Sleep Apnea
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Natural Sleep Apnea Remedies for Better Rest

| Modified on May 08, 2024
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Sleep apnea disrupts the lives of many, leading to a search for solutions that extend beyond the realms of CPAP machines and surgery. This guide delves into the world of natural remedies, presenting a series of solutions aimed at enhancing sleep quality and reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea through non-medical means.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated breathing stops throughout one’s rest period. Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, abrupt awakenings, dry mouth, morning headache, and difficulty staying asleep. It is an alarming condition that can cause significant health conditions and even death.

Weight Management: The Foundation of Health

Excess body weight is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Fat deposits around the neck can impede airflow, making it crucial to focus on weight loss as a primary strategy. Embracing a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity are essential steps toward shedding excess weight and mitigating the effects of sleep apnea.

Positional Therapy: The Power of Posture

The impact of your sleeping position on sleep apnea symptoms cannot be overstated. Back sleeping, for example, can lead to a blocked airway due to gravitational pull. Positional therapy, which includes specialized pillows or devices, encourages side sleeping to keep the airway open and facilitate easier breathing.

Breath Training: Enhance Airway Musculature

Engaging in exercises aimed at strengthening airway muscles can be beneficial. Playing wind instruments or practicing yoga enhances the respiratory system's strength and efficiency, potentially easing sleep apnea symptoms.

Humidifiers: Creating a Comfortable Environment

A dry sleeping environment can aggravate respiratory issues. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, soothing the respiratory tract and promoting a more comfortable sleep. Essential oils like lavender can be added to relax further and ease breathing difficulties.

Dietary Adjustments: Influence of Nutrients

Diet plays a crucial role in managing sleep apnea. Reducing the intake of irritants such as alcohol and caffeine, particularly before bedtime, can improve sleep. Incorporating foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can also benefit overall health and sleep quality.

Apple Cider Vinegar: A Versatile Remedy

Apple cider vinegar stands out as a multifaceted treatment option. It acts as a natural detoxifying agent, clearing the body of toxins, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing overall function. The presence of vitamins, including C and magnesium, replenishes nutrient levels, potentially preventing and alleviating sleep apnea symptoms.

Vitamin C: Antioxidant Protection

Vitamin C is crucial for its antioxidant properties. It eliminates free radicals and supports the body's overall functioning. It strengthens the nervous system and ensures the maintenance of effective neural pathways, contributing to better sleep health.

Magnesium: Essential for Nerve and Muscle Function

Magnesium plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function and in regulating blood pressure. It aids in the transport of calcium and potassium, essential for maintaining nerve impulses and regular breathing patterns, thereby supporting efforts to manage sleep apnea.

Conclusion

The journey to managing sleep apnea naturally encompasses a range of strategies, from weight management and positional therapy to the intake of beneficial nutrients and the use of humidifiers. When combined with professional medical advice, these remedies offer a comprehensive approach to improving sleep quality and reducing sleep apnea symptoms. It's imperative to consult with healthcare professionals when integrating these natural remedies into your treatment plan, ensuring they complement your overall health strategy effectively.

Continue reading below to learn which supplements and herbs helped Earth Clinic readers, and please let us know what worked for you!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Apple Cider Vinegar

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Posted by L.c. (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) on 06/06/2010
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

ACV helps prevent my sleep apnea. I would stop breathing while falling asleep, didn't matter of I was lying on my back or on my side. It scared me so much, because I could feel it happening and would be struggling to wake up and breathe again.

I'm a 42 yr. old woman, I'm overweight but have lost quite a lot of weight the past 6 months after switching to low GI foods. I'm generally healthy for being a big girl. My dad suffers from severe sleep apnea, and I've inherited snoring from mum's side of the family. Mum also has high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorder, and I've had high blood pressure and heart palpitations in the past when I was 20 kilos heavier than I am now.

I work irregular shifts and was using natural melatonin in a low dose (0,1 mg) to regulate my sleep, but I recently found out that when I didn't take melatonin, the sleep apnea didn't occur.

So I stopped using melatonin. I sensed my blood pressure was running a bit high due to stress and I started to take one or two tablespoons of unfiltered, raw ACV, straight from the spoon, before bedtime and before brushing my teeth. I don't mind the taste and have no problems swallowing the ACV quickly.

Haven't had any apnea since then! No more melatonin for me, ACV it is.

Replied by Mike
(New York City, New York)
04/26/2012

Thanks, I have recently been searching for info about this subject for a long time and yours is the greatest I have came upon so far.

