Thyroid Mystery Solved: Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism Revealed

The Case: Naomi is 39 and has been dealing with IBS for years She was experiencing chronic bloating stomachs and diarrhea We solved this issue once but it came back The Investigation Naomi seemed like a typical IBS case. We did some testing and were able to identify some intestinal infections and food sensitivities. These we were able to address through natural remedies and diet changes. She felt better than she had in decades. It seemed like it her case was closed; her health mystery solved. But then, she started to experience flare-ups of her old IBS symptoms. Further testing gave us no clues - everything was clear and normal. There were no new life events or stressers either. The only clue I had was that she seemed to hold on to so much fear around her symptoms coming back that I started to wonder if perhaps her emotions might be the culprit in this mystery. I turned to the work of Debi Silber. She’s an expert (in fact she coined the term) Post Betrayal Transformation. Her work in helping women heal after betrayal has landed her on CBS, Fox, TEDx, and The Dr. Oz Show. Redefining Betrayal A lot of people think of betrayal as one person disregarding someone’s trust or loyalty. We often think of cheating spouses or self-serving business partners. Debi says that we can trust and believe in ourselves and suddenly find that we’ve betrayed ourselves or that our body has betrayed us. Betrayal has a Physical Manifestation When we experience betrayal, even if our mind is not identifying it as betrayal, we can feel the effects physically. It is similar to the way that stress (acknowledged or otherwise) can impact us in many ways. Often, betrayal can show up as a digestive issues. Think about how we describe the shock of betrayal  as ‘like I was punched in the gut’ and the connection seems much clearer. Symptoms of Betrayal We can’t always pinpoint our health issues to a feeling betrayed, Debi has created a list of symptoms to look for that might indicate that you’re suffering from post betrayal syndrome. She has also created a quiz (link below) that will help you determine the impact of a betrayal. Some symptoms include low energy, difficulty falling asleep, exhaustion, sadness, anger, stress, anxiety, and a hesitation to trust anyone. Stages of Betrayal Like grief, betrayal has stages. The first is the set-up stage. The second is shock. The third is survival. Stage four is moving on. And, the final stage is healing and rebirth. Debi goes into great detail in our interview about each stage. And, we relate each stage to the body-betrayal experience that Naomi was going through. Stuck in Survival Mode Many people get stuck at stage three and stay here for years, even decades. This is where serious health issues can develop. If we think about what we know about the ‘fight or flight’ response and stress, it makes perfect sense that we would experience the same adrenal strain by staying in the survival mode of a betrayal experience. The Post Betrayal Transformation Getting through the stages to healing requires a paradigm shift. Debi says that the only way forward is to face it, feel it, heal it. She encourages women to stop letting the betrayal define them but rather to see it as a part of what shapes them. Debi encourages her patients (through her 8-week program) to find the silver lining in their betrayal and use it to write their next chapter. Mystery Solved Naomi didn’t realize that she was suffering from post betrayal syndrome until we did some work looking at how she felt about the medical system and her own body. We’d already gotten to the root of her problem and solved it but the fear lingered and manifested the symptoms of her IBS all over again. Once she realized this, she was able to work her way through the steps and regain her regained health for good. And, we also used EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to reprogram her thought process around her body betrayal. Eliminating Health Mysteries For Naomi we were able to find that final missing piece of the health puzzle and help her reacquaint herself with good health. Could post betrayal syndrome be the missing clue for you or someone in your life? Links: https://pbtinstitute.com/quiz/ Thanks to my guest Debi Silber. You can connect with her on her website: https://pbtinstitute.com/ Or, on Facebook or Twitter.   Overcoming Hashimoto’s Summit Claim your free spot to this 7-day virtual summit featuring the top experts in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism so that you can overcome this diagnosis and feel better. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/2KigemW   Thanks for Listening If you like what you heard, please rate and review this podcast. Every piece of feedback not only helps me create better shows, it helps more people find this important information. Never miss an episode –  Subscribe NOW to Health Mysteries Solved with host, Inna Topiler on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. Find out more at http://healthmysteriessolved.com PLEASE NOTE All information, content, and material on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

