Related articles: Antibioitics under special circumstances
While there are notable exceptions, the Marshall ProtocolA curative medical treatment for chronic inflammatory disease. Based on the Marshall Pathogenesis. (MP) should not be combined with any other protocols, treatments or supplements, especially those which are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory. Using other treatments while on the MP can impede progress on the MP – or be dangerous to MP patients.
For intolerable symptoms, certain palliative medications such as sleep medication, pain medication, and antidepressants are acceptable for short term use. It is generally recommend that MP patients use the lowest dose of medication that is effective.
Non-MP medications, treatments, and supplements can be classified into one of three categories:
contraindicated - wean with the help of a physician
warning - therapy may be used under certain circumstances
okay - acceptable under all circumstances
MP patients are expected to be forthright about all non-MP supplements and medications they are taking when starting the MP. MP patients are also expected to wean from those substances which are contraindicated. An extensive, but not complete, list is shown below. MP patients should consult with their physicians if they have questions.
Please note that there are instances where it is acceptable for MP patients to take certain palliative medicines or supplements. Supplements that give patients needed palliative relief for intolerable symptoms can be used. For example, if a patient has abdominal pain that is relieved by milk thistle, or if a supplement improves the quality of their sleep, then its use is permitted. Similarly, if a patient cannot obtain the RDA of a necessary nutrient, such as calcium, from diet alone, sometimes a supplement may be appropriate. (This does not apply to vitamin D.)
Every chemical one ingests affects the body in many ways, most of which are not yet fully understood. For example, consider tricolsan, a chemical found in everything from antibacterial soaps and lotions to socks and toothpaste. According to a 2010 study, it may disrupt sulfotransferase, an enzyme that plays an important role in pregnancy.1)
While the medications used on the MP have excellent safety profiles, it is not fully known how they might interact with all other medications. MP patients should ask their physician or pharmacist to review all of their non-MP medications with this in mind.
Patients on the MP should not take nimesulide (Aulin / Mesulid / Nimed). It could cause bleeding.
Growing evidence supports the contention that chronic diseases are caused by pathogens, not by a deficiency in some substance.
The body and the innate immune system represent a delicate balance between cells' nuclear receptorsIntracellular receptor proteins that bind to hydrophobic signal molecules (such as steroid and thyroid hormones) or intracellular metabolites and are thus activated to bind to specific DNA sequences which affect transcription. and the molecules that control numerous complex and intertwined feedback pathways. Any substance, including supplements and food, can bind key receptors and alter feedback pathways, potentially interfering with immune function or dysregulating a pathway that regulates important hormones.
Most of the body’s healing processes work better if they are left alone while you are on the MP. The concept that we should intervene in these diseases with supplements or therapies has not worked, and I deprecate it. I have seen this happen so often before…trying to Band-Aid the metabolite shifts [with supplements] will not help recovery and will often make the disease worse. They are almost always counter-productive.
Trevor Marshall, PhD
Main article: Palliative vs. curative treatments
A broad array of substances can palliate symptoms at the expense of long-term health improvement. If patients with latent pathogens feel better after taking a supplement, it’s almost always because the substance is affecting a pathway that allows it to slow the activity of the immune system. By palliating the immune response, use of the substance temporarily decreases the inflammationThe complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or damaged cells. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue. generated in response to the bacteria, causing a feeling of “wellness.” Yet, as in the case of vitamin D, this situation in which the immune system is depressed simply allows the bacteria to spread with greater ease.
We surgeons have been operating on the gut for literally thousands of years and the microbiotaThe bacterial community which causes chronic diseases - one which almost certainly includes multiple species and bacterial forms. has just been this extraordinary elephant in the room. We seem to have completely ignored the fact that we've co-evolved with thousands of bacteria over millions of years and that they somehow may be important to our health. As doctors, we routinely do terrible things to the microbiota and I'm sure this has implications for our health.
