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New Member
Hello. I have just signed up and am looking forward to being part of the B Better Community. -
12 Replies
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Hello – welcome to B Better! I’m so glad you’re here with us. What are you most interested in gaining from your time here us?
The library of content is quite rich now and I don’t expect members to have the time to go through everything so please feel free to ask any questions in the “Ask Your Questions” space (I linked it), and we’ll be happy to support & guide you to the relevant information.
Looking forward to interacting with you further!
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although I know so much about the gut health, I feel like still missing a few key pieces in the puzzle. So will be checking out those discussions for sure. I am also following your posts on electropollution which is fairly a new topic for me to gain insight to. Thanks Bernedette
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Hey ,
Welcome to B Better! My name is Daniel and I help Bernadette on the platform.
I have learned in this field: there is always another layer. The feeling of ‘still missing a few key pieces is actually quite healthy to have! That being said, if there are specific areas you would like to know more about feel free to ask.
If you post them in the ‘Ask Your Questions’ space like Bernadette mentioned, we can turn them into a learning opportunity for everyone.
Happy studying here!
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I can’t wait for you to dive into the Gut Health Masterclass in that case. It’s a heavy course so if you don’t have the time to go through it all from start to finish, just let us know what exactly you’re looking for and we can guide you right to it.
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I have been flat out so couldn’t really dive into the database yet. But in summary, i have completed so far SIBO and candida protocols. Although I have done great progress over the years, I still struggle with breaking down my food specially the high fiber foods. Even it is a cooked spinach, it doesn’t get broken down completely. I use good quality HCL and enzyme supplements like ‘Nutri-dyn Digestive Complete’. It is helpful with protein digestion but not so much with high fiber food for me. I see you posted something about the digestive bitters the other day, I may give it a try but any other recommendations for me??
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may I know what GI symptoms you’re currently experiencing? Both HCL and enzyme supplements can be amazing to relieve GI symptoms, and I do recommend them often to clients while addressing the root cause, but ideally, we want to figure out why this support is needed, and eventually remove that support.
With that said, depending on different circumstances, some clients have to remain on certain supplements lifelong to compensate for genetic factors, inflammatory conditions or surgeries (e.g. bariatric surgery or gallbladder removal, etc).
To answer your question about wanting to digest fiber better, I encourage you to watch this short video on digestive enzyme support. Choosing a digestive enzyme is like the choosing cereal; so many to choose from and can really be customized, hence my question about your current symptoms.
To better break down fiber, enzymes with “alpha-galactosidase” can be helpful. Enzalase (as shown in my video contains it), and so does Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes Ultra (there’s also a version with Betaine if you prefer combining them if you don’t have a strong need for HCL), and Enzymedica Digest Gold. There are many more brands too which you can browse in the B Better supplement dispensary by searching for that ingredient. If you don’t have an account yet, here’s the tutorial video.
The main difference between digestive enzymes and digestive bitters is that, with bitters, you’re stimulating the brain to produce ALL digestive secretions; HCL, enzymes and bile, whereas digestive enzymes are simply providing enzymes. Hope that makes sense.
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I just watched the video. Great information! Thank you
So I normally take Nutri-dyn with animal protein based foods; Bio-care or Enzymetica Digest Basic with vegetarian meals as there is no HCL content
I avoid animal protein at dinner time and eat only light vegetables like marrow, green beans with some white rice.
You mentioned in the video of plant based vs animal based enzymes. Well, we had some
Mold issues in the past, so I would like try some of the animal based options you recommended.How about bile support? Would that be helpful as well?
Or anything else you can add based on above? Thanks a lot again.
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given the low iron and B12 despite a carnivorous diet, and your inability to digest proteins in the evenings, it seems as though hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) might be at play, so here are 2 short videos I recommend watching to help you figure out the possible causes of low stomach acid (here, and here). The most common are H Pylori, stress & hypothyroid function. Have any of these ever been tested recently? After watching the videos, please let me know what your intuition tells you in terms of what it could be in your case.
Please also watch this video on the signs & symptoms of low stomach acid, and a simple baking soda test you can do at home.
An often overlooked but fundamental principle that I teach is proper eating hygiene. Please watch this video to make sure the basics are covered.
With regards to your question about bile, what makes you feel that bile support might be needed? Do you have fatty stools? Greasy/oily film in the toilet? Do you get nauseous easily? Headaches? Do you have low fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E,K despite supplementing? Have you ever followed a low fat diet in the past? Do you get gallbladder twinges/attacks? Do you get pain in your right shoulder blade area? Did you remove your gallbladder? These are some questions that could help answer your question. In terms of lab testing, have you ever measured a liver panel that includes ALT, AST, GGT, Total and Direct Bilirubin, Albumin, Protein? If so, please feel free to upload it here.
I’ll leave it here for now, and wait for your responses.
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I have been tested before twice for H. Pylori and it was negative. Thyroid levels are ok too. Liver panel was checked regularly and I have attached the latest result which was fine. However, I did benefit from liver supporting supplements in the past, hence the bile question.
I use D and K2; D levels are fine. But I never tested for K, A and E vitamins.
I also now know B1 is key for stomach acid production but I never tested for that too.Would you recommend testing for these? Or in the meantime, shall I start using a B complex and try to see if it makes any difference?
Regarding the HCL supplements, does the dose differ for everyone? I used HCL tablets for years as I was coming out of long term use of proton pump inhibitors. I even took two tablets sometimes 3 with no heart burn afterwards although it was recommended to take 1 only.
I know I have taken your time fair bit. Thank you Dr. Bernadette. Hope you are having a nice break with your family.
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was the h pylori test a breath test or PCR stool test? And did a functional doctor or naturopath interpret your thyroid levels or was it “fine” by conventional standards?
I’d be curious to know your direct bilirubin level… has that ever been measured in the past, and if so, what was the level?
Regarding your question about HCL tablets. Yes, I usually recommend my clients determine their dose using the dosing challenge. Here’s the handout that explains it. And here’s the handout on how to test for low stomach acid.
Again, having the need for HCL supplement for years means you’re not actually addressing the root cause. Did any of your protocols look at brain health/communication, and provide pituitary/hypothalamus support?
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I have just sent you a direct message with some test results. Many thanks again
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I’ve seen your tests but kindly request that we keep our conversation here please for others to benefit as well from this thread
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