NOTE: Because of the lack of human studies, BHT should only be used experimentally and as a last resort in situations where other treatments have failed. BHT should not be used casually until further studies are conducted.
An FDA-approved preservative for food, oils and fats, this powerful antioxidant is mentioned in books such as Pearson and Shaw’s Life Extension and Mann and Fowke’s Wipe Out Herpes with BHT.
BHT has been proved effective against every lipid-coated virus in animal and laboratory tests but few human studies have been conducted. It can be used as a preservative in the storage of oils that might otherwise tend to become rancid.
Precautions
- Because of conflicting results, no one really knows what the cancer risk – if any – is from BHT. The possibility should not be ignored; anyone who uses BHT or any synthetic chemical should consider there may be consequences yet unknown from the use of non-naturally occuring chemicals.
- Most BHT users recommend that no one should take more than 2gm per day, some saying 1gm is the limit. It should probably also not be taken on an empty stomach.
- Avoid use in hepatitis or other liver problems.
- BHT is fat-soluble, so thin people may need less. Furthermore, persons on low-fat diets may be more susceptible to side effects.
- BHT can interfere with blood clotting, so it might be a special risk for persons with hemophilia or other clotting problems.
- Doses of BHT should start small and gradually increase. It is probably not harmful to stop abruptly, however, because BHT stays in the body for several weeks.
- A few people are chemically sensitive to BHT.
- Alcohol should be avoided for at least several hours after taking BHT. Alcohol may have a stronger effect than usual, so be especially careful about driving.
- BHT can interact with other drugs. It can either increase or decrease their effects.
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) can help with the following
AIDS / Risk
BHT is a potent inactivator of lipid-enveloped viruses. The viral envelope structure is physically disturbed by BHT, thereby interfering with viral adsorption to host cells. Since the virus generally believed responsible for AIDS contains a lipid envelope, BHT warrants investigation as a potential antiviral agent against the AIDS virus. Published scientific evidence strongly suggests that BHT might help in treating AIDS or ARC and that any risks can be kept small. No one expects BHT to be a cure, but if it can help in the management of AIDS and/or CMV, it would have value now until better treatments become available.
CMV Infection
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a potent inactivator of lipid-enveloped viruses.
Herpes I
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a potent deactivator of lipid-enveloped viruses. Many people throughout the USA are using BHT to successfully keep the lesions dormant, with no sores as long as they consume BHT regularly. Some people develop sores once every 3-4 months opposed to higher frequency when not using BHT. The majority of those who use lysine regularly along with 750-1,000mg of BHT daily keep the sores from ever occurring. The only human antiviral test that has been conducted with BHT was for herpes, the outcome of which was successful.
STD Herpes II
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a potent inactivator of lipid-enveloped viruses. Herpes is such a virus. A dose of 250mg per day is sufficient to prevent recurrence for many people. Some need up to a gram a day. No toxicity has been reported at this higher level. If herpes continues to be a problem at one gram per day, other supplements should be considered in conjunction with the BHT.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a potent inactivator of lipid-enveloped viruses.
Possible Pregnancy-Related Issues
BHT should not be used supplementally in pregnancy although there is no evidence that consuming foods where it has been added as a food preservative is harmful.
Key
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
| Avoid absolutely |
Glossary
Antioxidant
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, alpha lipoic acid, beta carotene, the minerals selenium, zinc, and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids, like cystiene. Other nutrient sources include grape seed extract, curcumin, gingko, green tea, olive leaf, policosanol and pycnogenol.
Virus
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Gram
(gm): A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver usually resulting in jaundice (yellowing of the skin), loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, abnormal liver function, clay-colored stools, and dark urine. May be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, parasitic infestation, alcohol, drugs, toxins or transfusion of incompatible blood. Can be life-threatening. Severe hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis and chronic liver dysfunction.