Enzyme Enhancers, a Possible Mechanism to help Detoxification?
By Don Richard Paladin
March 11, 2000
Revised: March 19, 2000
I was reading some of a new book by Dr. Sherry Rogers (1). As I often do, I sort through new information based upon patterns of information I have previously learned. I have informally studied Chinese Medicine for about 15 years. I will skip explaining what I have learned except to say that I have known for a long time that liver, stomach, spleen, and pancreas have been implicated in my chemical sensitivity. I have recently been focusing in upon diet to change the energy dynamics of my illness. Dr. Rogers' is one of two books (2) I have recently purchased on the detoxification/digestion (and a possible relationship to chemical intolerance).
When I read about the relationship to blocking of the H2 system in the stomach, I realized that we may be on to something. When I first read it, I thought that there is a relationship between the H2 system and detoxification enzymes. I was informed later by a research pharmacologist that the H2-Blockers overload the enzyme detoxification pathway. Many xenobiotics have this impact upon our detoxification system. Although Dr. Rogers speaks to the issue of the overload and not to a specific relationship on the stomach organ system and detoxification, the side effects related to this drug made me wonder if somehow there is a connection between the drug and stomach and detoxification issues. I still wonder if the potential side effects of the H2 blockers were a result of the enzyme overload or of the specific disruption of the stomach/spleen-pancreas system.
Reading Dr. Rogers' passage acted as a catalyst to stimulate
my thinking regarding the issues of detoxification. Dr. Rogers
does not speak to enhancing the H2 system. That was my own
inverse perspective of the information I thought she presented.
The passages below stimulated my thinking. If blocking
gastric secretion with a specific xenobiotic causes decreased
detoxification enzymes, could enhancement of the
detoxification enzymes reverse this process? I have read that
many of us with MCS have low gastric acid and pancreatic enzymes.
If we increased specific digestive acid and enzymes, could we
increase the detoxification process? If the pancreatic/spleen
organ system is the weak link in the energy dynamics of our
disorder, could there be enzymes produced by this system we are
deficient in? Could replacement or enhancement of enzymes
involved in detoxification ameliorate our disorder? I only have
questions. Read the excerpt from Dr. Rogers' book. What do
you think?
The Tagamet Tragedy
Why is Tagamet (generic name, cimetidine) so popular now? That's easy: As soon as its patent expired, it became available over the counter and, with a TV ad campaign to espouse its virtues, sales skyrocketed. Tagamet, however, is different from its older antacid relatives. It does not just sop up acid; it blocks the H2 acid-secretion site on the stomach cells so that they do not release gastric juices. Though this makes Tagamet more effective, it also increases the side effects exponentially.
For example, on October 14, 1991, an article appeared in the Wall Street Journal about Mr. Latimer, a vigorous, athletic, 36-year-old Dallas-based petroleum engineer whose life, as he knew it, stopped one Saturday as he mowed his newly pesticided lawn. Suddenly, something was very wrong– he was overcome by dizziness, nausea, chest tightness, runny nose, and a pounding headache. Over the next several months these and newer symptoms, like an uncontrollable jerking of the eyes, worsened. In less than half a year, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and his health continued to go downhill.
Six years later, his health had deteriorated even more. He was exhausted, and had such neuromuscular problems that he couldn't even ride a bike, had difficulty walking, and had frequent seizures. A toxicologist, three neurologists, and two neuro-ophthalmologists independently agreed that he had organophosphate pesticide poisoning. Unfortunately, his vulnerability to the poisoning increased by virtue of his daily consumption of 900 milligrams of Tagamet, which grossly interfered with his ability to detoxify the common pesticide, diazinon. As a result the diazinon accumulated in his body, triggering cancer, exacerbating his chronic fatigue, and causing a disabling neurological poisoning complete with seizures and peculiar nightmares that left over half a dozen physicians powerless.
Because he was taking the H2-blocker Tagamet, which vied for the same detoxification pathways in his body as the pesticide did, he did not have enough detoxification reserve. Consequently, the pesticide's carcinogenic properties were magnified, not detoxified. Further undetoxified pesticide residues damaged his mitochondria, the delicate little organelles inside each cell where energy is made, causing chronic fatigue. And they continued to damage his nervous system, especially his brain.