James Kinross, Imperial College of London at 2008 International Conference on Metagenomics
| Type of substance | Varieties | Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| anesthetics for surgical procedures and allergic reactions | general anesthetics – epinephrine, norepinephrine, levonordefrine; local anesthetics – lidocaine (xylocaine), mepivicaine (Isocaine), prilocaine (Citanest) | avoid epinephrine and other general anesthetics when possible; consult with MD about epi-pen | epinephrine can have side effects |
| antidepressants and other psychotropic medications | amitriptyline (Apo-amitriptyline, Elatrol, Elavil, Endep, Laroxyl, Saroten, Sarotex, Tryptizol), aripiprazole (Abilify), bupropion (Budeprion SR/XL, Bupropion SR/XL, Wellbutrin SR/XL, Zetron, Zyban SR), citalopram (Alcytan, Celexa, Cipramil, Cittá), diazepam (Ducene, Ivax Pharm, Stesolid, Valium), duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Cipralex, Esipram, Lexapro, Seroplex), fluoxetine (Actan, Fluxene, Lorien, Lovan, Prozac, Tuneluz), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Norpress, Pamelor), paroxetine (Aropax, Paxil, Paxil CR, Paxxet , Pexeva, Sereupin, Seroxat), sertraline (Eleva, Lustral, Sertra, Xydep, Zoloft), trazodone (APO-Trazodone, Desyrel, Donaren), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR, PMS-Venlafaxine XR, Venlafaxine XR) | use to manage intolerable symptoms; when symptoms become tolerable, work with MD to wean slowly | may be immunomodulatory |
| antibacterials, non-MP | doxycycline, high-dose antibiotics, isoniazid (Nydrazid), methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex), metronidazole (Flagyl), Sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), myambutol (Ethambutol), pyrazinamide, rifampicin | wean | immunomodulatory |
| antibiotics, beta-lactam | amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalosporin (Rocephin/Ceftriaxone), penicillin, imipenem/cilastatin (Primaxin) | wean | leads to formation of L-form bacteriaDifficult-to-culture bacteria that lack a cell wall and are not detectable by traditional culturing processes. Sometimes referred to as cell wall deficient bacteria. |
| antibiotics - prefer | cefuroxime ( Ceftin, Zinacef ), and clarithromycin (Biaxin ) | these two | are acceptable for acute infection |
| antibiotics, fluoroquinolone | ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), levofloxacin (Levaquin/Quixin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Ocuflox/Floxin/Floxacin) | can be used only for acute infections | ineffective, possibility of resistance |
| anticoagulants | aspirin, Heparin, warfarin (Coumadin) | wean all use of anticoagulants except aspirin and only in the event of a cardiac emergency | possibly unpredictable effects |
| anticonvulsant and antiseizure agents | carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Novo-Carbamazepine, Tegral, Tegretol), carisoprodol (Soma), chininsulfat (Chinin), clonazepam (Klonopin), divalproex sodium (Depakote), gabapentin (Neurontin, Nupentin, Ratio-Gabapentin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), pregabalin (Lyrica), topiramate (Topamax), valproic acid (Depakene) | use to manage intolerable symptoms; when symptoms become tolerable, work with MD to wean slowly | may be immunomodulatory |
| antidiarrheal agents | Lomotil, Imodium | unless diarrhea is due to food poisoning or other acute infection, it is not advisable to stop diarrhea unless it is causing dehydration or the cramping is intolerable | |
| antifungal agents | fluconazole (Diflucan), griseofulvin (Fulvicin), itraconazole (Sporonox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), nimesulide (Aulin, Mesulid, Nimed), nystatin, terfinabine (Lamisil) | wean unless absolutely necessary | immunomodulatory; nimesulide may promote bleeding |
| antihistamines | cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zirtek, Reactine), desloratadine (Aerius, Delot, Claramax, Clarinex, NeoClarityn), Dimetapp, dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Nytol), NyQuil | avoid except for intolerable symptoms | immunomodulatory |
| anti-TNF drugs | adalimumab (Humira), Enbrel (etanercept), infliximab (Remicade), pentoxyfyllene (Trental) | wean | immunosuppressive |
