Breast Implant Illness: A Modern Epidemic

By Rebecca Steiner, Naturopathic Medical Assistant and Health Coach

About Breast Implant Illness:

Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a little-known, but debilitating condition that develops in some women who have undergone cosmetic breast augmentation. Although the public has generally been made aware of the dangers of silicone implants, BII appears to be no less prevalent in women with saline implants. This may be in part because although saline implants are filled with sterile salt water, the outer shell is still comprised of silicone and other harmful chemicals that can flake off into the body. Consider just some of the toxic chemicals that have been reported in implants: 

Acetone (used in nail polish remover), methyl ethyl ketone (a known neurotoxin), sodium fluoride, formaldehyde, lacquer thinner, epoxy hardener, printing ink, heavy metals.

Additionally, saline implants can harbor mold and other fungi that can leak through tiny holes that develop when the implant shell degrades over time, resulting in systemic, chronic fungal infections. 

Not all women develop Breast Implant Illness. It is estimated that around 10 million women have breast implants, and while there is currently no fully accurate statistics available, it is believed that somewhere around 2% of these women will develop BII. This is a small percentage to be sure, but when you consider how many women have implants you’re talking about 140,000-200,000 women. Additionally, this estimation is probably staggeringly low, since it is likely BII cases are grossly underreported.  Breast Implant Illness is not currently recognized by the mainstream medical community, or the FDA. Both groups have a vested financial interest in dismissing the health complaints of women who report becoming ill after high-priced cosmetic augmentation surgeries. Therefore, women may not have any idea that implants are the cause of their health problems, and might even be accused of making their symptoms up. 

Causes:

While medical knowledge about this condition is still limited, it is believed that BII develops in some women because their immune system attacks the implant, viewing it as a foreign object. A capsule of tissue and immune cells grows around the implant attempting to wall it off from the rest of the body. The immune system continues to attack the implants on an ongoing basis, leading to an auto-immune-like condition resulting in chronic inflammation and a wide array of debilitating symptoms and a cascade of secondary disease processes. 

In women who have breast implants in addition to complex, chronic illnesses like Lyme disease, and mold toxicity, breast implants may play a big role in inhibiting their inability to recover, despite proper treatment. Because the immune system is so focused on the implants, it is not dealing with other problems like tick-borne infections, viruses, or mycotoxins, allowing them to run rampant in the body. Additionally, the immune system can become weakened and compromised over time, so that it is not functioning properly and is less able to fight off infections. Medical studies have shown significantly suppressed natural killer cell activity in patients with silicone implants. Natural killer cells are an integral part of a functioning immune system and work to limit illness and infections. Often times removal of the implants marks the first time a patient with complex, chronic illness begins to make headway in her treatment, because her immune system is unburdened.   

Women who develop BII may go years with no symptoms and then suddenly develop them out of the blue. Others report becoming ill almost immediately after implant surgery. Symptoms can be severe and debilitating. Just some of the many symptoms that can be associated with BII are:

Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, hair loss, rashes, auto-immune disease, thyroid dysfunction, SIBO, leaky gut, neuropathy, arthritis, pain, Lymphoma, brain fog, cognitive dysfunction, weight gain or weight loss, low libido, insomnia, vertigo, persistent viral, fungal, bacterial and yeast infections, chemical sensitivity, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, feelings of dying, mast cell disorder (MCAS), migraines, food allergies and sensitivities. 

Diagnosis:

What do you do if you suspect you may have BII? Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer. There are no laboratory tests that will tell you if you have BII. I do not recommend patients seek a diagnosis from a doctor. Few doctors are aware of, or have accurate knowledge of BII and patients are likely to receive misinformation. I do not recommend returning to the surgeon who performed your initial surgery. Many surgeons have a vested financial interest in turning a blind eye to BII. Even the best-intentioned surgeon is likely to simply believe what they’ve been taught by the medical establishment – that Breast Implant Illness doesn’t exist. 

