Hi @R-S, yes it’s likely that you’re doing too much too fast. Remember low & slow. It’s important to allow your body time to adjust to anything new which also allows you to determine if it’s causing any symptoms. I often recommend 3 days when introducing anything new.

If the symptoms started when you introduced Mag Phos, that’s likely the culprit. So cut out anything that was introduced too quickly, allow your body to get back to baseline, and then reintroduce them one at a time with enough days in between to assess how it makes you feel.

And also keep in mind that it’s not necessary to do them all. Choose your favorite 1-3 and stick with those if they are helping.

Hi @healthyliving99 – thanks for sharing. Skin issues can be really frustrating, and also difficult to figure out because there can be so many different causes. But based on the brief description you shared, a few possible factors came to mind:

• postpartum hormonal shifts (including thyroid changes)
• possible histamine intolerance, food sensitivities, or postpartum immune shifts (the immune system resets after pregnancy and breastfeeding)
• skin barrier sensitivity (especially after dermaplaning)
• nutrient depletion from breastfeeding
• possible environmental triggers since moving back to the US (water quality, detergents, or allergens)
• possible yeast imbalances given the chronic history of dandruff

Now to help you narrow this down, please answer the following questions:

1. Do the flare-ups seem tied to your cycle (around ovulation or period)?

2. Have you changed skincare, detergent, or diet since returning to the US?

3. Is your drinking water filtered? How about showers?

4. Do you notice if it happens more indoors vs outdoors?

5. Have you had your thyroid, vitamin D, iron, or zinc checked since giving birth?

6. Any family history of eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis?

7. Besides dryness, have you noticed hair changes, temperature sensitivity, or unusual fatigue?

8. Do you ever notice things like sugar cravings, recurrent yeast infections, or that your dandruff flares more in humid or sweaty conditions?

Let’s start with these questions, and I’ll wait to hear back from you. We’ll help you get to the bottom of this!

Hi @naslam1603

No they don’t appear to be the same technique.

Dr. Klighardt’s ART is a biofeedback-based diagnostic tool that uses the autonomic nervous system responses (like muscle tone changes), whereas Dr. Smith’s method involves energy field manipulation using tuning forks (holosonic sound thereapy) & electro-acupuncture (EAV) which is different to muscle testing or autonomic diagnostic testing like ART.

You can go through Dr. Smith’s course in B Better if you’re interested in using Holosonic Sound therapy as a self-help too. You can access it here.

@Kkol – thanks for sharing. Do you have a family history of cardiovascular disease?

The biggest concern with these results is the elevated LDL-C, ApoB, and Lp(a) which are strong cardiovascular risk markers.

Given that HOMA-IR is 2.1 (ideal is <2.0) and fasting insulin is 9.54 (ideal is <7), there is some borderline insulin resistance. This should be addressed with dietary, supplement and lifestyle modifications. If you can give me more context, I can hopefully share ways to help with this.

But given the elevated cardio risk markers, there are supplements that can help reduce these, but I would also suggest you work with a functional doctor for supervision. As I explain in this lesson from the Lipid module inside the Blood Chemistry course, the following supplements can help with lipids:

• Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): 2–4 g/day (reduces triglycerides, lowers ApoB)

• Niacin (Vitamin B3) (500–1000 mg/day, slow-release; only under supervision): lowers Lp(a) & ApoB, raises HDL

• Berberine (500 mg, 2–3x/day): improves insulin sensitivity, lowers cholesterol, ApoB, and triglycerides

• Red Yeast Rice (standardized to monacolin K) is a natural statin: lowers LDL (also under doctor’s supervision and monitoring liver function every few months)

But ultimately, the goal should be to address why your lipids are high in the first place. Again, if you can provide more context – we can help you get to the bottom of this. If I recall correctly from a previous thread, did we discuss exploring sleep apnea? It’s often an overlooked root cause of metabolic dysfunction and fatty liver.

