Natural Remedies to Cure Fatigue

Natural Remedies to Cure Fatigue

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda

Coconut Oil

Exercise

Avocados, B12

Power Nap, Eye Massager

Tomato Soup Tea

Kelp

Molasses

Could a B-12 Deficiency Be Causing Your Symptoms?

Could a B-12 Deficiency Be Causing Your Symptoms?

Less than 20 years ago, patients complaining of fatigue were often given a "tonic shot" by their doctor. Many people claimed this worked like magic to improve their energy levels. What was this miracle tonic? A simple injection of vitamin B-12.

Although the practice of administering vitamin B-12 injections has fallen out of favor, modern medical science now understands why vitamin B-12 supplementation makes people feel better, and the reasons extend far beyond just the "placebo effect" of receiving a shot.

The Far-Reaching Effects of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

Vitamin B-12, called "cobalamin" because it contains the mineral cobalt, is required for a staggering number of physical functions and chemical reactions. Best known for its participation in the manufacture of red blood cells, B-12 is also needed for production and maintenance of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves and for production of DNA, the genetic material of all cells. And that's just the beginning.

The serious health consequences of vitamin B-12 deficiency can adversely affect nearly every system in the body.

Energy: Even minor deficiencies of vitamin B-12 can cause anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness.

The Nervous System: Deficiencies of B-12 can cause neurological changes including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, balance problems, depression, confusion, poor memory and Alzheimer's-like symptoms. Long-term deficiencies of B-12 can result in permanent impairment of the nervous system.

The Gastro-Intestinal System: B-12 deficiency can cause decreased appetite, constipation, diarrhea or alternating constipation/diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain.

The Immune System: Vitamin B-12 is necessary for normal functioning of white blood cells. Studies show that B-12 helps regulate Natural-Killer T-cells and prevents chromosome damage.

The Cardiovascular System: Vitamin B-12 participates in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Elevated homocysteine levels are a known independent risk factor for heart attack, stroke and thrombosis. Without adequate B-12 levels, homocysteine levels typically rise.

Special Senses: Degenerative changes in the central nervous system caused by B-12 deficiency can also affect the optic nerve, resulting in blue-yellow color blindness.

Other symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include sore mouth or tongue.

With so many physical functions at risk, it is easy to understand why knowledgeable clinicians and researchers consider B-12 supplementation beneficial.

Are You At Risk for a Vitamin B-12 Deficiency?

Medical science once believed that few people were vitamin B-12 deficient. This false assumption may stem from the fact that vitamin B-12 is produced in the body by a normal, healthy population of bowel bacteria.

Secondly, unlike other water-soluble vitamins, B-12 is stored in the liver, kidneys and other tissues. Deficiencies of B-12 often appear so slowly and subtly as to go unnoticed, and blood tests for vitamin B-12 levels miss early deficiency states at least 50% of the time.

So, who is at risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency? Recent research shows that a much larger segment of the population is likely deficient than previously thought.

Because assimilation of vitamin B-12 from food requires adequate stomach acid and intrinsic factor, and because stomach acid typically declines with age, people over 50 were once thought to be the biggest "at risk" population for B-12 deficiency. Previous studies showed 3% to 39% of seniors to be vitamin B-12 deficient, but newer studies suggest that number may be as high as 72% to 78%.

Vegetarians and vegans are another population believed to be at high risk for B-12 deficiency, in part because of low animal food intake of vitamin B-12 and also because many vegetable sources such as seaweed must be consumed in large amounts in order to provide adequate vitamin B-12.

Other high-risk groups for B-12 deficiency include:

• Those who use acid-blocking or neutralizing drugs (such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium and others), or drugs which impair intestinal absorption (such as Metformin, Questron and Chloromycetin),

• People who have had gastric surgery,

• And people who have chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia. (For an explanation of two complex models suggesting a connection between vitamin B-12 deficiency and ME/CFS - The Nitric Oxide Cycle and the Methylation Cycle - see "Deficiency in ME/CFS and FM May Provide Clues & Relief")

Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, which occurs frequently in people with low stomach acid, is a predisposing factor for B-12 deficiency because the bacteria themselves use vitamin B-12.

The most recent and disturbing studies suggest that vitamin B-12 deficiency is more prevalent in young adults than previously thought. One study found that vitamin B-12 deficiency was similar in three age groups (26-49 years, 50-64 years, and 65 years and older), but that early symptoms were simply less apparent in the young.

