03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

05/16/2013: Anon : "Hi, Sorry to hear of your problem. I believe your situation is an anomaly - black strap molasses is good for us in so many ways pre and post menopause - it contains more calcium than iron and is full of other trace minerals namely potassium which is very good for us. If you only take one supplement then Bsm is the one. As for your high iron level- do you have an natural iron imbalance? Perhaps you should donate some blood to get your iron levels down. It could be that you have a mineral imbalance with copper etc that needs correcting- a hair mineral analysis would be useful."

05/16/2013: Caitlin from Austin, Tx: "Our bodies don't seem to have a mechanism for getting rid of excess iron. Leaches, fleas, ticks and parasites in and on our bodies was probably the way our ancesters got rid of excess iron. Health scientists have postulated that excess iron may be a contributer to heart problems. A health practitioner once told me that iron stays balanced when a young women has periods because iron is lost on a monthly basis; when she gets older and post-menapausal, too much iron is retained. He recommended giving blood monthly as a way to alleviate high iron retention. As a younger woman, I was once told I retained too much iron in my blood, I never delved further into this, so if anyone has, please enlighten us all. The Protein Power book also addresses this problem."

05/17/2013: Anon from Anon: "Hi all, Mostly here on earth clinic we recommend using Bsm to women who have very heavy periods. Some of these women will be iron deficient due to the extreme blood loss but this is only an added extra of black strap molasses the reason we recommend it is because it slows and stops the flow really quickly if you take atleast 3 large tablespoons with a glass of water each time spread over a day- more if you are heavier than normal. The reason it works is because of the vitamin k in it, the vitamin k helps our blood to clot. Bsm is good because whilst helping people with low iron levels it also helps those with higher levels balance out their values because it contains a balance of minerals and vitamins. It has a lot of potassium in it which helps balance our sodium levels. In Cyril Scott's book on the subject he recounts a huge list of illnesses that have been cured by Bsm - most notably cancerous growths. I appreciate this does not necessarily answer your question but hopefully I have shared some important information on Bsm."

03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

03/25/2012: Julia from Gardner, Ks: "My dad is doing great! His arms and stomach are looking great. He doesnt dillute it but takes 2 tablespoons faithfully before going to bed. I pray this works for you all like it has helped my dad. Good luck!!"

05/07/2012: Bobby from London: "I tried this for a month and didnt notice much change in my lipomas. I am going to keep going with it. I am going to setup a blog and I think what I want to do is try to find the common link between all the people that have lipomas.

So I want people to put in their age, their location, and their diet, do they eat dairy. etc. There must be a reason these things suddenly appear, I refuse to believe that for no reason at all they appear.

What do people think about this?"

08/30/2012: Giggit from Beaumont, Tx: "I tried just about EVERY THING you can think of to rid my self of an UNSIGHTLY lipoma that is located slightly under my right rib. I had been growing this nasty protuberance for 13 years. Because I am a relatively thin female, and the lipoma is pretty large it was like having a third breast. I hated it.

I recently became extremely interested in herbal remedies, and I decided that I would try a liver detox. This detox consists of Burdock, Dandelion Root, Milk Thistle and other liver cleansing/blood cleansing herbs/roots. I feel indebted to God for the fact that my lipoma has gone from about 4 inches (give or take depending on the direction you looked at me) to something akin to 1 inch and still growing smaller. Mind you, it took me about two months to see such a difference, but it was the only thing that actually has worked for me in any way shape or form. I hope this information helps others out there struggling with this problem. "

11/19/2012: A.k. from Kabul, Afghanistan: "Dear Nitesh, If you want fastest results that work within hours. Here is the miraculous tip.

Get some Turnips, boil and fry them and eat them with spoon in your dinner. Add the taste of your choice, (chilli sugar etc)

Before going to bed, take a couple tea spoons of apple cider vinegar. If by chance you happen to wake up in the night (or rather set and alarm / reminder) eat as much turnip as you can.

I'm sure you shall be praying for me after you see those lipomas shrink fast.

Re-do the task till results are as per your desire.

A.K.Afridi-Kabul Afghanistan

(Source: Personal Experience)"

03/17/2013: Dietz from Waterloo, Ontario Canada: "I have lipomas all over my body also. They have grown to about 2 to 3 inch in size in some areas of my body. I was wondering how long that your father took the Apple Cider Vinegar. Was he doing anything else to his diet? When he stopped the ACV did the lipomas come back? Has he tried anything else to prevent the lipomas?"

05/16/2013: Parm from Vancouver, Bc: "Hi Guys, I brought organic Apple Cider Vinegar from local store and it is easy to take with water. This is just one week now and my lipoma are getting soft. I will post update next week and seems like this is working for me."

05/16/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "Use manava mutra. It has your own "taylor made "antibodies. Wring out a cloth and repeat. You will be amazed. Good luck. Om"

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I use to have a note on my till that said "It can't happen here" WELL those days are over. The GMO seed company patented their seed and planted by a friendly farmer and when their pollen landed on his crop they sued him for stealing their patented plants and THEY WON ... HE HAD TO PAY THEM BECAUSE THEY CONTAMINATED HIS CROP. It can happen here. I watched this story on a library dvd.... Lots of info at the library... heads up..."

EC: Hi Susan, we just tested the link on Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer and had no problems. You may need to have Adobe Acrobat installed in order for it to work.

EC: Thank you, Oscar! We copied it into your previous post as well.

05/16/2013: Susan from San Francisco, Ca: "I clicked on this link and my computer turned off."

EC: Hi Susan, we just tested the link on Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer and had no problems. You may need to have Adobe Acrobat installed in order for it to work.

EC: Thank you, Oscar! We copied it into your previous post as well.

11/22/2008: Tilmer from Lancaster, Wisconsin: "ok,so i have over 25 stomach ulcer and i dont have insurance , and im deciding to try the apple cider vineger to heal these and i pray for these ulcers to vanish, iv had them for over 2 years now and im 19 .. i need help people.. so pleasae could u write to me on this.. will this veneger take them away? and how should i take this. can i take it straight? thanks alot and god bless.. my email is tilmer_pack@hotmail.com"

08/05/2009: Bill from Oregon City, Oregon: "I have had stomach issues since childhood. Last year I got to where I had acid reflux daily, so bad I could not sleep lying down. Then a few months a go it changed. My food was slow to digest and I felt like I had some sort of virus. I could only eat cereal and yogurt. It got to the point to where I could not eat without getting major cramps. I went to the doctor. After X-rays and blood test (all my test were clean) he prescribed Prilosec and Reglan. I tried them for a week and had some relief, but was not getting better. I was up one night or early morning, searching the net for any information. I found earthclinic and started my ACV and cayenne regiment (I did not have Glutamine at the time). After my first drink I could tell a difference. After 4 days, I was able to eat and sleep better. That weekend I purchased Glutamine and have been doing the ACV and cayenne drink with the glutamine capsule 3 times a day for a week. I feel normal most of the time, eat regular and sleep much better. I intend to stay on the regiment until I have fully recovered and cut back to once a day to stay that way. I have another doctors appointment in a week. From my research I believe I have a bacterial infection or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). I intend on asking for the breath test to know for sure."

08/10/2009: Ingrid from Geneva, Oh: "Will the ACV work for dogs too? I was actually giving her ACV when she got the ulcer and thought that I had caused it by giving her that. I was thinking it was too acidic for her. Now I'm wondering if I should put her back on it."

09/21/2010: Garcia2894 from Norwalk, Ct, Usa: "Can somebody please answer my question.... How do I take the cayenne and the glutamine capsules do I take then all at the same time with the ACV. Thank you"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  08/15/2011: Rooster from Fernandina, Florida: "This is Rooster from Fla. I have been battling ulcers for 10 months. 5 days ago I started the cayenne pepper and glutamine 500mg of both 3 times a day before meals 5 days and the result is incredible. Still having a few aches and pains after meals and first thing in the morning, but no more blood and vomit and laying in the bed with pain. What a great web site I am so much better thanks to Ya'll gracious, Rooster"

05/09/2013: Roy from Baguio, Philippines: "Hi, I'm just 20 but I have ulcer.

In short, the prefered actual remedy is eating foods with lots of carbohydrates and fats like flour based foods (breads, cakes and cookies)?"