Here is what I do recommend: follow your gut, listen to your intuition. Think back over your health history; what was your health like before implants? How has it changed since? How well does your immune system function? Do you have a condition like Lyme disease? Have you been treated by a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor with little improvement in your symptoms? I also recommend that any woman who is wondering if she has BII join a Facebook group where she can read the stories of thousands of other women and see if those stories resonate. The best Facebook groups dedicated to BII are: Dr. Jae Chun- Patient Explant and Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/298460460534109/and Breast Implant Illness and healing by Nicole https://www.facebook.com/groups/Healingbreastimplantillness/. 

Making the choice to remove your implants is a big decision that only you can make. 

Treatment:

Once you decide that you are going to treat BII the first and most important step is to undergo a full En Bloc Capsulectomy explant of your implants with a highly trained surgeon. There are very few surgeons who are qualified to correctly remove the implants of BII sufferers. You can find a list of qualified surgeons on Nicole’s Facebook page or her website https://healingbreastimplantillness.com/explant-surgeons/. It is imperative that you do not remove your implants with any surgeon who is not on this list and is not highly skilled in En Bloc removal technique, in which the implant and the surrounding tissue capsule are fully removed in one piece. Many women have undergone expensive explant surgeries only to remain ill due to tissues that were left behind during surgery.

Even if a doctor promises you that they can remove all of your capsule, at the time of surgery he or she may find they are not skilled enough to do so. For instance, in some cases tissue can be adhered to the ribs and most surgeons are not capable of removing it without risking complications. In this case the surgeon may choose to leave pieces of the capsule behind rather than risk harming the patient. It is probably not possible to recover from BII without a full En Bloc extraction of the entire implant and surrounding tissue. 

Once you have decided to go through with explant surgery you must understand that for most people symptoms do not resolve overnight. Experienced explant surgeons generally report that around 85% of their patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms, but at minimum recovery usually takes at least one year. It is essential to enlist a qualified holistic practitioner to help you get your body and immune system back on track. Your body has been under assault and it will take time and work to heal. Work with your Naturopath to address detoxifying from the implants and clearing up any other associated problems like heavy metal toxicity, mycotoxins, Lyme and Co-infections. 

Some additional treatments that can assist with recovery and which we offer in our clinic are:

1.     IV Therapy: Following up explant surgery with nutritive IV infusions can really help to support and speed up recovery, especially in cases of leaky gut or otherwise compromised G.I. health where your body is not getting enough nutrients from food and oral vitamins. Speak with your doctor about which IV therapies are appropriate for you. 

2.     Ozone Therapy: Ozone therapy applied to the chest, post-surgery can have an almost magical, healing effect, helping to promote wound closure and diminish scarring. Ozone gas is also anti-microbial which helps prevent infection and complications of the incision site. 

3.     Low Dose Immunotherapy: LDI therapy can be a good addition to BII treatment. You can read my article about what LDI is and how it works here: http://bewellnaturalmedicine.net/blog/2020/1/9/low-dose-immunotherapy-for-chronic-conditions  In order to utilize this therapy, you will need to request before your surgery that your explant surgeon provide you with a small tissue sample of your removed capsule after surgery. We can make a sterilized, autologous LDI solution from your capsule that can be administered with a small injection under your skin. In some patients it takes a while for the immune system to rebalance once the implants are gone. LDI therapy can help to speed up the process. In cases where a patient is not recovering despite explant surgery, LDI can be a useful tool for retraining the immune system, which may be stuck in overdrive. 

4.     Health Coaching: It is essential to clean up your diet and lifestyle in the year following explant surgery. It may be helpful to work with a health coach to determine which diet and exercise programs will work best for you. 

If you are interested in further information on Breast Implant Illness, treatment, or Health Coaching please reach out to our clinic.

 SOURCES: 

1.     https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/8/9/5269/htm

2.     https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7570622

3.     https://www.myplasticsurgery.com

4.     https://www.breastimplantillness.com

5.     https://www.facebook.com/groups/298460460534109

6.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QowrmaDy4uA

7.     https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7855864

 

 

Lyme Support Group

Lyme disease is a confusing, scary and isolating diagnosis. Patients already feel exhausted and overwhelmed and then they are told they have a disease that, from everything you read on the internet, sounds like a death sentence. Lyme disease is treatable and patients do recover.

