RHUEMATOID ARTHRITIS, SCHIZOPHRENIA, CANCER, ALZHEIMERS and HEART DISEASE – Plus Autism & ADHD (September 2013)
A good friend, who developed rheumatoid arthritis many years ago, has undertaken decades of research on this condition. She did take a Food Intolerance Test – actually, many different types of tests. She found that the ImG test by Meridian Valley Lab (offered to the public by Life Extension Foundation) is quite good and the least expensive – under $300, whereas the Elisa Test is around $900. In Europe and Australia, ImuPro 300 is the best but it is not available in this country. I know from personal experience that Food Intolerances cause low grade inflammation and this leads to pain, as well as chronic fatigue.
From my personal experience, I know that, when going on a food elimination diet (basically eating only some meat and lots of vegetables), most pain can disappear within 14 days (my personal experience). In interviewing people who recovered from such diseases as Arthritis, PCOS, IBS, Lupus and many other auto-immune, inflammatory diseases, they all said that their symptoms disappeared by eliminating gluten and most grains in general, dairy products and the Nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers).
Next, my friend asked her doctor to give her the Cytokine Panel test. He did not know how to read the results. So, she had to find another doctor who could make an interpretation. She learned something very interesting. — there is a human gene that causes this high inflammation levels. This gene is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.
This gene does not simply cause these diseases – this gene causes the high inflammation levels BECAUSE the individual cannot adequately absorb B Vitamins. These vitamins create homocysteine blockers – specifically Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12. Homocysteine levels predict and screen for coronary, cerebral and peripheral vascular disease for people with a high risk of developing heart attack or coronary artery disease.
My friend began taking time-release Vitamin B supplements but I prefer a liquid form, taking under the tongue three times daily. Do remember that coffee and tea destroy some B Vitamins so always take this supplement one hour after your morning coffee or tea.
I wrote to my friend (5-2013) and this was her response:
You asked about a gene test that involved schizophrenia and cancer. I had to think about it. That took me back to 2009 when I was looking into cytokines.
My doctor at Georgetown University insisted that I had a high interlueken TNF alpha and a IL 6 and, therefore, needed Humira or Embril or other immune suppressing medication.
NOTE: She refused this treatment as past traditional drug treatments caused more problems than help.
I started studying cytokines and found little on it but asked my doctor here in Fredericksburg for a cytokine panel. He had to look it up but didn’t fight me on it. After receiving the results of a very low TNF alpha and low IL 6 but a high IL 8, I spoke with my doctor who said he couldn’t interpret the findings on this lab test.
My rheumatologist said that elevated cytokines, no matter what, were the same and again insisted on the immune suppressing drugs. My research on the internet showed that a high IL 8 had tendencies toward RA, cancer and schizophrenia.
NOTE: I remember my friend telling me that there were four diseases associated with high IL8. She did not list a fourth here so I included heart and dementia since both are inflammation related. I have learned that the 4th disease is Multiple Sclerosis.
I changed doctors to find others who were more knowledgeable. I am now driving to Virginia Beach to see a doctor there. She is handling my RA, as well as my general health. The cytokine lab results led me toward having a 24-hour urine panel for my hormones which showed I had a high unhealthy (leading to cancer) estrogen.
I believe it is the 16 ah-estrone. My doctor in Virginia Beach put me on DIM (Diindolylmethane). I was retested after a year and that 16ah estrone was brought within normal range.
IMPORTANT NOTE: My friend gave me some great news – the ImG test from Meridian Labs can be obtained from Life Extension. Usually, in May and June, they have their big blood test sale so, for members, the cost is only $148. You do not need a doctor’s prescription for this, unless you live in Maryland. All of the information on the “Food Safe” test can be found here.
http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/ItemLCM73001/Food-Safe-Allergy-Blood-Test.html
My friend said that, if you want the extended test for spices and other food additives, this needs to be done through a participating doctor with Meridian Labs. The state of Maryland does not allow 3rd party blood testing so this must be done through a doctor. I am having my test kit sent to a friend who lives in Virginia. The results are sent by email.
