HouseCall: Weight Loss vs. Genetic Test, Seizures, Keto Side Effect, Sickle Cell Anemia, Foul Odor, Thyroid Paradox

Welcome back to our 2nd Cabral HouseCall of the weekend where we answer our community’s wellness, weight loss, and anti-aging questions!

Here are today’s topics:

Jen: Hi Dr. Cabral, I was looking at your weight loss testing because I’m interested in finding out what my specific body needs in order to get on the right plan for weight loss and wellness. I was also reading that your genetic testing can also tell me what my specific body needs in order to lose weight and I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit more about which one would be best?

Tania: Hi Dr. Cabral! I am an avid listener (as is my entire family), and I have written in several times. Your advice has been so impactful, so thank you again for all that you do. Giving your time to this podcast is so generous, and I appreciate your response in advance. Today, I’m writing on behalf of my brother-in-law. Last year, while driving, he had a seizure at the wheel. He blacked out completely and thankfully survived a nearly fatal crash. He woke up in the hospital hours later with no recollection of the crash. I should note that the night prior, he had been drinking alcohol, and was dehydrated when he drove home. His blood alcohol at the time of the crash was 0.05. A few months later, he had another seizure in the evening, after drinking alcohol earlier that day. He has seen neurologists, cardiologists, and has had a multitude of tests. The doctors diagnosed him with mild epilepsy, and he has been on Dilantin for at least 8 months. Two nights ago, he had a seizure in his sleep, and woke up feeling unwell, and could not recall any events in the last 12 hours. He does not eat well and works nights. He loves his job, and I do not foresee that changing in the near future. I believe you previously spoke about CBD oil as a potential seizure prevention aid. What dietary recommendations should I be giving to him based on his condition? Do you think a ketogenic approach could help? If so, for how long? Any suggestions you have would be unbelievably helpful. It is so difficult to find advice on this condition outside of taking heavy meds for a lifetime. Thank you once again. Kindest Regards, Tania

Vanessa: I have a question for you about the microbiome. I, unfortunately, did the keto diet for about six months and lost 40 pounds, which was great, but now that I am off of it, I am constantly getting stomachaches, gas, and even diarrhea a time or two from foods that I ate without any concerns before. In fact, I am so frustrated because I am almost daily having stomach issues and I almost NEVER had stomach upsets before this. So, my question is: what is your advice for those who have already screwed up and ate like that for a time but want to fix their microbiome? Side note: I do eat a real food diet free of processed foods – I’m talking, I’ll eat a homemade soaked einkorn pancake and experience gas and bloating. I ate chicken stuffed zucchini with homemade tomato sauce yesterday and paid dearly for it. I do immediately take extra probiotics (usually just drink brine from my ferments) but I’m super frustrated but there’s seems to be little hope in my research. All I’ve found is to wait it out? Is there anything I can do???

Donna: Hi there, Dr. Cabral. I’m writing today to get your thoughts on how to naturally manage Sickle Cell Anemia for my 12-year-old little cousin who was diagnosed at birth. And I want to make very clear that I am concerned–not trying to be critical of his current treatment. I hope your information can help his family and others who are diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease. To my knowledge, this is how his Sickle Cell is being managed: 1. Large doses of antibiotics 2. Limited physical activity 3. Continuous hydration 4. He takes Leukemia medication (which seems to have kept him out of “crisis–Not sure if it’s taken with antibiotics also) Again, I’m just wondering if there are some natural alternatives that might be beneficial for him. I truly value your opinion and thanks so much for all you’re doing to make the world a healthier place.:-) Donna

Anonymous: Whenever I eat salmon (I only buy wild-caught since I saw your IG post where you explained how toxic farm-raised is), I notice that a few hours later, I have a fishy vaginal odor, which I presume is from eating the salmon. Is this normal? I don’t have this odor any other time, and I don’t have any hives or any other symptoms that would lead me to believe that I’m having an allergic reaction. Is this reaction similar to the one that sometimes happens for people where consuming asparagus can cause their urine to have a foul odor? Thanks!

Veronica: My daughter, Lauryn, is 12 years old and was diagnosed last year with Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease. I have been to many docs, with diet change we have put graves into remission. We are still dealing with hashimotos. She is on LDN, which has helped a ton but still struggling. A new functional medicine doc wants to put her on biociden. I would like to learn more about this protocol or how to get her health back. You were recommended by another patient Lisa. Thank you so much.