Posts by Brenda Parker5

https://goop.com/wellness/health/the...cal-mysteries/

Natural Remedies and Supplements
If you're looking to give your immune system an extra boost—and help your body bounce back from whatever this virus left behind—these herbs and supplements might be worth looking into (I've listed them roughly by how much they matter):

Cat’s claw: This herb works to dial down EBV along with secondary stuff like strep A and B.
Silver hydrosol: Helps bring down the overall EBV viral load.
Zinc: A total staple for strengthening immunity and keeping thyroid inflammation at bay during an EBV bout.
Vitamin B12 (specifically methylcobalamin and/or adenosylcobalamin): Really good for supporting the central nervous system.
Licorice root: Helps suppress EBV production while giving your adrenals and kidneys some much-needed support.
Lemon balm: It’s both antiviral and antibacterial—basically kills off EBV cells while beefing up your defenses.
5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate): Great for fortifying the endocrine and central nervous systems.
Selenium: Provides strength and protection for the central nervous system.
Red marine algae: A heavy hitter against viruses that also helps clear out heavy metals like mercury.
L-lysine: Lowers the EBV load and acts as an anti-inflammatory for the central nervous system.
Spirulina (ideally sourced from Hawaii): Helps rebuild the central nervous system and gets rid of heavy metals.
Ester-C: Boosts the immune system and helps the liver flush out those EBV toxins.
Nettle leaf: Packed with essential micronutrients for your brain, blood, and central nervous system.
Monolaurin: An antiviral that breaks down the EBV load and cuts down on cofactors.
Elderberry: Classic antiviral that gives the immune system a solid nudge.
Red clover: Cleanses the liver, spleen, and lymphatic system of any neurotoxins caused by EBV.
Star anise: Works as an antiviral to help target EBV in the liver and thyroid.
Curcumin: That active part of turmeric that supports the endocrine and central nervous systems.

Agmatine could be the perfect companion for Pregabalin

It works on ion channels—specifically VGCC, which is the same target Pregabalin and Phenibut go after. Plus, Agmatine touches on Glutamate, so it might actually help stave off tolerance. Oh, and it's got benefits for opioid use too.

I'm dropping the link to the info I just pulled. I honestly love these short summaries—they're super handy when you just want the facts without all the fluff. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB0883...acology-header

“Regarding neuroprotection, agmatine's effects are believed to stem from modulating receptors (NMDA, alpha 2, and imidazoline) and ion channels (ATP sensitive potassium channels and voltage-gated calcium channels), while also inhibiting nitric oxide synthesis. It blocks nitric oxide synthesis by lowering the nitric oxide synthase -2 (NOS-2) protein within astroglial cells and macrophages. When looking at how agmatine helps with psychiatric issues, the theory is that it modulates neurotransmitter receptors like NMDA, alpha-2, serotonin, opioid, and imidazoline. Specifically, when agmatine attaches to those imidazoline and alpha 2 receptors, it functions as a neurotransmitter and triggers the release of catecholamines from the adrenal gland.

Finally got my Agmatine after it spent two weeks trekking across the country via DHL from the States. They totally ripped me off on the customs fees $13. loool

Seriously though, this is probably the hardest supplement to track down in the US. Gonna test it out today right before I hit the gym.👍

Agmatine works in two main ways:

(A) It selectively blocks the enzyme that breaks down Nitric Oxide—which basically means more NO stays in your system.
(B) It directly triggers NO production. By bumping up your Nitric Oxide, you're setting the stage for better nutrient delivery, faster clearing of metabolic waste, and—most importantly—a massive boost in overall performance.
NITRIC OXIDE – Vascularity, Blood Volume, Pump:

Agmatine tweaks nitric oxide (NO) levels through a few different mechanisms. It hits certain types of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) while keeping others in check, which is why people call it "selective." This balance is huge for keeping polyamine biosynthetic pathways running smoothly. There are three main versions of NOS: iNOS (inducible), nNOS (neuronal), and eNOS (endothelial).
Studies suggest Agmatine is pretty unique because it kicks eNOS into gear while actually limiting iNOS and nNOS. For anyone trying to get more vascular or drive up blood flow and volume, that’s a game changer. In the bodybuilding community, Agmatine is basically legendary for how much it helps with pumps. Some people even call it the “Perpetual Pump.”

Some folks even call it the ‘Perpetual Pump.’

