I like that the author covered the viral aspect of autoimmune conditions and the various infections that take place when the immune system is compromised. Her diet recommendations are good and again, based on your symptoms, may need to be modifed even more and curtailed to your condition and tolerance. She includes a lot of meat in her recipes but if if you can't break down proteins well, then eating more meat for some can backfire. I eat meat but limit my daily intake. If you can't digest proteins well, you might need to lower the sulfur/ammonia levels and that should be mentioned. Otherwise, the body can get too acidic. This is why it is important that you listen to your body. Not one program fits all because we are all genetically different. One reader wrote that Dr. Myers had neglected to include fermented foods but if you have histamine or yeast/candida/fungal issues (and viral), fermented foods or vinegars can worsen the symptoms and condition. For me I found the correlation in the sulfur allergy more related to an imbalance of some minerals, heavy metal toxicity, leaky gut, SIBO and genetic polymorphisms - see sulfur intolerance due to cystahtione beta synthase and sulfite oxidase (genetic testing helps zero in on this). Once you have addressed the deficiencies and diet (in my case lowering the sulfur and oxalates, thiols, etc) yeast and histamine issues, then fermented foods can be introduced gradually and are very helpful. But this another example of how something that works for one individual hinders another. Also all sugar (refined and otherwise) consumption needs to be reduced drastically and that includes even the use of honey or maple syrup due to the gut, which can include yeast issues among others. Bottom line, the acidosis needs to be reduced drastically and deficiencies addresses, such as minerals, etc., otherwise the pathogens will continue to thrive and you will relapse if you don't stay on a strict diet with supplements to help bring down the acid levels. Keep in mind that many of these pathogens cannot survive in an acidic environment. And each infection must be addressed one step at a time.
Her graphs and supplement guides are easy to follow without being overwhelming. I have to agree based on personal experience, that the gut issues, leaky gut, viral, bacterial and fungal, parasitical all need to be addressed - and in steps so your body does not relapse in trying to do too much at once. If you don't address the issues, your autoimmune and inflammatory symptoms can progressively get worse and morph into other autoimmune conditions. As for myself, I changed my diet entirely including a low histamine/oxalate diet, addressed the parasite/bacterial issue first (that took almost 2 months due to the SIBO related symptoms - Dr Myer's MICROBCLEAR supplement is amazing and I also followed some suggestions I found on the Heather Dane website that related to the CBS mutation I have), then the viral, then the fungal/yeast/histamine/candida. I found that when you treat SIBO, you must also treat SIFO, which is the fungal aspect - and not just the bacterial component. Also, I addressed possible HPylori (I followed the protocol by Ted in Earth Clinic but there are many) because that is often related but not discussed enough - even in this book (tests often show a false negative result) but if you address the imbalances such as mineral, etc, often things start to correct themselves.
I would highly recommend this new book by Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, The Toxin Solution to complement this book by Dr. Myers and also Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Diane Solomon. You will be able to understand and identify more with the infections taking place and how to address them to curtail them to what your body can tolerate.
If you can't afford all the tests, then consider taking one step at a time and not overdo it with too many supplements at once (carefully gage what works well for you by observing how you react with one supplement at a time) and also not to overtax your immune system. It is important that a strict diet be followed in order to heal the gut and that takes time - months, not just weeks. Once you heal the leaky gut, you will be able to absorb nutrients better and be able to take certain supplements you could not previously. It will take you a few weeks to get used to the diet so don't give up. I also like that Dr. Myers is very straightforward about avoiding gluten, dairy and grains whether you are are intolerant or not. Again, it is the fight for your life and it is safer to be on the side of caution and this way, your efforts will be more successful vs. being partially effective.
One other subject that is critical that none of these books are focusing enough on is the pathogenic fungal overgrowth that must be addressed. Otherwise, relapses occur. These pathogens not only grow in the gut but the cells as well. This all correlates and ties in with CFS, immune system complications, etc. So in not addressing this fully, many cannot heal.
If you can't make headway with the diet and supplements, look into the addressing the viral issues first to help reduce some of the symptoms as well as the heavy metal toxicity and lowering the acidity. I also incorporated acupuncture, homeopathy, massage therapy, sunshine and exercise (in limited amounts when I was very weak and then added more as my energy levels increased) through some rough patches as well as yoga to help lessen the feeling being overwhelmed at times when I started my journey. Listen to your body as you take each step. Try to steer away from antibiotics if you can as that can create a leaky gut issue and steroids as that can suppress the immune system. I had already incorporated many of Dr. Myers' suggestions before her book came out so much of what she has written has been published already but I like that she consolidated a lot so it becomes easier to follow for those just starting in this journey. She also included some great recipes, although I consume much less meat but for others, that may work just fine. Not every autoimmune book will contain all the information that is out there on the subject so read/investigate as much as you can and use common sense.
