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| 90 results - showing 21 - 30 | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 | Results per page: |
LifeWave Products
Improve detox ability effectively and quickly
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
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To put it mildly the Lifewave glutathione patch is impressive. Within 15 minutes of first applying one I began to feel slightly nauseous and woozy. Since nothing enters the body from the patches I can only assume this was a "Detox" reaction due to toxins being mobilised in my body by increased glutathione levels. I have tried many other ways of raising glutathione from reduced glutathione and N-Acetyl-Cysteine supplements to non-denatured whey and intravenous glutathione and never experienced a reaction like this. Studies carried out so far on the Lifewave glutathione patch have indeed shown it is able to raise blood glutathione levels significanctly in a very short period of time. I continued to wear the patches for a month and for the first 3 or 4 times I always experienced the "detox" reaction but after that I simply gained a general sense of well being which may well have continued to increased had I used the patches longer. Which brings me to my only negative point....cost. A month's supply of the Lifewave glutathione patch costs around $60. I would like to use them on a continual basis but this is currently beyond my financial reach. I do use the Lifewave Silent Nights patches to aid sleep as I feel this is most important. When put into context however, Lifewave glutathione patches are comparable in price to non-denatured whey products which I have found to be less effective in a clearly discernible way. My advice would be to try the patches for yourself and see if you get any benefits. Trial packs are available cheaply which allow you to see if they work for you before you pay out for a month supply. Like many people I was initially sceptical of Lifewave patches but chronic illness has taught me that it is worth trying anything no matter if science has proven how it works or not (especially where there is no risk involved). I do and always have respected the scientific method but there are a lot of double standards. Lifewave patches and the principles of acupuncture on which they are based are often derided while antidepressant drugs are routinely dished out in their millions......despite a long side-effects list and compelling evidence that they are little more effective than placebo. I'd recommend anyone try the Lifewave glutathione patches and make up their own minds. You may well be amazed at the results. Treatment
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Diets
Significant improvement in brain fog and mood
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
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As a long-term sufferer of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), amongst other complaints, I have tried many dietary changes in an effort to relieve my symptoms. I have found that avoiding gluten and casein brings significant benefits. I have been found to have increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) using lab testing (as have others with these conditions in published studies). According to proponents of the GFCF diet this may increase the chances of opiate-like molecules from partially digested gluten and casein being absorbed from my digestive tract. My experiences suggest there is substance to this theory as whenever I ingest gluten or casein containing foods I experience symptoms including brain fog, irritability, and restlessness a few hours later. I do not experience the same reaction from any other foods or food groups. Additionally, I learned early on that removing casein-containing foods from my diet reduced excess mucous in my throat that I suffered badly from. Surprisngly I can't report improvement in digestive symptoms when on the GFCF diet but it may well be that there are so many other factors causing these symptoms for any improvement to be negligible. I will not pretend that the GFCF diet is easy, especially at first, but for me it has brought benefits that make it worth the effort. I am now used to a wholefoods diet free from gluten and casein and only run into problems when eating in restaurants. My advice would be to give it a go, you have nothing to lose and potentially much to gain. Treatment
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Nutrients S-Z
Effective Mood Booster (N-acetyl form)
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
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As a sufferer of both chronic fatigue syndrome and depression I had all the signs of catecholamine deficiency e.g. sluggish thinking, poor concentration and focus, lack of motivation and mental energy. Since tyrosine is the amino acid building block of the energizing catecholamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline/norepinephrine I thought it would be well worth trying it to see if it alleviated my symptoms. Initially I bought a standard l-tyrosine product and after trying it for a month hadn't noticed any effect at all so gave up on it for a long while. After a few other experiences with supplements that supply nutrients in a form closer to the end products used by the body I decided to give the N-acetyl-L-Tyrosine form a try. This time the result was positive and quick. Within 30 minutes of taking a single 300mg capsule I felt a significant improvement in all of the symptoms I mentioned above. My head felt clearer, I felt more like myself and the world generally seemed like a brighter and better place to be. The positive effects on my mood and mental functioning I get with N-acetyl-L-Tyrosine last for around 3-4 hours so I need to take more than one dose per day to maintain them. The only side-effect is over-stimulation similar to drinking to much coffee if I take too much. Treatment
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Complementary/Alternative Therapies
Very calming - Great magnesium & sulfate source
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
