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Trouble said:I think I might have it, at least a damn reasonable explanation.
As you've already noted, its connected to sedentary periods of elevated stress.
Read this, keeping in mind that you may have brief periods of what we call anoxia, and also, due to circulatory issues, mildly hyperosmotic states, in your case, you've got mapping in a particular portion of the brain, that elicits this response. My educated guess is that you've got a transient or permanent "cold spot" in local neurochemical action and probably blood supply as well. Too small to be seen on an electroencephalogram, and because its transient, its not likely to show up anyway, even if it was a large enough anology to be discernable within the spectral resolution of the detection method.
So here is the recipe for control that I'd like to suggest:
One. Regular cardio exercise - daily. Once at least, twice preferred..and in this case one of those is a moderately paced walk. Attention paid to breathing regulation.
Two. Hourly breathing practice, as in belly breathing, nice slow evenly paced breath by filling first the belly, then the chest -- but NOT forced breathing. We want to disconnect the solar plexus stimulation of NE in the hypothalamus, and reduce the viscious cycle of stress response cause and effect (breath holding, pretty sure you do this, ID).
Third, I want you to consider taurine as regular supplement. It should help with the vasoconstriction issues and also act as an osmoregulatory buffer. Even out funciton in that cold spot.
Fourth, this is a GABAnergic issue, and I'd like you to try theanine as an adjunct supplement, primarily in the afternoon and evening. You'll have to play with dose and timing.
Do this, and I think you will find this annoying problem will cease.
I'd like you to report back here, to this thread, on occasion to update progress if any, let us see how this regimine works.
If it does, nice thing is, folk will find it when they do a google search, and others might benefit as well.
How does this sound to you? Do-able?
Trouble said:>So the stress is Sleep Deprevation. What would cause this?
Excess stress, unconscious breath holding...changes in localized neurochemistry from stress or its secondary effects on glutamine, taurine, calcium and other ions.
Stress effects are somewhat ccumulative. As you mention, there are seasonal effects (allergies), changes in time management, changes in light levels and ambient temperatures, both of which affect melatonin and sleep directly (Circadian Rhythms) and autocrine response less directly.
>What is meant by attention paid to breathing Regulation?
http://www.paniccure.com/Approaches/Meditation/Belly_Breathing.htm
Breath holding?
Yes sir. Reflexive, unconscious, habitual.
>L-theanine I will have to look into, as we have some whacky custom regulation with regards to aminos, I think individual aminos used to be banned in Canada for sale. Would Green Tea or White Tea or an extract provide a sufficient amount?
We had an interesting thread on green tea, back in Feb at Mind and Muscle. I recommended the Japanse approach of grinding the tea for maximum theanine liberation, and several forum members found this worked beautifully.
Green tea has many bioactive constitutents. Antioxidant, blood thinner, also I believe its a vasodilator (could be wrong). Also has cAMP action. High doses are controversial (long story with liver microsomal cytochrome P450s).
All I can really find is info on providing a deeper sleep, and increased GH release during the night. Most dosing protocols I have read are a few grams before bed.Can you order GABA? Small doses during the day might be beneficial as well.
>Why would of the Phantom Smells dissapeared for a year? and return around the same time in the year again? Allergy?
*shrug* My oricular talents only go so far...you're guess is as good as mine, since you know more of the changes in life circumstances relevant here.
Could be allergies, they are involved in the immune response to seasonal pollens and molds. Do you have problems with allergies? Are you tired? Feeling a lack of energy?
Could be that what is causing your phantom smell is also kicking up your allergies, if you have them (stress loading effect), or it could be that its the kicker (incremental additional stress factor) that pushes you over a response threshold.
Trouble said:>Thinking about it; Stress could be a factor, as it was shortly after his first seizure when these symptons first began, however there has been nothing recently to cause the return.
Any chance you're using a whey protein product with extra glutamine added?
Unless its your whey protein that triggering it. Now that's more like it, in terms of probabilty as catalyst for your condition. Might want to list your supps for us, jest to make sure theres not another chemical trigger.
http://www.mindandmuscle.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=23615
Bodytype somewhere between Meso-EndoTrouble said:Ahhh. Now we are getting somewhere.
Ergolean AMP, Meltpoint, Basic Cuts.
Bodytype, adipose percentage (estimated), water retention tendency, and blood sugar control (hypoglycemic? family history of diabetes?) - brief description please. Also duration of use of each of these supps.
Quesion: what were you using the last time the phantom smell symptoms occured? Were you doing seasonal cutting for the summer? Month or more into a cutting phase?
.Trouble said:Gotcha.
Not the Ergolean (although it might have added to the problem).
Have you used MP and Basic Cuts before? Nope
What did you use on your last cutting cycle (Spring 05)? Just a semi decent diet.
Whadday think? I see a possible correlation, along with a moderately high stress load/lack of sleep last year and sleep abnormalities this year.
Sleep problems from the supps? Of something else. WRT to Ephedrine and Caffiene? if so, the problem was mood and attitude related, very irratible
ON Whey, they don't add glutamine to it, right? Just over 4 grams of Glutamine and precusors
.Trouble said:> last cutting cycle (Spring 05)? Just a semi decent diet.
>Ephedrine and Caffiene? if so, the problem was mood and attitude related, very irratible
Did they cause sleep interruption? Did you use them last Spring? Sorry to be obtuse here, but I need you to be quite clear.
Nope no stimulants last year, haven't in at least a couple of years
>Just over 4 grams of Glutamine and precusors
How many servings per day? More than two? some days yes. also have MRM BCAA+G that I use on occasion during strenous physical activities (approx 3 g of Glutamine)
Do you recall having similar sleep problems the last time these symptoms occured?
Sleep problems were more attributed to my son who just started daycare at the time, Constant sicknesses and some febrile seizures, so we were always on watch during the night when fevers arrived. Not the same situation as now.
Could have different triggering events. Otherwise, I can only suggest you try the supps suggested...and perhaps consider dropping the MP for the time being.
What would be in Melting Point that would impact these symptoms? It is TTA and Flax, I wouldn't think they had any stimulant properties.
I will talk to TP about the Basic Cuts to see if it might be problematic for you to use.
Thanks
Are you still having sleep problems? Phantom smell symptoms?
My sleeping patterns are not what I would call acceptable or where I am used to them being. Assuming I am getting 7-8 hrs sleep a night, I tend to wake once or twice, and am usually lethargic in the am. Where as I used to just get up and go.
Today has been a good day WRT to Phantom Smells. only once so far about 5 mins.
I should be able to get those supps. I have a friend coming up from Boston in the next couple of weeks, I will ask him to smuggle them
Booked a Doc appointment as well.
I highly doubt that Basic Cuts is responsible for excessive or over NE stimulation, just because it is a mild stimulant, but let me contact Twin Peak just to be 100% sure.Trouble said:Correct.
IainDaniel said:Hey Trouble.
What are your thoughts on Migrane Auras? Could this be a cause?
Very unlikely. Most migraine auras involve visual, neurosensory deficits etc. Neurologists do not consider this very high in the differential. Once again, sleep deprived EEG, MRI are the usual tests done here to rule out complex partial seizures and mass and once those are negative we can pursue benign causes like some of the ones Trouble mentioned.
But, I also understand the constraints your family doctor is under in Canada.
IainDaniel said:I just don't see that happening unfortunately. Trying to get another Doc to refer me will be impossible, It was hard enough finding another Family doc after the last one moved.
Care to elaborate?