Treating Infections: An Integrative Orthomolecular Medicine Protocol
Reader’s Question
Dear Richard,
My 7-year-old granddaughter has whooping cough and has never been vaccinated. Is there some orthomolecular treatment for this condition?
Sincerely, G
My Response
I am often asked how to treat acute infections. Here is a protocol I have been promoting and using throughout the Covid-19 pandemic quite successfully. The key is that this approach provides powerful innate immune augmentation and broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against a variety of viruses and bacteria. The critical word is non-specific: regardless of the invading microbe, this protocol offers meaningful protection and support.
Treating Infections: An Integrative Orthomolecular Medicine Protocol
Disclaimer
The following information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or altering any medical regimen. This content should be applied only under the direct supervision of a licensed healthcare provider to ensure safety and appropriateness for your individual needs.
Acute Infectious Diseases: Nutritional & Therapeutic Protocols
Vitamin C
High dose to bowel tolerance: Begin at 10,000–20,000 mg/day until reaching mild watery diarrhea.
Therapeutic dosing: Then 1,000–3,000 mg per waking hour, staying just below the diarrhea threshold.
Alternative: Liposomal vitamin C, 1–3 g per dose, 1–3 times daily.
Vitamin D3
Loading dose: 50,000 IU/day for 5–7 days.
Maintenance: 5,000 IU/day.
Monitoring: Check blood levels after 1–2 months; maintain 50–100 ng/ml.
Vitamin E
400–2,000 IU/day.
Liposomal Glutathione (L-GSH)
1–2 g/day.
Zinc
50–100 mg/day for 7 days.
Melatonin
5–20 mg nightly.
Magnesium
1,000–2,000 mg/day.
Quercetin
500 mg per dose, 3–4 times daily.
Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation
Nebulize 1–3% hydrogen peroxide solution (never exceed 3%).
Inhale 5–15 minutes, 3–4 times daily.
Methylene Blue
Oral or intravenous, strictly under medical supervision.
Lifestyle & Supportive Measures
Adequate sunlight exposure.
Regular exercise.
Sufficient hydration.
Diet: low-carb, high in healthy fats, minimal ultra-processed foods, avoid seed oils.
Comprehensive micronutrient and antioxidant support.
Adjuncts such as methylene blue, near-infrared/photobiomodulation therapy (NIR/PBMT), and mitochondrial nutrients.
About the Author
Richard Z. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D. – Editor-in-Chief, Orthomolecular Medicine News Service
Dr. Cheng is a U.S.-based, NIH-trained, board-certified physician specializing in integrative cancer therapy, orthomolecular medicine, functional & anti-aging medicine. He maintains active practices in both the United States and China.
A Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and a Hall of Fame inductee of the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine, Dr. Cheng is a leading advocate for nutrition-based, root-cause health strategies. He also serves as an expert reviewer for the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners, and co-founded both the China Low Carb Medicine Alliance and the Society of International Metabolic Oncology.
Dr. Cheng offers online Integrative Orthomolecular Medicine consultation services.
📰 Follow his latest insights on Substack: https://substack.com/@rzchengmd
I would add K2-MK7 as needed to make sure calcium that D3 is putting into the blood will go to the teeth and bones.
Thank you for posting this.
You mention supportive therapy and adjuncts such as methylene blue, near-infrared/photobiomodulation therapy (NIR/PBMT), and mitochondrial nutrients.
I assume these would be considered if there is no improvement in signs/symptoms within 3-5 days of the initial home/oral supplements, or in the case of an infection in a person who was already medically compromised?
What are the various PBMT options that you utilize in your office? Would UVBI be a first choice?
thanks again