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213141 tn?1270662112

Hep-C Research

Hi, here's a list of articles I've collected over the years for study on Hepatitis-C.

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/02/why_antioxidant.html
(Full Article)
Why Antioxidants are Important for Hepatitis C Patients

The goal of those currently undergoing treatment for chronic Hepatitis C is
to prevent further liver damage from the Hepatitis C virus. Read this
exclusive article to learn how to incorporate antioxidants into your
lifestyle. Here is a simple, reputable and reasonably priced way to support
your liver.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Cellular oxidation occurs when oxygen or disease excessively breaks down a
substance, producing free radicals. As negatively charged electrons no
longer attached to their atoms, free radicals create chemical instability.
This instability invites another atom or molecule to easily bond with the
free radical, resulting in a cellular-altering chemical reaction capable of
damaging cell walls, cellular structures and the genetic material inside
cells. This process is readily seen in Hepatitis C's deterioration of liver
tissue. Antioxidants reduce, neutralize, and prevent the damage inflicted by
free radicals.

Research illustrating the role of oxidation in advancing liver disease has
consistently been produced over the years:

· 2006 - The Journal of Translational Medicine published a Turkish study
whose aim was to determine oxidant/antioxidant status of patients with
chronic Hepatitis C and the effect of combination therapy (pegylated
interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin) on oxidative stress. Researchers reported
that patients with chronic HCV infection are under the influence of
oxidative stress associated with lower levels of antioxidant enzymes. These
impairments return to healthy levels following combination therapy. Although
interferon and ribavirin are not antioxidants, their antiviral capacity
might reduce viral load and inflammation, allowing for a reduction in
virus-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, antioxidants can reduce the
oxidative stress of Hepatitis C and make combination therapy more
successful.

· 2005 - An Israeli study published in the Journal of Clinical
Gastroenterology observed that oxidative stress in the liver is associated
with chronic Hepatitis C infection. Researchers concluded that treatment
with multiple antioxidants for people with chronic HCV was well tolerated
and has a therapeutic benefit for hepatic inflammation and liver cell death.
Therefore, antioxidant therapy can reduce liver inflammation and cell death.

· 2002 - A study published in the Journal of Hepatology measured levels of
fibrosis and corresponding levels of oxidative stress in Hepatitis C
patients. The authors found oxidative stress to be a significant feature of
HCV infection. Although more severe in those with cirrhosis, there was clear
evidence of oxidative stress in non-cirrhotic patients with the virus. The
authors concluded that antioxidant therapy may have a role in slowing
disease progression to cirrhosis.

· 1999 - A University of New Mexico study combined three potent antioxidants
(alpha-lipoic acid, silymarin, and selenium) for administration to patients
with cirrhosis, portal hypertension and esophageal varices secondary to
chronic Hepatitis C infection. Those on the triple antioxidant program
recovered quickly from HCV and their laboratory values remarkably improved.
Furthermore, liver transplantation was avoided and the patients returned to
work, carried out their normal activities, and reported feeling healthy.
Therefore, antioxidants can help people improve their quality of life and
recover more rapidly from Hepatitis C.

The overwhelming evidence suggests that antioxidants may hinder the
Hepatitis C virus in the following ways:

· Impairs HCV replication
· Improves liver enzyme levels
· Protects against liver cell damage
· Renders interferon anti-viral therapy more effective

Dietary Sources of Antioxidants
A simple way to add antioxidants to your life is to seek them in food
sources. Found in fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamins C and E, selenium,
carotenoids and anthocyanins, antioxidants are optimally absorbed from whole
food sources. Since antioxidants are the substances responsible for color,
brightly colored produce represent the sources highest in free radical
fighting power. Some examples of foods high in antioxidants are:

· Cabbage, broccoli, spinach and kale (Note to Hepatitis C patients: both
spinach and kale are high in iron; check with your doctor before including
in your regular diet.)
· Citrus fruits, strawberries, melons, apricots and mangos
· Sweet potatoes, tomatoes, corn, eggplant
· Romaine lettuce, avocadoes, carrots
· Blueberries, cranberries, red grapes

Additionally, antioxidants are widely available in supplement form. A
refined milk thistle extract is a highly trusted antioxidant supplement that
demonstrates tremendous benefits to the liver.

