[Bernadette_Abraham]

This talk was a real eye opener!! Must watch! It challenges our current understanding of basic physiology and what truly impacts heart health!

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@Annie Absolutely, 100% yes!! If they’ve never had kefir before, start low and slow to give their microbiome a chance to adjust to the new beneficial strains being brought in.

Usually, it’s recommended to start with just 1 tsp and then double the dose every 2-3 days if a person remains symptom-free until reaching about 1/4 – 1/2 cup per day.

I’m happy to hear you’ll be starting to introduce kefir into their diet. I’m always encouraging parents to do so. It’s truly one of the best kept secrets for our gut health and immunity!

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @Annie – I personally like the liquid vitamin D from Seeking Health, Thorne and Biotics Research. I also really like cod liver oil for children as a source of not only vitamin D but also vitamin A and omega-3 fats.

However, I always try to avoid supplements with children unless I know there’s a deficiency or specific circumstance that needs to be corrected. I’ve been looking into vitamin D lamps recently for this purpose.

Just need to see if there’s one with low EMFs, and I’ll be sharing more info about it. The idea is to use a lamp to replace the sun so that we synthesize it on our own during the winter months instead of relying on supplements. I’ll be sure to let you know what I find.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @Annie – unfortunately, there’s no robust evidence directly linking the consumption of raw eggs to the development of neurological or schizophrenia-like disorders.

Regarding the shaking when he was poisoned from raw egg consumption, severe cases can sometimes cause systemic infections that can affect the nervous system, which can potentially lead to symptoms such as shaking or muscle spasms, especially if there’s dehydration or electrolyte imbalances caused by vomiting and diarrhea as a result of the food poisoning.

So it’s not a straightforward yes or no I’m afraid.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @naslam1603 – a ferritin level of 555 is actually quite high and would make sense after an IV iron infusion. In men, a ferritin above 100 could also be due to an infectious dynamic (because the body sequesters iron to stop feeding infections) or due to a genetic condition called hemochromatosis which leads to iron overload. So while it may seem like a dramatic drop, 68ug/L is more likely your normal baseline level which is slightly suboptimal.

B12 does not directly cause low ferritin, but there may be a indirect connection. With B12 injections, you can rapidly correct a deficiency, enabling the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. This process requires iron, which may lead to a temporary depletion of ferritin (the storage form of iron), particularly if iron stores were already borderline.

I know you’ve been doing a lot of gut healing work. Do you feel your digestion has improved and would tolerate more meat in your diet? Have you been able to slowly wean off of your PPI while increasing stomach acid support?

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @Bahareh – your assessment seems to be on the right track, however I’d like to make a few comments to challenge your thinking (in italic):

• Chronic Inflammation (Insulin resistant, Hypothyroid, her conditions: Adenomyosis and Uterine Fibroid) what markers made you assume she’s insulin resistant? And yes, she is presenting with sub-clinical hypothyroid function.
• Possible reactivation of viral infection? (WBC markers) the skewing of her neutrophils and lymphocytes point to a possible low-grade simmering infection/dysbiosis.
• Nutrient deficiencies (due to BC as well as thyroid conversion issues): need for B6/B12, Zinc, Copper, Vit A, Selenium, Iron, Magnesium, since no autoimmune can increase Vitamin D as well) / iodine? should be tested. There’s a definite need for more zinc. Have you considered why that might be the case? I agree there’s a strong need for all B vitamins, especially B6 and B12. What made you assume she needs copper? I agree she could use some nutrient support to help with the conversion of T4 to free T3. Her anti-TG was right on the cusp of autoimmunity, so I would be cautious with iodine, and would encourage gluten elimination for a short time period while working on supporting the integrity of her gut lining, then re-test.

• Anemia (low iron stores) since also low in HCI, iron absorption issues Assuming she’s low in HCL from hypothyroid function, why else would her iron be low and what can she do to address that?
• Adrenal fatigue and chronic stress Can you clarify how you came to this assumption?
• Needs liver/gallbladder support, low bile (Lipid profile and Liver profile) Keep in mind that low B6 can mask what’s truly going with a liver panel. Her direct bilirubin is slightly sub-optimal, so supporting the biliary tract is probably a good idea
• Gut dysbiosis (renal markers) Can you please explain how you made this assumption.
• Further possible root causes: Heavy Metals what makes you suspect heavy metals are at play?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@Kkol have I already directed you to the Interpreting Basic Blood Chemistry course before? I feel as though I have…

In any case, I’d encourage you to watch the entre section on Lipids in that course starting with THIS video.

I always suggest a more advanced lipid panel which I also discuss in these videos to assess cardiovascular risk. Homocysteine, fibrinogen and hsCRP should also be part of the picture, but also other markers such as fasting insulin, HbA1c, full thyroid and liver panels.

I also encourage you to listen to Dr. Ralph Esposito’s session “Demystifying the Lipid Panel“.

