Treating PCOS with Nutrition: Why Addressing Gut Health is Key
I was once diagnosed with PCOS, and so whenever I am studying it, or hear that someone I know is dealing with it, I light up! It's such an interesting topic to me, and has impacted my life on a deeply emotional level. It’s important to me that you know that I GET IT. More deeply than most, I am right there with you.
For those unfamiliar with the term, PCOS stands for Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome. It occurs when our body, for whatever reason (more on that later), cannot fully ovulate, meaning, the egg cannot fully break through the follicle wall and ovary wall into the fallopian tube. Instead, the egg remains in the ovary wall and creates a cyst. When this happens repeatedly, the ovary becomes covered in cysts.
PCOS Symptoms
This is an exciting topic for me. (Nerd alert!)
But for real - I was once diagnosed with PCOS, and so whenever I am studying it, or hear that someone I know is dealing with it, I light up! It's such an interesting topic to me, and has impacted my life on a deeply emotional level.
It’s important to me that you know that I GET IT. More deeply than most, I am right there with you.
For those unfamiliar with the term, PCOS stands for PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome. It occurs when our body, for whatever reason (more on that later), cannot fully ovulate, meaning the egg cannot fully break through the follicle wall and ovary wall into the fallopian tube. Instead, the egg remains in the ovary wall and creates a cyst. When this happens repeatedly, the ovary becomes covered in cysts.
The really heartbreaking part is that female-bodied individuals who've been diagnosed with PCOS are often diagnosed while in the process of trying to get pregnant.
But why aren't our health care professionals looking into this when we come to them earlier on, with PCOS symptoms of irregular periods, cystic acne, blood sugar issues, weight gain or PCOS belly, and even chronic pain...
Why do they just throw 'the pill' at us instead of investigating the root cause?
Why do we have to wait until the moment we are in a super vulnerable stage (anyone who's ridden the roller coaster of trying to conceive...), when we could have addressed it sooner?!
This, to me, is truly maddening.
The most important takeaway from this post: PCOS is not an ovarian issue - it is a GUT issue. Addressing gut health will go a long way to improving PCOS symptoms.
what are PCOS symptoms?
If you have been given a PCOS diagnosis and have been advised to seek infertility treatments, know that you have other options. PCOS treatment does not involve petri dishes, hormone shots, egg extraction, etc..
If PCOS is the causal factor in your infertility, it can be addressed dietarily, without the use of expensive infertility treatments.
PCOS IS NOT AN OVARIAN CONDITION - IT IS A GUT ISSUE.
Whether or not you are trying to get pregnant, are done having kids, or don't want kids - if you are a female-bodied person, then you, or someone you know, will probably encounter PCOS symptoms at some point.
Before we really dig in, I want to briefly share my story as it relates to PCOS.
my PCOS story
I was a "late bloomer" (first red flag), did not get my first period until I was 16 or 17. They were irregular from the start and for decades after.
Add to that, I was pretty ignorant of how my body was supposed to function, due to my parents' religious beliefs and consequently a severe disconnection from my body’s needs.
(Um, side note: Can we PLEASE normalize talking to kids about their bodies?!)
Cystic acne from my teen years and many years into adulthood, I have always had excess belly and hip fat (commonly known as PCOS belly), difficulty losing weight, symptoms of low blood sugar, the works.
When I was 18 (ca. 2000) and my periods had still not regulated, I got my first gynecological exam. I was given a prescription for 'the pill' and was told that it would regulate my cycle (and it did).
I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I trusted that my doctor knew what was best. I didn’t understand until later that if that doctor had taken the time to help me find the root causes of my PCOS symptoms, I would have been spared decades of heartache and confusion.
Fast forward to 2009, my partner and I decided we wanted children, so I stopped the pill, and we began trying to conceive. It was a few months without a period that we started to get concerned.
My GYN ordered an ultrasound, and I was diagnosed with PCOS.
The GYN prescribed Clomid (my apologies to anyone who had to encounter me during this time). Clomid is a medication that stimulates an increase in hormones involved in ovulation.
When two rounds of Clomid were unsuccessful, we were left with the decision to come up with the money to pursue infertility treatment or to just keep our fingers crossed.
We left that appointment with broken hearts, as that kind of money was truly foreign to us at the time.
The short story is, we never did have children (and are now very happy with our lifestyle without children). We tried for many years before finally making a very intentional decision to NOT have children.
