Any suggestions for the brain fog???

[tonyw1966]

I went from a near photographic memory before the tick bite to forgetting even basic things, unable to balance a checkbook even, and constant annoying brain fog. Is there any supplements I can take to help out? I have never had treatment and have had this for well over ten years, so it's a part of my everyday life and I am disabled now. The pain is bad at times, but the dang fog in my brain is what really makes this disease a pain in the neck. I space off constantly!!!

[mojogal]

Yes, I read about LDN with autism.  It is super great. I wish your niece luck!

[wonko]

Is it not the overall lack of evidence for chronic Lyme and/or its treatment that has us all in such a debacle?

While undiagnosed, I poured over mainstream medical literature, which is strongly opposed the existence of chronic Lyme, as well as the efficacy of long-term antibiotics.

There is a dearth of evidence-based scientific studies on chronic Lyme and co-infections in the high-impact (highly regarded) medical journals, which is why LLMD's base a lot of diagnoses on clinical evidence and  treatment on experience within their practices.

Personally, the lack of evidence-based medicine regarding chronic Lyme is why patients forums are of such value to me.  In the absence of better science, I do value patient testimonials.

My own case was clinically diagnosed, and my excellent improvement to years of antibiotics is supported by mainstream medical studies.  I share my story to give other people ideas of what to consider for their own situation, because I know my experience counters mainstream medicine.

Had I adhered to mainstream evidence-based medicine, I would have never been diagnosed with or treated for Lyme.  In fact, like many other Lyme patients, I had numerous doctors (neurologists and other specialists) emphatically deny the possibility of Lyme as a cause of my symptoms, and my primary care physician all but told me to leave and never return if I was going to pursue Lyme treatment from an LLMD.

As a lay-person, which is all anyone on a patient forum such as this can be considered, even if you cite papers from PubMed, etc., you do not have the authority or expertise to evaluate the validity of such studies.  You might find a reference from the literature supporting the existence of chronic Lyme, but then how do you know if the journal is highly regarded?  How do you know if that paper has been debunked since publication?  


Testimonials and bad references can both give misleading information.  We all need to apply judgement to anything we read online, whether it is a personal statement or in reference to a scientific study.  Personally, and this is just my opinion, I think patients testimonials can be of interest and value to readers of patient forums such as this.  If anything, (and again this is just my opinion), I am highly skeptical of posts in which the user "cuts and pastes" heavily from literature sources that, so far as I can tell, the poster is not qualified to critically evaluate.

[TheLightSeeker]

Cave, I can answer most of your questions in detail and also expand on some of the information you posted.
As I'm still at work, so this may take some time to put together, though.
So, it will be in another post with some references where applicable.

Best quality will be usually available through reputable suppliers/dealers.
I purchase mine wholesale in 10L containers from a Dutch family operation
in Southern Ontario (Klassic Coconut brand) and I'm hoping to visit their processing facility this summer. It's excellent quality and I've been buying it for years. I have an informal holistic/alternative/natural co-operative club.
Services, education, seminars, classes and products at member prices.
(bricks and mortar, not online)

Be careful with "medical" websites, or biased special interest websites that offer a lot of "pseudoscience" as scientific proof.

As far as psoriasis, I have prepared a comprehensive report, detailing an  
natural alternative treatment protocol with similar results to biologics,
but without the serious side effects (they are immumo-suppressants) and
without the outrageous costs!

The "preliminary" aspect of some studies and research is NOT accurate!
Remember, Coconut oil is natural, therefore not patentable!
Being one of the most effective medicinal foods for a gazillion health conditions, special interest groups like the canola and corn and soy industrial mega farmers along with their biotech partners and chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturers, are putting up a fight.
You were probably very young in the 80s to remember, this, but there was such a huge propaganda against saturated fats and specially Coconut Oil.
Nowadays, my supplier cannot keep up with the demand! It's crazy.

More another time.

Blessings!
Niko


  

[cave76]

"The appropriate dose of coconut oil depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions.

At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for coconut oil.

Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using."

"Some coconut oil products are referred to as “virgin” coconut oil. Unlike olive oil, there is no industry standard for the meaning of “virgin” coconut oil. The term has come to mean that the oil is generally unprocessed. For example, virgin coconut oil usually has not been bleached, deodorized, or refined.

Some coconut oil products claim to be “cold pressed” coconut oil. This generally means that a mechanical method of pressing out the oil is used, but without the use of any outside heat source. The high pressure needed to press out the oil generates some heat naturally, but the temperature is controlled so that temperatures do not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Coconut oil is used for diabetes, heart disease, chronic fatigue, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Alzheimer’s disease, thyroid conditions, energy, and boosting the immune system. Ironically, despite coconut oil’s high calorie and saturated fat content, some people use it to lose weight and lower cholesterol.

Coconut oil is sometimes applied to the skin as a moisturizer and to treat a skin condition called psoriasis.

How does it work?
Coconut oil is high in a saturated fat called medium chain triglycerides. These fats work differently than other types of saturated fat in the body. However, research on the effects of these types of fats in the body is very preliminary.

When applied to the skin, coconut oil has a moisturizing effect."

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1092-coconut%20oil.aspx?activeIngredientId=1092&activeIngredientName=coconut%20oil

[TheLightSeeker]

I should clarify that in Candida, in regards to brain fog, the main culprit as a causative agent is antibiotics and not necessarily the same for Neurological Lyme disease mental fog symptoms. Two separate presentations, however,
easily co-existing while on antibiotic treatment for Lyme Disease.

Cheers!
Niko

[cave76]

I  cook with coconut oil------ mostly when I cook Indian food---- and I love using it.