Talk to me about TMG

[SOC]

A funny thing happened to me on the way to recovery....

About 4-6 weeks ago I had a crash. I know why -- I overdid. It was a simple excess of physical work. The good news is that it was primarily an exhaustion crash -- no pain, no swollen glands, only very mild reduction in cognitive function. I did, however, get a flare in my bronchitis. Inhaled glutathione unexpectedly cleared up my years-long chronic bronchitis years ago, so I figured it couldn't hurt to look for any supplements that might help. I found a recommendation for NAC and TMG to help with chronic bronchitis. I already take NAC, but the form I took years ago as part of the Pall Protocol included TMG and it did seem to help in a general way. So what the heck, I ordered some TMG to try.

My bronchitis cleared up, although not quickly. I couldn't say if the TMG played a part or not. But other things changed almost immediately. My morning systolic BP, which ordinarily fluctuates by 10-15 mmHg from day to day is much more stable (maybe 5-10 mmHg) and is lower on avg. My morning HR is also more stable (less day-to-day fluctuation) and less inclined to climb with activity. Carb cravings that I have been fighting since I first became ill completely disappeared. I started losing weight. Some of that is probably from unconsciously eating less carbs, although I didn't eat much carbs before even though I craved them. I certainly haven't changed my diet noticeably, but I'm losing 2-3 lbs per week. Finally, I feel more "normal" in ways I can't really put my finger on.

Of course it's possible that something else is the reason for these changes, not the TMG. Maybe the crash reset something. I dunno. Can anyone suggest what about taking TMG might have given these effects?

 

[caledonia]

TMG is a methyl donor which supports the secondary "shortcut" methylation pathway. So it's similar to taking methylfolate and B12. Some people have genetic blocks in this pathway (BHMT mutations). TMG would help the pathway start working again.

 

[SOC]

TMG is a methyl donor which supports the secondary "shortcut" methylation pathway. So it's similar to taking methylfolate and B12. Some people have genetic blocks in this pathway (BHMT mutations). TMG would help the pathway start working again.

Interesting. Methylfolate and B12 never did a thing for me. I think you've given me even more reasons to be saving my pennies for 23andme genetic testing.

 

[caledonia]

Looking forward to seeing your SNPs!

 

[OverTheHills]

Excuse my ignorance but what is TMG?

 

[SOC]

Excuse my ignorance but what is TMG?

TMG = trimethylglycine

 

[taniaaust1]

TMG is a methyl donor which supports the secondary "shortcut" methylation pathway. So it's similar to taking methylfolate and B12. Some people have genetic blocks in this pathway (BHMT mutations). TMG would help the pathway start working again.

One of my specialists had me on TMG due to my polymorphism for that very reason (in my case he put me on it due to MTHFR mutation).

 

[rosie26]

Be great if it is a "reset" back to normal SOC. Party time !! x

 

[SOC]

Be great if it is a "reset" back to normal SOC. Party time !! x

It sure would! I'm getting closer.

 

[OverTheHills]

I got some TMG from the vitamin shop about 6 weeks ago. Just speculative you know, like buying a lottery ticket. I haven't had any genetic testing or tried any methylation stuff.

It really works for me though: gradual weight loss (although I'm probably eating more) loss of food cravings, I am warm most of the time instead of freezing cold and I can sweat for the first time in years .More physical and mental energy - though its not a cure.

The only thing I did notice was more pain and worse sleep but I think I have figured that out: upping my LDN from 3mg to 4.5mg a day (which I couldn't tolerate before) seems to eliminate the problem.

Very glad to highlight this to others - although I'm sure it won't help everyone, given its a cheap supplement its a very easy thing to try .

ANy comments from the knowledgeable ones about what this means? I probably have a MTHFR defect? is any other methylation stuff worth trying?
OTH

 

[leela]

My BHMT pathway is hosed. Does this mean TMG might be good for me, or bad?

 

[SOC]

I did a little TMG experiment. I stopped it for 14 days to see if I could tell the difference. I definitely could. I'm not sure about the cardiac effects -- too much other stuff going on there. The clearly noticeable things were weight loss, which stopped when I stopped TMG -- weight actually increased a little -- and the carb cravings came back. There also seemed to be a small energy decrease, as well.

I started back on the TMG and almost immediately started to lose weight again, the carb cravings disappeared, and my small energy increase returned.

This is nothing huge, but my body has to benefit from carrying less weight, and since exercise is out and cutting back any more on eating is pushing implausible, this seems like a good idea. I'm also relieved not to be fighting constant carb cravings. With all we fight every day, one less mental/emotional battle is a pleasant change. And finally, even a little extra energy is a welcome benefit.

