Autoimmune Diseases have been particularly difficult to treat in the past. As we gain new understanding about their origin we begin to make inroads into the treatment and resolution of these health issues. Several mechanisms of disease have recently come to light.
An autoimmune disease is a disease characterized by the body’s own defense mechanism attacking itself. In the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, the body attacks its own cartilage and synovial tissue. In the case of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, the body attacks its own thyroid tissue, in the case of Lupus, connective tissue is at risk and in Multiple Sclerosis the myelin tissue is targeted. Autoimmune diseases generally have a hereditary component, which is triggered by another factor in the person’s environment or diet. The genetic tendencies are not necessarily expressed if we can avoid the triggering event that begins the autoimmune response.
Increased intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as “Leaky Gut”, is thought to be a predisposing factor to the autoimmune disorders. Leaky Gut is characterized by increased permeability of the small intestine. Normally the small intestine is a very tight barrier to invading organisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins and undigested foods. Leaky gut can occur as a result of several mechanisms. Parasites, candida imbalance, viruses, food allergies, use of NSAIDS (non-steroidal antiinflammatories) antibiotic use and various other drugs can lead to increase in the permeability of the small intestine. This increase in permeability allows unwanted toxins, undigested foods and other pathogens direct access to the blood stream.
Once in the blood stream, these invaders can cause a chain of events or reactions to unfold. The first event comes from the adrenal glands, which essentially sound the alarm that an invasion has occurred. This alerts the immune system to react and “send out the troops” in the form of macrophages, which are a type of white blood cell. These white blood cells are in charge of cleaning up the debris in the blood. If they are overwhelmed by the amount of debris around, they release a chemical called histamine in order to facilitate the process. Histamine is an inflammatory substance. When histamine is released it may cause some unwanted side effects such as joint pain, headaches, mucus production, congestion, fatigue, brain fog, etc. Once the body has identified the invader, further exposure to these invaders can have a quicker response from the immune system. Food allergies and sensitivities are created in just this way. These food allergies or hyperimmune responses may further aggravate an already existing leaky gut situation.
Signs and symptoms of leaky gut include fatigue, muscle pain, abdominal pain, bloating, fever, skin rash, food allergies, migraines, diarrhea, and chronic diseases. Causes of “Leaky Gut Syndrome” include: consumption of allergenic foods, premature birth, whole food exposure before 4-6 months of age, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, radiation therapy, alcohol consumption, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, secretory IgA deficiency, corticosteroids, lack of variety of foods, amino acid deficiency, zinc or vitamin A deficiency, digestive tract infections (bacteria, candida, viruses, parasites) bioflavonoid insufficiencies, excess stress, poor digestion, antibiotic therapy and excessive sugar consumption.
Molecular Mimicry
Bacteria, viruses, and undigested foods can share similar protein sequences with our own human tissue. Thus these invaders may look like “us” to the immune system. Here is where we get into serious trouble with autoimmune responses. When these substances activate the immune system (in genetically susceptible people), antibodies are formed to attack the foreign substances or antigens. The problem is that the antibodies also recognize the protein sequences in the self or human tissue that are similar to the foreign protein in the bacteria or virus. This is called cross reactivity.
People with hereditary predisposition for autoimmune diseases are particularly susceptible to food interactions with the immune system. Some common culprits are milk proteins, wheat gluten, and kidney beans. Lectins are often responsible for these reactions. Other lectin containing foods include lentils, peas, jack beans, peanuts, rye, barley, oats, corn, rice and soy.
Treating and Preventing Autoimmune Disorders
Treatment of these disorders necessarily requires a multi-tiered approach. One of the first things to address should be the digestive system. If the foods are not broken down properly and the stomach is not producing enough hydrochloric acid to kill pathogens and break down food proteins then the autoimmune responses will continue. Hydrochloric acid and pancreatic enzymes should be considered.
Repair of the leaky gut should be considered next. It is extremely important to “close the door” to incoming antigens (allergenic substances) and pathogens. Allergy testing and removal are critical. We must address the food sensitivities that are involved and remove them from the diet for a period of time to allow the immune system to rest and to help repair the leaky gut.
