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  • bernadette

    Member
    November 29, 2022 at 5:43 am in reply to: Thyroid

     I know – I’ve had to do it with my son, but it’s all about getting her to buy into the idea of removing them first and foremost, and then finding substitutes for the things she loves most so she doesn’t feel deprived or missing out.

    If she’s more mature, go ahead and watch the videos I shared above together with her. Perhaps hearing it from a third party will help convince her to remove these foods (at least temporarily) to help reduce the autoimmune activation that’s happening and reverse the dynamics while gut healing.

    And you can have H Pylori overgrowth and also be asymptomatic. Resolving her constipation should be the main priority, even if it’s using rapid relief measures like magnesium citrate in the evenings. Here’s a video on constipation solutions.

    Regarding the mold exposure – do you feel her symptoms began or worsened after this exposure? Does the timing make sense for you?

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 28, 2022 at 12:36 pm in reply to: Parkinson’s disease

    Hi – I’m sorry to hear that. Please bear with the long response but I want you to have a thorough reply to give you a better understanding and actions steps that you can also share with him:

    Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease involving damage to the part of the brain called the substantia nigra, affecting the brain’s dopamine production. Since dopamine is involved in muscle control and movement, as well as many neurological functions, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
    • Tremors that progress to weakness and constant shaking of the head and limbs
    • Unstable and rigid gait, shuffling
    • Poor balance
    • Slowness and muscle stiffness
    • Behavioral/mood dysfunction
    • GI dysfunction, which may include• Constipation – a key symptom that can precede diagnosis by decades
    • Nausea and bloating
    • Loss of sense of smell – often precedes the diagnosis
    • Loss of volume and clarity of speech
    • Difficulty with handwriting
    • Orthostatic hypotension

    Many risk factors can be involved in the development of PD, including:
    • Insulin resistance• People with diabetes are four times more likely to get Parkinson’s disease. Encourage getting a blood sugar panel tested.
    • Twice the rate of brain loss with HbA1c of just 5.7 or 5.8
    • Toxins• It is well known that various heavy metals can directly impair cellular energy production within the mitochondria.  A poorly fueled cell, over time, becomes a dysfunctional cell.
    • Low cellular glutathione levels in the substantia nigra. There is a similar loss of glutathione in the nigra in Incidental Lewy body disease, which is thought to be an early form of PD.  This may interest you.  Studies to increase this were largely ineffective (not surprising given the difficulty of absorbing plain glutathione orally), but intranasal administration is showing promise, and IV glutathione has shown to be effective at increasing levels within tissues. Addressing key nutrients for glutathione production (e.g. cysteine, glycine, glutamine, selenium) and reducing exposure to factors that use up glutathione should be prioritized.
    • Pesticides • Organochlorine pesticides – high levels double the risk
    • PCBs and organophosphates – damage the enteric nervous system (GI tract nervous system)
    • Glyphosate
    • Heavy metals, especially:• Mercury – remove dental amalgams biologically, check seafood intake
    • Aluminum• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8504163/
    • Aluminum preferentially accumulates in the mitochondria and nucleus of the cell, where it evades chelation.
    • Overnight fasting may help to increase autophagy.
    • BPA – higher levels increase the risk of developing alpha-synuclein antibodies (found in Parkinson’s)• Mold (e.g. Ochratoxin A exposure has been shown to decrease dopamine levels in the brains of mice)
    • High manganese levels
    • Dysbiosis• • Constipation is often the first symptom.
    • Constipation reduces the body’s ability to remove toxins.
    • High LPS (lipopolysaccharides – bacterial byproducts) has been found in those with PD
    Low Prevolellaceae and high Enterobacteriaceae
    • Inflammation• • Elevated levels of TNF-alpha (TNF-a), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b)
    • Traumatic Brain Injury• • Microglial activation due to physical trauma
    • Brain-gut axis dysfunction due to head injury
    • Sleep deprivation• • Those with PD have less REM and deep sleep and take longer to fall asleep
    • They also commonly have higher cortisol and lower melatonin levels
    • Lectin sensitivity (vegetarianism is more prevalent in those with PD) and aquaporins• This seems to be specific to non-organic lectin consumption.
    • Nutrient deficiencies• • High homocysteine is highly prevalent in those with PD, which increases free radicals (oxidative stress) in the brain, brain inflammation, nerve cell death and protein clumping in the brain.
    • Levels >11 are shown to increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
    • MRI studies show white matter hyperintensities in the brain in those with high homocysteine, and these Parkinson’s individuals had the worst balance and most difficulty walking.
    • Investigate:• Vitamins B6, B9, and B12
    • Vitamin D
    • Lithium orotate deficiency
    • Viruses may be a contributing factor:• • HSV-1
    • EBV
    • Cytomegalovirus
    • Chlamydia pneumoniae
    • Hepatitis C (and the interferon treatment inhibits dopamine transmission in the midbrain)
    • Genetics• While the vast majority of cases are not believed to be genetic, there have been some genetic contributors found. Of note are genes that influence one’s ability to detoxify various chemicals and prevent their build-up in the body.
    • There may also be genetic issues with regard to overall cellular antioxidant synthesis.  For example, impairment in sulfation-related detoxification pathways has been found in 63% of PD patients vs. 37% of hospitalized controls.
    • Others include:• PINK1 kinase
    • PRKN ubiquitin ligase
    • SOD2 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15287506/

