if your daughter is having recurring episodes of ulcers/canker sores, food sensitivities if often the root cause which can reflect an inflammatory response in the mouth. Gluten is a common culprit, but it could be other foods as well (e.g. citrus, which is further aggravated by the strong acidity of its juices).

An elimination diet with structured reintroduction could be an option to help you determine the culprit.
Other potential causes include:
• SLS in toothpaste. More on this here.
• Nutrient deficiencies. • Most commonly B vitamins (e.g. B2/riboflavin, B3/niacin, B12, and/or B9/folate) as these nutrients support the protective mucosal layer of the mouth.
• Zinc – zinc lozenges are a great way to get direct, topical application
• H. Pylori, which can cause ulcers not only in the stomach and duodenum but also in the mouth.

Also eliminate any alcohol-based or other harsh mouthwash, which can disrupt the microbiome in the mouth. Oral probiotic lozenges may help support the oral microbiome, as may lactobacillus acidophilus.
Note too that canker sores are different from other mouth sores such as cold sores, angular cheilitis, or burning mouth syndrome.
To help an existing ulcer to heal, consider the following in addition to Daniel’s suggestions above (Manuka honey, chamomile tea, baking soda rinses, eliminating spicy/acidic foods to help with healing):
• Zinc lozenges
• DGL lozenges
• Licorice extract applied topically
• There are also some homeopathic remedies for canker sores such as this, this, and this.
• Ozonated oil, which can be purchased from most holistic dentists shows a reduction in pain and faster healing.

To learn more about canker sores and potential home remedies, check out this article.

there’s a great book called “The Body Keeps the Score” which discusses how early life emotional trauma if left unresolved, will affect us as adults. And so, regardless of the stories that we tell ourselves and others about our stress levels, our body truly knows and senses it.

Adaptogens can help us become more resilient to the effects of stress and may be something you want to consider in the meantime. Here is a handout explaining how adaptogenic herbs work; some provide a boosting effect, others provide a more calming effect.

This Instagram post also explains visually the difference between the herbs along with some supplement brand examples of each. And if you swipe to the last image in the carousel, I also explain the different signs of stress, to help you determine if you need more of a boosting effect or a calming effect. It’s also ok to combine them or take them at different times of the day depending on what you need.

Doing less, delegating more, saying no more often, asking for help, etc, is ultimately what is going to help your adrenals the most. In essence, help your body feel safe daily, and not like it’s running for dear life! I know it’s easier said than done as a full-time working mom of 3, but sometimes we just need that reminder that we’re taking on too much, and taking a day off to prioritize what is truly important and letting go of what isn’t serving us, can feel very freeing.

Good quality sleep, nourishing your adrenals with vitamin C rich foods, and adding 1 tsp of ‘sole’ (saturated salt water) in your water bottle are other ways to help support the adrenals.

Hope this helps, and let me know if you have any other questions.

thank you for the thorough update. I’m glad to see gut health is still improving.

Your suspicion about parasites contributing to the alternating bowel movements is probably spot on, especially that you’re seeing visible worms in your stool. And feel free to share whatever you’d like – I have a whole folder of parasite poop pics from clients! FYI – random rashes that appear and disappear is often a sign of parasites and other overgrowths like candida/yeast.

Given the nausea and greasy stools, I would suspect some biliary  tract congestion. A 1-month course of D-limonene (1,000mg/day) could help if there’s no allergies to citrus. I usually tell my clients to take it 3/4 way through their meal and keep it in the freezer to delay the release of citrus oils. I like this brand since it’s 1,000mg in 1 capsule so easier to take, but it’s pricier than this brand which only offers 250mg per capsule but it’s better priced.

After 2 weeks of biliary tract support, it would make sense to do a parasite cleanse at that stage. If you’ve never done one before, then as explained in the video, 2 kits of Renew Life ParaSmart combined with Para 1 and Biotoxin Binder from Cellcore would be a good place to start.

