07/24/2011: Melly from Columbia, Sc, Usa: "After too many trips to too many Doctors I am trying a more natural approach. I have fibromyalgia, post gallbladder surgery dumping syndrome, compromised immune system, recurrent headaches and sinus infections. I had an allergic reaction, that my gastro Dr. Says couldn't happen, to Ipamadol/Isoview iodine dye, that caused nerve damage in my feet and a goiter on my thyroid gland. I am in menopause and am having night sweats but have not been able to use anything that doesn't cause side efects.

The holostic nurse pract that I went to suggested to begin with coffee enemas, but I am hesitant. One cup of coffee makes my heart race. I can't afford to do anything that will keep me from going to work, I miss too many days as is.

Does anyone have experience with either the enema or the Xeneplex?

Thank you!"

07/24/2011: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Melly, I just wanted to let you know that a coffee enema works quite differently from drinking coffee. I could go into the details that make coffee so effective but suffice it to say that what it does is stimulates the liver to create more bile. The increased bile helps to move the toxins out. Also, the coffee acts as an astringent in the large intestine and cleans the colon walls. Hopefully, this info helps you to make an educated decision!"

07/24/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "Melly, according to the link I have provided below Vitamin C to bowel saturation levels and also calcium/magesium will do the trick. Also vegetable juicing... Let us know if it works.

http://www.doctoryourself.com/fibromyalgia.html"

07/25/2011: Debra from Wagga Wagga, Australia replies: "I know coffee enemas are not the same as drinking coffee & as I am so toxic & digestion so bad I was very keen to try - I did for a yr but everytime it keeps me awake all night. During that year I also got a liver profile that shows phase 1 and phase 2 not right. So perhaps they are for people with a more healthy liver than I. I cant tolerate any caffeine."

[YEA]  08/25/2011: Alex from Townsville, Australia replies: "Hi Melly, Coffee enemas facilitate the liver detoxifing your blood. It has been used by Dr. Max Gerson (coleague of Dr. Albert Schweitzer and Physician to his wife) in his Nutritional Therapy for curing terminal patients. He presented 50 cured patients to the USA senate enquiry in the 1940's and published a book on the therapy. You can find more details googling "Gerson Institute". It is important that the coffee is ORGANIC."

12/20/2011: Nicole from Ketchikan, Ak replies: "I've been doing research on urine therapy and it turns out it cures a lot of problems a lot faster via enema. This website does not touch on the subject enough. Urine is the opposite of what we where taught. It's actually sterile and can be applied topically and ingested. It should be up there with organic apple cider vinegar. From the looks of it, urine might even surpass ACV. It's a shame we where conditioned to think of it as dirty. The better your diet the easier it is to get down. It tastes like water especially if you drink alot of water. I know it's taboo but if you are desperate enough you will look past that. All along we had a gem within us waiting to be remembered. Urine is considered the wolrds oldest medicine and has been documented dating back 5,000 years! I suggest researching your self and read every thing you can find on it.
You can start at http://educate-yourself.org/cn/
Then go to forbidden cures. This website has a wealth of knowledge! Topics that main stream media will not touch! Thanks to all. Love you earth clinic."

11/02/2012: Teri In T Town from Tacoma, Wa, Usa replies: "Glutathione is, one of, if not the most, important antioxidants in our bodies. Extra glutathione can help clear dementia, cure cancers, and it diminshes with age and toxic metal accumulation. Evidence shows that gluatathione supplements, which are very expensive, are not absorbed, so you need to encourage your body to make more.

As mentioned above, Dr. Gerson uses coffee enemas as part of his treatment program for cancer patients. Not mentioned in the posts above is that the coffee enemas are the most effective way to stimulate our livers to produce more glutathione. Eating asparagus is helpful too.

On a side note, a friend's father went to a Gerson clinic in Mexico 25 years ago with "untreatable cancer. " He came home feeling great and lived another 25 years into his 90s."

