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01/02/2010 04:13 AMCandida, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, & Allergy

ohfaithful

Dr. Gloria Gilbere on Food Allergies andMultiple Chemical Sensitivities

Dr. Gloria Gilbere, N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D., is adoctor of naturopathy and natural health. After alife-threatening accident and the subsequentdrug therapies, Dr. Gilbere developed many"invisible illnesses" that weren't alwaysrecognized by the medical establishment. Sherecovered through nondrug methods, and shehas built a successful career based on sharingher knowledge about what works, what doesn'twork, and what it takes to maintain health in atoxic world. Dr. Gilbere is internationallyrespected as a natural-medicine researcher,environmental health consultant, author, andauthoritative influence in the discovery of thecauses, effects, and nondrug solutions forovercoming immune system disorders.

Dr. Gilbere has written several books, includingInvisible Illnesses and Pain & InflammationMatters. Sign up for a chance to win a free,autographed copy of Invisible Illnesses or Pain& Inflammation Matters at our Allergy ReliefBlog. Dr. Gilbere recently participated in aninterview with the staff of Allergy Consumer

Report. The transcript of the interview follows:

Question: Thank you for agreeing to thisinterview, Dr. Gilbere. This issue of AllergyConsumer Report focuses on Food Allergies.You've had quite a bit of experience dealingwith food allergies, as both a health consultantand a patient. In fact, at one point, you nearlystarved because every bit of food caused aviolent allergic reaction. However, you were notborn with these food allergies. They appearedbecause of a digestive disorder, specificallyleaky gut syndrome. Could you please explainto our readers what leaky gut syndrome is andhow it can lead to food allergies and multiplechemical sensitivities?

Dr. Gilbere: Leaky Gut Syndrome is a newerterm used to describe an old condition knownas "intestinal permeability" or "autointoxication,"meaning that the body is literally poisoning itselffrom toxic substances recirculating within.When the lining of the intestines is damaged—let's say from overuse of some prescribedmedications, specifically antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—the lining, meant to protect molecules fromentering directly into the blood supply, becomesporous. When the toxins are being "dumped"

into the liver faster than the liver's ability toneutralize them, we develop serious allergiesand conditions such as multiple chemicalsensitivities (MCS). I coined the term MultipleAllergic Response Syndrome (MARS), becauseI believe it more accurately describes thecondition where we become allergic to mostthings, not only chemicals.

Question: How does the overuse of antibioticsand NSAIDs contribute to the development ofleaky gut syndrome?

Dr. Gilbere: Drugs of this nature weaken ordestroy the intestinal lining and set us up forleaky gut syndrome, among other disorders. Inmy personal case, I suffered a life-threateningfall onto concrete and sustained fractures in myleg, damage to my right arm and several dayslater a blood clot, deep vein thrombosis, whichbecame pulmonary embolism and almost killedme. As a consequence of my injuries I wasprescribed pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications. Eventually Ideveloped allergies to everything!

Question: Many parents report that their child'sbehavior improves dramatically after the child isput on a milk-free diet. Apparently, some

parents believe that milk causes ADHD in theirchildren. Do you think there is a connectionbetween milk consumption and ADHD inchildren?

Dr. Gilbere: In my experience, many childhoodbehavior and immune challenges are eitherbased in, or accelerated by, cow dairy products.Keep in mind that the U.S. is the only country inthe world where so many cow products areconsumed. In most other countries, goatproducts are preferred because of theirmolecular structure being closer to human milk.In addition, the protein molecules of goat-milkare one-fifth the size of cow's milk, making goat-milk not only easier to digest but also toassimilate. Goat products also do not formmucous or phlegm so they don't congest thebody, which can be a breeding ground forcandida.

Editor's Note: Candida is a yeast-like fungalorganism that lives naturally in our bodies.According to Dr. Gilbere's book InvisibleIllnesses, when the intestines become too toxic,or when antibiotics kill off too much "good"bacteria in our intestines, then candida cangrow out of control; this condition is known ascandidiasis. Candidiasis can cause all sorts of

symptoms from craving carbohydrates (thepreferred food of candida) to anxiety,depression, aches and pains, congestion, acne,psoriasis, food allergies, and multiple chemicalsensitivities. Candida yeast that has beengrowing in the intestine for a long time can shiftinto a fungal form, developing “roots”� that cangrow right through the intestinal wall! Theseroots cause the intestines to become porous,allowing toxins and proteins to flow through theintestinal wall into the body—and this increasedintestinal permeability is known as leaky gutsyndrome.

Question: You often wore an I Can Breathemask during your struggle with MultipleChemical Sensitivities. What's special aboutthis mask and why did you choose it?

Dr. Gilbere: I use and recommend I CanBreathe masks because I found they are theleast reactive for highly sensitive individuals aswell as because of the protection of adisposable filter and the light weight. So manymasks I tried were so thick and heavy that I feltlike I was suffocating. Fortunately, I don't haveto wear one anymore, but I don't leave homewithout one in my car, briefcase or handbag.