    The challenge in PD is that by the time the disease has been diagnosed, 60-80% of the substantia nigra has already been damaged. Medications are available to reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, but they become less effective over time. In terms of targeted support for this diagnosis, consider the following:
    Here is a comprehensive review of supplements that have shown benefits in PD.
    • CoQ10 is a critical coenzyme for mitochondrial function. Low cellular CoQ10 has been shown in PD patients. Study results have been mixed (e.g. here and here), but in some cases, improvements in functioning have been demonstrated. The ability to convert the widely-used ubiquinone form of CoQ10 to its active (reduced) ubiquinol form likely plays a role in study results variability. Test levels if possible, and consider 300-400 mg twice daily of the ubiquinol form of CoQ10. Studies that paired CoQ10 with a high intake of Vitamin E showed less benefit. It is also likely that CoQ10 is more likely to be effective if started as early as possible in the disease progression.
    • Vitamin B6 is a critical cofactor for the synthesis of dopamine throughout the body. Research shows improved function and fewer symptoms with Vitamin B6 supplementation (but is contraindicated in those using levodopa medication on its own (vs. in combination with carbidopa), as B6 can increase peripheral (vs. nervous system) synthesis of dopamine). Consider ~30mg daily of the P5P form of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate so that the body does not have to convert to this final form). Low intake of Vitamin B6 is independently correlated with a higher risk of PD (for example). This is likely best taken along with a high-quality B-complex at a different meal (e.g. Thorne’s Basic B Complex). • Since high homocysteine is associated with PD progression and increased symptoms, test homocysteine and aim to optimize levels. A urinary organic acids test (OAT) measures xanthurenate and kynurenate levels which can help to gauge cellular B6 status.
    • Glutathione and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). It is encouraged to seek out local clinics for regular intravenous glutathione therapy.  I know Dr. Roze offers IV therapies. Intranasal glutathione has been shown to be effective, but the therapeutic dose is widely disagreed on and still being investigated. Research (here, here, here) also shows NAC to be likely effective in preventing dopaminergic neuron death and raising cellular glutathione (by providing cysteine, one of the critical amino acids needed to synthesize glutathione), 1500mg daily in divided doses (build up to this over a couple of weeks). And this will likely be more effective when combined with adequate glycine (e.g. Pure Encapsulations NAC + Glycine powder). Additionally, glycine can help chelate glyphosate. Oral NAC has been shown to increase brain glutathione. Selenium is also critical for glutathione synthesis. Check to be sure the serum or RBC level is in the upper half of the reference range.
    • Reduce exposure to toxins by choosing organic foods (to avoid pesticides, glyphosate, etc.), avoiding pesticide use in or around the home, choosing more natural cleaning products and personal hygiene products, and filtering water and air in the home and work environment. Additionally, consider toxins testing for heavy metals, mycotoxins, and environmental toxins for more targeted investigation and avoidance, as well as to assess needs for detoxification, binders, etc.
    • Antioxidant support.  Because of the role of increased oxidative stress in PD, broad-based antioxidant consumption should be increased via a diverse intake of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices. Melatonin sufficiency is especially important for countering inflammatory brain diseases like this. You might also consider alpha lipoic acid (ALA, specifically the “R” isomer form only,  a potent antioxidant that specifically helps to recycle glutathione for ongoing antioxidant use; 200-300mg twice daily (build up to this over a couple of weeks). Replete B vitamins first to ensure adequate methylation. (Monitor homocysteine every few months to ensure ongoing ALA use is not increasing it.)  If additional support is needed, pycnogenol from pine bark is a particularly potent option (200-300mg daily), as is ginkgo biloba extract (300mg daily). 8-OHdG can be measured in the blood as an accurate marker of oxidative stress and should ideally be in the lowest third of the reference range.
    • Omega 3s (high DHA formula) to boost antioxidant capability and reduce brain inflammation (~2000 mg combined EPA + DHA per day).
    • S-acetyl-carnitine, a form of l-carnitine that is particularly well absorbed in the gut and taken up in neurons, directly supporting the use of fatty acids for cellular energy production. Consider 1000 mg twice daily for PD. This supplement has been shown to be effective at countering the effects of many different types of neurodegeneration. Cell line and animal studies have shown this to be particularly effective in combination with alpha lipoic acid in countering mitochondrial dysfunction in response to oxidative damage as well.
    • Support digestion, especially constipation.  PD affects motor function throughout the body and thus can affect any muscle function, including motility, peristalsis, and – thus – the entire GI tract. The vast majority of PD patients have constipation several years before diagnosis (and having poor stomach function will deplete magnesium and other minerals and thus make this challenge even worse!).  Magnesium citrate supplementation will likely help, as well as probiotics with high Bifidobacteria content (e.g. Renew Life’s Ultimate Flora Adult 50+ formula). Over time, these patients may also benefit from digestive enzyme support with meals. As an additional note, there is new evidence that the microbiome in PD patients differs significantly and consistently from that of healthy controls; this will undoubtedly be a fascinating future area of research.

