[Daniel]

Hey @naslam1603 ,

Let me help you with “the drawing board”! I’ll give you some other tips as well (some are new, some you already know… but perhaps providing you more context might help you make a better plan. The plan is based on the tough trio: low stomach acid, delayed gastric emptying, and mucosal sensitivity.

Alcohol-Free Digestive Bitters:

If you’re sensitive to alcohol or prefer to avoid it, there are still effective alcohol-free bitters that support bile flow and digestive enzyme signalling. In place of alcohol, these formulas typically use glycerin, a sugar alcohol that acts as a gentle solvent (compared to alcohol) to extract beneficial plant compounds.

Glycerin has its upsides: it’s soothing, sweet-tasting, and can help soften stools by drawing water into the colon. But it also comes with a caveat, because it’s a fermentable sugar alcohol, it may aggravate symptoms in people with SIBO or sensitive gut flora.

So as always: start low, go slow, and listen closely to your body’s response.

When it comes to alcohol-free bitters that are also safe for people with histamine intolerance, the list narrows quite a bit. But here’s one that passes my filters and is worth considering:

• Energetix Core Bitter: Contains Dandelion root, yellow dock, gentian, burdock root and is alcohol-free.

If you only have access to alcohol-based bitters, it’s totally okay to let the alcohol evaporate: just place your dose (say 5–10 drops) into a small amount of hot water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. You’ll lose most of the alcohol but still retain the bitter effect.

Prokinetic Support (for delayed emptying)

Bitters alone might not fully restart motility, especially if inflammation or nervous system dysregulation is in the way. A gentle prokinetic can help move things along:

• MotilPro (by Pure Encapsulations): This combines ginger, 5-HTP, and artichoke extract. It’s often used in functional medicine to support gut motility without being too stimulating.

• Standalone ginger extract: Even 500–1000 mg of powdered ginger with meals can gently nudge stomach emptying and reduce that “rock in your stomach” feeling.

Gut Lining and Heartburn Support

Given your heartburn and sensitivity after protein, supporting the gut lining is just as important as stimulating digestion. Here are some options that are well tolerated:

• Zinc Carnosine: Helps repair the stomach lining and reduce inflammation. Doses around 75 mg, taken between meals, are often effective.

• GI Revive (by Designs for Health): As I’m writing this, I remember you once mentioned you couldn’t tolerate one of the ingredients. But since I’m unsure, I’ll mention it anyway and leave the choice to you. GI Revive is a strong blend of DGL, slippery elm, marshmallow, and aloe. It’s one of the best full-spectrum gut-lining formulas out there.

• MegaMucosa (by Microbiome Labs): Supports immune regulation in the gut and repairs the mucosal barrier. Includes dairy-free IgG and amino acids.

• DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice): You can chew this before meals to reduce acid-related discomfort and protect the stomach lining. Again… I remember you tried something like this, but I’m not sure anymore if you stopped this because if side effects.

• Marshmallow root or slippery elm tea: These are old-school but still incredibly effective if you prefer a gentle and food-grade approach.

Putting It All Together

Bitters might give you a gentle nudge and help you with digestion. Just start low (3 to 5 drops is enough to begin) and track how your body responds. You could try combining:

• A glycerin-based bitter 10 minutes before meals

• A small ginger capsule or MotilPro during or right after meals

• A mucosal repair agent like Zinc Carnosine or GI Revive between meals

Also, don’t underestimate the impact of post-meal movement (even a 10-minute slow walk) and meal spacing (3–4 hours between meals) to support the migrating motor complex.

Wishing you relief and a clear next step,
Daniel

• This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by  Daniel.

[Daniel]

Hey @naslam1603 ,

You’re absolutely right to be thinking about probiotics here. Long-term antibiotics like doxycycline can alter the gut microbiome. If you are looking for a supplement, I would probably go for a broad-spectrum probiotic like Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Complete. Start with a low dose (for example, half a capsule, perhaps even every other day).

Although this formula is gentle, in some cases lactobacillus and bifidobacteria can cause some bloating. Most of the time this disapears over a few days as the body adjusts.

