Dr. Steve Blake
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 Mucus also helps eliminate contaminants in the lungs. mucus forms an important first barrier to invasive microorganisms. With fewer goblet cells, less mucus is produced, as seen in Figure 3-4. This is a problem in the intestines because
Low levels of vitamin A
/ Reduced \ ^ absorption of \ \ vitamin A /
Low levels of vitamin A can lead to less absorption of vitamin A in a vicious cycle.
Less mucus production
Fewer Goblet cells
Figure 3-4 Levels of vitamin A must be maintained for proper absorption of vitamin A. the decreased amount of mucus leads to decreased absorption of nutrients. |
| Mucus forms a chemical barrier to gastric acid in the stomach. mucus also helps eliminate contaminants in the lungs. mucus forms an important first barrier to invasive microorganisms. With fewer goblet cells, less mucus is produced, as seen in Figure 3-4. This is a problem in the intestines because
Low levels of vitamin A
/ Reduced \ ^ absorption of \ \ vitamin A /
Low levels of vitamin A can lead to less absorption of vitamin A in a vicious cycle.
Less mucus production
Fewer Goblet cells
Figure 3-4 Levels of vitamin A must be maintained for proper absorption of vitamin A. |
Bill Sardi
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 Mucus is the protective lining that buffers the digestive tract against damage by stomach acid. Butyrate is a normal product of gastric fermentation. When butyrate is added to laboratory dishes with cells from gastric linings, mucus production increases. [Gut 36: 93-99, 1995] The overuse of antibiotics kills off the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract which nourish the mucus lining. The mucus lining then is starved and the digestive tract becomes vulnerable to infection. |
Dr. Steve Blake
See book keywords and concepts |
| With fewer goblet cells, less mucus is produced, as seen in Figure 3-4. This is a problem in the intestines because
Low levels of vitamin A
/ Reduced \ ^ absorption of \ \ vitamin A /
Low levels of vitamin A can lead to less absorption of vitamin A in a vicious cycle.
Less mucus production
Fewer Goblet cells
Figure 3-4 Levels of vitamin A must be maintained for proper absorption of vitamin A. the decreased amount of mucus leads to decreased absorption of nutrients. This leads to diminished vitamin A absorption—leading to a vicious cycle. |
Mehmet C. Oz., M.D. and Michael F. Roizen, M.D.
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 If you routinely produce mucus from your lungs (you cough it up, rather than mucus coming out when you blow your nose, which is usually from a sinus condition), consider N-acetyl-cysteine. It's a substance that loosens mucus and boosts production of one of your natural antioxidant scavengers called glutathione, which helps prevent damage in lung tissue. We recommend 600 milligrams daily. Even caffeine can help people with asthma; it seems to stabilize and shrink the lining of the airways and dilate bronchial tubes to help make breathing easier.
YOU Tip: Get Fruit Looped. |
Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Alan R. Gaby, M.D.
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 The benefits of allergy control appear to be due to a reduction in bronchial spasm, decreased swelling of the mucous membranes, and less mucus production.
Nutritional Supplements
N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine, and it performs two different functions that may be beneficial for the lungs. First, NAC acts as a mucolytic agent—a compound that breaks up mucus in the respiratory tract, thereby allowing the mucus to be cleared more easily from the bronchial passages. |
Devra Davis
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 Mucus, that slippery stuff we cough up when we have a cold, is our first line of defense against things we breathe in but don't need. This thin layer of liquid protects the lungs from damaging particles or gases, but it gets dried out by hot fumes and particles. Lungs damaged by regular smoke inhalation lose their resilience. In healthy lungs, an invisible escalator of cilia regularly shuttles about 100 cubic centimeters of viruses and bacteria trapped in this mucus out of the lungs every day. |
Bill Sardi
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| Gut 36: 93-99, 1995] The overuse of antibiotics kills off the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract which nourish the mucus lining. The mucus lining then is starved and the digestive tract becomes vulnerable to infection. [Journal Parenteral Enteral Nutrition 19:410-15, 1995]
There are many mechanisms by which butyrate inhibits colon cancer:
—? One of the mechanisms by which butyrate inhibits colon cancer is its ability to promote transforming growth factor (TGF) which suppresses tumor formation in the gut. [Annals Surgery 243: 619-25, 2006]
—? |
Mehmet C. Oz., M.D. and Michael F. Roizen, M.D.
