AUTOIMMUNITY

One of the functions of the immune system is to protect the body by responding to invading microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses, by producing antibodies. However, if the immune system malfunctions, it mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues and organs resulting in autoimmunity. These attacks can affect any part of the body, weakening bodily function and even turning life-threatening. There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases. The more common ones are; rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Sjogren's, scleroderma, restless leg syndrome, myasthenia gravis, MS, etc. So what can cause autoimmunity? The following is a list of things that have been associated with autoimmunity.

smoking

agricultural chemicals

organic mercury

genetics

poor nutrition, i.e. low vitamin d levels

leaky gut

viral infections, i.e. Epstein Barr

estrogen dominance (more women present with autoimmunity then men)

chronic infections

toxins

adrenal fatigue

toxins like mold (see mercury above)

age-usually starts between the ages of 15 to 44

How is autoimmunity treated? From an allopathic perspective (western medicine) there are numerous drugs (biologics) that are used, with a myriad of side effects (not going to list them here) that never address the "why" or what has caused this problem in the first place. Addressing the cause is critical (from a functional medicine perspective) as other autoimmune diseases tend to follow. There are natural (vitamin d, CBD, PEA) interventions as well as compounded prescriptions (low dose naltrexone/LDN.)

MIGRAINES

A migraine is characterized by recurrent headaches that may be moderate to severe. They usually effect one side of the head and tend to be pulsating in nature and last from a few hours to 3 days. Associated symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and light sound or smell sensitivity. One third may have an aura which precedes the migraine. Onset may start as early as puberty. Causes may include environmental stimuli and genetics (15% worldwide). Risk factors include family history (genetics) and being female (3 times more prevalent). Preventative treatment (pharmacological) includes metoprolol, valproate and topiramate. Treatment includes ibuprofen, triptans and ergotamines. The underlying mechanisms are not completely known, however it appears that the mediator is small protein called CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide). It is highly prevalent in the sensory nerves that supply the head and the neck and is involved in pain transmission as well as being a very potent vasodilator (may be part of the pathology). The big question is, and knowing that CGRP seems to be involved at the outset, are there other (more natural/less onerous options)? The following papers identify interventions that directly/indirectly address CGRP.

1. Endocannabinoids in Chronic Migraine: CSF findings suggest a system failure. Neuropsychopharmacology. The endocannabionoid system responds to CBD (in this case I use ONEcbd) and an endocannabionid that is natural to the body (PEA-palmitoylethanolamide)

2. 2. Tolerability of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)in a Pediatric Population Suffering from Migraine:A pilot study. Pain Research and Management.

3. The Preventive Treatment of Migraine with Low Dose Naltrexone(LDN)/Acetaminophen Combination: Findings of a Small, Randomized Double Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial with an Open Label Extension for None-Responders.

4. Herbal supplements that impact CGRP include Sangre de Grado (Dragons blood) and grape pomace.

In summary, and ignoring all of the science, ONEcbd,PEA and the herbal supplements have an important role in treating migraine.

WHY METHYLATION

More and more of my patients are becoming familiar with the term methylation. This is usually secondary to someone running an abreviated genetics test looking at the 3 most common methylation mutations; comt, 1298 and 677, looking for a reason that may be causing depression, etc. Why is methylation important? Methylation is required for:

1. energy (CoQ10, carnitine, creatine and atp via the krebs cycle.

2. Bile production

3. Nerves (myelination (insulates the nerves)

4. Building and maintaining cell membranes

5. Generating and degrading neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.

6. Generating purines for new DNA and RNA

7. Generating SAMe (depression)

8. Performing Phase II liver conjugation of heavy metals, hydroxyestradiols, norepi, epi, histamine, etc.

9. Neurological healing

10. Addressing inflammation

11. Memory

12. Sleep

7 signs you may need methylation support: (Methylfolate and methyl B12/Methyl B complex by Ortho)

1. brain fog after eating

2. Redfaced after excercising

3. Low energy

4. MTHFR mutation or high homocysteine

5. Stress

6. Increased estrogen

7. Trouble falling asleep.

8. Genetic predisposition which can be triggered by live viral vaccines, severe infections, environmental toxins, dietary, allergies, trauma, surgery, emotional and growth

9. Depression; An article from the American Journal of Psychiatry ran a double blind study (the best)

10. Other risk factors include; Elderly, vegetarians, GI disorders, bariatric surgery patients, eating disorders, Pregnant women with hyperemesis

11. Depression: Many of my patients present with depression and are frequently on psychotropics (antidepressants). We live in a high stress environment and combined with daily stressors no surprise. The other cause (very common, i.e. up to 70% of people have an MTHFR homozygous mutation (thanks mom and dad) is genetics. (There is a wonderful genetics test looking at all potential mutations not just methylation). A study in the American Journal of psychiatry concluded that, L-methylfolate (in Methyl B complex by Ortho) "may constitute an effective, safe, and well tolerated treatment strategy for patients with major depressive disorder who have a partial or no response to SSRIs."