Related articles: Confronting uncertainty about the Marshall Protocol, Physicians' concerns and success rates for 5 Dx, Independent research into Olmesartan
Related articles: Confronting uncertainty about the Marshall Protocol, Physicians' concerns and success rates for 5 Dx, Independent research into Olmesartan
Olmesartan (Benicar)Medication taken regularly by patients on the Marshall Protocol for its ability to activate the Vitamin D Receptor. has two actions. It palliates symptoms by reducing inflammationThe complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or damaged cells. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue., and it activates the innate immune responseThe body's first line of defense against intracellular and other pathogens. According to the Marshall Pathogenesis the innate immune system becomes disabled as patients develop chronic disease.. Patients who begin the Marshall ProtocolA curative medical treatment for chronic inflammatory disease. Based on the Marshall Pathogenesis. (MP) may experience either, both, or neither. According to one rough estimate, 25% of patients who begin the MP experience immediate symptomatic relief when they begin the olmesartanMedication taken regularly by patients on the Marshall Protocol for its ability to activate the Vitamin D Receptor. Also known by the trade name Benicar. blockade, about 25% feel no different, and the other 50% will experience some adjustment symptoms. Even for MP patients who have a minimal initial reaction to olmesartan, the medication almost always ultimately has strong antibacterial effects resulting in immunopathologyA temporary increase in disease symptoms experienced by Marshall Protocol patients that results from the release of cytokines and endotoxins as disease-causing bacteria are killed.. For olmesartan to be effective, it has to be dosed regularly: 40mg every 6-8 hours.
A patient's level of 1,25-DPrimary biologically active vitamin D hormone. Activates the vitamin D nuclear receptor. Produced by hydroxylation of 25-D. Also known as 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcitirol. lowers dramatically after beginning olmesartan. For a period of up to two weeks, patients may find an increase in neurological symptoms. These symptoms are due to fluctuations in the hormone 1,25-D and may include photosensitivityAbnormal sensitivity to sunlight and bright lights. Also referred to as "sun flare" or "light flare.", fatigue, headache, irritability, sleep disturbances, and brain fogThe loss of intellectual functions such as reasoning; memory loss; and other neurological abilities that is severe enough to interfere with daily functioning.. At least in the first week or two, none of these symptoms are due to bacterial die-off.
To minimize the severity of any neurological symptoms, patients must diligently avoid light exposure and not increase olmesartan gradually but start regular dosing all at once.
Main article: Vitamin D Receptor agonist
Once the body's mechanisms for regulating hormones has adjusted to regular doses of olmesartan, patients may find that they experience immunopathology or an increase in symptoms of disease. It is often the case that this is due to olmesartan's molecular actions. In its role as Vitamin D Receptor agonistA substance such as olmesartan (Benicar) or 1,25-D which activates the Vitamin D Receptor and transcribes the genes necessary for a proper innate immune response., olmesartan activates the innate immune response, which leads to the transcription of anti-microbial peptides, the body's broad-spectrum antibacterials. This results in bacterial die-off and an unpleasant increase in symptoms.
Though the immunopathological reactionA temporary increase in disease symptoms experiences by Marshall Protocol patients that results from the release of cytokines and endotoxins as disease-causing bacteria are killed. to olmesartan is near universal in the MP cohort, nothing that would suggest an increase in symptoms is listed in the monograph for olmesartan. In fact, the only adverse event in which olmesartan had a higher incidence than a placebo is for dizziness (3% vs. 1%). However, it should be noted, the patients in these studies were given Benicar only once a day.
This discrepancy underscores how crucial regular dosing of olmesartan is for achieving an immune response.
Main article: Low blood pressure
Related article: Hypertension
Low blood pressure (hypotension) and dizziness are symptoms of Th1 diseaseAny of the chronic inflammatory diseases caused by bacterial pathogens. and can be exacerbated during recovery on the Marshall Protocol (MP).
During bouts of hypotension, some physicians may be reluctant to continue prescribing olmesartan (Benicar), a medication which is otherwise used to reduce blood pressure. But, it is important that they do. Olmesartan has an excellent safety profile and is only a weak hypotensive, reducing diastolic pressure by no more than 12 mm Hg in the dosages suggested by the Marshall Protocol guidelines.
Patients and their physicians are advised not to be overly concerned with symptoms of low blood pressure. They resolve as the disease does. Also, the symptoms thought to be due to low blood pressure have been shown to resolve even if the low blood pressure persists.
Main article: Potent anti-inflammatory
Olmesartan is classified as an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocking (ARBA drug which is an angiotensin receptor blocker. One of the ARBs is olmesartan (Benicar). Not all ARBs activate the Vitamin D Receptor.) drug. When olmesartan binds and blocks the Angiotensin Receptor, it prevents fibrotic tissue from forming and decreases levels of Nuclear Factor Kappa B, a protein that stimulates the release of inflammatory cytokinesAny of various protein molecules secreted by cells of the immune system that serve to regulate the immune system. - proteins that generate pain and fatigue. The drop in cytokines results in less inflammation and oxidative stress.
For this reason, higher doses or more frequent administration of olmesartan is strongly recommended during severe immunopathology and critical care situations.