There are two ways to test for mould exposure in the blood: the direct, and, the indirect way. The Direct Way: Mycotoxin antibody testing. Mycotoxins are metabolites of mould that we breathe in. The Indirect Way: Biomarkers associated with mould exposure – this comes from The Shoemaker Protocol. Test For Mould Exposure: Understanding Different Available Tests Before
Continue reading »Blastocystis Hominis: Should We Treat It? (updated 2023)
What Is Blastocystis Hominis? Blastocystis hominis is a parasite that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many animals. It has a worldwide distribution, and, is often identified as the most common parasite reported in human fecal samples (5–15% of individuals in developed countries and 50–100% of individuals in developing countries). The parasite has been
Continue reading »How To Restore The Gut Microbiome After Antibiotics
In this post I discuss how to restore the gut microbiome after antibiotics, looking at the side effects of antibiotics, prevention, the best probiotics and more. It’s important to appreciate that antibiotics are life-saving drugs and are brilliant at what they do. They have saved millions of lives and are especially important in treating diseases
Continue reading »Akkermansia: a next-generation probiotic
Many of us are now familiar with the terms lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. These are often included in probiotic supplements, and found in fermented foods such as kefir, now widely available in many supermarkets and health food stores. But are you familiar with the bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila (bare with me!)? What Is Akkermansia muciniphila? Akkermansia muciniphila has
Continue reading »What Is Narrative Medicine?
What Is Narrative Medicine Narrative medicine is “a fundamental tool to acquire, comprehend, and integrate the different points of view of all the participants having a role in the illness experience.” Narrative medicine is one of the most important concepts I have come across in my learning. After all, it is through stories that we
Continue reading »Magnesium: Everything You Need To Know
With magnesium often claimed to be one of the most common nutrient deficiencies, and with so many clients asking about the nutrient I thought I would start creating a ‘master document’ on this amazing nutrient. What Is Magnesium? Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation, after potassium, and is the fourth most abundant cation
Continue reading »Researched Supplements For Fibromyalgia
Welcome to my blog post ‘The Most Researched Supplements For Fibromyalgia ‘. You may like to check out my other blog: Fibromyalgia: A Functional Medicine Approach Fibromyalgia: What’s The Best Diet And Can It Be Reversed? Muscle pain has been associated with deficiencies in amino acids, magnesium, selenium, vitamins B and D, as well as
Continue reading »Fibromyalgia – A Functional Medicine Approach
Although chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been defined as a separate syndrome to fibromyalgia (FM), up to 70% of patients with fibromyalgia are also diagnosed with CFS and 35-70% of patients with CFS have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Thus studies of patients with CFS may have clinical relevance to fibromyalgia. What Is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia
Continue reading »The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs)
What Are Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs)? Studies are increasingly identifying that our early life experiences are important when it comes to our health throughout life. Individuals who have adverse childhood events tend to have more physical and mental health problems as adults than do those who do not have ACEs and ultimately greater premature mortality.
Continue reading »What Causes Brain Fog? The Authoritative Guide (2024)
What Is Brain Fog? Brain fog isn’t actually a medical condition in its own right, and there are no diagnostic criteria. It is similar to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome – it is an umbrella term that covers a range of symptoms associated with poor cognition (source). Symptoms may include:
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