ICAMA: I posted on FB and asked: You are told you have a UTI and you need antibiotics. Do you take them or not?

Comment:

OMG…the abx I took before I found you!! (20+ years ago) You healed and saved me! I never take them now. I rely on you and your expert experience.

Thank you K. T. for taking the time to share.

ICAMA: This is one way IC starts. There are so many alternatives. To learn more, follow us on instagram, FB, here, BOMAMED.COM, and YT.

At BOMAMED, we have been treating IC for the last three decades. In the beginning, we were young, and thought, as complicated as things were we could eventually create a protocol that was “one size fits all”. Going back a little further, at the beginning of our education, I remember speaking to the headmaster of our University. I said to him, “when we graduate, we will know everything, so this way we will be able to help so many people quickly”. In return he smiled, he answered, “no, my dear, when you graduate, you will know enough to really begin learning”. I recall being so upset and almost, put off by his comment. I felt sure he was underestimating my intelligence.

However, time and education did humble me and made me appreciate the profound theories of Chinese medicine coupled with the web of complexities woven by the culmination of Interstitial Cystitis and other chronic inflammatory conditions. We realized that every human suffering with these conditions is unique, despite the many commonalities involved. Early on, we stopped endeavoring to identify that “Magic Pill” because we understood more and more with each passing year that the healing was in the journey of that person’s constitution, life choices, medical choices, dietary choices, etc…. As we accepted this, this only further empowered us to be able to sit patiently with each person we help and just listen. We listen to the story of their lives past and present and put together a program to change the way in which they are taking care of themselves. Then week after week and month after month, we guide them towards a healthier internal balance, which ultimately affects their entire being.

After all of these years, I look back and think on that conversation with my Headmaster and I giggle to myself. He was so right, and I was so innocent really to think life was so simple. The years have enriched my being both intellectually and emotionally, as every single day we continue to learn more and more about the human condition and the human condition with chronic illness/Interstitial Cystitis. The human condition in its physiology and psyche are so eloquent, so profound, so fragile, and yet so strong. Learning these lessons and how to empower ourselves with positivity and redirection is key in healing. We are healers yes, and a big part of that is being a teacher, a guide to help YOU change YOU. This is our job, and it is our honor to do this to anyone who needs our help.

The “Magic Pill” is YOU!

Dr. Matia

Visit us on Instagram and FB when you get a chance and like and comment so we know you are there.

Chinese medicine has an entirely different paradigm through which to view physiology, and this is of great benefit when looking at conditions which seem otherwise undiagnosable through Western methods. However, the wonderful thing about practicing an ancient art more than 3,000 years later is we have the benefit of understanding certain things that we didn’t so long ago.

As anyone who has followed our work all of these years knows, we use an integrated understanding of physiology which draws heavily from the profound teachings of Chinese medicine combined with certain Western understanding of the human body. This work is almost completely based on rebalancing the GUT microbiome in the treatment of Interstitial Cystitis and it’s associated chronic inflammatory conditions.

Because we treat our patients for more than just their IC, we have the benefit of helping them through the years of their lives and as such, we see conditions that go along with aging, such as menopause, osteoporosis, and others. What we find fascinating is that the work we do for IC and other chronic inflammatory disorders can very much help to ease the aging process and prevent the otherwise commonly occurring degenerative diseases.

More and more, Western medicine is studying the GUT microbiome which ultimately substantiates the work that many of us in the alternative medicine world have been practicing for years. Today, we find two such studies which are very interesting if you have both IC and osteoporosis illuminating the connection between GUT microbiome balance and bone regrowth. These two articles are discussing specifically the impact that probiotics have on the GUT balance and bone growth, but I would like to add that it does not stop there. While probiotics are largely impactful on the GUT microbiome and balance so are a host of other supplements including many Chinese herbs. We do not apply the use of these supplements in the same way Western medicine does which helps us to understand why such supplements can work so well. However, having both paradigms to rely on only increases one’s understanding of these conditions and the treatments being used for them.

These are great reads. I am citing the links below:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34502371/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34373761/

Chinese medicine changed our lives and we have been helping others change theirs for 30 years. We just posted a story today as well (Instagram account), click on the link in the story, it’s a kind of cool study even though western medicine really cannot well define Chinese medicine. It’s nice to see more studies being published.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5585554/

I am one of Matia’s patients and below is a letter that I wrote her very recently. I was so debilitated by IC with terrible pain, urgency, and pressure that was relentless. Now, I don’t even think about my bladder at all. After watching their video, this is what I wrote Matia.