04/19/2012: Xiaozhu87 from Singapore: "I would like to asked some question. Yesterday afternoon my orders arrive from iherb. :) so happy! Den at night I took my first dose of bentiontie clay and psyllium husk(whole) is tastless bu taste yucky! colon cleanser separte. Like 5 mins apart. Den after that I keep drinking water. And de thing is i've pain in my stomach but not really pain like going I thought is i'm going to have bowel movement like that. But no, nothing came out. So I went toilet to pee, den there's this mucus things coming out from my vaginal, i'm sure is not discharge! :) but the mucus smell like poop!! Am I passing out my bowel movement through mucus? I finally figure out!! Omg.. I think must be smelling my mucus discharge.. :( I also can smell it too when it suddenly come out. that y ppl say I didnt wipe my backside! :X isit normal to have mucus from vaginal discharge? I also brought grapefruit seed extract liquid (will not be here till next week)!!! Coz they say only mon evening (south california time) den will ship out. our difference s one day apart! So meaning my things will be shipped out till tues(my day) den today I took one tablespoon of husk again and there's more mucus discharge. But i'm not having any real bowel movement yet. Anyone encounter any mucus discharge from vag after doing colon cleansing. Almost fainted while doing this. Coz I didn't eat. And it say must do a fasting for 2 days but for I eat a little biscut den I waited for an hour before drinking husk. I'm going to do for 7-14 days 3 times a week! How long did u manage to get bowel movement after drinking husk? those who wans to buy from iherb first time buyer can used my coupon code $5 off!! For first time buyer. Just msg or email me. :) thanks."

05/21/2012: Emgee from Broken Hill, Australia replies: "I would check with a doctor, this sounds serious. Could even be fistula."

05/28/2011: A Friend from Brazil replies: "Coffee enemas should not keep you up or stimulate you when done properly because they are not supposed to be absorbed into the blood stream.

Try one at a time: 1) decreasing the amount of water used in brewing; 2) decreasing the amount of coffee used; 3) decreasing the high of your enema bag/bucket so the mixture stays in your lower colon only."

11/19/2011: Dan from Clearwater, Florida replies: "Phase I liver detoxification may be slowed down by ingesting grapefruit. This is sometimes a problem for people on medications as when not broken down at the normal rate, the drug blood-levels may become too high, so pharmaceutical package inserts sometimes warn patients to not eat grapefruit (the active ingredient of which is a substance called naringenin).

In addition, Curcumin (aka Turmeric extract) will both reduce Phase I liver detoxification and increase Phase II liver detoxification (reference, see: http://tuberose.com/Liver_Detoxification.html or http://www.gilbertssyndrome.com/detoxification.php)."

11/20/2011: Timh from Louisville, Usa replies: "D-Limonene (orange oil) stimulates both phase 1&2 detox. Sulphoraphane, found most abundantly in Broccoli sprout extracts is a major phase 2 booster and indirectly boost phase 1 thru glutathione protection.

Dr. Weil released an article stating that supplemental sulphoraphane was almost completely ineffective for detox. Only a few minutes of steaming the mature Broccoli heads was effective. But this contradicts many other studies that show that Broccoli sprouts are anywhere from 20-50 times glucosinolates levels compared to mature plant and are therefore much more effective antioxidants.

Personally, I must agree with the sprout extracts. For yrs I ate cooked mature cabbage and Broccoli with no noticeable effect. After purchasing and consuming the sprout extracts only a few months ago, I can easily feel the benefits."

11/20/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "You may want to try oil pulling as well. Oil pulling seems very helpful in being able to detox organs in the body. Coconut oil is good as it is also anti fungal and anti bacterial. Lots of info on this site under remedies on oil pulling."

12/20/2011: Barbara from Lakeland, Florida replies: "Acording to research, green organic coffee is MUCH more effective than the regular organic coffee. (For me, there seems to be a much greater amount of gelatinous residue produced from the liver during the cleanse than with the regular coffee) See this article for more information. http://howtocoffeeenema.info/s-a-wilsons-therapy-blend

Although it is difficult to lie on your right side for an hour, it is very important to keep it a low flow, slow enema, as the article says. This keeps the enema in the lowest part of the bowel so it can stimulate the liver to release the toxins. If a coffee enema is given too high in the colon, it seems to me that it would stimulate you and not the liver. A word of caution though, green coffee enemas leave a terrible blue black stain. It can be removed with bleach, but I prefer more natural means of sanitizing so I use dark colors to avoid the stain.

