Biotoxin illness is an invisible disease that results from exposure to toxins such as mycotoxins including ochratoxin, aflatoxin, trichothecene, and gliotoxin among others, or toxins from microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and molds. Inflammagens such as endotoxins, mannans, proteinases, and even EMFs initiate a vicious cycle of inflammation called “chronic inflammatory response syndrome” coined by Dr. Shoemaker. Chronic inflammation is the result of the immune system’s desperate attempt to combat and remove these toxins, but the immune system becomes overactivated. Proinflammatory cytokines such as Il-6, Il-8, Il-10, and TNF alpha are released by immune cells, and upregulation of TGF-Beta 1 and C4a and VEGF occurs. The cytokines bind to their receptors and cause the release of MMP9 in the blood. MMP9 affects the release of MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) from the hypothalamus, causing patients to be unable to thermoregulate, suffer sleep dysregulation, and develop leaky gut syndrome. The ensuing immune activation can also cause hypercoagulation (clotting of the blood) and restricted blood flow, resulting in cellular and tissue hypoxia (low oxygen concentration). Decreased production of VEGF can manifest as muscle cramping, headache, and shortness of breath.
Additionally, biotoxins generally have a specific affinity for fat cells because they can “stick” to them and disrupt the extracellular matrix. This makes it particularly difficult to remove these toxins as typically would occur by the liver and kidney. Depending on the type of toxin present, toxin binders such as Bentonite clay, NAC, Charcoal, Zeolite, Apple Pectin, Chlorella, Cholestyramine, and/or Welchol may be used in order to facilitate the removal of these toxins from the fat cells. Additionally, green juicing, glutathione, colonics, and infrared saunas may also help to remove these toxins more quickly.
Most importantly, if you are exposed to a water-damaged building, or are breathing mycotoxins from a previously damaged building, PLEASE REMOVE YOURSELF IMMEDIATELY FROM THAT ENVIRONMENT. No amount of intervention will help you regain your health if you are continually exposed to biotoxins. Please contact Dr. Marra’s office right away so that she can help you solve your disease-causing puzzle. She can help you navigate the difficult terrain of identifying reputable companies to help you clean up your biotoxin illness issues.
Please check out Dr. Shoemaker’s website for more information on The Biotoxin Pathway.