The fact that Tagamet and similar H2-blockers vie for the same detoxification enzymes is common knowledge in medicine. Even the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR), the standard textbook that describes drug actions and side effects, warns that Tagamet-like drugs compromise detoxification pathways. Another problem concerns our individual biochemistry. There is no way to know with exactitude how H2-blockers will affect each person. Add to this our daily exposures to toxic substances at home, work, in traffic and our weaknesses grow. One thing is quite clear: If the detoxification enzymes are slowed down by Tagamet, then symptoms and side effects from these exposures can be exacerbated. It's also important not to over-look the many other drugs a person may be taking, whether self- or physician-prescribed. An undue combination of drugs may greatly magnify undesired effects.
As sick as he was, Mr. Latimer was still fortunate. He did not suffer from all the possible side effects of Tagamet, which include cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, gynecomastia or breast enlargement in men, headaches, dizziness, low white-blood cell count, and heart block. Such side effects can occur at any time, even years after initially taking the drug, which decreases the likelihood of your associating the appearances of symptoms with the drug.
A Common Pattern of Disharmony - Deficient Earth
March 17, 2000
Revised: March 18, 2000
I have been doing some informal polling of others with MCS and
pesticide/formaldehyde sensitivity. About 12 years ago I went to
Dr. Henry Lu in Vancouver, Canada who did a differential
diagnosis on me. Part of the diagnosis is looking at the energy
dynamics of ones whole body system as reflected in the condition
of the tongue. After looking at my tongue he told
me that I had a weak spleen/pancreas/stomach organ system. In
parlance of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this system was
my "root" organ or cause of my major symptoms.
I have for a long time believed that this pattern of "deficiency" is reflected in many of us with MCS. This weekend I asked about six or seven others to look at their tongues and look for the pattern that Dr. Lu found on my tongue. Of those who responded back this weekend (five) they all found the same pattern.. . . the CLEFT!
I decided it was time to ask the larger group to check to see if this is a common organ system problem as reflected in our tongues. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is amazing.
Here is what you need to do to look to see if you have the
pattern. Dr. Lu looked at my tongue and saw that I have a cleft (split)
in the middle (center line) of the tongue. It starts about half
an inch or more past the tip of the tongue and splits or trenches
for an inch or more. This approximate area is where the spleen/pancreas/stomach
organ system is. The cleft reflects a
disturbance or weakness of that system. And, no, not everyone has
it. So take some time, look in the mirror, stick out your tongue,
and see if you have a cleft about half an inch up from the tip.
If you do, you may want to go to a poll I created to collect some
data on this "pattern." This is an extension of
my informal polling on this issue. [See below for link]
What does this mean? It means that our weakest organ system is likely connected with our detoxification problems. Dr. Sherry Rogers relates how H2-blockers designed to treat a specific symptom, excess gastric acid, can vie for detoxification enzymes. We have to wonder what the connection between the stomach/spleen-pancreas system and detoxification is. It should be no stretch of logic to realize that most people with MCS have digestion problems and food intolerance because of the weakness of that system. Finding a ROOT CAUSE is a big step.
So, it will help if we know if you have a CLEFT in the middle of your tongue. You can do this by going to a survey I have created on line at Mr. Poll. Before I created this on line poll, I asked a larger number of others with MCS if they had this tongue cleft (split, crease, line). Of the 23 responses I have collected as of this day, 18 reported seeing a cleft (split or crack) in their tongues and five said they saw none. Of the five who said they so no "cleft," two said they saw a line (like a palm line) or crease in the middle of their tongue. As with any phenomenon there will be a variability and continuum. I decided it was now time to create a poll of a larger group of those of us with MCS to see how consistent this "cleft" is a reflection of disturbance of our spleen/pancreas/stomach system. Please take this poll so that we can collect some data that may help others understand.
Note that the "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Poll" is looking for a particular pattern. It is important to know if you are extroverted or introverted as compared to the general population. The best way to gage this is think about how you were as a child. Were you the shy, reserved and quiet child in your class until you got to know everyone else or were you the outgoing, aggressive, and very socially oriented child? Most choices are either/or in this poll (survey). If you can answer "yes, sometimes" then select that option. If you can answer, "no, never" then select that option.
You can find a link to the final results of the continuous poll at the site after you have completed taking it. Please be aware that this is not a "scientifically controlled survey" because there is no way to track who the responders are and all questions are answered anonymously by each responder. We just get a tally of the responses. Still, this should give is an idea of a pattern. If you choose to participate in the poll, I want to thank you in advance for your participation.
