Rowling: my mother never knew a thing about Harry Potter
JK Rowling has revealed that she kept Harry Potter a secret from her mother, who died knowing nothing about the now world-famous wizard.
The author admitted that she began writing about Harry months before the death of her mother, Anne, aged 45, who had battled Multiple Sclerosis for years.
But to her regret Ms Rowling decided not to tell her mum about the magical stories of wizardry which would transform her into a household name across the globe.
The revelation was made during an interview for a documentary to be broadcast tonight discussing why Scotland has the highest MS rates on earth and why so little is done about it. The BBC Scotland programme is presented by reporter Elizabeth Quigley, whose own diagnosis with MS inspired her to try to find
out the causes of the debilitating disease and how best to tackle it.
Speaking to Ms Quigley on the programme, Ms Rowling - who is patron of the Multiple Sclerosis Society Scotland - said: "I started writing Harry six months before she died. That's obviously a real regret because I never told her I was even writing it. She knew I wanted to write. I'm not sure how seriously she took it. She never knew anything about Harry Potter at all."
She described how she witnessed her mother's condition deteriorate as she grew up and realised that her mother was not the "invulnerable" woman she had believed her to be.
She said: "I was 25 when she died. When I left home she was walking unaided, by the time I graduated she was in a wheelchair and needed a walking frame in the house. It was awful to watch."
The writer also criticised the lack of funding for MS, which she said was well-known as the "Cinderella" of modern illnesses.
She added: "It is a frustration to those of us whose family members do have MS that so little is being done."
The first sign that something was wrong with her mother was a persistent numbness which gradually spread from her arm across her torso. Eventually doctors told her that she had MS.
For Ms Quigley it was an "annoying" tingling in her face which eventually led to her own diagnosis, while she was a political reporter for BBC Scotland.
After eight years, she now walks with a stick, and said that she and her husband, SNP Finance Secretary John Swinney, were determined not to let MS dictate their life and work. Tonight's programme, entitled Scotland's Hidden Epidemic - The Truth about MS, highlights the country's unexplained position as the place where more people have MS than anywhere else on the planet.
An estimated 10,500, or one in every 500, are thought to have the unpredictable disease, and rates are still rising. The largest numbers are found in the far northerly reaches of Scotland on Orkney and Shetland.
Several theories about the causes of the disease are explored during the documentary, including the idea of a Scottish "MS" gene making people more susceptible. Other possible links revolve around the idea that lack of sun and Vitamin D play a role. During the programme, Ms Quigley visited Canada where many descendants of Scottish emigrants also have MS. There, a national database set up in the 1970s is helping experts conduct promising trials of possible treatments.
In Scotland, to Ms Quigley's "almost embarrassment", far less has been achieved with work only just starting on a similar nationwide database. She also notes that the Scottish Government has funded no research into MS.
Work at Edinburgh University, financed by Ms Rowling, is said to have the potential to find a cure, however, bringing a glimmer of hope.
Speaking after a preview of the programme at Edinburgh's Filmhouse yesterday, Ms Quigley said: "I'm not holding out for a cure for me but maybe we can turn the negative Scotland's position as the world MS capital into a positive with a future cure."
© All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without
permission is prohibited.
Posted by: Somnamna, Far East on 2:56am Wed 23 Jul 08
It's a BBC advertisement.
It's a BBC advertisement.
Posted by: Moanin Minnie, Not here on 4:44am Wed 23 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Alkie[/bold] wrote:
No one really cares. This is not news worthy.[/quote] That's rich, since you issue your diatribe on alcohol daily, no matter what the subject matter is.
Alkie wrote:
No one really cares. This is not news worthy.
That's rich, since you issue your diatribe on alcohol daily, no matter what the subject matter is.
Posted by: Buddie, Paisley on 8:36am Wed 23 Jul 08
These first two posts are really quite appalling, Alkie has achieved a new low.
MS is genetic, there is no doubt about it, my family is proof and we must all do all that we can to find the cure. It is a ticking time bomb which will affect every family in Scotland before too long.
Please do all you can to support the MS society's research programme, which, after the very generous donation by JK Rowling, looks like having a serious chance at last of finding a cure.
These first two posts are really quite appalling, Alkie has achieved a new low.
MS is genetic, there is no doubt about it, my family is proof and we must all do all that we can to find the cure. It is a ticking time bomb which will affect every family in Scotland before too long.
Please do all you can to support the MS society's research programme, which, after the very generous donation by JK Rowling, looks like having a serious chance at last of finding a cure.
