tea with milk after heavy lunch and it caused an attack
6. Take activated charcoal capsules if you eat fats
7. Pancreatitis is progressive destruction of pancreas caused by acute pancreatitis attacks. So it important to prevent attacks at all costs.
8. TAKE PAPAYA AND ALOE VERA AS SUGGESTED BY OTHERS

You can live a long life if you follow this strictly."

05/15/2013: Sri from Singapore: "Please try the fruit diet. You have fruits every meal. No cooked food. Occasional piece of cooked food is ok. Have papaya every meal since it has digestive enzymes. This will reduce inflammation and drink lots of water for detox."

[YEA]  04/01/2011: Noodles from Houston, Tx: "I figured out the cure. I had years of white tongue that reeked out bad breath within 10 or 15 min of me brushing my teeth. No kidding. Now I have a semi pink tongue with only two days of me brushing with "the cure" ..........."

06/01/2011: Samson from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: "Question: The original post from Fred said to swallow the acidophilus mix, however Noodles said he was "brushing with "the cure"".

Are we supposed to do the Fred or Noodles technique?"

[YEA]  11/04/2012: Michelle from Washington, Dc: "Acidophlus (probiotics) works but it has to be the right kind. I tried salt and glycerin which worked only temporarily. I'm also taking oil of oregano, so it might be helping probiotics to remove the white coating..."

[YEA]  04/30/2013: Sonya from Pittsburgh, Pa: "I followed the advice of David from Boston and it is truly working alongside with I began oil pulling twice a day as well as brushing my teeth with baking soda, sea salt and peroxide. The change happened over nite once I used the probiotic exactly how he explains it. THANKS A MILLION, DAVID!!!!!!"

04/29/2013: Kathy from the USA: ""Y" from Chicago--please be advised that your olive oil has probably been diluted with a cheaper oil. I used to get brand named EVOO but it seemed to be going rancid in a very short period of time. My husband could not detect the odor but I could detect a very subtle one. Then I saw a report on the World News that many foods are being diluted to cut costs. Two of the products they reported on were tea and olive oil. I started using CO and am pleased with the results. I've only been doing it for a couple/few weeks. (I dunno exactly! ) I haven't read anymore replies here so I don't know if anyone else addressed your issue."

04/30/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Add 1 - 250 or 350mg BHT to a newly opened bottle of any vegetable oil to prevent rancidity."

04/30/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Hi Timh--I wouldn't be afraid to try the BHT but I haven't used vegetable oil for years because it is probably from corn. We were using olive oil until I coverted to the CO. We don't know where the cheaper oils to dilute the olive oil are coming from but I think it may be corn because it used to be cheaper. I had been informed that citric acid and citrate were processed from corn because it was cheaper than citrus fruit. I became aware of this when I started using magnesium citrate because it was supposed to be more readily absorbed (information from a neurosurgeon) and I started having palpitations so bad I was referred to a cardiologist. I was diagnosed with premature ventricular contractions (PVC). The person who advised me about the "citrate" was not a doctor but had been involved in having foods tested for hidden sources of MSG due to his severe sensitivity. I immediately stopped the mag citrate and went back to plain magnesium and the palpitations went away.

Because of my difficulty in processing information I am on SSD. I had been a drafting tech for fifteen years and the head trauma I had four years prior to my termination was the straw that broke the camel's back. I had multiple injuries (thrown from horses and kicked in the head twice) then thrown out of a car (coma for a month). That injury was prior to the one that prompted my termination."

04/29/2013: Liz from Boston, Massachusetts: "It sounds like she has an anal fissure. If so, it's important for her to keep her stools soft to keep the fissure from re-opening with each bowel movement. Adding psyllium fiber to water or juice is a good choice for keeping stools soft, and of course, drinking lots of water.

Sitz baths are very helpful and healing as well (about 15-20 min's several times per day) with nice warm water and about a half cup of witch hazel in the water."

04/30/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Heather: Whenever the body shows obvious conditions of the inability to heal, it is usually an indication of Zinc deficiency. Also, a deficiency in omega 3 fatty acids like Flax or Fish Oil can result in the inability to heal. Some good old fashion Cod Liver Oil as recommended for a few days would certainly help."

04/30/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Could also be Vit K deficiency. I'd try eating more cauliflower and/or brussel sprouts cooked until tender. Stay away from raw fruits and vegetables. Just a thought from what I experienced without providing more detail that would take me the rest of the day!! I don't want to give advice unless it is something I had gone through."