05/09/2013: Melting from Lindside, Wv: "Wow, I had 4 ulcers 3 years ago. One bleeding in the esophagus. Went straight to gastro. Did the upper scope to diagnose me. Sent me home with double the prilosec pill prescription. Looked over the internet, probably found it here. Juice your raw cabbage. I bought a juicer. Juiced about 10 ounces each morning. Drank that in 3 portions, 3 times a day on an empty stomach. Not tasty by any means. I did that for 2 weeks and then off and on a few days at a time for 3 months. Went back to gastro and he said the stomach looked new. He said the meds did work well for you. I said they went in the trash, raw cabbage juice. He grinned and said see ya later. I think people on this website says it healed them in 10 days. God bless you."

05/10/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, USA: "Melting: I am no big fan of pharmaceuticals or doctors, but I take as much advantage I can from what they have to offer. Of course they want me taking many prescriptions meds, and not let my health improve by treating only my symptoms. It's really like Paul McCartney described in the song Tug-Of-War.

Rule-of-thumb to maintain friendly relations in the medical community is "try and meet them halfway". Give them the benefit they deserve. In your case I would have done the acid reducers for a few weeks then on to the cabbage cure. In returning to the dr say "the acid reducers pills worked real well and I read about eating cabbage and that was the icing on the cake. "

Remember, dr's have the legal clout. Acid reducing pharmaceuticals heal gastric or esophageal ulcers, cabbage does not (as according to scientific demonstration by studies and trials and approved by the FDA)."

05/16/2013: Dee from Nyc, Ny: "I have a question, I'm afraid to take cayenne pills or ACV if I have both an ulcer and severe acid reflux. I thought spicy foods are really bad for acid reflux and ulcers. Someone please explain. I'm so afraid to make my stomach worse. Thank You."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Dee, I used ACV for acid reflux during pregnancy and I agree, it didn't make sense that it would help, but it was amazing how much it helped. (Prveviously, I had been on prescription meds for reflux. I didn't even need Tums the whole pregnancy I took the ACV. ) It also helped my gall bladder problem. You could start with a small amount 1/2 t. or 1 t. in an 8 oz glass of water and sip it and see how you do.

If you take the cayenne, you could take it with something like ginger. Don't get something with tons of Heat Units. (90HU would be too strong.) Again, start out small. Even just a few grains in juice. And it is better for digestion to let you mouth get used to it before it gets to the stomach. (Stomach's don't like surprises! ) Apparently, when cayenne or chili powder etc. Are heated and cooked that is when they cause trouble. Work up to 1/4 t. cayenne in juice. In Lalitha Thomas' book, Ten Essential Herbs, she tells about a man who had bleeding ulcers that were healed with cayenne. You should be able to tolerate more and more.

Slippery Elm is also wonderful for digestive trouble and so very gentle and highly nutritous. You can mix a teaspoon of it with warm water, like porridge, and a little honey if you like. It is kind of slimy, so if textures bother you it might not work well. Hope you get some relief soon!"

05/17/2013: Gina from Ipswich, Queensland, Australia: "Hi, So I'm up trying to get ready for work and My Ulcers are playing up. I have had these for years. But the last 6 months or so, they have been unbareable, so much so I just can't make it too work. My Hubby, was searching through sites to see if he could find anything to help as the meds that I have from My Dr are just not working.

So this morning he was off to buy the ACV, Cayenne Tablets and Glutamine tabs- I had my first dose this morning and another around 30 mins ago. I do wish I had emptied my stomuch of that bloating yucky feeling that we all know well, as this may have helped it kick in faster? ANYWAY, I really hope this works! It has far too much affect on my life, can barely work, I don't want to do anything, I use to be such a get up and go type of energitic person, but now, All I do is stick to my bed, most times curled up in a ball."

05/16/2013: Jay from Markham, Ontario: "Hey Ron from Midland City, I am replying. What is the better tea? email me anyone who has the right answers. Jay: frijoles[at]sympatico{dot}ca.

Trying to help my 5 year old with T1 diabetes and positive for h pylori, cleared candida with bio resonance. Still existing dysbioses. We are on GAPS and will return to alkaline diet when done theraputic GAPS. Appearantly nothing will work until the nuerology is repaired via methylation (Dr. Ben Lynch). We could be on therapies without results forever if the right order is not followed. H pylori seems to need to be at the top of the list. Thanks, please educate me. I study up to 20 hours daily for over 1 year since my son's T1 diagnosis.

Jay"

03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

05/16/2013: Anon : "Hi, Sorry to hear of your problem. I believe your situation is an anomaly - black strap molasses is good for us in so many ways pre and post menopause - it contains more calcium than iron and is full of other trace minerals namely potassium which is very good for us. If you only take one supplement then Bsm is the one. As for your high iron level- do you have an natural iron imbalance? Perhaps you should donate some blood to get your iron levels down. It could be that you have a mineral imbalance with copper etc that needs correcting- a hair mineral analysis would be useful."

05/16/2013: Caitlin from Austin, Tx: "Our bodies don't seem to have a mechanism for getting rid of excess iron. Leaches, fleas, ticks and parasites in and on our bodies was probably the way our ancesters got rid of excess iron. Health scientists have postulated that excess iron may be a contributer to heart problems. A health practitioner once told me that iron stays balanced when a young women has periods because iron is lost on a monthly basis; when she gets older and post-menapausal, too much iron is retained. He recommended giving blood monthly as a way to alleviate high iron retention. As a younger woman, I was once told I retained too much iron in my blood, I never delved further into this, so if anyone has, please enlighten us all. The Protein Power book also addresses this problem."

05/17/2013: Anon from Anon: "Hi all, Mostly here on earth clinic we recommend using Bsm to women who have very heavy periods. Some of these women will be iron deficient due to the extreme blood loss but this is only an added extra of black strap molasses the reason we recommend it is because it slows and stops the flow really quickly if you take atleast 3 large tablespoons with a glass of water each time spread over a day- more if you are heavier than normal. The reason it works is because of the vitamin k in it, the vitamin k helps our blood to clot. Bsm is good because whilst helping people with low iron levels it also helps those with higher levels balance out their values because it contains a balance of minerals and vitamins. It has a lot of potassium in it which helps balance our sodium levels. In Cyril Scott's book on the subject he recounts a huge list of illnesses that have been cured by Bsm - most notably cancerous growths. I appreciate this does not necessarily answer your question but hopefully I have shared some important information on Bsm."

05/16/2013: Deonva from Southbroom, South Africa: "Kavita - try the following;

• Di-sodium salt (EDTA) 1/16 teaspoon
• Ascorbic Acid 1/3 teaspoon
• Sodium Bicarbona 1/4 teaspoon
• MSM 1/2 teaspoon
• Borax 1/16 teaspoon
• ACV 2 tablespoons
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Filtered water

Take 3 x daily before meals skipping every other day. It is very effective

Deon"

05/16/2013: Mesem from Manosque, France: "I can't move my hand properly after taking a week of antibiotics after an animal bite. The doctor says I need to re-educate! What rot. It's a tendonitis provoked by antiobiotic. Will it go away? This is scary. 5 Months on now...."

05/15/2013: Om from Hope, Bc, Canada: "please visit this link: http--www.healing teeth naturally.com. This has been the answer for me and I am sure you will find this fascinating reading. Om"

05/16/2013: Aubergine from Washington, Dc Usa: "I had Invisalign treatment several years ago (and my smile is now awesome). I wasn't paying too much attention to what I was putting in my body at the time, other than hearing that BPA was bad and confirming that Invisalign appliances did not contain this compound. But I was not aware of any negative health effects from wearing them.

I still have a plastic night retainer for my top teeth that I use a few nights a week. Recently I've started wondering if this could be bad for me, but again, I haven't noticed any health-related issues."

08/14/2008: Angela from Tonasket, WA.: "I found out thru muscle testing with my chiropractor that my adrenal gland wasn't working well. Call that adrenal fatigue or not, I don't know, but she gave me a supplement called adrenal, desiccated (that says it's only sold thru health care professionals unfortunately.) that has really seemed to help me already. I'm only half way thru the bottle so far, but I'd reccomend it. My chiropractor is also a nutritionist by the way."

09/08/2008: Andrew from Delta, British Columbia: "Response to Angela,

Actually, your chiropractor is not being honest with you. You can purchase dessicated adrenal cortex from a large number of vitamin suppliers. Go to iherb.com and do a search for adrenal cortex."

