[bernadette]

 I believe Boxit4Me works worldwide. Shop & ship is the one we use here in the UAE as part of Aramex. You can check both of these services to see if you can setup an account in the UK.

[bernadette]

 better to stick to direct immunoglobulin support instead of anything that is a prebiotic at this stage in your healing journey. Good catch!

I know that MegaIgG2000 is still available in Fullscript because a private client just ordered some yesterday. Can you not use a mail forwarding company to the UK?

Alternatively, check out Microbiome Labs MegaMucosa and Biotics Immuno-gG SBI.

[bernadette]

I wanted to share an important note about iron supplementation and thalassemia. Those with thalassemia cannot make enough hemoglobin and RBCs. Since hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein, supplementing with iron (as food or supplements) can lead to iron toxicity since it’s not predominantly being used for making hemoglobin. Supplementation really needs to be monitored by your doctor. I usually recommend food sources like chicken liver which is always safer and more bio-available than supplements. I know you’re vegetarian but would you be willing to incorporate weekly chicken liver into your diet? Since iron is critical for T4 to T3 thyroid conversion this might make a big difference for you and is worth considering. Food for thought…

[bernadette]

 Yes, you can open the capsule and follow as directed.

[bernadette]

 thanks for sharing these additional details. My reply is below:

1 & 2. Regarding PCOS and blood sugar status. I think it’s important to do proper testing to see if blood sugar dysregulation is at play, as this can be a major root cause for androgen dominance leading to PCOS dynamics and hormone imbalance.

->Here are markers to request: fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1C

3. Hormone balance is not just about making hormones. But it’s also about hormone transport to the receptor, the health of the receptor and cell membranes, and the clearance of these hormones. So if you’re experiencing gut related symptoms, this will definitely affect hormone balance.

If there’s gas and bloating, chances are there’s likely dysbiosis and/or microorganism overgrowths. Depending on what is overgrowing or out of balance, enzymes can be produced that affect clearance of hormones. If you’re constipated, this will affect clearance of hormones, and should be your #1 priority and focus to address if you want hormone balance. What GI related symptoms are you experiencing exactly so I can help guide you better?

Here’s an explanation of the GI map test. If you don’t have time to watch it all, fast forward to 11:37 to hear me discuss the beta-glucuronidase enzyme.

4. Given that your main concern is sex hormone related, a thorough investigation of hormones is recommended:

-> cortisol, DHEA, progesterone (day 19-21 of your cycle), estradiol (day 1-4 of your cycle), testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin.

If you’re in Dubai, I recommend making an appointment with Dr. Liliana Skorski for a proper work-up. She’s a functional gynecologist, MD who speaks the same language.

5. We produce sex hormones from proteins and healthy fats/cholesterol. So we need to ensure we’re bringing in the raw ingredients necessary to produce hormones. Please watch my VPF principle for dietary guidelines.

I can recommend Organegg and Greenheart Organic farms for eggs. They’re pricier than supermarket eggs, but the quality is superior. Perhaps you might be able to tolerate these brands.

If you’re having aversions to proteins, I would suspect hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid), which is so important for overall gut health.

If you don’t have the time to watch the full Gut Health Masterclass course, I suggest you start with this short video of the summary of how digestion works, and then the causes of low stomach acid. And then here are solutions for stomach acid support.

6. Chronic stress will cause such a downward spiral of symptoms. With regards to hormones, it can can lead to higher cortisol and insulin. It can increase sex hormone binding globulin and thyroid binding globulin, making these hormones unavailable for effect in the body (even though you’re producing them). It affects hormones needed for digestion. Stress really is a silent killer. I would prioritize stress reduction measures, do less, say ‘no’ more often, delegate more, do more things that you enjoy, start a gratitude journal, etc. Help your body feel as though it’s on vacation every day. We aren’t designed to be in a chronically stressed state.

7. Headaches – your magnesium is low. You can work on increasing your levels through food and supplements. Here’s a short video in the Mineral Balance course that can help.

A B complex is often needed for those taking oral estrogen based birth control as these medications deplete B vitamins, specifically vitamin B6. I like Thorne Basic B complex. This is available in B Better’s supplement dispensary here.

