[Bernadette_Abraham]

@jschwartz1 I’m so happy to hear that following a low-histamine diet has not only helped reduce, but also eliminate your symptoms. But yes, I agree with you, it’s not sustainable. It is a tool, and also a helpful way to determine if the body is in fact dealing with histamine overload without having to do any expensive tests.

What I’d like to add to Daniel’s already comprehensive reply is the following. Anytime we seek testing, the goal should be to provide a direction. Not to confirm an assumption. So in your case, what would change if you were able to get a MCAS diagnosis? In reality, not much. You would still need to figure out why the mast cells are overreacting. And the key reasons as Daniel shared above as well are:

• Infections (e.g., Lyme, EBV, mold, parasites)

• Toxins (e.g., mold/mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides)

• Gut issues (e.g., leaky gut, SIBO, histamine intolerance, dysbiosis)

• Chronic stress & trauma (nervous system dysregulation, trauma history)

• Hormonal imbalances (estrogen dominance, thyroid dysfunction)

• Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, quercetin, B6, DAO enzyme, magnesium)

• Genetics (e.g., MTHFR, HNMT, DAO, MCAS predispositions)

• Environmental exposures (EMFs, VOCs, synthetic fragrances)

So if I was in your shoes, I would actually put my money and effort towards trying to figure out the root cause(s). All of the above can be tested, but that would also be very costly. So to help, I’m going to share a few symptom questionnaires & the test I would prioritize if I was in your shoes, keeping budget in mind:

-Fill out these Mold Symptom questionnaires, and let us know your scores to help determine if mycotoxin testing is warranted.

-Fill out this heavy metal questionnaire, this one (mercury & lead), and this one for environmental exposures. Let us know your scores.

-Take our Gut Health quiz, and let us know your results. Also list your top 3-5 digestive/gut related symptoms you experience (if any) like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, etc. This will help determine if GI testing like a GI map is warranted.

-Test in blood some vitamins like vitamin B6, RBC B12 and folate/B9. B6 is critical for producing DAO enzyme needed to breakdown histamine. If low, B complex supplementation may be warranted. This could be due to dietary reasons, absorption issues, and/or genetic SNPs that affect methylation and detoxification. Note, B6 an B12 (and other B vitamins) are tested in the Organic Acids test, which I will touch on below.

-Ask your doc to test tick-borne illnesses and viral panels. You’ll need to find a Lyme literate doc for this. Learn more in this protocol where I share some resources. Check if your insurance would cover this instead.

-Since estrogen dominance can contribute to histamine overload, and given your plans to try and conceive, hormone testing might be warranted. Please read this guide on estrogen dominance, to see if the symptoms match your current experience. Let us know if they do so we can guide you further.

-If there is 1 functional test that I would recommend getting that gives you a good overview, it would be the Organic Acids Test (urine). It can tell us if there are any bacterial or fungal overgrowths, as well as give clues about whether or not mold might be at play. It also provides detoxification status and whether the body might be burdened (it won’t tell us which toxin though). And as I mentioned, it also provides some B vitamin status, as well as other markers like neurotransmitters and the energy cycle. But again, if you can start with the questionnaires and listing your other symptoms related to GI and hormones, this would help us help you be a bit more specific with which tests to spend money on.

Hope this helps!

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @LAK we’ll need more info to help you determine what may be going on with your cycle changes, and whether Vitex might be contributing. I would also encourage you to make time to fill out your Profile information – this is a new feature we’ve added recently so our members don’t have to repeat basic information every time they post a question. You have the choice to make it public or private so only practitioners can see. You can edit the info fields by clicking on your Profile icon, then clicking Profile>Edit.

Please answer the following:

1. What’s your age?

2. What’s your average cycle length before June 2024? Regular 28-day cycle?

3. When did the cycle changes begin – were they shorter, longer, irregular?

4. How many days is your cycle now (from the first day of bleeding to the next first day)?

5. How is your bleeding now, and has the flow changed (heavier, lighter, more spotting)?

6. Are you spotting between periods?

7. Have you had any skipped periods in the last year?

8. When exactly did you start taking Chaste tree (start date, and also what day in your cycle)?

9. What’s the dose of Chaste tree you’re taking?

10. Taking any other supplements, herbs or medications (including hormonal contraceptives)?

11. Have you done any recent hormone testing that you can share – like thyroid, progesterone or estrogen?

12. Any recent stress, illness, major travel, or weight changes?

Once we have this info, we can give you a clearer picture of whether the Vitex is likely contributing or if there might be something else to look into.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @healthyliving99 “mom brain” is actually a very real thing and I can totally relate – been there, done that 4 times!

