MY STORY
My symptoms first became evident in my early twenties. I had extreme chemical sensitivity and was intolerant to any alcohol indulgences. I developed skin issues, food allergies, and insomnia. In my early thirties I began to develop muscle atrophy which could not be clearly diagnosed. I also had digestive issues and frequent abdominal pain. I have been studying nutrition and researching books that were health related for many years. I began eating a diet very similar to Atkins. I was successful in maintaining my health but still had digestive issues and muscle pain. In 2011 I tested positive for H pylori and was treated with a toxic antibiotic protocol. Soon after I developed numbness in my left hand and later discovered through my own lab testing I had a B12 deficiency. At this point I began studying the text-book of Functional Medicine. I initiated the four gut healing protocol program and supplemented the B12 deficiency. I was feeling better. I started following a modified paleo diet regimen. However, I was still experiencing fibromyalgia symptom. In 2012 I got really sick and my body was experiencing flu like symptoms. I started losing weight rapidly. I experienced a one hundred pound weight loss in less than a year's time. I was convinced that I was dying and was ready to giving up on life. I was so weak, I could not do simple daily functions we often take for granted. I was unable to continue working due to my lack of stamina. I had extensive testing done with a functional medicine doctor and often found myself searching for testing that I could have run on myself through independent labs. This is when I discovered Dr. Amy Yasko's work on autism and nutrigenomics. I studied her work, as well as Dr. Sarah Myhill's. I also referenced Fred Davis' protocol and began the extensive research needed to heal my self at any cost. I developed my own recovery protocol. I started feeling better. In eight weeks, combined with my anti-inflammatory diet and mitochondria support, I regained my energy and fully recovered from chronic fatigue. I hope my story can inspire others to see that recovery is possible.
Hypochlorhydria + Dysbiosis + Chronic inflammation = Acquired Mitochondrial Damage
I am convinced that the toxic waste produced by the pathogenic bacteria can be very damaging, especially when we are not methylating RNA, DNA and phosphatidylcholine. Acquired mitochondria damage is a normal part of aging and for unknown reasons is accelerated in this syndrome. The immune system and viral infections are in the crossfire in this metabolic disaster. There needs to be a balance in methylation and gut fermentation. The human microbiome and the methylation cycle are connented at the hip in a manner of speaking. We do have some understanding of the methylation at this point. We are in the dark ages when it comes to human microbiome. We need more information on dysbiosis relating to methylation and environmental factors. The immune system and the mitochondria are critical in these metabolic imbalances.
What is the root cause of the dysbiosis imbalance?
Let's add in H-pylori and gastritis into the mix. H-pylori infection can dramatically reduces stomach acid. This could be the main problem contributing to dysbiosis imbalances. Hydrochloric acid deficiency and heavy metal toxicity can be a issue in this dysfunctional metabolism. The body needs (HCL) to help make minerals and nutrients more absorbable and to achieve the correct flora balance. Stomach acid is also required to liberate vitamin B12 from food. Intestinal bacterial overgrowth can produce histamine, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen peroxide, tryptophanase, d-lactic acid and endotoxins. This could be the root cause of this metabolic damage. We need to build a diet and treatment protocol that fits in perfect harmony with nature's grand design of health and wellness.
The TRUTH about Stomach Acid!
Dysbiosis, Inflammation, Autoimmunity: Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Sjogrens syndrome
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO, dysbiosis) causes Fibromyalgia (corrected version)
Alex Vasquez, D.C., N.D.
