[Bernadette]

Hi @Ingrid Lopez – in fact, we have a whole course that can help with that called Blood Sugar Regulation. Do you know what stage of insulin resistance your or the person is struggling with?

I encourage you to go through the whole course to have a better understanding of how insulin resistance happens in order to help reverse it.

But if you don’t have time to watch the entire course (~2 hours), I can suggest the following videos which address diet, supplements & lifestyle strategies specifically:

What is the Best Diet?

Carb Hacks to Reduce Glucose Spikes

Dietary Guidelines & Sample Daily Meal Plan

Supplements & Lifestyle Considerations: Phase 2

Supplements & Lifestyle Considerations: Phases 3 to 5

Hope this helps!

[Bernadette]

@Annie Sye replied below in a new comment thread

[Bernadette]

Hi @Naveed Aslam – yes, feel free to upload your results here if you have any questions about it.

[Bernadette]

@Annie Sye I’m replying in a new comment to be able to reply to all of your recent questions in one thread, and also to provide a summary of what I suspect is at play so that you can start to take action.

Regarding the MycoTox test and your question about kidney function. I’m not surprised to see Ochratoxin A being high, which matches with the gastrointestinal fungal overgrowth on the OAT test. You had already mentioned that mold was found and he’s still living in the same house. This particular mycotoxin has an affinity for the kidneys, depletes glutathione and reduces neutrophils (a white blood cell), so yes, this mycotoxin may potentially be impacting his kidneys/kidney function.

Fungal overgrowth is also linked to higher oxalate production (also seen in his OAT – oxalic acid #21) which can contribute to kidney stone formation. Drinking lemon water twice daily or taking magnesium citrate daily can help with prevention.

As I had recommended before, the best way to detoxify from mold is to first and foremost avoid it! If moving out is not a possibility at this time, then I recommend Dr. Jill Crista’s course (very affordable and very practical) on things you can do to mitigate the effects of mold while still living there. Use code BBETTER for 10% off.

I would also ask your mom to include a variety of natural antifungal foods into his diet and encourage him to eat those liberally every day. You can find a list of those HERE from the Mold & Mycotoxin Illness course. Ignore the antifungal supplements for now, he’s not ready for that yet.

Regarding his medication and kidney function, Olanzapine is not commonly associated with direct kidney damage. However, it may have an effect indirectly:

Metabolic Effects: Olanzapine can cause weight gain, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels). These metabolic changes can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which can, in turn, affect kidney function over time.

Electrolyte Imbalances: Olanzapine can sometimes cause electrolyte imbalances (which we can see from his nutrient elements test), which can affect kidney function. Monitoring his electrolytes in blood is recommended if it’s not already being done.

Dehydration: Some patients on olanzapine may experience side effects like excessive sedation or reduced fluid intake, potentially leading to dehydration, which can affect kidney function.

Therefore, if you’d like to pursue testing, you can ask for blood sugar status (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c) and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, calcium, RBC magnesium) to see if potassium and magnesium may need to be supported with supplements.

I previously mentioned the low B6 and its importance for neurotransmitter, bile and glutathione production & detoxification. This can be provided in a B complex such as Thorne’s Basic B, and then later on switch to a higher dose of B6 as in Thorne’s B Complex #6.

In addition, selenium and NAC are both low and are both antioxidants needed for glutathione production. Consuming 3-4 organic Brazil nuts per day and/or sardines with skin on are good food sources of selenium. In supplement form, 200mcg of selenium per day is what’s typically recommended.

If he’s not consuming enough protein, please encourage him to do so with each meal to help bring on board more cysteine. Otherwise supplementing with NAC can help the body with glutathione production. Phase 2 liver detox is dependent on proteins, so it’s important that he’s consuming enough protein.

