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Poly arthritis rheumatoid autoimmune
Hello, i have been diagnosed with a Poly arthritis rheumatoid autoimmune and i am currently doing a detox. My hands and knees are still inflated and inflamed. Any advice?
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25 Replies
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Hi @Hasnaa – welcome to B Better! I’d encourage you to read through our Symptom Dictionary handout on arthritis HERE to help you start thinking about possible root causes of autoimmune arthritis.
Please keep in mind that regardless of the diagnosis, all autoimmune disease conditions have these 3 things in common:
1- Gut dysfunction leading to intestinal permeability (aka “leaky gut”)
2- Weakened and imbalanced immune function
3- Environmental /inflammatory trigger(s) (can be stress, trauma, toxins, stealth infections, etc)
I explain this in more detail in this short video from the Gut Health Masterclass. Please watch it.
Since leaky gut is seen in all autoimmune conditions, supporting the main digestive players (liver/gallbladder, pancreas and stomach), the gut microbiome, and prioritizing gut healing is a great place to start.
I encourage you to watch the next video on the causes and triggers of leaky gut HERE which goes over the many causes of leaky gut so you can start to take action and reverse that dynamic. I mention gut healing therapies towards the end of that video, so if you’d like to start adopting some of these strategies as well, you can watch that lesson HERE.
And finally, since the majority of our immune system resides in the gut, please take our Gut Health Quiz and let us know your score so that we can guide you on the best digestive support for your unique case.
As to not overwhelm you, please let me know when you’re done watching these 3 recommended videos, reading the Symptom Dictionary handout, and taking the quiz as I’m sure these will raise more questions.
Now regarding the detox you’re currently doing, would you mind sharing more details about that? Are you taking any supplements? Is it a diet? Please share more – sometimes doing a detox before the body’s elimination pathways are ready can actually create more inflammation, which we clearly don’t want for you.
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Can you please give me your opinion regarding my blood tests?
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Hi @Hasnaa – here’s an overview of key insights from these lab results from a functional lens. This means that although a marker may be “normal” within the clinical reference ranges, it may not be optimal from a functional perspective. Also keep in mind that these lab results represent only a specific moment in time.
Key Insights:
- All of the autoimmune antibody markers including ANA and rheumatoid arthritis are negative.
- Inflammation markers ESR & CRP are both clinically elevated which means there’s significant systemic inflammation present. This could be due to hidden/stealth infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or oxidative stress from things like toxicity, high blood sugar levels, etc. You can find more sources of oxidative stress in this handout HERE.
- Total bilirubin (from the breakdown of red blood cells) is at the low end of the normal reference range. Low levels is also associated with elevated oxidative stress states because the body will use/recycle bilirubin to serve as an antioxidant to counteract the oxidative damage. Bilirubin is a potent antioxidant! Since we need zinc to make bilirubin (indirectly), lower bilirubin level could also be due to low zinc! So it’s a good idea to check RBC zinc. (which is also a critical immune nutrient, and needed to make stomach acid… you’ll see the connection next)
- Total Protein is also sub-optimal low. This can be due to a low protein diet, liver dysfunction, digestive dysfunction and/or inflammation, and hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid). I know we discussed getting an OAT urine test done for a good general overview, but it might also be worth investing in a functional stool test to assess overall gut health (~$450 USD). If cost is an issue however, then testing for H Pylori overgrowth only as a minimum is a good idea, since it can suppress stomach acid and lead to downstream digestive dysfunction. This is a separate functional stool test and costs $175 USD. Do you have any digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, acid reflux/heartburn, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramps/pains? Please let us know your score from the Gut Health Quiz once you take it as this will provide more information for us to be able to help you.
- ALT from the liver panel is suboptimal low, which can indicate a need for vitamin B6 (which is measured in the OAT test) but also possible liver dysfunction. A methylated B complex such as Thorne’s Basic B Complex can help support liver detoxification as well as consuming a cup of cruciferous vegetables daily (examples here). Supplement formulas that include taurine, milk thistle, curcumin, N-acetyl cysteine such as Seeking Health’s Liver Nutrients can support liver health.
