Specific Treatment Protocols

Ashok Gupta Amygdala Retraining

Written by Maff July 09, 2009 Hits: 3163 0

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Amygdala Retraining is a unique program of specific techniques developed by Ashok Gupta for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and related conditions including fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).

Gupta states that he was diagnosed with ME/CFS himself by two seperate medical doctors and to have now recovered by putting into the practice the techniques he developed. He is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and holds two Masters degrees. His research into ME/CFS and the development of his amygdala retraining techniques resulted in the publication of a paper on the subject in the peer reviewed medical journal Medical Hypotheses in 2002 (see here).

The Theory

The basis for Gupta's therapy is the theory that the illnesses it is used for are the result of chronic dysfunction (namely chronic activation) of the amygdala, a region of the brain that is responsible for the body's response to threats, both from emotional stress, as well as physiological and environmental stressors such as immunological threats like a viral infection, or exposure to chemicals.

Gupta believes that predisposing genetic factors coupled with stressors of any kind, to which the amygdala responds, lead to its chronic activation and the production of a viscious cycle of illness. According to Gupta key findings in chronic fatigue syndrome and related illnesses including immune dysfunction, oxidative stress, hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary (HPA) axis abnormalities, and chronic sympathetic nervous system activation are all attributable to this activation of the amygdala - these in turn leading to secondary illness cycles including adrenal exhaustion, mitochondrial dysfunction, allergies/sensitivities, and increased nitric oxide (NO)production, as well as the typical symptoms of these illnesses.

Amygdala Retraining - The Treatment

The aim of the amygdala retraining therapy is to reduce the reactivity of the amygdala to stressors and therefore break the viscious cycle of dysfunction and disease that has been perpetuated by its chronic activation.

Gupta is quick to point out on his website that his techniques are different to both conventional psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and alternative techniques which have become popular for the treatment of the same illnesses including the Lightning Process and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Amygdala retraining incorporate elements of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques, meditative techniques, mindfulness techniques, yogic techniques, and many others.

The website states that "The tools and techniques have been custom designed to address the amygdala-based patterns which are occuring in ME/CFS, and therefore cannot come under one particular banner. Some of the processes can really only come under the banner of "Amygdala Retraining" techniques, and therefore it is difficult to describe the techniques without actually being taken through them."

Gupta runs a clinic in Harley Street, London, and also offers a DVD program from his website that takes patients through the amygdala retraining techniques. The clinic reports that preliminary clinical trials are underway in an effort to confrim the effectiveness of the approach.

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Ashok Gupta's Website

Martin Pall Treatment Protocol

Written by Maff May 19, 2009 Hits: 4923 0

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Martin Pall is Professor of Biochemistry and Basic Medical Sciences at Washington State University. He has been investigating the causes of unexplained illnesses including chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) for the past decade.

As a result of his research, Professor Pall has developed a comprehensive theory explaining how these illnesses develop and this has naturally led to proposed treatments to combat the underlying disease process. The majority of the recommended treatments are widely available nutritional and herbal supplements meaning that patients can implement the treatment themselves if they choose.

Professor Pall's hypothesis is that a variety of short-term stressors can trigger an increase in the levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the body and that this is the root cause of the symptoms associated with these illnesses.

He explains that the following can act as stressors triggering the increased NO:

> Viral, bacterial and protozoan infections

> Physical trauma (most commonly to the head and neck but also including physical trauma to other regions of the body).

> Chemical exposure to such chemicals as volatile organic solvents or such pesticides as organophosphorus/carbamates, organochlorine pesticides or pyrethroid pesticides.

> Carbon monoxide exposure

> Severe psychological stress

> Mold toxins

Usually an individual will recover when such short-term stressors are removed but in some people Professor Pall hypothesizes, a vicious cycle of elevated NO is initiated which maintains the illness.

As a consequence of elavted NO there is an increase in free radicals such as peroxynitrite which can damage tissues and cause dysfunction of cells and metabolic processes throughout the body.

