Posted by Beliala on November 3, 2001, at 20:56:48
In reply to Re: cognitive decline jn, posted by Twain on November 3, 2001, at 2:03:02
> During the last decade I've done a lot of experimenting with nurtrional supplements. Bach Flower rememdies, all the "brain food" supplements - most recently: S.a.m.e. and 5-htp. and numerous others. My cupboard has more supplements than food.
Sounds like my cupboard lol. I haven’t tried the Bach Flower remedies or 5-htp yet. Tryptophan gave me an unpleasant flush and actually worsened my insomnia so I’m not optimistic about the 5-htp (I don’t imagine it would give me the flush though, since it doesn’t convert to niacin). I have tried SO many supplements, and none of them had much positive effect on my mood, energy or mental function. Same with healthy eating. The high-dose pantothenic acid I tried taking for acne actually gave me some neurological side effects though.
I don’t know what you’ve read but Dealing With Depression Naturally by Syd Baumel and Mind Boosters by Ray Sahelian are interesting. Not actually helpful to me, but then neither are the drugs. Recommended supplements I’ve tried and found near- or completely- useless include combinations of: High-dose b-complex, co-enzymated b-vitamins (b6, b12, b3 [ENADA - supposed to be great stuff]), tyrosine, TMG, carnitine, ephedrine, ginseng (3 kinds), gotu kola, "natural energy" mixed herbs supplement, gingko biloba, GABA, flax oil, coenzyme q10, and DLPA (I didn’t realize the importance of taking this on an empty stomach at the time and will be giving it another trial). Valerian and kava kava were modestly helpful for my insomnia (never tried them in the daytime).
> Since I can't find a compliant doctor (one I can manipulate)....
You neither, huh? Actually mine’s been better than most in the medication dept., but he draws the line at the opioids I feel are my only hope to feel better. I’ve given up entirely on the cognitive function aspect.
poster:Beliala
thread:82942
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011025/msgs/83126.html