04/03/2010: Bt from Cincinnati, Oh: "Actually iHerb says "However, modern adrenal extracts are manufactured in such a way that they do not contain significant levels of adrenal hormones. Therefore, it is difficult to find any justification for their use along these lines."

04/06/2010: Angela from Lynchburg, Va: "That reason is precisely why you need to get a quality supplement thru a good source. My chiropractor wasn't being dishonest, the bottle was simply stating the fact that you cannot find this quality brand on a shelf in the drug store. There are also vegetarian forms with herbs that they recommend. Also, I have since found a natural food store,(run by a naturapath mind you) that carries the brand.)

Whatever the supplement, you need to make sure of your sources. A lot aren't even digestible, or are toxic if taken in excess. Most natural ones of quality are hard to overdose on, and are fully assimilated."

11/12/2012: Sweetie from Somewhere, Florida: "Just want everyone to have a heads up; I have found that continuous overuse of stevia affects the adrenals. Stevia can block the enzyme (11-beta-HSD hyroxylase) that breaks down cortisol to cortisone metabolites. Levels of cortisol can rise and cause blood pressure problems and others. Avoid the use of stevia in any quantity. It is usually safe, but in small occasional use."

11/12/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa: "Hi Sweetie, I'm very curious where you have found this information. All the information I have researched on stevia is how it does not feed candida, raise blood sugar levels, cause weight gain or rob the body of minerals.

What exactly do you mean by continual overuse of stevia affects the adrenals? Actually, continual overuse of anything is going to create an imbalance in the body. And the statement, "It is safe, but in small occasional use. " That's ridiculous. I use it daily and have been for about four years now. Donna Gates uses it to help kids who have ADD/ ADHD and candida to overcome their desire for sugar. Certainly, we know that sugar use leads to many problems.

There are many who I consider quite erudite in the alternative health/ health fields who advocate its use. I won't list the many as that would be overkill but among the many are well-known figures such as Dr. Oz, Dr. Weil, Dr. Mercola and David Wolfe.

Best to you, Lisa"

11/14/2012: Art from Vancouver Bc., Canada: "Are you sure you are? I thought it was splenda that was causing all the damage not stevia. Where did you get your info? Stevia is a natural sweetener not artificial. Take care, art"

11/23/2012: David from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Re use of stevia and in defense of "Sweetie" and in response to Lisa. If you google "stevia 11 B Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase" or just the terms Sweetie used you will find the source you want. It is the Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, 2012, no 2. p. 49-52, the full text on line. Very impressive to demonstrate potential "chronic" use of stevia can produce edema, hypertension and hypokalemia. That last one is a decrease in potassium which the ingestion of stevia can induce, says the scientific article. Many problems with loss of potassium as everyone knows... heart, muscle issues etc."

11/24/2012: Terry from West Chester, Pa: "Please define "chronic use of stevia"."

11/24/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa: "Hi David, Thank you for at least providing the source of this information posted by Sweetie. My problem with this source is, it is an isolated case of one 32 year old Caucasian woman. It is also rather vague just citing, "On persistent interrogation, patient admitted to daily consumption of sweetener stevia for over 9 months. " This is too ambiguous for me to take seriously.

I have consumed it daily for probably 4 years now to sweeten my one cup of coffee I drink in the morning. Stevia comes highly recommended by very notable doctors and those from the alternative health field as I said in my response to Sweetie.

The study also does not define what chronic is, as stated in its conclusion: "This case report indicates that chronic consumption may induce edema, hypertension and hypokalemia... " I would need the definition of "chronic" before I would become alarmed about this isolated case. I would also like to note the word "may" in there. Honestly, chronic use of anything is most likely going to lead to problems! At any rate, thanks for the source. Lisa"

11/27/2012: David from Fountain Inn, Sc: "To Terry and Lisa re Stevia consumption. "Chronic" as discussed in the article I cited is certainly greater than the modest once a day use which Lisa practices (in her coffee in the morning). The article does not state quantity, but I can imagine what the patient told her doctor: She likely substituted stevia for sugar and if she was a heavy sugar user then she might be consuming an equilavent amount fit to meet the required sugar volume. I'm just guessing but could that be 40 drops a day? 50?

But if used in moderation which is Lisa's practice then the outcome would be without the negative that may be associated with heavy consumption.

Also, to Lisa: Do you have a source for a similar study as that which I cited that could demonstrate heavy consumption (40 drops daily or more) does NOT produce any symptoms? I'd like to read it.

I also use Stevia. Just a few drops, say in Oatmeal in the morning. But as a user, I also welcome information that puts me on notice as to possible overuse."

05/04/2013: Heather from Greenville, Sc: "My experience with stevia was a bad one. I tried it for a week and it made me very dizzy. Stopped it and the dizziness stopped. I would take precautions with stevia especially if you are hypoglycemic."

05/05/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I was sitting here reading posts wondering why I was so dizzy and thinking about what I ate or drank today... Forgot about the stevia on strawberries in yogurt until reading this post. Two days in a row. I usually don't eat stevia.... Problem solved.... Stevia causes dizzyiness. Thank you!"

05/15/2013: Heather from Easley, Sc - South Carolina: "Joy and Heather: I'm curious what brand of Stevia you were on? Not all Stevia is created equal. In fact, many of the stevia brands that are even carried at Whole Foods actually have aspartame and other artificial sweeteners in them... Back in the day when I used to use aspartame I know it gave me headaches and made me very dizzy. Just a thought."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash : "Hy top white was my most recent bad experience on strawberries, but had a bad experience with the RAW brown colored stuff once before but only had one pack that time. Just felt ill that time. NO lingering misery all day and night and day.

I've always been hyper sensitive to everything and only recently been able to venture into new things.

I rarely eat out or buy prepackaged food or anything with color or dye or additives , breads make me feel like puking. Allergic to semolina in all pasta, pizza, chinese food, sensitive to most fruits, SOYyeast, berries(because of mold and fertilizers), most peanut butter, jelly, most juice, pop and many vegetables... Canned goods are a no no... Frozen foods, blah... If I freeze something... Triple bag it. Can taste refridgerant, don't eat much meat, don't add much seasoning. Rarely milk or cheese, vinegars, wine almost never(but mini cup for communion) , no alcohol, no packaged teas, sauces, most coffees, all creamers, sensitive to soaps, perfumes, make up, shampoo skin creams sunscreens hair control products dyes holds permanents lotions conditioners flowers plants grass molds synthetics, rayons, nylon, some other fibers. Aloe vera , fish oil, olive oil , oils in chips crackers cookies cakes , baked goods , most pies, mushrooms, margarine marshmellows, smoke from woodburning, vitamins, any medications, scented candles toothpaste, oils on nut mixes.. Molds on dried fruits, bleach, no kiwi melons or ripe bananas petrol products and solvents and cleaners.... Dust, pet dander and dirt.. Doughnuts are poison and LARD IS BAD.

But for the most part, I haven't had to take shots or meds to counter any allergy attacks in years. I can have some things once in a whlie and be okay... Like birthday cake with ice cream and a pop, two days in a month. The water cure helped me the most after years of agony. I've been forced to LEARN or suffer. WHAT DOESN'T KILL US MAKES US STRONGER"

05/15/2013: Om from Hope, Bc, Canada: "please visit this link: http--www.healing teeth naturally.com. This has been the answer for me and I am sure you will find this fascinating reading. Om"

05/16/2013: Aubergine from Washington, Dc Usa: "I had Invisalign treatment several years ago (and my smile is now awesome). I wasn't paying too much attention to what I was putting in my body at the time, other than hearing that BPA was bad and confirming that Invisalign appliances did not contain this compound. But I was not aware of any negative health effects from wearing them.

I still have a plastic night retainer for my top teeth that I use a few nights a week. Recently I've started wondering if this could be bad for me, but again, I haven't noticed any health-related issues."

05/15/2013: Jacob from Salem, India: "How long this Corn Husk Tea needs to be taken to shrink the prostate ? Life long or some days. Kindly share your experince. Jacob"

05/14/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear wayseeker from Modesto, Please provide some more detail. What hepatitis C test did Marvin test NEGATIVE with ? Was it the hepatitis C antibodies test or not ? This is very important to know.

