Thyroid Mystery Solved: Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism Revealed

The Case:  Amanda has Hashimoto’s and does not feel well.She is tired, experiences brain fog, and feels like she is just inflamed all over.She’s tried special diets and various supplements but nothing seems to work.  When I first met Amanda I saw how much work she’d already put in but I know that many of the approaches were too general. We were going to need to dig a little deeper and look at the mind-body connection to solve her health mystery. Inflammation Markers for Hashimoto’s and Autoimmunity Whenever I see the body is not responding to good, healthy changes, I immediately think of the work that Dr. Mario Martinez is doing. He is a psycho-immunologist who studies the relationship between the mind and the immune system. He is also the bestselling author of "The Mind-Body Code" and "How the Mind Wounds and Heals". He’s a good friend of the show (this is his 4th appearance!) and I know that he was the right person to talk to about this health mystery. Check out the other episodes featuring Dr. Martinez:  007,  051,  114.Anyone with autoimmunity or Hashimoto’s knows that inflammation plays a big role in optimizing thyroid health and managing autoimmune conditions which greatly impact how we feel. Dr. Martinez explains that there are different markers to look for when assessing acute inflammation such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukins, and C-reactive proteins. He goes on to explain that there is something called glycogen, which is a sugar protein that is present in all cells, especially in the IGG antibody which fights pathogens. The glycan marker helps to track the amount of inflammation in the body and shows the level of glycation.Glycation is caused by glucose molecules reacting with proteins and fats leading to damage on a cellular level. If left unchecked, it can increase inflammation throughout the body. Understanding glycation on a deeper level is an essential part of understanding autoimmune-related issues and identifying underlying causes before embarking on any type of treatment plan.Could Shame be Causing Autoimmune and Hashimoto’s Flare-Ups? Dr. Martinez has done a lot of research into the relationship between autoimmune diseases and shame. He found that states of shame can cause systemic high levels of inflammation making people more prone to autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, guilt does not have the same effect since guilt is about taking the blame for something (which allows them to feel empowered) versus the helplessness that comes with shame. He further explains that this can lead people to look for environments that continually shame (because they are familiar with it) or they turn to shaming others unknowingly which results in inflammation and can lead to or exacerbate autoimmune illnesses like Hashimoto’s disease or arthritis.In this episode, we also talk about the connection between the fifth chakra, free self-expression, and shame. Dr. Martinez shares some techniques for identifying patterns of shame in your life that may be contributing to symptoms related to Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune diseases. Shame also has a connection to increasing your biological age (beyond your chronologic age) which is also related to the overall amount of inflammation in the body.  How to Use Centenarian Consciousness to Decrease Inflammation and Early Aging Dr. Martinez believes that you can address chronic inflammation by using a mind-body approach known as centenarian consciousness. This is a mindset that requires a shift in your perspective of time. So many of us feel the pressures of time. We are always (and even rewarding ourselves for) multitasking, rushing, and micromanaging. However, Dr. Martinez says that this can lead to increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol which can contribute to inflammation.To counteract this, Dr. Martinez suggests practicing taking more time with tasks by engaging in slow activities such as Zen walking or setting projections for how long something will take even if it could be done faster than expected. This allows the brain’s neuropsychological projection system to adjust accordingly rather than expecting too much out of an inadequate amount of space/time given.  This may feel counterintuitive or, for some of us busy moms, impossible. Dr. Mario Martinez suggests that people who feel chronically rushed try delegating tasks and practice various stress reduction techniques. He also recommends having fun with tasks, being aware of how much time is needed for each task, and looking at what resources can be used to make things easier.  Banning Busy-ness for Your Health It’s also helpful to look at where our perceptions of busyness come from. Dr. Martinez says cultural components can lead to feeling overwhelmed, such as the belief that idle time is bad or one must work hard in order to succeed - which may have been passed down from generations before us through stories and mannerisms rather than direct comments about laziness or lack of productivity. Getting beyond this cultural conditioning or learned beliefs may require you to create your own model by going into a meditative state and affirming yourself while providing evidence of being a good person throughout the week. This practice will shift your neuro map, which, over time, will change your beliefs and allow you to let go of your belief that being busy is good.  Joy as an Antidote to Inflammation? There is a counterbalance to the stress that causes inflammation and its joy. This is another mind-body solution that Dr. Martinez champions. He suggests that while we are dealing with issues related to Hashimoto’s or autoimmunity, we do not think of ourselves as fighting them but rather overserve them and try to reduce their intensity. He says the best way to do this is to find joy while repairing yourself. This can be done by creating a semantic differential space. To do this, feel the space where the pain exists. Give it a size, a color, a pain rating - anything that will help you visualize the space. Then, go to a part of the body that is not in pain and do the same. Switch back and forth between these two spaces in your mind. This creates confusion in the brain and neural maps causing the pain to decrease.   In addition to using this semantic space differential technique, Dr. Martinez offered these tips for allowing joy in while repairing:Learn to experience joy under good conditions so that it is accessible to you in difficult situations.Use the mind-body code to assess and relax.Go into the specific feelings and sensations associated with the problem, such as tiredness or pain. Pay attention to these feelings as if watching a film.Have a positive attitude towards healing and avoid maintaining a sense of victimhood. Can Curiosity Lower Inflammation?  He also discusses how curiosity plays an important role in elongating time in our minds; when we are curious about something, it feels like time passes more slowly because our brains pay attention to what excites us. This is part of the centenarian consciousness, which in turn is an approach to decreasing inflammation. Curiosity also plays into how we deal with determining what our body needs to heal. Instead of focusing on the pain, we get curious about it ...

