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Meg Mangin R.N.
Former Team Member
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Posted: Sat Feb 26th, 2005 15:04 |
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The Effect of Sunlight/Daylight and Bright Lights on Persons with Inflammatory Disease
What is meant by sun/lights exposure?
We will use this shortened phrase to mean the following:
-ALL daylight or sunlight occurring between dawn and dusk, even on a cloudy day--even if you are in the shade or in a car. UV and infrared rays are not completely blocked by sunscreen, clouds or tinted car windows and they are reflected off many surfaces
-the energy of incident radiation from the entire light spectrum, from visible light rays to invisible UV and InfraRed rays
-any bright lights, especially fluorescent bulbs, computer monitors, TV screens, and headlights
-bright surfaces, like snow, concrete and sand, reflect UVR and can nearly double the amount that gets to the skin
What happens if people with Th1 inflammatory disease are exposed to sun/lights?
All Th1 inflammatory disease involves dysregulated Vitamin D metabolism. The energy of incident radiation from sun/lights exposure causes 1,25-D to be produced in the keratinocytes of the skin and in the Renin-Angiotensin-System (RAS) of the eyes. Persons with Th1 inflammation produce too much 1,25-D as part of the inflammatory process, unregulated in the usual way by the kidneys. The increased production of 1,25-D in the skin and (possibly the eyes) can cause increased inflammatory symptoms. This phenomenon does not happen to healthy people; they can bask in the sun all day without this effect.
There is no typical length of time between excess sun exposure and a symptom flare. Some will feel the effects within an hour or two while others may not experience an increase in symptoms for a day or longer.
How do I know if I have Th1 inflammatory disease?
Many diseases are already recognized as involving a Th1 immune system response. If there is some question about your disease or if you are unsure of your diagnosis, testing the levels of the D-metabolites may provide the information you need to determine if your symptoms are provoked by a Th1 inflammatory response. Others make this determination with a therapeutic probe using the MP.
Does exposure to sun/lights affect everyone the same?
Most persons with Th1 inflammation will be affected to some extent but the degree of photosensitivity will vary. Some factors that may affect the degree of photosensitivity are bacterial load, location of the inflammation (a heavy load of bacteria in the skin causes greater excitation of the kerotinocytes to produce more 1,25-D), hormonal imbalance, major organ inflammation and current level of 1,25-D. However, none of these factors or any particular diagnosis are predictors of photosensitivity.
What symptoms will get worse if I am photosensitive?
Symptoms are usually neurological in nature. They may feel exactly like immunopathology symptoms because both are caused by increased inflammation, due to an increase in 1,25-D. It’s important to differentiate between the two because one is avoidable and one is not. Immunopathology symptoms are to be expected as the antibiotic/s kill the bacteria. Photosensitivity symptoms are avoidable for most people. Please see The effect of light on the brain (amygdalla)
If I felt okay in the sun before, does that mean that I don’t have this problem?
No, it means that your body has, over time, adjusted to the slow rise in 1,25-D to maintain homeostasis (a state of equilibrium). Because persons with Th1 inflammation have different levels of hormones, some feel the effects of the 1,25-D which only has a 6 hour half-life, while others will feel the effects of the Angiotensin-II receptors which have a 3-5 day half-life. Therefore, some folks will react quickly to seemingly minor sun/lights exposure, others will not react and still others will have a delayed reaction. If you are unaware of this phenomenon, you may not have made the connection between your increased sun/light and increased symptoms.
We think that the primary action of 1,25-D in Th1 inflammatory disease is that a high level, e.g. during pregnancy and sun-holidays, causes the cellular membrane protein TACO to allow the tiny bacteria to freely enter and exit the immune cells, without causing the cells to die in the process and this allows the pathogen(s) to spread without restraint. However there is no bacterial killing going on, thus folks may feel better. The improved feeling is a palliative effect (similar to the effect prednisone has on symptoms) and will not be long-lasting because the bacteria will multiply uninhibited while the immune system is suppressed and the inflammatory symptoms will escalate.
Why has Benicar made me more sensitive to sun/lights?
The Benicar blockade dramatically lowers 1,25-D quickly (by as much as half in just 2 weeks). This rapid change causes a shift in many other hormones with resulting neurological type symptoms, such as photosensitivity, fatigue, headache, irritability, sleep disturbances, brain fog, etc. Your body struggles to adjust to this new low. Then if you receive enough sun/lights exposure to make your 1,25-D rise rapidly, you will feel the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. This can occur immediately or as a delayed reaction (in a day or two). Your body is struggling to maintain a status quo and inducing a rapid change in the level of this powerful hormone, either up or down, is seldom well tolerated. These symptoms may feel exactly like your immune system reaction symptoms but they are not caused by anti-bacterial activity.
