chemical imbalance

[Mikeila]

Hi everybody. I've been coeliac for 14 years now. I thought I knew a few things about this but now, I'm faced with another challenge and I need your advice, please. For the past 3 years maybe, I didn't get any vitamins but I did the usual blood tests and I've been told are fine. Lately, I've noticed that I'm tired, forgetting things, anxious, stressed not sleeping okay, worried for anything, everything is grey kind of mood. Can coeliac affect the way your brain is working? I had a hard year in 2018, my hub been diagnosed with cancer and had surgery, but he's okay at the moment. I don't know what is going on with my brain. How do you check if there is a chemical imbalance, or your brain is functioning normally? Thanks

[Penel]

Hi Mikeila

Sorry to hear that you and your husband have had a tough year, very glad to hear that he is now doing well. I would guess that stress, rather than Coeliac disease, is what is affecting you now. I’ve always found that when times were difficult I could cope ok, but as soon as things were better I would fall apart, all the behaviour you describe.

Have you got anyone you can talk to, and “unload” everything? You could always check with your doctor, even if your vitamin levels are good, perhaps they could suggest something else?

Perhaps have a look on line for suggestions on how to cope with stress? I’ve found that meditation helps, also being outside in the daylight for some time every day.

Good luck with sorting this out.

[Mikeila in reply to Penel]

It hasn't been easy that's for sure. On top of that, I'm doing an MA now and working part-time.

[Penel in reply to Mikeila]

My goodness, you have got a lot going on! Perhaps try some valerian root to help with getting some sleep?

Good advice from Marz, I always forget to ask for results from my doctor.

[Marz]

It's always a good idea to request copies of all your test results with ranges so you can monitor your own progress and check what has been missed. They are legally yours. Also surgeries should now have on-line access to your records so worth checking.

I would be testing your B12 - Folate - Ferritin and VitD - a B12 result below 500 can present with neurological symptoms as detailed in the link below ...

b12deficiency.info/signs-an...

Also there are videos to watch under the heading Films on the Menu in the link above. Also there has been research done about brain shrinkage in folk with low B12.

Also have you considered a Low Thyroid - again I am happy to help with tests that are needed to confirm a diagnosis. Again look at the link below ...

thyroiduk.org

I have Hashimotos - Low B12 due to surgery - Crohns and surely I have forgotten something

[Mikeila in reply to Marz]

Thank you so much for this.

[Cooper27]

I'll only be seconding what Marz says - borderline on the low end, is pretty much as bad as being deficient. Plus doctors have thresholds before they treat. E.g. you'll get symptoms of vitamin D deficiency if your level is below 75, but you're only considered deficient if your level is below 50. The doctor won't treat until your level is below 25 though.

It can be the same story with other vitamins.

[Mikeila in reply to Cooper27]

Thanks. I think my level of vit D was like below 40 so they gave me some vit D.

[Cooper27 in reply to Mikeila]

You're lucky - mine refused any treatment for a level of 25.3 last November!

[Marz in reply to Cooper27]

Shocking ! Thankfully VitD is not expensive and Docs rarely prescribe enough ...

[Marz in reply to Mikeila]

How much VitD did they give you ? Were you re-tested to see if things had improved ? It's good around 100. That's why it helps to have copies of your results in a file. Docs rarely prescribe enough nor do they explain about magnesium and VitK2-MK7.

You have a lot on your plate so your body needs support .. happy to help.

[Mikeila in reply to Marz]

I never heard of this😮

[Marz in reply to Mikeila]

Sorry - not heard of ??

[WobblyCaroline]

Bless you Mikeila. I'm sure you have a lot of useful advise from other members below. In addition I would say that the body reacts very strongly to stress, and as your husband is unwell and you are at the helm so to speak, almost all of the symptoms you have spoken of rear their ugly head during periods of stress. Importantly your body will be leaching essential vitamins and minerals under stress.

It sounds like you really need to take some time out, perhaps meditation. Reiki is also marvellous for healing the body of conditions that normal doctors cannot see. Most importantly, and you will know this, eat well. Make sure you have at least two well balanced meals per day with good levels of protein and vegetables. You will also potentially need to replace electrolytes as when these come out of wack through stress they are tricky to get back in to balance. I would take something similar to dioralyte, which has a good balance and shouldn't further exacerbate any imbalances. Drink lots of water and try not to drink or reduce any caffeine drinks and alcohol.

Lastly I would try taking a good probiotic, Biokult is good and relatively gentle. Take an anti-fungal at a seperate time in the day - eg grapefruit seed extract (only if you are not on medication) or coconut oil with your food/drink as this will help with the brain fog.

I hope some of this is of help to you. Let us know how you get on. Easy for me to say get rest, but you do sound like you need some!!

[Mikeila in reply to WobblyCaroline]

Yes, you are right. I do need rest and to take care of myself better. Thank you for all your advices.

[Regalbirdy]

Hi,

I second everything that the others have said.

I would add to it that you might have over stressed your adrenal glands. A cortisol blood test is one way to pick this up (although it’s a bit like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut - it’s not that reliable!). Plus doctors won’t treat for it unless you’re quite literally at deaths door.

My advice is to supplement with magnesium, as well as to cut out nearly all sugar, caffeine, alcohol and high GI foods from your diet (these sorts of foods are a crutch which will only make things worse!). Being in bed by 10.30pm is another good idea.

Btw, 10-15 minutes quiet meditation before bed can really do wonders for your sleep pattern. There is loads of advice on YouTube on the best way to achieve this if you’re a beginner.

Good luck. x

[Mikeila in reply to Regalbirdy]

Yeah I thought about meditation but I feel like is not my cup of tea. I tried a few times but I can’t just stay still😂 I feel better with a walk in the woods.

[m0ezp]

I’m sorry you and your husband are having a hard time lately. I’m not aware of any coeliac connection and would think what you are experiencing is down to stress.

Your GP will have tools to help diagnose but poor sleep deprives you of serotonin which will increase your anxiety levels and turn the colour down on life generally.

I’ve had a tendency to insomnia for nearly 20 years which all started through stress; brains try to think their way out of their crisis! All that time I’ve taken an antidepressant which gives me memory fog. I also take a statin which increases that fog and I’d dearly love to be off both!

Assuming you’re not on medications that would explain your symptoms, maybe your GP will give you some low dose codeine which may be enough to get a better night’s sleep. You can’t take it every night but I find one a couple of nights a week (not consecutive) keeps me from feeling I’m losing it when I’m having a run of poor sleep.

Good luck!

David