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7 Natural Immune Boosters


Robyn Openshaw - Updated: March 22, 2024 - - This Post May Contain Affiliate Links


How I helped my daughter get well using natural immune boosters, and avoided the negative effects of antibiotics.

You’re going to want to grab my FREE list of the 7 most powerful NATURAL immune-booster and viral-killer supplements that resulted in a great outcome for this story of when my college daughter got very sick!

I want you to have these for when you get sick. (P.S. We do not make or private label these supplements. They’re just what I found worked best, in raising 4 kids for 25 years.)

But you DON’T want to wait until you’re sick.

Then you’ll just climb in bed. You won’t want to wait till Amazon delivers, and you won’t want to drive to the health food store to shop.

Have them on hand, and all in the same place--for peace of mind, and your key to getting well, QUICKLY, and without the negative health impacts of taking pharmaceuticals.

In this post:

Supplements are a dime a dozen, aren’t they? And so many of them claim to strengthen the immune system.

Let’s look at the mechanism for how they do that, though. Let’s take a look at which supplements to take regularly, and which to use ONLY when you’re sick.

After all, you don’t want to constantly “stimulate” extra immune activity, any more than you want to run on a treadmill 16 hours a day.

Helping My College Kid When She Got Sick

Recently, after raising 4 kids for 25 years, with not a single dose of antibiotic taken by any of us….

…..my daughter Emma, a few hours away at college, got very sick.

I feel confident about my ability to use my natural toolbox to knock down just about any virus or infection–if I get on it, in the first day symptoms come on.

But Emma didn’t reach out to me until Day 4. The text she sent me said:

“Mom. I’m dying. I can barely swallow. Fevers and chills.”

IMG_0559
Emma and her boyfriend, Arturo

College Students, Stress, And Sleep Deprivation

Emma goes hard. College student. 'Nuff said? (Partying! All night studying! Boyfriend! Two jobs!) Emma cares a lot about academic performance, but she also never wants to miss anything fun. Consequently, sleep suffers. And that's the #1 thing that affects our immune function, whether we’re getting enough sleep or not.

I wish I’d sent an arsenal of my natural, immune-supporting, virus- and bacteria-killing natural remedies, with her to school.

(I won’t make this mistake again. That's why I'm writing this--for your sake. I had taken her good health for granted. Now she’s stocked up. And I’m getting my other two kids who live away from home stocked up, too. Baby Boy will have everything in his medicine cabinet, in case anything happens while I’m out of town. And by the time you’re done reading this post, I want you to know how to prepare, too. Well before flu season. Emma got sick during the summer!)

Quick Strep Test And Antibiotics

The next morning, I had her at the Instacare, after she passed out in the shower and I became seriously alarmed. I prepped her for what I knew would happen:

“Now, even if it’s viral, they’re going to try to prescribe you an antibiotic. Please know that I’ve protected you kids from antibiotics your whole lives, and there are good reasons for that. Please have the doctor call me before he writes you any prescription.”

They did that bogus “quick strep test.” I’d warned Emma that there are far too many false positives, and I don’t consider that test valid. I’ve tested positive every time I’ve taken it, sore throat or not!

But, Emma actually tested negative, even with the quick test. And negative for several other bacteria.

Sure enough, the doc gave her an antibiotic script anyway. Then he called me, per my request.

Mama Bear came out.

IMG_9378
Tennyson, Emma and me

How To Talk To A Doctor About Antibiotics

Listen, those “standard of care” doctors are on the lookout for holistic weirdos, like you and me. They may think we know nothing about medicine, or the human body, and may be gearing up for an argument the minute you start asking questions. So let me give you some tips to totally defuse that potential situation:

1. Set The Stage And Give The Benefit Of The Doubt

I very politely but thoroughly explained that I’ve worked very hard to avoid antibiotics for my children and me for 25 years now. That said, I said that I would absolutely agree to antibiotics for meningitis or probably even for strep, especially since my daughter let this bug go for quite a while before intervention.