To further complicate analysis of symptoms, some people may experience immunopathology with just the addition of Benicar if their immune system is then enabled to function better simply by the reduction in 1,25-D. This is why it may be important for folks who are quite ill to be especially careful to avoid sun/lights exposure during the initiation of the Benicar blockade. Anyone who has hormonal adjustment symptoms plus immunopathology symptoms and then induces a rise in 1,25-D with sun/lights exposure may have a very difficult time indeed.
What happens when I take minocycline?
Minocycline helps the immune system kill the Cell Wall Deficient (CWD) bacteria that have invaded your white blood cells. This results in an immune system reaction. This immunopathologic response is an unavoidable increase in your inflammatory symptoms that occurs because your immune system reacts with increased inflammation to the endotoxins released by the dying bacteria.
These infected white blood cells are themselves the source of the elevated 1,25-D levels in our bodies. Normally, 25-D is converted to 1,25-D only in the kidneys, where the body has distinct processes that regulate the conversion-rate. White blood cells that host CWD bacteria, however, convert 25-D to 1,25-D on their own. The process is self-perpetuating, because with higher levels of 1,25-D circulating in our bodies, it becomes easier for still other CWD bacteria to penetrate white blood cells.
Do I have to avoid sun exposure? How can I work or take care of my family?
The initial weeks of Benicar and minocycline are a time of tremendous bodily adjustments. First, Benicar reduces 1,25-D and then minocycline elevates it by causing the immune system reaction and increased inflammation. The resulting symptoms can be very uncomfortable. If you do not avoid sun/lights exposure during this time, the increase in photosensitivity symptoms plus Benicar adjustment symptoms and/or the minocycline immune system reaction may result in symptoms so intolerable that you are forced to abandon the Marshall Protocol (MP). However, folks with limited inflammation may be able to tolerate sun exposure even during this time. Their progress may be a bit slower if the bacterial kill is inhibited by higher 1,25-D but this is better than not being on the MP at all.
After the first few weeks of avoiding lights, unless someone isn't very ill, they will become aware of an increased sensitivity to sun/lights. This is a result of their lower 1,25-D and the body’s natural adverse reaction to a rapid rise in this hormone. Those people who are extremely sensitive and cannot avoid sun/lights, may have difficulty staying on the MP. Some who are exposed to sunlight may find that the resulting increase in symptoms are intolerable.
If you are very ill, the amount of light you can tolerate will be nowhere near what a normal person can tolerate. If there is enough light in the area to grow a plant, there is enough light to produce 1,25-D in someone with significant Th1 inflammation. However, some folks will be able to tolerate more sun/lights than others. If you are not having intolerable symptoms, then your sun/lights exposure avoidance is probably satisfactory. By trial and error you will learn what you can tolerate. Hopefully, this will be enough to allow you to manage your daily essential responsibilities. If not, you may have to try the MP later when you can alter your activities to incorporate the necessary changes in lifestyle.
How do I know if my symptoms are intolerable?
This is a very individual thing. It depends on how bad you are able or willing to feel and if your symptoms allow you to do what you need to get done. Some people will be able to make changes in their lifestyle to minimize sun/light exposure. Those who cannot are at risk of experiencing symptoms so severe that they cannot stay on the MP.
How can I protect myself?
-wear lighter NoIR sunglasses inside when watching TV or your computer monitor or near bright windows
-turn down the brightness on your computer monitor
-cover all windows
-stay indoors during the daytime
-do all possible outside tasks and errands after dark ( be creative and you will be surprised what you can accomplish after dark)
-wear darker NoIR sunglasses when you MUST go out during the daytime
-wear dark clothing from head to toe when you MUST go out during the daytime
-do not linger outside, even in the shade
-avoid long trips in the car, especially when you must drive at night unless you are comfortable wearing NoIRs after dark to protect against oncoming headlights
-wear Ketoconazole 2% cream or zinc oxide sunscreen on your face when you MUST go outside in the daytime. See Sunscreen Overview -- Updated Feb. 24, 2008
-wear NoIRs in brightly lit stores.
How long can I stay outside if I cover up?
Very sensitive people will produce too much 1,25-D in just 5-10 minutes of daylight on the exposed skin of the face. If possible, we recommend erring on the side of caution and starting out by following all the necessary preventive measures listed above. Trial and error will tell you what your limits are. If you have increased symptoms, consider, first, that they are not simply an immune system reaction but may also be due to too much sun/lights exposure.
