http://www.ei-resource.org/ http://www.ei-resource.org/images/stories/articles.jpg http://www.ei-resource.org/ 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! ]]> Books Covering Multiple Environmental Illnesses Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:57:34 +0000 360 2009-07-22 15:57:34 9 editorial http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/books-covering-multiple-environmental-illnesses/gut-and-psychology-syndrome/ 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/ ]]> Autism Sun, 31 May 2009 22:11:17 +0000 346 2009-05-31 22:11:17 8 user http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/autism/children-with-starving-brains:-a-medical-treatment-guide-for-autism-spectrum-disorder/ 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. ]]> Books Covering Multiple Environmental Illnesses Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:33:18 +0000 73 2008-06-10 09:33:18 10 user http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/books-covering-multiple-environmental-illnesses/explaining-unexplained-illnesses:/ 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. ]]> Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:31:09 +0000 71 2008-03-27 15:31:09 8 editorial http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/multiple-chemical-sensitivity/chemical-sensitivity:/ 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. ]]> Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:51:28 +0000 67 2008-02-15 15:51:28 10 user http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/multiple-chemical-sensitivity/living-with-multiple-chemical-sensitivity:-narratives-of-coping/ 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. ]]> Books Covering Multiple Environmental Illnesses Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:14:12 +0000 65 2008-01-17 15:14:12 8 editorial http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/books-covering-multiple-environmental-illnesses/explaining-unexplained-illnesses:/ http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-for-dummies/ This book is a bit of a mixed bag. After reading the back cover and discovering that it was authored by an anesthesiologist and a health writer I wasn't overly confident about the quality of the material. The bio of Dr. Susan Lisman suggests she has had experience treating CFS patients, but she certainly isn't an expert in the condition as far as I can tell. No mention is made of CFS in health writer Karla Dougherty's bio. After browsing through the book a little my scepticism was confirmed by the glaring lack of accuracy in various sections of the book. On page 125 the cause of Lyme disease is referred to as a virus when in fact the cause of Lyme disease is a type of bacteria known as a spirochete. Strangely, this is explained correctly elsewhere in the book. Other sections that leave a lot to be desired include those exploring the relationships between CFS, allergies, and gut issues. As may have been expected with the book being co-authored by an anesthesiologist there is an extensive section devoted to pain management using pharmaceuticals. Perhaps Dr. Lisman would have been better off writing a book about fibromyalgia where pain is the central issue. Only a very small quantity of ink is devoted to discussing drug-free options for pain management. Likewise with the section on sleep, a huge list of sleep medications is presented with no mention of potential addiction, while information regarding proven natural sleep aids is omitted. Large sections are devoted to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exercise as being primary treatments for CFS. I was baffled to say the least by casual suggestions that exercise such as backpacking and playing sports such as soccer and rugby could form part of a sensible treatment plan. The medical information as a whole simply dishes out official medical establishment guidelines and will be of very little help to most patients. In many instances patients will be turning to books such as this once these standard practices have failed and they have come to the end of the line with their doctor. Having said all that, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies does have some redeeming qualities that may just make it worth reading for some. The information is organized in an easy to read format, in bite-size sections. The 'cheat sheets' also provide a quick and easy reference for information such as symptoms used in diagnosis and some helpful figures about the prevalence of CFS etc. If you discount the strictly medical sections you also find there is a wealth of practical advice in the book that could certainly be helpful. Included are chapters aimed at helping the patient to track down the best doctor for them, handling emotional and psychological issues, file for disability benefits, and cope with relationship issues that arise from being sick. As I was diagnosed with CFS myself at the age of only 11 I was particularly pleased to find a whole chapter dedicated to helping parents help their child with CFS. When considering which CFS book to buy it boils down to exactly what you are looking for. If you want to discover the most effective treatment options so that you can help yourself I would suggest you avoid this book like the plague and instead buy From Fatigued to Fantastic! by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum. If however you are looking for practical advice for dealing with life with CFS then Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for