One of the questions I get asked the most via email is what products I use. I already did a whole post on Burbur, because I adore that supplement, but as I continue on this journey I have tried out a lot of stuff. At the end of the day I have a list of favorites and what they have done for me, so I wanted a place to be able to talk about them. This list is not extensive, but it's more so a list of what has been the MOST beneficial that I think could be helpful to you all. This list will likely grow as I spend more time on it or try other things.
As always this isn't intended to be used as medical advice, but more of a snapshot of what has given me progress. I include links to all of the supplements if you click on the photos. Some may be affiliate links, however I was not paid to try any of the products below, nor were any of them given to me for free. Everything below was purchased by me, and I have no sponsorships with any of the companies. It's important for me to be very transparent!
As always this isn't intended to be used as medical advice, but more of a snapshot of what has given me progress. I include links to all of the supplements if you click on the photos. Some may be affiliate links, however I was not paid to try any of the products below, nor were any of them given to me for free. Everything below was purchased by me, and I have no sponsorships with any of the companies. It's important for me to be very transparent!
Supplements & Must Haves
Burbur Detox:
If I could only keep 1 single supplement this one would be it. Burbur detox by NutraMedix is the most gentle but yet life saving detox I have ever come across. It works by draining the lymphatic system, the kidneys, and the liver. They are all drained at once to provide relief if you get hit with a mega herx. It can also be used daily to just keep the body detoxing and moving. This product is something I absolutely can't live without. Its about $30 a bottle and worth every penny. Each bottle lasts me anywhere from 1-3 months. I have recommended it to a lot of people, and of those people they all sang its praises.
If I could only keep 1 single supplement this one would be it. Burbur detox by NutraMedix is the most gentle but yet life saving detox I have ever come across. It works by draining the lymphatic system, the kidneys, and the liver. They are all drained at once to provide relief if you get hit with a mega herx. It can also be used daily to just keep the body detoxing and moving. This product is something I absolutely can't live without. Its about $30 a bottle and worth every penny. Each bottle lasts me anywhere from 1-3 months. I have recommended it to a lot of people, and of those people they all sang its praises.
ProBiota Bifido
ATTN Anyone who struggles with Histamine Issues, Mast Cell Issues or MCAS/MCAD. For those of you who are like me, and you do have Histamine issues, you will have to be extra careful with probiotics. Most strains of probiotics on the market are histamine producing, and only complicate the problem with added inflammation. This brand, Probiota Bifido, was made specifically to combat that! It is made up of histamine reducing strains only, and it can help actually lower histamine in the body. It is incredible stuff, and I absolutely adore it! It helps to counter balance the histamine overload caused by other supplements I need. This stuff is GOLD, and worth every penny. If you are curious to read more about how it works I have a full post about it HERE.
ATTN Anyone who struggles with Histamine Issues, Mast Cell Issues or MCAS/MCAD. For those of you who are like me, and you do have Histamine issues, you will have to be extra careful with probiotics. Most strains of probiotics on the market are histamine producing, and only complicate the problem with added inflammation. This brand, Probiota Bifido, was made specifically to combat that! It is made up of histamine reducing strains only, and it can help actually lower histamine in the body. It is incredible stuff, and I absolutely adore it! It helps to counter balance the histamine overload caused by other supplements I need. This stuff is GOLD, and worth every penny. If you are curious to read more about how it works I have a full post about it HERE.
D-Hist
D Hist is another amazing product if you have Mast cell issues or allergy issues with histamine regulation. D Hist uses Quercetin which is a powerful mast cell stabilizer. This helps greatly with allergies and many people use this in place of their usual prescription allergy meds. I depend on this daily to keep my inflammation in check throughout my body.
Ingredients:
Quercetin- A mast cell stabilizer and a powerful natural flavonoid. Quercetin has been shown to inhibit certain compounds that typically affect sinus and respiratory health.
Stinging Nettles Leaf- Helps dry up nasal passages.
Bromelain- A strong pineapple enzyme, bromelain has proven mucolytic properties. As such, bromelain supports normal mucousal tissue function and enhances the absorption of quercetin.
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)- An amino acid that is a natural mucolytic, NAC reduces the viscosity of mucus.
You can buy D-Hist HERE. If you prefer a chewable version they have D-Hist Jr HERE
D Hist is another amazing product if you have Mast cell issues or allergy issues with histamine regulation. D Hist uses Quercetin which is a powerful mast cell stabilizer. This helps greatly with allergies and many people use this in place of their usual prescription allergy meds. I depend on this daily to keep my inflammation in check throughout my body.
Ingredients:
Quercetin- A mast cell stabilizer and a powerful natural flavonoid. Quercetin has been shown to inhibit certain compounds that typically affect sinus and respiratory health.
Stinging Nettles Leaf- Helps dry up nasal passages.
