I came to Phoenix Rising looking for help with my CFS. I found the concept of "methylation protocols" to be fascinating but incredibly complex. If I were still experiencing the terrible brain fog, it would be impossible to understand.
It was especially difficult to find detailed personal experiences that explained exactly which supplements someone took and how it affected them.
Therefore, I am going to keep a journal of what I take and how it affects me, and what I learn in the process.
Hopefully, maybe, this journal will be helpful to others who embark on a methylation protocol.
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What is a Methylation Protocol? It's basically a vitamin program where you take active forms of Vitamin B12 and folate. A percentage of the population can't convert the common synthetic forms of B12 and folate (found in multivitamins and processed food) into usable nutrients. Some people have genetic mutations that make them susceptible to poor conversion. Some of these "poor converters" are those who suffer from CFS. Taking bioavailable forms of B12 and folate (methylfolate) can, in some cases, restart the processes the body needs to generate energy and improve CFS symptoms.
About Me:
I am a 37 year old male who has been stressed most of my life and battling chronic illness for 3 years. I collapsed in Fall 2011 with a severe case of AFS (adrenal fatigue syndrome) with terrible brain fog, fibromyalgia, muscle & collagen wasting, etc.
After 2 years of self-navigating Dr. Lam's vitamin protocol, careful diet and yoga... most of my worst symptoms went away.
I "partially recovered" and I now suffer from a milder case CFS. I can do full-time office work but it takes a lot out of me. I am very sensitive to sunlight & high humidity - afternoon sun can cause crashes. When stress or activity levels rise beyond the limited normal range, I experience the following symptoms:
I am "mostly" functional, but require lots of rest and pacing... often feel like I'm on "house arrest" apart from work or shopping. Being reliable enough to make friends and date is difficult.
I also suffer from OCD, which I am hoping to address on the methylation program.
It was especially difficult to find detailed personal experiences that explained exactly which supplements someone took and how it affected them.
Therefore, I am going to keep a journal of what I take and how it affects me, and what I learn in the process.
Hopefully, maybe, this journal will be helpful to others who embark on a methylation protocol.
----
What is a Methylation Protocol? It's basically a vitamin program where you take active forms of Vitamin B12 and folate. A percentage of the population can't convert the common synthetic forms of B12 and folate (found in multivitamins and processed food) into usable nutrients. Some people have genetic mutations that make them susceptible to poor conversion. Some of these "poor converters" are those who suffer from CFS. Taking bioavailable forms of B12 and folate (methylfolate) can, in some cases, restart the processes the body needs to generate energy and improve CFS symptoms.
About Me:
I am a 37 year old male who has been stressed most of my life and battling chronic illness for 3 years. I collapsed in Fall 2011 with a severe case of AFS (adrenal fatigue syndrome) with terrible brain fog, fibromyalgia, muscle & collagen wasting, etc.
After 2 years of self-navigating Dr. Lam's vitamin protocol, careful diet and yoga... most of my worst symptoms went away.
I "partially recovered" and I now suffer from a milder case CFS. I can do full-time office work but it takes a lot out of me. I am very sensitive to sunlight & high humidity - afternoon sun can cause crashes. When stress or activity levels rise beyond the limited normal range, I experience the following symptoms:
- Delayed onset fatigue
- PEM (post exertional malaise) - flu-like feeling minus sniffles
- diffuse muscle pain
- sleep disturbances
- peripheral neuropathy - tingling in the arms
I am "mostly" functional, but require lots of rest and pacing... often feel like I'm on "house arrest" apart from work or shopping. Being reliable enough to make friends and date is difficult.
I also suffer from OCD, which I am hoping to address on the methylation program.
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