Whether you intend to improve the outcome of combination therapy, or simply
wish to halt the progression of cirrhosis, remember the research
demonstrating the benefits of antioxidants. Including antioxidant-rich foods
and supplements into a daily routine can provide enormous protective benefit
to those with chronic Hepatitis C.

References:
Jain SK, Pemberton PW, Smith A, et al, Oxidative stress in chronic hepatitis
C: not just a feature of late stage disease, Journal of Hepatology, 2002.

Levent G, Ali A, Ahmet A, et al., Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense
in patients with chronic hepatitis C before and after pegylated interferon
alfa-2b plus ribavirin therapy, Journal of Translational Medicine, June
2006.

Melhem A, Stern M, Shibolet O, et al, Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus
infection via antioxidants: results of a phase I clinical trial, Journal of
Clinical Gastroenterology, September 2005.

www.deliciousorganics.com, Antioxidants, Delicious Organics, Inc., 2004.

www.healthyhepper.com, Antioxidants, Free Radicals and Your Liver,
healthyhepper.com, 2004.

www.integrative-healthcare.com/mt, Anti-Inflammatory Foods, Natural
Wellness, 9/22/05.
(End of article)
16 Responses
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92903 tn?1309904711
Flguy: "Do you like cats?"
Goofy: "Do you like cats?"
Izzy: "Bring your sleeping bag."

I dunno whether the boys are getting preferential treatment or sleeping in the woodshed with the feral felines. In any case, the more pertinent question seems to be do the huskys like cats? Cooked or on the hoof?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Heck, you can come too, Izzy.  Party at Trish's, bring your sleeping bag.  And your parka.  I'll get the sled dogs ready to pick y'all up - a Canadian limo.  Pack your longjohns.
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412873 tn?1329174455
Y'all know....this could turn into that road trip for love that Headshop took 5 months into tx.

You better keep us posted.  ;)
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Avatar universal
You could come too, you know .. lotsa room.  Do you like cats?
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Avatar universal
"Neighbourhood" Swanky?  Hmph.  That's simply spelt Canadian - the land of higher alcohol beer, hockey and tocques (pronounced "too-ks")
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92903 tn?1309904711
Did Noah complain when someone raised an umbrella?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flguy: "lovely neighbourhood." It must be swanky - they even spell it fancy :)
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Avatar universal
If your wife ever gets tired of you and tosses you out, you could always consider coming north. There's a Canadian border that's a cinch to get across and no passport required.  Free medicare too (although it comes out of our taxes, just don't tell anybody, they think it's free.) I've got a spare room you can have, lovely neighbourhood.  And if you're really good, you can graduate to the big bedroom. ;->  Do you like cats?
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96938 tn?1189799858
You need to be more open-minded about information like this. Big Pharma is not always the answer.  Many of the pharmacutical drugs are based on ingredients found in nature, especially plants.  There is nothing wrong with familiarity with these subjects.  You need to give Matt a break.  He's not being derogaty, and you shouldn't either.  
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148588 tn?1465778809
More aliens fewer veggies.

(Also "for the few that don't know" your 'authority' for a lot of this info is an L.Ac. Nothing against acupuncturists. It's just those particular initials don't carry a lot of weight when citing learned papers.)
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213141 tn?1270662112
I'm posting it for the few that don't know. ;-)
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Avatar universal
I think most people know about all this,no need to flood the site over and over again .
Helpful - 0
213141 tn?1270662112
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/711902
Vitamin D Has Benefits in Chronic HCV Infection
Megan Brooks

November 5, 2009 (Boston, Massachusetts) — Supplementing pegylated interferon-alfa2b and ribavirin with a daily dose of vitamin D might increase virologic response rates, according to results of a late-breaking abstract reported here at The Liver Meeting 2009, the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD).

"Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator whose impact on virologic response rates of interferon-based treatment of chronic HCV [hepatitis C] is unknown," lead investigator Saif M. Abu-Mouch, MD, from the Department of Hepatology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, in Hadera, Israel, and colleagues note in their abstract.

"This preliminary study confirms the benefit of adding vitamin D to conventional antiviral therapy in patients with chronic HCV," Dr. Abu-Mouch told meeting attendees.

In the study, 58 patients with confirmed chronic HCV (genotype 1) were randomly assigned to peginterferon-alfa2b (1.5 µg/kg once weekly) plus ribavirin (1000 to 2000 mg/day). Thirty-one patients also received vitamin D (1000 to 4000 IU/day; serum level >32 ng/mL).

The vitamin D group had a higher mean body mass index (27 vs 24 kg/m2; P < .01), viral load (68% vs 58%; P  F2, 55% vs 18%; P < .001) than the group that did not receive vitamin D. Demographics, disease characteristics, ethnicity, baseline biochemical parameters, and adherence to treatment were similar in the 2 study groups.

A rapid virologic response was seen at week 4 in 44% of the vitamin D group and in 18% of the control group. At week 12, Dr. Abu-Mouch told Medscape Gastroenterology, 96% of the vitamin D group (26 of 27 patients) were HCV RNA-negative, as assessed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, as was 48% of the control group (15 of 31 patients), which was a significant difference (P < .001), he said.

The combination of peginterferon and ribavirin, the standard of care for chronic HCV, achieves a sustained virologic response in 40% to 50% of naïve patients with genotype 1, the investigators explain in a meeting abstract. Vitamin D in combination with peginterferon-ribavirin "may have synergistic effects," Dr. Abu-Mouch said.

Meeting attendee Laurent Tsakiris, MD, from the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Melun in France, who was not involved in the study, told Medscape Gastroenterology that "the study is surprising and promising because vitamin D is something very easy to use and there is no toxicity."

"It's also interesting," he said, "that the group treated with vitamin D had more severe disease than the control group. I think this can be considered a strong result from a small study.

The study did not receive commercial support. Dr. Abu-Mouch and Dr. Tsakiris have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

The Liver Meeting 2009: 60th Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD): Abstract LB20. Presented November 2, 2009.


http://www.hepctrust.org.uk/Wellness/Juicing.htm  
Properties of particular vegetables good for the liver
Celery – Is thought to lower blood pressure, aid digestion and help arthritic joints as it seems to prevent calcium deposits. It also acts as a good nerve tonic and contains beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin B3 and B12. plus it is an adequate source of calcium.

Beetroot – is a fantastic blood purifier, it also helps strengthen the gall bladder and liver and contains a lot of folic acid which is necessary for the proper absorption of all other B vitamins. It is very concentrated so its good to mix it with other juices and water it down a bit. In general use about 20% of beetroot to your other vegetables included in a juice.

Ginger- prevents nausea, is an antispasmodic, improves circulation, good for menstrual cramps, is an anti-inflamatory, and is good for flatulence, wind and indigestion. It contains calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.


Cucumber- thought to clean the kidneys, lower high blood pressure and improve skin problems. It is also cooling for the liver which can help inflammation.

Parsley- is very high in chlorophyll, it helps to clean the blood and acts as a tonic. It also reduces coagulants in the veins and helps clear kidney stones. It is rich in vitamin C, iron calcium and sodium. Do not use too much in juices as it is so strong, just add a few stalks to your main juice.