20 Juni 201940min

The Case: Misty was 35 and concerned about fertility Doctors discovered (and operated on) endometriosis leaving her with brain fog and extreme fatigue Medication and more surgery were suggested but she was told that her symptoms were normal The Investigation We Americans tend to trust our medical system despite statistics that show a failing system. We feel lost when a doctor tells us something is fine when we know in our gut it’s not. We don’t speak up when we’re told our symptoms are normal and that we should just get used to living with them. We ignore our instincts because we believe someone who’s been educated must know more about our bodies than we do. Misty’s experience is all too common. She was given few options and dismissed. She was told that because her labs were ‘normal’ she should get used to these symptoms. When more mysterious symptoms showed up and were dismissed (like a 45 lb weight gain) Misty knew that she had to fight for her quality of life. Since then, she’s not only become her own health advocate and solved many of her unexplained health issues, she’s also become a champion for others struggling with a medical system that’s failing them. Misty isn’t just a case in Health Mysteries Solved. She’s also the creator of Healing Rosie a resource website for women who want to get to the bottom of their concerns by becoming a health self-advocate. She’s passionate about helping people stand up for themselves and demand both answers and a quality of life. Misty also facilitates an online community where women can share their stories and knowledge as they navigate their way to better health. Doctors Don’t Have All the Answers While medical doctors do have a great deal of knowledge and play an important role in diagnosing conditions and finding treatments, we can’t assume that they know everything. Anyone wanting to become their own health advocate must get comfortable with questioning their doctor, finding answers elsewhere, and not accepting the doctor’s opinion as final. It’s okay to keep looking even when a doctor says that ‘labs are normal’ or that you have to get used to living with certain symptoms or limitations. Women Normalize Suffering One of the biggest reasons that we fail to get to the bottom of our health issues is that women accept suffering as part of the female condition. Our mothers, other women, and doctors have trained us to believe certain sufferings are ours to bear - especially around menstruation. And, all too often, we put others’ needs before our own. We are culturally programed to take care of our children, our spouses (and sometimes our bosses or employees) before we take care of ourselves. We simply accept that it’s normal to be tired, have brain fog (especially after a certain age), gain weight, be irritable, and deal with chronic pain. We have to stop accepting suffering and start expecting to feel good. Set Health Goals Even as health self-advocates, we need doctors to help us navigate the medical insurance industry. One way that Misty recommends getting doctors on board with your quest for good health is to discuss health goals with your doctor. This makes your requests less about whether your labs are normal or if you should be accepting a certain symptom as unavoidable. Instead, it gives the whole process an outcome that the doctor can get behind. Personalize Your Health Goals Every person is going to have different goals for their health. Misty offers 10 basic health expectations but each individual has to prioritize their own list. Some of her goals include having a regular and pain-free period, maintaining a healthy weight that is under 30% body fat, having energy for your day, getting great sleep, having a healthy libido, and having good digestion. All 10 health goals are discussed in this episode. Find the Right Doctor Sharing your health goals with your doctor is a good way to determine if this is the right doctor for you. If your current doctor is not receptive to assisting you with your health goals, you may want to find a different doctor. This can be a time consuming process so Misty suggests having an initial consult with a potential doctor before going through the process they have for becoming a new patient - which can take months. It Takes a Team What many women fighting for their own good health need to know is that it takes a team of practitioners to get results. Misty suggests having a doctor (who is onboard with your health goals and willing to request labs needed to support them), a functional medicine doctor and a nurse practitioner. Affording Good Health All of this can seem out of reach financially for many people, especially if their insurance is limiting. Misty provides some great tips on how to get as much as possible covered and to do a certain amount of work on your own to decrease out-of-pocket expenses. This includes communicating with your insurance company to gain clarity on how to get certain labs covered. Or, it might be leaving the country for inexpensive procedures like dental care in Mexico. Her community has also proven to be a great resource for people looking to be savvy with their health dollars. Good Resources are Available One of the first steps in becoming a health self-advocate is educating yourself. Misty recommends multiple books for various conditions and suggests that most women will want to heal their gut first and keep an eye on their thyroid. But most importantly, don’t settle for poor health and a compromised quality of life - get to the root of the problem and be your own advocate. Eliminating Health Mysteries Misty was able to really dig in to find the root cause of each issue despite the complicated collection of concerns. She continues to fight for her own quality of life and empowers others to do the same. Could standing up for yourself and becoming your own health advocate be what you need to reclaim your health? Perhaps you know someone else who needs to become their own health advocate? Share this episode with them. Links: Resources mentioned Thanks to my guest Misty Williams. You can connect with her through her website, Healing Rosie or join her free Facebook Group or follow her on Instagram.   Suggested Resources: The Paleo Thyroid Solution: Stop Feeling Fat, Foggy, And Fatigued At The Hands Of Uninformed Doctors - Reclaim Your Health! by Elle Russ Healthy Gut, Healthy You by Dr. Mike Ruscio Dr. Al Danenberg’s Blog   Overcoming Hashimoto’s Summit Claim your free spot to this 7-day virtual summit featuring the top experts in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism so that you can overcome this diagnosis and feel better. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/2KigemW   Thanks for Listening If you like what you heard, please rate and review this podcast. Every piece of feedback not only helps me create better shows, it helps more people find this important information. Never miss an episode –  Subscribe NOW to Health Mysteries...

