Today I got an email from someone who is frustrated trying to control their weight. “Turns out I’ve been eating 1400-1600 a day for the last 4 months+ without any weight change.” and they are active and around 5’10”. This post does not apply solely to CFS patients, but to many people suffering with excessive weight that will not disappear.

Our understanding of weight has changed a lot in the last few years. Medscape has a nice but very technical article on it “Obesity and the Human Microbiome” which was published originally in Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2010;26(1):5-11.

The summary says it all: “Summary Large-scale alterations of the gut microbiota and its microbiome (gene content) are associated with obesity and are responsive to weight loss. Gut microbes can impact host metabolism via signaling pathways in the gut, with effects on inflammation, insulin resistance, and deposition of energy in fat stores. Restoration of the gut microbiota to a healthy state may ameliorate the conditions associated with obesity and help maintain a healthy weight.”

Let us try to understand this a little better, food that you eat is processed by bacteria in your gut. Some bacteria are very efficient in extracting energy from the food and other are not. Further more, some bacteria send chemical signals to tell the body to store food. At one time, when food was very seasonal, these bacteria would thrive on “fall food” to build up energy stores for the winter when food may not be bountiful. Traditional seasonal variations in food would result in changes of bacteria (volume of different types) that were adapted to the best survival strategy for the human (who is the host!). With food no longer being seasonal, the bacterial shifts become disrupted .

From the above article there are some possible actions:

• “Thus, the frequency with which food enters the bowel and its transit time may be important factors to control for, or at least note, when comparing studies in humans.” – longer time between meals, or even fasting a day may help
• “those who became overweight by age 7 had had lower levels of Bifidobacteria and higher levels of Staphylococcus aureus as infants compared with those that kept a healthy weight.” — this implies adding herbs against S. Aureus [See this list] and Bifidobacteria probiotics may help.
• “An earlier report indicated that gut microbiota can regulate enteroendocrine cells and influence the release of gut hormones.^[47]”
• “Interestingly, the administration of probiotic microbes[one pill per day of Puritan’s Pride] after the [Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery] procedure has been shown to accelerate weight loss,^“

There are a large number(1600+) of newer studies:

• Causality of small and large intestinal microbiota in weight regulation and insulin resistance[2016]
  • “Ingestion of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis for 6 weeks …. Treatment with another strain (Lactobacillus plantarum) enhanced the intestinal barrier ….In summary, probiotics are a promising agent for the diabetes management, but further evaluation is required.”
  • “Recipients of a lean-type microbiota showed an improvement in insulin sensitivity and higher abundance of butyrate-producing species six weeks after transplantation ” — which implies Miyarisan (clostridium-butyricum) may help [It reduced weight in mice studies]
• The changing microbial landscape of Western society: Diet, dwellings and discordance[2016].
  • “Technological advances that have led to changes in agriculture and engineering have altered our eating and living behaviors in ways never before possible in human history. These changes also have altered the bacterial communities within the human body in ways that are seemingly linked with the rise of many intestinal and systemic metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Insights into the mechanisms of this reciprocal exchange between the environment and the human gut microbiome may offer potential to attenuate the chronic health conditions that derail quality of life.”
• Estrogen and Microbiota Crosstalk: Should We Pay Attention?[2016]
  • “Recent advances have suggested that steroid hormones such as estrogens, and gut microbiota might synergize to influence obesity, diabetes, and cancer.”
• Gut Microbiota: Modulation of Host Physiology in Obesity.[2016]
  • “The ability of the microbiota to regulate host fat deposition, metabolism, and immune function makes it an attractive target for achieving sustained weight loss.”
• Effect of probiotics on body weight and body-mass index: a systematic review and meta-analysis [2015]of randomized, controlled trials.
  • “Probiotic consumption significantly reduced body weight by 0.59 kg (95% CI, 0.30-0.87) and BMI by 0.49 kg/m(2) (95% CI, 0.24-0.74). A greater reduction in BMI was found with multiple species of probiotics. Subgroup analysis of trials with intervention duration ≥8 weeks found a more significant reduction in BMI. Limiting analysis to trials with a baseline BMI ≥25 kg/m(2) showed a greater reduction in BMI.”

