Bernadette
Forum Replies Created
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Hi – have you explored the Acne handout in the Symptom Dictionary to explore possible root causes? Also, do you wear face masks by any chance (sometimes the answer is right in front of us) or have a habit of touching your chin? There can be many possible causes for acne from food sensitivities to androgen dominance, to nutrient insufficiencies, to gut dysbiosis and toxins/blocked detox pathways.
Do any of these resonate with you? If you can provide more information about other symptoms you’re experiencing, I might be able to better guide you.
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further to Daniel’s post, LDL is not inherently “bad” and evidence linking LDL cholesterol to cardiovascular illness in individuals is weak – especially with optimal triglyceride and HDL levels. Also, the relative amount and percentage of oxidized LDL are more predictive of CVD than LDL alone (which can also be measured in functional tests). Would you mind sharing your full lipid profile with reference ranges here so we can take a look?
As Daniel mentioned, gaining insight into the patterns (Pattern A – small, dense and vulnerable to inclusion in arterial plaque inside inflamed arteries vs. Pattern B – large, light, fluffy and less atherogenic within arteries) can be valuable and reassuring in terms of cardiovascular disease risk.
I’ve been working on setting up a web shop with a lab for B Better members to be able to order their own functional tests. In the meantime however, here’s an oxidized LDL & Liposcan panel report that I can help you access if you’re interested. No need to visit a physician however it’s an out of pocket expense (~$210 + shipping). If interested, please email support@bernadetteabraham.com and we can assist you with this.
Alternatively, Dr. Makk at Zia Medical center might be able to help as well if you’d like to go through a physician and get insurance reimbursement. She’s pay and claim back.
In terms of possible root causes for elevated LDL, it could be from fatty liver, insulin resistance, increased stress (especially in men), and/or hypothyroidism (mostly in women). Have you explored any of these areas before?
Hope this helps.
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yes I find the “traditional” way to be such a waste & overcomplicated. I’m all about simplifying things
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100% yes, and in fact, that’s how I teach my clients to do it. Rub about 1 Tbsp of castor oil over the area directly onto the skin and jump in the sauna!
Or rub it on, place a damp wash cloth over top, and then a heating pad and sit there for about 45mins to 1 hour until it’s absorbed through the skin.
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Hi – yes, there is a connection. Although the copper released from the IUD is small compared to the amount obtained from foods like dark chocolate for example, copper IUDs may over time lead to copper excess/toxicity. There isn’t much research on this (like so many things in women’s health) but one study did find that IUD users have higher serum copper compared to non-users. Copper creates epinephrine/adrenaline and norepinephrine from dopamine so an excess can lead to symptoms like anxiety. And copper excess is more likely to be a problem if you are deficient in zinc since they compete with one another, so it’s a good idea to have your doctor test and monitor your zinc, copper and ceruloplasmin levels if you plan on keeping the IUD.
Also, copper release can also easily increase estrogen dominance, and estrogen can increase copper – a vicious cycle – which can contribute to other types of PMS-type mood swings. (p.s. We will be covering estrogen dominance next week live with Dr. Carrie Jones)
All of this is possible, especially if zinc is low. Since zinc and copper compete, a copper IUD can further deplete an already low level of zinc. So testing is best to know your levels and how best to proceed.
Finally, IUD-induced anxiety is also hypothesized to be a vagal nerve response to the IUD or the string.
Hope this helps!
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correct – I would not use it preventatively. It’s very strong and can disrupt the microbiome if used long term. Similar to berberine which is excellent for blood sugar management (similar action to the drug Metformin), but should not be used long term given its effects on the microbiome – even if it’s natural.
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Hi – I personally love oregano oil for its anti-dysbiosis qualities. As such, it should not be taken long term as a maintenance supplement.
I personally use and always travel with emulsified oregano tablets (I use the one by Biotics Research called A.D.P. which is available in the B Better Fullscript dispensary as well).
For sore throats, I suck on it like a lozenge. I also give this to my kids but it is strong/spicy so I tell them to keep moving it around in their mouth to avoid burning the roof of their mouth or tongue. They take it out when it gets too strong, and put it back in when they’re ready again.
I’ve also personally taken emulsified oregano tablets to successfully fight a strep throat infection thanks to it’s strong anti-microbial properties (along with other immune supportive remedies).
In clients, I’ve recommended it when there is a need to do an anti-microbial or anti-fungal cleanse. Again, because of its potency, I usually recommend 30-60 days max at a time, and if a loner time is needed, I would pulse it on and off. So 3 days on, 4 days off for example while ensuring they are replenishing their microbiome with beneficial bacteria either through fermented foods or probiotics.
Hope this helps answer your question?
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If you haven’t yet taken the Blood Sugar Regulation course, I highly recommend that you focus on that next. Lipids are very closely tied to diet/stress and blood sugar levels. I’ve had clients get off statins after changing their diet.
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what was once thought to be due to estrogen dominance is turning out to actually be due to immunity (which again, resides in the gut – so gut health is key!).
Estrogen dominance which we will be discussing next week live with Dr. Carrie Jones does worsen the symptoms, but recent findings show a connection to the immune system. Here’s a fascinating article by Dr. Lara Briden on the subject: https://www.larabriden.com/endometriosis-treat-the-immune-system/
You can RSVP to that event in the Event Calendar space & post your questions there for her to address them in more detail on the call.
