Reply to Doogini

[Guest guest]

Hi Gini and Everyone,

After looking at Gini's symptoms and list of supplements, I wanted to make

some comments which might apply to other people.

The B vitamins, B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin and

niacinamide), B-5 (pantothenic acid), B-6 (pyridoxine), and B-12 (cobalamine)

are usually taken together as a B-complex supplement. The reason usually

given by nutritional books is that taking these separately can create

imbalances. Taking B-1 alone, for instance, may deplete B-2,

B-3, B-5, and B-6. Just as some minerals should be supplemented in pairs, it

appears that the B vitamins should be taken together.

I noticed that Gini is taking B-6 and B-12, probably because they were

recommended to her for heart health. She has complained about burning feet.

This is a fairly rare complaint and it is also a symptom of B-5 (pantothenic

acid) deficiency. Panto means everywhere and pantothenic acid is found

everywhere, in all living cells and is widely distributed. Deficiencies are

rare. But taking B-6 may, if the theory is correct, be causing a B-5

deficiency (and possibly B-1, B-2, and B-3). The story seems to fit together.

I would recommend to everyone to take your B vitamins as a B-complex. Then

if you feel for some reason that you need more of one, then take a little

more. The B-complex will protect you from getting deficient in the other B

vitamins.

Probably better than that is to take a multiple-vitamin-mineral supplement

which will provide most everything. You will need to add things to that

multiple (like zinc, copper, chromium, selenium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin

E, and maybe vitamin C), but it will cover most of your needs. Taking

individual supplements is good if you make sure you're taking everything, but

for most people a multiple will be an easier and more fool-proof way to get

most everything covered. But even if you are taking individuals, take a B-

complex (it's also got folic acid, inositol, choline, biotin, etc.)

Progesterone seems to be an excellent idea, not only to boost the thyroid

production but also because it is a precursor to the corticosteroids which may

cause the immune system to stop attacking the thyroid.

It would seem to be a good idea to go slowly with easing down on the

estrogen. If my theory is correct that copper supplementation will increase

your natural estrogen production, then you may have to wait for the copper to

get built up first before you can comfortably cut back on the Premarin.

That's something you'll have to experiment with. Also, perhaps the

progesterone will help with the hot flashes. (PortraitN) has experience

with the hormones and perhaps she can be of more assistance than I can in that

matter.

Trying to build up hormones by taking supplements takes time. If the

minerals have been deficient, then many body functions will need the minerals

and the hormone production may be low on the priority list. Be patient and

take every nutrient.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks so much for your post. They are always most informative. I take the

extra B supplements for heart health in addition to 3 B-Complex daily.

Actually,

the extra B comes in a supplement by Shaklee, called Formula I which is for

the

immune system. The Formula I contains the following: A, C, E, B-6, Folic

Acid,

B-12, Zinc, Copper and Selenium. In addition to taking 2 of the Formula I

daily,

I also take 2 multi-vites, 3 B-Complex, Vit C, E, Lecithin, Garlic, EPA Fish

Oil,

Bromelain, Chronium, Cal-Mag. Looking at the nutrients included in the

Formula

I composition, the nutrients actually support your theory inasmuch as our

thyroid problems are closely interwoven with our immune system. Am I making

sense? I go to endo next week and am in process of compiling a list of

questions

for him concerning thyroid, estrogen, lab values vs symptoms and the like. If

anyone can help me with some questions, please e-mail me. Gini

------------------------------------------------------------------------