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The Benefits of Cod Liver Oil (& How to Choose a Good One)

If you’re not familiar with the benefits of cod liver oil, you’ll want to read on to learn more about this ancient super food supplement. Contributor Stefani gives us all the details below.

The Benefits of Cod Liver Oil (& How to Choose a Good One!) | The Family That Heals Together

The benefits of cod liver oil have been known for centuries. Natives in northern Europe used it to protect them from the cold winters. (source) At the beginning of the 20th century, it was discovered that cod liver oil was effective in preventing rickets, a disease linked to a vitamin D deficiency.

Parents started giving it to their children, and studies began to show that it reduced upper respiratory infections. (source) It’s no longer as popular as it once was, mainly due to the strong taste, however, it’s beginning to make a comeback in recent years.

What are the benefits of cod liver oil?

Cod liver oil is just as it sounds: it’s an oil made from the livers of codfish. It’s a good source of vitamins A & D, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Because the Standard American Diet is too high in omega 6 inflammatory fatty acids and too low in omega 3 anti-inflammatory ones, taking a cod liver oil supplementation is wise.

Cod liver oil:

  • relieves achy joints and muscle pain
  • provides fatty acids known to improve brain health and may help with depression and other mental illness
  • is useful in elderly populations for increasing bone density and reducing fractures
  • may be useful in treating glaucoma due to its ability to reduce intraocular pressure. (source)

Additionally, the benefits of cod liver oil go beyond pain relief and healing glaucoma, to actually boosting and maintaining immune function in the body.

How vitamins A and D improve the immune system

One of the biggest benefits of cod liver oil is its impressive offering of high-quality vitamins A & D. Vitamin A is essential for the immune system, and our bodies don’t produce it so we must get it from an outside source. It’s responsible for the growth of bones and cells, the function of our skin and epithelial tissues, and reproductive functionality. (source)

Vitamin A deficiency causes an increased risk of infection. Additionally, infections increase the body’s need for vitamin A, which creates a downward cycle of health.

Direct sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, but our indoor lifestyles, cloudy climates, and increasing air pollution affect the amount we receive. Therefore, researchers believe that half of the world’s population is vitamin D deficient. (source) Our culture’s overuse of sunscreens also decreases the amount of sunlight we receive. Wearing a sunscreen of 30SPF reduces vitamin D absorption by the skin by more than 95%.

Adequate Vitamin D not only prevents rickets, but reduces the risk of common cancers and other diseases. It’s been shown to reduce type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. (source)

The superior omega fats in cod liver oil

In addition to vitamins A and D, cod liver oil contains essential fatty acids. (Read more about why you need those and the best way to get them here.)

The beneficial omega 3 fatty acids that are present in cod liver oil are eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA). These are the same fatty acids that you can find in cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

EPA and DHA are far superior to other omega 3 fatty acids such asalpha-linolenic acid (ALA), found in chia seeds and flax seeds.  While ALA still has benefits, you’d have to eat a great deal more of these foods than those with EPA and DHA to get the same benefit.

EPA and DHA are extremely beneficial for lowering systemic inflammation levels throughout the body. When studied, they showed the ability to lower the risk of heart disease by minimizing arterial inflammation. (source) Scientists believe that the protective omega 3s in fish oils also reduce triglycerides and increases HDL cholesterol, further supporting the health of the cardiovascular system. (source)

Why you should avoid cheap cod liver oil

Gaining the benefits of cod liver oil is simple, but your top priority should be finding a high-quality source because not all of them are created equal. The biggest concerns to consider when choosing a cod liver oil are the source of the fish, the process of extraction, and whether or not there are any other additives.

Cod liver oil is highly fragile. It oxidizes easily when exposed to light and oxygen, which ruins the product. This is why great care must be taken during the production process to prevent oxidation (spoilage) and protect the nutrients in the cod liver oil.

A to D ratio: an important consideration

It is important to AVOID cod liver oil that contains low levels of vitamin D in relationship to vitamin A. The ideal ratio of A to D is no greater than 10:1 (for every one unit of vitamin D there should be no more than 10 units of vitamin A).

