Hello! I'm looking for supplements directly aimed at reducing mental tiredness, as in feeling sleepy (not in the brain-fog sense). I feel like I can think clearly, I just constantly feel like I want to go to sleep and just stay there all day. When I do some research online it's hard to tease out the supplements that are good for general energy/reducing fatigue vs those that would help me feel less sleepy in the daytime. Any ideas?
BTW I eat a very healthy diet and sleep 8-9 hours a night on average. I'm active mentally and physically and in good shape. Iron levels are good as are vitamin D and B12, so no issues there. I'm working with doctors to try to understand this condition (don't worry, reddit is not my main medical advice platform LOL) but in the meantime wanted to see if there was anything that would help. I'm prescribed ADHD meds, which definitely help, but I wanted to look into other options. I appreciate any advice!! <3

Taking care of your nails and skin isn't just about looking good—it's also about feeling great and staying healthy. Your skin, being the largest organ in your body, and your nails, though small, play vital roles in protecting you. Here's how to keep them in top shape.
Skin Health Essentials
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Water is your skin's best friend. Drinking enough water every day helps keep your skin supple, fresh, and less prone to wrinkles.
Eat Balanced Diet
Your skin reflects what you eat. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds provides the vitamins and antioxidants your skin needs to glow. Foods high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, are particularly beneficial.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days. Sun exposure can cause premature aging, sunburn, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Make it a habit to protect your skin whenever you step outside.
Cleanse Regularly
Daily cleansing removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. Choose a gentle cleanser that matches your skin type to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Moisturize Daily
Moisturizing helps keep your skin hydrated and creates a barrier against environmental damage. Look for a moisturizer that suits your skin type and use it daily.
Say No to Smoking
Smoking accelerates skin aging and can cause wrinkles. It narrows the tiny blood vessels in the skin's outer layers, reducing blood flow and making your skin paler and more prone to damage.
Nail Care Essentials
Keep Nails Clean and Dry
Clean and dry nails are less likely to get infected. Regular cleaning helps prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
Trim Your Nails Regularly
Keep your nails trimmed to prevent problems like hangnails and tears. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers, cut straight across, and round the tips slightly.
Moisturize Your Nails
Just like your skin, your nails need moisture. Use a good hand cream or nail oil to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated.
Avoid Biting Your Nails
Nail-biting can harm your nail bed and lead to infections. If you struggle with this habit, try using a bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage it.
Choose Gentle Nail Products
Harsh nail products can damage your nails. Opt for acetone-free polish removers and gentle nail polishes to keep your nails healthy.
Practice Good Hygiene
Cutting your cuticles can lead to infections, so it's better to gently push them back after a shower when they're soft.
Common Issues and Their Solutions
Dry Skin and Nails
Dryness can result from environmental factors, frequent washing, or lack of moisture. Use a humidifier at home, limit your bath time, and always apply moisturizer after washing.
Acne and Blemishes
Use non-comedogenic skincare products and keep your face clean to manage acne. Avoid touching your face frequently and consult a dermatologist if acne persists.
Nail Infections
Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections. Avoid sharing nail tools and seek medical advice if you notice redness, swelling, or pus around your nails.
Conclusion
Caring for your nails and skin is about more than just aesthetics—it's about your health. By staying hydrated, eating well, protecting your skin from the sun, and practicing good hygiene, you can achieve and maintain healthy, glowing skin and strong, beautiful nails. Remember, taking care of your skin and nails is an investment in your overall health and well-being.
Check out this amazing nanotechnology solution that support healthy nail and skin many people try this and it has lots of benefit
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I was surprised to learn that paleo doesn't think it possible to live on just rice and shrimp. I've been doing so (more or less) for years out of necessity due to poor gut health.
Obviously I haven't been running my life as a strict experiment, and I don't expect you to believe an internet stranger. So if anyone's interested in doing a diet study under controlled conditions, I'm game.
I will be doing it regardless. Instead of using it as an elimination diet baseline to test new ingredients/treatments, I will rigorously test the diet's long-term sustainability. I won't need to travel for the next month and a half, which should be plenty of time for signs of malnutrition to appear. I can understand why nobody has done this yet, since substantial psychological barriers appear at the 1-2 week mark, if one just throws rice and shrimp into a pot and eats the same meal every time. However, this is due to multiple errors in preparation, not inadequate ingredients.
This issue is quite important to me, because I've suffered a great deal from toxic modernity, and my solution is supposedly impossible, which suggests it would help many others if it was known. For me it certainly makes the difference between a life not worth living and pleasant productivity.
It doesn't surprise me to hear "that diet's impossible" during a doctor visit, but I expected paleo would know differently, given the history of scurvy (fresh meat cures) and the famous carnivore-only experiment:

So in 1928, Stefansson and another explorer began their culinary experiment. Checking into New York’s Bellevue Hospital, the two spent several weeks under constant supervision as doctors did blood tests and observed for signs of dietary distress. After a brief control period of a varied diet, the two men ate only fresh meat: The cuts included steak, roast beef, brains, and tongue, with calf liver once a week to ward off scurvy. Perhaps inevitably, the study was funded by the Institute of American Meat Packers.

– The Arctic Explorer Who Pushed an All-Meat Diet Vilhjalmur Stefansson wanted to prove a point. Atlas Obscura
Just as it is possible to practically eliminate carbs except those in fatty meat, it is possible to practically eliminate fat except that in lean meat. Just as it is unnecessary to eat vegetables since the vitamins in fresh meat are more bioavailable, it is unnecessary to eat vegetable fat because the oil in fresh shrimp is more bioavailable. (I have found that shellfish meat is too lean for this to work, but shrimp has 2x more fat than scallops.)
I will participate in such a study for free, as long as someone provides the food, location and travel. You can lock me in with my computer and Internet access for however long. I've done the COVID lockdown drill in China; it's no big deal.
Rice and frozen shelled shrimp are all I'll eat, and then do a medical checkup at the end. (My most recent showed no problems.) I will need either a window or a sunlamp. You can record with a webcam, except the bed and toilet.
The food costs will be cheap. I eat 1kg of organic shrimp every 1-2 weeks, and two handfuls of rice for each handful of shrimp. Six handfuls per day total is a normal filling amount. The shrimp is organic and average sized, between thumb and forefinger. So if I'm correct and this diet delivers excellent focus, people can drastically reduce the cost of food purchase, prep and digestion, even if they don't eat the strictest version. This should already be obvious from the success of high-density meal-replacements such as Soylent, which I contend are inferior to natural foods.

rice isn't paleo

I use a pressure cooker to reduce white rice to a congee that almost certainly has less antinutrients than the starches ancestral humans ate. I could not actually eat an ancestral diet as I am now, but I can use the principles to perform supposedly impossible feats.
For reference, here is the document that Reddit filters removed from Paleo after downvoting.

Hi all,
I'm not sure it's totally helpful to be asking this question versus getting out and doing something, but I'd like to hear thoughts directly from others.
I'm 33M, have been sober for over three years now, and I feel absolutely stuck in life. I don't enjoy much throughout my day, I'm constantly overthinking, and I doubt my abilities to have a stable career, establish myself financially, have a family, and actually be able to know anything to provide value. I'm medicated for depression on a low dosage, and regularly see a therapist. I'm currently in school with the plan of finishing a degree in just anything (which is a great source of anxiety), though I am considering pursuing nursing after having worked in healthcare for a couple years recently. Former athlete. It's easy to say I don't have hobbies, interests, skills, or knowledge. When I think about it, it feels true, but deep down I know I have much to offer. I spend too much time on reddit or instagram, and have a tendency to compare myself to others, which always lead to bad feelings about myself. Truthfully, I don't do a lot right now, I think I'm afraid to be new again. But every new topic of possible interest comes with waves of anxiety and thoughts of not being good enough. I am afraid that nothing will change, and nothing will settle in.
Have you found yourself in similar patterns? What changed and what does your life look like right now? How did you get out of this space?
Thank you for your time.

Hi, I recently posted in a brain cancer sub. My 11 year old daughter has had headaches, fatigue, and nausea for 6+ months. She has asthma and I have had her medication adjusted thinking that they were related. She was treated in the er for something else and they found an incidental lesion during the ct scan.
She was referred to a neurosurgeon. She had an MRI with and without contrast where two tumors were discovered. They are on the smaller side, but now there is a team involved which includes an oncologist. The incidental lesion has become 2 tumors.
They want to go to surgery and remove them and then biopsy them (the larger one is in the Sylvian fissure and multi lobular, and the smaller one is on the left temporal lobe.)
My overarching concern is that the possibility of what we’re dealing with keeps escalating. First a lesion, then two tumors, now, potentially glioma grade 2. This has all taken place over the course of a month. She has lost 5 lbs, she sleeps all the time, and the nausea keeps her from playing regularly.
MRI with and without contrast:
17 x 11 x 17 mm enhancing multilobular mass at the posterior left sylvian fissure with central nonenhancing T2 hyperintensity which may represent necrosis. There is mild surrounding nonenhancing T2 and FLAIR hyperintensity which could represent edema. Peripheral rim of hemosiderin is noted. Additional 7 x 7 x 9.5 mm (AP by TR by CC) enhancing T2 hypointense mass at the left temporal pole, seemingly extra-axial versus cortically based and exophytic.