A very popular lab, LabCorp, can give the Cytokine Panel blood test. Below I have listed the information given by Life Extension.
Cytokine Panel (LabCorp & Life Extension)
Life Extension® believes that chronic inflammation is the common denominator of all age-related disease. A dietary and supplement regimen rich in nutrients that help to ease inflammation is an important first step towards longevity.
Cytokines are proteins that modulate the inflammatory response. This panel is used to identify elevated levels of specific cytokines. While inflammation is important for a healthy immune response, the cytokines themselves have the potential for inducing damage.
The following tests are included in this panel:
• Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)
IL-1beta is one of the key mediators of the inflammatory response to physical stress. Higher levels are associated with anxiety, panic disorders and cardiovascular risk.
• Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Elevated IL-6 may occur in different conditions including chronic infections, autoimmune disorders, certain cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Interleukin-8 (IL-8)
Elevated blood levels of IL-8 are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, tumor development and Hepatitis C.
• Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)
TNF-α is a growth factor for immune cells and osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. It may be elevated in chronic infections, certain cancers and Hepatitis C. Fasting is not required for this test.
Take all prescription medications as prescribed but do not take your supplements on the morning of the test. Each of these tests may also be ordered individually.
FROM http://www.labtestsblog.com/ask-the-expert-what-are-cytokines/
Cytokines are soluble signaling proteins and glycoproteins employed in cellular communication during immune and inflammatory responses. They have been implicated in pathological conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, allergic response and play a significant role in surgery recovery, including transplants.
Cytokines can affect their host cell (autocrine), nearby cells (paracrine) or in some cases, distant cells (endocrine). They are characterised by considerable redundancy, so measuring a single cytokine may miss an important facet of a response progression.
In addition, the common cascading of cytokines can more readily be observed if a suite of these proteins is measured simultaneously, leading to a greater understanding of the disease process and subsequent management; this has become increasingly desirable in laboratory medicine.
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RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: I have observed many causes for Arthritis. I will not go into all of these in this article. However, my friend said that she feels that her source is a microbe called Biofilm. It is not a bacteria and it is not a virus. It is really “slime” but it can act like a bacteria or virus in the body. It does not have cell walls so that it can “hide” in the body.
My friend has high levels of Fibrinogen – a protein in blood plasma produced by the liver that assists in coagulation. This protein helps stop bleeding by helping blood clots to form. With too much Fibrinogen, the blood clots too quickly, possibly leading to a heart attack or stroke. She feels that the Biofilm is hiding in the Fibrinogen.
The “alternative” course for reducing Fibrinogen is to take Nattokinase, at least 100 milligrams. However, for Nattokinase to be absorbed properly, it must be taken on an empty stomach and with Serraflazyme. Some products come as a combination of Nattokinase and Serraflazyme. Other benefits of this combination are to increase circulation in the extremities (important for those suffering with Reynaud’s Syndrome) and to lower blood pressure (through improving circulation). Another friend, who is a medical professor, uses Nattokinase rather than prescription medications to keep her blood pressure low.
Turmeric/Curcumin: The spice turmeric also has exhibited powerful anti-coagulant properties due to its ability to inhibit the formation of fibrinogen, a plasma protein that plays a key final role in the cascade that results in blood clotting. Elevated fibrinogen blood levels have been identified in a number of studies to be a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease (strokes), exceeding the contributions of homocysteine, cholesterol and other lipid parameters in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
Curcumin can reduce fibrinogen levels, thereby inhibiting blood clotting. In one study by scientists in Spain, researchers selected eight subjects with elevated fibrinogen levels and treated them with 20 mg of Curcuma Longa (turmeric) extract per day. After only 15 days, previously elevated levels of fibrinogen plummeted in all eight subjects.
Other research shows that turmeric-derived Curcumin can directly inhibit arachidonic acid-www.ed platelet aggregation, possibly by virtue of its ability to inhibit the clotting factor known as Thromboxane.
Again, eliminating foods that cause the low grade inflammation is essential. I first became aware of this in Austria when a friend discovered that the source of her Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was eliminating many foods from her diet. With the ImuPro300, available if a doctor is willing to send the test to a participating country by airmail, she discovered that she was even intolerant of apple pectin that is found in many herbal fruit teas.
