http://www.ei-resource.org/ 3744-533 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/autism/autism:-pathways-to-recovery/ First of all it is worth pointing out that despite the title, this book will be of great use to not only parents looking into biomedical treatment for their autistic children, but also adults suffering from multi-system (or environmental) illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia or multilple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Dr. Amy Yasko has pioneered the use of nutrigenomics in these conditions (and others). Nutrigenomics is the individualised use of nutritional supplements to treat illness based on the patient's unique genetic weaknesses. As a ME/CFS sufferer I bought this book to help me make more sense of tests I had recently that detected a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which reduce the activity of key enzymes in the methylation cycle (e.g. MTHFR & MTRR - both homozygous). The methylation cycle is vital for numerous processes in the body including detoxification and the synthesis of neurotransmitters and genetic material (DNA & RNA). Methylation deficits have been found to be common in many illnesses, including those mentioned above. The biochemistry involved can seem complex but Dr. Yasko's book takes us step by step through how each genetic variation affects the methylation cycle and the specific nutrients required to bypass genetic 'road blocks' and restore the body's ability to efficiently perform methylation reactions. For example, I have the least efficient variantion of the genes for the MTHFR enzyme which converts folic acid to it's biologically active form 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Autism: Pathways to Recovery explains that by supplementing with 5-MTHF directly, rather than using folic acid or folinic acid, this poorly functioning enzyme can be bypassed and the methylation cycle supplied with sufficient amounts of 5-MTHF to run efficiently. The book includes explanations and recommendations for all of the genes that are involved in the methylation cycle, as well as some involved in interconnected biochemical pathways (e.g. nitric oxide synthase, NOS) and provides clear diagrams that are essential for the average reader to be able to make sense of how all the various genes, enzymes and biochemicals relate to each other. Dr. Yasko and others have had much success treating patients using the methods described in this book and many individuals suffering from ME/CFS, fibromyalgia and related conditions report improvements when they address methylation issues themselves. The genomic testing for SNPs described in the book is now widely available from commercial labs and are often ordered by environmental/functional medicine physicians. Despite the relatively high price of this book $50, I would highly recommend it to help you decipher your own genomic testing (of that of your child), or if you simply want to learn more about the role poor methylation may be playing in your chronic illness. ]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:31:27 +0000 1084-492 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/candida-&-gut-dysbiosis/the-yeast-syndrome/ I first read this book almost 15 years ago. Of all the literature that I found this one was the most complete. It is written very well and does not dumb down information. I recommend it over and over for information on Candida. ]]> Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:03:19 +0000 3425-442 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/candida-&-gut-dysbiosis/the-bible-cure-for-candida-and-yeast-infections/ I have given this book 10s all round because it literally changed my life. I had struggled with digestive problems all my life and began getting other symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings and foggy headedness in my 40s. I found this book and was so sure that candida was my problem and so impressed with Dr. Colbert's knowledge that I went to see him in Florida. Needless to say I now feel better than ever! If you even think you might have candida you should get this book. Health and blessings, Jan. ]]> Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:56:45 +0000 3381-439 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/recovery-from-cfs:-50-personal-stories/ Whether you have just recently been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or have suffered with this horrible illness for years the stories of recovery in this book are sure to give you hope....and there is nothing more important than that when you are suffering from a chronic illness which renders most doctors impotent. Whatever your age, sex and personal CFS journey there will be a someone else's story in this book that you can relate to. With most CFS books being mostly doom and gloom this title offers a breath of fresh air and proves you CAN get better! ]]> Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:38:39 +0000 2946-360 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/books-covering-multiple-environmental-illnesses/gut-and-psychology-syndrome/ Having struggled with chronic fatigue syndrome, imbalances in my own gut flora due to reduced immunity and antibiotic use, and severe mood disorders in the form of depression, seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D), and anxiety, I had pieced together the strong connection between gut and psychological health myself. In Gut and Psychology Syndrome Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride does a great job of communicating often complex details of this relationship to the lay