Environmental and chemically induced illness - EI/MCS
GenomicsSince the completion of the Human Genome Project, genetics has been in explosive growth, because we can now identify small variations in your DNA code that subtly alter the way you function, rather than giving you genetic disorders (Down’s, Huntington’s). I must stress that this science is also in its infancy, growing fast but with a long way to grow. In 10 years things will look very different. But what we can tell already is powerful, and not a moment too soon. One major area is that of detoxification - the chemical processing and removal of toxic chemicals, that happens mainly (not exclusively) in the liver. There are 3 major genetic variations, each occurring in around 50% of Europeans, that can alter the way we handle such chemicals. If you have 2 or all 3 of them you will be much more vulnerable to the toxic effects. Finding this out not only helps to explain your illness but tells us something about which strategies will work to improve your health. Genomic testing is expensive — the cheapest panel is about €700 — and not always necessary, but you only need to do it once, and it can tell you a lot about your individual biochemical make-up. As well as detox, it can provide insights into your drug metabolism, cardiovascular risk, osteoporosis and so on. |
ToxicityAlthough we can have blood samples tested for toxic chemicals, they tend not to remain in blood for very long. This is why we use a Fat Biopsy (through a small needle, less unpleasant than an injection) to assess how much of the main toxic chemicals you are carrying around. Toxic metals we normally assess on a urine test (and other routes sometimes). Then we can start working out how to remove them. We have found that Nickel sensitivity is a surprisingly common problem. NutritionMy colleague Dr Stephen Davies coined the phrase Nutrient-Toxin Interface; in order to handle, and not be harmed by, toxins you need adequate amounts of a number of nutrients - vitamins, minerals, fatty acids. We can advise you on what is important, and organise testing for these.
TreatmentSupportYou are probably already taking supplements; we can advise you on what you really need, and how to improve your existing regime. We can arrange intravenous nutritional supplementation when appropriate. Diet is often a problem; we can recommend both specific foods and full diets, and if necessary you can work with our experienced dietitian who will go through both your diet and your home environment in detail. |