Posted by susan C on August 20, 2001, at 12:49:41
In reply to Re: Nutrition cure, posted by Cam W. on August 20, 2001, at 11:23:57
> > Read this: http://www.biochemimbal-behavior.com/default2.htm
>
> To All - Read the disclaimer carefully. Would a composer have the same insight into how the body works, as would someone who has made pharmacology or physiology a lifelong pursuit (ie. reseach scientists)? Before spending a lot of money on overprice vitamins, I would say to watch your newspapers over the next 6 months, to see how one megavitamin group stacks up against science.
>
> Yes, some "psychiatric" disorders in the past have benefitted from vitamin therapy. For example, a vitamin B defiency caused pellagra, especially in sailors. Pellagra had some pseudo-demetia symptoms that resolved with treatments of fresh fruit. British sailors learned to avoid pellagra by carrying and eating limes while at sea (hence, their being called "Limeys"). Researchers have looked for vitamin deficiencies in many psychiatric disorders (eg. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder), and, while outside of some general nutritional problems which were corrected with changes in diet and vitamin supplementation, the core symptoms of the disorders were not improved.
>
> Another observation about vitamins is "more is not better". With the water soluble vitamins (eg. B-complex and C) taking too much gives you nice bright yellow pee. The body uses what it needs and excretes the rest.
>
> The fat soluble vitamins (eg. A, D, E, and K) can build up in the body. They are taken up by the fat cells of the body and not readily excreted. Caution must be taken if one is taking high doses of these vitamins, especially without medical supervision.
>
> As for minerals, there is no indication that taking an excess can do anything positive for the body. In fact, too much iron intake can cause a disorder known as "bronze diabetes" (exogenous hemochromatosis). While chromium does help with carbohydrate metabolism, too much can result in pneumoconiosis (similar to asbestosis). Other examples: encephalopathy from excessive lead; "Mad Hatter's syndrome" from excessive; biliary cirrhosis from excessive copper; metal fume fever from excessive zinc; etc.
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> Vitamins and minerals are essential to a body's functioning, but remember, moderation is the key.
>
> My 2¢ - Cam Hi,Hi Good for u: Thank you for your sympathy. You asked what I think:
In the past, I have worked with my nutrition, vitamins, 'natural hormones' meditation, stress release, exercise, journaling, therapy, medical doctors, TCM, chiropractor (the conservative and liberal kind who think they can cure asthma by adjusting your spine)
I skimed the book's table of contents and read a few parts and read the disclaimer (hi cam) (I am not concentrating well right now). So, please understand I have not read the book. I probably won't. I have other priorities to focus on right now. What I can say, is I agree with Cam. Buyer beware. Moderation in all things. Balance and eat real food. And finally, I have confidence in my doctor. I also know it is my responsibility to evaluate what he says and that is why I am here...to educate myself, benefit from others experience and try to understand.
I know when someone is excited about something they have discovered or that works I say to myself that is great, more power to them, I have been there. But I know, from my journals and charts, that any improvement I experience has to last more than 12 months. Otherwise, it could very well be coincidence, the cycling of my illness/condition.
In addition, the most important and most helpful things to my health have been my confidence in my medical care provider and the love and support of those around me. With out those, I would be lost at the times when I am most confused and tormented.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to comment on your area of investigation. I am curious and will check in from time to time.Yes, depakote has helped a little, no, I have not heard of that type of doctor. At this point I appreciate your offer but am not changing anything, other than working on what I have already started.
Susan C
> > > > > Hello all...I'm looking for some feedback on Orthomolecular (Megavitamin, "whole body" medicine and testing. Drs. Linus Pauling and Abram Hoffer (as well as many lesser known pioneers) believe in it wholeheartedly. Any educated commentary including personal experiences is GREATLY appreciated
> > > >
> > > > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010814/msgs/75576.html
> > > >
> > > > I saw your post before and didn't know what ortho...was, now I understand. The only things I have to add is an obervation that 'integrative medicine clinics' are now in vogue with MDs and also, my bro was dx Schiz. in the 70's and he tried that then, no apparent help.
> > > > Susan C
> > >
> > >
> > > Susan...What EXACTLY was used, and in what dosages, to treat your brother in the 70's?
> >
> > I dont know
> >
> > Was it STRICTLY niacin? This is important. What is he taking now?
> >
> > He suicided in 1978
> >
> > I wish I had an answer, your post made me think about seeing if I could obtain his medical records. In my hunt for solutions to my mental illness, I have collected part of my dad's records. My mom is 82, and in our family we all have a habit of avoiding talking about all of the problems we experienced, particularly to her, as she was so unresolved about it for so long...she is better now and I think may even be willing to work with me on it, as she did with getting my dads records....
> >
> > Right now I am trying to make sure my records are in order, as I have changed doctors. and I am having a hard time reading past the last couple of visits to the old pdoc. There is a reason I left.
> >
> > Have you investigated Naturopathic Doctors? I work with one and have found him to be particularly knowledgable about nutrition and very willing to investigate cross medicine issues. He has said there is no known nutritional cure for what ailes me, possible bipolar 2, All my tests come back normal range with a sight variation for the meds I take (primarily depakote)
> >
> > Hope you find some answers. If you have more questions, ask away. I may not have the answer but I am looking, too.
> >
> > Susan C.
>
>
> Susan...
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> I am very sorry to hear about your brother. Sorry for him especially because of what he must have been going thru to get to that point. I am looking heavily into the work of Dr. Abram Hoffer and Linus Pauling, Carl Pheiffer and Eric Braverman. I highly suggest it.
>
> Have you been ok on the depakote? Have you tried megavitamin supplementation? Have you been to an ORTHOMOLECULAR PHYSICIAN or O.M. Psychiatrist? Let me know in what state u live and I can give you the names of Orthomolecular Drs. there. The list is also included in the following "e-book" which I HIGHLY recommend.
>
> Read this: http://www.biochemimbal-behavior.com/default2.htm
>
> and let me know what you think.
>
>
poster:susan C
thread:75579
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010814/msgs/75681.html