With industrialized processing, these ratios can become imbalanced and the risk for vitamin A toxicity becomes greater.

You will find that the purest, least processed cod liver oils have a ratio near the ideal 10:1, because when the vitamins are naturally occurring, rather than synthetic, they are naturally balanced.

Who needs the benefits of cod liver oil most?

Cod liver oil is a traditional, ancient super food that various cultures have long depended on for health, vitality, and fertility.

Yep- cod liver oil is super important for fertility. Those planning to become pregnant, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding need cod liver oil the most, as the omega fats in cod liver oil nourish the brains of growing babies and children.

Yep- kids need it too. Growing brains and bodies can benefit greatly from cod liver oil supplementation. Especially in the winter.

Yep- vitamin D is scarce in the winter. Which means we can all benefit from cod liver oil supplementation, particularly during gray and cloudy seasons, in order to bolster the immune system when the sun can’t give us the vitamin D we need.

Best (& worst) cod liver oils

Best cod liver oil

Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil- EVCLO is unprocessed, which is superior to other processed cod liver oils. The naturally occurring omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D are already present in the right ratios, which allows this type of cod liver oil to provide far better benefits than other kinds. (source)

Each batch of Rosita EVCLO is carefully handcrafted without heat, chemicals or exposure to metal in Rosita’s dimly lit, cool facility.

How is it processed?

First, after removing the livers from the fish, they gently expose them to near-winter conditions (like the cold waters where the fish swim). They then gently allow the livers to warm up to just a bit above freezing. This gradual shift in temperature and pressure breaks down the liver cells. Within an hour or two, they release the oil with all its nutritional goodness.

The oil is then gently filtered using a natural marine material that absorbs contaminants like a magnet for easy removal. Next, the oil goes through a series of paper filters. Each batch is tested twice to meet strict EU standards for export and to ensure it’s free of heavy metals and contaminants.

In addition, tiny amounts of a carefully selected organic rosemary extract and full spectrum vitamin E is added to ensure freshness.

Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil is truly an artisan product and gives you the nutritional benefits of a whole, nourishing food. The truth is that I would rather give myself and my children smaller doses of this high quality oil and ration it than use a cheaper oil.

Extra virgin cod liver oil is the highest quality cod liver oil available. You can purchase both liquid and capsules here.

Worst

Please note that we do not recommend fermented cod liver oil at The Family That Heals Together.

We’ve written extensively about why we don’t recommend fermented cod liver oil. You can read about that here, here, and here. All signs point to fermented cod liver oil being rancid and causing health issues. In addition, the product appears to contain vitamin D2, not the desirable and absorbable D3, and the A to D ratios are way off.

In addition, testing found that the oil used in fermented cod liver was not even true cod!

As far as processing, fermented cod liver remains shrined in secrecy, so it’s unclear how the oil is actually fermented, lending to the uncertainty of safety and possibility of rancidity.

What about cheaper oils available online and at health stores?

While the benefits of cod liver oil are many, they are dampened by chemical processing and added ingredients. While some lesser quality oils may provide some beneficial omega fatty acids, they should not be depended on for quality vitamin D supplementation.

The cod liver oil industry has huge differences in the quality of oils from the various companies that produce it. The best way to ensure that you are getting the incredible benefits of cod liver oil is to thoroughly research the product, practices, and source prior to making a purchase.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy “BPA Free” Plastics (& What You Should Buy Instead!)

We are always trying to do better for our families’ health, right?  So when we upgrade to BPA free plastics, we think we’re doing the right thing. Below, contributor Rheagan explains why it might not be that simple.

Why You Shouldn't Buy BPA Free Plastics | The Family That Heals Together

When it comes to plastics, BPA free has been a buzz word for going on a decade, ever since news of the dangers made its way into the public spotlight. The move to BPA free plastics was intended to provide consumers with a sense of security and safety in purchasing products promoted as being free of this toxic chemical. But are BPA free plastics really any safer?

What is BPA?

If you are unfamiliar with it, bisphenol A, often referred to as BPA, is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is used to help harden plastics and as a plasticizer to produce tough, durable resins. BPA is also an additive used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Initially discovered in the late 1800s, it wasn’t until the mid-twentieth century when scientists established the use of BPA in plastics.