Replied by Lala
(London, England, Uk)
03/31/2013

Mike, did you try the raw ACV remedy? I worry about it being a quick fix, the side effects - won't it burn some delicate digestive tissue? I strongly believe ACV should be diluted if taken at all. I am a woman in my mid-forties and I have noticed that both sinuses and big tonsils block my airway. My hypertension, snoring and apnea are violently scary. I wake people up two floors away. I am overweight and I am getting a juicer to start juicing more vegetables - I tend to lose a few pounds, fall ill then get the pounds back up again. I noticed that when I use the CPAP Machine, I don't feel well rested in the morning because I spent the night bound to an irritating foreign object.

Sleep apnea is a matter of life and death, remedies should be flourishing on YouTube, etc but we hardly have them. Except for the YouTube video on SA Ayurvedic cure - I watched it and was wondering where the hell I was going to get those ingredients from and if they would actually work? I once watched a TV program where a woman used a pet for her apnea - weird eh? She said when she wasn't breathing, her parrot would perch on her till she wakes up. That isn't practical for most of us who are allergic to pets, feathers, ticks and so on. I have researched many ailments and found cures but this one beats me. I will study the full Earth Clinic page on Sleep Apnea and see if there is anything I can try. Doctors just keep you bound to their prescriptions and gadgets so I don't even want to talk to them. There is research and some upcoming cures on deadly diseases like cancer, HIV, diabetes, etc. Somebody somewhere needs to help us with sleep apnea because I don't know if some of you have noticed that some kids seem to have this ailment, then it progresses. Yes, mine started as a Sleep Disorder - Insomnia.

I had a clear case of Insomnia when I was pregnant and the child snored from age 5 or earlier. My other child does not snore but clearly has a SD and HBP! I need a cure for myself and my family. People of EC, help! There are many people suffering in silence. Let's all come out of our shells here, discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of this thing sucking out LIFE GIVING OXYGEN FROM US and get our normal breathing back. I watched 'Fat Sick and Nearly Dead' on YouTube and another movie on how Diabetis got cured with eating raw food. Has anybody seen any inspirational thing on natural cure for Sleep Apnea? I want to know. In conclusion, stop suffering in silence, do a post here. A problem shared is half solved.

jac
(east)
06/10/2021

I grew up with birds and they're cleaner than people and certainly don't have ticks! That bird clearly LOVES that woman, but you couldn't imagine that, could you!

Replied by Yolz
(Australia)
05/16/2023
★★★★★

The only mistake you're making is that you are drinking it undiluted which is dangerous for your throat and stomach. Warm water, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of honey.

B-12

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Posted by Mandy (Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada) on 02/12/2012
 ★★★★★

About 12 years ago I felt lethargic. Always tired and sleeping approximately 16 to 18 hours in a 24 hour period. I often complained to my doctor about it. Had blood work done and I seemed to be very healthy. One day after telling one of my neighbors she mentioned that I could have sleep apnea. Long story short, I did have sleep apnea and my blood reading for B12 was extremely low and needed to go on weekly shots. They were extremely painful for me. After complaining about the pain, they came out with B12 in tablets at 1200 micro grams. I now take these and I am a normal human being again. But the thing is sleep apnea can cause you to have a stroke. So do go see your doctor and ask him for a B12 blood test. It should be at the very lowest 140. I was at 110. Also get checked out for sleep apnea. You cannot overdose with B12 at 1200mcg. You will pass all exess in your urine.

Betaine Hcl With Pepsin

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Posted by Harmonious1 (Alamogordo, Nm) on 04/03/2012
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Editor's Choice

I have been struggling with sleep apnea so bad, and for so long that my husband has abandoned the bedroom and I have been bone tired for years.

I started taking Betaine HCl with Pepsin, a long time ago, but only took one or two with each meal. Well I got frustrated, because my digestion didn't seem to be much better, so I started increasing slowly, adding one or two additional capsule each day. Finally, my digestion got better, my reflux WENT AWAY, and guess what else happened? Yes, MY APNEA WENT AWAY TOO. I no longer snore loudly and wake up hundreds of time a night. Most mornings I wake up in exactly the same position I went to sleep in, and I remember my dreams. I won't say how many capsules I take, because everyone is different, but I will say it looks like I had ZERO stomach acid of my own. Also my yeast symptoms have gone, and I no longer crave something all the time. I finally feel satiated, and have lost 10 pounds. I feel better in so many ways I can't list them all.

I am so urgent to share what I have learned, but really don't know how to get the word out there. I guess I could write a book, lol. I want to shout this from the rooftops, but then they'd put me away.

Replied by Ava
(Colorado, US)
04/06/2015

I was interested in learning more about taking the pepsain capsules and your apnea going away, as well as your yeast symptoms. Did you have obstructive apnea or central? And do you know if you had yeast overgrowth and what symptoms went away from it? Thanks, Ava.