http://www.academia.edu/3862817/Nut...etal_Inflammation_and_Chronic_Health_Problems
Hypochlorhydria lack of stomach acid - can cause lots of problems
http://drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Hypochlorhydria_-_lack_of_stomach_acid_ _can_cause_lots_of_problems
Hypochlorhydria / Wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achlorhydria
Salivary test for hypochlorhydria
http://drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Vascular_endothelial_growth_factor_(VEGF)-_salivary_test_for_hypochlorhydria
Helicobacter Pylori: Not Just A Third World Problem? http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/h-pylori/
Gastritis / Wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastritis
Dr. Myhill, Hydrogen Sulfide
Mitochondria Cytochrome C Oxidase Connection
Cytochrome c oxidase
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytochrome_c_oxidase
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/copper/
Hydrogen sulfide wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_sulfide
Histotoxic Hypoxia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histotoxic_hypoxia
Oxidative phosphorylation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxidative_phosphorylation
Interview: Ian Lipkin’s Million Dollar Appeal for Microbiome Study
http://forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?threads/interview-ian-lipkin’s-million-dollar-appeal-for-microbiome-study.28139/
In CFS/ME, Professor De Meirleir treats diet first. Then he treats abnormal gut flora. He says it takes a year to recover gut function. http://cfstreatment.blogspot.com/2013/01/interview-with-dr-byron-hyde-and.html
My symptoms first became evident in my early twenties. I had extreme chemical sensitivity and was intolerant to any alcohol indulgences. I developed skin issues, food allergies, and insomnia. In my early thirties I began to develop muscle atrophy which could not be clearly diagnosed. I also had digestive issues and frequent abdominal pain. I have been studying nutrition and researching books that were health related for many years. I began eating a diet very similar to Atkins. I was successful in maintaining my health but still had digestive issues and muscle pain. In 2011 I tested positive for H pylori and was treated with a toxic antibiotic protocol. Soon after I developed numbness in my left hand and later discovered through my own lab testing I had a B12 deficiency. At this point I began studying the text-book of Functional Medicine. I initiated the four gut healing protocol program and supplemented the B12 deficiency. I was feeling better. I started following a modified paleo diet regimen. However, I was still experiencing fibromyalgia symptom. In 2012 I got really sick and my body was experiencing flu like symptoms. I started losing weight rapidly. I experienced a one hundred pound weight loss in less than a year's time. I was convinced that I was dying and was ready to giving up on life. I was so weak, I could not do simple daily functions we often take for granted. I was unable to continue working due to my lack of stamina. I had extensive testing done with a functional medicine doctor and often found myself searching for testing that I could have run on myself through independent labs. This is when I discovered Dr. Amy Yasko's work on autism and nutrigenomics. I studied her work, as well as Dr. Sarah Myhill's. I also referenced Fred Davis' protocol and began the extensive research needed to heal my self at any cost. I developed my own recovery protocol. I started feeling better. In eight weeks, combined with my anti-inflammatory diet and mitochondria support, I regained my energy and fully recovered from chronic fatigue. I hope my story can inspire others to see that recovery is possible.
Hypochlorhydria + Dysbiosis + Chronic inflammation = Acquired Mitochondrial Damage
I am convinced that the toxic waste produced by the pathogenic bacteria can be very damaging, especially when we are not methylating RNA, DNA and phosphatidylcholine. Acquired mitochondria damage is a normal part of aging and for unknown reasons is accelerated in this syndrome. The immune system and viral infections are in the crossfire in this metabolic disaster. There needs to be a balance in methylation and gut fermentation. The human microbiome and the methylation cycle are connented at the hip in a manner of speaking. We do have some understanding of the methylation at this point. We are in the dark ages when it comes to human microbiome. We need more information on dysbiosis relating to methylation and environmental factors. The immune system and the mitochondria are critical in these metabolic imbalances.
What is the root cause of the dysbiosis imbalance?
Let's add in H-pylori and gastritis into the mix. H-pylori infection can dramatically reduces stomach acid. This could be the main problem contributing to dysbiosis imbalances. Hydrochloric acid deficiency and heavy metal toxicity can be a issue in this dysfunctional metabolism. The body needs (HCL) to help make minerals and nutrients more absorbable and to achieve the correct flora balance. Stomach acid is also required to liberate vitamin B12 from food. Intestinal bacterial overgrowth can produce histamine, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen peroxide, tryptophanase, d-lactic acid and endotoxins. This could be the root cause of this metabolic damage. We need to build a diet and treatment protocol that fits in perfect harmony with nature's grand design of health and wellness.