I was diagnosed with Vulvodynia in October 2023 after I had a BV infection that was treated incorrectly with anti fungal yeast infection creams. Then I was put on BV antibiotics for 15 days and still felt zero relief. I went to my primary care and she didn't know what to do so she tried to help me get into a gynecologist but everything was a 3 month wait. I managed to get into a gynecologist who was an old male doctor and he didn't even want to test me for infection. He told me to not wear "panties" and id be fine..
About 1 month later I was still in insane pain, unable to sleep from how bad the burning was. Couldn't get out of bed for days and couldn't find a doctor who was willing to help me. I was spending hours and hours every night looking on this exact forum trying to find a solution. This was when I finally convinced my primary care to help me get into a gynecologists office that specializes in vulvo pain. (I do not recommend this place at all, MUSC)
At my first appointment they told me "it's probably your laundry detergent and take these antihistamines. Let's also put you on birth control for your PCOS!" the antihistamines did nothing to help as it wasn't an allergic reaction. they told me no infection was present even though I had the discharge, oder, and pain all still from my previous positive BV test a month prior.
I called in a week later begging for help, or something to stop the pain as it was unbearable. They told me "you have vulvodynia which you will have forever and the only form of treatment is anxiety medication" (I was already on anxiety medication so this wasn't a treatment that was helping me for vulvodynia) They mentioned they had a doctor in office who specializes in vulvodynia so they got me an appointment but it took another 2 months to see him and in the meantime they put me on steroid cream. (highly don't recommend, this stuff burned so badly and I believe caused more issues rather than healing)
This was the worst 2 months of my life waiting for this appointment, scrolling this forum, hoping to find answers. When I showed up to the gynecologist who specializes in vulva pain, I brought my dad along with me. (obviously was NOT in the room during the appointment. But was there to help me stand up for myself to doctors. Which I highly recommend bringing a partner or family member with you to help advocate) After this doctor did a swab for infection he stepped out of the room and decided to talk to my dad while I got dressed again. This doctor talked to us in his office and said "you have vulvodynia. lets put you on an SSRI for your anxiety" I was confused because I never mentioned my anxiety, and usually for Vulvodynia you treat it with SNRIs, but he told me this SSRI would cure me. I believe he believed I only had vulvodynia from anxiety or trauma, yet I KNEW something more was going on.
When I got home I went to the MyChart website to view the notes this gynecologist put in the system and he marked me as having "high PH, not enough good bacteria, + 'her mom died when she was 14 so she's suffering from trauma" I sat there dumbfounded because at the appointment he said there was "nothing wrong" yet in the chart I had high PH and not enough good bacteria. I sent him an email and I asked him "how can I fix my PH and get more good bacteria?" because high PH, not enough good bacteria, abnormal discharge AND fishy order were all BV symptoms that I had and indicate an infection. He called me the next day and told me "haha well yeah but here's the thing. Go to college, work in a lab, and if you find the answer, let me know." then "wished" me luck. My dad heard this phone call and was so upset too.
This is where I was in pain for about 7 months. The burning hurt so badly and I could never wish that on ANYONE. I ended up taking just a generic SNRI anxiety medication that focuses on nerve pain so I could find a real cure in the mean time. Here were my symptoms and here is what I did to cure my vulvodynia. (I am not a doctor and everyone is different. its all about trying new things to help!)
I did one of those vulva microbiome tests online where you send in a swab and it tells you what bacteria are there. it showed me having 85% bad bacteria and 15% good bacteria. My recent visits to the gynecologist showed me having High PH during month 1's visit, month 3's, and month 6.
!!! I treated it by giving my body what it needed to heal. I am almost 100% positive that taking Vitamin D and K2 drops daily cured my vulvodynia which I never thought was going to be possible. !!!
I was taking Vitamin D, along with my SNRI. I only took the SNRI for 1.5 months to let my nerves calm down. I still am not sure if the SNRI did anything or if it was a placebo but I continued to take it while I healed my body.
I had tried cotton underwear because I heard it helps lower risk of infections but I found them to hurt me as they were scratchier than my no-show underwear. So instead, I wore no underwear while I was home. Only loose sweatpants/sweatshorts at home. I would wear no-show underwear if I went to town in jeans so this helped minimize friction and irritation.
When I would shower, I only used a bunch of water externally until I felt like I was clean. This was hard for me to do as I was using non-scented soap externally because I couldn't stand not feeling clean. But only using water helped wash away everything that needed to be cleaned, but would leave my body's natural oils causing the area to heal. Stripping the oils with soap felt like it was causing more problems at this time.
Long story short to anyone who just wants an answer: I believe I cured my vulvodynia with Vitamin D + Vitamin K2 drops, short term SNRI, wearing no underwear when I could, avoiding clothes that would touch the area to avoid any friction, no soap and only water!
It has been almost 2 months of me feeling NO PAIN at all. I don't take the SNRI's anymore, I can wear any clothes I want, I use soap sometimes but still try to avoid it. The only thing I still do is take Vitamin D.
I have had maybe 1 flair up within the past 2 months that lasted like 3 hours but I believe it was triggered by IC bladder pain. After drinking a bunch of water and avoiding vitamin C the pain went away! If anyone has questions I'll answer any. I had zero help and only bad experiences from gynecologist's in my area. It wasn't until I cured myself that I found an amazing gynecologist who has been so sweet so I am thankful to know I'll be able to go to her if I have any issues in the future. Trust that the universe will help guide you to the answers you need. I thought I was going to be in that terrible pain forever but trust me you will find something that helps you and it may just be on a random Tuesday when you least expect it.