    Additional considerations
    1. If a person is using conventional levodopa medication (most commonly today in a combination drug called Sinemet), it has been demonstrated that a “protein redistribution diet” can significantly reduce PD symptoms. This involves minimizing protein during breakfast and lunch meals and focusing it during a dinner meal. To avoid creating insulin resistance, breakfast and lunch meals should focus on healthy fat and unrefined carbohydrate intake. There is some initial evidence that a ketogenic diet could help counter the effects of damaged mitochondria in neurons (and certainly makes sense in light of the pathophysiology of PD), but this has not been thoroughly researched yet.
    2. Because it can interfere with the efficacy of medication, iron supplements are contraindicated in these patients.  There is also some evidence that elimination of red meat intake (which would be synergistic with the overall reduction in protein indicated above) can be helpful for this reason as well.

    Regular daily, moderate exercise is also powerful in improving insulin sensitivity and managing oxidative stress.

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 28, 2022 at 12:36 pm in reply to: Thyroid

     I replied above.

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 28, 2022 at 11:36 am in reply to: Thyroid

    Have you ruled out an H Pylori overgrowth before? Given the fact that she eats a carnivorous diet but has low B12 and iron, low stomach acid and/or thyroid hypofunction are likely at play. You can watch the following short video on reasons for low stomach acid and the solutions for it.

    One you receive the latest results (there were some key markers pending), please upload them here.

    Given the autoimmune thyroid activation, please watch this video on autoimmune disease facts, and then this video for autoimmune thyroid recommendations.