(I wanted him to know I’m a reasonable person. Educated, rather than a doctor-hater, or someone who would let my child die rather than give her a drug. I did this to set the stage for what I would say next. This is important. Those of us committed to holism come up against the medical folks’ recommendations sometimes. It’s good not to take up arms, assuming from past experience that the “standard of care” practitioner will be arrogant or combative.)

In this case, he was friendly and pretty educated and open to what I was saying, as he would prove, the next couple of days. He also listened patiently. I’m very glad I gave him benefit of the doubt and treated him like a partner in caring for my daughter, rather than an enemy I needed to scold and condescend to.

2. Firmly Explain Your Position On Antibiotic Risks

I then explained that if she takes the antibiotic, it will destroy years’ worth of healthy colonization of the healthy bacteria in 30 feet of her gut–would would comprise 85 percent of her immune system.

She’s also likely to get a yeast infection and probably repetitively get sick with whatever viral and bacterial things are going around.

Depending on her genetic expression, she might even be fighting the effects of pharmaceutical use, and trying to rehab her gut, for years. Worst case scenario, an autoimmune condition or even cancer could result. (A great deal of evidence points to these risks from taking antibiotics.)

(What I did here is outline precisely what the very real risks are, to my daughter, whom he is treating. I want him to know that I’m watching, and that I don’t consider what he’s telling her to do to be without risk, and I would hold him responsible for jumping the gun. At this point, I did not believe her illness was bacterial.)

3. Ask The Doctor To Back You Up On Appropriate Antibiotic Use

I told him, I consider antibiotics to be very invasive. I realize that sometimes you give them because the patient just wants something. Some folks want anything, whatever you’ve got, if there’s even a chance it might make them feel better fast. Emma isn’t that kind of patient, I said–we don’t want an antibiotic unless it’s appropriate.

And, I said, you and I both know, doc, it won’t do her a bit of good if this is a viral infection. Then she gets all the devastation of the drug, without any of the benefits.

I asked him to support me by taking the scrip away from Emma, and explaining to her why.

I said, “Please back me up and don’t make me be the bad guy here. She’s an adult, and she will do whatever she wants–so I’d really love it if you’d educate her about all the good guys that live in her gut, and why she needs them, and what the consequences are if she fills this prescription.”

Then I asked Emma to use the natural immune-supportive and natural bacterial- and viral-killing items I would buy her immediately.

IMG_1803 edit 2
Emma and me in Switzerland - 2015

I sent her boyfriend, Arturo, to the health food store, to have the clerk call me for my credit card.

Emma was furious for a minute, and raged at me.

I told her, “That’s okay, you can be mad. One day you will thank me. I wish someone had educated me, when I was your age taking antibiotics, not knowing any better.”

(Then I smiled: this is a good sign, that Emma’s still being Emma--flashing white hot! Luckily, like me, she doesn’t stay mad more than 5 minutes.)

Arturo went to find my Magic 7 Immune-Boosters and Viral-Killers, which I’m sharing with you now, for download.

The doctor had taken blood, and the tests would come back in 24 hours, showing whether there was anything bacterial going on.

The next morning she texted, “Mom, I’ve had it. I need to get well so I can go back to work--I’m going to take the AB.” Only 12 hours since she’d gotten the supplements.

She went back to the clinic where, to my surprise, the doc refused to give her the prescription! He said, give your supplements time to work, and let’s get this blood test back first, to see if it may be bacterial.

Later that day she texted, “I’m feeling somewhat better.”

IMG_8310
Emma and me at The Festival of Colors

I was thrilled! We'd dodged a bullet.

Why Natural Alternatives To Antibiotics? Gut Health And Immunity Function

In my 20’s, I thought antibiotics were a wonderful silver bullet. I took them every time I got anything at all, and was so excited I didn’t have to get strep tests like I did, growing up, in military hospitals an hour away, where you wait in lines for hours. (I was on many courses of antibiotics for serious strep infections, through my childhood.)

I was so thrilled that the doc would just prescribe over the phone, with no testing. My, how times have changed!

Finally, I learned the truth about antibiotics. When I got strep for the last time when I was 27, I beat it with a Goldenseal and Echinacea combo supplement.

