Looking for advice

[ilnyarienàfaire]

Hello everyone,

I've been hanging around this forum, RPF, and other places, and I’ve talked to some really smart people in the health space. I’ve tried a lot of things that are often discussed here, but I feel like I'm getting worse almost every day. I’d love to hear if anyone else is in a similar situation and what you would do if you were me. I apologize for the long post, but I really need some help.

Basic Info:

• Gender: Male
• Age: 20 years old
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: ~76 kg (low bodyfat likely 8-15%)
• No medication

What I’ve Tried/Am Doing:

• My diet is mostly based on Peat’s ideas, but I recently cut out dairy. I eat low vitamin A, high carbs, moderate protein, and I try to keep fat low. I focus on nutrient-dense, organic foods. I cut out starch for a while but now eat it again. I consume over 3,500 kcal a day, and some days upwards of 4500.
• I’ve tried a ton of supplements like progest-e, MB, B-complex, niacin, phenibut, aspirin, magnesium, TUDCA, pregnenolone, antibiotics, NBMI, and a lot more. I've spent thousands on these without seeing any difference. The only one that seems to have a slight effect is phenibut, which is an actual drug, still very negligible. Some of the supplements have caused side effects, like acne, but overall, I’ve noticed no change at all (literally zero). This frustrates me since I’ve heard others talk about amazing results; maybe I’m immune to placebo effects.
• I’ve eliminated most environmental toxins from my life.
• I used to exercise a lot, then I stopped entirely; now, I’m doing mainly low-endurance exercise.
• I walk a lot, spend time in nature, and soak up the sun when I can.
• I have a good sleep schedule.
• I’ve cut back on red meat to lower my iron levels but still eat it a few times a week.
• I take regular hot baths with Epsom salt.
• Nofap.
• I’ve tried some gut health treatments, including antibiotics.
• I do Buteyko breathing exercises.

What’s Going Well:

• I have regular bowel movements.
• My blood work looks good, with high T4 and T3 levels (T3 is usually close to or above 4 pg/mL). My TSH is around 1, liver markers are fine, and my PTH is on the lower end (which could be a concern). Most other markers are generally okay, but I could lower my iron a bit.
• I think I look better than I did a few years ago, probably just from puberty. I also have some signs of health, like thick eyebrows.
• My Buteyko breath hold is at 45 seconds.
• I have a lot of dreams, though I’m not entirely sure if that’s good or bad.

(The above things would seem good, which makes my case even more difficult to crack)

Current Issues:

• I have a pretty bad case of acne, and it’s gotten worse over the past year.
• I have pain in different parts of my body, especially around my neck and shoulders, which feels tight. I’ve tried massages and hot baths, but nothing seems to help.
• I lack many things that a young man should possess, like libido, energy, vitality, mood, motivation, drive...
• My sleep isn’t great, but it’s not terrible. I can sleep as much as I want since I don’t use an alarm, but it still takes me a long time to fall asleep.
• I’ve always struggled with emotions and bonding. I find it hard to connect with people and don’t really care for anyone, even friends and family, which really bothers me. I want to care, but I just can’t. I might have fallen in love once; this however was more of a oneitis case and an unhealthy obsession, it still is a problem to this day (almost 2 years later). I’ve dated a few women who are very attractive and fit my type—kind-hearted individuals with great personalities. However, I’ve ended these relationships before they had a chance to develop. The women expressed that they liked me and wanted to keep things going; one even seemed truly obsessed and in love with me. Despite this, I was unable to feel any interest or emotional connection toward them. I also don’t cry or show emotions like most people do. This is something I truly want to fix.
• I’m dealing with pretty severe depression right now, and it feels worse than ever. I think this should be my main focus, as it has led to anhedonia. This should be my main priority as this is a life threatening issue.
• I’ve experienced hair loss, which has improved a little but is still concerning for someone my age.
• I have some GI, like bloating and gas, especially in the evenings.
• There are a few other minor issues, like a small varicocele and possibly a mild case of gynecomastia.

Final Note:
My problems started about 2-3 years ago and have been getting worse every day. I often feel like I won’t make it, but I really hope I do. This is my last shot at finding a way forward.

[A Former User]

@ilnyarienàfaire

Up your fat, 120 grams a day minimum, coconut oil, tallow, butter, egg yolks, cacao butter, etc.

[ilnyarienàfaire]

Yes I used to and it did not seem to matter. It was only recently I switched to slightly lower fat, still I probably get 120+ grams some days. I lowered it as part of recent experimentation.