In fact, according to Dr. Lisa Mosconi – a popular neuroscientist looking at women’s brains and author of “The Menopause Brain”, she actually touches on this biologically driven phenomenon which she calls “momnesia”.

During pregnancy and postpartum, dramatic shifts in estrogen and progesterone reshape regions of the brain tied to memory, focus, and emotional regulation. These changes are adaptive and meant to enhance a mother’s ability to care for her child by boosting empathy, vigilance, and bonding. At the same time, they can lead to temporary brain fog, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue. So while these symptoms can feel troubling, know that they are normal and reflect the brain’s plasticity as it adjusts to motherhood. You can listen to her here talking about the 3 P’s in a woman’s life and how similar they are in terms of the changes that happen in the brain during these 3 phases of a woman’s life (puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause). Hopefully this gives you permission to treat yourself with more compassion and understanding during this phase.

With that said, there are definitely other ways to support brain health during this phase of sleepless nights:

1. Stabilize blood sugar levels. Ensure each meal has “VPF” – vegetables, proteins & fats, first and foremost. The starchy carbs like rice, potatoes, etc, will find you – you don’t have to go looking for them. Minimize simple carbs like flour and sugar. Instead choose whole fruits to satisfy cravings. Pair them with healthy fats/protein like nuts or yogurt to reduce spikes of blood sugar.

2. Consider things to calm your nervous system like magnesium glycinate at night, l-theanine or lemon balm (as tea or supplement) to help you get deeper sleep when you do sleep.

3. In addition to your prenatal, consider adding an omega-3 supplement (with EPA and at least 500-1000mg DHA). This is critical for brain function, memory, mood, etc.

4. Choline is also something that is usually low postpartum and key for memory. It’s rich in egg yolks, liver or as a supplement (at least 450mg/day).

5. Sleep when the baby sleeps! I know this is hard and not always possible, but finding time to take quick naps during the day can make a huge difference in overall energy and cognitive function.

Hope this helps, and hang in there mama! It’s a right of passage for your brain to focus on more important matters – your baby!

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @DrYasminkottait – yes, summer is indeed here! You can find a list of non-toxic sunscreens on my Amazon page here with options for babies, kids, and adults. Hope it helps!

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @healthyliving99 – what a great question! I’m going to add more to your list, but just wanted to say that it takes 2 years for a baby’s gut lining to fully mature, so breastfeeding for 2 years is recommended. In addition to your list, here are other things that can help an infant’s gut health:

-Delaying solids until about 5-6 months (but it’s more about developmental readiness than hitting an exact age)

-Offering a variety of fiber-rich whole foods, as well as prebiotic-rich foods like green bananas, asparagus, artichokes, legumes/beans

-Offering tiny sips or spoon dips of fermented foods like sauerkraut juice and kefir which are super rich in probiotics

-Avoid processed baby foods and pouches. Stick to homemade whole foods if possible.

-Allow safe exposure to pets, dirt, and nature

-Safe outdoor exposure to sunshine (for natural vitamin D and circadian rhythm)

-Delay giving sugar and refined grains/flour

-Support your own gut health if still breastfeeding

-Check oral health for any lip or tongue ties which can impact feeding, breathing, and microbiome development. Seek out a dentist specializing in airway to check proper oral development (jaw, tongue posture)

-Avoid sanitizers and wipes with harsh chemicals, alcohol or fragrances

Hope this helps!

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @LAK – yes, it could just be hormonal fluctuations and/or a result of Vitex. Even if estrogen is normal or slightly low, if progesterone is too low to stabilize the lining, then spotting and prolonged bleeding can happen.

The pill can help stop the persistent bleeding if it doesn’t stop soon (a thin lining is a good sign), but it doesn’t address the cause. I’m not sure which doctor you’re working with, but I would also recommend a 2nd opinion from a functional gynecologist. Dr. Liliana Skorski works at Women’s Health Bay.

Please do keep us posted!

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@Hasnaa glad you’re starting to feel better. As I mentioned to you before, root cause natural solutions take 1-3 months to start feeling their effects. It’s a slow process, and I hope it continues to progress for you.