| antiviral agents | acyclovir (Zovirax),famciclovir (Famvir), ganciclovir (Cytovene and Cymevene), osletamivir (Tamiflu), valganciclovir (Valcyte), valcyclovir HCL (Valtrex), zanamivir (Relenza) | wean | immunomodulatory |
| bone density conservation agents | calcitonin (Miacalcin nasal spray), raloxifene (Evista), teriparatide (Forteo); bisphosphonates – alendronate (Alendro, Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), tiludronate (Skelid), zoledronic acid (Zometa, Zomera, Aclasta and Reclast) | wean | calcium deposition into soft tissues, reduced organ function |
| chemotherapy | methotrexate (MTX), rituximab (Rituxan, MabThera) | | |
| corticosteroids | beclomethasone (Beconase), betamethasone, cortisol, cortisone, Deflazacort, dexamethasone (Decadron), DHEA, fluticazone (Flonase), fludrocortisone (Florinef), hydrocortisone (Cortef), methylprednisolone (Medrol, Medrol DosePak, Solu-Medrol, Solu-Medrol infusion), prednisolone (Prednisone), triamcinolone | wean | immunosuppressive |
| diet pills | orlistat (Xenical), rimonabant (Acomplia) | wean; low-carb diet safer | ineffective |
| diuretics, potassium-sparing | amiloride (Midamor), furosemide (Furix, Lasix), spironolactone (Aldactone, Spiractin), triamterene (Dyrenium) | wean all but Lasix | all except Lasix cause potassium retention |
| diuretics, thiazide | chlorthalidone (Hygroton), chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (added to medications – HCT, HCTZ; brand names – Aquazide H, HydroDIURIL, Microzide), indapamide (Lozol) | wean | unnecessarily taxing on kidneys |
| ergot alkaloids | ergoloid (Hydergine, Hydergina, Gerimal, Niloric, Redizork, Alkergot, Cicanol, Redergin.), ergotamine, cafergot | wean | may interfere with MP antibiotics, unknown mechanism of action |
| erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (EPO) | erythropoietin (Aranesp, Epogen, Procrit) | wean | exacerbation of intra-cellular infection; highly immunosuppressive |
| eye medications and eye drops | cyclosporine (Restasis), Nevanac, Optive, prednisolone (Prednisone), terramycin | wean steroids; use Optive or artificial tears instead | a number of eye meds are immunosuppressive |
| hormone and pro-hormone therapy | birth control; female hormones – estradiol (Climara HRT patch, Delestrogen, Divigel, Estrace, Estrium, Menostar, Vagifem, Vivelle, Vivelle-Dot Patch), estrogens, pregnenolone, Premarin, progesterone, progestin; human growth hormone; male hormones – DHEA, testosterone; thyroid hormones – cytomel (Liothyronine Sodium), levothyroxine (Eltroxin, Euthyrox, Levothroid, Levoxyl, L-Thyroxine, Synthroid, Unithroid) | avoid unless intolerable deficiency; | interfere with Benicar’s control of VDRThe Vitamin D Receptor. A nuclear receptor located throughout the body that plays a key role in the innate immune response. and PPARgamma receptors |
| hypoglycemics | Avandamet (contains rosiglitazone), exenatide (Byetta), pioglitazone (Actos), metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Ratio-Metformin), nateglinide (Starlix), rosiglitazone (Avandia) | wean | affects TNF-alphaA cytokine critical for effective immune surveillance and is required for proper proliferation and function of immune cells. secretion and atherosclerotic development, or interacts with olmesartan (Benicar)Medication taken regularly by patients on the Marshall Protocol for its ability to activate the Vitamin D Receptor. |
| immune boosters | allergy shots (immunotherapy), gamma-Globulins, glyconutrients (D-mannose, D-ribose) | wean | limited evidence of efficacy, the last thing the majority of MP patients need is an elevated immune response |
| immunosuppressant | alefacept (Amevive), azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), chlorambucil (Leukeran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar, Revimmune), cyclosporine (Restasis), Muromonab-CD3, pentoxifylline (Trental), sirolimus (rapamycin, Rapamune), tacrolimus (Advagraf, Prograf, Protopic) | wean | immunomodulatory |
| inhalers, bronchodilator | albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin, Accu-Hale), formoterol (Foradil, Oxis, Oxese), levalbuterol (Xopenex), metaproterenol sulfate (Alupent), montelukast (Azlaire, Singulair), pirbuterol (Maxair), salmeterol (Serevent), tiotropium bromide (Spiriva) | acceptable and sometimes essential to reduce shortness of breath | not immunosuppressive as steroids are |
