Re: Vit B-12, Brain benefits, PH

[Guest guest]

Hi Patty,

Thanks for the article. I'm still confused though because I recently

read that the whole vegetarian B-12 deficiency is a

myth...uuuggghhh! Sometimes I think I'm better off w/ just going w/

the first thing I see rather than digging into it because there is so

much contradiction!!

I have numbness/tingling in my left arm/hands every day and night. I

am also anemic. I told my doc I thought maybe I had pernicious

anemia but she said no. One blood test said I was deficient in B-12

but I was never treated for it after learning that methylcobalamin in

B-12 can methylate into mercury in some people who are mercury

toxic. That scared me!!

I do have some B-12 nasal spray that has helped cure some autistic

kids (along w/ diet). I think I'm going to try it out for a couple

days and see if I seem to feel worse or better. My symptoms are so

darn constant though that's it's hard to know what's working and

what's not.

Did you take a lot of B12? Do you now or do you get it through your

kefir? I know it's in my multi but maybe that's not enough.

Thanks. Love, PH

>

> PH, here is one article on the subject of brain health and B-12. 

Of course, B-12 deficiency is one big area of concern for those who

are vegetarian or don't eat meat.  They simply must supplement as a

precaution. Better to be safe than sorry.

> http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20080908/vitamin-b12-boasts-brain-

benefits?src=RSS_PUBLIC

> Vitamin B12 Boasts Brain Benefits

> Simple Dietary Changes May Help Ward Off Brain Volume Loss in Old

Age

> By Robynne Boyd

> WebMD Health News

> Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

>

>

> Sept. 8, 2008 -- Vitamin B12 may help protect against brain volume

loss in the elderly.

>  

> That's according to researchers from the University of Oxford in

England.

>  

> The scientists studied 107 people between the ages of 61 and 87

without memory or thinking problems. The average age of participants

was 73, and 54% were women.

>  

> The researchers collected blood samples to check the levels of

vitamin B12, a nutrient found in meat, fish, and milk. Participants

underwent yearly brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),

memory testing, and physical exams.

>  

> None of the people in the study had a vitamin B12 deficiency.

>  

> When the researchers compared the results, they found that people

who had higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less likely to

experience brain shrinkage compared with those who had lower levels

of the vitamin in their blood.

>  

> The researchers write that they were unable to investigate whether

lower vitamin B12 could cause cognitive impairment by its effect on

brain size.

>  

> " Many factors that affect brain health are thought to be out of our

control, but this study suggests that simply adjusting our diets to

get more vitamin B12 through eating meat, fish, fortified cereals, or

milk may be something we can easily adjust to prevent brain shrinkage

and so perhaps save our memory, " says study author Vogiatzoglou,

MSc, with the University of Oxford.

>  

> Since the researchers did not look at whether taking vitamin B12

supplements would have an effect, it remains unknown whether they

could make a difference in elderly persons at risk for brain

shrinkage.

>  

> " Without carrying out a clinical trial, we acknowledge that it is

still not known whether B12 supplementation would actually make a

difference in elderly persons at risk for brain shrinkage, "

Vogiatzoglou says.

>

[Guest guest]

PH,

I can tell you that when I gave myself my very first shot of Vitamin

B-12 in the arm, it made a HUGE difference in my energy levels. It

was as if I could suddenly get up and dance. I was amazed.

I've tried several forms of B-12 supplementation. I purchased

injectable B-12 from a clinic I trust, along with the syringes, and

injected cyanocobalamin in my arm several times a week at first. I

have not done that in quite some time, but when I first used it, it

was profoundly effective.

After I decided to try the methylcobalamin after reading about it, it

was purely for preventative therapy. By that time, I was already

feeling much better. I was not eating as much meat though, so I took

the sublinguals, and according to Cutler, I was to take them in high

doses.

I've also used the B-12 sublingual spray. I can't say if any of them

are more effective than the other. I think that my very noticeable

jump in energy after my first shot was indicative of the extent of my

need for it.