This support group is for anyone struggling with Lyme and other chronic infections who needs a place to vent, complain, share successes and just simply be heard. Dr. Sangita Pedro will be present to answer questions and facilitate the group.  

This group is open to everyone. You do not have to be a current patient at Be Well and there is no fee. 

When: The second Thursday of each month from 6pm-7pm, beginning February 13th, 2020

Where: The Be Well IV Lounge

Please join us to help dispel fear and spread encouragement and support for everyone struggling with Lyme disease. Please RSVP here or call 415.569.4470

Health Coaching for SIBO

Diagnosed with SIBO? Health Coaching Can Help

By Rebecca Steiner, Naturopathic Medical Assistant and Health Coach

Have you recently been diagnosed with SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)? Are you feeling uncertain or frustrated? Are you struggling to navigate treatment plans, complicated diets and lifestyle changes? 

SIBO treatment can be daunting and the information available online may be confusing or conflicting. Things that used to seem simple, like grocery shopping, going to a restaurant or even deciding what to eat for breakfast, can suddenly feel overwhelming. The good news is that life with SIBO can be manageable, and partnering up with a Health Coach can help. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with SIBO, it is likely that your doctor has prescribed some combination of diet, medications, and/or herbs to eradicate the bacteria that are living in your small intestine, a place where they shouldn’t be. These bacteria can wreak havoc and they can be stubborn. That means that SIBO treatment is not always straight forward, which can make the treatment difficult for patients. 

One of the biggest complaints I hear from SIBO patients is that they are struggling to implement the diet prescribed by their doctor. They understand that making proper dietary changes is essential if they want to get better, but the food lists are confusing and they are at a complete loss when it comes to grocery shopping and cooking. Additionally, the food guidelines don’t take into account their individual needs, their lifestyle, or any other dietary or medical issues they may have, like food allergies. 

It is not uncommon for people to feel overwhelmed and want to give up. However, with the right team and the proper support it is possible to treat SIBO and restore your health. As a Health and Wellness Coach, I assist patients by making their SIBO treatment plan easier to follow. Working with a Health Coach allows you to individualize your program so that it is tailored to work best for you. We will design a diet based on your individual food preferences and needs. As you gain the knowledge, tools and resources you need, you will also develop confidence, knowing that you have what it takes to beat SIBO! 

One of the greatest benefits of working with a health coach is that inevitably questions, concerns or challenges arise between scheduled visits with your doctor. As a Health Coach, I am here for you: to answer your questions, troubleshoot any problems, and offer support via phone, email, or in person. If you are a patient at Be Well Natural Medicine Cl and diagnosed with SIBO, let us know if you think Health Coaching can help you. 

 

SIBO Support Group

If you have been diagnosed with SIBO then you know how frustrating and isolating it can be. For many of us it means navigating a whole new approach to eating that can be very overwhelming. You are not alone!Come and get some support... 

Join our monthly SIBO Support Group!
Facilitated by Dr. Sangita Pedro

Beginning Thursday, January 30th from 6-7pm

This group is for SIBO sufferers to share their triumphs and struggles. It is a place where we can share recipes, ask questions, complain and just generally feel heard and understood.  The group is open to our current patients and any friends or family members who also struggle with SIBO. Please RSVP here or call 415.569.4470

Low Dose Immunotherapy and Low Dose Allergy Therapy for Chronic Conditions

By Rebecca Steiner, Naturopathic Medical Assistant and Health Coach

Low dose immunotherapy (LDI) and low dose allergy (LDA) therapy is done through a small injection given just under the skin. The treatment is effective for many immune-related conditions, such as food, environmental and chemical allergies and sensitivities; autoimmune diseases; and chronic infections such as Lyme disease, viruses and other tick-borne illnesses. 

In many persistent conditions, unpleasant symptoms are the result of chronic inflammation triggered by an overactive immune system. Basically, the immune system is constantly launching an attack on what it sees as a foreign threat within the body. Certain foods, bacteria, even our own cells can trigger an overreactive or inappropriate immune response of this kind. LDI and LDA therapy work by modulating the immune system, teaching it to respond appropriately. Very low and safe doses of the problematic antigen are introduced into the body, thereby “retraining” the immune system response. Over time, the immune system becomes “desensitized,” and immunological balance and harmony is restored.