Just Venting May 28th 2024 I Don't think People Will Ever Understand my Situation.
Which I understand.
Just Kinda Get Tired Of People Making Assumptions when they are not in my position
How is that possible to know I'm feeling on the inside of my body
GOD knows what I Feel.
Just Human Doesn't know
I have to realize some people just are negative
Doesn't mean they are bad people
But just means I can't Fully be around them
Nothing personal against them
Just some people Make some people feel worse
Not trying to separate but sometimes you have to deal with them at a distance
Because some people bring triggers
If I see people constantly gossiping about other people I don't know
Then I know I shouldn't Probably be around them
Because Gossiping is a trigger for me
If you gossiping about others
It's only going to be so long before I'm the topic to gossip about
If you are not doing it behind my back already.
Just People Be Trolling me on the Internet and social media
For I don't know how long
I'll say about 10 years
Just People Try To Tear you down or Expose me as they say
But I don't really have anything to expose?
Trying to tear me down and make me cry again.
Like I can't control people judgments
Like I be thinking people are out of their way trying to prove something isn't wrong with me
Because I heard this from some ignorant family members and people
That doesn't know how I'm feeling
I won't be surprised if they hacked my Cellphone 📱
Which Technically is Illegal to Stalk or Record people Without their Permission
Trying to find Dirt on me or something to tear me down
Because it's just negative people that don't believe my genuine feelings I have daily
It happened to my sister malware was on her phone from her ex
So it kinda made me scary or paranoid
Ask my immediate family members my brother my mom my sister which she didn't understand at first
But trying to understand
Even my stepdad the one that passed away he didn't quite understand
Until that last year in 2015 he talked to me in person
And realized this is something I really was struggling with
We made peace in 2015
Said To Me In His Bedroom " Now I understand "
Because some people thought I was seeking attention or something
But Me Seeking attention Since I was 5 years old
That's a very long time if I was seeking attention
Most attention seekers would be tired by them almost 30 years
Most attention seekers especially if they are not getting attention
Will not Keep seeking attention because they are not getting it.
Most people stop by then
I don't have friends I don't have a following
Like Some people on social media
I am not getting ad revenue
I'm not a social media influencer trying to Garner attention
Just a regular dude venting my life
I talk like this on camera which is exhausting
And off camera to my mom and to myself in my room
Thinking because I do talk to myself since I don't have friends
I don't answer my self
But speak aloud my thoughts and feelings to release tension and stress
So this just me venting on my life.
This something I been feeling Since I was like 5 years old
I kinda knew when I was 17 it was going to be even rough adulthood than childhood
Which I tried to kill myself in 2010 when I was on Gresham road
Which that Was behind the scenes at home
Only my brother and mother seen it
Just I kinda tried numerous jobs
From McDonald's to Goodwill to factories working upwards to 16 hours some days
Trying to push through but my body couldn't handle that
Like I was feeling "Flight or Fight" responses like I was Running From Being Shot at night
By My Dad in 2011
Still have nightmares about that it just doesn't go away
And more scenarios in my childhood as well I'm not going to disclose.
People don't understand I jump when I hear gunshots
I try to not look crazy around people
So I try to look normal
But every time I hear a gunshot or something my heart starts pumping
And I start feeling exhausted and sad
Like I can't control if someone shoots a gun or pops a firecracker
But I try to put on my noise cancelling headphones
Even certain songs I have to mute if I hear a gunshot sound
If I can catch it
Even movies I'm not familiar with
I try to mute sounds if a gunshot scene comes
If I can catch it
This really a big issue
But people don't see that when I have to mute my TV
They also don't see
When I have bad days
They probably don't see if I have good days
I try to get laughs in
Because laughter is natural medicine
To distract from the negative thoughts I have everyday
They don't see due to my meds
That have me very sleepy which I take at night.. but carries on to the next morning
Sometimes I wake up at 12 pm sometimes late as 5 pm
Seroquel just does that
Even I tried waking up early I end up going back to sleep
I literally have to take a pre workout supplement
Which has caffeine which makes my anxiety worse
Just to fight it the medicine
Like I workout it's the best medicine
Better than any Prescription drug I don't do recreational drugs
But it naturally gets rid of my anxiety while working out at home
Didn't work In a commercial gym.
Which this gym equipment saved my life
It really helps me
If I lose that I probably will kill myself
And I was at risk of Type 2 diabetes
And my blood work was off due to I couldn't work out since I didn't leave my house
And of Course mentally I got really depressed since I didn't have no coping mechanism
I be depressed Alot but working out helps me cope with the thoughts I have
And temporarily gets rid of my anxiety
But only last 1 hour post workout
And anxiety comes back
Some people think I'm on steroids
Which I think I'm small
But I can't keep a stable job
Plus steroids cost money
If I can barely afford food and amino acids
Which comes from protein and food
How can I afford steroids?
I never took a steroid
I don't even take creatine anymore
Because my kidneys
And I have health issues which my natural testosterone is ok
So I have no reason to take steroids and I'm not competing in bodybuilding shows
I'm not a YouTuber or social media influencer making $1000s or even 100,000$
Making money on the Internet so I don't have a reason to
Plus due to the medicine I take it effects my Kidneys
Like I hope my kidneys are ok
Because I love to workout and it really helps me
I probably would kill myself if I can't workout and build muscle anymore
I don't use steroids
Just men's vitamins and fish oil and beta alanine and protein and amino acids from protein
I eat 200 grams daily since I'm 235 right now
Just hope my kidneys get back normal
Because I take a lot of medicine
Might have to stop one of my medications
Because I take Prep Which is A HIV medicine
Because I'm so paranoid of Contracting HIV
But I Don't even have sex like that since I don't leave my house
But I just take prep because I be scared I'm going to get HIV for a Hypothetical reason
Which I know HIV medicines I don't have HIV
I understand if I had it
But I don't Have HIV I take Prep Which is a HIV Medicine to prevent Catching it
Which HIV meds is hard on the kidneys
But Weird Thing is I don't even have sex
I haven't had sex with a woman since 2022
I haven't been in a relationship since 2019
Which was my only relationship with a woman
Just I Do Have a Desire for sex like every other human being
But Masturbating is such a lonely experience
And sometimes gets depressing
And I jack off so much
That when I had real sex with a woman I couldn't orgasm
I never orgasm from Vaginal sex or oral or even anal
Which I don't like anal sex.
Just I only orgasm from my hands
And the few I can't count on 1 Hand those women would be upset
Because they thought I wasn't interested in them
Technically I am still a virgin because I never orgasm from sex
It makes me last long like hours
I think they called it "Delayed Ejaculation" opposite of "Premature Ejaculation"
But I never could Ejaculate no matter how tight or wet the woman was.
Only Orgasm with my Hand And Pornography
Which is frustrating because I didn't lose my virginity until I was 25 years old
Which due to my Agoraphobia and anxiety
And difficult time keeping a job and not having money
I didn't have many Women partners
And sometimes my agoraphobia and anxiety
Gives me erectile dysfunction issues
But people don't see that
They don't see how my disabilities effect my whole life
They don't see I don't go to clubs or malls or recreational events
If course I can't keep a job
Because most jobs want you to work atleast 4 hours
And I barely can do 1 hour
Before my body starts false flagging
Lightheaded and migraines I deal with
And dizziness and nausea and irritation in my bowels
And lightheadedness
Blurry vision
But people say I'm just making excuses
People just say I'm lazy
People say I'm sponging or using people
People say I'm a fraud
That stuff hurts
Because Jesus knows what I feel
I pray to Jesus to get me through the day
I pray to GOD as well
To help me cope in my head
But people don't understand what they don't see or feel
So I don't like people taking what I say with a grain of salt.
But people don't understand
It hurts but people don't understand
Just my life even talking on the phone
And I have to leave today to pick up a product from the store
And I'm going to walk
I'm going to be so exhausted and check my mail
And I can't drive due to my anxiety and Agoraphobia
I was shaking behind the wheel which the blurry vision
Lightheaded ness
People don't understand because most people can drive a car
I see it on the highways all the time
They don't understand how this effects my day to day life
Even my kidneys which I pray to GOD it doesn't fails on me.
I don't drink or do drugs or abuse anything
Just hope that's ok
But Anxiety sometimes raise my blood pressure
I take a beta blocker to try to manage it
Just wish people could understand
I'm not a fraud
This is my life
I been feeling this way since 5 years old I can remember
Just as I get older it effects my life
You naturally get depressed
Which I try to cope with
Loneliness makes you depressed
Not having sex makes you depressed
Not having a partner
Or feeling like a burden makes you depressed
I just try to get laughs or find a coping mechanism
Not Able to keep a job
Since most jobs want me to work 4 hours atleast
And I only can do 1 hour which is not substantial unless they pay me 200$ for that 1 hour daily
Which is unrealistic probably would say I'm unreasonable
But that's what I need to survive
Can't die over the phone
And freelance jobs no ADA protections
Since I work for myself
And the Accomodations are not reasonable
Because you have to do what is most profitable to a company or business
1 hour 200$ is not profitable
I can't work more than 1 hour
I would be able to finish the task
And if I do for one day I wouldn't be able to be consistent
Probably crash and have a panic attack
But people don't understand

Besides TN I have painful arthritis and I'm only 49! My dr recently prescribed me meloxicam 7.5 mg 2 x a day bcuz my wrists have been bothering me and when combined with my almost constant TN it's just too much. My TN didn't respond to anti seizure meds and I don't tolerate antidepressants well so i juat live in pain. Anyways he told me it would not help the TN just my arthritis but after 2 days on it this is the least amount of pain I've been in in weeks. Yes it's still there when I smile or forget and touch the area but it's like a dull pain versus I wanna cut my cheek off desperate for relief pain. This medication is a nsaid just way stronger than say advil which does nothing for me but I wanted to share in case it could help someone else For reference my pain is below my left nostril and above my top teeth in my gums and I've seen 4 dentists my teeth are fine.

I (32F) was sick for the past 10 days with what I believe was a cold or flu (home test for COVID was negative) that involved a ton of nasal congestion. Now all the symptoms have cleared but one ear is clogged with a bit of congestion left over. I cannot get it to pop or drain for the life of me. At first, about four days ago, it was extremely painful. Now the pain is gone and it's just ringing constantly with a lot of fullness like I got water on it from swimming.
I've been using Mucinex and a steroid nasal spray I have left over from my last sinus infection off and on over the last week but I'm not taking anything now. And I'm on no RX and only take vitamin D3 as a supplement. I have no other major health problems especially anything pretaining to ears or sinuses.
Does this need medical attention or is waiting it out the better option? If so, who do I see? I don't have a PCP. Would I need the urgent care or to see an ENT?
Thank you for your input!

