Page 3 – B Better

Test Adrenal Function (Stress Response)

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Heartburn & Acid Reflux Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Watch the video above to learn about the saliva and urine tests available that can provide information about how much cortisol the adrenals produce, as well as the cortisol pattern throughout the day. Too much or too little cortisol can affect thyroid function, and impact stomach acid production. Resources attached: Sample reports & collection instructions for DUTCH Adrenal & DUTCH Plus (male and female reports) Sampe reports & collection instructions for Genova’s Adrenocortex Stress Profile 2. Order your test: DUTCH Test...

Test Chloride Status

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Heartburn & Acid Reflux Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Test your chloride level. Please watch the above video for the electrolyte markers to request and the optimal ranges to be aiming for. 2. If chloride is low, consider adding more sea or Himalayan salt to your diet if appropriate. If you need additional help, please ask in our private B Better community forum.

Test Vitamin B6 Status

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Heartburn & Acid Reflux Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. There are a few ways to test your vitamin B6 level. Request a Plasma B6 test. Low levels indicate a deficiency Order an OAT urine test (stands for Organic Acids Test) or the following urinary organic acid markers: A combination of elevated xanthurenate, kynurenate, and quinolinate is evidence of B6 deficiency 2. If vitamin B6 is low, increase the proportion of animal foods in the diet, using more gentle cooking techniques, and including more raw foods to help improve B6 status. Supplementation with 5mg of P5P (Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate) per...

Test Zinc Status

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Heartburn & Acid Reflux Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Test your zinc level. Please watch the above video for the exact markers to request and the optimal ranges to be aiming for. 2. If zinc is low, please watch the following videos on zinc in the Mineral Balance course to help correct a deficiency or insufficiency: Risk Factors for Zinc Deficiency Correcting Zinc Deficiency If you need additional help, please ask in our private B Better community forum.

Test Magnesium Status

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Heartburn & Acid Reflux Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Test your magnesium level. Please watch the above video for the exact markers to request and the optimal ranges to be aiming for. 2. If magnesium is low, please watch the following videos on magnesium in the Mineral Balance course to help correct a deficiency or insufficiency: Risk Factors for Magnesium Deficiency Correcting Magnesium Deficiency If you need additional help, please ask in our private B Better community forum.

Test Electropollution / EMFs

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Book a consultation with a building biologist or an EMF expert to check your home for hidden sources of EMF that may be impacting your health, and determine ways to mitigate their effects. Shielded Healing (code BERN for $100 discount – US residents only) Home Health Check-Up with Valentina Cereda (UAE only) 2. To learn more about EMF mitigation at home, watch this interview with Valentina Cereda. If you need additional help, please ask in our private B Better community forum.

Test Heavy Metals

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Choose a heavy metal test from: Rupa Health Lab Shop (US Only) Metals Hair Test by Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains Labs) Metals Urine Test by Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains Labs) Heavy Metals by Vibrant Wellness True Health Labs (US/Canada) Heavy Metal Hair Analysis by Doctor’s Data Comprehensive Urine Elements by Genova Important Notes -Heavy metal urine testing may require provocation before sample is taken to help bind metals for better excretion. This is typically done with EDTA such as Quicksilver’s...

Test Mold & Mycotoxins

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

There are several ways to test for mycotoxins both in the body and in your environment. It all depends on your budget and current health status. To confirm the presence of mold mycotoxins in the body, the MycoTox urine test by Great Plains Labs is currently one of the best options. However, if a person’s elimination pathways are compromised (ex. cannot sweat), the results may not truly reflect the actual body burden since the body can’t properly eliminate mycotoxins in urine (so they won’t show up in the test!). If a person’s budget is tight, it might...

Test Food Sensitivities

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

The gold standard test for determining food sensitivities (which is an IgG reaction, not an allergic IgE reaction), is to perform an elimination diet & food re-introduction challenge. See the attached handout to learn more about the difference between food allergies/sensitivities ( and intolerances). In a study done on children with chronic constipation, removing the reactive foods improved their symptoms. From experience, the same applies to adults and is worth the trial. The most common offenders to remove from one’s diet 100% for a minimum of 30 days are: ...

