posted
Welp - figured I'd come clean and throw this out there because it's been weighing heavily on my mind (literally).
For the past year or so, I have been using an E cigg. I am what you call a "heavy" vaper. Meaning - the thing pretty much doesn't leave my side all day long.
It's awful, I know. And I am really embarrassed about it. I've been an on and off smoker since I was 21 (I am 29 now), and this has been the only thing that has kept me from not smoking again.
I've had some weird symptoms flaring lately, and I am wondering if the e cigg and it's constant non-stop dosing of nicotine could be the culprit.
Heart palp's and chest flutters (only when lying down at night for the most part) and GERD are among the few. I've done alot of research and what I have come up with is the nicotine can aggravate the vagus nerve, which in turn leads to GERD and heart palps.
So I sit here knowing you will probably all tell me I should give it up (especially being on all these meds). Which is fine butttt does anyone have any personal experience with e ciggs or stories they can share?
I am almost to the point where I don't really even want it anymore. Today was the first day where I left it in my car and I only had a few puffs on it at lunch. Baby steps?!?!
Much Love, K*bone
-------------------- Diagnosed with Lyme 4/7/14
KB Posts: 87 | From Townsend, MA | Registered: May 2014
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- KB,
First, your words are very well phrased to set the stage for constructive ideas. It's very easier to empathize with you in this.
I do not have personal experience but I've followed them closely in articles, etc. Sadly, it's not just the nicotine but lots of other chemicals that are not even actually disclosed because there is no law written that says they have to do that. Many doctors are very concerned about this.
The EU is studying this - France has just set up some very clear rules, they are so concerned about the chemicals and the huge hits of nicotine.
I used to work with a "Breathe Free" organization - I was the "visualization" teacher of sorts and also worked with the nutritional classes taught by a ND.
With certain herbs and acupuncture over the years for my own very strong symptoms of pain, neuro stuff, etc., I've seen how some things can help with similar symptoms that can draw one to cigarettes and vaping, too. I've never really smoked so I can't say I know it on that level.
What I do know is that there are some wonderful supports to address the symptoms or draw of the stuff that can clobber us.
It's really not JUST the nicotine, again (though that in even a "cool" vapor sounds harsh and the hit unnatural), the OTHER chemicals in the e-cigarettes have been debated by many. I have not saved all the articles I've read but you are not the first to wonder if there are dangers in those vapors.
If you want some transitional support ideas not just to make a "transition" to "free breathing" but to also help with the very reasons / symptoms you've reached for the little light that glows.
First thing that comes to mind if MAGNESIUM levels are good. And FISH OIL. Just a start. If you want more suggestions, I've got some in a file page I could post yet any local ND or Acupuncturist around could help . . .
If they are LL, all the better to understand the reasons / symptoms beyond the prior draw as your brain comes up with various other, better, options to support you. -
[ 07-24-2014, 04:52 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
I think one of the issues with the e cigg is sometimes people develop a propylene glycol allergy because that's used as one of the ingredients.
Some independent stores substitute in vegetable oils for the the proplyene glycol and make their own juices. It might be a healthier way to go whether you transition to being a non-smoker or continue smoking.
I don't smoke, but know smokers. It seems to go in cycles, quite for a year, take up smoking again, quit for 6 months take up smoking again.
I think one of the issues is the people I know LIKE to smoke. It's hard to give up something you like.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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posted
There are recent reports of the dangers of the e ciggs. I don't have access to those as of this moment.
Nicotine definitely affects your heart and your stomach. I think chemicals in the e ciggs are quite dangerous. Google is your friend!
I hope you will be able to get off of it!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
Companies like Guilty Pleasure Organics don't use the chemical crap in their formulas. It might be a way to step away from the nicotine since it looks like they have some blends without.
I don't know if stepping back or quitting cold turkey is the best for you to make it lasting. I've seen people do both.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
Menthol E-cig?
Makes a difference. Menthol involves another receptor to contend with ALSO = harder to quit.
Nicotine and/or caffeine = glutamate release. Brain "accelerator" pushed to the floor.
Many type A personalities are glutamate (brain accelerator)- adrenaline "junkies".