I can't explain this. I have no idea if it will work this way for anyone else. It looks like OverTheHills is having a similar response to TMG, though, so who knows?

 

[overtrain]

I did a little TMG experiment. I stopped it for 14 days to see if I could tell the difference. I definitely could. I'm not sure about the cardiac effects -- too much other stuff going on there. The clearly noticeable things were weight loss, which stopped when I stopped TMG -- weight actually increased a little -- and the carb cravings came back. There also seemed to be a small energy decrease, as well.

I started back on the TMG and almost immediately started to lose weight again, the carb cravings disappeared, and my small energy increase returned.

This is nothing huge, but my body has to benefit from carrying less weight, and since exercise is out and cutting back any more on eating is pushing implausible, this seems like a good idea. I'm also relieved not to be fighting constant carb cravings. With all we fight every day, one less mental/emotional battle is a pleasant change. And finally, even a little extra energy is a welcome benefit.

I can't explain this. I have no idea if it will work this way for anyone else. It looks like OverTheHills is having a similar response to TMG, though, so who knows?

When I saw this post, I got up, took another TMG, then ordered more off Amazon. I don't know what to attribute feeling more normal than ever, at least since before all this started. I've had CFS/ME just over 2 years now. Ever since getting 23and me back, I've followed minor mthfr recommendations, etc., & been feeling substantially better. TMG is a new supp in that regard... my pathways are 'hosed' as well... I think I sense TMG working. It's hard to describe. I don't crave carbs like I did, either.

I began inositol and choline at the same time. Well, good luck!

 

[PDXhausted]

Which brand/dose are you on SOC?

 

[SOC]

PDXhausted
We're taking Jarrow TMG crystals. Daughter puts it in apple juice. I put it in my green drink or just in water. It's a tiny amount -- less than 1/4 tsp, I think -- and flavorless.

I've debated switching to a pill form, but this product is working so well and is so easy to slip into any liquid, that I'll probably stick with it.

ETA: I take 1 scoop which is 650 mg. I also take the Allergy Research Group NAC which I had left from when I was doing the Pall Protocol. That has another 300 mg of TMG, so I take 950 mg total. Daughter only takes the 650 mg. I haven't tried higher doses because TMG can mess with your cholesterol profile and I don't need to go there.

 

[Ruthie24]

@SOC- mess with your cholesterol profile how? Mine is already not good, but my MTHFR pathway is bad according to 23 & me and the test from Dr K as well. Were you doing the Pall Protocol on your own or was it supervised by one of the specialists you've seen?

 

[SOC]

@SOC- mess with your cholesterol profile how? Mine is already not good, but my MTHFR pathway is bad according to 23 & me and the test from Dr K as well. Were you doing the Pall Protocol on your own or was it supervised by one of the specialists you've seen?

There's some thought that TMG increases total cholesterol. I'm not sure how solid that data is, so I'm just keeping an eye on my cholesterol. If it gets too high, then I'll stop taking TMG. Or something.

I did the Pall protocol on my own about 4 years ago. I've taken parts of it on and off since. I'm thinking of going back on it again because it's good basic supplementation for PWME, IMO. The problem is it's a lot of pills since the protocol spreads them out across the day. That's smart, but a pain to fit into the pill case when you've got a bunch of other meds. So I get lazy.

 

[Ruthie24]

@SOC- Thanks for the info! You are a veritable fount of knowledge.

 

[OverTheHills]

@SOC @caledonia or indeed anyone else

I inject hydroxy b12 1mg fortnightly and my TMG is the solgar brand capsule which has
500mg tmg
B6 25mg as pyroxidine 3mg as pyroxidal,
b12 (cyano) 250 micrograms
and folic acid 200 micrograms

I notice that I have more energy etc from the tmg just after the injection when my b12 level must be at its highest. In fact I also notice I get rather grumpy unless I cut back the dosage to half a capsule . I am thinking maybe I'll get some sublingual b12 to supplement between jabs and confirm if b12 is a limiting factor. Any thoughts on type or dose???? I really haven't got my head around the whole methylation thing or the SNPs thing.It seems so complicated to my poor addled ME brain

I'm wondering if I should seek some specialist advice because the tmg effect is so good for me;perhaps it is an important clue. Dr Klimas and Dr Vallings don't seem to do methylation or snps though.
Hoping for enlightenment
OTH

 

[Heart Face]

Hi, just wondered how everyone is doing on this? Had my 23andme results back and have the mutation, along with others and took TMG yesterday evening - oh my god I feel "normal". Please tell me it lasts!