Re: Biotoxin Illness: What We Need to Know Moving Forward

May 20, 2010

Thanks for this KC. I am interested in the potato chip comment that it helps

with fat toxins. Anyone know why this is? Is it just potato chips or potatoes in

general.I had stopped eating potatoes as it was recommended in the no amylose

diet. Interesting... D

>

> Biotoxin Illness: What We Need to Know Moving Forward

>

> By Craig Koniver, MD | Wednesday, May 19, 2010 12:30 PM ET

>

http://www.tonic.com/article/biotoxin-illness-what-we-need-to-know-moving-forwar\

d/

>

> Fighting the Threats of Biotoxins such as Mold, Parasites, Heavy Metals,

Pesticides, etc.

>

> Warning: Reading this may change your perspective on why you feel badly

sometimes or all the time. As you know, we are in constant interaction with our

environment and recently we have been discovering different ways that the

environment can contribute to our health. Most of us are aware that we get sick

from different infectious organisms — the common cold, stomach bugs, pneumonia,

etc. All of these are due to an infectious agent getting into our immune system

and temporarily wreaking havoc. For those of us that are healthy, this may mean

feeling sick for a few days to a few weeks. But for those of us who feel tired,

worn out, have brain fog, joint pain and weight gain, would you ever think that

the cause of this was something in the environment? The loudest messages I hear

are those telling people they did not eat right or exercise enough and that is

why they feel so poorly. And while nutrition and exercise certainly play a large

role in how we feel, the real answer as to why many people have these symptoms

may be due to our interactions with biotoxins from the environment.

>

> Here is some background and detailed information about biotoxins — their

affects as well as what we can do about them. Some of this was adapted from Dr.

Shoemaker's protocol, a pioneer in the field of biotoxin illness.

>

> Background: We are constantly under a barrage of threats from certain

biotoxins, including:

>

> Infectious organisms such as lyme, mycoplasma and chlamydia — all stealth

bacterial organisms that hide within our cells.

> Mold, yeast, parasites, pfiesteria, aspergillus and other archaic single cell

organisms.

> Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic.

> Chlorinated pesticides.

> Volatile solvents.

> PCBs

> Phtalates from plastics.

> Others we don't know, can't identify, etc.

> These biotoxins can cause harm to every facet of our biochemical framework

from our immune system to our nervous system to our mitochondria. While all of

us are at risk for developing symptoms related to exposure to these biotoxins,

certain individuals are at a greater risk of developing symptoms due to their

genetic predisposition. Once exposed, these individuals begin to exhibit

symptoms of profound fatigue, joint and muscle pain, memory loss, exercise

intolerance, weight gain, headaches, depressed mood — symptoms typically

assigned to those with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and depression. Many of

these individuals also have gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction including

diarrhea, bloating, irregular bowel movements and abdominal pain.

>

> The goal in trying to understand this biotoxin burden is to appreciate the

devastating effects that occur to our immune systems, nervous systems, hormonal

systems, mitochondrial systems and detoxification systems. It is impossible to

catalogue every single biotoxin product that affects us and therefore the goal

is not to get caught up in identification (although that does help), but rather

to examine the damage that has been done with the goal of undoing the damage and

restoring a healthy biochemical framework again.

>

> Here is a summary of how these biotoxins cause their devastating affects to

our systems (per Dr. Shoemaker):

>

> Stage 1: Biotoxin Effects:

>

> It all starts when a person is exposed to a biotoxin. In most people, the

biotoxin is " tagged " and identified by the body's immune system and is broken

down and removed from the blood by the liver. However, some individuals do not

have the genetics (HLA-DR genes) to code for the antibodies and in these cases

the biotoxins are not tagged and remain in the body indefinitely, free to

circulate and wreak havoc. Once present in the body, the biotoxins begin to set

off a complex cascade of biochemical events. The biotoxin binds to surface

receptors (toll receptor) in fat cells. This in turn causes a continual

upregulation of cytokines.

>

> Stage 2: Cytokine Effects:

>

> The activated fat cells start to produce more leptin, which leads to weight

gain that is unresponsive to diet or exercise. Remember that the fat cells are

also pumping out cytokines, this overload starts to block or damage the leptin

receptors in the hypothalamus. Elevated cytokines can produce many different

symptoms including: headache, muscle ache, unstable temperature and difficulty

concentrating. High levels of cytokines can also result in increased levels of

immune related markers such as TNF, MMP-9, IL-1B, and PAI-1. MMP-9 delivers

inflammatory elements from the blood into sensitive tissues and can combine with

PAI-1 to increase clot formation and arterial blockage.