This time of year, it can feel like everyone around you is getting sick. Whether it’s a cold, the flu, RSV Covid, Strep, or some other virus - it can feel a bit like it’s impossible to stay healthy during this time of year.  This is especially daunting for those who have autoimmunity, Hashimoto’s and thyroid issues because the standard advice about boosting your immunity could actually lead to a flare up. This is certainly the case for those with Hashimoto’s.  Staying up to Date on Immune Protocols I’ve shared my immune protocols that are safe for Hashimoto’s and other autoimmunity in the past but there are always new ways of looking at things, new research, and new ideas to consider. So, in this episode, I’m sharing my MOST up-to-date Hashimoto’s-safe immune protocols to help you stay healthy this winter.  It’s important to stay on top of things and I’m thrilled to be sharing these Hashimoto’s-safe immune boosting strategies with you.  Don’t Follow Generic Immune Advice Anyone with Hashimoto’s or autoimmunity has an immune system that functions differently than a normal immune system. Many people don’t realize that this means you can’t follow standard immune boosting advice.  When you have an autoimmune disease the immune system is already overactive. Most immune boosting supplements stimulate your immune system. For anyone with autoimmunity, this extra stimulation could put your issue into overdrive and make you feel even worse.  It seems logical - if you are fighting an infection, you want to boost your immune system. But, for those with autoimmunity, you don’t just stimulate the part of it that fights infections, you stimulate the whole thing, even the part that also fights your own organs!  Immune Boosting Herbs and Supplements to Avoid With Hashimoto’s Some of the most commonly recommended immune-boosting supplements that those with autoimmunity and Hashimoto’s should avoid include: Echinacea Astragalus Reishi (and other immune supporting mushrooms) Elderberry Be extra cautious because some of these herbs are included in different immune formulations. It’s always best to read the ingredients to double check that they’re not present in a formulation you're considering.  Green Light for These Immune Supporting Supplements for Hashimoto’s Patients You might be thinking, if I can’t take these or anything with them in it, how am I supposed to stay healthy this winter? Don’t worry! There are other nutrients that are not only super effective but also very safe when it comes to both autoimmunity and preventing immune dysregulation. Here is my go to list of immune-boosters safe for Hashimoto’s:   Vitamin C Many of us know about the power of vitamin C but I feel it gets overlooked. I’ve been using this for years with great results. My recommendation for general immune support for a typical 150 pound adult  is 1000-2000 mg of vitamin C per day. I personally use the C+BioFizz from Designs for health which makes a yummy fizzy drink. However, capsules like Stellar C are also great. If you have digestive issues, vitamin C can cause loose bowels. If that happens for you, Liposomal Vitamin C is a wonderful solution to this problem (just remember to keep it refrigerated!) If you are already symptomatic, you will want to increase your vitamin C significantly for 7-10 days. I suggest doing this in divided doses. For example, take 500 to 1000 mg of vitamin C every 30-60 minutes until you get diarrhea (this is your body telling you it's saturated).  Vitamin D Vitamin D is important for everyone as we go into the winter. The dosage is going to vary for each person so it’s a good idea to do a lab test to get your levels so you know how much you actually need. I like to have my patients in the range of 50-80. If you don’t know your levels, 5000 IU of vitamin D would typically be recommended. Vitamin D really helps balance the immune system so it’s key for anyone with autoimmune dealing with a virus or infection as it will prevent upregulations.   Keep in mind that Vitamin D should ideally come with vitamin K to prevent calcification of tissues and organs. I use Emulsi-D3 Liquid (great for anyone who struggles with fat soluble vitamins).  Vitamin D Supreme capsules work really well for those who don’t need a liquid. One more recommendation. If your levels are really low and you can’t seem to get them into optimal range, you may want to try the Hi Po Emulsi D3. It gets levels up quickly but make sure you are getting vitamin K from another source (like a multivitamin).  Zinc + Quercetin This is the dynamic duo. Zinc is excellent for a short period of time however, it stays outside the cells unless it gets a bit of help. Doctors will prescribe medication but I recommend taking Zinc with Quercetin. Quercetin is completely natural, no prescription necessary and does not have any controversy around it. Quercetin is great at getting zinc into the cell. I use the DFH Quercetin and Nettles and recommend 250 mg daily for prevention. If you are sick, you can up the dosage to about 1000 mg of quercetin. Zinc and quercetin is definitely a power couple and I see great results with both prevention and also healing from infection.  There is one big caution with zinc and that is that it will push copper out of the body. You want to keep these minerals in balance and the best way to do that is to either limit extended use of zinc or take a supplement that has a bit of extra copper. Check your multivitamin for this or you can take copper separately. Garlic I love garlic because it works so well, so quickly and I typically don’t see many side effects. Garlic naturally has antiviral and anti-microbial properties so it can work on bacteria, yeasts, and other bugs. Even though I’m a big fan, I don’t recommend taking garlic long term or for general immune support. I use it when I’ve been exposed to someone sick, if I feel something coming on, or when I’m symptomatic. You want to keep it to these times because it’s so powerful it can affect your microbiome negatively if you don’t give your body a break from it. Plus, you could build up a tolerance and decrease efficacy when you really need it.  My go-to favorite is Allimax. I like it because it’s a patented allicin extract with high potency. And, it’s odor-less. I recommend 4-6 capsules a day for the duration of illness. This is also the dose if you’ve been exposed or feel something coming on.  Liposomal Glutathione Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and an immune balancer. You can use it everyday (1 tsp per day) but if you are sick, you can double the daily dosage. This will really help support the immune system while it is fighting off the infection or virus. I use the Apex Trizomal Glutathione, or the Therasomal Glutathione from Quicksilver....

