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| 89 results - showing 1 - 10 | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 | Results per page: |
Herbs S-Z
Somewhat helpful for anxiety and insomnia
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I have used valerian on and off for a number of years in capsule and tablet form and find it can be a useful herb. My symptoms tend to vary with the seasons due to the involvement of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) so I am able to sleep better during some periods during the year than others. When I need help with sleep I find valerian to be quite helpful in getting me off to sleep. I take 1000mg-1500mg for this purpose. Another supplement I use for sleep is melatonin (the body's own "sleep hormone") and I would rate melatonin above valerian for this purpose. Just 1mg of melatonin has me drifting off in 15 minutes and I can really feel myself drifting into unconciousness with it. I have found that valerian however is also useful for taking the edge off anxiety and states of irritability and restlessness if taken throughout the day. It is nowhere near as powerful as prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines for this purpose, but it does have an effect. I would certainly recommend anyone suffering from mild insomnia, anxiety, or stress-related symptoms give it a try as it could be a cheap and drug-free solution. Treatment
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Light Therapy
A more nautral way to wake up!
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I have suffered badly from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for around 10 years as a secondary illness to chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Over the years I have found many effective ways to combat SAD and help me through the winter months and the Dawnlite Natural Alarm Clock is one of these. For those suffering from SAD others include - bright light therapy, vitamin D3 supplements, negative air ionization....and simply getting out in the available sun as much as possible. Back to the Dawnlite. It has a great range of features including the ability to set the length of time it takes the light to reach maximum intensity, which is certainly sufficiently bright enough to wake most people. I prefer to use the longest duration setting of 90 minutes for dawn simulation. I find myself starting to come around at about 60 minutes into this cycle. This dawn simulator lamp also works well as a bedside clock with an easily readable display and also as a bedside lamp. The inclusion of a battery backup facility is excellent and sets this apart as a quality product. The Dawnlite looks slightly unusual with its bulbous "lamp on a stalk" design but won't look too out of place in most modern bedrooms. It's unlikely that any dawn simulator will cure full-blown SAD alone but as part of a broader treatment program they can certainly help and I'd rate this model highly. For those with milder forms of "winter blues" it may be just the thing to help you get out of bed during the dark winter mornings. Treatment
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Gastrointestinal
Neurotoxic Metabolite Test (NMT)
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Having suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome for 18 years and had other tests strongly indicating gut dysbiosis I was intrigued to hear about Professor de Meirleir's work and very interested in taking the Neurotoxic Metabolite Test myself. Living in the UK, I obtained the test from ME/CFS specialist Dr. Sarah Myhill, M.D., at a cost of a little over £20. You can also obtain the test directly from Protea biopharma or a handful of distributors in other countries. The test itself was a very simple matter. I collected a sample of urine in the container provided the first time I visited the bathroom on waking. I then used the pipette type tool to take a smaller sample and add this to the vile containing a special chemical (known as a reagent) that reacts with hydrogen sulfide metabolites. I then turned the vile upside down a couple of times to mix the reagent and urine together and started timing for 3 minutes. So the test itself was quick, simple, and relatively inexpensive. The tricky part I discovered is interpreting the results. The instruction sheet provides pictures which show viles with sample colours indicating negative, moderate positive, and strong positive results. The problem is that my sample showed a definite change of colour within the 3 minute period but did not match up to any of the pictures. My sample had more of a brown hue than any of the pictures show. Despite this, based on how dark my sample turned I believe my result to have been borderline moderate-strong positive. After reading others' experiences with the test on various websites and forums it seems my experience is common. Perhaps it is simply a matter of the colour rendering when the instructions leaflet is printed but it is certainly something that Protea biopharma need to look at if the test is to become an approved diagnostic test I would have thought. Still, I saw a definite colour change towards a darker colour so will take this as further evidence of gut dysbiosis in conjunction with various other tests I have had including CDSA and gut fermentation profile. If you are a ME/CFS patient and have not had any testing regarding gut dysbiosis I'd certainly recommend the NMT as a cheap and easy home test which can be regarded as an initial screen. A positive looking result could then be followed up with further testing such as those I've mentioned. Lab Name
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Children
Works for fleas on pets too!
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As yet I am not lucky enough to have any children but I do have a cat....who loves to be outside and is forever picking up fleas. For a while despite suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) I just used to use regular pesticide-based flea control products. I'd wear my carbon filter mask to apply the liquid then just kick the cat out for the day. Obviously not ideal (for me or the cat!). I then started using a flea comb which worked but of course you have to do it outside so as not to infest your home with the fleas and eggs. Very difficult when you live in England where the weather can never be replied upon. I noticed Androv Medical had started selling this product so thought it might be worth a go on my cat, although it is strictly a lice comb for kids' head lice. I have to say it works very well for pets too and it not only gets the fleas out of the coat but does kill them too, as well as the eggs. Yes, it's more work than applying a pesticide, but it is completely chemical-free and much more economical - a one-off price of £19.56 instead of £10 every month for the "good" brands of regular flea control products. |
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Nutrients A-F
A great help for many digestive complaints
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I have been variously diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fungal-type dysbiosis (Candida overgrowth), and leaky gut syndrome. It is fair to say my digestion is not optimal. I frequently see large chunks of recognisable undigested food in my bowel movements and also frequently see an "oil slick" on the surface of the toilet water indicating that my fat digestion and absorption is poor. Much of this is a result of a fast transit time due to nerves/stress, but I have found that digestive enzyme supplements make a huge difference as well. I use Best Digestive Enzymes by Doctor's Best which has a whole range of digestive enzymes for aiding digestion of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. While taking one capsule with each meal I find my stools contain much less undigested food and fat, which obviously means my body is absorbing more of the nutrients from my food which can only be a good thing. I also find that digestive enzyme supplements reduce my symptoms of bloating and gas after eating. Treatment
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Toothpaste
I now use this toothgel every day!
