Lady from Canada wanted to know if Vitamin C can help with shortness of breath
While there may be several reasons for shortness of breath, in my case, as documented at this forum (http://vitamincfoundation.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=9194) this symptom was due to fluid accumulating in the pericardial sac around the heart. I recommend those with shortness of breath go to a hospital and have an ultrasound to find out whether they are experiencing the same problem. Any build-up of fluid has to be drained.
After almost a year struggling with what seemed like respiratory infections, shortness of breath, pain in the back and the neck, I found the book SAFE USES OF CORTISOL by William Mck Jefferies, 3rd Edition, 2004, which explained what was happening to me. My adrenals had stopped producing sufficient cortisol, leading to these symptoms. All is explained in this book. After I began taking a replacement dosage of cortisol, I became well.
Now while cortisol is a natural hormone (hydrocortisone) the prescription is “scary.” Prednisone, a concentrated form of cortisol, if not prescribed properly (i.e., when prescribed at too high a dosage) can be dangerous. But when prescribed at 8 mg or less, can work miracles, rest the adrenals, etc. The problem in the USA is finding a doctor willing to prescribed as most here are trained in the danger, but not the proper usage.
In another topic, johnwen mentioned that he disagrees with my opinion on replacement cortisol, and I would like to continue that discussion here. I don't know if there was some paranormal reason for me to go through what I did, or simply fate. But I have learned, what very few doctors seem to know or fully understand: The primary function cortisol performs in the human body is to silence inflammation.
My mother began suffering from painful Rheumatoid Arthritis in 1974, was given a single cortisone shot at the Mayo Clinic, which provided significant relief, but eventually she was forced to move to Tucson Arizona for health reasons. If I knew then what I know now, she would not have to have spent practically her entire adult life in pain - inflammatory joint and other extremity pain. (She discovered that the only thing that provided her any relief was vitamin C, creating her interest, and eventually mine.)
Now that I think I know how to properly dose cortisol (e.g. prednizone and methyl prednisolone) I see that doctors generally prescribe it poorly, in too high amounts, for too long. (E.g. for people with serious infections and other conditions.) There is a body of knowledge (Search T. Pinkus) that illustrates how safe and effective small amounts of prednisone (10 mg or less) are for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
I don't fully understand why adrenal fatigue, leading to low or little cortisol output, mimics respiratory infections, causes shortness of breath, and other issues, but I have been very well since I went on the 8 mg methyl prednisolone (now 4 mg daily.) 2 mg in the am and then 2 mg in the later afternoon. In fact I am feeling so well, that again, I wonder if the misinformation about prednisone (steroids) is accidental, or anther deliberate attempt to induce illness in the population for the obvious monetary rewards.
Johnwen, and others, if there really is a natural way to "rest the adrenals" and create this hormone, I am all ears. I do not like relying on prescription, but it truly is a miracle "drug."