Pollen is the fine powder that comes from the stamen of flowering plants, and it often called hay fever, which is caused when pollen is dispersed through the air.

  

Pollen is fine, and can be carried great distances through the air current. It also is easily inhaled as it comes in contact with your nose, mouth and nasal passages.

  

Pollen allergies can trigger allergic reactions, which affect the sinus and respiratory tract of those with this allergy. Symptoms can include watery eyes, runny nose, rhinitis, sore throat, coughing, increased mucous, headaches and asthma.

  

One of the best ways to combat pollen allergies is to understand which pollens you are allergic to. An allergist is able to easily test you for various types of trees, weeds, and grasses, and provide you with a list of pollons that affect you adversely.

  

Below is a list of  what is included in the Allegies / Pollen Vitals Report:

Bermuda

Johnson

Orchard

Rye

Sweet Vernal

Timothy

Ash

Beech

Birch

Box

Elder Cedar

Cottonwood

Date Palm

Elm

Hickory

Juniper

Maple

Mountain Cedar

Mulberry

Oak

Pecan

Phoenix Palm

Red Maple

Silver Maple

Sycamore

Walnut

Willow

English Plantain English Plantain

Lamb’s Quarters

Pigweed

Ragweed

Sagebrush

House

Fresh Water

Shellfish

Depending on where you live, your individual sensitivity may differ dramatically. If a person lives in a geographic area that has hot, dry, windy days, then there is more of a chance that pollen is in the air.

Food intolerance is a detrimental reaction, often delayed, to a food, beverage, food additive, or compound found in foods that produces symptoms in one or more body organs and systems, but generally refers to reactions other than food allergy. Food hypersensitivity is used to refer broadly to both food intolerances and food allergies.

Food allergies are immune reactions, typically an IgE reaction caused by the release of histamine but also encompassing non-IgE immune responses. This mechanism causes allergies to typically give immediate reaction (a few minutes to a few hours) to foods.

 

Food intolerances can be classified according to their mechanism. Intolerance can result from the absence of specific chemicals or enzymes needed to digest a food substance, as in hereditary fructose intolerance. It may be a result of an abnormality in the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, as occurs in fructose malabsorption. Food intolerance reactions can occur to naturally occurring chemicals in foods, as in salicylate sensitivity. Drugs sourced from plants, such as aspirin, can also cause these kinds of reactions.

   

Reactions to chemical components of the diet are more common than true food allergies. They are caused by various organic chemicals occurring naturally in a wide variety of foods, both of animal and vegetable origin more often than to food additives, preservatives, colorings and flavorings, such as sulfites or dyes. Both natural and artificial ingredients may cause adverse reactions in sensitive people if consumed in sufficient amount, the degree of sensitivity varying between individuals.

   

Pharmacological responses to naturally occurring compounds in food, or chemical intolerance, can occur in individuals from both allergic and non-allergic family backgrounds. Symptoms may begin at any age, and may develop quickly or slowly. Triggers may range from a viral infection or illness to environmental chemical exposure. It occurs more commonly in women, which may be because of hormone differences, as many food chemicals mimic hormones.

A deficiency in digestive enzymes can also cause some types of food intolerances. Lactose intolerance is a result of the body not producing sufficient lactase to digest the lactose in milk; dairy foods which are lower in lactose, such as cheese, are less likely to trigger a reaction in this case. Another carbohydrate intolerance caused by enzyme deficiency is hereditary fructose intolerance.

  

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder caused by an immune response to the protein gluten, results in gluten intolerance and can lead to temporary lactose intolerance. The most widely distributed naturally occurring food chemical capable of provoking reactions is salicylate, although tartrazine and benzoic acid are well recognized in susceptible individuals. Benzoates and salicylates occur naturally in many foods, including fruits, juices, vegetables, spices, herbs, nuts, tea, wines, and coffee. Salicylate sensitivity causes reactions to not only aspirin and NSAIDs but also foods in which salicylates naturally occur, such as cherries.

Other natural chemicals which commonly cause reactions and cross reactivity include amines, nitrates, sulphites and some antioxidants. Chemicals involved in aroma and flavor are often suspect.

The classification or avoidance of foods based on botanical families bears no relationship to their chemical content and is not relevant in the management of food intolerance.

 

Salicylate-containing foods include apples, citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, and wine, while reactions to chocolate, cheese, bananas, avocado, tomato or wine point to amines as the likely food chemical. Thus, exclusion of single foods does not necessarily identify the chemical responsible as several chemicals can be present in a food, the patient may be sensitive to multiple food chemicals and reaction more likely to occur when foods containing the triggering substance are eaten in a combined quantity that exceeds the patient’s sensitivity thresholds. People with food sensitivities have different sensitivity thresholds, and so more sensitive people will react to much smaller amounts of the substance.

Below is a list of  what is included in the Allegies / Pollen Vitals Report:

Corn

Eggs

Gelatin

Milk

Barley

Gluten

Oats

Rye

Wheat

Beef

Chicken

Lamb

Pork

Almonds

Brazil

Peanuts

Pecans

Pine

Walnuts

Poppy

Sesame

Sunflower

Bacterial Diseases 

This is a malaria-like parasite, also called a “piroplasm,” that infects red blood cells. Scientists believe Babesia microti is the most common piroplasm infecting humans, but they have identified over twenty piroplasms carried by ticks. In addition to transmission by a tick, babesia can be transmitted from mother to unborn child or through a contaminated blood transfusion.

  

Currently, most blood banks do not screen donated blood for babesia.

The first case of babesiosis was reported from Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, in 1969. Since the late 1980s, the disease has spread from the islands off the New England coast to the mainland. Cases have also been reported across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

   

Symptoms of babesiosis are similar to those of Lyme disease but babesiosis more often starts with a high fever and chills. As the infection progresses, patients may develop fatigue, headache, drenching sweats, muscle aches, chest pain, hip pain and shortness of breath (“air hunger”). Babesiosis is often so mild it is not noticed but can be life-threatening to people with no spleen, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems. Complications include very low blood pressure, liver problems, severe hemolytic anemia (a breakdown of red blood cells), and kidney failure.

   

Species in the genus borrelia are highly specialized, spiral-shaped, two-membrane bacteria that have two flagella. They live primarily as an extracellular pathogen aided in adapting to various host animals by regulating the various lipoproteins on their surface. Borrelia is extremely difficult to culture in vitro, due to its specific nutritional requirements.

Brucellosis is rare in the U.S. because of effective animal disease control programs. Fewer than 200 people get sick with the disease each year in the U.S. It is most often seen in the spring and summer months.
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Campylobacter Jejuni (C. jejuni)

This infection causes diarrhea, which may be watery or sticky and can contain blood (usually occult) and fecal leukocytes (white cells). Other symptoms often present are fever, abdominal pain, nausea, headache and muscle pain. The illness usually occurs 2-5 days after ingestion of the contaminated food or water.​

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Chlamydia Psittaci

This is a lethal intracellular bacterial species that may cause endemic avian chlamydiosis, epizootic outbreaks in mammals, and respiratory psittacosis in humans.​

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Clostridium Botulinum

This is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, anaerobic, spore-forming, motile bacterium with the ability to produce the neurotoxin botulinum.​

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Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile)

This is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and more serious intestinal conditions such as colitis.​

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Clostridium Perfringens (C. perfringens)

This is a spore-forming gram-positive bacterium that is found in many environmental sources as well as in the intestines of humans and animals.​

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Corynebacterium Diphtheriae

This is a nonmotile, noncapsulated, club-shaped, Gram-positive bacillus. Toxigenic strains are lysogenic for one of a family of corynebacteriophages that carry the structural gene for diphtheria toxin, tox.​

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E. Coli

This is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals, where it usually causes no harm. Some strains can cause severe food poisoning, especially in old people and children.​

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Enterococus Faecalis / Faecium

is a Gram-positive, commensal bacterium inhabiting the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and other mammals. Like other species in the genus Enterococcus, E. faecalis can cause life-threatening infections in humans, especially in the nosocomial (hospital) environment, where the naturally high levels of antibiotic resistance found in E. faecalis contribute to its pathogenicity. E. faecalis has been frequently found in re-infected root canal-treated teeth in prevalence values ranging from 30% to 90% of the cases.     Source

 

Francisella Tularensis (Tularemia)

This is a disease of animals and humans. Rabbits, hares, and rodents are especially susceptible and often die in large numbers during outbreaks. Humans can become infected through several routes, including tick and deer fly bites.​​

 

Haemophilus Influenzae

This is a type of bacteria that mainly causes illness in babies and young children. These bacteria can cause infections in people of all ages ranging from mild, such as an ear infection, to severe, such as a bloodstream infection. In spite of the name, H. influenzae do not cause influenza (the “flu”).​

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Helicobacter Pylori (h. pylori)

This can enter your body and live in your digestive tract. After many years, they can cause sores, called ulcers, in the lining of your stomach or the upper part of your small intestine. For some people, an infection can lead to stomach cancer. Infection with H. pylori is common. About two-thirds of the world’s population has it in their bodies. For most people, it doesn’t cause ulcers or any other symptoms. After H. pylori enters your body, it attacks the lining of your stomach, which usually protects you from the acid your body uses to digest food. Once the bacteria have done enough damage, acid can get through the lining, which leads to ulcers. These may bleed, cause infections, or keep food from moving through your digestive tract. You can get H. pylori from food, water, or utensils. The germs live in the body for years before symptoms start, but most people who have it will never get ulcers.

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Legionella Pneumophila (legionellosis)

This is a respiratory disease caused by Legionella bacteria. Sometimes the bacteria cause a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) called Legionnaires’ disease.