EC: Hi Anthony, you can send it to staff@earthclinic.com and we can attach it to your post. Our staff account uses anti-spam filtering, so you will have to confirm it just after sending it. Look for the auto-reply email our server will send you.

04/30/2013: Anthony from Philadelphia: "Hi. I'm sorry, I'm confused with what you want me to do? Thanks!"

04/30/2013: Leah from Philadelphia, Pa: "Dear Anthony from Philadelphia,

From what I have read on Dr Mercola's website, you should get your detox pathways opened again before you have the fillings removed. This is because at the time of removal some mercury vapour or crumbs might still get into your system, so you need to be stong and healthy to withstand that and you need it done by a trained biological dentist.

If you have a naturopath, homeopath, or chiropracter who does nutitional counseling, I would expect them all to recommend certain basic changes in your diet: avoid tap water, juice and soda (fluoride poisoning can cause a host of debilitating chronic illnesses including digestive problems), avoid hyper-processed foods (fried, baked, preserved with chemicals etc), and focus on a paleo-type diet rich in spring water, organic fruits, vegetables, raw milk, eggs, pastured, grass fed meat, healthy fats like coconut, olive, cod liver oil, and grass fed butter etc.

If your digestive tract is really causing you problems with whole foods you could try veggie juice fasting. You also need vitamin B12, C, selenium and sulphur to open you detoxification routes (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/glutathione-the-mother-of_b_530494.html. I have mentioned in the Crohn's page that DMSO, B12, melatonin and pig duodenum (http://simplehealthsolutions.info/a-to-z/dmso-for-crohns-disease/) have worked for that condition and I suspect you would benefit too.

You mentioned that you are taking calcium even though your cal to mag ratio is off. I think you should stop the Cal. To slowly detox heavy metals eat cilantro, spirulina and chlorella. Also the zero sperm count to me indicates you need lugol's iodine which will also help flush bromine, fluorine, chlorine and other heavy metals out. Take it slow so you don't detox too fast. Diatomaceous earth is also another really good detoxifier. Aloe vera is an other fabulous detoxifier. Look up liver cleansing and coffee enimas on this site too. May be a good option for you. All my suggestions should be researched further and discussed with your naturopath to make sure you are getting the right kind of each and not detoxing too fast.

I am concerned that you are still taking Lialda because it can cause side effects such as kidney-liver damage and UC (http://www.lialda.com/lialda-side-effects.aspx). If I were you, I would work with my Dr/naturopath to get off meds. It is highly likely they are contributing to your ill health, especially if they are capable of causing kidney/liver disfunction and UC.

I hope this helps and I wish you well again soon.

PS you can find raw grass fed milk at Reading Terminal Market and Mama's Wellness Joint in downtown Philly."

04/30/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Mary: The most likely explanation is that the 20 Mule Teem is shipped in the same container as other detergent products that do contain chemical scents (and many have very high levels). The 20 Mule Teem manufacturer would need alerted that the scent is leaking into the cardboard box containers. The boxed Borax is certainly permeable.

I have noticed this same type incidence with other products that are located near scented laundry products on the store shelves.

Try pouring the Borax in a wide container and let set out in a mild sun and not too damp weather."

04/30/2013: Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada: "Hi Mary - I just checked my container of borax and there is no smell BUT I've had the box for awhile so perhaps the new stock carries a fragrance. Also, I'm in Canada so maybe there are different formulas for export to various countries.

Does borax absorb odours like baking soda does? The smell in the detergent aisle of the supermarket is so overpowering, I'm wondering if it's absorbing odours from the other products. It's too bad so many people feel the need for toxic fragrance in just about everything.

Have you tried the health food store in the laundry section? If they don't have it in stock, they may be able to order it for you (as long as it isn't a "repackaged" 20 Mule Team product). Good luck! Bess"

EC: Hi Anthony, you can send it to staff@earthclinic.com and we can attach it to your post. Our staff account uses anti-spam filtering, so you will have to confirm it just after sending it. Look for the auto-reply email our server will send you.

04/30/2013: Oso from Brazil: "Hi, I'm a fan of homeopathy but I think at this stage you need something more agreesive. Why don't you try the olive oil and lemon juice cure?

Also, homeopathy medicines need to be prescribed by a licensed homeopatic doctor. You can't just buy it over the counter, they are custom made for you. Good luck!"

04/29/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Dr. Batmanghelidj wrote two things about it in his book ABC OF ASTHMA ALLEGIES & LUPUS and if you have CF, ... I encourage you to read all his books for improved overall health."