I would also recommend making (or for those lucky stiffs still employed, buying) an enema board like the Coloma board. A board is SOOO much more comfortable and sanitary than lying on the floor or in bed to do enemas. I made my own enema board using pictures of enema boards from the internet as my guide. I used two wooden boards as a base and (for lack of a better word) a "cap catch" from a Styrofoam water faucet cover which I cut to shape and covered with several coats of a clay made from the pink spackling (4 parts to one of the white Elmer's type glue to make it harder and stronger). I then sanded it smooth and attached it with spray foam insulation. When the board was done, I spray painted it with high-gloss, dark brown enamel so it is easy to sterilize."

02/26/2011: D.m from Ld replies: "I used water and coffee enemas. They seem to help with the detox side effect of h2o2 food grade, like headache!"

[YEA]  04/06/2011: Helen from Orlando, Florida replies: "I BEEN ALWAYS VERY SICK WITH GERD AND MY ASTHMA. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I STOP EATING RED MEAT, LESS SUGAR AND SALT AND MORE VEGGIES, FRUITS. THEN A COLONIC EVERY OTHER MONTH AND I HAVENT FELT THIS WAY IN YEARS!! I CAN SAY MY ASTHMA IS MORE CLEAR AND LESS ACTING AND MY GERD IS ALMOST GONE. I WILL CONTINUE WITH THE COLONICS THEY SURE MADE A DIFRENCE."

[YEA]  04/22/2011: Fuzzysmooth from San Francisco, Ca, Usa replies: "I've been giving myself enemas once a week for about a month now. As someone who lives with slow digestion and somewhat chronice constipation, I appreciate the cleansing out. I always complete bowel movements on my own before administering an enema, so that I don't learn to rely on enemas. I do them when I have a block of time and nothing pressing to do later. Enemas are very relaxing for me, and the relief from tension or anxiety lasts a couple of days. I usually give myself the enema at the end of a hot bath, and when I'm finished take a long shower. I feel clean inside and out when I am done (and usually want to take a nap). I am still figuring out the exact tempurature of the water- as too hot or too cold means my body wants to expell the water immediately. I always add a pinch or two of salt to the water, so that I don't get too water logged. I am glad to have finally started giving myself enemas and taking care of my body in this way. The enema bag kit was cheap from the drug store, it's easy to clean, and easy to dry."

07/26/2011: Sanjay117 from Titwala, Maharashtra,india: "hi everybody!

in sanskrit colon cleansing or enima is called as BASTI, instead of using coffee try following decoction:

triphala is a common medicinal powder available in ayurvedic drug stores

in one liter of water add 100 gms of triphala powder one teaspoon sugar pinch of mineral salt

(this quant is for asians, for hefty people this can be doubled! )

boil this well, cool and filter with very fine mesh strainer

add 2 drops of glycerine

take enima of this solution in the afternoon (temp of the solution should preferably be slightly above room temp)

but first thing is not to eat HOT AND SPICY FOOD from a day before!

this enima works wonders and in ayurveda this is called as half or sometimes complete treatment!

your energy level will go high and food absorption will be better!

for the first time you repeat this treatment every week for four weeks and then only repeat once or twice a year!

it should not be taken on a regular basis. also after enima, revert slowly to eating, starting from liquid food first and then rolling over to regular food

thanks"

01/27/2012: Susan from Brookline, Ma, Usa replies: "Hi, Maybe you folks can help. I am very ill-possibly have lymes. I am so tired and groggy- tho I dont drink or do drugs- I am on meds- trazadone, venlafaxine and gabapentin 125mg, 25 mg and300 mg respectively.

I am in constant pain-esp my neck and shoulders-its not just mucsles, but its under the skin, all over my body, its broken up unnder myi skin and feels gravelly I have fibro, arthritis and may be lymes, my skin is yellowish-I'M white- and too white esp my legs .

My balance is off and I have neuropatthy in legs and a bit in fingers in the am.

