VITAMIN E, and also taken with 81mg Aspirin

[MAMZELLE]

Hi, I was a patient of Dr. Atkins years ago [with my diabetic mother] and have since followed all of his policies all of my life, needless to say, and one of them were his vitamin regimens, some in his suggested megadoses.

I've just received the Atkins Diabetic Revolution new book two days ago, the one just released on the 3rd, and went straight to the vitamin section to check up on any new updated opinions of what should be supplemented with and for high sugar.

Case in point, but not exlusively.... I have been taking 800 IU vitamin E most of my life [splitting morning and night] and now for an uninterrupted at least 5 years or more but also the one 81mg aspirin per night [always gave it to my mother the last two years that I took care of her with doctor's knowledge and approval with her cancer, alzheimer's, and diabetes, the latter for 40 years, so figured might as well take the baby aspirin myself as everyone is advised, to thin the blood and avoid heart atacks] and now read in this book [on pages 251 and 252] that they shouldn't be taken together, nor if there is a possibility of high blood pressure E shouldn't be taken at all. I immediately stopped both two nights ago, being terrified. I guess I could have only stopped one but didn't really know which. It seems that the E is more important but there isn't only the aspect of taking them both together but also of the E even by itself.

I also know that it's not good to suddenly stop SOME vitamins COLD, and that gradually is better, so I'm really up in the air as to what to do. Can you offer your educated opinion? I see that with all of the information in this Vitamin chapter [chapters 20 and 21] Dr. Atkins is quoted directly and I assume anyone connected with the organization would have information on this and can elaborate further because I am really quite distressed about EVERY aspect of this, and would sincerely appreciate any insite that is offered. Thanks so much

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

I think I can help clarify your concerns.

1.Your concern about vit. E and blood pressure. If you have been taking vit E without noticing any elevation in your blood pressure, you do not have to worry.

It is important for someone who may be starting to take vit.E and notices that blood pressure has increased at the same time to know that Vit. E may be the underlying cause of this.

2. Vit E and aspirin need not be taken together because they both act as blood thinners. Taking a combination of vit. E and aspirin can intensify the blood thinning effect and this can be harmful from the standpoint that your blood may not be able to coagulate as necessary (if you cut yourself, blood coagulation helps you to stop bleeding).

Vit. E is a very important vitamin and you may want to continue its use without the aspirin.

In any case, I suggest you discuss your supplement intake with your physician. It is important to communicate with your healthcare provider about anything that effects health (good or bad)!

[MAMZELLE]

[I'm deliberately separating this into only four paragraphs so each subject will be kept together, and possibly easier to refer back to if necessary Hope it doesn't prove to be even MORE difficult to read]....

#1 - VITAMIN E
Hi again! Thank you so much for your excellent response. Unfortunately, I have relocated and not YET found a doctor and one who is ''Atkins friendly'' and an advocate of his methods, which is of the utmost importance to me, therefore it's been delayed, and not knowing if my pressure is high or not, is the problem. [though I AM able to test my own blood sugar with my several brands of meters]. On a rare occasion when it was unplanned [emergency room visit 'bout 7-10 yrs ago, and again also taken under a similar high pressure moment about a year ago, where it would be high ...and was 'extremely' the parametics said], but those aren't normal circumstances, so I have no idea about my pressure, which is why I'm now even more concerned about E and wondering if I should continue it.... of course I will not take the aspirin anymore, and thank you... But I'm still afraid to take the E even alone, and I do know it's very important and don't really want to stop, though I haven't taken it again YET..... since your book arrived with that vital information, and before I'm sure it's safe to continue... I feel very foolish because somewhere along the line, the information vacated my brain that of course E is a blood thinner. How silly of me, not to both remember that, and also inquire long ago if those taking E would also be taking that suggested low grade aspirin, which I've luckily only taken religiously for between one and two years [even that is too long] as opposed to E much longer. But thankfully, no coagulation problems from a couple of skin opening scrapes, which leads to another question....