Being a holistic healthcare provider now has taught me a lot about my PCOS diagnosis and how to address them. And although I no longer want children of my own, I no longer have signs of PCOS symptoms!
PCOS treatment
PCOS occurs when there is an imbalance of hormones. Period.
This imbalance can be caused by a number of things: Pituitary dysfunction, adrenal dysfunction, toxic overload, liver dysfunction...
It often (not always) has very little to do with the ovaries themselves.
PCOS is the end result of other dysfunctions in the body, and symptoms of PCOS can, and often do, make it difficult for a female to get pregnant.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the female reproductive system as it relates to PCOS symptom. For those who want a more thorough explanation, read this article.
Remember that this system requires our brain (hypothalamus) to communicate with the pituitary gland, which releases hormones to stimulate egg growth, which increases estrogen production, and once the egg matures and breaks through the ovary wall, then progesterone is produced. From there, we need our liver to detoxify the excess hormones that are now circulating throughout our body (yes, these hormones need a way out!).
Because other systems in our body use similar pathways, it is easy to create bottlenecks of dysfunction.
The most obvious example as it relates to PCOS symptoms, is blood sugar regulation. You might remember from an article I wrote recently in regards to blood sugar balance, that it is not just about what you eat. It, too, requires your hypothalamus to communicate with your pituitary gland, telling it to produce hormones, that travel to your adrenal glands, telling them to produce other hormones (epinephrine and cortisol), that stimulate the pancreas to release OTHER hormones.... (you get the idea).
When we are chronically stressed (meaning, our body produces cortisol more frequently than it needs to), or we overly consume sugar, processed foods, or medications, we create dysfunction in other systems of our body.
THE GOOD NEWS IS…
Unless your body has an underlying dysfunction within your individual chemical makeup, all of these things can be addressed using dietary and lifestyle changes.
And for those of you who have been told PCOS is the cause of your infertility, knowing this is life-changing.
Effective treatment of PCOS symptoms starts by looking at the root cause. Here’s what individualized PCOS treatment means for you:
reduce PCOS belly, or weight loss in the belly/hips
regulate menstrual cycles
improve ovulation cycle
improve insulin sensitivity
prevent Type II Diabetes
improve skin clarity
Individualized assessments and a customized care plan based on your body’s unique health needs are essential to getting relief from your PCOS symptoms. Anything else is just throwing spaghetti at the wall, and aren’t you tired of doing this?
That being said, there are ways to effectively support common PCOS symptoms with more foundational recommendations.
how to get rid of PCOS
Eat whole foods. Ditch anything that strays from its whole form in any way, as much as possible. Processed foods, and especially refined carbohydrates, lead to inflammatory conditions such as leaky gut, in addition to promoting insulin resistance.
Stop counting calories. You are not doing your body any favors by restricting how many calories are consumed. This is a temptation for many female-bodied individuals, especially because excess weight is often harder to shed with PCOS. The quality of food you consume carries more value than the amount of calories, in regards to hormone balance.
Regulate your blood sugar (here is a great article on how to do that). For many, it involves eating more quality fats & proteins each meal, increasing (whole) fiber, and decreasing the amount of starchy foods, grains, and sugars/sweeteners (yes, even 'low calorie'). Not only will this help your PCOS symptoms, you'll also get less "hangry" symptoms (your friends & family will thank you!)
Stop snacking. Eating more quality fats/proteins and fiber each meal will likely help you feel more satiated (satisfied) and not want to snack anyways. However, a conscious effort to not snack will help improve insulin sensitivity, which will support your adrenal glands and liver function.
supplements to improve PCOS symptoms
**Always consult with a trusted health care practitioner before adding any supplements to your regimen. Additionally, taking supplements without addressing foundational factors (discussed above) is a waste of your money. Click here to read my full Medical Disclaimer.
Myo-Inositol Plus (Bioclinic Naturals)- improves insulin response, and can help lower excess estrogens & testosterone.
HPA Adapt (Integrative Therapeutics)- supports the cohesion of the Hypothalamus, Pituitary, & Adrenal (HPA) axis
Calcium D-Glucarate (Integrative Therapeutics)- Supports the specific detox pathway, called glucuronidation, in the liver needed to deactivate and remove excess hormones, like estrogen and testosterone.
