@naslam1603 – I’m glad you were able to reduce your homocysteine levels. If it was high and then became low after supplementing with B vitamins, this usually means there is an overactivation of the methylation pathways. So this could be a sign to scale back on the B vitamins by either stopping them for a while or reducing the dose to see if levels return to normal.

This is the perfect example of why supplements should always be “pulsed” on and off. Use when needed, and stop when sufficient.

Please watch this video from the Blood Chemistry course to better understand how homocysteine is produced and the vitamins involved, as well as other reasons why it can be low.

@naslam1603 as Daniel suggested, definitely investigate further with your doctor. However, microscopic hematuria is unlikely to cause big drops in ferritin. Something else is usually also at play. And knowing your history with acid blockers, this is definitely one of the major contributors. We need good strong stomach acid to absorb iron (and many other minerals and also B12!), therefore without sufficient stomach acid due to these meds, there will be challenges with nutrient absorption across the board, including iron.

Have you been able to transition off of them with a practitioner’s support?

@Kkol – can you please share this contradictory study. I have never come across such information, unless they’re referring to rancid omega-3 supplements?

Hi @R-S – I’m glad to hear that you’re starting to feel some relief, and that osteopathy is helping.

The decision to pursue additional medical testing is something only you can decide, but I’ll lay out a few things to consider to hopefully help you decide what the next step should be:

1. Ask yourself what’s the goal of this test? If having definitive answers and ruling out serious medical conditions would bring you peace of mind and help guide the next steps, that’s an argument in favor of doing the procedure.

2. Does that goal warrant the risks? These procedures are routinely done but there are always risks. Short-term risks include sedation effects (grogginess, nausea), some mild abdominal bloating, or very rarely bleeding/perforation. Most people recover quickly and resume normal activities within a day. I suggest you speak with your gastro doc to explain how exactly they minimize risks (type of sedation, prep, recovery, their complication rates, etc). This will help you assess the risks vs benefits.

3. Given that you’re starting to feel better with osteopathy treatments and dietary changes, you could also continue with your current approach for a set time (say, another 4 to 6 weeks) and only proceed with the procedures if your symptoms plateau or worsen. Alternatively, you could also do the procedures now to rule things out while symptoms are active, which will sometimes give clearer findings. What does your gut feeling say?

4. When I’m trying to make a tough decision, I always write down pros and cons on a piece of paper including my fears/concerns. I then sit with it for a few days, until I’m comfortable with my decision.

5. I would also ask your osteopath and homeopath for their opinions and perspectives since they are both treating you and know your health history.

I hope this provides you with some direction to help you come to a comfortable decision. We’re here to support you either way.

Hi @Bahareh – I personally haven’t done much research on vibration plates to be able to guide you but I asked a biohacking group that I’m in for some tips.

They said that a vibration plate that moves in a figure eight pattern is better for the lymphatic system and joints vs. jerking movements from left to right. A majority of the vibration plates, especially the cheaper versions, are shaking a person vs. actually providing vibration. So definitely look at the mechanism when doing your research.

In Dubai, the Power Plate was the recommended brand for that reason (it offers a figure eight movement).

Hope this helps.

Hi @R-S ,

Based on the symptom assessment questionnaires you filled in, the stomach seems to be the major player that needs support. So yes, trying the baking soda challenge is an at-home tool to see if there is insufficient or low stomach acid. No need to wait for the SIBO test.

Please try the test and let us know your score. We’ll be happy to guide you from there.

@R-S – most SIBO breath tests follow very similar prep rules; the same restricted diet, fasting, and limits on meds/supplements. The main difference is usually just the test drink itself (lactulose or glucose). But because each lab can have small variations, it’s best to follow the prep sheet that comes with your specific kit to get the most accurate results.

For example, here are the preparation instructions for the glucose test from Nordic Labs (which is similar to the lactulose test).

Do you know which company/brand of test you’ll be using? If you send us the instructions they provide, we can help you interpret them.

Hi @DrYasminkottait – gosh I can only imagine how scary it feels, but just know that the risks are quite low. Nevertheless, I agree in being prudent because you never know.

If you’re unhappy with what the pediatricians are telling you, consider consulting with an infectious disease specialist. Their protocols might be different to what the pediatricians are recommending.

In the meantime, you can always support his general immunity. Making sure he’s sleeping well, eating nourishing whole foods, getting daily sun exposure (vitamin D), grounding, and hydrating well. Avoiding sugar and stressful situations (this includes picking up on your stress as well – children are incredibly attentive!). In addition, you can consider additional short-term use of vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin A. Cod liver oil for example has plenty of vitamin A and some vitamin D, along with omega-3.

Please keep us posted!

@Kkol can you please link the study directly? I’d really like to read it fully

Hi @naslam1603 – glad to hear that your mom has been discharged and is doing better 🙏

@R-S I’m really impressed with your level of knowledge and the connections you’re making. They’re spot on.

As I’ve discussed in the Gut Health Masterclass, since you are struggling with digestive-related issues, it’s important to remember the North to South function, beginning in the brain.

This is why, in my very first reply to your very first post, I shared what the priorities need to be: 1) nervous system regulation and 2) gut healing because of the acute state you were in.

It seems that things have settled a bit for you, so you can proceed “South” while continuing your nervous system/vagal tone work and layer in support for the 3 major digestive players; stomach acid, bile & enzymes.

How far along did you get in the SIBO/IBS Relief program?

Hi @R-S – yes, it can cause discomfort in sensitive individuals. In your previous message you mentioned that you burped at ~ 3 minutes each time you did it. This can point to low-normal stomach acid, and could warrant support.

Please watch this video from the Gut Health Masterclass where I discuss the most common root cause reasons for low stomach acid to help determine which tests to pursue. If you are to consider taking HCL Betaine for example, it’s important to first rule out H Pylori. In the meantime, gentler support such as digestive bitters and lemon juice/ACV before meals can help stimulate digestive secretions while figuring out the root cause(s).

Here is a handout that explains how to do the dosage challenge if considering HCL betaine support.

@R-S you’re doing it correctly – it’s 1/4 tsp in 1 cup of water which is 230mL. Thanks for pointing out the discrepancy. Both are correct but diluting it in more water will be gentler on the stomach for sensitive individuals. As long as you stick to the same method each time, that’s what matters most to remove as many variables.

@R-S yes. We also have a video lesson “Signs of Hypochlorhydria” that explains the process at the 3min mark from the Gut Health Masterclass.

@DrYasminkottait –

You can find more information about viral support in this protocol. And this protocol shares immune support for kids with brand recommendations.

I like Cistus Incanus herb (brewed as a tea). During Covid, Dr. Klinghardt explained how this herb helps stop viral replication so it’s great for prevention and treatment of viruses.