Bromelain- A strong pineapple enzyme, bromelain has proven mucolytic properties. As such, bromelain supports normal mucousal tissue function and enhances the absorption of quercetin.
N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)- An amino acid that is a natural mucolytic, NAC reduces the viscosity of mucus.
You can buy D-Hist HERE. If you prefer a chewable version they have D-Hist Jr HERE
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Flakes:
The popular detox that is used in baths for most people in Epsom Salt. Epsom salt essentially is Magnesium sulfate. For some people like myself you may have a genetic mutation that makes sulfates hard to tolerate. Essentially my body genetically can not detox the sulfur out properly and so I don't get the full benefit of the foot bath, while also overworking my body. That's why I made the switch to magnesium flakes which is Magnesium Chloride. I do a foot bath every single night with this and some baking soda and it's a staple for me. If I go through a period of time where I skip it I can always tell. Magnesium foot baths detox the body SO well. In fact, if you use these magnesium flakes then you need to use much less of it than you do the Epsom salt, because magnesium chloride is much more readily absorbed and available. So, that's another plus!
The popular detox that is used in baths for most people in Epsom Salt. Epsom salt essentially is Magnesium sulfate. For some people like myself you may have a genetic mutation that makes sulfates hard to tolerate. Essentially my body genetically can not detox the sulfur out properly and so I don't get the full benefit of the foot bath, while also overworking my body. That's why I made the switch to magnesium flakes which is Magnesium Chloride. I do a foot bath every single night with this and some baking soda and it's a staple for me. If I go through a period of time where I skip it I can always tell. Magnesium foot baths detox the body SO well. In fact, if you use these magnesium flakes then you need to use much less of it than you do the Epsom salt, because magnesium chloride is much more readily absorbed and available. So, that's another plus!
Klaire Labs Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are a must for me, and I would be willing to bet that they could benefit you too. It takes the body a lot of work to create all the enzymes needed to properly digest any meal you eat. The use of digestive enzymes are incredibly helpful because it takes some burden off the liver and pancreas. Typically with Lyme Disease (and other illnesses) the liver gets so overwhelmed with all the detoxing it's doing that it can put a strain on the digestive system. Plus, if do not have the needed enzymes to break down your food properly you also don't get all the nutrients out of the food. It's unnecessary stress for the body. Digestive enzymes contain the needed enzymes to break down foods such as protein, starch, carbohydrates, legumes, etc. I recommend getting a good quality digestive enzyme and simply taking it with your first bite of food. It's important to use a brand that is high quality, well rounded, and contains all the needed enzymes. I have used many many enzymes through the years, and my #1 favorite is Klaire Labs. They have enzymes called 'Vital-Zymes' and they come in both capsules and chewable. I prefer the chewable version, but it's up to personal preference since they are identical in ingredients. These are a comprehensive enzyme supplement with everything you need for any kind of meal you eat.
Digestive enzymes are a must for me, and I would be willing to bet that they could benefit you too. It takes the body a lot of work to create all the enzymes needed to properly digest any meal you eat. The use of digestive enzymes are incredibly helpful because it takes some burden off the liver and pancreas. Typically with Lyme Disease (and other illnesses) the liver gets so overwhelmed with all the detoxing it's doing that it can put a strain on the digestive system. Plus, if do not have the needed enzymes to break down your food properly you also don't get all the nutrients out of the food. It's unnecessary stress for the body. Digestive enzymes contain the needed enzymes to break down foods such as protein, starch, carbohydrates, legumes, etc. I recommend getting a good quality digestive enzyme and simply taking it with your first bite of food. It's important to use a brand that is high quality, well rounded, and contains all the needed enzymes. I have used many many enzymes through the years, and my #1 favorite is Klaire Labs. They have enzymes called 'Vital-Zymes' and they come in both capsules and chewable. I prefer the chewable version, but it's up to personal preference since they are identical in ingredients. These are a comprehensive enzyme supplement with everything you need for any kind of meal you eat.
Bioplasma Cell Salts:
This product I adore for its ability to restore minerals in the body. It is a homeopathic supplement that helps depleted levels of 12 minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and so many more. They are small white pellets that you put under your tongue which dissolve almost instantly. Things I love about this is that it is gentle on the stomach and quick. Since it goes under the tongue it does not have to make its way through the digestive system, which is often when a lot of minerals get lost. Under the tongue it goes straight into the blood supply to be used. I have a very sensitive stomach so that was a huge selling point for me.The instructions say to take 4 pellets a day. However if you experience a severe electrolyte loss and need to raise levels quickly you can take 4 pellets every 15 minutes for up to 8 doses. If you want a Lactose free version you can find it HERE.