It’s time to park the usual health and lifestyle resolutions and access something much more powerful.  When I talk to my thyroid clients about what they want for their health, they will often mention what they don’t want. They say things like: I don’t want to feel tired I want to get rid of my brain fog I need to lose 10 pounds, or  I want to stop losing so much hair! It may be easier to talk about what’s wrong but focusing on what we don’t want doesn’t always help us.  Shifting Perspectives for Positive Change When it comes to solving our thyroid issues, we need to shift our perspective to the health we want instead of what we don’t want. Think about it this way, if you are planning a trip and you go to a travel agent and you tell them, ‘I don’t want to go to California’ they might struggle with figuring out what to book for you! However, if you walk in and tell them you want to go to Texas, well then they can start figuring out some of the logistics around how to get you there or when you want to go.  It’s the same with your health. You want to be really clear about what you DO want for your health, not just what you don’t want. That makes it a lot easier to make a plan for.  I call this your health dream and you want it to be as specific as possible. How you get there may be unique to you, but you need to know where you’re going if you’re going to create a plan. In this episode, I help you create your health dream for 2023 so you can put it on the map and start planning how you’re going to get there.  Key Questions for Creating your Health Dream There are several questions that will help you get clear on what your health dream looks like. Here are a few to consider:   What would it mean for you to really thrive? Thrive in health but also in your whole life?    The answer is one that only you can determine as this is a very individual thing. For some of my clients, thriving means waking up each day with great energy that they can sustain all day. For others, it’s feeling fueled by healthy food that they digest with ease. Or, it may be about parenting from a place of calm and staying present with the family. Whatever thriving means to you, be specific about it.    What would thriving look and feel like?    Close your eyes and really step into this state of being. Imagine it with all of your senses. In this episode, I walk you through a short and very powerful visualization so that you can bring what you want a lot closer to you. It's something I do for myself every year and incorporate into my client work with profound results.  The Time for Your Dream Health is Now It’s very easy to put your ideal health on the backburner. You may have very good excuses and promise yourself that you'll get to it later…maybe when that project is done, the kids are in school, you’ve made more money.  Yes, you could wait until then but I can almost guarantee that a new set of excuses and time-pressures will crop up.  If, on the other hand, you take the time now, you will be in a completely different place. And, you may even find that all of those things on your to-do list get a little easier too. That’s the thing about thriving, everything in your life feels the benefits.  If there is something that you want, the time is now. Free Training for Taking Charge of your Thyroid and Hashimoto’s I’m so excited to start the new year with a free training that will show you how to support your Hashimoto’s with a 2-fold approach. The training is coming up on January 19th (but don’t worry if you are reading this after that date - just make sure you’re on my email list so you don’t miss my next free training for Hashimoto’s support).  This training is so much more than a webinar! When you join, you’ll get access to the live training plus a week-long support group as well as live Q&As. All totally free.  Like I say in this episode and as I said above, the time is now.  Support to Make This Year Your Healthiest with Hashimoto’s I’m committed to helping as many people with Hashimoto’s and thyroid issues thrive this year.  That’s why I go the extra mile with my trainings. And, don’t worry if you can’t make it live at that time on the 19th as there’s a recording and lots of opportunities to ask questions for 5 days afterwards so that you feel fully supported in creating your plan to reach your health dream in 2023.  This is for you if you are frustrated with symptoms (whether you’ve been dealing with them for a while or you’re newly diagnosed).  This is for you if you don’t have the time (or the patience) to dive down every rabbit hole on the internet in search of reliable information about living with Hashimoto’s. I’ve done all the work for you.   This is for you if you’ve been feeling alone with your diagnosis. One of the things past participants have loved is the connection to others with Hashi’s in the event Facebook group. So many connections have been made, friendships that have been formed, and so many aha moments and healing that have happened in these groups. I can’t wait to show you: 👉What it means to support Hashimoto’s with a two-fold approach  👉How to lower thyroid antibodies 👉How to get to the root of your symptoms (even if your labs are normal) 👉How to audit your thyroid and figure out your type 👉How to best support your type 👉Why you are struggling when doctors don’t have an answer  and so much more... This truly ISN’T just another free workshop. Let’s get the ball rolling on your 2023 health dream. See you in the pre-training group.  Links: www.thyroidmysterysolved.com/podcast   Related Podcast Episodes: 4 Ways to Calm the Immune System and Support Hashimoto’s Forget New Year’s Resolutions. Do This Instead The Super Simple Mindset Shift to Help Hashimoto’s What Is Your Thyroid Type? (and How to Manage It) 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 and remember to rate and review the show! 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. Some of the links provided are affiliate links. This means we may make a ve...

Listen to hear how you can win access to the Thyroid Mysteries Solved Course! Super simple tips to protect your thyroid health over the holidays. This is a quick happy holiday episode with 2 tips on staying present and helping your thyroid. I will be back with new and exciting episodes on Jan 5th where we will be revealing all things thyroid, Hashimoto’s and autoimmunity and I can’t wait to connect with you more then! Happy Holidays! See you in 2023! Thyroid Mysteries Solved Course https://www.thyroidmysterysolved.com/ Follow me on Instagram and Facebook

The Investigation It’s common for people with Hashimoto’s to feel like their thyroid is to blame for their issues. But, it’s not the thyroid - it’s the immune system. The immune system is attacking the thyroid and causing it to function less than optimally. It’s the same with other autoimmune diseases - the immune system is what is malfunctioning.  So, if you have an autoimmune disease and you want to feel better and healthier then you need to support your immune system in a very specific way so that it will stop or slow attacks on your thyroid or any other organ.  As well as supporting the thyroid or other organ involved. In this episode of Health Mysteries Solved, I share more details on this two-fold approach for supporting the thyroid and the immune system. It’s definitely for you if you have Hashimoto’s but please note that these tips are useful for anyone dealing with autoimmunity.   I also offer a more in depth training on this twofold message. Please be sure you are following me on Instagram so you are the first to know about the next upcoming training. Four Ways to Support the Immune System if you have Autoimmunity Let’s start by supporting the immune system. There are many things you can do but in this episode, I share four strategies that have the most impact in supporting your immune system when you have autoimmunity or Hashimoto’s. Before we talk about supplements that are generally supportive for Hashimoto’s, it’s important to note that knowing your own biochemical balances can provide further insights and a more customized approach to supporting your immune system and decreasing your Hashimoto’s symptoms.   Immune Calming Supplements There are a few supplements that tend to work well for most people with Hashimoto’s and autoimmunity because they have a balancing and calming effect on the immune system. A calmer immune system is less likely to attack! Here are the three best immune calming supplements:   SPM Supreme by Designs for Health. SPM stands for specialized pro resolving mediator. I typically recommend six per day for the first week to quickly down-regulate inflammation. After that, continue with 2-3 per day for maintenance. My listeners save 10% when using this link and entering code DFH10 at checkout.  