>

> Stage 3: Reduced VEGF:

>

> The elevated cytokine levels in the capillaries attract white blood cells,

leading to restricted blood flow and lower oxygen levels in the tissues. Reduced

VEGF leads to fatigue, muscle cramps and shortness of breath.

>

> Stage 4: Immune System Effects:

>

> Patients with certain HLA genotypes (immunity related genes) may develop

inappropriate immune responses which may include antibodies to: myelin basic

protein (often from fungal infections), gliadin (wheat-like allergy) and

cardiolipins (affects blood clotting).

>

> Stage 5: Low MSH:

>

> Reduced melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) production results in yet another

set of problems and symptoms. The production of melatonin is reduced which

results in sleep problems. Endorphin production is suppressed which leads to

chronic and sometimes unusual pain. Lack of MSH can cause malabsorption or

" leaky gut, " which further weakens and deregulates the immune system. White

blood cells eventually lose regulation of cytokine response so that

opportunistic infections may occur or recovery from infections is slower.

>

> Stage 6: Antibiotic Resistant Staph Bacteria:

>

> Reduced MSH also allows resistant staph (MARCONS) to flourish in the mucous

membranes. These bacteria further compound the problem by producing exotoxins A

and B that cleave MSH, further decreasing the MSH levels. At this point, the

downward spiral starts to perpetuate itself.

>

> Stage 7: Pituitary Hormone Effects:

>

> Reduced MSH can decrease pituitary production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

which can lead to thirst, frequent urination, neurally-mediated hypotension

(NMH), low blood volume, and electric shocks from static electricity. While sex

hormone production is often down-regulated the pituitary may upregulate the

production of cortisol and ACTH in the early stages of illness, then drop to

abnormally low, or low-normal ranges later.

>

> Using this model of how the damage sets in, we then need to work backwards to

fix this problem.

>

> Helpful baseline levels:

>

> HLA labs: these help to determine who is " genetically " at risk for harsher

symptoms.

> MSH: Melanocyte stimulating hormone, a master controller of immune response.

> Leptin: fat cell hormone that binds to MSH.

> Cortisol: salivary testing throughout the day--stress hormone released by

adrenal gland.

> DHEA: another stress hormone that complements cortisol.

> Testosterone: ranges vary based upon either blood or saliva

testing--androgenic hormone that seems to change inversely to cortisol.

> CRP: non-specific marker of inflammation.

> ESR: another non-specific marker of inflammation.

> TNF Tumor Necrosis Factor: an inflammatory cytokine that gets turned on by

biotoxins.

> MMP-9: another inflammatory cytokine.

> PAI-1: Plasminogen activator inhibitor.

> Anticardiolipins: When elevated there will be an issue with blood clotting.

> VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor — responsible for helping regulate

blood vessel integrity.

> Erythropoietin: activator of red blood cell stimulation.

> Volatile solvents.

> PCBs

> Chlorinated pesticides.

> Phtalates

> Heavy metals.

> Infectious organisms:

> Parasites

> Yeast

> Bacteria

> Viruses

> Mold

> Food sensitivities.

> Gut integrity.

> Here is my approach based on lab findings (obviously this changes per patient

individuality):

>

> 1. Begin to rebuild immune response--we need to reduce INFLAMMATION

repsonse! Use of the following can be beneficial:

>

> o Larch arabinogalactan: has been shown to decrease NF-kappaB, TNF; works

by " cleaning up " the lymphatic system.

> o Carnosine: amino acid that reduces inflammation in the brain.

> o DLPA (Phenylalanine): helps to restore Endorphin system damaged by low

MSH.

> o Ashwaghanda: calming adaptogen that reduces cortisol burden.

> o Lecithin: helps restore cell membrane fluidity damaged by biotoxin

damage to fat cells.

>

> 2. Work on hormone imbalances:

>

> o Manage high/low cortisol appropriately.

>

> o Replace DHEA with sub-lingual DHEA if low.

>

> o Replace testosterone if low.

>

> o Replace progesterone if low.

>

> o Replace thyroid hormone with armour thyroid if low.

>

> o Add melatonin at bedtime if sleep difficulties manifest.

>

> o Naturally boost growth hormone with GABA, glycine, arginine, others.

>

> 3. Chelate heavy metals identified:

>

> o IV Calcium EDTA for high lead/mercury.

>

> o Rectal suppository Calcium EDTA for any high metal burden.

>

> o Oral DMSA for elevated mercury.