Bottom Line

With our current available literature, an action plan could be:

• Cooking with herbs effective against S.Aureus [list]
• Bifidobacteria probiotics
• Lactobacilus Planatrum probiotics
• Miyarisan (clostridium-butyricum)
• Buy and eat local seasonal food and stop eating imported out-of-season food.

85+% of CFS patients being hypercoagulated (thick blood) was discovered by Dave Berg before he retired. He described it as a variation of antiphospholipid syndrome [PubMed 1999] or [Full Text]  No one has continued his work, very unfortunately. I responded to a reader comment that I suspect coagulation and the microbiome would be studied in the next 5-10 years. To my surprise, he provided a link to a study that is actually examining this.

I should point out that most coagulation disorders are viewed to be inherited. Actually, they run in families and often have DNA associated with them. The key word is associated. This does not mean that if you have the DNA, you will have it — just that the odds are greatly increased. Only recently have we found out that DNA and the microbiome have a cross dependency. Both the microbiome and DNA are inherited. Many inherited conditions may depend on both the right inherited microbiome and the right DNA to occur.

in 2013, a clinical trial was started at Yale University -“The purpose of this study is to explore if certain commensals within the gut microbiota (the collection of all microbes that live inside the gut) correlate with autoantibodies in the autoimmune clotting disorder called antiphospholipid syndrome. The study hypothesis is that particular commensals induce the autoantibodies (immune molecules that bind to self structures) and thus correlate with the level of immune cells and antibodies that are self-reactive. Participants are patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and individuals who have tested positive on a prior blood test for anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies or those that have tested negative for antiphospholipid antibodies in their blood, but had a clotting event or a health problem that puts them at risk to form blood clots.” The investigator was Martin Kriegel [Source]

• Self or non-self? The multifaceted role of the microbiota in immune-mediated diseases [2015].
• Does vitamin D affect risk of developing autoimmune disease?: a systematic review[2011]. “Cross-sectional data point to a potential role of vitamin D in autoimmune disease prevention, but prospective interventional evidence in humans is still lacking.”
  • Vitamin D deficiency changes the intestinal microbiome reducing B vitamin production in the gut. The resulting lack of pantothenic acid adversely affects the immune system, producing a “pro-inflammatory” state associated with atherosclerosis and autoimmunity [2016].
• The role of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome[2015].  Full Text
  “One potential piece in the “APS puzzle” could be the contribution of commensal bacteria to the development and maintenance of autoreactive CD4⁺ T cells and autoantibodies. This hypothesis is supported by early data from our laboratory using (NZW×BXSB)F₁ mice, a spontaneous APS animal model.”
  “A long-standing hypothesis in the development of autoimmunity is that of molecular mimicry, which refers to the generation of cross-reactive T and B cells that recognize antigens from microbial pathogens but cross-react to autoantigens [69, 70]. ” i.e. bacteria producing chemicals that matches the signals that the body produces resulting in inappropriate responses (i.e. auto-immune).
• “We propose that commensal bacteria can act as a source of persistent cross-reactive antigen in APS and other chronic autoimmune syndromes. In a similar vein, transient aPLs could be caused by cross-reactive pathogens in human subjects, whereas chronic autoimmunity in APS might be mediated by cross-reactive gut commensals”

The Principal Investigator, Martin Kriegel MD PhD: has a talk on Youtube

My reader wrote: “He’s giving an interesting 12 minute talk to Lupus patients (who are known to develop antiphospholipid syndrome). In one as yet unpublished mouse study, wiping out all the gut bacteria (with vancomycin or ampicillin) greatly improved mortality from clotting – ostensibly by reducing the autoantibodies which are suspected to induce APS.

