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Dietary Changes
Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 10/06/2011
Hi Sylviag; I'm glad you're making progress, as it's a bumpy ride that seems to go backwards sometimes. I understand the dietary frustrations too; as I have tried many, so many, nutritious diets for over 25 yrs... Although each taught me something along the way, I still had to develop my own hybrid that will probably shift and change in time as I become more attuned to what works, and what doesn't. So, keep that chin up, and apply some Aloe Vera gel to it. Aloe Vera gel may also be used internally for many gut problems. I have some plants in the house that I snip. Aloe gel can also be found at the "natural store". It has many great properties, anti-inflammatory, for one. It has also been found to aid in the absorption of nutrients such as ; vitamins C, E, and B12. Cool.
As for the B12 supplement, if you feel more comfortable trying a smaller dosage, then, choose that. I'm a strong believer in people who find their own way. But, we need to lead ourselves to follow others, so that we may better lead ourselves, or somesuch.... So the tablet may be divided with a pill cutter. You may even begin with 250-500 mcg. daily in the morning. Let the lozenge dissolve in the mouth rather than swallowing it. Some people feel effects right away, such as increased energy, more joy, etc., and some may not have a change for a month or more. My experience was that some symptoms even worsened in the first month; but I was in a poor state. Many, maybe most people, need a much lower dosage than I take, 5000 mcg. daily. It's difficult to find the correct amount, particularly in the first months, so I encourage you to continue with the optimism you're showing.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sylviag (Vista, Ca Usa) on 10/06/2011
Well--as some have posted before--yesterday was pretty good--last night actually--and then woke up at 4 am with my chin on "FIRE"--all swollen and red-itchy and painful at the same time. Had to do a catered lunch yesterday at noon --so ate a small portion of beans/rice and chicken --and a few tortilla chips--no salsa or burrito-- dinner was a piece of stew beef (no gravy), a few carrots and some brown rice which seems to not bother me. Snack was plain and flavored yogurt-ralphs brand. I did find out my husband had put a few bouillon cubes in the very large casserole dish and they contain MSG--so it might be the culprit cause it certainly saturates the meat? Or the mexican meal?
I am really just about at my wits end--I put ice packs on and finally went back to sleep for about 1 1/2 hrs and it is still on fire--trying everything I can think of--what about hydrogen peroxide ingested? And again--this is supposedly perioral derm--caused by possible leaky gut/candida overgrowth.. Thanks for you help anyone, please!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sylviag (Vista, ca, Usa) on 10/05/2011
★★★★☆
Well it has been pretty much of a roller coaster since my last post! I finally got the B-12 sublingual tabs in yesterday so will see what they do for me, Connie. I order thru puritan pride and they were backordered when I got my b-complex ordered. So you think start out with 1000 mcg/day for 6 months?
I actually think I may have had a backlash from the oracea which I tried for 3 weeks and I am doing ACV, coconut oil and also the lime/bs in 4 oz of water twice a day. No open sores but still lots of red, dry flaky. shiny tight skin (think- looks like a gottee! ).
I also tried hydrogen peroxide last night for the first time and that did seem very soothing. I have used H2O2 for yrs but never for this and I'm also thinking about ingesting it if I don't get a better handle on this--I don't think I have ever had as severe or prolonged flare as this episode. Food "diet" is going well---just don't eat anything that "might" be a trigger.
Also started back on the glutamine -a very knowledgeable guy from Henry's suggested that be the last thing you take at night so it lays in your intestines.... hope he is right! There almost are not enough waking hours of the day for me to DO all of this stuff---and work too! I am feeling better-just in case my cheerier mood isn't showing?!
Anyway--I'm fighting the good fight and thank you all so much for your input--I'm praying that this too shall soon pass....thanks!
Sylvia
B Vitamins
Posted by Sylviag (Vista, Ca) on 09/22/2011
Hello--Have just seen your post on getting a good nights sleep and found it intriguing... I don't fully understand how to use this site and missed your post--will try it tonight...thanks!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sylviag (Vista, Ca) on 09/15/2011
Thanks--I think you are right--I'm going to stick with a banana and blueberries in my yogurt--unless somebody thinks that I should do
no dairy- but I think I'm ok with a little yogurt, cottage cheese?
I have never read anything regarding antihistamines and whether or not to use them?