After having flu and other illnesses countless times in my 20’s, I rebuilt my gut and virtually never get sick anymore, in my 50’s–despite this past decade being one with a lot of life stressors in it. I have not been ill from strep since I was 27, half my life ago.

May I share this impression with you:

Your body is miraculous. It has fought off 1,000 invaders so effectively you never even knew you were in danger. It keeps cancer cells, strep, staph, candida, and many other bad guys in control, every day. Some experts estimate that you develop detectable cancer four times in a lifetime, on average–but you don’t know, because your immune system takes care of it.

Your immune system is a complex, finely-balanced thing of beauty, involving many biochemical processes and organs.

No one really understands how it works, entirely. But as we learn more and more, we identify the players. Macrophages, killer T cells, gut permeability–so many factors keep you well, or make you vulnerable.

To rapidly dividing aberrant cells (cancer). Or to overgrowth of yeast (candida). Or to takeover by a viral or bacterial infection.

I love the body and worship the forces that create it.

That a baby takes root and grows, and is born perfect and healthy, millions of times every year, just blows my mind. A thousand things have to go right. The Universe is simply perfection, sometimes. Consider that, in the wake of so much man-made tragedy these days.

Love and nurture your body, okay? Make sure YOUR kids (and you!) have these 7 Natural Immune-Boosters and Viral-Killers on hand. Tell them to begin taking them the moment they feel symptoms coming on, so they’re most effective:

7 Natural Immune-Boosters and Viral-Killers

Take the first 6 in this list at the first sign of illness as directed, for 2 weeks only, but take #7 always:

  1. Vitamin C
  2. Zinc
  3. Oregano oil (in caps)
  4. Goldenseal (herb in capsules or drops)
  5. Kyolic garlic (in caps)
  6. Colloidal silver (preferably a nano formulation, which has much higher efficacy)
  7. Beta Glucan

Bookmark my 7 Natural Immune-Boosters and Viral-Killers, then stock up for you, your kids, and grandkids out of town, and please make sure they have them all in one place.

(I put them all in a gallon freezer Ziploc bag with their name and “IF YOU GET SICK” written on it, with a Sharpie.)

Buy them the whole collection of seven for a holiday or birthday gift, and write them a letter telling them how this can be their first line of defense to get healthy.

You could even get the Genius Guides (currently 50% off) as part of the care package--with these anti-viral supplements on a laminated wallet card, plus 9 other guides that help you get well safely and eat healthy, in 10 different, very important ways.

It’s such a thoughtful, health-promoting gift, and you can quote me as the expert if it serves. (You’re never a prophet in your own land, right?)

Get the supplements from Amazon (we’ve linked to the products above) or at your health food store.

Learn more about Beta Glucan, and you’ll want to get that product here.

Read Next: How To Eat Healthy if You Have More Time Than Money (or More Money Than Time)

Photograph of Robyn Openshaw, founder of Green Smoothie GirlRobyn Openshaw, MSW, is the bestselling author of The Green Smoothies Diet, 12 Steps to Whole Foods, and 2017’s #1 Amazon Bestseller and USA Today Bestseller, Vibe. Learn more about how to make the journey painless, from the nutrient-scarce Standard American Diet, to a whole-foods diet, in her free video masterclass 12 Steps to Whole Foods.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that help support the GSG mission without costing you extra. I recommend only companies and products that I use myself.

7 Natural Immune Boosters to keep on hand

Posted in: Health Concerns, Immunity, Natural Remedies, Preventive Care, Relationships, Supplements

35 thoughts on “7 Natural Immune Boosters”

Leave a Comment
  1. Cindy May says:

    Bless you Robyn. What a great idea. I’ll be printing these out and using them and giving them out. I think you know I’m fighting a severe (diagnosed) fungal infection (candida overgrowth). The issue I’m running into is that it is so severe, the herxes are even worse, and honestly no human could tolerate them. I’ve had to stop many good things :(. However the black salve has been amazing. At least I am constantly getting bad stuff out, but having a heck of a time getting my internal intestinal tract alkalized. Everything I take in is alkaline and organic except (choke) pain medication–hydrocodone– and a few other meds. Haven’t found a way around that yet, as without them the pain is horrific I never sleep. Sort of a catch 22. And the pain is off-the-charts 24/7.