Broccoli - helps detoxify the liver, it is rich in glutathione which is an antioxidant (antioxidants change toxic free radicals into a less toxic chemical – and free radicals damage liver cells), its an anti-inflammatory, is high in folic acid which helps in red blood cell formation, is high in sulphar - which enhances detoxification, is an anti cancer agent and protects against heart disease. It also contains vitamin C, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium and zinc.

Apples – act as a blood purifier and so are great for the liver as they help remove toxins.. They also contain malic acid which is thought to help soften gallstones. Relieve constipation, reactivate beneficial gut bacteria, help reduce total cholesterol. They contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, beta-carotene and pectin.

Carrots – are a wonderful detoxifier and a fantastic food for liver health. They can also help the digestive system. They contain calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene which is a great antioxidant and phosphorus and folic acid and B12. They are also thought to help kidney function.

Watercress – is good for purifying the blood and reducing phlegm. It acts as a diuretic and can help break up kidney stones. It contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Wheatgrass - Wheatgrass has an extremely high concentration of nutrients and is fast and easy to grow. Extracting the juice is the best way to get the nutrients. It is a fantastic cleaner of the blood and helps blood circulation. It is high in the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. it is also high in vitamin B, including B12. It also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron. It is a living food which means it contains around 30 enzymes and is approximately 70% crude chlorophyll (making it great for your digestive system). You can buy the seeds in health food shops and grow your own trays of wheatgrass, which take about 5-10 days to grow. This makes a much cheaper than buying trays of already grown wheatgrass.
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213141 tn?1270662112
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2009/09/asparagus_has_p.html (full article at link)

Asparagus Has Potential to Benefit Hepatitis C
September 21, 2009

Research out of Korea suggests that asparagus is a liver protector, a notion that could benefit Hepatitis C sufferers.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Everyday choices such as what to eat for dinner can have an impact on someone with Hepatitis C. Because certain foods can help liver function while others may hinder it, nutritional awareness is a key component of any Hepatitis C health regimen. More specifically, eating asparagus has demonstrated the capability to protect the liver from toxicity.

From a basic dietary perspective, increasing the proportion of fruit and vegetables per meal is guaranteed to support your liver's health. Produce contains fiber and is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that optimize cellular function. For someone with Hepatitis C, this translates to helping fortify and protect liver cells from the inflammation and cellular damage of a chronic liver virus. However, choosing asparagus as your veggie might offer someone with Hepatitis C more help than previously thought.

According to an article published in the Journal of Food Science, "an extract from asparagus may increase the function of enzymes in the liver and boost the metabolism of alcohol." Researchers from Korea concluded that, "the leaves of A. officinalis, which are normally discarded, have the potential for use in therapy designed to protect the liver from various harmful insults."

Although the information given by investigators is insufficient to launch an asparagus eating campaign, the news comes as no surprise to many alternative healthcare providers. Due to its anticancer effects, asparagus has been used for centuries as an herbal medicine in Asia. In addition, asparagus is purported to have the following properties:

· Anti-fungal
· Anti-inflammatory
· Diuretic

Packed with high levels of folate, amino acids, potassium and Vitamins B and C, asparagus officinalis is a common vegetable that is widely consumed worldwide. According to researchers at the Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National University in Korea, asparagus extract may alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells against toxins.

Researchers analyzed the components of young asparagus shoots and leaves to compare their biochemical effects on human and rat liver cells. They found that the cellular toxicities of chronic alcohol use were significantly alleviated in response to treatment with asparagus leaf and shoot extract.

However, these findings do not provide a solution for someone with Hepatitis C who wants to drink alcohol. This is because there is no amount of alcohol that is safe for someone with Hepatitis C. However, these results can be extrapolated and applied to Hepatitis C in a different way:

· Alcohol use causes oxidative stress on the liver just like Hepatitis C causes oxidative stress on the liver.
· Because asparagus extract protects liver cells from oxidation (and subsequent damage) from alcohol, it will also likely protect liver cells from oxidation (and subsequent damage) from a hepatitis virus.

