• Bernadette_Abraham

    January 15, 2026 at 12:38 pm in reply to: Haematoma

    @naslam1603 – Oh I’m so sorry to hear that… that sounds really painful. I’m glad there’s no fracture, but tibial hematomas can hurt a lot and take time to calm down.


    From a holistic support perspective, people often find the following helpful:

    • Arnica (topical and/or homeopathic) for bruising and tissue trauma (30c or 200c)
    • Red light therapy to support circulation and healing
    • Rest + elevation whenever you can
    • Cold compresses in the first couple of days (short and gentle), then warmth later if it feels better
    • Good protein intake, vitamin C, zinc, and staying well hydrated to support tissue repair

    Once the acute pain settles, some people also find very gentle lymphatic support around the area (not directly on it) helpful.

    Just be mindful to avoid anything blood-thinning while the hematoma is active, and if swelling, pain, numbness, or heat worsens, it’s always best to get it re-checked.

    I noticed you have a gash as well. My go-to for that is Active Skin Repair which contains HOCL, a natural substance that is antimicrobial and helps with wound healing.

    These injuries really do take time and patience. Wishing you an effective recovery.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 15, 2026 at 12:32 pm in reply to: TODDLERS FOOD/SNACKS

    @Inga-55 – haven’t heard from you in a while. Hope all is well…

    You might find our handout with healthy snack ideas helpful.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 13, 2026 at 6:44 pm in reply to: Recommendations – doctor

    Hi @sheetalramchandani1 – I replied to your question about greens powder in a previous thread here: https://bbv2.genesisengine.io/forums/discussion/4024173/

    Please let me know if you didn’t get a notification.

    As for FM doctors in Dubai, I can recommend Dr. Zain at Joint Space. She was a guest in B Better – she’s a naturopathic doctor who is also trained in hypnotherapy.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 13, 2026 at 1:08 pm in reply to: Histamine support

    @R-S – after ovulation, estrogen naturally rises and that alone can stimulate histamine release. Histamine then feeds back and stimulates more estrogen, which is why this can quickly become a loop during this phase of the cycle. Progesterone is meant to counterbalance this, but if it dips even slightly, histamine symptoms can spike.

    So flares during this phase of the cycle are often related to either too much estrogen, reduced clearance of estrogen or an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone (or any such combination). This is also why people can eat foods they normally tolerate and still flare right before their period.

    Regarding DAO, definitely listen to your body.

    In addition to your current support, here are additional things to consider that might help:

    -Vitamin C is one of the most effective natural antihistamines and also supports adrenal resilience. A non acidic form is important like buffered or liposomal forms. A typical daily dose is 500 to 1000 mg, but during a flare this can be increased temporarily and split throughout the day, sometimes up to 2 to 3 grams total. Many people notice relief within hours. Higher doses may also cause looser stools – so something to keep in mind.

    -Magnesium is another key piece because histamine is excitatory. Magnesium helps calm the nervous system and blood vessels, which can reduce dizziness, improve sleep, and support circulation. Glycinate or threonate are good options, usually 200 to 400 mg in the evening. This can be used daily, with particular emphasis in the luteal phase.

    -Vitamin B6 in its active P5P form supports both histamine clearance and progesterone synthesis. This does not need to be high dose. Around 10 to 25 mg per day is often enough, and it can be especially helpful from ovulation through the start of your period. Since you’ll be soon starting a B complex, this one will be covered soon.

    -If quercetin alone does not feel sufficient, luteolin is another mast cell stabilizer that some people tolerate better. This can be used at around 50 to 100 mg per day and does not need to be taken all cycle. Many people do best using it only in the luteal phase.

    -Glycine is another supportive option that often gets overlooked. It helps calm mast cells, supports liver conjugation, and soothes the nervous system, particularly in the evening. A typical dose is 1 to 3 grams at night, and it can be very helpful for histamine related sleep issues, flushing, or nighttime anxiety.

    When a flare is already happening, nervous system support matters just as much as supplements. Slow nasal breathing with longer exhales can reduce dizziness and flushing by calming the stress response. Doing contrast therapy (warm to cold water) for the hands can also help when they feel unusually cold. Placing hands in warm water for 10-30 secs, then moving them to cooler water for 10-30 seconds can improve circulation and reduce symptoms surprisingly quickly.