Where is BPA typically found?

BPA can most commonly be found in items such as food storage containers (including canned foods), water bottles, baby bottles, children’s toys, thermal paper, medical and dental devices (including dental fillings and sealants), electronics, and sports equipment. Plastics containing recycle codes #3 or #7 contain BPA. Resins containing BPA are often used to prevent corrosion and breakdown of metal. You will find these resins in items such as canned baby formula, food and beverage cans, metal lids of glass jars, and even water supply lines.

BPA has been found to leach into substances it contacts, including the food and beverages stored in containers made with the chemical, as well as into local food and water systems. In fact, a CDC study from 2004 found BPA in the urine of nearly every study participant, indicating that exposure to BPA is a widespread issue. (source)

Is BPA harmful to humans?

While believed for years to be a weak environmental estrogen, there is mounting evidence connecting BPA with a variety of human health issues. Routes of exposure include ingestion, inhalation, and transdermal absorption. That’s right, you can absorb BPA through your skin! BPA also has the potential to bioaccumulate, which means that once it’s in your body, it does not really like to leave.

  • BPA has been shown to play a role in a variety of endocrine disorders, including female and male infertility, precocious puberty, thyroid dysfunction, and breast and prostate cancers. (source)
  • There is evidence linking the effects of BPA to metabolic disorders such as PCOS, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. (source)
  • A correlation has also been found between high levels of BPA and chronic health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease. (source)
  • Some sources equate the effects of BPA with that of 17β-estradiol, the estrogen secreted by the ovaries in pre-menopausal women. (source)

What does it mean to be BPA free?

Despite decades of research indicating the dangers of BPA, governments and major manufacturers failed to take major steps to reduce BPA exposure until 2008. That year, Canada became the first country to deem BPA a “dangerous substance”, and retailer giants Wal-Mart and Toys-R-Us have phased out baby bottles containing BPA. (source) The trend towards BPA free plastics has grown since then. BPA free means that bisphenol-A has not been used in the manufacturing process of the plastic in question.

Is BPA free plastic really safe?

(Why you shouldn’t buy “BPA free” plastics)

Unfortunately, there are two problems when considering the safety of BPA free plastics. One is that plastics labeled as BPA free have been found to still leach low levels of BPA into the contents of the containers, even in cases of non-polycarbonate plastics. (source) The other is that the chemicals typically used to replace BPA may be just as harmful as BPA.

BPA-related chemicals

As BPA was phased out, bisphenol-S (BPS) was favored as its replacement. BPS was thought to be more resistant to leaching than its predecessor. This was a mistake. Studies show that an estimated 81% of Americans studied have tested positive for BPS, and a 2013 study has found that even trace levels of BPS can disrupt cellular functioning (source), potentially leading to many of the same health risks as BPA.

Some research indicates that BPS may be even more dangerous than BPA in accelerating embryonic neural growth that may lead to hyperactivity later in life. (source) BPS has also been found to incite heart arrhythmias in female rats and interfere with calcium channels due to its estrogenic properties. (source) Bisphenol-F (BPF) is another potential replacement for BPA, but, like BPS, has been found to be just as problematic as BPA in human and animal research (source), though neither chemical has been adequately studied.

How to avoid bisphenols

While it may seem overwhelming to avoid this family of chemicals that have the potential to wreak such havoc on our health, there are things you can do to reduce your family’s exposure. Here are some practical ideas to get you started:

Invest in glass or stainless steel water bottles and travel mugs. We like these glass water bottles for grownups and these for kids. There are even glass baby bottles if you need those. Try a stainless steel mug like this for coffee or hot tea.

Replace plastic food or storage containers with glass or stainless steel. With some minor precautions, glass jars and containers work very well for freezing foods (make sure glass is tempered like this set for best results). A good quality stainless steel vacuum bottle can keep food or beverages hot or cold for hours.

Consider silicone or beeswax products to cover food for storage. Try these beeswax covers or silicone lids like these or these.