This product I adore for its ability to restore minerals in the body. It is a homeopathic supplement that helps depleted levels of 12 minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and so many more. They are small white pellets that you put under your tongue which dissolve almost instantly. Things I love about this is that it is gentle on the stomach and quick. Since it goes under the tongue it does not have to make its way through the digestive system, which is often when a lot of minerals get lost. Under the tongue it goes straight into the blood supply to be used. I have a very sensitive stomach so that was a huge selling point for me.The instructions say to take 4 pellets a day. However if you experience a severe electrolyte loss and need to raise levels quickly you can take 4 pellets every 15 minutes for up to 8 doses. If you want a Lactose free version you can find it HERE.
Boluoke
I often get asked what is the BEST way to dissolve Biofilm. Biofilm is a big issue for those with Lyme and other Tick-borne illnesses since it is a shield made by the bacteria so that antibiotics can't penetrate it. Think of biofilm as a warm cocoon of protection for the bacteria. The biofilm must be broken down in order to get all the infections out. If you find that you have bad circulation, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) or thick sludgy blood then it's likely from biofilm and Boluoke will help greatly. There are a few options on the market, but the best and most potent of them all is Boluoke. This is essentially made up of an enzyme (Lumbrokinase) which does an excellent job of destroying the biofilm and helping with blood circulation as well. It is the best on the market because of how concentrated it is, and trust me, as someone who has tried the cheaper versions of "Lumbrokinase" they do not work anywhere near as well as Boluoke. I have tried them all, and I only got results with this. It's a bit more pricey, but lasts you 2 months and you can count on the quality.
I often get asked what is the BEST way to dissolve Biofilm. Biofilm is a big issue for those with Lyme and other Tick-borne illnesses since it is a shield made by the bacteria so that antibiotics can't penetrate it. Think of biofilm as a warm cocoon of protection for the bacteria. The biofilm must be broken down in order to get all the infections out. If you find that you have bad circulation, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) or thick sludgy blood then it's likely from biofilm and Boluoke will help greatly. There are a few options on the market, but the best and most potent of them all is Boluoke. This is essentially made up of an enzyme (Lumbrokinase) which does an excellent job of destroying the biofilm and helping with blood circulation as well. It is the best on the market because of how concentrated it is, and trust me, as someone who has tried the cheaper versions of "Lumbrokinase" they do not work anywhere near as well as Boluoke. I have tried them all, and I only got results with this. It's a bit more pricey, but lasts you 2 months and you can count on the quality.
ORS Electrolytes - Hydrant & CERA
I wrote a whole post on Electrolytes and why it's important to get a correct one with proper osmality (or else it won't work). If you want to read my full post it's linked HERE. But for the sake of this recommendation I just wanted to highlight two of the very best electrolyte drinks I have ever used. I suffer from POTS which means that staying properly hydrated is critical for my ability to just function in general. On top of that I went on to develop Crohn's which can often leave me dehydrated even more. I have tried so many electrolytes in my day, and I used to be convinced that I needed a sugar free electrolyte because that was healthier. What I didn't realize though is that the body needs glucose in these drinks because the glucose/sodium ratio is what helps drive the electrolytes into the cells. Without the glucose the body has a very hard time absorbing any of it. For years (and I mean YEARS), I fought with my electrolyte levels being very low. Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc were always low, or if I was lucky then I got it into "low-normal" range. When Crohn's came along this got even worse, and no matter how much of my old electrolytes I drank I was still weak, shaky, and felt all around miserable. This was when I learned about Oral Rehyration Solutions (ORS), which is what is give to the military is extreme heat, and children in developing countries who get cholera etc. After extensive research and trial and error with that, my two all time favorites are Hydrant and CERA. They have minimal clean ingredients, and feel AMAZING to drink. If I feel myself dragging I grab one of these ORS drinks and it changes how I feel almost instantly. I highly highly recommend them both if you need a good electrolyte.
I wrote a whole post on Electrolytes and why it's important to get a correct one with proper osmality (or else it won't work). If you want to read my full post it's linked HERE. But for the sake of this recommendation I just wanted to highlight two of the very best electrolyte drinks I have ever used. I suffer from POTS which means that staying properly hydrated is critical for my ability to just function in general. On top of that I went on to develop Crohn's which can often leave me dehydrated even more. I have tried so many electrolytes in my day, and I used to be convinced that I needed a sugar free electrolyte because that was healthier. What I didn't realize though is that the body needs glucose in these drinks because the glucose/sodium ratio is what helps drive the electrolytes into the cells. Without the glucose the body has a very hard time absorbing any of it. For years (and I mean YEARS), I fought with my electrolyte levels being very low. Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc were always low, or if I was lucky then I got it into "low-normal" range. When Crohn's came along this got even worse, and no matter how much of my old electrolytes I drank I was still weak, shaky, and felt all around miserable. This was when I learned about Oral Rehyration Solutions (ORS), which is what is give to the military is extreme heat, and children in developing countries who get cholera etc. After extensive research and trial and error with that, my two all time favorites are Hydrant and CERA. They have minimal clean ingredients, and feel AMAZING to drink. If I feel myself dragging I grab one of these ORS drinks and it changes how I feel almost instantly. I highly highly recommend them both if you need a good electrolyte.