    Electrolytes also matter here. Histamine and estrogen together can lower blood pressure, so adding a pinch of sea salt to water or having a mineral rich broth can help if dizziness is present.

    Regarding the cold hand and selenium. As I explained on our live Q&A call, selenium supports thyroid enzymes and glutathione, and therefore can push detox. Reducing the dose or pausing selenium for a few days can allow you to figure out how it’s affecting you. Also make sure you’re getting in enough carbs, especially in the luteal phase.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 12, 2026 at 9:37 am in reply to: H PYLORI

    @LAK – I having personally worked with a client who was “floxed” because of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, so you have every reason to be concerned about this antibiotic. With no exaggeration, it devastated his life. I now educate people on the possible dangers of this medication, and advise to people speak with their doctors about taking other classes of antibiotics if they have the option.

    And while antibiotics are definitely an option, I have also personally helped many clients get rid of their H Pylori overgrowth using botanicals.

    If you have not yet seen the various H Pylori protocols, you can read more about them here.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 12, 2026 at 9:31 am in reply to: L. reuteri coconut milk yogurt

    @R-S – I follow the recipe by Dr. Davis, and used the BioGaia Gastrus tablets as the starter, and traditional yogurt fermentation methods using stovetop & thermometer (or my little pinky). 😉

    I’ll prepare a handout with the full recipe and instructions, but here it is as well:

    Ingredients:

    • 950 ml raw A2 milk

    • ¾ tsp potato starch

    • 3 tbsp cold homemade L. reuteri yogurt (starter), or 10 Gastrus tablets, crushed

    Steps:

    1. Heat milk → 82–90°C for 10 min

    2. Cool to → 38–41°C

    3. Mix cold starter + 75 ml warm milk + potato starch → smooth slurry

    4. Add back to pot

    5. Wrap in blankets → wait 36 hours

    6. Chill at least 8 hours & enjoy. Make sure to reserve at least 3 Tbsp as the starter for your next batch.

    The dairy-free version is made with coconut milk. I’ve never made it with coconut milk, but will share Dr. Davies recipe:

    • 400 ml canned coconut milk (make sure no preservatives or thickeners – only coconut milk)
    • 3/4 tsp guar gum
    • 2 Tbsp sugar
    • 1 Tbsp raw potato starch
    • 1-2 Tbsp L. reuteri yogurt, or 10 Gastrus tablets, crushed

    In a small or medium-sized saucepan, heat coconut milk over a medium heat to 82°C or until it just begins to boil; remove from heat. Leave to cool 5 minutes.

    Add guar gum, sugar, and potato starch to the cooled coconut milk and blend with a stick blender or pour these ingredients into a blender; blend for a minimum of 1 minute or until the mixture thickens to the appropriate thickness of double cream.

    Allow the mixture to cool to 38°C (or room temp), then mix in the L. reuteri yogurt or crushed tablets. Ferment for 48 hours at 38°C (or room temp).

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 15, 2026 at 12:29 pm in reply to: H PYLORI

    @LAKMatula Tea is a therapeutic herbal blend, not a gentle everyday tea. While some ingredients are child-friendly, it also contains liquorice root, which can affect electrolytes and blood pressure, and kids are more sensitive to this. That’s why Matula’s own website advises medical guidance for children under 12.

    Using a half adult dose is safer than a full dose, but I’d still be cautious with daily use for a full month in children under 12. A shorter period (2–3 weeks), clear stop date, and close monitoring is more conservative.

    If there are headaches, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, or stomach upset, that’s a sign to stop.

    I’ve personally had young children take this tea without any issues, but it’s important to assess each child individually. From a safety perspective, extra caution is generally advised for children who:

    • Are under 12 years old (as noted on Matula’s own website)

    • Have a history of headaches, dizziness, palpitations, or fatigue

    • Tend to have low blood pressure or low blood sugar

    • Have kidney, heart, or electrolyte-related issues

    • Are very sensitive to herbs or supplements

    • Are taking any medications

    • Have frequent stomach upset, nosebleeds, or easy bruising

    Hope that helps you make an informed choice.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 14, 2026 at 9:27 am in reply to: Histamine support

    @R-S When deciding on supplements, always check the excipients as the final determining factor. I tend to go with the one with less “other ingredients” as a general rule. You might find this handout helpful to better understand what the excipients are used for, and which to avoid.