    I do somewhat better when I can avoid the digestive tract. So for instance I’m hoping to start Lyposomal Encapsulated Vitamin C (home-made as I can’t handle citric acid). It gives you all of the benefits of high-dose Vitamin C-IV, but you can take it at home. No bowel tolerance issues. Fairly easy to make in your vitamix. Or you can go gung-ho and get some really awesome set-ups. Some women make it for their entire extended families. It’s so much more potent than powdered vitamin C. I’m hoping I can handle that. And it’s much less expensive than purchasing it.

    Is there a reason that the goldenseal and oregano oil need to be in capsule form? I’ve found and used Wild Oreganal P73 Herb and Spice and Goldenseal by Nature’s Answer to be superior. But maybe the capsules are better for a reason I don’t know? Can’t wait to hear about the Beta Glucan. I’ve heard the buzz word, but know nothing about it.

    Thanks as always!!!!

    1. Bethany says:

      Hi Cindy May! So sorry to hear about all you’re dealing with. I’m not an expert, but I’ve read that oregano is a very powerful oil, and that it can “burn” your esophagus, among other things. I think it’s a powerful healer, but needs to be in a capsule to avoid negative effects. The goldenseal is in a capsule just to get it down. You could drink it in a tea, as well, but it probably wouldn’t taste very good. 🙂 Good luck in your healing journey!

      1. Cindy May says:

        thanks Bethany! Yes, the goldenseal does taste a little bit like gasoline! (truth!) Thanks for the answer on that and on the other.

        If anyone else reads this and like me hates to take pills, Nature’s answer is the only goldenseal I’ll use. I think it’s quality, and I’ve gotten others that are so horrible, I don’t think they’re a quality product (i.e. Sprouts brand of goldenseal tincture). If you’re brand new to goldenseal, it is awesome for UTI’s. Put it under your tongue for as long as you can stand (5 or 10 seconds?!) and swalllow. It kills the pain instantaneously. I use 3 to 4 droppers full. I only buy the tinctures that are in organic alcohol. The other kind in vegetable glycerin make the candida go crazy. It seems counter-intuitive, but I’ve just had to throw out the ones I bought in the vegetable glycerin. For me, it’s bad stuff.

  2. R Blakeley says:

    Just took an antbiotic shot an hur ago. Ugh!

    1. Cindy May says:

      R. Ugh indeed! I don’t know what Robyn will say, but I’ve been fighting candida fungal infection for several years. It’s tough (so far for me) to get rid of, so my heart went out to you when I saw you had just taken the antibiotic shot. There IS something you can do now!! At one point I was doing the candidaplan.com. He (Dr. McCombs) says if you absolutely have to take an antibiotic, that you should immediately begin taking pro-biotics, Vitamin C, and an antifungal. (See dosages below). Robyn may have other ideas as well!

      1. Probiotics: 30 billion CFU 2x a day. I don’t know if Robyn’s GSG version will work (I sent question in to her for myself). You would just need to take 4 to 5 pills 2 x a day. I’m currently using Garden of Life Raw Organic. I buy at Vitacost for a great price. 1 capsule 2x a day will do the trick. Best kept refrigerated. (It is shipped cold).

      2. Vitamin C–2.5 grams (2500 mg) 2x a day

      3. Antifugal–Undencenoic Acid is one of the potent ones. Thorne Research sells it on Amazon. Take 5 capsules in the morning.

