Posted by barbaracat on January 18, 2005, at 2:49:37
In reply to Re: pyroluria, methylation, folate » barbaracat, posted by Jakeman on January 17, 2005, at 23:17:46
Can you send another link to Larry's site? Might be my connection but I got an invalid page error. Have you tried taking antihistamines for any length of time, like more than the course of a cold's duration, and still experienced antidepressant effects? That seems to be a red flag for histadelia from what I've read.
I'm still wondering about all this. I have mixed reations and effects from antihistamines. They sometimes help with my chronic insomnia but I'll feel hungover and slightly depressed the next day if I've taken a strong dose. Other times I'll feel buzzy and kept awake. I also have terrible reactions to antipsychotics that have a strong histamine blockade (especially Seroquel). So, if that's any indication, it suggests that histapenia isn't the problem (although I have other symptoms that would suggest it). But I just don't know. It's getting so that I'm afraid to take any kind of nutritional thing for possibly aggravating the thing I'm trying to help.
Why oh why isn't a panel of metabolic tests given to every person complaining of chronic mood disorders? It would save time and money in the long run. The way psychiatry is currently done is like shooting in the dark, and at best only addresses symptoms.
Please keep me informed of anything new you come across - especially interesting in info that goes beyond typical Pfeiffer/Walsh stuff, which is pretty easy to find and all of it the same. - Barbara
I'm still trying to educate myself about how all this works...the website you posted is a great resource and I plan to go back and explore it some more. Speaking of plant enzymes, I have been using AbsorbAid, it seems to be helping my digestion. I do think it is somewhat ridiculous that patients have to do all the research and then take it back to the doctor and explain to them what we need. My psychiatrist has never even heard of the work of people like Drs. Pfeiffer or Walsh.
>
> I'm interested in the test for homocysteine as well. I recently had a Metabolic, Lipid, and CBC Panel done as part of an annual physical and it didn't include homocysteine. You may be interested in this thread:
> http://www.drbob.org/babble/alter/20041212/msgs/430118.html
> where Larry H. posted some studies dealing with folate levels and homocysteine.
>
> Funny thing about antihistimines with me...wherever I take something like Benadryl or Alka-seltzer plus cold medicine I experience an antidepressant effect. Good luck~
> ~Jake
>
>
> > Yes, the results came back and I wasn't in the problem range, but I'm hot on the trail. Out of the main metabolic types for my symptoms, I seem to fit the high-histamine/under-methylated category rather than pyroluria, although my dad sure fit the profile. Histamine is another neurotransmittor we don't hear much about but it's implicated in the synthesis of the other 'big 3'. Problem is, the histamine test is expensive, around $250.
> >
> > BUT, here's where it gets interesting. I've been reading up on homocysteine which collects in the blood and is a good marker for problems with methylation. If homocysteine is high, methylation is low and that's a serious thing and impacts every process in the body. We need those methyl groups happening at just the right pace. I'm looking into where to get the homocysteine test and if it can be charged to insurance (histamine isn't covered).
> >
> > This is some cutting edge stuff and it's difficult to find qualified people in the area. A major problem as well is the the fact that most everyone who works with this field relies on the research done by the late Carl Preiffer of the Pfeiffer Institute and follows the treatment protocols outlined by the institute. Unfortunately, the reasoning behind the treatment protocols is seriously flawed, especially in the area of whether to avoid/increase folic acid. It gets real contradictory and even harmful and I don't trust it one bit.
> >
> > Here's a good article explaining some of these issues, what methylation is and does and where the treatment protocol conflicts.
> >
> > http://www.enzymestuff.com/methylation.htm
> >
> > So, in the meantime the search continues. I'll suggest the homocysteine test when I see my naturopath, I'll bring in the research I've dug up, we'll have a nice little discussion about my objections to avoiding folic acid, and I'll pay her $110. Someday I may just pull a fast one and charge for MY time instead.
> >
> >
> >
> > > Barbaracat I was wondering if you got your results and learned anything. I am also interested in exploring this avenue. Below is a very informative post by a biochemist who had the pyroluria test done for his son.
> > > http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/showthread.php?t=10946
> > >
> > > ~Jake
> >
> >
>
>
poster:barbaracat
thread:436445
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050101/msgs/443601.html