- RBC and WBC values are both sub-optiomal low. I’m now really suspicious of toxicity in your case, especially that Monocytes are clinically elevated which can indicate liver dysfunction, parasites, or the recovery phase of an infection (were you sick 1-2 weeks ago?). Toxicity can suppress overall blood cell production leading to these low values. The most insidious sources of toxins today are heavy metals and mold. Both of these can be tested as well through a hair elements test for heavy metals and urine test of mycotoxins if there’s mold exposure. What’s important in testing however isn’t to confirm WHAT toxin it is, but to be able to avoid the exposure. The solution would be the same regardless of the test result. Avoid the exposure to reduce toxic load, support the liver & digestion, and get the body detoxifying. The OAT test, although it won’t tell us “WHAT” the toxin is, will show an overview of the body’s detox status.
- Although TSH and Free T4 were measured and seem optimal, checking Free T3 and Reverse T3 will help determine if you’re converting thyroid hormone effectively. Without a full thyroid panel, these markers don’t provide the full picture.
In Summary, Action Steps to Take:
Additional blood tests to consider:
-RBC Zinc
-Vitamin A
-Viral panels (EBV or Cytomegalovirus) (chronic viral infections can also lead to low WBCs)
-Liver panel again, but include Direct Bilirubin to see if there’s biliary tract congestion and determine if gallbladder support is needed
Functional tests to consider:
-OAT urine test (good overview of overall health)
-GI Map stool test or H Pylori only to save on cost
-Mycotox test (to assess if there’s current/previous exposure to mold)
-HTMA (hair elements to assess heavy metal toxicity)
To keep cost under control, the OAT test & H Pylori only test would be great starting points. Once those results are back after 2-4 weeks, the picture/direction might become clearer.
Also supporting liver detox using food, supplements and lifestyle therapies is a great proactive effort that can only benefit overall health. You can find additional ways to support detoxification in this video. All of the supplements and tools mentioned in the video are linked below the video, and handouts such as how to do a castor oil pack are attached under the tab called “Materials” above the video from desktop view. And finally, sweat daily (and hydrate)! Investing in a portable sauna is a great health investment. Use code BERN for 10% off.
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Thank you Bernadette for your feedback. I have already ordered the OAT urine test and can do the GI map of it would explain some of your comments.
I will ask my doctor for additional blood tests
Does this mean that i do not have an autoimmune disease?
I have been having inflammation in the body for 3 months now.
How do i move forward?
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@Hasnaa it’s not our place to make a diagnosis regarding the autoimmune test results. And in functional medicine, a diagnosis simply tells us the collection of possible symptoms so it doesn’t actually provide insights into WHY a person is displaying those symptoms. In fact, 2 people with the same diagnosis can have entirely different root causes, and so the approach needs to be individualized.
This is why in functional medicine we don’t really care about labels but instead focus on the “maximize/ minimize/prioritize” model for each individual; maximize what their body needs (find deficiencies), minimize what the body doesn’t need (remove toxins, pro-inflammatories, food sensitivities, emotional baggage, etc), and prioritize an environment for healing (e.g., sleep quality, mindset/meditation, etc).
If you’re saying the high inflammation has been there for the past 3 months, does this correlate to any particular event that you can recall? Also, are you menopausal or still cycling? If you’re taking any hormones, are they bio-identical or synthetic, and when have you started taking them?
The OAT test will definitely provide us with more insights. The full GI Map with Zonulin or H Pylori only stool tests as well.
In the meantime, please re-read my replies as I provide a few action steps in terms of food, supplements and lifestyle therapies to consider getting started with. For example, if Vitamin D is low, start spending more time in the sun and/or supplement with a vitamin D3/K2 supplement along with magnesium glycinate. The free Dminder app can help you track your vitamin D levels from sun exposure.
Please watch the videos I shared if you haven’t already, and also take the Gut Health Quiz that I shared in my previous replies and provide us with your score. Also let us know about your menopausal status and meds. Thanks
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Yes i was “menopausal” for some time and the summer was very hard in the sense i was having many many hot flushes a day and i was very tired. I don’t take any hormones. My diet since few weeks is mainly fruits and vegetables and some fish. Yes i did the gut test and will share the findings
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Your score shows distress in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) system which refers to the stomach and pancreas, two foundational organs for good digestion.
In optimal digestion, the stomach releases hydrochloric acid and pepsin to help digest food. The food then moves to the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum where the pancreas and gallbladder are signaled to continue the digestive process. The pancreas is signaled to add enzymes to digest proteins, carbs and fats, and the gallbladder secretes bile to help emulsify fats.