Swap out your plastic kitchen utensils and cutting boards. Use a bamboo cutting board and wood or stainless steel utensils.

Reduce your consumption of canned foods. Instead, opt for fresh, frozen, or dried foods, or those in glass jars. (Home canning in glass jars is an awesome option as well!)

→ If you do buy canned foods, go for foods in glass jars rather than metal tins. Metal lids will likely still have a bisphenol coating, but it will be less than if the entire container were metal. Some companies, such as Eden Organic, use an enamel coating in some of their products instead of a bisphenol resin.

Buy children’s products made from wood, natural rubber, and cotton and avoid plastic toys. Melissa and Doug is a popular brand readily available at many stores.

Avoid skin contact with receipts and other thermal paper as much as possible. Research has shown that individuals who handle receipts for long periods of time have higher levels of BPA in their system than the general public. (source)

Be sure to seek out a holistic dentist and request non-toxic dental filling and/or sealant options. Read more about how to know if your dentist is truly holistic here.

Since BPA is so pervasive in our environment, it may seem like a daunting task to avoid it. In truth, it is likely impossible to avoid BPA entirely, but that does not mean that making better choices for you and your family is not worth the effort. Every journey begins with a single step. Start with implementing some of the steps mentioned above where and how you can, and your body and the environment will thank you for it.

What products have you swapped out in your home? What’s next on your list to replace?

Is Your Family At Risk Because of Fluorides?

It’s probably no surprise to you that fluoride is toxic. But did you know we are exposed to fluoride in countless ways and that fluoride may be responsible for any number of health problems? Below, contributor Danielle tells us all about fluoride dangers and how to avoid them.

Fluoride Dangers: Is Your Family At Risk? | The Family That Heals Together

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is an element of fluorine combined with another element, such as a salt, to create fluoride. Fluorine is one of the most reactive and electronegative elements.

There are different types of fluoride – naturally occurring and synthetic. Calcium fluoride is a naturally-occurring element found in springs and soil. Sodium fluoride is synthetic and was the first type of fluoride to be used in the U.S. drinking water. (source)

Sodium fluoride has since been found to cause cancer and so was removed from the water supply, although it is still used in toothpaste and pesticides, thus making its way into your food supply. Fluorosilicic acid is now used in the water supply, yet is still a very toxic chemical. It is a waste product of the fertilizer industry and has been implicated in a number of health issues.

The use of fluoride began in the early 1800s when inhabitants of the day sought to correct brown stains on Colorado Native American’s teeth. It was investigated from 1933-1945 for its ability to prevent cavities and has been used since that time. By 1951 the practice began to quickly spread throughout the U.S.

Now, nearly every conventional toothpaste contains fluoride, and every trip to the dentist includes a fluoride treatment (related: how to tell if your dentist is truly holistic). But is it safe?

Fluoride Dangers

Most developed countries do not add fluoride to their water citing health concerns. However, the majority of cities in the U.S. add fluoride to the water supply. Most dental products also contain fluoride.

Is fluoride toxic to humans?

That depends on who you ask. Though the U.S. adds a synthetic form of fluoride to the water supply, there is ample evidence that fluoride is toxic to the human body.

Death may result in an adult from ingesting 2mg of fluoride or more. (source) Not only can it cause death in humans, it’s one of the main ingredients in rodenticide and insecticide, so it can easily kill small animals as well.

What are the effects of fluoride on humans?

Scientific research on fluoride shows it can harm your endocrine system, bone health, brain, thyroid, pineal gland, and mental health.

Fluoride has been linked to decreased testosterone in men, leading to sterility and fertility issues. (source)

The most concerning effect of fluoride on the human body is the evidence of brain damage. An extensive review of fluoride studies found that children with higher concentrations of fluoride, particularly those with fluoridated drinking water, had lower IQ scores; 7 points lower than children without fluoridated drinking water. (source)

What does fluoride do to the body?