Question: Do you still wear your I Can Breathemask in certain situations?

Dr. Gilbere: Absolutely. I especially had to wearit when I was in Florida lecturing and we wereattempting to walk from the hotel to arestaurant. It was summer, and everyplace youwent they had either sprayed pesticides or werespraying. No wonder there are so manychemically ill people in tropical climates! I had towear the mask to and from the hotel forprotection. Other than that instance, I haven'thad to wear it but a handful of times in the pastfour years.

Question: Most people experiencing any kind ofallergic reaction take some type ofantihistamine. But you write that overuse ofantihistamines can actually cause an increasedallergic response by damaging the liver. Whatdo you recommend as an alternative toantihistamines?

Dr. Gilbere: I personally always used ahomeopathic remedy for allergic reactions, andstill carry a very small vial of it as insurance.Any homeopathic remedy should be used underthe guidance of a homeopath or natural healthprofessional.

Question: You also recommend colonhydrotherapy to reduce allergic reactions. Howdoes colon hydrotherapy reduce the allergicresponse?

Dr. Gilbere: By reducing the overall toxic load ofthe intestines, which translates into reducing theload of the liver—the organ that must be able toneutralize toxins…or else we react.

Question: Inflammation is a term very familiar toour asthmatic and allergic readers, and youhave written extensively about this immunesystem response. One of the most interestingfacts I learned from your books is that thenightshades, a group of plants includingtobacco, tomatoes, and potatoes, can actuallycontribute to inflammation and pain becausethey contain the chemical solanine. Thisphenomenon has been referred to as "allergicarthritis." But is this really an allergic process?Or does solanine cause inflammation by someother process?

Dr. Gilbere: Solanine in itself has the chemicalproperties to induce inflammation. Allergicarthritis is spoken about because in manycases, when people eliminate nightshadescompletely from their diet for 90 days, the

arthritis is gone or significantly reduced—meaning it's the body's allergic response to thechemical. In my book Pain & InflammationMatters, I list in detail the hidden sources ofnightshades that can sabotage a seeminglynightshade-free diet.

Question: Individuals who are sensitive tonightshades often crave nightshades in thesame way that a smoker craves cigarettes, andyou've suggested that nightshade foods areaddictive for some people. Both solanine andnicotine are glycoalkaloid toxins, and allmembers of the nightshade family producethese toxins. In fact, the FBI has warned thatterrorists may use nicotine and solanine as"mass poisoning agents." Why is it that somepeople appear to be addicted to nightshadefoods?

Dr. Gilbere: I believe there are two things goingon: One is that nightshade foods contain a formof a habit-forming chemical [glycoalkaloidtoxins], like tobacco. Second, when weconsume an above average amount ofcarbohydrates like potatoes, we are feeding anyexisting Candida within the G.I. tract, and themicroorganism itself makes us crave it evenmore so it can continue to thrive.

Question: Too much salt can also contribute toinflammation, and people often crave salt. Whydo you think people crave salt?

Dr. Gilbere: Generally, it's because they'vebecome accustomed to it. In addition, if thebody is deficient in a healthy ratio of mineralsand electrolytes, salt appears to be the body'sway of saying "balance me." Most people eatinga modern, fast-food diet are mineral-depleted.

Question: Most people think of the tomato as anextremely healthy food. If a person does notappear to be sensitive to nightshades, wouldyou still recommend that they avoid tomatoes?In other words, are tomatoes a long-term healthrisk to everyone?

Dr. Gilbere: No, they are not. Scientific studiesshow that nightshades accelerate aninflammatory condition. There is no evidence, tomy knowledge, that they can cause aninflammatory condition if you don't already haveit.

Question: Do tomatoes offer any uniquenutrients, such as lycopene, that cannot befound in other foods?

Dr. Gilbere: No, lycopene is not unique totomatoes. Lycopene is a type of bioflavonoidthat is closely related to beta carotene. Inhuman blood serum, lycopene is the dominantcarotenoid, constituting approximately 50percent of all carotenoids found in serum.Lycopene is what gives tomatoes and other redfruits their color. Other sources include oflycopene include: watermelon, pink grapefruit,apricots, and pink guavas.

Question: In Pain & Inflammation Matters, youexplain that high levels of C-reactive protein(CRP) indicate inflammation, and high levels ofCRP have been linked to heart disease. Is thisinflammation the same type of inflammationseen in asthma, for example? Is the same typeof inflammation wreaking havoc everywhere inthe body?

Dr. Gilbere: Inflammation is inflammation,period.

If it occurs in the heart, you can have a heartattack.

In the lungs; emphysema, asthma, or otherrespiratory disorders.

In the brain: a migraine headache.