In an early mouse feeding study, a starch diet also reduced mortality. which is surprising to me since I would have thought that an all fat diet would have starved or at least quieted the bad bacteria.”

Other YouTube worth watching by him:

As a foot note, we know that microbiome diversity reduces with age. This reduction may also be a significant factor for strokes.

• Microbiota Dysbiosis Controls the Neuroinflammatory Response after Stroke[2016].
• Stroke: Gut microbiota influence stroke recovery in mice [2016].
• Depletion of Cultivatable Gut Microbiota by Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Pretreatment Worsens Outcome After Murine Stroke [2016].

Iron Absorption

“Iron therapy induces inflammation, which could decrease iron absorption. Increased exposure of iron in the gut could also alter microbiome file.” [2016]

“The statistical analysis revealed that the meal constituents which were found to influence iron absorption positively were ascorbic acid and β-carotene in breakfast and only β-carotene in dinner.” [2016]

• Vitamin C capsules are unlikely to help
• Vitamin C from a citric fruit in the morning is desired.
• β-carotene should also be taken.

Bonnie and Clyde: Vitamin C and iron are partners in crime in iron deficiency anaemia and its potential role in the elderly[2016].

“In this setting, provision of iron-containing micronutrient powder MNPs to weaning infants adversely affects the gut microbiome, increasing pathogen abundance and causing intestinal inflammation.”[2015]

“Mothers of infants in the MNP + Fe group reported more infant days spent with cough (P = 0.003) and dyspnoea [shortness of breath] (P = 0.0002); “[2015]

“The present study suggests that in African children with a low enteropathogen burden, Fe status and dietary Fe supplementation did not significantly affect the dominant bacterial groups in the gut, faecal SCFA concentration or gut inflammation.” [2014]

“The relative abundance of the genus Roseburia (phylum Firmicutes), a butyrate producer, increased in the Fe + Vitamin E group (Δ1.3%, P < 0.01). Also at the genus level, the genus Escherichia decreased by 1.2% on average among all participants (effect of time P = 0.01).” [2016]

• So Iron Supplements reduces E.Coli, which is very low in CFS

“. Provision of iron fortificants to school-age children and iron-containing MNPs to weaning infants decreases the number of beneficial ‘barrier’ commensal gut bacteria (e.g., bifidobacteria), increases the enterobacteria to bifidobacteria ratio and abundances of opportunistic pathogens (e.g., pathogenic Escherichia coli), and induces gut inflammation. Thus, although iron-containing MNPs are highly effective in reducing IDA, they may increase gastrointestinal morbidity in infants, and safer formulations are needed.” [2016]

“Consumption of rice fortified with micronutrients can increase hookworm prevalence, especially in environments with high infection pressure.” [2016]

Bottom Line

Without a proper control study done with CFS/IBS patients, I have reservations about doing any iron supplements. Eat a diet rich in natural iron instead (List). Have an orange and a slice of cantaloupe with breakfast always. See this list of beta-carotene food for supper.

In my earlier post, DANGER: Antioxidants and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, I cited a study on humans with MCS which indicated that clinical experience found that the following should NOT be taken:

• alpha lipoic acid (ALA),
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
• selenium
• ascorbic acid(Vitamin C)
• thiol (sulfur derivatives) agents.

In a post from 2013, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Model of What it is, and treatment experience, I cited a study that found additional items to be ineffectual:

• Cholestyramine therapy, sauna bathing, and fasting have all been attempted and have proven unsuccessful (AAP 1999). In fact, PCBs stored in fat can be mobilized by the patients crash dieting.”[CDC]

My model is that the chemical signatures are misread as an attack by an infection and thus the body shifts quickly into fight mode. Restricting access of the suspected infection to move in the body, i.e. reducing the flow of blood until antibodies can respond — typically hypoperfusion.