I use some supplements not mentioned in her book but Dr. Myers does list a lot of great supplements without being overwhelming. Much of my progress occurred once I stayed on the strict dietary suggestions (including a low paleo with enough carbs and protein to give my body the energy it needed without feeling hungry, incorporated the right supplements, and allowed my body to rest. Sometimes when I wanted something sweet, I would make a thick smoothie out of berries and ice. I ate foods that were easy to digest as well - nothing heavy or too seasoned. Again, be creative) and listening to my body vs. adopting partial versions that limited my improvement. Dr. Myers also addresses testing for Lyme and which lab to use for more accuracy. It may be helpful to also note that Lyme has different strains and co-infections which should also be tested. However, so you don't get overwhelmed, bring the acidosis down first so you can conquer the rest.
When the candida turns pathogenic, then you will see the correlation between CFS/viral infections/immune system problems, etc. I like The Whole Journey candida protocol by Christa Orecchio but there are others out there (also see website by Heather Dane) and the book by Diane Solomon:CFS. Christa Orecchio explains a lot on her website and again, if you can eliminate each infection one by one, this should help alleviate many symptoms and get to the root of the problem.
Again, I have found that what helped the most was to listen to my body and I read up on my genetic disposition to help myself. I found that many good doctors can lead you to improvement but they often just focus or specialize in one spectrum vs. the entirety. Given that we are each genetically different, I don't see how one protocol can work for all.
"More and more practitioners around the world are agreeing that there are three major aetiological factors underlying all chronic diseases – Fungal causes, Heavy Metals and Parasites. There is also a causal link between all three factors."
UPDATE 1/29/15 - Please also consider purchasing this book now available which has complementing info: The Immune System Recovery Plan by Dr. Susan Blum and Hashimotos Thyroiditis by Izabella Wentz (this book contains many golden nuggets for autoimmune conditions and symptoms in general and not just Hashimotos), Dr Joseph Pizzorno: The Toxin Solution and Diane Solomon: CFS. Healing the gut takes many, many months so you need to be committed to the journey. Often the adrenals and thyroid start getting affected as the immune system is compromised so I found the book by Dr. Wentz very informative as well as her personal journey.
** July update. These are the steps I took which pertain to my symptoms and not intended for all or as medical advice or to promote products or sales:
ALKALIZE - ALKALIZE - ALKALIZE and CHECK AND REPLENISH MINERAL LEVELS. took supplements (Earth Clinic website alkalization worked for me) and lots of mineral water to alkalize my system for an extended period of time (alkalizing helped SIBO/histamine intolerance symptoms tremendously), bringing the ammonia levels down (change of diet - if you have a problem with sulfur or digesting protein, then you may want to look into this - CBS sulfation pathway and this can also be related to hpylori/fungal infection and heavy metal toxicity, For me, I took out all fermented foods as well as honey, chocolate, all grains, beans and anything that creates gas, vinegars, fried foods in vegetable oil (coconut oil for cooking worked best for me), dairy, gluten, nightshade veggies, most legumes (chickpeas were fine) high histamine and sulfur foods, cut out most red meat, etc. I followed a low histamine and low oxalate, thiol diet but it was balanced and I did not eliminate everything. I also took homeopathic remedy Nux Moschata and acupuncture combined to regain more moisture and small intestine motility and was then able to get my saliva back in full after 3 months and no more Raynaud's. I was also given homeopathy to help heal the mucosa lining of my stomach as well as other intolerances so I could take the detox as I reacted to most herbs. I also checked my mineral levels through hair analysis testing and a blood/urine test my doctor requested. My favorite liquid mineral supplement is Andersons Sea MD because it is low in sodium. Sometimes if you balance your mineral levels, it can help correct and address some of the issues. My integrative rheumy (Smita Gupta in Santa Monica, CA) replenished my glutathione levels and other deficiencies as well through IV and once they were stable, I was able to maintain from there. Please keep in mind that I was not in a good place a few years ago. And I have found that not one doctor covers it all and keep in mind that each body reacts differently so often one approach does not work for all. Many of these integrative doctors have their specialized niches and this is what often makes the process so difficult and costly. For vitamins, Garden of Life Raw is the brand that settles best with me (no fillers, etc). For DHEA, Natural Radiance cream worked best for me. 2) PUT OUT THE FIRE - Dr. Blum has a good gut cleanse powder but many naturopaths or good acupuncturists have herbs to help calm the fire in the stomach if you have the pain under the rib cage (gastritis), which is often associated with hPylori or gastritis due to parasites. Read the website by Heather Dane as well if you have the CBS mutation.
