Any alternative (or supplementary) therapies for TB?!
Question: My brother has been taking TB antibiotics for about an year on doctor's prescriptions. Actually the medication is supposed to be taken for only 6 months but because of complications (also, his symptoms of weight-loss, breathing difficulty all increased after stopping just part of the medication) his doctor advised him to take it for an year. Even now (after an year) he has some of the symptoms (like pain and pulling at the place where they did thoracentesis + breathing difficulty etc). The doctors are confused as to what to do now. Do you know of any alternative or supplementary therapies that can help him? I am feeling helpless... somebody if you know something, please let me know...
Answers: My brother has been taking TB antibiotics for about an year on doctor's prescriptions. Actually the medication is supposed to be taken for only 6 months but because of complications (also, his symptoms of weight-loss, breathing difficulty all increased after stopping just part of the medication) his doctor advised him to take it for an year. Even now (after an year) he has some of the symptoms (like pain and pulling at the place where they did thoracentesis + breathing difficulty etc). The doctors are confused as to what to do now. Do you know of any alternative or supplementary therapies that can help him? I am feeling helpless... somebody if you know something, please let me know...
This site has a Chinese herbal blend for TB:
http://www.herbchina2000.com/therapies/T...
Probiotics are a must, to rebalance his system, and a diet high in raw fruits and vegetables can be helpful.
Your brother still needs to continue his TB meds. It sounds like he was quite sick before he got treatment so his treatment will be longer. If he smokes he must stop now. Smoking will interfere with the healing process in his lungs. He must NOT stop with his medication until his doctors say he can. Untreated and inadequately treated TB has a 50% mortality rate.
He can supplement his current treatment with 2 or 3 GRAMS of vitamin C per day AND 15 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract 2 or 3 times a day. I also agree that he needs to take Probiotics as well. He should continue with this plan for at least 4 to 6 months.
Colloidal silver, and get out in the sun. Vitamin D is great for TB.
http://www.mercola.com has a lot of heath information. search TB on it.
if its tb in the lungs, lung detoxifiers are worth a shot, goldenseal root and elecampane root, yellowdock root is good for lymphatic cleansing, read more about it but this can all be grinded up and put into capsules and hopefully you have a healthfood/natural co-op/ store around you. vitD. dont give up!
You have to be careful especially if he is going to take alternative with meds because they may interfere or over do the effects. Goldenseal, colloidal silver and many other herbs should only be taken ONLY short term OR 2 weeks on/2 weeks off type basis.
http://www.ayurvedic-medicines.com/tuber...
http://www.wvhc.staywellsolutionsonline....
Coenzyme Q10, 75 mg. per day, helps carry oxygen to tissues for healing. Garlic tablets, 2 tablets with meals, helps keep infection in check and stimulates immune function. L-Cysteine and L-Methionine (amino acids), 500 mg. 2 times per day, protects the lungs and liver by detoxifying harmful toxins. Protein (free form amino acids), taken as directed on the label, are needed for tissue repair. Selenium, 200 mcg. per day, protects against free radicals and promotes a healthy immune system. Vitamin A emulsion, 20,000 IU per day, or vitamin A capsules, 25,000 in capsule form, is vital for healing of lung tissue. Vitamin B complex, or injectable vitamin B (check with the doctor). Vitamin D capsules, 400 IU per day, is essential for utilization of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin E capsules, 400 IU per day, increase slowly to 1,500 IU per day, helps protect the lung tissues and provides oxygen to the cells. Germanium, 200 mg. per day, absorbs excess hydrogen ions and removes them from the body, making oxygen more available to the tissues. Multimineral supplement, taken with meals (do NOT take sustained release formula), for strength and healing. Calcium, 1,000 mg. per day. Magnesium 750 mg. per day. Kelp, 10 tablets per day, for a natural supply of minerals, rich in iodine. Proteolytic enzymes, taken between meals, is needed to keep the inflammation check, digest essential nutrients, and improve absorption. Multidigestive enzymes, taken with meals. Zinc, 50-80 mg. per day, promotes immune function and healing.
MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS. Medicinal mushrooms are food. They act like the healthy intestinal flora in the body that regulate immunity. Some have a specific affinity to lung function and breathing, like reishi. Liquid is best, especially by New Chapter because it is fermented and contains the living mycellia of the mushroom. Also, in terms of vitamins, New Chapter is the best because they are fermented and cultured which is safer and increases bioactivity and absorption. It turns the vitamin into a food source instead of a USP isolate vitamin. I work in an herbal store.