      You do those 3 things for the duration of the antibiotic and then 3 weeks following the end of the antibiotic. If you can stop taking the anti-biotic (I’m not a doctor, blah, blah, blah :), that’s what I would do. Up to you though. Do you know if they cultured whatever they were giving you the AB for? Like Robyn said in the post above, make sure the doc cultures the urine if it’s for a UTI etc. Culturing it takes about 3 days, and while most doctors don’t do it, it’s terrible medical practice. If they culture it they can see if taking antibiotic will even help. Terrible to take one when it doesn’t even do you any good 🙂 If you’ve ever had a UTI, they usually have you leave a urine sample, and they test it right then and there. THAT is NOT culturing! They are just looking for an increase of white blood cells. You’d be surprised how many antibiotics are given when they don’t even work….and do far more harm than good. The other two things I’ve found out recently that can ruin your gut flora are birth control pills and steroids. By far, antibiotics are the worst, but I sincerely regret taking 5 years of birth control pills. That set me up for a huge fall.

      Wishing you the best. Hope you get better in a hurry!

  3. Chris Ward says:

    Hi Robyn! Thanks so much for your list of supplements to have in our arsenal! I completely agree with your assessment of Transfer Point Beta Glucan. I had emergency surgery on Labor Day 2010, which turned out to be stage 3 colon cancer. Didn’t have a clue I had it. Found Bill Henderson’s protocol for cancer treatment and started the Beta Glucan among other things and also a raw foods diet. I refused chemotherapy, and today almost 6 years later, I am cancer free. Praise God! I have taken 500mg of Beta Glucan every day since October 2010. I rarely have a cold or catch any of the nasty viruses and flu. I am really interested in your upcoming article on Beta Glucan and allergies. I plan to take Beta Glucan for the rest of my life. So happy to see that you concur! Many blessings! 🙂

    1. Robyn says:

      Wow, Chris, what a wonderful story! Do you know my friend Chris Wark? Also diagnosed Stage IIIC colon cancer, beat it 13 years ago with natural protocols, no chemo/radiation. I’d love to have you tell your story to him. Where do you live and do you want to connect with him? I’ll be with him for the next few days at a conference.

  4. Chris Ward says:

    Hi Robyn! A question about the 7 products you recommend. What about pregnant and nursing mothers? My daughter is pregnant and plans to breast feed the baby. Are any of these products contraindicated? Thanks!

  5. Tamara Stevens says:

    I have a question about Beta Glucan, I went to the website and saw that it comes from yeast, mustrooms etc.; is it safe to take this if you have a systemic Candida overgrowth? I have done everything imaginable to get rid of Candida (the fungal form) and still have a white tongue and bloat up every time I eat fruit or sugar of any kind. I just don’t want to aggravate the situation.

    Thanks so much!

    1. Cindy May says:

      I will have the same question as Tamara. Bad candida fungal infection 🙁

      1. Cindy May says:

        thanks Taylor!

  6. Linda Widicker says:

    Are these 7 supplements ok for nursing moms?

    1. Robyn says:

      Linda, I don’t know of any contraindications for nursing for any of them, but you’ll want to investigate that with each one you’re considering taking. I would certainly take them, over an antibiotic, when nursing! (and did. my last time getting strep, i was pregnant. used goldenseal and never got strep again, and that was over 20 years ago!)

  7. Bethany says:

    Robyn,
    Thanks for all you do, and for all the information you’ve given to us over the years!
    I’m curious about where you’ve gotten your information about colloidal silver? I’ve just finished coursework for a certificate from the School of Natural Healing. In my classes I learned that colloidal silver is just as bad as an antiobiotic, because it’s not organic (by that I mean live) and so it doesn’t differentiate between good bacteria and bad bacteria and kills everything. That being said, I have used it for infection before I learned that, and it certainly does the job. I would be interested to read anything you’ve read about colloidal silver. Thanks again!

    1. Robyn says:

      Bethany, that’s not been my experience–colloidal silver doesn’t knock my immune system down, like AB’s did when I was growing up. But will you give me some sources? very interested.

      1. Bethany says:

        I don’t have a written source…I’ve never really researched colloidal silver, so that’s why I am curious to hear what others have to say about it. David Christopher from the School of Natural Healing is the one who says that in the video lectures I’ve done for my classes. His classes are amazing, and the school advocates for a plant-based diet, just like you do. 🙂

  8. C.eve says:

    I noticed that the Kyolic Garlic you have a link to contains whey. I’m sure it’s a small amount but I know you have spoken against whey. Can you clarify?

