[Fwd: Autoimmune & Environment]

[Guest guest]

NIH-National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Reports from special environmental health issue explore links to

autoimmune diseases - diabetes, lupus, multiple scleroris and arthritis

A study by scientists at s Hopkins University concludes that at

least ten million Americans are affected by one of 80 known autoimmune

diseases -- conditions such as type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes,

lupus, multiple sclerosis and even Takayasu's arteritis, which attacks

the aorta and its branches. These conditions result when a person's

immune system mounts an attack against one's own tissues.

Mild forms of the autoimmune response probably occur naturally in most

people. But, for people with a predisposition to autoimmunity,

environmental factors, such as toxic chemicals, drugs, bacteria or

viruses, may trigger a full-fledged response.

The potential causes of this mysterious family of diseases are described

in the October supplement to Environmental Health Perspectives, the

journal of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The

supplement, titled Linking Environmental Agents and Autoimmune Diseases,

contains updated reports from a workshop which brought more than 100

scientists to the NIEHS campus in Research Triangle Park, North

Carolina, to review what is known about the causes and underlying

mechanisms involved.

Highlights from the supplement, which is available to reporters in both

electronic and hard copy format:

Immunotoxic effects that result from prenatal exposure to environmental

chemicals may be more dramatic or persistent than those from exposure

during adult life. For example, prenatal exposure to the insecticide

chlordane, or the aromatic hydrocarbon benzopyrene, produces what

appears to be lifelong immunosuppression in mice. Furthermore, when mice

genetically predisposed to develop autoimmune disease were treated with

the environmental contaminant tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) before

birth, their postnatal autoimmunity was increased.

A study of two large epidemics documents the potential of environmental

agents to induce autoimmune disease states. In Spain in 1981, 35,000

people developed fever, respiratory problems, muscle/joint pain,

peripheral neuropathies and other lupus-like symptoms following

ingestion of denatured rapeseed oil. In a second case, a similar range

of symptoms occurred among New Mexico residents who had been exposed to

contaminated L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid.

Various autoimmune diseases found in both humans and animals occur

predominantly in females. Recent studies with non-autoimmune strains of

mice suggest that chronic treatment with the female sex hormone,

estrogen, stimulates the production of antibody-producing B cells while

suppressing the activity of helper T cells. This imbalance can result in

unchecked proliferation of self-reactive B cells, which may lead to

increased incidence of autoimmune disease.

To date, researchers have identified a host of environmental factors

thought to be possible triggers for various autoimmune disorders. For

example, exposure to certain dietary factors seems to contribute to type

1 diabetes. Other possible links include ultraviolet radiation and

multiple sclerosis, ionizing radiation and systemic lupus erythematosus,

stress and rheumatoid arthritis, and exposure to heavy metals and

autoimmune glomerulonephritis.

[Guest guest]

Interesting to read about the food intolerance's. How did you have her

tested? We had tested and she came back not intolerant to foods but a

class four to dust mites! (It works 1 - 5 with 5 being very bad, and very

rare. most kids are 2 or 3) I have bought some stuff for the bed and am now

washing the sheets once a week in hot water. I have not however taken up the

carpet in her room or washed the curtains etc. The only outward sign of some

sort of allergy is the fact that she seems to have allergic shiners under her

eyes. These are not so bad now because of the steroids. I do of course

wonder if these are due to the dust mites. In any event I think you are very

wise to have investigated this are. We had our other daughter tested with

electrodermal skin testing which seems to give a more accurate reading than

the rast testing. however the homeopathic and supplement program we have had

her on for runny nose and zits on face (she is only 2) doesn't seem to have

done too much. It seemed like it was working well when she did every thing

we were told to do, but it's difficult to maintain it over months and

months.We will know more of course when we take it all away. It's not easy

cutting out wheat, dairy and corn out of a 2 year olds diet! Anyway we shall

be getting her rast tested too and it will be interesting to cross reference

the two.

[Guest guest]

Hello Georgina,

I have to tell you how I admire your commitment to this webside. I love to

receive all the great information.

is doing much better. After being unable to run around this

summer, she now climbs her stairs and chases her brother around like a

little whirlwind.

In September, we had her for Jointinjections to prevent permant damage to

her knee, as it was swollen for three months by then. Several other Joints

were inflamed too and we suspected that she would need at least 12

injections altogether. So we were quite pleased to hear, that she needed

only two injections!

Four weeks prior, we checked her out for Foodintolerances and received a

long list of foods, which she was not supposed to have. Many of the it she

ate daily. So we attempted to take her of the foodgroups she showed

intolerances too, to see if this would be making a difference and were quite

discouraged as she fought as all the way. Anyway, we did it and were quite

pleased to hear from the hospital that she did much better than at her last

check up. Now, three weeks later, our Physiotherapist was impressed to see

her so well.