Finally, next week I’ll be interviewing Dr. Stephen Hussey, author of Understanding the Heart, for a fascinating discussion on what really causes heart attacks. He summarizes it into these 3 things:

1 – Poor metabolic health / insulin resistance

2 – Inflammation & oxidative stress

3 – An imbalance in the autonomic nervous system

I highly recommend joining this session live too if you can! Here’s the link: https://bbettermembership.com/event/beyond-cholesterol-what-really-causes-heart-attacks-with-dr-stephen-hussey/

Regarding your question about genetic cholesterol, when you watch all the resources I’ve shared, you’ll realize that higher cholesterol may not actually be a problem. In fact, as we age, higher cholesterol actually becomes protective.

Happy learning!

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@Alyssa besides prescribing antibiotics, did your doctor try to figure out what caused the methane-dominant SIBO?

I’m asking because I’ve seen many cases where patients are put on antibiotics or even natural antimicrobials WITHOUT addressing the cause, and it becomes this never ending revolving door of “killing” and then it returning, leading to a lot of frustration and a decimated gut/immunity from all the antibiotics.

Antibiotics or natural antimicrobials may be totally appropriate in your case, however I just want to prevent this from happening to you too. It’s very important that your doctor is also addressing the cause(s) so that the environment changes and it does not return after removing the overgrowth.

And I’m so glad to hear that you’re free of H Pylori! Glad it worked for you. Supporting stomach acid production is one of the main digestive players that when dysfunctional, can set a person up for SIBO.

I would strongly suggest you go through our SIBO/IBS Program located in Succeed>Programs. Not only does it cover the common root cause factors, but it also shares solutions for permanent resolution including more natural options.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@naslam1603 I’m speaking to him to see if he’ll speak in December or January. With the holidays, it’s hard to get a commitment from guests during these months.

Regarding the iron spray you shared, the forms of iron aren’t ideal.

Ferric ammonium citrate and ferric sodium EDTA have low to moderate bioavailability and prolonged use of EDTA’s binding properties can deplete other minerals like calcium, zinc and magnesium which you don’t want.

If you didn’t get a chance, please watch this video on how to correct iron deficiency for better forms.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@Annie the 3 lamps I’m looking into are:

• SPERTI Vitamin D Sunlamp: FDA-approved device focused solely on UVB light for vitamin D production. Users have reported significant increases in vitamin D levels after consistent use. A clinical study indicated an average increase of 47.5% in serum D3 levels with just five minutes of exposure every other day over four weeks.

• MITOLUX Better Than Sunshine Lamp: Offers a combination of UVB and red/infrared light, aiming to replicate natural sunlight more closely. The added wavelengths may provide additional skin and health benefits.

• EMR-TEK Chroma Vitamin D Light: Provides a broad spectrum of light, including UVB, UVA, red, and near-infrared, for a holistic approach to light therapy.

So for the purpose of increasing vitamin D, I’m leaning towards the SPERTI sunlamp.

As for nails peeling in young children, it’s likely linked to nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of biotin, zinc, or iron, or frequent exposure to water or chemicals like soap. Really focusing on giving them a varied whole foods diet would be a good starting point. If you need help taking action with that, please start by watching my VPF principle to understand how to provide balanced and nutrient rich meals.

Then please watch the next video “Diet Analysis” on how to implement it with an attached 3-day food journal if you need more help with that.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @Alyssa – if you have constipation, that is definitely a priority to be addressing first – even if you have to use rapid relief measures. The same factors that can lead to constipation (dysfunction in the main digestive players) can also set a person up for SIBO/IBS. So I’d actually encourage you to address constipation first, and then proceed with the SIBO/IBS program.

We also have a Constipation Relief Program located in Succeed>Programs or simply click HERE. I discuss the main causes of constipation; methane-dominant SIBO being one of them since it can affect the production of serotonin and lead to slow motility. In the rapid relief section, I share supplement options to consider to ensure a person is having daily bowel movements. When SIBO-M is present, something like Motil Pro by Pure Encapsulations could be helpful since it has 5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin which helps with motility, mood and sleep. Note – 5-HTP is contraindicated in those taking a SSRI (anti-depressant) drug.

While SIBO is one of the common causes for constipation, there could also be dehydration, a need for more magnesium, possible hypothyroid function, etc. So I’d encourage you to go through the entire constipation program to see if there might be other reasons that need to be addressed as well.

The program will ask you to fill in assessment forms and get other tests done to help you figure out the root cause(s). Let us know if you have any questions about that or if you wish to share your results to get further guidance and direction as you go through the program.

Doing this work will set you up for success if/when it’s time to do the antimicrobials.

To answer your question about adding more fiber: given your confirmed SIBO diagnosis, introducing more fiber at this stage is likely to make you feel worse. The bacteria in the small intestine will ferment the fiber, producing gas as a byproduct, which can increase bloating and discomfort.

