Lysozyme is an enzyme found in our mucus membranes (gums, nasal passages, and tear ducts) that provides the first line of protection in our natural defense mechanism. We include lysozyme in the mouthwash formula to be used AM and PM to help destroy microbial invaders at their point of entry. Lysozyme attacks the carbohydrate chains that form the protective cell walls of bacteria, causing the bacteria to burst under their own internal pressure. Lysozyme helps breaks down bacteria before they do any harm.

EDTA (Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid) is a synthetic amino acid which binds tightly to Lead, Cadmium, and many other toxic heavy metals. Pharmacologic EDTA, administered intravenously, was approved by the FDA over 50 years ago for the treatment of heavy metal overload states. Oral EDTA is considered to be GRAS (generally recognized as safe) and is widely used as an additive in food products and nutritional supplements. EDTA has been used for nearly a century to prevent the plaque or calcium build-up that causes staining and other problems in the materials industry (a similar deposition of unwanted calcification occurs in the mouth and in our arteries and is also referred to as plaque). Oral EDTA is included in both the Clean Life Mouth Rinse and Defend Life components of the Med Five. EDTA is discussed in more detail in the medical topics section – click on EDTA.

Vitamin C - Dr. Linus Pauling, "The Father of Vitamin C", was twice awarded the Nobel Prize, thus we included Vitamin C in both the Clean Life and Defend Life components. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, capable of disarming free radicals before they can attack our cells. Vitamin C dissolves Lead from the circulation, has an anti-viral effect, and assists in detoxification. All of Dr. Roberts’ cardiology patients take Vitamin C, as Vitamin C has been shown to blunt progression of vascular disease, and in individuals with mild to moderate plaque build-up, supplementation with Vitamin C at 1000 mg/day decreased 10 year event rate by 40-60%, and 10 year death rate by 43%. Vitamin C helps keep you alive. Click Vitamin C for Dr. Roberts’ review of 15 key articles on Vitamin C in heart disease.

DMSA (Dimercaptosuccinic acid) is a water-soluble di-sulfhydryl group bearing compound that binds tightly to Mercury, and then dissolves it from the body. High dose DMSA is used in the treatment of Lead toxicity in children and in Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury toxicity in adults. We include DMSA to complement the Lead clearing properties of EDTA and Vitamin C, and to address the Mercury burden that is common in Americans. For more information, please click on Mercury and DMSA and Cadmium for detailed discussions.

Phosphatidyl Choline (PC), our most important Phospholipid, is of critical importance in Cholesterol Metabolism and cell membrane health. PC is a necessary co-factor in the process of Reverse Cholesterol Transport (transporting cholesterol out of the artery wall and back to the liver for elimination). Please see the Cholesterol Transport section for more information.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid serves as a universal antioxidant and “metabolic specialist”. ALA helps in heavy metal detoxification, improves insulin sensitivity and helps with neuropathy in diabetics, regenerates critical intracellular antioxidants, and works in both the cells and cell fluid. ALA is discussed in more detail in the medical topics section – click on Lipoic Acid.

Our Reishi and Shiitake mushroom products are carefully produced from selected raw materials and made from extracts that are quality controlled for consistency and potency. Please see the Medicinal Mushrooms in the medical topics section.