I haven't taken the henrymeds version, assuming people get what they pay for though. I have a legit Mounjaro prescription due to diabetes . Also have an Adderall prescription. Adderall alone has a noticeable appetite suppression quality that wears off at the end of the day (would not recommend taking Adderall for weight loss as it can be damaging even at typical prescribed doses, just my personal reference). But, when I was taking both Adderall and Mounjaro together, I'd say the appetite suppression was exponentially greater than either alone and did not wear off. I have also taken Mounjaro while off Adderall which has far less appetite suppression than combined.
So, it is possible that other meds that are sometimes prescribed off label like Wellbutrin may greatly enhance the appetite suppression of anything on henrymeds. I'd say talk to your doctors about this if not getting the results you were looking for. Some people may be more or less sensitive than others to the effects.
But, be aware, that it is possible that you would need to force yourself to eat if appetite was suppressed to much. So needs to be done with supervision. At one point, 2.5mg Mounjaro with my Adderall daily, I lost 5lbs a week for 3 weeks and had to make myself eat. It did get more manageable later but still much greater appetite suppression effect than either alone. In total I had lost 35lbs and was steady at 150lbs (5' 6.5").
When I stopped Mounjaro, my appetite came back strong, and then when I stopped Adderall too my appetite was the worst in my life. I have always had appetite control issues but at that point even when I was stuffed I usually felt like I needed to eat something. It did improve but not before I gained back nearly 30 lbs. I have other mitigating circumstances so I am likely an unusual case for all I know. But something to be aware of if you are prescribed more than one appetite suppressing medication.
I will be telling a friend to look into henrymeds since she is currently paying the ridiculous no insurance Mounjaro prices.
Related, but off topic if you have time to burn.....
I also recommend taking supplements to be sure you are not getting too little of nutrients. If not sure you are getting sufficient nutrition from food every day I'd recommend a Multivitamin, mineral supplements for things like calcium, magnesium, etc. Protein supplements, most adults should be getting at a bare minimum 30 to 50 grams of quality protein a day. For calcium I'd recommend citracal maximum plus because it has other microminerals (small dose required) with it and uses a highly absorbable calcium form. Magnesium bys/glycinate or citrate for good absorption. Low dose Iron to prevent anemia if male (women's multivitamins usually have iron but men's usually do not). "oxide" forms of minerals are usually cheap, but have much lower absorption rates than other forms like citrates, bys/glycinate, phosphates. Many other good and not so good forms out there. Cows milk also a great source of calcium in the form of calcium phosphate and has tons and tons of listed and unlisted nutrients. There are some really good and really bad plant based alternatives but that is something you should look into yourself if interested. But don't believe the milk is bad for you hype. It's a marketing gimmick for the plant based and other health industries in my opinion. https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/using-nutrition-facts-label-choose-milk-and-plant-based-beverages
Consult with your doctor and check the NIH website for proper balance. NIH website for nutritional RDA (recommended daily allowance) , AI (adequate intake), UL(upper limit), etc. Things like Calcium and Magnesium the ratio can be more important than total intake. You can also look into what supplements should be taken with or without food and what should be taken together or separate. There is a lot of info out there, just be sure you look at reputable sources preferably without a motivation to sell you something or steer you in a direction for their own gains.
https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf https://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/nutrientrecommendations.aspx https://www.nutrition.gov/ https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements/information-consumers-using-dietary-supplements https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/nutrition-education-resources-materials https://www.medicinenet.com/what_vitamins_should_not_be_taken_togethearticle.htm
If you have the time and money, I'd recommend a website like consumerlabs.com which independently tests various supplement brands for quality, purity, contaminants, potency, etc. and gives background info on things like what it does or is purported to do, what to look for, comparison if different forms of a supplement, concerns and cautions, price comparison, recommended brands and top pics or not recommended brands due to failing some criteria. And loads more information.
I am not affiliated with anything. Just a consumer.
Things you can drill down to find out about nutrition are things like calcium carbonate may not be the best choice on an empty stomach if taking acid blockers like omeprazole because it needs stomach acid to become soluble. Taking with food promotes acid generation and better absorption in that case. Best to take vitamin B complex separate from a vitamin C supplement since vit C can block B12 absorption depending on dosage. Do you know your RDA of choline, alpha-linolenic or linoleic acid, or vitamin k? Do you know the difference between a complete protein and incomplete protein? Or that protein actually contains amino acids that are also used for things in addition to muscle like phenylalanine for dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters, tryptophan for serotonin, methionine for antioxidants and methyl donors and DNA processing and immune response etc. etc etc.

Hey, my psych started me on 150mg of Bulpropion about a month and a half ago. I’ve had a horrible experience with antidepressants so this is the first one I’ve tried in a really long time. I’ve been getting TMS for the past 3 years, roughly once every 6 months give or take. That’s not as easy to do though because it requires me to be an inpatient and uprooting your life every 6 months for 3 weeks at a time isn’t easy. It’s also just sort of a horrible place to be in sometimes (I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be in a place that can help me and provide me with a treatment that is extremely expensive as an outpatient).
Anyways, I suggested this specific medication as I saw a lot of research saying that Bulpropion is a good pairing with Vyvanse, which I also take. The first few days of taking it I think I was having just a sense of overwhelm and euphoria because my depression left my body lol. Of course it came back and so did the side effects.
Number one is my sleep. I know that Vyvanse is probably the main reason why but I’m wondering if the combo of them both is making it even worse? I’m talking constant nights in a row of either 2 hours sleep or no sleep at all. I would then have to work 9/10 hour shifts and somehow could function. It was actually scary. I’m now taking the vitamin Valerian, it smells putrid but it has really helped. Just frustrating and again, quite scary.
Number two is the suicidal ideation. I’ve struggled with this for years, I’m not a stranger to the thoughts, but they have been increased 10fold. It’s overwhelming. 95% of the time I’m fine with them because I do know how to control them but why is my own brain YELLING at me to kms over the smallest reasons???
Number three and the absolute worst is the anxiety. Again, I have had anxiety since I was a kid so I know the feeling but holy fuck, I have never been so anxious in my life. It’s paralysing most of the time. It is the heaviest weight I’ve ever had to hold and carry, I don’t know how else to explain it. Has anyone else had this problem??? And if so, what did you do to help it???? Im honestly at my wits end.
I also wanted to add that I understand a lot of these are amplified right now because I’m in that rough period where the side effects of a new antidepressants can be harder to deal with but idk, I just wondered if these are normal and I should push through or if I should see my doc to stop. I appreciate any advice or help 🫶🏼

DAY: May 27 2024
5-27-2024

THE CASE FOR OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENTATION TO LOWER AGGRESSION

People who regularly eat fish or take fish oil supplements are getting omega-3 fatty acids, which play a critical role in brain function. Research has long shown a basis in the brain for aggressive and violent behavior, and that poor nutrition is a risk factor for behavior problems. Penn neurocriminologist Adrian Raine has for years been studying whether omega-3 supplementation could therefore reduce aggressive behavior, publishing five randomized controlled trials from different countries. He found significant effects but wanted to know whether these findings extended beyond his laboratory.
5-27-2024

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVES TO OZEMPIC AND WEGOVY AND ARE THEY SAFE?

With summer around the corner, telehealth outlets and medical spas are going into hyperdrive advertising the sale of semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. Recent shortages of the brand-name drugs have opened the door to copycat versions that, while legal, also raise some concerns for consumers, says Kelly Ann Barnes, Northeastern professor of pharmacy law. The copycat drugs are made by specialized pharmacies known as compounding pharmacies, which are allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make off-label
5-27-2024

FIVE BASIC HABITS MAY HOLD THE KEY TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

Professor Nick Titov’s professional goal is to make himself redundant. he wants to empower more people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression to understand what they can do each day to care for their mental health. As part of this mission, Professor Titov and his team developed The Big 5, an evidence-based program encouraging five broad types of activities that are strongly linked with good mental health when performed regularly. Everyone’s
5-27-2024

COVID-19 FORECASTING TOOL ALLOWED HOSPITAL TO MANAGE PATIENT CAPACITY, RESOURCES AMID PANDEMIC’S THIRD WAVE

During the peak of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the health-care system’s capacity was stretched and hospitals across Canada relied on each other to share resources and provide care. Experts from
5-27-2024

RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION AS A POSSIBLE ASPECT OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME PATHOLOGY

The peripubertal DHT-induced mouse model is a non-obese but insulin-resistant model of PCOS. a) Experimental design. b) Fat mass. c) Insulin levels at baseline and 15 min following glucose administration. d) Blood glucose levels during oGTT. e) HOMA-IR, calculated from fasted glucose and insulin levels. f) Glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c). A new study shows that hyperandrogenism—a key characteristic of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—affects immune cell populations in reproductive, metabolic and immunological tissues in a PCOS-like mouse model. These findings are of great importance as
5-27-2024

RESEARCH IDENTIFIES BRAIN NETWORK LINK TO STUTTERING

Common acquired neurogenic stuttering network. Common areas that were sensitive and specific across both neurogenic stuttering cohorts. Amy = amygdala; ASt = amygdalostriatal transition area; Cl = claustrum; Pall = Pallidum; Put = putamen. A new study published in the journal Brain has identified a specific brain network hub that plays a key role in stuttering. The research, by Te Whare W?nanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury (UC) Associate Professor Catherine Theys, examines two different types of stuttering—developmental and acquired—to show a clear neural
5-27-2024

THYROID DISEASE ISN’T THE END FOR YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS, REPORT FINDS

How employers behave toward workers experiencing thyroid dysfunction could play a critical part in addressing the UK’s labor market challenges. With long-term sickness on the rise in the UK, researchers at the University of Aberdeen Business School have marked World Thyroid Day (May 25) by releasing new findings which, for the first time, explore the relationship between employer sympathy and the labor market prospects of people with thyroid conditions. One in 20 people in the UK have a thyroid problem, with a significant majority of sufferers being women. Posing serious
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS HIGH-INCOME EARNERS AT LOWER RISK OF DYING FROM STROKE

High-income earners have a 32% lower risk of dying after a stroke compared to low-income earners. The equivalent for high education is 26% lower risk. The differences in stroke survival linked to socioeconomics are striking, according to a study at the University of Gothenburg.
5-27-2024

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COULD ALLEVIATE LONELINESS, SAYS EXPERT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology could offer companionship to lonely people amid an international epidemic of loneliness, says a robotics expert. Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield, argues in his new book “The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence” that “relationships with AIs could support people” with forms of social interaction. Loneliness has been found to seriously impair human health, and Professor Prescott makes a case that advances in AI technology could offer a partial solution. He argues that people can spiral into loneliness, becoming
5-27-2024

ALZHEIMER’S REPORT HIGHLIGHTS IMMENSE CAREGIVER BURDEN—AND POTENTIAL WAYS FORWARD

Some 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and about 11 million provide unpaid care for them. Dementia caregiving can present unique challenges, including financial burdens and time constraints, as well as health complications. A report this year from the Alzheimer’s Association demonstrates the true cost of caregiving for those with the disease and calls to establish dementia care navigation throughout the U.S. to lift this burden. Not only is the estimated value of unpaid care near $14 billion in Pennsylvania alone, the report also revealed emotional and physical tolls. Nearly
5-27-2024