Professor Pall therefore recommends individuals suffering from these illnesses should be treated with substances which decrease levels of NO and free radicals in the body. Most of these are natural antioxidant supplements.

A number of high profile healthcare professionals are using Professor Pall's treatment protocol to treat patients with unexplained chronic illnesses with reportedly high levels of success.

To learn more about Professor Pall's theory and treatment protocol please see the following:

Article - The No! Oh Noo! Theory and Suggestions for Treatment

Book - Explaining Unexplained Illnesses: Disease Paradigm for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Fibromyalgia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Gulf War Syndrome.

Discuss: Martin Pall Treatment Protocol Forums

Buy the supplements that make up Martin Pall's Treatment Protocol:

(from iherb.com - save $5 on your first order using promotional code: MAT856)

The Marshall Protocol

Written by Maff November 11, 2008 Hits: 4054 0

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The Marshall Protocol is an experimental medical treatment being used by a number of doctors throughout the world to treat a variety of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases including chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), chronic Lyme disease, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and sarcoidosis. The protocol aims to correct the underlying cause of these conditions rather than simply suppressing or treating individual symptoms.

The Marshall Protocol is a phase II community-based internet study that is monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States. The study is supported by the Autoimmunity Research Foundation; a non-profit organization. The Foundation is working with the FDA to make the Marshall Protocol available to patients with a wide range of diagnoses which proponents believe would derive benefit from the treatment.

Patients can visit the Marshall Protocol website and sign up to be part of the ongoing study into the treatment as long as they are under the care of a doctor familiar with the treatment. Those developing the protocol advise against patients undertaking it unsupervised.

Who Developed The Marshall Protocol?
The protocol was developed by researcher Trever Marshall, Ph.D. Marshall has a background in electrical engineering but moved into the medical field working on medical treatment devices as part of his doctoral work. Marshall developed sarcoidosis in the 1970s and pursued research in biomedical engineering to understand the disease. After developing sarcoidosis, a systemic autoimmune disease, which affects lung function as well as negatively impacting lymph nodes and other organs, Marshall began researching the underlying causes of the disease and looking for a potential cure (there is currently no curative treatment available for sarcoidosis). As a result in 2004 he published the paper “Sarcoidosis Succumbs to Antibiotics” in the medical journal Autoimmunity Reviews.

The Theory Behind The Marshall Protocol

The Marshall Protocol is based on the hypothesis that many chronic diseases, termed Th1 illnesses because of how they affect the immune system, are the result of infection by specific types of bacteria that are able to evade the patient's immune system and infect the cells of the body, even cells of the immune system such as macrophages which ordinarily are the first line of defence against infection. The specific bacteria in question are referred to by a number of different names:

Introphagocytic Bacteria - Refers to their ability to remain alive and proliferate undetected by the immune system inside the cells they infect.

L-form Bacteria - Refers to bacteria which are in a particular phase of their life cycle in which they lose their cell wall. The hypothesis with Th1 diseases is that under certain conditions the bactria remain chronically in this L-form. Because they lack a cell wall, many antibiotics are unable to kill L-form bacteria directly and they cannot be detected by standard laboratory tests.

Th1 Pathogens - Simply refers to any pathogens involved with causing chronic diseases according to Marshall's theory.

As well as potentially interfering with the functioning of a patient's cells directly through their presence the Th1 pathogens cause the body's own cells to release inflammatory cytokines (immune chemicals) which cause fatigue, pain, inflammation, and the other symptoms associated with Th1 illnesses.

The reason these Th1 pathogens are able to infect and proliferate in the patient according to Marshall is a result of abnormalities in vitamin D metabolism and specifically the inactivation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) which switches on the innate immune system and protects us from infection. Activation of the VDR also increases production of antimicrobial peptides which kill pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. In those infected with TH1 pathogens it is thought that substances they produce block the VDR and cause the innate immune systm to be switched off. This allows the Th1 pathogens to proliferate and also allows other infections to occur; childhood viruses are reactivated, Candida infections become common, and mycoplasma are able to infect the patient; a common pattern in chronic fatigue syndrome and other Th1 illnesses. Importantly, and perhaps surprisingly, the inactive form of vitamin D (25-D) also inactivates the VDR and leads to this immune system malfunction so vitamin D consumption in foods and supplements by those with TH1 illnesses can actually worsen their condition according to Marshall's theory.