3) PARASITE CLEANSE - This is important. There are various good programs out there. I took Paragone and Dr. Myers’ Microbclear but Systemic Formulas is also great along with Accell daily. Accell daily is a great supplement and would recommend it highly for a few months along with sunflower lecithin and FIBR (System Formulas) if you are constipated. My debilitating gastritis healed once I successfully addressed the parasite issue.
4) ADDRESS THE BAD BUGS - If you feel you have a combination of candida/Fungal Overgrowth/SIBO/LEAKY GUT, then look into Christa Orecchio Gut Thrive program and for SIBO, the supplement MICROBCLEAR by Dr. Amy Myers works like a charm. Remember that not one program fits all but her program addresses all of the above while doing a heavy metal detox - all in one approach that may save you time. But this program is not meant for all if you have certain intolerances to some of the supplements suggested. They are expensive protocols so please study them out well first. For me, my genetic testing helped to understand why I could not tolerate some supplements. This is why you need to listen to your body and investigate the best protocols for your system. Also see book by Dr. Joseph Pizzorno and Diane Solomon as mentioned previously and you will better understand how these infections play critical roles. Each author has different insight based on experience and this is why I don’t follow one book alone.
5) HIGH SUGAR LEVELS - It is important to help maintain normal sugar levels (although heavy metal toxins also play a role in diabetes II). These infections also tend to affect the blood sugar levels. For me, in addition to a careful diet (I had to watch the protein as well as the sugar), I took Vanadium with Chromium (source naturals) and also supplements such as Gymnema Sylvestre, Anderson MD concentrated minerals, selenium, molybdenum, magnesium chloride, among others. I did away with all fried foods but incorporate good fats, watched my vitamin D levels, etc. This step is so very important to not overlook.
6) ADDRESS THYROID and ADRENAL SUPPORT – I had hypothyroidism and my diet and supplements were geared to support my thyroid. I found alkalizing to be most productive along with a strict diet. It is important not to overlook the thyroid support (the book by Izabella Wentz is a must) and also checking for heavy metals. When your thyroid is in trouble, I found that you must avoid certain foods or you will continually relapse and pack on the weight. Alkalization is key along with diet if you can't make headway along with certain supplements. I had to stay away from eggs and dairy, etc. Note - I could not tolerate iodine in any way shape or form (it made my symptoms worse), even after I supplemented with selenium and vitamin C. However, after my glutathione levels normalized as well as my mineral deficiencies, I was then able to take KM gradually, which contains the iodine and potassium, etc. and the cysts in my breasts minimized.
7) HEAVY METAL DETOX – you may not be able to tolerate the heavy metal detox protocols if your body is not strong enough. This is why addressing the gut issues first is key. If you have sulfur allergies, you might want to consider this step. With Sjogrens, cadmium levels are usually high, etc. Clearing the body of heavy metals is a gradual process so try to be patient with this step. The minerals I took were selective so that I did not introduce more heavy metals back into my system and also to balance my deficiencies. Testing is key for this (see tests listed by Joseph Pizzorno). If you have the CBS genetic mutation, you need to be careful that you avoid high sulfur protocols or it may aggravate the problem. This is for those that can't tolerate NAC, MSM, etc.
8) LIVER AND GALL BLADDER - this will help your body methylate better as well as detox your liver, gall bladder, etc. There are various protocols out there. However, if you have a weak system, you may want to look into other protocols that are more gentle but effective over time. Please be cautious and not just try everything you read. Again, the books mentioned previously touch on the liver issues.
9) VIRAL INFECTIONS - there are many supplements that help with viral infections including humic acid, olive leaf extract, homeopathy, Cellfood (don't take this with Paragone or they cancel out) helps to oxygenate as well as re-mineralize body. This also helps address the viral infections, and also hpylori, etc. There are other mineral supplements if you can’t tolerate Cellfood due to the sulfites (an inability to oxidize and detoxify sulfur compounds) but Cellfood is key for viral infections. If you can’t tolerate any mineral supplements, look into the CBS enzyme deficiency protocol to overcome that at the heartfixer website. 23andme genetic testing gave me a good roadmap. Cellfood is not tolerated well by those with sulfite allergies. For viral infections, humic acid and fulvic acid are super helpful but I would recommend after doing the heavy metal detox (as you don’t want to add more heavy metals back into your system before the detox) and homeopathy to address the viral infections. Other great supplements to help alleviate the viral infections are VitaNutrients Viracon, AHCC or Shitake mushroom, Shilajit Extract, Fulvic Acid. I took some of these at night on an empty stomach and they helped wipe out the 3 am. stomach inflammation and reflux type of sensation that would wake me. This is a good indication that there is a viral component. I repeat, please read the books mentioned so you can understand how to approach this step by step.
