Table of Contents

Non-MP therapies

Related articles: Antibioitics under special circumstances

While there are notable exceptions, the Marshall Protocol (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.

Policy on non-MP treatments

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.)

Rationale for avoiding non-MP treatments

Avoid unanticipated side effects

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)

Avoid drug interactions

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.

Maintain homeostasis

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 receptors 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

Avoid palliative measures

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 inflammation 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 microbiota 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

Medications

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 VDR and PPARgamma receptors
hypoglycemics Avandamet (contains rosiglitazone), exenatide (Byetta), pioglitazone (Actos), metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Ratio-Metformin), nateglinide (Starlix), rosiglitazone (Avandia) wean affects TNF-alpha secretion and atherosclerotic development, or interacts with olmesartan (Benicar)
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 immunopathology 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

Over-the-counter supplements

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 immunopathology 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

Other therapies

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

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===== Notes and comments =====

— Sallie Q 10.21.2016 added Tai Chi and meditation to list <html><style type=“text/css”>td.col1, td.col2, td.col3 {font-size: 90%; line-height: 146%;</style></html>

1) Essential Oils from Young Living - they offer supplements (like Royaldophilus which is a capsule (meant to be taken orally as a probiotic) I broke open, mixed the contents with a little olive oil and applied to severe genital itch-itch that I had had for weeks went away in 2 days), oils used on the skin (like purification and oregano which I apply to cuts and surgical wounds to prevent infection), aromatherapy (like purification and thieves which can be diffused to improve air quality) and personal care products (like toothpaste and shampoo).

Young Living is a MLM mail order company and claims to have the best therapeutic quality oils, but essential oils are also available OTC at health food stores.

2) Breathe-Rite Strips - I use these every night to help me breathe better

3) Kinesiology - I think I am using the correct term. An acquaintance used this and deemed it curative :? for lyme. The lady described it as used to 'break up' the lyme cysts. If I have the wrong term, you or Trevor may know the name of the therapy I am describing.

Carol, MarshallProtocol.com

*EFAs section: says re cod liver oil & fish oil “often contains vit D”. Would be clearer to say “naturally high in vit D & not required to declare it”. Mouthwash section says: “mouthwashes with cetylpyridinium chloride and without FD&C Yellow #5 or Tartrazine, E103 recommended” - confusing - Tartrazine is E102. E103 is banned in US & Europe. — Julia 2009/01/05 18:20

*Meds list: “general anesthetics – epinephrine, norepinephrine, levonordefrine” These would be an ingredient of local anesthetics here in UK – ‘general’ wd be ones that knock you out. Incidentally, epinephrine is the US term for what everyone else calls adrenaline, so it wd be good to include the term adrenaline in that section. Section “inhalers, bronchiodilator” where I changed the spelling to bronchodilator – this may have broken a link? — Julia 2009/01/05 18:40

No reference to Lithium. Pubmed 7598629 states that it inhibits protein kinase C and affects gene transcription. — Joyful 2009/06/25 12:38

Resource for market drug information:

Joyful: what's up with the section on bromelain? First of all, the body is full of enzymes. And how do we know that bromelain, etc. is immunomodulatory? — Paul Albert 07.05.2010 Paul: bromelain was flagged by Dr. Marshall as something to avoid. Yes the body is full of enzymes. Some use digestive enzymes with good result. However, protelytic enzymes may be problematic if they increase immune system's ability to “see” pathogens that were masked using surface protiens or protein based biofilms A structured community of microorganisms encapsulated within a self-developed protective matrix and living together. and generate intolerable IP. — Joyful 09.15.2010

About Magnesium Chloride (Mg oil). The chloride will most likely be a very bad idea once your immune response gets rolling from the MP.

I had some in the house and was having bad leg cramps a while back and so I applied it to my calves. All of the skin had a very strong inflammatory response with swelling, itchiness, and redness for days. I know there are unreached areas of infection in the skin on my legs, but I am positive that what I did was causing inflammatory damage.

Epsom salts are Magnesium Sulfate and their action reduces inflammation, rather than promoting it. I would recommend you save your money (Mg oil is pricey) and get the Epsom salts from the local drug store. You don't have to take baths, you can use it on your skin or take just a foot bath. – Joyful

Posted by Joyful 9/11/2010

As for the topic of detoxification methods, I hope you will understand the basis of our concerns.

1. Whatever a “detox” method does, whether it be immunosuppression (which is not a small concern), upsetting the body's natural progress towards homeostasis in some way, or something more benign or even helpful, we just don't know how a given method really “works.”

2. Right or wrong, I don't believe our research team has seen any “detox treatment”, for which the molecular evidence supports its use. And many have recovered without resorting to their use, which suggests that returning the body to homeostasis occurs via the MP, without requiring these measures.

3. It is our general view, that any supplement or alternative therapy one adds to the Marshall Protocol may be jeopardizing any progress made during the time one is on the treatment. Especially the goal of allowing the body adjust to it's own homeostasis as it progresses through the recovery process.

I will add my own concern that when people are struggling with a long (but effective) treatment like the Marshall Protocol, they are vulnerable to commercial promotions of various “helps” that, more often than not, drain their precious resources, whether that be of their time, money or even suffering (if it turns out to be harmful to them).

This is why I support our board policy to move threads with posts advocating other treatments aside (to a hidden forum) while our moderators dialog with the author of the post and determine an acceptable resolution of the issues involved. (As has happened with your recent posts. I'm just sorry it took so long to research the details in your case.)

Our goal would be to find what helps are most compatible with the treatment.