US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION APPROVES ARTIFICIAL PANCREAS SYSTEM

An artificial pancreas developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge has been granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by individuals with type 1 diabetes aged 2 and older, including during pregnancy. This means that even more people living with the disease will be able to use this life-changing app. For the first time, the FDA authorized the use of the artificial pancreas system in pregnancy. CamAPS FX, produced by Cambridge spinout company CamDiab, is an Android app that can
5-27-2024

RESEARCH SAYS POMEGRANATES COULD OFFER A SOLUTION TO FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) are investigating the effects ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in some fruits and vegetables, could have on halting and potentially reversing the damage caused by fatty liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the physiological manifestation of obesity in the liver. The prevalence of NAFLD has increased from 25.24% in 2015 to 29.38% in 2021, and this condition now accounts for 45.8% of all cases of chronic-liver-disease-related deaths worldwide. There currently exists no treatment for the long-term management of NAFLD; however, dietary interventions
5-27-2024

MAGIC MUSHROOMS MAY ONE DAY TREAT ANOREXIA, BUT NOT JUST YET

Anorexia nervosa is a severe mental health disorder where people fear weight gain. Those with the disorder have distorted body image and hold rigid beliefs their body is too big. They typically manage this through restricted eating, leading to the serious medical consequences of malnutrition. Anorexia has one of the highest death rates of any mental illness. Yet there are currently no effective drug treatments and the outcomes of psychotherapy (talk therapy) are poor. So we’re desperately in need of new and improved treatments. Psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms,
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS FEEDING INFANTS PEANUT PRODUCTS PROTECTS AGAINST ALLERGY INTO ADOLESCENCE

Feeding children peanuts regularly from infancy to age five reduced the rate of peanut allergy in adolescence by 71%, even after many years when the children ate or avoided peanut as desired. The new findings provide conclusive evidence that introducing peanuts into babies’ diets early will achieve long-term prevention of peanut allergy. Lead investigator Professor Gideon Lack from King’s College London said, “Decades of advice to avoid peanuts has made parents fearful of introducing peanuts at an early age. The evidence is clear that early introduction of peanut in infancy
5-27-2024

EATING MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES MAY LEAD TO OPTIMAL SLEEP DURATION

Good health depends on a healthy diet and sufficient exercise and sleep. There are clear associations among these components; for example, good nutrition provides energy for exercise, and many people report that getting enough exercise is important to their ability to get enough sleep. So how might nutrition affect sleep? A new study looks at the connection between fruit and vegetable intake and sleep duration.
5-27-2024

MONITORING THE H5N1 AVIAN INFLUENZA, BIRD FLU, OUTBREAK

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to actively monitor the ongoing outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu, and says that the public health risk remains low. Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, says scientists and public health officials have known about avian influenza for decades. “What’s different today is that since 2020, we’re seeing the largest outbreak of avian influenza among wild birds, poultry and backyard bird flocks,” he says. “The virus has also been found in certain
5-27-2024

INTERNATIONAL STUDY REVEALS SURPRISING TWIST IN HOW DIABETES DRUGS HELP THE HEART

A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial has revealed surprising new insights into how SGLT2 inhibitor drugs, originally developed for diabetes, benefit patients with heart failure. Contrary to common assumptions, these drugs may improve cardiac outcomes and heart health without acting as diuretics. Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands, often leading to fluid
5-27-2024

FIRST SEIZURE CLINICS REDUCE THE NEED FOR FUTURE HEALTH CARE, RESEARCHERS FIND

Clinics specializing in first seizures reduce the need for patients to present at emergency departments or be admitted to hospital later, Monash University-led research has found. Timely attendance, particularly within 14 days of the seizure, was associated with reduced subsequent all-cause emergency presentations and all-cause hospital admission. Later hospital admissions were reduced by about 25%. First author Dr. Yingtong Li, an adjunct
5-27-2024

CELL-TARGETING TECHNOLOGY CAN ISOLATE NEURONAL SUBPOPULATIONS AND LINK THEM TO BEHAVIORAL STATES

As gene sequencing technologies become more powerful, our understanding of cellular diversity has grown in parallel. This led scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to
5-27-2024

WATCH OUT FOR THESE HIGH HEAT DANGER SIGNS

Climate change is pushing daytime summer temperatures higher for longer periods of time, and that can spell real danger for folks who work outside, like gardeners and landscapers. Protecting yourself in the heat and knowing the warning signs of heat-related illness is crucial, said Chris Enroth, horticulture educator at University of Illinois Extension. He should know: It happened to him. “When I was working as a landscaper, we had to sod a large backyard during a day when the temperature was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit,” Enroth said. “We were hustling
5-27-2024

STAY SAFE FROM THE SUN AND THAT BACKYARD GRILL THIS MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day means firing up that backyard grill for the season, hopefully under warm, sunny skies. You can be sure to enjoy the day without hazards by taking a few simple precautions, said Dr. Mike Ren, an associate professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Watch out for rising heat and humidity If Memorial day is a scorcher, hydration is key, Ren said. “A good rule of thumb is to drink water regularly throughout the day, aiming for 12 or more cups; when in
5-27-2024

HAD A JOINT REPLACED? STUDY SUGGESTS INFECTION RISK MAY RISE AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY

If you’re one of the millions of Americans walking around with a new knee or hip, your odds for an infection in that joint rise if you ever have to undergo cancer chemotherapy, researchers report. “Given the number of people of receiving total joint replacements each year, as well as the cost both physically, emotionally and financially for those who develop an infection and may need subsequent treatment, we need to understand what factors may increase the risk for postoperative infections,” said study author Dr. Janet Conway. She’s an orthopedic
5-27-2024

ANTIHYPERTENSIVES LINKED TO ECZEMATOUS DERMATITIS IN SENIORS, STUDY FINDS

Antihypertensive drugs are associated with an increased risk for eczematous dermatitis in older adults, and the effect sizes are largest for diuretics and calcium channel blockers, whether antihypertensive drug use is associated with eczematous dermatitis in a longitudinal cohort study of individuals aged 60 years and older without eczematous dermatitis at baseline. The researchers found that the overall prevalence of eczematous dermatitis was 6.7% among 1,561,358
5-27-2024

RESEARCH INDICATES KIDNEYS FROM DECEASED DONORS WHO WERE ON DIALYSIS ARE SUBOPTIMAL

Receipt of a kidney from a deceased donor who underwent dialysis is associated with an increased incidence of delayed graft function, compared outcomes of transplant recipients who received kidneys from deceased donors who underwent dialysis prior to kidney donation versus recipients of kidneys from deceased donors who did not undergo dialysis in a retrospective cohort study using data from 58 U.S. organ procurement organizations. Among the donors with
5-27-2024

NEW THERAPY PROVEN EFFECTIVE AGAINST REJECTION IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is one of the most common causes of kidney transplant failure. To date, however, no treatment has proven effective in combating this complication in the long term. As part of an international and multidisciplinary clinical study led by Georg Böhmig and Katharina Mayer, Clinical Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III at MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, a new therapeutic principle in transplant medicine has been found to be both safe and highly effective. The results were recently published in the New England Journal
5-27-2024

SHARJAH UNIVERSITY PATENTS APPLICATION FOR DISTANCE COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS

Smart Identification of Health Status based on QR Code and User Health Data. Credit: author’s own creation The University of Sharjah has been granted a patent for inventing a smart gadget with the ability to filter user information that will allow doctors to diagnose COVID-19 and other ailments from a distance. The patent, granted by United States Patent and Trademark Office on 1 August 2023, comprises “a display unit, a color code detection unit, an image filter, an optical character recognition unit, a code detection unit and an elimination unit,”
5-27-2024

STUDY REVEALS WHERE DELAYS ARE WORST

When it comes to responding to a stroke, speed is a crucial factor; the longer it takes for someone experiencing a stroke to get to a hospital, the worse the outcome will be. Yet across the United States, delays to treatment can be significant. A Yale study uncovers new insights into factors associated with treatment delays and where in the United States patients are more likely to experience slower responses. The findings, which were published May 24 in the journal Stroke, highlight where interventions should

NEW STUDY SHOWS HEAT WAVES INCREASE RISK OF PRETERM, EARLY-TERM BIRTH

The increased frequency and intensity of heat waves due to climate change puts women at a higher risk of experiencing preterm and early-term labor—jeopardizing the health and well-being of their babies. An analysis of 53 million births that occurred in the 50 most populous U.S. metropolitan areas during the 25-year period 1993–2017, showed
5-27-2024

NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES, EARPLUGS AND EARMUFFS—DO THEY REALLY HELP NEURODIVERGENT PEOPLE?