Posted by: 4thbridge, fife on 8:47am Wed 23 Jul 08
I think that there is a culture of submissiveness and / or willingness to see people as victims of diseases such as m.s. The ' no hope' attitude is actually perpetuated by the medical professionals, benefits systems, and suport strategies which we have subscribed to over the years. 10 years ago, my daughter had a medical symptom which was thought to be cancer by one consultant, TB by another, and SAPHO was the ultimate diagnoses. After some basic treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs her 'condition' symptom disappeared and the doctor changed his diagnosis to osteomeilitis; as she had had none of the other syndrome symptoms his logic seemed fair enough. Interestingly the SAPHO tag had turned her into a rare specimen for doctors to get very excited about- for us though, it meant doctors feeling free to intimate that the prognosis was 'not good'. Many professionals who took the time to check out the scant information available at the time, including school teachers, seemed to us to be disengaging or reassesssing her worthiness for their allocation of resources. What would be the point in investing in something for no return? You don't feed the best organic manure to a fruit tree that will never bear fruit when there is no pollinator! Well my daughter was blissfully unaware of all this. 'Can't do' was never part of her genetic make-up or vocabulary. She was a fully qualified PADI rescue diver at age 16, worked her butt off part-time during school to fund a £5K voluntary work experience overseas, and a much respected Beaver Cub leader . She took herself off to college and gained the necessary qualifications to get in to university when she worked out for herself that there was even more to life that she wanted; we knew all along she was capable but had been told not to 'push her' at school. Her next plan to conquer 'her' world was to get a voluntary position in her chosen line of work. She sailed through the interview process while we parents squirmed in horror at thoughts of what was to come- THE MEDICAL. Yes; SAPHO reared its ugly head again when a recurrence of the one and only symptom returned after 10 years. To my daughter this meant a course of ant-inflammatories and nothing more. It did not stop her going to work part-time, attending university, playing basketball for their team, going to the gym. She was asked to obtain a letter from her consultant regarding her 'condition'; said consultant seemed happy enough to support her application. However, the Occupational Health Doctor has taken the line of caution as he has to 'consider the interests' of his institution. In a few words, the girl who can lift 16 stones dead weight single handedly to save the life of a fellow diver after being in the freezing waters of the Forth for half an hour herself, then perform CPR efficiently, may be a bad investment for his institution, both financially and in the interests of her would be colleagues, because there is no way of 'telling what the future holds in her particular case'. GOD HELP US ALL, especially the 'victims' of m.s. and other debilitating conditions who are neither 'invested in' nor 'allowed to invest' in our society.
I think that there is a culture of submissiveness and / or willingness to see people as victims of diseases such as m.s. The ' no hope' attitude is actually perpetuated by the medical professionals, benefits systems, and suport strategies which we have subscribed to over the years. 10 years ago, my daughter had a medical symptom which was thought to be cancer by one consultant, TB by another, and SAPHO was the ultimate diagnoses. After some basic treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs her 'condition' symptom disappeared and the doctor changed his diagnosis to osteomeilitis; as she had had none of the other syndrome symptoms his logic seemed fair enough. Interestingly the SAPHO tag had turned her into a rare specimen for doctors to get very excited about- for us though, it meant doctors feeling free to intimate that the prognosis was 'not good'. Many professionals who took the time to check out the scant information available at the time, including school teachers, seemed to us to be disengaging or reassesssing her worthiness for their allocation of resources. What would be the point in investing in something for no return? You don't feed the best organic manure to a fruit tree that will never bear fruit when there is no pollinator! Well my daughter was blissfully unaware of all this. 'Can't do' was never part of her genetic make-up or vocabulary. She was a fully qualified PADI rescue diver at age 16, worked her butt off part-time during school to fund a £5K voluntary work experience overseas, and a much respected Beaver Cub leader . She took herself off to college and gained the necessary qualifications to get in to university when she worked out for herself that there was even more to life that she wanted; we knew all along she was capable but had been told not to 'push her' at school. Her next plan to conquer 'her' world was to get a voluntary position in her chosen line of work. She sailed through the interview process while we parents squirmed in horror at thoughts of what was to come- THE MEDICAL. Yes; SAPHO reared its ugly head again when a recurrence of the one and only symptom returned after 10 years. To my daughter this meant a course of ant-inflammatories and nothing more. It did not stop her going to work part-time, attending university, playing basketball for their team, going to the gym. She was asked to obtain a letter from her consultant regarding her 'condition'; said consultant seemed happy enough to support her application. However, the Occupational Health Doctor has taken the line of caution as he has to 'consider the interests' of his institution. In a few words, the girl who can lift 16 stones dead weight single handedly to save the life of a fellow diver after being in the freezing waters of the Forth for half an hour herself, then perform CPR efficiently, may be a bad investment for his institution, both financially and in the interests of her would be colleagues, because there is no way of 'telling what the future holds in her particular case'. GOD HELP US ALL, especially the 'victims' of m.s. and other debilitating conditions who are neither 'invested in' nor 'allowed to invest' in our society.