Trizomal Glutathione. I recommend one teaspoon of this liquid supplement per day. You will need to create an account and login to order this supplement or you can choose the over the counter option of Therasomal Glutathione by Quicksilver. This is a pump liquid and I recommend four to six pumps as a single daily dosage and I find it works best not taken with food. Vitamin D. I especially like Vitamin D Supreme by Designs for Health because it includes vitamin K which is important to take with vitamin D. Remember to use the listener code DFH at checkout to save 10%. Please note that vitamin D should be monitored to determine your dosage because it can fluctuate depending on how much sunshine you are getting and your diet. The lab range is from 31 to 100 (which is very wide). I like to stay between 50 and 70. If your levels are low, you’ll want to supplement up to 5000 IU per day but if you are in range, your supplementation can be around 2000 IU daily. It’s worth maintaining a good level because I’ve seen Vitamin D in particular make a huge difference in thyroid antibodies.     These three supplements are the power trio in calming your immune system so it can address the inflammation and viruses it should be attacking instead of your thyroid or other organs.    Immune Calming Mindset Your thoughts, beliefs, past traumas, and the way you support your nervous system play a huge role in your immune system’s health. The nervous system is directly tied to your immune system so it makes sense that when our nervous system is challenged, our immune system suffers.   So, what can you do to support your nervous system (and therefore your immune system)? The good news is that little things make a difference. Here are a few small shifts you can make in your daily life that can add up to big changes in your mindset and the state of your nervous system. Start your day with two minutes of intentional breathing  End your day with two minutes of gratitude before you go to bed Thank your body for holding you up all day Believe in the infinite wisdom that your body has this amazing gift that it can heal and give it a chance.  Shift your thoughts and language to the possible, for example instead of saying ‘I have to’ try saying ‘I want to’, ‘I get to’, ‘I choose to.’  The most important thing to remember is that our bodies are not net neutral, they're net positive. Anything you can do to help calm and down-regulate your nervous system will have a huge effect on your immune system.    Immune Calming Diet A lot of people living with Hashimoto’s or autoimmunity ask me about what diet to follow because they hear so much about going gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free or following the AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet. There are a lot of choices out there and each person is going to have their unique food intolerances and sensitivities. In my experience, working with thousands of people at this point, I find that gluten and dairy tend to really be the big things that move the needle. Now again, for some people they may need to do grain free or they may need to do low lectin or AIP. And when you start out, sometimes doing a little bit more is helpful and then you can narrow down exactly what can be added back in safely. Some people find that eliminating too much is too much so for them, I do suggest eliminating gluten and dairy to see significant changes.  Food tests can be very helpful to identify specific individual issues. On the genetic front, you can also test the DQ2 and DQ8 will identify if you struggle to process gluten. My other go-to test is the Vibrant America Zoomer test that will identify sensitivities with dairy as well as foods like soy, eggs, nuts, and even other grains. It’s very comprehensive because they look at different immunoglobulins (IgG and IGA) and they also break out the gluten and the dairy into a lot of metabolites of those foods. This is a test that I use in my practice all the time. If you are interested in doing this test, please contact us. Getting more information about your body and how it functions will allow you to make the right choices with your diet so that your immune system isn’t triggered by your food.    Immune Calming Physical Activity Losing weight is usually one of the big goals with almost all of my clients and the students in my Thyroid Mystery Solved Program. And, I understand that because Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism often leads to unwanted weight gain and can make it harder to lose weight.  The go to solution is often to exercise more but workouts that are too intense can actually make...

The Case:  Cindy is experiencing hormone imbalances, fatigue and a low sex-drive She has consulted with a gynecologist but was dismissed and told it was common for her age She wasn’t willing to accept that she just had to get used to having a low libido so she came to see me Investigation While it is true that hormonal shifts in peri-menopause and menopause can cause a decrease in a woman’s sex drive, there is more to take into consideration. I knew that we had to look a few different avenues to get to the bottom of her health mystery, and find a solution that would reinvigorate her sex life. Shifting Views on Intimacy Susan Bratton is an intimacy expert and an advocate for shifting how we talk about and approach desire, intimacy and passion. She’s a best-selling author and has published 34 books and programs on the subject. She advocates for better experiences not only for those like Cindy, who are experiencing low libido, but for all women.  She does this through her work teaching passionate lovemaking techniques, reframes what communication sounds like in the bedroom, and covers the physical limitations that a woman may be experiencing that can impact enjoyment or pleasure.  Getting the Root Cause of Intimacy Issues Susan says that couples seldom investigate what is causing issues in the bedroom as it relates to the three areas she focuses on (technique, communications, and physical pleasure). Most will find the root cause in our cultural depictions of intimacy derived from our patriarchal society.  When it comes to getting the root of issues with libido or physical arousal for women, it can have to do with the first two categories but sometimes, the issue stems from menopause or peri-menopause, an immune issue, or a hormone issue like hypothyroidism.  Many are unaware of the connection between hormone issues and low libido because they are less likely to list it as a symptom to their doctor. Even if they do, the doctor is unlikely to treat it as a concern.  Switching the Patriarchal Paradigm of Intimacy One of the issues Susan discusses at length in this episode is the challenge women face becoming aroused (and overcoming low libido) in the patriarchal paradigm of what intimacy looks like. She says that the patriarchy has created the male-focused approach to intimacy which centers around intercourse. And, she says, many women go along with it because it’s all they know.  To reframe this paradigm, women need to think of their partner as someone who can help with the healing through the creation of a good relationship including making you feel vital again, focusing on your satisfaction, and connection through orgasm.  The Fatigue and Romance Conundrum When you are dealing with things like fatigue, insomnia, gut issues, or chronic pain - romance may be the last thing on your mind. Mustering up the energy for a kiss might seem like too much effort. However, Susan says orgasms can be very healing. They reboot your nervous system. They send out feel good neurotransmitters and hormones. They are a vascular event so they are like a little workout for your blood system. They improve sleep. And they create a deeper connection or bond with yourself and your partner. So, even if you don’t feel like it, it might be good medicine. However, you may want to take it slow and be patient as you build up desire - especially if you are dealing with a physical issue (like hypothyroidism or hashimoto’s) that has depleted desire or moved intimacy way down on the needs list. Solutions for Vaginal Dryness Vaginal dryness can be one of the reasons women avoid intimacy. This can be caused by a drop in estrogen (likely after the age of 50 because this is what happens during menopause). Or, it could be due to diet. Natural lubrication of the vaginal tissue is created through nitric oxide production. This is supported by a diet rich in leafy greens and vegetables - specifically celery, beets, dill, cabbage, arugula, and romaine. It can be impeded by the use of antibacterial mouthwash, acid blockers or proton pump inhibitors.  There are supplements to boost nitric oxide production but the most commonly recommended is L-Arginine.  Here are Susan’s top tips for vaginal dryness: Diet rich in leafy greens and vegetables (which contain nitric oxide) Supplement nitric oxide production Stay well hydrated (drink water) Engage in foreplay to ensure there is enough time for proper arousal Use organic nut oils (refined organic avocado oil, sweet almond oil) Not engaging until you are ready Don’t get discourage - you are not broken Beyond that, Susan also suggests supplements that might help you get in the mood. These include: Cacao (chocolate without the sugar) Maca  Tribulus Terrestris Tongkat Ali Fenugreek Conclusion In this episode, Susan really exposes that libido is something that needs to be addressed from all angles.  