~*~" Waist'ing Away" with CLA/GLA... March 2008 ~*~

[MountainGirl]

Dr. Teitelbaum's site:

Lose weight and treat your CFS & Fibromyalgia. We have noted for several decades that the nutrient Acetyl-L-Carnitine is low in CFS & Fibromyalgia and this deficiency contributes to both the weight gain (see How Fibromyalgia, CFS, and Stress can Make You Gain Weight!) and fatigue. This new study shows that it also helps pain and depression in Fibromyalgia as well. A second study shows it even helps cancer related fatigue. The dose to take is 500 mg 2 x day. Higher doses are LESS effective.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine for CFS, Cancer Related Fatigue and Fibromyalgia

Low levels of the carnitine compound acylcarnitine in the blood or muscles of people with CFS/FMS have been found by two different research centers.(1,2) Carnitine plays many roles in the body. It has the critical function of preventing the mitochondria from being shut down when the system backs up. Also, without sufficient carnitine, the body cannot burn fat (and, in fact, makes excess fat), resulting in large weight gains. L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring form of carnitine that is only found in animal flesh (think "Carni-vore"), and any brand is fine as long as it is pure acetyl-L-carnitine. Although you may not see a marked effect, it helps lay the foundation for your getting better and may help you lose any weight you gained. A new study has now also found that it helps pain and depression in fibromyalgia (3) and even helps cancer related fatigue(4). Take Acetyl-L-Carnitine 500 mg twice a day for at least 4 months. Higher doses are actually less effective. Taking plain Carnitine (as opposed to Acetyl-L-Carnitine) is not effective as it does not get into your cells mitochondria (energy furnaces) properly.

1-A.V. Plioplys and S. Plioplys, "Amantadine and L-Carnitine Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," Neuropsychobiology 35 (1) (1997): 16-23.

2-. H. Kuratsune, K. Yamaguti, M. Takahashi, et al., "Acylcarnitine Deficiency in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," Clinical Infectious Disease 18 (3 Supplement 1) (January 1994): S62-S67.
Double-blind, multicenter trial comparing acetyl l-carnitine with placebo in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients.


M Rossini, O Di Munno, G Valentini, G Bianchi, G Biasi, E Cacace, D Malesci, G La Montagna, O Viapiana, and S Adami
Clin Exp Rheumatol, March 1, 2007; 25(2): 182-8.

Authors and affiliation: Rossini M, Di Munno O, Valentini G, Bianchi G, Biasi G, Cacace E, Malesci D, La Montagna G, Viapiana O, Adami S. Rheumatology Unit, University of Verona, Italy.

PMID: 17543140

Objective: Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread pain, troubled sleep, disturbed mood, and fatigue.

Several analgesic strategies have been evaluated but the results are moderate and inconsistent. Antidepressant agents are now considered the treatment of choice in most patients.

It has been recently suggested that FMS may be associated with metabolic alterations including a deficit of carnitine.

In this multicenter randomized clinical trial we evaluated the efficacy of acetyl L-carnitine (LAC) in patients with overt FMS.

Methods: 102 patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria for FMS were randomized into the study. The treatment consisted of 2 capsules/day of 500 mg LAC or placebo plus one intramuscular (i.m.) injection of either 500 mg LAC or placebo for 2 weeks. During the following 8 weeks the patients took 3 capsules daily containing either 500 mg LAC or placebo. The patients were seen during treatment after 2 (visit 3), 6 (visit 4) and 10 weeks (visit 5). The patients were also visited 4 weeks after treatment discontinuation (follow-up visit).

Outcome measures included the number of positive tender points, the sum of pain threshold (kg/cm2 or "total myalgic score"), the Short Form 36 (SF36), a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) for self-perceived stiffness, fatigue, tiredness on awakening, sleep, work status, depression, and muscular-skeletal pain, and the Hamilton depression scale.