I hope this will help your mum Naveed!

[Daniel]

Thanks for sharing her story; it’s clear she’s been through a lot. Based on everything she’s tried and her history, I’d look at this situation from a broader functional lens. Here are some key thoughts and practical tips she could consider. Let’s start with breaking down what might be going on:

Hormonal Shifts as a Root Trigger

Estrogen supports skin hydration, immune regulation, and barrier repair. When it drops (like during menopause), underlying immune issues often come to the surface. That could explain why symptoms began around 2019 and worsened post-menopause.

<strong data-start=”748″ data-end=”793″ style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Food Intolerances Suggest Gut Involvement

The wide range of intolerances, gluten, lactose, legumes, and yeast points toward possible gut permeability (“leaky gut”), low microbial diversity, and maybe even mild mast cell activation. It’s not uncommon for histamine intolerance and autoimmune tendencies to appear together.

<strong data-start=”1079″ data-end=”1133″ style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Immune system support

If even a small dose of betamethasone keeps the symptoms down, but symptoms return immediately after stopping, her immune system might be stuck in an inflammatory loop that hasn’t been resolved upstream (gut, hormones, mast cells, etc.)

What she can do to repair her gut:

Her symptoms and food sensitivities suggest that the gut lining may be compromised. Supporting this foundation can often reduce skin flares and immune overactivation.

Gut support stack:

<ul data-start=”408″ data-end=”775″>

[Daniel]

Hey @Inga-55

Great question! It would be helpful to know why Enalapril was prescribed: was it primarily for lowering blood pressure, or are there other symptoms I should be aware of?

Regarding CoQ10 Ubiquinol, it’s indeed a great option, especially if you’re on Enalapril. It supports energy production and heart health. Ubiquinol is more readily absorbed by the body compared to regular CoQ10, so it’s often the preferred form for most people.

Omega-3s, like EPA and DHA, are fantastic for heart health and reducing inflammation. However, both Enalapril and Omega-3s have blood pressure-lowering effects. If you’re combining them, you might experience a stronger drop in blood pressure. This could be beneficial, but it’s important to monitor how you feel and check your blood pressure regularly. If you feel any dizziness or lightheadedness, that could be a sign that your blood pressure is too low. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to personalize your dosage and ensure the combination works for you.

Dosage
I’d recommend starting with 1000-2000 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day. If heart health is a specific concern or inflammation is high, you can consider increasing it to 3000 or even 4000 mg, but be sure to discuss this with your doctor!

On the topic of Nordiclabs, what screen do you exactly see?

[Daniel]

Hey @naslam1603 ,

The 30 kg dumbbells use a screw system that lets you add or remove plates manually. It’s a bit more old-school, but solid and reliable.

The other set (the 20 kg adjustable dumbbells) use a quicker “click” system. That makes it easier to change weights and tidier to store. The downside is that the mechanism can be a bit more fragile over time.

So it’s really a trade-off between durability and convenience.

[Daniel]

Hey @naslam1603

I always think of the gut microbiome as a living journal. It doesn’t just show what’s happening today, but it reflects what your body has lived through over time: the meals you’ve eaten. The stress you’ve carried. The infections you’ve fought. It all contributes to microbial patterns.

Now that H. pylori is gone (which is a win), your latest test shows a different kind of story and still needs your attention.

What stands out to me the most is:

• High zonulin, meaning the gut wall is too permeable (often called “leaky gut”)

• A small parasite (Endolimax Nana) – often considered harmless, but not always

• The absence of key “guardians” like Faecalibacterium and Akkermansia, which usually help repair and protect the gut lining

• The elevated presence of microbes that could damage the gut lining, like elevated Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus

Even though E. Nana is considered a “non-pathogenic” parasite, but it can still irritate the gut, especially in an altered gut environment.

I don’t know if the elevated E. Nana came through undercooked chicken or liver. But Parasites like E. nana don’t always come from contaminated meat. They can be picked up through:

• Contaminated water (even just rinsing veggies)

• Travel or restaurant meals

• Contact with someone who carries it (it’s more common than people think)

It could be picked up, but it could also be a symptom of a gut environment that’s currently more permissive than protective. And that’s fixable.