When Not to Eat Asparagus
Asparagus contains naturally-occurring substances called purines. Certain individuals who are susceptible to purine-related problems should not eat a lot of asparagus. Since purines can be broken down to form uric acid, excess accumulation of purines in the body can lead to excess accumulation of uric acid. Thus, those with ailments due to uric acid buildup should be advised to limit or avoid purine-containing foods - like asparagus. Examples of such ailments include gout and kidney stones.

Even though the Korean research focused on how asparagus could protect the liver from the effects of alcohol, the biological mechanism of aiding liver function applies to all potential liver toxins - including Hepatitis C. Exempting people with purine-related health concerns, those managing chronic Hepatitis C will do themselves a favor when considering asparagus to star in their meals.
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213141 tn?1270662112
http://www.naturalnews.com/026848_hepatitis_blueberry_leaves_hepatitis_C.html
Blueberry Leaves May Heal Hepatitis C
Saturday, August 15, 2009 by: Sherry Baker, Health Sciences Editor

(NaturalNews) Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease resulting from infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although the infection can be mild and not even produce noticeable symptoms, once established in the body chronic hepatitis C infection can progress to fibrosis (when the liver is scarred), cirrhosis, liver failure and even liver cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the virus becomes persistent and chronically infects the liver in about 85 percent of those who contract HCV. Persistent infection is treated by western medicine with medications like peginterferon and ribavirin. And while it's true these drugs can wipe out the infection, they are only effective about half the time and they can produce very severe, debilitating side effects. So people who aren't cured by the drugs and who go on to develop cirrhosis or liver cancer may face death from the infection or require a liver transplant.

But now there's another avenue of hope for the 270 to 300 million people who are infected with hepatitis C worldwide. Research just published in the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's Journal of Biochemistry (JVC) concludes a chemical found in blueberry leaves actually blocks the replication of the hepatitis C virus, shutting it down. This finding could open up a new and natural avenue for treating chronic HCV infections, according to scientist Hiroaki Kataoka and colleagues at the University of Miyazaki in Japan.

Because HCV is localized in the liver and can take two decades or more to develop into significant disease, Kataoka and colleagues reasoned a dietary supplement might help slow or stop disease progression over the years. They decided to screen around 300 different agricultural products for potential compounds that might be effective at suppressing HCV replication. The results? They uncovered a strong candidate for a natural HCV fighter -- the leaves of the rabbit-eye blueberry, a plant native to the southeastern US.

They purified the specific compound in the leaves that is active against HCV and an analysis showed it is a proanthocyandin (a polyphenol much like the beneficial natural chemicals found in grapes and wine). While large doses of proanthocyandin can be toxic, Kataoka and his research team found the plant's effective concentration against HCV was 100 times less than the toxic threshold. What's more, similar chemicals are found in many edible plants, so the scientists believe it should be safe as a dietary supplement. The researchers are now planning to study exactly how this chemical blocks replication of the hepatitis C virus.
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213141 tn?1270662112
http://www.drhoffman.com/page.cfm/622
Fortunately, medicine is examining the role of antioxidants in outcomes of
chronic HCV infection. In a recent study, 50 chronic HCV patients were
treated orally for 20 weeks with glycyrrhizin, schisandra, silymarin,
ascorbic acid (vitamin C), lipoic acid, l-glutathione and alpha-tocopherol
(vitamin E) along with intravenous preparations given twice weekly of
glycyrrhizin, vitamin C, l-glutathione, and B-complex. Patients were
monitored for HCV viral load, liver enzymes (AST and ALT), and liver
histology (whether the liver was fatty, fibrotic or healthy). The study
concluded that the combination of antioxidants---oral and
intravenous-induced a favorable response in 48 percent of patients without
any adverse reactions. Normalization of liver enzymes, a decrease in viral
load, and histologic improvements were noted including improvements in
overall quality of life.