BroccoProtect (Designs for Health)- supports Phase II detox pathways in the liver. Females with PCOS often have sluggish Phase II detox pathways, and BroccoProtect helps to support these pathways to ensure the deactivation and removal of excess hormones.
Megaspore Probiotics (Microbiome Labs)- Introducing a good quality probiotic to support the elimination of excess hormones after they've been neutralized by the liver, is essential to making sure they don't get reabsorbed into your body. Elimination is key!
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Thyroid Symptoms Are Not Caused by Your Thyroid Gland
Why are your thyroid numbers off in the first place? Without understanding and addressing the root cause of your thyroid symptoms, you’re likely to stay on thyroid medication for years, even decades (I’ve seen it happen!).
Being prescribed a thyroid medication doesn’t have to be a life sentence. This article will help you avoid that scenario and know which questions to ask at your next check-up.
Thyroid symptoms are not caused by the thyroid gland
I see you, dear reader…
You got your annual bloodwork results back from your doc. They say you’ve got high TSH and low T3, and that you need to be put on thyroid medication to fix it.
No one asked about your stress levels. No one questioned your energy, sleep, or diet. No one asked about your digestive health or work life.
You take the medication as instructed for several months, and your thyroid levels improve, but you still feel like garbage.
But, why?
Why are your thyroid numbers off in the first place? Without understanding and addressing the root cause of your thyroid symptoms, you’re likely to stay on thyroid medication for years, even decades (I’ve seen it happen!).
Being prescribed a thyroid medication doesn’t have to be a life sentence. This article will help you avoid that scenario and know which questions to ask at your next check-up.
Hi friends. I’m Hilary Beckwith, ex-dieter and holistic nutrition expert. Clients come to see me with signs of adrenal stress and inflammatory conditions, and my job is to find the root causes so we can address their symptoms more effectively, and fill in the gaps between what their doctor is saying and what their body is saying.
In this article, you’ll learn:
what thyroid symptoms can look like
how the thyroid gland works
what affects thyroid hormones throughout the body
what to ask for on your thyroid blood panels
thyroid symptoms
What do thyroid symptoms look like?
Throughout my life and career, I’ve learned something very important: Everything is a spectrum.
Thyroid symptoms don’t look the same for everyone, and this article should not be construed as a diagnosis or medical advice. If you think you have thyroid symptoms or other medical conditions, consult with a trusted physician or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes. Read my medical disclaimer here.
**Much of the information in this article has been referenced from the Thyroid Debacle, although additional research has also been linked where applicable.**
HYPO-THYROID (slow or sluggish thyroid) SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE:
weight gain, difficulty losing weight
brain fog
poor circulation
constipation
depression
fatigue (frequently tired for no apparent reason)
dry skin
coarse hair
reduced libido (low sex drive)
HYPER-THYROID (overactive thyroid) SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE:
unexplained weight loss
irritability
anxiety
excess sweating or heat intolerance
nervousness
insomnia
increased appetite
increased heart rate
heart palpitations
tremors
fatigue
how the thyroid works
To understand the cause of your thyroid symptoms, we first need to understand what the thyroid is and does.
The thyroid gland is small and butterfly-shaped, and is located on the front (anterior) side of the neck. Its main function is to regulate cellular metabolism, which is the chemical processes cells undergo to create energy.
The thyroid gland acts in response to stimulation from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, collectively known as the HPT axis.
Here’s a brief overview of how this works:
Hypothalamus (brain) senses the need for energy, releases TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone)
TRH tells the Pituitary to release TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
TSH stimulates the production of T4 (thyroxine, the inactive form of thyroid hormone) by the thyroid gland
Some T4 is converted to T3 (triiodothyronine, the active form of thyroid hormone) within the thyroid, but mostly this conversion happens within the tissues and cells where it is used
Most T3 and T4 are bound to a protein called thyroglobulin and circulate throughout the body until needed. Unbound, or free, T3 and T4 are able to bind to receptors and be used when needed.
T3 is required for many functions, but regarding your metabolism, it is required for the transport of glucose into a cell in order to make ATP (Adenosine TriPhosphate: the energy our cells use to function).
But it first has to be converted from T4, and avoid being converted to reverse T3 in cells (we’ll get to that).
3 things that affect thyroid hormones
#1 - high estrogen:
Tyrosine and iodine are two main components of thyroid hormones. Elevated estrogen stops iodine (iodide) from entering the thyroid gland.
