Are you someone who likes to track things about yourself?  For example, do you keep an exercise log of how many reps you did – or a food journal that details what (and how much) you consumed?  Do you monitor your health and disease progression at PatientsLikeMe?

If so, you might not know it, but you are part of the growing Quantified Self (QS) movement.  Also known as “Body Data” and “Life Hacking,” the QS movement was started by Wired magazine editors Gary Wolf and Kevin Kelly in 2007.  The idea is to increase self knowledge through self tracking.  More specifically, QSers use technology to record data on various aspects of human life, from “inputs” (food, air) to “states” (moods, blood oxygen levels ) to “performance” (mental, physical).

The hub of the movement is http://quantifiedself.com/, an online community where QSers can share their methods and learn from what others are doing.  In addition, QSers get together face-to-face for regular Show&Tell meetings in various cities around the world as well as an annual conference, which takes place this September in Palo Alto, California.  According to the website, the conference is a “working meeting” for users and tool makers looking to collaborate on self-tracking projects and explore the potential effects of self-tracking on society.

For many QSers, such as astrophysicist-turned-computer scientist Larry Smarr, self-tracking conveys huge benefits.  According to this fascinating profile in The Atlantic entitled “The Measured Man,” Smarr sees it as a tool for battling obesity, defeating incurable diseases (in his case, Crohn’s disease) and revolutionizing healthcare.  He’s got a good reason, too:  this is a man who monitored his own blood work and detected an inflammatory state in his body long before his first Crohn’s symptom appeared.   While some people feel that with enough data every person could find something wrong with their health, Smarr argues that it’s far better to detect that something’s “beginning to go wrong” and seek “preventative maintenance,” just like you would with an automobile.

It’s a striking analogy.  Could we as human beings extend our lives – just as we extend the lives of our cars – through data tracking and “tune-ups”?  It’s one of the big questions at the heart of the QS movement.  But as far as we’re concerned here at PatientsLikeMe, self knowledge – as well as shared knowledge – is always a good thing.  That’s why we’ve developed tools to help you measure your disease progression (e.g. our Multiple Sclerosis Rating Scale), track how your treatments impact your quality of life, monitor over 200 lab results (e.g. Vitamin D, cholesterol, PSA levels) and record how you are feeling day-to-day (our InstantMe survey).  Better yet, we help you share that data with other patients like you, so that everyone benefits and learns.

What do you think?  Has “quantifying yourself” led to any breakthroughs for you?

Introduced in 1934 by Standard Process, Cataplex F is a whole food dietary supplement designed to support the thyroid as well as the body’s natural response to inflammation.  Containing iodine for thyroid support, Cataplex F promotes healthy skin and hair, the metabolism of fats and the formation of eicosanoids (signaling molecules that play a role in inflammation, immune responses and the central nervous system).  This supplement also contains flaxseed, a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acid precursors.

At PatientsLikeMe, where more than 125,000 patients are sharing their experiences with all types of treatments including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and supplements, two patients report taking Cataplex F for hypothyroidism.  Both report taking this supplement for 1-2 years or more. What can we learn from these patients’ experiences?  According to the one treatment evaluation submitted for Cataplex F, there were no reported side effects, but the effectiveness was unclear, as the patient selected the option, “Can’t tell.”  Cost was reported as $25 or less per month for a daily dosage.

This patient even goes on to share her doctor’s take:  “dubious.”  But what about you?  How would you evaluate your experience with Cataplex F?  Has it helped you or seemingly had no effect?  Help others decide whether to start – or continue – taking this supplement by sharing your experiences at PatientsLikeMe, where more than 2,300 patients with hypothyroidism (92% female; 8% male) would love to hear your thoughts.

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Have you taken Cataplex F or another over-the-counter supplement for hypothyroidism?  Join PatientsLikeMe and add your experiences to our growing body of knowledge.  Then, stay to exchange advice and support, research common treatments and learn from other patients like you.

Is InflammaCORE helpful in reducing a chronic inflammatory burden?  Can it alleviate bowel irritability?  Find out just that by sharing your experiences with other patients at PatientsLikeMe and learning what they have to say about this nutritional supplement.