Another antioxidant that was found low on the OAT test is Vitamin C. Either his diet needs to be improved (more fruits, vegetables, proteins, healthy fats) or his body is fighting a lot of oxidative stress and is using up his antioxidant resources to protect him (i.e. selenium, NAC/glutathione, melatonin, etc). This is not uncommon in people affected by mold.

Seeing that B5 was significantly higher than the RR on the OAT test, I would also want to rule out or confirm this genetic component.

To answer your question about the possible root cause(s), I see a few at play based on the tests:

Mold & mycotoxin exposure leading to high oxidative stress, fungal overgrowth (and higher oxalate production which can affect kidneys) and compromised detoxification ability. Potentially compromised immunity as well (white blood cells) – can do a CBC to check.

Elevated heavy metal contributing to more oxidative stress

Nutrient deficiencies affecting methylation (DNA protection, detoxification, etc), neurotransmitter production, bile (needed for detox), and glutathione (antioxidant & detox)

Possible genetic variant affecting his ability to breakdown B5 which in mild cases, can lead to schizoaffective disorder. Since bile is a suggested treatment, and bile is also important for overall detoxification, supporting bile production and flow will be key.

Where to start? Let’s put it all together:

Consider pursuing additional blood tests:

Genetic PANK2 test

Blood sugar & electrolytes

CBC & CMP including renal panel

Vitamin D

I wouldn’t want to expose him to any contrast agents if pursuing scans. He’s already struggling with detox & toxin overload.

Avoid mold exposure:

Order Dr. Jill’s course for practical tips (i.e. ultra hepa air filters, opening windows, dietary advice, etc.)

Open drainage pathways:

Have him fill out this elimination pathway self-assessment. Whatever pathway is more than 2 needs support.

Please watch THIS video in mold & mycotoxin illness course for ways to support each pathway. Supporting bile as I mentioned earlier is very important in his case specifically. I share additional recommendations for liver/gallbladder support HERE from the Gut Health Masterclass course.

Support mitochondria:

Oxidative stress from mold & heavy metals affects mitochondrial function. Our mitochondria power up every cell in our body.

Please watch THIS video in mold & mycotoxin illness course for ways to support mitochondria.

Strengthen his defenses against oxidative stress:

Boost antioxidants. I encourage you to watch THIS video from the mold course for more information on antioxidants and their dosages. In his case, NAC, selenium and vitamin C were all low – consider supplementing to boost levels. I would avoid glutathione while still living in mold. High dose melatonin as discussed in previous threads can be helpful.

Boost vitamin D (test first) and high dose omega-3 fatty acids (3g) can be helpful given his mold exposure. I share more about that with supplement suggestions HERE in the mold course.

Support nutrient deficiencies:

Test electrolytes and RBC magnesium. Support accordingly based on test results.

Support Gut Health & Microbiome:

Mycotoxins and fungal overgrowths can wreak havoc on the gut lining and gut immunity. My favorite combo formula is Design’s for Health GI Revive. For food based gut healing therapies, watch THIS video.

While still living in mold, Dr. Jill recommends a spore based probiotic to help provide a better balance in the gut microbiome. For example, MegasporeBiotics.

Support detoxification:

Ensure he’s eating enough protein/amino acids with each meal (min. 30g of protein)

Support with B vitamins as discussed above and/or a combo detox support supplement like Integrative Therapeutics Detoxification Factors + additional vitamin B6 given the low levels.

Ensure he’s sweating daily through exercise. If he can’t sweat, consider sauna therapy (if OK by his doctor). I like Therasage’s portable saunas as it keeps the head out which prevents the head from overheating. Code BERN10 for 10% discount.

Gentle antifungal support (through food):

As I mentioned earlier, he can begin “killing” using food therapy by consuming more antifungal foods. I would not recommend an antifungal cleanse at this stage. He needs to be stronger first.

Follow a fungal/yeast elimination diet (foods to avoid/include) HERE.

Given the higher oxalic acid level on the OAT, lemon water twice daily and/or magnesium citrate can be helpful in preventing kidney stones. Avoid high oxalate foods temporarily.