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Pure Aloe Vera Juice:
My stomach is a hot mess on any given day. My biggest battle has been with my stomach in general, and I was so thankful to have found Aloe Vera Juice. My brother was actually the one who suggested it to me. He said he takes about a 1 ounce shot in the morning every day and it has improved his gut health so much. I decided to give it a try, and now I can't live without it. Aloe Vera helps with acid reflux, soothing and healing the stomach lining, sour stomach, regularity, etc. If you are looking for something to soothe your stomach then I recommend this highly. You need to make sure you get the INNER FILLET kind, because the whole leaf Aloe can be aggravating and irritating to the stomach lining. After using Aloe Vera for years, this is the brand I love and trust. But whichever brand you choose, just make sure it is PURE aloe vera juice, and that it's inner fillet only. Make sure you don't buy a gel, but the juice, because that's safe to drink. |
DGL Licorice:
Another great product I use for the stomach is DGL Licorice. This product works by actually going in and stimulating the cell in the walls of your stomach lining to heal. In fact its been proven that DGL licorice is as good at healing an ulcer as Prevacid. Not to mention this supplement is all natural and not a chemical drug. When I have a sour stomach (which is daily) I take this. The directions say to take 2 about 30 minutes before a meal. I find that you can take it whenever needed, not just before meals. However it does prep the stomach well to take it before eating. Either way, I love this stuff. I want to note that this does have some fructose for sweetening but no other harmful fake sugars. There are different versions of this product though, so please read the label to make sure nothing is in it that you can't have. This one I have listed which I use is specific and I know to be safe. They have other versions that are Fructose free etc, but I use the Original Formula. I do want to also mention that on top of using DGL I also found a product called Reflux Relief, which is a chewable that has a combo of: Aloe Vera, High Mallow Extract, Chamomile, Marshmallow Root, & DGL. I use this as well because I like that it has a combo of many ingredients and I love the soothing peppermint flavor. The reflux relief is also very useful for LPR or "Silent Reflux" which I developed over the years. I use both in rotation, and depend on both to help soothe my stomach.
Another great product I use for the stomach is DGL Licorice. This product works by actually going in and stimulating the cell in the walls of your stomach lining to heal. In fact its been proven that DGL licorice is as good at healing an ulcer as Prevacid. Not to mention this supplement is all natural and not a chemical drug. When I have a sour stomach (which is daily) I take this. The directions say to take 2 about 30 minutes before a meal. I find that you can take it whenever needed, not just before meals. However it does prep the stomach well to take it before eating. Either way, I love this stuff. I want to note that this does have some fructose for sweetening but no other harmful fake sugars. There are different versions of this product though, so please read the label to make sure nothing is in it that you can't have. This one I have listed which I use is specific and I know to be safe. They have other versions that are Fructose free etc, but I use the Original Formula. I do want to also mention that on top of using DGL I also found a product called Reflux Relief, which is a chewable that has a combo of: Aloe Vera, High Mallow Extract, Chamomile, Marshmallow Root, & DGL. I use this as well because I like that it has a combo of many ingredients and I love the soothing peppermint flavor. The reflux relief is also very useful for LPR or "Silent Reflux" which I developed over the years. I use both in rotation, and depend on both to help soothe my stomach.
Pulse Oximeter
If you have a chronic illness I highly recommend you have one of these in your home. It should be a staple in every medicine cabinet, and it's a cheap life saving investment. This goes on your finger and quickly tells you what your blood oxygen level is, and what your heart rate is. It is critical to have when your symptoms flare to keep track of your heart health and how much oxygen your brain is getting. If you can create an at home mini nursing kit at home it will save you a world of headache. I also recommend having a blood pressure monitor on hand, and also a forehead thermometer to track if you spike a fever. I keep all 3 in a basket by my bed because I use them quite often, and I am always thankful that I have them easily accessible.
If you have a chronic illness I highly recommend you have one of these in your home. It should be a staple in every medicine cabinet, and it's a cheap life saving investment. This goes on your finger and quickly tells you what your blood oxygen level is, and what your heart rate is. It is critical to have when your symptoms flare to keep track of your heart health and how much oxygen your brain is getting. If you can create an at home mini nursing kit at home it will save you a world of headache. I also recommend having a blood pressure monitor on hand, and also a forehead thermometer to track if you spike a fever. I keep all 3 in a basket by my bed because I use them quite often, and I am always thankful that I have them easily accessible.