Test Magnesium Status

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

Test Iron Status

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Test your iron level. Please watch the above video for the exact markers to request and the optimal ranges to be aiming for. 2. If iron is low, please watch the following videos on iron in the Mineral Balance course to help correct a deficiency or insufficiency: Risk Factors for Iron Deficiency Correcting Iron Deficiency If you need additional help, please ask in our private B Better community forum.

Test Hypochlorhydria (Low Stomach Acid)

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

ACTIONS STEPS: 1. Watch the video above to learn about the common signs of hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid). 2. Perform the baking soda stomach acid test (explained at the 3-minute mark). The fillable handout with tracking sheet is attached. 3. If you have not ordered the GI Map functional stool test (which includes H Pylori), consider ordering an H. Pylori-only stool test or the full GI Map by Diagnostic Solutions in the previous video. Order an H. Pylori-only Functional Stool Test by Diagnostic Solutions: H. Pylori only (USA) H. Pylori only (Canada) ...

Test Sex Hormones

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Although functional testing is costly, a comprehensive look at hormone metabolites in urine sampling using the DUTCH test (Complete or Plus) can be a worthy investment since it can provide an overview of all sex hormones, including cortisol, the cortisol rhythm, melatonin and some organic acid markers of key nutrients such as vitamin B6 needed for the conversion from serotonin to melatonin. Resources attached: Sample reports & collection instructions for DUTCH Plus (male and female reports) Sample reports & collection instructions for DUTCH Complete...

Test Adrenal Function (Stress Response)

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Watch the video above to learn about the saliva and urine tests available that can provide information about how much cortisol the adrenals produce, as well as the cortisol pattern throughout the day. Too much or too little cortisol can affect thyroid function, and impact motility. Resources attached: Sample reports & collection instructions for DUTCH Adrenal & DUTCH Plus (male and female reports) Sampe reports & collection instructions for Genova’s Adrenocortex Stress Profile 2. Order your test: DUTCH Test Complete DUTCH...

Test Gut Health/Parasites

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Wath the video above for an explanation on the usefulness of a functional stool test by Diagnostic Solutions called the GI Map. The GI Map sample test report is attached for your reference. 2. If budget allows, order a GI MAP Test: GI MAP (USA) GI MAP (Canada) Worldwide: Email support@bbettermembership.com 3. Certain white blood cell markers found in a basic CBC panel (Complete Blood Count) with differentials such as the eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils, can provide clues about whether or not there are parasites. If Monocytes,...

Test Liver/Gallbladder Function

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. According to the Chinese organ clock, the liver and gallbladder function at full capacity between the hours of 11pm and 3am which may disrupt sleep if they are not functioning optimally. Therefore, consider testing the following blood markers in a liver panel: ALT/SGPT AST/SGOT GGTP Alkaline Phosphatase Bilirubin Direct Bilirubin (make sure to include direct bilirubin as it’s often skipped) LDH 2. Compare your results once received to the following optimal ranges for each marker: ALT/SGPT: 10-30 U/L AST/SGOT: 10-30...

Test Blood Sugar

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Sleep Optimization Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Since blood sugar dysregulation can negatively affect sleep, it’s a good idea to test blood sugar levels with a blood test. Watch the above video for a detailed list of the markers to request and the recommended reference ranges to be aiming for. Here’s how you can order a blood test: Rupa Health LabShop (US only): Fasting Insulin HbA1C Fasting Glucose Triglycerides HOMA-IR TrueHealth Labs (US & Canada): Fasting Insulin HbA1c Fasting Glucose HOMA-IR UAE & Saudi members can reach out to Valeo Health to...

Test Position of Uterus

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Constipation Relief Program, Tests.