Ok – I hope this is not too overwhelming, but instead provides a framework that ties all of the pieces together. At the beginning of THIS video, I share what a customized protocol looks like. That might make it easier for you to visualize a plan for him.

We’re here if you have any other questions. I hope this helps give you a better sense of direction of what to do next. Lots of things to do in parallel, but I hope you understand the reasoning behind it all.

[Bernadette]

@Annie Sye to answer your question about potential kidney issues, I believe you’re referring to the higher creatinine level on the Mosaic urine test, correct?

Higher creatinine can be due a high protein diet, dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and possible medications. Is he on any meds? How’s his water intake?

[Bernadette]

@Annie Sye I noticed that you did 2 elements tests; one by Doctor’s Data (hair) and another one by Mosaic (urine). Do you have the 1st page and results page of the Mosaic Toxic + Nutrient Elements? It seems to be missing the toxic elements page and result interpretations. Can you please share those if you have them. I’d like to compare the results to the hair mineral test by Doctor’s Data.

Also, in the hair test, barium is high. Has he ever taken a radiographic contrast agent in the past? We need to help him remove this heavy metal. We just released our Heavy Metal Detox program, but it needs to be done from a place of strength. Addressing basic nutrient deficiencies and digestive support needs to be in place first.

[Bernadette]

@Annie Sye no, if it’s been months since he’s supplemented, it’s unlikely that it will affect his result. This is why I asked if he was supplementing because the elevation in B5 is not common, and does warrant further testing since he’s presenting with neurological symptoms.

The OAT test suggests genetic testing at the University of Chicago, but it requires physician referral. Here’s more info on the PANK2 testing: https://dnatesting.uchicago.edu/sites/default/files/01PANK2_16.pdf

Interestingly enough, the suggested treatment for PANK2 is high dose B5 to stimulate any residual enzyme with doses as high as 10g per day. Bile salts with fat soluble vitamin supplementation, and high dose lactobacillus probiotics are other suggested supportive therapies. I do not have much experience with this genetic variant to be honest, so it’s definitely something to be discussing with a physician.

Here’s a potentially important connection. Your brother’s vitamin B6 is clinically low. B6 as I had previously explained is needed to produce bile. Bile salts are one of the suggested treatments for PANK2.

B6 is also needed as a cofactor during methylation and production of cysteine, which is needed to produce our potent antioxidant glutathione to protect and detoxify from toxins/heavy metals. Your brother’s NAC is 0. More reasons to support B6, and potentially NAC and vitamin C for antioxidant protection.

Regarding B6 supplementation, starting doses are usually 10mg (but often times much less when starting out by opening up capsules and sprinkling a little bit at a time over food) and can slowly increase up to 100mg to replenish deficient levels. I usually start off clients with a B complex like Thorne’s Basic B for 30-90 days, and then switch it to Thorne’s B Complex #6 for another 30-60 days or more as needed.

[Bernadette]

@Yasmin atassi yes! Great list of options!

[Bernadette]

@Stella the collagen & saturated fat harden when refrigerated. No need to remove those. Only when preparing the broth/stock, you skim the scum that floats up to the top. Enjoy!

[Bernadette]

Hi @Stella – my first colleague just got back to me and I have good news! Their clinic offers customized IV drip or IM injections of hydroxycobalamin.

You can get in touch with Dr. Janine McKay at her new clinic “Renu Health” in Dubai Healthcare City at 055-828-7368 for an appointment. For nurse related questions or labs, you can reach their nurses Honey and Karla at 055-399-7368.

I’ll let you know once I hear back from my other contacts as well.

[Bernadette]

@Annie Sye was your brother taking any supplements before these tests were taken and if so, what were they please?

I’m curious to know about B5 specifically! Please read the result notes on the OAT test about #52 pantothenic acid (B5) being high without supplementation.

