Hey @naslam1603 ,

The 30 kg dumbbells use a screw system that lets you add or remove plates manually. It’s a bit more old-school, but solid and reliable.

The other set (the 20 kg adjustable dumbbells) use a quicker “click” system. That makes it easier to change weights and tidier to store. The downside is that the mechanism can be a bit more fragile over time.

So it’s really a trade-off between durability and convenience.

Hey @naslam1603

I always think of the gut microbiome as a living journal. It doesn’t just show what’s happening today, but it reflects what your body has lived through over time: the meals you’ve eaten. The stress you’ve carried. The infections you’ve fought. It all contributes to microbial patterns.

Now that H. pylori is gone (which is a win), your latest test shows a different kind of story and still needs your attention.

What stands out to me the most is:

• High zonulin, meaning the gut wall is too permeable (often called “leaky gut”)

• A small parasite (Endolimax Nana) – often considered harmless, but not always

• The absence of key “guardians” like Faecalibacterium and Akkermansia, which usually help repair and protect the gut lining

• The elevated presence of microbes that could damage the gut lining, like elevated Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus

Even though E. Nana is considered a “non-pathogenic” parasite, but it can still irritate the gut, especially in an altered gut environment.

I don’t know if the elevated E. Nana came through undercooked chicken or liver. But Parasites like E. nana don’t always come from contaminated meat. They can be picked up through:

• Contaminated water (even just rinsing veggies)

• Travel or restaurant meals

• Contact with someone who carries it (it’s more common than people think)

It could be picked up, but it could also be a symptom of a gut environment that’s currently more permissive than protective. And that’s fixable.

So while it’s not a crisis, it’s not something to ignore either.

Before I help you address, can you help me with the next questions:

Are there any new symptoms? Old symptoms that have been worsening or resolved?

What do you do currently, food-wise? What supplements/medications are you currently taking? And what is your current gut protocol? Are you mostly focused on calming the gut and repairing the gut lining? Do you use, for example, zinc carnosine and L-glutamine? Are you still using things that calm the gut, like Marshmallow root tea?

Because if you start using antimicrobials, you might end up stressing the gut even more, especially if the lining is still fragile or if your histamine bucket is already full.

Let me know, Naveed!

Great question. And you’re right: some studies suggest that NAD+ boosters like NMN and NR can affect cholesterol levels. But affect can mean two things: some research shows a drop in cholesterol, others show a possible increase, depending on the form, dose, and combination.

I’ll break it down for you.

⚠ Where the concern might have come from:

There was a human study where people took a combination of nicotinamide riboside (NR) and pterostilbene… and over time, their LDL cholesterol went up.

If you’ve never heard of NR: it’s similar to NMN. Both are precursors to NAD+, a molecule your body needs to make energy, repair DNA, and keep cells healthy. They both help your body produce more NAD+, but NMN is one step closer in the process, which might make it slightly more direct or efficient in some tissues.
(Study: Nature Scientific Reports, 2019)

This study could easily confuse people into thinking that NR on its own raises LDL cholesterol.

But in the same study, there was a group that took NR alone. This group showed no rise in LDL, so it’s really the combination that’s the issue.

What’s pterostilbene and why did it raise LDL Cholesterol?

Pterostilbene is a natural antioxidant found in blueberries. It’s a chemical cousin of resveratrol (the stuff in red wine people say is heart-healthy).

In supplements, it’s added to:

– Support brain health

– Activate anti-aging genes like sirtuins

– Cross the blood-brain barrier more easily than resveratrol

But, and here’s the catch, at higher doses, pterostilbene might interfere with how your liver clears LDL cholesterol. That’s likely why it caused a bump in LDL in that study.

What about NMN?

In a 2023 clinical trial, people took 1,000 mg of NMN per day for a month. The result?

• LDL cholesterol dropped by ~19 mg/dL

• Total cholesterol also dropped

(Study reference: PubMed ID: 36740954)

So, NMN alone may actually support healthier cholesterol levels, especially in people with some extra weight or early metabolic issues.