Consider that around 40% of the American youth have fluorosis, a condition where too much fluoride wears away the tooth’s enamel. This causes hypermineralization of the teeth, and damage and discoloring of the teeth is possible. (source)

Fluoride has been heavily linked to acne and other skin issues, including melasma, which is a discoloring of the skin. Read here about a woman who healed her chronic cystic acne by reducing her fluoride exposure. (source)

Early signs of fluoride toxicity include:

  • nausea
  • stomach and bowel problems
  • headaches
  • & vomiting.

For a child, toxicity is possible at levels of .1 to .3 mg of fluoride, which is found in just 3% of a tube of toothpaste. That amount can be easily swallowed, which has led the FDA to require a poison warning on every tube of fluoride toothpaste. (source)

Since low toxicity symptoms are unrecognizable compared to a simple virus or flu, there’s no telling how many true cases of fluoride toxicity are actually happening in the U.S. today. However, in 2009, there were over 24,500 calls to Poison Control Centers because of consuming too much fluoride toothpaste. (source) The real number is likely much higher.

And the dangers of fluoride can be much further reaching. Fluoride depletes antioxidants such as the all-important glutathione, which helps the body detoxify toxins.

Sources of fluoride exposure

So where is fluoride lurking? Fluoride is found in more products than most realize. Keep in mind that fluoride supplementation has never been approved by the FDA in any form.

Water. For decades, the U.S. government has mandated fluoridation of the water supply, although most other developed countries reject the idea. Fluoride is the only mass medication program that the government is pumping into us without our consent (I could argue there isn’t informed consent for vaccines, but I digress).

You can check how much fluoride is in your water supply with a simple test, or by calling your municipal water company. You should also receive a yearly report of the condition of your water.

Toothpaste. Over 80% of toothpastes on the market contain fluoride. This is especially harmful to young children who may easily swallow toothpaste.

Food. Fluoride in food? You bet, thanks to over 150 pesticides that contain fluoridated chemicals. (source) One such pesticide is cryolite, which is heavily sprayed on brown and white rice, cocoa powder, almonds and other tree nuts, and dried fruits, although it can be found on a number of non-organic fruits. (source)

Cookware. You can increase the amount of fluoride in your food if you cook it in Teflon-coated cookware, up to three times as much! (source)

How to avoid fluoride dangers

Use a water filtration system for your drinking water, such as a Berkey filter (note- you have to be sure to buy a Berkey WITH the added fluoride filters!).

Reverse Osmosis is also a good solution, but you’ll want to be sure you choose a unit that adds minerals back into the water. Jaclyn’s note: this is the one our family uses.

You may also purchase bottled water; however, bottled water may not be free of fluoride, so opt for fluoride-free brands, such as Fiji or Volvic. If you buy large water bottles for drinking, check with your water company to be sure the water does not contain any added fluoride. (Jaclyn’s note: I don’t recommend utilizing bottled water too often because it’s been recently discovered that plastic particles leach into water.)

Buy a whole-house water filtration system to avoid absorbing fluoride through your skin. While it’s important to be sure you’re drinking filtered water, it’s equally important to be sure the water you bathe in is filtered as well, since our skin is our largest organ, and a rather absorbent one at that. Again, you have to be sure to buy a filter specially designed to filter out fluoride.

Be sure to purchase “fluoride-free” toothpaste. We like this one or this one.

Opt for organic produce, meat, and dairy to avoid fluoride-based pesticides.

Choose clean cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron, and lead-free enamel are safe choices.

Fluoride dangers are no joke, but you can avoid them by making some thoughtful changes in your home.

Regardless of what the mainstream media and Crest say, fluoride is toxic and measures should be taken to avoid it. Be sure to limit the fluoride in your city water supply with a filter or alternative water supply, purchasing fluoride-free toothpaste, purchasing organic foods, and choosing the right cookware to keep your family healthy and away from this toxic chemical.

Colloidal Silver Benefits: What is Fact and What Fiction?

Colloidal silver has been a favorite remedy amongst naturally-minded mamas for years, but is it safe? Below, contributor Danielle tells us about colloidal silver benefits you can harness for your family’s health when the need arises.

 Colloidal Silver Benefits: Fact or Fiction? | The Family That Heals Together

What is colloidal silver?

Very simply, colloidal silver is very small nanoparticles of silver suspended in water.