04/29/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Adding to my post, I wondered about magnesium for CF and they warn them not to use mag and I wondered why and Carolyn Dean has some info on magnesium and Cystic Fibrosis on her magnesium site. Salt, mag and calcium and potassium all need each other to do what they do in the body.

Dr. Batman was talking about salt retention and mag association and that seems to be an important connection because salt thins out muscus secretions and CF is thick mucus I think....

I really don't know much at all , and did terrible in science and biology in school I have just been sick and looking for answers.

I wonder if someone with CF could take the epson salt and baking soda in bath 1/2 cup of each and feel some relief ? Or would it hurt them?

Hope you find every answer you need.... Love, Joy"

04/30/2013: Sparlow from Cardiff, Uk: "I'd recommend investigating the gluten link with CF. Giving up all grains can have a miraculous effect.. read Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gottschall for the why's, wherefores and recipes."

[YEA]  04/30/2013: Hayley3 from Magnet, Indiana: "Thanks so much! I was taking an electrolyte pill already and it wasn't helping.. So I added an additional potassium pill after reading your post. So far it's helped a lot... My mouth was so dry at night I had to pry it from the roof of my mouth and I was starting to panic. Now it's much better although at night, my lips stick together a little.. So I'm gonna up my potassium again. My tongue was burning so I had started Vitamin B complex prior to the electrolyte pill."

04/30/2013: Merrin from Mundaring, Western Australia: "Interesting! I started getting leg cramps when pregnant. Local goat dairy owner and midwife gave me raw goats milk throughout two pregnancies. This cured my leg cramps. She told of her 90 year old aunt who experienced leg cramps when on holiday as only cows milk was available. On returning to the goat dairy and beautiful raw goats milk, her leg cramps ceased. Pointing toes to nose seems so much easier."

05/05/2013: Peter from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff: "When we used to get these leg cramps we would instantly start streching the leg by pointing the toes away from the body, this would never work because you're not doing anything, try it now and point your toes hard to your nose, feel that, well I do that every now and then and I have not had leg cramps in over 10 years, taking meds for it is insane."

07/29/2010: Jenny from New Westminster, Bc, Canada : "Hello, I just wanted to bring this to your attention. . . On the supplements page it says:
Manganese: causes Bells Palsy and Parkinson's Disease symptoms. I think you mean to say "helps with" or "prevents" as I think it is hard to believe that Manganese causes Bells Palsy and Parkinson's disease symptoms. I understand that you are explaining what these supplements do, however it is not consistent with how all the other supplements read. Just a suggestion."

EC: Actually, it is meant to read as such. You can see under "Manganese Warning" a post by "Scott from Pen Argyl, PA" in regard to this.

01/25/2012: Ronna from Philadelphia, Pa: "This is an interesting article from Discover magazine, regarding a possible treatment (manganese) for the deadly food poisoning toxin called Shiga Toxin.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2012/01/20/a-possible-treatment-for-a-deadly-food-poisoning-toxin/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed: 80beats (80beats)"

04/28/2013: Vince from Toronto, Ontario, Canada: "Make sure you are deficient before taking any mineral. Minerals can compete with each other for absorbtion. So taking one can displace another one. A hair mineral analysis may help. So would knowing the symptoms of deficiency. It is more complicated than it seems."

04/30/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "In my location, the public water supply is drawn from a reservoir. In late autumn and early winter, the lake becomes black with decayed hardwood tree leaves. These leaves contain high levels of Manganese, thus creating, although temporarily, high Manganese levels in the public water. For folks who are deficient, this is a good thing, otherwise filter your water."

04/26/2013: Marilyn from Wellington, New Zealand: "Lee, from the instructions it looks like you need to avoid stainless steel. If you have a crock pot/slow cooker you could use that if it has an earthenware (china) inner. Note that only wooden utensils are used.

I think I would also add cayenne pepper into this (1 450mg capsule) or a couple of teaspoons."

04/27/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "I have read reported that the mineral Copper is very important for the integrity of arterial structure or tissue; so cooking with Copperware may be advised. Take 25 mg Zinc occasionally to balance the Cu."

04/29/2013: Sandra from Sydney, Australia: "Copperware has copper but it is "inorganic" so the body won't be able to use it and you will end up being copper toxic. You need to eat organic copper (in plants). Getting minerals from plants also gives you the correct ratios of other minerals as well."

04/30/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Sandra: Not sure to agree or disagree with your position as it has been long advised that cooking with ironware is a good way to get Iron in the diet/body. Colloidal Silver Generators produce high levels of Ionic Silver for human consumption for ant-pathogen treatment.

