[Bernadette_Abraham]

@healthyliving99 I really appreciate how thoroughly you’ve researched this. You’re absolutely right that colloidal silver is a controversial topic, and your question is warranted.

Just to clarify… the Silver Hydrosol (such as Sovereign Silver or Argentyn 23) in the sore throat relief protocol is meant as one option for short-term, localized use as a topical throat spray or gargle, not as a daily oral supplement.

Silver has long been recognized for its antimicrobial properties, especially against bacteria and viruses, which is why it’s used in medical wound dressings, nasal sprays, and throat preparations. The goal here is simply to reduce the local microbial load and soothe throat tissues, not to deliver silver systemically or use it as an “essential mineral.”

Regarding Health Canada’s statement… the link you shared refers to an unauthorized, high-concentration colloidal silver product (20 ppm) that was being marketed with unapproved claims. Their advisory targeted that specific brand and warned that such products can cause harm, especially if used long term or at high doses.

That advisory doesn’t mean all silver products are approved or that any are recognized as essential minerals. In fact, Health Canada does not classify silver as an essential nutrient. The official position is that silver has no known nutritional role and should not be taken daily or used systemically.

With that said, more reputable pharmaceutical-grade hydrosols such as Argentyn 23 or Sovereign Silver differ from generic “colloidal silver” products in a few key ways:

• Purity: 99.999% pure silver suspended in pharmaceutical-grade water

• Low concentration: Typically 10 ppm, well below the levels linked to argyria (skin discoloration)

• Particle size: Extremely small particles (around 0.8 nm) that disperse easily and are less likely to accumulate

• Good Manufacturing Practices : GMP-certified and tested for contaminants and consistency

However, these safety claims are being made by the manufacturers themselves and are not independently verified by Health Canada, so they still require caution and moderation.

That’s why in the Sore Throat Relief Protocol, silver is:

• Used locally and short-term (3–5 days) as a spray or gargle, similar to an antiseptic mouthwash

• Suggested only for individuals who can’t tolerate stronger herbal antimicrobials like oregano or Biocidin

• Never intended for daily or long-term ingestion

This limited topical use aligns with silver’s recognized antimicrobial benefits and avoids the systemic risks Health Canada warns against.

Hope that makes sense.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@naslam1603 – yes, you’re right – that’s more than just Lyme alone. The Borrelia Elispot is the actual test for Lyme disease.

The others are other co-infections that can either coexist with Lyme or trigger similar immune responses which is why it’s a good idea to test them together.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @naslam1603 – it would help to know why you are taking it.

But in general, it can be taken with or without food, and again timing depends on the situation.

-For general gut support, take it with meals since it minimizes digestive discomfort

-If taking it during a course of antibiotics, space it out 1-2 hours apart (a small snack is fine)

-If it’s for active issues like diarrhea or Candida overgrowth, it’s best on an empty stomach for quicker action, but if it feels too harsh, then taking it with food works too.

The time of day is less important unless it’s with antibiotics – that needs to be 1-2 hours after antibiotics. But morning or night works too for general use. I generally recommend that my clients take them in the evenings to minimize any digestive discomfort they may experience. But that’s my personal preference. Some prefer taking them in the mornings for consistency and to not forget. It’s up to the individual and what works best.

Hope that helps.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@Yasmine – Nick Pineault (also known as The EMF Guy) who was also our guest in B Better has actually spoken about this in the past and points out that while electric toothbrushes do emit EMFs, the exposure is so short (just a couple of minutes a day), that it’s really insignificant compared to the hours we spend on Wi-Fi, phones, or Bluetooth devices.

For children especially, the bigger concern is long-duration exposure. A toothbrush simply doesn’t compare to the constant wireless radiation from devices pressed against their heads or bodies for hours. The real wins come from reducing those high-load exposures like turning Wi-Fi off at night, not carrying phones on the body all day, and limiting wireless headphones.