Posted by: 4thbridge, fife on 9:12am Wed 23 Jul 08
I should also have stated that she is allowed to reapply for a voluntary position in 1 year, but that the occupational health doctor will notify the application screening panel of his verdict, which includes his conclusion that she will never be 'suitable' for a full time paid role in that institution. MY 'professional' opinion of this as her parent is that through the opportunities afforded her by the laws of the land, she will continue to harbour ambitions that she will never be allowed to fulfil, and the investment made in her by society will be purely to meet the ends of keeping the so called 'experts' and their systems intact.
I should also have stated that she is allowed to reapply for a voluntary position in 1 year, but that the occupational health doctor will notify the application screening panel of his verdict, which includes his conclusion that she will never be 'suitable' for a full time paid role in that institution. MY 'professional' opinion of this as her parent is that through the opportunities afforded her by the laws of the land, she will continue to harbour ambitions that she will never be allowed to fulfil, and the investment made in her by society will be purely to meet the ends of keeping the so called 'experts' and their systems intact.
Posted by: Rab Jones, Glasgow on 9:29am Wed 23 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Alkie[/bold] wrote:
No one really cares. This is not news worthy.[/quote] I for once, agree Alie.
She's a writer, and now she's trying to be a celeb.
There's usually a nonsense article on this woman every week. Stick to your books love, cos you've got a face like a bag of spanners.
Alkie wrote:
No one really cares. This is not news worthy.
I for once, agree Alie.
She's a writer, and now she's trying to be a celeb.
There's usually a nonsense article on this woman every week. Stick to your books love, cos you've got a face like a bag of spanners.
Posted by: NewTownDave, Edinburgh on 9:41am Wed 23 Jul 08
She should go back to where she comes from ....England
She should go back to where she comes from ....England
Posted by: 4thbridge, fife on 9:47am Wed 23 Jul 08
Rab Jones I cannot understand your perspective. This article should be given much greater consideration. We have a culture of 'no hope' and despondency to horrible debilitating diseases such as m.s. ; people are dragged into a system which would hugely benefit from good quality research and funding. this has never been more appropriate a subject when you consider how the NHS is being seen to be bankrupted by the legitimate needs of our evolving society. JK Rowling does not need to try to be anything. She has the drive and ambition to succeed in life where you are clearly failing. She has taken advantage of every little opportunity afforded her in life and used it for the greater good. People with m.s. may have some or all of the opportunities she had, but they are not always able to make the most of them because small minded people like you manage to stand in their way and get away with it.
Rab Jones I cannot understand your perspective. This article should be given much greater consideration. We have a culture of 'no hope' and despondency to horrible debilitating diseases such as m.s. ; people are dragged into a system which would hugely benefit from good quality research and funding. this has never been more appropriate a subject when you consider how the NHS is being seen to be bankrupted by the legitimate needs of our evolving society. JK Rowling does not need to try to be anything. She has the drive and ambition to succeed in life where you are clearly failing. She has taken advantage of every little opportunity afforded her in life and used it for the greater good. People with m.s. may have some or all of the opportunities she had, but they are not always able to make the most of them because small minded people like you manage to stand in their way and get away with it.
Posted by: ANGUS FILES, oban on 11:09am Wed 23 Jul 08
The sky has fallen. The fat lady has sung. Pigs are flying
As an operator in our local HBOT centre helping patients with M.S. and other problems allopathic medicine just don’t/cant help it never beggars’ belief how quickly the SHOUT !!Brigade come onto these forums and try to SHOUT! down the likes of JK Rowling and Ms Quigly..I applaud them both for there bravery in highlighting a massive problem that the politicians would rather we shut up about ..
Although i don’t agree its a Scottish problem but i do agree its a genetic problem such as the Autistic child Anna Polling in the USA whose father high lighted the genetic problem with babies “mitochondrial disorder”..
I just hope JK Rowling and Ms Quigly are not sucked in and there obvious use to MS and money is not ill spent as has been over the years …
MITOCHONDRIAL DISORDER in autism ,and I think you will find the same in MS sufferers if someone actually does a systematic study of sufferers for once..
