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Meniere's Disease Triggers & Causes Meniere's Disease and Nutrition

Metabolism and Meniere’s Disease

This is the third article in a series related to the endocrine system and Meniere’s Disease.

The hormones responsible for regulating metabolism are mainly produced by the pancreas and thyroid gland. These glands are part of the endocrine system.

Both thyroid dysfunction and endocrine disorders have been linked to Meniere’s disease, so too has metabolic disorder. Metabolic disorders can stem from the endocrine system and the thyroid being out of sync.

Metabolism is the process your body uses to get or make energy from the food you eat. Food is made up of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Natural chemicals in your digestive system break the food down into sugars and acids, your body’s fuel. Your body either uses this fuel straight away, or it stores the energy in your body tissues, such as your liver, muscles, and body fat.

A metabolic disorder occurs when abnormal chemical reactions in your body disrupt this process. When this happens, you might have too much of some substances or too little of others that you need to stay healthy. This can happen when the thyroid, adrenal glands or other organs and glands in the endocrine system are out of sync and sending out the wrong hormonal signals. Estrogen mimickers that make their way into our bodies mainly through toxins in foods and water are prime examples of endocrine disruptors  that create abnormal chemical reactions.

There are numerous studies and medical papers suggesting that metabolic abnormalities may be a contributing causative factor in Meniere’s.

Metabolism and Meniere’s: Studies

In a study of Meniere’s patients at the Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Disorders of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in 1976,

it was found that there were Carbohydrate abnormalities in some and a significant number of patients were found to have lipid abnormalities. It was suggested that dietary management in these cases was believed to be helpful in the medical management of the patients .

Cambridge University Press published a paper in ‘The Journal of Laryngology & Otology’ in 1979 titled ‘Metabolic Investigations in Meniere’s Disease’.

It stated that both hyper and hypoglycaemia have been said to result in inner ear dysfunction. It was pointed out that diabetes can result in both progressive sensorineural  hearing loss and Meniere’s Syndrome.

The authors referenced studies that found 42% of a series of 19 Meniere’s patients were suffering with reactive hypoglycaemia when tested. In this particular test it was suggested that insulin sensitivity, possibly a result of adrenal insufficiency could account for the hypoglycaemia.

It stated that hearing loss can be related to hypothyroidism, Finally it was noted that hearing loss and vertigo may be among the first signs of myxoedema (typical of patients with under active thyroid glands) and are “reversible with treatment.”

Tell that to the doctor ‘treating’ your Meniere’s, the next time you are told there is nothing more to be done and learn to live with it. Although we do not see dietary changes and supplementation as either a treatment nor a cure, the testimonials of multiple thousands who have greatly reduced or eliminated their symptoms this way suggests the body can balance itself out when given the correct fuel.

It is all about bringing balance to your body systems from micro DNA level to macro muscular skeletal level, through cellular nutrition to cervical spine realignments for example. When everything is in sync, disease states are starved and the immune system is functioning enough to deal with any inflammation, preventing dysfunctions, disorders and disease. Some might call this ‘preventative medicine’, I call it good old fashioned common sense.

A study presentation at a Symposium at the 75th Annual Meeting of the American Laryngological, Rhlnological and Otological Society in 1972 stated the following:

Metabolic dysfunction is one of many factors mentioned as a primary or contributing cause of Ménière’s disease.

The symptoms of Ménière’s disease often become manifest during periods of stress. The adrenal pituitary axis plays a vital role in man’s reaction to stress. For this reason, hypoadrenal function was suggested as an etiology in some patients with Ménière’s disease.

In this study two tests were used to measure adreno-cortical reserve: ACTH plasma cortisol stimulation test and insulin stimulation test.

After evaluation of 98 patients with Ménière’s disease, we concluded the following:

1. The five-hour glucose tolerance test is helpful in identifying hypoglycemia, which may be a contributing factor in Ménière’s disease.

2. Non-myxedematous hypothyroidism may play an important role in some patients with Ménière’s disease.

3. Further endocrine studies will be necessary to determine the significance of the lowered adrenocortical reserve as shown by the ACTH plasma cortisol stimulation test.

