The immune system is especially ineffective against an oxygen sensitive germ called a mycoplasma. According to one doctor, 70% of his Fibromyalgia patients have mycoplasmal infections.  They are also common among those with Rheumatoid Arthritis, lupus, MS, ALS, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Sjögren’s, Hashimoto’s, Graves’, Reiter’s, Crohn’s and other autoimmune disorders. These organisms have no cell wall, so they can’t be “seen” by the immune system. They are the smallest free-living bacteria and are capable of living as parasites on our cells. As they poison and disrupt the cells they have invaded, mycoplasmas cause symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and over-toxicity. This small germ also renders the liver’s detoxifying enzymes helpless, further poisoning the body.  To add insult to injury, mycoplasmas are able to disable the immune system by taking over white blood cells.

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Here are a few Squidoo Lenses that I created which may help you:

fibromyalgia is an unnecessary pain

Knowledge is power! What you don’t know about fibromyalgia, it’s causes, and treatments could be preventing you from taking control of your health and living a fuller life.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Learn about Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and self-help techniques.

List of Autoimmune Diseases

There are over 100 different autoimmune diseases.

Learn to recognize their symptoms and educate yourself about them. (You can click on the name of each disease in the lists to learn about them.)

Also, learn the cause of autoimmunity.

Foods that Make Autoimmune Symptoms Worse

Do you know which common foods and food additives will aggravate your autoimmune condition and leave you feeling even more miserable?

If you don’t know the answers to this question, you’re not alone. What’s important is that you take the time to find out the answers.

Lupus Brain Fog

Learn the cause of Lupus Brain Fog and what you can do about it.

Fibromyalgia Diet

With little exception, everything that you put into your mouth is either making your fibro symptoms better or worse.

Lupus Symptoms

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. Listed are some of the almost limitless symptoms that can be caused by lupus.  (includes pictures of lupus rashes)

“If I could live my life over again, I would devote it to proving that germs seek their natural habitat–diseased tissues–rather than causing disease.”
–Rudolf Virchow

We have been led to believe that in this big bad world, it is us against disease-causing microbes that we can’t even see. We think that besides washing our hands and being immunized, we are pretty much at the mercy of Mother Nature. This simply is not true. The environment inside your body determines what creatures want to share that terrain with you. Germs in and of themselves do not cause disease. They show up in parts of the body, which are already sick – like ants following a trail of popcorn. Only instead of popcorn, the trail is made of acid waste. An acidic and nutritionally deficient terrain invites the germs, which easily multiply and destroy the already suffering and diseased cells in that environment.

When we build a fire, there is an ash left behind by the burned fuel. The same is true of our body when it burns food for fuel. The food leaves an ash. That ash will either be alkaline or acidic, depending on the food.

Acidity and alkalinity are measured on what is called the pH scale.  How acidic a food is on our plates is often the opposite of how acidic the ash residue will be.  For example, acidic fruits and vegetables tend to leave an alkaline ash, while alkaline meats and cheeses tend to be acid-forming in the body. Our bodies also produce acid as a by-product of normal metabolism. Because our bodies are designed to be alkaline, this acid must be buffered with alkaline substances. However, our bodies cannot manufacture acid buffers. Food and supplementation are the only means of replenishing alkalinity in the body.

Due to the Standard American Diet (SAD), most people suffer from an unbalanced pH that is too acidic. In other words, their bodies are full of acid waste.

As soon as there is life there is danger.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
In the throat of a “healthy person” various forms of strep bacteria, yeasts, and the bacteria that causes staph infections reside. In addition to that, every hour, we breathe in an average of 14,000 germs and bacteria. If germs initiate disease, how do we make it past our first week of life? The fact is that those 14,000 germs may get their “foot in the door”, but they can’t do damage in an alkaline and oxygenated terrain.

“Like everybody else, when I don’t know what else to do, I seem to go in for catching colds.”
-George Jean Nathan
The cold-causing rhinoviruses, as well as many other viruses, infect cells by fusing with the cell in an acid pH. An acidic environment is necessary for these viruses to take hold in the body. (Read more at http://www.meridianinstitute.com/ceu/ceu21ph.html.) Interestingly, data shows that up to 80% of asthma exacerbations are associated with viruses, usually the same virus responsible for the common cold.

“Human beings, the potentially highest form of life expression on this planet have built the vast pharmaceutical industry for the central purpose of poisoning the lowest form of life on the planet–germs! One of the biggest tragedies of human civilization is the precedence of chemicals over nutrition.”
-Dr. Richard Murray
One symptom of a terrain pH imbalance is lack of oxygen.  An anaerobic (low oxygen) internal terrain encourages germs to multiply.  Scientists can watch live blood and see bacteria, yeast, fungus feeding and growing as the blood loses its nutrition and oxygen. Amazingly, these germs disorganize in the presence of oxygen.
Since the Standard American Diet consists of foods that make the terrain more acidic and less oxygenated, we are left to operate on our backup system: the immune system. This doesn’t seem to be working out very well either. Scientific evidence shows a significant decline in Th1 cells that go after viruses and cancer. Between 1981 and 1997, these cell numbers declined by 29% in the U.S. This Th1 decline implies that, as a nation, America is becoming more and more Th2 dominant. This rise in Th2 dominance will in turn cause an increase in allergies, autoimmune disease, fibromyalgia, and cancer.