Of course, Ionic Trace Minerals is our best source of (trace) minerals. Cooked or supplemented Liver is also a good source of minerals, which, ironically is not a vegetable source."

04/25/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I put some baking soda and coconut on in my bite guard and stuck it on my teeth and the sensitivity called down and I notice my teeth and gums went tight on me.

It was weird - like the teeth were more crowded together and the gums were all pulled up on them. I plan to be more careful with the baking soda, I had used the coconut oil in the guard a few times before and it seemed to loosen the guard on the sides... with no soda and they seemed relaxed, not tight.

I don't oil pull but the coconut oil has been miraculous. White, clean, less sensitive."

04/25/2013: Leah from Philadelphia, Pa: "Dear Aq from Oakland, I'm sorry you are in so much pain. I have treated gum swelling and pain from wisdom tooth movement successfully with pure peppermint oil or pure clove oil on numerous occasions. I apply with Q-tip to all my gum lines and especially to the affected area.

However, I don't have a pocket, amalgam fillings or do regular oil pulling so I cannot speak directly to those concerns. All I know is the pure essential oil application takes away my pain within 15-20 mins. Also if you have an infection I believe both of these oils are good anti microbials. I brush with baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide and my gums seem much happier for it. I see new enamel growing since switch away from regular toothpaste.

I hope this helps and you feel well again soon!"

04/25/2013: Kajned from Takoma Park, Md: "I don't think new enamel grows back..... You've got what you've got."

04/25/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Could be the type of oil. If it is a liquid bottled in plastic, that could cause problems. I've only been OP for a couple weeks but am very happy with the results reducing my sensitivity. I use coconut oil. It is in plastic but it is not in liquid form so I assume there is less absorption of the toxins."

04/25/2013: Tamara from Fort Collins, Colorado, Usa: "Hi Aq. I'm no expert on dental care but your post comes in the middle of my own research into dental health after finding an amazing oral health care routine by Dr. Ellie Phillips. I came across her information by accident last week and have been devouring her free website posts ever since. Boy, have I learned a lot! I've also applied her mouth care system and have seen noticeable improvement in just one week. She has a lot of information to go through on her blog but she has a book as well, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye, which seems to be a more concise and organized read (I have not read it yet). I highly recommend you take a look at her information. http://ultimateoralhealthguide.com/

In the meantime, I do have some thoughts about your routine that you might consider.

You said that at the same time you started oil pulling that you also started to brush your teeth and floss after every meal. This may very well be the problem. This is a common issue, especially here on EC, where most people think that brushing immediately after eating or drinking something acidic (like the popular remedy Apple Cider Vinegar) will protect their teeth from the erosion of the acid. Wrong! It's actually the opposite. Acidic foods and drinks will actually soften your enamel, so that when you brush your teeth you then brush the enamel away. Kind of the worst thing you could do if you're trying to protect your teeth!

The remedy is to make sure that you alkalize your mouth before brushing to ensure that the enamel is protected. You can do this by swishing with a solution of baking soda in water, eating or chewing a mint/gum sweetened with 100% xylitol (or dissolving the pure crystals in your mouth), eating a piece of cheese, or swishing with a commercial product like closys mouth wash. Brushing with an alkalized mouth is very different from brushing with an acidic mouth. This might also happen even if you haven't eaten recently because things like overall diet, stress, medications, toxins, candida, mouth breathing, and hormones that affect the acidity of the mouth. You can buy pH strips to test this easily.

Another issue might be how you are brushing and flossing: it could be a case of doing too much rather than too little. Most people use too hard of a toothbrush and put too much pressure on it, thinking that they have to scour their teeth to make them clean, much like cleaning a dirty, caked on dish. This actually can do lots of damage to teeth and gums. Instead, you should use a soft toothbrush and gently brush the teeth while focusing on massaging your gums to bring much needed circulation to your gums (and letting your body help you fight infection this way).

Secondly, most people have never been taught to properly floss either, so they tend to mangle and cut their gums rather than wriggle food particles out. Your dentist or dental hygienist should be able to show you how to correctly apply both these methods without damaging your soft tissues with heavy-handedness. This link will help explain more: http://www.dentist-charlotte-north-carolina-nc.com/receding-gums-gum-recession.html

My next point was a hard pill for even me to swallow. You see, I have been using baking soda and peroxide as my "toothpaste" for the past 5 years, trying to be as natural as possible and throwing out chemical, commercial toothpaste. I liked it and didn't like the alternatives. Even so-called natural toothpastes have unnecessary or unwanted ingredients (like glycerin, which prevents your teeth from remineralizing with your natural saliva). I, too, practiced good hygiene; brushing and flossing every day and eating a healthy diet, but my oral health still wasn't where I expected it to be.