Previous to this study, several clinical trials evaluated the effect of
certain antioxidants and glycyrrhizin in various combinations in the
treatment of chronic HCV. These preparations are since known to have
anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic and anti-TNF-alpha effects. As a result,
some antioxidants were also suggested to be effective in patients who did
not respond to treatment with interferon. In fact, in several studies,
improved liver function tests, improved liver histology, and decreased viral
load were reported. Moreover, no major side effects were noted.



Those two paragraphs above are loaded with great information... Let's
examine them closely, we can clearly see benefits were achieved here for
chronic HCV patients in a clinical study... Would getting all of these
chemicals from purely natural, fresh, living sources make them more active
and work better? I think so. Intravenous fluids can be great for certain
conditions, however, eating the plants/juicing daily while they are living
as nature intended is more effective over the long run. We should all know
that supplements in pill form are not as effective as the living plant it
was derived from since it is dead and dried up, many chemicals/acids, etc.,
are no longer active in it.

So let's look at where we can get these chemicals used in this study from
natural sources close to home:



"Glycyrrhizin": A natural source of Glycyrrhizin is in the Licorice
Root/herb which would have to be taken in very small amounts.

"Schisandra": Comes from the Schisandra berry(found in China, although I'm
sure there's something similar that could be used in place that is much more
easily accessible and may work even better).

"Silymarin": Is a compound that is extracted from Milk Thistle.

"Ascorbic acid": (Vitamin C): is found in most fruits and vegetables.

"Lipoic acid": is found in all green leafy vegetables.

"Glutathione": Is formed in the body from eating Cruciferous vegetables.

"Alpha-tocopherol":(Vitamin E): Sources: Blackberries, Bananas, Apples,
Kiwi, Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Pine Nuts/Pignolias, Peanuts, Brazil Nuts.

"B-complex": Containing the 8 versions of Vitamin-B:

B-1: Thiamine: Watermelon, Peas, Avocado

B-2: Riboflavin: Avocado, Kiwi

B-3: Niacin: Peaches, Tomatoes, Kiwi, Bananas, Cantaloupe, Watermelon,
Avocado, Peas, Potatoes, Mushrooms, (Squash - winter), Corn, Artichoke,
Asparagus, (Squash - summer), Lima Beans, Sweet potato, Kale, Broccoli,
Carrots, Green Pepper.

B-5: Pantothenic acid: Oranges, Bananas, Avocado, Sweet potato, Potatoes,
Corn, Lima Beans, Squash - winter, Artichoke, Mushrooms, Broccoli,
Cauliflower, Carrots.

B-6: Pyridoxine: Bananas, Watermelon, Avocado, Peas, Potatoes, Carrots.

B-7: Biotin(AKA Vitamin H): Artichoke, Asparagus, Beetroot, Broccoli,
Brussel Sprouts, Green Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber,
Lettuce, Onions, Apple, Apricot, Avacado, Banana, Blackberries, Cantaloup,
Cherries, Black Grapes, etc.

B-9: Folate/Folic acid: Kiwi, Blackberries, Tomatoes, Orange, Strawberry,
Bananas, Cantaloupe, Lima Beans, Asparagus, Avocado, Peas, Artichoke,
Spinach, Squash - winter, Broccoli, Squash - summer, Corn, Sweet potato,
Kale, Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Green Pepper.

B-12: Is only available from fish, poultry, meat or dairy sources.

Here is a list of Vegetables and Fruit that are said to have "anti-viral"
properties... I can tell you that I juiced every single one of these plants
while trying to make both of my parents well except Artichoke and I rarely
juiced Dandelion greens since it is more difficult to get access to fresh
dandelion that have not been poisoned by pesticides, etc.



http://www.mercola.com/nutritionplan/foodalert.htm

Broccoli
Broccoli contains twice the vitamin C of an orange
It has almost as much calcium as whole milk--and the calcium is better
absorbed
It contains selenium, a mineral that has been found to have anti-cancer and
anti-viral properties
Broccoli is a modest source of vitamin A and alpha-tocopherol vitamin E
It also has antioxidant properties

Onions
Onions are an excellent antioxidant, and they contain anti-allergy,
antiviral and antihistamine properties.
Sulfur compounds in onions help to detoxify the body.
Onions aid in cellular repair.
Onions are a rich source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant.
To obtain the maximum nutritional benefits, onions should be eaten raw or
lightly steamed.