LEAN BODY MASS – Improving Insulin Response:

There's research showing Agmatine can help boost insulin production, which leads to a better insulin response. This can really help when you're chasing specific body composition goals. Even though the science is still in the early stages, it looks like it could improve insulin response—and if it does, that means a way harder, leaner physique.
Agmatine also seems to influence the release of catecholamines (Epinephrine > Norepinephrine > Dopamine). These are the chemical messengers that handle everything from energy production to fat loss and stress management. Epinephrine, specifically, is known to do a few key things:

Boosting endurance
Improving performance
Cutting body fat

ANTI-OXIDANT ACTION – Reducing AGEs (Advanced Glycation End-Products):

Some studies indicate Agmatine acts as an antioxidant. Let’s face it: athletes generate a ridiculous amount of free radicals just through daily training. The sheer physical stress you take on when you're grinding in the trenches—whether it's at the local gym or out on the field—can cause serious damage over time if those free radicals build up. Agmatine might provide a layer of defense against that kind of cellular damage.
STRESS – The Cortisol Response:
Research has shown Agmatine has anxiolytic properties (meaning it helps chill you out) and might help manage those spiked cortisol levels that come with an athlete's high-stress lifestyle.
AGMATINE SULFATE DOSAGE:

Most research points to a daily Agmatine Sulfate dose somewhere between 250 mg and 2.5 grams. Personally, I'd recommend hitting 750 mg about 30-45 minutes before you start your workout.
ALLMAX Agmatine Sulfate comes in a super pure (over 99% assay) and stable powder, so you can dial in your dosing perfectly and toss it into whatever stack you're running. It even comes with a handy 1.5 cc scoop that gives you exactly 750 mg per serving.
IS AGMATINE ACTUALLY SAFE?

So, Agmatine isn't some weird lab invention—it's actually a natural substance our own bodies produce. It turns out that having low levels of it in certain parts of the body might even be linked to various health issues.
Looking at the data, research involving adult rats given massive doses of Agmatine sulfate over a three-month stretch didn't show any bad hits to their behavior or organ health. The only real thing they noticed was a small but measurable drop in body weight and blood pressure. On top of that, human clinical trials have proven that taking 3.5 g of Agmatine sulfate daily is totally fine for at least 21 days. There were even two researchers who took 2.6 g every single day for five years straight without any issues at all. Basically, if you're a healthy person, taking 2 to 3 g a day for five years—or even longer—is likely perfectly safe.

But here's the kicker: Not all Agmatine Sulfate products are built the same.

If you're trying to DIY your stack, don't rely on those cheap pre-workouts that barely have enough Agmatine to make a difference. Just grab some ALLMAX Agmatine Sulfate and dial in the exact dose you need for your specific workout. You're the boss of your own dosage. Plus, it's super budget-friendly—you're getting more than 45 servings in one bottle.
THE ALLMAX AGMAPURE® ADVANTAGE

At ALLMAX, we don't cut corners—we only use top-tier ingredients, and our Agmatine Sulfate is no different. We hunted down the purest, most organic version on the market so our customers aren't getting junk. Most stuff you see out there is synthetic, but ours is naturally derived. This means it's way purer (over 99% assay) and—this is huge—it’s completely free from Arcaine and Putrescine, which are nasty byproducts found in the cheaper, synthetic versions. Honestly, if it doesn't say Agmapure, it just isn't the real deal.
The ALLMAX Guarantee is our word to you—we're constantly testing, re-testing, and auditing every single batch of raw materials. Everything we make happens in registered cGMP facilities that meet all federal regulations. When you're spending money to level up your performance and health, you really need to know exactly where your supplements are coming from.
ALLMAX has been setting the gold standard for quality for over 15 years now. We're a brand you can actually lean on to provide high-quality, cutting-edge supplements that help you crush your goals.

You can pick up ALLMAX Agmatine Sulfate in a 1.2 oz (34 g) container.

I gotta be upfront—I’m basically attacking every single neurotransmitter I can find on a daily basis.

I'm running pregabalin and NAC to keep those glutamate levels in check—plus, I've got some agmatine on the way from a supplier in the States.
Rhodiola works as a natural SNRI for me... honestly, it’s an incredible serotonin booster—and occasionally I'll throw in some lithium orotate too.
Then there's ALCAR and NAC for the dopamine side of things (apparently a second dose of NAC actually triggers dopamine release), and I've heard curcumin can act dopaminergically as well.
I use ashwagandha and taurine to boost GABA and try to balance out the glutamate/GABA ratio—and lemon balm helps me actually get some sleep.