This study also found that those who did not take a vitamin B-12 containing supplement were twice as likely to be deficient as supplement users, regardless of age.

Four Forms of B-12 - Which One is Best?

Cobalamin is a collective term for four closely related forms of B-12 - cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin (dibencozide).

Cyanocobalamin, the most common form of B-12 found in nutritional supplements, has the lowest biological activity and must be converted in the liver to methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin before it can be utilized.

Because it can be converted to other forms of B-12, cyanocobalamin can be considered the "mother form" of B-12. However, this conversion is inefficient and some people may not benefit from cyanocobalamin due to lack of assimilation or conversion.

Methylcobalamin is considered by many researchers to be the most active form of vitamin B-12. It protects the nervous system by regulating glutamate-induced neuronal damage (common in aging) and promoting nerve cell regeneration.

Methylcobalamin is the only form of vitamin B-12 that participates in regulating circadian rhythms (sleep/wake cycles). It has been shown to improve sleep quality and refreshment from sleep, as well as increasing feelings of well-being, concentration and alertness.

Adenosylcobalamin (dibencozide), the second highly active form of vitamin B-12, is essential for energy metabolism. It is required for normal myelin sheath formation and nucleoprotein synthesis. Deficiencies are associated with nerve and spinal cord degeneration.

Hydroxocobalamin is a unique form of B-12 that participates in detoxification, especially cyanide detoxification. Cyanide levels are often elevated in smokers, people who eat cyanide-containing food (like cassava) and those with certain metabolic defects.

Excess cyanide in the tissues blocks conversion of cyanocobalamin to methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin. In such instances, hydroxocobalamin may be the vitamin B-12 of choice. Hydroxycobalamin is FDA-approved as a treatment for cyanide poisoning.

Oral Vs. Injectable: Which Delivery System is Preferred?

Although many people including some physicians still believe that injectable vitamin B-12 is the preferred route of administration, it is well-known and widely accepted that oral vitamin B-12 is equally as effective as injection in treating pernicious anemia and other B-12 deficient states.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• Vitamin B-12 deficiency is far more widespread than previously thought, with up to 30% of young people affected and possibly as many as 78% of the over 50 population suffering from deficiency.

• Those at special risk include:

- Seniors, 

- Vegetarians and vegans, 

- People taking acid-neutralizing drugs or various other drugs, and

- Patients with cognitive impairment and/or chronic illnesses.

DOES VITAMIN B-12 INTERFERE WITH SYNTHROID MEDICINES?

DOES VITAMIN B-12 INTERFERE WITH SYNTHROID MEDICINES?

B-12

Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin that helps your body manufacture red blood cells. Like your thyroid, B-12 helps your body produce energy. Although the relationship between B-12 and the thyroid is not yet well understood, a study published in the May 2008 issue of "The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association," found that B-12 deficiency is prevalent in hypothyroid patients. The study found that close to 40 percent of individuals with hypothyroidism are B-12 deficient and that B-12 replacement helps relieve hypothyroid symptoms.

Interactions

Metformin is a medication used to control blood sugar. Synthroid can decrease the effectiveness of Metformin when taken at the same time. You should take these medications at least two hours apart. L-tyrosine is a dietary supplement used to improve performance under stress. You should avoid L-tyrosine because your thyroid uses it to make hormones, so it may increase the effect of Synthroid. Synthroid may interact with cholesterol lowering drugs as well. Tell your doctor which vitamins, herbs or medications you take if he has prescribed Synthroid for you.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/547647-does-vitamin-b-12-interfere-with-synthroid-medicines/#ixzz2rSbnnRax

Fatigue cure 1 B12

Fatigue cure 1

B12 – the vitamin that can go low in many thyroid patients

B12 is a vitamin which has a key role in red blood cell metabolism of your entire body, giving you energy, sharpness in your brain, and healthy nervous system functioning.

Why do I, as a thyroid patient, have a risk of low B12? Unfortunately, a certain percentage of hypothyroid patients have low levels of this important vitamin. That deficiency is largely due to years of digestive issues common with hypothyroidism, whether one is either undiagnosed due to the lousy TSH lab test, or undertreated on T4 meds like Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothyroxine, Eltroxin, etc.