#2 - DIABETIC SCARING?
When something fell from the fridge onto my chin bone, and bled from quite a chunk of skin scraping off, although any of my bleeding luckily DOES stop immediately, the scar never healed nor have ANY others, [being always ONLY on my 'legs'] which is really a problem and I've used NEOSPORIN "scar solution" patches, which didn't seem to help much [do you happen to know of anything better, aside from directly applying Vit. E, which I've also tried with no luck?] and I have to use concealer makup if wearing light shades of hose. I've heard somewhere along the line through my early years when still home with my diabetic mother, her mentioning that scars DON'T heal with diabetes, is this true? [she's no longer around to ask]. [Hmmm, guess food can kill us in MANY ways, even if eating only the correct ones...... by falling ON us from the refrigerator lol]....

#3 - "DIABETES REVOLUTION"
I also forgot to mention in my first post that on the inside first blank page right after the cover in 'diabetes revolution' [what a beauty this book is... I recommend it to EVERYONE] there is a "sticky note" that is handwritten saying, and I quote exactly; "CORRECTION: WE MEANT EAT LOTS OF BREAD, PASTA, AND SUGAR". LOL I SWEAR this is there and is what it says!! lol....Now aside from finding a handwritten sticky note even being placed in there as unique, I of course assumed that it's placement indicates a misprint somewhere within the book, which probably slipped by the publisher/printer but think it's funny that this in itself seems like another HANDWRITTEN "misprint" LOL? The only other thing I could imagine is that it's from a sentence / chapter of what NOT to eat, but the page # was not jotted down and included. Obviously, some poor soul had to sit there and add this sticky note to each and every book in production [?] but didn't mention the page number that the correction is for..... If the book didn't just come off the press on the 3rd of August, I'd suspect that the note was put there by a former 'owner' of the book as a reminder to themself, but that would be impossible since it IS brand new and hot off the press. Wondering who would know anything about this if you don't. Guess calling the publisher on a day when I can't find anything else to do lol [nonexistant]. Happen to know anything about this yourself, [in case the other person in this forum whom I know also has the book, has no answers either, whom I haven't contacted yet to check if they have it in theirs]? No big deal, just think it's funny, and very curious why it says what it does, and is there.

#4 - CAFFEINE
I know you have to disperse your time between all of us, and don't mean to take you from that, but if I could ask one more quick question, since we're so fortunate to have you among us, and I don't yet have a doctor to ask.... I've deliberately stayed caffeine free all my life, except for diet caffeine-free sodas, even those of which I've totally
eliminated years ago, and decaf coffee which are the only fractions of caffeine I ever still DO have, and have every day.... [a 50/50 mixture of decaf 100% columbian, 99% caffeine free, and Duncin Donuts 97% caffein free....only because it's such a DELICIOUS mix!], but I am SO sensitive to caffeine, that it sends me flying just as full amounts of caffeine would, and although I do only use one tablespoon
of each per 32 oz mug per day and re-use those same grounds for a second mug later in the day to avoid more caffeine from even those small remnants of decaf... I, nevertheless, feel like I'm drinking 'regular' coffee because it gives me such a STONG caffeine jolt lasting all day... so I'm wondering if I am getting the negative effects from even that little caffeine magnified so much in ME, in conjunction to how it's making me feel.... In other words, Is it an indication that even THAT little bit of caffeine could be affecting me negatively internally.... as regular / CAFFEINATED coffee affects others? [Think I nailed it that time lol] Guess it's an odd question but has been concerning me, because I feel like I'm drinking regular coffee... and someone HAS mentioned that Diabetics are more sensative to caffeine, but does that apply also to the amount of damage such a low count could also be doing since I AM feeling it so strongly? A zero caffeine amount doesn't exist to my knowledge, or I'd grab it :-( Do you possibly know of any. Also I've heard that diabetics SHOULD have coffee and that it's BENEFICIAL [??]... [meaning WITH full caffeine], and there is that other school of thought that I'm hearing all the time! What stand does "Atkins" take on that? I can certainly make a good guess, but the way things keep changing in the world..... one never knows. *smile*

Thanks so much again, and truly sorry for being so 'wordy'.