LDI and LDA are safe, easy and fairly inexpensive treatment options. For most patients LDI and LDA will initially need to be administered every seven weeks. Over time, as symptoms resolve, the intervals between injections will get longer.  Eventually injections may no longer be needed, or only needed once or twice a year. 

LDI and LDA are very effective in many people for the following conditions:

·      Food allergies

·      Seasonal allergies

·      Chemical sensitivities

·      Viruses (HHV-6, EBV, Chlamydia pneumonia, Mycoplasma, Herpes and Shingles)

·      Herpes outbreak

·      Lyme disease, bartonella, babesia and other associated tick-borne co-infections

·      PANS/PANDAS

·      Autoimmune diseases

·      Arthritis

·      Eczema

·      Alopecia

·      Chronic fatigue

·      Fibromyalgia

If you would like more information or think you might be a good candidate for this therapy, please let us know!

Post-Holiday Digestion Help!

By Sangita Pedro, ND

We have all had the post-holiday experience of feeling sluggish and heavy after overindulging in rich food, sugar, and alcohol topped off with a hearty dose of stress! This is probably why gyms, yoga studios and doctor’s offices fill up quickly after the first of the year. We all want to start the year off feeling good. Well, if you want to start your new year off on a healthy path, improving your gut is a great way to start. Even the healthiest of us could likely use a little tune-up after the holidays to help us sleep better, feel more energized and get through those workouts with a smile.

Digestion 101

Good digestion is the foundation of health.

Digestion provides the body with the raw materials it needs to carry out thousands of essential processes every day, including building hormones and neurotransmitters, creating cells of all kinds, and producing cellular energy.

Where does healthy digestion begin? In the mind! Even before food enters our mouths, the thought of the meal we’re about to enjoy makes us salivate, which triggers stomach acid production. With the first whiffs of dinner, digestion is already underway. 

Stomach acid serves two primary purposes in the story – it breaks down the food we consume into smaller pieces and it kills any unwanted bacteria, viruses, or parasites that might be hiding in our food. 

 As the food leaves the stomach, it triggers the pancreas to release digestive enzymes for carbohydrate and protein digestion. Next, it prompts the liver and gallbladder to release bile for fat absorption. 

 If all goes well, the result of this process is a perfectly broken-down pile of nutrients that winds its way slowly through the roughly 20 feet of the small intestine, where all the macro and micro nutrients are absorbed and sent to where they are needed in the body. Anything not absorbed in the small intestine is sent to the large intestine for disposal.

In a not-so-healthy system we might experience symptoms like these:

  • Heartburn, indigestion or reflux

  • Abdominal bloating

  • Excessive burping or gas

  • Bad breath

  • Increased or decreased appetite

  • Constipation 

  • Diarrhea

  • Fatigue

  • Abdominal cramps and pain

Or we might end up with any one of these diagnoses:

  • IBS with diarrhea and/or constipation

  • Crohn’s disease

  • Ulcerative colitis

  • GERD

  • Collagenous colitis

Whether you are currently undergoing treatment for gut imbalance or you simply want to optimize your digestion, follow these simple tips to improve your gut and your overall health:

When to Eat:

  • Eat three meals daily

  • Leave 3-4 hours between meals with no snacking, only water or herbal tea

  • Leave 3-4 hours between dinner and sleep with only water

  • The two largest meals of the day should be breakfast and lunch

  • Lightest meal of the day should be dinner

  • No food after 7pm

  • Go to sleep by 10pm

  • Get up by 6am 

  • Eat breakfast within two hours of waking

How to eat:

  • Enjoy your food before you start eating – look at it, smell it, appreciate it

  • Eat slowly and chew thoroughly

  • Sit down and relax while eating

  • Eat with others as often as possible

  • Don’t do other things while eating – phone, computer, books, etc. 

What to eat: 

What we eat is unique to each of us and will depend on our age, environment, and nutritional needs.  There is no perfect diet, there is only the diet that is right for you in the moment. 