What are symptoms of low B12? Symptoms can vary from person to person, but can include numbness and tingling in your hands, arms, legs or feet,  tremors, poor reflexes, tongue soreness, leg pain, or difficulty walking with balance.   You can feel weak, breathless. Psychologically, you may have memory issues, irritability, confusion, brain fog or depression. Young women may have difficulty getting pregnant due to low B12. You can have headaches with low B12.

What do I look for with B12 labwork?   Patient experience has repeatedly shown that just being “in range” has not helped their symptoms of low B12. It’s where the result falls that counts, i.e. they found better health with a lab result in the upper end of the range. Mid-range still gave symptoms.

How do I correct low levels of B12? To correct inadequate levels of B12, you’ll want to use oral B12 supplementation in pill or liquid form (methylcobalamin is the recommended form of B12 for many–see beloow), B12 cream, or injections by your doctor (especially if you have the autoimmune-related pernicious anemia, which is due to a decrease in red blood cells when the body cannot properly absorb vitamin B12).  It’s also recommended to increase your consumption of meat and dairy products, which can be rich in B12.

I see different kinds of B12 in the store. Which one?

The Methylcobalamin version is considered the most active and absorbable, thus the most recommended. It helps lower high homocysteine levels due to a genetic methyl blockage issue like MTHFR.

The Hydroxycobalamin version of B12 is not natural in your body, but it can convert well to a more useable form of B12 and can last longer in your body. It’s often used for injections. It helps if you’ve had cyanide poisoning from tobacco smoke exposure, as it will bind and remove it..i.e a good detoxer.

The Adenosylcobalamin version of B12 is a natural and active form and stated to be effective against cancer growth. It occurs naturally in foods derived from animals (eggs, meat, dairy, etc)

The Cyanocobalamin version of B12 is inactive and are the most common ones often seen on store vitamin shelves, but it’s the least absorbable, and still needs to be converted to a more usable version in your body (i.e. to the Methyl and Adeno versions above), which if you have a genetic methyl blockage like MTHFR, wouldn’t be your best B12 supplement.

What’s the connection between B12 and B9 (Folate)?  Both B12 and B9 (folate) are needed for good red cell production, and deficiencies in either can cause similar symptoms. So it’s common to see lab testing combine the two. When pregnant, it’s often recommended to supplement with Folic Acid to reduce the risk of miscarriages, say many doctors. Folate is the natural version of folic acid and is often more recommended by knowledgeable people. 

What prescription meds or OTC supplements can inadvertently lower B12?  Stomach acid reducers like Prilosec, as well as lansoprazole, pantoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole and raberprazole and others,  put you at a higher risk of lowering your B12 levels. (P.S. You may not be making too much stomach acid. You may be making too little–a common condition with hypothyroidism), and which causes acid reflux and the false appearance of too much.

What if I have high B12?  One cause can be liver stress due to your hypothyroid state, meaning it won’t be doing a good job clearing out your excess B12. Another cause can be the genetic defect in your MTHFR gene.

The following stories reveal that low B12 can have some fairly powerful symptoms–some which can mimic low thyroid or an adrenal problem!

Marilyn’s Story: I had a B12 level of 189 five years ago. In the beginning, I tried the mega-doses of B12, but they did nothing for me, and I had to take the monthly shots. My thyroid specialist recommended B12 Dots (found in health food stores or organic sections of stores). Put under your tongue, they are absorbed into the blood stream directly. One a day and I am back to normal. No more shots and no more big pills to take. I use the 500 mcg dot, but I know they also make a 5000 mcg dot.

Jennifer’s Story:  When I figured out I was low on B-12 (not by having it tested—it was at normal levels) and started B-12 injections,  I was stunned to discover how many of my symptoms,  that I thought were due to wrong levels of thyroid meds or HC,  were due to B-12. Of course the B-12 deficiency came about due to hypothyroidism causing slowed digestive system, low stomach acid, poor absorption of B-12…so I guess you could say it was a thyroid set of symptoms,  yet I “fixed” them, for now, with B-12.

The B-12 relieved free-floating anxiety, quite a bit of the brain fog–the part where my brain just kept “slipping” and going off-line, some of the lack of energy, and some of the difficulty sleeping. ALL of the free-floating anxiety though, which I did not expect at all–I was sure that must be from the adrenals or thyroid stuff. I’ll probably never know if the tingling/numbness in my hands, feet and face were caused by this. Apparently it’s common and it can be permanent. There are so many possible causes of that particular symptom that I just don’t know.

