By Wayne Persky |
Were it not for the life limiting effects of the issues listed below, theoretically, we might be able to live in relatively good health for hundreds of years. But unfortunately, in today's world, these issues are constantly gnawing away at our longevity, and this list surely isn't complete:
- Genetics
- Active disease
- Fatal or crippling accidents
- Physical or neurological trauma
- Stress, whether independent, or associated with any of the above
- Disposition, mood, and attitude toward life
- Isolation and loneliness
- Inadequate sleep, usually due to one of the above
- Toxins in the air we breathe
- Toxins in our diet
- Chronic nutrient deficiencies
Genetics
Although we can't change our genetics, often we can make changes in our lifestyle that will compensate for genetic defects. For example, genetic defects that cause nutrient deficiencies can usually be resolved by taking the proper supplements. And issues such as methylation defects can usually be resolved by taking the active forms of the affected vitamins. The effects of physical defects can often be minimized by the use of prosthetics. Although not always a possibility in all cases, options are available to mitigate the effects of most genetic defects.
Statistics for MC in particular do not exist, but statistics for other IBDs show that about 15% of Crohn's disease patients have a family member who has an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). And members of our discussion and support forum have posted about instances where other family members, and even pets, also have MC or another IBD. Genome association studies have resulted in the discovery of over 200 loci (location on chromosomes) where genetic associations with the development of IBD can occur (Loddo, and Romano, 2015).1 Specific research regarding genetic associations of collagenous colitis (CC) leads to the following conclusion (Stahl, et al., 2020):2
Statistics for MC in particular do not exist, but statistics for other IBDs show that about 15% of Crohn's disease patients have a family member who has an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). And members of our discussion and support forum have posted about instances where other family members, and even pets, also have MC or another IBD. Genome association studies have resulted in the discovery of over 200 loci (location on chromosomes) where genetic associations with the development of IBD can occur (Loddo, and Romano, 2015).1 Specific research regarding genetic associations of collagenous colitis (CC) leads to the following conclusion (Stahl, et al., 2020):2
In this largest genetic study of CC to date with histologically confirmed diagnosis, we strongly implicated the HLA locus and proposed potential non-HLA mechanisms in disease pathogenesis. We also detected a shared genetic risk between CC, celiac disease, CD, and UC, which supports clinical observations of comorbidity.
Active disease
In many cases, successfully treating a disease, and keeping it in remission, will substantially reduce the tendency of that disease to negatively affect our long-term health, although this obviously is never equivalent to not developing the disease in the first place. Typically, the development of an autoimmune disease opens the door to the possible development of additional autoimmune diseases. But epidemiological evidence indicates that when MC is controlled by diet changes, so that the source of chronic inflammation is eliminated, the elevated risk of developing additional autoimmune diseases is suppressed, assuming that adequate magnesium and vitamin D levels are maintained.
Fatal or crippling accidents
Although chaotic events sometimes happen at random, obviously we can reduce the risk of accident in many cases by making prudent lifestyle choices. For example, birdwatchers are much less likely to suffer a broken neck than bull riders. If we choose to embrace dangerous choices in order to add excitement to our lives, then we have to accept the risks that are imposed by those choices.
Physical or neurological trauma
In many cases, this risk is imposed by the actions of others. Whether it occurs at work, in military service, recreation, or at home, the effects are often far-reaching, and neurological damage, especially, may last a lifetime, if not properly resolved. Such events often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can totally disrupt normal life.
In severe MC cases (and presumably other autoimmune diseases, especially including IBDs), the clinical symptoms can be so intimidating and oppressive that the possibility of developing a disorder that mimics PTSD exists. In other words we may develop such an intense fear of reactions, or a relapse of the disease, that we develop an unreasonable fear that tends to disrupt our lives, similar to PTSD.
In severe MC cases (and presumably other autoimmune diseases, especially including IBDs), the clinical symptoms can be so intimidating and oppressive that the possibility of developing a disorder that mimics PTSD exists. In other words we may develop such an intense fear of reactions, or a relapse of the disease, that we develop an unreasonable fear that tends to disrupt our lives, similar to PTSD.
Stress, whether independent, or associated with any of the above
Stress can have a far greater effect on our health and well-being than most of us realize. We have to learn to let go of neurological stress after a reasonable amount of time, or it will continue to cause chronic inflammation, primarily centered in our digestive system, and this will negatively affect our thoughts (and our health) by way of the enteric nervous system, thus creating a perpetual cycle of inflammation and stress. Using data from the millennium cohort study, researchers concluded that (Bookwalter, Roenfeldt, LeardMann, Kong, Riddle, & Rull, 2020):3
Active duty military personnel with PTSD may have an elevated risk of a range of autoimmune diseases, regardless of combat experience or prior trauma. Future research is needed to understand potential mechanisms which may inform future mitigative strategies in reducing extra-neuropsychiatric health problems among those with PTSD.