In addition to what you’re already doing, here are the other suggested ways to support the body’s natural detox processes:

a. Bowels: the goal is to aim for 2-3 well formed, easy to pass stools per day (later on a parasite cleanse can be considered)

• Constipation can be addressed with magnesium citrate 400mg up to 1200mg/ day to bowel tolerance. I like the Pure Encapsulations brand of magnesium citrate.
• Enemas at home 2-3 x per week (starting with water/herbal and then gradually introducing coffee) can help remove compacted stool & strengthen motility if needed (see handout)

-> have you started enemas or taking magnesium citrate to help with bowel movements?

b. Liver:

• Castor oil packs before bed at least 5 days per week over the liver & abdomen can help support liver
• Consuming 1 cup cruciferous veggies per day (see handout) can help with liver detox
• Consider B complex to support detoxification. Those with a strong need for B vitamins need to go very low and slow, even opening up a capsule and sprinkling it over food day by day until they can work up to 1 full capsule, and then increase again to 3 per day (1-1-1 with meals)

-> have you started the castor oil packs and consuming more cruciferous veggies?

c. Bile:

• D-limonene from supplement (1000mg 1-2 x per day 3/4 way through a meal) or from the inside peel of 1 large orange per day (eat the white part) can help “decongest” the biliary tract
• Consuming bitter foods before meals or Digestive bitters tincture 10 mins before meals can help support bile flow. I like Quicksilver’s Bitters No. 9 (this helps with overall digestion too)

-> have you introduced D-limonene as a supplement or food therapy? How about digestive bitters to support overall digestion and bile flow?

d. Lymph:

• Weekly lymph massage
• Perform Big 6 points (work up to daily). Please watch Dr. Perry’s session to learn technique: https://bbettermembership.com/resource-library/guest-expert-recordings/lymphatic-revelations-for-pain-with-dr-perry-nickelston-february-23-2024/
• Dry brushing before shower
• Consider compression therapy: https://ballancerpro.com/
• Acupuncture – I can recommend Dr. Hu at Shanghai Medical in Dubai

-> Did you start the Fascial Maneuvers which can help move lymph while working on the fascia as well? Have you introduced any of these other modalities to support lymphatic drainage?

e. Lungs:

• Daily breathwork (download Balance app (first year free) or The Breathing App – free)
• Exercise/daily walking if there’s energy to do so

-> If you haven’t started with the Fascial Maneuvers from Human Garage, have you tried other deep breathing exercises like the breathing app?

f. Kidneys:

• Increase water intake. Make sure it’s filtered water and not from plastic bottles/jugs.
• Consuming lemon water twice daily can help prevent oxalate stone formation in the kidneys.

-> Adding lemon to your water? Drinking filtered water?

g. Skin:

• Consider sauna therapy to sweat if there’s no energy to exercise. I love my Therasage portable sauna. Use code BERN for 10% off.
• Dry brushing before shower

-> Are you having energy to exercise and sweat? Otherwise, have you found a gym or clinic offering sauna sessions? Or are you considering purchasing your own portable sauna? Sweating is a powerful way to detox from mold, so I would emphasize this step.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@LAK thanks for sharing the additional info. You didn’t mention the dose of vitex you’re taking. But I’m going to assume it’s 500mg per capsule, so you’re taking 1000mg per day, correct? And are you still taking it while you’re on your period?

Given the timing of when you started Vitex on May 2nd and your period beginning on May 8th, the off-and-on extended bleeding is likely linked to it. And the best way to know for sure, is to stop it for now if you’re still taking it, and monitor the next cycle to see if things normalize again.

Keep in mind that Vitex works on the H-P-O axis (brain-ovary axis) to enhance ovulation, which helps progesterone production. So it’s best to take it a few days before ovulation during the 2nd half of the cycle and then stop once the period starts.

Although you didn’t provide the reference ranges for your hormone levels, FSH should typically be slightly higher or equal to LH. However, in your case, LH is a bit higher, which can happen in PCOS-like patterns especially if other symptoms are present like irregular cycles, acne, or elevated androgens. But you’re 44, so it could also be due to temporary perimenopausal hormone fluctuations as well.

And yes, day 3 progesterone is not useful. Progesterone needs to be tested between day 19 to 21.

So next steps:

1. Stop Vitex for now if you’re still taking it, and monitor your next cycle without it to see if things normalize.

2. Investigate the possibility of PCOS and test sex hormones (with gynecologist):

• Progesterone (day 19 to 21 if that makes sense)
• Estradiol
• Testosterone (total and free)
• DHEA-s
• Fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HbA1c (to assess insulin resistance)
• AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone – often elevated in PCOS)
• Abdominal ultrasound

3. Track ovulation with LH strips or basal body temp to see if you’re ovulation. Vitex is helpful when ovulation is happening or needs support. Otherwise, it might not be the right herb for your body.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@yasminatassi the OAT test is great, but it will not tell you if there’s a heavy metal burden. It will however tell you if your body is struggling with detoxification and glutathione production.

