Multiple Allergic Response Syndromes (MARS) Part 1 of 2 – Your Health Detective

Defining MARS

MARS is an adverse reaction to toxic chemicals in the air, food, water, and un-natural substances at concentrations generally considered harmless to the healthy population. People with MARS manifest acute sensitivity to natural gas fumes, gasoline, paints/varnishes, car exhaust, dyes and chemicals in fabrics, molds, pesticides/herbicides, synthetic clothing and fabrics, synthetic or chemically-treated carpets, cleaning materials, over-the-counter and prescription medications, personal care and cleaning products, phenolated compounds, synthetic fragrances, perfumes, and smoke from cigarettes or other sources, to mention just a few.

When a healthy body is repeatedly exposed to toxic chemicals, the body develops a decreased tolerance, the immune system becomes overburdened, which leads to autoimmune disorders and subsequent multiple allergic responses. When a person with a compromised immune system is exposed to toxic chemicals, the sick get sicker, and may even die from the allergic reaction or the resulting side effects from drug therapies given to deal with symptoms of the reaction.

According to studies conducted by the California Department of Health in 1995 and published in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Research Reports, 17-34 percent of Americans report symptoms of chemical sensitivity. The studies also show that up to 80% of patients with MARS have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, and over 85% have digestive and immune disorders.

Dr. Iris Bell, a leading researcher in multiple chemical sensitivities at Tucson Veterans Affairs Hospital in Arizona, estimates that as many as 16 million people in the U.S. alone have now acquired hypersensitive reactions to chemicals of all types – in food as well as from environmental sources.

Furthermore, it is estimated that 58% of office visits in general practice today are related to complaints of food, prescription drugs and environmental responses – you can only image what those numbers have escalated to in 2009!

Diverse Symptoms Lead to Mis-diagnosis and Mis-Treatment

Allergic reactions are as diverse as the person themselves; however, more and more people are developing severe allergies as a result of living in a toxic world. These allergies are known as chemically-induced immune system disorders, and a fast-spreading phenomenon associated with global chemical hypersensitivity. MARS is a condition that severely affects people, their quality of life and the lives of those around them. Their responses leave them incapacitated and essentially home bound….I know, I’m a recovered victim as described in detail in my best-selling book I was Poisoned by my body.

Most individuals acquiring MARS, and the associated syndromes, are looked upon as chronic complainers, or as stated by Dr. Sherry Rogers, “A victim of Prozac^® deficiency.” Much to her credit, Dr. Rogers is one of the first physicians that validated multiple responses syndromes as a qualified medical condition, not a deficiency of Porzac^®. The few physicians and health care practitioners specializing in environmental medicine mostly deal with the patients’ symptom-care through neutralization therapy and environmental, some medications, and modifications in their home and office.

It is my experience, that what is grossly overlooked is the importance of detoxifying the liver, intestines (large and small), the lymphatic system and soft connective tissue of toxic substances. Only when detoxification/rejuvenation protocols are employed can there be lasting reversal of symptoms and return to natural equilibrium of the body systems.

Why the Term MARS?

I always disliked the terms used to describe these varied syndromes because saying, for instance, that a person is victim of multiple chemical sensitivities, implies they are ONLY responding negatively to chemicals. Those given the diagnosis as victims of environmental illnesses are labeled as such and, therefore, not validated that their allergic responses are not only to airborne chemicals. Consequently, I trademarked a phrase that I believe best describes how we as victims feel…like beings from another planet and no one understands us or our symptoms…hence multiple allergic response syndromes (MARS). Victims of these complex disorders can, and usually do, also react to the toxins created within their own body, how can they be helped if conventional medicine and society in general does not validate their responses and struggles?

Because chemicals are everywhere, it’s impossible to completely escape exposure. These environmental allergens are life-changing and frequently life-destroying for the person afflicted and those around them. The resulting allergic responses affect not only the way our body functions, but the physical, sociological, and emotional quality of life as well.

Defining Internal Toxicity?

Attention has been focused on the small intestine and the connection to MARS, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, especially as it relates to a disorder called leady gut syndrome, clinically known as intestinal permeability. This is where the villi (brush borders) of the small intestine are weakened and allow toxic material and food particles to permeate and enter the bloodstream. What is not often discussed is the escape of toxic matter from the walls of the large intestine. The large intestine (colon) is intimately connected through an elaborate system of veins and venules into the liver, through a portal venous system, and the lymphatic system through the cisterna chili.

The more appropriate name for leaky gut syndrome is auto-intoxication or toxemia. This is the process by which the body literally poisons itself by maintaining a cesspool of decaying toxic matter in the large intestine. The toxins released by the decay process circulate and travel to all parts of the body. Every cell is affected, and because the toxins weaken the entire system, autointoxication and many forms of “incurable diseases” get their start in the colon. Still another source of intestinal poisons is putrefaction of the portion of the protein from food that fails to undergo absorption, caused by an acquired enzyme deficiency, common in these disorders.

Intestinal poisoning not manifesting immediate visible effects appear in disorders such as MARS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, lupus, peripheral neuritis, and arthritis, to mention a few. Eventually, the chemicals produced by putrefaction are so poisonous they irritate the delicate lining of the large intestine and destroy the protective barrier keeping out the invading toxins. Damage from the chemical toxins is so destructive the colon walls become leaky and allow penetration through the damaged barrier into the lymphatic and circulatory systems, especially through the hepatic portal vein.

In my subsequent article, I will focus on the role of the lymphatic system, non-steroidal drugs, and safe, natural alternatives to assist in adding life to your years through recovery, not merely adding years to your life.

The Way I See It

Each individual is VERY unique in their symptoms and damage caused to their immune system. I’ve detailed the protocols I personally used to recover after my brush with death and all the months I was homebound in my best-selling book I was Poisoned by my Body. As I continue my commitment, Health through Education, and at this time giving, I am offering ONLY those who follow my Health Blogs my book I was Poisoned for $15. plus s/h (normally $22.95) PLUS a free signed copy of my book that deals with naturally eliminating pain and inflammation. To receive this offer, you must call 888.352.8175 (Mon. – Thurs. 8: to 2: PT) or send an email with a request and complete contact information to healthmatterstore@verizon.net. This offer is not available via the online store.

Your Health Detective:

Uncovering Clues to Add LIFE to Your Years…NOT Merely Years to Your Life, Naturally

Dr. Gloria Gilbère (aka Dr. G), N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D.,

EcoErgonomist, Wholistic Rejuvenist

Creator of certificated courses to become a Wholistic Rejuvenist™ (CWR) and for post-graduate education for health professionals. Go to www.gloriagilbere.com and click on Wholistic Skin & Body Rejuvenation (WSBR™) for course outline. Available on-site at worldwide locations, and via distance-learning at your convenience globally.