How "healthy" is aspirin?

[PPARGammaGirl]

Despite the incidence of Reye’s syndrome dropping 21.5-fold in Ireland since parents were warned not to give their children aspirin, the Aspirin Foundation is advising (unbelievably):
“There is a lack of convincing evidence that aspirin causes Reye syndrome: it may be one of many possible factors but many cases currently reported are probably due to inborn errors of metabolism. It is unclear whether restricting aspirin use by children has a favourable risk/benefit ratio.”
http://www.aspirin-foundation.com/suitability/backgrounder.html (http://www.aspirin-foundation.com/suitability/backgrounder.html)
It turns out that aspirin metabolites salicylate and hydroxyhippurate inhibit the mitochondrial trifunctional enzyme (MTE) responsible for the beta-oxidation of long chain fatty acids. Reye’s is a life-threatening condition in which the liver mitochondria pack up causing acute fatty liver and encephalitis. The mitochondria of skin cells of people with Reye’s are much more sensitive to the above action [1]. Perhaps there is a connection here with CFIDS?

1. Glasgow, J.F., et al., The mechanism of inhibition of beta-oxidation by aspirin metabolites in skin fibroblasts from Reye's syndrome patients and controls. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1999. 1454(1): p. 115-25.

[Islander]

Someone raised the question here recently of how this kind of information gets disseminated. It seems impossible that you can live on the planet and not come across this info in either the broadcast or print media...yet I know educated people who don't get a daily paper or news magazine, don't use the Internet to find news, and may or may not catch headlines on the radio or tv. I remember a report citing the number of women who were unaware of the risks of HRT after the study proving them was released, and broadcast widely. What tadoo?

[Reesacat]

Despite the incidence of Reye’s syndrome dropping 21.5-fold in Ireland since parents were warned not to give their children aspirin, the Aspirin Foundation is advising (unbelievably):
“There is a lack of convincing evidence that aspirin causes Reye syndrome: it may be one of many possible factors but many cases currently reported are probably due to inborn errors of metabolism. It is unclear whether restricting aspirin use by children has a favourable risk/benefit ratio.”
http://www.aspirin-foundation.com/suitability/backgrounder.html (http://www.aspirin-foundation.com/suitability/backgrounder.html)
It turns out that aspirin metabolites salicylate and hydroxyhippurate inhibit the mitochondrial trifunctional enzyme (MTE) responsible for the beta-oxidation of long chain fatty acids. Reye’s is a life-threatening condition in which the liver mitochondria pack up causing acute fatty liver and encephalitis. The mitochondria of skin cells of people with Reye’s are much more sensitive to the above action [1]. Perhaps there is a connection here with CFIDS?

1. Glasgow, J.F., et al., The mechanism of inhibition of beta-oxidation by aspirin metabolites in skin fibroblasts from Reye's syndrome patients and controls. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1999. 1454(1): p. 115-25.

Spot on, GammaGirl! Dr. Paul Cheney of the CFIDS Clinic in Charlotte in 1992 told me that he suspected CFIDS might be an adult form of Reyes Syndrome-since it was acting like post-viral encephalitis.

I lost contact with him when the clinic was sold out from under him to a narly HMO, so I don't know what became of his theory.

Everything Dr. Cheney told me to do has been correct, and I think he was like Dr. Weston A. Price-a man light-years ahead of his time.

[mellowsong]

I have a question for ya'll. I still have severe pain 24/7. The dietary changes have given me more energy to cope with it as have my mind changes. There have been improvements in physical condition. For a few months, I thought the pain was getting better but over the last month, it has gotten progressively worse to the point that some days I just want to curl up in bed and cry. I've given in and take 1000mg of aspirin when I can't stand it anymore, which lately has been once every 2 or 3 days.

I have 4 herniated disks in my back and neck, have had a hip and a knee replacement which are not stable. I also have severe foot pain which is totally unexplained so, in the doc's mind, doesn't exist. I'm taking fish oil, CLO, using coconut oil, taking other supplements supposed to be anti-inflammatory.

