Heather (San Diego, California) on 12/29/2011
Six months ago, I stopped using all forms of oil high in either Omega 6 OR Omega 3; switching exclusively to coconut oil, and using also some butter and some olive oil. Due to this switch, I noticed an immediate improvement in my chronic fatigue.
I did that based on othe research of Ray Peat, PhD after YEARS of using stuff like grapeseed oil and fish oil/krill/cod liver oil thinking that I needed the Omega 3's, or in the case of grapseed oil, thinking the high smoke point would save me from oxidation more than other cooking oils would.
I had also hoped the coconut oil would help with weight loss, as I've gained 30 lbs in the past year for no particular reason. It did not help with my weight loss but I noticed a significant improvement within a few days in regards to clarity of mind and energy. In fact, for the first week or so, I felt significantly improved, and thought I was well on my way to being cured. At that point, I was eating 3-5 tablespoons of the stuff each day.
Unfortunately, the polyunsaturated oils do not appear to have been *THE* cause of my chronic fatigue syndrome - at least I don't think so but it takes 4 years for that huge, life-long buildup of toxic unsaturated fatty acids to leave my body - but the coconut oil helped, it reduced my CFS to a more manageable level of discomfort, so I wouldn't stop using coconut oil for anything; nor will I ever be fooled into thinking that take Omega 3's is a good idea again either.
There have been studies done where scientists hypothesized that giving Omega 3's to pregnant women would increase the child's IQ - since we're all under the impression that Omega 3's are the ticket to health and longevity. Those scientists were perplexed and disappointed with the results: There was a significant trend toward the opposite: Lower IQ's in the babies. That is news I can personally use with two daughters in their 20's who are looking forward to building their own families soon. (And yes, I gave them Omega 3's while they were growing up, since they were babies; which I regret.)
(Google Ray Peat - the study I'm thinking of about the pregnant women was a French study, which he mentions in some article or the other.)
But that's getting a bit off topic.
Point is, the coconut oil helped. I usually just use it for cooking but sometimes I'll take a tablespoon or two in the morning, when I feel it will help with my energy and/or appetite.
Still looking for a CFS cure. For the last several weeks, I've been using the Lugol's iodine at 12.5 - 15 mg per day, and am considering working up to higher doses. That has cured my low body temperature and intolerance to cold (icy feet), but it's too soon to know whether it is the cure I'm looking for. I think the Lugol's has helped with brain fog but it's too soon to tell for sure.
Yesterday, I began adding 1/2 tsp baking soda in water 2x a day to see if that helps.
Also, I have become aware of the fluoride connection. I was one of those kids who had white spots on the teeth from flouride treatments, and I have only ever drunk tap water, usually filtered with a Brita. So today I'm going fluoride free and will try distilled water only for the next month or so; and will avoid all other sources of flouride as well.
Will definitely let earth clinic know if any particular remedy gives me my life back.
Replied by Heather from San Diego, Ca, Usa on 06/20/2012
Update: My chronic fatigue syndrome is going away! Ted's borax remedy, avoiding as many sources of fluoride as is possible, liver detoxing, sunshine, coconut oil, magnesium citrate, NAC, milk thistle, and iodine seem to be the remedies that have led to my improved health.Additionally, I've gotten as much rest as possible (in bed most days until recently) and lots of love and support from my darling husband -- which was hard to accept because I was so ashamed to be sick all the time.
I've tried many things that did not help such as Lysine, D ribose, mega doses of vitamins, various drugs from the doc, lethicin (although I may try it again for a different purpose).
I've gone from being cold, sick, brain foggy and bedridden to having a normal body temperature, enough energy to interact with people and to essentially cook my family's meals, get some exercise, and to be a fairly good housewife. (I used to work two jobs so although this is a big step, it's not enough to make me feel completely cured.)
My severe depression and anxiety are nearly completely gone and I believe I may be able to return to school soon. My brain issues are so much better that I'm even considering going for a biology degree.
I still have many issues, such as continual abdominal cramping, insomnia (although much, much improved - I use natural remedies for that but believe the borax was the main factor), PCOS and weight gain that isn't resolving with dieting, but energy and health are the most important things. I can work on the rest if my brain is functioning and I have energy to shop for healthy foods and to exercise.
