Archive for the ‘Supplements’ Category

Tips & Resources for Living in the Present During Challenging Times

https://globallymealliance.org/living-in-the-present-while-worrying-about-the-future/

MyLymeLife_2-38

by Jennifer Crystal

TIPS AND RESOURCES FOR LIVING IN THE PRESENT DURING CHALLENGING TIMES.

As schools resume and cooler weather rolls in, the country is bracing for a possible second wave of COVID-19. The U.S. death toll recently surpassed 200,000, and the last two weeks have seen an increase of cases in many areas. With concerns about what fall and winter will bring, especially as we move into flu season, it can be hard to stay grounded in the present.

Lyme patients know this conundrum all too well. Late-stage tick-borne illnesses end to follow a relapsing pattern: patients have good days and bad days, sometimes good months and bad months. When we’re feeling well, we have a hard time trusting and enjoying that health, because we know the other shoe could drop at any moment. We, too, are always bracing for another wave.

Not only is it hard to stay present when you’re worried about the future, but it can be difficult to enjoy the present when it itself is difficult. The pandemic has people at their wit’s end trying to negotiate working from home with homeschooling, isolating from loved ones, and worrying about illness and finances. In acute phases of Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses, patients also feel at their wit’s end as they deal with crushing fatigue, joint aches, migraines, and neurological symptoms. In both cases, the suffering can be so intense that people wish they could escape to a better time in the past or future.

While escapism has its merits, it’s important that we accept our current situation(s) and find ways to live presently. Why? Because no matter how bleak the present is, it’s all we are guaranteed. Whether we’re healthy or ill, living in a pandemic or not, none of us know what tomorrow will bring. Therefore, we can’t let the present pass us by.

What I’ve learned from living with tick-borne illnesses for over 20 years, from battling long-haul COVID-19, and from sometimes wanting to escape from both, is this: the best way to stay present is to prepare for the future. Our anxieties are valid and have their place. Acknowledging them can help us prepare for the worst, and that can then allow us to live more fully in the present.

What does preparation look like in practice? During COVID-19, we can wear face masks, following social distancing protocols, wash our hands, and create contingency plans for school and work. While these steps don’t guarantee we won’t get COVID-19, they do lower our risk. Contingency plans give us safety nets.

During periods of remission from tick-borne illness, we can stay on maintenance medication or supplements, continue with adjunct therapies, exercise, eat well, follow good sleep hygiene, and try to keep stress levels down. If we’re in remission or even if we have recovered completely, we can continue to Be Tick AWARE™, taking precautions like wearing repellent, doing tick checks, and staying on cleared paths so as not to get re-infected. We can make sure we have a good support system—doctors, caregivers, resources. As with COVID-19 precautions, these steps won’t make us immune to another tick bite or relapse, but they do lower the risk.

Once we’re prepared for the future, we can live more freely in the present. Even in trying times, there are ways to enjoy ourselves, and ways to reduce stress. In my post “What Lyme Patients Can Teach Us About the New Normal”, I outline some ideas for managing school and work this fall. In my post “Adding Joy and Pleasure to Life, No Matter When”, I talk about enjoying small moments and activities while we wait for health, for bigger moments and activities to be possible, for better days. Even in a pandemic, families can create fun rituals like weekly movie or game nights. Even in the throes of illness, Lyme patients can enjoy a friend’s visit, laugh over just five minutes of a silly movie, or give themselves an at-home spa treatment.

And while we enjoy the present, there’s certainly no danger in hoping for a brighter future, even visualizing it. Sometimes just the idea of hope is enough.

One difference between battling Lyme and living through a pandemic is that we are all experiencing the latter together. We have similar fears. We have similar hopes. And we can find ways to enjoy the present, together. As I’ve said before, there is comfort in that solidarity.

Related Posts:

Corona With a Twist of Lyme: Part 4
What Lyme Patients Can Teach Us About the New Normal
Adding Joy and Pleasure to Life, No Matter When
The Idea of Hope

jennifer crystal_2

Opinions expressed by contributors are their own.

Jennifer Crystal is a writer and educator in Boston. Her memoir about her medical journey is forthcoming. Contact her at lymewarriorjennifercrystal@gmail.com.

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**Comment**

While I’m all about preparing for the future and living in the present, there are numerous inaccuracies in this article that require addressing:

To help alleviate the fear-mongering that is pervasive, the best most productive thing you can do is bolster your immune system. This action will help you no matter what comes down the pike and will give you peace of mind. 

For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/10/13/bartonella-how-to-protect-yourself-from-this-stealthy-intruder/  While this article is about Bartonella, the steps to protect yourself from one invader is true for another.