We have long preached the importance of blood flow at Meniere’s Help and know how managing this through either diet and supplementation and/or spinal manipulation (where necessary) can make a huge difference. The study below backs up the importance of blood flow:

Published in Sage Journals the study ‘Metabolic Management in Menière’s Disease’ stated the following:

Extract: Pollution in the bloodstream by abnormal amounts of metabolites (sugar, insulin, triglycerides and cholesterol) over an extended period of time will have an adverse effect upon the small blood vessels.

If the microcirculation of the inner ear becomes afflicted, it may produce endolymphatic hydrops. Control of blood pollution can usually be achieved by intelligent dietary management.

Fifty consecutive cases of Menière’s disease were studied for abnormal levels of metabolites. Thirty-eight (76 %) of these cases had either an abnormal glucose tolerance test or at least borderline insulin levels: a) abnormal insulin levels, 35 cases; b) borderline insulin values, 3 cases; c) abnormal glucose tolerance with normal insulin values, no cases; d) both normal glucose tolerance and normal insulin production, 12 cases.

The number of studies and papers on this subject are numerous but how do you get metabolic disorders? As discussed in the articles on Thyroid dysfunctions and endocrine disorders at length, there are many toxic chemicals and pollutants found in the environment, water supplies and in foods that can accumulate in the body over a long period of time that can cause these problems.

For a healthy metabolism consider the following:

  • Use chili peppers in cooking, eat berries, eat more protein and less carbohydrates.
  • Keep active, build muscle
  • Drink teas and cold water
  • Keep your thyroid healthy
  • Restful sleep is important
  • Consider a body cleanse
  • Get enough Vitamin D
  • Take omega-3 fatty acid supplements
  • Take anthocyanin supplements

 Is Metabolism relevant in Meniere’s disease?

Judging from the evidence above, it would seem so. This article should be read in addition to articles on this blog Meniere’s disease and Thyroid dysfunction and Endocrine disorders and Meniere’s disease

Metabolism, the thyroid and endocrine systems are related to each other, and all three can be relevant in at least some Meniere’s sufferers.

If you find this site useful Click here to support Meniere’s Help paypal.me/menieres

Related articles:

By Mike Spencer
Founder of Menieres-Help.Com – Supporting sufferers since 2004
Researcher and Author of Managing Meniere’s Disease and The Need for Balance – Dealing with the Causes of Meniere’s

Help other Meniere’s Sufferers. Tell us all about your experiences with Meniere’s and Metabolism. Use the comments box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com

References/Further reading:

Autoimmunity as a candidate for the etiopathogenesis of Meniere’s disease: detection of autoimmune reactions and diagnostic biomarker candidate

Menière’s Disease and Disorders of the Carbohydrate Metabolism Involving the Inner Ear

Categories
General Information on Meniere's Disease / Syndrome Meniere's Disease Triggers & Causes

Amalgam mercury and Meniere’s disease

Can Amalgam mercury cause the symptoms of Meniere’s disease?

If you suffer from Meniere’s disease and have amalgam fillings, you might want to consider the possibility that this could be a root cause of your symptoms. Here is why……

In 16 years of support work and 12 years of research and study we have seen Mercury toxicity to be at the very least a contributing trigger and more often than not (when present) it would appear an obvious root cause. Removal of amalgam fillings followed by a heavy metal detox seems to have resulted in the elimination of Meniere’s symptoms in numerous cases that we know of alone. More famously, Ben Zander’s case below is a great example.

Based on our research and experience Mercury toxicity through amalgam fillings is only one of several possible root causes of Meniere’s symptoms.

Bear in mind that in terms of root causes, what may be relevant in one case may have little to no relevance in another.

Amalgam however, is a very common theme among many sufferers.

Ben Zander, the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, almost had to give up his career because of the debilitating symptoms of Meniere’s ‘disease’ and almost lost his hearing. Cruel for a musician of such standing. He would have to leave concerts half way through.

They told me it was Meniere’s disease and there was nothing they could do about it,” said Zander.

[I can not count how many times we have heard this…..and it is simply NOT TRUE. There is so much you can do.]

Zander went from doctor to doctor, and no one could help. He was eventually referred to biological dentist Dr. G. Robert Evans of the Groton Wellness Dental Spa and Medical Center. Evans traced his symptoms to the amalgam fillings in his mouth. Fillings that were partly mercury. Evans removed 15 fillings immediately. (See Ben Zander’s testimony on video below)

Mr Zander completely recovered after having the amalgam/mercury removed and has not had an attack since.