When I stumbled onto Dr. Ellie's blog I was disappointed to see that she does NOT recommend baking soda because of the effect she's seen on her patients' gums. Her insights have thrown off some of my thoughts and arrogance concerning natural tooth care. In this post she addresses this issue: http://ultimateoralhealthguide.com/2009/03/20/home-made-toothpaste/ . I'll quote a few sentences that caught my eye regarding your condition-

"I have seen baking soda used without problems for a few days, but after repeated use (over months or years) the gums start to disappear. There is no pain or swelling associated with this recession just a loss of gum tissue. This problem can be very severe to the point of people loosing teeth because of this."

Sound familiar? The reason I bring this up is two-fold. First, the main ingredient of Ecodent natural tooth powder is baking soda (baking soda is also mentioned in the first article I linked as a possible cause of gum recession). Secondly, I wanted you to know that I am NOT one who would normally buy any commercial body care products, including fluoride toothpaste. Most of my friends call me a" hippy", as I use the information here on EC as my "health care provider". However, Dr. Ellie has written very compelling evidence for the reasons she has recommended the products that she does.

In the one week (! ) that I've faithfully applied her full program, I have noticed great improvements in the markers of oral health that I felt I was previously failing at. My teeth are whiter and stronger, my front bottom teeth feel "tighter" in the gums (they previously felt "loose"), and I no longer bleed while brushing or flossing. Now, I'm not saying that these things will all happen for you, as you seem to have a much more advanced case than I, but you might! She has many other testimonials similar to mine.

I'm treading lightly here, as I have been amazed at the success I've found, but am very much aware of the dissonance this might create here in EC. Her system uses a series of mouth rinses and a commercial fluoride toothpaste, as well as timely application of xylitol products. She approves of very specific products and goes into detail about why they work. Yes, you read that- fluoride However, if you really take the time to understand the information she presents (across her whole blog), you may just decide to follow her program as well. If you are at all concerned about fluoride, like I am, start with this page:

http://ultimateoralhealthguide.com/2013/03/27/the-fluoride-debate-two-sides-to-every-story/

My recommendations are to look at the links I've posted, do some digging, and find out what will work for you. I know that if I was in your position that I would try to avoid surgery at if all possible (which you seem to as well). Also, I echo another poster in advocating the use of essential oils, especially clove, to deal with your mouth pain. Garlic, too, has seemed to help many others on this forum. Use the search bar above to find relevant posts. If anything, xylitol is also an excellent tool to explore using for dental health, with decades of research backing its efficacy in Europe.

I do not believe that oil pulling is what has been causing your recent discomfort, however I do not know that for sure. You might consider changing your oil to some other oil (maybe you're allergic?) as well as practicing good dietary habits. Drink an appropriate amount of water (coincidentally most people drink too much and flush their body's electrolytes away-see The Water Cure for more info), eat enough protein (since your body needs to build up your gum tissue and repair it), and be kind to yourself!

Good luck, and I hope that I've given you some useful information to help you. Give us an update if you can!"

04/27/2013: Aq from Berkeley, Ca: "Hi Kathy from Sadville, I would never use oil in plastic. I'm using Spectrum organic, bottled in glass.

Thanks for your response!

AQ"

04/27/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Hi AQ, I stumbled on some information about "organic" that I was pleased to read because I just never had a good feeling about "organic" anything. I don't have your post in front of me so I cannot recall the type of oil you said you used. It seems to me that because I was not exposed to organics in my youth, my system has adapted or maybe built up an immunity so that if I were to convert to organics I would have some kind of reaction. I cannot remember exactly what the article said but I remember it said that the soil organics are grown in is not good. I'll try to locate it if you are interested. If you weren't brought up on organics maybe you're having a reaction to that oil. If not, I was taught that gum recession comes from improper brushing. I was a dental assistant part-time when in high school. I was in one of the school-to-work programs. I remember the dentist telling the children to brush their teeth the way they grew with a soft brush. Brush from the gums down on the uppers and up from the lowers, massaging the gums to keep them tight against the teeth. I wasn't taught to take care of my teeth at a young age but when I applied that brushing technique I think it helped to preserve them. You're twice that age so I don't know if it's too late but it sure wouldn't hurt to try. Just let me know if you are interested in the article about "organics" and I'll try to locate it. I forwarded it to a couple of friends so it is here somewhere."