What to do If I have a *EARTH DEFICIENCY (Spleen/Pancreas/Stomach Organ System Weakness)
A number of the people who responded to my preliminary informal poll asked me after they discovered they had the "cleft" what they could do. I am NO doctor, and like you I am searching for solutions to my MCS. I did find a book edited by Trent W. Nichols in which 20 alternative health professional discuss the issues of digestion and detoxification. One author states that when his chemically sensitive patients come in, the first thing he has them do is work on their digestive issues. I believe he has the right approach. You may purchase Optimal Digestion: New Strategies for Achieving Digestive Health (2) on line. I would highly recommend it. If you cannot get the book immediately, you might want to surf to this Australian site on Food Intolerances.(3)(4)
*In EastWest Master Course in Herbology, Michael Tierra
explains, " The spleen [spleen-pancreas considered a single
organ in Chinese medicine] is considered responsible for
the transformation and transportation of energy in the body. It
controls fluids. It has the function of controlling the lymphatic
secretions. Dysfunction of the spleen is associated with
indigestion, swollen abdomen, diarrhea and edema. Deficiency of
the spleen results in weak muscles and malnourishment due to poor
assimilation, hypoglycemia and diabetes. . . . Diseases of the
stomach correspond in many ways to those of the spleen-pancreas.
although they tend to be more superficial and acute. . . .
Diseases of Earth include hypoglycemia, diabetes, off-centeredness,
lack of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, mucus diseases,
menstrual irregularities, stomach and digestive disorders, and
inability to stay in the moment and concentrate." (5)
LINKS,
References
1. Sherry A. Rogers, No More Heartburn: Stop the Pain in 30
Days–Naturally!, Kensington Books, NY, NY, 2000. p. 8 - 9
2. Trent W. Nichols & Nancy Faass, Optimal Digestion: New
Strategies for Achieving Digestive Health, Avon Books, NY,
1999
3. Henry Osiecki , The Physicians Handbook of Clinical
Nutrition, to order this Australian book on line go to http://www.accessnable.com.au/bshop.htm#TPH
4. Nutritional Supplements for Specific Conditions (Australian
site. You will want to bookmark this one.) at http://www.accessnable.com.au/inform.htm
5. Michael Tierra, EastWest Master Course in Herbology,
Santa Cruz, CA, 1981,
Back
to "MCS - The Poisoned Web" Hubpage
Don's note: This site (and page) is evolving. I believe those without the cleft may have a stronger liver component to their MCS. This is based upon a hunch. Please send me any feedback and comments to Sunergos@juno.com. If you find any errors, please let me know. Thank you. Thanks to Connie and Dr. Ann for their insights and helpful information.
Comments Received
Subj: H2 blockers
Date: 3/18/2000 11:13:43 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: Mustang8 (Connie Eash)
To: DonPaladin@aol.com
<<Don,
>>
<<I see you're making a mistake in interpretation of Sherry
Roger's report. I only see it because I'm a pharmacologist
and was in drug research for 11 years. But I think your
basic thinking of looking at a physiological level for
answers, as well as the energy (CHinese) level is correct.>>
[dp: Hi Connie. I went back and reread Dr. Rogers' section on Tagamet. You are right about my interpretation. Her view is that the H2-blockers are systemic and interfere with the enzymes involved in detoxification. She does not say that these enzymes are in the stomach system (lining where gastric secretion occurs). I may have over generalized some knowledge that the stomach is involved in an immunity of its own. (From: OPTIMAL DIGESTION, "Immunity Against Invaders," by Michael Rosenbaum, p 35, where he explains, "Your digestive tract is the largest immune system in your body!") I still intuitively believe there is a connection between the stomach/spleen/pancreas system and the issues of detoxification. The key word is CONNECTION.
I believe a weakened stomach/spleen-pancreas system would impact detoxification. I was struck by how a drug that was designed to specifically interfere with the H2 system could impact the detoxification system. The question I would have is: What is there about the structure of this drug that "antagonizes" those enzymes that are involved in detoxification? I am uninformed. Do all drugs ... or most drugs ... interfere with the enzymes involved in detoxification? If there is a class of drugs that interfere with these enzymes, what is the common factor, if any? And ... more questions...How are these chemicals implicated in the total load upon the detoxification process? I do understand that the detoxification system does detoxify xenobiotics, and those xenobiotics cause a load upon the system. Yes, a H2-Blocker is a xenobiotic, but is its impact particular to an organ system?
