REGENERINT on Nostr: The Biotoxin Illness Pathway & Implications of Reduced α-MSH: What Are Biotoxins? ...

The Biotoxin Illness Pathway & Implications of Reduced α-MSH:

What Are Biotoxins?

Biotoxins are toxic substances of biological origin, released by sources like mold, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne illnesses. In most people, the immune system can effectively identify, break down, and eliminate biotoxins from the body. This means that once they are removed from the source — such as a water-damaged building with mold mycotoxins — the body can naturally detoxify itself.

Biotoxin Susceptibility

Approximately 25% of the population has a genetic susceptibility to biotoxin illness due to specific HLA-DR genetic variants. These variants impair the immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate biotoxins, even after the source of exposure is removed. This explains why some individuals become chronically ill from biotoxin exposure while others remain unaffected.

Biotoxin Accumulation

For individuals with genetic susceptibility, biotoxins can be difficult to eliminate and may accumulate in the body. In the liver, biotoxins bind to bile, which is sent to the gastrointestinal tract for excretion. However, during the process of enterohepatic circulation, bile is reabsorbed in the small intestine and returned to the liver. In individuals with the HLA-DR genetic variant, the biotoxins are not effectively removed and are reabsorbed along with the bile. This recycling process leads to persistent symptoms, even after the original source of exposure has been eliminated.

Cytokine Production & Impaired Leptin Signaling

Biotoxins get stored in fat cells, triggering the release of excess inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines can block leptin receptors on proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus, preventing leptin from binding effectively. Without proper leptin signaling, POMC activity is disrupted, inhibiting its production of critical peptides like alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which helps regulate inflammation, immune function, metabolism, and more.

Implications of Reduced α-MSH

Chronic Inflammation: α-MSH reduces inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Without sufficient α-MSH, excess cytokines can lead to fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, and difficulty concentrating.

Immune Dysfunction: α-MSH plays a key role in immune balance. Its deficiency leaves the body vulnerable to things like candida overgrowth and colonization of mucus membranes by antibiotic resistant bacteria (MARCoNS), which releases endotoxins that further inhibit α-MSH.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: α-MSH protects the integrity of the gut lining. Low α-MSH can contribute to symptoms of “leaky gut”, like bloating, food sensitivities, and IBS-like symptoms.


Adrenal Fatigue & Fibromyalgia

Inflammatory cytokines triggered by biotoxin illness initially cause an increase in ACTH and cortisol production. However, over time, chronic inflammation and disrupted hypothalamic signaling leads to a significant reduction in these hormones, contributing to symptoms of adrenal fatigue. This is further exacerbated by disrupted circadian rhythms.

Impaired leptin signaling at POMC neurons in the brain also reduces the production of beta-endorphin, an endogenous opioid. This can cause increased sensitivity to pain and the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.


Clearing Biotoxins

1. Addressing the Source: It’s important to remove the source of biotoxin exposure, whether through mold remediation or treating tick-borne infections.

2. Binding and Eliminating Toxins: Biotoxins are negatively charged, which means positively charged binders may be the most effective at drawing them out of the body.

3. The Importance of Natural Light: UV light stimulates POMC cleavage, producing α-MSH and beta-endorphin. Safe UV exposure requires the development of a healthy solar callus, starting with morning infrared light to prime the skin.

4. Minimizing Artificial Blue Light & nnEMF: Excessive artificial blue light exposure can shift POMC cleavage toward ACTH production, while certain nnEMF wavelengths may inhibit the ability of α-MSH to produce melanin.

5. Supporting Circadian Rhythms: Morning sunlight exposure and blocking artificial light at night helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythms, which are critical for immune function, leptin signaling, melatonin production, and much more.

6. Supporting Detoxification: Supporting the expansion of coherent domains/Exclusion Zone water inside the body (via proper hydration, grounding, and infrared light) pushes toxins out of cells and into the interstitial fluid, where they can be bound and eliminated.

If you're struggling with biotoxin illness, work closely with your healthcare professional to evaluate your situation and determine the next steps. Recovering from mold, Lyme, and other biotoxin-related illnesses can be a complex journey. At REGENERINT, I offer ongoing support and consultations from a biophysics-based perspective. Reach out at REGENERINT.com to learn how you can support your path to recovery with sustainable lifestyle and environmental changes.