Recent Literature

A recent study with brain scans found that MCS triggers resulted in “previously observed significant activations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC)”[2013] and “activations were specifically strong in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)” [2015]

“The results of our study suggest that cortical activity in subjects with MCS differs from that in healthy individuals during olfactory stimulation… with an increase in glucose consumption in ..[some areas of the brain] and a reduction in glucose metabolism in ..in ..[other areas of the brain] .” [2015]

“After chemical challenge, cases showed hypoperfusion[reduced oxygen delivery] in the olfactory, right and left hippocampus, right parahippocampus, right amygdala, right thalamus, right and left Rolandic and right temporal cortex regions(p<or=0.01). By contrast, controls showed hyperperfusion[increased oxygen delivery] in the cingulus, right parahippocampus, left thalamus and some cortex regions (p<or=0.01). The clustered deactivation pattern in cases was stronger than in controls (p=0.012) and the clustered activation pattern in controls was higher than in cases (p=0.012). In comparison to controls, cases presented poorer quality of life and neurocognitive function at baseline, and neurocognitive worsening after chemical exposure. Chemical exposure caused neurocognitive impairment, and SPECT brain dysfunction particularly in odor-processing areas, thereby suggesting a neurogenic origin of MCS.” [2009]

“Activation was defined as a significant increase in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during smelling of the respective odorant compared to smelling of odorless air.” [2007]

” The MCS subjects activated odor-processing brain regions less than controls, despite the reported, and physiologically indicated (decreased RR interval) distress. In parallel, they showed an odorant-related increase in activation of the anterior cingulate cortex and cuneus-precuneus. Notably, the baseline rCBF was normal. Thus, the abnormal patterns were observed only in response to odor signals. Subjects with MCS process odors differently from controls, however, without signs of neuronal sensitization. One possible explanation for the observed pattern of activation in MCS is a top-down regulation of odor-response via cingulate cortex.” [2007]

I should point out that this study was done with more inaccurate older equipment as well as PET showing low abnormality rates for CFS while SPECT scan shows high abnormality rates. IMHO – the study was poorly done with the conclusions being incorrect.

• “This first systematic PET study in MCS patients revealed no hint of neurotoxic or neuroimmunological brain changes of functional significance.” [2002]

Note that hypoperfusion[reduced oxygen delivery] will cause brain fog and neurological issues.Parts of the brain are starving for oxygen and unable to function properly.

Not discounted suggestions

While saunas (classic saunas) have been reported ineffectual, infrared sauna (Waon theraphy) has have positive results for symptom reduction in CFS:

From a blogger on the web:”Several MCS experts, as well as patients, have found that dry sauna can be of benefit although thus far, there is no explanation of why this is so. In the past, we have written that sauna therapy is based on an ancient therapy called Waon therapy and past studies of this technique suggest it may increase the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 and possibly influence the expression of PGC-1a.” [2010]

“One of the safest methods of overall detoxification recommended by qualified physicians is a sauna.  Dr. William Rea offers a sauna room for treatment at his clinic, the Environmental Health Center, in Dallas. ” [MSC-America.org]

From PubMed:

“Perceived fatigue significantly decreased after therapy, although no significant reductions were observed during therapy. In addition, a negative mood, including anxiety, depression and fatigue, and the performance status significantly improved after therapy. However, the levels of pain and vigor did not change significantly. No patients reported any adverse effects during the therapy.” [2015]

From a blogger on the web:”Several MCS experts, as well as patients, have found that dry sauna can be of benefit although thus far, there is no explanation of why this is so. In the past, we have written that sauna therapy is based on an ancient therapy called Waon therapy and past studies of this technique suggest it may increase the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 and possibly influence the expression of PGC-1a.” [2010]

At the antioxidant level (which taking supplements was found to be counter productive above):

“It was shown that the effect of high temperatures promotes the development of oxidative stress that is followed by the formation of adaptive reactions in the form of activation of antioxidant protection, enhancement of non-specific responses of the cells, increase of stability and restoration of structural homeostasis of erythrocyte membranes.” [2013]

‘”indicating that FIR reduced inflammation.”[2012]

• A study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis showed a reduction in pain, stiffness, and fatigue during infrared sauna therapy [30].
• “During the period of FIR therapy, the symptoms of eye itching, nasal itching, nasal stuffiness, rhinorrhea, and sneezing were all significantly improved. Smell impairment was improved after the last treatment.”