Mercury is the most toxic non-radioactive substance known to man. It is 1,000 times more toxic than lead“, said Evans.

The American Dental Association said the FDA acted appropriately when it ‘found’ that dental amalgam is a safe and effective treatment option for the general public. But the ADA also supports the feds’ recommendation to continue review of existing and new scientific information as it becomes available.

However, “The World Health Organization declared there’s no safe level of exposure to mercury,” said Evans, who runs a mercury free practice.

The fact that I got over my Meniere’s disease because I had the metal out of my teeth is not proof it caused a problem but that’s what happened,” said Zander, who said he has never missed another concert after having his fillings removed. [I am not sure how much more proof is needed?]

When a dentist removes amalgam and the mercury in it, it is so toxic that it can not be thrown away because it is deemed a environmental hazard. A toxic waste hauler is called in to dispose of it.

Dr Evans says,” If you took a good size mercury filling and placed it in a ten acre lake, it would warrant a fishing advisory that you can’t fish in that lake“.

Dr Tom McGuire runs a mercury free dental surgery and writes extensively on mercury toxicity. He explains,

The majority of people I’ve consulted with do not understand just how devastating chronic mercury poisoning is to their health. Without this awareness it is difficult to fully appreciate the need for, and value of, participating in a mercury detoxification program that supports the body’s efforts to remove the accumulated mercury and heal the damage done by it.

I’ve also found that most people think that it is enough just to have their mercury amalgam (silver) fillings removed and, once they do, the problems they equate to mercury exposure from these fillings will quickly go away. When the mercury related symptoms don’t improve in a short period of time they often get frustrated and think that their amalgam fillings didn’t cause or contribute to their health issues. I believe that if they were educated about the destructive effects of chronic mercury poisoning more people would not only commit to having their fillings removed but also stimulate participation in a mercury detoxification program.

The first place to start this education is to realize just how toxic mercury is to the body, including how it does its damage and why it must be dealt with in a unique way. I believe that in order to effectively treat chronic mercury poisoning and appreciate the need for removing the accumulated mercury from your body, it’s critically important to see the big picture.

Mercury amalgam(silver) fillings are the main source of mercury exposure and nearly 200 million people in the USA alone have them. These fillings continuously release mercury as a toxic vapor and as much as 80% of the vapor enters the body. It is fat soluble and can enter every cell of the body and particularly harmful to the brain. The safest way to remove the source is to find a mercury free dentist. www.dentalwellness4u.com has the largest mercury free dentist listing in the world.”

Mercury is toxic in extremely small amounts, it can accumulate in the body over time, and contribute to or compound all manner of illnesses and the vast majority of sufferers will have no idea they are carrying the root cause of this in their mouths 24/7.  For example mercury can:

  • Attach to proteins and enzymes and interfere with their normal function
  • Create autoimmune diseases and impair the blood and cardiovascular system
  • Interfere with, or overload, the natural detoxification pathways of the liver, kidneys, skin, and bowel.
  • Impair the function of the nervous, endocrine, immune, enzymatic, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary systems.
  • Increase allergic reactions.
  • Cause harmful intestinal bacteria, including Candida, to become immune to antibiotics.
  • Dramatically deplete the body of its most important antioxidants.

The emboldened words above highlight the amount of possible contributing factors to Meniere’s Disease that mercury affects. Autoimmunity has been linked to MD, impaired micro circulation has been linked to MD and improving blood flow has been shown to improve symptoms, MD has been linked to problems with the central nervous system, endocrine disorders have been linked to MD, supporting the immune system through diet/supplementation has been shown to reduce or suppress symptoms of MD, allergies have been linked to MD, Candida albicans/fungal infections have been linked to MD, high dietary intake of antioxidants has been shown to help reduce or eliminate symptoms of MD. (*MD- Meniere’s Disease)

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives: ‘Thyroid hormones in relation to lead, mercury, and cadmium exposure in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2008.’ It was stated that,” Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), are known toxicants” and concluded with “Our analysis suggests an inverse association between Hg[mercury] exposure and thyroid hormones.

Another study published in Environment International in 2012: ‘Mercury and thyroid autoantibodies in U.S. women’ stated, “Mercury exposure has been associated with cellular autoimmunity and mercury accumulates in the thyroid gland.” and concluded with, “Results suggest an association between mercury and thyroglobulin autoantibody positivity.”