There aren’t really any true “low-EMF” electric toothbrushes out there, and honestly, you don’t need one. The only thing I’d avoid are the “smart” versions that connect with Bluetooth or apps. Those just add an unnecessary layer of radiation. A simple battery-operated toothbrush is more than fine, and if you ever want zero EMF, a good old fashion manual brush still does the job.

As for indoor air quality meters, Consumer Reports has a really helpful guide that compares the top options and breaks down the pros and cons. You can check it out here.

And regarding the AC filter/duct cleaning schedule, this is what I recommend in Dubai (given our heat, dust, and humidity):

–Change main AC system filters every 3 to 4 months, and do a full duct + system cleaning annually.

–For split / in-room AC units, clean their filters every week, and get a professional mold / unit deep-clean every 3 to 4 months.

Hope that helps.

consumerreports.org

Best Indoor Air Quality Monitors of 2025 - Consumer Reports

The best indoor air quality monitors detect VOCs, particulate matter from wildfires, and other pollutants. Some even give air quality index (AQI) info.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @Raahema – I feel your frustration, especially when you’re doing all the right things but still don’t see a change. It’s actually pretty common for anti-TG to stay high while TPO antibodies go down. And that’s because these antibodies are triggered by slightly different things.

TPO often responds to gluten, dairy, sugar, stress, etc, while TG antibodies can be more sensitive to iodine levels, viruses (like EBV) and gut infections. So I have a few clarifying questions for you that might help spark other areas to explore:

1. Have you had a full thyroid panel done recently (TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, and antibodies)? And would you mind removing any sensitive info and uploading it here for us to look at?

2. Have you ever measured your levels of selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and iron/ferritin? Selenium in particular has been shown lower lower TG antibodies.

3. Since TG is more sensitive to iodine levels, are you taking iodine (check supplements like multi-vitamins/multi-minerals) or eating iodine-rich foods like seaweed, kelp granules or iodized salt? Too much iodine without enough selenium can drive TG antibodies up, so something to consider as well.

4. Have you ever been checked for gut infections (like Candida, SIBO, H. Pylori infection) or possible viral reactivations such as Epstein Barr Virus? These are often hidden trigger. If you have a recent CBC panel, please share it as it can help us see your immune status.

5. And most importantly… how are you feeling overall (energy, sleep, hair, mood, cycles, digestion)? Antibodies don’t always reflect how well your body is functioning.

Looking forward to your replies to my questions to help guide you further.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @Raahema – this is one of the main reasons why mold illness often goes undetected for a long time. Symptoms vary from person to person, and due to genetic factors, mold can affect some family members more than others (we like to call them the “mold canaries” that sound the alarm bell for the rest of us), while others take much longer to start feeling its effects, if at all.

A wet/damp wall with bubbling is often a sign that mold is brewing so it’s probably best that you bring in a mold inspector to check. It could be affecting nearby rooms as well. Where do you live? Did you watch this video to help you find a mold inspector in your area?

That would be a wise next step given what you’re describing.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @Raahema – I just replied to your other thread about mold & mycotoxin illness symptoms and questionnaires to fill out. You can find that thread here and I’ll share them again below.

Can you share more as to why you suspect that mold might be at play? It’s definitely very common but often overlooked and brushed off as an “aesthetic” issue. Have you ever had water intrusion or water damage in the house before? Is humidity high (above 50%)? Do you visibly see it or smell it (although many don’t have smell)?

In the Mold & Mycotoxin Illness course, I shared testing options from the least to most costly to help a person start investigating before paying for more expensive mycotoxin tests.

For starters, it’s definitely worth filling in the mold symptom questionnaires for a subjective assessment. The next step could be to hire a mold inspector to assess the home environment (or wherever mold is suspected). This lesson also shares what to look for when testing the home environment and some self-assessment tools.

If finances allow, there are a number of different tests that one can do to assess if there is a body burden of mold. The most straightforward test is a Mycotoxin test to see if the body is excreting mycotoxins in urine. There are however, limitations to this test especially if someone’s detox pathways are blocked.

If you have the time to watch the other tests, I would highly recommend you watch them to know which test might be the most appropriate one for you at this stage. They start here with the VCS test.