In the gut: digestive disorders (irritable bowelsyndrome, Crohn's disease, etc.)

In your toes: gout.

In your wrist: carpal tunnel.

Question: You've found that about half ofpeople with Gluten Intolerance or CeliacDisease can resume eating gluten after beingon a restrictive diet and healing their gut. Howdo people with Celiac Disease begin theprocess of healing their gut?

Dr. Gilbere: That's a direct question, but it'sdifficult to give a direct answer because thereare so many variables. The first thing I would dois to begin with eliminating all dairy, wheat,corn, food additives/preservatives and foodcoloring. Then you can begin by takingprofessional colon-fiber cleanse tablets to“brush”� the old colonic plaque from the walls ofthe intestines so the healing can begin. Beyondthat, the protocol would take individualcounseling.

Question: You have written: "Pain and

inflammation, without an actual injury such as afracture, strain, or sprain, is our bodies' way ofattempting to deal with toxic overload." We livein an increasingly toxic society where mostpeople spend 90% of their time indoors. Whatare some of the most commonly overlooked,hidden household and workplace contributors toa person's toxic load?

Dr. Gilbere: Food additives and preservativesare number one. Second would be all thechemicals used to either grow the food or give itlonger shelf-life. Air quality is such a huge issueand one we must take seriously. Having qualitywater and air purification systems in our homesis imperative. We must educate ourselves in theinvisible dangers of dust mites, mold, chemicalsin personal care and cleaning products, buildingmaterials and furnishings. Until we address allthese issues, we cannot expect to create asenvironment that will be health-enhancing.

Question: You have written: "Unless you eat 75-90% of your food uncooked, you are lackingsterols." A lack of sterols leads to anoverabundance of antibodies, which can lead toautoimmune disorders including allergies,asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. Could youplease tell our readers a little more about how

this occurs? Also, in our modern society, howcan people consume the level of sterols theyneed?

Dr. Gilbere: Plant sterols are found mostly inraw vegetables. It's not likely that most of us inour busy lives will eat all raw vegetables—although I would love to, and I feel great when Ido. If you cannot, then you need to supplementwith plant sterols. They act as immunemodulators; they calm an overactive immunesystem and rev up a slow one. Most of myclients with immune system disorders havebenefited greatly from plant sterolsupplementation. In addition, they help with allthe inflammatory responses so common inautoimmune disorders.

Question: Because of your past experiences,you now use prescription medications only as alast resort, especially antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. What do you use for naturalprotection?

Dr. Gilbere: I use silver hydrosol as a nasalspray, and I take it orally to protect myselfagainst all pathogens (bacteria, viruses, mold,pesticides, etc.). When I'm confronted with painor inflammation, I resort to systemic (metabolic)

enzyme therapy and herbs. Even though I amnow completely pain-free from my fibromyalgia,I have occasionally consumed "hidden"nightshades while eating out during my travels.In that event, I experience pain in my soft andconnective tissues and must use natural optionsto control the pain until it wears out of mysystem. If available, I always do colonhydrotherapy as soon after exposure aspossible to reduce my body's overall toxic load.

Question: Are you currently working on anyother books?

Dr. Gilbere: Yes, I'm completing the book Skin& Body Rejuvenation, which deals witheverything to not only look better and morevibrant, but also to stay looking that way. As ababy-boomer health journalist and researcher,traditional naturopath, and doctor of naturalhealth, I understand that the road to beauty,health and rejuvenation begins with goodintestines, naturally.

Thank you, Dr. Gilbere!

To learn more about Dr. Gilbere or to schedulea worldwide consultation, please visit herwebsite at www.gloriagilbere.com. Be sure to

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sign up for a chance win a free, autographedcopy of Dr. Gilbere's books Invisible Illnesses orPain & Inflammation Matters. Sign up now atour Allergy Relief Blog!

http://www.achooallergy.com/dr-gilbere-interview.asp

I posted this article so that people canunderstand the importance of DETOXING THELIVER whether there are chemical or foodallergies...it is the place to start!

11/22/2011 08:15 PM

01/31/2012 07:23 PM

Previous discussions I participated in:Cleanse YOUR Body Today to EliminateDisease!

10/09/2013 11:47 AM

ohfaithful

Bumping this because candida causesinflammation an reducing the inflammation canhelp health mcs...

meemaw311

Posts: 3Member

can you be my friend on here I need help todestroy this yeast overgrowth as soon aspossible cause my symptoms are getting worsenow tired of being sick I lost my mom10/30/2011 I met a man in August 2011 and Iwant to live a normal healthy life if I can get ridof this candida I know my symptoms will fadeaway cause these drs wont help Thhank yo umeemaw311

irishland

Posts: 7New Member

I'm wondering how fatty foods affectcandida. I have been cookingchicken skins to get the fat to add tomy veggies when sauteing. I think itmay have a negative effect on mycandida. Any ideas?

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