How Mycotoxins Affect Your Body
Herxheimer Reaction
The Herxheimer reaction (HERX) was originally noted in 1895 by Dr. Jarisch who worked with Syphyllis (a spirochete) patients. In the 21st century, we observe Herxheimer reactions in tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme Disease, also caused by a spirochete. A Herxheimer reaction (Herx) typically occurs hours to days after antimicrobial administration and is thought to be the result of endotoxins released into the bloodstream by dying spirochetes. The body’s immune system then responds to the endotoxins and the concurrent release of cytokines (i.e., tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 6, and interleukin 8) which are chemical messenger molecules of the immune system producing exaggerated symptoms lasting 3 days up to several weeks.
Dr. Marra doses antibiotics specifically for the individual patient so that the Herxheimer reaction on a scale of 1-10, is about a 5. This is her own technique, and she feels that severe Herxheimer reactions over prolonged periods of time may cause tissue damage from the excessive release of endotoxins and cytokines. Tissues become friable as a result of chronic inflammation, not unlike what happens when a sponge is repeatedly used and the surface area becomes frayed. Dr. Marra is not convinced that this kind of tissue damage is reversible which is why she chooses to take the route of treatment that she does. However, many other physicians choose to treat more aggressively and seem to have good results. This is simply her own treatment preference.
The general description of a Herxheimer reaction is a temporary increase in symptoms but may also include the development of completely new symptoms. More specifically, the most common complaints of a Herx reaction are increased joint and muscle pain, headaches, chills, night sweats, fever (usually low grade), extreme fatigue, brain fog or lack of mental clarity, drop in blood pressure, hives, or a rash of some sort. Worth noting here is that a rash or hives can sometimes be mistaken for an allergic reaction. It is up to the treating physician to determine this, but with close, experienced observation and the use of Benadryl, Alka Seltzer Gold, Quercitin, warm lemon water, and vitamin C (see Herx management), unnecessary premature cessation of antibiotics may be prevented. In more severe cases of Herxheimer reactions, a reduction in the antibiotic dosage or cessation of the antimicrobials may be required.
The timing of a Herx reaction is very individualistic and can occur within days to weeks after the onset of antibiotic treatment. In some patients, a Herxheimer reaction occurs only once or twice, or not at all throughout treatment. It is clear, however, that as you move through the treatment and the spirochetal load becomes decreased, the Herx reactions become less and less severe. Herxheimer reactions can also occur in cycles (usually 4-week cycles) and may be affected by the lunar cycle. This is anecdotal but it is an interesting observation in some people.
About 70-80% of people undergoing Lyme Disease treatment with antibiotics experience some sort of Herxheimer reaction. It is thought by a number of physicians and scientists that these people have difficulty in detoxification processes and that perhaps there may be a defect in one of the detox pathways in the liver. This may be genetic, environmental, or a combination of both. But without question, maintaining an alkaline diet and an “alkaline bio terrain” helps lessen the effects of a Herx reaction. The 20% of patients who do not experience a Herx reaction should not feel like they are getting nowhere by taking antibiotics. Discussion of this issue should be left to the patient and their treating physician.
Check out our page about alkalizing foods.
Recommendations for Infected Patients with Tick-Borne Disease
- DO NOT donate blood. You have been infected with a bacteria that can live in the blood, and therefore can be passed onto someone else.
- Carry a card in your wallet indicating that you have Lyme Disease (and co-infections if applicable) and the drugs that you are taking. This is important to alert health professionals in the case of an accident.
- If you have having elective surgery, let your surgeon(s) know so that they can be aware. If you need blood, I would suggest auto-transfusion (you receive your own blood for a transfusion, instead of a separate donor) if necessary.
- DO NOT have unprotected sex with your partner. These infections are thought to be sexually transmitted. Although there is little data to support this, we do know that syphilis is sexually transmitted, and therefore by deduction, Borrelia and the other tick-borne infections are likely as well.
- If you are pregnant with Lyme Disease, you SHOULD be on safe antibiotics throughout the pregnancy in order to protect the developing fetus from contracting the disease.
- At birth, have the newborn tested for Lyme Disease through cord blood, placenta, and foreskin if the baby is a boy. Three samples of cord blood are suggested. Ask for a test kit to be sent to you prior through Igenex (800) 832-3200.
- If your infant tests PCR positive for Lyme Disease, you should consider antibiotics in order to prevent the development of full blown disease.
- Nursing mothers SHOULD use caution. Lyme Disease is known to be transmitted through breast milk, and therefore, antibiotics during the nursing period is highly recommended.
- If you are an outdoors person, it is highly recommended that you use some form of tick and insect repellant. Deet is recommended.
Biotoxin Illness & Your Environment
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.
Natural Killer Cells
Natural killer cells (CD57 cells) were first noted by a Swedish researcher, Rolf Kiessling in the 1970s, and are a type of T cell, representing a significant component of the innate immune system.
CD57 cells do not produce antibodies against a foreign pathogen, but rather, are activated by chemical messenger molecules derived from macrophages including interleukin- 2, 12, 15, and 18, and interferon. Natural killer cells circulate in the blood and possess cytotoxic properties whereby their primary responsibility is to “kill” viral and bacterial pathogens.
Recently, natural killer cells have also been implicated in autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune illness is characterized by the patient’s own immune system attacking “self” tissue, thereby mounting an inappropriate immune response. Autoimmune disease can be divided into two forms: 1) tissue-specific diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, or 2) systemic diseases such as lupus. In both forms of the autoimmune disease, there is an auto-reactive T-cell response against the self.
Autoimmune disease is frequently clinically observed in patients with chronic Lyme Disease. As Lyme Disease is known as “The Great Imitator,” underlying Borrelia infection may be present in common autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Multiple Sclerosis, Sjogren’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Diabetes.