Noise can make it hard to concentrate, especially for people who are extra sensitive to it. Neurodivergent people (such as those who are autistic or have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder—ADHD) can experience different sensory sensitivities. Their nervous system may process information differently when they are exposed to sensory experiences such as bright lights, loud noise, strong smells or busy environments. Decreased sound tolerance is estimated to affect up to 70% of autistic people and is described in three ways: hyperacusis (perceiving everyday sounds as loud or painful), misophonia (an aversion to
5-27-2024

MASSACHUSETTS SHELLS OUT NEARLY $400,000 FOR VACCINE RECORD CHECKS IN STATE-RUN SHELTERS

State officials have pumped nearly $400,000 into a program to review the vaccine records of families entering the emergency shelter system, including migrants from other countries who may have foreign documentation, according to the Healey administration. Officials at Boston-based John Snow, Inc., which has long worked with the state, have been contracted to review immunization documents. Since January, more than 1,200 children in state-run shelters have had their records checked, according to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, or HHS. Vaccine record checks have occurred since September 2023
5-27-2024

LAWSUIT ACCUSES FLORIDA’S PALM BEACH COUNTY HOSPITAL NETWORK OF SHARING PATIENTS’ PRIVATE DATA

The Palm Beach Health Network has become the latest health provider accused of illegally sharing identities and private health information of its patients with the social media company Meta, owner of Facebook. A lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach says the health network’s websites share code with Meta that enables patients to be targeted with advertising on Facebook based on “highly sensitive personal information” they share. It names as defendants the Palm Beach Health Network Physicians Group, doing business as Palm Beach Health Network, and
5-27-2024

CAN THE PLACEMENT OF DENTAL IMPLANTS IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS BE DONE BEFORE RADIATION THERAPY?

Globally, head and neck cancer accounts for 5% of all cancer types, with a mortality rate of 50%. However, in the Nordic countries, head and neck cancer accounts for only 2.6% of all cancers, with a mortality rate of just 30%. But more survivors mean that many must live with extensive damage and side effects
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS CLIMATE CHANGE INCREASES RISK OF CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS OUTBREAKS IN NEW ZEALAND

More cryptosporidiosis outbreaks could be on the cards for Aotearoa New Zealand as extreme rainfall events become more frequent, causing higher levels of the diarrhea-causing parasite to be washed into waterways, public health researchers warn. The researchers studied clusters of cryptosporidium outbreaks around the country between 1997 and 2015 and found 13 coincided with severe weather events. Their research is published in the journal Epidemiology & Infection. It is the first study to compare clusters of outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis to severe weather events in Aotearoa.
5-27-2024

RESEARCHERS EVALUATE IMPACT OF NEW FILM’S MESSAGE ON CHILDREN’S AND ADULTS’ BODY IMAGE, SELF-COMPASSION

Unrealistic expectations about what our bodies should look like—whether from the media, friends or family—make adults and children of all ages more vulnerable to body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and other mental health challenges. In a new study published in Body Image, Flinders University experts assessing the program’s usefulness in classrooms highlight the potential for the film “Embrace Kids,” directed by 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt, to achieve large-scale improvements in body image
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS INCREASED SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, SUICIDE ATTEMPTS AMONG ADOLESCENTS EXPOSED TO EARLY PHASE OF WAR IN UKRAINE

Data Collection in the War-Affected Donetsk Region and Non-War Kirovograd Region. A new study carried out by a multinational research group showed high levels of suicidal thoughts and attempts in adolescents, which were strongly associated with wartime traumatic experiences, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Dr. Sanju Silwal from the Research Center for Child Psychiatry in the University of Turku, Finland, one of the lead authors, says that the study was conducted in two regions that
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS SIGNIFICANT DISPARITIES IN THE DELIVERY OF CANCER-RELATED CARE

It’s important to ensure that care provided at US hospitals that predominantly serve Black and Hispanic populations is as high-quality as the care provided at other US hospitals. New research reveals significant disparities in the delivery of cancer-related care at minority serving hospitals (MSHs) compared with non-MSHs, however. The findings are published in Cancer. For the study, investigators analyzed information from the National Cancer Database (which accrues approximately 70% of US cancer diagnoses) to identify patients eligible for definitive treatment for breast, prostate, non-small cell lung, and colon cancers between
5-27-2024

WHO SEEKS $7 BN WITH FUND-RAISING REVAMP

The World Health Organization launched Sunday a new financing mechanism that aims to raise $7 billion of funds that can be deployed more quickly and flexibly. The UN agency has traditionally relied on commitments from its 194 member states, but often these are apportioned to specific projects with several conditions attached, including deadlines that can prove too short. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said commitment increases would contribute $4 billion to the agency’s budget of $11.1 billion over the four years through 2028. “The Investment Round aims to mobilize the
5-27-2024

SECOND PERSON DIES OF CHOLERA ON FRENCH ISLAND OF MAYOTTE

Scanning electron microscope image of Vibrio cholerae. Credit: Wikipedia A 62-year-old woman has died of cholera in Mayotte, bringing to two the death toll from the epidemic on the French island in the Indian Ocean, health authorities said on Sunday. The woman died on Saturday at her home in Mamoudzou, the capital, the ARS health authority said in a statement. “Response teams went to the scene to disinfect the home and take care of the deceased’s family and friends”, the statement added. In May, the disease claimed its first life
5-27-2024

ALTERING CELLULAR INTERACTIONS AROUND AMYLOID PLAQUES MAY OFFER NOVEL ALZHEIMER’S TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have made a significant breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease research by identifying a novel way to potentially slow down or even halt disease progression. The study, which focuses on the role of reactive astrocytes and the plexin-B1 protein in Alzheimer’s pathophysiology, provides crucial insights into brain
5-27-2024

BRAIN DAMAGE STUDY REVEALS PART OF THE BRAIN NECESSARY FOR HELPING OTHERS

Our willingness to help others is governed by a specific brain region pinpointed by researchers in a study of patients with brain damage to that region. Learning about where in the brain “helping” decisions are made is important for understanding how people might be motivated to tackle large global challenges, such as climate change, infectious disease and international conflict. It is also essential for finding new approaches to treating disorders of social interactions. The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, was carried out by researchers at the University of Birmingham
5-27-2024

IMPROVING AI LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS HELPS THEM BETTER ALIGN WITH HUMAN BRAIN ACTIVITY

NSP as a computational account of discourse comprehension. (A) Humans integrate words and sentences to achieve a full understanding of discourse. In LLMs, the NSP task proposed by BERT can serve as a computational account of human discourse comprehension. (B) Illustration of the MLM task. (C) Illustration of the NSP task and its relevance to the Mason and Just model. (D) Illustration of Mason and Just’s neurocognitive model of discourse processing. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn7744 With generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) transforming the social interaction landscape in recent years,
5-27-2024

STUDY EXAMINES METABOLIC REPROGRAMMING OF BREAST CANCER TUMORS DURING NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

In a study published in Nature Communications, scientists have made significant strides in understanding the complex interplay between the immune system and cancer metabolism in breast cancer treatment. The research
5-27-2024

RESEARCHERS EXAMINE EVIDENCE FOR A NOVEL NEURONAL MECHANISM DRIVING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

An international team of clinicians and neuroscientists have published a new perspective on the process of neurodegeneration. Their findings review evidence for a mechanism upstream of amyloid including the key neurochemical driving this process. The paper, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, focuses on a selective group of neurons (“the isodendritic core”). These cells have a different provenance from neurons in the rest of the brain and have previously been identified as primarily
The research, by a team from Finland’s University of Helsinki, National Institute for Health and Welfare, and Turku University of Applied Sciences, is published in
5-27-2024

WHO CHIEF URGES COUNTRIES TO QUICKLY SEAL PANDEMIC DEAL

WHO countries have spent two years seeking an agreement on tackling pandemics. The World Health Organization chief on Monday urged countries to nail down a landmark global agreement on handling of future pandemics after they missed a hard deadline. Scarred by COVID-19—which killed millions, shredded economies and crippled health systems—nations have spent two years trying to forge binding commitments on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Negotiators failed to clinch a deal ahead of this week’s World Health Assembly—the annual gathering of WHO’s 194 member states—the deadline for concluding the talks.
5-27-2024

STUDY DEMONSTRATES HOW GUT MICROBES PROCESS STEROIDS—USING FLATULENCE

It turns out flatulence can serve a purpose beyond being uncomfortable or funny: Gas released by some gut bacteria stimulates other gut bacteria to produce a hormone involved in pregnancy and in an FDA-approved treatment for postpartum depression, according to new research led by Harvard Medical School scientists. The work shows how gut bacteria can produce new hormones from steroids in bile and, in doing so, act like an endocrine organ. This research adds to the growing list of ways gut microbiota may influence human
5-27-2024

PHYSICAL FRAILTY MAY PUT PEOPLE AT GREATER RISK OF DEPRESSION, STUDY FINDS

Individuals who meet at least one of the criteria for physical frailty are at higher risk of also developing depression, a new Yale study finds. The findings—which also include insights into the specific inflammatory molecules and changes in brain structure that could underlie this association between frailty and depression—point to a need for routine assessment of physical frailty in clinical practice, researchers said. The study was published May 23 in Nature Communications. In clinical settings, physical
5-27-2024

RESEARCH TEAM RESOLVES STRUCTURE OF CRUCIAL ENZYME FOR THE FIRST TIME

For the first time, a team co-led by CHU Sainte-Justine researcher and professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Université de Montréal, Alexey Pshezhetsky has succeeded in resolving the unique structure of the HGSNAT enzyme, a deficiency of which causes Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare pediatric disease affecting the central nervous system. Through collaboration with a team from Shanghai University, the structure of this enzyme and the mechanism of its function were revealed using high-performance