03/05/2008
LARRY KING TO INTERVIEW FAMILY OF VACCINE INJURED CHILD
The Eve of Battle
By Kent Heckenlively
The war has begun.
On Thursday March 6, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at the U. S. Federal Courthouse in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Jon Poling, M.D., Ph. D. and his wife Terry, an attorney and nurse, will hold a press conference about the government’s recent concession that “vaccines” (not just thimerosal or the MMR shot), “significantly aggravated” their daughter’s underlying mitochondrial disorder and led to her diagnosis of autism and seizures. (The seizure part of the equation was conceded on February 22, 2008.)
Later on March 6, Dr. Poling and his wife will be on the Larry King show.
Let me say that again. The war has begun.
Hannah Poling was normally developing up until her 18 month vaccination and her “mitochondrial disorder” did not appear until after her vaccination. It is well-known that approximately 75% of mitochondrial disorders are caused by medications such as the drug AZT (for AIDS) or toxins. It will be the contention of Dr. Poling and his wife that the vaccines also caused her mitochondrial disorder.
The national media is expected to be out in force for the Poling press conference. I spoke with a source close to the Polings who told me they were also being interviewed for an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
. The source told me he expects this story to quickly go national.
From what I’ve been told, the government could not have picked a more credible couple to whom to make their first concession. Dr. Poling graduated from Boston University with a masters and undergraduate degree in biology and a GPA of 3.90. He received his M.D. and Ph.D from Georgetown University and did his neurology internship at Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology. Have I already mentioned that the mother, Terry, is an attorney and a nurse?
My source recommended parents stay away from the press conference tomorrow, but that our community should stay tuned for something big in Washington, D.C. at which we might be able to show our support.
My friends, I believe we are on the eve of battle. I encourage you to use your voices now to call the Larry King show to tell your own stories, send letters of thanks to those news outlets which cover this event, and anything which in your own estimation will help advance our cause.
I don’t know how long the fight will be, but I’m guessing it will be short and bloody. When the dust clears, I hope we will have not just an admission of this terrible tragedy, but the best minds of medicine working on how to help our children.
That would be the greatest victory.
The sky has fallen. The fat lady has sung. Pigs are flying
As an operator in our local HBOT centre helping patients with M.S. and other problems allopathic medicine just don’t/cant help it never beggars’ belief how quickly the SHOUT !!Brigade come onto these forums and try to SHOUT! down the likes of JK Rowling and Ms Quigly..I applaud them both for there bravery in highlighting a massive problem that the politicians would rather we shut up about ..
Although i don’t agree its a Scottish problem but i do agree its a genetic problem such as the Autistic child Anna Polling in the USA whose father high lighted the genetic problem with babies “mitochondrial disorder”..
I just hope JK Rowling and Ms Quigly are not sucked in and there obvious use to MS and money is not ill spent as has been over the years …
MITOCHONDRIAL DISORDER in autism ,and I think you will find the same in MS sufferers if someone actually does a systematic study of sufferers for once..
03/05/2008
LARRY KING TO INTERVIEW FAMILY OF VACCINE INJURED CHILD
The Eve of Battle
By Kent Heckenlively
The war has begun.
On Thursday March 6, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at the U. S. Federal Courthouse in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Jon Poling, M.D., Ph. D. and his wife Terry, an attorney and nurse, will hold a press conference about the government’s recent concession that “vaccines” (not just thimerosal or the MMR shot), “significantly aggravated” their daughter’s underlying mitochondrial disorder and led to her diagnosis of autism and seizures. (The seizure part of the equation was conceded on February 22, 2008.)
Later on March 6, Dr. Poling and his wife will be on the Larry King show.
Let me say that again. The war has begun.
Hannah Poling was normally developing up until her 18 month vaccination and her “mitochondrial disorder” did not appear until after her vaccination. It is well-known that approximately 75% of mitochondrial disorders are caused by medications such as the drug AZT (for AIDS) or toxins. It will be the contention of Dr. Poling and his wife that the vaccines also caused her mitochondrial disorder.
The national media is expected to be out in force for the Poling press conference. I spoke with a source close to the Polings who told me they were also being interviewed for an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
. The source told me he expects this story to quickly go national.
From what I’ve been told, the government could not have picked a more credible couple to whom to make their first concession. Dr. Poling graduated from Boston University with a masters and undergraduate degree in biology and a GPA of 3.90. He received his M.D. and Ph.D from Georgetown University and did his neurology internship at Johns Hopkins University, Department of Neurology. Have I already mentioned that the mother, Terry, is an attorney and a nurse?