13 Juni 201945min

If you or someone you know has Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, you probably know that the diagnosis often comes with mixed emotions. On the one hand, it’s a relief to know that there really is a reason for all of these symptoms. No more confusion around symptoms that come and go. No more doctors dismissing your concerns. You finally have proof that it’s not all in your head. But, that relief often ends when you discover that there is no specific cure. Soon the frustration, fear hopelessness sets in. You go searching for answers only to find confusing and conflicting information. You end up feeling overwhelmed and you start to worry that you’re never going to feel good again.   I’ve Been There I remember the emotional roller coaster I felt when I was first diagnosed 18 years ago. It took me a long time to find and avoid my Hashimoto’s triggers. BUT this understanding changed my life. Now, as a clinical nutritionist practicing a functional medicine type approach, I’m on a mission to help everyone with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism regain control of their health. There is Hope I created the Overcoming Hashimoto's Summit because I learned to thrive and I want everyone who’s been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism to know they’re not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that in the US alone, 14 million people have Hashimoto's. And millions more have hypothyroidism which is an underactive thyroid and often also have Hashimoto’s but don’t even know it.  I’m so excited to share a holistic approach to treatment with the help of some of the foremost experts researching hypothyroidism and autoimmune triggers today. 7-Days of Ideas, Research, and Solutions During this virtual 7-Day summit you’ll hear from some of the world’s top experts including: Peter Osborne about the role food allergies may be playing in your symptoms. Sarah Ballantyne will breakdown the Autoimmune Protocol diet so that you can shift your diet and feel better. Chris Shade will share the information you need to know about heavy metals and how they influence your disease. Trudy Scott will help you understand why you feel so anxious and what to do about it. This is just a fraction of what we’ll be exploring at the Overcoming Hashimoto's Summit. Be at the Forefront of Research Through this single event, you’ll have access to the research and insights of 34 world-renowned experts in Hashimoto’s Disease and it’s triggers. Remember, Hashimoto's affects the thyroid but it’s an autoimmune disease which means we have to consider everything from your physiology, your history, your emotions, your environment and even your beliefs. Take Control of Your Health By the end of this summit, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to manage your disease and take back the power in your health struggles. So, join us for the summit. Educate yourself. Be your own advocate. Get the answers you need to overcome Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism which is often caused by Hashimoto’s. Do you remember a time when you woke up and didn’t have to worry about how you’d feel today? Where you didn’t have to take stock of your physical or emotional state? A time when you could just get up and approach the day like it could be the best day ever? Wouldn’t you like to feel that way again? Imagine, after just one week, feeling totally in control of your Hashimoto's and thyroid health because you have the knowledge to create a wellness plan that will work for you.   Join Us Live The summit is live from July 15 – 21st, its online so you can watch from the comfort of your own couch and its completely free. Signing up is easy. Just click this link, enter your email address and you’re in. Let’s take the fear and frustration out of living with Hashimoto's or Hypothyroidism. Let’s reclaim your health. Even though the summit doesn’t official start till July 15th, if you sign up right now, you will have access to 3 of the talks right away so you can start digging into this life changing information. These are just the tip of the iceberg of all the topics that we cover in the summit and I am so excited to share all the interviews with you so be sure to grab your free spot today! Register for free here: https://bit.ly/2KigemW

