2990. Respiratory Conditions 5)Tuberculosis

5) Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs. TB is caused by a type of bacteria. It spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.

TB is preventable and curable. About a quarter of the global population is estimated to have been infected with TB bacteria. About 5-10% of people infected with TB will eventually get symptoms and develop TB disease.

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a bacterial infection that mostly affects the lungs, but other parts of the human body can be affected as well. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease and it spreads through the air when an infected person spreads the bacteria by coughing, sneezing, and talking.

Types of TB

There are two forms of tuberculosis: latent tuberculosis and active tuberculosis. Latent tuberculosis means that the bacterium remains inside the human body but in an inactive state. These person’s are not contagious, but the infection can become active at any point. Active tuberculosis, on the other hand, means that the person is contagious, transmitting the disease to others.

Tuberculosis can affect anyone at any age. It is believed that around one third of world’s population have latent tuberculosis. The primary screening method for TB is the tuberculin skin test, while the treatment is with antibiotics. In some countries, BCG injections are given immediately after birth in order to vaccinate against tuberculosis. Tuberculosis symptoms include:

Those who are infected but not (yet) ill with the disease cannot transmit it. TB disease is usually treated with antibiotics and can be fatal without treatment.

# Symptoms

Because tuberculosis mostly affects the lungs, then symptoms such as a cough, difficulty breathing, or chest pain are quite common. Lung tissue is affected due to the strong immune response elicited by the rapid multiplication of organisms. If the infection is not contained by the immune system, a persistent dry cough can develop. A persistent cough lasting for three weeks or longer should be a warning sign. First, the cough is dry and irritating, but as the disease progresses it tends to getworse, eventually resulting in the production of a lot of phlegm (sputum) and even the presence of blood.

Another symptom of TB infection is the expectoration of blood or blood-tinged sputum, called hemoptysis. Generally, blood that originates from the lower bronchial tree or lung tissue induces cough, whereas expectoration without cough is more consistent with an upper respiratory source.

Moreover, the lungs have a dual circulation– bronchial and pulmonary. As Mycobacterium tuberculosis enters the respiratory system it gets settled in the lungs where it starts multiplying and generating a vigorous immune response that results in lung tissue injury. Infection with M. tuberculosis generally causes bleeding from the pulmonary parenchyma (functional tissue). However, engorgement of dilated bronchial vessels and links (anastomoses) between both circulations, can also occur and lead to erosion and rupture of pulmonary capillaries and bronchial arteries. The overall management of hemoptysis is preventing aspiration of blood, bleeding cessation and treatment of underlying cause. Note that tuberculosis is not the sole cause of this symptom.

The most recommended supplements for TB are: Platinum Turmeric, Vitamin D3, & Ginkgo Biloba + Ginseng.

1. Platinum Turmeric

Turmeric, a vibrant yellow spice commonly found in Indian cuisine, has been gaining attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. Historically, turmeric has been used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda to treat various ailments due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Recent studies have shown that curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, exhibits promising effects against TB. Curcumin has been found to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, making it a potential adjunct therapy in the management of TB. It has also been reported to enhance the effectiveness of conventional anti-TB drugs, reducing the risk of drug resistance. Moreover, curcumin's immunomodulatory properties may help modulate the immune response, reducing inflammation and promoting healing in TB patients. However, it is important to note that while turmeric shows potential in the treatment of TB, it should not be considered as a standalone treatment. It should be used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with standard anti-TB medications, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Ingredients: see Supplement Facts.

Manufacturer Country: USA

Product Amount: 60 caps

Gross Weight: 0.25lb (113g)

Suggested Use: Take two (2) capsules once a day as a dietary supplement. For best results, take 20-30 min before a meal or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Caution: Consult a physician before use if you have any medical conditions. Glucosamine is derived from shellfish. People allergic to shellfish should not consume this product. 

Warning: Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the safety seal is damaged or missing. Store in a cool, dry place.

2. Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 supplementation has gained attention and significance in the context of tuberculosis (TB) treatment due to its potential benefits. TB is a highly prevalent infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and it primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other organs. Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight or obtained from dietary sources. Numerous studies have suggested a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of developing TB, as well as poorer treatment outcomes. Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in modulating the immune system and enhancing antimicrobial responses, which are vital in combating TB infection. It has been found that vitamin D3 supplementation can assist in reducing the severity and duration of TB symptoms, enhancing the efficacy of anti-TB drugs, and improving treatment outcomes. Moreover, vitamin D3 has been shown to stimulate the production of antimicrobial peptides, such as cathelicidin, which possess potent antimicrobial properties against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This suggests that vitamin D3 supplementation can potentially enhance the innate immune response against TB. However, it is important to note that while vitamin D3 supplementation may have a positive impact on TB treatment, it should not be considered as a standalone therapy. It should be used as an adjunct to standard anti-TB treatment regimens, as prescribed by healthcare professionals.

Ingredients: see Supplement Facts.

Manufacturer Country: USA

Product Amount: 100 soft-gels

Gross Weight: 0.1lb (45g) 

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take one (1) softgel capsule daily or as directed by a health care professional. Store in a cool, dry place and away from direct light.

Warning: Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the safety seal is damaged or missing. Store in a cool, dry place.

3. Ginkgo Biloba + Ginseng

The potential benefits of using Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng in TB treatment lie in their natural properties and historical usage in traditional medicine. Ginkgo Biloba is a well-known herb that has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may aid in reducing the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with TB. Additionally, Ginkgo Biloba has been shown to improve immune function, which is vital in combating tuberculosis. On the other hand, Ginseng is another herb with a long history of medicinal use. It is commonly used as an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. In the case of TB, Ginseng's adaptogenic properties may assist in supporting the body's immune system, enhancing its ability to fight against the infection. Furthermore, Ginseng has been reported to have antimicrobial effects, potentially offering an additional line of defense against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. Despite these potential benefits, it is essential to note that Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng supplements should not be considered as standalone treatments for TB. They should be used in conjunction with prescribed antibiotics and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Ingredients: See Supplement Facts.

Manufacturer Country: USA

Product Amount: 60 caps

Gross Weight: 0.25lb (133g)

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take two (2) capsules before bedtime or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Warning: Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the safety seal is damaged or missing. Store in a cool, dry place.