All forms of arthritis, except gout, but in particular Osteo Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, no matter how bad your symptoms are. There are also many anecdotal reports of CMO helping other auto-immune diseases, although no research into these types of diseases has, as yet, been concluded.

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How does CMO work?

Many studies have shown that arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body has mistakenly identified its own tissues as foreign and has mounted an attack on them. Rheumatoid arthritis has been known to be caused by this faulty immune response for a long time, but it is only recently that Osteo Arthritis has also been found to have a similar cause.

We believe CMO works by reprogramming the faulty immune system so that it no longer views its’ own tissues as foreign, and stops attacking them. Because CMO is treating the cause of the arthritis, be it rheumatoid or osteo, and stopping the arthritic process, the treatment rarely needs to be repeated. This makes it very different from other products on the market, which need to be taken regularly to maintain the benefits.

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How was CMO discovered ?

In 1971, a researcher at the National Institutes of Health, first discovered the predecessor of CMO capsules. That predecessor was cetyl myristoleate. The researcher was unable to get his project funded and slowly carried on at his own expense. Eventually he discovered that when this substance was injected near the joints of lab animals it brought amazing results. Many years later he experienced the same benefit on his body. After his doctor could provide no further relief through conventional medicine, he successfully injected himself cetylmyristoleate on the knees. His doctor was so amazed at the beneficial results, he urged him to publish a report.

In March of 1994, that report about injectable cetyl myristoleate was published in The Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. In the report, the researcher expressed his hope that other studies would be conducted, "particularly, more extensive tests of cetyl myristoleate analogues.”

In late 1994, the International Immunological Centre of The San Diego Clinic research staff did exactly what that researcher had hoped for. They developed an orally administered nutritional supplement. This dietary supplement is an analogue called CMO, a trade name for cerasomal-cis-9-cetylmyristoleate. The San Diego Clinic did the first clinical study on CMO, which study demonstrated CMO to be an outstanding product.

In December 1995, CMO was introduced in Nevada to the medical community at the National Medical Conference on Aging. Five doctors afflicted with a variety of conditions tried CMO. All five doctors responded well within three days. CMO became star of the conference resulting ultimately in hundreds of doctors using CMO for their patients.

In February 1996, after successful reports from the medical community, CMO became available to the public. Beneficial effects of CMO have inspired two books about the subject.

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Do I have to stick to a very rigid diet whilst taking CMO?

Originally Dr Sands recommended a very restrictive diet whilst taking CMO, but over the years of research he found that most patients could eat a relatively “normal” diet and still get good results. The important thing is to keep to foods and drinks that do not stress the liver or immune system. The following guidelines appear to work very well for the majority of patients:

Diet Restrictions

For best results the following MUST NOT BE CONSUMED while taking CMO and for two weeks after finishing all of the capsules. These substances stress the immune system, overload the liver, and reduce the effectiveness of CMO. You may return to your usual eating pattern after this time period.

AVOID

q alcohol (beer, wine, cider, spirits)

q products containing caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, colas, stimulant drinks, etc.) A limited amount, 1 cup, of any decaffeinated beverage each day is OK.

q any foods that you know, from past experience, may upset your body. Many people have found that their joint health is adversely affected after they eat “night shade vegetables” (potatoes (including fries), aubergine, peppers and tomatoes).

q Laxatives, which may encourage elimination of CMO before absorption.

q Limit your intake of sweets (sugar foods). Sugar, in quantity, is an immune suppressant.

Dr Sands originally advised against the consumption of all grains. His later research suggested that for most people this was not necessary. If you wish to “play safe” you could cut out all wheat products whilst consuming CMO, but this is not essential.

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So what can I eat whilst taking CMO?

The simple answer is near enough anything!

Diet Recommendations

The following foods are allowed whilst taking CMO

ENJOY

q All lean meats of chicken, lamb, pork and especially beef – regular beef eaters often respond faster because their bodies create plenty of the exact natural enzymes needed to digest beef products and, therefore, CMO

q All fish – especially sardines, salmon, fresh tuna, mackerel, trout (all are high in omega 3 fats). If you do not enjoy eating fish take extra Omega 3 supplements.

q All fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts (except those known or suspected to upset you)

q Dairy products, in moderation, are fine if you are in the habit of consuming them and they agree with you.

q Vegetarians should eat plenty of high quality protein. Soy and whey products are suggested.

q Your body will benefit from a top quality vitamin/mineral supplement daily plus omega 3 capsules.