11 Juni 20194min

The Case: Melissa is 35 woman experiencing daily stomach discomfort. As each day progressed she got more bloated, gassy, and uncomfortable belly distention. She tried elimination diets and even antibiotics but the bloating kept coming back. The Investigation When Melissa came to me she had already been diagnosed with SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth). Her doctor prescribed antibiotics and that worked, at first. But, the symptoms came back so I knew we had to get to the root of the problem if we were going to help Melissa stop feeling like she was 4 months pregnant. SIBO is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine. This can cause a variety of symptoms and if left unchecked can lead to more serious concerns. SIBO can also be caused by more serious health concerns. Once considered to be rare, SIBO is now easier to diagnose and it is estimated to affect up to 15% of otherwise healthy people. Dr. Seth Osgood is a board certified family nurse practitioner and Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. He specializes in Autoimmune Disorders with specific emphasis on digestive health. It was his own family’s chronic gut issues that swayed him from his traditional medicine path to a functional medicine approach. Bacteria Belongs in the Large Intestine There is a lot of talk about healthy bacteria in the gut. This flora should mainly  live in the large intestine. When it moves into the small intestine, the body is not set up to deal with it and so it ferments and produces gases. This is what causes bloating and that sense that you feel or look pregnant because of the distended belly. Symptoms Range Melissa’s main complaints are common symptoms of SIBO - gas, bloating, and an uncomfortable distended belly. Additional symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, belching, skin irregularities (eczema, rosacea, acne, and weird rashes), abdominal discomfort (sometimes diagnosed as IBS), and weight loss or weight gain.   SIBO is Seldom the Primary Issue A more holistic approach to SIBO will look for the root cause of the bacterial overgrowth. A common cause is low stomach acid (creating an inability to breakdown food). A low functioning thyroid, stress, impaired vagal nerve dysfunction (parasympathetic response), autoimmune issue or nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to the development of SIBO. Low levels of pancreatic enzymes can also make it difficult to breakdown food which leaves the food to putrefy and breed bacteria. Some Pharmaceutical Use Can Lead SIBO Chronic use of antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (like aspirin and ibuprofen) can lead to dysbiosis (a microbial imbalance.  PPI (proton pump inhibitors) is a commonly prescribed acid blocker that decrease the amount of acid in the stomach, so extended use of these can also contribute to SIBO. How to Diagnose SIBO There are a few tests that can be done to confirm SIBO. The gold standard is a three-hour hydrogen breath test. After consuming a sugary water (fuel for the bacteria), the time it takes to produce methane and hydrogen indicates where the bacteria are living - in the large or small intestine. The concentration of the gases is also telling. Additionally, an organic acid test will help determine if the issue is bacterial or fungal or both. A stool test may also help provide a bigger picture of digestive issues. You Can’t Fix SIBO if You’re Not Pooping Failure to clear your bowels on a regular basis leaves too much fuel for bacteria in your small intestine. For some, low motility is a symptom of SIBO but it can also be a contributing factor. In order to solve the gut imbalance, the bowels need to be moving regularly. Options for Treatment Once you have the whole picture and understand (and have dealt with) the root cause, there are several options for treatment. Dr. Osgood and I prefer an herbal approach. There are several combinations but the right one for you is going to be based on what’s working for your body. There is not a one size fits all and finding the right combination will require some testing. Temporarily following a specific diet (like the elemental or low fodmap diet) may help speed up recovery. Treating SIBO is Tricky For many people the first stop they make is to their traditional doctor and potential a gastroenterologist. And while SIBO can be diagnosed, the traditional approach is to treat SIBO with medication. This often will kill off the overgrowth but it doesn’t really deal with how the overgrowth happened in the first place. As a result, patients will often have a recurrence like Melissa did. Prevent SIBO Relapses Getting your gut bacteria back in balance is never a permanent state, you have to work at maintaining that balance. The keys to avoiding a relapse are maintaining stress levels, taking advantage of probiotics (find the right one for you as some may irritate your system), stimulate the parasympathetic tone with vagus nerve exercises, eating a clean diet, and encouraging good motility.   Mystery Solved We did some further testing with Melissa and were able to narrow down the details of her SIBO and identify a food allergy that she was unaware of. We also had to deal with her constipation which we did with Calcium Magnesium Citrate and Paleo Fiber. We stimulated her stomach acid production with supplements and started doing vagal nerve exercises so that she could better produce the acid without supplements. She was then ready for a cleanse. She responded well to a low fodmap diet and implemented some natural antimicrobials. Six weeks later, she was feeling better and took some maintenance and support supplements for a few more months to help her avoid an immediate relapse. The supplements used are listed below.      Eliminating Health Mysteries For Melissa we were able to determine that just dealing with the gut bacteria wasn’t enough for long-term health. We found all of the pieces to her digestive issues and she was thrilled to be feeling better (and fitting into those skinny jeans again). Could gut imbalance or SIBO be the missing clue for you or someone in your life? Share this episode with them and take action to restore a healthy microbiome in your belly.   Links: Thanks to my guest Dr. Seth Osgood. You can connect with him through his business Grassroots Functional Medicine: https://grassrootsfunctionalmedicine.com/. Or connect with him on Facebook or Instagram.   Want to see more SIBO research? Here is a prominent study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3099351/   Mentioned Supplements: FC Cidal GI MicrobX Allicillin Motil Pro Cal/Mag Citrate Paleo Fiber Bitter X Digestzymes...