Replied by Chris P.
(Sydney)
02/15/2023

Hi I have sleep apnea and have started taking Betaine Hydrochloride last night. Apparently increasing acid in stomach can eliminate acid reflux. I heard this from Dr Berg on Youtube. There seems to be a link between acid reflux and sleep apnea. Eliminating acid reflux may improve or eliminate sleep apnea. I will keep you posted on my result. I will use Snore Lab which is an app you can download and see the snoring level. If this improves, then I will do a sleep test again

CPAP Machine

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Posted by Marcjnr (Wellington, New Zealand) on 10/09/2013
 ★★★★★

Hi guys,

I am 45 yrs old and I have suffered from Sleep apnea since 2000. My weight ballooned from being 65kg to 104kgs in 2005. My dad had it really bad when we were young and unfortunately, all his six children inherited his illness. Life before I was diagnosed was an absolute nightmare. I was a walking zoombie for over 5 years until my brother told me I had it. I struggled for so long trying to get thru each day without falling asleep - Anyone with this illness knows exactly what I am talking about. My job suffered, my social life & homelife suffered. I chose to work night shifts as working days were a struggle as I couldnt get up early enough to get going. Normal people only need 6-8 hours - I needed 10-12 even 14 hours sleep to manage. If it wasnt for my brother, I would probably be 6-foot under or would have had a stroke by now. My husband & kids kept telling me to go see the doc. The doc wasnt much good as he never suspected sleep apnea with the symptoms I gave him. I found out what was wrong with me when several years ago the entire family went to a 1st birthday for my niece and we travelled a fair distance to get there. I feel asleep on the couch when we got to our destination while the others stayed up to prep for the next days cooking. My brother kept waking me up during the night because I had stopped breathing several times & they couldnt believe how loudly I snored. In the morning, he told me what was wrong with me and said to see the doc. The doc checked my blood pressure and told me I was walking dead because it was so high, he sent me to get tested and now I sleep with a CPAP machine and life has now been easier however no matter how much weight I try to loose, it always returned. I eat a balanced diet and am quite active however the weight just kept piling back on. Just by chance, I discovered by self diagnosis by surfing the net, I have what they call pneumoparotid - swollen parotid glands. Pneumoparotitis most commonly occurs in wind instrument players, glass blowers, and scuba divers. Those with sleep apnea will also develop this due to the blockage that occurs when the airways are blocked usually by the tongue, forcing the air into the parotid glands causing them to swell. I have looked like I had mumps for years! Even with my breathing machine, I couldnt get rid of the pneumoparotitis. To combat the embarrassing facial side bumps, I tired the ACV but couldn't stand the taste and smell so I suck on sour lemon drops & drink lemon water during the day and at night I drink baking soda water before bed (1 tspn in glass of warm water). The baking soda water is great for air and gas exertion - is working like a charm! I dropped 2. 5kgs in the first week (5wks ago) and have continued to loose the weight slowly, and as for the facial mumps - almost gone! I was told having the machine can help you loose weight and stabilize your HBP. My HBP stabilized some time ago but I do look forward to the day when I can throw the meds down the toilet because I wont need them anymore. I am looking forward to the day when my sleep apnea has been eliminated forever. My dad was not an overweight man however he got it from his dad and it didnt help that he smoked a pack a day, stressed and from being a workaholic and sadly died too young because of it. I still have all my siblings alive but I don't want any of us to pass the way my dad did - a massive heart attack.

Replied by Marcjnr
(Wellington, New Zealand, New Zealand)
10/09/2013

Please also note, I massage my facial side mumps for a few minutes at least 2-3 times a day. I tried it only on my right cheek the first time and the next day my right glands were tender and very sore. Didn't do it again until the 3rd day however to my surprise, I noticed the swelling had gone down quite a bit compared to the left. So I have kept this up for over 5 weeks now and I dont look like I have mumps anymore. Swelling is still there only in the mornings because of my sleep machine - obviously air is still getting into the glands during sleep time. Might also try the GF diet! ....

Replied by Leslie H.
(Oregon)
10/18/2020

Just don't throw the meds down the toilet anymore! There are so many drugs going out into our water it is hurting the fish since so many are on drugs. I would burn them instead.

Megams
(Auckland)
09/23/2021

~ Meds can be handed into your local chemist where they dispose of them in the correct manner ~

D3

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Posted by Yorkshire Pudding (Helena, Mt) on 01/20/2018
 ★★★★★

