SCHIZOPHRENIA MAY RESULT FROM LATEX ALLERGY

Schizophrenia may be the result of allergic reactions to rubber which cause elevated levels of the psychedelic drug adrenochrome says medical geographer Dr. Harold Foster in a recent article for The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. In his article, he outlines how severe allergic reactions cause the body to convert adrenaline to adrenochrome and describes why large doses of niacin, as endorsed by Victoria-based medical pioneer Dr. Abram Hoffer, reduces the conversion process.

Adrenochrone increases the body's need for the anti-oxidant selenium, explaining why schizophrenia is more common in selenium-deficient regions and why schizophrenics are often short of this trace element. "Schizophrenia was unheard of before the industrial revolution when rubber gained widespread use in England. Less than one per cent of the general public is allergic to latex but constant exposure to rubber products, especially by those working in the health care system, increases susceptibility to allergies," says Foster. This week area health care professionals and family members of people with schizophrenia will discuss the disease at the third annual Victoria Schizophrenia Conference on Oct. 20 at UVic's Dunsmuir Lodge. [PP]

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