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/04/04/the-importance-of-gut-health-to-healing-from-chronic-illnesses-podcast-dr-jill-carnahan/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/01/08/wahls-protocol-impact-of-diet-nutrition-in-ms-other-neurological-diseases/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/07/13/nutritional-supplements-for-covid-19-prophylaxis-and-symptom-de-escalation/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/06/15/the-functional-medicine-approach-to-covid-19-virus-specific-nutraceutical-botanical-agents/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/06/14/potential-interventions-for-novel-coronavirus-in-china-a-systematic-review/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/08/09/international-panel-of-medical-experts-urges-u-s-government-to-stop-ignoring-intravenous-vitamin-c-as-a-promising-option-to-treat-covid-19/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/09/14/nebulized-peroxide-covid/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/06/02/successful-covid-19-critical-care-stonewalled-by-cdc/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/06/26/math-protocol-shows-profound-impact-on-survival-from-covid-19/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/09/24/studies-show-proper-levels-of-vitamin-d-slashes-risk-of-covid-as-does-gargling-with-iodine-vaccine-not-needed/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/09/08/finally-confirmed-vitamin-d-nearly-abolishes-icu-risk-in-covid-19/

As you can see, there is much you can do to make yourself a tough target.  Learn all you can about your own body and potential things you can do to bolster your immune system.  Discuss these options with your doctor and come up with a plan.  This will be a much more effective, long-lasting plan than plopping a mask on.

Category:

Activism, diet and nutrition, Gut Health, Herbs, Lyme, Supplements, Treatment, Viruses

Illness-Related Fatigue: More Than Just Feeling Tired

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/illness-related-fatigue-more-than-just-feeling-tired-

Illness-related fatigue: More than just feeling tired


Contributor
woman who is feeling fatigue

A common refrain during the COVID-19 pandemic is, “I’m so tired.” After months of adjusted living and anxiety, people are understandably weary. Parents who haven’t had a break from their kids are worn out. Those trying to juggle working from home with homeschooling are stretched thin. Between concerns about health, finances, and isolation, everyone is feeling some level of additional stress during this unusual time, and that’s tiring. We all could use a good, long nap — or better yet, a vacation.

But while a break would be nice, most people — except those who are actually sick with COVID-19 or other illnesses — are able to push through their fatigue, precisely because they aren’t sick. “Tired” is a nebulous word that covers a broad spectrum of levels of fatigue. A crucial distinction, however, is between regular fatigue and illness-related fatigue.

Regular fatigue

Everyday fatigue that is not illness-related starts with a baseline of health. You may feel sleepy, you may in fact be sleep-deprived, or your body and mind may be worn out from long hours, exertion, or unrelenting stress — but you don’t feel sick. Your muscles and joints don’t ache like when you have the flu. You are capable of getting out of bed and powering through the day, even if you don’t want to. A cup of coffee or a nap might perk you up.

This type of fatigue is usually related to external factors: lack of sleep, stress, an extra-hard workout. But internally, your body is working well: your glands and organs are operating properly; infection is not depleting your body of energy; your nervous system may be overtaxed, but it’s not frayed from actual impairment.

Illness-related fatigue

When I was acutely ill with persistent Lyme, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis (all tick-borne illnesses), as well as chronic Epstein-Barr virus, a good night’s sleep did nothing. Naps were staples of my day that helped me survive but didn’t improve my energy. Drinking a cup of coffee was akin to treating an ear infection with candy. No matter how much I rested, my exhaustion persisted.

I felt like I had the flu, except it lasted for years. My whole body ached. I suffered migraine headaches. I had hallucinogenic nightmares. Exercise was out of the question; at times, I was literally too tired to walk up a flight of stairs or sit at the dinner table. I couldn’t concentrate, unable to read or watch TV. Sometimes I was too tired to talk.

There was no pushing through this level of fatigue, because it was caused by internal factors: illnesses that were ravaging my body. Only when they were adequately treated did I start to get my energy back.

For me, the root causes were bacterial infections (Lyme, ehrlichiosis), a parasite (babesiosis), and a virus (Epstein-Barr). Profound fatigue may also result from a host of other diseases and conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis.

Is it everyday fatigue or illness-related fatigue?

When determining whether your tiredness is everyday fatigue or illness-related, consider the following questions:

  • Do you feel worn out, or do you feel sick?
  • Have you experienced this before, or does it feel more extreme or unrelenting?
  • When you lessen the load of external factors (work, stress, long days) does the fatigue improve, or does it persist?
  • Do you feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep or a nap?
  • Can you go about your day, or is it impossible to get out of bed?
  • Has the fatigue persisted longer than you would expect?
  • Are you experiencing other symptoms that might point to illness?

