I just read an article about a new product that seems to have some interesting properties. EpiCor is a fermented yeast culture manufactured for animal nutrition. They began investigating it for human use when their health insurance company noted that the employees of the company had unusually low sick leave rates and filed significantly fewer claims then other similarly sized companies. The product has just received GRAS classification by the FDA. Read about it at:
I think the principle is the same as that of glyconutrients. Sugars in cell walls of yeast (or even lactobacilli), or sugars from plant or food sources like aloe vera gel or mushrooms, attach to macrophage receptor sites. When these receptor sites are occupied, the macrophage produces cytokines that get the immune system going. For full response of the immune system, protein is needed as well as other B-vitamins. The sugars are only stimuli.
I doubt their antioxidant explanation -- because otherwise, any antioxidant will work as well. (Well, they do to some degree prevent disease.)
I got both these in my inbox from 2 raw sites that have been really helpful to me lately. Even if you aren't raw there is some really interesting information about fruit and fats and what they do to your body. How much and when they are eaten.
The second one is about an hour long to listen too but I found the time and glad I did.
You never know they might help with the candida probs and sort other things along the way.
I haven't had time to put into practice yet and I have been doing the classic raw food no nos some of the time.
Today is a new day and I am aware if you change your mind you change your life - so here goes.
They seem like they know what they are talking about so IMO they are worth a look.
Everyone in my family and social circle is now taking colloidal silver which prevents colds, flu, bronchitis etc in our collective experience. Much cheaper, as you make it yourself!
I am usually concerned about things approved by the FDA - their track record is iffy to say the least! Some of the things they have given GRAS status to are very scary!
It's been years, too, since I had a cold. I haven't been doing anything specific for it. But I'm turning half a century in a couple of months. So I would think it's more of immunity brought about by having been exposed to most (all?) of the flu and "colds" viruses in 50 years of life.
One develops lifetime immunity to flu and other respiratory viruses. However, there is no cross immunity among the flu variants/strains as well as among other viruses -- being immune to one does not give immunity to others. (That's why I find flu vaccinations questionnable -- are all flu strains as well as other respiratory viruses in them?) In the course of one's life, one gets exposed to more and more of these viruses and strains, developing lifetime immunity to each of them. So unless we get exposed to a new strain or virus, there reallly will come a time when we would stop having colds.
I think for the younger ones, the point would be how to quickly recover and develop immunity to the strains that they come across. I wouldn't recommend being "squeaky clean" to avoid contact with such strains. To me, that would just be delaying the inevitable. Better to become immune to as many strains as possible as early as possible.
Respiratory Viral Diseases article from the Merck Manual:
It's been years, too, since I had a cold. I haven't been doing anything specific for it. But I'm turning half a century in a couple of months. So I would think it's more of immunity brought about by having been exposed to most (all?) of the flu and "colds" viruses in 50 years of life.
One develops lifetime immunity to flu and other respiratory viruses. However, there is no cross immunity among the flu variants/strains as well as among other viruses -- being immune to one does not give immunity to others. (That's why I find flu vaccinations questionnable -- are all flu strains as well as other respiratory viruses in them?) In the course of one's life, one gets exposed to more and more of these viruses and strains, developing lifetime immunity to each of them. So unless we get exposed to a new strain or virus, there reallly will come a time when we would stop having colds.
I think for the younger ones, the point would be how to quickly recover and develop immunity to the strains that they come across. I wouldn't recommend being "squeaky clean" to avoid contact with such strains. To me, that would just be delaying the inevitable. Better to become immune to as many strains as possible as early as possible.
Have to disagree here - my OH is 53, and working in an office with 12 other people, was ALWAYS catching colds and flus from coworkers - this has only stopped in the last 2 months (winter here) with using CS. My parents are both in their 70's, and despite very healthy lifestyles and diets/supplementation, often had them as well - has only stopped with the use of CS.
I know many, many people aged in their 50's, 60's and 70's that catch colds and flu on a regular basis. As the viruses are forever evolving and mutating how does immunity help?
The key is in the strength of one's immune system in fighting off new challenges, not immunity to old ones... We have found CS to be far more effective than vitamins, herbs and other dietary supplements. Strong immune systems can also be influenced by genes and upbringing - some are lucky here, others aren't.
Respiratory infections ("colds") are not all viral. There could be bacterial causes as well, and immunity to these is not lifetime. If the infections were viral, then they could be strains or types that were not encountered earlier.
Dharma - Interesting sites, but I wonder if they're just
another gimmic for someone to sell a program? I
think I've heard that much of the Hollywood set have
or had, gone on the Raw Food program, and use it to
drop a few pounds when they need to.
At this point, I'm just hoping that my taking all those
Standard Process tablets 3 times per day, etc, plus
Heaven knows how much water to down them, will
take up so much space, that maybe I won't feel the
need for Food, and thus will lose weight. Of
course, I'm not sure the pills will assuage the hunger pangs? :wink:
Possibly Earlybird but I am not buying anything. Raw eating wasn't particularly why I posted this it was because of the candida bit somewhere in there and I cant remember where. I just thought the information was interesting (for me anyway). I have the Raw Secrets by Frederic and have found it to be really helpful in being more aware of what goes in the ole tum. I for one am not a good food combiner, mixing bananas with strawberries for example and nuts with sultanas among many other possible no nos.. Alot of these bits of info are repeated from some very old hands.
My only problem with eating raw (now I am sooooo aware of the amount of fat I was eating with nuts and advocados) is getting full. I am a pretty big eater and I am eating soooooo many bananas a day and they have always made me zitty so it is like my teenage years again. Skinny and zitty although the zits aren't as bad as they were when I used to eat nanas (10 or more years ago).
Pills for losing wieght hummmmm..........
don't do that one anymore
Now from what I hear Standard Process are very good for what they are supposed to do.
Their products are supposed to be made from REAL Foods.
It's just that soooo many of each kind, on a 3 meal per day basis,
are advised, that the tablets along w/all the water to take them,
sounds like a filler-upper to me.
I have a running gun battle with candida. I think I have
it under control, only to have it re-emerge.
After reading the post on EpiCor, it states that it has
shown good ability to kill off candida.
I ordered it and started taking it today. I'll report back
my findings.
I've taken EpiCore for almost a month and have re-ordered
another month's supply. I think I'm gaining on candida.
My headaches are still with me, but moderated.
Brain fog seems to be less involved.
I have several bouts of EXTREME tiredness/month. These
have been reduced (not eliminated) this month.
Bowel regularity is returning. Not perfect, by any means.
Flatulence is reduced.
Here's my biggest indicator...anal itching is greatly reduced.
Based on these factors, I have decided to give EpiCor
another month's test. If you are interested in this product,
it's avail from www.vrp.com
No more colds?
Some of the things they have given GRAS status to are very scary! 
although the zits aren't as bad as they were when I used to eat nanas (10 or more years ago).
Hybrid Mode