    Is she currently consuming dairy and gluten? If so, this should be eliminated short-term (minimum 4 months) to help calm the immune system while working on gut healing therapies. Here’s a handout for gluten elimination and dairy elimination.

    You mentioned that you are also anemic. Have you ever ruled out genetic factors like thalassemia?

    And I will also address your mold question here. How long was the mold exposure, and does she have any other symptoms other than fatigue and pale skin?

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 28, 2022 at 11:03 am in reply to: Iron

     what are you giving her to help calm the gut inflammation? Any digestive support supplements too?

    And would you mind uploading her thyroid results so we can have a look from a functional lens?

    Regarding her diet, what is she willing to eliminate? Is she willing to eliminate dairy and gluten as a minimum?

    I’m not sure if you’ve seen the thyroid course yet, but I encourage you to watch the video on autoimmune disease facts when you get a chance to help give you a broader perspective on autoimmune disease and possible triggers to remove.

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 27, 2022 at 10:42 am in reply to: Somatic Healing

    Hi  – the founder of Neo Emotional Release, David Manning is coming to Dubai next week and will likely be our guest  expert this month. We’re just trying to finalize a date & session topic with him. I’m hoping he’ll also be able to do a virtual group session. Please share any questions that you have about this form of therapy…

  • Hi  – I just wanted to check-in to see how everything is going. Any updates since our last post?

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 27, 2022 at 3:20 am in reply to: Iron

    Hi  – I just wanted to check-in to see how you and your daughter are doing. Any recent labs you’d like to share?

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 27, 2022 at 3:01 am in reply to: Zinc

     was your zinc measured? This can help determine the dosage. And since the supplement you’ve been given is a zinc-only supplement, and is a high dose, you’ll want to be monitoring your zinc, copper/ceruloplasmin levels since they are antagonists and can deplete each other.

    And do you have access to the B Better Fullscript dispensary? There are definitely better quality brands there that you can search for.

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 27, 2022 at 2:51 am in reply to: Thyroid

    I’d like to add some additional videos for you to watch in addition to Daniel’s excellent suggestions above to help you figure out the root cause of her iron anemia:
    Reasons for low iron
    The test markers that point to iron deficiency anemia to help you understand your daughter’s labs a bit better
    Reasons for low T4

    After watching these short videos, and absorbing Daniel’s message above, please let us know which reasons for low iron/T4 you feel are at play so that we can help you figure out why her iron and thyroid function is low, and how best to correct it.

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 25, 2022 at 2:41 pm in reply to: Joint Pain

     I will be sure to add Joint Pain in the Symptom Dictionary. 

    As Daniel shared above, there can be many reasons, but inflammation is at the core. Inflammation is immune generated and can be gut mediated (from bacterial byproducts for example), from food sensitivities, higher histamine due to lower DAO enzyme synthesis, lower cortisol from chronic stress, toxicity/heavy metals, mold, etc.

    When do you experience the joint pain? In the mornings, after working out? Is it random or constant pain?

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 25, 2022 at 2:11 pm in reply to: Hashimoto Thyroid

     please send an email to support@bernadetteabraham.com with your full name, date of birth, email address, billing & shipping address (if different), and phone number, and request the OAT test.

    Start with 5-HTP first, low and slow. Then ADR formula.

    I would still recommend running the other blood tests, including the liver panel.

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 25, 2022 at 2:01 pm in reply to: GI Relief, Motility Activator and Digestive Bitter

     make sure you’re signed into the B Better Fullscript account to be able to access the links in the catalog.

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 25, 2022 at 2:01 pm in reply to: Pyloguard

     focus on gut healing first and foremost

  • bernadette

    Member
    November 25, 2022 at 1:59 pm in reply to: Bloating in lower intestines

     eating hygiene and dedicating time for lunch, as simple as it may seem, can make a massive difference! Don’t underestimate the power of eating hygiene. 

    Constipation will definitely increase gas so magnesium citrate taken in the evenings can help offer rapid relief while addressing the root cause.

    Do keep us posted on your progress and changes being made.

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