If you are still experiencing symptoms after making these changes, there may be something else going on that warrants further testing and more specific treatment. 

 

Winter Wellness

by Sangita Pedro, ND

Cold and flu season is upon us! Our respiratory systems are being bombarded by cooler air, viruses floating around and poor air quality from local fires.  Luckily natural medicine has so many tools to help fight viruses, improve detox, clean the lungs and improve our immune function.

Below you will find some of our favorite tips, herbs and supplements at Be Well to keep the whole family healthy this Fall and Winter season:

  • REST. There is no substitute for a good night’s sleep. Sleep helps our immune system recharge so go to sleep by 10pm (or earlier if you are tired) and sleep until at least 6am (more if you are tired). And always go to bed and get up at the same time to regulate sleep hormones and prevent illness.

  • Drink plenty of water. Filtered water with liquid minerals added to every glass will increase hydration and help flush out bacteria, viruses and toxins.

  • Exercise. Moving the body helps move the lymphatic system which is our drainage system for toxins. Don’t over exercise. If you are feeling tired or rundown, take a break from vigorous exercise and rest. A good rule of thumb is if you feel tired after a workout you worked too hard! Back off a bit and you will feel recharged and invigorated.

  • Eat warm, cooked food. A healthy digestive system equals a stronger immune system and one simple way to tone digestion is to eat warm, cooked foods at every meal. They are easier to digest which means you will get more nutrition, more easily, from every meal and they warm the body which helps gently stimulate the immune system. 

  • Eat less. It is common to feel a decrease in appetite when you are coming down with an acute viral illness so listen to your body and only eat when you are hungry. Your body is trying to divert energy to the immune system to fight the illness so give it some help and eat light. 

  • Cool mist humidifier. Indoor air quality is often very poor in the winter because we keep doors and windows closed all season. One simple way to combat this is to put a cool mist humidifier in any and all rooms, especially the bedrooms. You can also add cleansing essential oils like eucalyptus, pine, fir, tea tree, lavender or lemon, directly in the humidifier to directly kill viruses and bacteria in the air. 

  • Astragalus: take astragalus only BEFORE you get sick. It is a wonderful immune modulator and can help prevent many acute illnesses before they start. Adults can take 500mg daily as preventative.

If all your best efforts fail and you find yourself coming down with a cold or the flu, try the following herbs, supplements and other tips to get well faster:

  • Immune IV: come in Monday, Wednesday or Friday for an immune IV to give your system a big boost of nutrients to fight viruses faster. No time for an IV? Try our Immune Shot instead.

  • Warm bath before bed: take a warm bath with Epsom salt or a combination of sea salt and baking soda before bed. Soak for at least 15-30 minutes, rinse with cool water, dry off well, bundle up and go to bed.

  • Wet sock treatment: warm your feet in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Rinse a thin, cotton pair of socks under cool water and wring out well. Dry your feet well and put cool, wet socks on. Cover with a pair of heavy wool socks and go to bed. This helps take down fevers and draw congestion out of the head.

  • Avoid cold medicine and anti-inflammatory medication: cold medicines that dry up mucus, cough medicines that stop coughs and anti-inflammatory medications that take down fevers should be avoided as much as possible. These medications can be useful in a pinch to get through a day of work or help a sick child sleep, but if used consistently day and night they will increase the length of the illness and can drive an illness deeper, turning a simple cold into a sinus infection or bronchitis. 

  • Elderberry: syrup or capsules. It is a great anti-viral and it tastes good! Adults can take 1,000mg three times daily during an acute illness.

  • Vitamin C and Zinc: immune boosting and virus-killing these two in combo do a lot to decrease the length of an illness. 

  • Vitamin A: a strong antiviral, Vitamin A (not beta-carotene) can be taken in high dose for up to five days at the fist signs of an illness to significantly decrease the length of an acute illness. Liquid form is best with 1 drop equal to 10,000IU. Kids can take the number of drops equal to their age daily for five days (ex: 7-year-old would take 7 drops daily x five days). Anyone 15 years and older can take 150,000 IU daily for five days.