Results: The "total myalgic score" and the number of positive tender points declined significantly and equally in both groups until the 6th week of treatment. At the 10th week both parameters remained unchanged in the placebo group but they continued to improve in the LAC group with a statistically significant between-group difference.

Most VAS scores significantly improved in both groups.

A statistically significant between-group difference was observed for depression and musculo-skeletal pain. Significantly larger improvements in SF36 questionnaire were observed in LAC than in placebo group for most parameters. Treatment was well-tolerated.

Conclusion: Although this experience deserves further studies, these results indicate that LAC may be of benefit in patients with FMS, providing improvement in pain as well as the general and mental health of these patients.


Safety, Tolerability and Symptom Outcomes Associated with l-Carnitine Supplementation in Patients with Cancer, Fatigue, and Carnitine Deficiency: A Phase I/II Study

Cruciani RA, Dvorkin E, et al, J Pain Symptom Manage, 2006; 32(6): 551-559. (Address: Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care (R.A.C., E.D., P.H., J.L., R.K.P.) and Cancer Center (S.M., B.C.), Beth Israel Medical Center, New York; Departments of Neurology and Anesthesiology (R.A.C., R.K.P.) and Pediatrics (N.E.-C.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx; and Children's Hospital at Montefiore (N.E.-C.), Bronx, New York, USA).

In a phase I/II open-label trial designed to assess the safety and tolerability of oral supplementation with L-carnitine, doses up to 3,000 mg/d were found to be safe, well tolerated, and reduce fatigue in patients with advanced cancer, in a dose-dependent manner. Study subjects were patients with advanced cancer, moderate to severe fatigue, carnitine deficiency (defined as levels of free carnitine <35 for males and <25 for females or acyl/free carnitine ratio of >0.4) and a score of at least 50 on the Karnofsky Performance Status. Fatigue, depressed mood, quality of sleep and KPS were assessed at baseline and after one week. 27 patients participated in the study, 21 completed the study, and 17 were responders. Subjects were divided into groups and each group was given a successively higher dose of L-carnitine for one week, starting at 250 mg/d and increasing in increments of 500 mg, up to 2750 mg/d, plus a final dose of 3000 mg/d. None of the subjects reported significa nt side effects or toxicities.

In the 27 patients who participated in the study, levels of total carnitine and free carnitine were found to increase, fatigue was found to significantly decrease, depression was found to decrease and sleep was found to improve. Among the 17 responders, L-carnitine was found to be associated with total carnitine, free carnitine, and fatigue in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that L-carnitine may be safe and well-tolerated in doses up to 3,000 mg/d. Furthermore, supplementation with L-carnitine may help to reduce fatigue in patients with advanced cancer.

The authors conclude, "This study provides the basis for the design of future placebo-controlled studies of l-carnitine supplementation for cancer-related fatigue.

[metqa]

[quote=mamalaurie;10044563]

Originally Posted by metqa

My car was broken into yesterday and three of my bags with most of my Japanese textbooks and all of my ESL Class Text books, lesson plan and materials were stolen in addition to my emergency crank radio, and a grocery bag full of expired high carb food for charity. They also stole my hat that had my PB and Mayo


metqa: OMG I'm soooooo sorry to hear some low-life did that to you!!!
MG....some people are just sooooo pathetic !!

Yes....oh Yes ...do the posters !!! At least then you'll have many more eyes and ears looking for your belongings too.
1st phone the book stores to give them the heads up. Might just be a bit speedier, at least until you can get the pixs to them.
Note from experience: contact bookstores etc in surrounding areas and towns too. Thats how we found my son's guitar equip and the thieves who stole them.
Also DO NOT state the exact condition of your belongings on your poster or the amount of the reward. This puts you in a better position for identifying your things when you get phone calls about them. Make sure you have the caller describe the items....not you.
NEVER post your address on posters either.....the thief or others may just come looking for more.