So while it’s not a crisis, it’s not something to ignore either.

Before I help you address, can you help me with the next questions:

Are there any new symptoms? Old symptoms that have been worsening or resolved?

What do you do currently, food-wise? What supplements/medications are you currently taking? And what is your current gut protocol? Are you mostly focused on calming the gut and repairing the gut lining? Do you use, for example, zinc carnosine and L-glutamine? Are you still using things that calm the gut, like Marshmallow root tea?

Because if you start using antimicrobials, you might end up stressing the gut even more, especially if the lining is still fragile or if your histamine bucket is already full.

Let me know, Naveed!

• This reply was modified 3 months ago by  Daniel.

[Daniel]

Great question. And you’re right: some studies suggest that NAD+ boosters like NMN and NR can affect cholesterol levels. But affect can mean two things: some research shows a drop in cholesterol, others show a possible increase, depending on the form, dose, and combination.

I’ll break it down for you.

⚠ Where the concern might have come from:

There was a human study where people took a combination of nicotinamide riboside (NR) and pterostilbene… and over time, their LDL cholesterol went up.

If you’ve never heard of NR: it’s similar to NMN. Both are precursors to NAD+, a molecule your body needs to make energy, repair DNA, and keep cells healthy. They both help your body produce more NAD+, but NMN is one step closer in the process, which might make it slightly more direct or efficient in some tissues.
(Study: Nature Scientific Reports, 2019)

This study could easily confuse people into thinking that NR on its own raises LDL cholesterol.

But in the same study, there was a group that took NR alone. This group showed no rise in LDL, so it’s really the combination that’s the issue.

What’s pterostilbene and why did it raise LDL Cholesterol?

Pterostilbene is a natural antioxidant found in blueberries. It’s a chemical cousin of resveratrol (the stuff in red wine people say is heart-healthy).

In supplements, it’s added to:

– Support brain health

– Activate anti-aging genes like sirtuins

– Cross the blood-brain barrier more easily than resveratrol

But, and here’s the catch, at higher doses, pterostilbene might interfere with how your liver clears LDL cholesterol. That’s likely why it caused a bump in LDL in that study.

What about NMN?

In a 2023 clinical trial, people took 1,000 mg of NMN per day for a month. The result?

• LDL cholesterol dropped by ~19 mg/dL

• Total cholesterol also dropped

(Study reference: PubMed ID: 36740954)

So, NMN alone may actually support healthier cholesterol levels, especially in people with some extra weight or early metabolic issues.

I hope this answer makes things clearer and takes away possible concerns

Daniel

[Daniel]

Hey @healthyliving99 ,

Good that you (or your friend) is paying attention to your(his/her) body. Epigastric pain in combination with symptoms can tell us quite a bit.

A quick side note though: “Epigastric pain” simply refers to where the pain occurs: the upper central part of your abdomen, just below the ribcage. It doesn’t tell us what’s causing it. That depends a lot on accompanying symptoms.

There are many possible causes, ranging from gastritis, reflux (GERD), ulcers, gallbladder issues, low stomach acid, to even heart-related concerns. But based on your description (occasional pain after fried or low-quality food), my educated guess is that this is likely tied to how your digestion handles those meals.

If that’s the case, some herbs and supplements can give your system a bit of support when it’s under pressure.

We have a few handouts in the library that could help you a lot, I think. You can find them here:

https://bbettermembership.com/resource-library/a/acid-reflux/

https://bbettermembership.com/courses/gut-health-masterclass-2/lessons/herbal-h-pylori-remedies/

https://bbettermembership.com/courses/gut-health-masterclass-2/lessons/liver-gallbladder-support/

I’ve also attached a table that might help navigate your supplement choices. If there are more symptoms you know of, let us know. It might help us narrow down our advice.

Some last quick tips:

• Chew slowly and take your time: it makes digestion easier and keeps you from eating more than you need.

• Avoid alcohol and NSAIDs around symptoms (especially if the stomach lining is part of the problem): they’re common stomach irritants and slow down healing.