    1. Robyn says:

      i actually use whey in making raw sauerkraut, eve. what i have an issue with is highly processed whey PROTEIN products. besides that, i’m fine with it, and i make it out of raw, organic milk. whey helps ferment things, including garlic. which makes it so predigested and good for you.

  9. Thank you, perfection in the Universe

  10. Deanna ARNASON says:

    Does the Beta product help Thyrid goiters?

  11. Patti says:

    Thanks for the info on beta glucan. Please take a look at the work done by Frank Jordan at the University of Nevada. He has patented a form of it that is micronized and includes a prebiotic fiber as it is very hard to absorb and thus hard to get in to the cell. He has also had a radio show for years called Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. For anyone dealing with fungus issues, look in to the work done by Doug Kaufmann at Knowthecause.com. He’s been doing a syndicated TV show of the same name for over 15 years–all on fungus! Frank Jordan is often a guest on his show as beta glucan is good at helping to alleviate fungus. His phase one diet works wonders! He doesn’t even sell any products–just recommends good food (grass-fed meat, veggies and limited fruits)no dairy except yogurt and no grains (which are usually moldy due to silo storage).He does of course have advertisers and doctors and pharmacists and nutritionists on his show who do sell anti-fungal products, however. Hope this is helpful to anyone with fungal problems-which it seems most every health issue is related to!

    1. Taylor says:

      Patti, Transfer Point Beta Glucan has been researched alongside the NSC product “studied” by Frank Jordan and recommended by Doug Kauffman. Based on the peer-reviewed research done by disinterested third parties (very important because Mr. Jordan sells the product he is “studying”) Transfer Point BG is 160 times more effective than NSC based on live immune response. NSC isn’t much more effective than salt water. This is why so many alternative researchers are only recommending Transfer Point Beta Glucan, as it stand along at the top when it comes to immune system supplements.

      See study here: https://www.betterwayhealth.com/research/beta-glucan-silver-bullet-or-hot-air-open-glycoscience-2010.pdf?44012a

      Here’s another article addressing the myth of “micronized beta glucan” effectiveness: https://www.betterwayhealth.com/blog/micronized-beta-glucan-immunition/

    2. Cindy May says:

      Thank you Patti!!!! I just found out about him for the first time a week or two ago (Doug Kaufman). I am dealing with severe fungal issues (candida overgrowth), and was already planning on purchasing the Beta Glucan. This makes it even better, knowing that it helps with fungal stuff. I couldn’t agree more with your last sentence. I’ve heard it said recently, and I agree, that almost 100% of chronic illnesses are fungal-related/ fungal-based. And thank you for explaining the no grain thing! I’ve cut out all grains but aside from avoiding the hybridized stuff, I couldn’t really figure out what was wrong with them. Ah! Silo storage! Where do I see his show? online anywhere? we don’t have cable… Cindy

  12. Cindy May says:

    Robyn, just went to order the Beta Glucan, and saw they have 100 and 500 mg bottles. Considering the cost, and that this is an every-day for the rest of my life–is the 100 mg sufficient? However, also considering it is my health at stake, I don’t want to skimp where I shouldn’t skimp. For right now, I will take the 500 mg. I’m sure I need it. For a healthy person, what do you recommend?

  13. debbie says:

    Robyn
    Just purchased the 7 Natural Immune-Boosters could you please tell me “when, how much, how often these should be taken ” and after you have taken them for two weeks how long should you wait to start them again

    thanks debbie

    1. Robyn says:

      Hi Debbie, dosing should be on each bottle, but as to your question about how long to get off of them, stay on beta glucan. With the others (and most herbals), take them for up to a few weeks, and go off them for 2 weeks. Then take them again if you wish.

  14. Nancy says:

    I have tried multiple times to download the wallet card to no avail. I don’t know what I am doing wrong but I would really like to get it. Is there another way?

    1. Robyn says:

      Hmm, Nancy, we had about 1,000 download it, so I need more info to duplicate the problem and advise?

