HouseCall: Ear Infections, Constipation Protocol, MTHFR, Hemorrhoids, Whey vs. Plant Protein

We’re back with our 2nd edition of the Cabral HouseCall and we have 5 more community questions to answer today!

Here are those questions:

Nikki: Hi there! First, thank you so much for this podcast. I live in LA and I actually look forward to driving so I can get some uninterrupted listening time in. I really appreciate you spreading your knowledge on wellness and also really enjoy the spiritual tones many of your podcasts take. I’m just so happy I found you and I tell friends/family about you often. My question: I recently had to give my 8-month antibiotics for an ear infection. While I really didn’t want to (as I’ve heard you say and also believe they should be taken more in a life-threatening situation), the scared mother in me did as I didn’t want it to turn into something else with her being so young. My question is, what can I do now to help her. She’s on solid foods a couple of times a day. Sweet potato, peas, bananas, etc. And in the same vein, how do you handle situations with your children as far as what they eat with other family members or parties where treats and soda are flowing like crazy! My 3 year old eats healthy at home but loves treats when we’re out. 

Laura: Hi Dr. Cabral, I am a physical therapist who works with patients with pelvic pain and pelvic floor disorders. Many of them also have chronic constipation. I know that unless their constipation resolves they will not get better due to the pressure on the pelvic floor and also increased inflammation. I am constantly referring my patients to functional medicine but they rarely follow through because of the cost. So instead, I have started making my own recommendations based on my own research. I advise them to take magnesium glycinate and vitamin C powder to soften the stool. This has been very effective. I may also recommend a probiotic. If they are willing to take it a step further I will instruct them in an elimination diet to look for food sensitivities. I know it is preferable to treat the underlying cause, but I know that if I do not get their bowels moving quickly, any work I do to relax and strengthen their pelvic floor is futile. Any advice for me as a practitioner trying to help my patients?

Christine: Hello, I really enjoy the Cabral Concept and listen regularly. I am hoping you can discuss MTHFR. I have recently found that i have homogeneous MTHFR and wondering if supplements work( L5 MTHF and Ultra b12 folate ) and how long will i need to take them? Thanks, Chris

Michele: Hi Dr. Cabral, I am so happy to have found your podcast, and thank you for all that you do, including answering questions that everyone sends in. I have hemorrhoids. I can manage them with OTC products, but I just wish I didn’t have to. I eat lots of fruits and vegetables and fiber. I drink a lot of water and nothing else except a cup of coffee in the late morning/early afternoon. Limit my alcohol to events only. I exercise 3/4 days a week. I take extra magnesium. I’m not sure what else I can do. At what point do I go to a dr to fix this ?? Thank you! Michele

Patrick: Is there an advantage to the type of protein you’re taking? I know pea protein is popular (and other vegan varieties) but many health/fitness articles say whey is the protein of choice. Does it really matter? In the end, does your body just synthesize protein? Thanks!

Thank you for tuning into another week of the Cabral Concept and I can’t wait to talk with you again tomorrow on our Motivation & Mindset Monday!