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Overview of Multiple Allergic Response
Syndromes (MARS™)
By Gloria Gilbčre, N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D.
Multiple
Allergic Response Syndromes are disorders
experienced by individuals who become
sensitized to chemicals and then develop
varied negative reactions from levels not
detected by others. Life is no longer
ordinary. Even though visibly they may
appear “normal,” people with MARS demands
learning to cope with multiple losses of:
- a safe
home
- career
- hobbies
- public
access to events and places
- transportation
- tolerance to foods and personal care
products
- social
activities – both in and out of their
home
The
most profound losses are those
experienced with relationships and loved
ones who may have the desire to
understand, yet in their frustration and
lack of understanding, draw away instead
of being supportive or taking the time
to learn about these invisible
disorders.
Individuals who acquire MARS can react
to the least amount of fragrance which
may be barely detectable by others. MARS
victims can, and do, react to anything,
especially: cleaning products, plastics,
petroleum-based products, fabric
softeners, tobacco, candles, mold, and
new or recently remodeled or painted
buildings. One whiff of fresh paint,
newly applied perfume or aftershave can
send some victims of MARS to bed for
days, along with a myriad of painful
symptoms as their bed partners.
The Liver Connection and Too Many
“Mis”ses It's my experience that all victims of MARS have some liver dysfunction. (Most also have high cholesterol and haven't made the connection that a healthy liver assists the body in controlling cholesterol.) In an individual with varied sensitivities or responses, the original toxic load of the body most probably caused the sensitivities and toxic liver, and then the liver became overburdened with an extraordinary amount of toxins to filter – thus adding to the development of even more sensitivities. This is the start of a destructive pattern caused by having too many “mis”ses in their lives – misinformed, misdiagnosed, mistreated and misunderstood.
When the toxic load begins seeping into our blood stream, liver health and lymphatic health is compromised and we then develop what is called autointoxication, or leaky gut, which becomes MARS.
Because individuals are so biochemically unique, there are tremendous individual variations in the responses to chemical allergens – both those we're externally exposed to – Exotoxins, and those our body creates, Endotoxins. Additionally, we need to understand the vital importance of intestinal health, the role of the colon, and the Endotoxins created within.
The Many Faces of MARS
MARS, also known as environmental
illness (EI) and multiple chemical
sensitivities (MCS), is difficult to
diagnose because of the varied symptoms.
Routine blood tests frequently indicate
no problem exists, “everything is within
‘normal' range.”
Fortunately, more and more health care
professionals and integrative physicians
are recognizing that these disorders
generally have a liver and gut
connection. Unfortunately, many patients
are still treated with conventional
drugs for digestive disorders, allergies
and anxiety only to be given more drugs
when multiple allergic responses
develop.
It is naďve to think we live in today's
world full of man-made chemical products
without being exposed to them. However,
it is realistic to educate ourselves on
why these syndromes develop and how to
keep our immune system in optimal health
to avoid – yes, avoid – becoming a
victim.
Copyright
© 2006 Gloria
E. Gilbčre, LLC |
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