I hope this answer makes things clearer and takes away possible concerns

Daniel

Hey @healthyliving99 ,

Good that you (or your friend) is paying attention to your(his/her) body. Epigastric pain in combination with symptoms can tell us quite a bit.

A quick side note though: “Epigastric pain” simply refers to where the pain occurs: the upper central part of your abdomen, just below the ribcage. It doesn’t tell us what’s causing it. That depends a lot on accompanying symptoms.

There are many possible causes, ranging from gastritis, reflux (GERD), ulcers, gallbladder issues, low stomach acid, to even heart-related concerns. But based on your description (occasional pain after fried or low-quality food), my educated guess is that this is likely tied to how your digestion handles those meals.

If that’s the case, some herbs and supplements can give your system a bit of support when it’s under pressure.

We have a few handouts in the library that could help you a lot, I think. You can find them here:

https://bbettermembership.com/resource-library/a/acid-reflux/

https://bbettermembership.com/courses/gut-health-masterclass-2/lessons/herbal-h-pylori-remedies/

https://bbettermembership.com/courses/gut-health-masterclass-2/lessons/liver-gallbladder-support/

I’ve also attached a table that might help navigate your supplement choices. If there are more symptoms you know of, let us know. It might help us narrow down our advice.

Some last quick tips:

• Chew slowly and take your time: it makes digestion easier and keeps you from eating more than you need.

• Avoid alcohol and NSAIDs around symptoms (especially if the stomach lining is part of the problem): they’re common stomach irritants and slow down healing.

• Supplements can support healing, but the biggest impact often comes from removing the habits or foods that trigger the pain in the first place. It’s always easier to break something down than to rebuild it, and your gut lining is no exception!

Hi @iryna_klevetenko !

That sounds really uncomfortable for your uncle, especially when it disrupts sleep like that. Most people think reflux means too much acid, but believe it or not, low stomach acid can feel very similar: burning, bloating, heaviness, and nighttime reflux. Especially as people age or go through stress, acid production can drop.

So it’s good to look at both possibilities: too much or too little stomach acid. Many people end up on acid blockers when the root cause is actually too little acid.

Supplements that can help:

1. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
Soothes and supports the stomach lining. Especially useful when there’s irritation or inflammation from acid.

2. Aloe vera (decolorized juice)
Can help reduce acid and calm the gut lining. Must be decolorized (to avoid laxative effects).

3. Slippery elm or marshmallow root

Forms a mucilage that coats and soothes the esophagus and stomach. Great before bed. Make tea from it or take a supplement with warm water. Teas will work and reach the throat. Supplements will not have a soothing effect on the throat unless taken with warm water

4. Zinc-Carnosine (a special form of zinc)
Especially well-studied for reflux, ulcers, and H. pylori. Zinc-carnosine adheres to the stomach lining and promotes healing.

If you suspect low stomach acid, consider:

• Digestive bitters (like gentian, dandelion, or artichoke): Can naturally stimulate acid and bile.

• Betaine HCl with pepsin: If your uncle is on antacid medications, skip this step for now. If you’d like to learn more about how to use this supplement properly, let me know. But don’t start with this if you aren’t familiar with how to use this supplement. If your uncle has too much stomach acid production, this supplement could make his symptoms worse.

There is even more information in this video: https://bbettermembership.com/courses/gut-health-masterclass-2/lessons/herbal-h-pylori-remedies/

⚠️ Common trigger foods that can worsen symptoms:

Even if stomach acid is low, these foods can irritate or increase reflux-like symptoms:

• Coffee (even decaf)

• Alcohol (wine, beer, spirits)

• Chocolate

• Peppermint or spearmint

• Tomatoes / tomato sauces

• Citrus fruits and juices

• Spicy foods

• Fried or fatty foods

• Carbonated drinks

• Raw onions and garlic

• Full-fat dairy (cheese, cream, ice cream)

• Refined carbs and processed snacks

• Overeating or eating too late

Simple lifestyle tips that can help:

• Eat dinner 2–3 hours before bed

• Raise the head of the bed 10–15 cm

• Chew food thoroughly and eat in a relaxed setting

• Avoid big meals and tight clothing at night

• Keep a food & symptom journal to spot patterns

If his symptoms don’t improve, it’s smart to check for H. pylori or hiatal hernia.