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Leptospira Interrogans 

This is a Gram negative, obligate aerobe spirochete, with periplasmic flagella. When viewed through a light microscope, it often resembles a question mark, and this gives the species its name. It is a member of the genusLeptospira.​
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Listeria Monocytogenes 

This is the species of pathogenic bacteria that causes the infection listeriosis. It is a facultative anaerobic bacterium, capable of surviving in the presence or absence of oxygen.​

 

Lyme

This is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the Borrelia type which is spread by ticks. The most common sign of infection is an expanding area of redness on the skin, known as erythema migrans, that begins at the site of a tick bite about a week after it has occurred. The rash is typically neither itchy nor painful. Approximately 25–50% of infected people do not develop a rash. Other early symptoms may include fever, headache and feeling tired.If untreated, symptoms may include loss of the ability to move one or both sides of the face, joint pains, severe headaches with neck stiffness, or heart palpitations, among others. Months to years later, repeated episodes of joint pain and swelling may occur. Occasionally, people develop shooting pains or tingling in their arms and legs. Despite appropriate treatment, about 10 to 20% of people develop joint pains, memory problems, and feel tired for at least six months.     Source

 

MRSA 

This is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics. In the general community, MRSA most often causes skin infections. In some cases, it causes pneumonia (lung infection) and other issues. If left untreated, MRSA infections can become severe and cause sepsis–a life-threatening reaction to severe infection in the body. In a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or nursing home, MRSA can cause severe problems such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia and surgical site infections.

 

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

This is an obligate pathogenic bacterial species in the family Mycobacteriaceae and the causative agent of tuberculosis.

  

Mycoplasma Genus (1-5)

This is a genus of bacteria that lack a cell wall around their cell membrane. Without a cell wall, they are unaffected by many common antibiotics such as penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis. They can be parasitic or saprotrophic. Several species are pathogenic in humans, including M. pneumoniae, which is an important cause of atypical pneumonia and other respiratory disorders, and M. genitalium, which is believed to be involved in pelvic inflammatory diseases. Mycoplasma species are the smallest bacterial cells yet discovered. 

   

Neisseria Meningitidis

This is often referred to as meningococcus, is a Gram-negative bacterium that can cause meningitis and other forms of meningococcal disease such as meningococcemia, a life-threatening sepsis.​

  

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Serious infections from P. aeruginosa generally occur only in healthcare (nosocomial) settings, but people can also develop mild infections in other environments.​ 

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Rickettsia Rickettsii

This is the small, aerobic gram-negative bacterium that is the cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever in humans (and other vertebrates).

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Salmonella infection (salmonellosis)

This is a bacterial disease of the intestinal tract Salmonella is a group of bacteria that causes typhoid fever, food poisoning, gastroenteritis, enteric fever and other illnesses. People become infected mostly through contaminated water or foods, especially meat, poultry and eggs.​

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Shigella Sonnei

This is a non-motile, nonspore-forming, facultative anaerobic Gram-negative bacterium. Its non-motile characteristic means that this species doesn’t have flagella to facilitate its movement like many other human enterobacteria.​

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Staphylococcus Aureus

Staphylococcus (sometimes called “staph”) is a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases. Staph infections may cause disease due to direct infection or due to the production of toxins by the bacteria.

Streptococcus Group A (group A strep) 

This is a type of bacterium that can cause many different infections that range from minor illnesses to very serious and deadly diseases.

  

Streptococcus Group B (group B strep)

This is a common bacterium often carried in your intestines or lower genital tract. Group B strep is usually harmless in adults. In newborns, however, it can cause a serious illness known as group B strep disease.

  

Ureaplasma Genus (1-2)

Ureaplasma biovars, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum, are now designated as separate species. Separation of these species is not possible except via molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Therefore, they are now considered together as Ureaplasma species. U parvum is generally the most common species detected in various clinical specimens but U urealyticum is apparently more pathogenic in conditions such as male urethritis. This differential pathogenicity at the species level has not been shown consistently for other disease conditions.

Fungus

There are over 40 different species of Candida Yeast, however, only a handful are harmful to us. These are the types that interact with humans. Chronic out of balance candida and other forms of gut dysbiosis can lead to “leaky gut” syndrome which is very simply, the inflammation and weakening of the intestinal walls.

The Candida cells, which are relatively benign in their yeast form, adopt their fungal form and begin to grow hyphae – the long branches that grow out of the fungus. These branches invade the cells in your intestinal lining, creating inflammation and permeating the membrane that prevents substances from leaking out.

This condition is characterized by leaky wall of the guts that makes it possible for different substances to penetrate into the body such as microbes, undigested foods, toxins and many others. They are supposed to stay inside the gut, but when they penetrate the body, they can cause dangerous health disorders.

The most common disorders caused by leaky gut are: obesity, schizophrenia, type 1 and 2 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Chrohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The digestion is the first affected by leaky gut which is manifested as inflammatory gut disease like ulcerous colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

Moreover, it can be manifested as allergy or sensitivity to some ingredients and as a result of that, it can cause pain and other digestive problems.

Leaky gut can also result in stiffness, pain and difficulty moving. You can experience pain in other parts of your body as well due to leaky gut. This disorder can also cause psoriasis and eczema, but it can be manifested as rosacea acne as well. Leaky gut can weaken your immune system which will lead to constant colds and sinus infections. It affects your brain as well, and people who have experienced this disorder, report a feeling of tiredness, anxiety and depression.

If you experience some of the above mentioned symptoms, make sure to consult your doctor and do the necessary tests to discover whether you are dealing with leaky gut syndrome or not.

Make sure to avoid the consumption of sugar, lactose and gluten since they are considered to be the heaviest food that trigger leaky gut disorder. Instead, you should consume coconut products, fermented foods such as pickles and veggies, bone marrow soup and raw dairy products.

Nowadays, people are under a lot of stress which is the main factor for all kinds of health issues because it weakens your immune system which can lead to leaky gut.

In order to relieve stress, try to exercise more, spend some quality time with people you love, meditate or write a personal dairy.

This once thought to be harmless species is now causing yeast infections in those with compromised immune systems such as those with AIDS. It usually infects the urogenital tract and the blood stream. The mortality rate is high with this species.

This species is used in the chocolate making process and is usually harmless to humans. However, in those with compromised immune systems and those with types of blood cancer and can cause dangerous yeast infections.

This is another species that is common to our bodies and it is the most common species found on our hands. However, this yeast can infect open wounds and surgical patients.

This a form of candida albicans with a mutated sucrase gene creating an inability to assimilate sucrose.

When the pancreas and liver don’t function properly, the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) rises. A damaged pancreas can cause the body to be unable to utilize sugar due to a lack of insulin, which can lead to hyperglycemia. Unbalanced blood sugar levels can be a dangerous problem, especially for people with diabetes.

Drinking also releases excess GABA and dopamine, two naturally occurring neurotransmitters. GABA is responsible for calming the brain down, and dopamine is responsible for pleasure, a part of the brain’s reward system. Too much of these neurotransmitters can lead to shortness of breath, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, night terrors, delusions, hallucinations, spasms, and increased levels of both aggression and depression.

   

Chemical Toxicity

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency or EPA, the most important threat to both human, animal and plant life on earth comes from the effects of toxic chemicals. Hundreds of thousands of chemicals have been produced in the world in the past two hundred years, especially, often with little understanding of their toxicity – until a problem arises.  Thousands of toxic chemicals have found their way into our air, food and water supplies worldwide.  No place on earth is free of them anymore because they are carried by the wind and the rain to every corner of the earth. Studies reveal that everyone in the developed nations has hundreds of these toxic chemicals in their blood and stored in their body tissues. Toxic chemicals contribute to every possible type of physical and mental health problem imaginable.

One important group of chemicals, the endocrine disruptors. These are toxic chemicals that disrupt the hormone systems of plants, animals and human beings.  Most people have at least a dozen of these inside the body, and many people today are born with them, having acquired them from your mother in utero.

If you get enough of these chemicals in your body, they can wreak havoc on your hormones due to the following mechanisms:

– Increasing production of certain hormones
– Decreasing production of other hormones
– Imitating hormones
– Turning one hormone into another
– Interfering with hormone signaling
– Telling cells to die prematurely
– Competing with essential nutrients
– Binding to essential hormones
– Accumulating in organs that produce hormones.

Some of the worst are:

BPA.  This chemical mimics estrogen in the body.

Dioxin.  This is a pesticide sprayed on some food products.

Atrazine.  This is a toxic herbicide sprayed on some food products, especially corn.

Phthalates.  This is another toxic chemical that can signal cells to die.  It is found in some plastic food containers, some personal care products, and food wrap that says recycle #3.

Perchlorate.  This chemical is sometimes used to kill germs that live in tap water.  It interferes with iodine in the body.

Other iodine antagonists.  Other chemicals that interfere with iodine in the body and thereby cause thyroid problems are bromine and fluorine.

Fire retardants (PBDEs).  These are very persistent chemicals that imitate thyroid hormones and contribute to thyroid problems.

Perfluorinated chemicals. These are chemicals used to make non-stick coatings on pots and water-resistant coatings for clothing.  They are very persistent chemicals that have many negative effects on the body including kidney and thyroid disease, low birth weight, damaged sperm and high cholesterol.   Most people have some in their bodies because they do not degrade.

Organophosphates. These are very toxic pesticides used to stop insect reproduction.

Glycol ethers.  These are endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in solvents used in paints, brake fluid, cleaning products and cosmetics.  They can cause asthma, allergies and blood abnormalities, among other problems.
Arsenic, lead, copper and mercury.  These toxic metals are also considered endocrine disrupters.  Copper and mercury affect the thyroid gland.  Lead and arsenic – widely used in pesticides – can affect many glands in the body.
Medical drugs in the water.  Unfortunately, some medical and over-the-counter drugs do not break down or biodegrade quickly.

