Re: Re: Simple & minimal approach to healing

[Guest guest]

Holly

I

generally use my body’s reactions and symptoms as a guide to what

supplements I need – in combination with research, of course. It usually

takes some work to discover what form of supplement works best for me, meaning

whether it is oral or by injection, and if oral, mixed in water or swallowed in

a tablet or capsule. I have to try different brands that contain

different dosages and ingredient sources, as all make a difference to how my

body reacts, and how effective the supplement is.

Kind

of mind-boggling, I agree [grin]. I just work methodically through the

options. Was I this organized when I was at my sickest and just starting

SCD? Definitely not. I just focused on food and didn’t take

any supplements for 4 to 6 months, then I started off with just one, L.

Acidophilus. As I’ve healed, I’ve had more energy to spare

and could deal with the subtleties of supplementation. Of course I’ve

also had more health issues develop, so that is a good thing.

My

doctors give me advice based on what my lab results are, and what other tests

indicate is going on. Then I do the research. Because of my history of

bad reactions, I only try things that are absolutely critical. Then I begin the

trial period, seeing how much is too much and what the side-effects become, if there

are any. There usually are [sigh]. It usually comes down to a

supplement or medication triggering worse side-effects than the original problem.

Sometimes I can just find a different source or form, or cut back on the

frequency of use; but most of the time I end up stopping the supplement or

medication and just learn how to cope with the symptom.

What

is interesting to me is that over the past five years I’ve gravitated to

taking nearly all my supplements mixed in water. I tend to be deficient

in a number of minerals, so I can take just those I need the most. I also

go through a lot of ELyte for other symptoms. All in water, and all but my

daily dose of Miralax taken alone, between meals, so there aren’t any interactions

to worry about. My iron levels are good, so I don’t have to worry

about needing extra vitamin C when I eat iron-rich foods. I get B12 by

injection every 4 to 6 weeks. The other two supplements I swallow are L.

Acidophilus in capsule, and a multivitamin once every few weeks.

I

just eat healthy and supplement a few critical things. The more I learn

about supplement manufacturers, and food processors, the more cautious I have

become… I’ve learned to hold my own with my doctors, as well –

it helps to know the medical terminology.

Works

for me anyway.

Kim M.

SCD 6 years

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction 6+ years

neurological & spinal deterioration 3+ years

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

But

what about foods? Do you avoid eating certain things together that might keep

you from absorbing the vitamins and minerals well? Or do you just throw caution

to the wind ;-). My big concern right now is getting enough calcium for my bones

(osteoporosis diagnosis), yet doing so away from any foods that contain iron

(my ferritin is low again).

Holly

Crohn's

SCD 12/01/08