This suggests to me that we have a weakened system that detoxifies and can be overloaded easily. Why is this true for SOME of us? Not everyone who takes H2-Blockers gets ill like Mr. Latimer from pesticides. In those of us who are predisposed to have a weakened detoxification system what is the NATURAL BIOCHEMICAL our bodies produce that is DEFICIENT in us?
Connie, I know you understand that those who are deficient in PON 1 (serum paraoxonase) will have a greater problem detoxifying OP's. I believe the variability of these detoxification enzymes are what is important to focus upon. We should USE ENZYME ENHANCEMENT THERAPY to replace those natural ones for which we may have a DEFICIENCY. ]
<<Anyway, please note that the article says,"Because
he was
taking the H2-blocker Tagamet, which vied for the same
detoxification pathways in his body as the pesticide did, he
did not have enough detoxification reserve.">>
[dp: I did reread and now understand that it was the whole
detoxification system that is being overloaded but not a problem
with the H2 Blocker preventing an enzyme from being generated in
the gut.]
<<The key here is not that actual action of the drug,
but the
fact that the body was using the same detox pathways to get
rid of the tagamet and the pesticide. This is an example of
loading the body with more than one toxin and why we try to
decrease the total toxic load, no matter what the main
offender is.>>
[dp: I understand that that is the view and it sounds very logical to me. However, why H2-blockers? Do ALL drugs cause the load problem? What is specific to a class of drugs that would cause an enzyme overload process? Are there no specific reactions with detoxification enzymes particular to H2-blockers? You don't need to answer these questions. I am just thinking... a habit hard for me to break.
Do you know, Connie, that PON 1 is involved in heart disease (HD) and diabetes? A deficiency of this enzyme has been implicated in other research on HD and diabetes. The PON 1 is somehow involved in the HDL levels. Low HDL has been implicated in research on PON 1 and heart disease. They have been researching PON 1 for about 40 years. They are now recognizing the deficiency of this one enzyme is implicated in HD, diabetes and the ability to detoxify OP's. That is just ONE enzyme of many, many thousands.
I have high Triglycerides and LDL's but low HDL. I am organophosphate hypersensitive, and I have been diagnosed with "reactive hypoglycemia." The question that I kept asking ... and keep asking is WHAT ARE THE RELATIONSHIPS? When a commercial test for PON 1 becomes available, I will take it to verify my hunch that I am deficient in it.
The point I am trying to make is that we must follow the relationships and interactions to get a broader understanding of what is going on.
Let me ask you, would mold toxins which might overload ones enzyme detoxification system have the same level of impact on one who has a weakened detoxification system? Do mold toxins vie for enzyme pathway detoxification?]
<<I basically quit pharmacology because I realized early
on
that drugs are not the way to health. Even herbs, which I
consider drugs. They are useful for eliminating symptoms
until we can find the more basic imbalance. We use
Echinacea, Milk Thistle and homeopathics, but only
occasionally. I prefer to go to my basic human biochemistry
text, nutritional testing and nutritional supplements and
diet for answers.>>
[dp: Connie, I am with you. I totally agree. I tried herbs and they did not solve the problem. I do supplements but feel that many just treat some symptoms. I believe we need a total ecological approach. This includes diet and our other environments. The key is finding that which engenders strength and energy for us. If it is not biocompatible with our unique biochemistry, then we should not subject ourselves to it. ]
<<You mention the deficiency in gastric juices MCS
people
have. Also, notice the deficiencies in almost all hormones,
enzymes, many neurotransmitters and defective cell walls.
What do all these have in common? Answer: amino acids, the
basic building blocks for these and any protein. In my
textbook, it even states that a poisoning can cause a
deficiency in cysteine, which can lead to a deficiency of
the growth hormone and stunted growth in children.>>
[dp: I am right with you on this, too. I have had my amino acids tested (1991) and have gone back and looked at the tests. Interestingly the amino acids that are abnormal are involved in detoxification and hypoglycemia. I had high homocysteine levels too which I have brought down. Since getting the lab results from the glucose tolerance test verifying the "reactive hypoglycemia" I have done some major changes in my diet and nutritional supplementation. By avoiding plant proteins (soy, wheat and gluten grains), I have noticed an amazing change in my energy level.
