HouseCall: Weight Loss & HRT, Low Back Problems, Vitamin C & Lyme Disease

Welcome back to our 2nd House Call of the weekend where I answer your questions on all things wellness, weight loss, and anti-aging!

Here are today’s Q&A’s:

Deborah: I am interested in your weight loss testing kit. I am currently on HRT. How long would I need to stop HRT before I take the test to find out what my true levels are? Thanks in advance, Deborah

Nadim: I am sure you asked this question all the time, but is it possible to heal disc herniations? There is a lot of contradictory information on this subject and I really do not know what to believe. More specifically I have a large central posterior disc herniation between L4/L5 that originally resulted in significant referred pain in my feet. I have had the injury for about 3 years, but more recently the pain has improved since returning to the gym, however, I do not know if I am doing the right things, please advise. My gym routine involves back extensions (weighted), pull-ups, and kettlebell squats with my feet very close to a wall to ensure proper form. I also occasionally do some deadlifting (60kg). I have also increased the amount of water I consume and supplement with omega 3, vegetal silica, Xtend Life total balance multivitamins, and Bio Kult probiotics. What advice can you give to help further improve my situation or heal my disc injury? Exercise, nutrition, sleeping position, and type of bed? Finally, it is worth mentioning that although my injury seems to have improved to the point that I now only get a little referred pain intermittently during the day, I always seem to have some when getting out of bed in a morning. I assume this is because I can’t control my posture when sleeping?

Hayley: Hi Dr. Cabral! My question is in regards to Vitamin C. I’ve heard that Sodium Ascorbate is a better form of vitamin C to take than Ascorbic Acid. Is this true? Sodium Ascorbate is quite a bit more expensive, so I’m hoping it isn’t! Thank you!

Bryn: Lyme Disease Dr. Cabral – Can’t say enough how much the information you put out each day has helped me. Even if the topic isn’t something I am specifically dealing with – I am fascinated and interested in learning as much as I can. I really do believe you are providing a service that can help so many people. I recommend you to whomever I can…..but I think it is going to take a lot of work to break down the misinformation that has plagued us for years from the various food and supplement companies and media. Please keep up your amazing contribution to society. ***My Question is for a friend’s husband who is suffering from Lyme Disease. He has apparently tried everything available to him, but here in Canada Lyme Disease is not really regarded as a true health issue, unlike in the US where it’s my understanding that it is. What is your recommendation for someone suffering from Lyme?? Thank you!

I hope you enjoyed today’s Q&A and all the tips added along the way!