Drink at least eight half pint glasses of plain water each day. The importance of this recommendation can not be overstated!!

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Does CMO stop my Immune system from working?

CMO is not an immunosuppressant, nor an immunostimulant. Nor is it a pharmaceutical. It is a naturally derived substance that has received the highest safety level attainable by certified independent laboratory testing.

Unlike immunosuppressants, CMO does not leave the body vulnerable to attack by disease-causing agents. Nor does it inhibit the body’s resistance to tumor formation, as do the dangerous new tumor necrosis factor (TNF) suppressants of some new drugs.

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I feel great after just 4 days. Should I stop taking the capsules?

NO! Please take the entire course as directed to ensure long term benefits.

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How long will the benefits last?

A single CMO course usually lasts forever without any need to repeat the CMO. It treats the cause of the disease, not just the symptoms. If something subsequently triggers the immune system to attack the joints then you might require a repeat dose, but we have patients who took CMO 10 years ago and are still benefiting from the single course.

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Does CMO work for everyone?

We have found that about 90% of arthritis sufferers get good results. Most require only one bottle of CMO, but occasionally a second bottle is required, especially if steroids or other drugs which affect the immune system or liver have been taken.

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Will it be OK to continue my prescribed medication whilst taking cmo?

Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without supervision from your practitioner.

CMO does not stop any drug from working, but some drugs stop CMO from working. (see answers on Blood Pressure and Diabetes medications).

Any drug that affects the immune system will stop CMO from working. The following list is not complete as new drugs and brand names appear regularly, but does contain most of the currently used drugs that may stop CMO from working. If unsure, please check with your pharmacist or practitioner.

Adalimubab

Anakinra

Anti-TNF drugs

Arava

Azothioprine

Betamethasone

Ciclosporin

Clobestasone

Cyclophosphamide

Cyclosporin

Cyclosporine

Cytoxan

Enbrel

Etanercept,

Fluocinolone

Gold Salts

Hydrocortisone

Hydroxychloroquine
Imuran

Infliximab

Leflunomide

Methotrexate

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)

Plaquenil

Prednisolone or other steroid medication,

Remicade

Rheumatrex,

Sodium aurothiomalate

Sulfasalazine

Tacrolimus

These drugs and others with similar action block and/or nullify the effects of CMO. CMO will be beneficial only if, with your doctor’s permission, you discontinue the use of these medications for at least 4 weeks before beginning CMO. If you are unable to completely withdraw from your steroid medication before beginning CMO, or your doctor does not think it is advisable, you may begin CMO if you are taking the lowest steroid dose possible and plan to continue withdrawal (as per your doctor’s guidelines) during your initial CMO treatment. In this instance several additional bottles of CMO (possibly as many as six) may be necessary to receive full benefits. The use of CMO Cream might help.

The herb Milk Thistle (Silymarin), a known liver detoxifier, taken for three to four weeks before starting CMO may enhance the benefits. This is especially important if you have a history of chemotherapy, radiation treatments, years of medications, exposure to toxic environments or alcohol or tobacco use. These can have cumulative adverse effects on liver function. Suggested dose: 300mg to 500mg per day in three divided doses, or one “time release” capsule per day.

Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without supervision from your practitioner.

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How will I feel while on the CMO?

The vast majority of people report feeling great whilst taking CMO. Occasionally people have reported feeling a little queasy in the first few days of taking CMO, but this has always vanished when the number of capsules being taken has been reduced for a few days. This does not stop the CMO from helping you to maintain joint health. .

If you do feel queasy try one or all of the following methods:

q Increase your intake of antioxidants, particularly bioflavonoids.

q Increase your water intake slowly, especially if you do physically demanding work.

q Take whole psyllium seed husks (from health food store) two to three times per day in juice, followed by two glasses (8 ounces each) of plain water. This helps to clear the intestinal tract and improve digestion of all nutrients.

q Reduce your CMO dose to one or two capsules in the morning and one or two capsules in the evening for a few days until symptoms are reduced.

q Discontinue your use of CMO capsules completely until the symptoms disappear and then continue use, increasing slowly to 3 capsules twice a day. The beneficial effects of CMO are cumulative, therefore any temporary interruptions in use will not affect the final outcome of the CMO.

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Do I need more than one bottle of CMO?