• Supplements can support healing, but the biggest impact often comes from removing the habits or foods that trigger the pain in the first place. It’s always easier to break something down than to rebuild it, and your gut lining is no exception!

• This reply was modified 3 months ago by  Daniel.

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[Daniel]

Hi @iryna_klevetenko !

That sounds really uncomfortable for your uncle, especially when it disrupts sleep like that. Most people think reflux means too much acid, but believe it or not, low stomach acid can feel very similar: burning, bloating, heaviness, and nighttime reflux. Especially as people age or go through stress, acid production can drop.

So it’s good to look at both possibilities: too much or too little stomach acid. Many people end up on acid blockers when the root cause is actually too little acid.

Supplements that can help:

1. DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
Soothes and supports the stomach lining. Especially useful when there’s irritation or inflammation from acid.

2. Aloe vera (decolorized juice)
Can help reduce acid and calm the gut lining. Must be decolorized (to avoid laxative effects).

3. Slippery elm or marshmallow root

Forms a mucilage that coats and soothes the esophagus and stomach. Great before bed. Make tea from it or take a supplement with warm water. Teas will work and reach the throat. Supplements will not have a soothing effect on the throat unless taken with warm water

4. Zinc-Carnosine (a special form of zinc)
Especially well-studied for reflux, ulcers, and H. pylori. Zinc-carnosine adheres to the stomach lining and promotes healing.

If you suspect low stomach acid, consider:

• Digestive bitters (like gentian, dandelion, or artichoke): Can naturally stimulate acid and bile.

• Betaine HCl with pepsin: If your uncle is on antacid medications, skip this step for now. If you’d like to learn more about how to use this supplement properly, let me know. But don’t start with this if you aren’t familiar with how to use this supplement. If your uncle has too much stomach acid production, this supplement could make his symptoms worse.

There is even more information in this video: https://bbettermembership.com/courses/gut-health-masterclass-2/lessons/herbal-h-pylori-remedies/

⚠️ Common trigger foods that can worsen symptoms:

Even if stomach acid is low, these foods can irritate or increase reflux-like symptoms:

• Coffee (even decaf)

• Alcohol (wine, beer, spirits)

• Chocolate

• Peppermint or spearmint

• Tomatoes / tomato sauces

• Citrus fruits and juices

• Spicy foods

• Fried or fatty foods

• Carbonated drinks

• Raw onions and garlic

• Full-fat dairy (cheese, cream, ice cream)

• Refined carbs and processed snacks

• Overeating or eating too late

Simple lifestyle tips that can help:

• Eat dinner 2–3 hours before bed

• Raise the head of the bed 10–15 cm

• Chew food thoroughly and eat in a relaxed setting

• Avoid big meals and tight clothing at night

• Keep a food & symptom journal to spot patterns

If his symptoms don’t improve, it’s smart to check for H. pylori or hiatal hernia.

Hope this gives him some real relief soon!

Daniel

• This reply was modified 3 months, 4 weeks ago by  Daniel.

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[Daniel]

Hi @jschwartz1

Thank you for sharing your story! I’m glad to hear how much relief you experienced from a low-histamine diet. Your body gave you a strong clue, and you listened. That’s powerful. Let’s unpack your questions one by one!

A) Can I Explore an MCAS Diagnosis Without a Specialist?
Yes, to a degree. However, there is no single test that definitively diagnoses Mast Cell Activation Syndrome(MCAS). Diagnosing MCAS involves a multi-faceted approach, including assessing symptoms, ruling out other conditions, and using specialised tests to identify mast cell activation.

• Track your “histamine bucket”: Every exposure (be it food, stress, toxins, or hormones) adds to the load. Flare-ups often happen when the bucket overflows.

• Identify patterns: A journal that captures food, symptoms, sleep, menstrual cycle, and stress levels can reveal connections.