Medical ID Bands
This is something I never thought about until my health failed me. But if something happens in public (or even at home), and you lose consciousness then it is imperative that the EMT's and nurses know about your specific health needs. Lets use me as an example: I have POTS and that makes me react to anesthesia much differently, I have MCS which means radioactive dye sends me into anaphylaxis, and I have a cephalasporin medicine allergy (among others). These are crucial pieces of information for people who are taking care of me. Not to mention ICE numbers to contact my family, along with other info that they must have in order to help me instead of accidentally harming me. If you new to a chronic illness then these thoughts sound kind of terrifying (trust me I know). But the peace of mind of having a medical ID somewhere on you is not only a stress reliever, but it could very well be a life saver. I recommend getting a Medical ID in some form, whether its a bracelet, necklace, or a purse tassel. I am someone who loves fashion and I had a big aversion to Medical ID's at first because truthfully most of them are not cute at all. But I recently discovered Lauren's Hope and they made gorgeous jewelry pieces which inconspicuously double as a Medical ID. If you need one and you want it be trendy/blend in with what you are wearing I can't possibly recommend them more highly.
This is something I never thought about until my health failed me. But if something happens in public (or even at home), and you lose consciousness then it is imperative that the EMT's and nurses know about your specific health needs. Lets use me as an example: I have POTS and that makes me react to anesthesia much differently, I have MCS which means radioactive dye sends me into anaphylaxis, and I have a cephalasporin medicine allergy (among others). These are crucial pieces of information for people who are taking care of me. Not to mention ICE numbers to contact my family, along with other info that they must have in order to help me instead of accidentally harming me. If you new to a chronic illness then these thoughts sound kind of terrifying (trust me I know). But the peace of mind of having a medical ID somewhere on you is not only a stress reliever, but it could very well be a life saver. I recommend getting a Medical ID in some form, whether its a bracelet, necklace, or a purse tassel. I am someone who loves fashion and I had a big aversion to Medical ID's at first because truthfully most of them are not cute at all. But I recently discovered Lauren's Hope and they made gorgeous jewelry pieces which inconspicuously double as a Medical ID. If you need one and you want it be trendy/blend in with what you are wearing I can't possibly recommend them more highly.
Nausea Bands
These are technically called "Sea Bands" for use of motion sickness, but they work like a charm for nausea of any kind. They work by pushing on a pressure point on the wrist which dulls the nausea signal in the brain. These are an item which not many people think about if they often deal with nausea, but they do work and I have at least 10 pairs floating around my house in random places. I stash a pair in my purse and keep a pair in the car as well. These are life savers, as nausea is a big persistent problem in my life and I don't know what I would do without these little bands.
MORE NAUSEA TIPS:
Some other items I can't live without in relation to nausea is ginger and peppermint candy. Now I am not talking about any ole candy, these are specifically made by Gastroenterologists to help patients suffering with nausea. The brand is called Tummy Drops, and they come in Ginger Tummy Drops and Peppermint Tummy Drops. The ginger is very potent, and takes the edge of nausea so well. I also respond very well to Peppermint, but more so if I am dealing with nausea from some indigestion (vs nausea for seemingly no reason). Both products are very potent and strong, and do not have any kind of sweet flavor to them what so ever. They are made with real ginger and peppermint essential oil, and that helps them to be strong. I don't go a day without using these, and I can't recommend them more highly. At the very least, if you suffer with nausea just give them a try!
These are technically called "Sea Bands" for use of motion sickness, but they work like a charm for nausea of any kind. They work by pushing on a pressure point on the wrist which dulls the nausea signal in the brain. These are an item which not many people think about if they often deal with nausea, but they do work and I have at least 10 pairs floating around my house in random places. I stash a pair in my purse and keep a pair in the car as well. These are life savers, as nausea is a big persistent problem in my life and I don't know what I would do without these little bands.
MORE NAUSEA TIPS:
Some other items I can't live without in relation to nausea is ginger and peppermint candy. Now I am not talking about any ole candy, these are specifically made by Gastroenterologists to help patients suffering with nausea. The brand is called Tummy Drops, and they come in Ginger Tummy Drops and Peppermint Tummy Drops. The ginger is very potent, and takes the edge of nausea so well. I also respond very well to Peppermint, but more so if I am dealing with nausea from some indigestion (vs nausea for seemingly no reason). Both products are very potent and strong, and do not have any kind of sweet flavor to them what so ever. They are made with real ginger and peppermint essential oil, and that helps them to be strong. I don't go a day without using these, and I can't recommend them more highly. At the very least, if you suffer with nausea just give them a try!