A protein powder drink mix, InflammaCORE is marketed as a potent way to support your gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and immune health.  It contains 19 grams of naturally complete brown rice protein, 4 grams of fiber and Omega 3’s derived from Flaxseed.  In addition, InflammaCORE offers high-potency phytonutrients, including Turmeric, Guercetin and Green Tea, which have been shown to reduce inflammatory markers.  Other ingredients include L-Glutamine and Glycine to promote tissue repair as well as Vitamin D and Arabinogalactan for proper immune function.

At PatientsLikeMe, where more than 125,000 patients are sharing their experiences with all types of treatments including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and supplements, one patient currently reports taking InflammaCORE for bowel irritability.  What can we learn from her experience?  In her in-depth treatment evaluation, she rates the effectiveness as “Major,” and the side effects as “None.”  Her daily dosage is “8 tbsp daily,” while her monthly cost is “$50-99.”

Here’s what else she reports in the freeform section of her evaluation:

“This course of treatment relieved a long history of IBS symptoms and chronic constipation. As of a year later, the symptoms have not recurred. I credit InflammaCORE with resolving this condition and I couldn’t be happier with the product.”

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What about you?  Have you taken InflammaCORE or another dietary supplement to address irritable bowel or systemic inflammation?  Join PatientsLikeMe and add your experiences to our growing body of knowledge.  Then, stay to exchange advice and support, research common treatments and learn from other patients like you.

Are you on a lectin-free diet?  Trade notes on this dietary intervention at PatientsLikeMe, where more than 120,000 patients are sharing their experiences with treatments, supplements, lifestyle modifications and more.

But first, let’s talk about lectins, which are sugar-binding proteins that mimic insulin. Lectins bind to carbohydrates and various proteins, causing inflammation. As a result, they have been linked with autoimmune disorders such as IBS, Crohn’s disease and fibromyalgia.  To help fight this inflammatory process, a lectin-free diet restricts certain things like grains, nightshades (i.e. peppers, tomatoes, potatoes), legumes (i.e. beans) and some starches.  While most foods contain some amount of lectins, these food groups are considered the “worst offenders.”

What kinds of data points can you share about a lectin-free diet at PatientsLikeMe?  Thanks to our unique data-sharing platform, you can share detailed information on this diet’s effectiveness, side effects, cost and more.  You can also offer freeform tips and advice to others considering the diet and report what health condition(s) you are attempting to treat.   Whether you’ve found a lectin-free diet helpful in controlling inflammation or you’ve discontinued it for various reasons, your story will provide valuable insight to those who are searching for answers.

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Have you tried a lectin-free diet?  Join PatientsLikeMe and add your experiences to our growing body of knowledge.  Then, stay to exchange advice and support, research common treatments and learn from other patients like you.

Solupred is an international brand of prednisolone, a widely prescribed corticosteroid that modifies the body’s immune response and decreases inflammation. It is used to treat a host of inflammatory and autoimmune health conditions, including multiple sclerosis (acute exacerbations), organ rejection, lupus, psoriasis, asthma and ulcerative colitis.

At PatientsLikeMe, where more than 120,000 patients are sharing their experiences with conditions, symptoms, treatments and more, two patients report using Solupred currently while 68 patients report using another form of prednisolone.  What can we learn from these patients’ experiences?  Quite a bit, actually, thanks to PatientsLikeMe’s unique data-sharing platform.  For example, the most commonly reported prednisolone duration amongst current users is two years or more, while the most commonly reported dosage at PatientsLikeMe is 5mg daily.

Wondering about Solupred side effects?  Some of the commonly reported side effects of prednisolone include weight gain, heart palpitations, insomnia, dry eyes and abdominal bloating.  Check out the 22 treatment evaluations of prednisolone (the generic form of Solupred) submitted by our patients to gain even more insight.

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Have you taken Solupred – or another brand of prednisolone?  Join PatientsLikeMe and add your experiences to our growing body of knowledge.  Then, stay to exchange advice and support, research common treatments and learn from other patients like you.