Other studies also connect mercury toxicity to thyroid issues. Thyroid dysfunctions have been linked to Meniere’s disease in over one 3rd of sufferers.

There is still a reluctance by some in the medical community to accept the obvious link of amalgam to Meniere’s, despite the known toxicity of mercury. The fact that mercury is one of the most toxic elements on earth, the case of Ben Zanders and the countless Meniere’s sufferers who have contacted us over the past 12 years is evidence enough that you should not dismiss the possibility that it might be the root cause or a contributing factor in Meniere’s for many people.

You make your mind up, but I know I had my solitary amalgam filling removed and replaced with ‘ozone treatment’ in Japan several years ago. See ways to detox heavy metals including Mercury further down the page.

Amalgam mercury and Meniere’s disease videos:

Watch Ben Zander’s testimony.

Biological Dentist’s testimony to FDA on Mercury toxicity from amalgam fillings.

More FDA hearings on the history and deception of the use of mercury in dental fillings

Detoxing Mercury

If you remove amalgam fillings you may still need to detox and flush the Mercury from your body.

There are many ways of detoxing heavy metals such as Mercury:

To help your body excrete and eliminate mercury and other heavy metals try these natural detox methods below or use the heavy metal detoxification supplement at the bottom of the list:

#1. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is a mixture of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium helps to regulate over 300 enzymes in the body. Sulfate helps flush toxins from the body and is necessary for the health of your skin, joints and nervous system.

Sulfate molecules are negatively charged and are able to both attract and extract heavy metals from the body. We know that the magnesium and sulfate in Epsom Salt penetrates the skin, so soaking in an Epsom Salt bath is a very gentle and useful detoxification practice.

Directions:

Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salts in a tub of warm water. Soak for 20 minutes several times a week. You may add in 1 drop of each of the following essential oils to enhance the bath. Rosemary, juniper berry and cilantro are good choices for detoxification and tangerine and geranium are purifiers.

TIP: To help the oils disperse, mix the oil into 1 tablespoon of coconut milk or the milk of your choice before adding it to the bath water.

#2.  Cilantro & Chlorella

1. Cilantro is rich in many vitamins and minerals (potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, vitamins A and K). Studies also document proven antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Amazingly, Cilantro has been found to successfully remove Mercury, Aluminum and Lead from the body!

Directions:

The easiest way to incorporate cilantro into your healing protocol is to consume about ¼ cup of fresh cilantro leaves daily. You can do this in a smoothie or by mincing the leaves and adding them to your meals. Do be careful not to consume much more than ¼ cup of cilantro daily, because the chelating effects can be quite real.

Cilantro PULLS heavy metals out of your tissues, but you also need to bind it and excrete it. This is where chlorella comes in!

2. Chlorella absorbs heavy metals and facilitates their release from the body when you urinate. In a German study, high doses of chlorella were found very effective in eliminating heavy metals from the brain, intestinal wall, muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and bone.

#3.  Garlic, Probiotics & Silica

1. Garlic has been scientifically proven to treat heavy metal poisoning by binding with the heavy metals so they they can be excreted rather than deposited in bone and tissues.

The allicin in raw garlic not only has significant antioxidant properties, but is also antifungal, antiparasitic and antibacterial. This is important for helping support immune health while your body is working to detox.

Directions:

Add crushed/minced garlic to your food daily. Tasty ideas range from garlic broth to a lively pesto.

2. Probiotics are protective powerhouses. An article from probiotic expert resource, BodyEcology, noted that “a 2012 study from the Lawson Health Research Institute explored the value of probiotics in those who have an accumulation of heavy metals.

“According to researchers, the friendly gut bacteria Lactobacillus have the ability to detoxify heavy metals. Other studies report that probiotics may be valuable tools for cleansing the body of the heavy metals lead and cadmium.”

Directions:

Add a daily lactobacillus supplement or consume plenty of fermented foods. Lactobacillus bacteria are prevalent in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and fermented vegetables. Not only will you be working to cleanse your body from heavy metals, but you’ll also be supporting great digestive health and a lower inflammatory response.

3. Silica–rich foods and herbs are great choices for a heavy metal detox. In a 2009 study, silica was shown to be protective in subjects with high aluminum exposure.

