Intestines and Microbiome (contain over 75% of immune system cells)
Tests for Intestinal toxic damage with effects on the immune system, mitochondria, glands and nervous system (Found in high percentage of ME cases)
(a) International and Canadian Criteria
(b) Tests for Leaky gut & Intestinal Dysbiosis
(c) Enteroviruses in the intestine
(d) Colonoscopy and Endoscopy to investigate intestinal abnormalities
(e) Test for Digestive status and Nutritional status & Vitamin and mineral status of patient
(f) Celiac test & Helicobacteria pylori test
g) Gluten Intolerance and Lactose Intolerance tests
(h)
Cardiac and Vascular factors in bowel dysfunction
(i) Diet Analysis Test
Over 70% of the body's immune system cells are located in the GI tract. Intestinal dysfunctions, such as those seen in ME patients can adversely affect immune system function. Furthermore infections in the intestines can travel to other parts of the body via permeable gut, the blood supply, and through the nerves connecting to the gut. The NIH in the USA has made some important new discoveries in relation to the intestines, microbiome and the immune system. They have found that the gut plays an important role in immune dysfunctions and abnormalities, the lymph system, and autoimmune illnesses.
(i) Leaky gut
This
is present in most ME/CFS patients and contributes to malabsorption, allergies, chronic inflammation and chronic immune activation.
Some research findings
Maes M, Coucke F, Leunis JC: Normalization of the increased translocation of endotoxin from Gram negative enterobacteria (leaky gut) is accompanied by a remission of chronic fatigue syndrome. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2007, 28:739-744.
Check with specialists / consultants at your regional hospital or
top state hospital or private labs to see if they do these special
tests. If not, then the following labs can carry out these special
tests.
Test for increased serum levels of IgA and IgM against the LPS of gram-negative enterobacteria, indicating the presence of an increased gut permeability which may contribute to the autoimmmunity seen in many ME/CFS patients. There are other tests which can confirm leaky gut. Contact the following labs :
Specific Breath test and Urine test recommended by Dr. Kenny De Meirleir, Belgium.
Dr. Kenny De Meirleir who has studied ME since the early 1990's and has developed an expertise in the subject recommends the following:
A breath test to diagnose overgrowth of bacteria in the gut. In a study of 143 patients, fructose malabsorption was found in 45.8% of patients. Lactose intolerance was found in 20.3%. Both can be measured via a simple hydrogen breath test:
25 grams of fructose or lactose is administered to a fasting patient.
Breath hydrogen levels are measured before administration and at 30 minute intervals for 3.5 hours.
A urine test to detect high levels of hydrogen sulfide. The test is related to the diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS.These diagnostic tests are available at the following web address - http://www.proteabiopharma.com/page/diagnostics.php
Cornell University, USA
Ongoing research (2016) by Professor Maureen Hanson — Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor, Department of Molecular and Genetics, Cornell University, New York, USA has found abnormally high levels of levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), as well as LBP and soluble CD14 (which are a natural consequence of high levels of LPS) in ME patients. They also found reduced levels of anti-inflammatory bacterial species (ruminococcae, which produce butyrate, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid) and species of bifidobacterium (which produce lactic acid) in ME/CFS patients. And with a combination of blood and gut tests they could identify 83% of sample correctly as coming from patients or controls. Tests are being developed to deliver 90 - 100% accuracy.
(iii) Blastocystis hominis
This is a parasite infection which can cause chronic fatigue, exhaustion, bloating cramping, diarrhea, excessive gas, irritable bowel syndrome. Many ME and CFS patients have this infection. This will require specialised tests in a hospital or private clinic.
(iv) Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
This can cause bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, heartburn, anemia, malabsorption, joint pain, cognitive problems, brain fog, constant fatigue, rashes, and headaches. A Gatroenterologist can test for this condition. The following videos by Dr. Siebacker can inform one about this condition.