Colloidal silver makes a wonderful alternative to antibiotics for any external or internal infection of bacterial, viral, or fungal origin. It can also be supplemented daily for overall immunity and ongoing infection fighting. Colloidal silver has been used on virtually everything under the sun, but here are the most common uses:

Topical Uses

  • Burns
  • Warts
  • Acne
  • Herpes
  • Ringworm

Internal Uses

  • Malaria
  • Meningitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Parasitic infections
  • Strep and staph infections
  • Ulcers
  • Lyme disease
  • Lupus
  • Infections in the eyes, nose, sinus, and throat
  • Allergies
  • Arthritis
  • STDs

Is colloidal silver safe?

Believe it or not, silver was the most popularly used antibiotic during the first forty years of the twentieth century. Practitioners would mix the silver in their offices and give orally or inject into the skin, but the mixture would only last for 15 minutes as the silver particles would not stay suspended for long with the technology of the time.

Though silver was effective, the difficult conditions to mix and keep it led doctors to begin using sulfur drugs and antibiotics. But bacteria can create a resistance to antibiotics, and most bacteria cannot create a resistance to silver unless the bacteria have a very thick cell wall.

Antibiotic resistance is a serious concern today. Two million people in the U.S. are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria each year, of which 23,000 die. These bacteria are typically harmless, but our bodies are not producing enough good bacteria to keep the bad in balance. To treat minor infections, we may take prescribed antibiotics and develop a resistance. (source)

A recurring infection may not be able to be treated and may become more severe, even endangering life. Alternative natural options to antibiotics should be considered whenever possible to avoid a potentially life-threatening result of antibiotic overuse.

You’ve surely heard the buzz that silver should never be ingested and is not safe, or seen the blue man who consumed too much silver. The truth is that colloidal silver is perfectly safe.

The Environmental Protection Agency has noted that silver is not a skin or eye irritant, actually noting its usefulness to stop bacterial growth implicated in eye infections. (source) The U.S. Government’s Center for Disease Control has also stated that there are no recorded allergic, toxic, nor carcinogenic reactions to colloidal silver in 1995. (source)

Like anything, if you take too much it isn’t good for you. If all you eat is oranges, you will be out of balance. So, take silver at the appropriate time and dosage, and you’ll find it is completely safe to use.

How does colloidal silver work with the body?

The process by which colloidal silver kills bad bacteria while leaving good bacteria intact is actually rather simple. There are three ways colloidal silver benefits the body:

1- by destroying the respiratory system of single-celled organisms (aka pathogens). Colloidal silver destroys the oxygen metabolism enzyme (aka the respiratory system) of pathogens that do the body harm. Because the tissues of the body are multi-celled, silver cannot destroy these cells. (source)

Within minutes, the bacteria, fungus, or virus is suffocated, dies, and is removed from the body through the normal detoxification process (so be sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating a diet that facilitates detoxification).

2- by destroying the oxygen metabolism process on the cell’s membranes. This is called catalytic oxidation, which helps block the life-preserving cellular process known as cellular respiration, essentially killing the pathogenic cells.

3- by binding to the cell’s DNA. Colloidal silver can prevent the cell’s DNA from unwinding in a process that causes cellular replication. So, it both kills the cell and stops it from replicating.

A note of caution here. If your detoxification process is not intact, such as the case with those with an MTHFR mutation, be careful using any supplement, including colloidal silver, as your body may not be able to remove toxins from the body quickly enough. Limit use or lower dosage and closely monitor your symptoms when using colloidal silver if you have an issue detoxifying because of a mutation or abnormally high toxin buildup.

How much colloidal silver should you take?

When you start to look for a colloidal silver supplement, you will see the measurement “ppm,” which stands for parts per million. One ppm is measured as one milligram of silver put into one liter of water. Many think that more ppm denotes a higher strength, but this is not so.

One pathogen is killed by one particle of silver. By increasing the amount of water which the silver particle is placed, more silver particles are formed and thus, more pathogen-fighting power.