To better understand the different ways to test heavy metals in urine, blood, and hair, please watch this lesson from our Heavy Metal Detox Program. Hair testing can show longer-term exposure but doesn’t show what’s stored in the body, so this can be a helpful test to see if you’re exposed to heavy metals over the past few months.

As requested, I’ve compiled my previous suggestions from my previous threads below so it’s easier for you.

From a root cause perspective, below are markers to start investigating which can help with trying to conceive again.

• Full thyroid panel: TSH, Total T4, Total T3, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Anti-TPO, Anti-TG (even mild hypothyroidism can increase risk of miscarriage)

• Progesterone levels: Low progesterone is a common contributor to early pregnancy loss (should be tested between day 19-21 once you get a cycle again)

• Blood sugar panel: Fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HbA1C. Insulin resistance and PCOS can affect ovulation and implantation

• Important Nutrients: Vitamin D, RBC magnesium, RBC B12, RBC folate, RBC zinc, vitamin A

• Inflammation markers: hs-CRP or ANA if there are any autoimmune concerns

Additional functional tests to consider that may be helpful but not necessary:

• Hormones: DUTCH Plus (or simply DUTCH Adrenal test to look at cortisol the stress hormone) can help give a snapshot of your overall sex hormone status including cortisol pattern. If cortisol is high or low, this can impact progesterone because the body prioritizes survival over reproduction. Is stress something that might be at play for you?
• A full methylation panel would be recommended. Here’s a sample report of such a panel. Poor methylation can lead to miscarriage or implantation failure, as well as detoxification issues, including hormone & toxin detox.
• Given the toxic world we live in, I always have to ask about heavy metals and mold. You can always fill out our heavy metal assessment questionnaires from our heavy metal detox program to get a general subjective assessment, and/or consider getting a hair analysis to see if there is heavy metal accumulation. Same with mold, you can fill out these forms or get a MyctoTox test.

In terms of brands of antioxidants, I can suggest the following options:

Astaxanthin, glutathione, melatonin and PQQ

Hope this helps.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @Hasnaa can you please update me on what you’ve implemented from the initial recommendations in my previous replies. I had provided many action steps to support your body’s natural detox pathways so it would help if you can provide us with your current protocol.

Did you end up consulting with Dr Skorski regarding LDN? And how’s the mold remediation process going?

I’m glad to read that your inflammatory markers have improved! Are you feeling better as well?

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@sheetalramchandani1 my family and I tried all of the flavors, and we loved them all!! I will be ordering more for sure 😊

B Better fam – highly recommend you try her granola snacks!!

You should be proud of your effort and hard work Sheetal!

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@yasminatassi thank you for sharing. It seems like you’ve been under the care and guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner. I’m assuming the handwritten numbers on the OAT test were your “before” results, which would show great progress across the board. Given the genetic variants, methyl protect was and is a good idea to continue at the dosage recommended on the bottle since genetically speaking, there is a greater demand for B6, B9 and B12. This supports methylation and detoxification, which is also compromised genetically with the MTHFR & COMT mutation.

You mentioned that chelation was a failed attempt, but do you know if heavy metals are still a concern? Have you retested?

Given the high CRP and oxidative stress, antioxidants are definitely in order! Things like astaxanthin, glutathione, melatonin and PQQ all have incredible antioxidant effects to help neutralize free radicals.

And yes, if high stress is part of the picture, this very well can be a major source of oxidative stress! Nervous system regulation is a priority. As I mentioned previously, if the body is under stress, it will prioritize cortisol production, which leads to less resources for making progesterone. And progesterone is critical for sustaining pregnancy. The solution therefore is to reduce stress. Easier said than done, I know. But it’s important to help your body feel safe on a daily basis.

I would highly encourage you to watch the last session we had with Dr. G. Although the focus was on cancer, nervous system regulation is absolutely foundational. He also shares patient success stories around fertility when patients did emotional release sessions. You might want to consider his full body “emotional release” virtual course.

Along the same lines, consider downloading the Human Garage app (it’s pay what you can so you can get it for as little as $1), and doing the Fascial Maneuvers daily. It’s only 15 minutes. This method combines, movement, breathwork, and affirmations to reprogram the brain, and although it’s still new, I have found it to be very calming. This can help your body reset daily.