6 Juni 201940min

The Case: Elise is 37 and for the past 5 years, she’s had very low sex-drive Extensive hormones tests gave no physical explanation She and her husband wanted to find a way to reconnect and make sex a part of their relationship again. The Investigation A sexless marriage is defined as one where the couple has sex less than 10 times a year. For Elise, her disinterest in sex had been going on for 5-years. There were many factors that played into this - including being on an opposite work schedule to her husband - but she knew that it was primarily because of her low libido. I ran some additional, more comprehensive lab tests (to make sure that her doctors hadn’t missed anything) but found nothing out of the norm. I did notice one thing. When Elise talked to me about her issue with sex drive, she seemed embarrassed. She giggled nervously everytime she mentioned sex. I suspected that something in her past or her upbringing might be the clue we need to find to solve this health mystery. I turned to  Lauren Handel Zander. She’s the co-founder and chairwoman of the Handel Group and has been a life coach for over 20 years. She’s also the author of “Maybe It’s You: Cut the Crap, Face Your Fears, Love Your Life.” She is passionate about helping people create the life of their dreams from every angle. Viability of a Great Relationship Lauren believes that the depth and viability of a great relationship relies on both the enjoyment of life and the romantic partnership. It’s non-negotiable. Couples who explain away their low libido with time-constraints, stress, kids, or disinterest put their relationship at risk. People are Lazy Lauren points to the ease with which we can move sex to the bottom of the to-do list. It can easily become something that we don’t have the energy for. But, like going to the gym to stay fit, we need to find the energy for a healthy sex life.   Make a Commitment to Sex Lauren recommends committing to sex the way you would commit to the gym. Promise yourself and your partner that you’ll meet x-number of times per week. You have to make it a priority and commit to it. She even encourages people to have a consequence for not keeping your promise. Shame and Epigenetics May Affect Libido A few weeks ago we spoke with Dr. Mario Martinez (Episode 007) about how shame and personal belief systems set by our parents can create a physical reaction. That includes a low libido. Epigenetics (which is the expression of our genes based on learned behaviour from our parents) can likewise affect our sexdrive. Have the Sex Talk To get to the root of this potential cause of a low libido, Lauren encourages her clients to talk to their parents about sex. Yes, even though they are adults, she suggests they finally have an open and frank ‘sex talk’. This releases the taboo around sex and can bring some honesty and reality to what married sex is really all about. It also takes the awkwardness and embarrassment out of the topic which can be incredibly freeing. Know What You Want It’s important for couples who are dealing with a sexless marriage (or a low-sex marriage) to get in touch with what they actually want. And, that they express this to each other. Lauren uses a visualization method that she encourages people to do specifically with their sex life. Low Libido Can be Hormonal A reduced sexdrive can be the result of hormone levels. In Elise’s case it wasn’t but if you’re suffering with a disinterest in sex, it’s important to have your estradiol, progesterone, Testosterone and DHEA-S tested. Lowered sex drive can also be experienced by those dealing with a thyroid issue so be sure to have your doctor check that as well. Mystery Solved Elise didn’t have any hormonal reasons for her low libido so we started to employ some of the methods offered up by Dr. Mario Martinez and Lauren Handel Zander. Elise was a bit resistant at first but she followed through. She even had ‘the talk’ with her parents and was able to let go of the awkwardness she felt around sex. For Elize, her sexual health mystery was solved with some emotional work and a commitment to being more sexually engaged with her husband. Eliminating Health Mysteries For Elise we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her sex drive. Could shame, epigenetics, or laziness be your missing piece of the healthy sexlife puzzle? Have you listened to a friend complain about a low libido or sexless marriage?  Be sure to share this episode with them.   Links: Thanks to my guest Lauren Handel Zander. You can connect with her on Instagram or Facebook. She also has an online course that I recommend AND my listeners get $75 off by clicking my special link and using the promo code HEALTHMYSTERIES75   Mentioned Supplements Fem Guard + Balance Chaste Tree (not available online, speak to your health practitioner) DHEA   Thanks for Listening If you like what you heard, please rate and review this podcast. Every piece of feedback not only helps me create better shows, it helps more people find this important information. Never miss an episode –  Subscribe NOW to Health Mysteries Solved with host, Inna Topiler on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. Find out more at http://healthmysteriessolved.com   Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 007 - The Case of the Teacher Who Was Always Sick w/ Dr. Mario Martinez Episode 003 - The Case of the Insidious Fatigue w/ Author, Dr. Justin Marchegiani   Overcoming Hashimoto’s Summit Claim your free spot to this 7-day virtual summit featuring the top experts in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism so that you can overcome this diagnosis and feel better. https://bit.ly/2KigemW    PLEASE NOTE All information, content, and material on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Some of the links provided are affiliate links. This means we may make a very small amount of money should you choose to buy after clicking on them. This will in no way affect the price the product but it helps us a tiny bit in covering our expenses.