  • Some of our favorite immune support products for children and adults include: Silvercillin, ImmunoBerry Liquid, V-Clear, EHB and Ten Mushroom Formula.

  • We carry all of these products and more at Be Well. You can also find them at your natural health store.

Protecting Our Lungs from Wildfire Smoke

NUTRIENTS FOR LUNG PROTECTION

The wildfires in Northern California are a major concern for all of us. Now that we are in our third year of serious fires during the Fall season, we really need to be aware of the dangerous affects of smoke on our lungs and immune health.

During this time of poor air quality, it is important to be preventative about lung damage, especially for those with allergies, asthma and existing respiratory disease or immune system deficiencies. Wildfire smoke is a combination of particles and gases, both of which can cause irritation and damage to sensitive mucosa in the lungs.

Here a quick list of nutrients that can be helpful while the air is polluted by smoke. It is likely you have some or all of these in your home pharmacy or pantry...

DIET: Whenever the body is under stress it requires extra vitamins and minerals. This is an important time to choose high quality whole foods. Nutrient-dense foods such as brightly colored fruits and vegetables will provide a mixture of natural antioxidants. Foods containing flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features that may provide additional lung protection. These foods include: strawberries, green tea, black tea, brussels sprouts, beans, onions and apples.

Vitamin C: Smoke causes inflammation via oxidative damage so antioxidants will be very helpful during this time. One of our best antioxidants is Vitamin C. You can increase your dose up to bowel tolerance (too much will cause loose stools). Recommended: 3000 to 6000mg/day in divided doses.

Vitamin D3: Supporting the immune system with vitamin D is especially important when dealing with smoke inhalation, especially those who have been diagnosed with a deficiency. Recommended: 5,000 to 10,000 iu/day with meals

Glutathione: Liposomal or IV glutathione can detoxify acetaldehyde and other toxins found in smoke and has great potential benefit to preventing damage from smoke inhalation. Recommended: 1 teaspoon of liposomal form twice daily or by IV administration at prescribed dose.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): is a precursor to glutathione and can be used if glutathione is not available as a supplement. NAC is a powerful mucolytic, breaking down and eliminating accumulated mucus from the lungs. In addition to facilitating breathing, toxins and germs threatening the lungs are also removed. People with various lung disorders such as bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema may greatly benefit from NAC. Recommended: 600mg three times/day.

Selenium: As an antioxidant, selenium helps fight free radical damage and moderates cellular oxidative stress.Recommended: 200mcg twice/day

Herbs: Green tea, ginger, and turmeric can be highly effective in inhibiting the activation of carcinogens in environmental smoke. Use in cooking or as a tea.

Additional Reminders:

  • HEPA filters or even air conditioners with filters and recirculating air can help cut down on particulate matter in the air indoors. Do NOT use an air conditioner if it does not have air filters or it will only suck in smoke and make breathing conditions worse.

  • Stay hydrated.

  • Avoid unnecessarily exerting yourself. Heavy breathing means you’re going to inhale more smoke.

  • Be especially conscious of breathing conditions for children and pregnant women.


With our Best Wishes for All to Be and Stay Well...

Dr. Lisa Brent



Mycotoxin Illness: Is Your Home or Office Making You Sick?

By Sangita Pedro, ND

Mycotoxins are toxins released by mold spores. Mold spores emit them to kill other mold species and limit local competition for space. That is all well and good outside the human body but once inside the human body those toxins can wreak havoc.

Mold spores are relatively large and when inhaled they cannot get much further than the sinuses. Mycotoxins, on the other hand, are much smaller and can get through the lungs, into the blood stream and into every tissue and across every cell membrane.

Mold spores alone can cause allergic reactions and irritation in the sinuses but because of their special design and small size, the mycotoxins they produce are potentially more damaging and more difficult to eradicate.

Most people (about 75% of the population), develop antibodies when they are exposed to mycotoxins that bind the toxins and remove them from the body.  The other 25% of the population does not make antibodies to mycotoxins and therefore cannot clear them once they enter the body.  In these people any exposure can cause illness and supporting the body to remove the toxins is essential for recovery.