I got off morphine in December because I didn't want to increase the dose again and it wasn't helping. Since May, I have stopped Percoet, 2 different NSAIDs, Cymbalta, and gabapentin which were all for pain. Any ideas? I am trying to learn EFT, but I seem to have a mind block on it because I'm getting nowhere. I'm getting discouraged because it seems like all my amazing progress is sliding backwards, increased pain, increased depression, complete halt in weight loss, increased fatigue etc. Thanks.
Patty

[Reesacat]

Patty, I had a similar story. I found wheat triggered my migraines, and I had a dramatic improvement, then I had a major relapse. I found until I got rid of the milk allergy I just couldn't shake the pain.

I don't know if you could not do milk for 72 hours and see if that helps?
You have just about eliminated everything else.

Does Dr. James have any suggestions? Does he see these type of up and down recoveries? We had many at the CFIDS clinic-we would fix something and something else would pop up.

[Katee]

I have a question for ya'll. I still have severe pain 24/7 . . . Any ideas? I am trying to learn EFT, but I seem to have a mind block on it because I'm getting nowhere. I'm getting discouraged because it seems like all my amazing progress is sliding backwards, increased pain, increased depression, complete halt in weight loss, increased fatigue etc. Thanks.
Patty


It's hard, isn't it? Make a little progress & then plateau, or even fall a bit back. I was frustrated earlier this year because in spite of 2 years of trying to be healthier (tho i still had my short comings!), & in spite of the fact i am rarely ill in general, i had 3 bouts of cold or flu between Feb & June. And the last one i've not entirely recovered from.

I seem to be doing a little better with the supplements now. (I think even tho in my head i believed they would help, in my heart i didn't, & so wasn't very consistent about it.) I've two suggestions, neither of which will help entirely, or alone, but might do some good:

First, Boswellin Cream (From India) Arthritis Pain Relief Greaseless Stainless Penetrating Action Instructions: Adults And Children 2 Years Of Age And Older: Gently Massage Into Affected Area Not More Than 3 To 4 Times Daily. Children Under 2 Years Of Age Consult A Physician.

It Offers Two Medicines, Capsaicin And Menthyl Salicylate (From Wintergreen).
Active Ingredients: Methyl Salicylate 10%, Capsaicin .025%
Other Ingredients: Boswellia Serrata Extract For Boswellic Acids, Vitamin E And Ascorbyl Palmitate In A Vanishing Cream Base.

Supplemental Facts: Boswellin Cream Represents The Perfect Balance Of Ayurvedic Tradition And Modern Science. For The Temporary Relief Of Minor Aches And Pains Of Muscles And Joints Associated With Arthritis. Provides Warm, Penetrating Pain Relief.

Indicated For The Temporary Relief Of Minor Aches And Pains Of Muscles And Joints Associated With Arthritis. Boswellin Cream Provides Warm, Penetrating Relief. In Addition, It Has A Pleasant Aroma And Is Both Greaseless And Stainless. Read And Follow Label Directions. 4Oz Cream.

http://www.vitacost.com/NaturesHerbsBoswellinCream

When i worked for an MD, we often got samples of Zostrix, which the MD didn't recommend, but I did! I sent it to mom for grandma's arthritis, & my ex used it on a sprained ankle. I know now that being over the counter makes it "less reliable" to many MDs. But much research has been done on Capsaicin & its anti-inflammatory properties. (Capsaicin is made from cayenne pepper. They've not done enough research yet, of course.) Now i know that these commercial products probably have parabens & other nasties in them. (I've not checked the label.) However, when i found the Boswellin Cream, i was very pleased. The Zostrix & other off shoots don't have any odor, & Boswellin Cream does smell like wintergreen. They don't say what makes up the "vanishing cream base" & so i'm hoping it isn't problematic.

When the arthritis in my hip was very bad, i was using this twice a day, & it made a considerable difference. (You have to wash your hands VERY well after, or use gloves, because it will sink into your skin & hours later if you touch your eyes, the cayenne will burn.) After using it for a few days, i could drop to 1x per day. Now that i've quit sugar & my pain level is much lower, i only use it on occasion when the problem "acts up."