I have bad digestion that keeps me up at night burping, farting, gas bloating reflux, smelly poop and either urgency or constipation. My urine looks a bit grey. I pee alot.

My breath smells bad and I feel like there is alot of disgust in my mouth alot of ick.

My head is very itchy.

I don't know what to eat. I am too thin. I have trouble with fats, I can't digest beans. I avoid sugar and JUNK FOOD-Â I USED TO EAT A TON OF IT.

After I eat I feel exhuasted like almost drugged, but if I don't eat I feel weak,

I can't eat soy so I eat chicken and turkey no hormones etc.

I can't think straight or focus.

My feet smell bad.

I might have cancer- lumps in breast.

I feel always angry and grumbly and lots of ill will and rigid and scared. I feel isolated and afraid of people and stuck.

I sense I need a cleanse, but I'm not sure a colonic would be safe for me and I'M WEAK SO I'm scared to fast.

I am very sensitive to vinegar so I don't think apple cider vineger would work.

I can't sleep well despite exhaustion.

I am a poet, songwriter, artist story teller, and really a lover of life so please help if you can.

I wish I could go to a holistic healing center to stay, but money is a problem."

01/28/2012: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa replies: "Susan, it seems recklessly redundant that I again highlight: a gallbladder full of stones (cholesterol or calcium) could easily be to blame for almost all your stated symptoms. GS's can eventually terribly disable one's Detoxification (Bilary) System, Immune System, Nervous System, Digestive System, and even Circulatory System. I have been to these debilitating levels all because of GS's. Just this week there has been fruitful posts on the importance of GB health.

Assuming you do have a gallbladder and this could easily be the problem, try any number of methods for cleansing as a starter.

Also, and while your wading thru the info on gallstone cleanses, for immediate relief, 1) begin hot baths w/ 1/4 cup Epsom Salt 1/4 cup Baking Soda for at least 30 min - 1 hr, 3 week. 2) Detox Foot Pads ---one on bottom of each foot before retiring (can buy from many online vendors, or Ebay @ wholesale prices. I purchased some from a retailer from Ft Lauderdale Fl "Gold" brand w/ free 3 day express shipping). Results from pads are immediate & dramatic in as little as a few days for many first timers. I would recommend going thru a 100 pack for the gravity of your condition.

Hope this helps and report your results."

02/01/2012: Susan from Brookline, Ma replies: "Thanks for your post. I went to the hospital and had and ultra soound done and there were no gallstones found. Right now the very worst symptom is the terribe pain in my neck and shoulders and exhaustion and insomnia.

Any ideas on it? the pain is under my skin. I often take epsom baths, but no luck yet with it.

I will try the foot pads as soon as I get money- I did them in the past but they did not seem to make me feel better.

Thanks"

02/02/2012: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa replies: "Susan, despite no clues to the cause of your symptoms, so far, don't get discouraged and try to motivate as your condition seems as complex as severe. I suppose you're not getting any answers from your docs? Try to find a Naturalpath in your area; at least a chiropractor to help in any way (print your symptoms page from your first post if you might need to provide it).

I am not so sure ultrasound diagnostics are very accurate for cholesterol gallstones, but maybe are w/ calcium. I had done my first flush and only 2 wks later the symptoms returned (as my liver was so toxic and weak). So I had an ultrasound done w/ no apparent stones. 3 days later I did another flush with many green cholesterol stones present. Liver or pancreas problems can also be involved, which could cause problems w/ the multiple medications. Consider lowering the pharm meds dose somewhat (maybe do pill-splitter); also read common side effects for all your meds as this could be a major prob.

Food allergies or intolerance are likely and wreaking havoc on both digestion and immune system health. Have you done colon cleanse? Oil Pulling? The detox foot pads collect a variety of toxins so it seems that you should have gotten good results w/ them; but if $ is problem put'm on bottom of "get" list. Did they not become dark or black after 8-10 hrs?

