false 1151701 1583332898 9781583332894 12 7 http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1181432852m/1151701.jpg http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1151701.From_Fatigued_to_Fantastic_Overcome_Chronic_Fatigue_and_Fibromyalgia_with_Dr_Teitelbaum_s_Clinically_PrNew_revised_third_edition 129657 Jacob Teitelbaum 32 12 4 1 false Thu Jun 25 09:39:55 -0700 2009 Thu Jun 25 10:06:53 -0700 2009
Part of the reason these conditions are so problematic is that they compromise numerous systems in the body. Teitelbaum's treatment protocol is designed to address all of these various components. He starts by tackling the disordered sleep patterns that are a hallmark of these conditions. From there, he seeks to correct the hormonal deficiencies that are the result of hypothalamic malfunction and then address the chronic infections that plague many CFS/FMS patients. In addition, he also places heavy emphasis on correcting nutritional deficiencies that are often the result of chronic gut infections, and also seeks to provide support to mitochondrial processes that are suspected to be malfunctioning in these conditions.

The majority of the treatments Teitelbaum recommends are considered experimental. He reports a high rate of success using the above protocol, however, and many of the treatments he suggests appear to have sound reasoning behind them. His website contains the text of several research studies he has conducted showing measurable improvement in patients undertaking his protocol. Unfortunately, the limited scope of the studies prevents them from providing any real information on which aspects of his treatment are most important or effective.

Teitelbaum considers his approach to be an integrative one, making use of what he has found effective from both conventional and alternative medicine. This integrative focus is probably best displayed in his chapter on the various pharmaceutical and supplemental options for treating sleep problems, which is hands down the most comprehensive I've ever seen. Unfortunately, Teitelbaum also recommends a number of alternative treatments that I consider highly questionable that are not backed by either plausible rational or quality research.

Despite this significant flaw, there is more than enough valuable information here to recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about these conditions.]]>