A higher symptom score in the upper GI could therefore indicate functional “hypochlorhydria” (i.e. low stomach acid), low output of pancreatic enzymes and/or bile salts, all of which can lead to a number of digestive complaints. If this initial phase of digestion is inadequate, nutrients will not be absorbed, the GI tract can become irritated and yeast/Candida and other opportunistic microorganisms can grow in the lower bowel.
What causes hypochlorhydria?
There are a number of possible etiologies to consider:
- Chronic stress
- Antacids or acid blocking medications
- Nutrient insufficiencies, especially zinc and thiamin (vitamin B1)
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Low thyroid function
- Excess carbohydrates, sugar, refined foods, and alcohol consumption
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Also honestly i am overwhelmed with a lot of information
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My digestion is ok but i watch what i eat and i avoid heavy food. I had issues with candida few years ago. The H pilori test came negative few months back.
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@Hasnaa – it’s absolutely normal to feel overwhelmed. Give yourself grace and time to absorb all that you’re going to uncover and learn here. And most importantly, know that you don’t have to do everything all at once to start seeing progress. Small steps can make a big difference. And… you’re supported here, so feel free to ask as many questions as you need to gain clarity.
The reason I asked about menopause status is because with the decline of estrogen, we lose bone mass, which is where we store lead, cadmium, mercury and aluminum over the years. With the loss of bone mass due to lowering estrogen, we can have an influx of heavy metals into the blood stream. So it’s at the back of my mind given the low WBC and RBC. Heavy metals can suppress overall blood cell production. It might be worth asking your doctor to run a heavy metal panel in blood as well. The body doesn’t usually allow heavy metals to be circulating in blood, so if there is any elevation in metals, this could be a reason for the sudden high inflammation.
Was the H Pylori test done using PCR technology as a stool test or was it a breath test? Unfortunately, I have seen a lot of false negatives with breath testing, so my preference is the PCR stool test by Diagnostic Solutions, which is ordered through the same lab as the OAT test.
And since you scored high in the Upper GI, it’s worth repeating the H Pylori test as a standalone test or as part of the full GI Map with Zonulin if budget allows.
In the meantime, you can also try the at-home baking soda challenge test as a tool to determine stomach acid status. It’s not diagnostic, but it can provide insights and it’s free/easy to do. Here’s the video with written instructions attached in “Materials” above the video. Scroll to the 3-minute mark.
Let us know if you have any clarifying questions regarding liver/gallbladder support which I touch on in the detoxification video I shared.
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Hi Bernadette,
Here are the latest blood tests, looking forward your feedback :
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Hi @Hasnaa – thanks for sharing the updated labs. Unfortunately, not everything requested was measured but nonetheless, below is a summary of key dynamics:
-Albumin is clinically low. This can be due to hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), possible liver dysfunction, oxidative stress or a need for more vitamin C. Although the H Pylori stool test was negative, it’s not a quantitative measure. I much prefer the stool test by Diagnostic Solutions since it uses PCR technology and provides a value/number instead of just “positive” or “negative”. I’ve also seen a lot of fast negatives. And since the possibility of hypochlorhydria keeps coming up with each blood test you share, it may be worth repeating it again with a functional stool test.
-ALT liver enzyme is suboptimal low again. This again can indicate possible early stage fatty liver, liver congestion, and/or a need for more vitamin B6 since this enzyme is dependent on B6. If a liver scan has not been done recently, it may be worth discussing a scan with your doctor to rule out pathology.
-The EBV viral panel shows a pattern of past infection. None for CMV. Chronic viral infection can lead to low WBC and high iron, so supporting immunity is key, especially ensuring immune nutrients vitamin A, D, and Zinc are optimal. I had suggested testing vitamin A but this was not done. And serum zinc was measured, not RBC zinc. Serum values can be influenced by what a person ate the night before so it’s vulnerable to fluctuations, whereas RBC (red blood cell) measures what’s in the cell over the past 2-3 months and is more reflective of zinc sufficiency/status.
In Summary, Action Steps to Take:
-There is still suspicion of hypochlorhydria and possible H Pylori overgrowth. Have you tried the at-home baking soda challenge yet? If not, here’s the video (3 min mark) to watch and consider.