reader; the book looks at how digestive health can contribute to a host of learning and mood disorders from autism and ADHD to depression and schizophrenia. The book is an excellent balance of background on the link between gut flora and psychology and advice on removing causes and restoring balance and health. An in-depth look at dietary changes and the use of supplements, particularly probiotics, to restore microbial balance in the gut is included and clearly presented. I thoroughly recommend Dr. Campbell-McBride's work to anyone affected by (or caring for someone affected by) the conditions covered in the book. It may open up a whole new avenue of effective therapy for many. It certainly has for me! ]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:57:34 +0000 1080-346 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/autism/children-with-starving-brains:-a-medical-treatment-guide-for-autism-spectrum-disorder/ I have read this book, but do not want to comment on it directly. But can I add the thought that the US model of extensive and expensive testing - frequently in areas that are either controversial or little understood - often seems to result in little more than bankrupt parents. Could I offer the suggestion of this book, which is along similar lines? "Gut and Psychology Syndrome" by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride MD Dr Campbell-McBride is a Russian-born medical doctor who now has a nutritional practice in the UK that deals largely - but not exclusively - with autism. Her son developed autism over a decade ago. This prompted her to study other treatment approaches, as her medical training indicated that there was very little hope for her child. He is now apparently a normal teenager, who attends a mainstream school, has friends, plays football etc. Dr Campbell-McBride sees autism as part of a wider spectrum of the many "new" - and now almost epidemic - illnesses that affect children, such as ADHD. These links are a useful guide to her work: Curing her son of Autism http://www.scribd.com/doc/3664908/ Does MMR cause autism? by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride MD http://www.scribd.com/doc/3664800/ Healing The Mind http://www.scribd.com/doc/2520415/ Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment For: Autism, ADD, ADHD Depression, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia & Schizophrenia By Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. http://www.scribd.com/doc/12842657/ ]]> Sun, 31 May 2009 22:11:17 +0000 1483-73 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/books-covering-multiple-environmental-illnesses/explaining-unexplained-illnesses:/ As the parent of a teenager who has had M.E./CFS for twelve years, and a veterinary medicine graduate, I've been reading medical research and theories to explain this illness for over a decade. When I read this book, I thought "yes, this is the explanation of the biochemical pathways which are going wrong". Professor Pall has done a fantastic job of writing this, what is esentially a biochemistry textbook, in a way readable by an informed, lay audience. Although I rated "ease of reading" only as an eight, that is because it is detailed science. For the material within it, this is as readable as it comes. And, very refreshingly for an academic, he nails his colours to the mast and pronounces the current attitudes to these illnesses as a disgrace. I think the frightening thing is that this book has been out some time and there is no blossoming of articles in the press (in the UK, anyway), saying, "what are we waiting for now? How can the medical profession still say that we don't understand this illness?" As Professor Pall says, no-one can claim these illnesses are medically unexplained, anymore. Get this book and lobby politicians and medical leaders with it. ]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:33:18 +0000 1685-71 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/multiple-chemical-sensitivity/chemical-sensitivity:/ This was the first book written by the author, herself a multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) patient. First published in 1992 it has now been reprinted for 2008 with a new cover and other updates. Like her later book Defining Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (1998) this title is packed full of both well researched technical and medical information and practical tips for fellow patients. The two books are complementary so those who have read the author's later and better known offering will still find much of interest here. Bonnye L. Matthews does a fantastic job of translating highly technical information into language that is easy to understand; even for those of us struggling with brain fog! The book begins by describing what is meant by chemical sensitivity and describing what is going on in the body to cause the illnesses and the symptoms. Information here includes research on abnormalities in both the immune and neurological systems including T-cell and neurotransmitter imbalances. Proceeding chapters discuss the causes of chemical sensitivity in terms of toxicology and the similarities between multiple chemical sensitivity and other conditions which result from a toxic insult to the brain. This can be heavy going but if you can manage to persevere there is much to be learned that might help you to understand your condition and provide ammunition for dealing with medical and social security issues. Another chapter provides an excellent set of resources for MCS patients. One of these is Manufacturers Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). These