Also, I VERY much encourage Marvin to continue the BHT treatment for at least one more year. We want to make very sure there are no infected liver cells left in his body. He has come such a long ways in his recovery I want him to take no chances with any possible relapse. I am absolutely thrilled with his results, but not at all surprised. This BHT treatment does work if people listen to how best to use it. At least very many people do. Thank you for posting about Marvin`s recovery with the use of BHT [ butylated hydroxytoluene ] to treat hepatitis C....Oscar"

05/15/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "I made a mistake I need to correct. Wayseeker was reporting that SHE and her SON tested negative for hepatitis C. NOT Marvin her husband, the person with a long history of a hepatitis C infection. Marvin has had a dramatic improvement in his liver function tests with the BHT treatment. But I am quite sure Wayseeker was NOT saying Marvin now tests negative for hepatitis C. My appologies for any confusion I have caused about this....Oscar"

03/01/2013: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe: "Ja, try: 1. Using food grade h2o2. 2. Try diluting it a LOT. For example try ONE drop in distilled water for a start."

03/02/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky: "Ja: Dido on Mmsg recommendation.

Is the chem odor you smell something like Ammonia???; this happened to me using nebulized Colloidal Silver, but I am thankfully over that now.

First, try greatly improving the air quality in your home. HEPA filters and Negative Ion Generators should help.

There are a number of herbal supplements specifically formulated to improve lung function, worth trying. Swanson Foods sells a very old Chinese formula containing many herbs that have helped many folks, a really superior product worth trying (I think it's labeled "Lung Essentials").

Try boosting your natural defenses with Wheat Sprouts.

Please update us how your doing."

05/15/2013: Ja from Philadelphia, Pa: "Hi, I have not tried the h202 inhalation again since I wrote in. I drink it on occasion but would like to wait until I get it under control without any major hiccups before trying again. The last thing I want is to have to turn to a large dose of steroid again as I've read too often this is retroactive in the healing of the lungs and for asthma. It is like an ammonia smell but I have never had the colloidal silver. Thank you for the suggestion... I started drinking the asthma tea, a few brands make it. I stopped cold turkey: the fast acting, my daily steroid inhalent (which was perscribed 4x the normal dosage) and the nebulizer. I started eating lots of garlic, onions, baking soda, avc, kelp extract, fish oil, 3000 mg of vit c as antihistamine, and a sickening amount of other vitamins. I for the most part stay away from all sugars and carbs unless they are dark green veggies. The asthma has never been better. It is not perfect but this is my own fault as I am not consistent with taing the vitamins every night and I am not consistent with quitting smoking. Just read about this flax oil mucilage made at home that is supposed to be wonderful for mucous and lungs... But has a heavy detox effect as it supposedly rids the body of the viruses that hide in the spinal cord until the immune is supressed... it will be interesting if I get the same side effects."

04/30/2013: Sri from Singapore: "Ok.... I figured this out after my first attack.

1. LOW FAT VEGAN MEAL
2. EAT SMALL AMOUNTS multiple times- large amounts put load on pancreas
3. Take grapefruit seed extract, Good Digestive enzymes, Turmeric
4. Don't take tea or coffee, especially after meals
5. I took tea with milk after heavy lunch and it caused an attack
6. Take activated charcoal capsules if you eat fats
7. Pancreatitis is progressive destruction of pancreas caused by acute pancreatitis attacks. So it important to prevent attacks at all costs.
8. TAKE PAPAYA AND ALOE VERA AS SUGGESTED BY OTHERS

You can live a long life if you follow this strictly."

05/15/2013: Sri from Singapore: "Please try the fruit diet. You have fruits every meal. No cooked food. Occasional piece of cooked food is ok. Have papaya every meal since it has digestive enzymes. This will reduce inflammation and drink lots of water for detox."

05/14/2013: Mt from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: "When the blood is to thick it is very hard to collect it. You can thin the blood by drinking more water and by eating each day a clove of garlic. On earth clinic you can find a recipe for blocked blood vessels, based on lemon, garlic and honey, that will also help with the blood thinning.

Swedish bitter is helping with digestion -it improves liver and pancreas function.

For all the pain symptoms you have to consider Lyme disease.

I also recommend to read the book by Maria Treben, Health through God's Pharmacy. Look into stinging nettle, yarrow, calendula and horse tail tees."

05/15/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Mark; I commend your caring efforts to help your wife. The symptoms you've listed do pertain to B12 deficiency, and it's possible that the brand and type you are using may not be effective.

Early last year, jarrow changed its formula, and it became much less effective. Some of us contacted them because we noticed the problem together. Unfortunately, there are other brands of B12 sublinguals that seem to be less effective. ( I've had this same problem-many symptoms returned .)

Here is a link to a website devoted to treating the condition of ME/CFS: http://forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?find-new/6570495/threads

There are many treatments discussed on this site, including B12. Some people respond to certain brands of sublinguals, others do not. Some people have resorted to injections, because they don't feel anything from sublinguals, etc.

Another site to visit is the Pernicious Anaemia Society. Org, or b12d. Org. Many folks with PA, or B12 deficiency will also be deficient in Folate and Iron. (It would be a good idea to have folate and ferritin levels checked in case.) Not everyone with B12 deficiency will have the same, but some testing is recommended. Other B vitamins may be needed, so, a B complex is recommended. Starting with a low dose is a good idea, then see if extra individual B's are needed.

It's true that co-morbid conditions may exist with B12 deficiency, often times stomach acid is low, so digestion/absorption is weak. Many people here are helped by taking Apple Cider Vinegar, or lemon juice to aid digestion. Some people are taking hydrochloric acid supplements.

When taking measures to increase stomach acid, one may also need to strengthen the stomach lining and tissues to protect them from damage. Amino acids, such as proline, glycine, etc, are needed for this. Bone broth is a good gelatinous food to strengthen collagen, helping the gut.

When digestion is weak, minerals may also not be absorbed well. ( vegetarians may be low in zinc, but there could be other low minerals.)

It's also true that B12 deficiency can be from a lack of transport proteins, in addition to malabsorption. Transcobalamin deficiency may be the cause. It is treated with very high dosages of B12, until symptoms resolve. The B12 serum test does not indicate a good status in these people. They must rely on how they feel. The practitioner must be amenable to this type of treatment.

BTW, it may also be helpful to check for low thyroid function, it's another condition that accompanies B12 deficiency."

05/15/2013: Tinydancer from Dayton, Ohio, Usa: "Mark, I have experienced many of your wife's symptoms and the only things that work for me are the B-12 patches. At first try I had to really load up on them daily and take over the recommended amount. I would wake up in pain and numbness every morning until I got started with the patches. It took less than a week for me to see results. I still have some numbness in fingers on right hand but it is mild compared to what it was. I have tried the under the tongue pills and shots that were expensive but had no results. My doctor said my B-12 was in range and I had no problems but the only peace that I got from pain and fear that I was going blind was the B-12 patches."

10/06/2012: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Dear Chris from Guam, I was great hearing from you. Thank you very much for reporting back in with the EARTH CLINIC with your test results with the use of BHT to treat hepatitis C. It does seem that the BHT is working.

By the way: Do you have any liver function test results available? I so very much hope you have this infection under control and will continue to show significant improvement. Sincerely, ...Oscar"

12/23/2012: Chris from Yigo, Guam: "Update on my BHT Treatment:

I have had another viral load count this past week and it was went up significantly.

• March 2012 21 million
• Started taking BHT 2- 350mg caps/day.
• September 2012 11.4 million
• December 2012 28.8 million

I can't understand why it has increased so much. My VL's have never fluctuated since I started testing back in 2002. I have not changed any of the dosage or program. I almost think that the lab made a mistake reading the information. I continue to feel better and that is why I question the results. If I didn't feel good I could see that it may not be working. Well I plan to continue to use the BHT and my next test will be at a different clinic.

My liver function tests all fall within the "normal range" another reason I believe that it may be a mistake.

I'll update when I get the next test result."

12/24/2012: Mr. Ree from Somewhere, Usa: "To Guam, I had the same thing happen to me and was also feeling better... I was being treated by a Russian Dr. who is in his 60's and has been studying natural remedies his whole career... He said, "some of the virus's being measured are also the dead ones..."

Don't worry about it... Merry Christmas..."

05/14/2013: Chris from Yigo, Guam, Usa: "I am following up on my BHT treatment for my hepatitis C. Below you can find the thread over the past year. Here is my viral load count.