04/27/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Hi again AQ, I just read your post again and I'm sorry I didn't address your pleas. Since you have so much recession, that could allow more bacteria in and since you have pain in your roots, enough bacteria could have caused you to have abscesses. I have read posts here on EC that really helped me with the pain from mine. I went to Ailments for "abscessed tooth" and read about using a garlic clove to ease the pain. It burns but it worked. There is a post there by HappyNurse66 that helped me get through my terrible pain for one tooth. Someone else posted putting a tea bag in enough water to moisten it well, covering the affected tooth/teeth and gently biting it to hold it in place for 20-30 minutes. Have you had a full-mouth series of x-rays? Alternating the garlic clove and tea bag calmed the two I had. I don't think it means I'm out of the woods yet but I'm not in pain. This happened to me last August. One x-ray confirmed the garlic did indeed reduce the size of an abscess for a tooth that had a root canal. I did take some OTC pain medication for that one. Once I learned the garlic had reduced the size of the abscess I stopped using it because I wasn't in anymore pain... BIG MISTAKE. Sleeping on that side of my face created enough heat to cause what was there to burst. Then I had pain. That's when my husband insisted I use the OTC (2AM). The next day I alternated the tea bag and garlic clove until the pain and swelling were gone. If you want to try the tea bag remedy, make sure you get a brand name."

04/28/2013: Kathy from the USA: "AQ, I forgot to mention the oil could be rancid. On the news there was a report about our food supply being diluted with cheaper ingredients. Olive oil and tea were mentioned. I had purchased a brand named, more expensive extra virgin olive oil in an amber glass bottle because I thought it was pure and safe but it was not. I returned it to the store and did not have any trouble getting my money back. You might want to look into the oil you purchased. I have noticed such sensitivity reduction with the CO I recommend you get some and give it a try. I take a spoonful and do my swishing while I watch the news (I'd watch it 24/7 if I could), do my housework or while I am looking up something on the PC. The time goes by quickly.

Lastly, if you do not eat animal protein you are not getting what you need to replace and rebuild what is being broken down due to aging wear and tear. I'm sure you must be aware that next to water, protein is the most plentiful substance in the body. It sounds to me like you may be vegetarian and/or you take multiple supplements. All of our food has been genetically modified in one way or another and, in my opinion the binders, fillers, and /or capsules could be destroying what you feel you are helping. I have learned what foods provide the nutrients I need and try to use food as my medicine. The problem is that food is not what it used to be. Just for the record, I'm old enough to be your mother, I have amalgam fillings and crowns. The only place I have gum recession is where I did not brush properly as a youngster and I had used a hard bristled brush. I eat animal protein (that has to be weighed and limited now due to what the edible critters are being fed) and I try to keep my weight at 100lbs. It is a little more difficult because I have to limit my meat & eggs and I'm not as active as I used to be. I used to jog three miles a day and worked out at a spa several days a week."

04/28/2013: Kathy from the USA: "I am so sorry for my piecemeal approach, just trying to help. I've had multiple head traumas. Vit A is needed for tissue repair so you need to eat fruits and vegetables that contain Vit A cooked until tender to eat with your animal protein."

04/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Kathy, thought I might add that eating or supplementing Liver would help restore minerals as well as Vit-A. The only other food with appreciatible amounts of (preformed) Vit-A is Eggs."

04/29/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Hi Timh, I used to eat three eggs a day but, to make a very long story short, I learned that chickens are being fed genetically modified grains and grasses. It makes them fatter, harder to digest and the eggs they produce are no longer nutritionally balanced. After being contacted by someone in a consumer group and watching a PBS special about our food I started looking for "free-range" dairy cows, cattle and chicken. There is no such thing because they're all being fed GMO's and, I feel, this is why there is such a weight problem. My husband and I became aware of THAT meat, milk and eggs being harder to digest. It had me in debt for awhile too. Going back to what was considered not so safe is safer after all and eating raw fruits and vegetables has become more deadly because they have been engineered to last longer... Disease or droubt resistant and very hard for us to digest. Organics are no longer safe. You just have to get used to smaller portions because you don't know to what degree the food has been tainted.

Between a rock and a hard place, you have to decide what's best for you. Cook food too long and you create more MSG which can stimulate some nerve cells to death. Don't cook it long enough and and your body has a hard time assimilating it.

This has been done in a peicemeal rush and I don't know if I've made sense."