Hello! I am suffering from Sleep Apnea too! So I went searching Youtube to find some answers hoping to avoid the sleep study and the CPAP machine. I have not had enough time to tell if these suggestions will work, but I'm very hopeful. First, I found a YouTube video by a neurologist named Stasha Gominik. She stumbled onto a bunch of valuable information by trial and error, the main truth being most of us are struggling with some sort of sleep disorder whether we know it or not. She found by coincidence that most of her patients who needed to wear a CPAP ended up curing most of their ailments, and quit taking their drugs. Then she started ordering sleep studies for most of her patients that would agree to the study, and she found that most had some sort of weirdness going on that diminished their sleep...She dug deeper and she found a huge bunch of connections that suggested the major role vitamin D3 (in measurable levels) played in the proper inducement of sleep paralysis at the correct level of sleep level...It is somewhat complicated to write sufficiently here, but she sites another researcher's in depth studies done way back in the 70's-80's and he suggests the Vitamin D (D2 and D3) is really a misnomer, and that it is actually a hormone. She tells why this is so vitally important, and why vitamin D3, proper sleep, and careful monitoring of vitamin D3 levels are so crucial to healing most every disease. She cautions us that we can overdo vitamin D3 levels to the point of toxicity...but that everybody should be monitored because we all have different skin coloration, exposure to sunlight, and health requirements. She also included B12, and magnesium into the synthesizing of the vitamin D3. She is still a proponent of the CPAP machine until the patient can go without it and achieve sleep, which is the source of our healing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF24xmJQK1k. Also I found a chiropractor, Dr. Darren Schmidt, who suggested that most of his patients recovered from sleep apnea when they were started supplementing with RNA ribonucleic acid, -one of the primary building blocks of cell growth. It is a messenger of the DNA's blueprint, and is crucial for just about everything. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEAWoOkX3KU I haven't anything in regards to personal experience to report as of yet, but these both seemed like great starts to the puzzle of our trampled precious sleep. If anyone has anything to add regarding these suggestions please let me know what you think. Good luck and best wishes for healthy sleep!

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tn)
01/22/2018
★★★★★

This is very interesting. I started taking a vitamin D supplement recently for immune support and have also been sleeping like the dead, which has not been characteristic of me for many years. Perhaps vitamin D is the reason why!

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Yorkshire Pudding
(Helena, Mt)
01/25/2018

I'm so happy to hear your sleep has improved so much.... I'm hoping mine sleep will improve as well! I believe I have a few allergies or sensitivities at play too...Diet and a beloved cat! But, I am just thinking about the impact vitamin D uptake is possible for those people who are on statins, which may lower the cholesterol levels on the skin, which sunshine activates to make vitamin D. And also the use of sun screens which inhibits production of vitamin D.... and even nagalase, which is being implicated in vaccines, and said to wipe out the body's ability to uptake vitamin D. I have been curious about GcMaf, but I have not tried this myself.

By the way Mama to Many, thank you for all you contribute to here at EC! Best wishes!

Dietary Changes

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Posted by Elsa (New Zealand ) on 09/24/2021
 ★★★★★

iI have sleep apnea if I eat dairy. The mucus is blocking my throat.

also try Rife frequency

love Elsa

Dietary Changes
Posted by Debbie (Australia ) on 10/09/2013
 ★★★★★

Try going gluten free. Other people have cured sleep apnea by going gluten free.

Dietary Changes
Posted by Sandy (Paso Robles, Ca/, Usa) on 09/01/2011
 ★★★★★

I am a born researcher and I have been observing my husband's sleep apnea because it is related to Atrial Fib.

Let me share my observations:

First of all both sleep apnea and atrial fib (heart arrythmia) happen often at the same time.

It is all to do with a stressor on the body.

For him it was if he ate artificial foods such as msg, vanillan (it is in 99. 9 % of all the candy bars out there not to mention cakes, etc. ), high fructose corn syrup, nutrisweet, etc.

Also food he was allergic to: chocolate and dairy, etc

AND SUGAR. People stop eating it. It caused all my health problems. Ever noticed the the whole world NEVER says someone is allergic to sugar. Well that is because we all are. It is poison.

He ate one very small cookie one day with actually health food sugar in it and had apnea that night.

He is quite sensitive right now because the hospital caused his slight every-once-in-a-while atrial fib to kick into high gear with giving him the wrong med.

EMF is a contributor and so are chemicals. People who clean for a living, or people who use toxic cleaners. Don't use them! Clorox has an effect on thyroid. Fluoride has an effect on thyroid and he was exposed in the hospital. And they feed you food with all the chemical junk in them. So how could someone ever recover!

Stress itself or overwork can do it as can sitting in front of a computer too long or cell phones. My husband worked before retirement in a company where they all used headsets and computers all day.

Atrial fib is a problem with an electrical connection in the heart. See the connection.

Our organs work together and one eects the other. I am a prime example. My liver- gallbladder attacks cause my heart to constrict- the whole left arm heart attack thing. But if I went to the DR. I would be put on heart meds. But I Know it is my liver! UGH!

Great input and explainations all over. Watch what you eat, how you eat it and test for food allergies.

Replied by Sandy
(Kentucky)
09/26/2021
★★★★★

You are so right! I can't believe someone else has seen these things as well. We do things naturally and years ago, they had given my husband fluoride toothpaste in the hospital and I stood right there and watched his atrial fib go bananas. Thyroid and clorox, too. And had the same reaction to bread. I make my own and no knuckle rash. Vanillin is deadly, sugar, chocolate, cashews and soy. He was doing good for years until recently and trying to figure out the culprit that snuck in. We muscle test everything. I am amazed how similar.