Mycotoxins tend to colonize the sinuses and the gastrointestinal system but symptoms can be felt far beyond those two areas and may include any of the following:

·      Muscle weakness, numbness and tingling

·      Fatigue and cognitive impairment (ie. Brain fog, difficulty finding words, memory loss, etc.)

·      Gastrointestinal symptoms

·      Chest tightness and pain

·      Disequilibrium, dizziness

·      Anxiety and depression

·      Joint and muscle pain

·      Headaches

·      Frequent acute illnesses that last a long time

·      Tics, spasms, seizures

Although mycotoxins can be the sole problem it is more common to find them alongside other conditions especially when those conditions have been treated for long periods of time with little to no improvement or with brief periods of remission followed by a worsening of symptoms. Some of those conditions include:

·      Lyme disease and co-infections

·      Fibromyalgia

·      Chronic fatigue

·      IBS, SIBO and other gastrointestinal disorders

Some diagnoses themselves may point to mycotoxins as an underlying problem such atypical Alzheimer’s, MS or ALS. 

In addition to similarities with other illnesses, there are a few symptoms that, if present, along with any of the symptoms listed above, are most indicative of mycotoxins and should not be ignored:

·      Ice pick or lightning-like pains

·      Electric shock sensations 

·      Pulsating or vibrating sensation along the spine

Inhalation of mold spores is the most common and potent form of exposure. Exposure can happen at home, at work or in your car. 

Mold frequently lives under flooring and behind walls making it invisible and odorless. If you suspect mold in your home, find a qualified mold inspector to tell you exactly what is there and where. Once you have isolated the problem, find a qualified mold remediation company to do the clean up and test again when the clean up is finished to make sure they got it all.  If you can, don’t stay in the house during remediation to avoid further exposure.

If you think mycotoxins might be obstructing your health, eliminate the source of your ongoing exposure first and then find a qualified practitioner who can test and treat you effectively.

 

IV Ozone and UVB Therapy Now Available at BE WELL!

What is Ozone Therapy?

IV Ozone therapy is a natural, safe, and powerful therapy that can be used to promote healthy aging and treat many ailments and diseases. At a basic level, ozone therapy increases the amount of oxygen in the body to improve overall bodily function. Ozone is a potent oxidant that increases circulation and blood flow, optimizes cellular oxygen metabolism, decreases inflammation and signs of aging, detoxifies the liver, suppresses chronic infections, and stimulates the immune system.

What does Ozone treat?

Chronic Infections:

Ozone has antimicrobial properties that can cleanse the blood and suppress infections, including those that are notoriously hard to treat. In addition to killing pathogenic bacteria and other pathogens, ozone strengthens the body’s natural immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells and modulating immune activity.

Ozone is a very effective treatment for:

·      Viruses

·      Lyme Disease and co-infections

·      Mold and mycotoxins

·      Bacterial infections

·      Wound healing

·      Parasites

·      Dental infections

·      Acne

·      Eczema

·      Other chronic infections

Ozone treatment is also an effective tool in infection prevention. Additionally, while ozone kills pathogenic bacteria, it does not disrupt the beneficial flora in the body. 

Inflammation, Aging and Autoimmune Diseases

The root cause of premature aging and many illnesses is inflammation. Ozone therapy produces anti-inflammatory effects and increases the effectiveness of the body’s antioxidant enzyme system. Antioxidants function to prevent cellular damage, which is a common pathway for aging, and disease.

Ozone has been shown to be effective in treating:

·      Premature aging

·      Weight loss and toxicity

·      Cancer

·      Allergies and sinusitis 

·      Autoimmune disease 

·      Multiple sclerosis 

·      Rheumatoid arthritis 

·      Chronic fatigue syndrome 

·      Alzheimer’s Disease

·      Parkinson’s Disease 

·      Migraine

·      Chronic pain 

·      Vertigo

·      And more

Detoxification

Ozone promotes liver detoxification, making it an effective treatment for fatty liver, viral hepatitis and other liver disorders. 