>

> o Zeolite

>

> o Use IV Glutathione to enhance liver detox and promote heavy metal

removal.

>

> 4. Start Chemical detox:

>

> o Potato chips weekly. Yes, potato chips have been shown to help with

removal of fat soluble toxins.

>

> o Chlorella daily.

>

> o Rice brain oil (gamma oryzanol).

>

> o High dose fish oil.

>

> 5. Begin reassessment

>

> This is a marathon and not a sprint. An obvious goal is reduce exposure to the

biotoxins! Practically speaking, however, this can be very difficult. Mold,

metals and chemicals are particularly important to remove from the environment,

so that involves careful assessment at both home and work.

>

> We may need to continue the Cholestyramine as long as there is ongoing

exposure.

>

> Useful reading:

>

> Mold Warriors by Shoemaker, MD

> Mastering Leptin by Byron s, CCN

> Biotoxin illness and management will become a very important aspect of disease

management in the future. This is complicated and confusing, but if we take this

a step at a time, we can make a lot of progress and finally get to the bottom of

many disease symptoms.

>

> Image courtesy of NOAA Archives.

>

May 20, 2010

Diane, The subtitle, as you know, of the no amylose diet, is 'loose the weight

you hate', and I have always felt it was a weight loss diet, rather than a detox

diet, but I may be wrong. I read it but don't follow it. One of the reasons

was I have so many foods I avoid for reasons that I understand and I didn't

understand the avoidance of vegetables grown underground. Perhaps he has an

explanation that would make sense but to me a vegetable that can grown

underground and NOT get moldy probably has some mold inhibiting properties I'd

like to have. I could see taking off the skins of potatoes or any veggies grown

underground but look at how beneficial onions are and garlic, and sweet potatoes

are valued as an anticancer food. I think detoxing has a weight loss effect so

his detoxing recommendations should help with weight loss. I don't understand

this suggestion from him so I don't follow it.

> >

> > Biotoxin Illness: What We Need to Know Moving Forward

> >

> > By Craig Koniver, MD | Wednesday, May 19, 2010 12:30 PM ET

> >

http://www.tonic.com/article/biotoxin-illness-what-we-need-to-know-moving-forwar\

d/

> >

> > Fighting the Threats of Biotoxins such as Mold, Parasites, Heavy Metals,

Pesticides, etc.

> >

>

May 21, 2010

He must mean pringles with olestra, the fake fat, remember it removes dioxin

better than anything else? it sequesters the toxins in the fake fat, then you

body eliminates the fake fat because it cannot absorb it, I tried it, but you

have to only eat 5 pringles as a serving, because they really give you the runs.

> >

> > Biotoxin Illness: What We Need to Know Moving Forward

> >

> > By Craig Koniver, MD | Wednesday, May 19, 2010 12:30 PM ET

> >

http://www.tonic.com/article/biotoxin-illness-what-we-need-to-know-moving-forwar\

d/

> >

> > Fighting the Threats of Biotoxins such as Mold, Parasites, Heavy Metals,

Pesticides, etc.

> >

May 21, 2010

Yes, I'm interested in the potatoe chip comment also. I wouldn't want to eat

Pringles unless I knew it was for sure oelestra. Seems a good guess since

oelestra isn't absorbed, but then you would think article would have said

something with oelestra in it or would have said Pringles. I don't even think

of Pringles as potatoe chips, more like imitation potatoe chips.

> >

> > Biotoxin Illness: What We Need to Know Moving Forward

> >

> > By Craig Koniver, MD | Wednesday, May 19, 2010 12:30 PM ET

> >

http://www.tonic.com/article/biotoxin-illness-what-we-need-to-know-moving-forwar\

d/

> >

> > Fighting the Threats of Biotoxins such as Mold, Parasites, Heavy Metals,

Pesticides, etc.

> >

>

May 22, 2010

SHUCKS!

That would have been the single bright spot in this disaster!

I would hope it was real chips he meant. I wondered if there was some

" absorbency " factor in the potato chip.

And, I don't consider Pringles real chips, either. Maybe he can let us know what

benefit they might confer.

> > >

> > > Biotoxin Illness: What We Need to Know Moving Forward

> > >

> > > By Craig Koniver, MD | Wednesday, May 19, 2010 12:30 PM ET

> > >

http://www.tonic.com/article/biotoxin-illness-what-we-need-to-know-moving-forwar\

d/

> > >

> > > Fighting the Threats of Biotoxins such as Mold, Parasites, Heavy Metals,

Pesticides, etc.