If he was not supplementing with a B complex that had high doses of B5, then I think we’ve been given a big clue here.

Also, not having any B6 will contribute to downstream consequences in so many ways; it can negatively affect:

-neurotransmitter production

-our ability to produce bile (which is needed to absorb our fats and detox through stool, as well as being antimicrobial and keeping a balanced gut microbiome)

-our ability to produce glutathione needed for antioxidant function and detoxification.

There are many other functions too but in your brother’s case, I can see how low B6 can be a key contributing factor. If deciding to supplement, it must be done very low and slowly with a gradual build-up over 30 to 60 days.

There’s also a need for other B vitamins, but before I go any further, please let me know about supplement intake if any.

[Bernadette]

@Stella we have a recipe for chicken stock HERE but it’s essentially the same process. You’ll want to skim the scum and fat that comes up to the surface once it starts to boil.

Let us know how it turns out!

[Bernadette]

@Stella yes, wild caught is the better choice. Sardines and anchovies are also better options than skipjack tuna simply due to their smaller size and therefore less bio accumulation of contaminants. Skipjack, even though is smaller than albacore tuna, is still a very large fish in comparison to anchovies and sardines, therefore will contain more heavy metals. That’s my main reservation.

As for cans, it’s not ideal but again, it’s not necessarily a deal breaker if you don’t consume a lot of canned goods.

I recently came across Carni Store but have yet to try them so can’t yet recommend. They’re new to the scene but seem promising. Do let us know if you end up trying them. FYI – grassfed is better than organic when it comes to meat because organic doesn’t guarantee the cow ate grass. It could be organic grains which is not their natural diet. Organic grassfed is best but when not available, go for grassfed.

Any dehumidifier should do the trick. I think mine is LG brand. I got it from Carrefour during the recent floods. Hence my recommendation to get a fan(s). I’m referring to regular box fans. Unfortunately, it’s very common for homes to leak when it rains and drying the areas as soon as possible will help prevent mold from growing. You don’t want to be stranded at the last minute trying to find them… (speaking from experience here ).

As for the hydroxycobalamin IV, I don’t know off the top of my head but I’ve sent a few messages to colleagues and waiting to hear back from them on Monday when they’re back at work.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

[Bernadette]

Hi @Annie Sye – are you still breastfeeding? It can take a while for hormone levels to regulate especially if a woman is breastfeeding so it might be a different story next month!

Stress of any kind will disrupt our hormones as well so if you’re suspecting that’s the main culprit, prioritise stress reduction measures. We have this handout that can help raise awareness about the different areas of stress in our lives and ways to mitigate them.

If you’re worried, you might want to test adrenal function (which impacts thyroid function and can lead to irregular periods and feeling cold as a possible connection) to know if you’re struggling with overall high or low cortisol (due to chronic stress).

If it’s overall high cortisol from acute stress, then this video from the Adrenal Balance course can help with suggestions how to lower it.

If it’s overall low cortisol from prolonged chronic stress, watch this video for suggestions.

In the meantime, consider a lymphatic massage to help with circulation and possible water retention that may be contributing to that puffy feeling.

Also consider:

-parsley tea/salad: parsley is great for kidneys and is also a mild diuretic
-raspberry leaf tea is helpful for uterine issues
-chamomile tea is calming

Hope this helps!

[Bernadette]

@Bahareh Safapour I used to go to an all organic salon in JVT called The Organic Glow, but their service took FOREVER! Like 3 hours for a mani and pedi…

I don’t believe they’re still in business. I just tried finding them on Insta and their URL isn’t working anymore.

Definitely need a lesser toxic spa/salon (with efficient service ).

@Stella I usually buy lower toxic nail polish and bring my own products with me including essential oils like tea tree oil for the soaking part. They usually don’t mind. I also forego the creams they use and just ask that they massage without it. That’s how I make the salon experience slightly less toxic.