Hi @Kkol sorry to hear about your wife’s knee injury.

I would recommend you book an appointment to see Dr. Suad Trebinjac at HMS Al Garhood Private Hospital. 04-454-5000. He’s in Dubai on Sundays only. He’s a sports doctor that can hopefully recommend the appropriate treatment for her.

He helped me eliminate my chronic neck pain with prolotherapy injections. I’m not saying this is what your wife needs, but it’s one of the many different therapies in his toolkit. Very caring and knowledgeable doctor.

Hi @DXB – can you please clarify a few things.

1. Are you looking for a water pitcher similar to a Brita (but obviously a better quality) that you can pack in your suitcase and bring back with you?
2. Is it your home or renting a place? I’m asking because I’m wondering if you’d like to invest in something like a Berkey and leave it there after you leave?
3. How many people are you? What size pitcher or countertop filter will you need?
4. Do you want a larger counter-top for a family/house or something like a portable filtered water bottle for on-the-go use.

There are many options so once I understand your vacation situation better, I can help make a better recommendation.

@Rania yes, it’s ok to take them together.

@Rania – Oscillococcinum stat! Pharmacy should hopefully carry it. It’s an amazing homeopathic remedy that helps reduce duration and severity of the flu, and is most effective at the onset of symptoms.

@Rania – I also wanted to add…

In the event that your homeopath doesn’t give you clearance to start Tryptophan, I also wanted to suggest another way to support mood through microbiome modulation. It’s amazing how much our mood is connected to our gut, so a targeted probiotic may just be the key without risking serotonin syndrome.

There was a study done on this probiotic by Bio-Kult that showed reduction in anxiety and major depression after 4 and 8 weeks while medicated. Here are the summarized findings and study is linked below:

Adults (aged 18-55 years) with major depressive disorder (HAMD-17 score >13) were administered a multistrain probiotic (Bio-Kult Advanced; four capsules daily, each containing 2×10^9 CFU for a total of 8 billion CFU/day; n=24) or a placebo (n=25) for 8 weeks, in addition to their ongoing antidepressant medication. The probiotic group showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms, with HAMD-17 scores at week 4 (SES: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.98; P=0.04) and IDS scores at week 8 (SES: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.87; P=0.04). They also had greater reductions in anxiety symptoms, as indicated by HAMA scores at week 4 (SES: 0.67, 95% CI: 0 to 0.95; P=0.05) and week 8 (SES: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.06 to 1.05; P=0.03). However, no significant improvements were found in GAD-7 scores at week 4 (SES: 0.57, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.82; P=0.06) or week 8 (SES: 0.32, 95% CI: -0.19 to 0.65; P=0.28). [Nikolova et al, 2023],

@Rania – gut healing therapies can be taken anytime that is convenient.

Sole is 1 x per day, and again when there are high periods of stress or heavy sweating.

Hi @Rania ,

1. The jar is is left out on the counter overnight. Once it’s done and you strain out the herbs, the infusion can be stored in the fridge for a few days. It can be served hot or cold. Your preference.

2. Yes sole can be used daily during high periods of stress or when there’s heavy amounts of sweating. I cycle on/off of it as needed.

3. Vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin D are all still suboptimal even though they are within the normal reference ranges. Ideally, vitamin D should be 50-70ng/mL. Serum B12 > 600pg/mL, and folate above the upper half of the reference range. So continuing the food therapy/homeopathic cell salts would still be helpful.

4. Do speak to your homeopath regarding the introduction of tryptophan and keep us posted.

Hi @Rania – let me just say, you’re doing so great!

I’ll go over your questions one at a time:

1. Making an infusion is simple and you can use any dried herb. Please watch this video tutorial where I demonstrate how to make a stinging nettle infusion (and written instructions are below the video). Since slippery elm is a powder, you would simply add it in right before drinking – otherwise it becomes too slimy to drink. I would reduce the dose of slippery elm to once daily instead of 3 times, especially if you’re starting to add in marshmallow root and other mucilaginous foods. Drinking 1 cup of the infusion per day is great (anytime – hot or cold, and can be split throughout the day), and eventually it can be reduced to once every other day, as things improve.