Bloating – please ensure you’re practicing eating hygiene first and foremost. As I mentioned above, working on gut health should be your focus and priority. Hormone balance often improves as a result.

Lethargy & weight gain – I would recommend a full thyroid panel, and cortisol given your high stress level. I like the DUTCH adrenal functional test for a thorough look at adrenal function.

->TSH (is only a brain hormone and not enough), Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, anti-TPO, anti-TG. Later on, you can add Total T4 and T3.

To summarize, the strategy would be the following:
-work on improving gut health, reduce stress & work on diet
-determine the status of adrenal function (cortisol & DHEA)
-determine the status of blood sugar regulation
-determine the status of thyroid function & sex hormone production now that you’re off oral birth control

Please make time to watch the videos I’ve shared and let me know if you have any questions.

[bernadette]

 Ok, to really be able to help guide you better, please answer the following series of questions:

1. Is PCOS still present? Are you still menstruating? 
2. Has anyone ever checked your fasting glucose, HbA1C and fasting insulin levels?
3. Do you have any gut related symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, IBS, etc? 
4. Do you have hormone test results you can attach/share? Was sex hormone binding globulin ever measured?
5. Briefly describe your diet. Do you consume enough protein?
6. Rate your overall stress level
7. What are your top 5 symptom complaints currently?

Please keep in mind that hormones are at the end of a linked chain. This is called the HPATG axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, gonads/sex hormones). Whatever happens upstream, will affect the downstream sex hormones.

In order to help you get to the root cause, we have start thinking more upstream with the brain, adrenal, thyroid and ovary communications.

[bernadette]

 can you please share a little more details as to why your endocrinologist prescribed HRT 5 years ago. And what exactly was prescribed and in what form (oral, transdermal, etc)? I’m assuming estrogen since you mentioned Yaz and Evra patch. What symptoms were you experiencing 5 years ago? Did the hormone therapy help?

[bernadette]

 when that happened with me, I also added in systemic immune support. I added my IAG powder (arabinogalactans) – 1 teaspoon 3 x per day, and in general, when I’m getting sick, I also add in high dose vitamin D3 (10,000IU) (which also has vitamin K2), high dose vitamin A (10,000 IU) and high dose zinc (45mg) per day for a few days. That’s usually all it takes for my body to fight off infections. You can find my immune support protocol and brands I like in this guide.

Also, have you confirmed with a doctor that it is in fact a UTI infection and not something else if that’s your only symptom?

[bernadette]

Hi  – can you share what you’re currently taking please and severity of your symptoms. If it’s a full blown infection, please seek medical attention for that. This protocol is better suited when it’s the start of a brewing infection, but if it’s severe, sometimes antibiotics are needed.

[bernadette]

 

Yes, that’s the ClearVite I was referring to.

Hemp protein is also another option if you’d like to alternate.

For smoothies, I also like to follow my VPF principle. So perhaps frozen cauliflower, cucumber, lettuce (for the veggies), 1/2 an apple for sweetness, flaxseeds for healthy fats, and your protein powder of choice (or eat a protein with it on the side). The liquid can be bone broth for additional gut healing power or coconut kefir for some probiotic action (if it doesn’t bother you).

Lost of options and variations when following the VPF principle.

As for oxalates, you’ll go mad and feel very restricted if you add this to your list of restrictions as well. Oxalates are high because of the yeast overgrowth. Stop feeding the yeast (eliminate sugar/flour), heal your gut, and strengthen your immune system; this strategy will help reduce endogenous oxalate production.

[bernadette]

 

PHGG might help with bowel movements, but it’s fueling the fire with SIBO. Good option, wrong timing. Instead, magnesium citrate powder or capsules in the evenings might be a better option to help offer rapid relief for constipation. I like the Pure Encapsulations magnesium citrate option.

GI Relief is a concentrated form so it will help speed up the healing process. It can be taken in addition to food therapy.

[bernadette]

Hi  – in addition to Daniel’s great insights and video he shared (please make the time to watch it ~20 minutes), keep in mind that gallbladder health often has to do with liver health.