Matia,

I just watched your first video. It was so great to see you and Boaz again. You are beautiful. It brings a flood of emotion into my heart because what you have done for me is indescribable with words. You gave me my life back. You brought so much hope into my life when there was none. You allowed me to live the life I have always dreamed of. You’ve allowed me to be the wife and mother I always wanted to be. Watching this video brought back tough memories of when I was so debilitated. I feel like I take it for granted that my bladder feels so amazing now. I seriously LOVE you. I am so incredibly grateful for what you have done for me and so many other women. You are simply the best and I cannot imagine my life without having our paths cross. I know you truly care about me and I want you to know I truly care about you. I pray for you by name everyday and have for years. You are an angel to me and so many and I am sending you a great big virtual hug!!!!!! Thank you will never be enough, but I hope by giving you this heartfelt note that you know how much you mean to me. I hold you so high and I respect so much your work and dedication to your patients. You never gave up on me. You taught me that the impossible is possible. You showed me that I can believe in myself and my body’s ability to heal. Now I am a mother to 4 beautiful children. That would have NEVER been possible without you. I am attaching pics of my four precious blessings. May God continue to bless you and Boaz as you continue educating and inspiring hope in so many.

Precipitating Factors

Precipitating factors include factors that begin to alter mucosal integrity throughout the body, referred to as hyperpermeability. This occurs primarily in the GALT (Gut-Associated Lymphatic Tissue), but may often occur in other body tissues such as urogenital tissue through MALT (Mucosa-Associated Lymphatic Tissue). Other tissues that often become involved are sinus, ears, eyes, lungs, and throat. Precipitating factors also may cause microbiological imbalancing such as the increase of indigenous flora including Enteroccocus, E. coli, and Candida Albicans. If these factors create changes in mucosal integrity of the intestines, it is referred to as hyperpermeability, and if it causes microbial changes in the intestines, it is referred to as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). Either condition may lead to the other. Furthermore, these conditions then in turn lead to LGS (Leaky Gut Syndrome), Bacterial Translocation (BT) or Microbial Translocation (MT). The dynamics of these syndromes are very similar and involve the abnormal transference of antigens into systemic circulation from the imbalance in the small intestine. In the case of BT or MT the transference is thought to be occurring through the normal physiological pathway of transcytosis entering from the M cells on Peyer’s Patches that are groupings of lymphatic tissues that line the small intestine, (Berg et. al, 1993) This is the pathway through which the mucosal system (MALT) communicates. And, LGS is said to leak antigens through paracellular migration, (Rona, 2006; Galland, 2006).

Many may agree that once the system becomes imbalanced all of these factors are generally involved but in different proportions. Other tissues then are often consequently affected from the imbalance in the small intestine such as, the mesenteric lymph nodes, urogenital tissue, reproductive tissues, eyes, ears, nose and throat, lungs and organs such as the spleen, liver, and kidneys (that ultimately affect the urinary bladder). The connections between the small intestine imbalance and the system tissues occur through the MALT.

In IC, the urogenital tissue may be primarily affected and not be stemming from a primary imbalance in the small intestine in some cases. However, it is more common for the small intestine to be the primary source of the imbalance.

These changes occur over time due to numerous and various factors. This author is of the opinion that these factors are numerous because primarily these factors have arisen due to the negative aspects of modern advances in health, medicine, and diet and are pervasive elements of our society.

Precipitating Factors are:

Poor diet that includes the over-consumption of sugar or sugar substitutes, and/or alcohol (and other substance abuse); or dietary practices such as anorexia, bulimia, vegetarianism.

Over-use of or inappropriate use of supplements such as laxatives, weight loss products, and others.

Overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics, antifungals, steroids, NSAIDS, hormone prescriptions, and many other medications such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.

Chronic stress that may go as far as childhood and involve issues of bonding.

Certain repetitive exposures to chemicals such as those found in hair dyes, tooth whitening products, and, chlorine through water supply.

Changes to urogenital environment:

Transmission of sexual fluids containing certain pathogenic organisms.

Hormonal changes such as menopause creating mucosal and microbiological imbalances.

Changes in gastrointestinal balance affecting urogenital tissue through MALT.

There are numerous researchers focusing on the various kinds of imbalances referred to above occurring relative to chronic illness. In an effort to clarify these theories, while drawing conclusions regarding IC and other chronic disease from them, this author cites from the following researchers at the forefront of their fields, the first compilation of which is general followed by more specifically organized statements below it:

“Each organism lives in a continuous interaction with its environment: this interaction is of vital importance but at the same time it could be life-threatening. The largest and most important interface between the organism and its environment is represented by surfaces covered by epithelial cells. Of these surfaces mucosae represent in humans about 300 m2 while skin covers approximately 2 m2 surface of the human body. Starting from first hours after the delivery from the sterile uterine environment (mammalian foetuses are born germ-free) the interaction of the macro-organism with micro-organisms begins: the main portal of entry of microbes is skin and mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urogenital tracts. Physiologically occurring interaction with bacteria leads to colonization of epithelial surfaces and this co-existence is usually harmonious, and beneficial for the host (commensalisms). A complex, open ecosystem, formed by resident bacteria and transiently present microbes interacting with macro-organism is founded. However, under some conditions the interaction with “endogenous” microbes can be harmful for the host (parasitism) and opportunistic infections can occur. The microflora interacts with its host both locally and systemically. (Tlaskalová-Hogenová, p. 97, 2006).