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH ON INFLAMMATION:
AUTISM & ADHD and HIGH INFLAMMATION LEVELS:
http://treatautism.ca/biomedical-treatment/digestion-and-inflammation/
The digestive tract is the heart of the innate immune system. The innate immune system is a barrier defense against microbes. This barrier system also plays a key role in regulating inflammation. Digestion and inflammation go hand in hand, and both are essential components of successful biomedical treatment.
Research shows that children with autism have a higher rate of inflammation and immune dys-regulation in the digestive tract. These abnormalities cause inflammation.
Inflammation plus a genetic predisposition creates a “cloud” in the brain. Clearing that “cloud’ of inflammation creates a tremendous amount of potential for development.
Causes and symptoms of digestive dysfunction include:
• Food allergies and sensitivities
• Enzyme deficiency or dysfunction
• Leaky gut
• Issues with absorption
Research shows that immune system dysregulation is a common feature in autism. The digestive system regulates immune system and inflammatory response. Healing the digestive tract is the first step in enhancing immune function and lowering inflammation levels that impair development.
A study done at Johns Hopkins, by Dr. Pardo and Dr. Vargos, showed neuroinflammation (inflammation in the brain) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Other studies have shown levels of inflammation in autism are higher than those of juvenile RA (rheumatoid arthritis), Crohns and other extremely inflammatory disorders. These studies on inflammation also identify another critical problem for autistic children: their high inflammation levels are accompanied by impairments in their ability to REMOVE INFLAMMATION.
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS ON INFLAMMATIONS, PAIN & FOOD INTOLERANCES:
Whenever there is pain and inflammation, I always urge people to take a Food Intolerance Test. As I have stated, the Elisa ImG test is expensive. The testing by Meridian Valley Labs is considered one of the best and the least expensive in the U.S. This Lab is run by Dr. Jonathan Wright, recommended by Suzanne Somers in her books, and he is well known by some practitioners at the Association for Research and Enlightenment in Virginia Beach VA.
CONTACT: The customer service department would be happy to help connect you to a nearby practitioner. Give us a call at (855) 405-TEST and tell us what kind of specialty you are interested in. http://meridianvalleylab.com/patients/ordering-a-test/ (or use Life Extension mentioned above).
When I contracted the Epstein-Barr Virus, I immediately experienced neuralgia, pain in my lower torso. Having age-related lumbar compression, the virus hid in this area, affecting the nerves in my lower torso. At times, I would feel like someone was stabbing me with an ice pick. The bottoms of my feet hurt and I could not stand for long.
A doctor gave me Neurontin, a nerve medication, which only put me in a drunken stupor. It did nothing for the horrible pain. It took 2 years of agony until I heard Dr. Andrew Weil on television discuss the anti-inflammatory diet for pain – it was basically chicken, turkey, fish and vegetables for 2 weeks and NO SUGAR. Within 2 weeks, the pain was gone – until I ate sugary foods at Christmas. It took another 2 weeks for the pain to go away.
NOTE: My friend, who has been an important resource for me, said that it took 5 months for the food “toxins” to be eliminated from her body, reducing the pain. So, you should know that each person is different. However, even by eliminating so much from her diet, she still has not been able to bring down her inflammation level. But, she has NOT yet tried B Vitamins under the tongue.
Normally, B Vitamins take about 20 minutes to run through the body and they are excreted in the urine in a bright yellow color. If the body does not absorb these vitamins very quickly, they are gone. I find that, in taking Vitamin Shoppe Liquid B Complex under my tongue (and hour after drinking tea or coffee) 3 times a day, I do not have any change in my urine color so, I believe, these vitamins are retained.
As I have researched various pain-based diseases, I have received so many testimonials about the anti-inflammatory diet. Even for PCOS, the subjects completely improved after eliminating Gluten, Dairy and Sugar.
This is my Testimonial List –
Testimonials from women who have cured themselves of this disease are the most important because it is a firsthand experience, not theoretical.