And regarding H Pylori testing, I think that’s a great idea given your symptoms of possibly insufficient or low stomach acid. Breath test is considered the gold standard testing option, and can be done through insurance with a doctor. However, I have found it to give false negatives. Instead, my preference is the PCR stool test by Diagnostic Solutions which costs ~$175 USD I believe. This provides a quantitative value (an actual number) and not just a positive or negative result, which is helpful to track progress as well. If finances are tight, definitely go with the breath test but if the result comes back negative, consider re-testing with a PCR stool test. If you need support in accessing that test, please contact support@bbettermembership.com and they’ll assist you.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@Raahema since mold and specifically mycotoxins are small enough to pass through the smallest alveoli in the lungs, they can make their way to every organ/system in the body. This is why standardizing a common list of symptoms is challenging.

However, there are definitely tell-tale signs of mycotoxin illness such as feeling better when you leave the environment, and symptoms returning once back. Brain fog, memory loss, frequent urination at night, weakened immunity, body aches/pains, etc.

You can learn more about the symptoms here in our Mold & Mycotoxin Illness course.

I’d also encourage you to fill out the symptom questionnaires which can provide some better insights into the possibility of mold & mycotoxin illness.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@naslam1603 No issues with opening up a capsule and sprinkling a little in water or food.

Really getting in tune with your own body’s signals is ultimately the best test and measure of what’s right for you.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @naslam1603 – yes, it’s Armin Labs that will be testing for Lyme and co-infections specifically. I saw the lab listed on the website you shared.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@naslam1603 I know that you’re exposed to mold so just be cautious about introducing S Boulardii. Take note of how it makes you feel.

There are two schools of thought about S Boulardii to fight Candida overgrowth which is 1) Dr Klinghardt: it helps fight it and 2) Dr Jill Crista: it competes with it so the “threat” can release mycotoxins and create symptoms. And of course, if there’s a sensitivity to yeast, then it’s also to be avoided.

I have witnessed Dr Jill’s theory with a client, so I now wait to introduce S Boulardii with very sensitive clients until we’ve strengthened the foundations and they are out of mold.

On the other hand, I have also witnessed benefits with S Boulardii in mold exposed clients, so now I give a word of caution to go “low and slow” for those who want to take it, and to take note of any physical symptoms that may suddenly appear.

Hope that gives you some additional context and nuances to consider.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @R-S – we like to see minerals such as selenium in the upper half or upper 2/3rds of the reference range, so it is suboptimal. To calculate that, you add the lower and upper reference range numbers and divide it by 2 to get the half (50+120 = 170 divided by 2). Ideally should be higher than 85. Yours is 79.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hello @Raahema – yes exactly. What you are currently experiencing now is how it works in B Better, except you’ll have full access to our full library of resources to enable you to get the answers you need. We guide, educate, empower and support. We don’t prescribe. Meaning, we can’t tell you exactly what supplement or dosage to be taking, but we can offer specific guidelines and supplement options to help you confidently make that choice yourself. That’s the main difference since we are not working together 1-1.

We have educational courses built out into short lessons for quick answers. We have step-by-step protocols that help offer quick symptom relief. We have programs that help guide our members towards resolving specific symptoms (both in terms of rapid relief and root cause resolution). Hundreds of handouts, checklists, guidelines, etc. And so much more. Some members love to sit and learn on their own, while others prefer to ask questions directly in the forum and be guided to the answers. And some use the forum to upload pictures of practical daily life such as ingredient labels and brand recommendations.

We’re here to help however and whenever you need it.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @Raahema – the quiz is also pointing to upper GI dysfunction which does match your symptoms. So getting to the root cause of why there is possibly suboptimal stomach acid is key. This is where we absorb key nutrients such as iron, B12, magnesium, zinc, calcium, etc.

I checked your account and you’re still on the free trial which is why you’re unable to access the videos and handouts I’ve shared. During your trial you get access to this private community forum for 7 days, and other free resources such as our past guest expert calls, live Q&A recordings & our free course “Holosonic Sound Therapy”.