04/29/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Timh--I should have added "eggs" when I suggested cooking veggies 'til tender to eat with animal protein. I thought that could be assumed from my remark about reducing my meat and egg consumption. I've gone from eating three extra large eggs a day to one or two medium at least once a day, sometimes twice. BTW, I noticed that the eggs in the cardboard cartons have a richer yellow/orange yolk so I only purchase those."

04/30/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Kathy: Your post was quite sufficiently organized, so you must be doing fairly well.

Not just the GMO's but growth hormones and antibiotics are used in our "factory farms". After watching Food Inc, I was disappointed that the producers & director of the movie simply took the "organic" and "humane" side of the problem, and totally neglected the real issue of feeding a booming population of (too many) people. It's obvious that our "little" planet can only sustain so many people, and the reality is now kicking in, especially in the declining health of the animal inhabitants.

Not for everybody, but an eco-friendly solution of sustainable and healthy food production is Aquaponics. Check out "Back Yard Liberty" for more information on micro-farming."

04/29/2013: Liz from Boston, Massachusetts: "It sounds like she has an anal fissure. If so, it's important for her to keep her stools soft to keep the fissure from re-opening with each bowel movement. Adding psyllium fiber to water or juice is a good choice for keeping stools soft, and of course, drinking lots of water.

Sitz baths are very helpful and healing as well (about 15-20 min's several times per day) with nice warm water and about a half cup of witch hazel in the water."

04/30/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Heather: Whenever the body shows obvious conditions of the inability to heal, it is usually an indication of Zinc deficiency. Also, a deficiency in omega 3 fatty acids like Flax or Fish Oil can result in the inability to heal. Some good old fashion Cod Liver Oil as recommended for a few days would certainly help."

04/30/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Could also be Vit K deficiency. I'd try eating more cauliflower and/or brussel sprouts cooked until tender. Stay away from raw fruits and vegetables. Just a thought from what I experienced without providing more detail that would take me the rest of the day!! I don't want to give advice unless it is something I had gone through."

04/29/2013: Kathy from the USA: ""Y" from Chicago--please be advised that your olive oil has probably been diluted with a cheaper oil. I used to get brand named EVOO but it seemed to be going rancid in a very short period of time. My husband could not detect the odor but I could detect a very subtle one. Then I saw a report on the World News that many foods are being diluted to cut costs. Two of the products they reported on were tea and olive oil. I started using CO and am pleased with the results. I've only been doing it for a couple/few weeks. (I dunno exactly! ) I haven't read anymore replies here so I don't know if anyone else addressed your issue."

04/30/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Add 1 - 250 or 350mg BHT to a newly opened bottle of any vegetable oil to prevent rancidity."

04/30/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Hi Timh--I wouldn't be afraid to try the BHT but I haven't used vegetable oil for years because it is probably from corn. We were using olive oil until I coverted to the CO. We don't know where the cheaper oils to dilute the olive oil are coming from but I think it may be corn because it used to be cheaper. I had been informed that citric acid and citrate were processed from corn because it was cheaper than citrus fruit. I became aware of this when I started using magnesium citrate because it was supposed to be more readily absorbed (information from a neurosurgeon) and I started having palpitations so bad I was referred to a cardiologist. I was diagnosed with premature ventricular contractions (PVC). The person who advised me about the "citrate" was not a doctor but had been involved in having foods tested for hidden sources of MSG due to his severe sensitivity. I immediately stopped the mag citrate and went back to plain magnesium and the palpitations went away.

Because of my difficulty in processing information I am on SSD. I had been a drafting tech for fifteen years and the head trauma I had four years prior to my termination was the straw that broke the camel's back. I had multiple injuries (thrown from horses and kicked in the head twice) then thrown out of a car (coma for a month). That injury was prior to the one that prompted my termination."

04/30/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Mary: The most likely explanation is that the 20 Mule Teem is shipped in the same container as other detergent products that do contain chemical scents (and many have very high levels). The 20 Mule Teem manufacturer would need alerted that the scent is leaking into the cardboard box containers. The boxed Borax is certainly permeable.

I have noticed this same type incidence with other products that are located near scented laundry products on the store shelves.

Try pouring the Borax in a wide container and let set out in a mild sun and not too damp weather."

04/30/2013: Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada: "Hi Mary - I just checked my container of borax and there is no smell BUT I've had the box for awhile so perhaps the new stock carries a fragrance. Also, I'm in Canada so maybe there are different formulas for export to various countries.

