Crooked Summary

Crooked

Man-Made Disease Explained: The incredible story of metal, microbes, and medicine—hidden within our faces.
by Forrest Maready 2018 406 pages
4.4
164 ratings

Key Takeaways

1. Medicinal metals trigger widespread health issues

In all of human history — the pocks and pustules, the fevers and fatigue, the nausea and neuropathy — every symptom of disease we have ever experienced is the result of the body trying to rid itself of a perceived invader.

Historical context: For centuries, metals like mercury and arsenic were used medicinally. In the late 1800s, the introduction of syringes allowed these metals to bypass intestinal barriers, leading to more severe toxicity. The use of aluminum as a vaccine adjuvant in the early 1900s further complicated matters.

Modern implications: Today, many "modern" diseases may be linked to this history of metal exposure:

  • Neurological disorders (e.g., autism, ADHD)
  • Autoimmune conditions (e.g., Crohn's disease, lupus)
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia
  • Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

These conditions often share overlapping symptoms and may be different manifestations of the same underlying problem: metal toxicity and chronic inflammation.

2. Facial asymmetry signals cranial nerve damage

A flicker of light out of the side of my eye. A small door appeared where before, there had been none.

Observable signs: Facial asymmetry can be a visible indicator of cranial nerve damage, often appearing after vaccine administration or other triggers. Key signs include:

  • Crooked smiles (7th cranial nerve)
  • Misaligned eyes (3rd, 4th, or 6th cranial nerves)
  • Tilted head posture (11th cranial nerve)

Importance of detection: Recognizing these signs early can help parents and healthcare providers identify potential neurological issues before more severe symptoms develop. This asymmetry may be an early warning sign of metal toxicity or chronic inflammation affecting the brain.

3. Aluminum adjuvants in vaccines pose significant risks

Aluminum should now be considered a primary etiological factor in Alzheimer's Disease.

Mechanism of harm: Aluminum adjuvants in vaccines can:

  • Cause direct neurological damage
  • Promote the transformation of bacteria into intracellular forms
  • Travel throughout the body via white blood cells
  • Accumulate in the brain and other organs

Long-term consequences: The accumulation of aluminum in the body may contribute to:

  • Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Chronic fatigue and pain syndromes

The author argues that the benefits of aluminum adjuvants in vaccines may be outweighed by their potential long-term health risks.

4. Chronic infections thrive due to metals and antibiotics

With a massive increase in the popularity of doctors prescribing medicinal metals to every man, woman and infant in Europe and the United States, we would expect to see a rash of new problems appear.

Dual threat: Metals and antibiotics can create an environment where chronic infections flourish:

  • Metals (especially aluminum) can transform bacteria into intracellular forms
  • Certain antibiotics can induce bacteria to lose their cell walls, making them harder to detect and eliminate

Consequences: This combination can lead to:

  • Long-lasting infections that evade the immune system
  • Chronic inflammation throughout the body
  • A cycle of recurring symptoms that may be misdiagnosed as separate conditions

Understanding this relationship is crucial for effectively treating many modern chronic illnesses.

5. Intracellular bacteria evade detection and treatment

Intracellular bacteria have another trait that makes them even more dangerous — they have an affinity for macrophages, a type of white blood cell.

Stealth pathogens: Intracellular bacteria can:

  • Lose their cell walls, making them difficult to detect
  • Enter and reproduce inside white blood cells
  • Evade standard antibiotic treatments
  • Create a "vicious circle" of chronic inflammation

Clinical implications: These bacteria may be responsible for many "mysterious" chronic conditions that don't respond to conventional treatments. Recognizing their role is essential for developing effective therapies for conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and some autoimmune disorders.

6. Vitamin D deficiency linked to chronic inflammation

In a healthy individual with a robust immune system, vitamin D isn't normally an issue.

Paradoxical effects: In chronic infections:

  • Low vitamin D levels may indicate ongoing inflammation, not a true deficiency
  • Supplementation can suppress the immune system, potentially worsening the underlying infection
  • Intracellular bacteria can manipulate vitamin D metabolism to their advantage

Clinical approach: Rather than automatically supplementing vitamin D in chronic illnesses, practitioners should consider:

  • Investigating underlying infections
  • Addressing chronic inflammation
  • Carefully monitoring vitamin D metabolism and its effects on the immune system

7. Metal toxicity and chronic infections cause "autoimmune" disorders

Many people currently diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease may have never had a Borrelia burgdorferi infection at all.

Reframing autoimmunity: The author proposes that many "autoimmune" conditions are actually:

  • Responses to chronic infections, often intracellular bacteria
  • Exacerbated by metal toxicity, particularly aluminum
  • Misdiagnosed due to limitations in current testing methods

Examples:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis: May be caused by bacterial infections in joints
  • Multiple sclerosis: Potentially linked to aluminum toxicity and chronic infections
  • Lupus: Possibly triggered by intracellular bacteria and metal-induced inflammation

This perspective suggests that treating the underlying infections and reducing metal toxicity could lead to improvements in many autoimmune conditions.

8. Healing requires removing metals and addressing infections

Get rid of the metal in your body. Get rid of the chronic inflammation in your body.

Two-pronged approach: Healing from modern chronic illnesses often requires:

  1. Metal detoxification:

  2. Addressing chronic infections:

Personalized treatment: The author emphasizes the importance of working with knowledgeable healthcare providers to develop individualized treatment plans that address both metal toxicity and chronic infections.

9. Early detection of cranial nerve damage is crucial

If you spot significant changes in the resting position or motion of your child's eyes soon after their shots, they may have developed cranial nerve palsy in either their 3rd, 4th or 6th cranial nerves.

Monitoring for changes: Parents can perform simple tests before and after vaccinations to detect potential cranial nerve damage:

  • Observing facial symmetry and smiles
  • Checking eye alignment and movement
  • Assessing hearing and balance
  • Evaluating neck control and head positioning

Importance of documentation: Keeping records of these observations can help:

  • Identify subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed
  • Provide valuable information to healthcare providers
  • Guide decisions about future medical interventions

Early detection of cranial nerve damage may allow for more timely interventions and potentially prevent more severe long-term consequences.

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