Feel free to ask questions. It occurs to me that I may have had adrenal fatigue and all the time and bed rest may have helped to cure that aspect of my chronic fatigue, but the change from pre coconut oil, Lugol's and borax to post was fairly dramatic.
Replied by Linda from San Francisco, Ca, Usa on 08/07/2012
To Heather from San Diego, First off, Congratulations on your great results!I have questions which have to do with your use of borax, but the EC form won't allow me to modify the subject line to include Borax in it.
Heather, could you please give some more details on your use of the Borax? How much did you take, and how frequently? How did you know, and how long did it take for you to know positively that it was Borax making the difference? Did you use 20 Mule Team or something else? This is important for me to know. Did the Borax initially produce an increase of pain for you?
Thank you very much, and again congratulations! Linda
Replied by Heather from San Diego on 03/06/2013
I used borax (20 Mule) per Ted's instructions, 1/8 tsp in a liter of water 4 days per week.It seemed to help a lot. I was using it with Lugol's. After a few months, I developed cysts in my liver and kidneys, which were painful. I was afraid it could be related to the Lugol's or the borax, so I stopped them both for 6 months.
Now I am taking tiny doses again, i.e., a small pinch of borax twice per week and lugol's 5% 1 or 2 drops a few times per week as well. I am not sure there was any connection, just stopped taking them because they were the only things I suspected might be a cause. I am doing well on the lower doses.
Chronic fatigue still much improved but not cured with the above protocol.
Replied by Prioris from Fl on 01/15/2014
In regards to ... "since we're all under the impression that Omega 3's are the ticket to health and longevity. Those scientists were perplexed and disappointed with the results: There was a significant trend toward the opposite: Lower IQ's in the babies."Studies have also shown aging. The reason why these unhealthy effects occur is likely because fish oils cause oxidation in the brain. One needs protection against the oxidation. I always take krill oil because it has much lower oxidation risk and highly absorbs. Fish oil has a tiny bit of astaxantin but not enough.
More importantly I take at least 4 mg of astaxanthin to protect myself from the oxidation that could come from the fish oil along with other beneficial effects. Alternatively, there are non fish oils but they seem more expensive.
Replied by Laura from TX on 02/04/2021
I am sorry that you are having so much ill health, I know how you feel. I've had CFS for 64 years, after a nasty flu my freshman year in high school. It took me 5 years to stop running a low grade fever every day and start feeling better. I didn't even know what it was until the Incline Village outbreak. I've had several relapses since I got this. Stress does it every time. I take enough supplements that I should have opened my own health food store so I could get a discount. But that is daydreaming, my health wouldn't permit it. I am presently taking tyrosine for sleep, and I found that the PABA and DMAE combination is great for the brain fog. I pray that you will soon be in remission.Replied by PayItForward from PNW on 05/04/2024
@Heather, Listened today to an interview on YT with Dr Brownstein re Lugals and (glandular) cysts came up. He said that Lugals helped eliminate them, at least in glandular tissues (pancreas, breast, uterus, ovarian, prostate, etc). Maybe it could benefit other tissues also. The video's called, "Benefits and Risks of Iodine: How Much, When and Why – Dr. David Brownstein" and it's worth hearing. He has an excellent book "Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It." And there's "Healing With Iodine: Your Missing Link To Better Health" by Dr Mark Sircus, or "Iodine - Bringing Back the Universal Medicine" co-authored by both doctors. Dr David Brownstein has other wellness books for anyone interested. Lots of free YT videos too.Would love to hear an update on how the CFS is now Heather!
Will definitely add Ted's Borax Water. I've started Lugals Iodoral 50mg tablet, plus 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil in my tea each morning and am already feeling more energy than I've had in 10 years - and it's only day 5!! Starting a second Tbsp in the PM into my food or warm beverage, or just straight. So beneficial. There's also been some incredible findings re coconut oil and reversing or stabilizing Alzheimers / Dementia from Dr Mary Newport who wrote, "Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure? The Story of Ketones." She's on YT too including a TEDx.