Hope this gives him some real relief soon!

Daniel

Hi @jschwartz1

Thank you for sharing your story! I’m glad to hear how much relief you experienced from a low-histamine diet. Your body gave you a strong clue, and you listened. That’s powerful. Let’s unpack your questions one by one!

A) Can I Explore an MCAS Diagnosis Without a Specialist?
Yes, to a degree. However, there is no single test that definitively diagnoses Mast Cell Activation Syndrome(MCAS). Diagnosing MCAS involves a multi-faceted approach, including assessing symptoms, ruling out other conditions, and using specialised tests to identify mast cell activation.

• Track your “histamine bucket”: Every exposure (be it food, stress, toxins, or hormones) adds to the load. Flare-ups often happen when the bucket overflows.

• Identify patterns: A journal that captures food, symptoms, sleep, menstrual cycle, and stress levels can reveal connections.

• Consider key lab tests (if your provider is open to it):

  • Tryptase (ideally during a flare)

  • Plasma Heparin (Heparin is released by mast cells, but not always/ideally during a flare)

  • CGA or Chromogranin A (Not a primary indicator for MCAS, but it has been used. CGA levels can be elevated by MCAS – but they can be elevated by other causes as well)

  • DAO enzyme levels (Not diagnostic, but it is helpful. DAO or diamine oxidase – your histamine-breakdown helper)

  • 24-hour urinary histamine or prostaglandin D2

These labs don’t always “prove” MCAS, but they help guide your next steps.

B) How Do I Prevent Flare-Ups? Is It Only About Diet?
Diet is a big piece, but it’s only one part of a broader picture. Other triggers can activate your mast cells:

The Core Triggers:

1. Gut dysbiosis and permeability

2. Hormonal shifts

3. Environmental toxins (mold, chemicals, fragrances)

4. Chronic infections (EBV, Lyme, candida)

5. Emotional or physiological stress

All of these can increase your sensitivity threshold. Since Mast cells are part of your immune system, they are highly sensitive to these “danger signals.”

What can you do beyond diet:
Mast cells have corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors, which means psychological stress can directly activate them.

• Nervous system regulation is crucial: breathwork, somatic work, EMDR, or meditation can reduce the limbic overactivation that affects mast cells.

• Nutrients that stabilise mast cells:

  • Quercetin (500–1000 mg/day)

  • Vitamin C (buffered or liposomal is gentler)

  • Magnesium glycinate

  • Omega-3 fatty acids

  • DAO enzyme before meals, especially when eating out

• Safe antihistamines: H1 (loratadine) + H2 (famotidine) combos are sometimes helpful short-term, especially during stressful periods or travel

Realistic Food Strategies:

• Focus on a flexible low-histamine approach, not perfection

• Batch prep 3-4 core meals that freeze well (e.g., simple proteins, zucchini, sweet potato, rice)

• Avoid aged foods, leftovers >24h, and slow-cooked meals (these tend to build histamine)

• Choose restaurants with build-your-own bowls or grilled proteins and fresh sides

• Carry “safe snacks” (e.g., rice cakes, apples, collagen bars)

When it comes to food strategies, the goal isn’t restriction: it’s regulation.

C) IVF & Pregnancy considerations in suspected MCAS

You’re 100% right that pregnancy and fertility treatments can shift mast cell behavior. Hormonal fluctuations (especially estrogen surges) can aggravate symptoms.