Dandelion Greens (root has anti-viral properties)
Dandelion is beneficial to digestion and is an antiviral that may be useful
in the treatment of AIDS and herpes
It may also be useful in treating jaundice, cirrhosis, edema due to high
blood pressure, gout, eczema and acne
Dandelion is also used to treat and prevent breast and lung tumors and
premenstrual bloating
Dandelion greens are high in vitamin A in the form of antioxidant carotenoid
and vitamin C
They also contain calcium and potassium
Dandelion root contains inulin, which lowers blood sugar in diabetics

Kale
Kale eases lung congestion and is beneficial to the stomach, liver and
immune system
It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes from macular
degeneration
It also contains indole-3-carbinol, which may protect against colon cancer
Kale is an excellent source of calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and
chlorophyll

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/wellbeing/features/boost-immune/1/

BLUEBERRIES The ultimate immune-boosting food. Rich in anti-oxidants.

GARLIC Strengthens the heart and blood, and has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal
and anti-viral properties. Also thought to help lower blood pressure. A key
ingredient is allicin, which has cancer-fighting potential.

CRANBERRIES Best known for helping to prevent and treat urinary tract
infections, especially cystitis, in women. They have both anti-fungal and
antiviral properties.

GINGER Stimulates the immune system and circulation.

http://fitness-ideas.com/uncategorized/the-top-antiviral-foods-and-nutrients-enhancing-immunity/

Plum. Antibacterial. Anti-viral. Laxative.

Pineapple. antibacterial. antiviral. anti-inflammatory. aids digestion

Apple. antibacterial. anti-inflammatory. antioxidant. antiviral. rich in
soluble and insoluble fiber. the peel contains quercitin. lowers
cholesterol. cancer prevention properties.

Strawberry. Antiviral, anti-cancer activity. Often eaten by people less
likely to develop all types of cancer.

Red Grapes. antibacterial. antioxidant. Antiviral

Cauliflower. antioxidants. antiviral. lowers cholesterol. fiber. cancer
prevention properties. especially for estrogen dependent breast cancers

Cabbage. antibacterial. antioxidant. antiviral. in the cabbage family. and
bok choy are the best sources for cancer prevention properties

Artichoke
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/07/09/12/artichokes_the_phytochemical-rich_thistle_vegetable_with_an_interesting_history.htm
Helpful - 0
213141 tn?1270662112
http://www.commonground.ca/iss/0301138/16_liver_cleanse.shtml
"Beets are used naturopathically to cleanse and support the liver."

http://www.aimthisway.com/beets-info.html
"The value of beets"

http://www.freedomyou.com/fasting_book/Vegetable_Juice_Guide.htm
"Beets"

(Large Handful)Parsley:
http://www.positivehealth.com/Reviews/books/mckith53.htm

"Liver
In the Manual of Pharmacology, physicians claimed that parsley is very
effective in remedying liver disease. It enriches the liver and nourishes
the blood. Parsley helps reduce liver congestion, clearing toxins and aiding
rejuvenation. Stamina loss and low resistance to infection, point to a
sluggish liver. This can manifest itself in blood deficiencies, fatigue, a
pale complexion and poor nails, dizzy spells, anaemia and mineral depletion.
In women, parsley improves oestrogen and nourishes and restores the blood of
the uterus. Conditions like delayed menstruation, PMS, and the menopause
(dry skin, irritability, depression and hair loss) can often improve."

http://www.proliberty.com/observer/20070506.htm

From the May 2007 Idaho Observer:
"Carrot juice as nutritional support"

"Carrot juice is the richest source of vitamin A that the body can
assimilate. It also contains an ample supply of vitamins B, C, D, E, G, and
K. Carrots are an aid to digestion, promote a healthy appetite and are
recommended to nursing mothers to improve the quantity and quality of their
milk. Carrot juice is a specific for calcifying poor teeth and can correct
faulty circulation.