Drugs, Medication

A person with drug toxicity has accumulated too much of a medication in the bloodstream. The effects of the medication are more pronounced at toxic levels, and side effects may be severe. Toxicity may result when the dose is too high, or it may result when the liver or kidneys are unable to remove the drug from the bloodstream. Many commonly prescribed medications can accumulate in the bloodstream and result in toxicity.

Symptoms of drug toxicity depends on the drug taken. Symptoms of drug toxicity can be broken down into: Symptoms of GHB abuse which include: palpitations, confusion, lethargy, coma, low blood pressure, low body temperature, muscle spasms, slow breathing, slow heart rate, vomiting, violent behavior. Others include symptoms of hallucinogens, symptoms of narcotics, symptoms or sedatives, and symptoms of stimulants.

Drugs, Recreational

Recreational drugs are chemical substances that are taken for enjoyment instead of medical reasons. Psychedelic Mushrooms, Amphetamines, Ecstasy, Cocaine, Opium, Heroin and Cannabis are just some of recreational drugs out there. They can lead to addiction, health and social problems and crime. Most recreational drugs are illegal.

Electromagnetic Radiation

This is a kind of radiation including visible light, radio waves, gamma rays, and X-rays, in which electric and magnetic fields vary simultaneously. Sunlight is also a form of EM energy, but visible light is only a small portion of the EM spectrum, which contains a broad range of electromagnetic wavelengths. The study of electromagnetism deals with how electrically charged particles interact with each other and with magnetic fields.

There are four main electromagnetic interactions:

The force of attraction or repulsion between electric charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
Magnetic poles come in pairs that attract and repel each other, much as electric charges do.
An electric current in a wire produces a magnetic field whose direction depends on the direction of the current.
A moving electric field produces a magnetic field, and vice versa.

EM radiation is created when an atomic particle, such as an electron, is accelerated by an electric field, causing it to move. The movement produces oscillating electric and magnetic fields, which travel at right angles to each other in a bundle of light energy called a photon. Photons travel in harmonic waves at the fastest speed possible in the universe: 186,282 miles per second (299,792,458 meters per second) in a vacuum, also known as the speed of light. The waves have certain characteristics, given as frequency, wavelength or energy.

Excitotoxins

Excitotoxins are a class of chemicals (usually amino acids) that overstimulate neuron receptors. Neuron receptors allow brain cells to communicate with each other, but when they’re exposed to excitotoxins, they fire impulses at such a rapid rate that they become exhausted. Several hours later, these depleted neurons die. Excitotoxins can cross the placental barrier, possibly harming the brains of unborn children. Excitotoxins also cross the blood brain barrier and  are known to cause migraines, seizures, neurological disorders,  blurred vision, increased appetite, overeating, infertility and reproductive disorders, impaired brain function, cancer, and heart and cardiovascular damage.

Excitotoxicity is the pathological process by which nerve cells are damaged or killed by excessive stimulation by neurotransmitters such as glutamate and similar substances. This occurs when receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (glutamate receptors) such as the NMDA receptor and AMPA receptor are overactivated by glutamatergic storm. Excitotoxins like NMDA and kainic acid which bind to these receptors, as well as pathologically high levels of glutamate, can cause excitotoxicity by allowing high levels of calcium ions (Ca2+) to enter the cell. calcium ionsenter into cells activates several enzymes, including phospholipases, endonucleases, and proteases such as calpain. These enzymes go on to damage cell structures such as components of the cytoskeleton, membrane, and DNA. Examples of excitotoxins include: aspartame (NutraSweet), sucralose, cysteine, hydrolyzed protein, aspartic acid and food coloring. MSG is one of the worst and is disguised under at least 30 other names which include: autolyzed yeast, calcium caseinate, gelatin, glutamate, glutamic acid, hydrolyzed protein, monopotassium glutamate, monosodium glutamate, sodium caseinate, textured protein, yeast extract, yeast food, and yeast nutrient.

  
Hair Dyes

In certain individuals, the use of hair coloring can result in allergic reactions and/or skin irritation. Individuals allergic to gluten for example, will need to be cautious when purchasing hair color since certain hair dye includes gluten. Gluten does not need to be ingested for it to cause an allergy. Skin contact with gluten may cause a reaction; therefore, leading to an allergy. Symptoms of these reactions can include redness, sores, itching, burning sensation and discomfort. Symptoms will sometimes not be apparent immediately following the application and processing of the tint, but can also arise after hours or even a day later.     Source

  
Herbicide Toxicity 

Although many modern herbicides are less toxic than their predecessors, they are still poisons and should always be handled with caution.Skin irritations are some of the most common effects when a person comes into contact with herbicides, and are most likely to happen on exposed areas, such as the hands and forearms. Some chemicals may burn the skin and should be washed off immediately with cold water.

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, is possibly “the most important factor in the development of multiple chronic diseases and conditions that have become prevalent in Westernized societies.” Glyphosate residues are found in most commonly consumed foods in the Western diet courtesy of GM sugar, corn, soy, and wheat.

Research suggests that glyphosate may “enhance the damaging effects of other food-borne chemical residues and toxins in the environment to disrupt normal body functions [including gut bacteria] and induce disease.” Glyphosate causes extreme disruption of the microbe’s function and lifecycle. What’s worse, glyphosate preferentially affects beneficial bacteria, allowing pathogens to overgrow and take over, including the highly toxic Clostridium botulinum.

Glyphosate may stimulate hormone-dependent cancers even at extremely low “environmentally relevant” amounts. 

This includes cortisol and adrenaline which are produced by your adrenal glands.  Adrenaline known as the “stress hormone” helps regulate blood pressure and the immune system during a crisis, whether a physical attack or an emotional setback. This helps you to tap into your energy reserves and increases your ability to fight off infection. Relentless stress can keep this survival mechanism churning in high gear, subverting the hormone’s good intentions. Stress hormones are produced by your body in situations that might be perceived as potentially dangerous. Daily activities, physical and emotional, that cause increased anxiety may cause your body to release some of these hormones and may cause you to feel more stressed about a routine situation. Stress hormones are a normal body response, but when constantly under stress caused from daily situations, this can lead to long-term health problems. Long-term stress is associated with high levels of cortisol. This is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex which has a marked effect on carbohydrate metabolism and acts as an immunosuppressant. In the short term, physiological and psychological arousal results in the secretion of adrenaline into the blood, and noradrenaline into tissues. These hormones evolved so that we could deal rapidly with impending danger. They prepare our bodies for action by improving the blood supply to skeletal muscles and mobilizing energy stores. If stress hormones are too low, muscles have insufficient fuel and oxygen to respond quickly.

Nicotine is naturally found in the roots and leaves of various plants especially those of the nightshade family. It is most commonly found in that of tobacco. Many people don’t know this but nicotine is very toxic, sometimes even more than cocaine and so it is highly controlled and regulated by the government. As little as 60mg of the substrate is enough to kill a person. To achieve a lethal dose from cigarettes, for instance, one must smoke about 40 cigarettes at once or chew about 15 pieces of nicotine gum at once. Once smoked, chewed, or sniffed nicotine goes into the bloodstream, and the body wants more. The nicotine in tobacco makes it a drug. Because nicotine is a stimulant, it speeds up the nervous system, creating the feeling of having more energy. It also makes the heart beat faster and raises blood pressure.

   

Vaccinations

  

According to CDC, the average adult in the US consumes about seven to nine mg of aluminum per day in food, and a lesser amount from air and water. Only about one percent of the aluminum you ingest orally gets absorbed into your body-the rest is moved out by your digestive tract, provided it’s functioning well. Aluminum is found in a shocking number of foods and consumer  products, including:

Foods such as baking powder, self rising flour, salt, baby formula, coffee creamers, baked goods and processed foods, coloring and caking agents.

Drugs, such as antacids, analgesics, anti-diarrheals, and others; additives such as magnesium stearate
Vaccines-Hepatitis A and B, Hib, DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), pneumococcal vaccine, Gardasil (HPV), and others.

   

Cosmetics and personal care products such as antiperspirants, deodorants (including salt crystals, made of alum), lotions, sunscreens, and shampoos.

  

Aluminum products, including foil, cans, juice pouches, tins, and water bottles.  Aluminum is to your central nervous system as cigarette smoke is to your lungs. Scientists are clear that toxic metals damage brain tissue and lead to degenerative disease by producing oxidative stress with aluminum being one of the worst offenders. Once aluminum is in your tissues, your body has a difficult time releasing it. In the body it travels around by piggybacking on your iron transport system. It crosses biological barriers that normally keep other types of toxins out, such as your blood-brain barrier. Over time, aluminum can accumulate in your brain and do serious damage your neurological health-regardless of your age.

Removing mercury from vaccines and replacing it with aluminum may be increasing the problems from BOTH toxins in your body. The reason for this is because aluminum impairs your body’s ability to excrete mercury by impeding your glutathione production. Glutathione is your most important intracellular detoxifier, required for reversing oxidative stress. So, if your aluminum load is high, your body will potentially become more toxic from the mercury from, say, flu shots and fish because you are now on “aluminum overload” and your detoxification system no longer functions well.

The best way to protect yourself is to be careful about your choices in food and personal products, and minimize your use of vaccines and other drugs that are often contaminated with aluminum.

   

Antimony

Antimony toxicity occurs either due to occupational exposure or during therapy. Occupational exposure may cause respiratory irritation, pneumoconiosis, antimony spots on the skin and gastrointestinal symptoms. In addition, antimony trioxide is possibly carcinogenic to humans.  Because antimony is found naturally in the environment, the general population is exposed to low levels of it every day, primarily in food, drinking water, and air. Exposure to antimony at high levels can result in a variety of adverse health effects. Breathing high levels for a long time can irritate the eyes and lungs and can cause heart and lung problems, stomach pain and ulcers, diarrhea, and vomiting.

