[bernadette]

Hi  – I personally have the BioLight (discount code BERN10) and their website is full of evidence-based information about the different uses. Click here to learn more. They also have a podcast and bring on excellent guests.

Regarding protocols for different functions and uses, they actually sell an e-book with treatment protocols that describes exactly what you’re looking for. They update it regularly, so they also have the “lifetime” e-book edition if you’re interested.

Hope this helps.

[bernadette]

 have you tried contacting Boxit4Me? I believe they offer mail forwarding services in the UK.

And yes, you can open up GI relief and empty contents into liquid.

Don’t try coming off acid blockers until after you’ve done a period of gut healing and digestive support. The weaning process should only happen once you’re in a stronger position, and must be done over an extended period of time. Coming off too quickly will cause a return of acid reflux symptoms and with vengeance, as the body tries to overcompensate.

Focus all your efforts at this stage on gut healing, digestive & immune support.

[bernadette]

 if you follow these instructions, do you now see it?

[bernadette]

 hover over the bold text. It’s a link within the text.

[bernadette]



Ok, since there’s no specific vitamin/mineral need and you didn’t suggest a form they would prefer, I’ll just offer a few different options which I’ve linked below:

Capsules/Tablet:
• Seeking Health Kid’s Multivitamin
• Pure Encapsulations Junior Nutrients
• Metabolic Maintenance Little One (ages 6-12)
• Allergy Research Childrens Multi-Vi-Min
• MegaFood Kids One Daily (ages 5+)

Dissolvable/Powders:
• Thorne Kids Multi+
• Metabolic Maintenance Pediatric Custom Multi-Vitamin Base Powder

Chewable/Gummies:
• Brain MD Kids NeuroVite
• SmartyPants Organic Kids Complete

Hope this helps!

[bernadette]

 are you supporting immunity with IAG (arabinogalactans), zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D? Or are those the supplements you mentioned you’re waiting to arrive?

I do like Enzymedica’s products if you have that on hand. If you feel the mucus is in your chest, NAC (n-acetylcysteine) has shown to be helpful with that. Hopefully you have that on hand?

Hope your supplements arrive quickly…

[bernadette]

Hi  – you can always attach your reports directly in the posts here for us to take a look at.

As a next step, I would recommend getting the additional tests we’ve recommended above done. These would help us figure out the possible root cause(s), and then a course of action.

Possible root causes:
• Relative estrogen surplus (i.e. estrogen dominance) – test estrogen/progesterone during days 19-21 of your cycle
• Elevated insulin – test fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HbA1C
• Poor liver detox ability and hormone excretion – test a liver panel: ALT, AST, ALK Phos, GGT, Direct bilirubin, Total bilirubin, Protein, Albumin
• Thyroid hypofunction – test TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, anti-TPO, anti-TG
• Gut dysbiosis (a GI map would help, but since you don’t have apparent GI complaints, no need at this stage)
• Iodine insufficiency or deficiency – here’s a video explaining how to test iodine
• Insufficient liver detox nutrients: test RBC magnesium, vitamin B12 or MMA

You live in India correct? If you can find a doctor to run these tests for you, that would be a great start. Otherwise, consider paying out of pocket (if finances allow) and getting them done directly through a walk-in lab.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

[bernadette]

 I’m glad that you were able to get some relief, but keep in mind that this is not addressing the root cause. Now that you have a proper diagnosis however, I encourage you to go back to my initial reply checklist of items to begin addressing:
• Vitamin D, A and RBC zinc (have you checked your levels?)
• Remove gluten & dairy, and very often grains too. (it can’t be a little here and there, it has to be 100% elimination for 6 months+ while address gut dysfunctions)
• Ensure detox pathways are open (if constipation is an issue, please watch this video for rapid relief recommendations)
• Heal intestinal lining (watch this video on gut healing therapies)
• Healthy fatty acid balance (most people don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids compared to omega-6). And realize that gallbladder health plays a role here too since we need bile to absorb our fats! Please watch this video on liver/gallbladder support.
• Remove any other food sensitivities. Need to calm the immune system. (if finance allows, consider a food sensitivity test. Life Extension or KBMO (you’ll need my Physician Reference Number C-1903135)

Let me know if you have any questions on the above.

[bernadette]

 glad to hear you’re seeing a little progress with eating later and removing the kombucha. But yes, please keep trying the recommendations down the list. Even though the supplement suggestions are for rapid relief, if it works, they can help us figure out what is lacking so we can get to the root cause and address it.

I would also absolutely make an effort to get outside before starting your day on the computer. It doesn’t have to be for long. Just enough to let your eyes and brain see the color of the sunrise to help reset the circadian rhythm. And get outside a few other times throughout the day weather permitting for breaks as well. It really does make a difference – even if you wear orange blockers on at night.

The more direct sunlight exposure you can get in a day (& connecting with the Earth), the more melatonin you will produce at night.

Waking between 11pm and 1:30am can point to blood sugar dysregulation and hypoglycemic reactions creating an “emergency” response and causing the adrenal to fire adrenaline. Again, trying to have a snack right before bed like coconut oil/honey or apple/nut  butter can help us see if that might be at play.