But the nicest thing is, that she wakes up and runs into our bedroom to wake

us up, instead waking up crying and wanting to be carried out of bed. No

more morning stiffness.

I do not believe that we have healed Sams Arthritis, but we may were able to

reduce one stress to her body. Her autoimmune system is obviously seriously

stressed and attacks whatever get to it. Hopefully, one day we will be able

to heal the immune system without having to destroy it, as done at the Stem

cell therapy, or suppress it, as done with all the available drugs.

Much more research is needed.

Regina

>From: Georgina <gmckin@...>

>Reply- onelist

>a < onelist>

>Subject: [ ] [Fwd: Autoimmune & Environment]

>Date: Fri, 08 Oct 1999 14:23:27 -1000

>

>NIH-National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

>

>Reports from special environmental health issue explore links to

>autoimmune diseases - diabetes, lupus, multiple scleroris and arthritis

>

>A study by scientists at s Hopkins University concludes that at

>least ten million Americans are affected by one of 80 known autoimmune

>diseases -- conditions such as type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes,

>lupus, multiple sclerosis and even Takayasu's arteritis, which attacks

>the aorta and its branches. These conditions result when a person's

>immune system mounts an attack against one's own tissues.

>

>Mild forms of the autoimmune response probably occur naturally in most

>people. But, for people with a predisposition to autoimmunity,

>environmental factors, such as toxic chemicals, drugs, bacteria or

>viruses, may trigger a full-fledged response.

>

>The potential causes of this mysterious family of diseases are described

>in the October supplement to Environmental Health Perspectives, the

>journal of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The

>supplement, titled Linking Environmental Agents and Autoimmune Diseases,

>contains updated reports from a workshop which brought more than 100

>scientists to the NIEHS campus in Research Triangle Park, North

>Carolina, to review what is known about the causes and underlying

>mechanisms involved.

>

>Highlights from the supplement, which is available to reporters in both

>electronic and hard copy format:

>

>Immunotoxic effects that result from prenatal exposure to environmental

>chemicals may be more dramatic or persistent than those from exposure

>during adult life. For example, prenatal exposure to the insecticide

>chlordane, or the aromatic hydrocarbon benzopyrene, produces what

>appears to be lifelong immunosuppression in mice. Furthermore, when mice

>genetically predisposed to develop autoimmune disease were treated with

>the environmental contaminant tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) before

>birth, their postnatal autoimmunity was increased.

>

>

>A study of two large epidemics documents the potential of environmental

>agents to induce autoimmune disease states. In Spain in 1981, 35,000

>people developed fever, respiratory problems, muscle/joint pain,

>peripheral neuropathies and other lupus-like symptoms following

>ingestion of denatured rapeseed oil. In a second case, a similar range

>of symptoms occurred among New Mexico residents who had been exposed to

>contaminated L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid.

>

>Various autoimmune diseases found in both humans and animals occur

>predominantly in females. Recent studies with non-autoimmune strains of

>mice suggest that chronic treatment with the female sex hormone,

>estrogen, stimulates the production of antibody-producing B cells while

>suppressing the activity of helper T cells. This imbalance can result in

>unchecked proliferation of self-reactive B cells, which may lead to

>increased incidence of autoimmune disease.

>

>

>To date, researchers have identified a host of environmental factors

>thought to be possible triggers for various autoimmune disorders. For

>example, exposure to certain dietary factors seems to contribute to type

>1 diabetes. Other possible links include ultraviolet radiation and

>multiple sclerosis, ionizing radiation and systemic lupus erythematosus,

>stress and rheumatoid arthritis, and exposure to heavy metals and

>autoimmune glomerulonephritis.

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Visit my homepage for a list of sites with info on childhood arthritis:

>http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/

><< text3.html >>

[Guest guest]

[This message contained attachments]

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Sammy had always shiners under her eyes too. She often looked worse in the

morning and better after she slept for a couple of hours in the afternoon.

In the meantime, she starts to look better - she is of most of the food for

almost 5 weeks.

The Naturalpath tested her via computer, she needed to hold onto two rods

and they sent electric signals through them and measured her skin reaction

to it (Is this the same way, how they tested ?). After she had the

test done and they showed me all the results, we also got her tested at an

Allergist, where none of the foodgroup showed up as an allergy.

Then I talked to our Chiropractor, with which we have the best relationship

and she tested Sam musclereflection, which was great as I could actually see

what was happening and she came pretty much up with the same results as the

Naturalpath. That's why we decided to go ahead and read up onto Allergies

and Sensitivities. I guess the Allergist is mainly testing for Allergies,

while an Naturalpath is more interested in Sensitivities. Sam always had a

lot of rashes, which have gone away, since we have started her on the new

diet. The Allergist said, she may have only dry and itchy skin, but we have

not changed our detergent, soap, creme etc. and it is gone. While books,

which we have read about Foodsensitivities, will tell you that may rashes

occur etc.

