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Invisible Illness . . . Hardly
by Gloria Gilbere, N.D. D.A. HOM., PH.D. The Invisible Illnesses known as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Arthritis, and Digestive Disorders Since WWII, Americans have supported an unbiodegradable and unnatural society of chemicals which are very toxic to humans, animals, and our ecosystem. Sadly, more than 26 million people are afflicted with invisible disorders stemming from chemical exposures. Is it any wonder our immune systems are collapsing under the siege? With invisible illnesses, an opinion exists among some health practitioners, families, insurance companies, and employers that symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and myofascial pain syndrome are psychological. Fortunately, a different opinion is emerging, that these invisible disorders are not a separate entity, but rather a changed state of the organism, a disturbance of the natural equilibrium or harmony of the body systems caused by the build up of toxins. However, much education and wareness on how we can restore this lost balance, thus our lost health, is still needed. WHAT IS MARS? Multiple Allergic Response Syndrome (MARS), also called Environmental Illness (EI), is a syndrome because it stems from a variety of causes. It is a medical condition developed by individuals exposed to chemicals at concentrations generally considered harmless to the healthy population, but creates adverse affects on the skin, immune, respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems. Once able to tolerate low levels of toxins, the body suddenly loses its ability to neutralize them, resulting in an allergic reaction. The onset can be triggered by a single major exposure; low-level, long-term exposure; side effects from prescription drugs, especially medications for pain and inflammation; or serious illness or trauma. In the early stages of MARS, repeated exposure to the substance or substances that caused the initial health effects provokes a reaction. After a time, it takes less and less exposure to cause symptoms. As the body systems break down, an ever-increasing number of chemicals, including some unrelated to the initial exposure, are found to trigger a reaction. GET A WHIFF OF THIS Once an individual becomes sensitized, they manifest acute sensitivities to a wide array of chemicals in everyday life, such as fragrances, detergents, fabric softeners, auto exhaust fumes, fuels (gas/propane), smoke, insecticides, weed killers, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in paints, solvents and new building materials and furnishings, fabric dyes and chemicals, synthetic clothing and fabrics, synthetic or chemically treated carpets, perfumes, most medications and supplements, or other sources, to mention a few. Many people also become hypersensitive to molds, aromatic plants, and wood such as cedar. SYMPTOMS OF MARS Allergic reactions can range in severity and form. Symptoms may include, but are not limited, to the following:
But there is hope. Though Western medicine's symptom-care approach has proven largely ineffective for managing MARS, my clients (as well as myself) have experienced positive results by detoxifying the filter organs, such as the liver, large and small intestines, the lymphatic system, and soft connective tissue. Detoxification leads to lasting reversal of symptoms and returns a natural equilibrium to body systems. WHY INTERNAL TOXICITY IS AN ISSUE A connection has been made between the small intestine and these invisible illnesses. Especially relevant is a disorder called leaky gut syndrome or intestinal permeability. This is where the villi (brush borders) of the small intestine are weakened, allowing toxic material and food to permeate and enter the bloodstream. This leaking of toxins also occurs from the walls of the large intestine or colon, which is intimately connected through an elaborate system of veins and venules to the liver, a portal venous system, and the lymphatic system. During this process, the body literally poisons itself by maintaining a cesspool of decaying toxic matter in the colon. The toxins released by the decay circulate into the bloodstream and travel to all parts of the body, affecting every cell and weakening the entire system. Autointoxication and many forms of "incurable diseases" get their start in the colon. Still another source of intestinal poisons is putrefaction of the portion of the protein from food that fails to be absorbed. Intestinal poisoning is generally a time-released condition, not manifesting immediate visible effects. If sustained, however, the chemicals produced by putrefaction are so poisonous, they irritate the delicate, protective lining of the large intestine, damaging the colon walls and allowing toxins to leak into the lymphatic and circulatory systems. COMPROMISING THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM The lymph nodes act as a filtering station, spongy sacks detecting and collecting foreign and potentially harmful substance in its fluid. Lymph vessels are located throughout the body and are more numerous than blood vessels. The lymphatic system, four times larger than the blood system, provides the means for each individual cell to get rid of waste directly through the lymph ducts and nodes connected to the small and large intestines. Lymph handles only cell wastes; however, when the blood is also dumping waste toxins from the intestinal tract into the lymph system via the liver, the lymph becomes overworked and its filtering/neutralizing function is decreased. It is now believed that most pain and inflammation associated with MARS, and the inflammatory disorders, occurs from the build-up of toxins stored in the soft and connective tissue. There can also be coldness in the extremities from the swelling and sluggish lymphatic flow. By ridding these filtering organs of stagnant and putrefying natural and chemical waste, we lessen the strain placed on these already-overworked systems, and enable our systems to restore normal functionality and health to our bodies. EDUCATE YOURSELVES! There is also much you can to do remain healthy and in balance. Become informed and start making changes to avoid as many toxic chemicals as possible. Knowledge enables us to reverse and prevent these disorders. I did and so have the thousands of clients that follow my detoxifying and life-style protocol, naturally. |
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