When SIBO is confirmed, it’s recommended to follow a Low FODMAP diet. This approach categorizes foods based on their fermentability, helping you choose options that are less likely to cause symptoms. While it’s not a long-term diet, it can provide temporary relief from gas and bloating while allowing you to reintroduce fiber more gradually and comfortably.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@naslam1603 I really like the Schuessler tissue salt # 3 called Ferrum Phosphoricum. It’s homeopathic and I’ve found it helps with iron absorption/storage (ferritin). I don’t think I’ve ever heard complaints of side effects since it’s homeopathic and can also be given to babies.

Also consider cooking your food in an iron skillet. You can find other helpful tips for correcting an iron deficiency HERE from the Mineral Balance course.

I also strongly suggest you work with Dr. Geoffrey Smith – he’s actually going to be a guest expert in B Better soon. He works with patients who are stuck in the physical realm. Energy medicine can be powerful to get someone out of those loops.

If you’re not comfortable with his methods, then I also highly recommend Dr. Manjari who is an excellent homeopath. She does virtual visits and is based in Dubai if you’d like consider homeopathy. This form of medicine can also be great for those who are very sensitive. She was a guest expert in B Better and you can watch her session here to see if you resonate with her.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Well done @Bahareh – she’s lucky to be working with you!

Be cautious with the term “adrenal fatigue.” While it’s commonly used, it refers to a severe condition where the adrenal glands fail completely. In her case, the adrenals are functioning properly. What’s happening is HPA Axis dysfunction—her brain is intentionally adjusting cortisol production as a protective mechanism, meaning her system is still working as it should.

Regarding heavy metals, do you know if she’s had any known exposures to make you suspect that?

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @LAK – with hypothyroid function, everything in the body slows down – including digestion and its digestive juices. So yes, it’s very possible to have suboptimal stomach acid as a result of subclinical low thyroid function. That’s why it’s important to address stress and thyroid nutrient deficiencies to help “fire up” metabolism again, as well as removing gluten while doing gut healing to calm the immune system. If H Pylori is confirmed negative, then supplementing with digestive enzymes or Betaine HCL is a great way to support overall digestion and help with nutrient absorption as a temporary crutch.

You can find stomach acid support options in THIS VIDEO from the Gut Health Masterclass.

Regarding liver/gallbladder support. There are many non-supplement options, but just know they won’t be as potent as supplements so they will take longer to show effect.

• We have a list of liver/gallbladder supportive foods in this handout. I often recommend dandelion root tea to my clients. Digestive bitters can also help stimulate bile secretion and overall digestion. You can find bitter foods and supplement options HERE.
• Castor oil packs can be effective as well. Here’s more info and the how-to instructions.

However, one of my favorite ways to break up biliary tract congestion is with D-limonene. It’s a supplement made from citrus extract that acts like a detergent that breaks up grease. I often recommend 30-60 days (or more as needed) to clients who need help with better bile flow due to some biliary tract congestion. If someone has “clogged pipes”, it’s important to unclog them first before promoting and pushing bile flow. Hope that makes sense.

You can find more info about d-limonene and its use in the Liver/Gallbladder Support video from the Gut Health Masterclass course.

And well done for making the time to go through all of these materials. They will certainly help you make sense of it all! Let me know if you need more help!

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@LAK thanks for sharing. I’m glad you did, because as suspected thyroid function (even though you’re on Thyroxine) is still suboptimal. Ideally, I like to see Free T3 in the upper half of the clinical reference range. So based on these results, I’d like to see it above 3.2.

This means you’re having trouble converting T4 to free T3 the active hormone that has effect everywhere in the body, including digestion, liver function, immunity, metabolism, etc. This could be nutrient related or it could also be stress related. Unfortunately we do not have Reverse T3 to see what’s happening there. Please watch this video from the Thyroid Balance course to make sure you’re providing your body with the key nutrients needed for thyroid conversion. You did not measure vitamin A and selenium, which are also key nutrients so focusing on foods that provide these is a safe bet. What is the reference range for Zinc? Please also include those as they change from lab to lab.

Also, please watch this video to understand how cortisol impacts thyroid function.

And with regards to your liver panel, I’m also seeing sluggishness as indicated by clinically low Total Protein and Globulin. Please watch THIS video from the Interpreting Basic Blood Chemistry course to understand why.

Your fasting glucose is also considered suboptimal, however given the high morning cortisol response in your previous test, this could be due to an early morning stress response. But to rule out blood sugar dysregulation, you could also ask for a blood sugar panel that includes fasting insulin, fasting glucose and HbA1c.

Regarding your question about reintroducing gluten, you don’t want to reintroduce it slowly. Instead, you really want to trigger the immune system to see if it will respond to gluten. You can read more about reintroductions in this handout.