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It’s pretty obvious that the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is behind Chronic Epstein-Barr Syndrome, however the role that germs play in other autoimmune disorders is varied and more ambiguous. Professor Garth L. Nicolson has found that in about half the individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Sjögren’s, Hashimoto’s, Graves’, Reiter’s, and Crohn’s Diseases, these disorders are associated with infections.

Tricky Creatures

“It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”
- Hans Selye

Other researchers have reported signs of latent (“sleeping”) Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, or human herpes virus 6 in CFS patients. These viruses can remain latent in the body for long periods of time. Stress and depression can partially reactivate (“awaken”) these viruses. Stress and depression also decrease the body’s immune response, so that the individual experiences a “low grade” infection. However, the infection is still enough to stimulate the production of certain cytokines linked to CFS symptoms.

Cytokines cause many fibromyalgia symptoms. In the brain, cytokines can cause behavioral changes. They can either prompt or worsen depression, anxiety, or anorexia. They may cause a person to become withdrawn. Cytokines create fatigue and interfere with sleep patterns. They are one thing responsible for what has been termed “brain fog.”

Germs can also make a protein that tricks the body into turning off the Th1 cells and activating Th2 cells. The Th1/Th2 imbalance leaves the body open to infection from other germs. This form of immune suppression is often the case in most autoimmune disorders.

Unsaturated oils suppress Th1 cells. The same is true of sleep deprivation. Losing even one night’s sleep can depress Th1 production for over a month. Furthermore, according to German researchers, vegetarians have more than twice the Th1 cells as meat-eaters.

Certain germs are capable of creating a cell identity crisis by “molecular mimicry.” Putting it very simply, these germs have a nametag similar to certain parts of the body. This causes the immune system to attack both the disease organism and the body tissue.
To the immune system, the bacteria Chlamydia pneumoniae looks like the heart muscle. A virus called adenovirus type 2 and Candida yeast mimic myelin sheaths. Similarly, it may also be possible for viruses carrying genetic material from one person to another to cause the immune system to attack the corresponding tissue much like what happens after an organ transplant.

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You may find some plant sources of both ALA and DHA, but it is nearly impossible to find a plant source for EPA. Since your body cannot easily convert ALA into EPA, it is necessary to find another dietary source of it.  Cold-water fish is the best source of EPA and DHA. This is one reason why people whose diets are high in (non-mercury polluted) fish have a much lower risk of developing an autoimmune disease.

My favorite supplement source of fish oil is deep-sea shark liver oil. (The reasons will be discussed in a later chapter.) Because of its ability to control cytokines, fish oil has been used successfully to support RA, Chrohn’s, Raynauds’s, MS, lupus, and CFS to name a few.

Cytokines cause many fibromyalgia symptoms. In the brain, cytokines can cause behavioral changes. They can either prompt or worsen depression, anxiety, or anorexia. They may cause a person to become withdrawn. Cytokines create fatigue and interfere with sleep patterns. They are one thing responsible for what has been termed “brain fog.”

According to WebMD, a compound found in fish oil may help those at risk for Type-2 Diabetes stave off the disease. Studies show that fish oil supplements appear to improve the function of insulin in overweight individuals.

Fish oil and RA: http://www.arthritis-symptom.com/alternativel-arthritis-treatments/omega-3-fatty-acids.htm and http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/1stqtr2003.htm

Fish oil and Crohn’s Disease: http://www.arthritis-symptom.com/alternativel-arthritis-treatments/omega-3-fatty-acids.htm and http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/1stqtr2003.htm

Fish oil and Raynaud’s Disease: http://www.arthritis-symptom.com/alternativel-arthritis-treatments/omega-3-fatty-acids.htm

Fish oil and MS: http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=show&pageid=721 and http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/1stqtr2003.htm
Fish oil and lupus: http://www.uklupus.co.uk/news60.html and http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/news-NG.asp?n=37475-fish-oil-could and http://www.lowcarb.ca/articlesb/article304.html and http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/1stqtr2003.htm

Fish oil and CFS: http://www.fibromyalgiasupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/3876/e/1/T/CFIDS_FM/
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for cytokine control and more. For MS, Fibromyalgia, Lyme, ALS, and Chronic Fatigue sufferers Omega-3 fatty acids create the best environment possible for myelin sheathe repair and regeneration. In the case of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, Omega-3 fatty acids serve yet another purpose, which will be discussed in the next article.

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There are eight essential fatty acids, which are divided into two classes: Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and vital for cytokine control.

(Cytokines cause many fibromyalgia symptoms. In the brain, cytokines can cause behavioral changes. They can either prompt or worsen depression, anxiety, or anorexia. They may cause a person to become withdrawn. Cytokines create fatigue and interfere with sleep patterns. They are one thing responsible for what has been termed “brain fog.”)