You can also consider downloading “The Breathing app” by Eddie Stern (it’s free), who was our guest as well. Or download the “Balance” app (first year trial is free). Deep breathing and meditation is underrated, but so powerful.

And of course, daily grounding and getting outside as often as possible. Nature heals & soothes the soul!

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@yasminatassi thank you for sharing – there are some very important clues in these lab results you shared.

First off, total cholesterol is very low (not clinically, but suboptimal low). We need cholesterol to make all of our sex hormones, so for fertility, this is critical. There are many reasons why a person’s cholesterol can be low (which you can learn more about here in our Blood Chem course). Oxidative stress is one of those reasons, and your oxidative stress marker was in fact clinically high, along with clinically high CRP – a marker of inflammation.

So there is definitely something taxing your system and creating inflammation which may have likely contributed to early pregnancy loss.

Here is a handout on some common sources of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can be created internally and also generated from external sources.

Internal sources can include:

• Normal cellular respiration (especially in high-energy organs like the brain and ovaries)

• Inflammation (even mild or chronic)

• Imbalanced blood sugar / insulin resistance

• Excess estrogen (without enough progesterone)

• Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., glutathione, selenium, zinc, CoQ10, vitamins C & E)

• Autoimmune conditions

• Chronic infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic)

• Poor methylation or impaired detox pathways (like MTHFR mutations)

External sources include:

• Processed foods / seed oils (e.g., soybean, canola, corn oil)

• Pesticides, herbicides, and food additives

• Environmental toxins (mold, heavy metals, plastics, pollution, EMFs)

• Smoking and alcohol

• Medications (especially NSAIDs, antibiotics, chemo drugs)

• Excessive exercise (without recovery)

• Sleep deprivation

• Chronic stress

• Radiation exposure (phones, Wi-Fi, X-rays, air travel)

• Infections (e.g., UTIs, viral flares)

From the results you shared, although HbA1C was normal, it would be great to have a full blood sugar panel including fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HbA1C taken together.

Given the clinically low homocysteine, this might be due to nutritional deficiencies, a genetic methylation weakness, or a higher methylation need due to higher toxins for example. A full methylation panel would be recommended. Here’s a sample report of such a panel. Poor methylation can lead to miscarriage or implantation failure, as well as detoxification issues, including hormone & toxin detox. So it’s critical to see why this is low and find ways to support methylation. Are you over supplementing with vitamin B12/B9 by any chance?

In your GI map test result, calprotectin is also slightly creeping up, which means there is also some inflammation in the gut. Do you experience gut-related symptoms? Also, your commensal bacteria is overall low. Consuming fermented foods, more fiber/vegetables, and prebiotics like legumes and beans for example, can really help increase beneficial bacteria in the gut.

The next step is to really figure out where the oxidative stress is coming from. Given the toxic world we live in, I always have to ask about heavy metals and mold. You can always fill out our heavy metal assessment questionnaires from our heavy metal detox program to get a general subjective assessment, and/or consider getting a hair analysis to see if there is heavy metal accumulation. Same with mold, you can fill out these forms or get a MyctoTox test.

Finally, stress is very often at the root of many “dis-eases”. If this resonates with you, then please let me know so I can share some suggestions and solutions, because as I mentioned previously, in a stressed state, the body will favor cortisol production over reproduction to save our life.

I would still pursue the list of markers I initially recommended in my previous reply, in addition to exploring these other possible causes.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

@Tatjana what’s the dosage of betaine per capsule? You can always try the “HCL Dosage Challenge” to determine the correct dose. Your dose will be 1 less than the dose that leads to a mild burning sensation. If you reach 7 capsules of 700mg and don’t feel anything, then you might need some pituitary support (gut-brain communication).

And yes you’re correct, bitters are much gentler than betaine, but since you were asking for non-pill support, this would be stronger than apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for example.

[Bernadette_Abraham]

Hi @Tatjana there is no conclusive evidence that glutamine increases the risk or growth of breast cysts. The concern is really only with cancer cells, and again it’s dependent on the type of cancer.

And yes, pill fatigue is real! That’s why I like to combine food therapy and tinctures to help ease the number of capsules. HCL and digestive enzymes for example can be replaced with digestive bitters. It’s not as strong, but can help stimulate all digestive secretions (stomach acid, bile and enzymes), and it’s a tincture or pump so it’s easy to take. You can also eat bitter foods. Here’s a handout with examples.

And yes, apple cider vinegar before meals can also help stimulate more acid production. I discuss these solutions and some brand suggestions in this lesson from the Gut Health Masterclass if you haven’t already watched it.