B Vitamins
Posted by Sylviag (Vista, Ca) on 09/15/2011
Thank you Connie--I will get B-12 today and start on it and I do understand about the antibiotics and what they do--SOOO I took one this am and now I'll be done... I would say that my overall condition has improved about 60-70% and I'll continue with what I have learned from here and I think I'm on the right road...thanks!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 09/15/2011
Sylvia, be careful with the sugar in the fruit juices. I have stopped taking them!
B Vitamins
Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 09/15/2011
★★★★★
Re: Leaky Gut Syndrome
Hi Sylviag ; I understand that people choose medications when they've reached the state of an extreme imbalance, such as bacterial overgrowth, whereby they use antibiotics. I also understand that some people get some relief from the use of ppi's for gerd, etc. But the side effects of these meds. need to be understood and compensated. PPI's lower stomach acid, which makes nutrients such as B12 unavailable. Antibiotics will destroy friendly as well as unfriendly bacteria. Its good that you continue to replace nutrients and probiotics for this. I still am of the opinion that some extra B12 in an easily absorbable form will help much of the inflammation that you are suffering. I again suggest that you add a sublingual lozenge of methylcobalamin, methyl-B12 to your regimen. Try 1000 mcg. daily for 6 mnths. Give it a google. I often use "B12 deficiency and (insert condition)". If there are too many of these.... dots, then I realize that I've pushed it too far. I also sometimes add the term "case reports" to my searches. A lot of medical jargon is used, so I keep a small medical dictionary at hand. I also use terms such as nutrients for.... , or natural treatments for.... etc. Of course, even with all of this information, in all, we must find what works with our own systems. Best to you and yours...
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sylviag (Vista, Ca) on 09/14/2011
Hello Connie--I actually do eat very sensibly-- have been juicing the past yr or two--where I'd put all kinds of fruits and vegs in the Vitamix with yogurt and protein powder and have that for breakfast and lunch-and then have a regular dinner. So maybe I was getting too much sugar right there--while I thought I was being Oh-SO healthy and not stopping for a burger and fries! I will have to work on the % of veg to protein---what do you think of healthy choice fudgecicles--that was my guilty pleasure every night--I've given them up now! We used to enjoy some wine every night and cosmos on the weekend--I knew the wine was causing a problem--and haven't had any alcohol for 8 weeks which I think bothers my husband more than me-its a social thing.
Don't know if you have read all of my posts but I had started on oracea (40 mgs-in the cycline family)--I still have one more week of the month that I had filled and I'm worried that this is causing me not to be able to heal the leaky gut this time--so maybe I should not take the last week of it while I'm taking bio-K (liquid probiotics-50 billion)and all of the ACV, lemon juice and coconut oil and aloe vera caps--am I making sense? I've never taken meds for this before so just thinking that maybe I should stop them.
Sylvia
B Vitamins
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 09/14/2011
At night when you go to bed, If you lay on your back feet slightly apart, hands by your side. Then breath in deeply about ten times till you feel your hands pusating slightly. You then concentrate on various parts of the body. IE. Concentrate on your left foot, tell youself that the left foot is relaxing and stay there until it does... Then your right foot. Then your left knee then the right knee and so on.. By the time you have finished you can then suggest that after you count down from ten till one you will fall asleep and wake refreshed the next morning. Its a form of self hypnosis that takes you down to the hypnogogic state where you will just drift off to sleep. This form of sleep induction stops the high brain chatter, by focusing on parts of the body. The quality of the relaxation is really good. You know you're getting there when you start to feel light to the point of not having a body.
Sleep is the best doctor of all, and a good nights rest is essential.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 09/14/2011
Hi Sylviag ; What is there to eat? It's such a hot button to press when everything is inflamed. Ted has an address that can be found by clicking the Donate tab at the top of this page. He accepts donations, deservedly, but he is extraordinarily busy, so it may take time. There is also a "latest questions" tab that he also responds to when he can. Generally, Ted recommends a diet of 80% vegetables and fish, with an avoidance of sugars, even fruits. Avoid wheat, oils, other than coconut oil, etc. certain chemicals, such as MSG are most prohibited.
Bill from the Philippines has also made some wise dietary suggestions here. Debbie from Melbourne makes some very sensible suggestions as well. Using the search box here, you can enter their names and consider their posts. I understand that this transition can be most confusing, and that it is difficult to trust our food, but if we can continue to observe what may or may not "sit well", we'll improve with this.
B Vitamins
Posted by Sylviag (Vista, Ca) on 09/14/2011
Dear Connie-
Interesting about the coconut oil--when I bought it I thought-WOW-this is a big jar--but if I can use it internally too--even better---so I just went and had about a tsp. of it--how much of it can I use per day and how exactly does that help?
