Ecological Medicine

Environmental medicine addresses a wide range of adverse responses to environmental factors, from allergies to poisoning. Between these extremes are a group of responses which contribute to many common chronic disorders such as migraine and irritable bowel syndrome and often affect more than one organ system. The mechanisms have not been established but often the pattern of response is compatible with non-IgE-mediated allergic mechanisms. Environmental management is effective in most cases; the need for medication is reduced or even eliminated and well-being improves. Modern low-dose desensitisation methods (enzyme-potentiated desensitisation, known as EPD, and neutralisation) are far more effective and far safer than the old-fashioned hay-fever shots that doctors used to give; they are scientifically validated, and are available from many of our members.

Nutritional medicine focusses on the importance of all nutrients for health, and on diet, digestion and nutrient-toxin and host-microbe interactions. The assumption that patients who eat "a good mixed diet" will be well nourished has been disproved by many published papers - and individual requirements for nutrients vary widely. Biochemical dysfunctions resulting from deficiencies are common; they may cause illness, or arise as a consequence of illness, or as a side effect of medication. Nutritional intervention tailored to the individual can yield dramatic clinical benefit.

To find out if a condition may be treatable with any aspect of ecological medicine, check the list of responsive conditions.

Reports

The BSEM has published reports on:

• The application of nutrition to major health problems
• Standards of care and management of the allergic patient