In Cindy’s case, we started by doing a  DUTCH test and looking at her hormones. She was pretty low but wasn’t interested in doing bio identical hormones yet. Instead, we supported her DHEA with DHEA drops. To bring her estrogen back into balance, we used Fem Guard by Designs for Health. Additionally, we also worked on blood flow with amino acids and supplements that help to naturally increase nitric oxide from the biochemical side. With her biochemistry supported, we also looked at what she could do to further support her libido. We talked about making sure she was moving her body regularly, doing breathwork and spending time on her own and with her partner.  I connected Cindy with a sex therapist who was able to guide her and her partner on the emotional part of their journey.  The biochemical support, a few shifts in her lifestyle, and the therapy all resulted in a significant increase in Cindy’s sex drive after just 3 months. Needless to say, everyone was happy.  Eliminating Health Mysteries For Cindy we were able to find that missing piece of the puzzle and help her regain her healthy sex life. Could this be the missing clue for you or someone in your life?  Links: Resources mentioned Thanks to my guest Susan Bratton.  You can connect with her and check out all of her resources on her website: https://betterlover.com   Suggested Products DHEA drops Fem Guard  Amino Acid Synergy  Maca  L-Arginine Related Podcast Episodes: The Case of the Super Low Libido w/ Lauren Handel Zander 096 Demystifying Hormones for Perimenopause and Menopause

The Case:  Julie has digestive issues, headaches, lots of skin rashes and irritation, brain fog, and fatigueShe is also very sensitive to environmental triggers like fragrances, smoke, and chemicals.  She eats and lives as clean as possible but nothing seems to help. She’s seen a dozen doctors who have prescribed a variety of medications but nothing helped. It’s so common for conventional doctors to focus on treating the symptoms as if they are unrelated instead of considering what the collection of symptoms might mean. Julie knew that her symptoms had to be connected which is when she reached out to me. My feeling was that this was a systemic issue and we got to work investigating the root cause of her problems. The Investigation With my suspicions of a systemic issue, I knew that Beth O’Hara would be a great source of information. She’s been on Health Mysteries Solved before to speak about Oxalates (episode 67) and Histamines (episode 81). This time, I wanted to dive into the topic of Mast Cells and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome which is Beth’s expertise. What are Mast Cells? Mast cells are one of the most important types of immune cells in our bodies. They're present at every interface between our bodies and the outside world, and they're also found in every single tissue except for the retina. So, if we think about that, they're in the skin, in the lining of the sinus passages, in the digestive tract from the mouth to the stomach, and they're also found in muscles and bones. They migrate to very important areas like nerve endings and the brain's limbic system.Mast cells are responsible for a number of functions ranging from the sleep-wake cycle to pregnancy and wound healing. They also help the body monitor for whether or not we're safe from things like toxins, mold, candida, pathogens, parasites, viruses and bacteria. They even monitor for co-infections (like lyme disease). Mast cells are also looking for all types of stressors including psychological stress, physical stress and stress caused by outside factors like electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the environment. How do Mast Cells Work? Mast cells use what are called receptors - you can think of them like little antennae on the outside of the cell. There are over 200 of these receptors sending out signals using mediators. There are over 1000 different mediators. All of these allow the cells to connect with and monitor the different functions of the body. When a mast cell detects an issue it will respond, often causing inflammation. It is not the only immune response but it is one of the primary cells responsible for answering a threat to the immune system. The problem is that our modern world has more threats to the immune system that can cause mast cells to react. These include things like mold, high levels of EMF (wifi, smart homes, etc add to these high levels), environmental chemicals and other toxins. The challenge is that the mast cells are constantly triggered (or in activation) by these things and they don’t have time to rest and reset. This can overwhelm the mast cells and create a chronic issue. The Link Between Autoimmunity and Mast Cell Activation Mast cells are heavily involved in the development of various autoimmune diseases. The mast cells are involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. Mast cells respond to the initial threat from a pathogen but when that fails, they shift their response and this can be what causes chronic inflammation. This continues as long as there are unresolved root triggers over an extended period of time. Over time, this opens the door for the development of autoimmunity in people who are predisposed for it. So, if we want to avoid autoimmunity, we need to respond faster to the root trigger so that the mast cell response can be regulated. Regulating the mast cells can also reverse autoimmunity, in some cases, if you identify which mast cells have been activated. Different mast cells can be triggered (and often triggered together to create a bigger issue). For example, the GI mast cells and the skin mast cells. After determining which mast cells have been activated, you need to understand which receptors are now hyper-sensitive and which mediators are involved. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Symptoms and Diagnosis The complexity of what is happening is one of the reasons why it is so hard to diagnose MCAS. Beth says that the average diagnosis takes up to 10 years and the criteria for diagnosis is still being debated. She shared that a population study (pre-COVID) found that up to 17% of the population are dealing with MCAS. That’s hundreds of millions of people with MCAS, the majority of which are undiagnosed. Experts speculate that up to 75% of all chronic illness could involve MCAS.While there is a long list of potential symptoms, Beth shared some of the most common. The symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome include:Pain in the muscles and joinsBrain fogFatigueGI issues like: DiarrheaConstipationBloatingPain (in the gut or stomach)Discomfort after eatingEsophagus swellingMouth burningAcid refluxDepression or anxietyInsomnia (especially falling asleep or waking up between 2-4 am)Skin issues including:RashesHivesPsoriasisEczemaBladder Interstitial Cystitis (urinary pain and burning)Hormonal issue (hormonal imbalances)Breathing issues including:Shortness of breathExcess sinus mucus production (postnasal drip)Hypersensitivity (often to fragrances)To assess your symptoms, Beth has a free Symptoms Survey you can take  here. There are some lab tests that will also help to diagnose MCAS but these tests are limited so it’s important to also consider the symptoms. What to do if You Suspect You Have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome This is a tricky question because the criteria for diagnosing MCAS is not universally agreed on (and false negatives can happen with lab testing). In addition, there is a lot of contradictory information on the internet which can be frustrating for anyone trying to figure things out on their own. And, may discover that one person's solution is another person's poison. Beth uses a 5-step process which starts with the stabilization phase of calming everything down. This has to happen before doing major detoxification because that can trigger the mast cells.The stabilization phase starts with addressing issues in the nervous system. Beth’s program focuses first on retraining the limbic system and then she addresses the vagal nerve system and finally deals with any structural issues that might be affecting the nervous system like a head or neck injury. After this phase, Beth’s plan moves into a gentle detox. This is more often than not, going to include dealing with mold exposure. The next step in Beth’s process is to decrease the infectious load. This can often mean addressing Lyme disease and the co infections that can come with it. The fourth step in her process is to rebuild. This usually includes repairing the gut lining and improving the overall GI system. It may also include rebalancing the ...