I think the main thing for me is the inflammation on my face and calming that down-- because I'm still working-and my job is stressful-it is tough to cover and is very painful--almost like a shingles pain--itchy, red raised oval spots.
And- It would almost be easier for me to just NOT eat--rather than eating something that would be a problem. I made mashed potatoes( white and sweet) on Sunday with salmon and a big salad--thought I was doing well and then read that sweet potatoes are NOT good! What about tofu--for candida, leaky gut, inflammation diet?
I just found this site a week or two ago and have only made a few posts but reading lots and am adding what I can to my regime --how do you contact Ted and/or does HE read everyones and comment on where he thinks he can help?--because I would appreciate his input as well... Thanks so much! Sylviag
B Vitamins
Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 09/14/2011
Hi Sylviag; I'm delighted to see that you are finding remedies here that help. So many people have been able to heal themselves with ACV used in a large variety of ways, and it still amazes me. I take coconut oil internally in my morning smoothie. I also put it on my skin, but it does absorb so quickly, that I mostly use castor oil as I tend to have dry skin. I also use fresh aloe gel sometimes internally and externally. I have a couple of plants in the house that I snip. I just love that these remedies are fairly easy to find, and I wish that I didn't have to be so technical about this B12 business, but it's because of my own struggles with absorption that lead me to suggest a specific form of it that is easier for the body to use. And even though I began taking the methyl-B12 lozenges nearly 4 years ago, I also had to learn that I needed to take it every day, and that I need a fairly large amount that is fairly specific.
My symptoms were frightening, and although I try to be objective when I read other peoples' posts, it's still difficult not to feel it. The Methyl-B12 will eventually help with the formation of serotonin and melatonin for sleep, but it takes time, and that is the hard part. Meanwhile, a sublingual melatonin supplement may be helpful. I take a 2.5 mg one. Some people find they need more or less of it. 5htp with B6 is also good, as well as niacinamide. Transdermal magnesium, either as an epsom salts bath or magnesium oil is also relaxing. Potassium is also effective for insomnia.
B Vitamins
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 09/14/2011
Sylviag, I am not sleeping well at the moment either. Like you I only sleep a few hours at a time, still last night I slept a lot better! The first thing for me is that I have been under a lot of strain, which affects one's sleep hugely. I am also going through the menopause, not good either and it seems that Candida affects your sleep as well but I am taking care of that, I am going to start taking a supplement called Wormwood and am slowly adapting my diet to the Anti-Candida diet. Moreover I started taking a Magnesium B vitamins complex yesterday. It is known that Magnesium helps with insomnia. Reading for a bit or waching a bit of TV helps me go back to sleep. I intend to read a couple of book about sleep problems soon which I will review here! Sleep tight...
B Vitamins
Posted by Sylviag (Vista, Ca) on 09/13/2011
Hello Connie--thanks for that recommendation--I am currently taking a b-complex but will be needing to buy more soon so will look into what you suggested. Purchased coconut oil today and have just applied it and think it feels wonderful--but does get "sucked" up quickly--my skin is red and very hot so put ice packs on to try to cool it down and it does look somewhat better. Also started on the baking soda--1/2 tsp. In 4 oz water 2x a day to see what that does. Headaches are subsiding and fingers/cuticles are clear which I hope means I'm gaining on this. Itchy, flaking ear canals are improving with a swab of ACV 2-3 times a day. I'm not sleeping well -2-3 hours at a time and would like some tips on this..?
B Vitamins
Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 09/13/2011
★★★★★
Hi Sylviag; Although treating Candida with B vitamins is controversial, as pathogens of many types have a great desire to grow , they will use negative growth stimulants, (sugar), and positive growth stimulants, such as B12 and Folate. However, B vitamins in good proportion have also helped to " maintain candida in its non-invasive form. " B12, B6, Folate, and Biotin have been emphasized for this. I suggest a low dose B-complex with the addition of B12 sublingual lozenges (methylcobalamin). They are available in 1000 mcg. Tablets, but can be divided to a lower amount if that is more suitable. Oral symptoms of B12 deficiency include : perioral dermatitis, burning mouth, burning tongue, cracked, dry peeling lips, angular chelitis, oral candidiasis, canker sores, etc. Additionally, B12 can stop that nagging incontinence in given time.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 09/13/2011
Hi again, a book I read a while ago Beat Candida Through Diet says that Sauerkraut is ok when you are on the diet. ACV as well. Also marinate all the fish and meat you eat usually with olive oil, lemon and crushed garlic. It also says that you should start a meal with something cold like a bit of carrot, not with a soup, for example! Very interesting book if you want to get rid of Candida!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 09/13/2011
I have just read that someone on an anti-candida diet shouldn't use any kind of vinegar. Difficult to eat salads without any dressing..... I am not sure whether it makes a difference if it is ACV. I thought that it would kill germs....