Most of our patients find they only require one bottle of CMO to get rid of their arthritis. Occasionally a second bottle is required. We generally advise that if you received absolutely no benefit from one bottle of CMO then it is unlikely that you will obtain relief by taking more bottles. However, if you have received even marginal improvement from your arthritic symptoms from one bottle, it is worth taking a further course. People with poor liver or digestive systems may require more than one bottle of CMO.

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Is CMO cheaper to buy directly from the US than from a UK distributor?

Although the prices quoted by some companies appear at first to be low, they often fail to mention a few important facts. They usually add on postage charges and packing charges (usually at a profit). They always “forget” to mention that when importing CMO into the UK you will need to pay Duty at up to 25%, VAT at 17.5%, and a duty collection fee (currently a fixed fee of £13.50, no matter how much is being collected). These charges alone can double the price you are paying. What they also fail to mention is that it illegal to import CMO into the UK without an import licence. Without one, your CMO is very likely to confiscated and destroyed. It is therefore far safer, and often very much cheaper, to buy from a supplier in your own country.

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How do I know if a company is selling “genuine CMO”?

Cerasomal-cis-9-cetyl myristoleate (CMO) is pronounced sera-somal-cis-9-see-tul-meer-is-toll-ee-ate and is extracted from beef tallow from BSE-free herds in the USA. Capsules should contain 385 mg of CMO and for best results should contain digestive enzymes. There are presently several similarly potent versions on the market. Some contain digestive enzymes and other additional ingredients. These products are marketed under different private brand labels. There is simply no one authentic, true CMO, as some marketeers would have you believe. The most frequent question to CMO distributors is; “How do I know this is the REAL CMO?” If the product contains at least 385 mg per capsule of cerasomal-cis-9-cetyl myristoleate, (not cetyl myristoleate) and is offered with a money back guarantee that allows you to try the product and get a refund if you are in the 10% of the population who are not helped by CMO, then it is likely to be genuine. If a company is selling sub standard “CMO” (usually in the form of cetyl myristoleate rather than the correct form CERASOMAL CIS 9 Cetylmyristoleate) they are unlikely to give you any guarantee.

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What about digestive enzymes?

Dr. Sands found that CMO is absorbed more efficiently if it is taken with digestive enzymes. Originally these were given as separate capsules with the CMO capsules. It was later found that the two types of capsules rarely dissolved at the same rate, so that the enzymes might be released in the stomach and the CMO further down the digestive tract. In this case the enzymes would be of no use. By putting the CMO and the enzymes in the same capsules you know that they are all going to be released at the same moment, giving the optimum benefit.

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Will the fat in CMO increase my cholesterol?

No, this is not a product that affects cholesterol. It is derived from fat but then altered to be easily delivered to areas of your body. It does not affect cholesterol levels.

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Are there ways to maintain joint cartilage once my arthritis has been cured?

Current medical reports state you can help your body with the maintenance of joint cartilage by taking glucosamine sulphate with or without collagen type II (chondroitin), MSM, sea cucumber (but beware of allergic reactions), Boswellia, omega 3 fatty acids and drinking cherry juice, have all been recommended.

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Will constipation or diarrhea affect CMO absorption ?

Diarrhoea may wash out CMO before it can be absorbed. Therefore, if it occurs, stop CMO temporarily, or reduce your CMO dose to one capsule in the morning and one in the evening until the diarrhoea stops. Increase to two and then back to three capsules twice a day as long as your bowels remain normal. Constipation can often be alleviated in just a few days by consistently drinking 8 glasses of water - 8 oz - spread evenly throughout the day. Laxatives are counter productive to CMO absorption. However, if you are used to taking a fibre bulking agent, there is no reason to stop while taking CMO. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (fibre) may also help relieve constipation, as will exercise (walking – if possible).

Adding 1 to 4 grams of MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane), to your diet each day is currently recommended by many alternative medicine practitioners to aid in maintaining joint health. The same dose of MSM (taken in two or three divided doses) throughout the day may normalize bowel function by promoting peristalsis (muscles action of intestinal walls).

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If CMO is so terrific why haven’t I heard about it and why doesn’t my doctor recommend it?