The Case:  Lisa is 49 and dealing with irregular periods, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.She is also gaining weight around her abdomen that she’s struggling to lose.Her doctor told her it was menopause and to get used to these menopause symptoms as the new normal.The InvestigationWhile menopause is normal for someone Lisa’s age, suffering through the symptoms doesn’t have to be. There are many things that can be done and I knew that we needed to explore the options. Esther Blum is an integrative dietician, high-performance coach and the author of many books including her latest, See Ya Later, Ovulator. She joined us on  Health Mysteries Solved episode 101 to talk about a weight loss mystery so I knew that she was the perfect person to talk about Lisa’s case.   Demystifying Menopause: Quick Facts About Menopause A woman is considered in menopause when she has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. Perimenopause is the phase of life that happens before that (and can last up to 10 years).  The average age of menopause is 51.During menopause, there are a many biochemical changes that affect a woman from the brain down to the vagina. The most significant change happening is that the woman stops ovulating and can no longer get pregnant. As the ovaries decrease hormone production, the adrenals step in. This hormonal shift can cause a variety of symptoms, including:FatigueBrain fogNight sweatsInsomniaIrritabilityWeight gainGut issuesVaginal drynessSome or all of these symptoms may be a part of a woman’s menopause experience. Women are Not Prepared for Menopause (and They’re Doctors Aren’t Helping!) Despite the fact that menopause happens to every woman, many find they are not prepared for it. Esther says that they often don’t have the tools, testing, or any sense of how to advocate for themselves and their body. When they visit their doctor to discuss the symptoms, they are often told that it’s just menopause and often doesn’t give them any solutions. When solutions are offered, it might be to take birth control pills, get an IUD and even to take daily antihistamines! Preparing for Menopause  During perimenopause, it’s a good idea to do some tests to get a sense of your baseline however, keep in mind that estrogen levels can fluctuate as much as 30% on any given day in menopause. For this reason, some doctors may be reluctant to test estrogen levels.Additional tests might include a urine test (Dutch Complete) to look at metabolites, detoxification pathways, and methylation, a stool test, and a GI map to test for the enzyme beta-glucuronidase. It is possible to start using bioidentical hormones in low doses during perimenopause to help regulate hormones based on what these tests reveal. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy vs. Hormone Replacement Therapy There are two common types of hormone therapy for women in menopause and perimenopause. Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is made in a lab, so it’s synthetic.  Bioidentical hormones are usually plant based (yams and sometimes soy) making them much more compatible. Esther prefers bioidentical hormone therapy over hormone replacement therapy because:They bypass the liver and gut so they are better absorbed.They’re applied transdermally on the skin (cream or patch).You have more control over the dosage with a cream whereas the synthetic hormone replacement therapy is a one-size-fits-all pill. How Long Can You Stay on Hormone Therapy for Menopause There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about how long you can safely stay on hormone replacement therapy. Much of this is based on old studies that have since been disproven. Many traditional doctors have not continued to believe that women should limit hormone replacement therapy to a few years but this is not accurate. New research suggests that not only can women stay on hormone replacement therapy for years (before and after menopause) there may be benefits.  The benefits of continued used of bioidentical hormones include:Reduction of menopause symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, and vaginal drynessImprovement of skin elasticity (meaning fewer wrinkles)Brain healthCardiovascular healthWeight managementMany women would wait until their symptoms are really bad before going on hormone therapy for menopause because they think there is a limited time they can be on them. Now that thinking has changed on how long you can be on hormone therapy, there is no reason to wait. Starting on hormone therapy during perimenopause can decrease the impact of symptoms and make menopause more comfortable. Why Hormone Therapy is Not Enough during Perimenopause and Menopause Doing hormone replacement therapy is not a magic bullet to symptom free menopause. Esther says that there are many things women can do to support their body during these changing times. Here are few ways to optimize hormone therapy during menopause:Good sleep hygiene. That means, go to bed and get up at consistent times so your body gets sufficient sleep (it’s when your adrenals reset and repair themselves)Decrease stress by reducing how much you watch the news, especially first thing in the morningGet some fresh air and go for a walkDo strength training 2-3 times per week (especially good for post menopausal women to build bone density and manage weight)Cut out (or cut down) caffeine intake as it can interfere with sleep patterns.Cut out or cut down alcohol useAdopt a clean eating diet and optimize your protein intakeThese healthy habits will especially help if you are trying to get rid of any weight gained on the abdomen (aka ‘menopot’). Creams, Pills, Patches, or Pellets: Which is the Best Way to Take Hormone Therapy for Menopause There are many ways to introduce hormones to your system. Here are a few options you may be presented with:Topical Creams: These are commonly where therapy starts. Many are given progesterone to start and then as menopause progresses, estrogen will be blended in. You can also get creams specifically for treating vaginal dryness. You are also in control and could do things like microdosing.Patch: This is an alternative way to have hormones slowly released into the system. Usually, these stay on for a month. Pills: These are ingested which means they have to go through the gut and liver. Pellets (aka BIOTE): This requires a minor surgical procedure. These pellets contain a 6 month supply that is meant to be slowly released. The downside is that they are inserted into a small incision usually on the backside so there is a risk of infection. This is also a more expensive option and you don’t really have control over how the hormones are actually released and metabolized however the claim is that it is released in a way that works with your body. Mystery Solved With Lisa, it only took a few test to get a clearer picture of what was going on with her menopause. We did a Dutch test and found that she had low DHEA, testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. Her progesterone and DHEA were particularly low. We started by boosting her  DHEA as it is a precursor to both estrogen and testosterone. We then...