However, there is a catch. Omega-3 and Omega-6 must be balanced or they actually will promote cytokine production and inflammation. An ideal intake ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is about 3:1.  Unfortunately, most Americans are eating at a ratio somewhere closer to 25:1. This imbalance is linked to insulin resistance, asthma, lupus, arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, diabetes, depression, food allergies, Multiple Sclerosis, and Psoriasis.

Sources of Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Black Currant Oil
Borage Oil
Canola Oil
Corn Oil
Cottonseed Oil
Evening Primrose Oil
Hemp Oil
Safflower Oil
Sesame Oil
Sunflower Oil
Wheat Germ Oil

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Boiled Green Beans
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Collard Greens
Fish / Fish Oil
Flax Seeds / Flax Seed Oil
Fresh Kale
Fresh Peppermint Leaves
Fresh Strawberries
Ground Cloves
Ground Oregano
Parsley
Romaine Lettuce
Spinach
Squash

There are three different Omega-3 fatty acids: ALA, EPA, and DHA. This is important to understand so that you realize which food sources are high in which fatty acids. Technically, ALA is considered the only true essential fatty acid because your body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA. Herein lies the problem: The conversion rate is very low – somewhere between 4 - 15%. The conversion process is also enzyme intensive. Those with autoimmune disorders like fibromyalgia struggle with any enzyme intensive process.

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“American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it.”
-Dave Barry
Just as there are “good carbs” and “bad carbs,” there are good and bad fats. Some are harmful and others are essential for life. Omega-fatty acids are called essential fatty acids (EFA) because your body requires them and they cannot be manufactured in-house. You must get them from your diet or supplements. EFAs affect almost every major organ of the body, including immune system function. These fats regulate other body systems, which are responsible for cell division and growth. Short falls in this process can result in cancer and autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia.

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When B vitamin deficiencies become chronic, the adrenal system becomes worn out. The main purpose of your adrenals is to enable your body to deal with physical and emotional stress.  Adrenal Fatigue is common in people with fibromyalgia and autoimmunity. It is especially common in those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Chronic illness, infections, and steroid use, often associated with autoimmunity, are also risk factors for Adrenal Fatigue.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include being tired for no apparent reason, morning fatigue, feeling overwhelmed, cravings for salts, sweets or caffeine, and feeling best in the evenings. Adrenal Fatigue also results in low levels of the hormone DHEA.

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Our children are routinely and unnecessarily robbed of vitamin A with the practice of vaccinations. When the live viral measles vaccine (MMR) is given, it depletes children of their existing supply of vitamin A. After the vaccine is given, the measles virus easily hides from the immune system in the gut. There it creates a chronic vitamin A deficiency. Administering adequate vitamin A beforehand will prevent damage from the MMR vaccine. (Speak with a naturopath or practitioner about vitamin A administration amounts and vaccinations.)

Note: Measels infects the gut of at least one-third of the children with autism. Autism is characterized by a vitamin A deficiency.

Although the body is being depleted of vitamin A by toxins, I am not advocating supplementing with mega doses of it. Intake should not exceed 1,500 mcg/day or 5,000 IU/day. Several recent studies suggest that long term intakes of vitamin A in excess of this amount is associated with increased risk of decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and an increase in bone fractures. Additionally, too much vitamin A during pregnancy can cause birth defects.

Note: Zinc is needed for the transport of vitamin A. Zinc absorption is reduced because of alcohol use, cortisone, and over-the counter and prescription antacids. Stress also causes a significant drop in zinc levels. HIV also alters absorption of zinc.

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“Over 25,000 tons of pesticides are used in the UK every year. Imagine a convoy of 1,000 trucks of poison bent on spreading its toxins on the relatively small agricultural area of the small island of Britain - and populations having to eat the produce that comes from that area! In a sane world, we would be declaring we have found WMDs (weapons of mass destruction) at home and … Blair would bomb the #*@$` out of it!”
-www.sunday-times.co.uk

According the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average intake of vitamin A by an American adult is “adequate”. However, environmental factors are depleting that vitamin A or sabotaging its ability to be used by the body.

Exposure to various environmental chemicals such as PCB’s and the DDT in insecticides poison both your body’s ability to make and use vitamin A. This is also true of the formaldehyde and acetaldehyde used in building supplies and carpeting. Routinely, Americans are exposed to tens of thousands of harmful chemicals. When scientists at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine tested nine volunteers for the presence of 210 common toxins, they found that volunteers tested positive for an average of 91 toxins. The Centers for Disease Control later conducted a more extensive study and confirmed their findings.

Unfortunately, our external environment is not our only source of toxins from pesticides. Pesticide exposure can mutate the normal friendly bacteria in our guts so that they produce a pesticide-like toxin. One study done in Australia in the early 1990’s found that everyone they tested with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) was producing this toxin. The study also found a direct correlation between the quantity of this toxin in the body and the severity of the disease. For this reason, someone with an autoimmune disease, especially CFS or fibromyalgia, needs to supplement with probiotics, which are friendly intestinal bacteria that can help replace any pesticide-mutated bacteria.

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