If you look at the images above, you can see that a women’s uterus is to be bent slightly forward towards her belly button. If the uterus is bent way too far forward or backwards, it can cause problems. If the uterus is leaning backwards and flexed (i.e. retroflexed), it can PUSH up against the intestines, which can lead to GI problems like constipation or pain with a bowel movement. This worsens with a larger uterus, like when a women is near her period (full of thick tissue about to bleed out) or with fibroids.If the uterus is tipped to the side, it could press against the...

Test Adrenal Function (Stress Response)

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Constipation Relief Program, Tests.

ABOUT THIS LESSON ACTION STEPS: 1. Watch the video above to learn about the saliva and urine tests available that can provide information about how much cortisol the adrenals produce, as well as the cortisol pattern throughout the day. Too much or too little cortisol can affect thyroid function, and impact motility. Resources attached: Sample reports & collection instructions for DUTCH Adrenal & DUTCH Plus (male and female reports) Sampe reports & collection instructions for Genova’s Adrenocortex Stress Profile 2. Order your test: DUTCH Test...

Test Hypochlorhydria (Low Stomach Acid)

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Constipation Relief Program, Tests.

Test Gut Health/Dysbiosis

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Constipation Relief Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Wath the video above for an explanation on the usefulness of a functional stool test by Diagnostic Solutions called the GI Map. The GI Map sample test report is attached for your reference. 2. Order a GI MAP Test: GI MAP (USA) GI MAP (Canada) Worldwide: Email support@BernadetteAbraham.com 3. Once your results are back, use the attached ‘GI Map Interpretive Guide’ to help with interpretation and next steps, or upload your test results into the community forum for further guidance (you can remove identifying...

Test Food Sensitivities

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Constipation Relief Program, Tests.

Test Thyroid Function

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Constipation Relief Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Since low thyroid function (or hypothyroidism) can lead to constipation, it’s a good idea to test thyroid function with a full thryoid panel. Watch the above video for a detailed list of the markers to request and the recommended reference ranges to be aiming for. Order a test: Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment Test Kit (TrueHealth Labs) Essential Thyroid Profile (ZRT Labs) Extended Hashimoto’s Thyroid Panel (Requisition Form Only) 2. If there is hypothyroid function or Hashimoto’s, please prioritize watching the...

Test Gallbladder Function

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Constipation Relief Program, Tests.

ACTION STEPS: 1. Since sluggish bile from the gallbladder can impact motility, consider testing the following blood markers in a liver panel: ALT/SGPT AST/SGOT GGTP Alkaline Phosphatase Bilirubin Direct Bilirubin (make sure to include direct bilirubin as it’s often skipped) LDH 2. Compare your results once received to the following optimal ranges for each marker: ALT/SGPT: 10-30 U/L AST/SGOT: 10-30 U/L GGT: 10-30 U/L Alkaline Phosphatase: 70-90 U/L Bilirubin: 0.1 – 1.2 mg/dL Direct Bilirubin: < 0.2 mg/dL LDH:...

Test Magnesium Status

Written by b-better on June 17, 2024. Posted in Constipation Relief Program, Tests.

Gallbladder Health & the Secret to Professional Success

Written by Daniel on April 10, 2024. Posted in Holistic Health, Professional Development & Industry Insights, Wellness in Practice.

Have you ever considered the link between your gallbladder and energy levels? The gallbladder, although often neglected, significantly influences your daily energy levels and vitality. This small organ, tucked beneath your liver, serves as a powerhouse for digestion, particularly in breaking down fats and absorbing essential nutrients. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, which aids in the elimination of waste products and toxins from the body. However, its functions extend beyond this; bile also facilitates the absorption of nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D,...

Gut Health: The Secret to Professional Success

Written by Daniel on March 27, 2024. Posted in Holistic Health, Professional Development & Industry Insights, Wellness in Practice.

Can you eat your way to success? The gut can considerably influence a person’s mood and mental state. What you eat during your workday will have a significant impact on your sense of well-being and your productivity and performance. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few simple switches can make a big difference. Let’s look at how gut health could affect your career and how to make the workplace a healthier place for everybody! Let’s kick things off with where digestion begins… Can you guess where that is? The Brain & Mouth You might think: I get how the mouth is...