Some things you can consider:

• IVF meds can be histamine-liberating (e.g., hCG, estrogen and antibiotics like Doxycycline, which are sometimes used)

• Request preservative-free versions of injectables if available

• Ask about pre-medicating with antihistamines or mast cell stabilisers

• Avoid contrast dyes, if possible, and flag your sensitivity to meds

After IVF or during postpartum (where hormones plummet), flare-ups can occur. You can reduce risks if you plan for gut, liver, and nervous system support upfront.

Here are some ideas:

• NAC (N-acetylcysteine): an antioxidant which also supports liver detox

• Milk thistle (silymarin): which is liver-protective.

• Probiotics: but be careful. Some strains can worsen MCAS because these strains produce histamine. Choose strains that reduce histamine, like Bifidobacterium infants. An example of probiotics that could help you is ProBiota HistaminX from the brand Seeking Health.

Your body has already shown you that histamine plays a role. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s resilience: getting your system strong enough to tolerate more foods, stress, and life as you move into this exciting next phase.

I hope this answer was helpful,

Daniel

Hey @Sheena

Thank you for reaching out. It is completely understandable to be cautious, especially with an 11-year-old’s delicate skin. From a functional medicine perspective, we always ask, “Why is this happening?“ instead of jumping straight into topical treatments.

Acne and blackheads in preteens are often signs of internal shifts, and rather than harsh cleansers, the goal is to support the body as it transitions gently. Here are a few key areas you could explore to get a clearer picture:

Hormonal Milestones

• Is she already showing signs of early puberty (like breast development, mood shifts, underarm/pubic hair)?

• Has she started menstruating yet, or are there signs it might be approaching?

Even in early puberty, fluctuations in androgens (like DHEA) can stimulate oil production and clog pores.

Dietary Influences

• What does her typical daily diet look like (breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks)?

• Any regular sugar, dairy, or processed food intake? These can be acne triggers in some kids.

We often see skin respond beautifully to lower glycemic loads and reduced dairy, especially during hormonal shifts.

Gut Health & Detox

• How are her bowel movements? Daily and easy or irregular/hard/diarrhea?

• Any history of antibiotics, especially in the last year?

Toxins can play a role as well. Endocrine disruptors – which are found in a variety of products (like hygiene and household products, possibly also in plastic toys) – could also influence her hormone balance.

Tip: If you’d like to learn more about where you can find Endocrine disruptors, take a look here: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2022/07/what-are-endocrine-disruptors

Skincare & Hygiene

• What products is she currently using, if any?

• Does she touch her face a lot or sleep with her hair on her forehead (oily bangs, for example)?

Gentle cleansing with warm water and non-comedogenic, fragrance-free options can help.

Lifestyle & Stress

• How’s her sleep?

• Any emotional stress or environmental changes (school, friendships, etc.)?

Even at 11, stress can contribute to increased cortisol, which also plays a role in skin inflammation.

There are several options to support her skin naturally and hopefully these tips can already point you in the right direction.

If you need some more guidance? Let me know some answers to the questions above and I can guide you more precisely from there.

Daniel

@LAK

I’ve also written about acne before. It gives more insight into how acne works, plus it includes some supplement recommendations that might help.

Your friend’s acne flaring around her period—especially on the chin and jawline—is a classic sign of hormonal acne, often driven by an androgen imbalance (like elevated DHT or testosterone) or progesterone deficiency. Accutane (isotretinoin) is a powerful drug, but it doesn’t address the underlying root causes.

One of the best things you can do to help is simply ask the right questions to uncover potential root causes. Progesterone naturally declines with age, especially in the 10 years leading up to menopause (and yes, she might already be in that phase). This decline can cause a relative estrogen deficiency. Interestingly, high progesterone production (yep—can’t win sometimes!) can also contribute to acne, since progesterone has mild androgenic activity.

How can you recognise hormone imbalances in women?