Natural products are usually slow to be widely recognized and understood. Despite huge amounts of research proving that CMO is beneficial in Rheumatoid and Osteo-Arthritis sufferers, CMO is allowed by the FDA (US) and the MHRA (UK) guidelines to be marketed only as a “joint supplement”. Hundreds of products are marketed as “joint supplements”. Being unable to expound further on labels or on internet web pages limits understanding of the extraordinary benefits of this and similar outstanding natural therapies. To date, funding has not been available to allow the expensive testing required to obtain a medicines licence. Word of mouth has become the best advertising for CMO and most other natural products.

Most doctors obtain their postgraduate information from medical literature sponsored by the large drug companies. Natural remedies, which may affect the profits of these companies, therefore seldom get published. The health service treatment protocols seldom include natural products and few doctors have training or personal experience with natural products’ benefits and/or use. Doctors can only prescribe licensed medicines. It costs millions of pounds to obtain a license. CMO is a natural product, and cannot therefore be patented. It is unlikely that any of the manufacturers of CMO (there are at least four in the US) will pay all that money to get CMO licensed, when all the other companies will then be able to sell their CMO under the same license.

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Are there any advantages in using CMO Topical Cream over taking CMO oral capsules?

CMO Topical Cream is a special trans dermal preparation designed to penetrate the skin and carry the CMO beneath the skin’s surface.

CMO Topical Cream contains CMO and MSM – two of the most promising natural ingredients discovered this century for safely and effectively maintaining joint health. MSM, a safe and non-toxic form of biologically active sulphur, is used as a dietary supplement and in topical creams.

Other ingredients in CMO Topical Cream hydrate and nourish the skin. Hydrating substances increase the water content of the skin's outer layer. They make it easier for CMO and MSM to penetrate the superficial layers of the skin. Aloe Vera, a skin moisturizer and softener, has been used for centuries and this moisturizing substance allows CMO and MSM to quickly reach the deeper layers of the skin.

CMO Topical Cream is a preferred form of CMO for individuals who may have difficulty absorbing CMO capsules because of digestive or liver function problems. The cream is also ideal for people who do not choose to, or are not able to, give up caffeine, alcohol, or other immune system suppressants. (Ideally these substances should be omitted when taking CMO capsules). Minimal use of caffeine appears not to reduce the effectiveness of the cream. CMO Topical Cream is ideal for people who do not like to take oral supplements or have trouble swallowing pills. CMO Topical Cream is more cost-effective for maintaining joint health in localized joints, (e.g. in the hands, elbows, wrist, or neck).

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Can CMO Topical Cream and capsules be used at the same time ?

CMO Topical Cream can be used as an adjunct to CMO capsules to help accelerate the maintenance process. Using both simultaneously improves the chances of the CMO getting to the areas being targeted.

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Are there any disadvantages to using the cream?

It takes considerably longer to acquire long lasting benefits from CMO Topical Cream than from CMO capsules. The cream must be rubbed into the joint or localized area of the body several times a day for up to three months.

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Are there possible negative side effects from using CMO Topical Cream?

A very small number of individuals who are sensitive to one or more ingredient in the cream may develop a rash or other skin irritation. This occurs infrequently, but if it does, the symptoms clear up when the cream is discontinued.

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Why doesn’t CMO work equally well for everyone?

We do not know why CMO does not work for 10% of the population, but six situations, other than this normal biological uniqueness, have been noted to hinder CMO effectiveness:

1. Failure to follow the recommended dietary plan. Before trying a second or third bottle, non responders might try eliminating possible food trigger factors like wheat, corn, and other grains. Eliminating dairy products may help.

2. Impaired liver function—even slight impairment not detectable by common lab tests. Usually the result of current or previous infection (hepatitis, epstein-barr, mycoplasma, chlamydia, etc.) or previous or current substance use (alcohol, steroids, methotrexate, excessive paracetamol, anti-inflammatory or analgesics, etc.). One possible solution: take the herb milk thistle (Silymarin) for 30 days before beginning or continuing CMO.

3. Continuing underlying low-grade systemic or localized infections caused by viral agents (usually herpes simplex, HHV-6, epstein–barr, etc.), or bacteria (usually staph, strep, chlamydia or mycoplasms).

4. A faulty digestive system that is not capable of absorbing CMO as a result of impaired fat/protein digestion, impacted waste buildup in the intestines, frequent loose stools or other digestive problems. Adding an enzyme product containing lipase, protease and amylase to one’s diet might help.