• March 2012: 21 million
• May 2012: Started taking BHT 2 - 350mg caps/day.
• September 2012: 11. 4 million
• December 2012: 28. 8 million (Read below you can see what was the possible cause of this increase)
• April 2013: 2. 7 million

I am now about 87% lower than when I started the treatment. I try to take 2 - 350mg caps per day, but if I cant get them on an empty stomach twice per day, then I will only take 1. Other than this I carry on with my normal diet and life. I do not drink alcohol and do drink alkaline water to lower my overall body pH and on occasion take ascorbic acid (Vit C) powder mixed with baking soda if I feel an illness coming on. I am hoping that within a few more months my next result will be non detectable, but if it's not, no worries, as I have nothing but time and trust that this will eventually cure me of my Hepatitis C.

All my other blood work test are "normal"."

05/15/2013: Oscar from Syracuse, New York, Usa: "Thank you so very much Chris for this important update. You have stuck with the BHT treatment for over one year now. It does seem you now have this HCV infection under control and hopefully you will get to NO VIRUS DETECTED soon.

Here is a link to an important University of Naples study about vitamins and hepatits C. Some help: most notably vitamin B12 in daily doses of 1,000mcg [ micrograms ] and one [ vitamin E ] enhances the hepatitis C viruses` ability to replicate and therefore vitamin E supplents should be avoided, NOT taken. Yes you NEED some vitamin E but get plenty in a normal diet. Just do NOT take vitamin E supplements if treating hepatitis C. Here is a link to this important study: http://www.epocrates.com/dacc/1207/VitaminB12hcvBMJ1207.pdf

So, adding that 1,000mcg [ micrograms ] of vitamin B 12 a day should help a lot... Oscar"

10/22/2012: Lester from Tobago: "Hi I have a pterigium in both my eyes for the past 44 years it means from birth and I am anxious to have it removed please advise me on how to apply the castor oil. ASAP my email is symple6(at)yahoo.com"

10/24/2012: Wayseer from Motown, Ca/ Usa: "Hi Lester! Just a thought, but I am eating lots of raw organic honey in the comb -with royal bee jelly- after hearing about a radiologist telling a man with severe corneal problems to, "Just eat as much raw honey with royal bee jelly as you can handle, " and that this very serious eye problem was soon healed completely.

I now have no floaters or fuzziness, and my vision is improving! You just chew the wax awhile, then spit it out, if eaten by the spoonfull. It has good stuff for you, and can be spread on warm toast with wax eaten too. You won't even notice, and it's lovely, really good. --T."

05/15/2013: Sylvia from Rustenburg,northwest Province: "How do I use castor oil? Do I have to drink it or pour it inside my eyes?"

03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

10/03/2012: Rameshchandra from Ankleshwar, Gujarat: "With stent, can I use Apple Cider Vinegar, garlic, ginger, lemon? advice?"

02/14/2013: David from Washington, Dc: "Recieved stent 8/20/12. Informed of a 75% blockage, to be treated with meds. Question, want to take the acv/garlic/lemon/ginger/honey mix... is it safe with standard meds after balloon procedure?"

04/15/2013: Tara from Tabriz, Iran: "Hi, My husband had a heart attack 6 years ago and since then he is in doctor's control taking statins, aspirin, digoxin. But these drugs' side effects, especially statins, are severe. Can he use the garlic, ginger, lemon & ginger recipe instead of statins and digoxin to control his cholestrol? He has stent in one of his arteries."

05/14/2013: Raghav from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh , India: "hi, I received a stent in 2003 AND recent angiography showed 50% blockage WITHIN the stent.. Can I take this ACV/garlic/lemon/ginger/honey mixture with a stent already present on LAD ? If so, then what should be the dosages? Someone pls help.. Thanks"

05/15/2013: Baldev from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: "Hi, This is in response to Abhi, Rameshchandra, David, Tara and Raghav, heart attack and having stent placed is no disqualification to take the natural things. All the ingredients of the mixture you are talking about are what we eat day to day, they are very healthy and are heart friendly and under no circumstances they will harm the heart. Ted and Bill have written a lot on this subject on this site so feel free to take it. Statins on the contrary have very strong side effects and in my opinion should be avoided as for as possible, they do less good and more harm. Ted on this site has recommended lemon oil 10 drops twice a day as a good aid to clean the arteries. Good Luck

Baldev (09322887066)"

05/15/2013: Gavin from Manganui, Northland, New Zealand: "And don't forget the trials on Pomegranate juice are very interesting, it actually reverses atherosclerosis, and unblocks blocked up arteries. The science on this one is very good."

03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

08/14/2008: Angela from Tonasket, WA.: "I found out thru muscle testing with my chiropractor that my adrenal gland wasn't working well. Call that adrenal fatigue or not, I don't know, but she gave me a supplement called adrenal, desiccated (that says it's only sold thru health care professionals unfortunately.) that has really seemed to help me already. I'm only half way thru the bottle so far, but I'd reccomend it. My chiropractor is also a nutritionist by the way."

09/08/2008: Andrew from Delta, British Columbia: "Response to Angela,

Actually, your chiropractor is not being honest with you. You can purchase dessicated adrenal cortex from a large number of vitamin suppliers. Go to iherb.com and do a search for adrenal cortex."

04/03/2010: Bt from Cincinnati, Oh: "Actually iHerb says "However, modern adrenal extracts are manufactured in such a way that they do not contain significant levels of adrenal hormones. Therefore, it is difficult to find any justification for their use along these lines."

04/06/2010: Angela from Lynchburg, Va: "That reason is precisely why you need to get a quality supplement thru a good source. My chiropractor wasn't being dishonest, the bottle was simply stating the fact that you cannot find this quality brand on a shelf in the drug store. There are also vegetarian forms with herbs that they recommend. Also, I have since found a natural food store,(run by a naturapath mind you) that carries the brand.)

Whatever the supplement, you need to make sure of your sources. A lot aren't even digestible, or are toxic if taken in excess. Most natural ones of quality are hard to overdose on, and are fully assimilated."

11/12/2012: Sweetie from Somewhere, Florida: "Just want everyone to have a heads up; I have found that continuous overuse of stevia affects the adrenals. Stevia can block the enzyme (11-beta-HSD hyroxylase) that breaks down cortisol to cortisone metabolites. Levels of cortisol can rise and cause blood pressure problems and others. Avoid the use of stevia in any quantity. It is usually safe, but in small occasional use."

11/12/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa: "Hi Sweetie, I'm very curious where you have found this information. All the information I have researched on stevia is how it does not feed candida, raise blood sugar levels, cause weight gain or rob the body of minerals.

What exactly do you mean by continual overuse of stevia affects the adrenals? Actually, continual overuse of anything is going to create an imbalance in the body. And the statement, "It is safe, but in small occasional use. " That's ridiculous. I use it daily and have been for about four years now. Donna Gates uses it to help kids who have ADD/ ADHD and candida to overcome their desire for sugar. Certainly, we know that sugar use leads to many problems.

There are many who I consider quite erudite in the alternative health/ health fields who advocate its use. I won't list the many as that would be overkill but among the many are well-known figures such as Dr. Oz, Dr. Weil, Dr. Mercola and David Wolfe.

Best to you, Lisa"

11/14/2012: Art from Vancouver Bc., Canada: "Are you sure you are? I thought it was splenda that was causing all the damage not stevia. Where did you get your info? Stevia is a natural sweetener not artificial. Take care, art"

11/23/2012: David from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Re use of stevia and in defense of "Sweetie" and in response to Lisa. If you google "stevia 11 B Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase" or just the terms Sweetie used you will find the source you want. It is the Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, 2012, no 2. p. 49-52, the full text on line. Very impressive to demonstrate potential "chronic" use of stevia can produce edema, hypertension and hypokalemia. That last one is a decrease in potassium which the ingestion of stevia can induce, says the scientific article. Many problems with loss of potassium as everyone knows... heart, muscle issues etc."

11/24/2012: Terry from West Chester, Pa: "Please define "chronic use of stevia"."

11/24/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa: "Hi David, Thank you for at least providing the source of this information posted by Sweetie. My problem with this source is, it is an isolated case of one 32 year old Caucasian woman. It is also rather vague just citing, "On persistent interrogation, patient admitted to daily consumption of sweetener stevia for over 9 months. " This is too ambiguous for me to take seriously.

I have consumed it daily for probably 4 years now to sweeten my one cup of coffee I drink in the morning. Stevia comes highly recommended by very notable doctors and those from the alternative health field as I said in my response to Sweetie.