How long will I have to avoid sun/lights?
You may have to be quite diligent in avoiding sun/lights for many months. It's best to postpone any extreme exposure to sunlight such as vacations in sunny climes or cruises until you know how much sunlight you can tolerate or you are almost in remission because this amount of sun/lights exposure could make you very ill and has even been the cause of sudden death in severely ill folks due to cardiac arrest.
As you progess on the Marshall Protocol, you should feel less affected by sun/lights and will gradually be able to increase your sun/lights exposure.
After the first half year on the MP most people gradually notice that they are less sensitive to sun/lights exposure. You may have to turn your computer screen brightness up to use your NoIRs or your eyes will be comfortable viewing your darkened screen without them. Suddenly, the darkened house will seem much darker with your NoIRs on and you will feel comfortable not wearing them indoors. You will begin to feel comfortable wearing you indoor NoIRs outdoors on a cloudy day, etc… You may never be able to bask in the sun but as your inflammation resolves, you will be able to tolerate more and more sun/lights exposure.
Photosensitivity during Recovery from Th1 Inflammatory Disease
The effect of light on the brain (amygdalla)
What are the new recommendations regarding sun exposure?
Avoiding Sunlight and Bright Lights
Incident Radiation Tutorial
Does sunscreen prevent the production of Vitamin D?
How does ketoconazole cream work?
Testimonials to the need to avoid light
Why are my symptoms more intense after exposure to Light &/or Vitamin D?
Why do I feel better in the summer? And worse in the winter?
Protecting Your Eyes
30 Lux
The public does not require extra amounts of sun exposure in order to prevent vitamin D 'deficiency'.
Should I avoid sun exposure and vitamin D while I'm waiting to start the MP?
Living life on the MP
Ideas for summer holidays
Do car windows, weather or geographical location affect the amount of sun exposure allowed?
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Nothing contained in this site is or should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by your physician.
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Former Team Member
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Posted: Sun Dec 4th, 2005 05:13 |
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The effect of light on the brain (Amygdala)
(filelink)
The eyes have a complete, self-contained, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in them. They are connected directly to the brain via the optic nerve. Any type of bright light (artificial or solar) falling on the eyes causes, via the RAS, the production of a small amount of systemic 1,25-D but it does not generate enough 1,25-D to cause system-wide biochemical problems.
The optic nerve directly connects each eye to the brain, possibly our most sensitive organ. Thus, light is transmitted to the brain via the eyes. Coursing through the amygdala are nerves connecting it to a number of important brain centers, including the neocortex and visual cortex. Many types of angiotensin receptors are known to be active in the brain. This can have the profound effect of stimulating portions of the brain to cause significant neurological symptoms.
This stimulation of the brain causes many of the neurological symptoms that are so bothersome to folks with Th1 inflammation. Neurological symptoms include fatigue, irritability, aggressiveness, lack of concentration, ‘brain fog’, loss of memory, poor judgement, confusion, anger (Lyme rage), mood swings, anxiety, inattentiveness, poor problem-solving, fear, neurosis and even psychosis.
The symptoms start within an hour or two of light exposure and may persist for 24 hours or more. Symptoms approximating "multiple chemical sensitivity" and "allergy," but not strictly either of these, mix in with feelings of spiders creeping up our skin, and a plethora of other stimuli-misidentifications by the brain that are common in all these chronic Th1 diseases.
Decreasing the light that falls on the eyes may help keep the systemic 1,25-D level down so that the immune system is able to kill the bacteria. Just as important, it will make the brain more stable and, thus, it will be easier to deal with the surges in immunopathology which will inevitably occur.
If the eyes are not adequately protected, the neurological symptoms can prevent tolerance of the immune system reactions and thus slow the progress of killing the bacteria. Exposure of the eyes to too much light will not prevent recovery but it will delay it and could make it a very rocky road.
Inflammation from intracellular bacteria can also affect many areas of the brain, making it difficult to differentiate between neuro symptoms from light stimulation or from immunopathology. Dr. Brian Fallon's borreliosis study (yet to be published) found from SPECT data that the main metabolic changes in the brain were in the region of the parahippocampal gyrus. This area is responsible for receiving sensory input from the outside world, integrating it, and projecting it onto the hippocampus (memory) and amygdala (fear, aggression, mood).
