Theory of Toxicant-induced Loss of Tolerance

[Tor]

This morning I came across this scientific article from 1997 that I think relates to a lot of the experiences reported on this board: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/article ... 7-0048.pdf.

The article states the following in the abstract: "Sensitivity to chemicals appears to be the consequence of a two-step process: loss of tolerance in susceptible persons following exposure to various toxicants, and subsequent triggering of symptoms by extremely small quantities of previously tolerated chemicals, drugs, foods, and food and drug combinations including caffeine and alcohol."

In the article the author goes on to describe a phenomena she calls Masking: "Many chemically sensitive patients with these same diagnoses report that it was not until they accidentally or intentionally avoided a sufficient number of their problem incitants that they noticed feeling better. Then, when they reencountered one of those incitants, robust symptoms occurred. As they repeated this iterative process of avoidance and reexposure, they noticed that particular symptoms occurred with particular exposures. Most indicate that had they not avoided many chemicals and foods simultaneously, or unmasked themselves, they might not have determined what was making them sick."

Even if the article is based on chemical toxicity I keep wondering about the similarity to the patient stories on this forum. I also think it relates to a large degree to what Tex describes in chapter 10 of his book. After receiving a solid positive AGA IgA Anti Gliadin-test I have a very strong line of circumstantial evidence that gluten is my main "toxicant", or at the top of what Tex describes as a immune system hierarchy.

I got chronic and constant diarrhea more than twenty years ago. Within a couple of years I developed pollen allergies, strong chemical allergies and strong reactions to coffee. Fast forward twenty years, and my two first GF trials were unsuccessful. But after reintroducing gluten several symptoms got pronounced worse than before. Third time around I've quit coffee and diary as well, and now my D is improving. I'm able to go without medication for over a week at a time. I even seem to be able to notice the effect of other irritants (red wine, corn and possibly soy).

Have you read about the theory of Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance, Tex? The author is a researcher from University of Texasc. A lot of other researches seems to have picked up on her theory, and I stumbled upon it reading a relatively new article on NCGS.

--- Tor

[tex]

Hi Tor,

I hadn't read that before, but it seems quite logical, since there's no reason why the adaptive immune system should identify toxicants significantly differently than it identifies allergens. They're all foreign invaders as far as the immune system is concerned. And yes, many of us here seem to have chemical sensitivities in addition to our food sensitivities.

Thanks for posting the link.

Tex

[Gabes-Apg]

Tor,
The other aspect to this, a normal functioning digestion system can normally clear these toxins.

Once leaky gut is occurring, the toxins get into the blood stream and end up through the body. With compromised digestion, the cells do not have the right balance of nutrients and minerals to clear these wayward toxins. This is a big contributor to inflammation through the body.
As inflammation increases, the toxins build, cell health keeps reducing. This is now known to be a big contributor to depression and anxiety and various other conditions.

With modern day stresses, increased electronics, increased processed foods, non natural ingredients, medications etc etc, the amount of toxins, chemicals, heavy metals, etc etc is way way beyond what any healthy body can handle. Never mind one with digestion issues, chronic inflammation.
In my opinion this is why autoimmune conditions are on the increase.

[Gabes-Apg]

Tor
good list of how to reduce /avoid environmental toxins...

http://www.nutritional-healing.com.au/c ... 0chemicals