Adding UVB Light to Ozone

Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation (UBI) is a procedure that exposes the blood to light to heighten the body’s immune response and to kill infections, essentially using light as a natural antibiotic. With exposure to UV light, bacteria and viruses in your bloodstream absorbs five times as much photonic energy as do your red and white blood cells. This further activates and directs your immune system to the specific infections your body is attempting to overcome.

UVBI is highly effective in treating persistent viruses and antibiotic-resistant bacteria and elevating the levels of antioxidants capable of fighting free radicals. Combining ozone therapy and UVBI produces a synergistic effect which can be especially useful for chronically ill patients.  

 

 

Bothered by bloating? Do probiotics make you feel worse? These could be signs of SIBO.

By Sangita Pedro, ND

Many of my patients tell me they wake up with a flat stomach and by late afternoon they look six months pregnant.  The bloating is sometimes accompanied by sharp, stabbing pains, but rarely gas or burping.  

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO, occurs when bacteria that should be in the large intestine find their way into the small intestine and set up shop.  A history of frequent antibiotic use, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and past intestinal infections such as traveler’s diarrhea or food poisoning can predispose a person to developing SIBO. A poor diet will help maintain the overgrowth once it is established. 

The standard Western diet with its high levels of sugar, salt, caffeine, alcohol, bad fats, and abundance of processed carbohydrates does little to support healthy microbial balance while feeding all types of intestinal overgrowth including SIBO. 

Once in the small intestine the bacteria take over, causing localized inflammation, leaky gut and various systemic symptoms such as skin rashes, rosacea, fatigue, allergies, difficulty regulating blood sugar, weight gain, nutrient deficiencies and fatigue. 

Bacteria in the small intestine ferment the food you eat, especially starches, fruit, sugar, fiber and alcohol, and produce hydrogen and methane gas as by-products. The build-up of gases causes excessive bloating and pain and dysregulates the muscular contraction of the small intestine

 ‘Good’ bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species can also overgrow in the small intestine, causing or worsening SIBO. The normal, rhythmic movement of the small intestine slows down or becomes irregular with SIBO. This causes everything, including probiotics, to linger in the small intestine where they can get ‘stuck’ and start to proliferate.  

Signs and symptoms of SIBO:

·      Constipation and/or diarrhea

·      Chronic reflux/heartburn

·      Abdominal bloating worse after eating (this can be excessive and painful)

·      Abdominal bloating, cramping and pain after taking probiotics

·      Excessive burping and/or gas after eating

·      Food allergies/sensitivities especially gluten, diary, lactose, fructose, and histamine intolerance.

·      Weight loss or weight gain (especially an increase in belly fat)

·      Fatigue

 

How is SIBO diagnosed?

The standard diagnostic test for SIBO is a lactulose breath test.  The test measures hydrogen and methane gas produced by the bacteria in the small intestine after they ingest and digest the lactulose. Breath samples are taken every 15 minutes for two hours.  

It is also helpful to look at standard lab values for select vitamins, minerals and total Immunoglobulins to get a sense of how well, or not well, the small intestine is breaking down and absorbing food.  

How do I treat SIBO?

There are five basic tenets of SIBO treatment that I follow in my practice:

·      Break down biofilms (protective coverings the bacteria use to hide from the immune system)

·      Decrease the number of bacteria by limiting their food supply

·      Kill the bacteria with antimicrobial herbs or pharmaceuticals

·      Detoxify the body

·      Reestablish a healthy digestive rhythm

 

If SIBO recurs after 3 months of diligent treatment, following these basic tenets, then further testing may be necessary to determine what is in the way of complete healing and recovery.

Be Well Women's Wellness Retreat

Join us for a fun and educational day to restore and connect with the Be Well community. We will spend the day at a beautiful house in Stinson Beach practicing yoga (all levels), meditation (all levels), eating delicious food and discussing the importance of hormonal balance throughout our lives. This promises to be a day that every woman will enjoy. 

This retreat will be limited to 20 participants. To register, please contact Kristi at 415.569.4470. The cost for the day is $300, which includes a fabulous organic lunch. Location details will be given closer to the date. Carpooling is recommended.

We look forward to seeing you there!