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| Your bronchial tubes are generally coated with mucus, which traps germs and dirt. Your lungs also have millions of tiny hairs called cilia, which act like little brooms that sweep up the stuff that's caught in the mucus. You then cough it out. One of the hazards of smoke, especially from cigars, cigarettes, or joints, is that it kills cilia, essentially destroying the very mechanism that's meant to protect your lungs from toxins. Restoring those cilia is one of the reasons that cigarette quitters cough more when they first stop; they're starting to sweep out all the junk in their lungs. |
Dr. Steve Blake
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| Less mucus production
Fewer Goblet cells
Figure 3-4 Levels of vitamin A must be maintained for proper absorption of vitamin A. the decreased amount of mucus leads to decreased absorption of nutrients. This leads to diminished vitamin A absorption—leading to a vicious cycle.
How Vitamin A Reduces Risk of Infections
Vitamin A strengthens mucous membranes. Vitamin A increases mucous secretion. Vitamin A keeps skin flexible. Vitamin A is needed in the development of lymphocytes. Vitamin A is needed for the regulation of the immune system. |
Ann M. Coulston and Carol J. Boushey
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 FIGURE 3 The four microhabitats within the GI tract representing the vertical distribution of the intestinal microflora: (1) the intestinal lumen, (2) the unstirred water layer, (3) the mucus layer at the surface of the mucosal epithelial cells, and (4) the mucus layer in the intestinal crypts.
III. BACTERIAL COLONIZATION, SUCCESSION, AND METABOLISM
A. Colonization and Succession
The GI tract of a fetus is apparently sterile [10, 11]. |
Gabriel Cousens
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 In addition, research cited by Robert Cohen has made the point that there is up to a gallon of extra mucus in the body created as a result of drinking dairy. The mucus problem is associated with the fact that 87 percent of milk protein is casein, the main ingredient of Elmer's Glue.
High Blood Cholesterol
All animal foods raise the blood cholesterol; that includes beef, fish, chicken, dairy, and eggs. Plant-source foods do not contain cholesterol. Caldwell B. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 Robert Cohen: Well, during the first 7 days, the mucus, the phlegm -- you're going to lose three to four quarts of mucus that are clogging your kidney, spleen, pancreas -- all your internal organs. You don't even know it's there! Because it's what the average American eats every day. When you cleanse yourself, it's like a fog lifts out of your body.
Mike Adams: Did you say 3 quarts -- how much mucus did you say there?
Robert Cohen: Three to four quarts. Can you imagine? It's evenly dispersed throughout all of your internal organs so that your kidneys are a sponge for mucus. |
Ann M. Coulston and Carol J. Boushey
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| FIGURE 3 The four microhabitats within the GI tract representing the vertical distribution of the intestinal microflora: (1) the intestinal lumen, (2) the unstirred water layer, (3) the mucus layer at the surface of the mucosal epithelial cells, and (4) the mucus layer in the intestinal crypts.
III. BACTERIAL COLONIZATION, SUCCESSION, AND METABOLISM
A. Colonization and Succession
The GI tract of a fetus is apparently sterile [10, 11]. |
Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.
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 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Eyebright preparations are used externally as lotions, poultices, and eye-baths, for eye complaints associated with disorders and inflammation of the blood vessels, inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctiva, as a preventive measure against mucus and catarrh of the eyes.
In folk medicine, Eyebright is used for blepharitis, conjunctivitis, styes, eye fatigue symptoms, functional eye disorders of muscular and nervous origin, coughs and hoarseness.
The efficacy of the herb for its claimed uses is not documented. |
Mehmet C. Oz., M.D. and Michael F. Roizen, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Your lungs also have millions of tiny hairs called cilia, which act like little brooms that sweep up the stuff that's caught in the mucus. You then cough it out. One of the hazards of smoke, especially from cigars, cigarettes, or joints, is that it kills cilia, essentially destroying the very mechanism that's meant to protect your lungs from toxins. Restoring those cilia is one of the reasons that cigarette quitters cough more when they first stop; they're starting to sweep out all the junk in their lungs. |
| Couple that with the fact that other immune responses, like mucus production, decrease with age, and you can see how our responses become much weaker as we get older.
Another major player in the immune process is one of the markers of inflammation, C-reactive
Immune Ifysfuwctkm: Friendly Fire
Like any weapon, the immune system can backfire and become dangerous to the owner. Immune system backfire happens when cells either underkill (failing to attack when they should) or overkill (attacking something when they shouldn't). |
| It's a substance that loosens mucus and boosts production of one of your natural antioxidant scavengers called glutathione, which helps prevent damage in lung tissue. We recommend 600 milligrams daily. Even caffeine can help people with asthma; it seems to stabilize and shrink the lining of the airways and dilate bronchial tubes to help make breathing easier.