In order to get full access to our courses, programs, handouts, protocols, supplement dispensaries and more, you can choose to upgrade from your dashboard on desktop. Simply click on the “Home” tab, and you’ll see the upgrade options beneath your name. The monthly and yearly packages offer full access. If you do upgrade, I would also encourage you to watch this short video which shares root cause reasons for low stomach acid.

And looking at your previous test results, yes there does seem to be a pattern of decreasing WBC over time. Also if you look at the neutrophils and lymphocytes, they also fluctuate. Normally, we’d like to see neutrophils higher than lymphocytes. At one point lymphocytes became elevated which could have been a viral surge. Do you remember being sick at the time of that blood draw? And currently, they are about the same percentage, which could point to a low-grade simmering infection of some sort that is taxing the immune system and affecting WBC.

How is the status of your mouth/teeth and oral health? Any root canals or amalgam fillings?

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@Raahema – thanks for sharing your labs (by the way, it’s really helpful if you can make sure to show us the reference ranges since every lab uses different target ranges).

There are a couple of things of note:

1. On the CBC, your WBC is at the lower end of the reference range. It’s not clinically low, but there’s definite suppression. If you have previous CBC results, please check and see if there is a trend to be on the lower end of the clinical reference range. This could point to something taxing the immune system (like a hidden virus or low-grade simmering infection of some sort). In fact, your neutrophils and lymphocytes are about the same percentage, which does usually point to some kind of a simmering infection.

2. Ferritin is on the lower side as well (27.4). For thyroid and hair health, many feel better with ferritin closer to 70-100. Low iron stores can definitely drive hair loss, even if hemoglobin looks okay. So the next question is “why is iron storage suboptimal”? There can be many root cause reasons for that. You can watch THIS short lesson inside the Mineral Balance course for the most common contributors. For example, do you eat animal sources of protein? Do you have heavy periods so greater blood loss? Have you ever checked copper? And many more reasons. Please watch the lesson and let me know what resonates with you.

3. MCV and MCH are on the higher side, which sometimes suggests a need for B12 and/or folate (B9). Your B12 at 374 is technically “normal,” but functionally it’s on the lower end. Often people feel best with levels 600–800+. That could also connect to your hair loss and fatigue risk.

4. The burping/bloating after meals (even after water) suggests gut function isn’t optimal. That can keep TG antibodies elevated if there’s underlying reflux, low stomach acid, SIBO, candida, or even H. pylori. If finances allow, you can consider a GI Map (functional stool test) which will look at microbiome balance and H Pylori overgrowth. Otherwise, you can ask your doctor for a breath test (considered gold standard testing for H Pylori). There’s also an at-home test you can do to help determine if stomach acid is suboptimal or low. It’s not diagnostic but it’s a good tool. Watch this lesson from our Gut Health Masterclass (3-minute mark) for instructions. We also have it written out in this handout if you prefer.

So to summarize possible next steps:

1. Get another full iron panel (iron, TIBC, % saturation, ferritin) and if still low, figure out why. And in the meantime, consider supporting with iron-rich foods or supplementation (if warranted and tolerated). Here are ways to correct iron insufficiencies.

2. Bring on board more B-vitamin rich foods; liver 2x per week is an excellent source! Or a methylated B-complex could help push levels into an optimal range.

3. Consider a breath test or functional stool test (ex. GI Map, GI Effects) to look for H Pylori overgrowth, candida, SIBO or parasites. The constant burping and skewed white blood cell differentials are good clues that digestion/immunity isn’t 100%. Try the at-home stomach acid challenge and report back the score.

4. Check key nutrients (selenium & RBC zinc) since you’re supplementing. It’s worth confirming actual levels. Make sure to stop all supplements a minimum of 2 full days before testing to get an actual baseline level. And given the autoimmune dynamic, checking immune nutrients vitamins D and A would be helpful as well.

Please let us know about the WBC pattern (if always on the low side) and why you suspect iron to be low.

Waiting for your reply.