ASK
BONNIE for May 2002
Question #1:
What is whey...where does it come from and why is it supposed to be one of the bests proteins?
Answer #1:
Whey is the most bioavailable protein. It is derived from cow's protein (specifically,
lactalbumin, lactoglobulin, serum albumin, lactoferrin, and immunoglubulins. Because of its high content of lactalbumin, it is considered the most absorbable. Make sure that the whey protein is not hydrolyzed, which completely changes the whey product's makeup. It should be organic whey. The product we recommend is BioPure Protein by Metagenics.
Question #2:
I have been reading a lot about Guaifenesin for fibromaylgia. What would you
suggest?
Answer #2:
In answer to your question, we had never heard of
Guaifenesin. After doing a little research into it, we're not surprised we have not heard of it. It is a chemical medication used mainly as an expectorant. Please find below some information we gathered. In addition, Guaifenesin would have no affect if you are still consuming
Nutrasweet, Monosodium glutamate, and salicylate foods (see below for more information). A great paper written by a former user should give you a sobering account and great insight into the chemical. Click or paste this website to your browser after reading below --
http://web.mit.edu/london/www/guai.html.
Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is an expectorant having the chemical name, 1,2-propanediol, 3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-. Guaifenesin
(gwye-FEN-e-sin) is used to help coughs caused by colds or similar illnesses clear mucus or phlegm (pronounced
flem) from the chest. It works by thinning the mucus or phlegm in the lungs.
Some guaifenesin preparations are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper dose of guaifenesin for your medical condition. Guaifenesin is available in the following dosage forms:
Beware of any over the counter, prescription meds, or supps for harmful excipients like
salicylates, artificial ingredients, aspartame, etc.
If you are taking this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For
guaifenesin, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to
guaifenesin. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--Several groups of women taking guaifenesin during pregnancy have been studied. In one group, when guaifenesin was taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy, the babies had more inguinal hernias than expected. However, more birth defects than expected did not occur in the babies of other groups of women taking guaifenesin during pregnancy. Studies have not been done in animals.
Breast-feeding--It is not known whether guaifenesin passes into breast milk. However, guaifenesin has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
Children--Although there is no specific information comparing use of guaifenesin in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults. However, check with your doctor before using this medicine in children who have a chronic cough, such as occurs with asthma, or who have an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm with the cough. Children with these conditions may need a different kind of medicine. Also, guaifenesin should not be given to children younger than 2 years of age unless you are directed to do so by your doctor.
Older adults--Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of guaifenesin in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Proper Use of This Medicine
Drinking plenty of water while taking guaifenesin may help loosen mucus or phlegm in the lungs.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common or rare
Diarrhea; dizziness; headache; hives; nausea or vomiting; skin rash; stomach pain
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Some commonly used brand names are:
Anti-Tuss
Breonesin
Diabetic Tussin EX
Fenesin
Gee-Gee
Genatuss
Glycotuss
Glytuss
Guiatuss
Halotussin
Humibid L.A.
Humibid Sprinkle
Hytuss
Hytuss-2X
Naldecon Senior EX
Organidin NR
Pneumomist
Robitussin
Scot-tussin Expectorant
Sinumist-SR
Touro EX
Uni-tussin
Below is Excerpted from "The Fibromyalgia Advocate: Getting the Support You Need to Cope with Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome", by Devin J.
Starlanyl, © 1998, New Harbinger All rights reserved.
Guaifenesin therapy was developed by Dr. R. Paul St. Amand. It is experimental. We don't know how it works. The one study done on Guaifenesin and FMS was flawed, through no fault of those who ran it (St. Amand R. P. and C. Potter. 1997. "The use of uricosuric agents in
fibromyalgia: theory, practice and a rebuttal to the Oregon study of Guaifenesin treatment." Clin Bul Myofas Ther 2(4):5-17.). We simply didn't know all the variables at the time the study took place, including the importance of diet for reactive hypoglycemia for the reversal to become evident, and the need for each person to find their specific dosage for the reversal to take place.
WHAT IS Guaifenesin AND WHERE DO I FIND IT?
Guaifenesin is a common over-the-counter expectorant. It has been around for about seventy years, first as guaiacum and then as
guaiacolate, and for about twenty years as Guaifenesin. Guaifenesin is not a cure for FMS. It does seems to allow the kidneys to eliminate something harmful that has been stored in the body. Dr. St. Amand feels that at least part of what is eliminated is phosphates, and I agree. Oxalates may also be part of this package of unwanted stored matter that is released by
Guaifenesin. Excess oxalates seem to be responsible for some of the vulvitis and vulvodynia experienced by female FMS patients.
St. Amand found that with Guaifenesin therapy, there was an increased excretion of 60 percent phosphates, 30 percent oxalates and 30 percent calcium. Although you lose excess calcium, none of his patients has exhibited any sign of osteoporosis or calcium loss. Emphysema patients on Guaifenesin often take 2400 mg a day for many years without any side effects.
SALICYLATE BLOCKING EFFECT
The effect of Guaifenesin therapy can be blocked by salicylates. Dr. St. Amand explains what happens in this way: "All cells have little garages called "receptors." They are each unique for certain chemicals and hormones. To work, any medication must have the ability to enter and park in the garage in order to signal the cell to do a certain job.
Guaifenesin parks in receptors to get the kidney cells to do the work you need done. Unfortunately, salicylates are a much better fit for that garage and the valet will park salicylates in preference to anything else. When Guaifenesin arrives in the parking lot, there are no available garage spaces. Thus no signal is given for our desired effect."
The effects of a Guaifenesin blocking agent may last about 24 hours. Salicylates are found in some medications and topical creams, for example some muscle rub products and sunscreens. It is also present and often hidden in a great array of cosmetics, some ultrasound gels, mouthwashes and herbal preparations. Everyone on Guaifenesin should avoid obvious sources of salicylates such as aspirin and other blatant salicylates
(Diflunsal, Methyl salicylate, Trisalicylate), plant extracts (aloe, licorice,
pycnogenol, St. John's Wort, ginko, quercetin etc) and many food sources.
Have a happy, healthy day.
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