Bernadette_Abraham
Forum Replies Created
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Hi @yasminatassi – so I recently learned that only a few companies dominate the water filter industry, even though there are so many different brands and companies selling water filters. These large manufacturers often produce filters for multiple brands, which then rebrand and market them under their own names. In the U.S., for example, companies like 3M, Pentair, and Culligan are some of the major producers in this space. So while it seems like there are so many water filtration companies available, there are really only several companies supplying filters worldwide.
What’s important however and an easy way to narrow down your search is to make sure they are NSF certified. These products usually display the NSF mark on the product or packaging. Look for specific standards like NSF/ANSI 42 (for aesthetic effects like chlorine reduction), NSF/ANSI 53 (for health effects like lead and VOC removal), NSF/ANSI 58 (for reverse osmosis systems if that’s what you’re looking for), etc.
You can also search for NSF certified water filters using their database to double check or search for companies using NSF certified filters: https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/?_gl=1*cy3wom*_gcl_au*MTcwNjcyNzU4NS4xNzI3MzM1NjEw*_ga*MTg1MTA1NzQ0MS4xNzI3MzM1NjEw*_ga_B3R74P2MZC*MTcyNzMzNTYxMC4xLjEuMTcyNzMzNTY4MC41OS4wLjA.*_ga_P2KS3C05YD*MTcyNzMzNTYxMC4xLjEuMTcyNzMzNTY4MC42MC4wLjA.
Here are a few companies that offer whole house filtration systems in Dubai (carbon and/or Reverse Osmosis) and are NSF-certified to help narrow your search:
1. Culligan Middle East (from the US): +971 4 803 9900
2. Bluewater UAE (from Sweden): +971 55 371 1673 / 058 826 791
3. Ultra Tech Water Treatment (from Italy, Germany & Taiwan): +971 50 849 5110 – they claim to be NSF certified but I couldn’t find them in the NSF database (so maybe it’s a different manufacturer name).
Hope that helps!
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@yasminatassi As a follow-up to my reply… I also reached out to Neil and Rukhsana from Liquid of Life. I personally use their undersink water filters, and asked them if they offer whole house filtration and if they can recommend a company they trust. Here was their reply:
“We don’t provide whole house systems as we filter at the point of use. If you put a whole house system in then the filtered water still travels through the pipes and valves and may pick up impurities. We used to provide whole house systems but we stopped years ago to focus on the drinking water only. I can’t really recommend any companies because they all use very basic sediment and carbon filters and charge a lot of money.”
Just some more food for thought…
Other than drinking water, the other area of concern are showers. Here’s one that Liquid of Life recommends: https://h2opureblue.com/
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Hi @sara_alm369 – teething is tough on babies. Luckily there are a few safe and natural options to try.
-Washing your hands and gently massing the gums with coconut oil or gently rubbing a cooled, brewed chamomile tea bag may also help relieve pain.
-Another option is homeopathy. Chamomilla is well suited for a child who cries inconsolably from pain, feels better from hard bouncing and rocking, and tends to have green poop. The potency can be 30c or 200c (I generally like 200c). It’s safe for all ages.
Pellets go directly inside child’s mouth or mixed inside milk or formula. Can be given as needed. You can’t overdose!
Hope one of these solutions help!
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@Annie if you download my Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves Guide, I share many protocols that I use for common illnesses. You can find that guide HERE in Protocols.
For brewing ear infections specifically, here’s what I wrote on p.6 of the guide:
Ear pain:
• If there’s a possible ear infection brewing, I use silver hydrosol
and systemic immune support*. Using the dropper, I tilt their head
sideways and squirt the silver hydrosol directly into my child’s
ear(s) several times per day.• Garlic & Mullein oil is also very effective for earaches/infections.
On p. 3, I share the brands I use.
And you can find the systemic immune support protocol I use for my kids also in Protocols HERE.
Hope he feels better soon!
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Hi @Nadine,
Keep in mind that you’ve run many conventional tests, MRIs and luckily doctors have nothing to diagnose. This is a good sign!
You also just mentioned that Ciella isn’t feeling well. Depending on when this last test was done, acute viral infections can lead to increased TK levels, because of how viruses interact with the body’s cells. Viruses do not have the machinery to replicate on their own, so they invade host cells and take over the cell’s replication system. This “hijacking” process forces the infected cells to produce more viral particles, which in turn involves rapid DNA and RNA production.