In the treatment of disease it is important to alkalinize the body and
carrot juice has been demonstrated to rapidly achieve this objective through
cleansing of the liver and improving the quality of the blood. Carrot juice
is very effective in correcting chronic infections such as tonsilitis,
colitis and appendicitis. It has also been used in the treatment of anemia,
blood poisoning, ulcers, rheumatism, acne and all forms of cancer."

"The recommended dose is one to six pints of fresh carrot juice daily. If
the skin develops a yellow, "jaundiced" hue, this is due to the congealed
bile breaking up to be eliminated. According to Dr. John R. Christopher,
"Whenever the liver and gall bladder are in malfunction, and we drink carrot
juice or other herbs to assist the organs to cleanse themselves, the yellow
will show until the liver and gall bladder are cleaned out. As soon as this
job is done the yellow fades away from the skin and the eyes, and a new,
fresh, healthy complexion appears. Then drinking even more carrot juice will
cause no further yellow tinge to the skin as long as the liver and gall
bladder are in a good, healthy condition."



Antibodies & Interferons - Vitamin C

"VITAMIN C - THE MASTER NUTRIENT"

http://www.drsgoodman.com/vitamin-c-chapter4.php

"2. Vitamin C Modulates Antibody Levels

Antibodies are one of the immune system's most direct lines of defence
against infectious foreign substances "antigens". When the body is exposed
to such an organism, or compound, clones of antibodies are produced against
the antigen, which attack and destroy it. There are a variety of classes of
antibody molecules, with corresponding different functions within the
complex immune system. Levels of three of these classes of antibody
molecules - IgA, IgG and IgM - have been found to increase with increased
Vitamin C levels. As can be seen from Table 2, IgA, IgG and IgM are involved
with the body's defences against bacteria and other microbes, viruses,
foreign particles and pathogenic substances.

In a study conducted by Vallance of British subjects isolated for a year in
Antarctica(217), it was found that antibodies IgG and IgM increased with
increased Vitamin C intake. Similarly, in a placebo-controlled study
conducted by Prinz and colleagues(171), it was found that 1 gm Vitamin C per
day resulted in significant increases in serum levels of IgA, IgG and IgM.
Similar correlations with Vitamin C and antibody levels have also been found
in guinea pigs, which, like man, cannot synthesize their own Vitamin C, and
must rely upon external sources for this vital nutrient."

"4. Vitamin C Modulates Interferon Synthesis

Interferons (there are as many as 20 different types) are proteins with
antiviral activity, produced in cells which have been infected with virus,
and also possibly in malignant cells. Interferon is being experimentally
tested in treatment of different forms of cancer; however treatment with
externally synthesized interferon rather than with the body's own naturally
produced interferon, may have toxic side effects. Recent evidence confirms
that increased Vitamin C intake results in increased interferon levels(208).
Thus taking Vitamin C is a "natural" antiviral treatment (62)."



List of Vegetables and fruit with Vitamin C:

http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/vitamins-nutrition-chart.html

Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Corn
Cucumber
Green Pepper
Kale
Lima Beans
Mushrooms
Onions
Peas
Potatoes
Spinach
Squash - summer
Squash - winter
Sweet potato

Kiwi
Strawberry
Orange
Blackberries
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Tomatoes
Lime
Peach
Bananas
Apples
Lemon
Grapes

I juiced all of those things except Bananas, Squash, Sweet Potato,
Mushrooms, Lima Beans, Avacado.
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