Elevated estrogen increases circulating thyroxine-binding-globulin (TBG), decreasing the amount of FREE (usable) thyroid hormone in the body.
Elevated estrogen increases the activity of deiodinase 3, the enzyme responsible for deactivating thyroid hormone in cells in an effort to preserve energy. The hormone produced in this process is called reverse T3 (rT3).
#2 - high oxalates:
Oxalates, or oxalic acid, is found in many foods (including soy, leafy greens, rhubarb, parsley, and cassava), but is also produced by certain strains of fungus, including aspergillus, penicillium, and candida. Exposure to mold, mold toxicity, or candida overgrowth are common causes of high oxalates.
Oxalates have been found to cause tissue damage in the brain, nerves, kidneys, and thyroid gland, and elevations have been strongly correlated with autism cases.
When oxalates are elevated, they can bind to calcium to form oxalate crystals, which have a strong affinity for the kidneys and the thyroid gland. These crystals damage the gland tissues and interfere with their function. If you’ve ever had kidney stones, these are oxalic crystals.
#3 - prolonged chronic stress:
Any kind of stress activates your fight or flight system, which signals your adrenal glands to release cortisol in order to shift energy and blood flow to tissues and organs essential to fight or flight. Elevated cortisol levels signal the thyroid gland to produce more TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and stop the conversion of T4 to T3.
This same stress response is modulated by the HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal). Chronic stress means a chronic activation of the HPA axis, which interferes with the HPT[hyroid] axis we discussed earlier.
Unaddressed chronic stress causes cells to activate the Cell Danger Response (CDR) in order to preserve energy. CDR causes cells to stiffen cell walls to prevent nutrient transfer, release deiodinase 3 to deactivate thyroid hormone, and send out signaling hormones to summon immune cells to help. It’s your cells’ version of texting 9-1-1.
Examples of chronic stressors that often go unaddressed include:
what should be included in your thyroid labs?
When you have thyroid symptoms, testing for TSH and T4 are typically the only two things Western Medicine practitioners will test for. Occasionally, you might find a provider willing to also test for T3, free T4, and free T3.
Why so stingy with the testing? Because in the United States, most insurances require TSH to be elevated, and T4 to be low in order to diagnose hypothyroidism. Because these are the only two factors they require for diagnosis, insurance companies in the U.S. may not cover additional factors to be tested.
Being put on thyroid medication should not be a life sentence. Finding a practitioner who is willing to look for root causes of your thyroid symptoms is important. TSH and T4 are not enough to get a clear picture of the thyroid gland.
Here are some additional factors to request with your thyroid bloodwork:
TSH
T4, fT4
T3, fT3
rT3
thyroid antibodies
vitamin D (25OH and 1,25OH) - a high 125OH:25OH ratio suppresses thyroid antibody production. If this ratio is elevated, the thyroid antibody levels on your bloodwork may not be accurate.
estrogen (estradiol) - high estrogen affects thyroid function (as we discussed earlier). Estrogen levels are supposed to vary throughout your menstrual cycle. When testing for estrogen levels, it’s important to know which part of your cycle you’re in.
free iron (UIBC on labs) - elevated free iron levels may indicate increased cellular stress, and help you narrow the root causes of your thyroid symptoms.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein) - Elevated levels indicate increased inflammation, and may be indicative of cellular stress, pathogenic infection, or other internal stressors.
homocysteine - similar to CRP, elevated homocysteine may indicate increased inflammation due to tissue damage in the blood vessels. Elevated levels may also indicate a vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.
B12
folate
In addition to bloodwork, functional lab testing is essential to finding pathogenic infections that may be at the root of your thyroid symptoms.
I use functional lab testing to help my clients find parasites, overgrown bacteria, viruses, mold, and candida overgrowth. These are common pathogens that can contribute to cellular stress, inflammation, and thyroid symptoms.
Want to know more about how to support thyroid health? Read this article.
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My Parasite Cleanse - A Nutritionist’s Story
For the sake of this parasite cleanse article, I will only be focusing on the most common parasites found in human intestines.
These types of parasites are commonly found in lake water, cats and dogs, contaminated or undercooked meat or dairy, contaminated water, and raw fish.