Thymidine kinase is an enzyme that plays a key role in DNA production. When viruses force the host cells to replicate rapidly, it can lead to increased production of TK as part of that process. So this is why TK levels may be elevated during active viral infections.
As for discounts with Valentina, she’s offered B Better members 5% discount on one of her home services HERE.
I’ve asked Hamid for discount codes in the past. They’re not regularly given out though. They sometimes offer 5% off, which covers VAT. You can ask him about it.
As for the organic mattress, I have already reached out to them. Hoping to have good news for you soon!
What is your intention with the aloe vera and grapefruit seed capsules? As I had mentioned before, grapefruit seed has antifungal properties which should not be done before addressing Step 1 to 4 first. Here’s the overview again if you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet: https://bbettermembership.com/courses/intro-to-mold-mycotoxin-illness/lessons/5-step-strategy-overview-for-tackling-mold-illness-detoxing-from-mold/
The kefir looks like a great find! Hope she likes it.
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Hi @Nadine the first OAT test did also point to some environmental toxicity even though the fungal markers were not clinically high. That’s why repeating the OAT test again knowing her history with mold exposure was suggested. I did also recommend a hair mineral test to see longer term exposure to heavy metals because while the OAT test can indicate the likelihood of environmental toxicity, it unfortunately does not specify what that toxicity is exactly.
However, given the MycoTox result and elevated levels of fungal markers on the most recent OAT test, it’s reasonable to assume the exposure is coming from mold. If Omar is too busy, you can also reach out to Valentina (she was also a guest expert in B Better if you want to watch her session HERE). She’s not a mold inspector, but she’s a building biologist who will look at the health of your home; from EMFs to toxic materials to mold, etc. +971-55-284-2881.
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Hi @Nadine – the MycoTox does not tell you the source of exposure. It merely tells you whether the body is or isn’t excreting mycotoxins. The biggest source of exposure to mold however is through inhalation from water damaged buildings. It is possible that it is also coming from food, but for levels that high on her OAT test, I doubt it’s from a food source.
I’m glad you’re going to consult with Dr. Roze. Dr. Agnes Roze is an amazing pediatric dentist. Did you book your appointment with her? If this is Ciel’s first visit, maybe practice a few scenarios of what they will ask her to do so that she feels more comfortable. For example, explain that they’ll ask her to open her mouth and that they have cool tools to be able to look at her teeth with a long mirror, etc. Give her reassurance if you feel she might get nervous. But Agnes is really good with kids. And definitely let them know about the OAT & MycoTox results. The mouth and gut are deeply interconnected!
Yes correct about proteolytic enzymes. These help break up inflammation and biofilm when taken away from food. Using them is all about timing, and should only be incorporated once the body is ready for the “killing” part, which is the last part of my 5-part strategy.
Who is recommending these tests for you? Can they not provide the requisition for them?
Regarding the IQ Air, I shared Hamid’s number with you previously, but I guess you missed it. IQ Air has a distributor in Abu Dhabi. 050-319-7530
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Hi @kritissoni – the Hot 7 works amazingly well as rapid relief because of its homeopathic ability to get into cells quickly, and magnesium generally helps ease tension, tightness, constriction, spasms, etc. So in theory, magnesium phosphoricum is a helpful mineral (in homoeopathic form) that should “relax” muscles, airways, etc.
I searched up “cell salts” on Amazon and came up with these options:
A bundle of all 12 cell salts and the Hyland brand of Mag Phos only.
But ultimately, long Covid should be addressed by supporting the body’s basic foundations like addressing nutrient deficiencies, optimizing immune/gut health, blood sugar regulation, hydration, and thyroid/adrenal health.
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@Nadine reach out to Valeo Health to see if they can run these markers for you. When you click on “Succeed > Testing”, we’ve made several labs available to B Better members to be able to order tests directly. Valeo Health also offers our members discounts: https://bbettermembership.com/resource-library/testing/valeo-health/
Let me know if it works out.
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@Nadine they are all good – my preference is IQ Air when mold is involved. Make sure to speak to the reps about the right model that will fit your room size.
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Hi @Nadine – no, blood transfusions does not lead to DNA changes or increased risk of cancer.