Hypoperfusion

Treating hypoperfusion is often done with fibrinolytic agents (serrapetase, nattokinease, lumbrokinease, bromelain), platelet agents (aspirin, willow bark), and vascular dilators (regular flushing niacin). These could cause symptom relief.

If a person is hyper coagulated (thick blood), then the exposure could (speculation) just push them over the edge. If this model is correct, then hyper coagulation testing and correction would be logical to investigate. Unfortunately, Dave Berg has retired.

Olestra Chips

This has not been tested in the lab. I do know people who claim that it quickly reduces the severity of a MCS episode.

Bottom Line

There is so little research on MCS, what I would love to see are:

• Microbiome study and MCS
• Formal study of Olestra
• Coagulation defects and MCS

At the moment, Infrared saunas are the best treatment in town. We have one, it was on sale at Costco for $800 and was a Christmas present to help with health.

A reader ask me about this, and I went to their site and needed an air sickness bag looking at the prices as well as advertising contents. $15 for less than a quart of water with a dash of whatever.

Some translations:

• “humification” becoming humus, i.e. “A very stable form of humus is formed from the slow oxidation of black carbon,” i.e. COAL.
  • Wikipedia “The theory that a ‘humification’ process created ‘humus’ predates a sophisticated understanding of soils. Products of a humification process have not been observed in soil. Although ‘humification’ theory is unsupported by evidence, “the underlying theory persists in the contemporary literature, including current textbooks.”^[29]“
• “Fulvic minerals” and “Humic minerals” – had to go back to a paper written in the 1960’s to find even vague references in scientific literature, and it deal with clays. On PubMed, it is the acids that are generally cited: “Fungicidal activities of soil humic/fulvic acids as related to their chemical structures in greenhouse vegetable fields with cultivation chronosequence [2016].“

So bottom line,   someone took some clay with humus and mixed it with water!

Probiotic Contents

The site states 12.5 Billion CFU, consisting of:

• Bacillus-Pumilus – ” It resides in soils and some colonize in the root area of some plants”
  • [A sepsis case caused by a rare opportunistic pathogen: Bacillus pumilus][2016]. “Bacillus pumilus is a bacteria, though rarely, been reported as the causative agent of various infections such as sepsis, endocarditis, skin infections and food poisoning in human”
  • ” We report 3 cases of cutaneous infection caused by B. pumilus that occurred in 3 shepherds, 2 of whom were members of the same family. The lesions appeared to have a morphology similar to that of cutaneous anthrax lesions.” [2007]
• Bacillus Megaterium: – one of the most common soil bacteria
• Bacillus Subtilus – known as the hay or grass bacillus
• Bacillus-Licheniformis – common in soil. used to make biological laundry detergent
• Bacillus-Amyloliquefaciens (until 1987, deemed to be B. Subtilus)

Not a single strain identified — and all of them are expected to be found in compost that contains hay.

Bottom Line

Find a suitable clay deposit and a compost pile from an organic farm, package it and sell it with a detail analysis of the content. You have over 70 trace minerals!!!  Likely a hundred strains of bacteria and a half dozen families.

Wrap it up with enough pretty word smithing and images and you will make a fortune selling a bottle of water with a little soil mixed in for $15/quart!

Or, go for a hike in a national forest, do not wash your hands and eat lunch — you will likely have the same health impact!!