I still take a sublingual methylcobalamin tablet occasionally. Kefir

also provides some, along with other B's. I also eat wild game

because my husband, as most of you know, provides venison for our

family and we do not buy beef. So, I think I'm covered.

It would be my suggestion to make sure you are getting as much B-12

as you can and quickly if you have been tested low in it. Tingling

in the extremities is one sign of B-12 deficiency, and it is a

serious enough issue that if you do not treat for it, the damage can

be permanent.

Also, do not be afraid of getting too much. I've known people who

have injected themselves with a syringe full DAILY. (The woman I knew

had chronic fatigue issues, but not implants.) Cutler had advised

taking nearly a whole handful of sublinguals to get as much as you

would in an injection. You will only eliminate the excess in your

urine. In my view, it would be better to saturate the cells with too

much than to be niggardly (check your dictionary folks) in giving it.

Better to be safe than sorry is my mantra.

Didn't your research with Cutler indicate he approved of this form of

B-12? The autistic kids who show improvement are a good sign.

Hugs,

Patty

> >

> > PH, here is one article on the subject of brain health and B-12. 

> Of course, B-12 deficiency is one big area of concern for those who

> are vegetarian or don't eat meat.  They simply must supplement as a

> precaution. Better to be safe than sorry.

> > http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20080908/vitamin-b12-boasts-brain-

> benefits?src=RSS_PUBLIC

> > Vitamin B12 Boasts Brain Benefits

> > Simple Dietary Changes May Help Ward Off Brain Volume Loss in Old

> Age

> > By Robynne Boyd

> > WebMD Health News

> > Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

> >

> >

> > Sept. 8, 2008 -- Vitamin B12 may help protect against brain

volume

> loss in the elderly.

> >  

> > That's according to researchers from the University of Oxford in

> England.

> >  

> > The scientists studied 107 people between the ages of 61 and 87

> without memory or thinking problems. The average age of

participants

> was 73, and 54% were women.

> >  

> > The researchers collected blood samples to check the levels of

> vitamin B12, a nutrient found in meat, fish, and milk. Participants

> underwent yearly brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging

(MRI),

> memory testing, and physical exams.

> >  

> > None of the people in the study had a vitamin B12 deficiency.

> >  

> > When the researchers compared the results, they found that people

> who had higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less likely to

> experience brain shrinkage compared with those who had lower levels

> of the vitamin in their blood.

> >  

> > The researchers write that they were unable to investigate

whether

> lower vitamin B12 could cause cognitive impairment by its effect on

> brain size.

> >  

> > " Many factors that affect brain health are thought to be out of

our

> control, but this study suggests that simply adjusting our diets to

> get more vitamin B12 through eating meat, fish, fortified cereals,

or

> milk may be something we can easily adjust to prevent brain

shrinkage

> and so perhaps save our memory, " says study author

Vogiatzoglou,

> MSc, with the University of Oxford.

> >  

> > Since the researchers did not look at whether taking vitamin B12

> supplements would have an effect, it remains unknown whether they

> could make a difference in elderly persons at risk for brain

> shrinkage.

> >  

> > " Without carrying out a clinical trial, we acknowledge that it is

> still not known whether B12 supplementation would actually make a

> difference in elderly persons at risk for brain shrinkage, "

> Vogiatzoglou says.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the article and advice, Patty. I never followed Cutler's

protocol to a T because it was so complex. My brain is still in a

state where it is difficult to read, comphrehend, etc. Even to go to

the store and look at a shelf of supplements is taxing. It scares me

because this has been going on for a year and 9 months!

I knew Cutler recommended the B-12 and I bought the spray and was

ready to use it when a message was posted on a mercury forum by some

parents, citing articles where B-12 converted to methylmercury. So I

didn't want to chance it. I'm to the point I'm so desperate I'll do

anything. I can't believe I am this ill. I'm currently on parasite

medication for one week and the doc said it would make my vision

problems worse while on it. It's such an odd feeling...flashers,

floaters, spaciness, halos around everything, everything just looks

weird. It's no different than I've experienced since day one, but

I'm just tired of it!! I can't wait for the day I have a clear head

and eyes. It'll come, I know.