[MAMZELLE]

PS.... I of COURSE meant Dunkin Donuts brand "COFFEE"..... NOT the donuts! lol..... Forgot to add the word coffee, thinking it would be assumed and understood, but better make that clear.... too late now to 'edit' the above text.

Are saccharin TABLETS unlimited? I know all powderd 'packets' are limited because of their being 96% dextrose and maltodextrin, so I wouldn't use them at all, because I personally require a large amount of sweetening... but I feel pretty free/safe using saccharin TABLETS or LIQUID in any quantity [or any other tablet or liquid, but I only use saccharin products].... Am I correct in using as much as I want of those NON-powdered forms? Thanks again

[so strange that a blood THINNER, E, would raise pressure.... one would think that would RELEIVE pressure. Everything is so complicated and conflicting with the human body.... that it's amazing the human race isn't all dead and extinct already lol]

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

#1 - VITAMIN E
You might be able to test blood pressure at a pharmacy but any doctor can test blood pressure. I am concerned that you have previous medical conditions and to date you are uninformed of whether your blood pressure is high low or normal.

I certainly cannot give advice to you without having any medical information and as I mentioned before your doctor will be the best person to advise you.

I apologize if yhis is not helpful but it is the best I can do.

You are correct about not stopping medications cold turkey so you should speak to your doctor.

#2 - DIABETIC SCARING?
A diabetics inability to heal typically happens as a result of high blood sugar. If blood sugar is controlled healing should not be a problem.

Sorry, I am not familiar with alternatives.

#3 - "DIABETES REVOLUTION"
This may have been a joke or something. I do not have sticky in my book.

#4 - CAFFEINE
You will be the best judge of this, your statement "but I am SO sensitive to caffeine, that it sends me flying just as full amounts of caffeine would" tells me you should avoid caffeine if it makes you feel this way.

I hope this helps and that you find a doctor ASAP!

[MAMZELLE]

Ooooooops, you've already been back, [thanks for being so quick!] ok I haven't read your second response YET because I was just going to leave a Testimonial for the book for you, because I saw somewhere you were asking for them [I can't find that page again, seems to have disappeard if you have another link... or you can just copy it from this page] AND also because I WANT to because the book is fabulous... I have left it elswhere around the boards and will continue to when it's apropos to the subject of the thread and what's being discussed.. so please check back for it, I have to paste it from elsewhere.... it isn't very long, but succinct and quite adequate. Will be back..... then I'll read your response but want to do this first since I"m in the middle of finding it to paste.

[Atkins_Nutritionist]

Thanks for your interest in submitting a testimonial! Please send an email to Atkins_Nutritionist@atkins.com and someone will reply to give you information about how to go about doing so. (note that there is an underscore between the two words)

[MAMZELLE]

"ATKINS DIABETES REVOLUTION"

I've FINALLY received the new book "Atkins DIABETES Revolution" , just released on the 3rd of August, 2004, which I have been counting the days for MONTHS to receive, and it is quite a beauty [536 pages]!

A very LUXURIOUS book, and a MUST HAVE for anyone with Diabetes, pre-diabetes, just concerned about blood sugar imbalances and weight loss, or having ANY history of such imbalances and issues within themselves or in their heritage/families, and/or merely believing in the Atkins WAY OF LIFE, which I have followed for decades since being a
patient of his along with my diabetic mother.... whom Dr. Robert C. Atkins single handedly got TOTALLY OFF of insulin shots way back then..... and which had always been his main goal through mere diet and nutrition, and which I personally know is possible because of Dr. Atkins himself, and now also "Atkins' Nutritionals" who have been carrying on FOR him.

In addition to everything else that it includes, it is also complete and fully packed with all of "Atkins" Dietary information, including but not limited to: food lists and counts, receipies, detailed charts for net carbing, meal plans, extensive menus, food pyramids, etc., much more, and more extensive than his diet books, and I haven't even BEGUN to fully investigate the rest of it yet because I've only just received it days ago!