• Consider key lab tests (if your provider is open to it):

  • Tryptase (ideally during a flare)

  • Plasma Heparin (Heparin is released by mast cells, but not always/ideally during a flare)

  • CGA or Chromogranin A (Not a primary indicator for MCAS, but it has been used. CGA levels can be elevated by MCAS – but they can be elevated by other causes as well)

  • DAO enzyme levels (Not diagnostic, but it is helpful. DAO or diamine oxidase – your histamine-breakdown helper)

  • 24-hour urinary histamine or prostaglandin D2

These labs don’t always “prove” MCAS, but they help guide your next steps.

B) How Do I Prevent Flare-Ups? Is It Only About Diet?
Diet is a big piece, but it’s only one part of a broader picture. Other triggers can activate your mast cells:

The Core Triggers:

1. Gut dysbiosis and permeability

2. Hormonal shifts

3. Environmental toxins (mold, chemicals, fragrances)

4. Chronic infections (EBV, Lyme, candida)

5. Emotional or physiological stress

All of these can increase your sensitivity threshold. Since Mast cells are part of your immune system, they are highly sensitive to these “danger signals.”

What can you do beyond diet:
Mast cells have corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors, which means psychological stress can directly activate them.

• Nervous system regulation is crucial: breathwork, somatic work, EMDR, or meditation can reduce the limbic overactivation that affects mast cells.

• Nutrients that stabilise mast cells:

  • Quercetin (500–1000 mg/day)

  • Vitamin C (buffered or liposomal is gentler)

  • Magnesium glycinate

  • Omega-3 fatty acids

  • DAO enzyme before meals, especially when eating out

• Safe antihistamines: H1 (loratadine) + H2 (famotidine) combos are sometimes helpful short-term, especially during stressful periods or travel

Realistic Food Strategies:

• Focus on a flexible low-histamine approach, not perfection

• Batch prep 3-4 core meals that freeze well (e.g., simple proteins, zucchini, sweet potato, rice)

• Avoid aged foods, leftovers >24h, and slow-cooked meals (these tend to build histamine)

• Choose restaurants with build-your-own bowls or grilled proteins and fresh sides

• Carry “safe snacks” (e.g., rice cakes, apples, collagen bars)

When it comes to food strategies, the goal isn’t restriction: it’s regulation.

C) IVF & Pregnancy considerations in suspected MCAS

You’re 100% right that pregnancy and fertility treatments can shift mast cell behavior. Hormonal fluctuations (especially estrogen surges) can aggravate symptoms.

Some things you can consider:

• IVF meds can be histamine-liberating (e.g., hCG, estrogen and antibiotics like Doxycycline, which are sometimes used)

• Request preservative-free versions of injectables if available

• Ask about pre-medicating with antihistamines or mast cell stabilisers

• Avoid contrast dyes, if possible, and flag your sensitivity to meds

After IVF or during postpartum (where hormones plummet), flare-ups can occur. You can reduce risks if you plan for gut, liver, and nervous system support upfront.

Here are some ideas:

• NAC (N-acetylcysteine): an antioxidant which also supports liver detox

• Milk thistle (silymarin): which is liver-protective.

• Probiotics: but be careful. Some strains can worsen MCAS because these strains produce histamine. Choose strains that reduce histamine, like Bifidobacterium infants. An example of probiotics that could help you is ProBiota HistaminX from the brand Seeking Health.

Your body has already shown you that histamine plays a role. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s resilience: getting your system strong enough to tolerate more foods, stress, and life as you move into this exciting next phase.

I hope this answer was helpful,

Daniel

• This reply was modified 4 months, 3 weeks ago by  Daniel.

[Daniel]

Hey @yasminatassi ,

Thank you for sharing your results. Based on the labs you’ve posted, here are a few recommendations:

Vitamin D

If you’re currently supplementing with vitamin D, it might be a good idea to pause for a few weeks. Your levels are quite high/borderline where symptoms of vitamin D toxicity could start to appear.

When you resume, consider lowering the dose and make sure you’re using a vitamin D supplement that includes vitamin K2. These two work better together, especially for calcium regulation. Thorne offers a high-quality D/K2 blend you might consider.

Magnesium

Your magnesium levels are slightly on the low side. Magnesium glycinate is a gentle, well-absorbed option to consider. Start with 200 mg per day. If you’re dealing with constipation, magnesium citrate may be a better fit. Consider retesting after a few weeks to track changes.

