Living With Tourettes and Supplements to Manage Tics

I’ve had tics since I was 5 years old. I remember having tons of interventions from my cousin because they thought it was a mannerism that can be stopped at will.

NO.

It’s involuntary and exhausting.

 

WATCH MY VIDEO

Every single day I do my best efforts not to make it obvious to others.

Being called weird, crazy, and other names can be hurtful. Let’s just be kind and compassionate.

After seeing Billie Eilish opening up that sje has the same condition, it inspired me to do so as well.

Here’s my story,and I hope it raises awareness. Tourettes is not as accepted and understood in the Philippines compared to other countries.

 

What is Tourettes Disorder?

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disordercharacterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.

Traditionally, tics have been divided into two main groups:

1. motor tics, and
2. vocal tics.

The motor tics are described as simple motor tics when they involve a single muscle, or complex motor tics when they consist of a more coordinated movement resembling a normal function.

Similarly, the vocal tics can be simple vocal tics when they consist of simple sounds or complex when they consist in the production of words or sentences (complex phonic tics).

The following are examples of tics commonly seen in persons with Tourette’s:

• Simple motor tics include:
  • eye blinking,
  • shoulder rotation or elevation,
  • head jerking,
  • lip contractions,
  • closing of the eyes,
  • eyes rolling in the orbits,
  • torticollis (turning the neck to one side),
  • opening and closing of the mouth,
  • abdominal contractions, and/or
  • stretching of arms and legs.
• Complex motor tics include:
  • jumping,
  • kicking,
  • touching objects,
  • retching,
  • trunk bending or rotation,
  • burping,
  • socially inappropriate movements,
  • obscene gestures, or
  • imitation of other peoples’ gestures.

Tics often get worse when a person feels stressed, tired, anxious, or excited

 

 

Supplements I Take to Manage Tourettes Symptoms

I tried going to the chiropractor but had to stop because I cannot afford the exorbitant rates. A visit can cost as much as 2,500php or 50USD.

He did however recommended me to take the supplements below to manage my tics. They’re safe, natural, and yes they do help in lessening my symptoms. 

 

#1 Magnesium Oil

Having a Magnesium deficiency can trigger and cause many conditions such as anxiety and panic attacks, depression, insomnia, nerve problems, and the list goes on and on. You can boost magnesium intake by taking magnesium supplements, using topical magnesium oils, or something as simple as changing your diet to include more magnesium rich foods.

Outside of clinical testing, many parent’s with children living with tics express their experiences to support anecdotal evidence of Magnesium helping their children and the severity and frequency of their tics.

 

#2 Fish Oil

The Tourette Syndrome Association suggests consuming supplements of omega-3 essential fatty acids.

This healthy fat seems to improve irritability and depression in TS patients, which can help them better manage the stress that can trigger tics. 

 

#3 Vitamin B Complex

Taking B-complex supplements to help treat tics because these vitamins work together to naturally tranquilize your nervous system.

 

Sources:

• https://www.livestrong.com/article/486014-supplements-for-tics-tourettes/
• https://www.emedicinehealth.com/tourettes_syndrome/article_em.htm
• https://www.skepticink.com/gps/2016/03/19/using-magnesium-treating-tourettes-syndrome/