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I've used epsom salts as part of my treatment regime for a couple of years now and wouldn't be without them. Having suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) for going on 18 years now I have been aware of the importance of magnesium and its reported calming qualities for a long time. I had never experienced these however until trying epsom salts. I had had blood tests showing low red cell magnesium levels and tried oral supplements in various forms as well as injections without noticing any improvement. Epsom salts however rapidly produce a very profound calming effect which lasts for much of the day. My anxiety and stress levels decrease, my muscles relax and my mood brightens. I have taken tranquilizer drugs such as diazepam (Valium) on occasion and have to say that the effect I get from the epsom salts is comparable to the drug (while being much safer). As research shows sulfate is well absorbed through the skin from epsom salts as well as magnesium. It's harder to tell if I have benefitted from this or not however. It is true that my chemical sensitivities have remained minimal during the period I have used epsom salts which could certainly be in part due to the extra sulfate but I have also been using other treatments. Sulfate is very important for the detoxification of chemical pollutants such as vehicle exhaust and petrochemical based products such as perfume. I use foot baths as I don't have a bath in my flat/apartment. I dissolve around 100g of epsom salts in a plastic bowl that would otherwise be used to wash dishes. This is probably more epsom salts than needed based on Dr. Waring's research mentioned above but it dissolves well and hasn't caused any side-effects. I have read elsewhere that people have had skin irritation when too much has been added to the water but I haven't experienced this. The salts can leave a rim around the bowl/bath though but can be washed off easily enough. I'm in the UK and have found it quite hard to buy epsom salts in the shops/pharmacies so I now buy online which works out much cheaper anyway. Various websites sell 10kg buckets (which I buy) for around 20 Pounds including delivery. These buckets last me around 5-6 months doing foot baths every other day so are very good value. Oral supplements which I have found ineffective would cost many times more over the same period. I would recommend epsom salt baths or footbaths to anyone suffering from environmental illnesses, particularly those suffering badly with mood disorders and chemical sensitivities. They are effective, safe and cheap. Treatment
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Allergy/MCS Face Masks
Indispensible for Multple Chemical Sensitivity
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
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I count myself very lucky to have found these I Can Breathe! masks when I developed multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and was unable to tolerate exposure to minute amounts of a huge range of chemicals from perfume, fabric softener and fragranced bath soap to vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke and ink. Such exposures would immediately trigger a host of symptoms including fatigue, weakness, dizziness, confusion, pounding heart, headaches, and flu-like symptoms. I was left feeling extremely tired and ached terribly all over for days after such a reaction. I was basically housebound and had to keep my home free from any chemical products (basically everything) that would trigger my symptoms. I couldn't have visitors and couldn't go outside. I Can Breathe! honeycomb masks with carbon filter changed all that. When wearing the mask I was able to be around people wearing perfume and other chemical products, I could go outside and be exposed to traffic fumes and the harsh cleaning products used in shops and public buildings.....all with no reaction at all. These masks effectively gave me my freedom back. I also suffer from hayfever and found them equally effective at protecting me from grass pollen during the summer. The mask design includes an adjustable nose piece and elastic (non-latex) ear straps which make it a good fit on practically everyone. It does get quite warm and sweaty after a while but this is to be expected if the filter is to work effectively. It is also very hard to smell anything while wearing the mask but this is a trade-off that is easy to make! My only disappointment with this mask is its durability. The ear straps tend to lose their elasticity quite quickly. Although replacement carbon filters can be purchased seperately I found this issue meant I was replacing the masks as often as the filters. In conclusion, I can't recommend these masks highly enough to anyone suffering from MCS. |
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Probiotics & Prebiotics
The First Probiotic to Really Alleviate my Gut Sym
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
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I have suffered from both fungal (Candida) and bacterial intestinal overgrowth to a severe degree for many years as a result of antibiotic use and the immune dysfunction caused by chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Over the years I have tried a number of probiotic products that have certainly altered the composition of my gut flora to some degree as I have experienced tell-tale die-off reactions while taking them. However, none of these probiotic products significantly reduced my gut symptoms of bloating, gas, and alternating constipation and diarrhoea. VSL#3 is different. After taking two packets a day for around a month I really did notice a difference. This is no doubt down to the fact that VSL#3 contains far more probiotic bacteria than other products (450 billion per packet) and has been proven effective for a number of gastrointestinal disorders in clinical trials. There are however, a few downsides. First off VSL#3 is expensive. For me at the present it is prohibitively expensive, especially using two packets per day. Also, it is a dairy-based probiotic which is a problem for me as both dairy and gluten affect my concentration and cause of symptoms associated with cognitive dysfunction. Despite these reservations, I would certainly recommend that anyone with gastrointestinal issues give this product a trial. Treatment