My source recommended parents stay away from the press conference tomorrow, but that our community should stay tuned for something big in Washington, D.C. at which we might be able to show our support.
My friends, I believe we are on the eve of battle. I encourage you to use your voices now to call the Larry King show to tell your own stories, send letters of thanks to those news outlets which cover this event, and anything which in your own estimation will help advance our cause.
I don’t know how long the fight will be, but I’m guessing it will be short and bloody. When the dust clears, I hope we will have not just an admission of this terrible tragedy, but the best minds of medicine working on how to help our children.
That would be the greatest victory.
Posted by: ANGUS FILES, Oban on 11:36am Wed 23 Jul 08
Also thought someone might give the time of the programme
Scotlands Hidden Epidemic The Truth About MS Is on tonight Wednesday BBC 1 Scotland 10.40pm..
Also thought someone might give the time of the programme
Scotlands Hidden Epidemic The Truth About MS Is on tonight Wednesday BBC 1 Scotland 10.40pm..
Posted by: Politically Incorrect Woman, Falkirk on 12:25pm Wed 23 Jul 08
I shall certainly watch the programme,"Scotland'
s Hidden Epidemic."Ms Quigley has done her country a service by bringing our attention,not only to the extent of this disease,but the appalling lack of funding.I can think of no better use for money than in benefitting the nation by funding science to find cures for illness that so many suffer from.It is wrong to say it is the "Cinderella" among illnesses for there are many "Cinderellas."Perhap
s there would be fewer if less money were in the pockets of multimillionaires.
I shall certainly watch the programme,"Scotland'
s Hidden Epidemic."Ms Quigley has done her country a service by bringing our attention,not only to the extent of this disease,but the appalling lack of funding.I can think of no better use for money than in benefitting the nation by funding science to find cures for illness that so many suffer from.It is wrong to say it is the "Cinderella" among illnesses for there are many "Cinderellas."Perhap
s there would be fewer if less money were in the pockets of multimillionaires.
Posted by: Alex, Portugal on 12:53pm Wed 23 Jul 08
Somnamna, Alkie & Rab Jones: What a worthless lot you are. It is bad enough that you behave as Troll on the political threads and try to disrupt them with your inane an usually “off subject” comments. Now you have reached a new low – even by your standards. I wonder what your attitude would be these dreadful diseases were to afflict you or someone close to you.
Alkie you would seem to have an obsessive problem with alcohol, suggesting you are an alcoholic. You are constantly demanding action is taken against the sale of alcohol. Alcohol is a problem for only a few people and they have a choice on whether to drink or not. Those unfortunate to contract these diseases do not have a choice.
Somnamna, Alkie & Rab Jones: What a worthless lot you are. It is bad enough that you behave as Troll on the political threads and try to disrupt them with your inane an usually “off subject” comments. Now you have reached a new low – even by your standards. I wonder what your attitude would be these dreadful diseases were to afflict you or someone close to you.
Alkie you would seem to have an obsessive problem with alcohol, suggesting you are an alcoholic. You are constantly demanding action is taken against the sale of alcohol. Alcohol is a problem for only a few people and they have a choice on whether to drink or not. Those unfortunate to contract these diseases do not have a choice.
Posted by: herewegoagain, Glasgow on 1:13pm Wed 23 Jul 08
[quote][bold]ANGUS FILES[/bold] wrote:
Also thought someone might give the time of the programme Scotlands Hidden Epidemic The Truth About MS Is on tonight Wednesday BBC 1 Scotland 10.40pm..[/quote] And what a bl***dy stupid time to have it on at as well.
Should be on at a time when more people are likely to watch and learn: not least some of the ignorant posters on here.
ANGUS FILES wrote:
Also thought someone might give the time of the programme Scotlands Hidden Epidemic The Truth About MS Is on tonight Wednesday BBC 1 Scotland 10.40pm..
And what a bl***dy stupid time to have it on at as well.
Should be on at a time when more people are likely to watch and learn: not least some of the ignorant posters on here.
Posted by: ANGUS FILES, Oban on 6:43pm Wed 23 Jul 08
Heres another cause of bother as well to MS
http://www.truthinla
beling.org/Blaylock-
AspartameAndMultiple
Sclerosis-Neurosurge
on'sWarning.html
The Connection Between Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Aspartame
From the Truth in Labeling Campaign
Aspartame is a low calorie sweetener. Called a potent neurotoxin by some researchers. While making no claim to be effective in weight control, it is being sold as a sugar substitute for those on low calorie diets and for diabetics.