The Case:  Liz has hashimoto’s and is experiencing joint pain, brain fog and generally doesn’t feel well. She knew she didn’t want to take antidepressants or pain medication so she started down the path of supplements.Her results weren’t what she was hoping for and she knew she needed a more customized approach.  There are so many things that go into a proper supplement regime because everybody is different so I was happy that Liz came to me so we could trace the root cause of her issues instead of treating her symptoms. The Investigation When I met with Liz I looked at what supplements she was taking and took a detailed health history. I’m a big fan of supplements but often, they are a part of the solution not the whole solution. When I saw that Liz didn’t do a lot of cooking, I knew that there was a clear path we could explore. Adding Anti-Inflammatory Foods with Ease All too often we think about what foods we should be avoiding but sometimes, it’s the foods we add into our diet that make all the difference. Dr. Carolyn Williams is a renowned dietician, culinary nutritionist, and James Beard Award-winning journalist. I know that she would be the perfect person to consult with on Liz’s case - especially when you consider she wrote the book on introducing anti-inflammatory foods to your diet with ease. It’s called “MEALS THAT HEAL ONE POT: 100+ Recipes for Your Stovetop, Sheet Pan, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer – Reduce Inflammation for Whole-Body Health | [The Experiment, September 22, 2022]”. I love this because so often, the reason we struggle to eat the foods we know we should be eating is because we are all so, so busy. Signs of Chronic Inflammation When we think of inflammation, we often think of the obvious signs like visible swelling, aching, and pain. But inflammation doesn’t always show up this way. These symptoms are usually associated with acute inflammation where the immune system is responding. Chronic inflammation is usually triggered by lifestyle issues or habits that irritate the body. Things like diet, sleep and stress can all play a role in keeping the body in perpetual inflammation but of these causes, Carolyn says diet is a key component. There are red flags that are like your body warning you that inflammation is up but they can be subtle. The red flags could be things like:Bloating after eating certain foodsInability to lose weightHeadachesSlightly elevated blood pressureGI issuesSkin irritationsThese may seem insignificant but they are the early warning signs that inflammation may be becoming a chronic issue. The individual needs to note and act on these because many doctors won’t pick up on them being an issue. And, inflammation can develop slowly so someone might not connect the dots on certain lifestyle or diet choices being the catalyst for chronic inflammation. Getting Started on the Anti-Inflammatory Diet People may be surprised to hear Carolyn tell people not to start by eliminating things from their diet. This is such a common approach but Carolyn thinks it’s more important to add healthy foods in first before you start to take foods away. She starts by adding foods that will address the inflammation. Carolyn top 3 inflammation reducing foods are:Berries. All kinds of berries are good and they can be frozen or fresh. Try to get 2-3 cups per week.Leafy greens. Include a cup of leafy greens (the darker the better) every day.Cruciferous vegetables. Add in 4-5 servings of veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and kale per week.By starting with adding anti-inflammatory foods, you’ll naturally decrease other foods which is a better approach than restricting foods. Cooking with Anti-Inflammatory Foods There are many ways to incorporate these three foods into your diet and Carolyn gave many great suggestions in this episode. Some of the key takeaways were to roast your cruciferous veggies (chopped equal sizes, wash and dry well, add a light coating of avocado oil and bake at 425° for 8-12 minutes). She also suggested baking other veggies like kale until crispy. To get more leafy greens into your diet, add baby spinach to smoothies, soups, sauces, or serve your roasted veggies on a bed of fresh greens. Also, salads don’t have to be just a side dish at dinner or for lunch. You can also create a breakfast salad with a poached egg on it. Lunch time can also be a great time for a salad if you keep proteins on hand as well as greens, it can be a healthy option to pull together quickly. Keep Salads Healthy with Dressing Topping a healthy salad with commercial dressing might reduce the nutritional value of your meal. Be conscientious about what your salad dressings are made of and avoid dressings with lesser oils (like canola or soy). Carolyn says there are many healthy options available these days if you take the time to read the label. Another option is to make your own dressing - it doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s homemade or store bought you want to look for a healthier oil like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil, vinegar, lemon juice and a very small amount of natural sweetener like sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Carolyn believes that fat is an important part of every diet so even those who are watching their fat intake, she believes, they should still use a little bit of dressing to feel satiated and get some healthy fat. Keep it Simple, Keep it Tasty Carolyn’ book was based on the idea that we want to eat healthy, well balanced meals but we don’t always have time or the energy to cook elaborate dishes. Her book is all one pot wonders that you can add carbs to if you want. She even had her kids taste-test the recipes so that they are all kid approved. And, the one pot might be a sheet pan or a skillet so each dish is a bit different. And as a bonus, the clean up is as quick as the cooking. Conclusion When dealing with chronic health issues, what we eat is so important. What I love about Carolyn’ cookbook is that she understands that eating healthy also has to fit into our busy lifestyles. I knew that part of what kept Liz from eating well was that she didn’t have time to cook. We took the same approach to shifting her eating as Carolyn suggested. We started adding organic berries smoothies that included protein powder and greens. We made sure she had easy salad ingredients, like roasted chicken, on hand so that preparing a quick meal was that much easier. I helped her think of her meals in 3 food groups and creating healthy, well-balanced meals became her new normal instead of take out and processed foods. Happy Ending Liz almost didn’t believe the difference she felt just 2 weeks after swapping the processed dinners and take out for clean, home-cooked meals. She was also shocked at how little time it actually took her to make those fresh meals. Eliminating Health Mysteries For Liz we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her health. Could this be the missing clue for you or someone in your life? Links: Resources mentionedThanks to my guest Dr. Carolyn Williams. You can connect with her through her website or on Instagram. Yo...