Glutamate isn't all bad unless you have antibodies to GAD65/67 and can't convert it to the brake - GABA. B6 is needed for GAD to work.
They are usually very smart, very driven, funny, etc. Think our Pres. both current and past.
The chemicals in E-cigs are nicotine and glycine.
Google glycine.
What surrounds our nerves and acts like "insulation"? Where does it come FROM?
GERD - try cider vinegar capsules. Not expensive. ***Only the one by Now...look closely at the ingredients in their formulation.***
Works fast and like a charm.
Posts: 9424 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
Another option for GERD is DGL 20 min. before meals, and digestive enzymes (be sure to find one with Betain HCl) with meals.
If vinegar makes you worse, you either have too much stomach acid already (rare), or you have a sulfite intolerance. Vinegar is extremely high in sulfites (I speak from personal experience).
If you have a sulfite intolerance, you can increase your tolerance to sulfites with Molybdenum, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron (ONLY if deficient), and Vitamin B12 supplements.
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
Betaine HCL...uhm...
In the methyl cycle (remethylation portion - sort of a recycle portion) Homocysteine -> methionine involves betaine, DMG and finally back to methionine.
Betaine is in beets.
What appears to be happening (via zinc dependent BHMT between Betaine and DMG) is we go from 3 methyls to 2 methyls to 1 methyl to lower homocysteine...converting homocysteine back to methionine.
And we know, for fact, Bb triggers the reverse transsulfuration pathway (from cysteine to homocysteine) which it doesn't use/need.
Bob posted a really easy to understand picture of the "methyl" cycle for me on this website for you all to refer to. Seeing it will help you to "catch on"...esp. those who have a MTHFR gene problem...where it "fits" into the cycle.
Posts: 9424 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
not sure about e cigg, but when I have caffiene it activates my heart things that sound like yours., and
you might be having them all day, just not feeling them if they are light since you are busy with things.
mine get heavy and hard sometimes . they were really bad when I was in treatment for RMSF and bart. now, they are much better. my llmd says my bart is gone.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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posted
KB - I have been vaping for the past 1 1/2 year now and have those same symptoms.
Had those symptoms prior to it too - I think it would be best if we stopped but easier said then done...
I feel like I have to give up a lot right now to live which not sure I want to on some days.
hoping all will get better as I start a new treatment. I have been treated since January with no real change except for the sweats pretty much stopping.
Posts: 21 | From Maryland | Registered: Mar 2014
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
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Which is supposed to convert to GABA, the brain's brake...the mule.
GABA is upregulated by alcohol and tranquilizers...."downers".
It takes an enzyme called GAD (B6 dependent!) for that to happen (glutamate to GABA).
Actually there are 2 forms of GAD...GAD65 and GAD67.
Provided one doesn't have ***ANTIBODIES to GAD.***
This can happen in other diseases/genetic error underlying problems.
Linked to insulin resistance.
Know which cytokine is responsible?
Combination Therapy With an
Anti –IL-1β Antibody
and GAD65 DNA Vaccine
Can Reverse Recent-Onset Diabetes in the RIP-GP Mouse Model Diabetes June 2014"
So can Berberine chloride.
Some pathogens thrive on OUR glutamate...for the 5 carbons.
Posts: 9424 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- In addition to important information above . . .
Glutamate / Glutamic Acid can be very destructive to the nerve fibers & function for those with lyme and neurological issues -- & cause irritation, heart rhythm irregularities, anxiety, even seizures, etc.
It's in food, naturally, but in supplements, it can be "killer" for use unless just in a very tiny amount and balanced with magnesium.
[However, some may not be able to "do" even ANY added or even a trace of seaweed . . . triggered a lot of seizures for me until I figured that out. Later found articles below. Don't count on your doctors knowing this. Share it with them.]
Some doctors suggest even avoiding foods that are high in glutamate / glutamic acid for those with neurological conditions. Details here:
Check all supplements and assess diet (and anything that comes into our bodies for:
See post: Caution: Aspartate; Glutamine; and Phenylalanine (3 excitatory amino acids that can be wrong for us when added as supplements, beyond a normal dietary level)
Seaweed has its own natural MSG and can be very excitatory -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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