Dummies may well have something to offer. ]]> Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:56:23 +0000 62 2007-11-02 15:56:23 6 editorial http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-for-dummies/ http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/books-covering-multiple-environmental-illnesses/invisible-illnesses/ Gloria Gilbere is a traditional naturopath, homeopath and doctor of natural health and is an internationally known author and speaker. In this book she defines what she calls 'invisible illnesses'. These are the illnesses that visitors to this website will be very familiar with and include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, leaky gut syndrome, and multiple chemical sensitivity. The term 'invisible illnesses' is very apt, how many times have people told you that you like fine? I can't count the number of times I have heard that phrase! Being a natural health practitioner, the author uses the bulk of the book to discuss the various natural therapies that can be used to manage invisible illnesses and set the patient on the road to recovery. Chapters focus on various specific issues that must be addressed for healing to occur. These include gut problems and the gut-brain connection, reducing the toxic load on the body, improving immune system health, and improving emotional wellbeing. The book recommends various therapies that can address these and other issues. Therapies include diet modification and nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, and colonic irrigation. What sets this book apart from others in a similar vein is that Gloria Gilb? has suffered from invisible illnesses herself and managed to regain her health through the natural methods she now recommends to others. It's clear that she understands what readers are going through with these conditions as her compassion and empathy is clear throughout. This book is an invaluable resource by an author whose own renewed health is proof of the effectiveness of the treatments described. ]]> Books Covering Multiple Environmental Illnesses Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:21:01 +0000 45 2007-07-30 17:21:01 8 editorial http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/books-covering-multiple-environmental-illnesses/invisible-illnesses/ http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/multiple-chemical-sensitivity/living-with-multiple-chemical-sensitivity:-narratives-of-coping/ This book is written by a Seattle counselor living with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). She presents her interviews with 32 people coping with this life- impacting syndrome in different regions of the US and Canada. Each interview is accompanied by pictures which adds to the impact of the individual's personal story. In one interview a sufferer's spouse adds his perspective which offers important incite into how multiple chemical sensitivity affects the people close to the sufferer. This is a great book for people thinking they are alone in the nightmare of MCS. The book demonstrates that there are so many others out there in a similar situation and shows how they are coping with life as an MCS sufferer. Appendices include an overview of MCS, a sociologist's viewpoint, resources for support, and recommended reading. This is undoubtedly the most personal look at MCS I have read and as such I found it very enlightening. This book is sure to give hope and comfort to MCS sufferers. ]]> Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:04:37 +0000 44 2007-07-27 14:04:37 8 editorial http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/multiple-chemical-sensitivity/living-with-multiple-chemical-sensitivity:-narratives-of-coping/ http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/multiple-chemical-sensitivity/chemical-sensitivity/ Dr Rogers has been treating MCS patients and writing on the subject for many years. She is a leading expert voice for the MCS community. This 42 page book manages to pack a great deal into such a small space and is fully referenced so is perfect for introducing your doctor or other professionals to the reality of chemical sensitivities. Dr Rogers discusses, amongst other things, how nutritional deficiencies and genetic susceptibilities can result in MCS, and a proposed mechanism behind the spreading phenomenon, (when patients become rapidly sensitized to more and more chemicals). There is also a discussion of the role that oxidative stress plays in the development and perpetuation of chemical sensitivity. Dr. Rogers also lists the various chemicals that are most likely to be triggers for the condition and for producing symptoms once someone becomes sensitized. A large portion of the book is dedicated to the diagnosis and treament of MCS, which of course, is exactly the information that most of those afflicted will be looking for in such a book. This title is a fantastic introduction to MCS that provides a good overview of the condition, is well written with good references, but doesn't overwhelm the reader. If you suspect that chemicals might be causing your ill health or you simply want a good introduction to chemical sensitivity, this is the book for you. For more in depth information regarding chemicals and health, Dr. Rogers' other books are well worth a look. ]]> Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:55:50 +0000 43 2007-07-27 12:55:50 8 editorial http://www.ei-resource.org/environmental-illness-books/multiple-chemical-sensitivity/chemical-sensitivity/