A parasite cleanse may be recommended for anyone who has consumed any contaminated foods or water, swims in lakes or standing water, or allows pets to sleep in their beds or lick their face.
Should you do a parasite cleanse?
It’s easy to think that we are past the days of parasite infections in our modern American world, complete with indoor plumbing, clean water and food choices, and advanced medical technology.
But parasites are more common than you might think, and parasite symptoms can be subtle.
I’m going to share some (non-graphic) details from my recent parasite cleanse with you in this article. Although I will not include many graphic details, if you have a queasy stomach, this post may not be suitable for you.
Hi friends. I’m Hilary Beckwith, ex-dieter and holistic nutrition expert. Clients come to see me with signs of adrenal stress and inflammatory conditions, and my job is to find the root causes so we can address their symptoms more effectively, and fill in the gaps between what their doctor is saying and what their body is saying.
In this article, you’ll learn:
where parasites can be found
more about parasites’ life cycle
common parasite symptoms
does the full moon really impact parasite activity?
my parasite cleanse story
what to do if you think you have a parasite
what is a parasite?
By definition, a parasite is any organism that lives in or on another species and takes their nutrients and resources for their own use.
Things like fleas, ticks, or lice might come to mind when thinking about parasites you are familiar with. But when it comes to parasites that live in your intestines, there’s a whole other world of parasitic creatures that mostly consist of single-cell parasites called protozoa, in addition to various types of worms, which are multi-cell organisms.
For the sake of this parasite cleanse article, I will only be focusing on the most common parasites found in human intestines.
These types of parasites are commonly found in lake water, cats and dogs, contaminated or undercooked meat or dairy, contaminated water, and raw fish.
A parasite cleanse may be recommended for anyone who has consumed any contaminated foods or water, swims in lakes or standing water, or allows pets to sleep in their beds or lick their face.
Parasites can also be transmitted through sexual contact if one partner is infected.
are parasites contagious?
Speaking specifically of protozoa and worms known to infect the human body, some of these parasites can live an alarming number of years when using your body as a host. It’s possible you currently have parasites that were transmitted decades ago.
Here is a list of some of the more common parasites that live in human intestines, how they are transmitted, and their respective lifespans:
Cryptosporidium (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid
Lifespan: up to 3 years in humans.
Entamoeba histolytica (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid, pets, and sexual contact.
Lifespan: Weeks-to-years in humans.
Giardia (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted by ingesting or direct contact with standing water, and can get past many filtration systems. Giardia can also be carried and transmitted by animals, and is commonly found in childcare centers.
Lifespan: Up to 3 months in cold water, 6 months in soil, and can live on surfaces for up to 2 weeks. They can live from weeks to months in humans.
Blastocystis hominis (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid.
Lifespan: weeks, months, or years in humans.
Chilomastix mesnili (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid.
Considered non-pathogenic (does not cause disease), and is common in the large intestine.
Lifespan: Unknown
Cyclospora cayetanensis (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid, Does not spread from person-to-person, except through fecal exposure. Commonly found on imported produce.
Lifespan: (unable to locate information)
Dientamoeba fragilis (protozoa)
It is not well understood how this parasite spreads, but experts speculate it is transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid.
Lifespan: Unknown
Endolimax nana (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid.
Lifespan: Unknown
Entameoba coli (protozoa)
Not to be confused with e. coli, this organism is commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid, and is considered to be non-pathogenic.
Lifespan: Days-to-weeks inside the host’s body, although their larvae can survive up to 3-4 months outside the host. Mature Entameoba coli will not survive outside its host.
Pentatrichomonas hominis (protozoa)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid, and is carried by cats and dogs.
Lifespan: Unknown within the human body, however when outside the host’s body, this parasite is known to survive for several days.
Ancylostoma duodenale and Necatur americanus (hookworms)
Transmitted by skin contact with, or ingestion of, contaminated soil.
Can also be transmitted by cats and dogs.
Lifespan: Ancylostoma duodenale can survive inside humans for up to 1 year. Necatur americanus typically survives up to 5 years in humans, but has been recorded as surviving 15 years.
Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated food or liquid.
Lifespan: 1-2 years in humans.
Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated produce, and person-to-person contact.
Lifespan: 1-2 years in humans.
Taenia species (tapeworm)
Commonly transmitted through fecal-contaminated and undercooked pork (known as taenia solium) and beef (taenia saginata).