Lifestyle issues such as adequate hydration, a nutritious diet, minimizing stresses (such as heat, light, over-activity, etc.), and assuring that a restful, healing lifestyle are observed are all very helpful and fully compatible with the MP. If food sensitivities can be identified and avoided, that helps too. In addition, some find that lymphatic stimulation (via a soft brush or massage) assist the body in the healing process.

As it has become more clear that the Benicar's role as a VDR agonist is the heart of the success of the Marshall Protocol, another key to an effective recovery is to avoid over-loading the body with the sometimes toxic results of immunopathology. This means appropriately lowering doses of antibiotics when necessary and a much stronger focus on defining what “tolerable” immunopathology looks like. It would seem to me that pacing your recovery such that your own body's ability to “detoxify” itself is not overwhelmed is, in fact, the “detoxification method” most compatible with the Marshall Protocol.

All of that being said, There are some palliatives that seem to be more benign. When a palliative is found that seems to have minimal impact on the ultimate goals of restoring the innate immune system and promote it's activity in clearing the pathogens causing the Th1 diseases, then we do try to communicate that via the articles in the MP knowledge base. (See: https://mpkb.org/home/othertreatments.)

When someone wants to discuss a palliative that has been helpful to them, they are encouraged to post their own experience with it as part of their progress report where others in the support community can review and provide feedback. I also recommend searching for related scientific discussions and articles in the MP knowledge base and the forums (Prof. Marshall's Perspective, Prof. Marshall's Members' Only Topics, and General Questions and Discussion).

Eur J Immunol. 2010 Dec;40(12):3358-71. Cannabinoid receptor activation leads to massive mobilization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells with potent immunosuppressive properties. Hegde VL, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti PS. Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA. Comment in: Eur J Immunol. 2010 Dec;40(12):3317-20. Abstract Cannabinoid receptor activation by agents such as Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known to trigger immune suppression. Here, we show that administration of THC in mice leads to rapid and massive expansion of CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) expressing functional arginase and exhibiting potent immunosuppressive properties both in vitroA technique of performing a given procedure in a controlled environment outside of a living organism - usually a laboratory. and in vivo. The induction of MDSC by THC was associated with a significant increase in granulocyte CSF. Moreover, administration of anti-granulocyte CSF Ab inhibited the induction of MDSC by THC. THC was able to induce MDSC in TLR4 mutant C3H and C57BL10/ScN mice and hence acted independently of TLR4. Accumulation of MDSC in the periphery with a corresponding decrease in the proportion of CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) cells in the bone marrow, as well as in vivo BrdU labeling and cell-cycle analysis, showed that THC induced mobilization of these cells from bone marrow and their expansion in the periphery. Use of selective antagonists SR141716A and SR144528 against cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2, respectively, as well as receptor-deficient mice showed that induction of MDSC was mediated through activation of both cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2. These studies demonstrate that cannabinoid receptor signaling may play a crucial role in immune regulation via the induction of MDSC. PMID: 21110319

New study reveals how cannabis suppresses immune functions November 25, 2010 articlecomments (42)text-to-speech share An international team of immunologists studying the effects of cannabis have discovered how smoking marijuana can trigger a suppression of the body's immune functions. The research, published in the European Journal of Immunology, reveals why cannabis users are more susceptible to certain types of cancers and infections. The team, led by Dr Prakash Nagarkatti from the University of South Carolina, focused their research on cannabinoids, a group of compounds found inside the cannabis plant, including THC (delta-9 tetahydrocannabinol) which is already used for medical purposes such as pain relief. “Cannabis is one of the most widely used drugs of abuse worldwide and it is already believed to suppress immune functions making the user more susceptible to infections and some types of cancer,” said Dr Nagarkatti. “We believe the key to this suppression is a unique type of immune cell, which has only recently been identified by immunologists, called myeloid-derived suppressor cells, MDSCs.” While most immune cells fight against infections and cancers to protect the host, MDSCs actively suppress the immune system. The presence of these cells is known to increase in cancer patients and it is believed that MDSCs may suppress the immune system against cancer therapy, actually promoting cancer growth. Dr Nagarkatti's team demonstrated that cannabinoids can trigger a massive number of MDSCs through activation of cannabinoid receptors. This research reveals, for the first time, that marijuana cannabinoids may suppress the immune system by activating these unique cells. “These results raise interesting questions on whether increased susceptibility to certain types of cancers or infections caused from smoking marijuana results from induction of MDSCs,” said Nagarkatti. “MDSCs seem to be unique and important cells that may be triggered by inappropriate production of certain growth factors by cancer cells or other chemical agents such as cannabinoids, which lead to a suppression of the immune system's response.” In a related study, also published in the European journal of Immunology, Dr Christian Vosshenrich from the Institut Pasteur in Paris, reveals that when cancer cells grow they produce a molecule called interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), which also triggers MDSCs. This study identifies how MDSCs produced during cancer growth also weaken the ability of immune cells to kill cancer cells. “Marijuana cannabinoids present us with a double edged sword,” concluded Dr Nagarkatti. “On one hand, due to their immunosuppressive nature, they can cause increased susceptibility to cancer and infections. However, further research of these compounds could provide opportunities to treat a large number of clinical disorders where suppressing the immune response is actually beneficial.” More information: Hedge. V, Nargarkatti. M, Nargarkatti. P, “Cannabinoid receptor activation leads to massive mobilization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells with potent immunosuppressive properties” European Journal of Immunology, November 2010. DOI:10.1002/eji.201040667

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