Replied by Anna
(Moscow Oblast)
10/18/2022

If fluoride makes it worse, then borax might make it better.

Dietary Changes
Posted by Sandy (Paso Robles, Ca/usa) on 09/01/2011

Forgot a couple of things. One is soy. There is organic and there is regular and there is GMO. One tiny soy this or that in a food can set my husband off. Write down all you eat and learn how to test yourself for products. Eat as pure as you can.

And sometimes it isn't the food subsatnce itself. For instance:

My husband had a fungal rash years ago on his knuckles. Like scratchy rough stuff that itched. At first we thought he was allergic to wheat. He isn't. I started buying healthy flours and making my own bread and it disappeared completely. It would only come back if he had eaten out somewhere using their bread, hamburger buns, dinner rolls, etc.

If you can't bake your own, go to a safe bakery and buy their bread before they put it in plastic bags. Grocery store bakeries are horrid. Read the labels and you will not believe what is in that stuff!

Even yucky white flour bread was ok if I made it myself.

You need to learn how to test yourself for herbs, vitamins, etc, too. Very neccessary. I hope this helps someone out there. Write down everything you eat and all the ingredients in it.

Eliminate Gluten

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Posted by Sue (Seattle, Wa) on 04/03/2010
 ★★★★★

My husband had a sleep study and was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea. Mild or not, he snored up a storm! Then, his doctor (environmental medicine) told him he looked 'puffy' and to give up gluten. He did and by the 2nd night, his snoring totally stopped. Then his 30 extra pounds (from an allergic inflammatory reaction) melted off over the next 2 months. Now I know if he accidentally ingests gluten....he snores! Plus he used to get agitated although he didn't even know he was being a 'pain'. The gluten was also causing neurological symptoms. He's Irish and the Northern Europeans are the people most affected by gluten sensitivity.

Replied by Angiefenton81
(Mount Juliet, Tn)
09/17/2010

I just read your post and it struck me. My husband is very Irish (both sides of his family). He has been dealing with sleep apnea and extra stubborn weight for probably 10 years now. I'm going to try this gluten free diet with him and see what happens. Also, our 4yr old son was recently diagnosed with Autism so we are already buying gluten- free foods for him and it seems to make a difference in his behavior. Maybe we should all get off of gluten at this point. Thanks for your post!

Replied by Karen
(Clarkston)
09/12/2014

I cannot tell you how many people who have gone gluten free tell of the freedom they now enjoy in their health. I have been researching and have found that gluten does in fact play a role in sleep apnea. We have snorers over here so we are trying to wean off gluten. Not easy, but is definitely possible. Good luck to you.

Replied by Theo
(California)
09/12/2014

After I stopped eating bread I no longer snore, every once in awhile I'll eat pizza or something with bread and begin to snore again so yes I do believe there is a connection here, I'm not saying it's gluten but may be the wheat has been altered?

Replied by Julie
(Tasmania)
12/29/2017

For autism, take kefir full of probiotics. There is water and milk kinds, also you need to get heavy metals out of his body. Detoxing is great.

Frolov Breathing Device

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Posted by Victoria_guy (British Columbia ) on 05/05/2024
 ★★★★☆

I started using the Frolov device about 2 months ago for other health issues, but found that it helped with my sleep apnea, energy, and dyspnea (shortness of breath) - it works like Buteyko breathing, but much easier to learn. It increases retention of CO2, and that really helps any symptoms that are commonly treated with oxygen, so it works like bicarbonate does.

Iodine, Dessicated Thyroid

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Posted by Dana (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) on 02/25/2012
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I was reading the lungs page and saw a post which mentions a potential cure I thought would be good to mention on the sleep apnea page - b/c dessicated thyroid and lugols iodine combination is mentioned there specifically for sleep apnea

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/lungs.html

The post:

06/12/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "The Thyroid, Iodine and Asthma

Here is an article which might help people suffering with lung problems in general. This interesting article is by Dr David Berry who specializes in the use of dessicated thyroid and lugol's iodine with respect to asthma and lung problems and whose research, experience and advice in this area is extensive and is, perhaps, a good illustration as to why adequate amounts of iodine are so necessary and important in our diets.

Here is what he has to say:

"In the mid 1980s I had a chronic asthma patient who developed an inflammation of his thyroid. After consultation with an endocrinologist he was put on Eltroxine (T4). One day when the patient came in later he mentioned that the thyroid treatment improved his asthma considerably. At the same time, my office receptionist had severe asthma since the age 12 requiring constant medications and multiple hospital visits. She knew about the results on this patient, she asked if she could try thyroid as well. I started her on 180 mg of desiccated thyroid and within a month raised her to 250 mg. This was in about 1986. She has been free of asthma symptoms since then. She still takes some medication occasionally but has not been in hospital for asthma since.