In this study, among over 120,000 participants, those who had a history of PTSD showed a 58% increased risk for developing an autoimmune disease, compared with those who had no PTSD history. Furthermore, issues such as body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use, combat experience, and a prior history of physical or sexual trauma (that did not cause PTSD) had no significant effect on the risk found by this study. Obviously, PTSD, and PTSD-like symptoms should be taken seriously, not only because they increase the risk of developing autoimmune disease, but also because presumably, they increase the risk of disease relapse, may intensify symptoms, and may prevent remission; not only for MC, but probably for all patients who have an autoimmune disease.
Active duty military personnel with PTSD may have an elevated risk of a range of autoimmune diseases, regardless of combat experience or prior trauma. Future research is needed to understand potential mechanisms which may inform future mitigative strategies in reducing extra-neuropsychiatric health problems among those with PTSD.
In this study, among over 120,000 participants, those who had a history of PTSD showed a 58% increased risk for developing an autoimmune disease, compared with those who had no PTSD history. Furthermore, issues such as body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use, combat experience, and a prior history of physical or sexual trauma (that did not cause PTSD) had no significant effect on the risk found by this study. Obviously, PTSD, and PTSD-like symptoms should be taken seriously, not only because they increase the risk of developing autoimmune disease, but also because presumably, they increase the risk of disease relapse, may intensify symptoms, and may prevent remission; not only for MC, but probably for all patients who have an autoimmune disease.
Disposition, mood, and attitude toward life
Research shows that our disposition and general attitude toward life is capable of making the difference between life and death in certain situations. Virtually all of us are aware of either older acquaintances, or relatives, who died within about a week (or at least very soon) after the death of their spouse. The will to live (or not) can have a very powerful effect.
But aside from that, a positive outlook on life can help to minimize our MC symptoms. Without a plan, MC appears to be a hopeless cycle of miserable symptoms, with no end in sight. So it's not surprising that such a situation can lead to depression and a generally gloomy outlook on life. Once we understand how to control the symptoms, even well before we're able to actually gain control of the symptoms, our mood and our general outlook on life will be greatly improved, simply because we now have a reason for hope. Compared with the oppression caused by hopelessness, hope can convey almost magical qualities to our persona.
But aside from that, a positive outlook on life can help to minimize our MC symptoms. Without a plan, MC appears to be a hopeless cycle of miserable symptoms, with no end in sight. So it's not surprising that such a situation can lead to depression and a generally gloomy outlook on life. Once we understand how to control the symptoms, even well before we're able to actually gain control of the symptoms, our mood and our general outlook on life will be greatly improved, simply because we now have a reason for hope. Compared with the oppression caused by hopelessness, hope can convey almost magical qualities to our persona.
Isolation and loneliness
MC is notorious for causing us to voluntarily seek isolation, which naturally leads to loneliness, due to the fact that humans are a gregarious species. In other words, fear of leaving the house (straying too far from the bathroom) soon causes additional stress that can be attributed solely to our withdrawal from the company of others.
Along with the fear of straying too far from our bathroom, we have the fear of not being able to locate a public restroom in time, in the event that we should need one whenever we take a chance and leave the house to run some errands. But besides that, most of us have a fear of having to use a public restroom, anyway, due to the abnormal noises, odor, extended evacuation time, and occasional other issues (such as an embarrassing accident), associated with this disease. The resulting tenure of isolation, and the inevitable feeling of loneliness is one of the main reasons why I consider MC to be a primary candidate in the competition for the “Loneliest Disease in the World”award.
The National Institute on Aging states that prolonged isolation carries a health risk equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, as noted in an online article by the University of New Hampshire, which also points out that a study based on a national poll by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), offers the following recommendations for addressing loneliness issues (Kroll, 2022, May 02):4
Along with the fear of straying too far from our bathroom, we have the fear of not being able to locate a public restroom in time, in the event that we should need one whenever we take a chance and leave the house to run some errands. But besides that, most of us have a fear of having to use a public restroom, anyway, due to the abnormal noises, odor, extended evacuation time, and occasional other issues (such as an embarrassing accident), associated with this disease. The resulting tenure of isolation, and the inevitable feeling of loneliness is one of the main reasons why I consider MC to be a primary candidate in the competition for the “Loneliest Disease in the World”award.
The National Institute on Aging states that prolonged isolation carries a health risk equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, as noted in an online article by the University of New Hampshire, which also points out that a study based on a national poll by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), offers the following recommendations for addressing loneliness issues (Kroll, 2022, May 02):4
- Being outdoors (87% of respondents)
- Physical activity (72% of respondents)
- Hobbies, skills or projects (72% of respondents)
- Connecting with others in person (83%) of respondents
- Connecting by phone or virtually (79% of respondents)
Inadequate sleep, usually due to one of the above
Without adequate sleep, our bodies can't function normally. Our immune system's ability to ward off disease and heal damaged cells may be compromised, and our cognizance and memory will tend to be diminished because of the effects of brain fog. Even our digestion may be affected. Most of us have personally experienced worsened MC symptoms caused by insufficient sleep, and we've been caught up in the seemingly endless cycle of sleep problems caused by our MC symptoms, which result in more sleep problems
Toxins in the air we breathe
This is something that we may, or may not be able to control, but obviously, it's determined by our location, and our immediate environment. In other words, the problem may be associated with our workplace, or where we choose to live. Epidemiological evidence, as shown by the sharing of personal experiences on our discussion and support forum, show that allergens in our environment can definitely trigger MC symptoms, not only by way of skin exposure, but also by inhalation. Many of us, for example, experience digestive symptoms if we inhale certain plant pollens or certain chemical fumes.