    

Arsenic

Arsenic is a heavy metal which is a natural component of the earth’s crust. It exists in compounds that may be organic or inorganic. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Poisoning can occur by ingestion, inhalation and dermal absorption. Elemental arsenic is the least toxic. Trivalent arsenic is well absorbed through the skin and is 60 times more toxic than pentavalent arsenic, which is well absorbed by the gut. Arsine gas is highly toxic.  Regular exposure leads to cancer and other toxic health effects, including cardiovascular disease, skin hyperpigmentation, keratoses, neurological problems, and developmental disorders. Toxicity is due to arsenic’s effect on many cell enzymes, which affect metabolism and DNA repair. Arsenic poisoning symptoms begin with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and severe diarrhea. Arsenic is excreted in urine but can also accumulate in many body tissues.

   

Barium

Barium carbonate is relatively insoluble in water, it is toxic to humans because it is soluble in the gastrointestinal tract. Barium is a soft, silvery-white metal. It is an active metal, reacting with air, water, acids and bases. Because it is insoluble in the body, barium sulfate is used as an x-ray tracer for the stomach and intestines. Barium is also used in drilling fluids for oil exploration, as well as in paints, fireworks (where it produces a green color), glass and rubber making. It is also used in water softeners, desiccants and rodent poisons. Barium It is never found in nature as a free element. Barium exposure can happen through a number of channels including occupational exposure, groundwater contamination, environmental pollution, cigarette smoke, and certain medical procedures as mentioned above. Industrial use of Barium is perhaps of the largest concern due to the potential for massive environmental pollution.

    

Bismuth

While many people will tell you that bismuth is non-toxic in small amounts, sufficient exposure can produce nausea, headache, diarrhea, and pain. According to the Department of Physiology at the University of Tübingen in Germany, anemia is another potential negative side effect of exposure to bismuth and caution is advised when taking any medication containing bismuth. Certain metals are known to reduce sperm metabolism and contribute to infertility in men. Bismuth has been suspected to be one of those metals.

It is a naturally occurring metal used to manufacture solder, fishing anchors, shotgun pellets, and more. It is found naturally in very small amounts in some foods and its sulfide and oxide compounds are important for use in cosmetics and medicines. Bismuth is not available as a supplement because it is not essential to your body. Bismuth doesn’t provide any nutritional benefits directly, although it can be of help with gastrointestinal disorders, which is why it is used in brand-name products such as Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate but consuming too much bismuth can lead to side effects, so consult with your doctor before using it.

   

Cadmium

This is an extremely toxic metal commonly found in industrial workplaces. It is of no use to the human body and is toxic even at low levels. The negative effects of cadmium on the body are numerous and can impact nearly all systems in the body, including cardiovascular, reproductive, the kidneys, eyes, and even the brain. Exposure can occur if you smoke cigarettes or breathe second- or third-hand cigarette smoke. You can be exposed if you eat foods that contain high levels of cadmium, such as shellfish, liver, and kidney meats. Other foods that contain cadmium are grain cereal products, potatoes, and some leafy vegetables. Cadmium has a very detrimental effect on the central nervous system, including decreased attention and memory in humans. This is likely because cadmium induces neuron cell death. Neurons are brain cells that communicate and transmit information, if they are affected, so is brain function. Cadmium is well-known to cross the placenta and to accumulate in fetal tissues. Prenatal exposure is a threat to the developing brain and results in reduced birth weight and birth size.

    

Chromium

Chromium hexavalent is a carcinogen that attacks your lungs when inhaled and has been connected to sinus, nasal, and lung cancer. Exposure has been linked to immunity disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, congenital disorders, DNA damage, and disruption of bodily processes. In Russia, exposure to chromium hexavalent is widely blamed for premature senility.

Chromate dusts and acids can permanently damage your eyes if they come into direct contact, and other kinds of skin contact may lead to allergic dermatitis, corrosion, skin irritation, sensitization, and even ulcers. 
Chromium hexavalent is extremely reactive with vitamin C. When exposure is coupled with vitamin C in the body, it can result in severe damage to DNA inside the lung’s cells. However, outside of the cells, vitamin C actually serves to protect against the damage to the cells. Small amounts of chromium in one form is actually good for people. It makes insulin work better and helps our metabolism.

   

Cobalt 

Cobalt can accumulate to toxic levels in the liver, kidney, pancreas, and heart, as well as the skeleton and skeletal muscle. Cobalt has been found to produce tumors in animals and is likely a human carcinogen as well. Cobalt is naturally occurring element that does have beneficial applications. For instance, cobalt is an essential component of vitamin B12. Cobalt has been added to pigments to produce a distinct blue color. Lithium ion batteries contain cobalt. In the medical field, cobalt-60 is used in radiotherapy and for sterilizing medical equipment. Hip replacements are also made of cobalt. A deficiency of cobalt, which is very rare, can lead to pernicious anemia.
Industrial plants may leak cobalt and other toxic metals into the environment. Once cobalt particles enter the atmosphere, they settle to the ground and enter the food and water supply; most of the population is exposed to cobalt through food, water, and air. Cobalt makes its way through the environment and cannot be destroyed.

  

Copper

Copper Toxicity is a condition that is increasingly common in this day and age, due to the widespread occurrence of copper in our food, copper fungicides, e-cigs, Copper IUD’s, hot water pipes, along with the common nutritional deficiencies in Zinc, Manganese and other trace minerals that help keep levels of Copper in balance.

Birth control pills increases a woman’s risk of having a Copper toxicity condition due to the effect that estrogen has on the body, increasing copper retention in the kidneys. Estrogen stimulates similar receptors to Aldosterone receptors in the kidneys, increasing Sodium, Copper and water retention. Both estrogens and Aldosterone can increase swelling, Cyst formation, increasing the blood volume which can cause hypertension, stroke, or death if the Liver and Adrenal glands are not able to regulate these hormones in the body.

Copper builds up in the soft tissues of Liver and disrupts the Liver’s metabolic abilities to detoxify and cleanse the blood in general. Copper toxicity in the liver is therefore disrupting to the Liver’s Glucoronidation pathway, that helps to eliminate excessive amounts of Estrogen by making it water soluble. Other toxic heavy metals like Lead, Mercury, Aluminum, and Cadmium will also buildup in the Soft tissues, as a result of Copper competing with Zinc in many enzymes and binding sites in the body.

When Zinc gets displaced by Copper, there will be a reduction in Metallotionein production, which is the main heavy metal binding protein in the body. The production of the body’s main detoxifying agent and antioxidant, Glutathione will also decline when too much Copper gets stored in the Liver organ’s tissues.

Other sources of chemicals which mimic estrogen, known as xeno-estrogens, may also increase the retention of copper. These include pesticides, plastic bags, Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), growth hormones used on animals, and all petrochemical waste products used in the manufacturing of plastic, gasoline and other petrochemical derivatives. These are all referred to as Xeno-estrogens.

Copper is a very stimulating mineral to the nerves and nervous system. Copper increases the production of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine while also implicated in a decrease of histamine. These effects on neurotransmitter levels can give rise to many psychological imbalances such as mood swings, depression, mental agitation, feeling over-stimulated, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia and a racing mind with too many thoughts are all hallmarks of elevated Copper toxicity.

Elevated Copper in the body acts like caffeine or even amphetamines. It constantly keeps the conversion of dopamine into norepinephrine going so that you have a constant adrenaline rush to help you be on the go, but you also are unable to settle down or turn off your mind.

Copper toxicity symptoms

•Acne
•Allergies
•Hair loss
•Anemia
•Anorexia
•Anxiety
•Attention deficit disorder
•Arthritis
•Asthma
•Autism
•Candida overgrowth
•Depression
•Dysmenorrhea
•Male infertility
•Prostatitis
•Fibromyalgia
•Migraine Headaches
•PMS
•Chronic infections
•Insomnia
•Racing thoughts
•Neuralgia (nerve pain)
•Sciatica
•Hypertension
•Hypothyroidism
•Schizophrenia
•Bipolar (Manic Depression)

Copper is a necessary component in the manufacturing of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) which is cellular energy. Low levels of Copper is associated with chronic fatigue. When someone has a Copper toxicity condition, they will most likely also have a concurrent Copper deficiency due to a bio-unavailability.     Source

   

Gold

Gold Toxicity is the toxic effect of gold that occurs when gold is administered to the body. It is usually given for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), or psoriatic arthritis.

Gold is generally administered to reduce joint pain and joint swelling. In many, gold treatment helps in decreasing joint deformity and joint disability. Although, in about 50% of the individuals, the injections may not be an effective treatment tool. Individuals with the genotype HLA-DR3 have a higher risk for gold therapy-induced Gold Toxicity. In such individuals, kidney toxicity and platelet dysfunction may occur. Gold Toxicity long-term effects may include liver inflammation, blue-grey skin color, and mouth ulcers. There can also be bone marrow suppression resulting in frequent infections. Stopping or discontinuing the use of gold therapy is the first line of treatment for Gold Toxicity. The treatment for arthritis using gold may be resumed, if the side effects improve and go away. The prognosis of Gold Toxicity is generally good with appropriate early diagnosis and treatment including stoppage of the causative gold therapy.