When the person comes to return your belongings ....make sure to ALWAYS have friend there with you...... "freaks" might try to take advantage of the situation...have your cell-phone with you too.
I really don't mean to scare you, but caution for your personal safety should always come first.

Also If your school has a bulletin board (s)....especially any which deal with used textbooks for sale........ this is an excellent place to look for any ads posted by the thief and a great place to put up your poster to alert others.

I've never had to do posters like this myself.....only for lost or found animals..... So I'm not so good at what should be on them. Sorry!!!

I will for a speedy return of your things

Thanks for the tip about book stores out of town. That never occured to me And looking at textbook selling posters, you are a genius!
I took the phone numbers off and put to call 911 (officer's instructions) with the case number. I also have photos of most of the stuff, I don't quite understand not stating the "condition", but I will definitely keep you in mind if I do get calls to ask them to describe it.
Thank you Thank you, I may never get anything back but I have better piece of mind since folks are giving me advice. I didn't know how to deal with it or what emotions or reactions to have. I'm feeling a bit better about it now.

Cleochatra's Revoloopsie Rolls (home-made hamburger buns and more)

Well, I'm still waiting for a response about my Callanetics DVD, and I haven't been paying much attention, so

Hey to everone, I'll catch up to y'all's posts eventually

[FreeingMyself]

Michele-Thank you

Chic- Army Wive is on at 9pm on Sundays on Lifetime, it really gives a glimpse into what we deal with on a daily basis. "Pretty accurate actually!

Marsha- How are things going???

MG- Nice to see you again! I thought you got lost??

Mikki- At peeing on the floor...that's too funny!

So guys, I am down to 158.5lb this morning Not exactly sure what I did to get there, but I had no chance for Callan or running yesterday..maybe my body needed a break
I get to enjoy my spa day today (I was saving my gift certificatefrom Christmas for when I made it to 160lb!) So massage, facial, pedi....I am so psyched!
My menu for today is loosely this...

B- OMM with cinnamon butter

L- Spaghetti Squash with burger and alfredo sauce

D- Still not quite sure...soooo time for grocery shopping

Snack of figs and cheese!

[lisabinil]

Originally Posted by MountainGirl

Hiya Lisa,

I know you have my best interest at heart, I really do and I appreciate you SO much!!

However, I would encourage anyone with FMS or CFS to read Dr. Teitelbaum's research.

As for me, I posted this, but perhaps you didn't see it. Our 3rd child died of heart failure due to CARNITINE deficiency. It is genetic. All our family was tested and we all are carriers. We have been a part of a national carnitine study at Emory.

Our whole family has been on prescription carnitine for years prescribed by our genetic specialists. But, she told us about Acetyl-L Carnitine as being a better choice for our blood levels, muscle energy and fatigue symptoms.

I emailed Dr. Teitelbaum and explained our medical situation and the recommendations of our genetic specialist and he told me that according to his research (check out his research articles), the Acetyl-L version of carnitine is the best absorbed and he recommended we switch to that.

I started it 2 weeks ago and my daughter has been on it for a few days.

I did let my genetic dr know we were doing this (since SHE is the one that prescribed it).

I don't take insulin for my diabetes. I take Metformin and Januvia. My blood glucoses have been excellent since LCing and haven't changed with the ACR addition.

Just to clarify, I didn't "self-diagnose." I have been diagnosed as CFS and FMS for 18 years and carnitine deficient for 9 years after the death and diagnosis of our 3 1/2 year old son. I had 2 drs tell me to take the ACR and never gave it a thought until I tried the Combo since Dec and never saw any results.

Also, Carnitine is an amino acid, made in the body. I'll post more info on it.

Thanks for worrying about me Lisa, I appreciate you looking out for me!

Cool MG! Keep up the good work and I also encourage you to check out malic acid too.

[lildragonfly]

Gratz Free!!!!