Compression Socks
Compression socks are used to help with circulation, and since I am terrible at explaining how it works, I'm going to paraphrase from Berkeley Wellness: "Blood in your veins has to work against gravity to flow back to the heart. Anything that impedes that flow—such as circulation problems, lack of movement (especially in a chronic illness) or a health condition (POTS) results in blood pooling in the veins of the lower legs or feet, leading to leg swelling, tachycardia, and fainting. By squeezing the leg tissues and walls of the veins, compression stockings can help blood in the veins return to the heart." In short, they make life a whole lot easier for many people with chronic illnesses, and if I am going to be standing for longer than say 2-5 minutes I put on a pair. I struggle with POTS and also being in bed a lot so my leg muscles are not that strong and that just furthers the problem. Standing makes my heart race, and if I stand too long I faint. If you have any issues with leg pain, circulation issues, POTS, tachycardia, or feel lightheaded and exhausted simply from standing then these will help. I like to buy these in a 7 pack for $20, but I also have a few cute pairs like this one because everyone likes a little fun in their life right?
Compression socks are used to help with circulation, and since I am terrible at explaining how it works, I'm going to paraphrase from Berkeley Wellness: "Blood in your veins has to work against gravity to flow back to the heart. Anything that impedes that flow—such as circulation problems, lack of movement (especially in a chronic illness) or a health condition (POTS) results in blood pooling in the veins of the lower legs or feet, leading to leg swelling, tachycardia, and fainting. By squeezing the leg tissues and walls of the veins, compression stockings can help blood in the veins return to the heart." In short, they make life a whole lot easier for many people with chronic illnesses, and if I am going to be standing for longer than say 2-5 minutes I put on a pair. I struggle with POTS and also being in bed a lot so my leg muscles are not that strong and that just furthers the problem. Standing makes my heart race, and if I stand too long I faint. If you have any issues with leg pain, circulation issues, POTS, tachycardia, or feel lightheaded and exhausted simply from standing then these will help. I like to buy these in a 7 pack for $20, but I also have a few cute pairs like this one because everyone likes a little fun in their life right?
Activated Charcoal (unsweetened):
Activated Charcoal is used to soak up toxins in the body, specifically in the GI tract. I take the pure charcoal that is unsweetened with no additives. Some charcoal is packed full of gluten fillers and sugar so you have to be really careful and read the ingredients when you buy. This one I use I open up and take, which can give you black teeth but I find it works much better that way. Either way, I love this stuff. I use it when I am feeling extra toxic and need something to take the edge off. You need about 500mg per dose for it to help, which with the brand I use is 2 tablets. You can take them whole or open the capsules into water. Make sure to drink about 8oz of water with each dose.
Activated Charcoal is used to soak up toxins in the body, specifically in the GI tract. I take the pure charcoal that is unsweetened with no additives. Some charcoal is packed full of gluten fillers and sugar so you have to be really careful and read the ingredients when you buy. This one I use I open up and take, which can give you black teeth but I find it works much better that way. Either way, I love this stuff. I use it when I am feeling extra toxic and need something to take the edge off. You need about 500mg per dose for it to help, which with the brand I use is 2 tablets. You can take them whole or open the capsules into water. Make sure to drink about 8oz of water with each dose.
Peppermint Oil:
I obviously love all Young Living oils. But instead of listing them all I wanted to mention the one I love for nausea, since that is a common issue. Before you ask let me say that quality DOES matter with this. If you buy some cheap peppermint oil it will end up smelling so sweet and make you more nauseated. You need GOOD quality peppermint oil. I use Young Living because its therapeutic grade, not perfume grade. Huge difference. This means that you can ingest it safely, where as perfume grade you absolutely can NOT ingest. Either way, I use the peppermint oil by inhaling it when I am really nauseated. Also, if I have a time when I feel like my food just isn't digesting well I will rub the peppermint oil on my belly and it helps a lot. It's not a cure all, but it does give relief so I had to mention it here. It's a staple and one oil I have at my bedside table at all times. Take my word and buy Young Living for this!
I obviously love all Young Living oils. But instead of listing them all I wanted to mention the one I love for nausea, since that is a common issue. Before you ask let me say that quality DOES matter with this. If you buy some cheap peppermint oil it will end up smelling so sweet and make you more nauseated. You need GOOD quality peppermint oil. I use Young Living because its therapeutic grade, not perfume grade. Huge difference. This means that you can ingest it safely, where as perfume grade you absolutely can NOT ingest. Either way, I use the peppermint oil by inhaling it when I am really nauseated. Also, if I have a time when I feel like my food just isn't digesting well I will rub the peppermint oil on my belly and it helps a lot. It's not a cure all, but it does give relief so I had to mention it here. It's a staple and one oil I have at my bedside table at all times. Take my word and buy Young Living for this!
Florastor
Florastor is a brand of Saccharomyces Boulardii, which is a kind of yeast that is helpful in kicking out bad bacteria from the gut and allowing the good bacteria to populate. This is great to take in addition with your regular probiotic blend. Another great plus for Florastor is how incredible it is if you have C. Difficile. It renders the toxins inactive so they cant hurt your colon. It also helps with travelers diarrhea, or if you just find yourself fighting a bought of diarrhea. There are many people who use it for IBS-D and it helps them a lot. I use it pretty regularly to help calm down my stomach if it feels over active. It has many great uses and it's a great staple product for gut health.
Florastor is a brand of Saccharomyces Boulardii, which is a kind of yeast that is helpful in kicking out bad bacteria from the gut and allowing the good bacteria to populate. This is great to take in addition with your regular probiotic blend. Another great plus for Florastor is how incredible it is if you have C. Difficile. It renders the toxins inactive so they cant hurt your colon. It also helps with travelers diarrhea, or if you just find yourself fighting a bought of diarrhea. There are many people who use it for IBS-D and it helps them a lot. I use it pretty regularly to help calm down my stomach if it feels over active. It has many great uses and it's a great staple product for gut health.
L-Theanine
L Theanine before bed is incredibly calming and soothing. It is a natural substance found in green tea which is extracted into a concentrated form in this liquid. It works on the GABA receptors to relax the body. It has a slightly sweet taste and you simply put a dropper full under the tongue about 30 mins before bed. It really helps to calm the mind, and take down cortisol levels.
L Theanine before bed is incredibly calming and soothing. It is a natural substance found in green tea which is extracted into a concentrated form in this liquid. It works on the GABA receptors to relax the body. It has a slightly sweet taste and you simply put a dropper full under the tongue about 30 mins before bed. It really helps to calm the mind, and take down cortisol levels.
- It promotes an alert state of relaxation without drowsiness, by increasing Alpha brain waves, and decreasing Beta brain waves.
- Increases dopamine and GABA levels, which leads to a feeling of happiness and well-being
- Has been found effective in reducing the negative side effects of caffeine, such as hypertension and disturbance of sleep
- This L-Theanine is alcohol free, so as a bonus you can use it on cats/dogs too :)
Marshmallow Root Tea
The Marshmallow plant (especially the leaves and roots) contains polysaccharides that have mucilaginous properties, which means that they rebuild and heal the mucus membranes in your body. Because of this marshmallow has a soothing effect on inflamed membranes all throughout the digestive system. I start my day each morning drinking a cup of this tea and it is incredible for the digestive system. It will help everything from acid reflux, to GERD, to gastritis, to ulcerations etc.
The Marshmallow plant (especially the leaves and roots) contains polysaccharides that have mucilaginous properties, which means that they rebuild and heal the mucus membranes in your body. Because of this marshmallow has a soothing effect on inflamed membranes all throughout the digestive system. I start my day each morning drinking a cup of this tea and it is incredible for the digestive system. It will help everything from acid reflux, to GERD, to gastritis, to ulcerations etc.
Magnesium Malate
If you need to take magnesium and have a sensitive stomach, this is the best form to take. It does NOT irritate the stomach, it is gentle on the belly through and through and helps to raise magnesium levels quickly. Other forms of Magnesium can be irritating to the stomach and cause diarrhea and pain. I haven't been able to take other forms orally until I found this. It tastes pretty good too!
If you need to take magnesium and have a sensitive stomach, this is the best form to take. It does NOT irritate the stomach, it is gentle on the belly through and through and helps to raise magnesium levels quickly. Other forms of Magnesium can be irritating to the stomach and cause diarrhea and pain. I haven't been able to take other forms orally until I found this. It tastes pretty good too!
Castor Oil Pack Kit
If you have been wanting to try out Castor Oil packs to detox then this is the best choice as it comes with absolutely everything you need to get started. It has the castor oil, the flannel, towelletes (it's quite sticky) and an information booklet to walk you through everything. It's a great starter kit if you've never done it before. It's also great if you just want something that has all that you need in one place. It's convenience is great and the price point is reasonable. You re-use the flannel and I have got at least 3 months of use out of mine and still going strong. Castor oil packs help to detox the body when you put it over the liver externally, but stimulating the lymphatic system & liver to quickly drain and do a quick sweep of toxins in the body.
If you have been wanting to try out Castor Oil packs to detox then this is the best choice as it comes with absolutely everything you need to get started. It has the castor oil, the flannel, towelletes (it's quite sticky) and an information booklet to walk you through everything. It's a great starter kit if you've never done it before. It's also great if you just want something that has all that you need in one place. It's convenience is great and the price point is reasonable. You re-use the flannel and I have got at least 3 months of use out of mine and still going strong. Castor oil packs help to detox the body when you put it over the liver externally, but stimulating the lymphatic system & liver to quickly drain and do a quick sweep of toxins in the body.