You didn't list any supplements so let me suggest beginning w/ a whole food mult 2 w/ every meal. Swanson Health Products is good quality and best price, so perhaps you can afford. Sw... Also has a good combo herb for liver called Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Yellowdock (also contains Beet Root). These two supp. must help your detox and digestion. If you can afford some Digestive Enzymes it is likely they will do you good. Also there could be Iodine deficiency as many people here have reported good results from supplementing w/ marked reductions in many varied symptoms. Kelp would be a good start, as would any green foods. Sw.. Has a "Seaweed Vegetable Complex" that has kelp and several other green algae w/ the good chlorophyll that should greatly help in the cleansing. Any kind of greens should help as would probiotics. Parasite infestation is also likely as they can wreak havoc all over the body, especially combined w/ other illnesses. Check E.C. Page for this and make an immediate effort to treat just to look for any results. Try an inexpensive natural antibiotic like Neem for infection issues. Replace Epsom Salt bath w/ Borax for any fungal infection possibility. Is your air and water purified?

As far as colonic, I would suggest a lemon juice enema at home. 3 hrs before or after meal. Maybe do a 3 day vegetable juice (maybe add extra powdered cayenne & garlic) only cleanse after enema (many natural docs recommend this 2 yr). 1 or 1-1/2 pint warm water w/ 1oz reconstituted lemon juice concentrate. After taking lay on your back and roll from side-to-side and massage the colon area gently, also raise the buttocks w/ help of your hands n arms (keep the bowel relaxed)... until you feel the urge (stay close to bathroom).

Psychological factors can also be involved, try and remain hopeful and motivated toward wellness. Try to detach yourself from all pains and fears (let go).

Many of these suggestions would very likely bring noticeable improvement as your body responds to these positive healing factors.

Hope this helps and maybe others here at E.C. can contribute so to get you back up and on the mend."

02/04/2012: Maria from Gippsland, Australia replies: "Hi Susan from Brookline, MA), Regarding your skin colour being yellowish this is usually a good indicator that your liver is having trouble but it can also be an indicator of iron overload so if you haven't had your iron levels checked then it would pay to do so. Iron overload causes iron to be stored in our organs and then causing damage to them. Make sure they test for saturation level and also the ferritin level. Because of your skin colour don't take any supplement that contains iron until you have been tested for it and found that you are iron deficient.

Have a look at candida, the following post covers it: 07/09/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines at http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/mystery-diagnosis.html

Iodine (lugols) is worth taking a look at and may help with your breast condition and it also helps some with their sleep.

If you are the same lady that asked for help at the beginning of January did any of the suggestions given help you? Sometimes it is hard to work out which to try but keep trying to find your answer. Most of us take a while to find what helps us."

02/05/2012: Susan from Brookline, Ma replies: "Could someone tell me exactly how to do an enema and does one have to fast after this. Also is it safe to do so?

Is it possible to just do the enema and not fast after wards?

I have heard it can pull minerals from the body. I also have an eating disorder so I am reluctant to fast.

Is it safe to use milk thistle with the drugs trazadone, venlafaxine and gabapentin? And are ther any dangers form these supplements?

Also I have a bad dry cough even though I don't smoke and my voice is weak. There is something in my apt that is making me sick. Any inexpensive ideas for water and air filters?

Thank you."

02/07/2012: Max from Adelaide, Sa replies: "@ Susan. I would caution against any type if detox, enema etc if you have an rating disorder unless you have guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. It's not worth risking your health for. If the issue is constipation you could take a small single use enema such as 'Microlax' which is available from chemists or just take a couple of laxatives (but again, be careful. I'm not sure how severe your eating disorder is). If you are concerned about cleaning out your system and fasting like this it may be a sign of a relapse. Like I said, I don't know you but just be mindful of that."

02/07/2012: Max from Adelaide, Sa replies: "@ Susan, I've just gone back over your previous posts and I'm quite worried about you. Have you had a blood test recently? If not I would strongly advise you get some routine blood's, electrolytes, LFT (liver function test) and full blood count especially but your doc will decide what's necessary. Jaundice (yellow skin) is caused by excess bilirubin accumulating in your bloodstream. This is often caused by cirrhosis or hepatitis. If you don't mind me asking, what are your bowel motions like? If they are clay coloured this is also a sign of liver issues. I doubt you problem would be related to too much iron as it's uncommon for people with eating disorders to have too much of anything. Do you have a family history of haemochromatosis? This is a hereditary disease that causes excess absorption of iron. If not I doubt it would be too much iron... It's not uncommon for people with EDs to develop organ damage. It's quite possible you've done some Harm. You really should be getting regular check ups if you have an ED and your doctor should be monitoring you more closely. If you go to the doc and they don't find anything wrong, by all means try the natural remedies but rule out anything serious first. Best of luck."

