History
Clinical ecology investigates the influence of the environment on human beings. It is principally concerned with the chemical compounds found in water, air, food and drugs, which constitute our environment. In Western Europe, the study of clinical ecology is still developing but, in Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, this science is well-established. In these anglo-saxon cultures, clinical ecology is called “environmental medicine “. In Germany, it is called Umweltmedizin; and in the Netherlands, it is still called Klinische Ecologie (clinical ecology) but also ‘Milieugeneeskunde’.
Traditional medical science generally focuses on the treatment of the end points of disease. In other words: a patient’s individual reaction to a pathogen or chemical compound, or the development of a disease, follows a similar, general pattern. In contrast, environmental medicine studies the process of a patient’s disease focusing rather on its cause. In this way, many diseases involve individual reactions to pathogens, to chemicals in food or to other factors in a patient’s environment.
It is now know that a large number of chronic diseases are linked to nutritional and environmental factors. Some examples of these are migraine, gastro-intestinal problems, hay fever, hives, acne, arthritis, infertility, hypoglycemia, alcoholism, hypertension, overweight, depression, schizophrenia, chronic fatigue, and concentration problems. Of course, not all diseases are caused by environmental factors; however, food sensitivity or intolerance is responsible for at least 80% of the above-mentioned diseases. Other diseases, such as eczema, asthma, and sniffing, probably exclusively have a true allergic cause. However, often they are not properly treated, since little or no attention is paid to nutritional and other environmental factors, e.g. moulds.
KEAC Research Center
Over the past few years, a number of diagnostic allergy and immunology tests have been developed, including tests for the determination of different forms of gluten intolerance. The KEAC laboratory is one of the few worldwide able to perform tests on a large number of antibodies and using over 5000 types of allergens. Specific brands, types of beer, bread, and so on, can also be tested, although these allergens have not always been standardized. These tests are prescribed by doctors from many countries and the results can be produced in nine different languages.
KEAC also conducts scientific research. In 1993 we began a research project to determine the influence of an energy- balanced diet with nutrition supplements on individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. In another project, we studied the effects of heavy metals on chronic fatigue and related health problems. However , KEAC is known primarily for its research into pyrroluria HPU and KPU in humans and in horses. During the last decade, KEAC research and testing has focused mainly on pyrroluria.
Doctors, dieticians, and other therapists can order blood or urine kits from KEAC. Blood drawn from patients can be send to our laboratory to test for food amd other allergens, and a variety of other parameters. Results can be send both to practitioner and patient, in the language preferred by each. In addition to testing, KEAC can also advice your medical doctor to assist in his/her interpretation of your results.