Trade names for Aspartame are NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, Canderel, Benevia, Misura. In Europe Aspartame hides under the seemingly innocuous "E 951" label. World-wide, warning labels that say "contains a source of phenylalanine" or "phenylketonurics should not consume this product," signal the presence of aspartame.
Dr. Russell Blaylock, a recently retired neurosurgeon, has been warning about the hazards of ingesting aspartame for years. In his book, "Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills," Blaylock says that Aspartame and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are closely related. The Multiple Sclerosis society, however, denies there is any connection between MS and Aspartame. It may be that the Society has chosen to hang on to industry funding rather than to warn its members of the toxic potential of Aspartame. Blaylock explains the biological mechanism by which Aspartame circumvents the blood-brain-barrier and gets at vital nervous tissues.
The aspartic acid in aspartame and the glutamic acid in MSG-containing products are structural analogs. They load on the same receptors in the brain, cause the same brain lesions and neuroendocrine disorders, and act in an additive fashion, i.e., 2 parts aspartic acid and 3 parts glutamic acid equal 5 parts neurotoxin.
The Truth in Labeling Campaign has every reason to believe that anyone who is adversely affected by aspartame will be adversely affected by MSG, too. We have been repeatedly informed by people diagnosed with MS that their conditions appear to be worsened by ingestion of MSG.
____________________
______
The Connection Between MS and Aspartame
By Russell L. Blaylock, MD
Neurosurgeon
6-7-4
(Originally published on Rense.com )
Recently, much controversy has surrounded a claim that aspartame may produce an MS-like syndrome. A current review of recent peer-reviewed scientific studies has disclosed a pathophysiological mechanism to explain this connection. As far back as 1996 it was shown that the lesions produced in the myelin sheath of axons in cases of multiple sclerosis were related to excitatory receptors on the primary cells involved called oligodendroglia. Recent studies have now confirmed what was suspected back then. The loss of myelin sheath on the nerve fibers characteristic of the disease is due to the death of these oligodendroglial cells at the site of the lesions (called plaques). Further, these studies have shown that the death of these important cells is as a result of excessive exposure to excitotoxins at the site of the lesions.
Normally, most of these excitotoxins are secreted from microglial immune cells in the central nervous system. This not only destroys these myelin-producing cells it also breaks down the blood-brain barrier (BBB), allowing excitotoxins in the blood stream to enter the site of damage. Aspartame contains the excitotoxin aspartate as 40% of its molecular structure. Numerous studies have shown that consuming aspartame can significantly elevate the excitotoxin level in the blood. There is a common situation during which the excitotoxin exposure is even greater. When aspartate (as aspartame) is combined in the diet with monosodium glutamate (MSG) blood levels are several fold higher than normal. With the BBB damaged, as in MS, these excitotoxins can freely enter the site of injury, greatly magnifying the damage. So, we see that dietary excitotoxins, such as aspartame and MSG, can greatly magnify the damage produced in multiple sclerosis. Likewise, excitotoxins have been shown to break down the BBB as well.
Of equal concern is observation that we know that about 10% of the population (based on autopsy studies of elderly) have MS lesions without ever developing the full blown disease, a condition called benign MS. A diet high in excitotoxins, such as aspartame, can convert this benign, subclinical condition into full-blown clinical MS. The amount of excitotoxins consumed in the average American diet is considerable, as shown by several studies. In addition, the toxin methanol is also in the aspartame molecule. Methanol is a axon poison. Combined toxicity of the aspartate and the methanol adds up to considerable brain toxicity and can convert benign, subclinical MS into full-blown MS. Once the MS becomes full-blown, further consumption of excitotoxins magnifies the toxicity, increasing disability and death.
Recent studies have also shown that even single exposures to these food-based excitotoxins can produce prolonged worsening of neurological lesions. In addition, it has been demonstrated that autoimmune reactions (as occur with MS) greatly magnify the toxicity of aspartate and glutamate (the excitotoxins). We also know liquid forms of excitotoxins are significantly more toxic because of rapid absorption and higher blood levels. In the face of this connection between excitotoxicity and the pathophysiology of MS, it would be ludicrous to allow further use of this excitotoxin containing sweetener.
References:
1. Sannchez-Gomez MV, Malute C. AMPA and kainate receptors each mediate excitotoxicity in oligodendroglial cultures. Neurobiology of Disease 6:475-485, 1999
2. Yoshika A, et al. Pathophysiology of oligodendroglial excitotoxicity, J Neuroscience Research 46: 427-437, 1996.
3. Singh P, et al. Prolonged glutamate excitotoxicity: effects on mitochondrial antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes. Molecular Cell Biochemistry 243: 139-145, 2003.
