Monolaurin
Did you know that 20,000 people die each year from the flu? Primarily the elderly and those with weak immune systems. So what is this new natural remedy? Monolaurin. Monolaurin is an anti-microbial agent that protects the immune system from a range of infectious bacteria and viruses. It has been shown to protect newborn babies, whose immune systems are underdeveloped, from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and other respiratory tract viruses.
One of the safest substances known to man is breast milk. This is where the monoglyceride of lauric acid is found. When an infant is born, it is totally dependent on food factors in the mother’s milk for immune protection. In analyzing the composition of human breast milk, medical researchers found lauric acid monoglycerides in high concentrations, which is what led them to study Monolaurin as an anti-viral agent. Monolaurin is also found in coconut oil, butter, and heavy cream; only recently has it been isolated and purified. Monolaurin is highly unusual in pharmacology to find chemicals that are toxic to lower forms of life such as bacteria, fungi, yeast and viruses, but non-toxic to man.
Dr. Jon Kabara found that the properties of Monolaurin determined the anti-infective action of lipids are related to their structure: free fatty acids and monoglycerides. The monoglycerides are active; diglycerides and triglycerides are inactive. Of the saturated fatty acids, lauric acid has greater antiviral activity than either caprylic acid, capric acid, or myristic acid. There are many microorganisms killed by the use of Monolaurin. Now, listen to this, in a study performed at the Center for Disease Control in Atlantaa, which focused on Monolaurin-tested strains of viruses, Monolaurin was able to solubulize the enveloped membrane of 14 human RNA and DNA viruses. These include the flu virus, RSV, Rubela, Newcastle’s Coronavirus, Herpes Simplex types 1 and 2, the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus. Monolaurin works by disintegrating the fat envelope coat of viruses. Data from these studies suggest that the loss of virus infectivity is associated with the Monolaurin entering into the virus. The virus absorbs the fatty acid for its won replication, but winds up destroying its own protective coat. Research has shown that enveloped viruses are inactivated by added fatty acids and monoglycerides in both human and bovine milk. Others have confirmed Kabara's original statements concerning the effectiveness of monolaurin.
Some of the viruses inactivated by these lipids are the measles virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and -2), herpes family members (HIV, hepatitis C, vesicular, stomatitis virus (VSV), visna virus, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Many of the pathogenic organisms reported to be inactivated by these antimicrobial lipids are those know to be responsible for opportunistic infections in HIV -positive individuals. For example, concurrent infection with cytomegalovirus is recognized as a serious complication for HIV positive individuals.
Thus, it would appear imperative to investigate the practical aspects and the potential benefit of a nutritional supplement such as monolaurin for microbial infected individuals. Until now few nutritionists in mainstream nutrition community seem to have recognized the added benefit of antimicrobial lipids in the support of infected patients. These antimicrobial fatty acids and their derivatives are essentially nontoxic to man. According to the published research, lauric acid is one of the best inactivating fatty acids, and its monoglyceride is even more effective than the fatty acid alone.
Monolaurin does not appear to have an adverse effect on desirable gut bacteria, but rather on only potentially pathogenic microorganisms. For example, Isaacs et al (1991) reported no inactivation of the common Esherichiacoli or Salmonella enteritidis by monolaurin, but major inactivation of Hemophilus influenza, Staphylococcus epidermis and Group B gram positive streptococcus.
The potentially pathogenic bacteria inactivated by monolaurin include Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Groups A, streptococci-gram-positive organisms, and some gram-negative organisms (Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Helicobacter pylori).
Decreased growth of Staphylococcus aureus and decreased production of toxic shock syndrome toxin-l was shown with monolaurin. Monolaurin was 5000 times more inhibitory against Listeria monocytogenes than ethanol. In vitro monolaurin rapidly inactivate Helicobacter pylori. Of greater significance there appears to be very little development of resistance of the organism to the bactericidal effects of these natural antimicrobials.
A number of fungi, yeast, and protozoa are also inactivated or killed by monolaurin. The fungi include several species of ringworm. The yeast reported to be affected is Candida albicans The protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia is killed by monoglycerides from hydrolyzed human milk.
