Observed Causal Relationship Between Eczema and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Abstract

Over the past 27 years in my functional medicine clinical practice, I have had 10 or more patients present with chronic and acute cases of eczema. After taking a thorough history, ordering blood tests and food intolerance panels, all of them were positive for signs and symptoms of intestinal permeability and positive IgA markers to predominantly; gliadin, agglutinins and casein, as well as a plethora of other food proteins, due to the nature of molecular mimicry. After placing patients on an antigen free food plan for 3-6 months, prescribing demulcent herbals, L-glutamine, anti-inflammatory supplements, and counseling them on stress reducing strategies, there was a resolution of the eczema and a healing of the intestinal lining. There is a misconception in traditional allopathic medicine that the problem resides at the dermis, where the symptomatology is observed and expressed. However, the skin is just a reflection and extension of the inflammatory cascade occurring at the intestinal lining which leads to the erosion of the tight junctions of the microvilli, which causes intestinal permeability [1,2]. These erosions open the door to undigested proteins which end up in the enteric blood vessels, subsequently triggering white blood cells to tag these proteins with antibodies. These proteins are almost identical to body tissues (molecular mimicry) , leading to autoimmune reactivity. Eczema is a direct expression of this immune system response and loss of oral and self-tolerance. The road to healing the tight junctions begins with an elimination food plan that excludes all the proteins which have become antigens. I have found it necessary to prescribe demulcent herbs such as; slippery elm, aloe vera gel, marshmallow root, deglycyrrhizinated licorice, rhubarb, immunoglobulin compounds, turmeric, vitamin D3/K2, glutathione, resveratrol and omega 3’s, as well as counseling patients on stress reduction strategies, given that production of high levels of cortisol and norepinephrine contribute to erosion of tight junctions [3]. The more a patient unburdens their body from causative factors, the faster the transformation and quicker the necessary scaffolding is built, to provide significant symptom relief and restoration of functional physiological processes that render a vital healthy human being, who is capable of developing immune and chemical tolerance to living in this “modern” hectic world. We live in a world where we spend 80% of our daily lives running from the “tyrannical lion(ness)” inside our busy monkey minds. In “flight or fight mode”, we are running tons of adrenaline epinephrine, norepinephrine, putting out fires, disasters, unknowns, daily to-do lists, answering phone calls, typing on the computer, driving around freeways, and encountering angry, impatient beings along the way. We are also near-constantly bombarded by lights, sounds, smells, EMF’s, microwaves, 4G and now the 5G radiation grid, toxins, infections, and stressors of all kinds [4]. Taking time to counter these daunting and relentless “flight or fight” drivers is imperative if we are to survive as beings and as a collective species. Stimulating your parasympathetic nervous system is a MUST when leading patients towards successful restoration of health and wellness.