Immune system alert: Why you should care about endotoxins

(NaturalHealth365) LPS stands for lipopolysaccharide or, as some would describe it, endotoxins. Simply put, endotoxins are a form of sugar; “endo” meaning it exists inside the cell wall of bacteria.

In the past, endotoxins were thought to be released in the body only after a bacteria cell dies. But, now, it’s believed that some of them are released during normal bacteria cell metabolism. The fact that your body can be subject to a constant stream of endotoxins from ‘bad bacteria’ is very bad news since endotoxins trigger intense responses from the immune system.

Do you know what LPS can do the your immune system?

Endotoxins are part of a type of bacteria called “gram-negatives.” These are the “bad” bacteria in your GI tract and are most responsible for diseases such as bacterial meningitis, cholera, bubonic plague and certain kinds of venereal diseases. Salmonella and E. Coli are gram negative bacterium as are hundreds of others with lesser known names and more subtler ways of wreaking havoc on your gut and your body.

When endotoxin overgrowth from gram-negative bacteria occurs, it is called endotoxemia and the hallmark of this condition is inflammation. Endotoxemia causes a chain reaction within the immune system. These reactions cause a release of cytokines and interleukins – which exacerbate the inflammatory response, opening the door for conditions like cancer.

LPS can cause unprogrammed cell death

Endotoxemia can lead to problems with insulin resistance and blood coagulation. The substances needed to form blood clots are often depleted, which can contribute to hemorrhaging of bacterial infections to other parts of the body.

What is also concerning when it comes to LPS is that it is a catalyst for “tumor necrosis factor,” or tumor death.

Necrosis is different than apoptosis. Apoptosis is often called “programmed cell death,” where cancer tumor cells die because of a natural process in the body. Necrosis, on the other hand, is unprogrammed tumor cell death caused by unnatural processes or disease.

Necrosis is literally the “premature death of cells and living tissue.” And while this may seem like a good thing when it comes to cancer, in the long run necrosis is always detrimental to the body. So, because it is caused by either infection, trauma or toxins, it can cause intense cell swelling and inflammation, respiratory poisoning, hypoxia and metabolic collapse.

The connection between endotoxemia and disease

There are many inflammatory conditions that are linked directly to LPS. Rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease are two examples. There is also a proven correlation between fibromyalgia and endotoxins.

Fibromyalgia has been linked to endotoxins through the condition SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. SIBO happens when too much bad bacteria in the upper GI begins to effect the body as a whole.

A 2004 study conducted by the Pain Management Centre at the University Hospital Wurzburg in Germany found that 100% of patients who had fibromyalgia also had SIBO. The presence of endotoxins in those who suffer from fibromyalgia contributed to not only greater inflammation, but also to greater pain, according to a recent study conducted by the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

In a nutshell, what is most dangerous about LPS is that it causes intense inflammation. And, as we all know, inflammation is the common factor for virtually all disease in the body.

A quick search will bring up literally thousands of studies that have been done over the last twenty years or so that point to the correlation between inflammatory responses and every known form of cancer, including breast cancer.

What is the best way to avoid endotoxin overgrowth?

The best way to prevent LPS overgrowth (endotoxemia) and the long list of detrimental conditions that go along with it is to keep your gut bacteria balanced. Do this by making food your medicine.

Incorporate prebiotic and probiotic foods and supplements into your diet, eat a diet that is full of wholesome, gut-friendly foods and staying away from gut-stressing foods like sugar, processed foods and heavy meats as well as gluten and dairy products – especially if you have food sensitivities. Finally, considering getting tested for SIBO through a lactulose breath test. This test will determine the bacteria that live in your small intestines in particular, where gram-negative bacteria like to hide.

About the author: Dr. Veronique Desaulniers (“Dr. V”) is a best-selling author and specialist in Chiropractic, Bio-Energetics, Meridian Stress Analysis, Homeopathy and Digital Thermography. After 30 years in active practice, she decided to “retire” and devote her time to sharing her personal, non-toxic Breast Cancer healing journey with others. Her years of experience and research have culminated in “The 7 Essentials™ “, a step-by-step coaching program that unravels the mystery of healing the body. Her website and personal healing journey have touched the lives of thousands of women around the globe. To get your F.R.E.E. 7-day mini e-course and to receive her weekly inspiring articles on the power of natural medicine – visit: BreastCancerConqueror.com

References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18540025
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21536123
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2785020