[macncheesechud]

@ilnyarienàfaire I'm in an almost identical situation as you, similar age / calories / issues / timeline, although I'm less depressed and more apathetic.

I think my issues were caused by frequent use of various antihistamines for my allergies, I've had moderate success with nicotine (8-12mg / day), avoiding antihistamines, as well as lymphatic drainage exercises, & low impact cardio.

I do frequently get white tongue, so endotoxin is a concern as well.
I also think it may be low estrogen, or low steroids in general, as a single drop of androsterone is enough to make me fatigued.

You may want to look into blood pressure and blood flow to the brain, I had a really good two weeks when focusing on those 2 things although I haven't been able to replicate since.

Was there any medication you were put on a few years ago, or specific supplement, or life event you feel may have started these issues?

[samson]

how are your personal relationships? do you have a path/passions? good nutrition cant save you from a meaningless life

[zorba990]

@ilnyarienàfaire said in Looking for advice:

I have a pretty bad case of acne, and it’s gotten worse over the past year.
I have pain in different parts of my body, especially around my neck and shoulders, which feels tight. I’ve tried massages and hot baths, but nothing seems to help.

These two above points are a red flag for dental issues. Did you have problems that started with wisdom or other tooth extraction? What do your gums look like? Any redness or outward signs of inflammation there? When you get a cold or flu what are the pressure points of pain / your weak spots.

[Rah1woot]

I'm inclined to agree with the others here that a more meaningful life could be intensely therapeutic for such issues, when modifying intake parameters is not that helpful. At a glance, are you underemployed? Outside of a Job, do you have Work that you do? Do you have an occupation? Do you live with bad people? Good work can be one of the best things. Bad work one of the worst as well, of course.

It was ultimately a frenetic season of academic work (publishing) which decisively turned the tide for me personally for similar issues. Everything else in my case after that was just followthrough effects. A sense of real success attached to my Government Name to roll into everything else.

[LucH]

@ilnyarienàfaire said in Looking for advice:

I’m dealing with pretty severe depression right now, and it feels worse than ever. I think this should be my main focus, as it has led to anhedonia. This should be my main priority as this is a life threatening issue.
I have some GI, like bloating and gas, especially in the evenings.

=> You probably suffer from leaky gut (zonulin) and your microbiota is upside down (gas and bloating). Impact 70-80 % on immunity.
Your brain lacks useful nutrients (deprived by overgrowth) and it impacts neurotransmitters.
Make a search with;

• Dr. D'Oro and SIBO
• Dr Lonsdale: The Gut-Brain Axis and the Microbiome.
  e.g. Thiamine and the Microbiome – Dr. Lonsdale
  https://www.hormonesmatter.com/thiamine-microbiome/ 03/23
  From HORMONES MATTER
  WHERE HEALTH, HORMONES, AND A WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHER STUFF, MAKE SENSE.
  Thiamine and the Microbiome 02/23 – Dr. Lonsdale

[ilnyarienàfaire]

@macncheesechud
Hi! Yes our case seems to be very similar indeed.

I also get the white tongue coating daily. I should mention that I also work on lymphatic drainage but it seems to do nothing for me. I have never used any antihistamines though.

I am unsure as to whether there is a single event I can point out. My life was pretty much perfect up until ~13yrs old - but I suppose this is the case for many people. Everything did start maybe 2 years ago but has been in a downwards spiral. Some issues like acne I of course struggled with for longer.

I did use accutane (not full course) and antibiotics to treat the acne. It worked but it came back when I quit. This is a strong drug so I am sure it contributed, but life was still good for like 2 years afterwards so there is no direct correlation.

You do touch on some interesting points that I may have overlooked, and I will look into. Thanks!

[ilnyarienàfaire]

@samson
Hi!
As I mentioned I do struggle with this. That is not something I always did though. I can not bond with people because I do not care for them, and it seems I cannot care for them. Relationship with family I would say is average so likely not that. I have friends and have increased the amount of time I spend with them.

I have worked with a psychologist for this but I wasted tons of money and effort doing their stupid exercises which yield no results.

So one of my main problems is of course this but I would say that this is more of a result rather than a cause. If you have any ideas on how to improve here I would greatly appreciate them! Thanks for your insight!

[ilnyarienàfaire]

@zorba990
Hello! I have thought about this too. I was at the dentist a few days ago and they claimed teeth health was better than ever and only found very minor inflammation in some parts of the gum. All but one wisdom teeth has emerged. I would for sure want the last one to emerge so if you have any ideas please tell me.

