Ok, I don't want to jinx it, but I've recently started taking calcium/magnesium supplements again (first time was ages ago and I didn't really notice a benefit), 2 in morning, 2 in evening, they are just regular standard 2:1 cal/mag supplements (i.e. nothing fancy like MagTab SR, which I can't seem to locate down here). Now I don't know whether it's placebo or what but I feel absolutely FANTASTIC compared to normal, like about at least 10 times better than I usually do. Not like a new person, but a LOT better for sure. Gonna keep taking them, and I'll see if I can get hold of the better supplements.

Best wishes,

{R}

Here's a link to info @ magtab sr
Looks like you can order it, altho I thought it was by prescription?

Another source for a good mag suppliment is http://iherb.com/ mag malate along with sublingual b6 and selenium for improved absorption.

Some do better on the magtab sr.

Below I pasted some info from a lymenet friend which I've saved. Maybe it will be helpful. This "protocol" has helped people I know, but others have not tolerated it well. Always remember that advice here is from well intentioned lyme victims, not drs.

Altho I must say my experience with most drs has been darn questionable!! heh heh

It is probably better to start slowly, and work up to the full recommendation.
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"For those who are not aware of my theory...Bb locks onto magnesium inside the mitochondria - the powerplants of the cells. It is not "eating" the magnesium, just making it unavailable. Extra magnesium is pulled out of the muscles, bones and some organs (brain, heart and liver are high in Mg) in order to maintain the necessary life supply. This is what causes the symptoms - magnesium is deficient. When the numbers of keets go down, more magnesium is available and the symptoms lessen. Most Americans start out with too little magnesium.

Supplementing with magnesium is absolutely critical during a severe infection since it controls over 350 biochemical reactions in the body.

You also need B6 to get Mg into the cells.
...must supplement at same time with a LITTLE B6 (we don't need much). Ideally supplement with a LITTLE selenium or chromium at the same time also.

Get a pill cutter. Do not exceed 200mg of selenium or chromium per day - total amt.

I believe a 1200mg per day replenishment of magnesium malate (magnesium with malic acid) is a realistic goal.

You most likely WILL experience a herx reaction with this.

Remember, excess magnesium leaves our body in 2 hours time AND the keet can go from keet form to cyst form (and back) in a 2 hour window also.

This is my opinion only. I am not a doctor.

You can find selenium in 50 mg. pills too. I'd cut them (50 mg) in half. 25mgx6=150mg.
Using sublingual B6 50 mg...cut into fourths or less okay. We need so very little.

200mg mag malate every 2-3 hours up to 1200mg total for the day.

[This message has been edited by lymewarrior03 (edited 16 June 2004).]

Timing is critical.

Must MAINTAIN Mg levels for as many hours a day as possible!

Mg citrate is avail. by Rx (darn) in 50mg troches - sublingual - under tongue - thru a compounding pharmacy in PA. They are expensive - $1.00 per pill.

(VERY recently learned of above.)

50mg per hour for 8 doses a day = 400mg or near the RDA, so should be safe.

Slow and steady.

Still...this is going to take MONTHS AND MONTHS...

The body does NOT heal overnight!

And we don't have the "luxury" of jumpstarting the process via IV Mg (docs don't believe)as Valletta and likely as the Romanian doctors did.

Find my Updated nutshell post. More and more pieces are falling into place...every day I am learning on my own AND most definitely sharing information with others via e-mail.

Re:Vit C and Na...
glycolysis is speeded up in lyme (and cancer). This takes place OUTSIDE the mitochondria, although as a result, they are damaged. The Kreb's sycle and the citric acid cycle take place INSIDE the mitochondria.
http://www.purchon.com/biology/mitochondria.htm

Slow down the glycolysis pathway to heal.

If you do this WHILE on abx. VERY likely you will have to supplement more...along with a ton of other supplements. I mean TON.

Look at my updated nutshell post re: what various abx. deplete in terms of minerals and vitamins. In additon, they most definitely harm the normal flora (the good guys in our GI system) that ALSO make many vitamins for us, protect us from yeast, etc.
The supplement costs rise and rise. Just look at all the supplements several doctors recommend!

Furthermore, it is now known abx. modulate (change) our immune response. I believe our body reacts a certain way for a good reason (s). This may greatly impact the final outcome. We need to look at the body's response and ask why did the body respond that way? How can we help it along?

Most definitely follow the low glycemic index list of foods that are okay, foods that are not.

Only YOU can heal your body. What you eat/drink, put on your skin, breathe,how much you exercise, your "thinking"...all absolutely effect your health.

If you are "poor", no excuse. Dr. Lorraine Day overcame cancer at "no cost". It involves major life changes. Read her story, look at her bio., see for yourself.

God gives us personal choice. It's a gift. Use it wisely.