In healthy individuals, the active form of vitamin D (1,25-D), in contrast to 25-D binds to and activates the VDR thus switching on the innate immune response and protecting us from infection. Unfortunately in those with Th1 illnesses who have 25-D and bacterial proteins blocking the VDR, 1,25-D is forced out of the receptor and into the surrounding tissues.The end result is that 1,25-D levels rise to an abnormally high level. At these levels 1,25-D begins to bind with other receptors, displacing the substances that are supposed to bind them, and causing dysfunction in many body systems. Interestingly the receptors affected are those for adrenal (cortisol, DHEA), thyroid (T3), and sex hormones. Problems with the functioning of these hormones are well established in chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and other Th1 illnesses and result in symptoms such as fatigue, inability to deal with stress, sleep problems, and body temperature dysregulation.

So, in summary, Th1 illnesses result from infection with Th1 pathogens due to vitamin D abnormalities and the inactivation of the innate immune system due to blockage of the VDR. In patient's with TH1 illnesses 25-D appears low on lab tests which prompts doctors to assume vitamin D deficiency when in fact there is an excess of the active form of vitamin D. 1,25-D is often not tested for but if it were levels would be found to be abnormally high according to Marshall and proponents of his research.

The Marshall Protocol Treatment
The aim of the Marshall Protocol is to correct the dysfunction in vitamin D metabolism, reactivate the innate immune system, and eradicate both the TH1 pathogens and secondary infections such as viruses, common bacteria (with a cell wall) and fungi. This is achieved in the following ways:

Olmesartan (Benicar) - Patients take this drug which is known as an 'angiotensin II receptor antagonist' and is commonly used to treat high blood pressure. It is used in the Marshall Protocol because it is able to bind and activate the VDR by pushing 25-D and bacterial proteins out of the receptor.

Avoid Foods Rich in Vitamin D - Levels of 25-D in the body are lowered by avoiding the kinds of vitamin D present in various foods. Foods high in vitamin D include fish, seafood and various plant seeds including sunflower and pumpkin. Patient's must also avoid nutritional supplements that contain vitamin D such as fish oil supplements.

These two measures are aimed at reactivating the innate immune system and allowing the body to produce the anti microbial peptides. The immune system is then able to kill the Th1 pathogens and is once again able to manage viral and other secondary infections.

Pulsed, Low-Dose Antibiotics - Used in this way antibiotic drugs are able to greatly weaken the Th1 pathogens so that the patient’s own immune system is then able to destroy them (after being activated by the two measures above).

Sun/Bright Light Avoidance - Since vitamin D is made in the skin when exposed to sunlight and also to a lesser extent in the eyes exposed to bright light patient's must also avoid these. If they do not their 1,25-D levels will rise, intefering with the other parts of the protocol and causing symptoms to worsen due to hormonal effects.

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Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!)

Written by Maff November 04, 2008 Hits: 512798 0

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Defeat Autism Now! (commonly referred to by its acronym - DAN!) is a project of the Autism Research Foundation (ARI) and has its roots in 1995 when the ARI began holding recurring meetings for doctors, researchers and scientists interested in autism and dedicated to finding effective treatments for the disorder.

The DAN! approach has become popular among parents and doctors of autistic children who feel that psychotropic drugs, and to some extent behavioural therapies, are not the most effective forms of treatment for autism. Instead the DAN! protocol offers biomedical interventions aimed at correcting the underlying causes of autism and associated medical conditions (e.g. digestive disorders, allergies/sensitivities).

According to ARI: "Autism is a complex disorder with many contributing factors. While there are many theories as to the cause of the increase, ARI believes environmental factors—including unprecedented exposure to toxic substances and over-vaccination of infants and young children—are the key factors triggering this devastating epidemic. Emerging research supports this fact, making it clear that autism is a whole-body illness triggering a biological brain disorder and ARI continues investigating various possible causal factors."