Encouraged by these results, I proceeded to work my way through all of my chronic asthma patients. At the time there were 22 severe asthmatics who came into my office on a regular basis for asthma attacks. Some came into the office once a month (or more often when in trouble) and some twice a year. Over about a 2-3 year period I gradually put all of them on desiccated thyroid. All patients improved tremendously. I would not say all of them were completely cured but the improvement was striking. Two things followed from this. By 1990 all asthma patients were on thyroid and thus from 1990 to 2002, I did not see another acute asthma attack in my office and none of these 22 patients came in for their asthma. The other slightly embarrassing problem was for a few months my waiting room became quite slow because of the absence of these asthma patients. From there I went on to learn what other benefits thyroid medication might have.

So it is my impression asthma is a low thyroid problem which can be better controlled and dealt with by thyroid treatment. Two patients who have been on these doses of thyroid for more than 15 years have had bone density tests show their bone density was completely normal. Prednisone (cortisone) used for acute severe asthma attacks has more serious potential for causing bone problems. Thyroid treatment, especially with supplementary iodine (Lugol's one drop daily) does not alter bone density short term or long term.

The only literature I can find on asthma and thyroid hormone was from the early part of the last century when many physicians found thyroid improved asthma. One 1911 study in a large Paris asthma clinic found thyroid treatment effective treatment for asthma. (1) However, adrenaline was discovered at the same time. Consequently all severe asthma patients went on daily injections of adrenaline for many years. The potential for using thyroid to help asthma was gradually forgotten. There was a study in 1968 in which they used growth hormone and thyroid to treat asthmatic children. They attributed the improvement to the growth hormone not the thyroid. (2) It has been noted repeatedly that asthma incidence is increasing in all age groups. I feel this is the result of a lower intake of iodine occurring in many families from decrease consumption of table salt. (3-6) The lower intake of iodine tends to make thyroid glands work poorly and cause hypothyroidism and thus increase the chances of asthma in those who are susceptible.

We know that by tracing radioactive thyroid hormone injected into animals shows the hormone concentrates in the aveoli of the lungs. These are the lower air sacs that we have to exchange oxygen with. Also for a good 100 years iodine preparations have been used on chronic chest problems and asthmatics. Iodine is excreted in the lung mucus. In fact iodine in excreted in all mucous secretions such as the mouth(saliva) stomach, bowels, cervix, and lungs. The iodine in the mucous likely helps to kill any bacteria or viruses. Thus both iodine and thyroid hormone are involved in lung physiology. For example most, if not all, sleep apnea patients are fixed with adequate doses of thyroid. Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) also is helped by thyroid hormone treatment.

The amount of iodine in the lung mucus possibly explains the paradox that the Japanese who are amongst the heaviest smokers in the world also have one the lowest lung cancer rates. It is likely the high levels of iodine in their blood is excreted in the lung mucus. This iodine then by apoptosis (natural cell death)could be killing off any abnormal cells as they develop that are caused by the cigarette carcinogens. In addition iodine reacts directly with carcinogens and chemical to render them inactive. (7) The Japanese have had an average dietary iodine intake of about 10 mg for many centuries. If the level of iodine intake is above 2-3 mg daily then the thyroid gland becomes saturated within two weeks and does not take iodine up anymore. Thus the most of the iodine can then go to the other parts of the body to carry out iodine's mulitple important functions. The most important of these is relataed to killing off of pre-cancerous abnormal cells. Our intake of iodine as laid down by the WHO is around 15-200 micrograms. This is about one tenth the needed dose to saturate the thyroid gland. So most iodine or a large part of the dietary iodine in Westerners goes to the thyroid gland. This leaves less than optimal amounts going to the rest of the body."

Replied by Xel
(Orlando, Florida, Usa)
03/15/2012

Thank you so much for posting this... I am on iodine and supplements for adrenal stress and estrogen dominance. I suspect heavily that I have a thyroid problem but my holistic doctor hasn't yet put me on dessicated thyroid but she is keeping an eye on it. I ran out Iodine recently and began to have all sorts of issues and my thyroid swelled up. I have recently begun on it it again but the swelling hasn't gone all the way around. Ever since I have had these issues I have awoken, gasping for air and it's clear to me I have some sort of sleep apnea. But it only came along with all the other issues that I noticed. No matter what symptom I end up having, I keep coming back to thyroid issues and iodine even when I'm not looking for that specifically. I will definitely try to get some money to get back into that doctor and take another thyroid test and express to her my wishes to try dessicated thyroid.

