[bernadette]

 ya, unfortunately, you cannot draw any conclusions from a 2021 test result. The body is dynamic and ever evolving. It’s very possible that your CAR is now low if you are beginning to experience joint pain only in the mornings. Please make some time to watch the videos I’ve shared and let me know if you have any questions.

[bernadette]

 your morning cortisol awakening response was very high? When was that test done? We cannot rely on values if they are more than 4-6 months old.

Cortisol can be very high for a while, and then when chronic states of stress are present, can skew to low cortisol as a protective response. I discuss this progression of HPA axis dysfunction in this video here.

[bernadette]

 I’d also like to add to Daniel’s reply. We’ve just newly released the course all about adrenal health, and this can also impact blood sugar throughout the day and night, and also affect sleep.

You can watch this video on how cortisol, our main stress hormone produced by the adrenals, affects other hormones in the body. Both high and low cortisol can affect blood sugar and sleep through different mechanisms.

-low cortisol status from chronic stress can lead to low fasting blood sugar in the mornings for example, since we need a spike of CAR (cortisol awakening response) upon rising to help put sugar into the blood and get us ready for the day

-high cortisol status at night (from stress, poor sleep hygiene as Daniel suggested above) will block melatonin production at night and disrupt sleep.

So stress can play a big role here too. Would you say that’s a factor in your case? And keep in mind that stress comes in different forms; mental/emotional, physical, and physiological (watch this video for more details).

Let us know.

[bernadette]

Hi  – does your finger joint pain resolve during the day? I commonly see this pattern in clients with low CAR (cortisol awakening response). And no hair on the legs and arms is also a classic sign of hypothyroid function in my experience. Both are connected, as the adrenal (or cortisol status) affects/governs thyroid function. 

Have you seen the adrenal balance course yet? If not, these videos can help you understand this concept better:
• signs & symptoms of HPA dysfunction (high and low cortisol)
• what is cortisol awakening response 
• how cortisol affects thyroid function
• reasons for overall low cortisol and solutions
• reasons for low CAR + solutions
• healing modalities

[bernadette]

Hi – astaxanthin is an antioxidant found in various seafoods and is what gives them that red/pink color (ex. salmon).

There’s a ton of research on its benefits and it’s rather safe for anyone to take. The general dosage recommendation is between 6 to 8mg and doses of up to 20-50mg astaxanthin have been tolerated, although the exact toxicity and upper limit is not known. If you’re interested in the studies, you can read more about it here.

The seafood source is always key – I like the one from Dr. Mercola for that reason. It’s lab controlled so no contamination. It’s available in the B Better Fullscript dispensary here.

As with any supplement, I do recommend cycling on and off of them every few months. The same goes for astaxanthin. It’s a powerful antioxidant which can help act as a natural sunblock, so I always time my “on astaxanthin” months during the summer to help prevent sun damage.

[bernadette]

Hi – I’m glad you’re sharing your feelings. We’re here for you and don’t want you to feel alone. This is one of the reasons why I created B Better – creating a community and a sense of belonging is key to health and longevity, so I’m glad you came to us with your questions and concerns.❤️

I know we’ve discussed HPV in a previous post, and I encouraged you to check immune nutrients vitamin D, vitamin A and RBC zinc. Were these measured?

I’m glad you started AHCC. You mentioned that the turkey tail used to cause you nausea and you’re feeling it again. I would discontinue the turkey tail and see if the nausea goes away so that you can hopefully increase your AHCC to the dosage that was shown to be effective in the study I shared (3g/day on an empty stomach).

A dull ache is not “probably nothing” and I would encourage you to find another doctor who is willing to dig a little deeper for another opinion. Symptoms is the language our body uses to speak to us, so BRAVO for not accepting this answer and wanting to dig deeper. Seek a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th opinion if you have to. Consider working with a naturopath if conventional doctors keep giving you the same answers.

Frequent urination could be caused by a number of things; high histamine irritating the tissues of the bladder, insulin resistance, adrenal imbalances (hypoadrenal state where cortisol and aldosterone are lower and cause increased urination).