Im on my up cal/carb cycle day. I decided yesterday after reading some good nudging emails that I really need to take a hard look at myself. So I took my actual LBM and calculated my true BMR. It was an eye opener actually.
To maintain my TDEE level is 2349 cals , so if I lower 30% 1645 that is as low as I need to go. Well Ive been eating maybe 1500 most days so Ive been hurting my body actually. My 10% up 2114 cals for my up day is where I am shooting for today with 80-100 carbs. I am going to try this for a while and get my metabolism back in order. I exercise everyday in some form or fashion and I know my body is responding but not eating enough is killing my body's metabolism and Im not going to be able to maintain once I get to the right weight if I dont fix this issue.

This is a big self issue for me. The biggest eye opener was Sunday we went to eat DD and me. Well she looks at me and goes mom you dont eat alot. For me to hear that from my child really hit home. So I am striving to fix what I broke.

[mikkimouse]

Mornin,

Hang in there MG as we do worry about our LC buddies.....

I am awaiting the *puddles of pee on the floor* today! i havent seen any yet.

well back to eating fish this week, That crustless pizza made me bloated yesterday

B- toast, bacon

S-deviled egg

L-halibut, coleslaw, cott cheese?

S-cheese


Have a good day!!!

[swinglow]

Hi all! My name is Denise and I'm new to CLA/GLA. Just wanted to drop in and introduce myself. I lost 50 pounds doing Protein Power about 8 years ago. Maintained for several years until I battled depression and a stressful work year a couple years ago and gained... it... all... back sigh....

Anywho, so I'm back to low carb and this time I'd really like to do it with support. I had no support group last time. In fact, my family kept shaking their heads going, "there's just no way you can lose weight eating that way." Well after I lost it all they were floored and happy for me.. I'm sure they're just as dissappointed that I've regained the weight.

I've got some serious belly fat that needs to go bye bye. I've taken a couple photos and I'll post the before and afters in April. I started CLA/GLA today! So I'll keep you all posted.

[michelemomof2]

Denise. Good luck on your weight loss journey. This is a great group of people here.

EATS FOR TODAY:

B - Coffee w/cream; FAGE Greek Yogurt (Total), splash of s/f French Vanilla Davinci syrup; a couple bites of chicken breast (while I was making chicken salad)

L - Homemade chicken salad (put chicken breasts, celery, onion in food processor and added some mayo and squirt of mustard); mixed salad greens; cup of homemade chicken veggie soup (chicken, celery, onion, cabbage, a small amount of carrots)

S - Celery with peanut butter

D - Hamburger w/cheese, lettuce and pickled egg.

Tomorrow morning is my 2 hour glucose tolerance test, fasting insulin and HBA1c. We shall see how it turns out. I have to stop eating by 5 p.m. if I want to have it done at 7 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. if I get there at 7:30 a.m.

I hope I am not insulin resistant (is that the correct term for type II?), but if I am, that may explain why I have this belly tire that I never ever used to have and explain why I cannot lose weight. I am so happy for all of you that are losing, but I am really very frustrated that I cannot lose even though I am being so good. Type II runs in my family on both sides.

Freeing - Enjoy your spa day.

[lisabinil]

Originally Posted by michelemomof2

Denise. Good luck on your weight loss journey. This is a great group of people here.

EATS FOR TODAY:

B - Coffee w/cream; FAGE Greek Yogurt (Total), splash of s/f French Vanilla Davinci syrup; a couple bites of chicken breast (while I was making chicken salad)

L - Homemade chicken salad (put chicken breasts, celery, onion in food processor and added some mayo and squirt of mustard); mixed salad greens; cup of homemade chicken veggie soup (chicken, celery, onion, cabbage, a small amount of carrots)

S - Celery with peanut butter

D - Hamburger w/cheese, lettuce and pickled egg.

Tomorrow morning is my 2 hour glucose tolerance test, fasting insulin and HBA1c. We shall see how it turns out. I have to stop eating by 5 p.m. if I want to have it done at 7 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. if I get there at 7:30 a.m.