Magnesium Glycinate

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Posted by Toourlady89 (Hayward, Ca) on 05/17/2013
 ★★★★★

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My husband has been taking Magnesium Glycinate 400 mg (elemental Mg. ) ( 3 caps) per day, essentially for lowering BP and Cholesterol.. I also got him "Transdermal Magnesium" Oil (from the Book per Dr. M. Sircus ) 8 sprays rubbed to each leg at night, he also uses the spray to his upper body in the mornings after shower.. I noticed after a few weeks that he stopped grinding his teeth, and also stopped snoring.. :) :) I googled "Magnesium and snoring" and found Dr C. Dean's website on Magnesium that states Magnesium treatment should be the first treatment of choice for Sleep Apnea before resorting to CPAP or surgeries. I have a few family members and friends who were advised CPAP and or surgery for sleep apnea and I hope Magnesium treatment as above will help the many many more people out there who are having these problems. What she has on her website is Magnesium Citrate powder 300 mg twice a day.. Mg Citrate could cause loose stools vs Mg Glycinate which does not.. I wish this helps someone.

Replied by Missourita
(Missouri)
05/19/2022

Hello! Any feedback on the magnesium for sleep apnea? Thanks!

Melatonin

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Posted by Carola (California) on 02/18/2024
 ★☆☆☆☆

Hi, all. I am so bummed because I was LOVING taking melatonin; including the research about its healing the immune system. Unfortunately, as with other commenters, here, I began to suffer sleep apnea (which I never have had in the past): including gasping, waking up, and palpitations. I did not want to believe it was the melatonin -- so I kept taking it. Finally, I had to experiment with not taking the melatonin, and the sleep apnea resolved, itself. Melatonin and magnesium (both within the supplement) cause muscles to relax including the upper airway, and can cause apnea. I feel terrible because I was so gung-ho about the supplement (especially in relation to issues like Covid and potentially dementia) that I was recommending it to everyone. Now, I'm afraid they may suffer apnea with the supplement. Truly bummed about this because I was so in love with melatonin!!

Replied by Art
(California)
02/18/2024
2325 posts

Hi Carola,

Melatonin is generally contraindicated in people who have sleep apnea because sleep apnea causes sagging of the upper airway muscles and melatonin can contribute further because of its muscle relaxing effects, but this is in people who already have sleep apnea. Melatonin does not cause sleep apnea, but it definitely can worsen existing sleep apnea in some people.

The test for sleep apnea requires being hooked up to equipment while you sleep at home or in a test facility. That is the only way to know for sure if you have sleep apnea. A doctor can not just examine you and know whether you have sleep apnea or not.

I have a friend who has been diagnosed with sleep apnea and uses a CPAP for his sleep apnea. He takes melatonin every night and told me it helps put him to sleep with no problems whatsoever and has done it for years now. He only uses 5 mg per night and says it usually puts him to sleep in 5 minutes or less, but I'm sure the CPAP is a mitigating factor in why he is able to tolerate melatonin at just 5 mg/night.

You said you don't have sleep apnea at all and of the three symptoms you mentioned, gasping, waking up and palpitations are typically seen in sleep apnea. Did you actually have a diagnosis of sleep apnea once you started getting these three symptoms? The following Mayo Clinic article discusses 10 common sleep apnea symptoms :

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090

Here are 10 common symptoms they mentioned in the article :

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • Loud snoring.
  • Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep.
  • Waking during the night and gasping or choking.
  • Awakening in the morning with a dry mouth or sore throat.
  • Morning headaches.
  • Trouble focusing during the day.
  • Mood changes, such as depression or being easily upset.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Decreased interest in sex.

The above list is what I have typically seen in people with sleep apnea as well as the symptoms you mentioned. Snoring is a very common one.

You may have a problem with the double supplement you are taking of magnesium plus melatonin because that combination can be very relaxing, but if it is sleep apnea you are experiencing, that is likely a preexisting condition that you may have not yet been diagnosed with. Not everyone can tolerate melatonin and that may be the case for you, but melatonin does not cause sleep apnea, but it certainly can help expose an existing condition of sleep apnea. You might talk to your doctor about this so he can test you for sleep apnea. Many people with sleep apnea are not even aware they have it until the symptoms become severe enough to realize there is a problem.

Art

Replied by Sandy
(Sarasota)
02/19/2024

that is why this site should focus on people's experiences, not academic research.
I get a paradoxical ( opposite from intended) effect from some medicine and supplements, including melatonin. That is why I switched to homeopathy and only read about people's experiences here.
academic research still doesn't take into account pharmacogenetics.

Replied by Art
(California)
02/19/2024
2325 posts

Hi Sandy,

I don't know how long you have been here, but EC has always concentrated on peoples experiences for well over two decades now!