Magnesium glycinate hits the NMDA receptors, though I've heard cat's claw might actually be the strongest NMDA antagonist out there.

Betty Clark58 said:Jacob Lopez51, how much did you drop on that black seed oil?

Does anyone have a solid recommendation for electrolyte tablets or capsules? Ideally something I can just grab at a local CVS or Walgreens, or maybe order from a reliable US site. Right now I’m using GymBeam electrolytes—they're okay—but before those, I was using Pure Encapsulations, which honestly weren't nearly as good.

Honestly, that might be the strongest black seed oil you'll find in any grocery store—I'd guess it goes for around $180$67.

As for me, I don't really bother with multivitamins or general electrolyte blends—just D3, some gelatin, and B12 sublingual.
I mostly stick to black seed oil and spirulina since it's packed with nutrients—so I'm not really an expert on what else to take. Maybe check this out: https://www.vitacost.com/multivitamins...t-60-kap-p7458

Personally, I'm always going to lean toward taking individual vitamins. Unless it's one of those specific complexes where they work better together or help with absorption, I'd rather just control the dosage myself.

Hit up the local CVS this morning and man—dropped a serious chunk of change! My wallet is definitely feeling the sting after that one.


So, I’ve been looking into quercetin, bromelain, and vitamin C to deal with histamine intolerance. It finally clicked for me—a huge chunk of the symptoms I've been dealing with are actually caused by histamine buildup. Definitely gotta be way more careful about what I'm eating from here on out.
Quercetin isn't just some powerhouse antihistamine—it actually does a ton of other things, too. Seriously, the benefits are huge, especially when you look at what it can do for your brain.
Honestly, without bromelain, you aren't even getting half the absorption you should be getting—it just doesn't work nearly as well.

Everyone thinks evening primrose oil is just some supplement for women dealing with menopause—but honestly? It’s basically an elixir for your nerves because of the GLA (gamma linoleic acid).

So, let's talk about curcumin. Honestly, it’s easily one of the most powerful antioxidants out there—like, seriously impressive stuff—and there's even potential for it to help with nerve repair. Plus, if you pair it with black pepper extract, you're looking at boosting its bioavailability by like 100x. It's a total game changer.
Jacob Lopez51

So, here’s the deal with Curcumin c³ complex ®—it’s made from dried Curcum Long (Turmeric) rhizomes and they make sure it's standardized to at least 95% curcuminoids. The whole "c³ complex ®" name actually refers to the three heavy hitters in the chemical makeup: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC). Basically, those three together are what we call curcuminoids. So, why does Curcumin c³ complex ® actually stand out from the crowd? I mean, what’s the big deal here? Honestly, it’s pretty straightforward—it just hits different. When you look at the rest of the market, there's a lot of noise, but this stuff is built differently. It isn't just about throwing some turmeric into a capsule and calling it a day; it’s about how it actually works once it gets into your system. The real secret sauce is the way it’s formulated to actually get absorbed. We all know that standard turmeric can be kind of useless if your body doesn't soak it up, but with the addition of BioPerine, things change. It's designed to make sure you're actually getting the benefits you're paying for, rather than just wasting money on supplements that pass right through you. It’s a level of quality you don't see everywhere. Honestly, when you look at the landscape, C3 complex ® is easily the most highly rated and clinically researched curcumin brand out there right now—hands down. There are actually over 65 scientific publications out there for C3 complex ®—and that includes full-on clinical trials. Honestly, if you're looking at curcumin, there’s really only one option on the market that actually holds the FDA's seal of approval for GRAS status—that means it's Generally Recognized as Safe. It’s not just some random claim, either—it involves a massive, deep-dive review of both safety and toxicity levels to make sure it's legit. He actually holds the patents—covering everything from the specific curcuminoid formula to how it’s manufactured and even how it's used. With C3 complex ®, you’re getting a consistent blend every single time—we’re talking the exact same ratios for all three curcuminoids and that black pepper extract, BioPerine®, in every batch. It’s been proven over and over again—the bioavailability is just there. So, big news—Curcumin c³ complex ® actually pulled in both the Product of the Year and the Scientific Achievement Award from the Nutrition Business Journal (we're talking the NBJ Product Merit Award and the NBJ Scientific Achievement Award). Honestly, it’s pretty huge. Everything you need to know about how C3 complex ® works, what’s actually inside it, and all the research backing it up—it’s all packed into one book: “Curry Powder to Clinical Significance.”

If you want to talk about detoxing, MSM is easily one of the best chelators out there—hands down.

