Hi Rockt
I am not able to provide definitive answers but will share what I know and let others step in.
Caffeine and D-ribose
I am not very familiar with Myhill's protocols as Ive only looked at her site a couple of times but like her approach. I searched her site and was unable to find the reference to taking caffeine and D-ribose together so could you post a link?
On caffeine, the references I found on Myhill's site generally guide away from coffee (from no caffeine on the Reduced Carbohydrate Diet to no more than 3 cups for brain fog). She is a supporter of D-ribose (
http://www.drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/D-ribose ) but provides these two problems:
"Two problems I sometimes see:
1. The fermenting gut. If there are bacteria or yeast in the upper gut then D-ribose may be fermented to produce alcohol and gas. In this event I suggest reducing the daily dose to 5 grams, holding it in the mouth as long as possible - some will be absorbed here. Space doses throughout the day.
2. Corn sensitivity. D-ribose is derived from corn and some CFSs who are corn sensitive will react allergically to it. I do not know of a corn free preparation of D-ribose. "
Caffeine is not allowed on anti-candida diets and advised against for people suffering from adrenal fatigue, which affects a number of PWC's. It also has a detrimental impact on insulin, At first blush, I would advise against it and am about to kick the habit myself! General "consensus" is that caffeine damages beneficial gut flora but in the interest of full disclosure I found one (and the only one) article that said the oppostite! (
http://www.naturecity.com/blog/?p=275 ). Personally, subject to reading what Myhill says about combining the two, I would eliminate caffeine. PWC are fragile and we need to protect our bio-environment as much as possible as our bodies are already overburdened.
the issue of D-ribose and candida was raised on several sites and it appears that it is not a problem for candida sufferers (many of whom blame candida for their CFS).
The energy yield comes from two and three carbon compounds created when ribose is fermented by intestinal bacteria (the gut again).
Several sources that I came across recommended a product called Corvalen M which contains D-ribose, magnesium and malic acid. Supporters say they get better results than D-ribose on its own. As i take magnesium in any event (do you?) I would stick with just the D-ribose but if you dont then consider this product. Myhill recommends magnesium as a cofactor. Just make certain that your magnesium is not in the oxide form which is the least bioavailable.
HEre is the link to Richvank's post that you referred to (I had it bookmarked thankfully!) at #14
http://forums.phoenixrising.me/showthread.php?9723-The-3-P’s-–-A-Closer-Look-at-the-Middle-One/page2
HCL
I dont know much about this either but my general understanding is that it does assist gut function, indirectly via improving stomach function. I really have not come across any disagreement.
First read this (
http://me-cfsmethylation.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=104&start=0 ) to do the low stomach test. the same test is also mentioned here
http://bb-cfs.blogspot.com/2010/07/hypochlorydia-low-stomach-acid.html
To assist with low stomach acid, you are apparently not supposed to drink fluids with meals (to avoid dilution of stomach acids), chew thoroughly to assist digestionn, avoid snacks between meals and dont eat when stresssed.
glutathione (l-glutamate) is supposed to assist with low stomach acid but on the methylation protocols it is not recommended as removing the methylation block will enable glutathione levels to restore to normal levels. this you already know.
I understand that HCl capsules should taken in increasing doses with meals until symptoms of excess acid occur ( which is a burning sensation in the stomach). HCL should be taken one hour before taking a probiotic to assist the functioning of the probiotic and taken 30 to 45 minutes after a main meal. Dont take more than 500mg/day to start with and build up to around 500mg/meal (or up to 3000mg day - per Mark Hyman). Also HCL should not be taken by individuals with peptic ulcers.
Unpasturised sauerkraut is beneficial for increasing both stomach acid and good gut flora. Apple cider vinegar is recommended on anti-candida diets so it may do the same thing.
that's about it.
As an aside, in researching candida, there are so many sufferers who I believe really have CFS but do not realise it, attributing all their symptoms to candida - which may very well be valid btw but the population of PWC is definitely larger than present estimates, whatever they may be.
Did you mention what type of gut problems you think you may have?