“While the skin surface is protected mechanically by several epithelial layers, surfaces of the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urogenital tracts, conjunctivae and outlets of endocrine glands are mostly covered with a single-layered epithelium and require, therefore, a more extensive protection: this is represented by a complex of mechanical and chemical agents responsible for effective degradation and removal of heterogeneous substances. In addition, both mucosa and internal environment of the organism are protected by a most effective innate and highly specific immune systems. Basic functions of the mucosal immune system are protection against pathogenic micro-organisms and prevention of penetration of immunogenic components from mucosal surfaces into the internal environment of the organism (barrier and anti-infectious functions). Another important function is induction of unresponsiveness of the systemic immunity to antigens present on mucosal surfaces (“oral, mucosal tolerance”) and maintenance of the homeostasis on mucosal surfaces (immunoregulatory function). Among the basic features of mucosal immunity differentiating it from systemic immunity, are strongly developed mechanisms of innate immunity and existence of characteristic populations of lymphocytes that differ from, e.g. blood lymphocytes in origin, phenotype and secreted products. Other features characteristic of mucosal immunity are: colonisation of mucosal surfaces and exocrine glands by cells originating from lymphatic follicles of intestine or bronchi (migration and homing of mucosal lymphocytes establishing the so-called “common mucosal system”) and the well-known epithelial transport of polymeric immunoglobulins produced by mucosal plasma cells through the epithelium (secretory immunoglobulins, mainly IgA isotype). A balance in intestinal mucosa may be disturbed by pathogenic micro-organisms and their toxins, or by inadequately functioning components of the mucosal immune system. On the other hand, an expression of pathologically increased immunological activity may induce various inflammatory processes. Thus, numerous chronic diseases may occur as a result of disturbances of mucosal barrier function or of changes in mechanisms regulating mucosal immunity. This may involve infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases (allergies), multiorgan failure but also autoimmune diseases developing either in their initial phase or throughout on mucosal surfaces” (Tlaskalová-Hogenová, p. 98, 2006). “The main mechanical barrier of mucosal surfaces is formed by a layer of epithelial cells covered with glycocalyx composed of complex glycoproteins. The epithelium of most mucosal surfaces consists of a layer of interconnected, polarised epithelial cells separated by a basal membrane from the connective and supporting tissue surrounding various types of cells present in the lamina propria. Intestinal epithelial layer is reinforced by tight junctions present in paracellular spaces of epithelial cells and forming an interconnected network. Tight junctions were found to act as a dynamic and strictly regulated port of entry that opens and closes in response to various signals (e.g. cytokines) originating in the lumen, lamina propria and epithelium. Tight junctions participate in preserving cellular polarity and are regarded as key elements in intestinal diffusion mechanisms.” (Tlaskalová-Hogenová, p. 99, 2006).

“It has been recently found that intestinal epithelial cells as an important part of the innate immune system are directly involved in various immune processes, in addition to their absorptive, digestive and secretory functions. (Tlaskalová-Hogenová, p. 99, 2006).

SIBO: (Lin, 2004) “Bacterial translocation, a known complication of SIBO, isthe

movement of gut bacteria from the lumen across the mucosalbarrier. In rats, experimentally induced SIBO leads to theappearance of gut bacteria in the mesenteric lymph nodes andvisceral organs. A potentially important consequence of bacterialtranslocation is immune activation. In a report of 11 patients,an increase in the number of intraepithelial lymphocytes wasobserved as mucosal evidence of this immune response to confirmedbacterial translocation. This adverse outcome could explainwhy the normal gut has defensive mechanisms in place to keepthe bacterial flora away from the small intestine, particularlythe bowel proximal to the ileum. It is well recognized that there is a high degree of overlapbetween IBS, fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, and chronicfatigue syndrome. While interstitial cystitis andIBS are diagnoses associated with hypersensitivity at thelevel of the bladder and gut, respectively, fibromyalgia maybe considered a kind of hypersensitivity at the musculoskeletallevel. Although the cause of the hypersensitivity in thesedisorders is not well understood, the striking overlap of hypersensitivityin these functional disorders suggests the possibility of aunifying explanation.

Lin (2004) has been correlating IBS, previously a symptom based diagnosis with a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. If we take this research which supports the argument for gastrointestinal disruption due to bacterial imbalance and combine it with the above information regarding the leaking of bacteria into the circulatory and lymphatic systems, it is very easy to see how bacteria may invade the body systemically and translocate into other organ systems, including the bladder. IBS commonly presents with a host of other problems, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia visceral hypersensitivity, autonomic dysfunction, immune activation, and others, which, in the past have been regarded as separate issues. This practice is making increasingly less sense, challenging researchers to find the common thread that binds these conditions and may be the reason that such separation may be becoming “an artifact of medical specialization”. Small Intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be that common finding. These researchers have verified that translocation of bacteria from the small intestine is possible and may travel to mesenteric lymph nodes as well as visceral organs as well as the presence of intraepithelial lymphocytes, substantiating the idea that the small intestine may become hyperpermeable, a controversial condition referred to as “leaky gut syndrome”. Lastly, sleep disturbance, flu-like symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, depression, and impaired cognition were among the immune responses linked with this abnormal condition of the small intestine disrupting the immune and autonomic nervous systems, (Lin, 2004).