The study also does not define what chronic is, as stated in its conclusion: "This case report indicates that chronic consumption may induce edema, hypertension and hypokalemia... " I would need the definition of "chronic" before I would become alarmed about this isolated case. I would also like to note the word "may" in there. Honestly, chronic use of anything is most likely going to lead to problems! At any rate, thanks for the source. Lisa"

11/27/2012: David from Fountain Inn, Sc: "To Terry and Lisa re Stevia consumption. "Chronic" as discussed in the article I cited is certainly greater than the modest once a day use which Lisa practices (in her coffee in the morning). The article does not state quantity, but I can imagine what the patient told her doctor: She likely substituted stevia for sugar and if she was a heavy sugar user then she might be consuming an equilavent amount fit to meet the required sugar volume. I'm just guessing but could that be 40 drops a day? 50?

But if used in moderation which is Lisa's practice then the outcome would be without the negative that may be associated with heavy consumption.

Also, to Lisa: Do you have a source for a similar study as that which I cited that could demonstrate heavy consumption (40 drops daily or more) does NOT produce any symptoms? I'd like to read it.

I also use Stevia. Just a few drops, say in Oatmeal in the morning. But as a user, I also welcome information that puts me on notice as to possible overuse."

05/04/2013: Heather from Greenville, Sc: "My experience with stevia was a bad one. I tried it for a week and it made me very dizzy. Stopped it and the dizziness stopped. I would take precautions with stevia especially if you are hypoglycemic."

05/05/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I was sitting here reading posts wondering why I was so dizzy and thinking about what I ate or drank today... Forgot about the stevia on strawberries in yogurt until reading this post. Two days in a row. I usually don't eat stevia.... Problem solved.... Stevia causes dizzyiness. Thank you!"

05/15/2013: Heather from Easley, Sc - South Carolina: "Joy and Heather: I'm curious what brand of Stevia you were on? Not all Stevia is created equal. In fact, many of the stevia brands that are even carried at Whole Foods actually have aspartame and other artificial sweeteners in them... Back in the day when I used to use aspartame I know it gave me headaches and made me very dizzy. Just a thought."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash : "Hy top white was my most recent bad experience on strawberries, but had a bad experience with the RAW brown colored stuff once before but only had one pack that time. Just felt ill that time. NO lingering misery all day and night and day.

I've always been hyper sensitive to everything and only recently been able to venture into new things.

I rarely eat out or buy prepackaged food or anything with color or dye or additives , breads make me feel like puking. Allergic to semolina in all pasta, pizza, chinese food, sensitive to most fruits, SOYyeast, berries(because of mold and fertilizers), most peanut butter, jelly, most juice, pop and many vegetables... Canned goods are a no no... Frozen foods, blah... If I freeze something... Triple bag it. Can taste refridgerant, don't eat much meat, don't add much seasoning. Rarely milk or cheese, vinegars, wine almost never(but mini cup for communion) , no alcohol, no packaged teas, sauces, most coffees, all creamers, sensitive to soaps, perfumes, make up, shampoo skin creams sunscreens hair control products dyes holds permanents lotions conditioners flowers plants grass molds synthetics, rayons, nylon, some other fibers. Aloe vera , fish oil, olive oil , oils in chips crackers cookies cakes , baked goods , most pies, mushrooms, margarine marshmellows, smoke from woodburning, vitamins, any medications, scented candles toothpaste, oils on nut mixes.. Molds on dried fruits, bleach, no kiwi melons or ripe bananas petrol products and solvents and cleaners.... Dust, pet dander and dirt.. Doughnuts are poison and LARD IS BAD.

But for the most part, I haven't had to take shots or meds to counter any allergy attacks in years. I can have some things once in a whlie and be okay... Like birthday cake with ice cream and a pop, two days in a month. The water cure helped me the most after years of agony. I've been forced to LEARN or suffer. WHAT DOESN'T KILL US MAKES US STRONGER"

03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

05/15/2013: Susan from San Francisco, Ca: "I did just find the following: DMSO will not carry anything with a molecular weight of over 1000. I also read that B12 has a molecular weight of 1,355. Is this 1,355 figure correct? Is it true that DMSO cannot carry anything higher than 1,000 correct? I've seen testimonials about the effectiveness of B12/DMSO (even the Dr. Mercola website seems to espouse it). Does anyone know if any of these figures are correct? Thanks again."

EC: Here is the url to Sadie's thread: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/leaky-gut-syndrome.html#BP

05/14/2013: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe: "J_stone: I've read that once your gut heals, you can tolerate more stuff you were allergic to. This has happened to me. I've been pretty strict (not too strict tho) with eating mostly natural stuff, and I must say, I can now tolerate many more foods IN MODERATION. If I go overboard, I feel it.

So you can try a natural diet, but you should know it's not a life sentence: it's a healing stage."

05/14/2013: Kt from the USA: "J_stone--please be aware that dairy cows could be fed corn in the winter to produce more milk. This would affect the cheese and butter too. Mmsg is right-on with moderation because of what is happening to our food supply. Genetically modified grasses and grains (GMO's) have tainted our food in one way or another.

If food is being engineered to last longer it seems to me the creatures in the food are surviving and when we use anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers we could be killing off the defenses. I JUST DON'T KNOW... But there has to be a reason so many people keep getting sick. The hospitals are no longer safe. People are going in to get fixed and are coming down with worse ailments than they went in with if they don't die. This has been on the news more than once."

05/14/2013: Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada: "Hi J_stone from Indy: I agree with Mmsg from Europe.

In the book, Digestive Wellness (Lipski), they found that one-third of children with eosinophilic esophagitis also had asthma (in fact, EE is being called "asthma of the esophagus"). Allergic reactions to foods, mold, dust and pollen appear to play a big role. Even people on medication need to restrict/eliminate allergy-inducing foods or they won't improve, regardless of what drugs they take.

Here is what they recommend:

• Go on an elimination-provocation diet
• Quercetin: This will diminish, relieve and prevent allergy symptoms and protect esophageal tissue. Quercetin is very effective when combined with grape seed extract or pycnogenol.
• Probiotics: This will balance gut ecology and immune system function.
• Digestive enzymes
• DGL licorice: soothes inflammation and stimulates repair.
• Folic acid: Protects mucous membranes.

Can you work with a naturopathic doctor? That way the ND could tailor any supplements to your child's weight and severity of symptoms.

I would highly recommend borrowing Digestive Wellness from your library (or buy it, but if funds are tight, borrowing is a good option). It has instructions on the elimination diet and the various types and dosages of probiotics. Good luck! Bess"

05/15/2013: Sadie from Manchester: "J, sorry for the short reply but short on time, please refer to my post on my son's leaky gut. It has been hard but similar protocol may help your son. Just use the search box or look up under ailments."

EC: Here is the url to Sadie's thread: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/leaky-gut-syndrome.html#BP

05/15/2013: Liz from Hingham, Ma: "This is in response to Jennie from Orange Park, FL - Can you explain what the honey treatment is that you use? Basically exactly what do you do with all 3 things you list that you've been doing. Thanks!!"

05/15/2013: Amanda from Ca: "I was reading about you having h pylori and how you continue to get it after having antibiotics. I am 25 and all of a sudden have horrible pain, we believe is an ulcer, I am wondering what has worked for you as far as the natural remedies?

I am a new mom and nursing so I will not take any medications until I am done nursing, I am currently taking Apple Cider Vinegar and eating a strict anti-ulcer diet. The past two days have been good, however I am constantly scared to eat not knowing if the severe pain will come. Please let me know how your home remedies have been going, the only reason I am tempted to do the antibiotics and all that is because the stomach cancer bein related to h pylori makes me nervous. Thank you!"

EC: Hi KT, you can read about Kombucha tea here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/kombucha_tea.html

09/25/2012: Markell from Provo, Ut: "Cayenne can't be taken long term. It can cause stomach cancer."

05/14/2013: Amysuek from Kane, Pa: "No, Cayenne does not cause stomach cancer. Please do not post wrong information on conjecture only."

05/15/2013: Kt from The Usa: "Could you please tell me what Kombucha is?"

EC: Hi KT, you can read about Kombucha tea here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/kombucha_tea.html

05/14/2013: Mt from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: "When the blood is to thick it is very hard to collect it. You can thin the blood by drinking more water and by eating each day a clove of garlic. On earth clinic you can find a recipe for blocked blood vessels, based on lemon, garlic and honey, that will also help with the blood thinning.