Spirulina and chlorella—honestly, they’re absolute powerhouses when it comes to nutrient density, and if you're looking to get some serious detox work done, they're just as solid.

Black seed oil—I take mine right before bed. Honestly, the benefits are insane. It feels like it can fix practically anything!

My Claw is finally showing up soon.

My theory? I think I got absolutely wrecked by a nasty bout of EBV combined with some lingering yeast in my system. It makes sense—EBV basically feeds on that yeast to replicate itself. Those constantly swollen lymph nodes were a huge red flag that the EBV was constantly reactivating, which ties in perfectly with everything I’m dealing with regarding Fibromyalgia and me / CFS.

I’ve never actually dealt with Lyme disease—specifically neuroborreliosis—so I’m basically coming at this from every possible angle. Honestly, Cat's Claw is a total killer when it comes to tackling Lyme spirochetes and EBV.

Well, we'll see. Honestly, at this point, I don't even care if I end up taking 30 or 31 tablets throughout the day—it's all the same to me.

I might actually pull the trigger and put together a professional YouTube video in English—basically laying out my whole theory on how I ended up dealing with Fibromyalgia and small fiber neuropathy, and more importantly, how to actually fight back and win against it.

The fifty-pill daily routine that actually tackled my neuropathy

No, you didn't misread that—I really did. I've managed to all but cure my own peripheral neuropathy, and honestly, this is the exact formula I've been using

This woman spent 15 long years getting totally misdiagnosed by her doctors

Jacob Lopez51

Maria Johnson said:Jacob Lopez51, do yourself a favor and Google AAI instability, Dr. Ross Hauser, and Dr. Chris Centen. There’s zero chance you’re getting this diagnosis here in the States—you’ll probably just get slapped with a referral to psychiatry and end up being mismanaged for years. Sometimes the issue isn't all in your head—it's actually in your neck.
Look, an MRI or MRA isn't going to show you much of anything—it’s just not designed for that. To actually get results, they need to scan you with your head positioned in several different ways. Honestly, your best bet is either a CT or a specialized magnetic scan, but that specific option—where they rotate your head during the imaging—is something you’d really only find at top-tier medical centers in places like Germany or London. Around here? They’ll probably just send you straight home and tell you you're tripping.😬
Also, just so you know—AAI instability can actually cause compression of the jugular vein. Have you had an angiography done yet? Honestly, that’s probably not going to be enough for you—you really need a full venogram, running all the way from your neck up to your head.

Thanks for the info.
I just finished up my MRI and MRA scans—covered the brain, neck, thoracic, and lumbar areas. Turns out there are some tiny lesions on my brain, but they aren't demyelinating, so it’s not MS.
Doppler, EEG, maybe even an angiography to check out the blood vessels in the brain and all that stuff...
It’s definitely Fibromyalgia—I mean, I went through all those exact same pain points before I actually started treatment. The thing is, doctors rarely diagnose it correctly, and even if they do, what's the point? They don't actually know what causes it, and they sure as hell don't know how to treat it properly.
These spots on my neck aren't even a big deal—I'm built like a tank, honestly, and I've just gotten really good at rerouting the pain.
Small fiber neuropathy is finally under control. Honestly, my biggest goal was just getting rid of those crazy electrical sensations and that constant tingling all over my head—my nose, my cheeks... it was absolute horror. I've managed to dial that back. Now, the only thing left is that steady buzzing sensation in my feet, though it’s definitely much less intense than before.

Honestly, if you're looking to dial back the pain and manage those symptoms, R-ALA and benfotiamine—along with methyl B12 and methyl folate—really do the heavy lifting. It’s a solid combo.
My B12 and folate levels came back looking fine, but honestly—that doesn't mean squat when you're dealing with MTHFR.

Maria Johnson said:🙏👍
Major props for all the research and info you're putting out there.

No problem.
I'm still waiting on some agmatine sulfate from the USA—should have some lemon balm arriving soon, too.
I'm thinking about adding lemon balm to my sleep stack along with theanine, ashwagandha, and taurine.

By the way, my fibro hot spots are right around my neck—left and right of the atlas. I use these specific natural gels. It feels fine when I'm lying down, but once I sit up, things get really tight.
I hit the gym three times a week and take a niacin flush to help with blood flow—mostly for general circulation and cerebral flow.
Niacin is honestly a genius supplement. It wipes out brain fog and anxiety for me, though I know the flushing can be too much for some people—for me, it's not even an issue at all.