Gosh, Connie, how I wish the MCS Community had its own research group. ]
<<Your path was leading toward an H2-agonist, which is
the
opposite of an H2-antagonist (Tagamet, etc) You can see
that this would just lead to another drug and another toxin
the body would have to process.>>
[dp: No, I was suggesting Enzyme Enhancement Therapy. In other words, if you could enhance the level of the deficient enzyme you could solve the problem caused by the deficiency. I would go for the diet approach first. However, we need to know which amino acids and other supplements is an agonist for the deficient enzyme that is the problem. Our current science is not there yet.]
<<I thought I would just mail this to you and you can
post
whatever part of this you want on CHECNET.
Take care,
Connie>>
[dp: Thanks, Connie. I did not post the original to CHECNET. I
only posted it to CHEMICAL-ILLNET and then from my address book.
May I have your permission to post this as a comment section
below my webpage on the ENHANCERS? I will go back and revise that
page. I am very grateful for your thoughtful response. I am glad
you clarified the detoxification issue. Of course, I still have
lots of questions ... but this is an evolving process for me.
Thank you for taking your valuable time to write.]
______________________________________________________________________________
Subj: Re: H2 blockers
Date: 3/19/2000 5:47:03 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: Mustang8 (Connie Eash)
To: DonPaladin@aol.com
Don,
You're making me think! So I had to put off answering
until
I could (think).
> "Immunity Against Invaders," by Michael Rosenbaum, p 35, where he >explains, "Your digestive tract is the largest immune system in your >body!") I still intuitively believe there is a connection between the >stomach/spleen/pancreas system and the issues of detoxification. The >key word is CONNECTION.
I agree with this, especially when you think about what is
going on in the GI tract. Actually detoxicifation pathways
and metabolic pathways for food and nutrients are shared.
Detox is just the breakdown and excretion of toxins. So
what goes on in the GI tract is breakdown of molecules.
This would make it a detox system.
> I believe a weakened stomach/spleen-pancreas system would
impact
> detoxification. I was struck by how a drug that was designed
to > specifically
interfere with the H2 system could impact the > >
detoxification system. The question I would have is: What is
there > about the structure of this drug that "antagonizes"
those enzymes that > are involved in detoxification?
Okay, now that you mention the GI system is a detox system,
the Tagamet is blocking detox in 2 ways.
1) It's blocking the excretion of digestive enzymes by
blocking the H2 receptors that normally stimulate the
secretion of these enzymes. Think of the receptor as the
female part of a puzzle and histamine and cimetidine as two
male parts competing for a place in the puzzle. If
Histamine wins, it stimulates the release of the enzyme. If
cimetidine wins, it doesn't stimulate the receptor, just
keeps histamine out. This is the whole concept of receptors
and agonists (the ones that stimulate the receptors to work)
and antagonists (the ones that just take up space and keep
the agonists out). Fun stuff, huh?
2) This is the one I think Dr. Rogers' was talking about.
Each toxin, including drugs, you take into your body are
broken down and eliminated by the body in a different way,
depending on what type of chemical they are. There have
been about 1000 P450 enzymes identified. Each one is
responsible for breaking down a particular chemical or type
of chemical. It is estimated that 0.5 to 1% of the
population has a defect in each of these enzymes. That part
of the population would therefore have a problem with
detoxifying that particular chemical, but would never know
it unless they are exposed to an unusually large amount of
that particular chemical. Anyway, the PDR states that
cimetidine has an affect on the microsomal enzymes (P450)
that interfers with the breakdown of other drugs such as
warfarin, phenytoin, propranolol, nifedipine,
chlordiazepoxide, diasepam, tricyclic antidepressants,
lidocaine, theophylline, and metronidazole. So these drugs
and similar chemicals must have a common detoxification
process.
> I am uninformed. Do all drugs ... or most drugs ... interfere with the >enzymes involved in detoxification? If there is a class of drugs that >interfere with these enzymes, what is the common factor, if any?
If you look in the PDR, they will tell you how much of the
drug is excreted unchanged. Drugs that are excreted
unchanged may not interfer with the metabolism of other
chemicals, but may still compete in the kidney for
excretion.
> How are these chemicals implicated in the total load upon
the
> detoxification process? I do understand that the
detoxification system > does detoxify xenobiotics and those
xenobiotics cause a load upon the > system. Yes, a H2-Blocker
is a xenobiotic, but is its impact > particular to an organ
system?