Lifespan: Taenia solium can survive in humans for 10-20 years, while taenia saginata can survive up to 25 years!
why parasites are harmful
It’s important to remember that for the sake of this parasite cleanse article, we are discussing parasites that commonly live in human intestines. This does not include parasite symptoms for external parasites, such as ticks, fleas, or lice.
For starters, among many other parasite symptoms, intestinal parasites are known to release toxins that can cause anxiety and interfere with neurotransmitters [1]. They are also known to release inflammatory toxins into tissues and joints, causing increased pain.
PARASITE INFECTIONS ARE ALSO KNOWN TO CAUSE:
sugar cravings - parasites leech off your nutrients, and because of that, your body will crave sugar in order to satisfy its need for fuel. This can lead to more serious conditions like insulin resistance, weight gain, and diabetes.
chronic fatigue - as good as parasites are at evading the immune system, their presence can activate your fight or flight response. This can be exhausting for a body that’s not getting the nutrients it needs.
digestive issues - parasite symptoms are often confused with IBS symptoms, because there is so much crossover. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IBS.
anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders - parasites are known to release toxins that interfere with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. In addition to increased fight or flight response, this can lead to anxiety symptoms in many people.
skin conditions (rash, inflammation, eczema) - parasites can stimulate the release of immunoglobulins (antibodies) called IgE, which interact with mast cells that live in the lungs, digestive tract, and skin, and are responsible for allergic reactions. So, whether or not you have a true allergy, parasites can cause your body to react as though it does.
anemia - if you’ve been told you have anemia that is not being resolved with medical or dietary intervention, consider you may have a parasite.
malnutrition - parasites use your body’s resources to survive and replicate, including nutrients from food. If you have intestinal parasites, you may not be getting the nutrients you need for optimal health.
But some experts would argue that parasites are actually beneficial for treating certain types of diseases [2]. This theory carries a lot of weight because intestinal parasites are known to manipulate the immune system [3, 4] to prevent themselves from being found, but more research is needed to understand this better.
That said, this manipulation of the immune system has its downsides, too - and plenty of them.
common parasite symptoms
How do you know if a parasite cleanse is right for you?
COMMON PARASITE SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
restless sleep or insomnia
increased anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders
itchiness
chronic diarrhea or loose stools
alternating constipation and diarrhea
mucus in stool
bloat or gasiness
IBS symptoms
abdominal cramps
intestinal ulcers
headache or migraine
hyperactivity or nervousness
food allergies or food sensitivities
been diagnosed with anemia
unexplained vomiting
sugar or processed-food cravings
loss of appetite
frequent cold, flu, or sore throat
menstrual problems
blurry vision
fatigue or lethargy
does the full moon really increase parasite activity?
It’s hard to say just yet.
Scientists and researchers seem super excited to learn more about this, but so far the research is pretty limited.
Generally speaking, scientists speculate that adopting the rhythm of the host allows parasites to exploit the host’s resources more effectively. And as humans, our circadian rhythm is largely modulated by light exposure and moon phases.
Which does lead to a credible hypothesis that a full moon would increase parasite activity. Take that with a grain of salt, but we have yet to see any concrete evidence of it just yet [5, 6, 7].
my parasite cleanse story
I eliminated two visible parasites (that I know of) when doing a recent parasite cleanse, and as I write this post, I am currently undergoing a second parasite cleanse to make sure I got everything.
Typically, I would recommend lab testing for clients who suspect they have parasites before doing a parasite cleanse. But not everyone needs that.
In my case, symptoms were incredibly subtle, which shows you just how sneaky parasites can be. Even the parasite screening questionnaire I use with clients showed a low-to-moderate likelihood that I would have parasites.
My parasite symptoms included:
blurry vision
depression, anxiety
restless sleep
(mild) sugar cravings
more frequent colds in the last year
fatigue
Since many parasite symptoms can cross over with other conditions, I decided to try a parasite cleanse as part of my efforts to find underlying causes of stress and anxiety, despite my subtle symptoms and low questionnaire score.
And I found parasites! I plan to follow up with lab testing once I complete this second round of parasite cleanse. (Want to hear updates on this? Subscribe to my email feed)
Because my parasite symptoms were relatively subtle, it’s difficult to see any drastic changes, although I have seen a huge (positive) shift in my mood since the initial cleanse. I’m looking forward to seeing more long-term effects as I go through the next few months.
should you do a parasite cleanse?
