Infectobesity: Bacteria, Viruses, and Toxins by M.M. Van Benschoten, OMD

Our clinical experience in the treatment of obesity indicates the presence of a systemic inflammatory state from chronic infections or bacterial overgrowth of the respiratory and digestive systems. Immune responses to common pathogens and normal flora become amplified by animal food based diets, triggering adipocyte proliferation and enlargement. For the most sensitive patients, the response to bacterial toxins and viruses in a single serving of dairy or meat can set off an inflammatory reaction that causes weight gain, chronic recurrent infections, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer. When patients eliminate the source of bacterial and viral overload in their diets, immune system function returns to state of balance in which pathogens are cleared and fat cells are no longer proliferating.

Exposure to environmental toxins can trigger recurrent infections that result in obesity and cardiovascular disease. Dust and mold from old carpeting in a bedroom can induce chronic bronchitis with fatigue and insomnia, increasing TNF and targeting adipose tissues. The use of chlorine based cleaning products, especially liquid bleach as a sterilizing agent in sinks and bathrooms can induce severe respiratory damage, infection, and weight gain. Reversal of these conditions can only occur when a complete history reveals the source of exposure and it is eliminated.
T cell responses to bacterial endotoxins from fecal bacterial contamination of chicken, beef, eggs, and dairy products may induce mitochondrial autoimmune states that trigger obesity and exercise intolerance. Viruses in beef, chicken, eggs, and dairy can induce IgG antibodies that cross react with insulin and cortisol, amplifying responses to emotional stress and creating insulin resistance. Beta glucans from grain products can amplify the autoimmune damage to mitochondria, indicating the optimum weight loss diet should be vegan and grain free.

Case Study

Ms. A is 70 years old with a history of migraines, sinusitis, herniated cervical discs, weight gain, and anxiety. Chronic sinus infections can trigger cerebrovascular inflammation and hypoglycemia, resulting in pain, anxiety, and excessive appetite. Gambir, siegesbeckia, paeony red, pueraria alleviate headaches and migraines. Lonicera, forsythia, scute, and magnolia flower have antibacterial and antiallergy effects to clear the sinuses. Perilla leaf, fritillaria, codonopsis, and scute stabilize blood sugar to control appetite.

Bacterial toxins from enterococcus and salmonella on dairy, leafy greens, and poultry induce immune responses that may cause inflammation of adipose tissue and neurotransmitter imbalances. Weight gain, mood disorders, and digestive problems due to increased intake of salads are the result. Asparagus, elsholtzia, and moutan inhibit E. Coli and Salmonella. Coix, platycodon, and morus leaf improve insulin sensitivity, reduce LDL-C and inhibit COX2. Longan, rhodiola, and zizyphus spinosa are anxiolytic and improve muscle mitochondrial function.

TCM Materia Medica and Pharmacology

Arctium, coix, and platycodon are antibacterial, antiviral, antiretroviral, and antiobesity
Asparagus is antisalmonella, antistreptococcal, lipolytic, and reduces TNF
Belamcanda, isatis root, and plantago have antiadenovirus activity
Camellia induces adipocyte apoptosis and increases metabolism
Crataegus lowers cholesterol, improves cardiac function, and relieves food stagnation
Curcuma longa activates PPAR gamma, protects mitochondria and thyroid, reduces TNF
Grape seed has antiadenovirus and antiadipogenesis effects
Morus leaf reduces insulin resistance and increases PPAR alpha and gamma
Moutan and paeony are appetite suppressants with antiarthritic effects
Euonymus has antiobesity effects and inhibits endotoxin responses

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