As for pickling with salt and without vinegar, this produces a fermented product instead of a pickled product. The difference is in the probiotics the fermented pickle will have. Next week we have the founder of Fermenting Fairy (Lauren Mones) coming to speak to us about fermentation and these exact differences. She used to have Chron’s Disease and fermented foods played a huge role in her healing journey, hence why she turned it into a business. I recommend you join us! https://bbettermembership.com/events
As for Ciel’s MycoTox results, as you can see, there is in fact high level of Ochratoxin A mycotoxin, and elevated levels of MPA, which can indicate active/recent exposure to mold. Has Omar reached out to you for an inspection yet? Both Omar and his technician Shahzad said they would.
Given her high fungal overgrowth as seen on the OAT and high Ochratoxin A on the MycoTox test results, mold illness seems to be the likely culprit. Please make time to watch the Mold & Mycotoxin Illness course. It will give you the knowledge to begin to take action more confidently.
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Hi @Nadine – I’ll reply below one by one:
1. Binders should not be introduced if a person is constipated. It’s also step 5 in the 5-step strategy that I discuss HERE in terms of doing things in the right order.
2. Castor oil packs over her liver and gallbladder nightly is a great way to support these organs. You can find how to do it in this handout HERE.
3. Not sure where you heard this information, but as far as I’m aware, no melatonin does not pull out fungal growth. It’s a fantastic antioxidant however, and is mostly known for supporting sleep.
4. As long as she’s not dairy intolerant or sensitive, yogurt is fine. Flaxseeds as well.
5. I would be cautious using apricot seeds in children as there is no studies done, and it can have therapeutic effects.
6. Homemade cucumber pickles fermented with salt, and not vinegar is a great way to introduce beneficial probiotics into her diet. However, introduce them slowly and in small amounts at a time since these are generally higher in histamine, and usually not well tolerated by those with struggling with yeast overgrowth.
7. In general, yes if there are no known medical conditions, children can also use the sauna as long as the duration and temperature are not too high. I like the Therasage because it also prevents the head from heating up. Again, going low and slow and letting her guide the process is always better. But this is definitely a great addition if she doesn’t regularly sweat through play.
8. Regarding BlueAir… is it Ultra Hepa or only Hepa certified? Hepa certified unfortunately doesn’t catch mycotoxins which are tiny. If budget allows, my preference for suspected mold is IQ Air. There is a distributor in Abu Dhabi. You can call Hamid 050-319-7530
9. If you’re interested in investing in an organic mattress, expect to pay somewhere close to 20K Dhs. I’ve been keeping an eye on the market for over a decade and I finally found an organic mattress supplier in Dubai. Check out Heveya.ae – I plan on reaching out to see if I can get B Better members a discount.
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1988264/A food-first approach is always recommended with children because they simply don’t do studies on kids for ethical reasons, so it’s important to exercise caution with herbal supplements.
However, dandelion root is generally considered safe for children in moderate amounts, such as when used in herbal teas. Dandelion root is both a choleretic, meaning it stimulates the liver to produce bile, and a cholagogue, which helps with bile flow from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine.
Similarly, milk thistle is typically used for liver protection, and while there isn’t much research specifically on its use in children, it is usually considered safe in lower doses.
But remember how I mentioned that it’s important to do things in the right order? Well given her higher Direct Bilirubin, I wouldn’t want to necessarily give too many cholagogues before addressing the likely biliary tract congestion first. Imagine having a clogged toilet. You wouldn’t want to flush, before clearing out the clog, right? D-limonene is something that can “decongest” the biliary tract, and many younger clients of mine have successfully taken it as well. The typical adult dose is 1000mg, 1-2 x per day, for 30-60 days (or more) depending on the severity. It’s best taken 3/4 way through a meal. It also comes in liquid form, which is convenient for children.
Regarding dosage for kids, here is Clark’s Rule: for children aged 2-17. Take the child’s weight in pounds and divide by 150 pounds. Multiply the fractional result by the adult dose to find the equivalent child dosage. For example, if an adult dose of tincture calls for 30 drops and the child weighs 30 pounds, divide the child’s weight by 150 (30/150) to get 1/5. Multiply 1/5 times 30 drops to get 6 drops.
Hope this helps answer your question.
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Good luck with your talk!
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@Nadine I reached out to Omar. He’s asking for your number… he gets a lot of requests, so he’ll search for your message. Feel free to send me a DM (you’ll have to connect with me first) in the community.