   

Iron

The body normally absorbs less iron if its stores are full, but some individuals are poorly defended against iron toxicity. Once considered rare, iron overload has emerged as an important disorder of iron metabolism.
Iron overload is known as hemochromatosis and usually is caused by a gene that enhances iron absorption. Other causes of iron overload include repeated blood transfusions, massive doses of dietary iron and rare metabolic disorders. Additionally, long-term overconsumption of iron may cause hemosiderosis, a condition characterized by large deposits of the iron storage protein hemosiderin in the liver and other tissues.

Iron overload is most often diagnosed when tissue damage occurs, especially in iron-storing organs such as the liver. Infections are likely to develop because bacteria thrive on iron-rich blood. Ironically, some of the signs of iron overload are analogous to those of iron deficiency: fatigue, headache, irritability and lowered work performance. Therefore, taking supplements before measuring iron status is clearly unwise.

Other common symptoms of iron overload include enlarged liver, skin pigmentation, lethargy, joint diseases, loss of body hair, amenorrhea and impotence. Untreated hemochromatosis aggravates the risks of diabetes, liver cancer, heart disease and arthritis.

In the United States, an estimated 10 percent of the population is in positive iron balance, with 1 percent having iron overload. Iron overload is more common in men than women and is twice as prevalent in men as iron deficiency. Some researchers have expressed concern about the widespread iron fortification of foods. Such fortification does make it hard for people with hemochromatosis to follow a low-iron diet but equal dangers lie in indiscriminate use of iron supplements.

Bloodletting is the best treatment for hemochromatosis along with following a low-iron diet designed by a certified nutritionist containing substances that interfere with iron absorption. Some examples of substances that block iron absorption in such a diet include black tea, phytic acid found in whole grains, taking calcium with meals containing iron, and reducing vitamin C intake.     Source

   

Lead

Lead is a highly toxic metal and a very strong poison. Lead poisoning is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. It occurs when lead builds up in the body.

Lead is found in lead-based paints, including paint on the walls of old houses and toys. It is also found in:

•art supplies
•contaminated dust
•gasoline products sold outside of the United States and Canada

Lead poisoning usually occurs over a period of months or years. It can cause severe mental and physical impairment. Young children are most vulnerable.

Children get lead in their bodies by putting the lead containing objects in their mouths. Touching the lead and then putting their fingers in their mouths may also poison them. Lead is more harmful to children because their brains and nervous systems are still developing.

Lead poisoning can be treated, but any damage caused cannot be reversed.

Symptoms of lead poisoning are varied. They may affect many parts of the body. Most of the time, lead poisoning builds up slowly. It follows repeated exposures to small quantities of lead.

Lead toxicity is rare after a single exposure or ingestion of lead.

Signs of repeated lead exposure include:

•abdominal pain
•abdominal cramps
•aggressive behavior
•constipation
•sleep problems
•headaches
•irritability
•loss of developmental skills in children
•loss of appetite
•fatigue
•high blood pressure
•numbness or tingling in the extremities
•memory loss
•anemia
•kidney dysfunction

Since a child’s brain is still developing, lead can lead to intellectual disability. Symptoms may include:

•behavior problems
•low IQ
•poor grades at school
•problems with hearing
•short- and long-term learning difficulties
•growth delays

A high, toxic dose of lead poisoning may result in emergency symptoms. These include:

•severe abdominal pain and cramping
•vomiting
•muscle weakness
•stumbling when walking
•seizures
•coma
•encephalopathy, which manifests as confusion, coma, and seizures     Source

   

Lithium

Acute toxicity occurs when you swallow too much of a lithium prescription at one time. Chronic toxicity occurs when you slowly take a little too much lithium prescription every day for a while. This is actually quite easy to do, because dehydration, other medicines, and other conditions can easily affect how your body handles lithium. These factors can make the lithium build up to harmful levels in your body. Acute on chronic toxicity occurs when you normally take lithium every day for bipolar disorder, but one day you take an extra amount. This can be as little as a couple of pills or as much as a whole bottle.

Lithium is sold under various brand names, including: Cibalith, Carbolith, Duralith, Eskalith, Lithane, Lithobid, Lithonate.

Lithium is also commonly found in batteries, lubricants, high performance metal alloys, and soldering supplies. This article focuses only on the medicine.

Acute Toxicity

Common symptoms of taking too much lithium at one time include: Diarrhea, Dizziness, Nausea, Stomach pains, Vomiting, Weakness
Depending on how much lithium was taken, a person may also have some of the following nervous system symptoms: Coma (decreased level of consciousness, lack of responsiveness), Hand tremors, Lack of coordination of arms and legs, Muscle twitches, Seizures, Slurred speech, Uncontrollable eye movement, Heart problems may occur in rare cases.

Chronic Toxicity

There will likely not be any stomach or intestinal symptoms. Symptoms that can occur include: Increased reflexes, Slurred speech, Uncontrolled shaking (tremors)
In severe cases of chronic toxicity, there may also be nervous system and kidney problems, such as: Kidney failure, Memory problems, Movement disorders, Problems keeping salts in your body, and Psychosis (disturbed thought processes, unpredictable behavior).

    

Manganese

The human body contains approximately ten milligrams (10mg) of manganese, most of which is found in the liver, bones, and kidneys. This trace element is a cofactor for a number of important enzymes. Manganese metabolism is similar to that of iron. It is absorbed in the small intestines and while the absorption process is slow, the total absorption rate is exceptionally high – about 40%. Excess manganese is excreted in bile and pancreatic secretion. Only a small amount is excreted in the urine.

Excess manganese interferes with the absorption of dietary iron. Long-term exposure to excess levels may result in iron-deficiency anemia. Increased manganese intake impairs the activity of copper metallo-enzymes. Manganese overload is generally due to industrial pollution. Workers in the manganese processing industry are most at risk. Well water rich in manganese can be the cause of excessive manganese intake and can increase bacterial growth in water. Manganese poisoning has been found among workers in the battery manufacturing industry.

Symptoms of toxicity mimic those of Parkinson’s disease (tremors, stiff muscles) and excessive manganese intake can cause hypertension in patients older than 40. Significant rises in manganese concentrations have been found in patients with severe hepatitis and posthepatic cirrhosis, in dialysis patients and in patients suffering heart attacks.

Manganese influences the copper and iron metabolism and estrogen therapy may raise serum manganese concentration, whereas glucosteroids alter the manganese distribution in the body. Calcium deficiency increases manganese absorption. Elevated calcium and/or phosphorus intake suppress the body’s ability to absorb manganese, while an increase in Vitamin C improves cellular exchange.

Manganese overload is generally due to industrial pollution. Workers in the manganese processing industry are most at risk. Drinking water should be analyzed when manganese toxicity is suspected. Long term parenteral nutrition has been associated with high blood concentrations of manganese in children who displayed symptoms of toxicity.

Dark hair dyes can contain manganese and thus falsely elevate hair levels. In the case of extremely high manganese levels obtained from scalp hair, pubic hair should be tested as a control.     Source

   

Mercury

Mercury in any form is poisonous, with mercury toxicity most commonly affecting the neurologic, gastrointestinal (GI) and renal organ systems. Poisoning can result from mercury vapor inhalation, mercury ingestion, mercury injection, and absorption of mercury through the skin.

We get mercury in our bodies from many different sources including mercury vapors in ambient air, ingesting it via drinking water, fish, dental amalgams, vaccines, occupational exposures, home exposures including fluorescent light bulbs, thermostats, batteries, red tattoo dye, skin-lightening creams, over-the-counter products such as contact lens fluid and neosynephrine, and more.

You absorb about 80 percent of inhaled mercury vapor and nearly 100 percent of the mercury in fish through your gut.

Once this mercury is in your body it is then primarily distributed in the kidneys and brain and can be readily transferred to the fetus via the placenta.

The only way it can get out of your body is via urine, feces, expired air, and breast milk. The major reason it is toxic to human biology is because mercury has the ability to bind to sulfur-containing molecules in the body (found in nearly every enzyme and in the mitochondria), as well as other chemical binding sites in the cells.

The symptoms of mercury toxicity mimic many of the symptoms of autism. Higher levels of mercury have been shown to create symptoms that last up to 30 years! It aggravates every other medical condition.

The World Health Organization (WHO) admits that there are no safe levels of mercury exposure. Common exposure comes from vaccines, medications, coal emissions, dental amalgam fillings, and contaminated fish. Even in small amounts, mercury is dangerous.

The extent of mercury damage to the brain and heart depends on age, sex, and genetic factors. Infants, children, and the elderly are the most at risk. Males are also higher risk due to testosterone increasing mercury’s neurotoxicity.

For more than 80 years, medical doctors have observed symptoms for those exposed to even very low levels of mercury.

Symptoms of mercury toxicity are:

• Excessive irritability/anger
• Timid behavior
• Depression
• Weakness
• Delirium
• Insomnia
• Apathy
• Impaired concentration
• Poor memory
• Abnormal motor coordination
• Suicidal tendencies
• Personality changes
• Obsessive compulsive disorder

SOME OF THE BIOLOGICAL AFFECTS OF MERCURY

• Can cause lifelong immune deficiency.
• Causes a loss of glutathione
• Resists removal of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans
• Inactivates contacted molecules of glutathione two-fold.
• Reduces antioxidant levels
• Disrupts metabolism of creatine, causing poor muscle tone and weakness
• Renders the body defenseless against free radicals
• Interrupts protein synthesis
• Retards brain development by interfering with DNA and RNA function
• Depletes protein-bound sulfhydryl groups and lower the body’s immunity
• Destroys glutamate transport proteins responsible for removing glutamate from neurons causing mis-wiring of the brain (often causing dementia and problems with motor control)
• Destroys enzyme functioning creating faulty wiring of the brain
• Promotes the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are essential in fighting viruses
• Disrupts protein digestion
• Can enter the area of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is responsible for metabolic function, hormonal balance-including neuro-hormones-hunger, thirst, body temperature, and the circadian rhythm affecting the sleep-wake cycle. An injured hypothalamus can cause lifelong suppression of the immune system, and weaken the adrenals and thyroid.
• Can inhibit neurotransmitters (the brain’s messengers) such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
• Increases your body’s lipid peroxidation. This is when the fatty membranes in our body are oxidized by free radical damage. This, first and foremost, affects organs with a high fat content, such as the brain. It weakens the cell membranes and proteins within the cells. When this happens, enzymes are lost and cells cannot function.
• Increases susceptibility to seizures
• Renders the brain vulnerable to damage from excitotoxins

   

Nickel (Ni)

This is a nasty toxic metal and a known carcinogen. It is one of the metals we see most commonly in toxicity tests. It appears stuck onto DNA, stuck on to translocator protein and is often present in blood at high levels. Nickel is one of many carcinogenic metals known to be an environmental and occupational pollutant. The New York University School of Medicine warns that chronic exposure has been connected with increased risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological deficits, developmental deficits in childhood, and high blood pressure.