The DAN! protocol aims to correct biological abnormalities which research and clinical experience has shown may be involved in autism. These include gut issues such as lack of beneficial bacterial, increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and infection with bacteria and yeast (such as Candida), as well as low glutathione and sulphur (both important for detoxification), heavy metal toxicity (e.g. mercury), food sensitivities, and nutritional deficiencies.

According to an article entitled 'Summary of Biomedical Treatments for Autism' by James B. Adams, Ph.D., which is itself based largely on the book: 'Autism: Effective Biomedical Treatments' by Jon Pangborn, Ph.D., and Sidney Baker, MD,. published by the ARI, the following issues and treatment options make up the backbone of the DAN! approach:

Improve Diet - to provide necessary nutrients for health. Reducing sugar intake appears to be beneficial.
Food Allergies - many autistic children have food allergies due to digestive and immune problems. Allergic reactions cause further inflammation and symptoms.
GFCF Diet - Gluten (from wheat and other grains) and casein (from dairy products) and proteins which are particularly troublesome. They commonly cause allergic reactions and one theory of autism suggests that due to digestive dysfunction partially digested forms of these proteins enter the brain and act as opiates (like morphine) leading to autistic behaviour. Small scale medical studies have shown the gluten-free, casein-free diet to be effective at reducing symptoms of autism.
Vitamin/Mineral Supplements - Those with autism often deficient in various vitamins and minerals, often because of gut issues. A handful of studies show supplementation can improve symptoms including those relatd to the gut. Antioxidants may be particularly important as increased oxidative stress is a feature of autism.
High-Dose Vitamin B6 and Magnesium - Vitamin B6 is required for over 100 enzymatic reactions, including the production of major neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and others) and glutathione (needed for detoxification). Magnesium is used to prevent the possibility of hyperactivity, which can occur if the vitamin B6 is taken by itself. Vitamin B6 with magnesium is one of the best studied biomedical interventions for autistic children and adults. Twelve double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have found it beneficial in around half of patients.
Essential Fatty Acids - Studies have shown children with autism have lower levels of the omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA than do healthy chidlren. These fatty acids are essential for brain health and function and also produce anti-inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins (series 3) and modulate immune function. DHA is particularly important for early brain development and EPA is important for brain function later in life.
Antifungals - Some evidence suggests children with autism have overgrowth of yeast such as Candida in their guts. These yeast produce a wide range of toxins such as ethanol and acetaldehyde which have a substantial negative effect on brain function. Treatment may involve an antifungal diet and antifungal medications.
Probiotics - Beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species which help restore balance to the gut flora and prevent yeast and pathogenic bacteria becoming troublesome.
Digestive Enzymes - Autistic children often have deficiencies which contribute to digestive dysfunction and food allergies/sensitivties.
Amino Acids - Needed to produce proteins that form neurotransmitters, immunoglobulins, glutathione and many other important chemicals in the body.
Melatonin - Many people with autism have problems sleeping so supplementing melatonin, the body's own sleep hormone, may help patient's get a good night's sleep. Healthy sleep is essential for health in general as many restorative processes occur only during deep sleep.
Thyroid Supplements - Underactive thyroid function is thought by some to be more widespread than widely accepted. Hypothyrodism can have a huge impact on brain function. One study showed autistic children were low in iodine, a trace mineral required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Supplemention of iodine and tyrosine (also needed for thyroid hormone production) may be beneficial.
Sulfation - Sulfate is used for many functions in the body, including detoxification, maintaining the lining of the gut, and hormone production. Some children with autism have a low level of sulfate in their bodies, due to a variety of factors including poor absorption in the gut, excess loss in the urine, poor recycling of sulfate by the kidney, or oxidative stress and inflammation which can shut down the enzymes which produce it. Environmental toxin exposure and molydenum deficiency can also result in sulfate deficiency. Treatments to restore sulfate levels include epsom salt baths and the sulfur-containing supplement MSM.
Glutathione - Many children with autism have low glutathione levels. This antioxidant is vital for removing toxins and heavy metals from the body. Treatments to boost glutathione levels in the body include oral and /or IV glutathione, and supplements of vitamin C, folinic acid, trimethylglycine (TMG) along with subcutaneous injections of methyl-cobalamin (vitamin B12) - all of which are vital for glutathione production.
Chelation - This is a treatment aimed at remving heavy metals such as mercury from the body. These heavy metals are neurotoxins and some evidence suggests they are implicated in autism. Glutathione is the body's primary means of removing these metals so given that glutathione is low in autism other means to remove them may be required. Chelation may involve oral supplements such as n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and algae such as spirullina and chlorella or IV treatments with chemicals such as DMSA and DMPS which bind the heavy metals and remove them from the body.
Immune System Regulation - Auto-immunity and a Th2 dominant immune system have been found in autism. Treatments to address this are not well studied but DAN! advocates suggest intravenous IgG and the drugs pioglitazone and low dose naltrexone as possibilities along with the interventions above which should enhance immunity.