Love, PH

> > >

> > > PH, here is one article on the subject of brain health and B-

12. 

> > Of course, B-12 deficiency is one big area of concern for those

who

> > are vegetarian or don't eat meat.  They simply must supplement as

a

> > precaution. Better to be safe than sorry.

> > > http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20080908/vitamin-b12-boasts-

brain-

> > benefits?src=RSS_PUBLIC

> > > Vitamin B12 Boasts Brain Benefits

> > > Simple Dietary Changes May Help Ward Off Brain Volume Loss in

Old

> > Age

> > > By Robynne Boyd

> > > WebMD Health News

> > > Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

> > >

> > >

> > > Sept. 8, 2008 -- Vitamin B12 may help protect against brain

> volume

> > loss in the elderly.

> > >  

> > > That's according to researchers from the University of Oxford

in

> > England.

> > >  

> > > The scientists studied 107 people between the ages of 61 and 87

> > without memory or thinking problems. The average age of

> participants

> > was 73, and 54% were women.

> > >  

> > > The researchers collected blood samples to check the levels of

> > vitamin B12, a nutrient found in meat, fish, and milk.

Participants

> > underwent yearly brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging

> (MRI),

> > memory testing, and physical exams.

> > >  

> > > None of the people in the study had a vitamin B12 deficiency.

> > >  

> > > When the researchers compared the results, they found that

people

> > who had higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less likely to

> > experience brain shrinkage compared with those who had lower

levels

> > of the vitamin in their blood.

> > >  

> > > The researchers write that they were unable to investigate

> whether

> > lower vitamin B12 could cause cognitive impairment by its effect

on

> > brain size.

> > >  

> > > " Many factors that affect brain health are thought to be out of

> our

> > control, but this study suggests that simply adjusting our diets

to

> > get more vitamin B12 through eating meat, fish, fortified

cereals,

> or

> > milk may be something we can easily adjust to prevent brain

> shrinkage

> > and so perhaps save our memory, " says study author

> Vogiatzoglou,

> > MSc, with the University of Oxford.

> > >  

> > > Since the researchers did not look at whether taking vitamin

B12

> > supplements would have an effect, it remains unknown whether they

> > could make a difference in elderly persons at risk for brain

> > shrinkage.

> > >  

> > > " Without carrying out a clinical trial, we acknowledge that it

is

> > still not known whether B12 supplementation would actually make a

> > difference in elderly persons at risk for brain shrinkage, "

> > Vogiatzoglou says.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

PH,

If it helps you...I never followed Cutler's protocol to a " T " either,

except to do the DMSA protocol timing every 4 hours. I tried to eat

correctly, but I will be the first to admit that eating right 100% of

the time is extremely difficult.

I'm concerned that you are not seeing improvement in the vision area

yet. I did have some of it to a degree, though I'm not sure it is

the same completely. I did have floaters, but the spaciness was the

worst. I also had several instances of frightening brain " pops " for

lack of a better description. I have no clue what they were, or why

I sometimes also had split second feelings of passing out while I was

sitting in my rocking chair. Those stopped, but I know how scary

this stuff can be.

I began seeing more significant improvement after I passed the 18-20

month marker. Maybe longer than that. I was explanted in Feb 1998,

and it wasn't until the fall/winter of 1999 that I really stepped up

the fasting and started seeing things get better. I nudged myself

off that plateau.

Let me say this also, being careful of what I want to imply. When I

was the most careful about my diet and supplements and therapies, I

felt bad. I didn't always see the stark changes in improvement, such

as what I saw with the B-12 supplementation. In fact, I would almost

go so far as to say that I felt better when I was eating a normal

diet, meaning cooked foods, some processed foods, and some sugar. I

didn't pig out, mind you, but I can postulate one idea....that with

an overactive (i.e. autoimmune-leaning) immune system, perhaps eating

foods that were immune system suppressive (such as sugar) helped keep

that overactivity in check. Does that sound far fetched? I don't

know. All I know is that I really struggled and sometimes when I just

said out of frustration, " The hell with it " and ate what I wanted, I

didn't feel as bad as I thought I would.