Nickel exposure introduces free radicals which lead to oxidative damage and may also affect the kidneys and liver. In 2012, Egypt’s Ministry of Agriculture administered liver function tests to 25 nickel-plating workers. Results showed they overwhelmingly suffered from compromised liver function.

Researchers at Dominican University of California have linked nickel exposure to breast cancer. How? Well, nickel is believed to bind to estrogen receptors and mimic the actions of estrogen. It is well established that lifetime estrogen exposure is a breast cancer risk factor, and, unfortunately, even this “imposter estrogen” contributes to the risk. Additionally, nickel has been identified as a toxin that severely damages reproductive health and can lead to infertility, miscarriage, birth defects, and nervous system defects.

    

Phosphorous

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for the body and is routinely consumed through food. After consumption, phosphorus is usually bound with oxygen and exists as phosphate in the body. Both organic and inorganic forms of phosphate are present in regularly consumed foods such as meats, fish, eggs, milk/dairy products and vegetables. The amount of total phosphate ingestion can be significantly influenced by processed food and/or beverage intake, as phosphate metabolites are used as additives in these items. Following a meal, inorganic phosphate can be rapidly absorbed across the small intestine and enter the blood stream causing an elevation in blood phosphate levels. The net efficiency of intestinal phosphate absorption is more than twice that of calcium absorption. An increase in serum levels of inorganic phosphate usually reduce serum levels of ionic calcium by forming a calcium-phosphate complex; such reduced ionic calcium concentration in turn stimulates release of PTH (parathyroid hormone) in an attempt to restore the serum calcium balance.

Phosphate toxicity due to excessive retention of phosphate in the body can cause a wide range of cellular and tissue injuries (Figure 2). For instance, higher occurrence of vascular calcification, encountered in patients with CKD (chronic kidney disease), is related to the increased retention of phosphate in the body [1,48]. Genetic studies with mice have shown that phosphate toxicity is closely associated with cardiovascular calcification. In humans, phosphate toxicity and low serum vitamin D levels have been implicated as independent risk factors for high mortality in CKD patients.

 

Platinum

Platinum is a nonessential element that can be found at elevated concentrations in urine with excessive exposure. Industrial workers exposed to Platinum showed higher concentrations in the blood and urine (> 2 μg Platinum/24 hours) in comparison to non-exposed workers. Platinum is poorly absorbed in the gut but may be absorbed via inhalation. Since it is a relatively rare element, most Platinum exposures are of occupational origin. In recent years, there may have been a slight increase in environmental Platinum due to the use of Platinum as a catalyst in automobile exhaust converters. Platinum is a byproduct of copper refining and used as an alloy in dental and orthopedic materials. Symptoms of excess exposure to Platinum include: dermatitis, irritation of mucus membranes, shortness of breath and wheezing (for inhaled Platinum dusts or salts), development of chronic allergic reactions (“platinosis”), nephritis, and immune system suppression (from Platinum diamine salts). Platinum containing drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, are used as chemotherapeutic agents. Such drugs are extremely toxic and cause nephrotoxicity with associated magnesium wasting and hypomagnesaemia (low magnesium), myelosuppression, inner ear toxicity, and neurotoxicity.  Urinary Platinum can be significantly elevated for patients that have received the Platinum containing chemotherapeutic agents.

   

Selenium

The tolerable upper intake level, or UL, for selenium is 400 micrograms a day for adults; this includes the selenium you get from your daily diet. Supplemental selenium in excess of 100 micrograms can be harmful to your health, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Early signs of selenium toxicity are a garlicky odor on your breath and a metallic taste in the mouth, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. As toxicity progresses you’ll likely notice fast hair loss and brittle nails, as well as other symptoms of selenosis such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, irritability and skin rash. Selenium toxicity can also cause nerve damage. Selenium toxicity is not just attributed to taking high doses — it can with long-term use, explains the Linus Pauling Institute. If you develop any symptoms of selenium toxicity, discontinue use and speak to your doctor for a diagnosis.
Silver; Silver itself is not toxic to humans, but most silver salts are. In large doses, silver and compounds containing it can be absorbed into the circulatory system and become deposited in various body tissues, leading to argyria, which results in a blue-grayish pigmentation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Silver Metal Poising Toxicity Symptomology 

Direct effect on cartilages
Direct effect on nerves and nerve sheaths
Can Affect the brain/nervous system over time
gradually softens tissues
targets “intellectual” sections of the brain
Slight changes to voluntary systems (undefined)
May affect reasoning abilities
Physical symptoms of neck and back pain, and tearing pain throughout body
Mental fatigue and restlessness with vertigo
Symptoms masked by coffee/caffeine intake
Symptoms temporarily relieved by exercise
Cold weather increases pain from Rheumatism
Increased joint pain
knotting of cartilage
Affects left testes and right ovaries (hardening)
Mental and emotional excitement to the point of rage
Experience of shock sensations in the limbs upon going to sleep
Skin irritation, itching sensation that cannot be relieved
Painful tension in the throat
Gray mucus from throat and sinuses
Heart Palpitations while lying on the back

The above describes metallic silver poisoning. This illustrates the great importance of proper particle sizing in colloidal silver. Of course, the above applies to Metallic Silver in general. In addition, metallic silver stimulates the body to eliminate other heavy metals.

   

Silver

This is a chemical element with symbol Ag (from the Latin argentum, derived from the Proto-Indo-European h₂erǵ: “shiny” or “white”) and atomic number 47. A soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it exhibits the highest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity of any metal.

Other than in currency and as an investment medium (coins and bullion), silver is used in solar panels, water filtration, jewellery, ornaments, high-value tableware and utensils (hence the term silverware), in electrical contactsand conductors, in specialized mirrors, window coatings, in catalysis of chemical reactions, as a colorant in stained glass and in specialised confectionery. Its compounds are used in photographic and X-ray film. Dilute solutions of silver nitrate and other silver compounds are used as disinfectants and microbiocides (oligodynamic effect), added to bandages and wound-dressings, catheters, and other medical instruments.     Source

 

Thallium

This is a chemical element with symbol Tl and atomic number 81. It is a gray post-transition metal that is not found free in nature. When isolated, thallium resembles tin, but discolors when exposed to air.

Soluble thallium salts (many of which are nearly tasteless) are toxic, and they were historically used in rat poisons and insecticides. Use of these compounds has been restricted or banned in many countries, because of their nonselective toxicity. Thallium poisoning usually results in hair loss, although this characteristic symptom does not always surface.      Source

 

Tin

This is a chemical element with the symbol Sn (from Latin: stannum) and atomic number 50. It is a post-transition metal in group 14 of the periodic table. It is obtained chiefly from the mineral cassiterite, which contains tin dioxide, SnO₂.      Source

   

Zinc

 This is a chemical element with symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is the first element in group 12 of the periodic table. In some respects zinc is chemically similar to magnesium: both elements exhibit only one normal oxidation state (+2), and the Zn²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions are of similar size. Zinc is the 24th most abundant element in Earth’s crust and has five stable isotopes. The most common zinc ore is sphalerite (zinc blende), a zinc sulfide mineral.     Source

Many people still don’t fully understand the health hazards of fungal exposure.  The term toxic mold is somewhat misleading as it exudes an idea that certain molds are toxic, when actually certain types of molds produce secondary metabolites that produce toxins.  The correct term is mycotoxins.  Airborne mycotoxins can definitely destroy one’s health. Sometimes, people are unaware that they are breathing mold spores and mycotoxins until they are very sick. Certain people have a minor allergic reaction to some molds, but once you leave the affected area they most likely recover with few serious side effects. However, if they have been exposed to the dangerous molds such as Stachybotrys or Chaetomium, they could suffer from a myriad of serious symptoms and illnesses such as chronic bronchitis, learning disabilities, mental deficiencies, heart problems, cancer,multuple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, mutiple chemical sensitivity, bleeding lungs and much more. 

Mycotoxins can be present in spores and small mold fragments released into the air. Once the mold fragments, mycotoxins and spores are in the air, individuals may breathe them into their lungs. Symptoms of exposure to mycotoxins include coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, skin rash and diarrhea. Since these symptoms are general in nature, they also can be caused by a cold, influenza or exposure to other allergens.

The presence of this slow-growing, prolific mold can be detected by its unpleasant stench in the air. Acremonium is potentially toxic if ingested. Individuals who are allergic to this fungus can experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It can cause nail infections, corneal ulcers, endocarditis, and meningitis.

 

Alternaria

Alternaria is one of the most important allergenic molds found in the US.  It is most common as an outdoor mold, as it thrives on various types of vegetation – including as the black rot commonly seen on tomato fruit (see above).  Alternaria spores can be detected from Spring through late Fall in most temperate areas, and can reach levels of thousands of spores per cubic meter of air.  While one usually thinks of molds as a problem in damp or even wet conditions, Alternaria spores can be at their highest concentrations during dry, windy conditions that are ideal for the spores to become airborne.