-Measure vitamin A
-RBC zinc and RBC copper (they dance together)
-As previously suggested, supporting liver health and liver detox using food, supplements and lifestyle therapies is a great proactive effort that can only benefit overall health. Given the likely need for vitamin B6, a methylated B Complex can provide support with liver detox. My preference is Thorne’s Basic B Complex.
You can find additional ways to support detoxification in this video. All of the supplements and tools mentioned in the video are linked below the video, and handouts such as how to do a castor oil pack are attached under the tab called “Materials” above the video from desktop view. And finally, sweat daily (and hydrate)! Investing in a portable sauna is a great health investment. Use code BERN for 10% off.
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Hello, here are the latest tests I have done – part 1:
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Part 2:
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Part 3:
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@Hasnaa unfortunately, other than confirming that hepatitis is negative, these markers were already measured previously and don’t provide additional information.
There is however even more evidence of a need for vitamin B6 and liver/gallbladder support given the high calcium oxalates in urine. B6 is a cofactor needed to convert oxalates into amino acid glycine (needed for glutathione synthesis). Since these can’t flow out of urine, they build up and can lead to kidney stones. And congested bile function or gallbladder removal can lead to oxalate absorption and develop calcium oxalate stones.
So to recap, here’s what we know so far so you can begin taking action:
-There is still suspicion of hypochlorhydria and possible H Pylori overgrowth. Have you tried the at-home baking soda challenge yet? If not, here’s the video (3 min mark) to watch and consider. Please report back once you do it so we can guide you on how to support stomach acid.
-As previously suggested, supporting liver health and liver detox using food, supplements and lifestyle therapies is a great proactive effort that can only benefit overall health. Given the likely need for vitamin B6, and now the suboptimal B12 from the latest result, a methylated B Complex can provide support with liver detox. My preference is Thorne’s Basic B Complex. When there’s suspicion of a strong need for B vitamins, it’s important to go “low and slow” beginning with 1 capsule (or less by opening up capsules and sprinkling a little over a meal) for a few days to see how the body reacts. If there’s no crazy detox symptoms (headaches, rash, nausea, feeling sick, etc), then slowly increasing the dosage to 2 and eventually 3 capsules per day, in split doses (1 with breakfast, 1 with lunch, 1 with dinner) is a good approach.
You can also find additional ways to support detoxification in this video. Please watch it. All of the supplements and tools mentioned in the video are linked below the video, and handouts such as how to do a castor oil pack are attached under the tab called “Materials” above the video from desktop view. Please let me know if you have any questions after watching the video. And finally, sweat daily (and hydrate)! Investing in a portable sauna is a great health investment if you don’t have the capacity to exercise and sweat properly. Use code BERN for 10% off.
-Vitamin D is also suboptimal. Ideally 50-70ng/ml is what’s generally recommended with autoimmunity. Here’s our vitamin D handout to help with dosage. It’s also important for the supplement to have Vitamin D3 and K2 to help with calcium absorption into bones like Seeking Health’s D3/K2 liquid for example.
-Given the high calcium oxalates found in urine, consuming lemon water twice daily can help prevent oxalate stone formation in the kidneys. So can any citrate supplement such as magnesium citrate which is always a good idea to take in conjunction with vitamin D supplementation to help with conversion to the active D form. Magnesium citrate also helps with rapid relief from constipation so if you take too much, you’ll know because you’ll end up with loose stools. I like the Pure Encapsulations brand of magnesium citrate.
-In addition to the above, don’t forget the foundations! Grounding outside on natural surface daily for minimum 30 minutes is a very powerful anti-inflammatory. Getting sunshine to help boost vitamin D production naturally is also foundational.
Additional recommended tests:
-Vitamin A (this is an important immune nutrient. If it’s low, it needs to be optimized)
-RBC zinc and RBC copper (zinc is also an important immune nutrient and zinc and copper dance together. If any of these are suboptimal they should be optimized for immune health, iron absorption, red blood cell production, etc)
If your doctor won’t order these for you, Valeo Health offers at-home blood testing. B Better members get a 15% discount as well on orders above 600 Dhs.
Hope the above is helpful and gives you a better direction of what needs to be prioritized and addressed.
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Hello, here are the most recent test results:
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Hi @Hasnaa – thank you for sharing your latest OAT test results. I’m going to share key findings.