2. If there are any thyroid or bloating concerns, then yes, the cabbage can be lightly steamed beforehand which adds an extra step. Otherwise, cabbage juice is literally just raw organic cabbage thrown into a juicer, and juiced. It usually takes a good 1/2 cabbage to get about 150mL of juice. So you can see why it’s a therapeutic dose. I usually recommend my clients drink 150-180mL cabbage juice daily, first thing in the morning (to get it out of the way) for 30-60 days. But really anytime is fine. And vary the colors; red, white, nappa, etc. I ask them to experiment with what works best. Some love it, others can’t stand it. Let’s see which camp you fall into. 🙂

3. Fresh aloe vera. Yes, you cut off the prickly sides, peel one side (can use a peeler), and scoop out the gel (1 to 2 Tbsp) making sure there is no yellow sap on it, and add it to any smoothie. If there is sap, wash it well. Again, since you’re doing so many other gut soothing therapies, the frequency can be less. But always start low and slow to assess how it makes you feel.

4. Sea moss gel. Again 1 Tbsp daily works. Gut healing therapies can be done for 60 days or even up to a year if needed, depending on the person’s situation. For example, if someone needs longer term support while addressing the root cause, then these therapies can be taken for longer.

5. Epsom salt foot soaks & Mag Phos. Both can be taken daily (together or separately – it doesn’t matter) and for as long as needed. With intact skin + normal kidneys, it’s very hard to overdose on magnesium from Epsom-salt foot soaks, even if you do them daily for a short stretch. Same with homeopathic cell salts. The bigger risk is dry, irritated skin, so long-term daily soaks aren’t ideal. So to bypass the risk of dry skin, frequency can be reduced from daily to every other day to be super safe.

6. Ferrum Phos. Same as Mag Phos. It can be taken daily even if you’re eating liver. It helps with cellular absorption – so allows you to better absorb and benefit from eating liver. As for timing, I always take my homeopathic cell salts first thing in the morning away from food. But that’s just so I don’t forget. They can be taken at any time of day that is suitable for you – just away from food/mint by at least 15 mins.

7. With regards to the final tapering off your SNRI and adding in Tryptophan, please speak to your doctor about this, and the best way to introduce it if they agree. It’s very important to get the clearance first and be properly monitored because even with a low dose, there is still a risk of serotonin syndrome (agitation, tremor, sweating, diarrhea, fever, confusion). With that said, if you are given clearance, then starting with 500mg at bedtime, away from protein, with a little carbohydrate is usually how it’s done. But please please speak to your doctor first and get clearance. You need to be monitored, and they need to stay in the loop with any symptoms.

8. Regarding your symptoms upon rising and post-meal, I sense it could be blood sugar/adrenal related. If blood sugar drops (hypoglycemia), adrenaline kicks in and can lead to those symptoms you’re experiencing. And with nervous system dysregulation, it’s not uncommon to have low BP and feel dizzy when standing up. So I’d guess it’s a combination of issues related to blood sugar and adrenal status. And of course, tapering off Duloxetine can also be at play. Here are some things to try throughout the day to remedy this while working on nervous system regulation:

Morning:

a) Upon rising, drink 350-500mL water with 1 Tbsp “sole” (saturated salt water). This study shows how water/salt can help raise BP transiently when going from lying to standing. Salt is also nourishing for the adrenals – we deplete our sodium when we’re stressed. Here’s an article on the benefits and how to make sole.

b) If you feel like food would relieve the nausea, listen to your body. Have a small bite within 10 mins of waking. For example, a small protein + starchy carb/fruit like 1 egg + 1/2 small potato or few berries. This can hopefully help stop the palps/nausea fast. Then eat a full breakfast later within 90 mins. This will help target the low glucose response. If you need to take supplements/remedies away from food upon rising, then choose a different time (like mid-morning or mid-afternoon).