Before you go jumping into a parasite cleanse, let’s talk about your parasite symptoms and health history. These pieces are essential to understanding the whole picture before you go spending your resources on something you don’t need.
Stop throwing spaghetti at the wall. Let’s talk about it first.
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BLOG REFERENCES
Khodadadian, Dr. Shawn. “10 Signs You May Have a Parasite - NYC Gastroenterologist: Manhattan Gastroenterology.” NYC Gastroenterologist | Manhattan Gastroenterology, 4 Feb. 2025, www.manhattangastroenterology.com/10-signs-you-may-have-a-parasite/#:~:text=Parasites%20can%20invade%20the%20joint,suffering%20from%20a%20parasitical%20infection.
Król G;Tomaszewska A;Wróbel G;Paprocka P;Durnaś B;Piktel E;Bucki R; “Toxicity of Parasites and Their Unconventional Use in Medicine.” Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31885223/. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.
Hewitson, James P, et al. “Helminth Immunoregulation: The Role of Parasite Secreted Proteins in Modulating Host Immunity.” Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2009, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2706953/#:~:text=Abundant%20proteins%20secreted%20by%20adult,GAL%2D1%20%5B29%5D.
Shea-Donohue, T, et al. “Parasites, Nutrition, Immune Responses and Biology of Metabolic Tissues.” Parasite Immunology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2017, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5863236/.
Gebresilassie, Araya, et al. “The Influence of Moonlight and Lunar Periodicity on the Efficacy of CDC Light Trap in Sampling Phlebotomus (Larroussius) Orientalis Parrot, 1936 and Other Phlebotomus Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Ethiopia - Parasites & Vectors.” BioMed Central, BioMed Central, 15 Feb. 2015, parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-015-0723-7.
Motta FC;McGoff K;Moseley RC;Cho CY;Kelliher CM;Smith LM;Ortiz MS;Leman AR;Campione SA;Devos N;Chaorattanakawee S;Uthaimongkol N;Kuntawunginn W;Thongpiam C;Thamnurak C;Arsanok M;Wojnarski M;Vanchayangkul P;Boonyalai N;Smith PL;Spring MD;Jongsakul K;Chuang. “The Parasite Intraerythrocytic Cycle and Human Circadian Cycle Are Coupled during Malaria Infection.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37279274/. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.
Reece, Sarah E, et al. “The Life and Times of Parasites: Rhythms in Strategies for within-Host Survival and between-Host Transmission.” Journal of Biological Rhythms, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2017, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5734377/.
Heartburn medications for Heartburn Relief and the Health Effects of Long-Term Use
Are you the person who always has a stash of TUMS in your purse?
Most medications are designed to be used on a temporary basis, not long-term. But how many people do you know that take antacids at most meals for heartburn relief?
If you take any type of heartburn relief medication, prescription or non, you are causing long-term damage to your digestive health and opening yourself up to viral gut infections, food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies.
Is It Safe to Use Antacids for Heartburn Relief?
Are you the person who always has a stash of TUMS in your purse?
Most medications are designed to be used on a temporary basis, not long-term. But how many people do you know that take antacids at most meals for heartburn relief?
If you take any type of heartburn relief medication, prescription or non, you are causing long-term damage to your digestive health and opening yourself up to viral gut infections, food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies.
It’s true we do need resources for symptom relief when they arise. But the more important question we (and our doctors) are not asking is, why do you have heartburn in the first place?
Hi friends. I’m Hilary Beckwith, ex-dieter and holistic nutrition expert. Clients come to see me with signs of adrenal stress and inflammatory conditions, and my job is to find the root causes so we can address their symptoms more effectively, and fill in the gaps between what their doctor is saying, and what their body is saying.
In this article, you’ll learn:
the role of stomach acid
what causes heartburn (spoiler alert - it’s not typically caused by too much stomach acid)
three main types of heartburn relief medications
how to improve digestion long-term, without medications
what is stomach acid?
Stomach acid, known as hydrochloric acid, or HCl, is produced by cells that line the stomach, called parietal cells. It’s necessary to disinfect food and triggers the cascade of hormones and enzymes needed to further break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Additionally, HCl is needed to lower the pH (increase acidity) of the food you’ve eaten in order to trigger the next phase of digestion.