30 Maj 201937min

The Case: Karen is 31 and eats a very healthy diet. She started to experience eczema, rashes, and itchy skin as well as anxiety. Doctors prescribed topical steroids and antihistamines but these only masked the symptoms. Here condition escalated to swollen eyes and hives on her face. The Investigation When I met with Karen I suspected that her diet was to blame for her condition even though she was eating really healthy. I just knew there was something in her diet that was causing the problem; something was causing a histamine reaction. But, I also suspected it likely wasn’t a traditional food allergy. I brainstormed  with my partner at Complete Nutrition and Wellness, Beth Mosher. She’s a clinical nutritionist who has been studying nutrition and how it relates to health and human development for almost 20 years. I knew that together, we could solve this health mystery. We knew that it wasn’t a specific food allergy or sensitivity so we had to look at how else food could be impacting her. Allergic Reactions can be to Components of Foods Some people may have traditional tests that prove they are not allergic to a certain food but that does not necessarily mean that they won’t have an allergic reaction to a component of this food. Certain components of foods, particularly plant foods, produce histamine reactions. High Sulfur Foods Sulfur is found in a variety of foods in varying degrees. Leafy greens have a high amount of sulfur, especially spinach and kale. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli also contain sulfur. Protein can contain sulfur, specifically eggs and shrimp. Fermented foods including pickled foods, beer, and wine also contain high amounts of sulfites. Sulfur Can Cause a Histamine Reaction Many foods contain sulfur and while some sulfur is important for the body to function optimally, too much can create a backlog. When the body tries to metabolize this backlog of sulfur it can produce substances that create a histamine reaction. This can manifest as itchy skin, hives, swelling, or eczema. Genetics Also Plays a Role Not everyone who eats sulfur-rich foods is going to have this histamine reaction. Every body is different. One person may eat a diet high in sulfur with no adverse reaction because they are not predisposed to it genetically. Sulfites Can Build Up in the Body Sulfites can be quite toxic when they backup in the body (because they are not being properly processed) and can be converted into ammonia. Symptoms like hives, itchy skin, swollen lips and eyes, and eczema can appear to come out of nowhere. People who have not changed their diet at all might not think that food could be the cause because nothing has changed. However a diet (like the paleo diet) can cause sulfur build up overtime, which can reach a point where the body can no longer metabolize it and the result is a histamine reaction. Early Signs of Sulfite Buildup Sulfur generally produces a histamine reaction including hives, rashes, and itchiness around the eyes. However, a sulfur buildup in the early stages can present as headaches, itchy skin (without hives or rash), or digestive issues. Feelings of anxiety can also be a symptom of sulfur overload as metabolizing sulfur can release ammonia which in turn elevates cortisol (the stress hormone). Reducing high sulfite  foods and managing sulfur in general when these early signs show up could help reduce the chances of a full histamine reaction. Detoxing Sulfite Overload When detoxing the body of excess sulfites, it’s a good idea to take Epsom salt baths every day or every other day. Place a cup and a half of Epsom salts in a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes. This helps the body metabolize the backlog of sulfites and get the toxins out. Charcoal tablets may also help to absorb the ammonia and carry it out and molybdenum can help the SOUX enzyme process sulfites more efficiently. Testing for Sulfite Overload There are a few tests that can be done to prove the skin irritations are caused by a histamine reaction caused by sulfur overload. One is an organic acid test done through urine. There are also genetic tests that can be done. However, most people prove out the cause by lowering their consumption of sulfite rich  foods and seeing if the symptoms subside. We Need Sulfur Many high-sulfur foods are extremely healthy and our bodies need sulfur. However, if it is not processing it into sulfate (do to a blockage in the pathway caused by a buildup) then we need to address that. It’s important to find a balance and to be aware of the warning signs that there might be a backlog of sulfites in the system. Mystery Solved Our suspicions were confirmed with Karen after we ran an organic acid test. What we found was that despite eating a lot of sulfur-rich foods (like green drinks and veggies), her body was not converting that into sulfate which meant that her body was instead, creating ammonia. This led to her skin issues and likely released cortisol which could explain her heightened feelings of anxiety. It might sound crazy for a nutritionist to say, but the prescription was for her to decrease her green juices and other sulfur-rich foods. She also took regular Epsom salt baths to help with the detoxification process. Her body (and skin) responded within a week to these changes.  Now she’s careful about how much sulfites and high sulfur foods are in her diet. Eliminating Health Mysteries For Karen we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her healthy skin. Do you suffer from unexplained allergic reactions like hives, eczema, rashes, itchy skin or swollen lips or eyes? Could this be the missing clue for you or someone in your life?   Links: Resources mentioned Thanks to my guest Beth Mosher. You can connect with her on our website www.CompleteNutritionAndWellness.com   Thanks for Listening If you like what you heard, please rate and review this podcast. Every piece of feedback not only helps me create better shows, it helps more people find this important information. Never miss an episode –  Subscribe NOW to Health Mysteries Solved with host, Inna Topiler on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. Find out more at http://healthmysteriessolved.com   Overcoming Hashimoto’s Summit Claim your free spot to this 7-day virtual summit featuring the top experts in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism so that you can overcome this diagnosis and feel better. https://bit.ly/2KigemW    PLEASE NOTE All information, content, and material on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Some of the links provided are affiliate links. This means we may make a very small amount of money should you choose to buy after clicking on them. This will in no way affect the price the product but it helps us a tiny bit in covering ou...