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After trying a number of other "natural" brands of toothpaste I found this one in the local health store chain (Holland & Barrett - UK). I initially hesitated in buying it because it cost considerably more than some other toothpastes. I am now very glad I went ahead and took that first tube home! This aloe vera toothgel feels very gentle on the mouth and I have to agree with the manufacturer that it is very soothing. I have often spat out blood while brushing my teeth due to bleeding gums but the occurence of this has been much reduced over the 6 months I've been using this product. It also leaves my teeth feeling fresh and shiny. Other natural brands have left a strange feeling on my teeth when running my tongue over them that put me off them completely. Again as the manufacturer states their toothgel does indeed leave teeth looking white - very impressive considering the product contains none of the usual whitening additives. Those with acute sensitivities may find sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium benzoate in the formulation to be a problem but if not this is a great toothgel. |
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Light Therapy
Double the benefits in one bulb!
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I have suffered badly from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as part of my long battle with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Over the years I have found many things which have helped me maintain my mood during the winter months and avoid slipping into the dispair of deep depression. A few things that have helped have included waking up as early as possible and getting outdoors when I can to maximise my natural light exposure, high dose vitamin D3, and using a 10,000 lux lightbox. These ioniser full spectrum light bulbs from Androv Medical have also contributed to my well-being during winter, and also I believe throughout the year. The bulbs are now available up to 32W which is equivalent to a 140-150W incandescent bulb. The bright white light really gives me a psychological boost, improving my mood, so I leave them on in my flat/apartment throughout the day during winter. Although studies show lightboxes with a rating of at least 2500lux are required to produce clinical benefits in SAD I find using these bulbs as well definitely helps as it fools me into thinking it is summer since the light is so natural looking. The negative ions produced by the bulbs have been shown to have numerous health benefits, not least improving mood in SAD and depression. Recent research has also shown they also improve immune function, boosting natural killer (NK) cell activity (Takahashi et al 2009). This could explain year round benefits from these bulbs given that low NK cell function has long been associated with CFS. The bulbs are just like any regular compact fluorescent bulb in fitting and operation and of course last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Given this and their much lower Wattages the extra initial cost is easily offset over their lifetime and you get to enjoy the health benefits and natural looking light! Treatment
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Other Hormonal Medications
Short-term benefits but caused liver toxicity
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As a chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) sufferer in which low cortisol, and dysfunctional adrenal glands in general, have been documented I undertook an adrenal stress index (ASI) test which confirmed I had low levels of cortisol, particularly in the morning when they should be their highest. This fit with my symptoms of not being able to get going in the morning. I frequently sleep until past 10am and don't really get going with my day until approaching midday. A few years back I tried low dose hydrocortisone therapy taking 10-15mg in the mornings. At first I did notice a definiate improvement in my energy levels, particularly in the morning. I actually felt like getting up in the morning and tackling the business of the day and was much more able to do so. I only maintained the therapy for a period of a month however as I started to notice signs of liver toxicity, something I have struggled with anyway (pale stools, abdominal pain, jaundice etc). This is not likely to affect a lot of other CFS sufferers as it was an existing problem for me...but worth mentioning as all steroids are liver toxic at higher dosages. I do feel as well though that although initial benefits were impressive, they did start to wear of a bit, even after only a month. This would seem to confirm the results of the studies showing suppression of natural cortisol production. I'd therefore have to caution against the use of this treatment. Treatment
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Paint
Great - didn't trigger my chemical sensitivities
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I used these throughout my apartment when I moved in 5 years ago, a time when I suffered very badly with MCS. I had to move just to be alone in a chemical-free environment and had to wear a carbon filter face mask whenever out in public or when I had company over. After painting my place with Ecos wall paints I let it air out for a week and then moved in. I had no reactions at all from day one. There was also no strong smell as you usually expect with regular paints. The Ecos paint was only slightly more expensive than a good quality regular paint and has stood up well after 5 years. I'd highly recommend these paints to anyone suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and I am sure they are likely to be a good option for those with asthma, sick building syndrome, and unexplained chronic illness as well. |
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Books Covering Multiple Environmental Illnesses
Essential reading!
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Having struggled with chronic fatigue syndrome, imbalances in my own gut flora due to reduced immunity and antibiotic use, and severe mood disorders in the form of depression, seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D), and anxiety, I had pieced together the strong connection between gut and psychological health myself. In Gut and Psychology Syndrome Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride does a great job of communicating often complex details of this relationship to the lay reader; the book looks at how digestive health can contribute to a host of learning and mood disorders from autism and ADHD to depression and schizophrenia. The book is an excellent balance of background on the link between gut flora and psychology and advice on removing causes and restoring balance and health. An in-depth look at dietary changes and the use of supplements, particularly probiotics, to restore microbial balance in the gut is included and clearly presented. I thoroughly recommend Dr. Campbell-McBride's work to anyone affected by (or caring for someone affected by) the conditions covered in the book. It may open up a whole new avenue of effective therapy for many. It certainly has for me! |
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| 89 results - showing 1 - 10 | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 | Results per page: |
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