You could ask if she’s experiencing:

– PMS symptoms (mood swings, breast tenderness, poor sleep, bloating)
– Changes in her menstrual cycle (irregular ovulation or heavy bleeding)
– Low libido
– Male-pattern baldness
– Extra hair growth in unusual places (besides the chin, the abdomen for example)

PCOS

Hormonal acne is also commonly seen in people with PCOS. In addition to female hormone imbalances, she may also be dealing with insulin resistance. High insulin levels can signal the ovaries to produce more testosterone.

Best ways to check if insulin is playing a role:

– Get her fasting insulin tested (my personal favorite), or look at HbA1c combined with fasting glucose.
– Try a low-glycemic or low-carb diet and observe whether her acne improves. This means avoiding flour-based products, refined/processed carbs, sugar, and sugary foods.

Diet & Acne Triggers

We already touched on some foods, but here’s a more complete list of common acne aggravators:

– Dairy products
– Alcohol (interferes with estrogen and androgen clearance, and may spike blood sugar through cortisol release)
– Gluten-containing products

There’s also a handout in the Symptom Dictionary where many of these things are summarised. You can find it here:

https://bbettermembership.com/resource-library/a/acne/

Hey @iryna_klevetenko ,

Sometimes pediatricians could prescribe these supplements as a preventive measure. The best is to ask your pediatrician of course, but here are some reasons why iron and vitamin D could be recommended. When your child

• is exclusively or mostly breastfed beyond 6 months (vitamin D is often recommended in these cases).
• has a diet lacking iron-rich foods.
• drinks too much cow’s milk (Cow’s milk can reduce iron absorption)
• has dark skin or limited sun exposure, which could lead to lower vitamin D levels.
• was born prematurely or had a low birth weight (iron deficiency anemia is more common in preterm babies since they miss the last trimester’s iron transfer from the mother).
• shows symptoms of anemia (pale skin, fatigue, irritability).
• If the mother had low iron levels during the third trimester, the baby could be at a higher risk of anemia at birth.

Perhaps this gives you some insight into why these recommendations are made. These supplements can be stopped depending on your child’s health, growth, and lab results (especially if anemia plays a role).

Hey @Annie ,

The type of approach depends a bit on what causes discoid eczema. Research shows there is not
one single cause”. Here are some common causes:

• Skin Barrier Dysfunction: Impaired skin barrier makes the skin prone to moisture loss and irritation.
• Allergens / Irritants: Reaction to environmental allergens, soaps, detergents, or perfumes.
• Dry Skin: Dry, cold climates or frequent hot showers strip natural oils and worsen symptoms.
• Infections: Bacterial infections, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, can aggravate the condition.
• Stress: Stress maybe not a cause of discoid eczema, but it can exacerbate eczema due to its impact on immune function.

Focusing on optimizing immune function plays a role in all causes. This is why vitamin D seems to bring relief to discoid eczema. Other nutrients may play a role as well: zinc, vitamin A, and B vitamins (you know the B12 levels?).

Skin also has a protective layer called the “Skin barrier”. This barrier usually contains fat. A diet with good healthy fats can provide not only the nutrients for the skin barrier but help with resolving the inflammation that accompanies discoid eczema. Specific Omega 3s can help resolve inflammation. Sources should contain EPA and DHA. This means plant-based omega 3s won’t help however, marine-based omega 3s (like in fish oil or krill oil) can.

The gallbladder and liver play an important role in fat digestion. If they don’t work well, this too can lead to a dry skin. A liver function test done by your doctor could provide insight. Ruling out gallbladder issues as well of course. I’m going to assume your daughter is still a kid and therefore these issues are less likely.

Iron deficiency can play a role as well. With iron deficiency a broken skin barrier is more likely. Measuring serum hemoglobin, iron AND ferritin can give you a clue as to if your daughter is Iron deficient.

Keep the skincare basic. Washing it too much or using soaps containing irritants can cause harm. The skin barrier can be “washed away”.