    The form of magnesium you currently have is sufficient since it offers both forms.

    We cannot advise on specific dosages, only general guidelines. For allergies and asthma, the general recommendation is 1000mg of quercetin 2-3 x per day. For those wanting to help address blood pressure or increase glutathione, the general recommendation is 500mg 2 x per day. So 250mg/day is still on the lower end.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 12, 2026 at 1:59 pm in reply to: H PYLORI

    @LAK – how old are your children? I often recommend to my private clients that their spouse & family members proceed with something like Matula tea or GastroMend for example for a month as a precautionary measure.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 12, 2026 at 1:55 pm in reply to: Protein shakes during pregnancy

    @sheetalramchandani1 – checkout Ora, Peak Performance, and Barlean’s. They have third party testing.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 12, 2026 at 9:14 am in reply to: Supplementation

    @R-S

    1) There’s usually no issues with people starting with 150mg. That’s not considered a high dose, and when the body has too much magnesium, the side effect is usually loose stools. The general guideline for replenishing magnesium levels is 200-400mg magnesium glycinate per day for a health adult, but some can go up to 1200mg as needed, if there is no kidney disease. You can read more about the appropriate dosages and different forms here.

    2) Magnesium can be taken at any time of the day depending on the form of magnesium and a person’s goal. For example, if someone has constipation, then magnesium citrate taken with dinner or before bed would help with morning bowel movements since it’s more stimulating to the bowels. Magnesium glycinate is calming, so those with anxiety might benefit from taking it during the day, or for someone who needs help winding down at night, they might prefer to take it with dinner or before bed. Magnesium can be taken with or without food, and can be combined with other supplements.

    3) Correct, no special order of introduction needed.

    4) Based on the last blood test, the copper/zinc ratio was elevated, which can indicate a higher need for zinc. In these cases, practitioners often consider a short period of zinc-only support (30-45 days) before transitioning to a balanced zinc-copper formula for maintenance. As with any single-nutrient supplementation, periodic re-testing (every few months) is important to assess whether to continue, adjust, or stop.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 7, 2026 at 5:05 pm in reply to: Supplementation

    @R-S – you had mentioned in a previous message that you were struggling with a yeast infection or UTI if I recall correctly?

    Histamine overload doesn’t directly lead to yeast infection or UTI, but it can irritate the bladder lining which can cause a sense of urgency, burning and pressure. This sensation can mimic UTI symptoms without bacteria overgrowth. So your approach of hydrating more and monitoring is wise before adding in additional support.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 5, 2026 at 4:40 pm in reply to: Supplementation

    @R-SZinc and copper are often interpreted together because they compete for absorption and tend to influence each other’s balance in the body. In functional medicine, a commonly referenced copper-to-zinc ratio is roughly 0.7–1.0, which is thought to reflect a more balanced relationship.

    Based on your values, dividing copper by zinc gives a ratio of 1.27, which suggests that zinc may be relatively lower in relation to copper, rather than copper being overtly high.

    Looking at zinc on its own, many practitioners also consider where it sits within the reference range. From a functional perspective, zinc is often viewed as more optimal when it falls in the upper half (or upper two-thirds) of the range – typically above ~95 ug/dL, depending on the lab.

    Your current zinc level of 88.1 ug/dL is within range, but toward the lower half, which may be relevant when interpreted alongside the copper value and overall clinical picture.

    Hopefully this helps clarify how these markers are interpreted.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 2, 2026 at 8:39 pm in reply to: Supplementation

    @R-S – DGL and selenium have different purposes, and they can be taken together.

  • Bernadette_Abraham

    January 2, 2026 at 12:56 pm in reply to: Supplementation

    @R-S – regarding the form of B vitamins, you know your body best. Yes, some people can’t tolerate methylated forms or they know they have COMT gene variants, and in those cases hydroxy forms work better.

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