Hi Brad - I'm glad the theanine and GABA helped. With a bit of time, you may be able actually sleep very well. I certainly hope so as I know how the cumulative effects of all this stress feels. I didn't mention another relaxer... that's Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. There is liquid and pastilles. I use both. I get the alcohol free liquid and use if I'm over-stressed right along with the theanine. I have a small stash of the pastilles with me at all times (as well as theanine) when I start to feel overly stressed when I'm away from home. Now that my heart has remained calm after ablation #3, I don't need to use these nearly as often but take comfort in knowing they work effectively for me if I do need them.
Michael Murray, N. D. of Natural Factors wrote a report that included theanine dosing guidelines. I'll send you a PM with the information... along with a report on Hiatal Hernia by Steve Rochlitz, PhD... that may be of interest to you as well.
I had what I thought might be a HH and I went to a holistic chiropractor who used special muscle testing techniques to make adjustments that were not what you traditional think of with chiropractic.... no bone cracking or weird manipulations. He said that my stomach was pushing up into my diaphragm and thought that pressure was causing me to have Afib. I went for treatments... as I recall it was two a week and after the first week, I went from having afib almost daily... to just a couple of events. After the second week of treatments, the Afib calmed down and I nearly cancelled my first ablation date. You may decide eventually to try to find that type of evaluation as well. I'll also send you a very informative report on Hiatal Hernia by Steve Rochlitz, PhD that I found helpful back then as well.
You are very good at self analysis. It's true. We and our emotional status can be our own worst enemy. Once you start to see the effects of some of these suggestions, you will begin to feel empowered and that helps relieve some of the stress and tension over always worrying about impending doom.
The eating fast factor is a huge contributor to bloating .... it goes to the complication caused by not chewing food well enough to create a 'slurry' so that stomach acid and digestive enzymes can function properly. Probably, it will take some targeted discipline when you eat... to eat slowly and chew until the food is mostly liquid in your mouth before you swallow. If you are ravenous when you start to eat...then consider that you need to eat more frequently... and/or consume enough protein and healthy fat (both of which are sustaining) so that you can consume your food in a more leisurely fashion. That may be difficult to do ...but it can be the most important thing you can do for yourself.
Also, consider using a digestive enzyme with meals to help break down the food. I've tried several and decided on Source Naturals, Daily Essential Enzymes... I use one with each meal. Read more here: www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Vegetarian-Daily-Essential-Enzymes-500-mg-240-Capsules/1448 And I also add betaine hydrochloride capsules when I eat meat protein to assist with digestion. [
www.iherb.com]
I failed to mention the report on
Digestive Wellness ... you can read here: [
www.afibbers.org] and this one on
No More Heart Burn also contains useful info [
www.afibbers.org]
Posture has a significant influence on what 'scrunching' does to your stomach and diaphragm and as you know sitting for long periods is also very detrimental. Most of us hunch over a computer keyboard far too long without breaks. I would think that the taller you are, the more intense the problem. So the new rule is to be mindful and get up and stand, walk around, and break the constant sitting habit...which may be easier for some, and not at all easy for others.
I'm sending the PM right now with those reports.
Best to you,
Jackie