02/07/2012: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa replies: "Susan, I waited for other E.C. member to respond because I know you want others opinion.

One source of info isn't enough, and many are confusing and contradicting. The Gallbladder diet has been run around the mill long enough that it's all a mess now, luckily for me, I got a simple 3 day cleanse that worked perfectly the first and fallowing times I used it. I briefly stated it a few wks back on E. C. Somewhere. As for the fasting, you don't have to fast fallowing an enema. I only suggested a "juice" fast; that means drink veg. juice only for three days.

Anyway, are you familiar w/ Dr. James Balch's Prescription For Nutritional Healing book? It helped me so very much when I was very down. That's where I learned about enemas. I began w/ Coffee, then Lemon Juice, then Hydrogen Peroxide. My Colon was very contaminated and I couldn't progress to wellness until I did those enemas. Another good source of info, maybe a little much political at times but Jon Barron's Baseline Of Health Foundation has a website w/ free newsletter, e-book for wellness (under $8.00), lots of info.

Milk Thistle Seed has no know contraindications w/ pharm meds that I have ever heard of, moreover it should only help your liver metabolize the Rx's your now taking so you might feel some changes. If you feel you're taking too much meds (which seems a possibility here), discuss this w/ your doc. Also ask about your thyroid function or take your temp first thing every morning to find any hyper or hypo possibility which can disrupt your entire body functions including the mind. Take Kelp for natural Iodine source.

All the symptoms you report could also be from black mold in your apt. Testing is expensive but you can look for it in moist places. My sis had to remove her bath walls as they were contaminated w/ black mold and making her sick all over. As for water; inexpensive water purification (it won't remove the chems but will destroy pathogens) is a few drops of Iodine (i use otc povidone iodine plus filter) in your water container. Sodium Thiosulfate, I believe removes chlorine. What kind of air (heat/cool) do you have? Filters must be cleaned monthly.

Also, and as a starter, there are methodologies in alternative medicine. My first suggestions were of "clean" (the gall & colon, and whole body I. E. Foot detox pads), then "kill" (any pathogens), then "heal" (with good nutrition, yoga, mediation etc. ); so I wasn't just shooting stuff at you from my hip. That's why I said you must see some progress as the methods are true (even though the protocols are many and varied and often confusing). Put a little trust in what you feel is right for yourself. Local libraries usually have a good many books on alternative med. Spend as much time as possible reading and learning and you will soon be ready for application. Sorry if I sound too rhetorical but if you can gain some wellness now it could literally safe your life as things can quickly spiral downward for some people. I have been in the trenches for almost 2 decades and my prognosis is still questionable. I have learned much and am eager to help others even if I can't achieve wellness myself. My holidays season was spent mostly in crisis or semi-crisis mode. Am some better now, but mine is one of severity that took several yrs to achieve despite my efforts to thwart it.

Good luck and report back any probs or progress."

02/07/2012: Jen from Bozeman, Mt, Us replies: "Hi Susan from Brookline, I read the last post from Timh and couldn't help but read the rest of them. I wasn't sure if you stated in any of them that you had an eating disorder but from the meds you are taking you are being treated for depression and panic disorders and possibly for fibromyalgia or something similar. All usually prescribed when doctors don't know what to do with you or why they can't fix you.

If it were myself I would try to wean myself off of the perscriptions at some point. Talk to your doctor about the best way to do that. The root of your problem is most likely toxin related. You could be full of yeast as well. There are so many symptoms that are caused by yeast overgrowth and you have alot of them. On top of doing the gallbladder cleanses which have been suggested to you I would also suggest doing a yeast cleanse of some kind. Yeast is the root of so many diseases and disorders and no body realizes that a simple detox to rid yourself of the yeast is sometimes all you need.