23 Maj 201930min

The Case: Diana is 36 and suffers from irregular bowel movements and stomach upset. Endoscopies, colonoscopies and genetic testing for celiac disease provided no answers She tried adjusting her diet but nothing has helped and her doctor was stumped. My first suspicion was that her Celiac test was a false negative or that she had some underlying gluten-sensitivity. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley and oats and many people may have the sensitivity. It’s estimated that 30 – 40% of people are genetically positive for gluten-sensitivity. Many go undiagnosed. Dr. Peter Osborne is world renown in the field of gluten and grain sensitivity. He is the author   of the highly acclaimed bestseller, ‘No Grain, No Pain’ and is a Doctor of Chiropractic and board certified in clinical nutrition and pastoral medicine. He is the clinical director of Origins Healthcare in Sugarland, Texas and is also an advisor for Functional Medicine University. He joins me in the discussion of this case to share his significant expertise in this field. Confusion Around Gluten Terminology Many people mislabel conditions relating to gluten and mistakenly use gluten-sensitive, gluten-intolerant, gluten allergy, and celiac interchangeably. So, what is the difference between gluten sensitivity and gluten allergy? What’s the difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease? Dr. Osborne explains that gluten sensitivity is a state of genetics which is not a disease. However, this sensitivity can lead to the development of celiac disease which is an autoimmune disease. Gluten intolerance is a reaction to gluten without the genetic disposition. The body cannot digest gluten properly because it is not producing the necessary enzyme. This can result in irritable bowel, gas, bloating and other intestinal discomforts. An allergy to gluten it very rare. Classically, this would show up as an acute response similar to other food allergies which often have symptoms like hives, swollen lips, and throat constriction. It’s potentially life-threatening. Traditional Testing for Celiac is Insufficient Most doctors will test two genetic markers for celiac disease but there are 5 antibodies that should be tested. Some people, like Diane, are told they don’t have Celiac disease and can eat gluten when that is not the case. Comprehensive tests that specifically include HLA DQ2 and DQ8 as well as the wheat zoomer (see below for links to these tests) are needed to completely rule out gluten issues. These tests are a simple cheek swab and a blood test. Gluten Sensitivity due to Genetics is Permanent While some people may feel better after giving up gluten for a period of time, this does not mean they can return to eating gluten. Dr. Osborne says that it can’t be reversed and his best advice is to stay away from it if they want to maintain their health. Eating gluten (for those that have the gluten genes) is unhealthy for them so if they go back to it, they’ll soon feel the repercussions of their unhealthy ways. Consider the Quality of Grains People who do not have the genetic markers for gluten sensitivity, antibodies to gluten, or the presence of autoimmune disease do not need to follow a gluten-free diet. However, it’s important to look at the quality of the food they’re eating. Grains can have mold or mycotoxins (see episode 006). They may also have trace amounts of pesticides that could include glyphosate which has been linked to cancer, neurodegeneration and fertility issues. In addition to that, many grains have been genetically modified. You Can’t Just Take a Pill There are enzymes available in supplement form that will help the body digest gluten. While this might seem like a ‘get out of jail free’ card, it’s not. If you have a gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease these are meant only to protect you against unwitting exposure (often through cross contamination in non-gluten-free restaurants or homes). It’s not a magic pill that you can take and then go devour a pizza. Sorry, guys. Eliminating Health Mysteries For Diana we were able to get to the real root of the problem and help her regain her health. Could a gluten sensitivity be the missing clue for you or someone in your life? Please share this episode with them so that they can feel better too. Links: Resources mentioned Thanks to my guest Dr. Peter Osborne. You can connect with him through his website: https://drpeterosborne.com/ You can get a copy of his book No Grain, No Pain here: www.glutenfreesociety.com   Thanks for Listening If you like what you heard, please rate and review this podcast. Every piece of feedback not only helps me create better shows, it helps more people find this important information. Never miss an episode –  Subscribe NOW to Health Mysteries Solved with host, Inna Topiler on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. Find out more at http://healthmysteriessolved.com   Overcoming Hashimoto’s Summit Claim your free spot to this 7-day virtual summit featuring the top experts in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism so that you can overcome this diagnosis and feel better. https://bit.ly/2KigemW    PLEASE NOTE All information, content, and material on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Some of the links provided are affiliate links. This means we may make a very small amount of money should you choose to buy after clicking on them. This will in no way affect the price the product but it helps us a tiny bit in covering our expenses.