Zinc (RBC)

Your zinc level isn’t deficient, but it’s on the lower end of the range. Ideally, I aim for levels in the upper half of the reference range. You could consider adding 15 mg of zinc citrate daily to gently increase your stores.

Vitamin A

Your vitamin A status could use a boost. A food-based approach works well (think small portions of liver once or twice a week). If that’s not an option, a mild vitamin A supplement could be considered. Look for Retinyl Palmitate on the ingredient list. This is the active form of vitamin A. 2500-5000 IU should be a safe starting point.

I hope this helps!

[Daniel]

Hey @iryna_klevetenko ,

Thank you for sharing his labs; this does shift the approach a bit.

When serum iron is normal but ferritin (the storage form of iron) is elevated, it often points to an underlying inflammatory process. This could be due to chronic infections (bacteria or viruses), but fatty liver is also a common cause that shouldn’t be overlooked.

His vitamin D level is 36.9 ng/ml, which is technically not deficient, but also not yet optimal. I’d recommend getting it into the 50–60 ng/ml range before introducing stronger detoxification supplements… And here’s why:

When you begin supporting detox pathways, the body may start to mobilise stored toxins, which can trigger temporary inflammation or immune reactions. Vitamin D is important here: it doesn’t just support immunity, it also plays a key role in calming inflammation and improving detox tolerance.

Since he’s already using 2000 IU/day of vitamin D, I’d suggest increasing to 4000 IU/day, ideally with vitamin K2 added for balance. Do this for the next 4–8 weeks, then reassess.

Once his vitamin D is in the target range, revisit the video Bernadette recommended (this one here), and if he’s not constipated, not dealing with an active infection, and generally feeling stable, then it could be a good time to gently introduce the supplement Detoxification Factors by Integrative Therapeutics.

Start with 1 capsule per day (or even every other day), and gradually work up to 2 capsules per day, depending on tolerance.

If any detox symptoms arise (fatigue, headaches, irritability, skin flares) simply dial back the dose. That usually means detox is going faster than his body can eliminate waste.

Once he’s tolerating 2 capsules per day for about 10 days, feel free to check in with us again, and we’ll be happy to guide you on the next steps.

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[Daniel]

Hey @naslam1603 ,

The formula from Klaire Labs is one of the few that actually survives the acidity of the stomach, which is something not all probiotics can claim. It strikes a strong balance between efficacy, tolerability, and safety, especially for fragile patients like your mum. It delivers 25 billion CFU (colony-forming units), which gives it a therapeutic edge.

On the websites you’ve shared, there are also some other good options. A few of them are gentler (with a lower CFU count) but still use smart delivery tech to protect the strains through stomach acid. Here are two worth mentioning:

• Proflora 4R (Biocidin Botanicals):
  Lower potency (4 billion CFU), but includes soothing herbs like aloe vera and marshmallow to calm the gut lining. A good option if she’s very sensitive, but avoid if she’s intolerant to yeast, as it contains S. boulardii.

• CT‑Biotic (CellCore Biosciences):
  Also lower in CFUs (3.5 billion) plus S. boulardii. But it also survives the acidity of the stomach due to the BioActive Carbon® delivery technology.

That said, my preferred choice remains Ther-Biotic from Klaire Labs, for its broad strain diversity, clinical reliability, and strong overall track record, especially in post-antibiotic or immunocompromised settings.

Hope this helps clarify things and makes the decision a little easier.

Daniel

[Daniel]

Hey @naslam1603 ,

You’re already doing a lot right. Your supplement stack for gut repair is great, but healing the gut lining can still be challenging if something is working against it. Things like chronic stress, low stomach acid, poor bile flow, slowed motility, or even a hiatal hernia can all keep the terrain from stabilising.

