D3 Regimen and Upset Stomach

[hugecomedyfan]

Hi all!

Long time, no post (which is a good thing!)

I unfortunately started a CH cycle a few weeks ago, and though it's been largely manageable, last night was a rough one. 3 headaches in 6 hours, each one lasting about 40 minutes. Now, admittedly I have been inconsistent with my D3 regimen, so I am assuming that is why, and I've started it up again heavily and will be sticking to it. But the reason I've been inconsistent with the regimen is because it causes some not great stomach issues, primarily stomach unease and diarrhea at least once a day. I was trying to see if I could get by this cycle without relying so heavily on the regimen because of the stomach issues(foolishly), and here I am. Also, just as background, I have IBS, so that probably plays a role into it as well. 

Does anyone have any experience with these sort of symptoms and the D3 regimen? Or any advice? The stomach upset, much like the headaches, almost occur like clockwork when I start the regimen. 

I was initially worried it could be due to too much vitamin D, but it sounds like you have to take an absolutely astronomical amount in order for you to take too much vitamin D. 

I'm getting bloodwork done in a few weeks, so I'll have better numbers on what my D levels are, but wanted to post this to see if anyone had any tips, insights, or just commiserate. 

[BoscoPiko]

Hi there,

In my experience with the D3 reg the magnesium has been the culprit for praying to the porcelain god from the wrong end. You could try taking it at bed time after eating or start out with a lower dose of the mag and work your way up. You can also try switching the type of magnesium you are using (not sure what type you are currently taking) but typically magnesium glycinate is the easiest on the stomach.  

[Rose W]

I have ulcerative colitis, and food allergies. As a result I have found many alternative ways to get my Vitamins. For example, I had a lot of trouble getting my D to increase. What worked for me was irradiated baby bella or button mushrooms. (I take store bought mushrooms, spread them on a plate & let them get direct sunlight for about 20 minutes. I just open the window and put the plate on a shelf on my sill. It increases the vitamin D.) To “activate” my body to actually use the Vitamin D, my neurologist recommended in addition to supplements, that I use a light box in winter and actually sit in the sun in the summer. It helps. My vitamin D is almost 80

For the magnesium: If I’m “D” I use a supplement that is a blend of different types of magnesium (life extension brand) if l’m “C” I use milk of magnesia. When in a flare I have to avoid the magnesium completely so I soak in epsom salt - it absorbs through the skin. But can be time consuming.

To get the rest, I often use sublingual or liquid vitamins, I use the lowest doses I can to minimize gut irritation. I also don’t take the all every day. Vitamin A was one that used to irritate me, so I alternated it every 2 days, then, I found a meal replacement shake (Spirutein) that didn’t aggravate me, and started to get some of my vitamins that way. 
 

If the vitamins don’t work, try whole food sources to get your nutrients.
Find a good health food store, it’s a great resource. 
You can try juicing fruits and veggies to get your nutrients too

Finally, if you figure out the vitamin or supplement that is aggravating your condition, post it, and ask for help or ideas. 
 

Good luck, I wish you pain-free days and rest-filled nights.