| inhalers, steroid | Advair, beclomethasone dipropionate (Vanceril, Qvar), budesonide (Pulmicort), Combivent, Duoneb, flunisolide (Aerobid), fluticasone (Flovent, Flixotide, Seretide, Advair), Seretide, Symbicort (budesonide w/formoterol), triamcinolone acetonide (Azmacort) | wean; work with MD to switch to bronchodilators | immunosuppressive |
| interferon | interferon alpha 2a (Roferon A); interferon alpha 2b (Intron A); human leukocyte interferon-alpha (Multiferon); interferon beta 1a, liquid form (Rebif); interferon beta 1a, lyophilized (Avonex); interferon beta 1b SubQ (Betaseron); interferon gamma 1b (Actimmune); pegylated interferon alpha 2a (Pegasys); pegylated interferon alpha 2b (PegIntron) | wean | immunomodulatory |
| intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) | made from pool of more than 100 persons' blood | increased risk of infection | |
| mast cell stabilizers | Cromoglicate, Nedocromil | wean | |
| NSAIDS (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) | COX-2 inhibitors – celecoxib (Celebrex); salicylates – aspirin; acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), minocycline | minocycline is best option; avoid/wean COX-2 inhibitors; use other meds in moderation | |
| Methotrexate | methotrexate (MTX) | | inteferes with Bactrim DS as well as production of important human metabolites |
| muscle relaxants | baclofen (Kemstro, Lioresal, and Gablofen), bentazepam (Thiadipone), carisoprodol (SOMA, Sanoma, Carisoma), chlormezanone (Trancopal), chlorphenesin (Maolate, Musil), chlorzoxazone (Muscol, Parafon Forte), cyclobenzaprine, diazepam (Valium), donepezil (Aricept), eperisone (Myonal), febarbamate, flopropione (Compacsul, Cospanon, Ecapron, Pellegal, Argobyl, Floveton, Saritron, Spamorin, Labrodax, Tryalon, Mirulevatin, Padeskin, Profenon), lorazepam (Ativan, Temesta), ketamine, mephenesin, mephenoxalone (Dorsiflex, Moderamin), meprobamate (Equanil, Miltown, Meprospan), metaxalone (Skelaxin), methocarbamol (Robaxin), naltrexone (Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)), nitrazepam (Alodorm, Arem, Insoma, Mogadon, Nitrados, Nitrazadon, Ormodon, Paxadorm, Remnos, Somnite), orphenadrine, phenprobamate (Gamaquil, Isotonil), phenyramidol, pridinol, promoxolane (Dimethylane), quinine (Qualaquin), styramate, tetrazepam (Clinoxan, Epsipam, Myolastan, Musaril, Relaxam, Spasmorelax)), thiocolchicoside (Muscoril, Myoril, Neoflax) , tizanidine (Zanaflex, Sirdalud), tolperisone (Biocalm, Mydeton, Mydocalm, Myolax, Myoxan, Viveo), trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro, Beneficat, Deprax, Desirel, Molipaxin, Thombran, Trazorel, Trialodine, Trittico, Mesyrel), tybamate | use as necessary to modulate intolerable immunopathologyAn unbearable or unsafe severity of bacterial die-off reaction. | immunomodulatory |
| pain medications | acetaminophen (paracetamol), aspirin, diazepam (Valium), hydrocodone-acetaminophen (Lortab, Norco, Percocet, Vicodin, Xodol), morphine, naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan 375, Naprosyn), oxycodone (Oxycontin), oxycodone-acetaminophen (Oxycocet, Percocet), pregabalin (Lyrica), propoxyphene-acetaminophen (Darvocet, Propox-N), tramadol (Ultracet, Ultram, Ultram ER, Zytram XL) | use select medications as necessary to modulate intolerable immunopathology | immunomodulatory |
| proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) | dexlansoprazole (brand name: Kapidex, Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium, Esotrex, esso), lansoprazole (Prevacid, Zoton, Monolitum, Inhibitol, Levant, Lupizole), omeprazole (Gasec, Losec, Prilosec, Zegerid, ocid, Lomac, Omepral, Omez,), pantoprazole (Protonix, Somac, Pantoloc, Pantozol, Zurcal, Zentro, Pan, Controloc), rabeprazole (AcipHex, Pariet, Erraz, Zechin, Rabecid, Nzole-D, Rabeloc, Razo) | should be used only if adjusting MP meds and use of low-carb diet does not reduce gastric reflux; take 3 hours away from antibiotics | can interfere with protection against further infection |