If you have a reaction to raw garlic (due to the ethiols), fermented foods, supplements such as Alpha Lipoic, NAC due to a sulfur intolerance, you may want to be checked for the CBS mutation and also possibly for heavy metals, candida or Lyme. I had two hair analysis tests done by different labs and both showed the same results for me. Poor sulfur oxidizers often have seasonal hayfever allergiers, CFS, impaired glutathione synthesis, etc. However, if you balance your mineral levels first, that might help turn the corner.
10) GENETIC TESTING - see 23andme.com for genetic testing - there are other labs as well but this is the least expensive. Your genetic coding will help explain a lot. I was able to understand my sensitivities, as well as why I reacted to certain supplements that do well for others and more importantly, it helped me address and help correct some of the mutations. I found it to be a good road map for me that explained my sulfur intolerance and mutations.
Note _ I followed a CFS methylation protocol - my body undermethylates. This is where the tests are very important. My DNA test results showed CBS deficiency snps as well as DAO enzyme depletion and my lab work showed low homocysteine and given the fact that I could not tolerate Bcomplex (as I improved, B complex Plus by Pure Encapsulations was one I could tolerate better but Garden of Life raw vitamins were my fave), then I knew I had CFS (culmination of infections) and my body was not able to detox or methylate correctly. In order to clear that pathway, this last step was helpful and I took it slow under a doctor's direction at times for modifications. Note - I don't believe that methylation is the root problem so if you are on a good protocol to get rid of the pathogens successfully, this step may not be necessary as your gut issues resolve and you are able to detox successfully. If you are aware of your genetic disposition, you will know how to proceed as you heal yourself. There were certain supplements that did not work for me and my genetic profile validated that but for me, I found that poor methylation came as a result of other contributing factors.
Since I have hayfever allergies and high histamine/sulfur levels (common with Sjogrens and if you can't eat fermented foods and many with Sjogrens have cadmium toxicity), I took a combination of active B6, zinc, magnesium, molybdenum, and a few other key supplements that helped me tremendously to lower the sulfur levels and with acid reflux along with bringing down the ammonia and acid levels, etc. However, I was not able to tolerate antioxidants such as Vitamin C initially (vitamin C is very important - I was not able to take it until my gastritis healed) so this is where it gets tricky and it takes steps to cross those bridges. I also was given other homeopathy remedies to address some deficiencies, viral infections and stayed on those for months. Some people take milk kefir to get the B complex benefits but I could not tolerate kefir due to histamine levels and dairy intolerance also had a problem with certain B vitamins and casein. I had to isolate which of the vitamin Bs I could take safely and took them individually vs as a complex until my body got stronger. My guess is that when I was given a series of antibiotics throughout my life for sinus infections, my vitamin B6 and zinc levels were depleted (plus my CBS mutation), which is common with allergies. Thus, weakening my body's line of defense that was not addressed through the years.
Please understand this takes months to a few years to heal and it needs to become a lifestyle in order not to relapse - for me the detox alone took a long time because of an entire gut dysbosis. You need to follow a clean, strict diet that works for your issues or the chances of relapse are high. But once you feel better, you will feel the inflammation come down drastically, etc. So stay on course and again, testing is key. For example, some people have high levels of copper and some trap calcium and some can't take supplements such as iodine because it can trigger the immune system further - others have low levels and if you supplement incorrectly, it can backfire on you. Most important, learn to relax and take each day in stride. Take yoga and meditation classes and the reason I mention this is to help calm your body so your immune system can try to recover and stop going on overdrive. Then everything else calms down with a good immune system and gut health- the viral issues and other reactions and issues will have a chance to resolve themselves as your immune system recovers and is not in constant alert. Think of the journey as a way of life to recovery so you are patient with each step towards recovery
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Buy the book and change your life!
I followed Dr. Myers on Facebook for a year before I bought the book. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was 28 years old. I am now 57. By the time the book came out I had decided this was my last chance to ever get better. I followed the 30 day plan and dropped around 15 lbs- I felt so much better I continued and lost over 40 lbs. I have gone to her assistants also for supplements help. I was so miserable for so many years I really thought I would never lose the weight or feel good again. This has changed my life and now I know that eating clean is the cure. I tried everything over the years to feel better and lose weight. I was amazed when I changed my diet how the fat just melted off and I never felt deprived or hungry. Now I do miss some things from time to time but that food does not taste near as good as thin and healthy feels!!!
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