Swedish bitter is helping with digestion -it improves liver and pancreas function.

For all the pain symptoms you have to consider Lyme disease.

I also recommend to read the book by Maria Treben, Health through God's Pharmacy. Look into stinging nettle, yarrow, calendula and horse tail tees."

05/15/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Mark; I commend your caring efforts to help your wife. The symptoms you've listed do pertain to B12 deficiency, and it's possible that the brand and type you are using may not be effective.

Early last year, jarrow changed its formula, and it became much less effective. Some of us contacted them because we noticed the problem together. Unfortunately, there are other brands of B12 sublinguals that seem to be less effective. ( I've had this same problem-many symptoms returned .)

Here is a link to a website devoted to treating the condition of ME/CFS: http://forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?find-new/6570495/threads

There are many treatments discussed on this site, including B12. Some people respond to certain brands of sublinguals, others do not. Some people have resorted to injections, because they don't feel anything from sublinguals, etc.

Another site to visit is the Pernicious Anaemia Society. Org, or b12d. Org. Many folks with PA, or B12 deficiency will also be deficient in Folate and Iron. (It would be a good idea to have folate and ferritin levels checked in case.) Not everyone with B12 deficiency will have the same, but some testing is recommended. Other B vitamins may be needed, so, a B complex is recommended. Starting with a low dose is a good idea, then see if extra individual B's are needed.

It's true that co-morbid conditions may exist with B12 deficiency, often times stomach acid is low, so digestion/absorption is weak. Many people here are helped by taking Apple Cider Vinegar, or lemon juice to aid digestion. Some people are taking hydrochloric acid supplements.

When taking measures to increase stomach acid, one may also need to strengthen the stomach lining and tissues to protect them from damage. Amino acids, such as proline, glycine, etc, are needed for this. Bone broth is a good gelatinous food to strengthen collagen, helping the gut.

When digestion is weak, minerals may also not be absorbed well. ( vegetarians may be low in zinc, but there could be other low minerals.)

It's also true that B12 deficiency can be from a lack of transport proteins, in addition to malabsorption. Transcobalamin deficiency may be the cause. It is treated with very high dosages of B12, until symptoms resolve. The B12 serum test does not indicate a good status in these people. They must rely on how they feel. The practitioner must be amenable to this type of treatment.

BTW, it may also be helpful to check for low thyroid function, it's another condition that accompanies B12 deficiency."

05/15/2013: Tinydancer from Dayton, Ohio, Usa: "Mark, I have experienced many of your wife's symptoms and the only things that work for me are the B-12 patches. At first try I had to really load up on them daily and take over the recommended amount. I would wake up in pain and numbness every morning until I got started with the patches. It took less than a week for me to see results. I still have some numbness in fingers on right hand but it is mild compared to what it was. I have tried the under the tongue pills and shots that were expensive but had no results. My doctor said my B-12 was in range and I had no problems but the only peace that I got from pain and fear that I was going blind was the B-12 patches."

01/21/2013: The1model from Baltimore, Maryland: "Hi, I was diagnosed with Graves Disease about two years ago after having horrible symptoms. My Endo immediately scheduled me for the radioactive iodine treatment but I decided to miss that appointment. She dismissed my request to explore natural options to curve my symptoms and disease. I decided to change my diet, began exercising and started taking natural supplements. About six months later, all of my symptoms disappeared but my goiter did not shrink. Now about a year later, it seems that my symptoms are returning and my goiter is becoming even more enlarged. I am currently taking turmeric, mothers wort, selenium, ginger root, vitamin e, beta carotene and a couple more supplements as suggested from a few thyroid books. As a single mom, college student, full time employee, I am willing to take just about anything that will ensure my health in order to avoid surgery and radioactive therapy. How much kelp powder should be taken daily? And can this be taken along with ACV? Any suggestions and advice are greatly appreciated! Thanks!"

01/22/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "The1model: Kelp is an excellent source of natural Iodine, but in some cases it's not enough. Fallow the recommendations for Lugols Iodine/Iodide on this site. If this doesn't work try nascent Iodine.

Also, try Magnet Therapy directly over the affected area. Try a small music speaker magnet at least 10 min 2x daily. Also, take Zinc/C Lozenges as directed. People w/ Thyroid disorders often cannot convert Beta-carotene to Vit-A, so drop the Bc and take Vit-A soft-gels. I recommend taking the Vit-A by biting down on the gel and bursting it in the mouth while letting it diffuse through-out the entire local area (which includes both the very important Thyroid and Thymus Glands); you can also do this method with the Vit-E; swallow slowly."

05/15/2013: Natrod59 from Boca Raton, Fl: "Since you said "As a single mom, college student, full time employee... " I think it's worth mentioning that goiters can also grow from stress and adrenal fatigue. I find that yoga or deep breathing several times a day can relieve the adrenals and decrease my goiter. It appears hormones, adrenals, stress, toxins are all interelated and impacted by diet and stress as well. Good luck!"

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I had the cracks on my heels for 15 years, dry skin that had to be scaped off or it would form a deep crevace and bleed and take months to heal It all stopped when I started eating the coconut oil in november/december at the height of cold weather, warm sox and shoes all day... No more problems. Maybe it will help your cracked skin on fingers?"

05/15/2013: Anon from Anon: "Hi, it could be you have vitamin deficiencies I would consider having a hair mineral analysis - it sounds like you are deficient in essential fatty acids and maybe a, d, c and maybe b vitamins. Also look at the chemicals in your environment as they can be harsh on our hands."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I had the cracks on my heels for 15 years, dry skin that had to be scaped off or it would form a deep crevace and bleed and take months to heal It all stopped when I started eating the coconut oil in november/december at the height of cold weather, warm sox and shoes all day... No more problems. Maybe it will help your cracked skin on fingers?"

05/15/2013: Anon from Anon: "Hi, it could be you have vitamin deficiencies I would consider having a hair mineral analysis - it sounds like you are deficient in essential fatty acids and maybe a, d, c and maybe b vitamins. Also look at the chemicals in your environment as they can be harsh on our hands."

03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

03/27/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess."

03/27/2013: Claromce from Templeton, Ca, Usa: "Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot."

03/28/2013: Wellspruce from Juneau, Ak, Usa: "Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also."

03/28/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?"

03/28/2013: Jade from Dallas, Texas: "Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade"

03/28/2013: Ejules from Woodbridge, Va, Us: "Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest."

03/28/2013: Bradshad from North Prov., Rhode Island: "Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king."

03/29/2013: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets."

03/29/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks."

03/29/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes."

03/31/2013: Tamara from Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa: "Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/"

03/31/2013: Andrea C from Cardiff, Wales: "The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c"

04/01/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency."

04/01/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.

Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.

For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors."

04/01/2013: Megan from St Louis, Missouri: "I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!"

04/01/2013: Liz from Torrance, California: "Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.

Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.

Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia."

04/02/2013: Trudyg from Waynesboro, Va: "Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it."

04/02/2013: Tina from Houston, Usa: "Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.

Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.

Good luck!"

05/13/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Niacinamide stops the chatter of the mind but take it with other B's they work together... It also helps sleep. First time I took it my mind went blank, freaked me out."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.

I went to a few google sites and looked around also.

This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.

They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....

Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.

LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison

May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY"

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks."

05/13/2013: Trudyg : "Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?"

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash : "Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...

Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy

Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.

I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help."

05/13/2013: Joy from Battleground , Wash: "Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps."

05/14/2013: Trudyg : "I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks."

05/14/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow."

05/15/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks."

05/15/2013: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush."

05/15/2013: Trudyg : "Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining)."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.

If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.

One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.

Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.

Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high."

05/15/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.

So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.

Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~"

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end."

05/16/2013: Robyn from Asheville, Nc: "Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water."

05/15/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along."

05/16/2013: Trudyg from Xxx, Yyy: "I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question."

05/16/2013: Trudyg : "I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously."

05/16/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.

Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.

I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.

You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you."

05/16/2013: Joy from Battleground, Wash: "Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy"

05/18/2013: Om from Hope, B.c., Canada: "About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.

I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om"

05/18/2013: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks..."

05/15/2013: Anon from Anon: "Hi, It's called the fast diet, michel mosleys book is on amazon- it's very popular here in UK, lots of people have been losing weight."

10/03/2012: Rameshchandra from Ankleshwar, Gujarat: "With stent, can I use Apple Cider Vinegar, garlic, ginger, lemon? advice?"