What I learned from reading the book with the annoying title: “Could it Be B-12?” is that neurological symptoms show first and before there’s any indication in the bloodwork. The title’s annoying because when you see it lying around all the time you start talking to yourself and answering the question and posing the question to yourself and everyone else around you. If you get this book be sure to cover it or turn itface down when you leave it or you’re going to hear people asking the question.

At first I did ten days in a row of injections and was ready to be the B-12 poster girl. Then I tried to go to every other day and my brain started slipping immediately and little fingers of anxiety started poking at me again. I went back to every day for awhile, switched from  cyanocobalamine to methylcobalimine (supposed to be more easily absorbed and stay in the system longer) and now I’m down to 2X/week without losing gains.

Interesting, eh? The B-12 test I had was the one they use to catch early and mild cases. Nothing.

Meleese’s story: My levels were consistently in the 200-240 range and I had 2 doctors emphatically refuse me injections. I got to the stage where I could barely function, so I saw a “good doc” (listed in the NTH files) when she opened her books to new patients (she only opens them a couple of times a year).  She was horrified and taught me to self inject. We can buy hydroxo OTC here in Australia, so at the moment I am injecting about every 3 days. Improvements already are….better sleep, muscle pain has lessened (it was horrendous I could barely use my arms) I can feel my feet again, especially my toes. My balance is improving (although I still use a walking stick). My energy levels/ brain fog are slowly improving. I still can’t read (one of my great loves) but am getting there.  There’s a great forum here (it’s UK based):  http://www.pernicious-anaemia-society.org/phpbb/

Fatigue and cures

Fatigue, also referred to as tiredness, exhaustion, lethargy, and listlessness, describes a physical and/or mental state of being tired and weak. Although physical and mental fatigue are different, the two often exist together - if a person is physically exhausted for long enough, they will also be mentally tired. When somebody experiences physical fatigue, it means they cannot continue functioning at their normal levels of physical ability. Mental fatigue, however, is more slanted towards feeling sleepy and being unable to concentrate properly.

Fatigue is a symptom, rather than a sign. A symptom is something the patient feels and describes, such as a headache or dizziness, while a sign is something the doctor can detect without talking to the patient, such as a rash. Fatigue is a non-specific symptom, i.e. it may have several possible causes.

Mental and physical fatigue

Physical fatigue - the person's muscles cannot do things as easily as they used to. Climbing stairs or carrying laden supermarket bags may be much harder than before. Physical fatigue is also known as muscle weakness, weakness, or lack of strength. Doctors usually carry out a strength test as they go about diagnosing and trying to find out the causes of individual cases of physical fatigue.

Psychological (mental) fatigue - concentrating on things has become harder. When symptoms are severe the patient might not want to get out of bed in the morning, or perform his/her daily activities. Mental fatigue often appears together with physical fatigue in patients, but not always. People may feel sleepy, have a decreased level of consciousness, and in some cases show signs similar to that of an intoxicated state. Mental fatigue may be life threatening, especially when the sufferer has to perform some tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery. Fatigue among training doctors is a serious public health concern; both for the health of the junior doctor and patients under their responsibility.

What are the signs and symptoms of fatigue? The main symptom of fatigue is exhaustion (severe fatigue) after a physical or mental activity. The patient does not feel refreshed after resting or sleeping. Severe fatigue may undermine the person's ability to carry out their usual activities.

Patients describe fatigue, especially chronic fatigue (chronic fatigue syndrome) as overwhelming, and describe the tiredness as completely different from what they have experienced before - not a result of overdoing things, but simply a loss of motivation. Fatigue is a common symptom among people with clinical depression.

Some people find symptoms get worse after exercise - known as post-exertional malaise, or payback. Sometimes post-exertional malaise may not emerge until several hours after the exercise; sometimes even a day later.

Fatigue signs and symptoms may be of a physical, mental or emotional nature. Below is a list of some more possible signs and symptoms:

Bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, possibly problems similar to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

Aching or sore muscles

Painful lymph nodes

Apathy, lack of motivation

Chronic (long-term) tiredness

Difficulty in concentrating

Dizziness

Hallucinations

Hand-to-eye coordination may be impaired

Headache

Impaired judgment

Indecisiveness

Irritability

Loss of appetite

Moodiness

Poorer immune system function

Short-term memory impairment - there may be problems organizing thoughts and finding the right words to say (brain fog)

Sleepiness, drowsiness

Slow responses to stimuli

Slower-than-normal reflexes

Some vision problems, such as blurriness