(vi) Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis with parasitology & Comprehensive parasitology test
It
has been well established in medical science that chronic parasite
infection of the intestines can cause extreme fatigue, brain fog
and weakness. The weakened immune system in ME leaves
patients very vulnerable to such infections. There is a sub-group
of patients who have chronic parasite infections. Test for giardia,
candida, roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm, pinworm, beefworm,
amoebas, intestinal flukes, protozoal intestinal parasites,
ascaris lumbricoides, Schistosoma blood flukes, Cryptosporidium. Use of private laboratories using modern technologies are recommended.
Dr. Edward Conley of the Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune Clinic, Michigan, USA has information about new, more accurate parasite tests. Up to 70% of ME/CFS patients are testing positive for parasites, and some have multiple parasite infections.
(ix)Test Histamine levels High histamine levels in the intestines can be caused by bad bacteria or intestinal dysbiosis or ingesting foods which raise histamine levels. Also impaired serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity can lead to high histamine levels in the gut and the body. Histamine can increase inflammation in the gut and throughout the entire body, reduce digestion and absorption, and adversely affect the immune system and worsen the symptoms of ME. High histamine levels have been found in ME patients. It is a good indicator of intestinal dysbiosis.
Test serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity
Test stool for histamine levels
Test intestines for histamine levels
Does the patient ingest foods and drinks with high histamine levels. High histamine levels in fish, cheese, hard cured sausages, sauerkraut, pickled cabbage, fermented foods, and alcoholic beverages
Does the patient take medical drugs or foods which impair diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in the gut
Does the patient have too much inflammation in the body - allergies, sinusitis, hives, eczema, inflammatory cytokines, etc. ?
(xi) Test for Protein M
Bacteria and other pathogens
have evolved to use a protein called 'Protein M' to block all antibodies produced by the human immune system. This remarkable discovery by scientists at the Scripps Research Institute in 2014 sheds new light on chronic bacteria infections in humans. As many ME patients have chronic infections, this information is important. Tests are being developed for Protein M. See paper below
- http://www.scripps.edu/news/press/2014/20140206lerner.html
Dr. John Chia, is a world renowned doctor who has successfully treated ME patients. He has found that Enteroviruses are present in some subgroups of ME patients and that treating these Enterovirus infections can lead to significant improvement and recovery. He presents his medical experiences in the videos below:
(d) Colonoscopy and Endoscopy to investigate intestinal abnormalities
If you have severe intestinal problems over several weeks or months or years, you should consult a Gastroenterologist and seek his / her advise. They may ask you to undertake a colonoscopy and endoscopy to investigate intestinal abnormalities. This procedure is undertaken in a major hospital. These tests will measure intestinal structure and the existence of blockages, malformations, tumours, and serious infections. They do not measure intestinal function, performance and absorption of nutrients.
Also get Gut motility tests. Abnormalities are commonly found in ME patients
(e) Test for Digestive status & Vitamin and mineral status of patient
Check with specialists / consultants at your regional hospital or
top state hospital or private labs to see if they do these special
tests. If not, then the following labs can carry out these special
tests. The
best laboratories for this type of testing is the
(g) Gluten Intolerance and Lactose Intolerance tests
Gluten intolerance and Gluten allergy is common in ME/CFS patients. The saliva test is the most accurate test at present. Dr. Edward Conley of the Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune Clinic, Michigan, USA has information about these new saliva tests.
(h)
Cardiac and Vascular factors in bowel dysfunction
Dr. Byron Hyde has found that this is a significant factor in many cases of ME.
'Bowel Dysfunction: vascular dysfunction may be the single most causal basis behind bowel dysfunction when it occurs.' A Brief History of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, by Dr. Byron Hyde
mucous forming foods such excessive potatoes, french fries (chips), cookies and sweets
refined sugars and foods containing refined sugars which can cause immune dysfunctions and inflammation. Stevia is healthier and safer.
processed and packaged foods containing additives and flavourings with E numbers
foods containing mercury – tuna, swordfish, shark
foods containing toxin residues from the land (arsenic in some rice)
table salt. Sea salt is healthier and safer.
chlorine in bathing / swimming water
flouride in drinking water
unfiltered drinking water
all of these increase toxin load on the body, and inflammation, with adverse effects on the body, in particular the immune system, the DNA, the mitochondria, the endocrine system and the brain and nervous system. Eliminate these foods and drinks from the diet.