In 2001, Dr. Raphael Stricker, a San Francisco Hematologist, was largely responsible for identifying abnormal CD 57 cell numbers in chronic Lyme Disease patients. He and his associates documented that those patients exhibiting significant neurological symptoms had lower CD57 cell counts than those with musculoskeletal symptoms. Additionally, it was found that once the underlying Borrelia infection began to be treated, CD57 cell number increased. Dr. Stricker’s work suggests that decreased CD57 cells may reflect an immune defect induced by the Borrelia spirochete that allows the infection to persist, or that a pre-existing immunodeficiency of natural killer cells predisposes patients to be more prone to contracting Lyme Disease.
In any case, clearly, there is a relationship between CD 57 cell number and chronic Lyme Disease, and therefore we can use this as a “biomarker” for therapeutic intervention with
EMF Sensitivity in Environmental Medicine
EMF (Electromagnetic) sensitivity is increasing as 5G rolls out and new cell towers are being built to accommodate the shift in EMFs. Humans generate their own magnetic field at a much lower strength than what we find in our environment with satellites, cell phones, laptops, microwaves, electronic appliances, electric cars, etc…There are non-thermal (heat) effects on our tissues, organs, and cells.
Dr. Thomas Rau at the Paracelsus clinic in Lustmühle, Switzerland demonstrated that cultures have shown beneficial bacteria grow more slowly in the presence of EMF, allowing for pathogenic bacteria to dominate. This could be a very important factor in healing from tick-borne illness.
Things you can do to reduce EMF:
- Turn off Wi-Fi at night
- Keep technology out of the bedroom
- Don’t install a smart meter at your home
- Avoid bluetooth earbuds
- Use LED bulbs
- Don’t put laptop on your lap
- Skip the “smart” products you don’t need
- Keep cell phone out of your pockets
- Distance furniture from outlets
- Unplug anything you are not using
- Consider EMF shielding (airestech)
Symptoms of EMF Hypersensitive include:
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Dysesthesia
- Poor Concentration
- Poor Memory and Recall
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Poor Appetite
- Weight Loss
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Burning & Tingling Skin
- Nose Bleeds
- Heart Palpitations
There are two types of EMF:
Non-ionizing Radiation – Microwaves, Smart Meters, Computers, WiFi Routers, Cellphones, Bluetooth Devices, Power Lines, MRI’s
Ionizing – Ultraviolet, X-Rays
People with heavy metal toxicity are much more sensitive to EMFs because the metals in them conduct electricity, causing symptoms to worsen. There is no real treatment for EMF sensitivity, other than to remove all devices from your living space and eat a plant-based diet rich in antioxidants.
Environmental Medicine and Epigenomics
Environmental medicine refers to discovering and treating a myriad of environmental insults including infections, mold, mycotoxins, toxic foods, EMF, chemical poisoning, etc… that may cause symptoms. Each of these environmental insults can cause significant alterations in individual genetic expression. In other words, you are born with genetic potential, but disease-causing genes may only be turned “on” in response to exposure to significant environmental stressors. These stressors alter the genome by adhering to cell walls or entering the nucleus of a cell, causing severe inflammation (CIRS – chronic inflammatory response syndrome coined by Dr. Shoemaker) and disrupting normal cellular functions such detoxification, autophagy (self-cleaning), methylation, sulfation, glucuronidation, and acetylation. These are necessary biochemical processes for the health of cells, tissues, organs, and whole bodies, and when they become disrupted, disease ensues.
The science of “epigenomics” is an emerging science resulting from the genomic era, where we are now able to examine the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that predispose patients to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of histamine, pesticides, certain foods, pollution, EMFs, mycotoxins, molds, vaccines, etc… causing serious illness such as autoimmune diseases, autism, IBS, eczema, headaches, neuropathy, neuralgia, CFS, arthralgia, night sweats, and a myriad of other symptoms. In other words, epigenomics is the study of the way in which environmental exposures alter individual genetic expression to cause disease. Dr. Marra is able to help you identify where you may have genetic weaknesses or SNPs that predispose you to certain diseases.
Lipopolysaccharides and Endotoxins
Lipopolysaccharides are large molecules composed of sugars and fats which are endotoxins found within a bacterial cell. LPS is secreted as part of the normal physiological activity of membrane vesicle trafficking and protects the membrane from certain chemical attacks. LPS activates the hosts’ immune response by stimulating white blood cells (i.e., neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells) to secrete certain enzymes that deactivate them. Additionally, these WBC’s secrete proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and eicosanoids, and the resulting cellular response is the release of superoxide, a free radical that causes oxidative stress. This may function as an adaptive host strategy to manage the toxic effects of LPS.
LPS and inflammation may be the most important factors contributing to the varied clinical manifestations of infections, especially for tick-borne pathogens. Excessive release of LPS can lead to endotoxemia (septicemia) and requires immediate medical attention.
It is thought that lipooligosaccharides may cause autoimmune disease (i.e., multiple sclerosis) by a mechanism known as molecular mimicry. Many bacteria employ molecular mimicry strategies to fool the hosts’ immune systems.
Scientists believe that lingering LPS long after a bacterial infection has been eradicated may cause continued host immunosuppression and persistent symptoms. It has been proposed that if LPS is not removed, illness is likely to continue.
Cellular detox using German biological medicines and herbs can help reduce the effects of endotoxemia. Toxin binders such as apple pectin, chlorella, zeolite, charcoal, and Cholestyramine may also be useful.
Perhaps one of the oldest and most effective ways to cleanse the body is to fast or eat a solely plant-based diet. This may not be appropriate for all patients so it is best to discuss this with your physician.
For more information about Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and Endotoxins ask Dr. Marra during your next visit!
Biotoxin Illness & Your Environment
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.