| sleep medications | clonazepam (Klonopin, PMS-Clonazepam, Rivotril, Rivotril drops), doxylamine (Dozile, Donormyl, Dormidina, NyQuil, Restavit, Unisom-2 and Sleep Aid, Somnil), doxepin (Silenor), eszopiclone (Lunesta), melatonin, Nytol, temazepam (Restoril, Temazep), trazodone (APO-Trazodone, Desyrel, Donaren), zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Hypnogen, Stilnoct (Stilnox)) | take lowest possible dose to reduce intolerable symptoms; wean as symptoms allow | |
| statins and other anti-cholesterol drugs | statins – atorvastatin (Lipitor), cholestipol (Cholestid), colesevalam HCL (Welchol), ezetimibe (Zetia), ezetimibe and simvastatin (Vytorin), fenofibrate (Tricor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), Omacor, pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor); gemfibrozil (Lopid, Gemcor), cholestyramine (Questran), pantethine, Red yeast rice (monascus purpureus) | wean | immunomodulatory |
| stimulants | dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR, d-amphetamine), caffeine, modafinil (Alertec, Modiodal, Provigil), methylphenidate (Concerta, Methylin, Methylphenid, Ritalin) | modafinil acceptable only if patient has diagnosed narcolepsy; caffeine acceptable in limited amounts | immunomodulatory |
| vitamin D and analogues | calciferol, calcitriol (Calcijex, Rocaltrol), calcifediol (Calderol), calcipotriol, calcipotriene (Dovonex), cholecalciferol aka vitamin D3Form of vitamin D made in the skin when exposed to light. Also available in fish and meat. This secosteroid is sometimes converted into 25-D. Also known as cholecalciferol and activated 7-dehydrocholesterol., ergocalciferol aka vitamin D2Form of vitamin D created by plants and fungi. When ingested the secosteroid is (sometimes) converted into 25-D. Also known as ergocholecalciferol. (Drisdol), Delta-D, Radiostol, Radiostol Forte | wean | immunosuppressive |
One of the abiding concerns with MP patients' use of over-the-counter supplements is that they contain occult vitamin D, even though it is not listed on the label. A number of supplements are immunomodulatory. Many lack evidence supporting their efficacy.
| Name | Varieties | Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| aloe vera | wean | patient report of palliation | |
| antacids | follow label directions; take at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking other meds | can interfere with absorption in GI tract | |
| antioxidants | alpha lipoic acid, beta carotene, coenzyme Q10, glutathione, grape seed extract, green tea, melatonin, quercetin, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E |  wean supplements; exception: quercetin, which is only to be use to manage excessive immunopathologyA temporary increase in disease symptoms experienced by Marshall Protocol patients that results from the release of cytokines and endotoxins as disease-causing bacteria are killed. | immunomodulatory |
| baking soda | sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate | may have adverse reaction | may help with shortness of breath |
| calcium | can be used if there's a deficiency; avoid if hypercalciuria or hypercalcemia; no more than RDA for sarcoidosis patients | ||
| chlorine dioxide | miracle mineral supplement, MMS solution | stop | non-MP antimicrobial exposes to danger of provoking runaway IP, does not restore innate immune function |
| colloidal silver | wean | unproven, turns skin grey | |
| essential fatty acids (EFAs) | cod liver oil, fish oil, flax seed oil, hemp oil, omega-3 fatty acids, primrose oil, sunflower oil | wean | often contains vitamin D; may also be immunosuppressive through other mechanisms |
| enzymes | bromelain , serrapeptase | wean | immunomodulatory |
| glucosamine/chondroitin | wean | inhibits resolution of joint inflammation | |
| guaifenesin | pills, syrup | acceptable in limited amounts; has skeletal muscle relaxant activity | mildly immunosuppressive |
| herbs, spices and other plants as supplements | cinnamon, curcumin, curry, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorn, milk thistle, mustard, rosemary, olive leaf extract, oregano oil, sage, turmeric | can be used in cooking; avoid supplemental forms | immunomodulatory |