The bottom line

No one knows your body better than you do. You know what feels normal, and you know what you feel like when you’re sick. If you are not responding to regular fatigue remedies, your fatigue has persisted over time, you have other symptoms, or you just don’t feel right, it’s probably time to call your doctor.

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**Comment**

I had a Lyme/MSIDS patient state, “I could fall asleep standing up.”  Yep, that about describes it.

The author doesn’t mention it, but a large part of the problem is the unrelenting insomnia.  You would do anything to sleep at night.  But you can’t.

The great news is that appropriate tick-borne disease treatment fixes this or improves it greatly. There are also medications both natural and pharmaceutical that can help.

For more:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/10/04/lyme-disease-is-associated-with-various-sleep-disorders/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/08/23/sleep-sweet-sleep/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/08/07/to-sleep-perchance-to-dream/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/04/02/cant-sleep-18-plants-herbs-can-help/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/12/18/ldn/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/01/16/ldn-cbd/?

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/03/14/melatonin-benefits-uses/

Category:

Lyme, Sleep, Supplements, Treatment

Study Shows D, Magnesium, and B12 Reduces Clinical Deterioration in Older COVID-19 Patients

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0899900720303002

Cohort study to evaluate effect of vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 in combination on severe outcome progression in older patients with coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

Highlights

  • Use of a combination of vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 (DMB) in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was studied.
  • Fewer patients ≥50 y of age with COVID-19 on DMB suffered clinical deterioration.
  • Further studies are warranted to ascertain the full benefit of DMB in patients with COVID-19.

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine clinical outcomes of older patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) who received a combination of vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12 (DMB) compared with those who did not. We hypothesized that fewer patients administered this combination would require oxygen therapy, intensive care support, or a combination of both than those who did not.

Methods

This was a cohort observational study of all consecutive hospitalized patients ≥50 y of age with COVID-19 in a tertiary academic hospital. Before April 6, 2020, no patients received the (DMB) combination. After this date, patients were administered 1000 IU/d oral vitamin D3, 150 mg/d oral magnesium, and 500 mcg/d oral vitamin B12 upon admission if they did not require oxygen therapy. Primary outcome was deterioration leading to any form of oxygen therapy, intensive care support, or both.

Results

Between January 15 and April 15, 2020, we identified 43 consecutive patients ≥50 y of age with COVID-19. Seventeen patients received DMB before onset of primary outcome and 26 patients did not. Baseline demographic characteristics between the two groups were significantly different by age. In univariate analysis, age and hypertension had a significant influence on outcome. After adjusting for age or hypertension separately in a multivariate analysis, the intervention group retained protective significance. Fewer treated patients than controls required initiation of oxygen therapy during hospitalization (17.6 vs 61.5%, P = 0.006). DMB exposure was associated with odds ratios of 0.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–0.59) and 0.20 (95% CI, 0.04–0.93) for oxygen therapy, intensive care support, or both on univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively.

Conclusions

A vitamin D / magnesium / vitamin B12 combination in older COVID-19 patients was associated with a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with clinical deterioration requiring oxygen support, intensive care support, or both. This study supports further larger randomized controlled trials to ascertain the full benefit of this combination in ameliorating the severity of COVID-19.

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**Comment**

Once again we see there are numerous things that can be used successfully against COVID-19, but don’t expect to hear about this in main stream media.  They are all about pushing products that our public ‘authorities’ have financial interests in.  One is a dangerous, experimental vaccine:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/08/29/every-breath-you-take-every-move-you-make-the-who-is-watching-you-the-media-is-bought-out-by-gates/

We’ve been warned about this vaccine:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/10/20/experts-issue-serious-warnings-about-a-covid-vaccine/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/10/05/covid-19-vaccine-explained/

And another is the expensive anti-viral Remdesivir which has recently been given EUA status despite lack of results:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/10/26/remdesivir-gets-fda-approval-but-who-says-drug-ineffective-for-covid/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/07/02/remdesivir-for-covid-19-not-backed-by-results/

For more successful COVID-19 treatments that doctors have been using successfully:

 

 

Category:

research, Supplements, Treatment, Viruses

Low Zinc Levels Associated with Poor COVID Outcomes

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.07.20208645v1

Low zinc levels at clinical admission associates with poor outcomes in COVID-19

Marina Vogel, Marc Tallo-Parra, Victor Herrera-Fernandez, Gemma Perez-Vilaro, Miguel Chillon, Xavier Nogues, Silvia Gomez-Zorrilla, Inmaculada Lopez-Montesinos, Judit Villar, Maria Luisa Sorli-Redo, Juan Pablo Horcajada, Natalia Garcia-Giralt, Julio Pascual, Juana Diez, Ruben Vicente, Robert Guerri-Fernandez
doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.07.20208645
 
This article is a preprint and has not been peer-reviewed [what does this mean?]. It reports new medical research that has yet to be evaluated and so should not be used to guide clinical practice.
 