YOU Tip: Get Fruit Looped. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole-grain foods offers protection against chronic lung disease, as well as a lot of other aging-related diseases. |
Marshall Editions
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 Efforts to cough up mucus are ineffectual, which prompts more swallowing. There is also a tendency to swallow the wrong way because of sensitivity and inflammation in the throat.
TIP: USE THROAT LOZENGES
If your throat feels dry and raspy, sucking throat lozenges can provide temporary, soothing relief by providing lubrication. Avoid lozenges that contain substances that may interfere with homeopathic remedies, such as eucalyptus, menthol, or peppermint. |
The Editors of FC&A
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| You may have heard you shouldn't drink milk when you have a cold because it increases the amount of mucus you produce, but studies show milk doesn't affect mucus at all. In fact, researchers say drinking milk, even without live cultures, can improve your immune system and help you fight off colds.
Try cereal for selenium. Getting enough selenium is usually not something you have to worry about since it's abundant in grains. But if your levels are low, your bout with the flu could be much worse. In one study, rats deficient in selenium developed a particularly vicious form of the flu. |
Marshall Editions
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| Decongestants may be used to encourage the mucus to drain. Allergens may contribute to inflammation, so any known irritants should be avoided.
Antibiotics: If the condition does not improve of its own accord within two to three days, see your doctor, who may prescribe amoxicillin. If there is still no improvement after three days, a broader spectrum antibiotic, such as augmentin, may be taken. A 10-14 day course of antibiotics is generally prescribed. |
Bottom Line Health
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| Do not let topical capsaicin come in contact with your eyes or other mucus membranes—it can cause pain and burning.
CINNAMON
What it does: Helps prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Due to its antioxidant properties, cinnamon helps people who have metabolic syndrome (a cluster of factors, including excessive abdominal fat, high blood sugar and elevated blood pressure, that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes) use the hormone insulin more efficiently. |
Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.
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| Higher dosages of the dmg severely irritate the mucus membranes. Results include vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal colic, and possible collapse.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: The dmg is obsolete in most countries. Bloodroot is still used in homeopathic preparations, as an ingredient in some pharmaceutical preparations, and as a component of toothpaste and mouthwashes.
LITERATURE
Anonym, Medizinische Mundpflege mit Sanguinaria-Extrakt. In: DAZ 131(16):XLn. 1991.
Collins KR, Pat. EP 25649 (1981) Europe.
Elliott JQ, Pat. US 4515779 (1985) USA,
Ladanyi P, Pat. CH 638973 (1983) Switzerland. |
Bottom Line Health
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| When the mucus builds up, it provides a rich medium for bacterial growth and infection.
Most cases of sinusitis are acute, lasting one to two weeks, and get better on their own without medical treatment. Less often, sinusitis is chronic, lasting three months or more. Patients who get four or more cases of acute sinusitis annually are also considered to have the chronic form. Chronic sinusitis may clear up without treatment, but this happens less often than with the acute form. |
| Caffeinated or decaffeinated tea increases the speed of nasal cilia, tiny hairs in the mucus membranes, to rid the nose of allergy-triggering dust that has accumulated during sleep.
Helpful: Fill a thermos with hot tea at night and drink a cup in the morning before getting out of bed.
Murray Grossan, MD, otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles. www.ent-consult.com.
How to Protect Against Killer Food Allergies
Steve L. |
| What this meansfor you: Because many viruses and bacteria are spread from hands to the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes, dirty hands are a prime means of transmitting infection.
Self-defense: In addition to washing your hands after using the restroom and before eating or preparing food, it's also important to wash after handling garbage.. .playing with a pet.. .changing a diaper.. .blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing.. .and inserting or removing contact lenses.
What to do: Use soap and warm, running water, and rub your hands together for at least 10 seconds. |
| They dry mucus and impede normal drainage.
•Ask your doctor about sumatriptan (Imi-trex). This medication, typically prescribed for migraines, can relieve sinusitus symptoms, postnasal drip, nasal congestion, a sense of fullness or pressure in the face, etc. This drug is effective in approximately 75% of cases.
•Irrigate with a weft' pot. Available in natural-health stores, a neti pot looks like a small teapot. It is used to flush a saline solution through the nose, nasal passages and sinuses. |
Lester A. Mitscher and Victoria Toews
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 Green tea extract protects the mucus lining of the colon from free radical damage and, even at very low doses, prevents the formation of colon tumors. In one study, researchers found only half as many tumors in the colons of animals that had been given green tea polyphenols. Of the few human studies, one—an epidemiological study—revealed that older Japanese men who drink greater amounts of green tea tend to have decreased risk of developing adenomatous polyps (which can progress to colon cancer).8
LUNG CANCER
Lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality in men and women. |
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