I don't think there is any harm in performing a coffee enema. It is very good for your liver and pretty harmless as long as it is performed correctly. Use a good organic coffee. Brew it and let it cool. I use a Fleet Enema bottle and dump the solution that is already in it out and fill the bottle with coffee to the line indicated. The fleet bottle should have directions on how to perform the actual enema.

As far as the fasting if you are underweight it might be a bad idea but I find juice fasting is a wonderful way to push "refresh" on my health. I am actually doing one as we speak. It helps to cleanse yourself of any toxins (including yeast) and gives you a new start when you finish. I am doing a 10 day one but there are many that are shorter or longer with very good results.

I would also suggest the Milk thistle as a supplement. You will be amazed at how helpful this herb is in detoxing your liver. I take a month long round of it every couple of months. It is also really good for your adrenal glands which I am suspicious are being affected by your stress, health, and medications.

Iodine is another supplement that has been suggested and I will second that post. You should also add some:

Vit C - should be taken when Iodine is supplemented

Vit D3 - We all need it and especially when depressed (usually a sign of a deficiency)

Magnesium-should be taken when Iodine is supplemented/ also good for anxiety

selenium -should be taken when Iodine is supplemented/ good immune defense/ thyroid health.

Omega 3's - good for depression/ foggy brain/ arthritis

Evening primrose - really good for depression and anxiety disorders/

possibly lithium oratate (5 mg) - usually good for depression and anxiety as well as agression disorders.

Holy Basil - Good for anxiety/ stress issues

5-HTP - Helps to bring seratonin up which is usually deficient in depression and sleep disorders.

You can pick and choose any of these except if you choose to use the iodine make sure to take the others that I have indecated as companions to iodine. I have been where you are so I can simpathize with you completely. Just remember that there is always something out there to help you that is natural. Our bodies get sick for a reason. It is a warning to us that something in our enviroment is off. We just have to figure out what it is. Best wishes to you."

02/11/2012: Max from Adelaide, Sa replies: "Wow advising someone with an eating disorder to fast is really inappropriate, especially when they've already said they are "scared to fast" (her words not mine). Susan you know your health better than anyone else, if you don't feel safe fasting don't do it. Also don't stop your meds unless you feel you want to. One thing I've noticed on this site is a lot if people like to come here and act like experts and seem to have little to no concern that they may be putting a strangers health in danger. Natural remedies are ok for mild ailments but if your worried it might be serious or if you have a chronic condition that may complicate things, get professional advice first."

05/11/2012: Tracy from Griffith, Australia replies: "Hi Susan from Brooklyn, sounds like you have Lyme and like most Lyme patients you have other issues such as: H Pyroli Bacteria, Candida, possibly low iron, poor metabolism etc etc. Your foggy brain, feeling irritable and negative, neck problems, dizziness, poor balance and other symptoms you mentioned sound typical of Lyme Disease. You may even experience twitching muscles and be sensitive to light. The bacteria that cause Lyme give off toxins constantly in your body causing the side effects you experience like foggy brain, fatigue, liver overload, low imune system, feeling awful after eating (sounds like you are describing my husband who has Lyme actually) etc. You are toxic when you have Lyme. Regular coffee enemas will be helpful. I would get a blood test to confirm the Borellia Bacteria that causes the Lyme. I would address your digestive problems (bad breath etc) as a separate issue to Lyme. I would encourage you to get on a Lyme forum and begin to treat your Lyme (if you test postitive to Lyme - to be honest, if you haven't got Lyme I would be shocked). Lyme Disease is hard to get rid of even if you are blessed enough to get correctly diagnosed. Try googling Rife Machines and or Salt and Vitamin C protocol."

06/28/2012: Kira from Bucharest, Romania replies: "Hi Tracy from Griffith, Australia, I read that Lyme disease can be cured with Cat's Claw.http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james26.htm"

06/28/2012: Kira from Bucharest, Romania replies: "Hi Susan from Brookline, I hope you are better. In my opinion first you should try to fortify yoursef, and only after to detox. Fresh herbal/fruit juices and Omega3/fish oil can be great added to your normal diet."