From our previous conversations, you seemed to have a balanced diet so if blood sugar dysregulation has been ruled out with testing (watch this video on what markers to get), I would encourage you to check your cortisol status. And given the hormonal imbalances you’re beginning to experience despite your young age, I would point the finger at cortisol and adrenal health. How is your stress level? Does this resonate with you? Remember – stress is not only mental/emotional, but also physical and physiological.

I just released the adrenal balance course, and would encourage you to watch it if you have the time. Otherwise, start with these videos:
• The types of stress
• Testing Adrenal Function: At Home / In Blood / In Saliva/Urine
• How cortisol affects other hormones

Do let me know if any of this rings true for you and let’s keep the conversation going.

[bernadette]

 yes, frozen works too. You can also buy a whole head of cauliflower, wash it, cut it into smaller florets, dry them on a dry kitchen towel, and pulse them in a blender to make your own cauli rice, and then freeze it as well.

[bernadette]

 folkloric medicine traditionally uses hibiscus for painful menstrution / cystitis / feverish illnesses and coughs / promote hair growth.

The flowers are typically used and its properties are known to stop secretions/bleeding, soothe irritated tissues and relax spasms. It is also used as a digestive aid.

The taste is sweet, astringent and cooling. You’ll find it as a tea and encapsulated as a supplement as well.

Hope this helps.

[bernadette]

 also keep in mind the other immune nutrients vitamin A and zinc in addition to vitamin D. Make sure those are optimal as well. Zinc is best measured in red blood cells so ask for RBC zinc.

The OAT test is not something your conventional doctor will order. It’s a functional urine test with 75 markers that can provide an overview of cellular metabolism, systemic fungal/bacterial overgrowths, detoxification abilities, and status of some nutrients like Vitamin C, B vitamins, etc.

Here’s a sample report if you’d like to check it out. The cost is $349 plus shipping (~$40) and you pay the lab directly. We can help with the requisition if you need it. Just email support@bernadetteabraham.com with your daughter’s full name, date of birth, your email, shipping/billing address if different, phone number, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

[bernadette]

 it works differently than Histamine Block but they are complementary. HistaminX helps modulate histamine levels through different mechanisms of action, while Histamine Block (the DAO enzyme) directly degrades histamine.

Quercetin for example in HistaminX is a natural anti-histamine that calms the immune system to reduce or prevent histamine release.

Stinging nettle also has ‘antihistamine’ action because it makes histamine receptors less sensitive. Because of this mode of action, I tend to use stinging nettle as a synergistic, additive pairing with an antihistamine like quercetin (vs. an agent on its own). 

HistaminX has both of these in the formula, among others.

[bernadette]

 yes, correct go ahead. They can run the MSQ PCR and more it seems. 

[bernadette]

DAO enzymes can help bring down histamine levels. I know that you do not want to consume pork but I have had Muslim clients consider it when it becomes their only option for their health. Perhaps discuss it with a sheikh?

[bernadette]

that’s a great response from the mold inspector. It’s always a red flag when they don’t know or haven’t heard of the ERMI test before. It’s worth spending your money there.

As I had mentioned to you on the case study call, I would not recommend any other tests at the moment beyond what I had suggested.

You only test when it’s to inform a different direction. Like if there’s high mold, then remediation is the next step. If testing is to confirm an educated assumption, it’s a waste of your money. But of course you know what’s best for you.

[bernadette]

 Oh! No worries – I’ve got you covered with that too… do you have any thyroid test results you can share? 

The following videos can help you figure out why you have low thyroid function:
• Reasons for Low T4
• Reasons for Low T3
• Things to Avoid to Protect Your Thyroid
• Foods to support your thyroid (which I previously shared already)

[bernadette]

 unfortunately using parchment paper is not sufficient since there will be off-gassing within the container. It’s preferable to find a stainless steel container that is compatible with your Instant Pot.

Pressure cookers are different because it cooks food using high pressure steam using a liquid base. It’s different to air fryers which is dry heat cooking. I personally love my stainless steel pressure cooker and use it often. I also love how practical they are.