The TRUTH about Stomach Acid!
Dysbiosis, Inflammation, Autoimmunity: Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Sjogrens syndrome
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO, dysbiosis) causes Fibromyalgia (corrected version)
Alex Vasquez, D.C., N.D.
http://www.academia.edu/3862817/Nut...etal_Inflammation_and_Chronic_Health_Problems
Hypochlorhydria lack of stomach acid - can cause lots of problems
http://drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Hypochlorhydria_-_lack_of_stomach_acid_ _can_cause_lots_of_problems
Hypochlorhydria / Wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achlorhydria
Salivary test for hypochlorhydria
http://drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Vascular_endothelial_growth_factor_(VEGF)-_salivary_test_for_hypochlorhydria
Helicobacter Pylori: Not Just A Third World Problem? http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/h-pylori/
Gastritis / Wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastritis
Dr. Myhill, Hydrogen Sulfide
TOO MUCH CAN BE VERY TOXIC
In excess, H2S acts as a mitochondrial poison inhibiting many enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation [manufacture by the mitochondria of energy in the form of ATP]. It also interferes with oxygen transport in red blood cells, a little bit like carbon monoxide. Almost always we see low levels of glutathione in CFS, which is a sulfur containing molecule.
From an evolutionary perspective, mitochondria are organelles descended from ancient eukaryotic sulfur-using microbes, and so it is not surprising that H2S targets mitochondria. H2S inhibits immune cells such as CD8, T cells, and Natural Killer cells, so contributing to the immune dysfunction. It also impacts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. It regulates the use of oxygen by mitochondria.
When gut bacteria or fungi are attacked by something like a heavy metal molecule (e.g. mercury), they have a special defense mechanism (called a "resistance gene") that produces Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas, which binds to the attacker and neutralizes it. Subsequently this highly toxic and poisonous H2S gas is created in the gut. H2S can impair the immunity system, especially in the area of neutrophil function, which is used to fight the original yeast in the gut, and hence one can hit a vicious cycle. H2S is very similar to mercury, in that it can bind to many of the things that mercury binds to and inactivate them. In other words, all the bad things that mercury can do, as described here, H2S can do. H2S can also convert the safer Inorganic mercury to the more dangerous Organic mercury, as described here. H2S has a very special circular relationship with the heavy metals; and therefore, it is a very special gas.
Fermentation in the gut and CFS
http://www.drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Fermentation_in_the_gut_and_CFS
Multifocal Dysbiosis: Treatment With Nutritional and Botanical Interventions
http://www.naturopathydigest.com/archives/2006/jun/vasquez.php
Mitochondria Cytochrome C Oxidase Connection
Inhibition
Sulfide, and carbon monoxide all bind to cytochrome c oxidase, thus competitively inhibiting the protein from functioning, which results in chemical asphyxiation of cells. Methanol in methylated spirits is converted into formic acid, which also inhibits the same oxidase system.
Cytochrome c oxidase
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytochrome_c_oxidase
The myelin sheath is made of phospholipids whose synthesis depends on cytochrome c oxidase activity.
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/copper/
Hydrogen sulfide activates ATP-sensitive potassium channels in smooth muscle cells. Researchers are not clear how the vessel-relaxing responsibilities are shared between nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide.
Hydrogen sulfide wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_sulfide
Histotoxic hypoxia is the inability of cells to take up or utilize oxygen from the bloodstream, despite physiologically normal delivery of oxygen to such cells and tissues. Histotoxic hypoxia results from tissue poisoning, such as that caused by alcohol, narcotics, cyanide (which acts by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase), and certain other poisons like hydrogen sulfide.
Histotoxic hypoxia refers to a reduction in ATP production by the mitochondria due to a defect in the cellular usage of oxygen.There is a profound drop in tissue oxygen consumption since the reaction of oxygen with cytochrome c oxidase is blocked.
