Well researched with good practical advice,  Thursday, 27 March 2008 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.

 Rapid improvement in physical and mental energy,  Tuesday, 25 March 2008 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.

 A big piece of the "unexplained illnesses" puzzle,  Thursday, 17 January 2008 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 hs a number of useful functions, as a nuerotransmitter 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.

 A very useful nutritional reference book,  Wednesday, 19 December 2007 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.

 One of the most effective stress-reducing herbs,  Thursday, 15 November 2007 I've used Relora on and off for a couple of years now at times when I am particular stressed and really need something to help me cope with it. At a dose of 250mg 3 times per day it is very effective for this.

When taking Relora the effects become noticeable pretty quickly, after around 24 hours. I usually only use it for a period of about a month at a time but the effects do seem to gradually increase the longer I take it.

I have taken benzodiazepines such as Valium for stress and anxiety in the past and the effects from Relora are very similar to those from these drugs. Both provide a feeling of nerves being calmed but do tend to leave you feeling a little drowsy and foggy. This is perhaps just a sign that the dose needs adjustment however. Perhaps as a result of this effect Relora helps me get off to sleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

This is a great herbal stress/sleep aid which is relatively inexpensive. As such I'd recommend it as a safe alternative to addictive pharmaceutical solutions for stress and related conditions.

 Some helpful information but not the best CFS book,  Friday, 02 November 2007 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 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, 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.

 Great for stress relief and relaxation,  Tuesday, 30 October 2007 I am lucky in that my mum is a reflexologist so I have had easy access to treatment over the years. I have to admit I was initially very sceptical and didn't expect any benefit.

I soon changed my mind however, after only a single hour long treatment. The sense of relaxation I experienced was really profound. As a result of suffering from CFS I have problems with stress, depression and sleep. During reflexology treatment all of these are improved. My body and mind both feel more relaxed and free from stress than they do at any other time. To be honest it is really a struggle to stay awake during a reflexology session! My mum tells me that this is common with all of her clients.

In support of the theory that reflexologists can locate problem areas in the body by feeling tension and sore areas in the feet, I have to say that certain areas of my feet do feel very sore when pressure is applied. I have not injured my feet in these areas and do not notice pain or soreness there at any other time so perhaps there is something in it.

After having a reflexology treatment I find I can sleep more soundly for a few days. Unfortunately I have had no long-term benefits from the treatments. I haven't had any sustained increase in energy or improvement in mood. However, during the treatment and for a few days after the benefits are unmistakable.

I would certainly recommend reflexology to anyone suffering from stress, depression, insomnia, nervous exhaustion etc. If you can afford to visit a reflexologist every week then the benefits may well be maintained. It is worth a trial just to experience the deep level of relaxation that can be achieved.

 A powerful energy booster,  Friday, 26 October 2007 I have found panax ginseng to be a very powerful herb with many benefits. As a sufferer of both CFS and depression I found this herb to be beneficial for both conditions, boosting both energy and mood.

I felt more energy on a sustained basis and the benefits increased the longer I took the herb. Panax ginseng also significantly brightened my mood, which combined with the increased energy allowed me to greatly increase my daily activities.

As well as CFS and depression I also have trouble with allergies and chemical sensitivities and panax ginseng noticeably reduced the severity of symptoms triggered by chemicals and other allergens, and the frequency with which symptoms occured.

The only reservation I have about using panax ginseng is that it can sometimes be TOO stimulating which can interfere with sleep. If this occurs you may need to adjust the amount you are taking or the frequency with which you take it. If you can get the dose right this herb is a great help.

I used a capsule form but you can get the herb in numerous other forms from every good health store. Another slight downside is that some of the premium brands can be very expensive but shop around and you will find a good compromise between quality and price.

 Amazing benefits but use with caution,  Friday, 19 October 2007 I used DHEA a few years ago for a period of about 4 months at a dosage of 25mg every morning. I later reduced this to 25mg every other day and then 12.5mg every other day.

After testing borderline low for DHEA on an Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) test I began taking DHEA supplements. To say the initial results were good is a major understatement. I suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, chemical sensitivities, insomnia, and hypoglycemia, amongst other things. After only a week the DHEA seemed to have improved ALL of these problems significantly. I had more energy, felt happier and more relaxed, was experiencing the most refreshing sleep for 10 years, my blood sugar was a lot more stable, and reactions to chemicals were a lot less severe.

Basically, I just felt better. A lot better!

Unfortunately, much to my despair, there were quite serious side-effects. I have poor liver function at the best of times and after a few weeks I began to notice symptoms consistent with hepatitis....abdominal pain, pale stools that are painful to pass, muscle aches, yellowing of the skin etc. I had experienced the same when taking an antibiotic previously so knew the signs. It soon became clear that the DHEA was to blame so I had to drop the dose and then discontinue completely.

I did notice that the many benefits remained on the lower dosages so perhaps I started much too high.

I must add that I already knew my liver was susceptible to problems so if your liver is relatively healthy you will most likely not experience this problem. I personally did not personally note any other side-effects after 4 months such as the sex hormone related effects that are often reported.

From my experience I would say that DHEA could be a VERY helpful treatment for people with similar health concerns to myself but clearly it must be used with caution. Get your DHEA levels tested (and your liver if you have concerns) and start treatment under the care of a knowledgeable doctor. Once on DHEA keep a lookout for any undesirable changes and discuss them with your doctor.

 Caused no problems for a multiple chemical sensiti,  Thursday, 18 October 2007 Seventh Generation produces a huge range of household products designed to be kind to your health and the environment. Their range really is impressive with alternatives to every traditional household chemical product.

This 'Free & Clear' laundry detergent is just that, free of any fragrances and petrochemicals. It is made solely from plant based ingredients, the main cleaning agents being corn and coconut based soaps, soda ash, and borax. The lack of any petrochemicals means this detergent is a lot kinder to the environment once the waste water is pumped out of your washing machine.

As the product contains no fragrances and other volatile petrochemicals such as formaldehyde and ethanol (common in other cleaning products) it caused no problems for me as a chemically sensitive individual. When dried outdoors on the washing line clothes still smell fresh without the need for artificial fragrances.

In terms of cleaning ability, I'd say this product is among the best of the "natural" brands I have tried. I would have to concede that it's not quite up there with some of the high strength synthetic detergents but the trade off for the health and environmental benefits is very small. Seventh Generation have now added enzymes to this product so cleaning power is now likely to be even better.