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If it makes you feel any better, my mom used to take me to eat at McDonalds almost daily after my grueling 4 hours of gymnastics training as a teen. And I used to use the ‘buy 1 get 1 free’ coupon, so it was a double whammy of burger and fries.
Of course, today she regrets feeding me that junk and here I am standing stronger and healthier than before. The body is resilient and adapts to the environment in which you are asking it to try to thrive in.
So no regrets. Look ahead. You being here and wanting to make changes is proof of your desire to change, so this will become your outcome! The body follows the mind!!
Regarding your desire to quit soda. It’s a tough one for sure given how addictive it is. And I’m glad your body rejected the diet version because it’s even worse for your health. Have you tried switching to a stevia sweetened soda instead like the brand Zevia? I would try that for a month to allow your taste buds to change and adapt.
And when you’re ready to make a bigger leap, I would then add in a few sparkling waters (add in a fresh lemon wedge to it too for flavor or a sliced orange) to help you wean off of Zevia.
And when you’re ready, cut out the Zevia altogether.
Hopefully these baby steps will help you cut out soda for good!
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Wohooo!! I’m so thrilled to hear that Dara. It’s these small but powerful swaps that lead to big improvements in our health. One baby step at a time… I’m so happy for you.
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Hi – I just recently shared a post in our community about UTIs in the “Daily Tips” space. The combination of D-Mannose and Uva Ursi is very powerful for E.coli. I share some tips about diet too. You can find the post here.
This protocol has helped me and countless clients, family and friends. Hopefully it helps you too!
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Hi – oral lichen planus is a a localized autoimmune disease and there is much disagreement in the conventional medical community about root cause. This is a common situation in disorders where we see an overlap in inflammatory, infectious, and/or autoimmune causes. It is just a matter of the particular progression and manifestation in each individual person. Conventional medicine often looks unrealistically for a single, common trigger, but the immune system is a complex, uniquely-programmed control system in every human body.
It is often cited that a bacterial or fungal infection coincides with lichen planus/lichen sclerosis. This can be a direct factor on the skin itself, in the oral cavity, or it can be internal, simmering infections. I would recommend doing a comprehensive stool analysis (I discuss this in my Gut Health Masterclass course) and addressing any microbial imbalances uncovered.
Consuming fermented foods like sauerkraut, coconut kefir (because I believe dairy should be eliminated in this case), kimchi, etc, is a great way of introducing beneficial probiotics both orally and in the gut if you aren’t histamine intolerant. I share many fermented food recipes in Discounts & Resources. Start slow with 1 tsp and increase gradually to at least 1/4 cup per day. There is recent research on the oral microbiome and oral lichen planus.
Because of its relative prevalence in women 40 years or older, it is postulated that hormone imbalance plays a role, perhaps low progesterone, low estrogen, low testosterone, or a mix of these. There is evidence that low 5 alpha reductase enzyme activity may play a role. You may want to consider urinary hormone metabolite testing to uncover any hormonal imbalances that might be at play. I like the DUTCH test for all of these markers. This testing will also provide a look at cortisol levels and curve. Low cortisol is also often involved in autoimmune activation.
Also check thyroid levels with a full thyroid panel: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and both TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies. Subclinical hypothyroidism is often involved in adrenal dysfunction and is believed to play a role in the hormone imbalance often at the root of lichen sclerosis/planus activation.As I mentioned in your introduction post, autoimmunity (regardless of the diagnosis) will always have these 3 factors at play: leaky gut/gut dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and trigger(s) (which varies from person to person). Triggers can be infectious (viral, microbial, fungal, parasitic), emotional/physical traumas, food sensitivities, mold, heavy metals, chemical toxins, etc.
Because it helps to increase weak estrogens safely and has strong anti-inflammatory properties too, I recommend supplementing with two heaping tbsp ground flaxseed daily (but don’t do this until after the hormone samples have been collected if you’re doing so, to ensure an accurate baseline).
Food sensitivities are often involved with autoimmune activation or chronic inflammatory symptoms. I would definitely recommend elimination of dairy foods and all added sugars/sweeteners and grains (which will get rid of the inflammatory trigger of gluten but also the common exacerbating effect of grains on intestinal microbial imbalance).
Lastly, consider checking basic nutritional sufficiency for vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system, in particular vitamin D, vitamin A, and RBC zinc.In terms of disease management (not root cause) solutions, here are some additional areas to consider:
• Homeopathic “Ignatia” as a treatment
• Consumption of purslane
• Systemic selenium supplementation (this can also be tested in blood)
• Antioxidants astaxanthin and quercetin
• Probiotics
• Topical chamomile gel for management
• Low level laser therapyI hope the above gives you a clearer direction and some areas to explore and take action. If you have the financial means to get a comprehensive stool test and some basic blood tests, I would start there.
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well said. I always tell extended family members this as well when they poke fun at my consistently “lame/boring” health choices. But I see my aunts and uncles who are in their 60’s and 70’s in chronic pain and physically unfit and vow that I will continue to honour my body so that I live a quality life in my elder years. I too make choices for my future self. Love the way you stated it!
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yes – same. My book UNJUNK in fact has a resource as the back which can be a book all by itself with tons of healthier alternative recipes.