Natural antibiotics could help if an infection is at play. With discoid eczema, there isn’t much research to back it up, but it is worth a try. Honey and Aloe Vera gel are easily applied to the skin and have antimicrobial properties. Some fats (like coconut oil) have anti-microbial properties as well, however they could clog the pores leading to different skin problems.

In summary:

– Support the immune system with nutrients (Vit D, Vit A, zinc, bioavalable B vitamins containing methylcobalamine and methyl-folate)

– Help the body resolve inflammation with Omega 3 sources

– Check lab values that asses iron status (and liver and gallbladder wellbeing)

– Keep your soaps “clean”, don’t wash to often and to hot.

– Use natural anti-microbials that can be applied to the skin.

To the other questions I’m missing a bit of context. Perhaps you could message me the link to the earlier question you’ve asked?

I hope this answer helps!

Hey @dxb,

Functional Adaptation
Elevations in HDL and LDL are often a sign of “something”. Small elevations might simply be a functional adaptation to lifestyle choices.

For example: a diet heavy in animal proteins and (healthy) fats can cause LDL and HDL to rise. Animal proteins in nature are almost always accompanied by fats. When we eat more animal proteins, we eat often without realising more fats. What does this have to do with HDL and LDL?

HDL and LDL are Lipoproteins and they play a crucial role in the transport of lipids (fats) throughout the body. When we eat more fats, we need more transport vehicles. Although this is a functional adaptation, really high LDL values are still a concern and it’s better to lower the cholesterol values into the ideal range.

Underlying conditions:
Since LDL is borderline high and HDL is high I would dive deeper into other causes. HDL can act as an anti-oxidant in case there is some oxidative stress present in the body. Finding what causes oxidative stress can be related to other underlying conditions.

For example: conditions like hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, kidney problems or liver issues can raise LDL. Are there other symptoms you are currently experiencing? If so, let us know.

You can find Signs & symptoms of hypothyroidism & blood sugar imbalances in other courses. I’ve linked them below:

– Signs & Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

– Signs & Symptoms of Blood sugar imbalances (use this link: https://bbettermembership.com/courses/blood-sugar-regulation/lessons/the-phases-of-dysfunction-phase-1-2-signs-symptoms/)

Signs & symptoms of kidney issues can vary like changes in urination, swelling (edema), fatigue, high blood pressure, nausea, and shortness of breath due to impaired waste removal and fluid balance.

You can recognize liver problems by the following symptoms: jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, and pale stools.

Female sex hormones:

Another player that could influence cholesterol production is relatively high estrogen compared to progesterone. This happens in certain stages of female life naturally. In the 10 years of menopause progesterone slowly declines leaving relatively high estrogen levels in females. This can also cause LDL cholesterol to rise.

Conclusion
Many things could contribute to elevations in LDL and HDL. Dietary choices like a high-fat diet high in calories, and a diet high in sugars and/or processed foods often can raise LDL cholesterol. Blood sugar imbalances and hypothyroidism are the most common health conditions that could elevate LDL.

I didn’t mention stress yet, but yes… stress can play a big role as well

I know this answer might raise a lot of new questions. Feel free to ask!

Hey @Annie

There are protein powders you could use. I like the protein powders from Designs for Health. You can find their products also on Fullscript (just click here!)where you can order them with a discount. I often use them when I’m doing a detox program. I like the way they saturate me as well.

Although flavour is very personal, I like the vanilla and chocolate options. If compliance is a problem, flavour often becomes an important factor. Vanilla is easy because you can change the taste more easily. You could for example make a protein smoothie with banana, blueberries and coconut water to make the taste more palatable.

Is there any specific reason why your son has trouble with getting more protein? Perhaps knowing what his problem is will help us give better advice.

Hey @iryna_klevetenko ,

In the symptom dictionary, you can find a list of recommendations. Just click here.

Gout is caused by elevations of uric acid in the blood that form urate crystals in the joint(s). Uric acid levels can rise for various reasons. A diet high in purines could for example be the cause (see symptom dictionary for examples of foods). Alcoholic beverages are also a source of purines. Some alcohol (beer for example) is worse because, on top of the alcohol, the beverage itself can be a direct source of purines.