Histotoxic literally means that the cells have been poisoned. There is no problem getting the oxygen to the tissue - the lungs, blood and circulatory system are all working just fine. However, the tissue is unable to use the oxygen. Even though there is plenty of oxygen there, the cells experience a lack of oxygen and are affected as if there was too little/no oxygen available.
Histotoxic Hypoxia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histotoxic_hypoxia
Oxidative phosphorylation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxidative_phosphorylation
RichVank,
"Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been getting more attention lately in connection with CFS."
"As I think many of you know, the methylation cycle and glutathione are both parts of the overall sulfur metabolism in the body, as is the production of H2S."
"The various reactions that can produce H2S in the body include parts of the
human metabolism, and also the metabolism of certain bacteria in the gut."
"The first place I heard about H2S in connection with CFS was from Dr. Amy Yasko, who emphasizes that people who have genetic polymorphisms in their cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) enzyme, along with a methylation cycle block, will tend to generate more H2S."
"I also heard about sulfur-related topics from Susan Owens, who runs the Yahoo sulfurstories group and the group about trouble with Epsom salts. On the latter topic, I have speculated that people who don't tolerate Epsom salts well may have sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRBs) in their gut, which convert sulfate to hydrogen sulfide. SRBs have been found in the gut in some people. As far as I know, the human metabolism does not have a pathway for chemically reducing sulfate, so I think the bacteria must be responsible for converting the sulfate to more chemically reduced species, such as H2S and eventually sulfite, and thus producing the sulfate intolerance in these people. Sulfate is the main form of sulfur normally excreted in the urine."
"In the human metabolism, the two enzymes of the transsulfuration pathway, i.e. cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) and cystathionine gamma lyase (CGL), akacystathionase, are capable of producing H2S from cysteine or homocysteine."
"In my 2008 revision of the Glutathione Depletion--Methylation Cycle Block hypothesis, described in the set of PowerPoint slides in the files section of the cfs-yasko group's website, I proposed that cysteine becomes oxidized to cystine inthe oxidative stress condition present in CFS, and that CGL then catalyzes a pathway starting with cystine that produces hydrogen sulfide and thiosulfate. I based this on research summarized by Martha Stipanuk, who has worked a lot in this area with rats."
"I just heard a few days ago from Prof. Ruma Banerjee, who is probably the leading researcher in the area involving the human sulfur metabolism and vitamin B12, that the human version of CGL does not use cystine as a substrate under normal conditions, which the rat version does. I'm not sure yet whether it would do so under oxidizing conditions, so this aspect of my hypothesis is stilla little "up in the air" at this point. It is clear from our clinical study (alsoin the files section of the cfs-yasko website) that the methylation cycle block in CFS is linked to glutathione depletion, so there has to be away to explain where the sulfur metabolites that are dumped down the transsulfuration pathway when there is a methylation cycle block actually go, since they don't go into making more glutathione. This aspect needs more research."
"Marian Lemle has proposed that hydrogen sulfide is involved in CFS. I had the privilege of meeting her at the Reno conference in March, where we both presented poster papers. She is also a friend of Prof. Dick Deth, who works primarily on autism, and who is very knowledgeable about the sulfur metabolism. Marian got her paper published in the journal Medical Hypotheses, and she also presented her hypothesis to the federal CFS Advisory Committee last October. Marian didn't get into the biochemistry of how H2S is produced (she is a science writer, not a scientist per se), but she noted that the symptoms of H2S poisoning are similar to those of CFS, and that was the basis for her hypothesis that H2S is involved in CFS. I thought this was interesting work, and I have interacted with her concerning how her work and mine might be connected."
"Dr. de Meirleir and his group have found that hydrogen sulfide is elevated in the urine in the most severely ill M.E. patients, and his company is now offering a qualitative urine test for H2S. His view seems to be that the H2S is being produced by bacteria in the gut in the severely ill patients, and I think he is probably right about that."
"I think that we will eventually be able to tie all of this together, but it will take some careful lab work to nail it down."