I began recommending it to people i work with, & most of them have also had a good experience. The other thing i like about this is the capsaicin is at .025%. Several years ago i recommended Zostrix to a client. He bought the high potency formula at .075%, & it burned him. I've since learned that this one, or generic brands of capsaicin can go as high as .125%. (I guess they think if a little is good, more is better.) So i began recommending to folks i work with not to get higher than .035%, but they sometimes had trouble finding it. Now i know the Boswellin Cream has what seems to be an optimal dose of this.

The second suggest is about rotating supplements. Now, i'm not speaking with any authority here, but a theory from what i've read. When i began doing candida cleanse for the first time years ago i was going by the suggestions in Dr. Crook's book. He had several supplements, etc., he recommended, but he also recommended rotation. He said the body seemed to adjust to the different things, & then not respond as well to it. On that same thought, when i was doing some herbs & supplements for fertility (we DO so want to have a baby!) it also recommended rotation. Some of it had to do with what part of your cycle you are in. But maybe your body is not using some of the supplements/vitamins/minerals as effectively, & rotation might help with this? Again, a suggestion mostly for more research. And Cathy will probably know much more than i.

Good luck, sweetie! You've been doing so good :) , i'm sure it will get better.

[mellowsong]

Thanks Reesacat and Katee.
I tried stopping dairy for 2 weeks back in June to see if there was any relation to my asthma (there wasn't) but, that was during the time I felt dramatically better in the pain department. I never thought of trying that again to see if R/T pain, so, when I use up the kefir I have, I will hold off a week or 2 and see. The only dairy I do is the kefir from raw milk.

Katee, I have tried Zostrix and other stuff with capsaicin in it and my skin doesn't like it. I get big ugly blisters from it, plus the pain is unbearable. I just tried it again the other night hoping maybe my skin wouldn't be so sensitive now, but I still got a nasty blister in less than 2 minutes and it feels like a hot oil burn. I do use Tiger Balm which has menthol in it. It helps some. Thanks for the suggestion though!

[PPARGammaGirl]

Sorry to hear that Patty, chronic pain is just awful. I find keeping my magnesium levels up with oral magnesium chloride definitely knocks a few points off the scale. I have also been using kava kava. It does help with relaxing and sleep – I have researched it thoroughly, and apart from dry skin (if you use vast amounts) there are no adverse effects. The odd glass of red wine doesn’t go amiss either.
Info here: http://www.kickbackwithkava.com/ (http://www.kickbackwithkava.com/)
I have seen good evidence for capsaicin cream, but it also gives me a horrible rash.
Reesacat, it certainly does sound like Dr Cheney was ahead of his time. I think the mitochondrial angle really ties in. Has anyone tried medium chain triglycerides for CFIDS? If this enzyme is damaged/inhibited then all long chain fatty acids (olive, avocado, and nut oils) might do more harm than good.

[Reesacat]

Sorry to hear that Patty, chronic pain is just awful. I find keeping my magnesium levels up with oral magnesium chloride definitely knocks a few points off the scale. I have also been using kava kava. It does help with relaxing and sleep – I have researched it thoroughly, and apart from dry skin (if you use vast amounts) there are no adverse effects. The odd glass of red wine doesn’t go amiss either.
Info here: http://www.kickbackwithkava.com/ (http://www.kickbackwithkava.com/)
I have seen good evidence for capsaicin cream, but it also gives me a horrible rash.
Reesacat, it certainly does sound like Dr Cheney was ahead of his time. I think the mitochondrial angle really ties in. Has anyone tried medium chain triglycerides for CFIDS? If this enzyme is damaged/inhibited then all long chain fatty acids (olive, avocado, and nut oils) might do more harm than good.

I don't remember MCT oil in use. They did use borage and evening primrose oil in the beginning along with B12 shots, Kutapressin (liver extract injectable), and sublingual CoQ10 troches made by a compounding pharmacist at 200-300mg/day.