Looking forward to hearing your continued progress. Do let me know if have any questions.

 since you are very sensitive at this stage, and have many food restrictions, the elemental diet (medical food powder) is another option designed for those struggling from SIBO. It can offer relief while gut healing/supporting digestion, and gut immunity. Click on the link I shared above to learn more about it.

 thank you for the feedback about the course. I’m glad it’s helpful!! I look forward to hearing your progress… removing gluten is usually the toughest restriction but if you focus on my VPF principle, it makes it so much easier since it eliminates the majority of glutinous foods (flour products).

ultrahuman will be giving B Better members a 10% discount but they’ve informed me that they’re currently running a Black Friday sale with 15% off – the most they’ve ever offered. So it’s better to grab that sale if you’re serious about it.

 fyi – B12 is commonly tested. B9, B6 and B2 aren’t as popular. It’s also highly affected by what you ate before the test so make sure to stop any supplements with B vitamins.

If food is coming out, that’s a sign of maldigestion. But corn is a harder grain to digest so it may not necessarily be an issue. Do you see salad when you eat them? Or any other foods?

Parasite cleanse can be done during or after heavy metal detox. Your doctor will be best to answer that as it depends on how you feel during the chelation treatments. And testing often misses parasites. If you have high mercury, I can guarantee you’ve got parasites. And even if you didn’t, I generally recommend parasite cleansing at least 1 x per year.

 it can – smaller quantities though

 the under-sink filter can leave with you. I bring our filters to every house we move to.

 stress will definitely suppress immune function since it’s a parasympathetic process. What are you doing to mitigate stress?

The above list is a good start. Make sure it’s CBC with differentials so we can see the breakdown of your white blood cells too. Tell your doctor that you tend to get sick easily, and they may want to add in additional markers like homocysteine, RBC B12 or a liver panel (to check methylation/detoxification).

Once you get the results, please post them and we’ll be able to guide you further.

Since you’re currently taking an antibiotic, ask your doctor about taking a beneficial yeast like S. boulardii which can help prevent yeast overgrowth as a result of the antibiotics wiping out all bacteria (good and bad). I usually recommend this one to clients, taken at a separate time away from the antibiotic.

 ok for starters, have you measured your immune nutrients vitamins A, D, and RBC zinc?

I would also check:
serum zinc, serum copper, ceruloplasmin

We also need to figure out what is taxing your immune system. How is the health of your mouth? Any amalgam fillings or root canals done in the past? Any extractions? How are your stress levels? Thyroid function?

Have you done any lab tests in the past that we can look at for clues about immune health like a CBC with differentials?

 here’s the definition from the GI Map interpretive guide inside the Gut Health Masterclass:

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative bacteria in the Proteobacteria phylum. Common residents of the oral cavity and respiratory tract. May cause diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, and bloating; Common after long-term antibiotic use; May release histamine in the gut; High levels
may indicate increased intestinal inflammatory activity.

Are you prone to UTI infections? How is the health of your mouth? Any hidden root canal infections? Extractions done in the past?

Clients of mine have successfully eradicated overgrowths with Biotics FC-Cidal, grapefruit seed extract and oil of oregano. Also, caprylic acid and silvercillin.

But as you said, ultimately, your immune system should be able to keep these opportunistic species under control. Do you have any other symptoms so we can help you troubleshoot this and prevent recurrence?

 nope – you’re still not showing up for me. I can’t send you a DM. You sure you’ve toggled “prevent members from messaging me” off and then hit save?

 I’m relieved to hear his doctors aren’t quick to use the knife. I also mentioned that he wasn’t presenting with the usual appendix symptoms, but it’s more common in children for it to be missed. Hopefully the pancreatic glandular will help. Please do keep us posted on his progress. I feel you’re zooming in closer to the issue and will help him find relief soon hopefully.

 I don’t remember – give them my name and see if they can offer anything.