Anyone believing in and following "Atkins" methods, which apply to both Weight Loss and Diabetes, or especially if NOT being familiar with them yet, better get their hands on this because it will soon be considered 'THE' Diabetic Bible and is the FIRST devoted to Diabetes [in combination with everything else related to it including nutritional
health for LIFE], that HAS been available with the ATKINS name on it [which is why I've been so anxious for it] along with all the technical diabetes information, so it's quite extensive and complete and something no home can be without, considering the rise of blood sugar problems and complications in America because of not adapting this way of eating over 30 years ago, when everyone should have LISTENED to this man, who's memory and respect will live on throughout history and the ages.

Robert Atkins was first and foremost a DIABETES SPECIALIST when his first book "Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution" was published, [also a Cardiolgist] and which his original dietary philosophies stemmed from... and NOT like all of the other fly by night diet "GURUS" out there to make a quick buck, which has always made him unique and at the top in his field of both weight control AND diabetes.

Of what I've both read and scanned so far in the short time that I've had the book, 'THE' Dr. Atkins is very much alive IN it, and quoted constantly, and is every bit a part of this book, which I was originally concerned about.... but now completely relieved and absolutely thrilled with... along with those who've worked with him all of those years, and their contributions like Jacqueline A. Eberstein RN., who's been involved in all aspects of his practice for 29 years since the very beginning, and Mary C. Vernon, M.D. C.M.D., just to name two.

Now I ask you.... who could possibly ask for more!

Mamzelle...

[MAMZELLE]

Thank you again. And what about the saccharin TABLETS and LIQUID [and any NON-powdered sweetner in general, but SPECIFICALLY saccharin because that's what I'm using currently and always have, and probably always will if safe]. Are they safe to use as much as needed.... UN-limited? This is very important for me to know because I use a LOT, and melt them for cooking also.... one whole grain just in each 32 oz coffee mug. :-( I've cut out Jello because of the maltodextrine so my coffee is the only sweetness I have left lol Tried to lower it in coffee for many days but just doesn't cut it for me using less.. But guess I might have to cut out my coffe? One of my very FEW enjoyments left throughout the day. Oh my. Do you really think that's necessary since it's just my 'reaction' to it, but actually so little caffeine in the DECAF? I've given up mostly everything else, it's really largly all I have left to look forward to ...I stay on strictest ORIGINAL atkins forever and that's already cutting everything to the bone with NO extras that are even allowed from some of the vegs [no onions, or tomatoes nor some other things that I cut out even if I don't have to, because of my sugar.] Coffee is one of the last things left, it's like my dessert lol and I only sip it through the day with only two spoons of the decaf grounds in a 24 hour period. OMG

And my mother's diabetes was always in control, and still she spoke of healing problems... not that I'm aware of any of hers but she did make that blanket statement even with her sugar kept normal.

Guess when asking questions, we have to be prepared for the worst. Didn't expect this about coffee, though, nor the scars. Thought it was in diabetes in general.... the scars not healing completely. Oh, well. Not a good day for me lol Thanks again. Please don't forget the saccharin. [Your testimonial is above.]

You said not stop ''medications'' suddenly but this is a vitamin, does the same refer to that, so i did stop it suddenly should i wein off the E? Should I start taking 400 instead of the 800 I was taking, and for how long till i stop. I've only stopped for a few days so far should i go back to the 400. I'm caught in the middle now.

[oh... about the note...the book came sealed from my fiancee and wasn't opened till it reached my own hands. So strange. but funny.]

[MAMZELLE]

Is smart balance ok? [no trans fats.... i use mostly olive oil but sometimes need the other on things.... i know butter is preferred but i have a freezer full of smart balance and diabetics do use it, I've always used it on Atkins and "can't believe it's not butter", before smart balance came out]. If not, can I at least go through the 9 containers I have in the freezer lol. [hate to shop often]...would they be harmful?

