Expert: Suzanne Rose Lubkowski - 1/8/2010

Question
Hello. I have had a stutter for as long as I can remember. It was horrible as a child, bad as a teenager and now as an adult luckily it is mild. I am 25 years old. My stutter no longer limits me as much as it used to. I am not as shy as I was, and I am very confident speakin on the phone which at one time was nearly impossible. Still, there are times when my stutter gets the best of me. When I get nervous about an upcoming event or situation I begin to think that I will stutter. Then I become nervous about stuttering instead of the situation, which makes me stutter even more. I know that if I just speak without thinking about stuttering then I can speak fluently. That is what I want to overcome, I dont want to think about it so much so that I can always speak fluently as I know I can. Also, my stutter is horrible in spanish. My father only speaks spanish so because of that I barely speak to him. I want to talk to my father, although I think he is why I stutter. As a child I was terrified of him and he was over protective. I've tried hypnotherapy but it didnt work because I couldnt concentrate enough to get hypnotized. Now I am taking Avina Sativa pills, 750 mg, 3 times a day. I read that it is good for calming the nerves. Is that a good choice or do you recommend something else? Does Avina Sativa cause any long term side effects? I apologize for the long message. I figure it is easier for you to give an answer if you have more details. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Jesse - thank you for writing.   Stuttering is a challenge and you are taking some positive steps to help with this.   I would recommend a couple things

I am not familiar with Avina Sativa pills.   I only use Shaklee products because they are safe and effective.   

I can recommend a Shaklee program for you - good nutrition helps the brain function and the brain is directing your words as well as the 'anxiety' that  causes the stuttering.   

A basic program with a healthy protein and basic supplements from Shaklee would be either the energizing soy protein and a vitalizer kit.   The other supplement I would recommend would be stress relief.   You can take a look at these at www.integrativewellness.myshaklee.com.

I would also recommend you learn some relaxation, breathing and perhaps meditation processes.   This will relax your mind, your body and slow you down.   

There are also support groups for stuttering - have you checked anything like this out - both online and in person.

If I can be of more help to you and you would like to discuss the supplements and the breathing and relaxation processes, contact me directly at suzanne@empoweringserenity.com.    I can get to know you a bit more and make some recommendations specific to you and your lifestyle.   

I know it is a challenge but I know folks who have overcome stuttering and you can too :)   Let me know how I can be of more help.  Best    Suzanne