Aluminum is excreted via urine when you supplement with silica. Proper hydration and adequate vitamin B1 and potassium are necessary when using silica though.

Directions:

Try supplementing with a horsetail tea or tincture or focus on silica-rich foods for several weeks. Horsetail should not be used long term (an herbalist can guide you if you’re interested in focusing on herbs for detoxing).

According to the 1993 book Silica: The Forgotten Nutrient by Klaus Kaufmann, the richest food sources of silica are (foods are measured in 100g; Silica content is measured in mg):

Oats: 595

Millet: 500
Barley: 233
Potatoes: 200
Whole wheat grain: 158
Jerusalem artichoke: 36
Red beets: 21
Corn: 19
Asparagus: 18
Rye: 17

Horsetail is a weed that is used as a diuretic and astringent in herbal remedies. The silica content of horsetail is unmatched and is likely the reason why people who use it give accounts of shiny, healthy hair, nails and skin. Beyond beauty, the silica in horsetail may also be a good choice for removing aluminum from the body.

The above stand alone herbal supplements may be able to help detox you of Mercury. Alternatively you can use a specific heavy metal detoxication supplement such as Folium pX or its equivelant. 

Folium pX Immune System Support, Full Body Cleanse, Heavy Metal Detox, Mercury, Lead, Arsenic, Barradium, Gadolinium, Cadmium Poisoning, Super Antioxidant Supplement, Pine Bark, Grape-Seed Extract

Antioxidants are vital for everybody regardless but for the Meniere’s sufferer perhaps even more essential. Both pine bark (used in pycnogenol) and grape seed extract help blood flow and are both used to help ease the symptoms of Meniere’s disease.

*October 27th 2020 update*

From Mercola.com: Consumers for Dental Choice have Sued the FDA and Won

FDA Admits Amalgam Dangers

“After years of pressure from Consumers for Dental Choice and its allies, the FDA finally admits the unvarnished truth about amalgam, noting that “Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury and a powdered alloy made up of silver, tin and copper” that “releases small amounts of mercury vapor over time.”

  • The FDA warns mercury fillings may adversely affect people in certain high-risk groups and should be avoided
  • The FDA also advised against use of the misleading term “silver fillings,” and urges patients to discuss all dental filling options with their dentist

For help in removing your amalgam fillings and alternatives in the US:

Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions (DAMS). Email them at: dams@usfamily.net or call 651-644-4572 for an information packet. For people outside the USA: International Association of Mercury Safe Dentists

If you find this site useful Click here to support Meniere’s Help paypal.me/menieres

Related articles:

By Mike Spencer

Founder of Meniere’s Help -Supporting Sufferers Since 2004
Researcher and author of Managing Meniere’s Disease and The Need for Balance – Dealing with the Causes of Meniere’s

Help other Meniere’s Sufferers. What are your experiences with amalgam fillings and Meniere’s. Tell us all about it in the comments box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com

Categories
General Information on Meniere's Disease / Syndrome Meniere's Disease Triggers & Causes

Gluten and Meniere’s Disease

Can gluten cause the symptoms of Meniere’s Disease?

Updated September 2020

Could Gluten be a cause Meniere’s symptoms? Tests in the past have shown links to Meniere’s and problems with the digestive system . The health of the gut is essential for overall health, Gut issues such as IBS have been linked to neurological diseases, autoimmune diseases and Meniere’s disease. 

In this article it suggests a connection between gluten and Meniere’s symptoms.

Extract:

Gluten and Balance

Meniere’s disease is a condition that manifests symptomatically as severe dizziness, ear pressure, ringing, and often times is associated with concomitant migraine headache. The symptoms can be debilitating and often lead to nausea, vomiting, and inability to stand or walk due to imbalance. Recent research has identified a connection between grain (specifically wheat) and Meniere’s disease. The study was published in the journal, Laryngoscope. The abstract is below:

Wheat is one of the most common food allergens found in patients with Meniere’s disease (MD). Gluten from wheat has been identified to have a etiopathogenetic role in celiac disease, IgE hypersensitivity to wheat disease, and recently to gluten sensitivity. The aim of this study was to verify the incidence of gliadin prick test response in patients affected by MD.

There were 58 adult patients with definite MD, 25 healthy volunteers, and 25 patients with grass pollen rhinoconjunctivitis tested with skin prick test to gliadin.