I also just want to throw this out here… frequent waking during the night to urinate can be a sign of mold illness. Does this possibility resonate with you?

Please keep us posted.

[bernadette]



[bernadette]

 I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better. Stress is absolutely a root cause for higher blood sugar (and its downstream dynamics) which can also affect thyroid! Higher blood sugar levels in itself creates oxidative stress/fire which can damage cell membranes and thyroid receptors (think of receptors like the outlet where you plug in your lamp – without the outlet, the lamp won’t turn on!).

I’m not sure if you’ve had the chance to dive into the new thyroid course yet, but here’s a short video on how higher insulin affects thyroid function.

I would also encourage you to watch this short video on how cortisol (our stress hormone) affects thyroid function.

Both of these hormones (insulin & cortisol) are key to address in your case.

To help you figure out why your T3 might be low, I filmed this short video here about the possible root causes.

And, since autoimmunity is present in your case, please review these autoimmune disease facts.

Finally, here are some recommendations for those with autoimmune thyroid disease that you can begin to implement or add to your protocol. Your results show a suboptimal low AlkPhos which could be inidicative of a need for more zinc. Given the autoimmune dynamic, have you checked your immune nutrients vitamin D, vitamin A and RBC zinc status? I would also add in copper and ceruloplasmin into the tests.

Your MCV is also suboptimal high. Is it always above 89 on other tests? This could mean there’s a need for B12/B9 (folate). Are you taking a B complex supplement by any chance?

The good news is that your autoimmune thyroid antibodies, although clinically high, are both low compared to other clients of mine diagnosed with Hashimoto’s with their numbers in the 1000’s. This means, remission is possible and near!

Focusing on your diet as a next step is a good idea. When you’re ready, complete elimination of dairy, gluten and even grains will be helpful (for autoimmunity and blood sugar regulation). The course also touches on foods for thyroid, ways to protect your thyroid (things to avoid), and supplement suggestions if you need it.

Please keep us posted on your progress and let me know if you have any questions.

[bernadette]

Hi  – yes, I have helped clients with SIBO. There’s no set protocol per se, because sibo is a symptom of an environment that in itself can lead to other dysfunctions and disease dynamics. So each person’s case/protocol is unique.

So while I do believe you likely need an antimicrobial cleanse, it will only come back if the environment that allowed the overgrowth to happen isn’t corrected as well.

In your case, the right order is key. Gut healing is needed first and foremost. Supporting gut immunity and digestive function too. Only when these are in place for a good 60 days, can you then consider an antimicrobial cleanse.

Here are some root cause culprits for SIBO:
• Drugs – and it doesn’t necessarily have to involve long-term use! Especially NSAID use (damage mucosal layer), hormones (e.g. birth control pills, steroids) and those affecting serotonin (e.g. SSRIs), PPIs and others which suppress stomach acid, antibiotics by decimating endemic bacteria and lowering SCFAs and also increasing toxic bacterial release.
• Microbial overgrowth via byproducts which erode the mucosal lining
• Low levels of endemic, beneficial bacteria
• Low Vitamin D as well as other key nutrients such as zinc and Vitamin A
• Moderate alcohol intake
• Poor immune function. Nutrients above but also low WBCs, secretory IgA, etc..
• Intake of pesticides/herbicides and other chemicals, artificial ingredients
• Hypothyroid function
• Persistent stress. High cortisol increases permeability, impairs immune system
• Gluten consumption (may promote greater zonulin secretion)
• Poor Migrating Motor Complex function
• Poor digestion e.g. low stomach acid, pancreatic output or bile
• Poor Eating Hygiene
o E.g. poor digestive secretions due to sympathetic nervous system mode, poor motility, grazing or frequent meals limits MMC waves, overconsumption of water during meals can dilute stomach acid.

Regarding the abdominal bloating, I know you said that even bitters at this stage burn you, so have you tried carminative teas instead like peppermint, lemon balm, cinnamon, anise, fennel, ginger?

Have you tried eliminating the higher fodmap foods temporarily to see if that provides relief?

Have you also tried castor oil packs over your entire abdominal region? This can help stimulate motility/digestion without the use oral supplements/food.

[bernadette]

 ’tis the season and the flu is definitely going around… supporting immunity is key. Avoiding sugar, resting, hydrating, doing all that you’re doing is great.

But given that it’s viral, on top of the usual systemic immune support (IAG, vit D, A, zinc combo), layering in cat’s claw and lemon balm may help with high viral load (typically 500mg of each, 3 x per day).

And here’s my immune boosting protocol guide for reference.

[bernadette]

Hi  – I know you’re in Dubai so I usually recommend Liquid of Life under-sink filters.

But I want you to understand why I’m making that recommendation so please watch this video on the types of water filters and recommended options in the Beginner’s Health Roadmap.

[bernadette]

here’s an easy recipe I found online. Just leave out the sugar to make it unsweetened peach ice tea.

And if you’re going to use tea bags, I suggest you look at my post here to select a brand that doesn’t use plastic (swipe the carousel to see the different brands).