Alternaria is one of the most common outdoor molds, but also has been found in the indoor environment. Alternaria is known to be a problem in allergic disease.  In patients who show allergy to molds, up to 70% of those patients demonstrate allergy to Alternaria, and Alternaria is known to be a risk factor for asthma.

  

Aspergillus

This affects people who have become sensitized to Aspergillus sp., an inflammation of the respiratory airways. Aspergillosis should not be considered an allergy and is potentially fatal.

 

Chaetomium

Chaetomium spp. are among the fungi causing infections wholly refered to as Phaeohyphomycosis.Fatal deep mycoses due to Chaetomium Atrobrunneum have been documented. Brain abscess, peritonitis, cutaneous lesions and Onychomycosis may also develop due to exposure.

Unlike most other mold pathogens, there is medical evidence to suggest that people who are exposed to Chaetomium may be predisposed to permanent neurological damage of the myelin sheath. Therefore, a noticeably high incidence of autoimmune diseases have been linked to exposure of this mold such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, etc. It has also been linked to certain forms of Cancer. 

As with other fungal exposure, it can also cause permanent DNA damage. This has been documented in several cases being researched during studies. Chaetomium is the only mold that inhibits cell replication.

Chaetomium are found on a variety of substrates containing cellulose including paper and plant compost. Several species have been reported to play a major role in the decomposition of cellulose-made materials. These fungi are able to dissolve the cellulose fibers in cotton and paper and thus cause the materials to disintegrate. The process is especially rapid under moist conditions.

This fungus is reported to be allergenic and a toxin. On a scale of worst to more mild in effects on human health, contrary to what many believe; Chaetomium would be second or possibly third to Aspergillus only to Stachybotrys
Their Ascospores are brown or gray-olivaceous with one or two germ pores.

 

Cladosporium

If you have noticed a black pepper type substance growing in your toilet tank, it is most likely Cladosporium, the most common of all molds. It is categorized as Black Mold and the genus is Cladosporium, which includes over 30 species. The differences can only be detected under a microscope.

  

Mold spores live indoors and outdoors, and are an airborne allergen. Cladosporium mold is commonly found, in dying and dead plants, in the soil and on food. It thrives in a damp, dark, nonporous environment such as window frames and the inside of refrigerators. It will also multiply in houses with poor ventilation and in straw roofs built in low damp areas. Samples from fuel tanks, face creams, paints and fabric reveal the presence of Cladosporium.

Since Cladosporium mold is airborne, it can be stubborn to get rid of. Most important is to treat the environment. The spores seem to be less active during the winter months (most likely due to the cold) but come spring, they return with force. Surfaces that appear moldy should be well-scrubbed with a bleach-containing product and wiped dry. Allergy-sensitive individuals should avoid any kind of contact with the mold.

Although Cladosporium mold is non-toxic to humans, all molds can be hazardous to your health, particularly affecting those with allergies, asthma and immune-compromised systems. Cladosporium is one of the molds that cause the most allergy symptoms, producing a positive skin reaction in allergy-sensitive individuals. In certain people, a high concentration of mold is not needed to trigger a reaction. Those most at risk to develop allergic reactions are infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Symptoms most common to Cladosporium mold are: congested or runny nose, sinus problems, red and watery eyes, skin irritation, fatigue, sore throat, cough and hoarseness. Over time, more serious symptoms may develop such as, ear inflammation; nose bleeds and joint pain, without swelling.

    

Fusarium

Fusarium is a hydrophilic mold that requires very wet conditions and is frequently isolated from plants and grains. They colonize in continuously damp materials such as damp wallboard and water reservoirs for humidifiers and drip pans.

While Fusarium Keratitis can be a serious infection, it is a rare disease.
Fusarium is commonly found in organic matter such as soil and plants. This infection cannot be transmitted from person to person.

People who have trauma to the eye, certain eye diseases and problems with their immune system may be at increased risk for these types of infection

  

Mucor

This is a fungus found world-wide, a tiny, black pin mold which is most often apparent on breads and bread products. Although it is typically discovered indoors, it can also grow in hay, soil, stored seeds, and horse manure. Mucor mold can develop on plants and rotting fruits and vegetables. An accumulation of house dust in HVAC systems and poorly maintained carpeting can harbor mucor spores.

This type of mold is a most invasive organism, and responsible for the contamination of many kinds of stored food products. When the spore is inhaled or ingested, it can not only affect the respiratory system, but can also cause problems to the digestive tract as well. Workers whose occupations include exposure to wood chips and sawdust are susceptible to mucor allergies.

The colonies are very fast growing and their prevalence is of considerable economic concern in the field of food production and a substantial factor in the depletion of our healthcare dollars. Mucor is a harmful mold that can adversely affect the respiratory system. Exposure to constant high levels of mucor can cause or worsen the symptoms of asthma. Other symptoms include elevated temperature, flu-like symptoms, malaise, and difficulty breathing. Constant exposure to the spores can be extremely dangerous to those with weak immune systems. A severe reaction to mucor can cause mucormycosis or zygomycosis, and extrinsic allergic alveolitis.

Mucormycosis is a disease brought about by inhaling spores produced by mucor molds. The fungal infection typically causes a reaction in the eyes and nose, but the most common site for serious infection is the lungs, sinuses, and brain. In some cases, mucor invades arteries whereby blood clots can form, blocking vessels to the brain.

   

Penicillium

Although the genus penicillium has been isolated for the production of penicillin, which is deemed one of the most useful drugs of the 20th century, it is a most toxic mold to those sensitive to the mycotoxins it produces.

Characteristics of Penicillium

Penicillium mold commonly grows as a green, blue or white fuzzy substance on moist, nonliving organic matter, such as stale or decaying food. It presents its own adverse symptoms, which consist of gastric and/or respiratory problems. So the best rule of thumb is: when in doubt…throw it out!

Like all other molds, penicillium reproduces by means of tiny spores and develops wherever there is moisture, food and oxygen. At times, mold can be detected with the naked eye, but often it is invisible. You can find mold in soil, on plants, in the air, and on any organic and inorganic matter. Molds can either have a distinguishable smell or be odorless.

 

Rhizopus

Rhizopus is often isolated from soil and plant material, and some species can also be a plant pathogens. It is commonly known as the bread mold and indoors it can be isolated from dust, wood pulp, food and food products.
Rhizopus species are among the fungi causing the group of infections referred to as zygomycosis. Zygomycosis is now the preferred term over mucormycosis for this angio – invasive disease.  Rhizopus arrhizus is the most common cause of zygomycosis and is followed by Rhizopus microsporus var. rhizopodiformis.

Zygomycosis infection includes mucocutaneous, rhinocerebral, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and disseminated infections.  The most frequent predisposing factors for zygomycosis include diabetic ketoacidosis and immunosuppression due to various reasons, such as organ transplantation and other factors such as desferoxamine treatment, renal failure, extensive burns, trauma, and intravenous drug use which may also predispose to development of zygomycosis.  Heatstroke has been described as a risk factor for disseminated zygomycosis as well.

   

Stachybotrys (Black Mold)

Stachybotrys, commonly called “stachy,” is a greenish-black, slimy mold found only on cellulose products (such as wood or paper) that have been wet for several days or more. The mold does not grow on concrete, linoleum or tile.

Toxic black mold can cause permanent damage to your health. In extreme cases, toxic black mold has even lead to death. Because of the serious health effects toxic black mold can cause, if you find it in your home you need to take steps to get it removed immediately. The longer you are around toxic black mold, the more it will damage your health.
The trichothecene mycotoxins produced by toxic black mold are neurotoxic. This means they can kill neurons in the brain and impair a person’s mental ability. They also cause nervous disorders such as tremors and can cause personality changes such as mood swings and irritability.

Symptoms:

Confusion
Brain fog
Shortened attention span
Difficulty concentrating and paying attention
Slowed reflexes
Disorientation
Dizziness
Memory loss and memory problems
Impaired learning ability
Hallucinations
Shock
Anxiety
Depression
Aggression and other personality changes
Tingling
Trembling
Shaking
Seizure
Numbness

People living in homes with toxic black mold are exposed mainly through breathing in toxic black mold spores and mycotoxins. Toxic black mold mycotoxins create irritation and a burning feeling in a person’s air passages such as the nasal cavity, mouth and throat.

The mycotoxins can even become lodged in the mucus membranes, sinuses and the lungs which then causes a burning feeling, breathing problems and bleeding in the lungs.

Symptoms:

Difficulty breathing – breathlessness or shortness of breath
Wheezing
Coughing
Pulmonary edema – swelling of the lungs
Pulmonary hemorrhage – bleeding in the lungs
Sore throat
Burning sensation of the mouth
Bleeding gums
Runny nose
Itchy nose
Stuffy, blocked nose
Nose bleeds

Circulatory Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold

Toxic black mold mycotoxins can be breathed in, ingested, or absorbed through a person’s skin or eyes. Eventually the mycotoxins then find their way into the person’s blood. This leads to heart damage, problems with blood clotting and internal or external hemorrhaging.

Symptoms:

Irregular heartbeat
Heart inflammation
Damage to heart
Low blood pressure
Bone marrow disruption
Bleeding tendency
Blood not clotting properly
Hemorrhage – internal bleeding
Vomiting up blood
Bleeding in the brain and in other organs

Vision and Eye Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold

Toxic black mold mycotoxins that are in the air can enter a person’s eyes. The mycotoxins are cytotoxic (toxic to cells) and when they come into contact with eye cells they cause inflamed and injured eyes and create vision problems.