A total of 33 MD patients (56.9%) proved to be sensitive to gliadin, eight of whom were positive to prick test after 20 minutes, 13 after 6 hours, 11 after 12 hours, and one after 24 hours.

Gluten and Meniere’s disease – studies

Gluten sensitivity in Meniere’s disease. A cited clinical study paper on NIH

Extract:

Wheat is one of the most common food allergens found in patients with Meniere’s disease (MD). Gluten from wheat has been identified to have a etiopathogenetic role in celiac disease, IgE hypersensitivity to wheat disease, and recently to gluten sensitivity.

A total of 33 MD patients (56.9%) proved to be sensitive to gliadin, eight of whom were positive to prick test after 20 minutes.

Also on the NIH:

Meniere’s disease and gluten sensitivity: recovery after a gluten-free diet

Extract:

We report the case of a 63-year-old female with definite unilateral Meniere’s disease, osteoarthritis of the distal finger joints with mucous cysts and Heberden’s nodes, and constipation with recurrent abdominal pain whose symptoms remitted after 6months of a restrictive gluten-free diet.

The question is, is it the gluten itself; the modification of gluten or the chemicals used in modern farming processes that find their way into the wheat or grains?

We do know that we have received messages from sufferers who have symptom free after changing their diet and in some cases that meant going gluten free.

Gluten in the form we know today is a neurotoxin and of course the central nervous system has been linked to Meniere’s. Over the past 50 years, hybridization wheat grains has taken place to supposedly increase crop yield ( the results of that are highly debatable)  and lengthen ‘shelf life’.

A protein called gliadin was added to grain. It is thought that higher concentrations of this protein has made wheat less digestible, which causes an allergy or reaction. Increased antibodies to gliadin, may have a negative impact on the neural system.

Almost 50% say gluten is an issue with Meniere’s

In September 2020, the question was asked in a Meniere’s social media group, “Has anyone linked their triggers to dairy or gluten instead of the sodium?”

Of the 37 respondents, 17 suggested gluten may be an issue:

Responses:

  1. Yes all three and stress
  2. And processed foods with MSG
  3. Yes! Dairy is a HUGE trigger for me. Moderate gluten is okay but I get super fatigued and just off with lots of it. Sodium is no issue unless in ridiculous high amounts. As long as I salt to taste and cook mostly from scratch I stay in the moderate sodium range (2500mg give or take) and that works well for me
  4. I went gluten and dairy free around March this year and noticed a massive improvement, more so than just watching my salt. But like everything with this disease it’s not the final answer as I’m currently in a three week spiral having changed nothing about my routine.
  5. Gluten yes! Add sugar, salt, caffeine to that and its disaster. And dehydration
  6. I removed gluten and dairy and I have done better! They are definitely triggers for me
  7. Yes 100%
  8. Yeah I got diagnosed with celiac disease
  9. Yes.
  10. Carbs/starches/natural sugars/regular sugar. Anything that breaks down as sugar. Although, I can’t tolerate much dairy, but that’s been for the last 23 years since I had my first pregnancy.
  11. Gluten and diary set me off. I’m on a high sodium diet and it doesn’t bother me
  12. Gluten, diary, sodium all r triggers
  13. Same, I don’t eat any of those, haven’t for years
  14. I tried to stay gluten and dairy free as much as possible only because I believe Menerie’s is a autoimmune disorder and with any autoimmune you need to stay away from that stuff
  15. Sure. You can also get allergy tested through a blood test and do allergy drops which help with food related symptoms like mucus, fluid retention, and dizziness which has helped my daughter. She also eats a low sodium and low sugar diet to help reduce dizziness.
  16. Gluten is my number 1 trigger, and what I am figuring out is that it takes a LONG time to get back to normal after I’ve had an interaction, so sodium becomes a constant trigger until everything really settles down again. Once I get everything balanced out again I can eat and drink as I please, just no gluten
  17. Yea gluten really bugs me. I have tried my best to eat a gluten free diet and it helps but not enough to cure md.

If you found this article useful Click here to support Meniere’s Help paypal.me/menieres

Related articles:

Help other Meniere’s sufferers. Do you have experience of Meniere’s and gluten? Tell us all about it in the comments box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com

References/Further reading:

Gluten Sensitivity and Vertigo/Meniere’s Disease

Gluten sensitivity in Meniere’s disease

Categories
General Information on Meniere's Disease / Syndrome Meniere's Disease Triggers & Causes

Orthokine therapy for Meniere’s disease

Can this therapy heal Meniere’s disease?