As for the flu/cold I have not been sick in well over 2 years. It is all contradicting right? That is why I cannot figure anything out :)…

[ilnyarienàfaire]

@Rah1woot
Hi! When it all started life was pretty good, had tons of hobbies and school at the same time. So the entire thing started when life was seemingly pretty good, which is strange. Still I have hobbies and friends that I spend time with. Currently I am self-employed because I found something that works very well and I always have something to do, but I do for sure lack some motivation as mentioned.

I have also worked with a psychologist for these kinds of issues and we changed a lot of habits/lifestyle in this regard over a long time. Did not seem to matter. I think what matters after all is neurotransmitters and hormones and I am unsure how to improve them unfortunately.

Thanks for your comment.

[ilnyarienàfaire]

@LucH
Hello! I have thought about this and tried antibiotics for the SIBO. I tried some other protocols for this as well but to no avail. What would you recommend to treat these kinds of issues? Thanks!

[Peatful]

OP

What is your waking temperature?
What is your morning temperature in a relaxed state 20-30 minutes after eating breakfast?

[LucH]

@ilnyarienàfaire said in Looking for advice:

What would you recommend to treat these kinds of issues? Thanks!

Too soon to give a direction.

1. White tongue = candidiasis supposed.
   => Control with the glass of water and saliva.
   If positive, it’s the first thing to deal with.
2. I need to get more information on the bloating and gas symptoms.

• How do the stools smell, form and frequency.
• Fermentation in the stomach or in the second part of the colon.
  Note: If you try to begin a treatment before targeting the right bacteria, you’re going to enhance a selection. You won’t kill all the bacteria and some bacteria are going to hide behind a film, waiting to come back and stronger. Have you ever heard of quorum sensing? Association and selection of some bacteria, overgrowth and unbalanced to the profit of some leaders.

3. Enflamed gums are the entry point for bacteria. You will also need to find out how to get rid of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in order to avoid overloading the liver and feeling unwell.
4. Pain in different parts of the body could be due to stress. But excess histamine and oxalates are going to make things more difficult.

In summary, don’t undertake a cure before having a large view. It would be better to be followed by a health practitioner, even if you tell him what you want. He must be open-minded, to accept suggestion. Of course, you’ll have to explain him why ...

[ilnyarienàfaire]

@Peatful
Hi! Waking temperature between 36.9-37.1 C generally. Tend to be a bit warmer later. I do not have any recorded temps after breakfast so I would have to get back to you on this.

I am guessing these questions are regarding metabolism. My T3 is upper range at ~4pg/mL and T4 is also upper range with TSH ~1. I eat like a horse even in times when I do not work out. I would guess hypometabolism is not an issue on my end but maybe you would disagree.

[Peatful]

@ilnyarienàfaire

The reason I wanted both temps is because I need to compare them

Before your response to me
It was likely that you are in a stressed metabolic state

Having a waking temp of 98.4 combined with your symptoms
Does indicate a stressed driven metabolism

Interesting if you knew your reverse T3
Although not paramount

To beat to the chase
Knowing what little data we have on you
What may be causing or definitely adding to your complaints
You may simply be too lean for whatever your energy needs are
It may have you in that stressed state

Plus
Blood sugar regulation is important too

Again
If your temp is 98.4 waking
That may be a cortisol driven thing

More data needed

[onliest]

@ilnyarienàfaire Am mid 20s now but have felt the same way as you when I was 17-20 at times. Do you smoke weed? Do you have a vision for your future?

[Kilgore]

@ilnyarienàfaire said in Looking for advice:

I have a lot of dreams, though I’m not entirely sure if that’s good or bad.

Sign of not getting deep sleep.

[ilnyarienàfaire]

@LucH
Very interesting insights! I will for sure do the candida test. What is a proper treatment for candida in your opinion? Would caprylic acid work?

Regarding the other GI issues:

• Smell is generally not too bad, but sometimes it is especially on tudca when experiencing "bile dumps".
• I have up to 4 bowel movements per day and average I would say is a bit more than 2. The consistency has improved.
• On the bristol stool chart it is usually between 3-4 but rarely 5-6 as well. During the 5-6 days I seem to have less bowel movements in total.
• I would guess fermentation is in the stomach as I generally have the bloating issues quickly after eating.

I generally eat very little histamine and oxalate rich foods but I could try to lower it further.

A lot of this stuff I have overlooked and know only very little about. What would you recommend as treatment for these kinds of issues?

Thanks!