(Rodriguez, 2005) has found in his practice that a disruption in gastrointestinal flora is the starting point for most chronic illnesses. He finds that this disruption weakens immunity and triggers the otherwise normally occurring trillions of non pathogenic bacteria and fungi into pathogenesis mode that create numerous chronic illness such as IBS, CFS, chronic anemia, skin disorders, and many others including chronic cystitis.

LGS: This is understood as a condition that provides passage between enlarged spaces, (also known as paracellular translocation) in the lining of the small intestine of “bacteria, fungi, parasites and their toxins, undigested protein, fat and waste normally not absorbed into the bloodstream in the healthy state” “Due to the enlarged spaces between the cells of the gut wall, larger than usual protein molecules are absorbed before they have a chance to be completely broken down as occurs when the intestinal lining is intact. The immune system starts making antibodies against these larger molecules because it recognizes them as foreign, invading substances. The immune system starts treating them as if they had to be destroyed. Antibodies are made against these proteins derived from previously harmless foods. (Rona, 2006). “Leaky Gut Syndromes are usually provoked by exposure to substances which damage the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, disrupting the desmosomes which bind epithelial cells and increasing passive, para-cellular absorption, (Galland, 2006).

Hyperpermeability: Numerous researchers are exploring issues of gastrointestinal hyper-permeability. This hypothesis is based upon the small intestine housing “the gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT), the largest lymphatic organ of the body” (Tlaskalová-Hogenová et al., 2004) and its central role in chronic disease. Due to the fundamental role of the small intestine in health, it’s imbalance becomes pivotal to the disease process affecting the body systemically including immune, nervous, endocrine and exocrine systems. Referring to imbalances of the small intestine, (Tlaskalová-Hogenová et. Al, 2004), states that, “A balance in intestinal mucosa may be disturbed by pathogenic micro-organisms and their toxins, or by inadequately functioning components of the mucosal immune system. On the other hand, an expression of pathologically increased immunological activity may induce various inflammatory processes. Thus, numerous chronic diseases may occur as a result of disturbances of mucosal barrier function or of changes in mechanisms regulating mucosal immunity. This may involve infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases (allergies), multiorgan failure but also autoimmune diseases developing either in their initial phase or throughout on mucosal surfaces.” “The intestinal epithelium represents the primary site for active transport of fluid and electrolytes from the gut lumen through the transcellular pathway; however the predominant route for passive transpithelial solute flow is the paracellular pathway. Gut mucosa serves as the main barrier to the passage of macromolecules, that is, foreign antigens entering the host via the oral route, components of commensal flora such as toxins. The majority of luminal proteins cross the intestinal barrier through the transcellular pathway, followed by lysosomal degradation. Lysosomal degradation changes proteins into nonimmunogenic peptides. Small but immunologically significant amounts of antigens cross the barrier intact form through the paracellular pathway. The paracellular pathway involves a subtle regulation of intercellular tight junctions that leads to antigen (mucosal) tolerance. When the integrity of the tight junctions is compromised for example, as a consequence of prematurity, exposure to toxins, drugs, or radiation, aberrant immune reactions to environmental antigens occur and could lead to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.”(Tlaskalova-Hogenova et. Al, 2005, p.4). “The balance in intestinal mucosa may be disturbed by pathogenic microorganisms and toxins attacking the mucosa by qualitative or quantitative changes in the composition of mucosal microbiota, or by inadequately functioning components of the innate or adaptive immune system occurring in cases of dysregulated mechanisms of mucosal immunity or in immunodeficiencies. An expression of pathologically increased immunological activity may induce inflammatory processes of a different character, depending on the type and mediators of inflammation. Thus, numerous chronic diseases may occur as a result of disturbances of mucosal barrier function or of changes in mechanisms regulating mucosal immunity. The main characteristics of chronic ‘idiopathic’, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases are tissue destruction and functional impairment as a consequence of immunologically mediated mechanisms that are principally the same as those functioning against dangerous (pathogenic) infections).”(Tlaskalova-Hogenova et. Al, 2005, p.4).

According to Crandall (2002), Candida grows on the contents of the intestine, and also penetrates the intestinal mucosa, disrupting the wall structure. This makes the gut wall more permeable, allowing the passage of microbial cells, partially digested food particles, and other molecules from the intestine into the blood stream. When higher than normal amounts of Candida antigens cross the ‘leaky’ intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream, they induce the synthesis of higher than normal levels of anti-Candida antibodies. Then these antibodies combine with the Candida antigens circulating in the bloodstream, forming immune complexes (Crandell, 2002, p. II-3).

Woodcock et al correlates a decrease in IgA with an increase in bacterial translocation outlining the barrier that IgA creates in reinforcing the intestinal mucosal barrier. Peyer’s Patches also are involved in the formation of IgA, an immunoglobin responsible for assisting in gastrointestinal barrier integrity. This author contends that as small intestinal health is altered, the Peyer’s Patches being a fundamental part of this dynamic can no longer produce adequate amounts of IgA, (Baugmart, 2002). IgA is used as one major marker in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal hyperpermeability (Galland, 2006; Miller, 2006).