list the chemical ingredients of chemical products such as perfumes along with safety information about them. MSDS can be a real eye opener as most people have no idea just what goes into perfume and other such products. The book also has excellent sections on how to record important information about your illness and how it developed so you have the best chance of getting the medical and financial help you may need. Of course the author also discusses how to avoid exposures by removing potential sources of chemicals from your environment. A highly recommended book for and MCS sufferer with a wealth of well researched information along with excellent practical advice. The author deserves a great deal of respect for her courage and determination in writing this and her subsequent book. ]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:31:09 +0000 1116-67 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/multiple-chemical-sensitivity/living-with-multiple-chemical-sensitivity:-narratives-of-coping/ I was at the lowest point in my life when I discovered this fantastic book. I felt totally alone trying to live with chemical sensitivities. Family and friends try to understand but they can't really, how could they? Reading the stories of others with MCS in this book gave me renewed hope that I could again find some sort of fulfullment in life (however small) rather than just trying to get through each day without breaking down. For those feeling alone and lost in despair as a result of the nightmare that is MCS there is no better book. Please read it if you can. ]]> Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:51:28 +0000 1483-65 http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/books-covering-multiple-environmental-illnesses/explaining-unexplained-illnesses:/ I have been following the work of Dr. Martin Pall with interest for some time now so couldn't wait for this book to be published. When well known and respected names like Dr. Paul Cheney and Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum speak so highly of someone and their work you can be sure it is worth looking in to. Dr. Pall's article 'Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: The End of Controversy' has been one of the most read articles on this site ever since it went online. Having said all that I admit I initially hesitated in making purchasing 'Explaining "Unexplained Illnesses"' as the price of the original hardback edition was pretty high. Thankfully there is now a paperback version which is much more affordable. Dr. Pall is Professor of Biochemistry and Basic Medical Sciences at Washington State University. He has a long-standing interest in biological regulatory mechanisms and free radical pathology and it is this that has led him to investigate the "unexplained illnesses". This book explains in detail his theory that CFS, multiple chemical sensitivity, fibromyalgia, and other conditions result from out of control oxidative stress (from free radicals) triggered by disruption of the nitric oxide system within the body. Nitric oxide (NO) is a chemical that the body itself produces and which has a number of useful functions, as a neurotransmitter and in the regulation of blood pressure, for example. What Dr. Pall suggests is that particular stressors (which are known to trigger unexplained illnesses) such as viral infections, chemical exposures, and severe stress trigger increased levels of NO which then do not return to normal. The problem he says, is that NO triggers the production of harmful free radicals such as peroxynitrite which the body is unable to deal with and which lead to the various symptoms of these illnesses. Dr. Pall does a great job of explaining such complex biochemistry in a way that the layman can understand (even those of us with unexplained illnesses!). He starts off with a little background about the illnesses and how he came to suspect the involvement of NO before explaining the mechanisms in detail which he backs up with a host of references, as you would expect from a university Professor. It is worth noting that Dr. Pall's work has recently been independently verified by other researchers who have noted higher than normal levels of NO in CFS patients with a link to previous immune activation from a viral infection. The book is set out in a logical and readable fashion taking us through each of the illnesses in which Dr. Pall suspects NO involvement. The final section of the book deals with possible treatment options for addressing this underlying cause. Refreshingly from a medical academic, the majority of these treatment options are nutritional supplements that are available over the counter. They are in the most part powerful antioxidants. Each is discussed in some detail and the evidence for their potential usefulness assessed. The book concludes with a review of the current research and what needs to be done in future to get to the bottom of unexplained illnesses. I feel that this book is a hugely important step towards uncovering the mechanisms that lay behind the unexplained illnesses that are afflicting modern society. It provides a mechanism that not only explains the multiple and varied symptoms seen in unexplained illnesses but also makes the connection between illnesses, that although different in some ways, share many similarities that can't just be ignored. If you can handle a bit of science and want to discover what is goin on in these illnesses and possibly discover effective treatment options then don't hesitate to take a look at this book. ]]> Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:14:12 +0000