| iron | avoid | contributes to microbial growth | |
| magnesium | limited amounts can be used if not getting RDA | ||
| minerals | calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium | | |
| potassium | take only with MD approval and frequent testing | kidney disease could lead to renal resorption | |
| probiotics | acidophilus | can be consumed if in food naturally; otherwise wean | some immunomodulatory, some are anticoagulants |
| propolis | bee propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), propolis resin, propolis wax | may be used infrequently, i.e., chewing gum; otherwise wean | antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, potent allergen and sensitizing agent |
| quercetin | not to be used when taking Warfarin; acceptable for occasional use in moderating intolerable immunopathology | anti-inflammatory | |
| vitamins | folic acid and derivatives (Apo-Folic, Folate, Folvite, Novofolacid), vitamin A, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D, vitamin E | wean supplements | immunomodulatory |
| whey protein | naturally occurring can be consumed; avoid supplemental form | wean | may contain vitamin D; may be immunomodulatory |
| Name or type | Varieties | Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| acupuncture | use only for pain relief | ||
| air purifiers | acceptable | ||
| bacteriophage therapy | wean | may be immunosuppressive; encourages horizontal DNA transfer | |
| baths, Epsom salt | acceptable, using tepid water | relieves pain, provides magnesium sulfate via the skin | |
| baths, hot | may exacerbate immunopathology | can perfuse tissues with antibiotics | |
| blood transfusions | anemia is due to disease, and rarely is improved by transfusions | increased risk of infection | |
| breathing exercises | acceptable, as time allows | reduces anxiety, oxygenates tissues | |
| detoxification | chelation (removal of heavy metals), enemas, flushes | chelation disallowed; no official stance on other forms of detox; consult your MD | dangerous, limited evidence |
| homeopathy | wean | limited evidence | |
| juicing | wean | may contain high levels of sugar and chlorogenic acid, which is immunomodulatory | |
| magnets | wean | no evidence | |
| massage and other manipulation therapies | acupressure, chiropractic, craniosacral therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, massage, osteopathic manipulation, physical therapy | use judiciously | can exacerbate immunopathology |
| mouthwash | ACT, cepacol, cetylpyridinium chloride (Crest Pro-Health, Viadent, Pro-Health Night), Listerine, Scope | mouthwashes with cetylpyridinium chloride and without FD&C Yellow #5 or Tartrazine, E103 recommended | |
| nebulizers | delivers liquid respiratory medication in the form of a mist | may be necessary for those with pulmonary problems | |
| oxygen, supplemental | may be necessary for those with pulmonary problems | respiratory dysfunction can be dangerous | |
| pets | spend some time with dog or cat | time spent with furry creatures can reduce anxiety/stress | |
| pH balancing | alkalizing solutions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy | wean | limited evidence, reflects a simplistic understanding of the immune system |
| physical activity and exercise | walking, weightlifting, yoga | build activity slowly; don't exercise to excess | can exacerbate immunopathology or be immunosuppressive |
| prolotherapy | proliferative injection therapy | wean | increases inflammation |
| Rife | avoid the RIFE light tubes; otherwise these units will not slow healing | limited/no evidence of efficacy | |
| saunas | traditional saunas, far infrared saunas (FIR) | saunas: use judiciously; FIR: avoid | FIR catalyze creation of vitamin D |
| sunshine exposure | light therapy | avoid | raises vitamin D levels, immunomodulatory, may cause intolerable immunopathology |
| TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) | okay for muscle pain and headaches; consult with your MD | dangerous for patients with pacemakers | |
| trigger point therapy | can help with pain | ||
| visualization techniques | can help depression and anxiety | ||
| Tai Chi | generally helpful | heart health research | |
| meditation | can develop coping skills |