4) MT or BT: Berg: Bacterial translocation may stem from 1) small intestine bacterial overgrowth, 2) immune deficiency, or 3) mucosal injury of the gastrointestinal barrier (Berg, 1995). “Bacterial translocation is defined as the passage of viable bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract to extraintestinal sites, such as the mesenteric lymph nodes complex, liver, spleen, and blood stream.” (Berg, 1995, p. 149). The same dynamic applies to Candida Albicans and other fungal microbes and is referred to as microbial translocation.“MLN is the first organ encountered in the translocation route from the GI lumen, is readily promoted by intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In fact, the degree of translocation of certain species of enterobacteriaceae to the MLN is directly related to their levels in the small intestine and cecum. The bacteria that translocate at the greatest efficiency from the GI tract to the MLN of monoassociated ex-germ free mice are Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and gram negative, facultative, aerobic enterobacteriaceae such as Klebsiella Pneumoniae, E.coli, and Proteus Mirabilis. Gram-positive, oxygen tolerant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus Epidermis and Lactobacillus Brevis, translocate at an intermediate level.” (Berg, 1995, p.149). “…it has also been suggested that macrophages and polymorpho- nuclear leukocytes engulf particles, including bacteria, at mucosal surfaces and transport them to abscesses, lymph nodes and other sites. Much more investigation is required to delineate the roles of cell-mediated immunity in the pathogenesis of bacterial translocation.” (Berg, 1995, p.151). “In the intestinal bacterial overgrowth model…indigenous bacteria translocate through the epithelial cells (intracellularly), rather than by interrupting tight junction to pass between enterocytes (extracellularly). Even overtly pathogenic organisms such as salmonella typhimurium and Candida Albicans are seen by microscopy to cross the mucosa intracellularly through intestinal epithelial cells.”(Berg, 1995, p.150). Berg goes on to correlate the affects of antibiotics and steroids with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

In fact, “In healthy individuals, bacteria are continually crossing the intestinal mucosa and are then transported into lymph and extra-intestinal sites, including the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, kidney, spleen, and bloodstream. This phenomenon is known as bacterial translocation and occurs at very low rate and involves very small numbers of microbes in healthy individuals—most of the organisms being killed by the normal host defence mechanisms. The organisms most often associated with bacterial translocation are: E.coli, K. Pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., Pr. Mirabilis, Enterococcus, Streptococcus spp., and Candida Albicans.” (Wilson, 2005, p.312). These bacteria have commonly been found in stool and broth urine cultures ordered by this author of her patients having IC.

“The passage of indigenous bacteria colonizing the intestine through the mucosa to local lymph nodes and internal organs is termed bacterial translocation and is a critical step in the pathophysiology of various disorders, from inflammatory bowel disease and sepsis to heart failure…What is more, bacterial translocation can also be detected in healthy people, with a frequency as high as 5% of the population assayed.”(Gorski et al., p.313, 2006)

Combination of the above phrases: “Intestinal barrier function regulates transport and host defense mechanisms at the mucosal interface with the outside world. Transcellular and paracellular fluxes are tightly controlled by membranes pumps, ion channels and tight junctions adapting permeability to physiological needs. Food and microbial antigens are under constant surveillance of the mucosal immune system. Tolerance against commensals and immunity against pathogens require intact antigen uptake, recognition, processing, and response mechanisms. Disturbance at any level, but particularly bacterial translocation due to increased permeability and breakdown of oral tolerance due to compromised epithelial and T cell interaction, can result in inflammation and tissue damage.” (Baumgart et. Al, 2002, p.685). (Riordan et al. 1997) finds that small intestine hyperpermeability occurs in SIBO and that Enterobacteriaceae are amongst the most common bacteria involved with this process. This bacterium is the one that this author finds to be the most commonly occurring in broth cultures of those having IC. The following quote comes from a study on microbial translocation specifically focused on Ecolab and Candida Albia’s, “ However, in many specimen, Candida were found to be budding both within macrophages and in the extracellular spaces. Perhaps 20-30% were within extracellular spaces, many of these free within lymphatics…. in the sub mucosal lymphatics, the organisms were found both free and within macrophages, sometimes associated with leukocyte aggregates…examples were seen in which a high frequency of translocation occurred through the mucosal epithelium covering Peyer’s Patches.” (Alexander et.al 1990, p. 503). “The most important finding of our study is that both large (C. Albicans) and small (E. coli) intact microbes and endotoxin translocated directly through morphologically intact enterocytes through a similar mechanism, which is different from classical phagocytosis and exocytosis.” (Alexander et.al 1990, p. 508). “While the current studies do not address the clinical relevance of translocation, they provide evidence that translocation of viable microbes and endotoxin occurs with great frequency through morphologically intact enterocytes.” (Alexander et.al 1990, p. 510). Some hypothesize that “absorption of antigens via intestinal lymphatic may be a significant source of systemic autointoxication” (McMillin et. Al, 1999 p.3). Autointoxication, the theory of intestinal toxins entering systemic circulation is an ancient theory that recently has sprouted routes with theories such as multiple chemical sensitivities and endotoxins (McMillin et. Al, 1999). McMillin et. Al correlate lymphatic absorption of antigens with psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases. They base their opinions on the concept of bacterial translocation that ultimately leads to multiple organ failure (MOF) and death. However, McMilllin et. Al are of the position that that autoimmune inflammatory responses are activated by bacterial translocation, and that MOF is the extreme result, and chronic disease is what lies between that extreme and health. (Husebye, 2005, p.2) in his review of bacterial translocation says, “The consequences (of bacterial translocation) of the host vary from none to life-threatening complications caused by electrolyte deficiencies and septic manifestations”.

