Expert: Imran R. - 6/13/2006

Question
For the past 6 months, I have been developing TMJ that has been getting progressively worse.  I know that it is stress related (work, moving, trying to get pregnant).  In addition to grinding my teeth at night (I do wear a nightguard now), I also find myself tensing my jaw during the day especially when I am concentrating on something at work.  As a result my jaw area is constantly sore and pops when I open my mouth wide.  My PCP has given me prescriptions for muscle relaxers and pain medicine, but I want to avoid taking drugs, especially since I am trying to get pregnant.  Do you have any recommendations?

Answer
Dear Jen,

Thank you for your question. The one supplement i have come across that will suit your needs perfectly is an amazon berry product.

This product has helped many with TMJ with a much greater success than i would have expected, as the product only contains 3 berries as the ingredients. The synergistic combination has clearly created something new however.

Website:  www.tryfrutavida.com/main

From my experience i have seen that this supplement targets and eases joints/tendons and muscles. It balances the hormonal system, alleviates anxieties, normalizes the stress response, therefore diminishes stress, nourishes the immune and nervous system.

Based on this then, having success with TMJ and other disorders is understandable.

I would advise you get onto taking 2 ounces per day. Therefore 1 ounce twice per day. You should see a great improvement within the first 2 weeks.

I commend you on not taking any prescriptions. A wise decision you have made. They will only harm and worsen your health more over time.

I would also advise you wait for a while with trying to get pregnant for the mentioned supplement will balance your hormonal system and make it easier for you to get pregnant as time passes. Give it about 2 months at least to accomplish this.

Some advice on daily diet:

Please cut out all soy products, except fermented soy. Miso, tempeh and soy-sauce are good. [fermented]

Raw soy itself contains goitrogens which depress thyroid function. It also contains phytic acid which hinders the bodies' ability to absorb proteins, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. In general it is an enzyme inhibitor. Please be careful of soy.

Next, please make sure you avoid all artificial sweeteners:
splenda, sucralose, aspartame, nutra-sweet, equal, acesulfame potassium.

Splenda/sucralose have become very popular these days but are just as bad if not worse than aspartame. These sweeteners are very toxic and are found in store bought vitamins, protein powders, anything sugar-free, gum, chocolate, soda... etc. Please read labels carefully and cut out all artificial sweeteners. This is very important.

If you have any more questions please feel free to as.

With best wishes and much success to you,

Imran Rajan