Instead of focusing on ppm, you should consider the size of the particles, typically called microns. Microns are 1,000 nanometers and measure the size of the silver particles. Essentially, the smaller the 1 mg (or whatever amount indicated) of silver, the more particles created (and more pathogens attacked). In addition to more particles, smaller particles can also break into smaller pathogens, such as viruses, for additional power. (source)

Though there are a number of colloidal silver manufacturers out there, we only recommend a couple quality brands.

Sovereign Silver by Natural Immunogenics is batch-tested and highly controlled, and has a long history of being a high-quality silver for some time.

Results RNA Extra Strength Silver is good for those looking for total body immune assistance, especially those with chronic conditions like Lyme disease.

Colloidal Silver Benefits: Fact or Fiction? | The Family That Heals Together

So, how much can you take? This does depend on the ppm. The formula by the Silver Safety Council to determine how much you can consume safely daily is: your body weight multiplied by 12 divided by the ppm of silver. This tells you how many drops you can take safely per day during illness.

Check the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations for children.

Topically, you can use 1-2 drops on the eyes or sinuses, and 2-4 drops on the skin (for a wound).

As always, everything in moderation. Monitor your symptoms when taking a new supplement to see its effect on you. Stop taking immediately if you notice any serious ill effects, but you may naturally see some minor detoxification symptoms (frequent urinating, loose stools, or thirst) because of the detoxification process associated with colloidal silver.

Have you tried colloidal silver? If not, be sure to give it a try instead of antibiotics the next time an infection makes the rounds in your home. 

The Vitamin C Protocol – Whooping Cough Treatment

Reports have been coming in over the last few months that whooping cough is spreading throughout New Mexico and Texas. It’s important for parents to be prepared and educated when choosing to treat their children for illnesses at home. Below, I’ll share the vitamin C whooping cough treatment so you have the tools to fight this nasty illness should the need arise.

Whooping Cough Treatment: The Vitamin C Protocol | The Family That Heals Together

What is whooping cough?

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a severe cough and illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria attach to tiny, hair-like extensions called cilia that line part of the upper respiratory system. The bacteria release toxins, which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.

While the CDC encourages all those who can to get the pertussis vaccine (found in the Dtap- diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), the truth is that many times, the majority of those who catch the disease during an outbreak are vaccinated.

Furthermore, the vaccine is touted as reducing symptoms in those who do end up catching it, but the truth is that vaccines deregulate the immune system, which means one may react in an unexpected way to illness. While it may appear that vaccinated individuals do not catch pertussis or have milder symptoms, the truth is, they can be asymptomatic carriers of the disease, and therefore, unknowingly spread it.

Studies also show that the more whooping cough vaccines an individual receives, the less effective they become!

Finally, fighting whooping cough off naturally imparts long-term immunity, while the vaccine may be effective for only three years at best.

Symptoms of whooping cough

Whooping cough may start off as a mild cold.

  • runny nose
  • mild cough
  • mild fever
  • apnea (a break in breathing)

Over the coming weeks, as the disease progresses, the cough will become more serious. It is common for the cough to become so severe that a child will vomit following a coughing fit, as well as make the characteristic “whooping” sound due to lack of air.

As can be expected, these symptoms are most dangerous in babies under one year of age. Read more on treating young infants below.

What are the three stages of whooping cough?

Whooping cough is hard to diagnose in the beginning because the symptoms start off much like a common cold. However, there are three distinct stages of whooping cough. Knowing the signs of each stage will help to ensure proper whooping cough treatment is started in time, particularly for younger children and babies.

Stage one (Catarrhal)- this stage generally mirrors a minor respiratory illness and may include mild fever, cough, and runny nose. It usually lasts 4-10 days.

Stage two (Paroxysmal)- at this stage, the cough becomes more severe. Coughs may be followed by whooping, vomiting, and exhaustion. This stage typically lasts 1-6 weeks.

Stage three (Convalescent)- this stage is known as the recovery period, during which coughing will slowly subside, but may persist for several more weeks. Cough may return with re-emerging respiratory infections. This stage usually lasts another week or longer.

How can I treat whooping cough at home?