These research studies illuminate the fundamental issues underlying the pathology of IC and other chronic diseases that often accompany the condition as theorized by this author. To further substantiate this connection, this author finds that the urine cultures conducted on her patients are often positive for the microbes commonly associated with MT above, i.e. E.coli, Enterococcus, K. Pneumonniae, Proteus Mirabilis, and/or Candida Albicans. And, (Keay et al, abstract, 1995) a researcher at the forefront of the field of IC found that “These data do not provide evidence that IC is associated with infection or colonization by a single microorganism. However, they do generate the hypothesis that the prevalence of microorganisms, especially bacteria at low concentrations, is greater in the urine of IC patients than of control subjects. If these results are confirmed by other controlled studies, the question of whether the presence of these organisms is a cause or a result of IC should be addressed.”

This author finds that there is often a different result between standard agar culture and broth culture urinalysis, however. Broth analysis is usually required in order to isolate the pathogens present in IC. This is a controversial issue, however, the consistency of results among patients warrants a need for a more research in this area.

Once homeostasis has been upset and this process is put into motion, pleomorphism can occur as well, complicating the process further (Appleton, 2002). (Palermo, 2003), of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is researching the issue of biofilms as a reason for ineffective antibiotic treatment in resistant and chronic infections. He describes the multicellular organism formed by thousands of bacteria working together that become a force too strong for the immune system and the antibiotics given to treat the infection. He further argues that the bacteria often reside within the tissues of the bladder rather than free flowing within the bladder organ often rendering negative results with urinalysis.

It is this author’s belief that we may only be on the cutting edge of discovering the numerous adverse affects that modernly used chemicals in medicine, diet, and other practices are having on the mucosal barrier that protects the internal environment from the external environment, and that this is the root of many chronic disorders including IC. It is this author’s opinion that if we alter many of our current practices, this disorder as well as many others may be eliminated.

Trigger Factors

The body will endeavor to protect itself against the precipitating factors through Compensation and store the pathology in its attempt to maintain Latency. Eventually, the body will be unable to continue the processes of Compensation and Latency because either too much Latency has accumulated or the body has become too depleted of the physical stores required to maintain the Latent state. In some cases, the trigger factor is so strong that precipitating factors are not required, but that is the exception, not the rule.

Basically what occurs during the precipitating phase is a change in the GALT affecting the MALT. The Western concepts of SIBO, LGS, MT and BT are the CCM processes of Compensation and Latency. Inflammation ensues from these conditions and affects other body tissue. As we said earlier in this text, Compensation and Latency present as chronic disorders involving inflammation primarily in areas such as muscles and joints (arthritis); eyes, ears nose and throat (allergies, chronic sore throats and ear infections, migraines); the pelvis (endometriosis, fibroids, cysts, PMS); skin (chronic skin conditions such as seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis); genital (chronic vaginitis, jock itch, vulvadynia); digestive system (chronic bloating and gas and IBS) to name a few examples.

The Trigger factor is the final onset of the disease process. The only exception is the acute onset of the sexually transmitted model. However, that too was created over time in the person the transmission originated from.

Trigger factors are identical to precipitating factors, the only difference being that it is the final step prior to the onset of the IC. Precipitating Factors and Trigger Factor may be the same or different. The Trigger Factor is the factor that finally brings the pathology to the urinary bladder itself, marking the time that the patient associates the onset of the disease. The only factors that are not precipitating factors but may be trigger factors are:

Childbirth: hormonal imbalance triggering an onset.

Surgical or medically invasive procedure that introduces a biofilm into the body

or triggers MT or BT.

The precipitating and trigger factors determine the course this disease takes and exactly how it will manifest itself coupled with, of course, the emotional and physical constitution and imbalances of the person.

The more suppression that has occurred, the more the pathology becomes complicated. Inappropriate treatments may also trigger Compensatory reactions as well.

The above trigger factors are non-issues for those with a healthy body. Childbirth, sexual activity, and menopause, for example will not cause problems for healthy persons. A surgical procedure, although traumatic, will not trigger IC without the precipitating factors in place first unless the way in which the procedure incited disease was the introduction of a biofilm.

