Dr. Teitelbaum: Is Autism Related to CFS and Fibromyalgia?

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Is Autism Related to CFS and Fibromyalgia?

Dear Readers,

Many specialists who work with autism as well as CFS and fibromyalgia — myself included — find that there is a major overlap between the three conditions. I suspect all three have related underlying processes and, given a specific genetic makeup, the very same processes that trigger CFS and fibromyalgia in adults can trigger autism in children.

Because of this overlap, I've also been involved in research on helping children with autism. Autism is a brain function disorder that results in impaired social interaction, difficulty with communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. These symptoms start before a child is three years old and affect four times as many boys as girls. It can be very severe, or in milder forms called Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g., Asperger Syndrome). Like CFS and fibromyalgia, the prevalence of autism is skyrocketing and is currently present in almost 1% of our nation's children!

A new study sheds light on the relationship between these disorders by showing that a nutrient called L-carnitine, which regulates energy production and is helpful in treating CFS/FMS (referring to the "acetyl" variety of L-carnitine — see Acetyl L-Carnitine for CFS and Fibromyalgia), can also help treat autism.

Read more »

ENERGY NUTRIENTS

Important Nutrients in Energy Production

In the last few issues, we have been focusing on research showing the importance of energy production in CFS and fibromyalgia, and we will be adding more on this critical area in upcoming newsletters, including discussion of the product NT Factor, and the nutrients magnesium, B complex and ribose — a nutrient that, in our newest study, showed a stunning average of 61% increase in energy after just three weeks of use!

To produce energy, your body needs a specific set of key nutrients that support its "energy equation" — a chemical process involving ATP turnover, production and concentration. This process depends on ribose, magnesium and B vitamins to create energy. Without a sufficient supply of these, your energy level will suffer — especially if you have CFS or fibromyalgia (because of the mitochondrial energy furnace dysfunction present in CFS/FMS).

Ribose is particularly critical to energy production. CoQ10 and acetyl L-carnitine will build your energy stores, but they will do so much more quickly when ribose is added.

Understanding how these nutrients contribute to energy is hugely important (as we talk about energy optimization in upcoming newsletters, I'll repeat this section as a reminder). The key nutrients are:

B vitamins and magnesium (available in the Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder)

Ribose (5 gm 3x day for 3 weeks, then 2x day — I like the Corvalen form)

Coenzyme Q10 (200-400 mg a day for 6 weeks, then 200 mg a day) Acetyl L-carnitine (1,500 mg a day)

Take these 4 together for 6 weeks (and then the dose can often be lowered) and most of you will be amazed!

RESEARCH BRIEFS

The last year or so has seen many studies on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for autism — including a study showing that primary care doctors actually want more education about CAM for children with autism compared to children with other chronic conditions. Here are four studies that reflect this.

Massage May Help Children with Autism

Korean researchers using a meta analysis of six studies show potential effectiveness of massage in treating autism. Read more »

Acupuncture Improves Cognition and Self-Care in Children with Autism

"A short course of acupuncture had efficacy in improving various developmental and behavioral aspects of children with autism," concluded researchers in a study reported in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Read more »

B12 Injections Improves Behavioral Measures in Autism

In a study to determine the effect of B12 injections in children with autism, 30% of participants showed significant behavioral improvement. Read more »

Doctors Want to Know More About Natural Treatments for Autism

A University of Minnesota survey suggested that most physicians want to learn more about complementary alternative medicine (CAM) when treating children with autism. Read more »

FEATURED SUPPLEMENT

Acetyl L-Carnitine for Energy Production

Acetyl L-Carnitine

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Regular: $28.00

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Acetyl L-carnitine is an amino acid the body uses to turn fat into energy. It is not normally considered an essential nutrient because the body can manufacture all it needs. However, supplemental carnitine may improve the ability of certain tissues to produce energy. This effect has led to the use of carnitine in various muscle diseases as well as heart conditions.

Particularly Helpful in CFS & FMS

It is important to take acetyl L-carnitine, rather than other varieties of L-carnitine. In my experience, and that of other clinicians, taking supplemental L-carnitine itself has not been very helpful in CFS and fibromyalgia, and D-L-carnitine can actually worsen symptoms. Acetyl L-carnitine, however, can be very helpful. (Take 500 milligrams 2-3 times a day).

FEATURED QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Q: A surgeon has recommended I have a thyroidectomy. Have you seen a thyroid decrease in size through natural means? Read more »

OTHER NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Fibromyalgia Book

I am happy to recommend a new book, "Insider Secrets for Treating Fibromyalgia," by Deirdre Rawlings, PhD, ND, MH, CNC., who is one of my favorite nutritionists. She has brought together the different viewpoints of 12 leading fibromyalgia experts, including a chapter by me. This is an excellent overview of what is occurring on the cutting edge, written by those who effectively treat CFS & fibromyalgia in tens of thousands of patients. A good way to save yourself years of investigative work!

Learn more »

COOL STUFF

You Are So Blessed

This is beautiful. Just click below for a reminder of just how fortunate you probably are. Then have a great day!

Read why »

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Regardless of Your Politics, You'll Agree with This One

While walking down the street one day a U.S. senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. . "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

"No problem, just let me in," says the man.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St . escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. is waiting for him.

"Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. returns.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.

"I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"

The devil looks at him, smiles and says,

"Yesterday we were campaigning."

"Today you voted."

.........

We invite you to email us your favorite jokes or quotes. If we use yours, we'll send you a complimentary bottle of Corvalen or the Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder;-)

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