H2 antagonists were developed because they were suppose to
be so specific for the histamine action on the stomach and
not other areas, where the histamine receptors are H1.
These are in the lungs, skin and blood vessels and
responsible for 'allergic' reactions. But no drug is
specific for one thing and nothing else. My pharmacology
teacher, Dr. G. Victor Rossi, who is an editor of the Merck
Manual, once defined a drug as a poison with a few positive
side effects. He was so smart, I can't believe he was
chosen to edit the Merck Manual. He also would teach us how
the drugs SHOULD be used and how the doctors were REALLY
using them - often not the same thing.
> This suggests to me that we have a weakened system that detoxifies and > can be overloaded easily. Why is this true for SOME of us? Not >everyone who takes H2-Blockers gets ill like Mr. Latimer from >pesticides. In those of us who are predisposed to have a weakened >detoxification system what is the NATURAL BIOCHEMICAL our bodies >produce that is DEFICIENT in us?
As I discovered and mentioned above, probably every one of
us is deficient in SOME phase of detoxification. As
industry gives us more detox challenges, we'll find more and
more people with more and more different defects.
>
> Connie, I know you understand that those who are deficient
in PON 1 >(serum paraoxonase) will have a greater problem
detoxifying OP's. I >believe the variability of these
detoxification enzymes are what is >important to focus upon.
We should USE ENZYME ENHANCEMENT THERAPY to >replace those
natural ones for which we may have a DEFICIENCY. ]
I agree that PON plays a part in at least some op poisoning
cases. I'm not sure about my son, though. His amino
acid
results show that he has an abundance of methionine, the
precursor to cysteine, but a lack of cysteine. At least
this was true after the poisoning. Cysteine supplements
certainly help him. And my daughter seems to be lacking in
this amino acid. So in their case, this may be their weak
link. By giving them cysteine supplements, I'm doing
exactly as you suggest, replacing the genetic deficiency.
I've read about several other 'genetic' deficiencies.
One
is present in about 10% of Parkinson's cases - a deficiency
of glutathione. This is essential for detoxification.
This
would be easy to correct if identified early on. Either
glutathione supplements or possibly one of the 3 amino acids
which make up glutathione.
Another deficiency in another neurological disease was
superoxide dismutase (SOD). Down's syndrome people have an
abundance of SOD, but not enough catalase to continue the
detox process. Therefore, they build up toxic
intermediaries. In detox of some chemicals, SOD acts on
them first, then catalase further breaks them down.
> [dp: I understand that that is the view and it sounds
very logical to me.
> However, why H2-blockers? Do ALL drugs cause the load
problem? What is
> specific to a class of drugs that would cause an enzyme
overload process? Are
> there no specific reactions with detoxification enzymes
particular to
> H2-blockers? You don't need to answer these questions. I am
just thinking...
> a habit hard for me to break.
I think I addressed this above. I do like how you think
and
make me think. I also think this is exactly how we should
be thinking to help people who already have been poisoned
recover. But future poisonings have to be avoided by
changing our whole philosophy from trying to 'control'
nature to trying to 'understand' and work in harmony with
nature. I think this is how scientists were made before the
generations that grew up apart from the land.
>
> Do you know, Connie, that PON 1 is involved in heart disease
(HD) and
> diabetes. A deficiency of this enzyme has been implicated in
other >research on HD and diabetes. The PON 1 is somehow
involved in the HDL >levels. Low HDL has been implicated in
research on PON 1 and heart >disease. They have been
researching PON 1 for about 40 years. They are >now
recognizing the deficiency of this one enzyme is implicated in
HD, >diabetes and the ability to detoxify OP's. That is just
ONE enzyme of >many, many thousands.
> I have high Triglycerides and LDL's but low HDL. I am
organophosphate
> hypersensitive, and I have been diagnosed with "reactive
>hypoglycemia." The question that I kept asking ... and
keep asking is >WHAT ARE THE RELATIONSHIPS? When a commercial
test for PON 1 becomes >available, I will take it to verify my
hunch that I am deficient in it.
> The point I am trying to make is that we must follow the
relationships >and interactions to get a broader understanding
of what is going on.