16 Maj 201922min

The Case: Victoria is a 45 year-old mom of three who works full time. In the last 9-months, severe pain in her hip has made her active lifestyle difficult. She was treated by a physiotherapist and a chiropractor and even tried natural supplements but nothing helped. The Investigation When I met Victoria, I noticed she had spider veins on same leg that was in pain. I suspected that was a clue. Spider veins, a form of varicose veins, are abnormally enlarged vessels that usually appear on the legs like dark blue or red squiggly lines. About 50% of the population develop spider veins but women are more susceptible, especially as they age. Many people consider spider veins to be a cosmetic problem that’s not how they are viewed in chinese medicine. That’s why I turned to Belinda Brown for help with Victoria’s health mystery. Belinda is a classical acupuncturist with a busy practice in Hoboken, New Jersey. Acupuncture Works with the Body’s Qi Qi (pronounced chee) is the flow of energy through our body. We are in good health when our Qi is moving smoothly. When it is blocked or stagnant, or deficient we experience illness. Qi travels along meridians (or pathways) in the body. Acupuncture is the ancient art of unlocking or activating the Qi along these meridians. The Difference between Classical and Traditional Chinese Medicine Many people have heard of Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM as it is the most common in the United States. This approach to acupuncture works with 12 meridians. Belinda practices Classical Acupuncture which recognizes 76 meridians. Vanity is Not the Only Concern for Spider Veins Often spider veins make people self conscious of their looks. But, vanity is not the only reason to have your spider vein looked at. Belinda explains that spider veins can be an indicator that there is something deeper going on. Spider veins can be the body trying to push illness up to the surface. This negatively impacts the body’s Qi, specifically the Luo Meridian. Restore the Qi to Create an Opportunity for Healing By releasing the vessels involved in the spider veins, you can restore Qi and create a better environment for healing. While it may seem like this is a cosmetic solution, the treatment of these spider veins can have a dramatic affect on the illness that caused them. Mystery Solved In Victoria’s case, the spider veins and the pain in her hip were both signs that she had a benign tumor - something that doctors hadn’t even looked for. Belinda knew pretty quickly that something was off and she was able to pinpoint the issue. By treating the spider veins through acupuncture, not only was she able to reduce the appearance of the veins, she was able to restore the Qi and reduce the size of the growth. Victoria ignored the spider veins, shrugging them off as part of getting old. She tried to work through her hip pain. By working with Belinda and I she was able to see that these two seemingly unrelated things we actually clues to a serious issue she didn’t even know she had. Eliminating Health Mysteries For Victoria, we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her health. Could spider veins be a clue that you or someone you love is missing? Don’t just treat spider veins, speak to an acupuncturist to find out if they’re trying to reveal the secrets of your well-being. Thanks to my guest, Belinda Brown. You can connect with her on her website: http://www.classicalacupunctureandwellness.com/   Mentioned Supplements: ArthroSoothe OmegAvail Ultra 10% off Designs for Health Supplements with code DFH10 Thanks for Listening If you like what you heard, please rate and review this podcast. Every piece of feedback helps me create better shows, and it helps more people find this important information. Never miss an episode –  Subscribe NOW to Health Mysteries Solved with host, Inna Topiler on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. Find out more at http://healthmysteriessolved.com   Overcoming Hashimoto’s Summit Claim your free spot to this 7-day virtual summit featuring the top experts in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism so that you can overcome this diagnosis and feel better. https://bit.ly/2KigemW    PLEASE NOTE All information, content, and material on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Some of the links provided are affiliate links. This means we may make a very small amount of money should you choose to buy after clicking on them. This will in no way affect the price the product but it helps us a tiny bit in covering our expenses.

9 Maj 201921min