The Case:  Joanna is dealing with chronic fatigue and nausea and nothing seems to helpShe heard an episode of Health Mysteries Solved with Kasia Kines and wondered if she might be suffering from EBV or Epstein Barr VirusHer doctor ran a test and informed her that she did not have EBV so she was back to square one.Not satisfied with this, Joanna came to me. I took a look at the labs that her doctor had run and saw that he hadn’t run a full EBV panel. This is common with conventional doctors because they may not be aware that in the last few years LabCorp has changed their panels to exclude an important marker unless the doctor specifically asks for it. As a result, Joanna was not tested for this marker and I knew this was the first step in us solving her health mystery.  The Investigation - Changes to EBV (Epstein Barr Virus) This all started because Joanna had heard my conversations with Kasia Kines (episode 4 and episode 43). I’m not surprised because these are some of the most downloaded episodes! I know there are a lot of people struggling to understand what is going on with their health, just like Joanna, and exploring if EBV might be the root cause. Since my last interview with Kasia, there’s been more research on EBV, including the impact of COVID and COVID vaccines. Joanna’s case seemed like a great reason to invite Kasia Kines back on the show to discuss EBV again. Kasia Kines is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and the CEO of EBV Educational Institute and Holistic Nutrition Naturally. She is the author of the Amazon best-sellng book The Epstein-Barr Virus Solution.  EBV Testing  There are 4 markers to look for when testing for EBV and, as Joanna discovered, not all labs test for all 4 markers. The 4 markers you want to be included in your test are:  EA IgG (Early Antigen) – this is the most important test and it’s often skipped. EBNA IgG (Epstein Barr Nuclear Antigen) – this marker shows the history of infection in non-acute cases revealing the long-term status of the virus. VCA IgG (Viral capsid antigen) – identifies if there is an acute infection (and remains present after initial infection).VCA IgM (Viral capsid antigen) – this shows up in the early stage of an infection and usually disappears. It’s also worth noting that markers may not be detectable right after the initial exposure. And, some markers can go up and down in a day so tests may need to be repeated to get a true picture of what’s going on. Studies have also found that healthy people can test positive for years without any symptoms. Ebstein Barr Virus (EBV) and Autoimmune Disease Once someone has been exposed to EBV (and Kasia says that 90% of children are), then it stays in the system for life. Most of the time, it remains dormant but different things can trigger it. Those with autoimmune issues are more at risk of their EBV being triggered because their immune system is often struggling or challenged. This increased immune system activity could also potentially lead to molecular mimicry and result in the immune system mistakenly attacking organs.  What Causes EBV to Reactivate? There are many triggers that can cause the Epstein Barr Virus to reactivate and it can happen over and over again. Some of the most common ones are stress, environmental toxins, anxiety, and hormonal changes (even a woman’s monthly cycle can reactivate EBV). Kasia says that some of the people in her community (who generally are aware of their EBV status and have regular flare-ups) also reported that COVID as well as the vaccine increased their EBV reactivation.  EBV Reactivation Symptoms  Different people experience EBV reactivation differently. Some will say that they experience a special kind of fatigue while others might get a rash or have a fever. Becoming aware of and tracking your EBV symptoms will help you manage reactivation symptoms sooner. Tracking may also help you identify triggers to avoid reactivations. The Emergency Protocol to Treat EBV Reactivation Symptoms When someone is experiencing symptoms and they know they have chronic EBV (even if it is not always active), Dr. Kines recommends a series of supplements to support the immune system and decrease symptoms. Her emergency EBV protocol includes:SeleniumNAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)L-LysineLicoriceVitamin CZincVitamin EVitamin DThese supplements should help stabilize the immune system so that it can fight EBV. In addition, Dr. Kines encourages everyone to pay attention to the other factors like the environment, emotion (especially fear, anxiety, and stress) as well as nutrition.  EBV and COVID Dr. Kines says that they learned a lot about EBV during the COVID pandemic. One of the things is that anti-viral supplements (like the ones mentioned above as well as the zinc/quercetin combo) can help with EBV as well as other viruses like COVID. They also found that EBV can reactivate when the body is fighting the COVID virus so they suspect that there may be a connection between Long COVID and EBV. Dr. Kines referenced a study that found that 73% of Long Haul COVID cases were actually an EBV reactivation. One caution is that anyone who is pregnant should avoid taking large doses (over 400 mg) of Quercetin. Another caution is around the use of steroids or corticosteroids which are sometimes used to treat COVID. Medical research has found that steroids are not recommended for those with chronic activated EBV. Taking Action to Combat EBV One of the points that Dr. Kines likes to stress is that we do not have to suffer from EBV. While it is not a virus we can kill, there are ways to find a balance and cohabitate with the virus. There is a way to keep it in check so that you can live a healthy life. This includes understanding your triggers and decreasing your exposure to them as well as recognizing and treating symptoms quickly with the emergency protocol.  Next Steps In Joanna’s case, when I realized that her early antigen had not been tested I knew we needed to explore that as it is possible to have a reactivated EBV and still have a negative VCA IgM. The results backed up my suspicions. We put Joanna on Dr. Kines emergency protocol with a few additional supplements to further support her immune system. This included:  NAC - 2/day Reacted Zinc - 2/day Quercetin + Nettles - 4/day Selenium - 2/day Allimax - 6/day Lysine - 3/dayIn addition, we improved her nutrition and focused on making sure she was making healthy lifestyle choices. We also spent some time digging deeper into what she wanted for herself and encouraged her to focus on being true to herself and living authentically. Mindset is such an important part of the healing process. ...