I didn't know about the relationship between PON and
cholesterol, diabetes, and triglycerides. But this is
interesting. Cystine goes to taurine. If you are
deficient
in cystine, you're deficient in taurine. Taurine is half of
bile. Bile is used to rid the body of many toxins and
excess cholesterol. Therefore, low taurine, high
cholesterol. Here's a question, what does a deficiency in
cystine do to PON levels? Cystine is also a key ingredient
in insulin. See the connection?
What comes first, the cysteine deficiency or the PON
deficiency? I believe in going back to the most basic
elements, the building blocks and working your way up. If
you take PON supplements and insulin for diabetes and
something else to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, why
not correct the basic deficiency in the cystine and solve
all the problems?
>
> Let me ask you, would mold toxins which might overload ones
enzyme
> detoxification system have the same level of impact on one
who has a >weakened detoxification system? Do mold toxins vie
for enzyme pathway >detoxification? ]
I don't know enough about the mold toxins to answer this.
But it is a good question and we could research what exactly
the mold toxins are.
> [dp: Connie, I am with you. I totally agree. I tried herbs and they >did not solve the problem. I do supplements but feel that many just >treat some symptoms.
I don't agree about the supplements, since they are just
replacing what we should get from our diet. It's impossible
to get all nutrients from the diet any more because current
farming practices do not restore minerals to the land,
modern strains of produce do not have the vitamin levels of
older strains. Toxins we take into our bodies drain our
supply of nutrients, even if we did get enough from our diet
to sustain our health in previous years.
>I believe we need a total ecological approach. This
includes diet
> and our other environments. The key is finding that which
engenders >strength and energy for us. If it is not
biocompatible with our unique >biochemistry, then we should
not subject ourselves to it. ]
Absolutely agree, but add the supplements considering
today's choices.
> <<You mention the deficiency in gastric juices MCS
people
> have. Also, notice the deficiencies in almost all
hormones,
> enzymes, many neurotransmitters and defective cell walls.
> What do all these have in common? Answer: amino acids,
the
> basic building blocks for these and any protein. In my
> textbook, it even states that a poisoning can cause a
> deficiency in cysteine, which can lead to a deficiency of
> the growth hormone and stunted growth in children.>>
>
> [dp: I am right with you on this, too. I have had my amino
acids >tested (1991) and have gone back and looked at the
tests. Interestingly >the amino acids that are abnormal are
involved in detoxification and >hypoglycemia.
Which ones were you deficient in?
>I had high homocysteine levels too which I have brought down.
How did you do this specifically?
>Since getting the lab results from the glucose tolerance test verifying >the "reactive hypoglycemia" I have done some major changes in my diet >and nutritional supplementation. By avoiding plant proteins (soy, wheat >and gluten grains), I have noticed an amazing change in my energy >level.
Instead of avoiding foods that Michael was 'allergic' to, we
chose NAET, using acupuncture to resolve the food problems.
These food allergies also lead to deficiencies, whether or
not you take supplements. Fi you're allergic to the
supplements, you won't be able to use them.
>
> Gosh, Connie, how I wish the MCS Community had its own
research group.
It would be nice, but the answers are often in the medical
papers and textbooks. They also need someone to put all the
info together. Sort of like what Theo Colburn did with the
endocrine disruptors.
> BTW, Hippocrates lived in my grandfathers province; so, I
feel I have
> naturally inherited the conceptional understanding of "Let
food be >your medicine." ]
We ought to go back to the old wisdom.
> <<My son was tested and shown deficient in cysteine.
He takes
> 500 mg every morning. It improved his energy and
decreased
> his reactions to chemicals. He also is becoming the
tallest
> one in the family. I only wish my daughter could
swallow
> capsules so she could benefit from this. She has been
> tested and is low as well. Her 'poisoning' was a month
of
> antibiotics for a possible Lyme tick bite. This
antibiotic
> changed her health dramatically. Anyway, that's just
> personal experience.>>
>
> [dp: The fact that both children are deficient in the same
amino acid
> suggests another question to me. Do you think they may both
be >inherently deficient in a particular enzyme that is
involved in >detoxification? I hope this question does not
offend you.]
No, I'm smiling, you can't be an activist and easily
offended. Actually, I think I mentioned before, I think
rather than just an enzyme deficiency used in detox, it's
the enzyme that synthesizes cysteine or cystine from
methionine. (Cystine synthetase?) So I'm glad that we
know
and can correct it, at least if I can ever get Lisa to
swallow capsules.
