A Norfolk doctor found a treatment for sepsis. Now he’s trying to get the ICU world to listen.

Vitamin C, Thiamine (a B Vitamin) and Steroids as a Sepsis Treatment…Too Simplistic?

Dr. Paul Marik, chief of pulmonary and critical care at Eastern Virginia Medical School, ordered IV infusions of Vitamin C, along with hydrocortisone, a steroid, to reduce inflammation, when traditional options weren’t working on a patient dying from sepsis.  He had recently read medical journal articles on the vitamin and decided to give it a try.  She improved and went home three days later.  He now uses this “Miracle Juice” sepsis protocol successfully on sepsis cases with amazing results.

It’s not likely going to make pharmaceutical companies very happy, though.  “We are curing it for $60. No one will make any money off it.”  Marik said.  (2)  Click here to read the whole article.

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), depleted during sepsis, is important because it helps maintain the integrity of the single layer of endothelial cells lining blood and lymphatic vessels, and various bodily organs and cavities.  It also is needed for production of hormones needed for surviving shock.

A control group of 47 septic patients were given Dr. Marik’s cocktail of 1.5 g vitamin C IV every 6 hours, hydrocortisone 50 mg IV every 6 hours, and thiamine 200 mg IV every 12 hours.  Hospital mortality was 4 of 47 (8.5%) in those treated with the cocktail, compared to 19 of 47 (40%) in those not.  (8)

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs in more than 1 million people a year in this country, with 28 to 50 percent dying, according to the National Institutes of Health.

This can happen from a variety of different circumstances and is caused by an overwhelming immune response, triggering widespread inflammation in the body, which leads to blood clots and leaky vessels. That slows blood flow, causing organ damage and failure from lack of nutrients and oxygen.

In the worst cases, blood pressure drops, the heart weakens and the patient goes into septic shock.  (2)

Sepsis, septic shock, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome are the leading causes of mortality in surgical intensive care unit patients internationally.  The endocannabinoid system represents a potential therapeutic target in sepsis due to the presence of cannabinoid receptors (CB2) on immune cells. (3)

 

Natural Alternatives to Steroids For Reducing Inflammation

Steroids are used to reduce inflammation and can be effective for treating inflammatory health conditions, but they can cause unwanted side effects, and long term use can decrease or even stop your body from producing natural steroids. (6)

For long-term use in chronic conditions you might want to consider safer, more natural options for reducing inflammation.   In case of an emergency, especially if medical help isn’t available, it’s also good to know the symptoms of a cytokine storm from the flu, which can lead to sepsis, and what you should have on hand to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation if necessary.

Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids and Septic Shock

The endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in inflammation. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) activation is immunosuppressive, which might be beneficial during the hyper-inflammatory phase of sepsis. (4)

Cannabinoids, like those found in hemp CBD oil, have been shown to act as potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agents and have been shown to mediate beneficial effects in a wide range of immune-related health conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, septic shock, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergic asthma. (1)

Along with cannabidiol (CBD), Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is another non-psychoactive natural cannabinoid (phytocannabinoid) found in the cannabis family and in essential oils of spices and food plants, that acts to reduce hyper-inflammation. (4)

BCP can be found in hemp oil, and essential oils of Black Pepper, Clove, Melissa, and Rosemary, however, the best source is actually the lesser-known oil Copaiba. (5)  BCP acts on the same CB2 receptors as CBD, and is found in much higher amounts, up to 60% BCP in Copaiba oil.  Similar to Frankincense, Copaiba supports a healthy inflammatory response and so these two oils are even more powerful used  together.  Copaiba supports the health of your cardiovascular, immune, digestive and respiratory systems. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps calm, soothe, and support the nervous system. (7)

For a more comprehensive list of foods, herbs, and essential oils containing Beta-caryophyllene check out this article, The 21+ Benefits Of Beta-Caryophyllene (The Common Cannabinoid).

Inflammation Reducing Lifestyle

Antioxidants are great at reducing inflammation. Turmeric, ginger, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetable, minerals and essential fatty acids play an important role in reducing inflammation, as does drinking enough water, getting enough rest, reducing stress, and moving around.  Contact with the earth also has anti-inflammatory effects.

Essential oils have many uses helpful for supporting and promoting health both physically and emotionally.

Hemp CBD oil is also wonderful for the many health benefits it produces, such as reducing inflammation and anxiety, to promoting better sleep.

Prevention Is Best

Worth reading, an article on Dr. Axe’s website contains information on what sepsis is, the stages and symptoms of sepsis, and he lists these 7 Tips for Natural Sepsis Prevention. (9)

• Don’t abuse antibiotics
• Wash hands
• Proper wound care
• Homeopathy
• Probiotics
• Zinc and selenium
• Propolis

 

Resources:

(1)  Cannabinoid-induced apoptosis in immune cells as a pathway to immunosuppression:  http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/cannabinoid-induced-apoptosis-in-immune-cells-as-a-pathway-to-immunosuppression/

(2)  A Norfolk doctor found a treatment for sepsis. Now he’s trying to get the ICU world to listen:  https://pilotonline.com/news/local/health/article_7a3063e5-24cf-56c1-b25c-142731604196.html

(3)  Targeting the Endocannabinoid System to Treat Sepsis:  http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/targeting-the-endocannabinoid-system-to-treat-sepsis/

(4)  Betacaryophyllene – A phytocannabinoid as potential therapeutic modality for human sepsis?:  http://www.thctotalhealthcare.com/betacaryophyllene-a-phytocannabinoid-as-potential-therapeutic-modality-for-human-sepsis/

(5)  Beta-Caryophyllene:  https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-research-news-beta-caryophyllene

(6)  Safe Remedies to Treat Inflammation:  https://www.essentialoilsus.com/natural-alternatives-steroids-inflammation/

(7)  CBD vs Copaiba oil – what’s the difference?:  https://healinginourhomes.com/cbd-vs-copaiba-oil-doterra/

(8)  Could vitamin C save lives in sepsis? These hospitals aren’t waiting for proof:  https://pulmccm.org/critical-care-review/vitamin-c-save-lives-sepsis/

(9)  Sepsis: 7 Natural Health Tips to Prevent It & Fight It:  https://draxe.com/sepsis/

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