With fibro, you get those specific tingling sensations or even burning sometimes—even though it’s been established that fibro and small fiber neuropathy are basically linked, which is essentially just SFN living inside the fibro.

But yeah, overall, this is a 70% improvement—not to exaggerate. Things are getting better every single day with the right supplement setup, even if the actual medication stays the same: pregabalin.

The absolute best magnesium for fibromyalgia:

Ashwagandha enhances GABA receptors and regulates serotonin in the brain. It seems to act directly on those neuron receptors—basically making it way easier for GABA to hook up. This helps shut down those frantic stress signals firing in your brain.





So, I took one 300mg capsule of Ashwagandha along with 1.5g of taurine right before hitting the sack last night. Man, I slept like a baby for a solid 8 hours—woke up feeling absolutely wired and ready to go.

Effective Treatment of Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia

Ischemia-Reperfusion Hypothesis Opens New Treatment Options for Long COVID, Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS

Aaron Peterson65 said:From what I can tell, Mucinex acute 600mg actually contains NAC.

Yeah, but don't be crazy and pay full price for just 10 effervescent tablets $30, you should definitely go for the 100-capsule pack $50 instead.
You can also find the 60-capsule Twinlab version at local pharmacies $60, so just check which one ends up being the better deal for you.

Aaron Peterson65 said:I'd probably grab some NAC from GyMBeam—is 500mg actually worth it?

Personally, I wouldn't bother with their stuff—their site is fine because they carry a decent selection of NOW products, but that's about it.
Just go to an American retailer like Amazon or Vitacost and pick up some 600mg NAC from NOW.

By the way, people here in the US use PEA for fibro all the time. I actually have an unopened bottle from Lake Avenue sitting right here at home.
The results are honestly great—whether you take it on its own or alongside Lyrica.

Palmitoylethanolamide : a Natural Compound for health Management

Palmitoylethanolamide in Fibromyalgia : Results from Prospective and Retrospective Observational Studies

https://iherb.com/pr/life-extensi...-tablets/89195

Safe and effective in patients with neurodegenerative and neurological disorders, and pain syndromes (PMC7765232).

wanderingbadger0 said:How do you even go about discovering that?

Those supposed B12 and folate tests aren't really the big picture. There are these blot tests for your entire genetic makeup—that's where you actually see who's predisposed to specific psychological issues.
I think some old-timer over at Imunomed suggested that to me a few years back, but I hadn't really leveled up my knowledge yet—I was still stuck in that whole Lyme disease rabbit hole and stuff.

All I know is when I saw the price tag he quoted me, promising we'd finally nail down the root cause, I felt sick to my stomach. But honestly? Looking back, I totally blew it. I REALLY SHOULD HAVE JUST PAID THAT DAMN 6K. Whatever.

Maria Johnson said:This looks pretty interesting and the reviews seem decent enough... Only thing is... you have to take 3 tablets a day.🙄
Have you tried it yet?

Yeah. Plus people on Reddit are saying it’s a solid product.

Not yet, though—I’m already taking most of this stuff separately—but honestly, this formula is top-tier.

Maybe I'll grab some when there's a good sale for someone.👍

Anyone who thinks antidepressants actually cure fibro, SFN, or MS is living in a total delusion fueled by brainwashed, low-quality info sources.

Lifestyle triggers, high glutamate levels, diet, and supplementation—that is THE KEY. Once you pinpoint the actual source of the issue, everything changes.

Some of those psych drugs that act similar to anticonvulsants are fine for masking symptoms, sure, but they don't touch the root cause—plus, they're basically designed to make you build a tolerance and get hooked fast.

Fibro usually boils down to 3 or 4 possible issues wrecking the CNS. For most people, antioxidants are the first line of defense in self-care.

People just don't grasp how massive the MTHFR gene mutation is—it's the root of everything for about 70% of us.
Methylcobalamin (B12), Methylfolate (B9), and a small dose of P5-P (B6) are the active, bioavailable forms that actually help regenerate nerves and the myelin sheath.
P5-P is absolutely huge for proper enzyme and amino acid absorption. And since amino acids are precursors to neurotransmitters, things like Glycine and Taurine are vital for NMDA and GABA receptors.

Study on using Alcar and Methylfolate:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9201783/

Nature's Bounty just dropped this new supplement called Fibro Response—it’s specifically designed to help manage fibromyalgia.
https://iherb.com/pr/source-natur...1172?gclsrc=ds

The two absolute heavy hitters for dealing with neuropathy, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and that MTHFR gene issue.