[bernadette]

 other things to consider:
• Have they measured RBC magnesium, potassium, sodium by any chance? 
• Do you have an MCV value you can share on a blood test? Anything above 89 can indicate a possible need for B12/B9 which can lead to neuropathy as well. Of course, there may be other reasons, but these nutrients are usually the most obvious ones that can contribute to spasms and neuropathy.
• Were your blood sugar levels checked? Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1C? Higher blood sugar can lead to oxidative stress that can injure nerves/tissues and lead to neuropathy.
• Mercury toxicity can have neurological effects as well. Any amalgam fillings? Or regular intake of tuna? 

Regarding the MRI – will it be with or without contrast?

[bernadette]

 are your referring to Omar? If so, he’s a mold remediator, not an inspector. Unfortunately, nobody here does a thorough enough inspection. Looking into AC units/ducts and using a humidity reader is not enough. Attached is a document by Brian Karr to help you see what to ask when looking for a qualified mold inspector:[10 Questions to Find a Mold Inspector.jpg]Since an ERMI test was not done of your home, this is where I would start to be honest to rule out this option. We need to confirm that your environment is safe.

Another common but overlooked cause can be toxins or infections in the mouth. Do you have amalgam fillings, root canals, extractions done in the past? Was a 3D cone beam scan ever done to rule out hidden infections?

EBV is also not usually a cause but rather a symptom of a weakened immune system, that allows it to reactivate. The question to be asking is what is compromising your immune system.

Given that there is an autoimmune dynamic, please watch this video on Autoimmune Disease Facts and then this one on Autoimmune Thyroid Recommendations. You’ll see the recommendation for cat’s claw and lemon balm for strong viral surges to keep it at bay while looking for the root cause(s).

Another client of mine who had EBV reactivations was caused by a genetic condition called hemochromatosis. High iron can be toxic.

And once again, the emotional component/traumas. If your body is sensing it is in fight or flight mode, this can allow viruses to surge.

What is interesting to me is that you mentioned that your worst days are in the follicular phase of your cycle (period until ovulation). I’m assuming your pituitary was checked before?

[bernadette]

 take your time to review what I’ve shared and let me know if you have any questions. I know it’s a lot to assimilate, but focus your attention on gut health, thyroid health, and removing anything that is taxing her immune system. I wouldn’t worry about her hormones – the timing of the test makes the results irrelevant.

[bernadette]

Hi  – I’m assuming constipation is at play for someone and you’re looking for solutions correct?

If you haven’t already seen the videos in the Gut Health Masterclass yet, I would recommend you watch:
• the common causes of constipation 

and
• rapid relief for constipation

To answer your question about psyllium husk, yes you can mix it with flaxseeds and add it to your smoothie. Metabolic Maintenance has a good one that is available in the B Better supplement dispensary.

BUT – if constipation is at play, I would not recommend doing that since both of those are high in SOLUBLE fiber which SLOW down transit time.

[bernadette]

 when we worked together, I was just beginning to educate myself on mold illness, and now looking back, and hearing your current situation, I strongly suspect mold and compromised detoxification pathways are contributing factors.

I do recall you did a Mycotox test which baffled us both with zero levels being shown, but this can also be proof that your body is not letting it out in urine, and therefore not showing up on the test.

I have worked with 2 other clients with dysautonomia and both struggled with mold illness when we dug a little further, hence my strong impulse to blame mold.

Other toxins can also be at play like heavy metals, but in the end, the goal is to increase your ability to clear out these toxins from your body and strengthen immunity. And of course, avoidance of these toxins.

If mold is at play, avoidance is key. And this is where I would start. Have you ever conducted an ERMI test to check the level of mycotoxins at home? Unfortunately, we do not have a proper mold inspector in Dubai, and so I usually present my clients with a few different options. The ERMI test takes dust samples on a cloth that is mailed to the US for analysis. If levels come back elevated, then we bring in the mold remediator and available inspectors to find the source and remediate or move out if severe!

I know I’m not answering your question about the suggested medication, because this is simply symptom management and not addressing the cause.

What I have recommended to my clients with dysautonomia is  DNRS therapy (https://retrainingthebrain.com/).

I would also recommend doing virtual emotional release sessions with my Insta friend Dr. Gonzales. You may already be following him.

Both of these modalities help the body heal at a level not possible with diet, exercise, supplements, etc. They are a must in my opinion.

Let me know your thoughts, and let’s keep the conversation going…

[bernadette]

 given what seems to be poor absorption, a sublingual liquid form of B12 or lozenge might be better forms for him. Avoid the cyanocobalamin form. Aim for one that is either methyl-, adenosyl-, or hydroxycobalamin.

[bernadette]

 ok, that makes more sense now. Once he’s better and had time to recover, see if you can request those additional tests I mentioned above.