Dr. Peter Wehling Founder of The Center for Molecular Orthopedics in Dusseldorf, Germany has developed a procedure where the patient’s own blood is taken, incubated and manipulated then reintroduced into the body and acts as a “natural” anti-inflammatory. Originally this was used for treating sports people to combat chronic pain, usually in joints. The treatment is called “Orthokine” therapy.

Orthokine Therapy is a form of injection therapy, which harnesses and enhances the bodies natural defense mechanisms against inflammation to reduce pain and improve function.

The Orthokine Procedure

  • Blood is taken from the patient. The procedure is carried out similarly to a blood sampling for laboratory testing and is not pain-associated
  • Blood is incubated at 37°C, which stimulates the production of IL-1Ra.
  • Using a laboratory centrifuge to separate the blood components, the protein is extracted
  • This extraction is filed in ampoules, later available in injection form
  • The protein is then injected within the painful area of the joints, using CT guidance

Typically, injections are given 1-2 times a week. Treatment for discogenic diseases requires 4 injections, while lesions of the joints of the extremities, a minimum of 6 injections are usually required. Following injections, patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for a period of 48 hours. Some side effects may include swelling and numbness around the injection site, which may last around 2 hours

The ear is affected by inflammation in Meniere’s disease and the procedure is said to have been developed further where it may be possible for the hearing and balance nerves damaged by Meniere’s to be healed. Dana White, the UFC President recently received this treatment in Germany is said to feel “cured”.

Orthokine therapy, if available to you, is certainly an option worth investigating.

Can Orthokine therapy work for Meniere’s disease?

Orthokine therapy may come at a cost of a five figure sum and although is becoming more available it is still quite rare (at the time of writing). If you have the kind of money Dana White has then it has to be an option worth considering but for the vast majority it may be financially and practically out of reach for the time being.

As orthokine therapy is not a recognized specific treatment for Meniere’s disease it is unlikely you will be able to get this offered on national health nor be covered by insurance. You will need to find a private clinic and talk about your options.

However, identifying the root cause of your symptoms, be it viral, spinal and neck misalignment, exposure to chemicals or drugs, autoimmune problems, dental or Jaw misalignments or whatever, is possible and it is also possible to reverse the long standing effects and results of years of vertigo attacks and constant pressure within the inner ear that have caused hearing deterioration and balance nerve damage.

If you found this article and site useful Click here to support Meniere’s Help paypal.me/menieres

Related articles:

Help other sufferers. Let us know your thoughts and any experience with Orthokine therapy in the comments box below or email Mike at: meniereshelp@gmail.com

References/Further reading:

https://hmcisrael.com/operation/orthokine-treatment/

Categories
General Information on Meniere's Disease / Syndrome

Autoimmune Problems and Meniere’s Disease

Is autoimmunity overlooked in Meniere’s Disease?

This doctor gets a bit over excited about what he says is an often overlooked cause of Meniere’s disease: Autoimmunity, where your own immune system attacks parts of your brain. In a recent study it is claimed that 6% of Meniere’s disease cases are caused by autoimmunity….that was for people with Meniere’s on one side. For people who have Meniere’s symptoms in BOTH ears (bilateral) the study says the number is 16%!!

This doctor obviously feels strongly about this asking, “HAVE YOU BEEN CHECKED FOR THIS?” Ask your doctors about a test called: FUNCTIONAL IMMUNE SYSTEM EVALUATION TEST.

Tests used to diagnose an immune disorder include: Blood tests. Blood tests can determine if you have normal levels of infection-fighting proteins (immunoglobulin) in your blood and measure the levels of blood cells and immune system cells. Abnormal numbers of certain cells can indicate an immune system defect.*

*Source: Mayo Clinic

Email us at: meniereshelp@gmail.com

If you found this article and this site useful Click here to support Meniere’s Help paypal.me/menieres

Read also:

Can Meniere’s Disease be caused by Autoimmunity?

Meniere’s Disease and Thyroid Dysfunction

Hypoglycemia and Meniere’s disease

References/Further reading:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22306860/

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