Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (330 page)

Vitamin B
₁₂
sublingual or liquid drops.

Vitamin A for a short time (not when pregnant) to help improve immunity.

Betaine or digestive enzyme for digestive support.

EXTRA TIPS

Use neem shampoo and conditioner if the scalp is affected and neem cream on the skin. Neem has antifungal and antiinflammatory properties. Tea tree oil shampoo also has antifungal properties and can be alternated with neem shampoo.

Rub the scalp with flax oil and vitamin E oil. Leave on for a little while.

SHINGLES

Shingles is caused by the
Herpes zoster
virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox. Once the virus has entered the body it is always present. Therefore, anyone who has had chickenpox will be harboring the virus in a dormant state in the nerves around the spine. If the immune system becomes weakened the virus may be reactivated.

Shingles affects the nerve endings, causing a blistering rash, pain, itching, and tenderness. The rash usually affects the skin of the abdomen but may also affect other body parts.

The rash may be preceded by a few days of feeling feverish and achy. Once the rash starts, the blistering usually lasts a week or two, sometimes longer. The pain may continue after the blisters have scabbed over and dropped off, sometimes for several months. This is known as postherpetic neuralgia.

Shingles can cause serious damage such as blindness, paralysis, and secondary infections in those with weakened immune systems.

CAUSES

Shingles generally occurs when the immune system is weakened from stress, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, contact with an open blister or nutrient deficiencies. About 20 percent of people who get shingles suffer a recurrent attack.

Action plan

Improving the nervous system is important for the long term.

EAT/DRINK

Foods rich in lysine may be effective in reducing severity. These include chicken, fish, beans, mung beans, sprouts, and most fruit and vegetables, with the exception of peas.

Fruit and vegetables to support immune function and alkalize the body. Viruses thrive in an acidic environment.

Mixed vegetable juice. For extra benefits add a few drops of a green
superfood such as wheat grass, barley grass, spirulina or blue-green algae. This will support the liver and the immune system.

AVOID

Foods high in arginine: chocolate, gelatin, wheat, carob, coconut, oats, peanuts, soybeans, sesame seeds, and wheat germ.