There is much more to write on this subject, but, I thought this might be a good place to start:

People ask us all of the time, “What can I take for….., Can I take this for……” But, that simply is not the way Chinese medicine works, which, is the complexity as well as the simplicity of this ancient medical art.

For example, if ten people have the same condition, they may easily require ten different protocols. Why? Well, first, we come into this world differently. We have different genetics, and perhaps even our soul may influence that even further (but that is for a different blog 😉 ) Secondly, we had different household environments growing up, both emotionally and environmentally, thirdly, our diets and medications were different throughout our lives, fourth(ly) all of these things and perhaps additional factors played a part in setting our imbalance into motion, and lastly, our current emotional and environmental surroundings also impact us. With this many variables, how could we all require the same treatment? It is impossible.

But, this is the beauty of Chinese medicine. We are not limited to a one solution per problem paradigm which removes the person’s individuality from the picture. Chinese medicine also has a completely different paradigm through which to view disease which allows us to treat conditions that would otherwise have no treatment. One of my favorite stores was a 24 year old young woman who lost her period for four years. She went to every doctor. One after the other told her that she had emotional problem and needed antidepressant medication, or she needed to regulate her period with birth control pills, or simply turned her away saying there was no plausible explanation and perhaps she just would have no period and be unable to have children.

This young woman eventually found her way into the office of a Chinese medicine doctor. He listened for a long time to her history. He examined her pulses (we use may in CM). He examined her tongue, we can determine many things from the examination of the tongue, he palpated different areas of her body. He then prepared one week’s worth of carefully weighed and measured raw herbs with which to make medicinal tea. When she got home that night she called her sister who is very Western and kind of smirked at the idea that drinking tea would do what Western medicine couldn’t in four years. The next morning she woke up with her period and it was regular ever since.

This is only one of many many miraculous stories owing to Chinese medicine. You see the reason that the teas worked in this case was because Chinese medicine is not limited by the results of blood work or other means of diagnosis. We are also not limited by the concepts of conventional medicine when diagnosing. After examining this woman it was very clear she had blood stagnation and Kidney deficiency that emanated after a life altering surgery she had had not long before the period ceased to occur. He could tell this by the many questions he asked and by her tongue and pulse.

Of course she was not miraculously healed of her entire imbalance all in one fell swoop, but she regained her cycle which was the first and most important step in the beginning of her healing journey.

We fell in love with Chinese medicine over 30 years ago and have never looked back. It offers solutions where they would otherwise be absent. We are healers and we are teachers, and as we help people, they in turn will help guide their children in ways they would not have if not for this knowledge. This is our way of endeavoring to change the lives of as many people as possible.

If you would like to learn more, we have several YT videos on our ICAMA channel, where we discuss this and our concepts of how we approach IC and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Dr. M

If you are reading this, you are likely in a lot of pain, terrified about what the future might hold, and whether you will ever be able to have a normal life…at least that’s how I felt.
My name is Olivia, and everything started for me on the 13th of February 2021, one day before Valentine’s day. I was 24, living in the UK, practising a job that I liked, with great friends, an amazing boyfriend at the time and loving life. Until, everything changed for me one morning.
After the first morning pee, out of the blue, I started suffering from urinary urgency, frequency followed by pelvic pain and very weird urethral shock-like spasms. I had no burning. From my previous experiences with urinary tract infections, I was sure I had one and thus went to my GP who prescribed a first course of antibiotics. I started taking it but it made me worse, so he changed the antibiotic and I was still getting worse. Finally, he gave me a 3rd one and my symptoms settled down to 40% but I still had lingering manifestations of the infections.
After several rounds of urologist and gynaecologist telling me I was fine and many many tears of despair, I landed in a clinic specialised in Chronic embedded urinary tract infection (also referred to as Interstitial Cystitis) where they finally gave the diagnosis. At first, I felt relief because I thought my solution revolved around taking long term high dose antibiotics however it turned out that my body would not tolerate them for more than 1 month as side effects were horrible and started outweighing my never-ending bladder symptoms. They included chronic vaginal thrush, acid reflux, nausea, anal fissures, debilitating fatigue, constipation, and neuropathic manifestations mainly pins and needles on my arms and legs. I was truly horrible; I genuinely thought my life was over.
Desperate, I carried on extensive research and landed on BOMAMED’s website. Initially I was very sceptic because I am a healthcare professional trained to use western medicines and never considered eastern medicines to be effective. But when I turned to Boaz, I made the best decision of my life and never looked back. I dropped the antibiotics for good and left the urology clinic I was treating at because I knew they were not able to help me. I started on Boaz’s protocol with the diet at first then he added the herbs. As I am typing this it has been 3 months, and I am MUCH improved not just with the bladder but other areas of my body including vagina, gut, skin, hair, energy levels, and mood. I am not yet consistently symptom free but I know I will get there. His understanding of this disease and protocol in place is so unique and I truly believe there is no one out there who deals with this disease like they do. Best of all, this protocol gave me NO side effects. The diet is strict but eventually it will open up and I will start adding more food in. This is SUCH A SMALL price to pay next to the horror of IC. In addition, I communicated the knowledge of healthy lifestyle Boaz gave me to my family and friends and they started implementing it as well, seeing how positive the results are.
I am truly hoping you will give Boaz the chance to get you out of this misery, and direct you towards wellness and good health. I am forever grateful to their clinic for everything they do. Thank you will never be enough!!!