Your step toward physiotherapy is an excellent one. What many people don’t realise is that if you haven’t been training for a while, the recovery phase can feel more draining than the workout itself. That’s a normal response, especially when your nervous system is already under pressure. Over time, this adaptation builds resilience and supports deeper healing. Your quads will eventually adapt as well

As for the slightly elevated blood pressure, this is a common signal when the body’s under stress. If you’re already doing breathwork and supporting vagal tone, it’s worth making sure your diet includes enough magnesium and potassium.

Here are some low-FODMAP, low-histamine options:

– Magnesium: pumpkin seeds (small amounts), zucchini, oats
– Potassium: carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, kiwi (up to 1 per day), coconut water (100 ml max)

Supplement-wise, omega-3s, magnesium, quercetin, and l-theanine (especially in the evening) can all support blood pressure regulation and nervous system balance.

On the lithium: elevated levels can be caused by multiple factors, such as trace amounts in multi-mineral supplements, impaired detoxification, or medications that reduce clearance (like NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, or diuretics). But also be sure to check your water source and personal care products like shampoo or lotions: trace lithium from external exposure can throw off HTMA results. Results from an HTMA should always be considered in light of current symptoms. Any reason why lithium stood out for you?

I hope this answer helps!

• This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by  Daniel.

[Daniel]

Hey @naslam1603 ,

I didn’t forget , but since I saw your interest in buying dumbbells, I’ve been rethinking my response.

And here’s why:

You’ve already built a strong foundation (supplements, gut lining support, nervous system work, and careful tracking of what does and doesn’t work for you). But I noticed you might be considering strength training. And while it’s not a magic fix, it is a tool that could quietly tip the scales because it supports gut motility in a whole different way:

It does so by rhythmic muscle contractions that support the migrating motor complex (your gut’s “clean-up” system) and can be very valuable with gastroparesis.

So while I’m not putting training on a pedestal, it’s one of the most low-cost, high-reward tools we’ve got and one that’s often underused in complex gut cases. Normally, my advice includes a lot of other nutritional angles, but given your current symptoms, I feel that antimicrobials might be too taxing right now and could easily trigger new layers of reactivity.

On the Parasite:

E. nana isn’t necessarily from undercooked chicken feet (it dies quite quickly when you boil food above 75 degrees Celsius), I can’t rule it out completely. It likely appeared because your gut environment with permeability (zonulin), low commensals, and sluggish motility became more permissive.

Instead of fixating on where it came from, ask:

“What would make my gut no longer a place it can stay?”

Part of that answer could be movement. Strength training restores internal rhythm, improves motility and this alone can shift your microbiome in a different direction.

On Streptococcus:

Some species of Streptococcus are lactic acid-producing bacteria. In a healthy microbiome, they’re usually kept in check. But in a gut that’s low in protective species like Faecalibacterium or Akkermansia, and where motility is reduced, they can overgrow and start to acidify their surroundings.

This local acidification:

– Can suppress beneficial butyrate-producing microbes

– Irritates the mucosal lining

– And can worsen histamine-type symptoms in sensitive individuals

We often see this in people with gastroparesis, SIBO-like symptoms, or general dysbiosis, where the upper GI becomes a microbial traffic jam: too many passengers, not enough movement, and poor ventilation.

So the solution isn’t to “kill Streptococcus,” but to change the environment:

– Improve motility

– Increase oxygenation through movement

– Reintroduce microbial diversity once the terrain is ready

In that sense, gentle strength training becomes less of a weapon and more of a rebalancing force: one that helps shift the gut’s tempo and restore ecological hierarchy

Histamine Intolerance & Training

It is wise to be cautious here. But done properly, training can actually reduce histamine sensitivity over time by:

• supporting mitochondrial health,
• improving oxygen delivery
• and helping the body metabolise histamine better via improved circulation, nutrient uptake, and autonomic balance.

The key is not to overtrain:

• Keep workouts short (20–30 mins)
• Use compound movements with rest between sets (e.g. rows, squats, push-ups, etc)
• Breathe slowly (if you can) during the exertion. Your vagus nerve loves that 😉

I hope my advise is digestible 😉 There are other things to consider (other supplement ideas), but I think when movement… no training(!)… can improve motility, you did a great thing for shifting your gut health.

Let me know your thoughts,

Daniel