The good news is that whooping cough treatment is simple and inexpensive, and it can be done at home (read below for more information regarding treating infants for whooping cough).

The Vitamin C Protocol for Whooping Cough

Vitamin C is purported to be beneficial for treating everything from cancer to the common cold, and whooping cough is no exception. Studies have shown that vitamin C reduces the paroxysmal stage of the disease when used in large doses and especially when started early enough.

(Note: imagine my surprise when I found literature dating back to the 1930s showing the efficacy of vitamin C in treating whooping cough! Today’s studies are generally more focused on pharmaceutical treatments.)

According to Dr. Suzanne Humphries, “the majority of parents who use [vitamin C] on their infected babies, and young and older children, report a significant decrease in cough intensity, with thinning and loosening of sticky mucus, within the first 24 hours of proper dosing.

Ascorbate, in properly spaced, very high oral doses, will get you and your children through the weeks with vastly reduced symptoms while developing lasting immunity that will later protect those around them more effectively than vaccines can.”

Vitamin C dosage instructions

The type of vitamin C that is recommended to use as a whooping cough treatment, thankfully, is cheap and easy to find: sodium ascorbate. Sodium ascorbate is a sour, salty powder and small dosages contain large amounts of needed vitamin C for treating whooping cough.

The recommended brand is Nutribiotic, whose sodium ascorbate powder is free from common food allergens and GMOs, and is pharmaceutical grade. (Get it here.)

To calculate dosage, divide child’s weight in pounds by 2.2, then multiply by 375. This is the total number of mg one should take during waking hours each day, divided into frequent dosages.

For example, there is 1112 mg of vitamin C in 1/4 tsp (one dose) of Nutribiotic sodium ascorbate. For a child who weighs 40 lbs, the dosage would be about six 1/4 tsp doses throughout the day. This can be divided into smaller, more frequent doses if needed.

40 lbs / 2.2 = 18.18 X 375 = 6,818.18 / 1112 (the mg of vitamin C in one 1/4 tsp dose) = 6.13 doses in one day

At this dosage, the vitamin C should cause “bowel flushing,” the point at which bowel tolerance of vitamin C is reached and stools become loose. While an unpleasant side effect, this is a sign that the body has become saturated with vitamin C.

If you are giving the proper dose, you should see a reduction in coughing frequency and severity within 8 hours. If you begin to taper the dosage off too soon, the cough will likely worsen once more.

Because the toxins produced by pertussis can persist for up to three months, it is recommended to continue treatment throughout that duration.

When to use liposomal vitamin C

Occasionally, a liposomal vitamin C (a special type of vitamin C that has been emulsified in fat for absorption and to protect the stomach) may be needed, particularly if bowel tolerance has been reached but the coughing persists. In that case, a liposomal vitamin C can be added in similar doses.

Liposomal vitamin C is also suggested for exclusively breastfed babies.

Considerations for treating infants

According to Dr. Humphries,

After years of experience treating infants of all ages, it has become evident that there are some exceptions to the antibiotic issue:

  • In 2 week to 2 month age babies, if the antibiotic is given at the first sign of cough, the severity of cough can often be decreased. I’ve worked that out with observation and use, but the two doses of antibiotic have to be given at the very first signs of the first phase of the illness. This can only happen if the index case has previously been identified and the parents know what is coming.
  • This does not seem to be the case in older babies, where parents almost always report worsening symptoms after the antibiotic has been given. This may be due to starting them after the cough is full blown. I’ve not tried the two days treatment with azithromycin on older babies, because IMO, the risk:benefit is not there at that age. One exception could be someone with cystic fibrosis or other underling lung problems. But again, it will probably only make a difference if the cough is anticipated as a result of knowing that the exposure occurred.
  • Antibiotics don’t seem to help whooping cough symptoms in anyone at any age, after it has become a full blown infection.

Should you use a natural whooping cough treatment?

As with all health topics, one should research and weigh the pros and cons and make the best choice for their family and child.

Oftentimes, a natural method of treatment is just as effective, if not more, than conventional antibiotic treatment, which risks creating resistant bacterial infections, gut dysbiosis, and long-term damage to the patient’s health and biome.

References