Getting the digestive system working well, repairing the leaky gut, and removing allergens from the diet is only the beginning, however. Once the autoimmune response has been triggered it is extremely difficult to stop this response of the body. At least it has been in the past. However, with the use of Cetyl Myristoleate this has become much easier to accomplish.
Cetyl Myristoleate to the Rescue
Cetyl Myristoleate was developed by Harry W. Diehl, a scientist who was doing research on populations of rats to try to find a cure for arthritis. He wondered why he was able to induce arthritis in populations of rats but was unable to duplicate this in mice. He soon isolated a substance called Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) that protected mice from arthritis. Dr. Diehl began injecting this substance into rats and found that he was unable to now induce arthritis in these rats. Cetyl Myristoleate provided a sort of immunity to the disease.
In 1991 CMO appeared on the market as a dietary supplement and has been proven effective in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It seems to work by turning off the autoimmune response. Certain nutrients are recommended along with the CMO to increase it‘s effectiveness. Omega 3 fish oils, or flax oil, 300-500IU Vit. E, Glucosamine sulfate, pancreatic enzymes, lipase, lecithin and ox bile should be considered. Usually only one month on this regimen will be sufficient. In some cases it may take longer. Carbonated beverages, citrus juices, sugar; alcohol and caffeine intake should be avoided.
Case Studies
Case of Margaret M.
Margaret was a 57 year-old Caucasian woman who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1988. Her daily pain level was so severe that she was forced to quit her job as a counselor and go on disability. She was on 10 medications when she came to the office for treatment. (Guafinesen, SMZ/TMP, Cyclobenzaprine, Effexor, Clonazepan, Hydrocodone, Levoxyl, Calulose, Ambien, Vicadin-PRN). In addition she also had Type I insulin dependent diabetes, a paralyzed colon, severe fatigue, sleep disturbances (that usually accompany fibromyalgia) and severe hair loss. On August 13, 2001, her first visit, we started her on a regimen of supplements that included Total Multimmune-an immune support blend with IP6, and power mushrooms, Calcium D-Glucarate to decrease her estrogen levels which were found to be inordinately high, PSI Nighttime to help with sleep, Progest E- a very potent form of natural progesterone, and Cetyl Myr-Plus.
On September 17, 2001 Margaret was seen for a follow-up visit and reported that she was now pain-free. She had discontinued all medications except Levoxyl, and Effexor on her own and still had no pain. She also reported that she was sleeping a normal 8 hours and waking refreshed and that her energy levels were great.
Case of Mark H.
Mark was a 47 year old male Caucasian who had been seen in our office for complaints of severe asthma, allergies, chronic sinus infections and fatigue since he was a child. He had been using inhalers (Vanceril, and Maxair) for 8 years. We had been seeing him since 1998 with good results but he still had to use his inhaler almost nightly. His energy was good, he was able to work out without breathing problems and able to fight off infections well. We started him on 2 Cetyl Myr Plus a day on May 31, 2001 along with a protocol for treating leaky gut problems. He was seen for a follow-up visit on June 27, 2001 and reported significant relief from the asthma with only occasional use of the inhaler. His sense of smell was returning, and he was feeling great. We continued on the protocol and will do a follow-up visit in October.
References:
1. Toohey, Lynn Nutri-Notes , Vol. 5, #2 Mar-Apr 1998.
2. Dr. Charles Cochran and Dr. Raymond Dent, “Cetyl Myristoleate-A Unique Natural Compound Valuable in Arthritis Conditions“, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, July 1997, PP. 70-73
3. Ackerson, Amber N.D., Nutritional Management of Intestinal Permeability Defects, Abstract
4. Goldberg, Paul A. MPH, DC, Musculoskeletal Complaints and Intestinal Permeability, Nutritional Perspectives.
5. Appleton, Jeremy ND, Leaky Gut Syndrome: Restoring Integrity of the Intestinal Mucosa, Advancing the Standard Volume No. 2, Issue No. 1, February 1999.
6. Toohey, Lynn MS, PhD. The Little Buggers Steal the Headlines Again, Nutri Notes, Vol. 3, # 1, Jan-Feb 1996.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment