Flax again...

[Nick231]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm new to this forum and been inspired by the wealth of helpful and very human posts I've read. It's so heart-warming to find a forum where people really seem to care.

 

I'm 36 and have had TS very severely since the age of 7.

 

I've been on SSRI anti-depressants for years and was most recently prescribed Orap, but ended up not taking it because I'm so scared of all the possible side-effects.

 

I've just managed to get off the SSRI - the withdrawal was long and traumatic - and I'm now drug free for the first time in many years.

 

My tics are still almost unbearable and although I look at each day as a new challenge and try to be as upbeat as possible, it's sometimes very hard to keep going.

 

I want to try a natural approach to my TS, not only to see if it will help, but also in order to start living again without powerful and toxic drugs swimming around in my system.

 

I've seen many posts here about the possible benefits of Flax oil. I've just started taking it, but have no idea how much I should take in order to see if it affects my tics. Would be grateful for any tips on dosage.

 

Also, does anyone have any ideas how I might go about cleansing my body after so many years on drugs? I know there is a plethora of herbal cleansing products available, but I'm daunted by just how many things I discover I should be taking. To make things easier for me, are there a few 'essential's' that can be recommended?

 

I'd be so grateful for any advice.

 

Love to you all,

 

Nick

[Chemar]

Hi Nick and a big welcome to you

 

the alternative approach to health is a real multi-faceted one and as many of us have discovered, it isnt always a "one size fits all" However , there do seem to be certain unifying themes that reverberate...first being a healthy natural diet, free of artificial things and also avoiding foodstuffs that one may be sensitive or allergic to.

The next is optimizing the immune system...and that entails eliminating parasites and toxins and allergens....once again, many different methods for doing so.

Then comes the specific building up of the system by eating foods and/or taking the supplements that the body is deficient in. And there, the individual metabolism as well as any specific disorders determine what is needed.

 

As most of the regular posters here will confirm, I always recommend that one have a knowledgable physician to guide this process...thankfully it is becoming a bit easier to find doctors who are up on alternative treatments, and my personal recommendation is to find an Integrative Physician...ie one fully trained in conventional medicine and who has also specialised in alternative medicine

 

As you start reading here on the ACN website and on this forum you will find a wealth of info...so just feel free to post any questions you have and there will always be someone here to try to answer and guide you.

 

Now, as to flaxseed oil....the dose depends on your weight, and most reputable brands have a clear doseage guideline. there is absolutely no reson to megadose on any supplements...just follow manufacturers guidelines unless your physician directs you differently. I personally prefer a combination of flaxseed, borage and evening primrose oils, which gives you omega 3 & 6....both types being essential fatty acids.

 

As to other supplements....it is generally believed that magnesium is a very vital componant in treating tourette tics, and it seems that the best form to take is compounded with the amino acid taurine in the form of magnesium taurate.

Most people I know obtain this in the CardioVascular brand from The Vitamin Shoppe( many towns have these health stores and if not it is online at http://www.thevitaminshoppe.com

It is usually suggested that one should balance magnesium supplementation with calcium in the ratio of calcium:magnesium=2:1 and that taking the RDA of zinc is also important. For most adults I have seen the general recommended dose of 1000mg calcium: 500mg magnesium: 50 mg zinc suggested.

 

there are many other supplements suggested for TS and its comorbid disorders...and once again I stress that the whole plan is best worked out with a knowledgable physician

 

Here is a link to the thread on what helped my own son, which may give you some pointers ...I am also going to bump the thread up for you.

 

All the best, and remember....dont hesitate to ask questions! This forum is filled with a wonderful group of people who have a vast collective experience and knowledge and who are always willing to share and care

 

here is that link about my son's treatments that helped him go from VERY severe TS/OCD to very mild......

 

http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=687

 

[mmazz]

Hi Nick and welcome to the forum. I bet you that you will have as many questions asked of you that you have for us. This forum is a great shoulder for all of us. Many of us try the mainstream supplements with multi's and B complex, food elimination and trial and error on triggers like food or TV/Computer screens. I think it is harder for another person to see the progress when evaluating from outside. It appears you have read a lot of the posts and are familiar with the importance of "detox". I cannot stress the importance of detoxification of ones body. But how you do it is a personal choice. First thing to remember is that while detoxing there are things called free radicals that can give you what they call here on this forum "the healing crisis". So while detoxing you might see an increase in tics. Now there are many choices for detox from increasing anti-oxidants to chelation. For my family I chose a very slow route that takes a lot of work. I chose juice theropy with a clean healthy diet. With jucing vegetables you get the natural minerals, vitamins and enzymes required by the body for self healing. Detoxification performed naturally can take many years, espeacialy for an adult. Of course being 36 and on medication for a life time will not be an easy task. Re-training the pallate, being a consumer that reads everything prior to ingesting it is hard. Although I do it for my son, I must admit I sneak Kit Kat bars and coffee every step of the way- even with all the knowledge placed before me on how unhealthy this stuff really is. So read the posts about the amino acids, enzymes, cal/mag supplements, etc., and choose you course. All the fine tuning and answers to the questions will be answered or researched for you here. These people here are amazing. Good luck in your your endeavor and I know that you will find the your path.

 

Be well.

 

Marie

[KJS]

I'd like to add my welcome, Nick. Congratulations for taking the big step of posting something on this forum. Now you're 'in' & could very well become hooked, as many of us are, finding it hard to stay away from our computers, eagerly anticipating the next posts that might give us clues to solving our own mysteries. Good luck to you!

 

Karen

[Nick231]

Many thanks, all of you, for your kind words and the advice.

 

It is all new and rather daunting - this new, for me, natural approach - espec having been on conventional drug thrapies for so long.

 

I'm certainly going to give a few things a go and will no doubt have endless questions as I go through this exploration.

 

It's so nice to know that you are all there and that this is such a supportive forum.

 

Nick

[Giselle]

Hi Nick! It's so great that you are making the leap to understanding the puzzle of Tourettes. I totally agree with Chemar in finding a doc that can help with this. We have a DAN doctor (Defeat Autism Now) who has really helped with taking tests to find out exactly where the imbalances are - saved us a lot of time that trial and error would have taken up. One thing about Flax seed oil - an alternative is Hemp oil which is what my son's doc recommends as he says its more easily absorbed - see everyone has an opinion! Good luck and good health!

Giselle and Hoyt