Post-Meals:

c) Go for a 10-minute walk after eating, especially if it’s higher in starchy carbs (like pasta) to help reduce glucose/insulin spike post-meal. If your pasta was corn/rice based, this can really spike blood sugar – consider trying a higher protein-based pasta like lentil or chickpea. And ideally, choose whole food starches like potatoes and rice instead of flour-based carbs. These can really spike blood sugar/insulin which I’m guessing is what happened with you. It can set off an adrenaline response. I highly encourage you to watch this lesson from our Blood Sugar Balance course to better understand blood sugar dysregulation.

Evenings:

d) Consider trying a high fat/sugar snack before bed. Example, spoon of coconut oil + honey. This can provide the body with a steady source of sugar throughout the night, which can lessen the first-morning blood sugar dips. This might eliminate the need for a first morning snack.

9. Magnesium, L-theanine and lemon balm are all great additions, especially in the evenings to wind down before bed, and can be taken with dinner or before bed away from food. But these can also be taken during the day if you experience anxiety. So really the best timing is what serves your needs best.

Hope this helps you put it all together with more clarity.

Hi @Rania – no, I don’t think these restrictions are adding fuel to the fire so to speak. On the contrary, given the gut inflammation from SIBO/IBS, there is likely enhanced intestinal permeability (aka “leaky gut”) and reduced enzyme production from the brush border lining. This can lead to food sensitivities and a hypervigilant immune state (which can explain the palpitations after eating certain foods).

Therefore, removing possible sensitivities will actually help calm the immune system and give it a much deserved vacation. Keep in mind that these eliminations are usually temporary and for a specific reason and goal. The goal right now is to reduce as much stress in the body as possible, which includes immune hypervigilance that is creating a physiological stress response.

Stress comes in many forms; mental/emotional, physical and physiological. Since nervous system regulation is your #1 priority, reducing all forms of stress (including physiological) will help towards your goal.

As for digestive rapid relief, you can try the bitter foods/teas, but they won’t be as potent as a liquid digestive bitter supplement. So try foods first, and if they aren’t enough, then consider the supplement forms instead.

Hi @DXB – actually, I’m NOT a fan of Brita at all. They are not NSF certified, which is what you want when looking for a filter brand. But it’s the most well known pitcher brand so I was simply using it as a reference to see what style of filter you’re looking for.

If you want a pitcher style similar to Brita (but obviously better quality), then checkout LifeStraw’s pitcher products (they come in 7 cup and 10 cup sizes). You can also take their quick quiz to figure out which model is best for your needs. They are NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 certified, and share their reports on their website. You can also compare their product filters to see the contaminants they remove. The pitcher filters remove quite a bit!

The Berkey is a great product. This is what we use in Canada when we travel in the summer. I purchased their additional fluoride filters too, and we just store it in a closet when we leave. Zero complaints and you can really taste the difference. It also comes in different sizes depending on the family size.

Hope this helps!

Hi @Rania – it sounds like you might be experiencing food sensitivities. The inconsistency usually stems from the fact that it’s a delayed immune reaction unlike a food allergy which is immediate. Food sensitivities (to the same foods) can appear shortly after eating the offending food to several days later, which makes it very hard to track.

Keeping a food diary is a really good idea but it’s not always clear-cut as you’ve experienced. But definitely keep track and write down symptoms daily. You might start noticing a pattern.

As for controlling the digestive symptoms you experience after meals, you might want to consider something like Iberogast for rapid relief as needed, or digestive bitters to help support overall digestion such as Dr. Shade’s Bitters No 9 or Gaia Herbs’ Sweetish Bitters. See handout for bitter foods you can include too plus other brands.