Sugary foods are a source of fructose and fructose, just like alcohol can cause uric acid to elevate.

Vitamin C can protect the body from the effects of high uric acid levels in the body. Vitamin C from foods would be best, but a supplement can help you as well. Available research shows that 500 milligrams of vitamin C per day may be beneficial for the prevention of gout.

Since gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis an anti-inflammatory lifestyle will help:

• Remove processed carbohydrates (like white flour, and sugary foods) and processed foods (like processed meats)
• Prioritize sleep and avoid stress
• Add in anti-inflammatory foods like olive oil, certain berries, fruit, vegetables, and spices. Be careful with fish though since fish can be a source of purines
• Consider anti-inflammatory supplements like curcumin and purified, molecularly distilled fish oil

I hope this answer helps!

Daniel

Hey @naslam1603 ,

I didn’t forget , but since I saw your interest in buying dumbbells, I’ve been rethinking my response.

And here’s why:

You’ve already built a strong foundation (supplements, gut lining support, nervous system work, and careful tracking of what does and doesn’t work for you). But I noticed you might be considering strength training. And while it’s not a magic fix, it is a tool that could quietly tip the scales because it supports gut motility in a whole different way:

It does so by rhythmic muscle contractions that support the migrating motor complex (your gut’s “clean-up” system) and can be very valuable with gastroparesis.

So while I’m not putting training on a pedestal, it’s one of the most low-cost, high-reward tools we’ve got and one that’s often underused in complex gut cases. Normally, my advice includes a lot of other nutritional angles, but given your current symptoms, I feel that antimicrobials might be too taxing right now and could easily trigger new layers of reactivity.

On the Parasite:

E. nana isn’t necessarily from undercooked chicken feet (it dies quite quickly when you boil food above 75 degrees Celsius), I can’t rule it out completely. It likely appeared because your gut environment with permeability (zonulin), low commensals, and sluggish motility became more permissive.

Instead of fixating on where it came from, ask:

“What would make my gut no longer a place it can stay?”

Part of that answer could be movement. Strength training restores internal rhythm, improves motility and this alone can shift your microbiome in a different direction.

On Streptococcus:

Some species of Streptococcus are lactic acid-producing bacteria. In a healthy microbiome, they’re usually kept in check. But in a gut that’s low in protective species like Faecalibacterium or Akkermansia, and where motility is reduced, they can overgrow and start to acidify their surroundings.

This local acidification:

– Can suppress beneficial butyrate-producing microbes

– Irritates the mucosal lining

– And can worsen histamine-type symptoms in sensitive individuals

We often see this in people with gastroparesis, SIBO-like symptoms, or general dysbiosis, where the upper GI becomes a microbial traffic jam: too many passengers, not enough movement, and poor ventilation.

So the solution isn’t to “kill Streptococcus,” but to change the environment:

– Improve motility

– Increase oxygenation through movement

– Reintroduce microbial diversity once the terrain is ready

In that sense, gentle strength training becomes less of a weapon and more of a rebalancing force: one that helps shift the gut’s tempo and restore ecological hierarchy

Histamine Intolerance & Training

It is wise to be cautious here. But done properly, training can actually reduce histamine sensitivity over time by:

• supporting mitochondrial health,
• improving oxygen delivery
• and helping the body metabolise histamine better via improved circulation, nutrient uptake, and autonomic balance.

The key is not to overtrain:

• Keep workouts short (20–30 mins)
• Use compound movements with rest between sets (e.g. rows, squats, push-ups, etc)
• Breathe slowly (if you can) during the exertion. Your vagus nerve loves that 😉

I hope my advise is digestible 😉 There are other things to consider (other supplement ideas), but I think when movement… no training(!)… can improve motility, you did a great thing for shifting your gut health.

Let me know your thoughts,

Daniel