Does borax absorb odours like baking soda does? The smell in the detergent aisle of the supermarket is so overpowering, I'm wondering if it's absorbing odours from the other products. It's too bad so many people feel the need for toxic fragrance in just about everything.

Have you tried the health food store in the laundry section? If they don't have it in stock, they may be able to order it for you (as long as it isn't a "repackaged" 20 Mule Team product). Good luck! Bess"

08/27/2012: Dc from Falls Church, Va: "Get yourself checked for Celiac Disease, low acid is a symptom."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/19/2013: Louise from Montpelier, Vermont, U.s.a. : "Thank you, Colleen. I took Betaine HCL tonight, felt really good for a while, but tonight I have a mild tummy ache, not at all usual for me. So maybe it's the pepsin. It helps to know that. I'll try to find Campbell-McBride's formulation. I'm also up at 3:30 am, and I've heard that Betaine can cause insomnia."

[YEA]  04/30/2013: Dragon Burps And Indigestion from Albany, Ny: "YEA, Betaine HCl a gift from God."

04/29/2013: Midwestmad from Rochester, Minnesota, Usa: "I hope you're following the procedures for iodine supplementation. As iodine replaces bromine in your system, it leaves the bromine to float free in your bloodstream and it does some very bad stuff to you if you let it build up. For me, I was craving so much salt it was ridiculous and I was feeling more and more run down. I went to my functional medicine doctor and told him I thought it was possibly bromine detox. It turns out it was interfering with my body's utilization of magnesium. That is a pretty serious consequence. You can't foot with bromine detox. However, it is pretty simple to deal with. You must ingest chloride (in the form of unprocessed sea salt or, if your sodium sensative, I saw that ConcenTrace Trace Mineral drops contains a decent amount of chloride. ) If you don't already have it, search for a document called "The Guide to Supplementing with Iodine." It has some great tips for dealing with all the concequences of iodine supplementation. I found it here: http://home.comcast.net/~jocy1/junk/The Guide to Supplementing with Iodine.pdf

FYI: The ultimate cause of psoriasis (and many degenerative diseases) is leaky gut (resulting from poor diet and excessive toxicity. ) A functional medicine doctor will help heal your sister from the inside starting with, I presume, cleaning up the gut (getting rid of infection) and working to kill off the systemic candida (fungus) in her bloodstream, etc. (I've been working on cleaning up my system for the past year and the number of changes are immense! ) I wish you both luck!!!"

04/29/2013: Linda from New Haven, Ct, United States: "Joyce, regarding your shoulder issue, both my husband and myself have rotator cuff issues. We have had very good results with turmeric powder. We take 1 teaspoon 2 or 3 times a day. We either mix it with a glass of milk or scramble it into our eggs. Add a dash of black pepper and some fat (we use coconut oil or butter) for better absorption.

We both noticed improvement starting on the 3rd day or so. It's marvelous!

Linda"

[YEA]  11/22/2009: Rachel from Baytown, Tx: "Worked like a charm! My 6yr old had hiccups so we first tried holding his breath, nothing, then tried rubbing his right ear lobe, nope, next we tried the glass with spoon and hiccups stopped immediately!! We were both pretty amazed!"

[YEA]  04/29/2013: Peter from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff: "Hiccup Remedy:

Hold your breath for as long as you can whilst pinching your right ear hard all the time.

I laughed when I was told this but I tried it and wow, same reaction from everyone I tell but they try it and it's never failed yet. I recall the pinching of the ear releases chemicals, sounds nuts, try it."

04/29/2013: Liz from Boston, Massachusetts: "It sounds like she has an anal fissure. If so, it's important for her to keep her stools soft to keep the fissure from re-opening with each bowel movement. Adding psyllium fiber to water or juice is a good choice for keeping stools soft, and of course, drinking lots of water.

Sitz baths are very helpful and healing as well (about 15-20 min's several times per day) with nice warm water and about a half cup of witch hazel in the water."

04/30/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Heather: Whenever the body shows obvious conditions of the inability to heal, it is usually an indication of Zinc deficiency. Also, a deficiency in omega 3 fatty acids like Flax or Fish Oil can result in the inability to heal. Some good old fashion Cod Liver Oil as recommended for a few days would certainly help."

04/30/2013: Kathy from the USA: "Could also be Vit K deficiency. I'd try eating more cauliflower and/or brussel sprouts cooked until tender. Stay away from raw fruits and vegetables. Just a thought from what I experienced without providing more detail that would take me the rest of the day!! I don't want to give advice unless it is something I had gone through."