4. Leuchtmann EA, et al. AMPA receptors are the major mediators of excitotoxin death in mature oligodendrocytes. Neurobiology of Disease 14:336-348, 2003.
5. Takahashi JL, et al. Interleukin1 beta promotes oligodendrocyte death through glutamate excitotoxicity. Annal Neurology 53: 588-595, 2003.
6. Pitt D, et al Glutamate uptake by oligodendrocytes: implications for excitotoxicity in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 61: 1113-1120, 2003.
7. Soto A, et al. Excitotoxic insults to the optic nerve alter visual evoked potentials. Neuroscience 123: 441-449, 2004.
8. Blaylock RL. Interactions of cytokines, excitotoxins and reactive nitrogen and oxygen species in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of American Nutraceutical Association 6: 21-35, 2003.
9. Blaylock RL. Chronic microglial activation and excitotoxicity secondary to excessive immune stimulation: possible factors in Gulf War Syndrome and autism. Journal American Physicians and Surgeons, Summer, 2004.
KEEP THIS WEB PAGE ONLINE with YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE
TRUTH IN LABELING CAMPAIGN
850 DeWitt Place, Suite 20B, Chicago, IL 60611
adandjack@aol.com 858/481-9333 http://www.truthinla
beling.org
This page was last updated on February 26, 2006
IF MSG ISN'T HARMFUL, WHY IS IT HIDDEN?
Heres another cause of bother as well to MS
http://www.truthinla
beling.org/Blaylock-
AspartameAndMultiple
Sclerosis-Neurosurge
on'sWarning.html
The Connection Between Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Aspartame
From the Truth in Labeling Campaign
Aspartame is a low calorie sweetener. Called a potent neurotoxin by some researchers. While making no claim to be effective in weight control, it is being sold as a sugar substitute for those on low calorie diets and for diabetics.
Trade names for Aspartame are NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, Canderel, Benevia, Misura. In Europe Aspartame hides under the seemingly innocuous "E 951" label. World-wide, warning labels that say "contains a source of phenylalanine" or "phenylketonurics should not consume this product," signal the presence of aspartame.
Dr. Russell Blaylock, a recently retired neurosurgeon, has been warning about the hazards of ingesting aspartame for years. In his book, "Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills," Blaylock says that Aspartame and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are closely related. The Multiple Sclerosis society, however, denies there is any connection between MS and Aspartame. It may be that the Society has chosen to hang on to industry funding rather than to warn its members of the toxic potential of Aspartame. Blaylock explains the biological mechanism by which Aspartame circumvents the blood-brain-barrier and gets at vital nervous tissues.
The aspartic acid in aspartame and the glutamic acid in MSG-containing products are structural analogs. They load on the same receptors in the brain, cause the same brain lesions and neuroendocrine disorders, and act in an additive fashion, i.e., 2 parts aspartic acid and 3 parts glutamic acid equal 5 parts neurotoxin.
The Truth in Labeling Campaign has every reason to believe that anyone who is adversely affected by aspartame will be adversely affected by MSG, too. We have been repeatedly informed by people diagnosed with MS that their conditions appear to be worsened by ingestion of MSG.
____________________
______
The Connection Between MS and Aspartame
By Russell L. Blaylock, MD
Neurosurgeon
6-7-4
(Originally published on Rense.com )
Recently, much controversy has surrounded a claim that aspartame may produce an MS-like syndrome. A current review of recent peer-reviewed scientific studies has disclosed a pathophysiological mechanism to explain this connection. As far back as 1996 it was shown that the lesions produced in the myelin sheath of axons in cases of multiple sclerosis were related to excitatory receptors on the primary cells involved called oligodendroglia. Recent studies have now confirmed what was suspected back then. The loss of myelin sheath on the nerve fibers characteristic of the disease is due to the death of these oligodendroglial cells at the site of the lesions (called plaques). Further, these studies have shown that the death of these important cells is as a result of excessive exposure to excitotoxins at the site of the lesions.