    2. Jason - Webmaster says:

      Nancy, send me an email at webmaster@greensmoothiegirl.com. I’ll make sure you get it. Please give give me a little detail about where in the process it stops working, and tell me what device & browser you’re using to download it. Thanks!

  15. Lynn says:

    Hi Robyn, thank you for the Great and valuable information on Natural Immune Boosters. I use Several of these already and will check out the Beta Glucan. A question for you, how did you rebuild your “gut”, as you said, which after many AB over the years I know I need to do also?
    Thank you I so appreciate you and what you’re doing!
    Lynn

    1. Cindy May says:

      I second Lynn’s question! Lynn, I am battling huge severe candida fungal infection (those pics are coming soon….I’m sure you don’t believe me by now, Robyn. ha!), and I know Robyn has read enough of my comments to know I am, but I’ve never shared the whole ugly story. There are 100, no 1000, different ways to end fungal candida infection (or a.k.a. rebuild your gut—I just happen to be symptomatic) on the internet. I’ve found several that I like and may consider, but the person whose opinion I respect the most is Robyn’s. I believe that cancer and fungal infections are evil twin sisters. And can often be treated as such. In fact, I heard the most amazing thing from Doug Kaufmann the other day–well actually from an Italian doctor on his show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyXSiKkhz4k . SPOILER ALERT: Fungus causes psoriasis, MS, ALS, PLS, cancer of course, and pretty much every chronic illness on the planet.

      I have tried one candida plan that I loved because of how scientific it was, but it didn’t work for me due to severe herxing that I couldn’t tolerate (candida die-off) when I took the botanical anti-fungals. I’ve got a rare, rare condition. I think most people can handle whatever die-off they might get, especially you Lynn, since you aren’t really symptomatic yet. I’ve been battling this stupid thing for 20 years, but not sincerely fighting it until the last 5. Btw, I have only had 4 rounds of antibiotics (short ones–3 to 7 days) in my 45 years. While antibiotics ARE bad, you don’t need to have taken a lot. One is enough to start the process. And I think what did me in was 5 years on birth control–along with a few antibiotics here and there. Birth control and steroids are known to disrupt the gut too.

      So if we “rebuild the gut”, we are really preventing nearly every chronic illness. I think most people fear cancer the most, and it is certainly given the most attention, but I heard Robyn say or write once that fungal candida is one of the nastiest diseases she’s ever seen. I agree. It’s at least as bad as cancer, if not worse. What I don’t know is if cancer has die-off the way candida does. Cancer is usually a tumor that originates in a spot, and if you catch it early, you can focus on that spot (as well as whole-body health) in so many ways–black salve being one of them. Fungal candida however is throughout the entire body. I discovered that by accident with the black salve. Most of what I try to use to help myself, amps up the intolerable symptoms I have now. So it seems to be a catch 22.

      Lynn, you go get ’em and re-build that gut of yours! That is a great question, and I look forward to Robyn’s answer! xoxo

      1. Cindy May says:

        Well, I think in light of what Robyn said about Doug Kauffman that my comment should be erased/deleted as it now looks to be of no credence. That’s why I’m so glad for Robyn! So, anyone…can I delete my comment above?

      2. Robyn says:

        Cindy, it’s one of the hardest things to root out, when it gets control. The diet that starves it requires the willpower of a monk. I for one live in fear of candida bc i do NOT have that kind of willpower. i’m interested to hear what you learn. i don’t know what i said about doug kaufmann….remind me? have you tried coffee enemas for the herxing? die off can be really awful. your story and others like it is why i’m so passionate about educating people about taking antibiotics. if you have some biological propensities, one course or even one pill can be devastating.

    2. Robyn says:

      lynn, step 8 in my 12 steps to whole foods course are the secret weapons i discovered that caused me to rebuild a healthy gut. we’re going to be rolling out a free class on the 12 steps to whole foods in late august, which I’ve been working hard on and am excited about. we’ll also split off a little mini-piece of that course JUST on gut health. stay tuned, coming very soon. xoxo

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