> [dp: No, I was suggesting Enzyme Enhancement Therapy. In
other words, >if you could enhance the level of the deficient
enzyme you could solve >the problem caused by the deficiency.
I would go for the diet approach >first. However, we need to
know which amino acids and other supplements >is an agonist
for the deficient enzyme that is the problem.
>Our current science is not there yet.]
It's simpler than enzyme enhancement. I would call it
enzyme replacement. This may be done by replacing the
enzyme or any building block that is deficient.
Actually, the amino acids are not agonists, they are the
building blocks and biochemists have actually mapped out the
amino acid sequence to many enzymes and they have the
technology to do much more in this area. If your have your
basic nutrients tested, and we do have this technology at
our disposal and at a fairly resonable cost; and we correct
the basics, many of the other deficiencies will be
corrected.
This is basic textbook biochemistry. Of course, no one
ever
reads the basics anymore. There's no money in nutrients.
The researchers are funded by industry that wants a drug
that is unique and patentable. More money, more complex and
more side effects.
========================================================
From Dr. Ann:
Subj: Re: Check out H2-ENZYME ENHANCERS, A POSSIBLE MECHANISM TO
HELP DETOXIFICATION?
Date: 3/19/2000 8:50:49 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: DrAnn
To: DonPaladin
In a message dated 3/17/00 2:51:47 PM Mountain Standard Time, DonPaladin writes:
In a message dated 3/19/2000 8:50:49 AM Pacific Standard Time, DrAnn writes:
<< Surprise! We have enzymes in our stomachs that detoxify!!! >>
Surprise. Actually we don't. Don, I admire your tenacity and creativity in trying to figure the MCS thing out (who isn't??), but I think you may have misinterpreted what Dr. Rogers said. Tagamet (an H2 blocker, i.e., histamine receptor 2 blocker) blocks the release of acid into the stomach (and I believe intrinsic factor which is necessary for the absorption of Vit B12 further downstream), but no enzymes. Food starts to break down in the stomach due to the presence of hydrochloric acid then enzymes are added to the GI tract by the pancreas in the small intestine. The reason Tagamet interferes with detox does not have to do with its action on the stomach, it has to do with it being degraded in the liver where it competes for detox with other substances. That is if your liver is tied up converting Tagamet to a less toxic form for excretion it is not as available to breakdown say pesticides, or prescription drugs for that matter.
On the other hand, I don't think there's any question that the GI function of most if not all EI's is impaired. Lousy hydrochloric acid secretion, abnormal bowel motility, leaky gut, abnormal flora with or without Candida, parasites, poor digestion, poor nutrient extraction, etc. is common.
Feel free to share. Ann >>
Hi Ann,
Connie who was a research pharmacologist told me similar information. I do appreciate the clarification. I have revised the page and will add your comment there too. I think what I did was over-focus in upon the "root cause" of my disorder and forget that the liver system is also involved in this disorder. Sometimes I can be too logical (using my two byte filtering system -- either/or) and forget that we have multiple organ involvement in this disorder. The liver is also considered a "middle burner" organ system.
For me, the liver would be a secondarily impacted organ system. Although I have had abnormal porphyrin levels, they are not as consistent and as strong as others I know who tend to be more "liver types." I do believe both organ systems (earth=spleen/pancreas/stomach team and wood=liver/gall bladder team) are involved in MCS. I just feel that the 'root cause' will be found in the earth team. In TCM one looks for the root cause of the disorder and primarily treats it while working on and trying to restore other secondarily impacted organ systems.
I still intuitively feel that there may be enzymes that are deficient in the "earth team" generated by either the pancreas or the spleen that may be a root cause of MCS. As you know, the spleen is involved in the immunity process. If our spleen system is under active, then we can expect it to impact immunity. I hesitate to comment on the Chinese view of immunity without reviewing my notes. They do believe in a dual, integrated system that functions as one.
When I was reading Dr. Rogers' book, I was filtering thoughts through the premise that the root organ system (the most deficient energy wise) would be the cause of the detoxification problem. I believe the solution would then be to RESTORE (or enhance with supplements, food, or specific deficient enzymes) that in which we are deficient.
I now like to finish my posts on MCS with my mantra: RESEARCH.
If the MCS community has its own Research Group (like the Cancer
Society...but not solely based upon the allopathic research model),
then we could really solve this problem.