What scientific studies do show is how a specific molecule, such as melatonin reacts in many people as opposed to just one person. If it reacts similarly in 70 or more people, that is very useful information worth sharing. To only use or accept individual anecdotal reports or just homeopathy as your basis for decision making in health issues is very limiting, but when you also consider studies where possibly hundreds of people have similar beneficial experiences that completely broadens your potential for resolving many health issues.

Nothing works for everybody and melatonin and homeopathy are no exception. My preference is to consider all available options and not limit my chances for helping recovery from health problems because I arbitrarily decide that one or two options are the only viable options, when in reality there are many options at are disposal that we can chose from to try and alleviate what ever health issues we are dealing with or trying to resolve for friends.

Given the potential that all health modalities have to offer us to alleviate are ills, why would you want to arbitrarily limit those options?

Art

Replied by Mary
(Dallas)
02/20/2024

I assume She is “limiting” her own options based on her own experience. Others are free to do as they wish.
Anecdotal evidence simply means 2 things: there were no scientific studies and probably never will be if there is no money in it and a particular remedy had a particular effect on a particular person.
Two examples:

  • Valerian root benefits are tested by centuries, yet an allopathic medicine still says that its benefits are based on the anecdotal evidence.
  • The best first aid for burns, other than severe burns, are foil and moist baking soda applied immediately. I found the advice here, on EC and it works even though it is based on the anecdotal evidence.

Replied by Kevin
(LA)
02/20/2024

I always read Art's posts and many are based on the anecdotal evidence. Isn't this site's purpose to provide individual's experience with natural remedies aka anecdotal evidence?

Replied by Carola
(California)
03/25/2024

Hi, Art;

I have not had an actual diagnosis but the symptoms: waking up gasping for breath; heart palpitations; dry mouth; headache; slow breathing -- are all pretty much the prime definition of sleep apnea. I did not have these symptoms before taking melatonin, and once I discontinued the melatonin, they disappeared.

With all due respect, Earth Clinic is a site in which we note our symptoms, remedies, and side effects, and I feel fairly certain that were I lauding a benefit of melatonin, you would not be requiring a medical corroboration.

My experience is that, after a few months of taking melatonin, I developed nocturnal episodes of gasping for breath -- presumably through a relaxed/closed airway. When I discontinued the remedy, they disappeared. Take from that what you will.

Thank you,

Carola

Replied by Art
(California)
03/25/2024
2325 posts

Hi Carola,

Thank you for the feedback on melatonin. Not everyone tolerates melatonin and I have mentioned this in previous postings.

While melatonin does not cause sleep apnea, it certainly can exacerbate an existing case of sleep apnea because it can relax the upper airway and throat muscles and this would make an early stage undiagnosed case of sleep apnea very apparent. Obviously anything with melatonin should be off your list of supplements.

Art

Replied by Marsh
(Colorado)
03/30/2024

Well said, Art. One size does not fit all. What works for one, does not work for another, hence the reason some people will feel great on one prescription but another will suffer from one or more of the negative symptoms (I roll my eyes at the 2-3 page ads that follow a pharmaceutical advertisement). Many thanks for your contributions, you've been a Godsend to me and my family on many occasions.

Art
(California)
03/30/2024
2325 posts

Hi Marsh,

Thank you very much for the thoughtful words! You said it correctly on things working for some and not others.

My main disappointment with melatonin is that not everyone is able to tolerate oral melatonin, but it seems that melatonin gotten through natural means seems to avoid this problem and most if not all side effects. I wrote about natural ways to get melatonin for this reason. I added other ways after I had posted the initial writing, so you will also have to read the replies to see a total of about 7 or 8 different ways to increase your melatonin levels naturally. Here is the link to that article :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/how-to-increase-melatonin-naturally.html

Art

Multiple Remedies

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Posted by John (Trang, Thailand) on 03/25/2012
 ★★★★★

Hi EC/Ted, John from Thailand. After 65 years of chronic rhinitis, infections plus 45 years sleep apnea I have got rid of the itchy, running nose, infections & maybe sleep apnea. Hooray! ... I think. A very small pinch of borax [no, not boron nor boric acid] in every litre of Thai water, Lugols Iodine 6 drops [2ds x 3 drinks], ACV bi carb water, and drinking more water daily. Not forgetting vegy diet, no dairy, meat or supermarket rubbish. This Is Thailand so I think it's Lugols that I bought from the local hospital. If it isn't Lugols what would I be feeling after drinking iodine for external application? Can't find Lugols here so if you know where to get it, let's know. The apnea I must wait for the next full moon. Don't laugh, I've kept a record and a majority of apnea seem to occur then, and no, I haven't noticed my face getting hairier or teeth getting longer. John.

Replied by Dano
(Idaho)
09/23/2021

Hi John;

Since you can't find Lugol's locally, why not make your own at home? There are various sources on the web that have simple and easy to follow instructions. Obtaining the K and KI should be easy using a mail order chemical supply house or even eBay. Best wishes in health.


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