HouseCall: Abnormal Periods, Healthy Weight Gain, Linzess, Heavy Sweater, Natural Hair Care, Skin Issue Causes, GI Map Test
Thank you for joining us for our 2nd Cabral HouseCall of the weekend!
I’m looking forward to sharing with you some of our community’s questions that have come in over the past few weeks…
Let’s get started!
Gwen: I’ve pretty much always had abnormal periods, but now it’s almost been two years since my last period. I’ve gone to the gynecologist, with no real answers. The doctor ran several tests, including checking my testosterone, Sex Hormone-binding Globulin, DHEA Sulfate, Luteinizing Hormone, and thyroid. All of these came back within normal range. The blood work did show low prolactin (2.7 ng/ml) and low 17-OH progesterone 14 ng/dl). I’m not underweight, nor do I have extremely strenuous exercise. Emotionally I do not feel stressed, so I’m not sure what else could be causing the amenorrhea. Some further background I’ve also been suffering from chronic constipation and had the Mediator Release blood test. For the digestion issues, I’ve been following a low fodmap diet, while under the direction of a dietician. She had me taking Designs for Health GI Revive formula, magnesium, digestive enzymes and probiotics. The digestion does seem to be improving and now I’m trying the reintroduction phase. I also have low Complement C3 and C4, Speckled ANA Pattern, ANA titer 1:40, positive ANA screen by IFA, but my rheumatologist doesn’t seem to say the results are conclusive of anything. I’m guessing the low fodmap diet should help seal any leaky gut I have, but I’ve already been on the diet for several months. Since I’m a graduate student (who loves all the work I get to do!), I do not have tons of extra money to run every test, but I also want to get to the root cause of amenorrhea. I love your podcast, and am very happy I discovered it!
Kevin: Hi Dr. Cabral, My name is Kevin and I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how nutrition should look like for gaining muscle, but consuming foods that are good for my health. I competed in my first bodybuilding show last fall and I am now back on a gaining cycle. During my previous bulking cycle I was eating a lot of foods that helped me gain weight, but were not necessarily the best for my overall health. I want to keep competing and adding more muscle, but not at the expense of my internal health. I am stuck between a rock and hard place trying to gain weight, but having a clean diet that cuts out sugar, wheat, and processed food 90% of the time. I only allow myself one cheat meal a week. With my body type leaning towards the ectomorph, combined with some mesomorph, I am having a hard time putting on mass. Any suggestions you may have would be truly appreciated. You are somebody I look up to and want to model for my personal life and career. Thank you very much sir.
Anonymous: Hi Dr. Cabral, Really appreciate your work and have become so much more knowledgeable after discovering your podcast. My question is regarding LINZESS, I have been battling GI issues (constipation, gas, bloating) for 6 years now. I have tried so many diets, detoxes, and supplements including the Candida protocol over those years and nothing seemed to work until I was prescribed LINZESS. Since starting Linzess all my symptoms seemed to disappear. Do you have an idea why this drug has been so successful? I would prefer to take a more natural approach to heal in the future. Thanks much!
Alex: Hi Dr. Cabral – I have a question about overheating at night. For the past year or so I have been waking up very hot in the middle of the night (but not sweating, I do not typically sweat heavily when exercising either). I have updated my bedding (per your recommendations in previous podcasts), and have kept a bedroom temperature of 62-65 degrees through the winter. When I get into bed, I am usually chilly but wake up a few hours later almost every night throwing off the sheets and extremely warm. I’m relatively healthy… I took the Food Sensitivity test last year and have eliminated all high sensitivity foods and also completed the CBO protocol after taking the Organic Acids Test. Any ideas what could be causing the elevated temperatures at night? Thanks in advance!
Brandon: Dr. Cabral, I’ve cleaned up all of my personal care products including deodorant, soap, and toothpaste. BUT, I can’t find a hair product similar to a hair fiber (my hair is really fine and looks like a frizzy mess if I don’t put anything on it) that is organic, free of unknown ingredients and fragrances. Any tips on finding something like this? Also, I’m looking for a shampoo as well.
Elizabeth: Hello Stephen and colleagues. I am 64 and have been struggling with bothersome skin issues on my face for decades. I have always had acne, not severe but unattractive. In my 40s I developed some mild dermatitis and now Rosecia. At times, like right now, I experience all 3. I know my digestion isn’t great. Based on a tendency to inflammatory issues (mild IBS, postnasal drip, joint issues)I follow a paleo-ish diet and don’t eat wheat and gluten, and avoid grains and dairy. My body seems very happy with that. But it hasn’t improved my skin as I had hoped… Do you have any suggestions as to the cause of my skin issues and what I can do? Thanks for any help you can offer. Cheers, Elizabeth
Cindy: Hello! Do you offer a G.I. Map lab test kit? If so, what is the cost? Is there a link you can send me please? Thank you!! Cindy
Thank you for tuning into this weekend’s Cabral HouseCalls and be sure to check back tomorrow for our Mindset & Motivation Monday show to get your week started off right!