Our diet is not concrete, it has basic parameters, but we individualize it with each person we treat based on their individual circumstances. Because we developed our protocols from the very beginning, our dietary input came from raw clinical observation year after year. The goal of our dietary recommendations is gradient. We withhold many foods in the earlier stages, and as the person goes through treatment, we start adding foods back in. The goal in the end is to have a full diet minus the big offenders-sugar, alcohol, fungal and foods.

One might look at this as restrictive but, to us it is a way of life that we teach people so that they can get healthy and stay healthy. People ask us about other diets and medical theories, and to that we would respond by saying this diet is not for the purpose of controlling, but rather for the purpose of repairing the imbalances in the body that have caused the inability for the body to function optimally.
A big part of our work is teaching a different perspective on self healthcare and healthcare in general.

Just yesterday we received a note from a patient in remission discussing how she adheres to all that we have taught her and she in turn has taught her children. They also learned things such as not to run for pain killers and antibiotics without first leaning on the alternatives that we have taught.

Our work is hopefully changing the future for may children who will grow up and teach their friends and their children. We have many things at our disposal if we just shift how we look at diet, lifestyle and healthcare. When following this kind of thinking, we should not need “diets”, just a healthy diet.

Dr.M

We began our journey in alternative health in 1994 and have been committed to helping people all of these years. This is a video we made about 7 years ago and it will give great insight into why we do what we do and how we came to it.

The past week, in speaking to patients we have had over the years, I am reminded of something that I myself went through years ago early on in my health journey.

I had lost what I viewed as my healthy body from an early age, and it was then when I met my first very real health challenge that I began to understand the vast amount of grey that exists between the black and white of health and illness.

I was quite young and had once been very trusting of the professional, the doctors, the surgeons, the medical profession in general.

When I diverted from that path and began to eat ‘differently” and take supplements “differently” and take care of my body…”differently” than my family and my friends, I began to appear alien to them.

It was not too long after that side step that I realized, it was in my best interest to not share my journey with others. I kept my health and my challenges to myself. I was then quite unwell and in truth, I needed a shoulder that didn’t exist at the time. But to feel the sting of judgement and mocking only brought me to tears and held me back, not forward.

This week, I have had two of my patients share these same struggles with their family and friends. One, brought me to tears as she described her feelings and her simultaneous gratitude for all that she has learned from our methods. Her words, “you saved my life, you gave me my life back”, brought me to tears as I remembered that this is the very reason why we dedicated our lives to this path in the first place.

To not be believed, to not be supported in one’s struggle for health and for life, is a very humiliating feeling.

If someone tells you, they feel something, even if you don’t understand it….LISTEN! It’s the greatest gift you can give someone. Don’t judge!

What we put ON our body is AS important as what we put IN our body!

How many times have you heard, “we don’t know what this is exactly. All of your blood tests show normal”, or, “these things just happen sometimes, we don’t know why”, or “these things happen from stress, maybe if you take an antidepressant, it will help control your emotions”.

We have heard all of it, both in our personal lives prior to our own individual health endeavors as well as listening to patient stories all of these years. Nothing makes us more angry than the cries of a person for help because he or she has been turned away from so many doctors before and accused of manufacturing the condition from emotions.

We are here to teach and treat inflammation that occurs from the mismanagement of our health and our sickness which ultimately leads to an accumulation of inflammation year after year until ultimately the straw that breaks the camels’ back finally does so and a more serious condition such as IC occurs. This is what BOMAMED and ICAMA treat.

Following our dietary, healthcare, lifestyle and daily self-care recommendations are critical to success. If you do nothing else but change these things, it will make a tremendous impact on your inflammation and therefore, your condition.

Don’t let anyone tell you that what you are feeling is in your head, don’t let anyone tell you that what you are feeling is your imagination, don’t let anyone tell you there is no treatment. It simply isn’t true.

Dr.M

Did you know that citric acid in your products, although at some point in the past was derived from actual citrus, is made from mold. This is a less expensive way to continue the production. When buying food products, make sure there is no citric acid in them.

Read your labels! If it says citric acid, there’s a 99% if not 100% possibility that is is derived from mold. These small details are very important to pay attention to because they can make a big difference in how you feel when you think you are doiung everything correctly.

Did you know that bleach is one of the most toxic ingredients to the body subjecting one’s health to an increased risk of colon and bladder cancer?
If you use this in your household, EVEN if you don’t touch it with your skin, EVEN if you are just breathing it, it will make your chronic inflammatory pain go up exponentially.

This should be avoided at all cost. There are many many natural products on the market these days to choose from. They too should still be handled with gloves but, not using bleach will make a big difference in your life and the life of your family.