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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Well researched with good practical advice
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
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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. |
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Nutrients M-R
Rapid improvement in physical and mental energy
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32 of 33 people found the following review helpful
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After reading articles by the doctors mentioned above as well as some of the research regarding the use of D-ribose in heart disease patients I couldn't wait to try it for myself. Through reading about the mechanisms by which D-ribose reportedly increases energy in the body I became convinced that it would be of benefit, at least to some degree. I purchased the Doctor's Best brand which although still quite expensive is great value compared to similar products. I began taking 2.5g of the powder twice per day. Most doctors recommend double this amount to begin with. I found the results to be very good at this low dose so didn't need to up it to 5g. Although it may take a number of days to experience the benefits of D-ribose I noticed positive results on the very first day. I suffer badly from poor mental energy (lack of motivation, mental sluggishness etc) as much or more than poor physical energy and I would describe the effect from D-ribose as 'a light switch being flipped in my brain'. I experienced improved motivation and ability to begin tasks, improved mood and enjoyment of activities, and a general sense of energy and well-being. This effect was maintained over the following week and I also began to experience improved physical energy and less fatigue both during and after activity. The only downside I experienced was that after a while I began to feel over-stimulated but this is something that I often experience with any stimulating supplement and is not likely to be an issue for the majority of people. Other than that I didn't experience any other side-effects. Some reviewers elsewhere have reported that the powder has a bad taste but I didn't find this to be the case. It is a mild, sweet tasting powder. I have tasted much worse! I would cetainly recommend that anyone suffering from CFS or other fatigue related illness give D-ribose a trial as it may produce profound improvements. Treatment
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Books Covering Multiple Environmental Illnesses
A big piece of the "unexplained illnesses" puzzle
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
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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. |
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Nutritional Supplements
A very useful nutritional reference book
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
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I purchased the second edition of this book (it is now in its 4th edition) many years ago and still dip into it on a fairly frequent basis. The first thing I would say about this title is the great way it is laid out which makes it perfect when you need to quickly find specific information. As the title suggests, a large portion of the book is taken up with nutritional recommendations for specific conditions. A fairly comprehensive list of conditions is included and each is afforded a description, a set of nutritional recommendations in the form of easy to read tables, recommended herbs, and dietary advice. It is this section of the book that really makes it stand out from the pack and greatly enhances its usefulness. Besides the above, the book starts off with a very readable introduction to the basics of nutrition. We learn about the macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) before moving on to the micronurients (vitamins and minerals). For each vitamin and mineral there is a detailed description of its function, the foods it is found in, and instances where supplementation may be helpful. The same goes for the amino acids. There are also sections devoted to medicinal herbs and other nutritional supplements such as probiotics which are equally detailed. The finally section of the book is devoted to complementary therapies. This is a fantastic addition to an already good book. I'm sure this title would have stood up just as well without this final section but with its inclusion it succeeds in being a complete reference for anybody wishing to take control of their own health and explore all of the available options. All major (and minor more obscure) complementary therapies are described here from reflexology to meditation. I do have a few gripes that detract a little from what is othewise a very good book. For example, it would be easy for anyone looking at the recommendations for a particular disease to assume that if they go out and buy all of the recommended supplements (and there are a lot!) that they will be cured. Things of course are never as simple as this so I feel the author should be more willing to suggest that readers work with a qualified healthcare practitioner before they end up spending a fortune on supplements that may not be suitable to their individual case. The dietary advice is also somewhat inaccuate and outdated with a vegetarian/vegan approach being strongly advocated despite much recent research that for example, shows that cholesterol is not the major cause of heart disease it was previously thought to be. Finally, I would have liked to see more solid referencing of scientific studies to back up the recommendtions given in the book. A lack of such referencing leaves questions about the reliability of the information Overall I would certainly recommend people buy this book and use it as a guide and reference and a starting point for further research. Used in this way this title can be an invaluable addition to the library of anyone seeking alternatives to standard medical care. |
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