02/14/2013: David from Washington, Dc: "Recieved stent 8/20/12. Informed of a 75% blockage, to be treated with meds. Question, want to take the acv/garlic/lemon/ginger/honey mix... is it safe with standard meds after balloon procedure?"

04/15/2013: Tara from Tabriz, Iran: "Hi, My husband had a heart attack 6 years ago and since then he is in doctor's control taking statins, aspirin, digoxin. But these drugs' side effects, especially statins, are severe. Can he use the garlic, ginger, lemon & ginger recipe instead of statins and digoxin to control his cholestrol? He has stent in one of his arteries."

05/14/2013: Raghav from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh , India: "hi, I received a stent in 2003 AND recent angiography showed 50% blockage WITHIN the stent.. Can I take this ACV/garlic/lemon/ginger/honey mixture with a stent already present on LAD ? If so, then what should be the dosages? Someone pls help.. Thanks"

05/15/2013: Baldev from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: "Hi, This is in response to Abhi, Rameshchandra, David, Tara and Raghav, heart attack and having stent placed is no disqualification to take the natural things. All the ingredients of the mixture you are talking about are what we eat day to day, they are very healthy and are heart friendly and under no circumstances they will harm the heart. Ted and Bill have written a lot on this subject on this site so feel free to take it. Statins on the contrary have very strong side effects and in my opinion should be avoided as for as possible, they do less good and more harm. Ted on this site has recommended lemon oil 10 drops twice a day as a good aid to clean the arteries. Good Luck

Baldev (09322887066)"

05/15/2013: Gavin from Manganui, Northland, New Zealand: "And don't forget the trials on Pomegranate juice are very interesting, it actually reverses atherosclerosis, and unblocks blocked up arteries. The science on this one is very good."

03/08/2013: Drema from Charleston, Wv Usa: "If a person is allergic to shellfish could this be a problem too?"

05/14/2013: Q from Houston, Tx: "No, having a shellfish allergy won't be a problem with DE. I've taken it many times and I'm extremely allergic to shellfish."

02/24/2013: Arochier from Helsingfors, Island: "You mentioned that you took probiotics during your antibiotic treatment. I read somewhere that people with SIBO should be extra careful when starting to take probiotics. The bad bacteria needs to be starved off and eradicated first and only then should a careful process of building better gut bacteria started by a step by step introduction of probiotics. You might benefit from a retry. Also, the same source adviced that the natural antibiotics should be alternated so that the body does not grown resistant to them."

03/25/2013: Sophie from Pdx, Or: "Thanks I will try it. In my second go around with SIBO my doctor strategized this program take Interphase 25 minutes before taking the garlic, berberine, and oregano. Interphase kills the biofilm. The second thing to do is very important is to take enteric coated peppermint oil 1-2 capsules three times a day that enteric coated capsules dissolve and open once they've reached the small intestines, and kill the bacteria. I'm learning that to eliminate SIBO it might take six months and that you must be on the SCD diet during that time."

03/26/2013: Embarrassed from Stinkville, Michigan: "Hi there. Could you explain what Interphase is? A medication, procedure, etc."

05/14/2013: Anonymouscat from Sd, Ca: "Recent research is indicating that IBS may very well be caused by bacterial overgrowth. So be sure to ask for breath test to verify SIBO, Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

This is a natural herbal process for killing SIBO. My MD gave me take Interfase or you may use Interfase plus ( this is an enzyme that dissolves the biofilm around the bacteria which allows the powerful herbs to penetrate the bacteria to kill them) Take four Interfase or Interfase Plus 20-25 minutes before the herbs. The herbal process is a 30 days or longer process. Herbs take longer than antibiotics. While on herbs you must get on the SCD diet, this starves the bacteria. Also drinking 2-3 drops of food grade peppermint oil in half glass of water 3-4 times a day helps a lot! I take a two peppermint pills before bed and eat two to three raw garlic cloves daily.

Herbs for SIBO: Take alicin Garlic 450 mg 3 times daily, take 3 berberine complex 3 time daily, take 1 golden seal 2 x times day, take 1 capsule oregano oil 3 times a day and take Neem 300 milligrams 3 times a day.

If you can't take it anymore the symptomsare driving you mad and making you crazy. Go on the Elemental Diet for 2-3 weeks , you can buy it over the counter. This means you will have no food just drink the packets. I believe 14 days would be enough depending on how bad you have it. This method I read is supposedly to be the fastest and most effective way to get rid of SIBO because you are literally starving the bacteria. Of course anytime you do this it is best to get under the care ND or MD that is specialized in this area. Once the SIBO is gone, you will need some insight on how to get the system balanced, sweeping and working appropriately. Be well!"

05/14/2013: Mt from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: "When the blood is to thick it is very hard to collect it. You can thin the blood by drinking more water and by eating each day a clove of garlic. On earth clinic you can find a recipe for blocked blood vessels, based on lemon, garlic and honey, that will also help with the blood thinning.

Swedish bitter is helping with digestion -it improves liver and pancreas function.

For all the pain symptoms you have to consider Lyme disease.

I also recommend to read the book by Maria Treben, Health through God's Pharmacy. Look into stinging nettle, yarrow, calendula and horse tail tees."

05/15/2013: Connie from Slc, Utah, Usa: "Hi Mark; I commend your caring efforts to help your wife. The symptoms you've listed do pertain to B12 deficiency, and it's possible that the brand and type you are using may not be effective.

Early last year, jarrow changed its formula, and it became much less effective. Some of us contacted them because we noticed the problem together. Unfortunately, there are other brands of B12 sublinguals that seem to be less effective. ( I've had this same problem-many symptoms returned .)

Here is a link to a website devoted to treating the condition of ME/CFS: http://forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?find-new/6570495/threads

There are many treatments discussed on this site, including B12. Some people respond to certain brands of sublinguals, others do not. Some people have resorted to injections, because they don't feel anything from sublinguals, etc.

Another site to visit is the Pernicious Anaemia Society. Org, or b12d. Org. Many folks with PA, or B12 deficiency will also be deficient in Folate and Iron. (It would be a good idea to have folate and ferritin levels checked in case.) Not everyone with B12 deficiency will have the same, but some testing is recommended. Other B vitamins may be needed, so, a B complex is recommended. Starting with a low dose is a good idea, then see if extra individual B's are needed.

It's true that co-morbid conditions may exist with B12 deficiency, often times stomach acid is low, so digestion/absorption is weak. Many people here are helped by taking Apple Cider Vinegar, or lemon juice to aid digestion. Some people are taking hydrochloric acid supplements.

When taking measures to increase stomach acid, one may also need to strengthen the stomach lining and tissues to protect them from damage. Amino acids, such as proline, glycine, etc, are needed for this. Bone broth is a good gelatinous food to strengthen collagen, helping the gut.

When digestion is weak, minerals may also not be absorbed well. ( vegetarians may be low in zinc, but there could be other low minerals.)

It's also true that B12 deficiency can be from a lack of transport proteins, in addition to malabsorption. Transcobalamin deficiency may be the cause. It is treated with very high dosages of B12, until symptoms resolve. The B12 serum test does not indicate a good status in these people. They must rely on how they feel. The practitioner must be amenable to this type of treatment.

BTW, it may also be helpful to check for low thyroid function, it's another condition that accompanies B12 deficiency."

05/15/2013: Tinydancer from Dayton, Ohio, Usa: "Mark, I have experienced many of your wife's symptoms and the only things that work for me are the B-12 patches. At first try I had to really load up on them daily and take over the recommended amount. I would wake up in pain and numbness every morning until I got started with the patches. It took less than a week for me to see results. I still have some numbness in fingers on right hand but it is mild compared to what it was. I have tried the under the tongue pills and shots that were expensive but had no results. My doctor said my B-12 was in range and I had no problems but the only peace that I got from pain and fear that I was going blind was the B-12 patches."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/09/2010: Maxi from Atlanta, Georgia: "I agree lactic acid and lactose are the main cause of disease. I don't think probiotic supplements are healthy either. I have cancer and they have made it worse."

05/14/2013: Willow 11 from Tampa, Fl: "Probiotics are very important for digestive health, but current ones are grown on GMO corn - which is, well.... really bad for you. So, now a days people will get their probiotics from fermented vegetables like sauerkraut etc. You can get it at the store - avoid additives, or make your own - very easy and fun to do. Everyone should eat a little bit everyday."