The Wirostkos produced those ground-breaking electron microscope photographs by looking at cells from the immune system of the eye.
http://autoimmunityresearch.org/wirostko-fig3.jpg
Oct. 07: "The primary function of the retina is to act as host for the Rhodopsins, which are GPCR receptors which sense light. A molecule of Retinal is bound into Rhodpsin, and it undergoes a conformational change when hit by a photon. The charge shift resulting from this phase change is conducted through the retina and aggregated so that at some threshold, most experts seem to think about 5 triggered receptors, a sensory signal is then sent along the optic nerve to the brain.
1,25-D binds into Rhodopsin, and will competitively displace Retinal (unpublished modeling work by yours truly). Thus excess 1,25-D can directly interfere with the process of vision.
Additionally, several key retinal proteins are transcribed by the VDR, giving another pathway for the Th1 bacteria to inhibit the proper operation of the eyes." ..Trevor..
Production of 1,25-D by the eyes
Does exposure of a Th1 patient's eyes to light generate excess quantities of 1,25-D which then enters the brain or systemic circulation?
There is no data on this, and very little we can use to try and guess at the probabilities involved. Even the circulations are somewhat in question at the moment.
Earlier statements we made about this issue have been difficult to sustain with data, and I would, in general, back away from them. The biggest single problem is that it is becoming clear to me that what 'modern medicine' knows about the brain is very limited indeed, with many pragma, such as the blood-brain barrier, vanishing as the molecular biology becomes better defined.
It is important for folk who exhibit photosensitivity while they recover their health (which is nearly everybody) to protect their eyes fastidiously. The exact mechanism(s) remain(s) clouded, however.
..Trevor..
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Nothing contained in this site is or should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by your physician.
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Aussie Barb
Research Team
| Joined: | Thu Jul 22nd, 2004 |
| Location: | Australia |
| Posts: | 19525 |
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Posted: Fri Nov 17th, 2006 03:34 |
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(filelink)
Correlation between latitude and MP participation rate
This has been discussed a few times. Have a look at this thread, for example.
Note especially this comment by Dr. Marshall:
I realized that sunlight was a key factor in 1986. At the time I was standing in the main square of old-city Stockholm, waiting for a walking-tour guide. All our other European capital-city walking-tours had been at night, but Stockholm was during the day. I got very sick.
At that point I realized that the amount of sunshine in even the most northerly capital in the World (almost) was way too much for somebody with Th1 disease, I realized that the sensitivity went way beyond anything science had envisioned, and that latitude offered no protection whatsoever - because the degree of sensitivity was way greater than the amount of protection offered by latitidue.
However, the corollary is probably true - that folks living on the equator cannot escape sunlight. I worked for a year in Papua New Guinea (teaching at the PNG University of Technology)(1974) and I can tell you that the the sun there is fierce. But it is a mistake to assume that the sun elsewhere is less fierce to a degree that would alleviate Th1 illness.
..Trevor..
ps: There have been reports that 50% of folks in Papua New Guinea are seropositive for Lyme, and the CDC has tried hard to discredit the implications of this. See http://tinyurl.com/dvgrs
Last edited on Mon Jul 21st, 2008 04:52 by
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Barb: Dx Inflammatory Disease Endocrine Imbalance 2003| Depression| 24+ years not Dx| MP Aug04| ABC of MP| MP Search|
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Former Team Member
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Posted: Fri Dec 1st, 2006 01:15 |
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Underground physical working does not seem to be a significant risk factor for low 25-OHD levels
(filelink)
J Int Med Res. 2006 Jul-Aug;34(4):362-6.
Effect of underground working on vitamin D levels and bone mineral densities incoal miners: a controlled study.Sarikaya S, Ozdolap S, Mungan AG, Gumustas S, Koc U, Guven B, Begendik F.Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine,Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Zonguldak, Turkey. seldaki@hotmail.com
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of underground working on25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels and bone mineral density (BMD) values incoal miners. Fifty coal miners working underground and 50 surface workers ascontrols, matched for age and body mass index, from Zonguldak, Turkey, were recruited to the study. Levels of 25-OHD, biochemical bone markers, and lumbarspine and femur BMD values were measured in all study participants. Lumbar spine and femur BMD values were significantly higher in underground workers compared with surface workers, but there was no significant difference in 25-OHD levels between the two groups. Duration of underground working, age, 25-OHD levels,cigarette consumption and dietary calcium intake were not correlated with BMDvalues. Underground physical working does not seem to be a significant risk factor for low 25-OHD levels or low BMD values.PMID: 16989491 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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Nothing contained in this site is or should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by your physician.
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