We eat lots of salads, soups, venison, raw milk and organic foods.

We are careful about that. But let me also say we eat Pizza and other

foods when we want to as well, so we are not extremists.

I offer that as a bit of info to give you some latitude, in the hopes

that you can feel better. I hate to see you struggling and working

so hard, not to see the improvement that you desire. I really,

really want you to get better PH! I hope that you start experiencing

some relief soon...at least to the point that you can recognize that

there is some waxing and waning with longer periods of relief.

Hugs,

Patty

> > > >

> > > > PH, here is one article on the subject of brain health and B-

> 12. 

> > > Of course, B-12 deficiency is one big area of concern for those

> who

> > > are vegetarian or don't eat meat.  They simply must supplement

as

> a

> > > precaution. Better to be safe than sorry.

> > > > http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20080908/vitamin-b12-boasts-

> brain-

> > > benefits?src=RSS_PUBLIC

> > > > Vitamin B12 Boasts Brain Benefits

> > > > Simple Dietary Changes May Help Ward Off Brain Volume Loss in

> Old

> > > Age

> > > > By Robynne Boyd

> > > > WebMD Health News

> > > > Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Sept. 8, 2008 -- Vitamin B12 may help protect against brain

> > volume

> > > loss in the elderly.

> > > >  

> > > > That's according to researchers from the University of Oxford

> in

> > > England.

> > > >  

> > > > The scientists studied 107 people between the ages of 61 and

87

> > > without memory or thinking problems. The average age of

> > participants

> > > was 73, and 54% were women.

> > > >  

> > > > The researchers collected blood samples to check the levels

of

> > > vitamin B12, a nutrient found in meat, fish, and milk.

> Participants

> > > underwent yearly brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging

> > (MRI),

> > > memory testing, and physical exams.

> > > >  

> > > > None of the people in the study had a vitamin B12 deficiency.

> > > >  

> > > > When the researchers compared the results, they found that

> people

> > > who had higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less likely to

> > > experience brain shrinkage compared with those who had lower

> levels

> > > of the vitamin in their blood.

> > > >  

> > > > The researchers write that they were unable to investigate

> > whether

> > > lower vitamin B12 could cause cognitive impairment by its

effect

> on

> > > brain size.

> > > >  

> > > > " Many factors that affect brain health are thought to be out

of

> > our

> > > control, but this study suggests that simply adjusting our

diets

> to

> > > get more vitamin B12 through eating meat, fish, fortified

> cereals,

> > or

> > > milk may be something we can easily adjust to prevent brain

> > shrinkage

> > > and so perhaps save our memory, " says study author

> > Vogiatzoglou,

> > > MSc, with the University of Oxford.

> > > >  

> > > > Since the researchers did not look at whether taking vitamin

> B12

> > > supplements would have an effect, it remains unknown whether

they

> > > could make a difference in elderly persons at risk for brain

> > > shrinkage.

> > > >  

> > > > " Without carrying out a clinical trial, we acknowledge that

it

> is

> > > still not known whether B12 supplementation would actually make

a

> > > difference in elderly persons at risk for brain shrinkage, "

> > > Vogiatzoglou says.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Patty,

I appreciate the advice. Maybe I need to chelate more. I only did

DMSA for 4 months. I've been doing the FCT but I honestly don't know

if it's pulling the metals out. Maybe my symptoms are lasting longer

because I swallowed a metal filling. I hope it's not lodged in me.

I wouldn't think so but I've been corresponding w/ a woman who had

two pieces of a gold/amalgam crown end up in her appendix when

swallowed! I try not to think about it because what could I do??