> > >

> >

>

May 22, 2010

I tried finding something on potatoe chips but didn't find anything but

rereading the article below he just says 'potatoe chips'. I would think he

would have said Pringles or potatoe chips made with oelestra.

Maybe potatoe chips have everything but the fiber fried out of them fried out

and then they are coated with oils which may attract the bile and then the bile

is absorbed by the fiber left after all that processing. Obviously just a

guess.

I'm eating alot of yogurt lately because I'm on antibiotics and the only way I

can get plain yogurt in me is to dip a potatoe chip into it. The salty chip

offsets the sour acidity of the yogurt. I know someone else who eats yogurt

with salty pretzels. I buy the chips with sea salt and cooked in good oils. I

can't see any harm as they are mainly oil and the salt. Very little potatoe

left after processing. Without the chips, the yogurt will go unused.

I hope I'm detoxing too. That would be great!

> > > >

> > > > Biotoxin Illness: What We Need to Know Moving Forward

> > > >

> > > > By Craig Koniver, MD | Wednesday, May 19, 2010 12:30 PM ET

> > > >

http://www.tonic.com/article/biotoxin-illness-what-we-need-to-know-moving-forwar\

d/

> > > >

> > > > Fighting the Threats of Biotoxins such as Mold, Parasites, Heavy Metals,

Pesticides, etc.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

May 22, 2010

I use acidophilus every day and find that very helpful...it sounds like you have

a " chip and dip " thing going...anyway you can feel better sounds good to me!

>

> I tried finding something on potatoe chips but didn't find anything but

rereading the article below he just says 'potatoe chips'. I would think he

would have said Pringles or potatoe chips made with oelestra.

>

> Maybe potatoe chips have everything but the fiber fried out of them fried out

and then they are coated with oils which may attract the bile and then the bile

is absorbed by the fiber left after all that processing. Obviously just a

guess.

>

> I'm eating alot of yogurt lately because I'm on antibiotics and the only way I

can get plain yogurt in me is to dip a potatoe chip into it. The salty chip

offsets the sour acidity of the yogurt. I know someone else who eats yogurt

with salty pretzels. I buy the chips with sea salt and cooked in good oils. I

can't see any harm as they are mainly oil and the salt. Very little potatoe

left after processing. Without the chips, the yogurt will go unused.

>

> I hope I'm detoxing too. That would be great!

>

May 22, 2010

Can't find anything about potatoe chips and detoxing but found this warning

about overcooked starch such as potatoe.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2005/07/07/potato-chips.aspx

Public knowledge of the serious dangers found in potato chips may finally be

surfacing. The California-based Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) has filed

notices with the state's attorney general against potato chip manufacturers that

would require them to place labels on their products warning consumers about the

high levels of acrylamide found inside. Acrylamide is formed when starchy foods

are baked or fried at high temperatures and is considered a cancer-causing

chemical by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

(More at article. You have to put your email address in to read at Mercola.com

now for certain articles.)

>

> I tried finding something on potatoe chips but didn't find anything but

rereading the article below he just says 'potatoe chips'. I would think he

would have said Pringles or potatoe chips made with oelestra.

May 23, 2010

I had read about that acrylamide issue. It seemed as though there was a simple

but time consuming resolution, it seemed to be " soaking " the potatoes to remove

a starchy residue. I do remember that dialysis patients should only eat

pre-soaked potatoes which is supposed to decrease the potassium, which they need

to limit. I am not a chemist or biologist so can only read this stuff as a lay

person.

But, potatoes do have a certain " fiber " I think, and wonder if it is the

" fiber-y " element which could be helpful for detox. Some companies I have read,

want to eliminate this by product, so as not to lose sales as " once under the

media microscope " many products fall out of favor with the public.

It would be good strategy for long term sales and " loyalty " to do so. I have

always felt that as sick as I became, it would have been worse, if I had not

used both oat bran and wheat bran every day for several decades. Fiber must be

helpful in this war. Even good oil such as olive oil is not desirable if it is

heated to high temperatures. It undergoes some chemical changes that I have read

have been deemed harmful.

> >

> > I tried finding something on potatoe chips but didn't find anything but

rereading the article below he just says 'potatoe chips'. I would think he

would have said Pringles or potatoe chips made with oelestra.

>

May 23, 2010

that chemical your referring to becomes a carcinogenic

From: ginloi <ginloi@...>

Subject: [] Re: Biotoxin Illness: What We Need to Know Moving

Forward

Date: Sunday, May 23, 2010, 7:10 AM