-We have definite confirmation of nutritional deficiencies and a strong need for a B Complex as initially suspected. These B vitamins (especially B6) play an important role in neurotransmitter production, namely dopamine and serotonin, which affect mood and motivation. B vitamins are also essential in the production of glutathione, our body’s most potent antioxidant and detoxifier.
-#59 is clinically high, which points to an increased need for glutathione. This is most commonly due to some form of toxicity, especially considering the energy cycle appears impaired or low (markers #24–29). Glutathione can be taken as a supplement (like Seeking Health’s Liposomal Glutathione), but it’s important to understand that the OAT test doesn’t tell us what kind of toxicity is driving this.
It could be heavy metals (like lead, which can get released during menopause as bones break down), environmental chemicals from cleaning or personal care products, agrichemicals from non-organic food, mold exposure… the list goes on.
Sometimes, it’s not even one big thing – it could just be that the body’s detox systems are sluggish, and low-level exposure to everyday toxins starts to add up and overflow the “toxic bucket.”
A lot of people go down the rabbit hole trying to pinpoint the exact source, but often the more effective strategy is to work on opening up the body’s detox pathways – so it can better eliminate whatever it’s exposed to.
-That said, since marker #9 – which represents a type of mold – is elevated beyond the mid-point, and markers #33 and #34 (which it can deplete) are also low, it raises a possible connection to Fusarium. This mold, especially through its mycotoxins, has been linked to immune suppression, gut issues, and even neurological symptoms in some cases. It’s one of the molds commonly found in water-damaged buildings.
Given your autoimmune diagnosis, it might be worth exploring whether mold could be present in your home environment. Has there ever been a water leak or water intrusion? Let me know if this is a possibility so I can share next steps and referrals.
Please let me know what action steps you’ve been able to implement from my previous reply (including watching the videos, taking the baking soda challenge & additional blood tests) so I can continue guiding you.
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Hello Bernadette,
So i ordered the vitamin B complex and the glutathione drink.
If i should not try to figure out which toxicity i have, how do i do a detox?
I have started the methotrexate and the cortisone as the pain was unbearable and my bones started showing lesions from the inflammation.
I would still want to keep the parallel alternative healing remedies.
What do you suggest as an action plan ?
Also, here is my latest blood work after – month of methotrexate /
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@Hasnaa the body has an incredible ability to heal itself. Through our 7 detox organs, it can eliminate toxins, and with our immune system, it can fight pathogens. If we improve the terrain so to speak, we don’t necessarily have to know which specific “bug” or “toxin” is burdening the system.
However, given that mold is suspected, I do still recommend going down that path of seeing if mold is in your environment because avoidance is the #1 step to detoxification. Has there ever been a water leak or water intrusion at home? Have you ever had a building biologist come to see if there might be an environmental issue at home?
Nevertheless, working to open detox pathways in the meantime is the best plan of action. That’s detox in itself!
Action Steps:
1. If you haven’t yet watched the video on how to open drainage pathways, please start with that HERE.
2. Support elimination pathways (in this order):
a. Bowels: the goal is to aim for 2-3 well formed, easy to pass stools per day (later on a parasite cleanse can be considered)
- Constipation can be addressed with magnesium citrate 400mg up to 1200mg/ day to bowel tolerance. I like the Pure Encapsulations brand of magnesium citrate.
- Enemas at home 2-3 x per week (starting with water/herbal and then gradually introducing coffee) can help remove compacted stool & strengthen motility if needed (see handout)
b. Liver:
- Castor oil packs before bed at least 5 days per week over the liver & abdomen can help support liver
- Consuming 1 cup cruciferous veggies per day (see handout) can help with liver detox
- Consider B complex to support detoxification. Those with a strong need for B vitamins need to go very low and slow, even opening up a capsule and sprinkling it over food day by day until they can work up to 1 full capsule, and then increase again to 3 per day (1-1-1 with meals)
c. Bile:
- D-limonene from supplement (1000mg 1-2 x per day 3/4 way through a meal) or from the inside peel of 1 large orange per day (eat the white part) can help “decongest” the biliary tract
- Consuming bitter foods before meals or Digestive bitters tincture 10 mins before meals can help support bile flow. I like Quicksilver’s Bitters No. 9 (this helps with overall digestion too)
d. Lymph:
- Weekly lymph massage
- Perform Big 6 points (work up to daily). Please watch Dr. Perry’s session to learn technique: https://bbettermembership.com/resource-library/guest-expert-recordings/lymphatic-revelations-for-pain-with-dr-perry-nickelston-february-23-2024/
- Dry brushing before shower
- Consider compression therapy: https://ballancerpro.com/
- Acupuncture – I can recommend Dr. Hu at Shanghai Medical in Dubai
e. Lungs:
- Daily breathwork (download Balance app (first year free) or The Breathing App – free)
- Exercise/daily walking if there’s energy to do so
f. Kidneys:
- Increase water intake. Make sure it’s filtered water and not from plastic bottles/jugs.