Adams points out that the list respresents the order in which issues and treatments are typically addressed but that the DAN! approach is tailored to the individual patient.

It should be noted that the DAN! treatment protocol may also benefit sufferers of other conditions covered on this website such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and Gulf War syndrome (GWS) as the underlying biological problems in these and autism overlap substantially according to a large number of research studies.

Note: Many articles and news stories on potential environmental triggers of autism are available at The Environmental Illness Resource. For further information visit the Autism Research Institute.

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The SHINE Protocol

Written by Maff October 21, 2008 Hits: 1685 0

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The SHINE Protocol was developed by Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia.

Dr. Teitelbaum himself suffered from ME/CFS and he says that in his 30 years of treating patients with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia he has found that the approaches that constitute the SHINE Protocol have been sucessful in the vast majority of patients. Dr. Teitelbaum even conducted a study using the SHINE Protocol called "Effective Treatment Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia - A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study," which was published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2001. For the study 72 fibromyalgia patients (of whom 69 also met the criteria for CFS) were split into active and placebo groups. Using symptom scores and questionnaires such as the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) along with lab testing Dr. Teitelbaum found that those receiving the active SHINE protocol treatments improved significantly compared to the placebo group and that this improvement continued over time according to follow up consultations with patients after a period of around 2 years.

SHINE is an acronym for the areas of dysfunction that are addressed in ME/CFS and fibromyalgia patients on the protocol. These are:

S = SLEEP: Get adequate sleep, preferably eight to nine hours a night. Sleep replenishes the body's energy and heals its muscles. Inadequate sleep will leave you exhausted and in pain.

H = HORMONES: Get tested for hormone deficiency and treated if needed. Hormone deficiencies can contribute to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

I = INFECTIONS: Get treatment when symptoms of infections occur. The lack of restorative sleep in CFS/FM leads to dysfunctional immune systems. Underlying viral, bacterial, bowel, sinus and yeast infections are common and can be a contributing cause or result of CFS/FM.

N = NUTRITONAL SUPPLEMENTS: Optimal nutritional supplementation is essential. Many nutrients can be depleted as a result of CFS/FM. B-12, magnesium, Acetyl L Carnitine and glutathione, as well as your basic A, B, C and D vitamins need to be supplemented at a level that your average over the counter multivitamin cannot provide.

E = EXERCISE: Exercise as able. After 10 weeks on the 4 steps above, you will be able to slowly increase your exercise-without being wiped out the next day!

The SHINE Protocol therefore address all of the major areas that research has identified as being dysfunctional in ME/CFS and fibromyalgia to bring about substantial improvements in a patient's symptoms and ability to function.

Dr. Teitelbaum states that it can take a number of months for the full benefits to be felt and that continuous testing and adjustments to treatments are needed to optimize treatment for each individual. It is therefore highly advisable to work with a physician who is familiar with the approach.

Learn more in Dr. Teitelbaum's Book:

From Fatigued to Fantastic