Vitanax PX4 Mushroom Extract:
This is something that is only available in Europe. We have family & friends in Europe and they were the ones who recommended this highly. As many of you know, Europe is miles ahead with Lyme treatment in many ways. They have a lot of amazing alternative treatments that have given many people their lives back. Of course not many people have the money to fly to Europe and get extensive treatment (which is the drawback). This supplement is mainly used in Cancer patients. When used with chemo it brought the success rate up about 50%, which is absolutely amazing. Vitanax works as an immunomodulator. That means, it goes in and balances the immune system. With Lyme disease most patients tend to have autoimmune conditions (which is when the immune system is overworking and attacking the body), and they also have conditions due to a low immune system. The key isn't to just boost the immune system, because if you do that then you amplify the autoimmune conditions. That's where an immunomodulator comes into play. This mushroom extract is incredibly potent and works miracles. It puts your immune system back together any way needed. After I finished the two Series Therapies mentioned above I got started on the Vitanax. This is when I saw my biggest jump in health. Vitanax got me to eat 3 meals a day (a small miracle for my stomach), it got me out of my bed to run errands, it got me driving a few miles, it took my viral load down a huge amount, AND most importantly it shot my CD-57 level up to 71! 71 is considered in the normal range, although the low-normal, but still the word normal is the key here! I owe my amazing Thanksgiving to Vitanax, and all the energy that came with it. I was still tired and still fighting (I still am), but considering how I was BEFORE this, it was night and day. I was able to tolerate more time outside in the sun by the pool, and overall it just gave me that feeling in my soul that I was finally alive again.
As far as any warnings go I will say that since it boosts your immune system you will have a die-off on it. It was never anything too severe for me, but I could feel it. I would get low grade fevers and many herxes while I was taking nothing else but the Vitanax. My main form of treatment for about 6 months was JUST this stuff. I checked the CD-57 levels and my viral load levels after I was on it for 6 months. I wanted to give this a fair shot to improve the quality of my life, and it most definitely did. As many of you know Christmas time and the following months was really tough on me for a lot of personal reasons, and during that time the Vitanax kept my immune system up when I was emotionally falling apart. This supplement is not available to be purchased in the United States at any retail stores, but you can order it online. It will still come from Europe though so shipping takes about a week or two. I would recommend this to the utmost high degree. I still take it currently although I had to kick my dose down a lot because it was working TOO well, and giving me herxes that were a bit too much at the time being.
The link to buy it is here.
This is something that is only available in Europe. We have family & friends in Europe and they were the ones who recommended this highly. As many of you know, Europe is miles ahead with Lyme treatment in many ways. They have a lot of amazing alternative treatments that have given many people their lives back. Of course not many people have the money to fly to Europe and get extensive treatment (which is the drawback). This supplement is mainly used in Cancer patients. When used with chemo it brought the success rate up about 50%, which is absolutely amazing. Vitanax works as an immunomodulator. That means, it goes in and balances the immune system. With Lyme disease most patients tend to have autoimmune conditions (which is when the immune system is overworking and attacking the body), and they also have conditions due to a low immune system. The key isn't to just boost the immune system, because if you do that then you amplify the autoimmune conditions. That's where an immunomodulator comes into play. This mushroom extract is incredibly potent and works miracles. It puts your immune system back together any way needed. After I finished the two Series Therapies mentioned above I got started on the Vitanax. This is when I saw my biggest jump in health. Vitanax got me to eat 3 meals a day (a small miracle for my stomach), it got me out of my bed to run errands, it got me driving a few miles, it took my viral load down a huge amount, AND most importantly it shot my CD-57 level up to 71! 71 is considered in the normal range, although the low-normal, but still the word normal is the key here! I owe my amazing Thanksgiving to Vitanax, and all the energy that came with it. I was still tired and still fighting (I still am), but considering how I was BEFORE this, it was night and day. I was able to tolerate more time outside in the sun by the pool, and overall it just gave me that feeling in my soul that I was finally alive again.
As far as any warnings go I will say that since it boosts your immune system you will have a die-off on it. It was never anything too severe for me, but I could feel it. I would get low grade fevers and many herxes while I was taking nothing else but the Vitanax. My main form of treatment for about 6 months was JUST this stuff. I checked the CD-57 levels and my viral load levels after I was on it for 6 months. I wanted to give this a fair shot to improve the quality of my life, and it most definitely did. As many of you know Christmas time and the following months was really tough on me for a lot of personal reasons, and during that time the Vitanax kept my immune system up when I was emotionally falling apart. This supplement is not available to be purchased in the United States at any retail stores, but you can order it online. It will still come from Europe though so shipping takes about a week or two. I would recommend this to the utmost high degree. I still take it currently although I had to kick my dose down a lot because it was working TOO well, and giving me herxes that were a bit too much at the time being.
The link to buy it is here.
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