I hope I am not insulin resistant (is that the correct term for type II?), but if I am, that may explain why I have this belly tire that I never ever used to have and explain why I cannot lose weight. I am so happy for all of you that are losing, but I am really very frustrated that I cannot lose even though I am being so good. Type II runs in my family on both sides.

Freeing - Enjoy your spa day.

Good luck tomorrow!

[mikkimouse]

good luck michele

[mikkimouse]

OK a ? on BMI...... according to the website my BMI is 23.9 and im at 176. So i want to get to 155 and my BMI will be then 21.0 ummm kinda confusing....i thought the weight difference against the BMI would be more significant?

[MountainGirl]

Hi All!

Michelle: I pray you get some goos results tomorrow. Being a diabetic is not fun, but if you are, it's important to get that under control so your metabolism will work correctly.

FREE:: WOWW! You are dropping weight like crazy! Good for you!

Welcome Denise!

Hi everyone!!

I am at 175, but yesterday I didn't eat much, I was gone all day. So, I had my shake for breakfast, a very healthy Omega 3 bar for lunch and supper and 1/2 cup raw almonds for snack.

I'm back home today, so some REAL FOOD is on my menu!

I just got back from the Orthopedic surgeon and I have a shoulder impingement. So, he shoots me with steroids. Yikes. I guess I'll have a weight spike, but I'll just push past it.

Anyway, I'm starting Physical Therapy 2 x a week for 6 weeks to get my shoulder back to normal, so the Callanetics will have to wait.

[FreeingMyself]

Mikki- It really isn't that significant of a change. I thought so too, but ultimately, just aim for healthy!!

Michele- Thank you! It was simply marvelous!! I loved it and so relaxing!!

MG- Thank you! Glad to hear you are doing well and losing too!

[michelemomof2]

Thanks, Lisa, Mikki, MG and Freeing. Talk to you all tomorrow.

[lildragonfly]

Michele- Prayers are with you lady!!

[michelemomof2]

Thanks, Marsha. Talk to you all tomorrow.

[swinglow]

Wow end of day one of CLA/GLA supplementation and all I can say is roller coaster ride! LOL My homones were out of control. It was like I was a teen again.. not sure if I'm explaining that right? Anyhow, noticed a definite decrease in appetite which is saying something considering my appetite was out of control yesterday. I know there are some factors in my being overly emotional today; I know I'm PMSing; oh! that reminds me!! No chocolate cravings even though I was craving chocolate out of control yesterday.

Don't worry, I won't post how I feel every single day. LOL Just felt like letting you guys know how I felt today.

[Justachic]

A big HELLO to everyone! I have been SO busy lately with my parents being out and all that I haven't had time to really check in. Now they are back home, life here is back to normal.

Michele....hoping and praying everything comes out well for you! Have faith and things will turn out good.

Swinglow...I think I know what you are talking about cuz it's been happening to me since taking the combo too....heh heh heh.

Okay.....I took my progress picture and measurements today and will be ready to post it tomorrow! Hope you all do too!

[Justachic]

Starting today, here is your chance to show off your hard work and to show others who may be interested in doing the combo just how effective it can be! By eating healthy, exercising and taking the combo, you can make a difference in the way you look and feel!

[Justachic]

The first pic below was taken in December, the second just yesterday- March 11th.

So far I have lost almost 6 inches from my waist, about 4 from my bra area and about 3 from my hips. In certain areas like my back and parts of my legs, I have recorded an increase in my numbers possibly due to strength training. Because I don't like scales and don't really believe they say much to me, I haven't weighed myself yet. The last time I weighed myself I was about 145. I can say that I went from wearing a size 13 to a roomy size 7. I am aiming for a size 5. Once I get there, then maybe I'll weigh myself, I don't know!

How I got here:

Combo as directed.
5-6 small meals a day (including whole grains and as much vegies as I can)
Strength training 3 days a week and cardio 2 days a week
1 cheat day a week