Symptoms:

Eye inflammation and soreness
Red or bloodshot eyes
Eye damage
Blurry vision and vision worsening
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)

Skin Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold

Through the skin is one of the three main ways that toxic black mold mycotoxins enter the human body. There have been cases in the past where people have handled hay contaminated with toxic black mold and developed severe rashes and skin problems on their body where they touched the hay, as well as on sweaty areas like the armpits.

Symptoms:

Crawling skin
Dermatitis – skin inflammation, rash, blisters, itchiness
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)

Immune System Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold

Toxic black mold puts out chemicals which suppress the immune system. In fact many immunosuppressive drugs are actually created from toxic molds. A person who is immunocompromised from being around toxic black mold will more easily get infections and sicknesses.

Symptoms:

Immunosuppression – immune system not functioning properly
Infections reoccurring

Reproductive System Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold

Mycotoxins from toxic black mold are teratogenic. This means they can cause problems in the fetus during pregnancy which then leads to birth defects. Toxic black mold mycotoxins are also cytoxotic and mutagenic (cause cell mutations) and inhibit protein synthesis including DNA and RNA.

Symptoms:

Infertility
Miscarriage
Impotence
Fetal development problems

Tiredness and Discomfort Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold

When a person is around toxic black mold the immune system may release a sedative called Chloral Hydrate. This is used as a defense to try to slow down the effects of toxic black mold. But this also makes a person tired and causes fatigue. Toxic black mold can also cause soreness of the muscles and joints.

Symptoms:

Chronic fatigue
Drowsiness
Weakness
Aches and pains
Muscle pain
Chest pain
Abdominal pain
Joint pain
Malaise – general discomfort
Headaches
Cold or flu type symptoms or recurring colds
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Other Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold

Symptoms:

Hair Loss
Weight loss, anorexia
Hearing loss
Liver disease
Coma
Death

Toxic Black Mold Causes Allergic Symptoms

Like other molds, toxic black mold is allergenic. The spores from toxic black mold cause allergic reactions such as breathing problems, sore eyes, runny nose, itchiness, sneezing and a sore throat.

Differing Toxic Black Mold Symptoms

Toxic black mold affects different people in different ways. Some people won’t experience symptoms as severe as what others experience. Children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are usually the worst affected by toxic black mold.

Toxic Black Mold and Cancer

Experts suspect that toxic black mold can cause cancer, although there still needs to be more research. Some other toxic molds, like Aspergillus for example, definitely cause cancer though. The aflatoxin mycotoxins which Aspergillus produce are among the most powerful carcinogens.

   

Trichoderma

Trichoderma species are usually considered as non – pathogenic, on the other hand, Trichoderma viride has been reported as a causative agent of pulmonary infection, peritonitis in a dialysis patient, and perihepatic infection in a liver transplant patient.  Trichoderma infections are opportunistic in nature and develop in immunocompromised patients, such as neutropenic cases and transplant patients, as well as those with chronic renal failure, chronic lung disease, or amyloidosis.  Disseminated infections due to Trichoderma have also been reported.

   

Trichophyton

Trichophyton is a keratinophilic filamentous fungus which has the ability to invade keratinized tissues thus; it is considered as one of the leading causes of hair, skin, and nail infections in humans.  Possession of several enzymes, such as acid proteinases, elastase, keratinases, and other proteinases are the major virulence factors of Trichophyton species.

Out of the total number of species, eleven are commonly associated with tinea of the scalp, the nails, and the skin in humans while only four are often isolated from animals.  Additionally, Trichophyton species may cause invasive infections in immunocompromised patients.  Trichophyton rubrum is the commonest causative agent of dermatophytoses worldwide.

Borna disease virus, a newly classified nonsegmented negative-strand RNA virus with international distribution, infects a broad range of warm-blooded animals from birds to primates. Infection causes movement and behavioral disturbances reminiscent of some neuropsychiatric syndromes. The virus has not been clearly linked to any human disease; however, an association between infection with the virus and selected neuropsychiatric disorders has been suggested.

There are two different types of coxsackieviruses: A and B. Type A viruses cause herpangina (sores in the throat) and hand, foot, and mouth disease. Type B viruses cause epidemic pleurodynia, and inflammation in the chest. Both types A and B viruses can cause meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord or brain), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), and pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart). They also may have a role in the development of acute onset juvenile (type 1) diabetes.

   

Herpes Simplex 1(HSV-1)

HSV-1 is the main cause of herpes infections on the mouth and lips, including cold sores and fever blisters. It is transmitted through kissing or sharing drinking glasses and utensils. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, although HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes. Exposure to HSV-1 is extremely common, as many as 90% of American adults have been exposed to the virus, and there is no stigma to  having a cold sore.

Symptoms may include:

Small, painful, fluid-filled blisters around the lips or edge of the mouth
Tingling or burning around the mouth or nose, often a few days before blisters appear
Fever
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes in neck

   

Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV-2) 

A herpes virus that causes genital herpes, characterized by sores in the genital area. It is a sexually transmitted disease. HSV-2 can also cause infection of the brain (encephalitis) if the immune system is severely defective or compromised. The treatment of infection with herpes simplex 2 is usually by topical or oral anti-viral medication, although intravenous therapy is required to treat infections of the brain (encephalitis).

Symptoms may include:

Tingling sensation in the genitalia, buttocks, and thighs
Small red blisters or open sores on genitals or inner thighs; in women, often occur inside the vagina
May be painful or not
In women, vaginal discharge
Fever, muscle aches
Headache
Painful urination
Swollen lymph glands in the groin

 

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A (formerly known as infectious hepatitis) is an infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Many cases have few or no symptoms, especially in the young. The time between infection and symptoms, in those who develop them, is between two and six weeks. When symptoms occur, they typically last eight weeks and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain. Around 10-15% of people experience a recurrence of symptoms during the six months after the initial infection. Acute liver failure may rarely occur, with this being more common in the elderly. It is usually spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with infected feces. Shellfish which have not been sufficiently cooked are a relatively common source. It may also be spread through close contact with an infectious person. While children often do not have symptoms when infected, they are still able to infect others. After a single infection, a person is immune for the rest of his or her life.

   

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects the liver. It can cause both acute and chronic infections. Many people have no symptoms during the initial infection. Some develop a rapid onset of sickness with vomiting, yellowish skin, tiredness, dark urine and abdominal pain. Often these symptoms last a few weeks and rarely does the initial infection result in death. It may take 30 to 180 days for symptoms to begin. In those who get infected around the time of birth 90% develop chronic hepatitis B while less than 10% of those infected after the age of five do. Most of those with chronic disease have no symptoms; however, cirrhosis and liver cancer may eventually develop. These complications result in the death of 15 to 25% of those with chronic disease.

   

Hepatitis C

The virus is transmitted by exposure to infectious blood or body fluids. Infection around the time of birth or from contact with other people’s blood during childhood is the most frequent method by which hepatitis B is acquired in areas where the disease is common. In areas where the disease is rare, intravenous drug use and sexual intercourse are the most frequent routes of infection. Other risk factors include working in healthcare, blood transfusions, dialysis, living with an infected person, travel in countries where the infection rate is high, and living in an institution. The hepatitis B viruses cannot be spread by holding hands, sharing eating utensils, kissing, hugging, coughing, sneezing, or breastfeeding.

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver. During the initial infection people often have mild or no symptoms. Occasionally a fever, dark urine, abdominal pain, and yellow tinged skin occurs. The virus persists in the liver in about 75% to 85% of those initially infected. Early on chronic infection typically has no symptoms. Over many years however, it often leads to liver disease and occasionally cirrhosis. In some cases, those with cirrhosis will develop complications such as liver failure, liver cancer, or esophageal and gastric varices.

HCV is spread primarily by blood-to-blood contact associated with intravenous drug use, poorly sterilized medical equipment, needlestick injuries in healthcare, and transfusions. Using blood screening, the risk from a transfusion is less than one per two million. It may also be spread from an infected mother to her baby during birth. It is not spread by superficial contact. There is no vaccine against hepatitis C.

   

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D (hepatitis delta) is a disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), a small spherical enveloped viroid. HDV is considered to be a subviral satellite because it can propagate only in the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Transmission of HDV can occur either via simultaneous infection with HBV (coinfection) or superimposed on chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis B carrier state (superinfection).

Both superinfection and coinfection with HDV results in more severe complications compared to infection with HBV alone. These complications include a greater likelihood of experiencing liver failure in acute infections and a rapid progression to liver cirrhosis, with an increased risk of developing liver cancer in chronic infections. In combination with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis D has the highest fatality rate of all the hepatitis infections, at 20%.

   

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is a viral hepatitis (liver inflammation) caused by infection with a virus called hepatitis E virus.[1] It is one of five known human hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. HEV is a positive-sense single-stranded non-enveloped RNA icosahedral virus, HEV has a fecal-oral transmission route.

Although Hepatitis E often causes an acute and self-limiting infection (the virus usually resolves itself and the individual recovers) with low mortality rates in the western world, it bears a high risk of developing chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients with substantial mortality rates. Organ transplant recipients who receive immunosuppressive medication to prevent rejection are thought to be the main population at risk for chronic hepatitis E. Furthermore, in healthy individuals during the duration of the infection, the disease severely impairs a person’s ability to work, care for family members, and other daily activities. Hepatitis E occasionally develops into an acute, severe liver disease, and is fatal in about 2% of all cases. Clinically, it is comparable to hepatitis A, but in pregnant women the disease is more often severe and is associated with a clinical syndrome called fulminant liver failure. Pregnant women, especially those in the third trimester, suffer an elevated mortality rate from the disease of around 20%.