I do very well with coconut oil (I believe has MCT?) straight out of the jar a spoonful at a time 3-4 times a day. I had read somewhere that coconut oil is more available to the liver for fuel........Brain fog!
Can't remember the rest!

So far I think I tolerate olive oil OK-I use max 3 tablespoons a day as salad dressing and a bit to scramble the morning eggs.

[Reesacat]

I have a question for ya'll. I still have severe pain 24/7. The dietary changes have given me more energy to cope with it as have my mind changes. There have been improvements in physical condition. For a few months, I thought the pain was getting better but over the last month, it has gotten progressively worse to the point that some days I just want to curl up in bed and cry. I've given in and take 1000mg of aspirin when I can't stand it anymore, which lately has been once every 2 or 3 days.

I have 4 herniated disks in my back and neck, have had a hip and a knee replacement which are not stable. I also have severe foot pain which is totally unexplained so, in the doc's mind, doesn't exist. I'm taking fish oil, CLO, using coconut oil, taking other supplements supposed to be anti-inflammatory.

I got off morphine in December because I didn't want to increase the dose again and it wasn't helping. Since May, I have stopped Percoet, 2 different NSAIDs, Cymbalta, and gabapentin which were all for pain. Any ideas? I am trying to learn EFT, but I seem to have a mind block on it because I'm getting nowhere. I'm getting discouraged because it seems like all my amazing progress is sliding backwards, increased pain, increased depression, complete halt in weight loss, increased fatigue etc. Thanks.
Patty


I just remembered something about the EFT-Gary Craig, one of the founders of EFT, said often in the videos if you have some kind of an energy toxin-i.e. food allergy, drug reaction, etc. it won't work.

A story to illustrate:
Mr. Craig had frequent urination-was thoroughly checked out for prostate problems and given a clean bill of health. The EFT would work for a few minutes to hours, but then back to the bathroom. He noticed that it would go away when he was out of town for a few days.

When Dr. Mercola posted about Telfon cookware leaching chemicals associated with prostate cancer, Mr. Craig tossed out his Telfon skillet he used every day and within 72 hours was back to normal.

[arizona]

Would Noni juice help Mellowsong? I hear it all the time from Dr. Becker on Your Health. Supposedly it is good for pain. I am so sorry to hear about all your health issues. I am such a pansy when it comes to pain, I don't know how you do it???

[PPARGammaGirl]

I don't remember MCT oil in use. They did use borage and evening primrose oil in the beginning along with B12 shots, Kutapressin (liver extract injectable), and sublingual CoQ10 troches made by a compounding pharmacist at 200-300mg/day.

I do very well with coconut oil (I believe has MCT?) straight out of the jar a spoonful at a time 3-4 times a day. I had read somewhere that coconut oil is more available to the liver for fuel........Brain fog!
Can't remember the rest!

So far I think I tolerate olive oil OK-I use max 3 tablespoons a day as salad dressing and a bit to scramble the morning eggs.
Coconut oil is about 50% short and medium chain triglycerides and is more available for all tissues- especially the heart, which preferentially burns saturated fatty acids. I reckon nobody would have a 'heart attack' if they took coconut oil 3 x day. Who is gonna study that one though?

[Islander]

Coconut oil is about 50% short and medium chain triglycerides and is more available for all tissues- especially the heart, which preferentially burns saturated fatty acids. I reckon nobody would have a 'heart attack' if they took coconut oil 3 x day. Who is gonna study that one though?

Me! Me! Pick me!?!

I am disgustingly healthy but...
• I have diabetes
• and elevated cholesterol
• plus I smoked for 50 years. Aren't I a good candidate for a heart attack?

I'm willing to try the coconut oil protocol, but we need someone just like me who doesn't, for a control....Anybody?

[Katee]

Me! Me! Pick me!?!
I'm willing to try the coconut oil protocol, but we need someone just like me who doesn't, for a control....Anybody?


NOT me! LOL :cool:

[PPARGammaGirl]

Me! Me! Pick me!?!

I am disgustingly healthy but...
• I have diabetes
• and elevated cholesterol
• plus I smoked for 50 years. Aren't I a good candidate for a heart attack?