She had surgery but is still struggling horribly. I don't know that

I could handle another surgery.

My MD/ND just had me do another hair analysis and I'm going to do a

urine challenge to see where my metals are after all this detox. I

pray the results are lower, even though I know those tests don't mean

a whole lot if you still have symptoms.

Sometimes I wonder too if I just have a more stubborn case of candida

since I was on antibiotics for 44 days right after I swallowed the

mercury...my gastro's idea...why I listened, who knows!?! It was

back when I erroneously thought docs had all the right answers. Ha!

Maybe that's why I'm still dealing w/ some vision issues...I don't

know.

I hear what you're saying about giving the immune system a break w/ a

few " not so good " things to suppress it. I'm not as strict as I was

in the beginning. Two days ago I had a chocolate shake knowing that

the sugar and the casein probably weren't the healthiest for me. It

seems like no matter what I eat, my symptoms remain the same. I have

less digestive issues if I eat only veggies and some fruit though.

I know I'll get through this and recover 100% but it's just hard

living through it, trying to fight it/accept it, and waiting to see

that things are turning around. It'll happen though.

Thanks again. Love, PH

> > > > >

> > > > > PH, here is one article on the subject of brain health and

B-

> > 12. 

> > > > Of course, B-12 deficiency is one big area of concern for

those

> > who

> > > > are vegetarian or don't eat meat.  They simply must

supplement

> as

> > a

> > > > precaution. Better to be safe than sorry.

> > > > > http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20080908/vitamin-b12-boasts-

> > brain-

> > > > benefits?src=RSS_PUBLIC

> > > > > Vitamin B12 Boasts Brain Benefits

> > > > > Simple Dietary Changes May Help Ward Off Brain Volume Loss

in

> > Old

> > > > Age

> > > > > By Robynne Boyd

> > > > > WebMD Health News

> > > > > Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > Sept. 8, 2008 -- Vitamin B12 may help protect against brain

> > > volume

> > > > loss in the elderly.

> > > > >  

> > > > > That's according to researchers from the University of

Oxford

> > in

> > > > England.

> > > > >  

> > > > > The scientists studied 107 people between the ages of 61

and

> 87

> > > > without memory or thinking problems. The average age of

> > > participants

> > > > was 73, and 54% were women.

> > > > >  

> > > > > The researchers collected blood samples to check the levels

> of

> > > > vitamin B12, a nutrient found in meat, fish, and milk.

> > Participants

> > > > underwent yearly brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging

> > > (MRI),

> > > > memory testing, and physical exams.

> > > > >  

> > > > > None of the people in the study had a vitamin B12

deficiency.

> > > > >  

> > > > > When the researchers compared the results, they found that

> > people

> > > > who had higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less likely

to

> > > > experience brain shrinkage compared with those who had lower

> > levels

> > > > of the vitamin in their blood.

> > > > >  

> > > > > The researchers write that they were unable to investigate

> > > whether

> > > > lower vitamin B12 could cause cognitive impairment by its

> effect

> > on

> > > > brain size.

> > > > >  

> > > > > " Many factors that affect brain health are thought to be

out

> of

> > > our

> > > > control, but this study suggests that simply adjusting our

> diets

> > to

> > > > get more vitamin B12 through eating meat, fish, fortified

> > cereals,

> > > or

> > > > milk may be something we can easily adjust to prevent brain

> > > shrinkage

> > > > and so perhaps save our memory, " says study author

> > > Vogiatzoglou,

> > > > MSc, with the University of Oxford.

> > > > >  

> > > > > Since the researchers did not look at whether taking

vitamin

> > B12

> > > > supplements would have an effect, it remains unknown whether

> they

> > > > could make a difference in elderly persons at risk for brain

> > > > shrinkage.

> > > > >  

> > > > > " Without carrying out a clinical trial, we acknowledge that

> it

> > is

> > > > still not known whether B12 supplementation would actually

make

> a

> > > > difference in elderly persons at risk for brain shrinkage, "

> > > > Vogiatzoglou says.