- Consuming lemon water twice daily can help prevent oxalate stone formation in the kidneys.
g. Skin:
- Consider sauna therapy to sweat if there’s no energy to exercise. I love my Therasage portable sauna. Use code BERN for 10% off.
- Dry brushing before shower
Questions you never replied to & other points to consider from previous replies:
1. There is still suspicion of hypochlorhydria and possible H Pylori overgrowth. Have you tried the at-home baking soda challenge yet? If not, here’s the video (3 min mark) to watch and consider. Please report back once you do it so we can guide you on how to support stomach acid.
2. Vitamin D is also suboptimal. Ideally 50-70ng/ml is what’s generally recommended with autoimmunity. Here’s our vitamin D handout to help with dosage. It’s also important for the supplement to have Vitamin D3 and K2 to help with calcium absorption into bones like Seeking Health’s D3/K2 liquid for example.
3. Don’t forget the foundations! Grounding outside on natural surface daily for minimum 30 minutes is a very powerful anti-inflammatory. Getting sunshine to help boost vitamin D production naturally is also foundational.
4. Finally – I’ve recently come across Fascial Maneuvers by Garry Lineham from Human Garage. He will be our guest expert in May. I am absolutely mind blown by the results millions of people are experiencing using his techniques and it’s super simple. He’s on a mission to help 1Billion people help themselves heal. Go to HumanGarage.net and register for his program. You set the amount you’d like to pay so you can get access with only $1! Commit to doing it for at least 28 days in a row. You’ll be surprised by how good you’ll start to feel too!
Hope this gives you a clear roadmap and actionable tools to start! Please let me know if you have any other questions.
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Hi Bernadette,
i did the soda bicarbonate test and i burped twice within 1 minute.
I am taking Vid D 50,000u every week.
i started the Vit B complex today after a meal of lightly cooked broccoli, carrot, and turnip.
i had few drops of the glutathione.
i am taking 15 mg of methotrexate weekly, 1 pill of folic acid a week, and 5mg of cortisone daily.
i will order now the magnesium, the castor oil and the enema tool.
i am also taking Dr Geoff remedies.
i feel that my detox is slow…
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From experience, I’ve found it more effective to take lower dosages of vitamin D but more frequently. For example, many of my clients who need to increase their D levels will take 5000 IU daily as to not deplete their magnesium and vitamin A levels which can happen with higher doses.
Do keep us posted after starting the B complex if you notice any nausea, weird rashes, or any other new symptom as this does push detoxification and if there is biliary congestion, taking D-limonene alongside or even before adding in B vitamins, could be helpful.
Just a note about glutathione… it’s to be taken in the daytime and not close to bedtime as it can be stimulating.
Low and slow is the best way to go when working on elimination pathways and detox. There’s no quick fix, and healing root causes does takes time. Just to give you an idea, my initial programs with new clients is never less than 3 months because that’s how long it takes for the body to start making changes at the root. Allow yourself at least 1 to 3 months to start noticing improvements with the changes you’re making.
Good to know you did the baking soda challenge. While it’s not diagnostic, it can help give a clue about stomach acid status. Burping within 1 minute is a positive sign since acid mixed with sodium bicarbonate creates a gas that leads to a burp.
What about the mold situation at home? Any water leaks or high humidity areas to determine if this is a possible source of toxin exposure?
And please do keep us posted so we can continue guiding you.