"Here are some speculations about what goes on: First, the sulfur in the human body originates in the diet (and supplements, if they are used). It comes in assulfur-containing amino acids (methionine, cysteine, cystine, and taurine), and also in the form of sulfate and a few other sulfur-containing species. The sulfur in whatever amount of H2S is produced, by either the human metabolism or the bacteria in the gut, must originate in the diet (and supplements) People who bathe in Epsom salts will absorb some sulfate through their skin."
"In a normal, healthy person, a lot of the sulfur-containing substances are digested in the gut and are absorbed into the blood, while some remain in the gut. Also, some are transported into the gut via the bile, from the liver."
"Bacteria in the gut therefore have access to some of it, and I think we are all familiar with the rotten egg smell that can be associated with flatus, which comes from hydrogen sulfide. So it is not unusual for bacteria in the gut to be producing hydrogen sulfide."
"It is quite common in CFS that there is dysfunction in the digestive system.This can include low stomach acid, slow gastric motility, insufficient secretion of pancreatic enzymes, insufficient secretion of bile, gluten or casein sensitivity,fructose or lactose intolerance, candidiasis, dysbiotic bacteria, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), a variety of other food sensitivities, secretory IgA deficiency, protozoal or helminthic parasites, and others."
"Under these circumstances, I think it is quite likely that less of the sulfur containing substances will be absorbed into the blood, and more will be metabolized by bacteria in the gut. The results would likely be less methionine available for the body's use (including for the methylation cycle), and more hydrogen sulfide produced by bacteria in the gut, which can be absorbed into the blood, have toxic effects on the cells of the body, and be excreted in the urine."
"As I noted in a recent post, some of the people who have not responded to the simplfied treatment approach for lifting the methylation cycle block appear to be low in methionine. If there is not enough methionine available, the methylation cycle will operate slowly, even if the partial block has been lifted, because there is not enough "cargo" to be carried around this cycle or to feed the transsulfuration pathway."
"I think this fits in well with what Dr. de Meirleir has reported. If sulfur-containing substances aren't being absorbed into the body, they would be available to feed the bacteria in the gut."
"I've also noted that in some of the most severely ill PWCs, the condition of the gut is so dysfunctional that they are not able to derive much nutrition from their food. Again, I think this is consistent."
"So what does this mean for treatment? I think it means that if a person is relatively well, the simplified treatment approach is likely to work. If their methionine is low, they may also need to supplement it, or to increase their protein intake in general, perhaps together with betaine HCl to augment stomach acid and digestive enzymes to help break down the protein in the gut, so that the amino acids can be absorbed."
"If a person is severely ill, so that the digestive system is no longer able to deliver much nutrition to their body, then I think it is likely that the hydrogen sulfide level in their urine will be elevated, as Dr. de Meirleir has reported, because the absorption of the sulfur-containing substances will be lowered. In these cases, it seems reasonable to suspect that many of the serious symptoms that are experienced are effects of hydrogen sulfide. Also in these cases, there may need to be intravenous feeding until the gut is in better condition, and the simplified treatment approach may not help until the gut is
in condition to absorb nutrients, and the methionine level is high enough that the methylation cycle is being fed with it."
"So how do we know where to draw the line between cases in which the simplified treatment will work, and cases that will require additional efforts? I think that measuring the methionine level in a urine amino acids test is one thing that can be done, and perhaps the H2S test being offered by Dr. de Meirleir's company would be another way to gauge this. This is all very new, so we don't have experience to go on yet, but I do think all of this will fit together."
Best regards,
Rich
Interview: Ian Lipkin’s Million Dollar Appeal for Microbiome Study
http://forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?threads/interview-ian-lipkin’s-million-dollar-appeal-for-microbiome-study.28139/
In CFS/ME, Professor De Meirleir treats diet first. Then he treats abnormal gut flora. He says it takes a year to recover gut function. http://cfstreatment.blogspot.com/2013/01/interview-with-dr-byron-hyde-and.html
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