Abstract

Background: Biomarkers to predict Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outcome early at infection are urgently needed to improve prognosis and treatment. Zinc balances immune responses and also has a proven direct antiviral action against some viruses. Importantly, zinc deficiency (ZD) is a common condition in elderly and individuals with chronic diseases, two groups with more severe COVID-19 outcomes. We hypothesize that serum zinc content (SZC) influences COVID-19 disease progression and thus might represent a useful biomarker.

Methods: We run a retrospective observational study with 249 COVID-19 patients admitted in Hospital del Mar. We have studied COVID-19 severity and progression attending to SZC at admission. In parallel we have studied SARS-CoV2 replication in the Vero E6 cell line modifying zinc concentrations.

Findings: Our study demonstrates a correlation between serum zinc levels and COVID-19 outcome. Serum zinc levels lower than 50 mcgg/dl at admission correlated with worse clinical presentation, longer time to reach stability and higher mortality. Our in vitro results indicate that low zinc levels favor viral expansion in SARS-CoV2 infected cells.

Interpretation: SZC is a novel biomarker to predict COVID-19 outcome. We encourage performing randomized clinical trials to study zinc supplementation as potential prophylaxis and treatment with people at risk of zinc deficiency.

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**Comment**

While this is awaiting peer review, it’s not a novel concept nor is it surprising; however, our public ‘authorities’ would rather rivet on mask wearing (which doesn’t work and gives a false sense of security), their expensive antiviral Remdesivir (which has been shown to be of little to no benefit), and their expensive, experimental vaccine (which has caused all sorts of side-effects already in human volunteers). 

The best and safest approach is always prevention.

Please learn all you can on how to make your body a tough target for disease.  Start by eating a whole-food diet, reducing your stress, getting adequate sleep, and exercising.  Then, work with your medical practitioner to determine your imbalances/weaknesses and appropriately supplement using reputable products.

Caution:  zinc is a fat-soluble vitamin and will build up in the body.  Testing is needed to determine your level and how much to take.  

For a great read on all things vitamin D including how much to take, various important nuances, and necessary testing:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/03/12/the-importance-of-vitamin-d-k-and-magnesium-for-lyme-msids-patients/

For a great presentation:  

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/04/16/viruses-immunity-dr-waters-fix-your-soil-and-the-seeds-cant-grow/

These simple nutritional issues are what our ‘authorities’ should be educating the public on.  The fact that they aren’t doing so reveals their true motive.

Category:

research, Supplements, Viruses

Live Q & A Webinar on Lyme Disease With Dr. Rawls

https://rawlsmd.com/webinars/ask-dr-rawls-10-2020/

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Whether you suspect you have Lyme disease, have recently been diagnosed, or have been struggling with chronic symptoms for a long time, we know you have questions — lots of them. Dr. Bill Rawls wants to help you find as many answers as possible.

The author of the best-selling book, Unlocking Lyme, Dr. Rawls isn’t just a Lyme-literate medical doctor (LLMD) — he also knows firsthand where you’re coming from: In the middle of his successful OB-GYN career, Dr. Rawls’ life was interrupted by Lyme disease. In his journey to overcome it, he explored nearly every treatment possible – from conventional medicine to a range of alternative therapies — until he finally discovered what worked.

Since his recovery more than a decade ago, Dr. Rawls has helped thousands of patients find their path to healing from Lyme disease and related chronic illness. Now, he’d like to help you. Come with your questions, and he’ll answer as many of them as possible.

Don’t miss an exclusive gift for all webinar attendees, plus a chance to win a FREE private consult with Dr. Rawls.

RESERVE MY SEAT »

Webinar can be viewed on any device

  • The best and worst lab tests and evaluations for diagnosing Lyme disease and common coinfections
  • When and how to safely use antibiotics and other conventional treatments
  • The most effective herbs, foods, and natural remedies for overcoming chronic Lyme
  • How to identify and cope with Lyme flare-ups, relapses, and Herxheimer reactions
  • Expert guidance on easing your worst symptoms, including chronic fatigue, pain, brain fog, and neurological and cardiac symptoms
  • Numerous other insights and answers throughout the live Q&A with Dr. Rawls

Category:

Activism, Detoxing, diet and nutrition, Gut Health, Herbs, Lyme, Supplements, Treatment