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Hello Bernadette,
a company confirmed that we have some degree of mold in the house as there is a leakage in my daughter’s bathroom and water has slipped under the tiles and to the walls. so they are saying that it has probably spread in the AC vent.
we will do the in-depth cleaning of the AC ducts and the AC machines.
i have been taking vit B complex, glutathione, vit D, Dr. Geoff remedy, following a gluten and lactose free diet with lots of veggies and good proteins.
i go out for few hours every day, sit in the shade on the grass and get some time in the sun. i also tried my first castor oil patch yesterday.
stool is regular, once or twice a day.
15 mg Methotrexate/ week (this is my 6th week) and 5 mg cortisone (gupisone)
i have been having hot flashes for the last few weeks, maybe 15 times in 24h.
my knees started inflating again…
what is your advice pls?
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@Hasnaa I’m really sorry to hear that – but also relieved that you’ve likely identified the source of toxicity. I can’t tell you how many autoimmune or “mystery” health cases I’ve come across that had mold at the root!
Can I ask which company will be handling the remediation? This part is SO important and I can’t emphasize it enough. If mold is found but not properly removed, it can actually make things worse. The affected areas must be completely sealed off, and you should absolutely avoid being nearby while work is being done.
I highly recommend you contact Omar from Smart Solutions. He’s the only mold remediator I’ve found in the UAE who holds proper international certifications, and I refer all my clients to him. If you mention my name or B Better, he’ll also give you a discount. You can reach him at 055-107-7775. He’s usually very hard to reach (for obvious reasons), so if you can’t get through, send him a WhatsApp message. You can also try his technician Shahzad at 052-350-4209.
In terms of what else you can do… If you revisit my earlier message with the action steps for supporting your detox pathways, you’ll find there’s still more you can add to your already solid regimen (which, by the way, is a great start!).
One key area is sweating – it’s incredibly important for eliminating toxins, especially when dealing with mold. If you don’t have the energy to exercise daily, consider investing in a sauna, or visiting a gym or clinic that has one (many offer session packages).
You can also enhance the effect by taking a binder, like CellCore’s BioToxin Binder, about 30 minutes before your sauna session to help bind and carry toxins out of the body more effectively.
It’s also critical to support bile flow, since bile acts as a natural binder and is one of the primary ways toxins are eliminated.
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D-limonene (1000 mg, 1–2x/day, about ¾ through a meal) from a supplement – or from the inner white peel of one large orange per day – can help “decongest” the biliary tract.
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Bitter foods before meals, or a digestive bitters tincture about 10 minutes before eating, can further support bile flow. I personally like Quicksilver’s Bitters No. 9, which also supports overall digestion.
I also previously recommended Fascial Maneuvers to help with lymphatic flow. If you haven’t started yet, they’re a great way to gently stimulate movement, breath, and microcirculation while also supporting nervous system regulation.
And since we know mold is a key piece of the puzzle for you, I strongly suggest going through our course, “Intro to Mold & Mycotoxin Illness.” It’ll give you a clear understanding of what mold does in the body and how to detox from it (which you’re already beginning by opening up your elimination pathways).
Regarding the intense inflammation you’re experiencing: adding in curcumin, a potent natural anti-inflammatory, can bring relief over time. Give it at least a month to build up in the system. A good option is Thorne’s Meriva Curcumin (1000 mg, 1–2x/day), which many have found helpful in the short-term for calming things down.
Finally, if you’re beginning to experience hot flashes, this could be due to estrogen fluctuations as part of the aging process. I can recommend Dr. Liliana Skorski who is a functional gynecologist who has a more holistic approach to women’s health. In the meantime, please read through our Hot Flash Relief protocol for natural solutions.
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@Hasnaa – just one more thing I wanted to add to my message from yesterday.
When you go see Dr. Skorski, ask her about Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). I called and checked with the compounding pharmacy RevitaLife in Dubai and they have this medication. It’s been showing some really promising results for people with autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s and rheumatoid arthritis.
What’s unique about LDN is that it doesn’t suppress the entire immune system like most traditional autoimmune meds do. Instead, it helps your body regulate its own immune response more intelligently.
Here’s how it works: LDN briefly blocks your opioid receptors, which signals your body to naturally increase endorphins. Those feel-good chemicals do more than just boost your mood – they actually help reduce inflammation and may help repair damaged tissue. It’s not a miracle cure, but it might be a game-changer for you in terms of rapid relief.
Might be worth bringing this up if you do go visit her!
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