With that in mind, do you have the following tests you can share to help get to the root cause (feel free to remove names & other identifying information if you prefer to keep it anonymous):

-Lipid panel (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL)
-Liver panel (ALT, AST, GGT Alk Phos, Total and Direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin)
-Blood sugar (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1C)
-Thyroid panel (TSH, Total T4, Total T3, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, anti-TPO, anti-TG)

I’ve had success supporting clients with gallbladder polyps using a combination of d-limonene and taurine for 60-90 days, and also doing the 5-day liver detox cleanse by Dr. Schulze. (All mentioned in the video)

These can be accessed through the B Better dispensary (create an account here).

Changing lifestyle habits to support the liver is also recommended:
• No alcohol, caffeine, smoking
• No high fructose corn syrup or high fructose (like agave syrup). Here’s a short video on the 7 ingredients to avoid where I discuss HFCS in food labels.
• Cleaning out personal hygiene/personal care products (checkout this short video explaining how to check toxicity scores in EWG.org)
• Consuming organic foods as much as possible to reduce agrichemicals. Prioritize animal products to be organic, and choose the Dirty Dozen list to be organic if you consume these regularly.
• Filter your water (eliminate plastic bottles!). Here’s a short video to help.

Hope this helps gives you some direction and things to start working on. Please keep us posted.

[bernadette]

 

-I suggested alternatives to GI revive in my reply above.

-Biomega-1000 is capsule form. Liquid is better. Biomega-3 liquid is a better option for you (if you can tolerate the taste).

-Yes, both IAG Powder and MegaIgG (capsules) can be added to water. With or without food.

-Protein suggestion is in my reply to your diet post

-For someone who is gluten-free, your gliadin should be lower. But I’ve also seen this elevated in mold-sick clients. Another marker that makes me suspicious of hidden mold.

-Markers 21, 58, 59 on your OAT make me suspicious of yeast and mold. Marker 32 points to mitochondrial dysfunction, along with markers 58 & 59 which indicate a higher level of toxicity and need for glutathione. Toxins directly interfere with mitochondrial function. WHAT is the toxin? I suspect mold, hence my recommendation for an ERMI test to check your home environment, and infrared sauna and gentle detox support to start helping your body eliminate whatever toxic burden it’s dealing with.

Hope this makes sense.

[bernadette]

 Thank you for sharing your list of supplements.

PHGG – is a prebiotic fiber. As I mentioned in my other reply to your post about your diet, fiber is very irritating, and to an already inflamed gut, will be adding fuel to a fire! Plus, since it’s a prebiotic, it will be feeding opportunistic overgrowths and causing a lot of gas and bloating. Not ideal for you at this stage.

Glutamine – you didn’t mention if you’re struggling with anxiety, but if so, know that glutamine can cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and worsen anxiety. It might be ok, but just wanted to highlight this fact just in case you started experiencing anxiety when taking it.

Invivo Mucin is a good choice given that you have non-detectable levels of Akkermansia

I would avoid all yeast (including S Boulardii) on the suspicion of mold being at play in your case. I know there are 2 schools of thought regarding S boulardii and mold illness, but I have personally seen a client’s symptoms worsen with the introduction of S boulardii before she was ready. I think timing and individual factors play a big role here. 

Since you don’t know what supplement is causing what symptoms, I usually suggest to my new clients to stop everything they’re taking (except prescription medications) for at least 1 week, and then slowly re-introduce them 1 at a time after 3 days of being symptom-free to determine what is suiting them or not.

Regarding GI Revive – there are many other options without pork. GI Resolve by Biotics research or Thorne’s GI Relief (without glutamine).

Regarding your probiotic, your GI map shows dysbiosis in your commensal bacteria – not a low count (except akkermansia) so it is unnecessary to be taking such a high count. It also contains maltose (a sugar) which acts like a prebiotic. Again, it’s not a bad thing, but timing is key. Prebiotics can add fuel to a fire in someone with digestive distress. The goal as I mentioned in my previous reply is to strengthen your gut immunity so that your immune system can start to take care of the imbalances while healing your gut lining.

[bernadette]

Hi  – it’s safe if you remove the honey. Honey should not be given to babies younger than 1. She can replace the honey with maple syrup – but she can also give it plain with just the flax “goop” without lemon or sweetener.