You can find the full panels in these videos below:
-blood sugar regulation
-liver function (ALT, AST, Alk Phos, GGT, Total & direct bilirubin, Albumin, Protein)
-thyroid function
-H Pylori (breath to start with. I prefer the functional PCR stool test by Diagnostic Solutions)

[bernadette]

 

As Daniel mentioned above, there can be many causes for encephalopathy and unfortunately, other than kidney function, they did not test:

-blood sugar regulation
-liver function
-thyroid function 
-H Pylori

…which would be nice to see given that these can be possible root causes.

What did strike me is his low levels of B12 and iron which points to low stomach acid. Is he vegan? Does he consume animal proteins? Was H Pylori ruled out?

And interestingly, despite his low levels of iron as seen by his red blood cell markers and %saturation, his ferritin is suboptimally high, which would make you think that his storage of iron is sufficient. But this usually happens when there’s an infection of some sort.

In his white blood cell count, there are 2 changes; 1 shows a possible low-grade simmering infection. Could be dysbiosis, an overgrowth, parasites, etc. The other test shows higher monocytes, which usually increases after the body was fighting something. Was he sick at any point during these 2 tests?

[bernadette]

 did you attach the reports?

[bernadette]

Hi – I know how alarming it can feel to notice chunks of hair falling out. Is she losing hair all over or in specific spots that are creating bald spots? Can you also better describe how much hair she is losing? Only when she showers/brushes or is she noticing hair shedding everywhere all the time?

Have you seen the “Hair Loss” handout in the Symptom Dictionary yet? In it I share potential root causes to help you rule out possibilities like:
•  Hypothyroidism
• Nutrient deficiencies such as iron, B12, biotin, zinc, essential fatty acids
• Hormone imbalances: insulin resistance, androgen dominance, post-partum hormonal shifts
• Stress (pushes hair follicles into a resting phase)
• Post-viral (depletes nutrients like folate/B9 needed for immune support)
• Infections of the skin or hair follicles
• Toxins: mold exposure, heavy metals
• Certain medications

I also share initial action steps & supplements to consider.

Has anyone tested thyroid function, specific nutrients like iron, zinc and B12, blood sugar status, sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA), stress (cortisol).

Was she sick or did she go through a strong period of stress before the hair started falling out?

Any medications or exposures to toxins you’re aware of?

Just some initial questions to start ruling out some possibilities.

[bernadette]

 anyway you like. You can put them in a bowl of water and let them thaw out that way, or put them in a strainer under running water (which wastes water) but sometimes it doesn’t take much to remove the ice.

[bernadette]

Hi  – what type of encephalopathy was he diagnosed with? There are many different types, and the cause of each can differ greatly, therefore the course of action will differ as well.

[bernadette]

Hi – I’m not a fan of the commercial produce washes. The main reason being that studies have shown that good old vinegar or baking soda can be even more effective than many of these commercial varieties. I don’t have the studies saved, but remember doing the research and coming across a few that came to that conclusion.

If you haven’t seen it already, here’s my Fruit & Veggie Wash recipe handout in the Resources section of the library.

Hope this helps!

[bernadette]

Hi  – I personally pack my immune boosting supplements when I travel just in case someone falls sick. I don’t use them preventatively, but only if someone begins to feel sick.
 
• IAG (arabinogalactans), vit D, A, zinc
• ADP (emulsified oregano) & propolis spray for sore throats
• Silver hydrosol for immune support, ENT infections
• Plus some homeopathic remedies like Oscillococcinum for flu, arnica, nux vomica for plane nausea. I also bring homeopathic magnesium salts 

You can find the majority in my guide here with explanations of how I use each one.

In terms of prevention, ensure their immune nutrients are optimal (vitamin D, A and zinc). For kids who can swallow capsules, cod liver oil is an excellent source of vitamin A, D and omega-3. If they’re eating meat regularly, they are probably getting in enough zinc through food.

Some people like to take vitamin C and echinacea preventatively. I personally haven’t had the need for my family. 

What I do like to take on the plane is Cistus Incanus tea. I buy the ones in tea bags and plop one in each of my kids’ water bottles on the plane so they stay hydrated while drinking this herb. Cistus Incanus has been shown to stop viral replication, so it’s a good preventative herb.

The best prevention however is to avoid what weakens the immune system; overindulging in sugar, desserts, alcohol, stress/lack of sleep, etc. All of which usually increase during the holidays. So just keep that in mind without worrying too much and missing out on the joy of being with family and being out of routine.

Safe travels!

[bernadette]

Hi – I’m glad to hear baby is doing good, but sorry that you’ve been struggling.

Have you seen this hypertension handout in the Symptom Dictionary? It shares possible root causes and some initial action steps and supplements to consider.

In order to reverse the high blood pressure, we must figure out what is causing it. The most common being chronic stress, insulin resistance, and/or sodium/potassium/magnesium imbalance.

Have any of these been measured to start ruling out the possibilities?

Did your doctor mention what could have triggered this for you?

What medication was prescribed?