I'm willing to try the coconut oil protocol, but we need someone just like me who doesn't, for a control....Anybody?
Okay, I pick you. The excess heart attacks caused in type 2 diabetes are contributed to immensely by the crap diabetes drugs. So long as you keep your BG and by inference insulin levels down you should be fine. Elevated cholesterol is not the cause of ‘heart attacks’ – mitochondrial dysfunction is. Given that most body cells turn over quite quickly, any free radical ‘damage’ caused by smoking will not be permanent. We might find someone to match you as a control but I suspect we will have to recruit them from Yahoo news blog.

[Islander]

Okay, I pick you. The excess heart attacks caused in type 2 diabetes are contributed to immensely by the crap diabetes drugs. So long as you keep your BG and by inference insulin levels down you should be fine. Elevated cholesterol is not the cause of ‘heart attacks’ – mitochondrial dysfunction is. Given that most body cells turn over quite quickly, any free radical ‘damage’ caused by smoking will not be permanent. We might find someone to match you as a control but I suspect we will have to recruit them from Yahoo news blog.

Aww, thanks. That's reassuring.
You might find better recruits at Fark.

[PPARGammaGirl]

Aww, thanks. That's reassuring.
You might find better recruits at Fark.
I hadn't heard of this site before - but it's Farking funny.:eek:

[arizona]

I understand Steven Sinatra, medical doctor, is reversing heart disease with 4 things: L-carnitine, Co Q10, D-Ribose, and magnesium. He has a book out called the Heart Solution.:o

[Katee]

I understand Steven Sinatra, medical doctor, is reversing heart disease with 4 things: L-carnitine, Co Q10, D-Ribose, and magnesium. He has a book out called the Heart Solution.:o

How long before the Nazi FDA shuts him down for "curing" disease with out drugs or surgery, which according to their lexicon is illegal?:mad:

[Islander]

I understand Steven Sinatra, medical doctor, is reversing heart disease with 4 things: L-carnitine, Co Q10, D-Ribose, and magnesium. He has a book out called the Heart Solution.:o

I've been taking CoQ-10 for years and have just added Magnesium. Maybe I'll have to withdraw from GammaGirl's heart attack study?

[PPARGammaGirl]

I've been taking CoQ-10 for years and have just added Magnesium. Maybe I'll have to withdraw from GammaGirl's heart attack study?
You might be interested to know the scientists have never been able to develop an animal model of a ‘heart attack’ without chemical or mechanical means. They can make innocent furry rats keel over from sudden cardiac death by giving them a diet low in magnesium and subjecting them to loud noises. Fred Kummerow was able to induce arrhythmias in heart muscle cells with trans fatty acids – but only in the presence of low magnesium. Interesting hmmm….:rolleyes:

[mellowsong]

You might be interested to know the scientists have never been able to develop an animal model of a ‘heart attack’ without chemical or mechanical means. They can make innocent furry rats keel over from sudden cardiac death by giving them a diet low in magnesium and subjecting them to loud noises. Fred Kummerow was able to induce arrhythmias in heart muscle cells with trans fatty acids – but only in the presence of low magnesium. Interesting hmmm….:rolleyes:

In June I started taking magnesium mostly for constipation but also because I was brand new to "natural health" and a friend suggested I take it. One morning, I almost passed out on standing, took my blood pressure and it was 80/40 and my pulse 44. I skipped my heart med (verapamil, which I'd been on over 20 years to prevent tachycardia) that day and kept taking my blood pressure. It stabilized at about 110/60, pulse 64. I kept skipping the verapamil and no problems whatsoever, so I decided to stop taking it forever. Not only have I not had a single run of tachycardia (which I still got occasionally even on the verapamil) but my blood pressure came down from 150/90 to the above numbers and has stayed in that range. My doctor had wanted to put me on blood pressure medication or increase the verapamil just a week or so before I started the magnesium and I had asked her to hold off because I was finally losing weight. Little did I realize what a miracle magnesium was going to be for me at that point in time.