[MAMZELLE]

I'm going to write something else, and if you have time fine, if not, and I've used up my time allowance that's ok too, I understand there are many people out there :-).... [Oh, and also first.... I'd be more than happy to pay for some phone consultations just to ask questions like these since I understand there is no Atkins' medical practice anymore that was taken over from him, which I was told by your office when inquiring a few months ago when looking for an Atkins' affiliated Doctor because of my high sugar, so that's the next best thing until I find a doctor up to my standards and requirements or just quickly go to someone for vitals, etc..... seriously. I did send the book testimonial so you have do have my email address, please let me know]....

but for now, this "HIGH" burst of energy after my coffee is maintained throughout the day and I would be crashing if it were due to the caffeine [2 tlsp of grounds from the different brands, constituting only 1% & 3% caffeine each].

I just started thinking about that because it's now after 7 30 pm, and I had only one mug of that at about 5 AM this morning, which was 14 and a half hours ago [!] and I still feel as I did after the coffee at 5 am.... and it was only 3 minutes microwaving which isn't even full time to get all the full even DECAF's caffeine out of the grounds because the flavor is still in there for another whole 16 oz. mug full as it always is 'if' and when on any day I DO even have a second one so it's still only the same 2 spoons of grounds/caffeine. [I think I previously said 32 oz.in another post, but meant 16... I was figuring two mugs].

I've been drinking Green decaf and chamomille teas later in the day instead the decaf coffee [neither today] and still have this burst of energy. Only once in a WHILE do I have a second mug of the decaf, but even that is with the SAME GROUNDS and re-microwaving them [my mixture is so strongly flavorful, that even those mere 2 original tblspns of grounds last through 2 full 16 oz. mugs!]

My point is that I think because I'm on this diet so strictly now and more than I have been in such a long time because of not having real serious weight to lose [a tribute to the Dr., since in my early teens, because I'm a LOVER of food and noshing] but now feel that this is what I may be feeling, and not the caffeine. How could those two spoonfuls of decaf carry me through over 14 hours non-stop, with my feeling like I just drank it. I do know that having to prepare anything to eat has become a pesty 'annoyance' most of the time, and something I have to force myself to do because I'm never hungry so that in itself is showing i'm in deep ketosis [which my keto DIAstix do show even with my liters of water that I drink which is supposed to DILUTE the color....and with negative sugar always, and although I KNOW they're not a true berometer for EITHER ketones or sugar, and not totally accurate, Bayer HAS told me that if they're negative, the AVERAGE person is USUALLY not over 180 in the blood... that for me would be an improvement, from what I've seen a while back but of course I have to test my own and can't go by others, nor depend on the stix. But the stix COULD nevertheless show sugar if having enough to spill over into the urine, which at least they never are... that means SOMETHING, doesn't it?

Only once was it positive, when I accidently had some regular pasta thrown into my Dreamfields [stupid accident]. That about 1 cup full shot even the STIX up to 2000, the HIGHEST sugar stix reading. Never happened again and always negative with Dreamfields. Lost my first 5 lbs. when eating Dreamfields EVERY SINGLE DAY and lost nothing before that..... then stopped the Dreamfields just as an experiment and lost nothing until weeks later... 3 lbs. more this past two weeks, and afraid to push my luck on the pasta again, but afraid for no reason.

I don't even get tired and have to force myself to sleep. So i'm just thinking, maybe it's not the decaf at all but it maybe the coffee does merely trigger the natural energy from barely any carbs and that's why it only FEELS LIKE tons of caffeine.... is that possible? Not having any crash/down time from the decaf makes me strongly suspect that it isn't that little bit of caffeine that's doing this. OR.... you didn't say if diabetics do have a stronger reaction to caffeine, but even so, I never 'crash' from what I AM having. I have the UP and not the down lol..... so maybe it IS just the strictness of the diet and cleaniness of my system, since after all....... that IS the way it's supposed to work, and always used to for me. I just had one piece of broiled chicken and a tiny half a handful of leaf spinach, neither of which I was even able to finish [since my 2 eggs & two bacon at around 8am], and feel the same way right now after the food.... as I do after I have a mug of coffee!