I wondered if anyone has some insight into what’s going on with my body? I’m a 32 y/o F.
I have been lactating a little from one breast only. ( I used to be on Amisulpride and had ridiculously high prolactin levels (over 1000) so I was put on Aripiprazole to help try and bring the levels down which didn’t work so I was switched to another medication combination but that’s besides the point I think). The lactation is only a few drops, and seems to be in the mornings and evenings. I can express the milk if I try. I have never been pregnant but when I was having the lactation before it was only from one breast.
I’ve also been getting a LOT of chin hair. This is extremely unusual for me. I am having to shave my chin every 2-3 days because it is that bad. It’s not like a beard in terms of quantity but it’s much more than I am comfortable with. It started at the end of last year. It’s not the usual peach fuzz hair, more like beard hair in texture. It is darker than the peach fuzz on the rest of my face.
I do not have periods on my birth control (Zelleta, I’ve been on this for a couple of months now). Before that I was off BC for a few months, prior to that I was on the contraceptive implant for several years and before that the “pill” since I was a teenager.
I have done a pregnancy test and it was negative.
Medications: Aripiprazole maintena Venlafaxine Zelleta Elvanse Bisoprolol Azathioprine Gabapentin Omeprazole Vitamin D, zinc, C, magnesium, biotin, omega 3s.
Any insight is greatly appreciated! ☺️

Hypercondria falls under anxiety, and can be quite destabilising condition that can take people out of their daily Routines while they go down the rabbit whole of what if's.
Have you ever been in that situation where you get stuck on this idea that you have a medical condition, but in the end turns out to be something less serious.
I was seeing one client for what they considered was chronic stress, and some worrying symptoms which elevated to head tension and physical sensations, doom and gloom.they went down the Google self diag google doctor, which made things worse. Their GP thought it was stress related.
More luck than anything I had a hunch this didn't fit cognitive behavioural stress model. So I said look in your bank app go back 2 months anything stand out.
90 seconds later
High strength Vitamins.
With a side effect of doom and gloom it would appear. Stopped and these doom like episodes disappeared.head aches also after a short time.
Googling the side effects and that vit, nothing comes up except for one guy who wrote in a forum, the words doom and gloom. Placebo effect, intolerance to a pill ingrediant, can youbtest that in a lab even
Moral of the story never underestimate the human body to be complex and resilient

TL;DR: Can you help me with what I should be getting tested for to help figure out a high anion gap?
Hello, I am turning here after having about 5 years of worsening health issues. There is a lot in my history that I might have a hard time remembering right now because I am not feeling too well. But essentially, I wanted to ask for help in doing more bloodwork on my own to look into a "pure anion gap acidosis" of between 10-20 mEq/L over the past few years in this chart of 5 past blood test dates. I also want to share basic problems I have been having in case this can help. This has happened between the ages of 15 and 20.
Starting with five years ago, I had an extreme episode of stomach pain which got worse after having Ibuprofen (15). It would leave me somewhat bedridden. Later that year, I had a paralysis on the left side of the throat which made it so I couldn't eat for about a month before getting better (they put me on antibiotics). Later that year, I had hyperthyroidism and they put me on a medication, and eventually this went away too (16). Around this time, I also noticed constant sore eyes which made focusing on the computer and books more difficult. I also noticed around this time or in the following months that my eyes didn't look quite right, kinda bulgy. By the next year, I wasn't able to play video games for more than an hour due to the eye pain (18).
Over the next several years, my recurring eye soreness has turned into constant pain where I was learning Braille. It's worst when I am driving or listening to speaker and watching their body language, and I have problems focusing my eyes on the road for more than 30-60 minutes which is highly dangerous (19). I was diagnosed with BVD (Strabismus) a year ago and got prism lenses which seemed to help a lot. Originally, I noticed that I was having major issues with watching my surroundings, bumping into stuff, focusing, and needing to sleep a lot. I was having "warped vision" where my phone or other stuff didn't look right as I wasn't processing depth correctly. I wasn't able to look at the Speedometer before prism lenses because looking back at stuff that was too close was really difficult. It was weird in that it seemed like an "attack" where things got so much worse for a month, but equalized out eventually.
The really annoying thing is being told I don't have any clear health issues, which has made me feel like a crab that is slowly being boiled in a pot by now. In these past months, I am having fatigue issues, the gut pain has been constant but a bit worse. I got tested for allergies again; I originally had none, but at 15 developed 6 new ones when going out of network with an allergist, and we did the same thing ago a month ago and I have 24 new allergies and the original 6 are gone. I have begun a diet eating only stuff I tested negatively for, as a food log seems useless when I am depending largely on items with a +2 rating for allergies and unable to tell what is hurting me, and my eyes seem to feel better and look better, although I am still having major issues with fatigue, now mixed in with huge issues with memory, taking care of myself, mental confusion, studying (when before I was an A+ student no problem), etc.
I am seeing a Neuro-Ophthamologist in a couple weeks, but I am scared that because I tested negatively for Graves disease (which I heavily suspected I had due to these past history) they'll not be able to help me. I linked my blood results, which have a couple elevated things, but the main thing I wanted to focus on was figuring out the high anion gap, which I think may have something to do with it. If there is other stuff I should mention, I can answer questions, I am sort of here as a last resort. I am going to ask them about Orbital Myositis, because even if I don’t have that, it and TED are good references for the symptoms of the eye problems I am having. But once again, in the absence of easy answers, I want to check the anion gap because other abnormalities in the chart I linked can be related to IBS/IBD. Thank you for your time and consideration.
I am 20M, five foot eight, 150 pounds, mixed European/Latino.
Isaiah's Lab Results History Type of LabRange6/20/20198/19/201910/8/201911/21/20196/9/233/22/213/6/244/29/245/14/2024 Glucose85-99 mg/dL 921029652 91 Hemoglobin A1c4.8%-5.6% 5.3 5.4 Uric Acid(F) 3.2-5.5 mg/dL (M) 3.7-6.0 mg/dL 6.6 BUN13-18 mg/dL 13121314 13 Creatine(F) 0.65-0.9 mg/dL (M) 0.85-1.1 mg/dL 0.790.890.990.99 1.02 (if non-African American)eGFR .59 mL/min/1.73 113 108 (if African American)eGFR .59 mL/min/1.73 BUN/Creatine Ratio10-20 1613 14 13 Sodium135-140 mmol/L 139143138139 139 Potassium4.0-4.5 mmol/L 4.34.64.34.8 4.0 Chloride100-106 mmol/L 100103102101 102 Carbon Dioxide22-27 mmol/L 24212625 21 Anion Gap7-12 mmol/L 15/19~19/24~10/14~13~18 16/20~ Calcium9.2-10.1 mg/dL 9.49.69.79.7 9.7 Phosphorus3.5-4.0 mg/dL 3.4 Magnesium2.0-2.5 mg/dL Total Protein6.9-7.4 g/dL 7.17.37.97.3 7.3 Albumin4.0-5.0 g/dL 4.95.154.8 4.9 Globulin2.4-2.8 g/dL 2.22.22.92.5 2.4 A/G Ratio1.5-2.0 2.22.31.71.9 2.0 Bilirubin (direct)0.0-0.4 mg/dL Total Bilirubin0.1-1.2 mg/dL 0.70.60.70.8 1.0 Alkaline Phosphatase44-90 IU/L 15216074126 90 LDH140-180 IU/L 167 SGOT (AST)10-26 IU/L 22241720 20 SGPT (ALT)10-26 IU/L 15161718 19 GGTP(F) 10-60 IU/L (M) 10-65 IU/L 21 TIBC250-350 ug/dL 319 UIBC150-375 ug/dL 209 Serum Iron80-130 ug/dL 110 Iron Saturation15%-55% 34 Ferritin(premenopause)10-122 ng/mL (postmenopause)10-263 ng/mL (male)33-236 ng/mL 85 Transferrin200-370 mg/dL Cholesterol150-199 mg/dL 181 167 Triglycerides75-100 mg/dL 165 61 HDL55-100 mg/dL 50 49 VLDLAbove Lab Range 12 LDL<99 mg/dL 103 106 Cholesterol/HDL Ratio<3.1 3.6 3.4 CRP (high sensitivity)0-3 mg/L 0.88 Homocysteine<7 umol/L 10.7 TSH1.8-3.0 ulU/mL 0.981.371.641.120.950.831.261.44 T46-12 ug/dL 6.57.9 9.7 T3 Uptake28%-38% 31 FTI1.2-4.9 mg/dL 3.0 T3100-180 ng/dL 123110 95 116 Free T32.0-4.0 pg/mL 43.5 3.3 Reverse T39.2-24.1 ng/dL 29.9 Free T41.0-1.5 ng/dL 1.281.481.43 1.501.401.511.81 Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO), Ab0-34 IU/mL 1210 <9 <9 Thyroglobulin, Ab0.0-0.9 IU/mL <1.0<1.0 <1.0 TBG18-27 ug/mL Thyroid Stim Immunoglobulin <0.10 Calcitriol(1,25 di-OJH Vit D)24.8-81.5 pg/mL 89.4 25-OH Vitamin D332-100 ng/mL 28.1 26.2 1,25-Dihydroxy Vitamin D10-75 pg/mL Fibrinogen Activity193-507 mg/dL 336 WBC5-88.1 6.46.76.84.35.9 5.6 RBC(F) 3.9-4.5 (M) 4.4-4.94.63 4.794.564.995.14.96 4.86 HGB(F) 13.5-14.5 (M) 14-15 g/dL14.2 14.91415.816.215.1 15.1 HCT(F) 37%-44% (M) 39%-55%41.9 44.341.345.147.844.1 45.8 MCV85-92 fL91 939190.49488.9 94 MCH27.7-32 pg30.7 31.130.731.731.831.3 31.1 MCHC32-36 g/dL33.9 33.633.93533.935.1 33.0 RDW11.7%-15%13.3 12.61312.111.912.2 12.6 Platelets155K-379K326 284293302256301 316 Neutrophils40%-60%68 5446 4755.1 50 Lymphocytes25%-40%20 3336 3730.5 34 Monocytes4%-7%12 912 1211.6 12 Eosinophils0%-3%0 35 32 3 Basophils0%-3%0 11 10.8 1 Magnesium, RBC6.5.-6.8 mg/dL 4.5 Immature Granulocytes 0 Immature Grans (Abs) 0.0 Specific Gravity 1.0008 pH 7.0 Urine Color Yellow Appearance Clear WBC Esterase Negative Protein Negative Glucose Negative Ketones Negative Occult Blood Negative Bilirubin Negative Urobilinogen,Semi-Qn0.2-1 mg/dL 0.2 Nitrite, Urine Negative AChR Binding Abs, Serum0.00-0.24 nmol/L0.04 AChR Blocking Abs, Serum0%-25%15 ANA Direct Negative Tryptaseug/L 3.8 Sedimentation Rate-Westergrenmm/hr 52 Endomysial Antibody IgA Negative t-Trasglutaminase (tTG) IgAu/mL <2 Immunoglobulin A, Qn, Serummg/dL 137 Ambig Abbrev CMP14 Default results? Calprotectin, Fecalug/g 30 WBC, Stool None H. Pylori Stool, Ag, EIA Negative