Normally, most of these excitotoxins are secreted from microglial immune cells in the central nervous system. This not only destroys these myelin-producing cells it also breaks down the blood-brain barrier (BBB), allowing excitotoxins in the blood stream to enter the site of damage. Aspartame contains the excitotoxin aspartate as 40% of its molecular structure. Numerous studies have shown that consuming aspartame can significantly elevate the excitotoxin level in the blood. There is a common situation during which the excitotoxin exposure is even greater. When aspartate (as aspartame) is combined in the diet with monosodium glutamate (MSG) blood levels are several fold higher than normal. With the BBB damaged, as in MS, these excitotoxins can freely enter the site of injury, greatly magnifying the damage. So, we see that dietary excitotoxins, such as aspartame and MSG, can greatly magnify the damage produced in multiple sclerosis. Likewise, excitotoxins have been shown to break down the BBB as well.
Of equal concern is observation that we know that about 10% of the population (based on autopsy studies of elderly) have MS lesions without ever developing the full blown disease, a condition called benign MS. A diet high in excitotoxins, such as aspartame, can convert this benign, subclinical condition into full-blown clinical MS. The amount of excitotoxins consumed in the average American diet is considerable, as shown by several studies. In addition, the toxin methanol is also in the aspartame molecule. Methanol is a axon poison. Combined toxicity of the aspartate and the methanol adds up to considerable brain toxicity and can convert benign, subclinical MS into full-blown MS. Once the MS becomes full-blown, further consumption of excitotoxins magnifies the toxicity, increasing disability and death.
Recent studies have also shown that even single exposures to these food-based excitotoxins can produce prolonged worsening of neurological lesions. In addition, it has been demonstrated that autoimmune reactions (as occur with MS) greatly magnify the toxicity of aspartate and glutamate (the excitotoxins). We also know liquid forms of excitotoxins are significantly more toxic because of rapid absorption and higher blood levels. In the face of this connection between excitotoxicity and the pathophysiology of MS, it would be ludicrous to allow further use of this excitotoxin containing sweetener.
References:
1. Sannchez-Gomez MV, Malute C. AMPA and kainate receptors each mediate excitotoxicity in oligodendroglial cultures. Neurobiology of Disease 6:475-485, 1999
2. Yoshika A, et al. Pathophysiology of oligodendroglial excitotoxicity, J Neuroscience Research 46: 427-437, 1996.
3. Singh P, et al. Prolonged glutamate excitotoxicity: effects on mitochondrial antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes. Molecular Cell Biochemistry 243: 139-145, 2003.
4. Leuchtmann EA, et al. AMPA receptors are the major mediators of excitotoxin death in mature oligodendrocytes. Neurobiology of Disease 14:336-348, 2003.
5. Takahashi JL, et al. Interleukin1 beta promotes oligodendrocyte death through glutamate excitotoxicity. Annal Neurology 53: 588-595, 2003.
6. Pitt D, et al Glutamate uptake by oligodendrocytes: implications for excitotoxicity in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 61: 1113-1120, 2003.
7. Soto A, et al. Excitotoxic insults to the optic nerve alter visual evoked potentials. Neuroscience 123: 441-449, 2004.
8. Blaylock RL. Interactions of cytokines, excitotoxins and reactive nitrogen and oxygen species in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of American Nutraceutical Association 6: 21-35, 2003.
9. Blaylock RL. Chronic microglial activation and excitotoxicity secondary to excessive immune stimulation: possible factors in Gulf War Syndrome and autism. Journal American Physicians and Surgeons, Summer, 2004.
KEEP THIS WEB PAGE ONLINE with YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE
TRUTH IN LABELING CAMPAIGN
850 DeWitt Place, Suite 20B, Chicago, IL 60611
adandjack@aol.com 858/481-9333 http://www.truthinla
beling.org
This page was last updated on February 26, 2006
IF MSG ISN'T HARMFUL, WHY IS IT HIDDEN?
Posted by: Marcus, dalgety bay on 11:35am Sun 27 Jul 08
Anyone got a contact email address for Elizabeth Quigley please? Quite simply, I am an MS sufferer and I would like to thank her for the programme. I have R/R MS and am experiencing 'another' relapse after about 9 years of diagnosis. Nothing sinister involved. When relapse occurs I have no interest in anything!! It is primarly to 'while away the time' until I go back to remission. Only one comment to make - MS is a [bold]'piggin inconvenience'[/bold] .
Anyone got a contact email address for Elizabeth Quigley please? Quite simply, I am an MS sufferer and I would like to thank her for the programme. I have R/R MS and am experiencing 'another' relapse after about 9 years of diagnosis. Nothing sinister involved. When relapse occurs I have no interest in anything!! It is primarly to 'while away the time' until I go back to remission. Only one comment to make - MS is a
'piggin inconvenience' .
News
INDEX
Comment | Read Comments (15)