5. Continued exposure to ambient sensitivity factors in the home, workplace or geographical area (insecticides, pollen, dust, plastics, other chemicals, insulation, carpets, petroleum, vapors, etc.).

6. Unrecognized or under treated hypothyroidism. (see below)

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Thyroid problems

We have repeatedly noticed a correlation between people with low body temperature and/or other symptoms of low thyroid function and minimal or no response to CMO. (Go to: www.wilsonssyndrome.com for a list of low thyroid symptoms.) According to Denis Wilson, M.D. and other health professionals, a body temperature that is consistently below normal along with other symptoms may be an indication of an under active thyroid or under treated or mis treated thyroid condition. If you are on thyroid medication or your doctor has told you your thyroid blood tests are “normal”, and you still have symptoms of sluggish thyroid function, CMO may not benefit you. The thyroid gland secretes a hormone, thyroxine, essential for thymus activity. If the thyroid is not functioning well, either naturally or with the help of effective hormone treatment, CMO is often ineffective.

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Can I test for myself for correct thyroid function?

The simplest test to see if your thyroid is functioning correctly, is to take your temperature three times over a 24 hour period. If it is consistently half a degree or more below normal, then you may have low thyroid function.

This may be partly due to an iodine deficiency as your body needs iodine in order to manufacture thyroxine, the thyroid hormone.

Luckily, there’s an excellent test you can do at home to check your iodine levels: Simply take a cotton bud, dip it into a 2% tincture of iodine (available at the pharmacist or supermarket), and paint an area the size of a ten cent coin on your thigh or abdomen, leaving a yellowish stain that should disappear in about 24 hours if your iodine levels are normal. If the stain disappears in less than 24 hours, your body may be deficient in iodine. If so, it may be worth taking Kelp which is an excellent iodine supplement.

Some people who did not initially respond to CMO, did so after increasing their iodine intake by taking kelp which is available in capsule form from your health food shop or pharmacist. Ask your health care provider to test your iodine level and make a supplement recommendation if s/he feels it is appropriate. Some cases of low thyroid activity are actually due to excessive iodine in the system. Therefore it is important to seek professional medical advice.

It is important not to change the amount of any prescription drug you are taking without consulting your prescribing doctor.

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Can CMO help the arthritis in the joints in my animals/pets?

According to the late Dr. Len Sands “We have never had an animal that did not benefit from CMO treatment.” CMO has been effective for horses, cats, dogs, hamsters and pot-bellied pigs. Smaller animals can be given capsules or the powder can be removed from the capsules and blended with a small amount of the animal’s favourite food twice a day for twenty days. Animals that weigh 70lb or more pounds benefit from 2 capsules AM and 2 capsules PM. Smaller animals will benefit from one capsule AM and one capsule PM. For best absorption, giving CMO to your animal on an empty stomach is recommended. Food may be given 30 minutes after CMO. It is recommended that you check with your vet before drastically changing your pet’s diet.

A special CMO powder suitable for horses and other large animals is now available .

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Can vegetarians take CMO?

Some companies are marketing “vegetable source” substances as CMO. According to Bailey’s Industrial Oil and Fat Products, Fifth addition, Volume 1, Edible Oil and Fat Products, there are “NO VEGETABLES SOURCES” for myristoleic acid which is needed to manufacture cetylmyristoleate and CMO. These impostor products are usually sold at a very low price commensurate with their quality., and suggest continuous or “maintenance dose” use. AVOID!

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I use insulin for my diabetes. Can I still take CMO?

In diabetics careful monitoring of the blood sugar levels is absolutely necessary while taking CMO. It has been found that CMO can normalise blood sugar levels, and reduce the need for insulin. It is therefore essential that if you are using Insulin you carefully monitor your blood sugar levels whist taking CMO and for two weeks after.

Do not alter the dose of any medication without consulting your practitioner.

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Does CMO affect blood pressure?

If you take blood pressure medication while taking CMO and you have ANY symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness, light headedness or feeling faint, consult your doctor for medicine dosage adjustment. CMO has been found to normalise blood pressure in some individuals. If your blood pressure is being brought down with medication, the need for this medication may reduce when CMO has been taken. The combined effect of CMO and your medication could cause your blood pressure to drop too low causing the above symptoms.

CMO has also been found to bring an overly low blood pressure nearer to normal.

Do not alter the dose of any medication without consulting your practitioner.

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Does Smoking (or Second Hand Smoke) aff