Went to the doctor today for a re-occurring sore throat (happened back on may 12th for 9 days) and just got it again yesterday. It is my ONLY symptom. Like swallowing sharp razor blades. I tested negative for strep and he sent me home with antibiotics. I’d like to try some different treatments before destroying my gut. I am fully tattooed and have a very good immune system so this is out of the ordinary for me. No medications, not a smoker or drinker either.
Been trying: Salt water rinse daily, teaspoons of honey, hot tea, banana turmeric ginger frozen smoothies, ricola, oregano oil, echinacea, vitamin c & d I take already daily with 120oz of water. I am currently on an elimination diet so no wheat or yeast which means no whisky lol.
Please let me know the suggestions and what it does for the body. Appreciate it in advance! ❤️

I (28F) have shingles now for the second time. The first time I was 19. My doctor at the time blamed it on stress and lack of sleep (I was in military training at the time). I would imagine it’s the same now as I’ve been stressed and traveling (state side) a lot due to work, leaving me worn down and fatigued.
I’m was also told by my mom that I had chicken pox twice. Once around 1 y/o and again that I remember around 8. I have documentation of my chicken pox vaccination, but no documentation of either occasions of chicken pox and my mom has since passed away. I asked my doctor years ago if I could’ve actually had chicken pox twice and she suggested it could’ve been misdiagnosed the first time.
I’m currently taking valtrex and ibuprofen for this bout of shingles. It seems much more mild than the first time luckily, but I’ve been told I still can’t get the shingles vax. What could cause me to get shingles twice in my 20s? I am otherwise healthy, eat well, exercise regularly, and manage my stress with meditation, yoga, and therapy. I started buspar about 3 weeks ago and have felt good. No other medication aside from psyllium husk, occasional vitamin D as necessary, and gummy vitamins when my husband picks them up. I haven’t been around anyone with shingles or chicken pox and no one close to me has traveled out of the country. TIA.

In January 2024, I underwent a total thyroidectomy surgery. Ever since my procedure, my TSH levels have been optimal. Despite the endocrinologist reducing my medications five times, my levels remain unstable, swinging between hyper and hypo. Everyday i am dealing with numerous symptoms: dizziness, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, frequent urination, nausea, thinning hair, dry skin, body and joint pain, prickly tingling sensations in my arms and elbows, and relentless fatigue.
I feel exhausted around the clock, with minimal energy to spare. This is starting to deeply affect my mental health, leading to severe depression.On my off days, I sleep up to 18 hours. Two weeks ago, my urologist diagnosed me with kidney stones, adding to my health problems. Just last week, while flossing, half of my tooth crumbled , leaving my dentist baffled at the sudden damage. Despite these alarming symptoms, my endocrinologist seems reluctant to address them seriously.
Following recent blood work, which hinted at potential parathyroid issues, she ordered more tests to be completed in four weeks and suggested daily vitamin D supplements. I am feeling defeated. Do you think this could possibly be a parathyroid issue?
Blood work from 5/24/24:
Pth intact: 78 Tsh: 0.157 T4: 1.3 Albumin: 4.6 Calcium: 10.3 Sodium: 137 Creatinine: 1.05 Vitamin d 25 hydroxy: 68.6

In January 2024, I underwent a total thyroidectomy surgery. Ever since my procedure, my TSH levels have been optimal. Despite the endocrinologist reducing my medications five times, my levels remain unstable, swinging between hyper and hypo. Everyday i am dealing with numerous symptoms: dizziness, heat intolerance, excessive sweating, frequent urination, nausea, thinning hair, dry skin, body and joint pain, prickly tingling sensations in my arms and elbows, and relentless fatigue.
I feel exhausted around the clock, with minimal energy to spare. This is starting to deeply affect my mental health, leading to severe depression.On my off days, I sleep up to 18 hours. Two weeks ago, my urologist diagnosed me with kidney stones, adding to my health problems. Just last week, while flossing, half of my tooth crumbled , leaving my dentist baffled at the sudden damage. Despite these alarming symptoms, my endocrinologist seems reluctant to address them seriously.
Following recent blood work, which hinted at potential parathyroid issues, she ordered more tests to be completed in four weeks and suggested daily vitamin D supplements. I am feeling defeated. Do you think this could possibly be a parathyroid issue?
Blood work from 5/24/24:
Pth intact: 78 Tsh: 0.157 T4: 1.3 Albumin: 4.6 Calcium: 10.3 Sodium: 137 Creatinine: 1.05 Vitamin d 25 hydroxy: 68.6

36 male Indian 176cm 75kg Non smoker, no drinks Takes vitamin supplements, no other medication Gerd Marfanoid, eds features but genetic testing- negative (pectus excavatum) Clubbed fingers since childhood
Hi, I recently (1 week ago) had a spontaneous pneumothorax and had a chest drain and ll that. Now all removed and back home. Doc did not refer me for a CT scan or anything to find out the root cause
I have done numerous lung function tests in the last 7-8 years all normal. I also did a thorax mri last year for marfan/eds check up- all normal.
I'd like to know how could I prevent another pneumothorax? Will breathing exercises help? Would blebs have been visible in mri done last year? Are blebs visible in x Ray? Are blebs the only cause of pneumothorax?

16 years of torture, 3 in-person sleep studies, 2 at home, and nothing.
Since I was a teenager, I struggled with sleep.
I started trying to do something about it in my 20s. Treated my depression better. Got on meditation. But none of it helped with sleep.

1. Did my first round of at-home and in-person sleep study. At home said sleep apnea. At lab said disrupted and delayed onset REM and Deep sleep. Doctor told me to treat depression more.

Sadly, none of this helped

1. The second round of at-home and in-lap sleep studies showed sleep apnea. I got a machine and used it for 4 months. Nothing....
   
2. Did my Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) sleep study for the last one. Literally one of the best nights of sleep. So all results were nominal. This was 4 years ago.
   

I lost my insurance and I gave up. But things have been really bad again. I go through phases when things are tolerable for months and then it'll become intolerable again. It’s been extremely intolerable recently.
Now I am going crazy. My Apple watch says 2% Deep sleep and 14% REM sleep average for the last 3 months. That is insanely low! I know it's only 70-90% accurate, but still....
What I've tried:

• I exercise daily but do not do high-intensity aerobic exercise.
• I eat very healthy. Even started taking B-complex recently thinking that might help with sleep. Always take vitamin D
• Tried many different medications, supplements and SSRIs like Seroquel (quetiapine), melatonin, Trazadone, magnesium, l-theanine, chamomile, etc.
• SnoreRX
• Changing sleep hygiene (avoiding screens, sleeping earlier, eating earlielater, etc)
• CBD
• I already avoid alcohol, weed, and caffeine

For the life of me, I cannot figure out anything that works. It's been like this my entire life and I am losing my mind.
There are moments where it's fine. Like when I took my last sleep study 4 years ago. I remember that the whole couple of months were great.