Contributors to Susceptibility to PANS/PANDAS Part II - Modern Living
As I mentioned in last month’s post, I see three major factors that are contributing to the rise of complex and chronic conditions: trauma, modern living, and toxins. PANS/PANDAS and autism are not directly caused by these three factors, however, all three contribute to chronic inflammation and a dysregulated immune system, which directly increase the risk and progression of these complex and chronic conditions. Individually, these three factors increase chronic inflammation and dysregulate the immune system. Together, these factors interact in ways that amplify their individual effects. The focus of this blog post is the effects of modern living and how it helps set the stage for chronic illness and neurodevelopmental conditions and how understanding the connection is important from a homeopathic care perspective. Read on to learn more including some key remedies for support.
We are all experiencing the phenomena of modern living, but how it impacts our health status may be less clear. Gut health, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic stress are three components of modern living that are all taking a toll. Gut health and immune function and chronic inflammation are strongly connected and, in this article, I’ll be focusing on the effects of high use of processed food on the GI system and how understanding the role of GI dysregulation informs a comprehensive homeopathic care plan.
Processed Food and Gut Dysbiosis
It’s well researched that today’s diets are largely comprised of processed food. Processed foods are problematic in three ways. First, processed food is low in nutritional density, so our bodies aren’t getting sufficient nutrition including important things like antioxidants, which support healthy immune function. Second, processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and chemicals which all promote inflammation. Third, processed food are low in fiber. Low fiber is a major contributor to imbalance in GI flora which leads to gut dysbiosis. The gut flora regulates up to 80% of our immune function and gut dysbiosis negatively impacts our health through reduced immune function. Other impacts of gut dysbiosis include unhealthy hormone balance, reduced neurotransmitter function, and reduced gut lining function. Gut lining is important because it’s the barrier protecting us from ingested toxins such as bacteria, chemicals, etc. A reduced gut lining function allows more bacteria and toxins to enter the blood stream, which activates the immune system and leads to systemic inflammation and potential autoimmune reactions.
Overall, gut dysbiosis is a major contributor to immune dysregulation. The level of immune dysregulation matters - profound imbalances or loss of microbial diversity almost always lead to immune dysregulation due to chronic inflammation, weakened barriers, and impaired microbial signaling. It’s almost impossible to have a fully functioning immune function and low levels of systemic inflammation if you have gut dysbiosis.
The bottom line is that a diet high in processed food reduces our intake of nutrition and things our bodies need and increases chronic inflammation, while simultaneously reducing immune function and creating imbalance in other critical systems, allowing for more toxins and bacteria to enter into that weakened condition.
Almost all of the kids I see with PANS/PANDAS and autism have some level of gut dysbiosis and this is one of the layers that must be addressed with homeoapthic support plans.
There are many kids with PANS/PANDAS and autism that are very picky eaters and getting them to eat at all can be a challenge. In those cases, I often start by requesting a reduction in refined sugar, recommend a remedy to support rebalancing the GI system, then, when the kids are in a healthier place, they’re more naturally able to expand their foods and make the shifts. In addition, here are a few remedies I use frequently to support GI health:
Morgan Pure - for GI dysbiosis along with symptoms of liver sluggishness including pains in he liver area, jauncided skin tone, poor fat digestion. There may be muscle soreness and stiffness. In addition, symptoms on the skin such as eczema and psoriasis are common. Emotionally, people that benefit from Morganpure often experience heightened sensitivity, feel overwhelmed by stress, and struggle with indecisiveness.
Morgan Gaertner - for GI dysbiosis with gallbladder dysfunction and skin eruptions. Often associted with allergic reactions on the skin such as eczema or psoriasis and skin may look rough, dry or scaly. People that do well on Morgan Gaertner are often outgoing, become frustrated easily, and express it outwardly, as opposed to Morgan Pure who hold in their emotions more.
Proteus - for GI dysbiosis with an affinity for symptoms in the nervous system and intestines, with intense restlessness, irritability and inflammatory bowel conditions. People that do well on Proteus can be intense, prone to anxiety, and react strongly to stress.
Bach (or Bacillus No. 7) - for GI dysbiosis with bloating, food intolerances, and sensitive digestion. People that do well with this remedy are often restless and have difficulty with routines and restrictions.
Gaertner Bach - for GI dysbiosis with weakened immunity, malabsorption, and chronic gut issues. People that do well on Gaertner Bach are often introspective and reserved and avoid conflict with great intellectual curiosity.
Sycotic Co. (or Bacillus No. 10) - for GI dysbiosis along with chronic inflammatory conditions that present on the musculoskeletal system, such as arthritis and stiff joints. People that do well on this remedy often avoid conflict and prefer to keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves, which can lead to internatlized stress and tension. Often associated with mucus overproduction.
Dysentery Co (Dysco) - Bloating, diarrhea, or gut discomfort, along with tics or involuntary movements often triggered by emotional or nervous turmoil. Often with dark circles under the eyes. People that do well with Dysco include heightened reactivity and are highly sensitive to external stimuli including criticism, conflict, or sudden changes. May have OCD tendencies.
Mutabile - Known for addressing fluctuating and inconsistent symptoms including alternating diarrhea and constipation or shifting respiratory and digestive complaints with sensitivities to environmental or dietary factors. Chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, or seasonal allergies, joint and muscle sensitivity are keynotes.
Colibacillinum - Often used in conditions like chronic diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. Colibacillinum is also indicated for chronic urinary tract infections or systemic effects of intestinal dysbiosis related to E. coli. Someone that does well on Colibacillinum may be hypercritical, fastidious, and afraid of dirt and disease. They may feel anxiety that makes them feel restless.
In addition to homeopathic support, the following dietary models support healthy GI function:
Focus on whole, unprocessed foods rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber. These are largely foods without ingredient lists found around the perimeter of the grocery store.
Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, dyes and artificial additives.
If tolerated, support gut health with probiotics and prebiotics to restore a healthy microbiome and reduce gut inflammation.
Homeopathy offers a profound and individualized approach to supporting healing, and healing from complex and chronic conditions - aka “modern” conditions - requires working in layers. Supporting a healthy GI function is a critical layer. A layered approach typically includes support for reducing inflammation, calming the nervous system, addressing GI function, strengthening the immune system, reducing toxic exposures (mold, heavy metals, glyphosate and other chemicals), specific pathogens such as strep, Lyme, etc, and then addressing inhereted susceptibilities are all critical aspects of a care plan.
Reach out today to begin your healing journey!
***Sue McKinley Homeopathy is not a doctor. The information presented here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for concerns about chronic and complex health conditions.***