Toxins in our diet
Finally, something that we can really do something about — and interestingly, the diet changes that we make in order to keep MC in remission, appear to focus almost entirely on foods that shouldn't be in our diet, in the first place. It seems that as life has unfolded, especially over the last half-century or so, our food has increasingly changed from whole, natural choices, to overprocessed, additive filled quasi-synthetic foods that our great grandparents would probably have been afraid to feed to their livestock, or their pets. Choosing to eat whole foods, rather than processed foods, eliminates many of the problems faced by the general population in this country(and the rest of the world).
Chronic nutrient deficiencies
Many people eat diets, whether by choice, or necessity, that are deficient in certain essential nutrients. Soils in many parts of the world have been depleted of adequate amounts of certain minerals, causing foods produced on those soils to be deficient in the requirements for good health. And in some cases, abnormal diet choices can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Plant-based diets, in particular, may be missing vital minerals and vitamins, unless those nutrients are properly supplemented.=
And in addition, the malabsorption issues associated with MC tend to cause deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin D, many of the B vitamins, and sometimes, others. Many medications, including corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics, and others, are known to deplete certain vitamins and minerals, and even common beverages such as coffee, deplete magnesium.
And in addition, the malabsorption issues associated with MC tend to cause deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin D, many of the B vitamins, and sometimes, others. Many medications, including corticosteroids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics, and others, are known to deplete certain vitamins and minerals, and even common beverages such as coffee, deplete magnesium.
Our health is currently deteriorating.
As Doctor Akash Goel has pointed out in a recent Medscape article, the US population is sick, and apparently growing sicker (Goel, 2023, February 23).5 Three fourths of us are overweight or obese, and half the population has diabetes or prediabetes. Allergies, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases are increasing by 3–9% each year. And he blames our diet and lifestyle for our deteriorating fertility and metabolic health, and the increasing incidence of cancer.
Industrial chemicals and toxins are major problems.
Some of these have been identified and regulated, over the years, but many more are still in use. Many are known to cause health risks, yet they remain in production. And even when certain chemicals are found to be toxic and their production and use is ended, some of them persist for generations, or longer, causing continued environmental and health problems
Organically produced foods may provide more benefits than we realize.
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As many of us have found, eating organically produced foods helps to minimize the symptoms of MC. And not coincidentally, this probably occurs because selecting organically produced foods tends to minimize much of the risk imposed by toxins in the conventional food chain.
Whether we choose organically produced foods or conventionally produced foods for our diet, it could be argued that this disease is doing us a favor by forcing us to clean up our diet, whether we like it, or not. And the net result will surely be increased longevity and improved quality of life. It seems ironic that these long-term health benefits are due solely to the fact that we were lucky enough to receive a wake-up call in the form of a lifelong disease (MC).
As many of us have found, eating organically produced foods helps to minimize the symptoms of MC. And not coincidentally, this probably occurs because selecting organically produced foods tends to minimize much of the risk imposed by toxins in the conventional food chain.
Whether we choose organically produced foods or conventionally produced foods for our diet, it could be argued that this disease is doing us a favor by forcing us to clean up our diet, whether we like it, or not. And the net result will surely be increased longevity and improved quality of life. It seems ironic that these long-term health benefits are due solely to the fact that we were lucky enough to receive a wake-up call in the form of a lifelong disease (MC).
References
1. Loddo, I., and Romano, C. (2015). Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Genetics, Epigenetics, and Pathogenesis. Frontiers in Immunology, 6, p 551. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26579126/
2. Stahl, E., Roda, G., Dobbyn, A., Hu, J., Zhang, Z., Westerlind, H. . . . Peter, I. (2020). Collagenous Colitis Is Associated With HLA Signature and Shares Genetic Risks With Other Immune-Mediated Diseases. Gastroenterology, 159(2), p 549–561. e8. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32371109/
3. Bookwalter, D. B., Roenfeldt, K. A., LeardMann, C. A., Kong, S. Y., Riddle, M. S., & Rull. R. P. (2020). Posttraumatic stress disorder and risk of selected autoimmune diseases among US military personnel. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1), 23. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6964079/
4. Kroll, M. M. (2022, May 02). Prolonged Social Isolation and Loneliness are Equivalent to Smoking 15 Cigarettes A Day. University of New Hampshire, Retrieved fromhttps://extension.unh.edu/blog/2022/05/prolonged-social-isolation-loneliness-are-equivalent-smoking-15-cigarettes-day
5. Goel, A. (2023, February 23). Toxic Chemicals We Consume Without Knowing It. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/988444?ecd=wnl_infocu9_broad_broad_persoexpansion-algo_20230510&uac=95382HN&impID=5415165#vp_1