One woman wrote to say that she had a total remission of her PCOS through diet only. Finally, she achieved normal periods and her hair grew back. This is what she did:
• Eliminate fats EXCEPT Omega-3, ORGANIC (only) Canola Oil, Olive Oil and Flax Seed Oil
• Eliminate bad carbohydrates, then maintain a low carbohydrate and low bad fat diet
• Eliminate sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup (bad cards) and Cactus sweeteners
• Do eat lots of fiber rich food
• Subject says she is NOT on a low fat diet but only good fats.
THE MTHFR TEST & B VITAMIN ABSORPTION:
IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION: At my NCGR lecture, I met two ladies who took the MTHFR test and they discovered that they lack the enzyme for metabolizing Vitamin B. Their doctors gave them a prescription for CEREFOLIN, which is pre-metabolized Vitamin B.
Since the CC-Inflammation post was published, I have interviewed my friend in-person and obtained very important information.
The test to determine B vitamin absorption is called the MTHFR test. MTHFR stands for Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase. It is an enzyme that helps metabolize homocysteine in the body.
Abnormalities in the MTHFR gene can lead to high levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine has been correlated to an increased cardiovascular risk. This particular situation can often be remedied by increasing one’s intake of folic acid.
This test determines if one has clinically significant mutations in the MTHFR gene. In particular, mutations in the C677T and A1298C positions are most common.
LABCORP performs this test. My own CRP test indicated 0.02 and this is negligible, eliminating any risk from a heart attack or stroke.
Using the Hormone Saliva Test (considered the best for determining Adrenal Function), Dr Berger observed that my adrenals function minimally at night but flat line as soon as I get out of bed.
The symptoms of Hypoadrenia, if untreated, can lead to a weakened heart muscle. This type of weakness cannot be determined by heart tests, only by symptoms.
DISEASES AFFECTED BY MTHFR:
Diabetes Immune Deficiency Depression
Cancer ADD/ADHD Addictive Behavior
Pulmonary Embolisms Multiple Sclerosis Insomnia
Cleft Palette Alzheimer’s Disease Down’s Syndrome
Spina Bifida Dementia Chronic Viral Infection
Autism Chemical Sensitivity Thyroid Dysfunction
Parkinson’s Congenital Heart Defects Neuropathy
Neural Tube Defects Fibromyalgia Recurrent Miscarriages
Atherosclerosis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Infertility
Anxiety Schizophrenia Allergies
BiPolar
I am amazed to observe that these are the same symptoms caused by Hypoadrenia and I wound if these are not interrelated.
From COMMON CURES VI:
CFS & WEAK HEART MUSCLE: There is a new type of CFS, a syndrome whereby the body becomes fatigued into order to protect itself against a heart attack. Most heart tests, EKG etc, do not give correct information. Symptoms are basically the only clue to this condition – spikes in blood pressure, unable to build muscle through strength exercises, sensitivity to temperature, respiratory problems (breathing and asthma), and thyroid issues. Many doctors are now examining this new type of heart condition. There is a free book for downloading:
http://drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/CFS_-_CFS_Book_published_by_Dr_Sarah_Myhill
I will be posting information on the Adrenal-Thyroid in the late Summer 2013. Hypo-thyroid and hypoadrenia can cause symptoms that are psychological such as depression, panic attacks, emotional hypersensitivity, and insomnia. The physical manifestation which I experienced were morning headaches, heart pounding and racing, respiratory issues straining for more oxygen, hypoglycemia, inability to handle stress (avoidance issues), allergies…and I never realized how depressed I was until I was not depressed. The depression was relieved immediately upon taking Energetix DHEA Drops with Pregnenolone and Niacin.
WARNING ABOUT CURCUMIN: Many people take Curcumin for inflammation. Many people are intolerant of the herb Turmeric. The expanded Food Safe allergy test from Life Extension will show this. Your doctor must order this expanded test.
My friend was told to take Curcumin 3 times daily – and she broke out in a terrible rash. Her test showed an intolerance to Turmeric! She feels that taking so much created the intolerance.