Introduction
In 2021, after receiving my first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination, I began experiencing widespread muscle twitching (fasciculations) throughout my body. Not long after, my wife also developed similar symptoms following COVID infection.
What followed was not a quick recovery—but a deep, ongoing investigation into the root causes of chronic symptoms often dismissed as “benign.”
This article documents everything I’ve explored: from nervous system dysfunction and microbiome imbalances to mineral deficiencies, detox pathways, and hormonal health. My goal is to share what I’ve learned—for others navigating similar post-viral or post-vaccine syndromes.
“Somebody save me!”
1. Nervous System Dysfunction & Fasciculations
The most persistent symptom has been body-wide fasciculations (constant unrelenting muscle twitching). After medical evaluation, this was diagnosed as Benign Fasciculation Syndrome (BFS) caused by the Pfizer Jab, by the top Professor of Neurology in New Zealand.
However, “benign” does not mean insignificant.
What I’ve observed
- Symptoms fluctuate significantly (good weeks vs setbacks)
- Triggered by stress, exercise intensity, and diet
- Closely tied to nervous system sensitivity
My working theory
This appears to be a form of nervous system hyperexcitability, potentially driven by:
2. The Gut Microbiome & Dysbiosis
- Neuroinflammation
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Gut Dysbiosis
- Gut–brain axis disruption
- Nervous-system dysregulation
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
One of the most important discoveries in my journey has been the role of the gut microbiome.
Key findings from testing
- Extremely low or undetectable Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus microbes
- Low levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (a key anti-inflammatory species) and Akkermansia
- Overgrowth of many problematic bacteria such as Enterobacter cloacae
Why this matters
Bifidobacteria play a critical role in:
- Immune regulation
- Histamine breakdown
- Gut barrier integrity
- B Vitamin production
- Overall gut microbe balance
- Mood and sleep
Loss of these bacteria is now being discussed in emerging research around Long COVID and post-vaccine syndromes.
Interventions explored
- High-strength spore-based probiotics (Bacillus strains)
- Targeted Bifidobacterium repletion
- Prebiotics
- Fermentable food
- Homemade L-Reuteri and Bifidobacteria yoghurt
3. Histamine & Mast Cell Activation
I began noticing patterns consistent with mast cell activation and then tested multiple times for high tryptase.
Symptoms observed
- Increased sensitivity to foods
- Rashes
- Allergies
- Vision disturbances
- Emotional turbulence
- Reactions to supplements (especially histamine-rich sources freeze-dried beef liver)
- General systemic overreactivity
Pattern
- High-histamine foods worsened symptoms
- Certain supplements triggered flare-ups
Strategy
- Reduce histamine load
- Support gut healing to improve tolerance
- Avoid overly aggressive interventions
4. Mineral Imbalances (Calcium Focus)
A major area of investigation has been calcium intake.
Due to dairy intolerance, my intake was estimated at:
- ~400 mg/day (below recommended levels)
Why calcium matters
- Nerve signaling stability
- Muscle contraction regulation
- Reduction of neuromuscular irritability
Experiment
I increased calcium intake and monitored:
- Nervous system stability
- Sleep quality
- Muscle twitching intensity
This remains an ongoing area of exploration but appeared to create benefits early on.
5. Diet & Oxalate Load
At one stage, my diet was high in oxalates:
- Almond products
- Chia seeds
- Potatoes & kumara
- Kiwifruit
Observed effects
- Increased fatigue
- More twitching
- Regression after improvement
Hypothesis
Oxalates may contribute to:
- Mineral binding (especially calcium)
- Nervous system irritation in sensitive individuals
6. Exercise Intolerance & Recovery Cycles
A clear pattern emerged with physical activity.
Pattern
Improvement in fitness → increased training intensity → followed by:
- fatigue
- nervous system flare
- increased symptoms
Interpretation
This aligns with:
- Post-exertional malaise (PEM) patterns seen in Long COVID
- Nervous system overload rather than simple deconditioning
Current approach
- Gradual progression
- Avoiding intensity spikes
- Prioritising recovery signals
7. Detoxification & “Toxin” Theories
Like many navigating chronic illness, I explored detox pathways.
Areas explored
- Sauna use and sweating
- Heavy metal detox approaches
- Environmental toxin exposure
Key realization
While detoxification is relevant, the body’s regulatory systems (gut, liver, nervous system) matter far more than aggressive detox protocols.
8. Endocrine System & Hormonal Stability
Energy fluctuations led me to explore hormonal regulation.
Focus areas
- Cortisol rhythm
- Thyroid function
- Stress response
Insight
Chronic illness appears to dysregulate:
- Daily energy rhythms
- Stress tolerance
- Recovery capacity
Supporting endocrine balance is essential for long-term recovery.
9. Stimulants & Nervous System Load
I examined the impact of stimulants.
Caffeine
- Even small increases to my 1 shot per day affected stability
- Moderation improved symptoms
- No Coffee reduced productivity and general motivation, which in turn worsened symptoms
Nicotine Mouth Spray
- Previously used in low dose (~3 mg/day) but find better results at 5-7mg/day
- Discontinuation caused temporary fatigue, mood changes, and general feeling the symptoms worsened
Conclusion
Moderating stimulants supports:
- Nervous system regulation
- Recovery stability
10. Supplementation & Therapeutic Approaches
Current / previous interventions
- Low-dose naltrexone (LDN)
- Probiotics (spore-based + exploring Bifidobacteria strains)
- Homemade L-Reuteri Yoghurt
- Prebiotic fibres
- Vitamins and minerals
- Quercetin
- Bromelain
- Calcium Citrate
- Curcumin
- Nattokinase
- Black Seed Oil
- Oil of Oregano
- Berberine
- Binders
- Parasite Cleanse Herbs
- Fulvic Acid
- Mito-Q CoQ10 support
- NMN & NR
- High-potency Garlic Extra
- Vitamin D
- Ascorbic Acid
- Iodine
- Ashwagandha
Support modalities
- Naturopathic care
- Applied kinesiology
- Chiropractic care
11. The Non-Linear Nature of Recovery
One of the most important lessons has been that:
Recovery is not linear.
Observed pattern
- Periods of strong function (9–10/10)
- Followed by unexpected setbacks (3-5/10)
Interpretation
This may reflect:
- Immune recalibration
- Nervous system sensitivity
- Die-off reactions
- Ongoing system rebalancing
Understanding this has been critical in maintaining perspective.
Conclusion: A Systems-Based Perspective
After exploring all of these areas, one thing has become clear:
This condition is not caused by a single issue.
It appears to involve a complex interaction between:
- The nervous system
- The gut microbiome
- The immune system
- Nutrient status
- Environmental and lifestyle factors
Where This Is Leading
This journey has sparked a deeper mission:
To understand, document, and eventually help others navigate similar chronic conditions through a root-cause, systems-based approach to health.