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

PH,

Swallowing a metal filling should have been something your dentist

was careful to prevent. Was this during amalgam removal? I have not

researched what to do in that instance....what is recommended?

Is there a way to find out if it is still in your body? I would have

expected it would have been excreted in the bowels. I would think if

it were stuck somewhere, such as the appendix, they could see it

somehow.

Let us know the results of the tests. Even though mine showed lower

levels of metals after chelation, I still felt sick. I just believe

that it takes time for the immune system/hormonal imbalances to

recover, with regular detox.

44 days on antibiotics....yikes. For sure, probiotics were in order!

I know you covered your bases there.

Keep up the good work, and sharing your results. What's the future

with the FCT? Are you continuing it? Done? Would you recommend it to

others still?

Patty

> > > > > >

> > > > > > PH, here is one article on the subject of brain health

and

> B-

> > > 12. 

> > > > > Of course, B-12 deficiency is one big area of concern for

> those

> > > who

> > > > > are vegetarian or don't eat meat.  They simply must

> supplement

> > as

> > > a

> > > > > precaution. Better to be safe than sorry.

> > > > > > http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20080908/vitamin-b12-

boasts-

> > > brain-

> > > > > benefits?src=RSS_PUBLIC

> > > > > > Vitamin B12 Boasts Brain Benefits

> > > > > > Simple Dietary Changes May Help Ward Off Brain Volume

Loss

> in

> > > Old

> > > > > Age

> > > > > > By Robynne Boyd

> > > > > > WebMD Health News

> > > > > > Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Sept. 8, 2008 -- Vitamin B12 may help protect against

brain

> > > > volume

> > > > > loss in the elderly.

> > > > > >  

> > > > > > That's according to researchers from the University of

> Oxford

> > > in

> > > > > England.

> > > > > >  

> > > > > > The scientists studied 107 people between the ages of 61

> and

> > 87

> > > > > without memory or thinking problems. The average age of

> > > > participants

> > > > > was 73, and 54% were women.

> > > > > >  

> > > > > > The researchers collected blood samples to check the

levels

> > of

> > > > > vitamin B12, a nutrient found in meat, fish, and milk.

> > > Participants

> > > > > underwent yearly brain scans using magnetic resonance

imaging

> > > > (MRI),

> > > > > memory testing, and physical exams.

> > > > > >  

> > > > > > None of the people in the study had a vitamin B12

> deficiency.

> > > > > >  

> > > > > > When the researchers compared the results, they found

that

> > > people

> > > > > who had higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less

likely

> to

> > > > > experience brain shrinkage compared with those who had

lower

> > > levels

> > > > > of the vitamin in their blood.

> > > > > >  

> > > > > > The researchers write that they were unable to

investigate

> > > > whether

> > > > > lower vitamin B12 could cause cognitive impairment by its

> > effect

> > > on

> > > > > brain size.

> > > > > >  

> > > > > > " Many factors that affect brain health are thought to be

> out

> > of

> > > > our

> > > > > control, but this study suggests that simply adjusting our

> > diets

> > > to

> > > > > get more vitamin B12 through eating meat, fish, fortified

> > > cereals,

> > > > or

> > > > > milk may be something we can easily adjust to prevent brain

> > > > shrinkage

> > > > > and so perhaps save our memory, " says study author

> > > > Vogiatzoglou,

> > > > > MSc, with the University of Oxford.

> > > > > >  

> > > > > > Since the researchers did not look at whether taking

> vitamin

> > > B12

> > > > > supplements would have an effect, it remains unknown

whether

> > they

> > > > > could make a difference in elderly persons at risk for

brain

> > > > > shrinkage.

> > > > > >  

> > > > > > " Without carrying out a clinical trial, we acknowledge

that

> > it

> > > is

> > > > > still not known whether B12 supplementation would actually

> make

> > a

> > > > > difference in elderly persons at risk for brain shrinkage, "

> > > > > Vogiatzoglou says.

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>