So if you want to test for Sensitivities, I would go to a Naturalpath.

They will test for any kind of Sensitivities and the test is much cheaper

than the rast test.

Regarding cutting out dairy, wheat and corn etc. yes it is difficult, but

seeing the difference in Sam makes it worthwhile. She is a complete new

person. Hope that helps.

Regina

>From: Skis@...

>Reply- onelist

> onelist

>Subject: Re: [ ] [Fwd: Autoimmune & Environment]

>Date: Mon, 11 Oct 1999 23:07:45 EDT

>

>Interesting to read about the food intolerance's. How did you have her

>tested? We had tested and she came back not intolerant to foods but

>a

>class four to dust mites! (It works 1 - 5 with 5 being very bad, and very

>rare. most kids are 2 or 3) I have bought some stuff for the bed and am now

>washing the sheets once a week in hot water. I have not however taken up

>the

>carpet in her room or washed the curtains etc. The only outward sign of

>some

>sort of allergy is the fact that she seems to have allergic shiners under

>her

>eyes. These are not so bad now because of the steroids. I do of course

>wonder if these are due to the dust mites. In any event I think you are

>very

>wise to have investigated this are. We had our other daughter tested with

>electrodermal skin testing which seems to give a more accurate reading than

>the rast testing. however the homeopathic and supplement program we have

>had

>her on for runny nose and zits on face (she is only 2) doesn't seem to have

>done too much. It seemed like it was working well when she did every thing

>we were told to do, but it's difficult to maintain it over months and

>months.We will know more of course when we take it all away. It's not easy

>cutting out wheat, dairy and corn out of a 2 year olds diet! Anyway we

>shall

>be getting her rast tested too and it will be interesting to cross

>reference

>the two.

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Visit my homepage for a list of sites with info on childhood arthritis:

>http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/8414/

><< text3.html >>

[Guest guest]

Hi Georgina,

thanks for your e-mail. Sam's Brother is 4 years old now. He is

wonderful and copy great with the continous changes in our lives.

First, we started to go all on the same diet, but it did not seem to work

very well. complained about stomach aches and lost some weight. So

he gets our " usual diet " .

Sam missed at the beginning most her milk and cheese, that was very hard for

us. For three weeks she would not sleep probably, day nor night. We went

almost crazy. Then one day, I said, I have enough of this and gave her some

cheese for lunch and she slept great. On that day, we almost went back to

her normal diet, instead I went to the library and started reading. In the

books was stated, the more you crave a food, the more you probably are

sensitive to it. What is supposed to happen, is that always if you eat

regularly a foodsource, which does not agree with you a chemical reaction

happens, a chemical gets produced that gives you almost a high - lets you

feel happy and satisfied again and lets you sleep - till you crave it again

and you then you eat it again and then feel satisfied again. So we decided,

we would have to be very consequent with any milkproducts with and

within a week she was better. Now we slept through more nights in the last

few weeks, then we have in the year she started with her arthritis.

The joint injections may last for 3 - 12 months, which depends on your

inflammentions, medications etc. We hope that Sam may not need them ever

again - but I know, that it is much to early to say soo.

I'm sure that we will have to work on Sam's immunesystem still for a long

time. We have maybe taken one stress from her system, so that it can cope,

but we do not know, what may happen, if she gets a cold etc. So right now,

we are working with an Naturalpath on stabilisation of her immunesystem.

Besides on Vitamins and Minerals and Calcium, she has no other medications.

She will see an Rheumatologist next week and hopefully he can not find any

inflammention. Her Physiotherapist was thrilled to see her in such

excellent shape. But as everybody knows, only the Rheumatologist will find

the smallest inflammentions. So wish us luck.

Regina

>From: Georgina <gmckin@...>

>Reply- onelist

> onelist

>Subject: Re: [ ] [Fwd: Autoimmune & Environment]

>Date: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 12:44:23 -1000

>

><< text2.html >>

><< text3.html >>

[Guest guest]

My other daughter Molly who does not have JRA and is two was tested with the

elecro dermal skin testing that you talk of. Then treated with homeopathy and

supplement type things. was rast tested for only 7 things as we used

some pre steroid blood that they had at the hospital. I will get her tested

by the electrodermal ski test in the near future. Molly I am going to get

tested by the allergist next and then I want to cross reference the info I

get. has no outward allergies other than the shiners, Whilst Molly had

a rash, and runny nose. Both see a chiroprator every week.

[Guest guest]

Hi Regina,

I'm so glad that the changes you've made in 's diet seem to be

having such a positive effect. And, like you, I hope that she won't be

needing the joint injections again, anytime soon. Let us know how it

goes at the next rheumatologist appt, okay? Hopefully it will be an

uneventful exam with good news ... no inflammation!

Take care,

Georgina