Chlamydia is inactivated by monolaurin. Hydrogels containing monocaprin/monolaurin are potent in vitro inactivators of sexually transmitted viruses such as HSV-2 and HIV-1 and bacteria such as Neisserian gonorrhea.
Monolaurin is not the type of nutritional supplement one has to take on a daily basis, but only when the need arises. If one has a fever or swollen lymph glands, it is always best to see a physician, but if you sense the early warnings signs of the flu, like sniffles, sore skin and perhaps a scratchy throat, Monolaurin may offer the first line of defense.
Anti-biotic resistance results from the over-use of prescription drugs, which is one of the biggest problems facing the medical community today. Resistance is cumulative and comes in part from antibiotics in our food supply. That’s why it’s important to consider starting with nutritional remedies, such as Monolaurin first. Another problem in our society is the increase in the Herpes Simplex virus. Herpes is one of the most chronic viruses, occurring in both oral and genital forms. It is also highly contagious and resistant to conventional drug therapy. I recommend taking 6 capsules of Monolaurin when one has a flare up and 2 capsules as a maintanence dose during non-flare up periods. Sometimes the herpes virus can be activated by Monolaurin, but then it kills it. This is like stirring up an ant bed, so you can kill more ants.
Similar protocols have been used with the Epstein Barr virus, which closely resembles the herpes virus. Epstein Barr may be responsible for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and possibly Multiple Sclerosis. To help speed recovery from bacterial infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Monolaurin has been shown to have anti-chlamydia and anti-gonorrhea effects in laboratory experiments involving cells. However, the effect of monolaurin in humans with these bacterial infections has not been documented in published studies.
So if you are dealing with herpes, Epstein Barr virus, Chronic Fatigue, H. pylori or maybe Chlamydia, you should give the Monolaurin a try. Monolaurin is available at Nutritional Living and one of the great things about it is, it’s very inexpensive.
Anytime we are using natural and non-natural agents to kill bacteria or viruses in our body. It is a good idea to use a good probiotic. A probiotic is a supplement which contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, which are needed to create a healthy balance in the intestinal tract. A probiotic can help prevent yeast overgrowth, which can lead to thyroid problems, a loss of energy, depression, dry skin, mood swings, chronic vaginal yeast infections, etc.
Probiotics are used to treat chronic yeast infections, balance the good bacteria levels in the colon during antibiotic therapy.
The beneficial properties L. acidophilus based on research documented in internationally reputable, refereed journals are as follows: Production of enzymes such as proteases, which help digest proteins, and lipases, to digest fat. Production of B vitamins which are biocatalysts in food digestion, particularly folic acid and B12. Improvement of the digestibility of food for animals. Production of the natural antibiotic Acidophilin which has been patented, and Bulgarican has been produced from L. bulgaricus.
Inhibition of the growth of 23 toxic producing microorganisms. Certain yogurt cultures (L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus) appear to possess great potential as Anticarcinogenic and anti-tumor properties.
Help in the alleviation of lactose intolerance caused by the deficiency of the enzyme lactase. Such L. acidophilus cultures produce significant quantities of lactase, which may help digest lactose more fully and thereby reduce the possibility of bad breath, bloating, gas formation and stomach cramps. Additional research with Lactobacilli from this laboratory as well as by other scientists has revealed that:
L. acidophilus, by virtue of their inhibiting gastrointestinal- and uro-pathogens, may help reduce the occurrence of diarrhea and urinary & vaginal infection. L. acidophilus helps enhance calcium metabolism and thus may be related to their hypocholesteremic and anticarcinogenic effect. L. acidophilus helps reduce serum cholesterol levels. L. acidophilus helps alleviate dermatitis and other skin disorders by modifying and improving gastrointestinal microbial balance.
So if are taking antibiotics on a regular basis, or birth control pills or hormonal replacement therapy, you need to be taking probiotic each and everyday.
). Beside that not much difference - my health is generally good, probably due to the fact, that in years I haven't eaten anything from the packet or with numbers on it, I get row produce and make most of my food myself (I'm not 'religious' about that thou).
