Monday, May 26, 2008

Deviated Septum--Another Connective Tissue Disorder

While viewing an image of a deviated septum [here's an example: Deviated Septum] in a medical text I'm studying for a course I'm taking, I noticed that it reminded me of the exaggerated S-curve of scoliosis. I realized that the septum is composed of cartilage--a connective tissue--and that deviated septum can therefore be classed as yet another connective tissue disorder. I looked into it and found two sources that indicate that deviated septum is associated with Marfan syndrome (see below).

As Sandy Simmons has pointed out in her excellent website, Sandy Simmon's Connective Tissue Disorder Site, large amounts of accumulating evidence indicate that connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome are associated with modern foods, malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies. So deviated septum looks like yet another "disease of civilization" with diet as a likely cause, possibly the primary cause (with genetics being another factor).

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Ageing in Marfan Syndrome
“With the exception of deviated septum, ENT features were not significantly more prevalent in patients with MFS than our controls.”

Marfan Syndrome: Long-term Survival and Complications After Aortic Aneurysm Repair
“A complete review of systems was obtained and medical records were reviewed to identify other potential pleiotropic manifestations of Marfan syndrome related to aging. Twenty-two percent of patients had been diagnosed with arthritis by a physician, with the mean age of 33 years at diagnosis. Twenty-three percent of patients had varicose veins not associated with pregnancy (19 of 47 women and 14 of 51 men). Fourteen percent of patients had experienced a ruptured or herniated disc. Ten percent of the women had prolapse of the uterus, and 10% of women had prolapse of the bladder. Twenty-eight patients (15%) had gallstones. Twenty-two of the patients (11%) had a deviated nasal septum.”

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Phil, thank you very much for posting about this. I find myself wondering if such disorders could be greatly helped by keeping a traditional, pre-agricultural diet. Am thinking of what Dr. Price, Drs. Mellanby, and others found possible in restorative dietary measures, including the avoidance of foods which contain phytic acid.

A fascinating subject. I appreciate your taking the time to write about it.

Paleo Phil said...

You're welcome, H. I created my blog mainly to refer friends and relatives with questions to, but if others find the information useful too then that's a plus.

Phytic acid is indeed one of the key problems with modern Western diets. If you haven't done so already, check out Stephan Guyenet's blog at wholehealthsource.blogspot.com. He's a brilliant, polite and open-minded guy who has also been influenced by Dr. Price's work.

Anonymous said...

Phil, thanks for your answer. I have enjoyed reading Stephan's blog from time to time.

It has been almost six months since I stopped eating almond butter, which was the last remaining phytate-containing food.

With PUFAs under 4% of total calories and no phytates, I am finding my bones, including teeth, feel stronger.

Thanks again for your blog. It is delightful to read again and again.

Paleo Phil said...

Thanks, Lex Rooker and other Paleo-type dieters have also reported firming of teeth and nails and increased bone density. I've also had some firming of teeth and nails, but have not yet had as dramatic results as Lex.

Paleo Phil said...

BTW, I'm glad you find my posts to be re-readable. My goal is posts that are few in number and relatively high in quality, so that it is more of a reference and broad overview than a log or detailed advice.

Anonymous said...

Phil, I appreciate your taking the time to answer. I enjoy the focus of your blog and your style of writing.


Best wishes to you. :)