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 09/13/2011
Hi, could you maybe post a review on that book you just read on the book review page? It will be easier to find it in case someone is interested in reading it! I might be if you tell me a bit more about what the book is all about..... By the way, I have just read a book about Candida and the author says: no choucroute (Saurkraut).... Funny how they all give different advice.... I am about to start a diet but I am going to take bits and pieces out of several books!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maureensmenagerie (Tampa, Florida) on 09/12/2011
Just read in a book by Jeff Primack, Conquering Any Disease- it said that if you take @ 2 Tablespoons a day of fermented vegetables, like Kim Chi and Saurkraut, but must be organic and NOT pasturized, that it will heal "leaky gut". If this is like SIRS, then you might follow his protocal for IBS, type 1 Diabetes, asthma and autism. Not sure if there is any similarities to GERD... I was thinking Manuka Honey, with a high UMF of 20 ... best of luck...
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sylviag (Vista, Ca) on 09/12/2011
Wanted to clarify some things from my first post as I feel like I'm trying so many things for several different issues--is it leaky gut, candida, perioral derm and what do I eat or not eat--do I go gluten free, do I add the baking soda (do recall doing that yrs ago). I added the ACV--but then read here that ACV was bad for candida...?
It is the same basic thing- inflammation on my face-chin and throat but this time my lips were swollen and the redness went almost up to my nose and had many red raised oozy patches that come and go. Also had the sore cuticles and red raised patches on my fingers which had not been happening for the last few yrs. I have had this all before-in fact- some of these symptoms -like on my fingers- I had 30 yrs ago.
Anyway--two weeks ago it was particularly BAD and I went to another Dr who suggested "oracea" 40 mg (for 2-3 months) so I decided to try it.. he said he thinks that this is "perioral dermatitis"--but of course did not address what was causing it but because I was in so much pain-- I thought I'd give it a go.
Someone had suggested tetracycline a few yrs back and I started on it and my whole face got red so she thought I might be allergic to it--but this seems to be helping. There is one NEW symptom which is troubling--I have significant discomfort just below my bra in the front--not a pain exactly--more like an ache. I have had it for a few months and figured it was ramping up as the whole system was going out of wack again.
Anyway-- I started back on the digestacure (aloe vera) supplements that I really felt had healed things. I am taking 8 caps a day and it does not seem to be working this time-like last Thanksgiving.
I am also taking:
1.apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon in 12 oz of water thru the day) and topically for burn and itch
2.grapefruit seed extract (45 drops in 12 oz of water thru the day)
3.bio-K-1 container a day
4. I'm taking 3600 mg omega 3s, 2000 mg Vit C, 2000 iu vit d3, green source, B-complex, CoQ 10, 1000 mg cal-mag and lysine. I also have glutamine which I was taking 1 tsp in water am and pm cause it is supposed to heal the gut lining.
5. yogurt--eating lots and also using as a face mask
6. other meds-tamoxifen, "z & z" (zantac & zirtec) and I started the singular again as that worked a few yrs back.
Needless to say--I'm keeping very busy with just functioning-I am not using any creams other than vaseline and an incontinence product called "calmoseptine" and have all of the raised "spots" healed but the whole area is still very red--on reading about perioral dermatitis they stress not getting onto steroids creams -and other various meds --and you know I'd rather treat homeopathically.
So--there you have it --I'm leaning towards a candida flare as well as the leaky gut--and as I had done before--no coffee, alcohol, choc or motrin and I quit juicing so many fruits and veggies everyday cause I thought maybe that was too much sugar and or maybe I p/u a parasite or bug from that stuff. I can tell you I had a "small" sliver of B-day cake on Sept 4th and was sore as hell on the 5th and it had been coming along and healing slowly but is not going away.
So---any thoughts?
Sylvia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sylviag (Vista, Ca) on 09/12/2011
Have been dx with leaky gut, seem sensitive to sugars and have been getting terrible rash around mouth and found your sight when serching the internet again. This has been gonig on for over 10 yrs but particularly bad this time. Concerned about the ACV and negative things I read about that associated with the candida-- but have had relief on face --what to do?