Think of it like the air conditioner in your home. You “set” a certain temperature that you want to maintain, and your thermostat monitors the temperature constantly and activates or deactivates the air conditioning as needed to maintain that temperature.
Digestion works similarly. In this case, the “thermostat” is monitoring pH levels of food in the stomach, and is “set” to somewhere in the range of 1.5-2.0. When the pH reaches 1.5, this triggers the opening of the pyloric sphincter, which allows food to pass through into the small intestine.
how stomach acid is produced
We’re about to get real nerdy.
The parietal cells in the lining of your stomach all have receptors for histamine, gastrin, and acetylcholine.
For the sake of this post, you do not need to understand what each of those is or does. Just know that when one or more of those factors interacts with its receptor on a parietal cell, this is what activates the process of stomach acid production.
Here’s how that works:
Hydrogen (which has a positive charge, and is therefore, a proton) enters the parietal cell by way of carbonic acid, which is what you get when water and carbon dioxide molecules combine.
Separately, bicarbonate within the parietal cells, is also being traded for chloride from surrounding blood vessels. The chloride is then transferred to the stomach.
When parietal cells are activated by way of histamine, gastrin, or acetylcholine receptor activation, this triggers an enzyme called ATPase to provide enough energy to pump hydrogen into the stomach, in exchange for potassium (potassium enters the cell, hydrogen leaves the cell), known as a proton pump.
When the hydrogen, now in the stomach, combines with the chloride, we get hydrochloric acid or HCl. This is stomach acid. (here is a really great video of how it is formed)
what causes heartburn?
While it can be true that one can produce too much stomach acid, one common cause of heartburn is actually not enough stomach acid, or HCl.
Taking heartburn medications and antacids when you actually don’t produce enough stomach acid can be harmful to your health, leave you susceptible to pathogenic infections like parasites, helicobacter pylori, candida overgrowth, and bacteria.
Additionally, taking heartburn medications regularly can lead to poor breakdown of foods, causing digestive symptoms like foul-smelling gas, bloating, constipation, and indigestion.
HOW LOW LEVELS OF STOMACH ACID CAUSE HEARTBURN
Refer back to the thermostat analogy I used earlier, and remember that food will stay in your stomach until it reaches a certain “set” acidity level of 1.5-2.0. Once that acidity level is reached, the pyloric sphincter relaxes and opens, allowing food to pass through into the small intestine.
If you don’t produce enough stomach acid to reach that “set” acidity level in a timely manner, but you do produce some stomach acid, imagine how that still-very-acidic food sits in your stomach, not going anywhere.
This not only causes damage to the lining of your stomach tissue by eroding the protective mucosal tissue, but also creates an environment for pressure to build, especially as you continue eating.
Eventually, the pressure builds enough that the still-very-acidic food begins to regurgitate back into your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach).
This is heartburn.
While there is a place for heartburn medications in symptom relief, especially when peptic ulcers are present, taking heartburn medications and antacids long-term can actually make your digestive symptoms worse, and lead to other, more serious conditions.
The best option is to find and address the root causes of your heartburn symptoms, not just mask them. Later in the post, I’ll walk you through ways to improve your digestive health so you can ditch heartburn medications for good.
other health effects of low stomach acid production
prevents bile production from the liver, needed to break down fats and eliminate toxins
increases risk of pathogenic infection [2], such as h. pylori, candida overgrowth, parasites, and bacteria
increases risk of food sensitivities
increases inflammation by way of tissue damage within the stomach and intestines
increases fight or flight activation, due to tissue damage and unaddressed pathogenic infections
prevents conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin, the enzyme needed to break down proteins
vitamin B12 deficiency - HCl is required to stimulate the production and release of intrinsic factor, which is essential to the absorption of vitamin B12
other vitamin and mineral deficiencies - HCl is needed to properly digest food and absorb nutrients
foul-smelling gas - incomplete breakdown of proteins leads to fermentation, and consequently, foul-smelling gas
constipation
bloating
heartburn, GERD, ulcers, or indigestion symptoms
3 main types of heartburn medications
Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI): Looking back to the diagram of how HCl is produced, you might recall the Proton Pump, which pumps hydrogen from the parietal cell into the stomach, where it combines with chloride to make stomach acid. PPIs are designed to stop the action of ATPase, the enzyme that powers the Proton Pump, thereby reducing the amount of HCl produced [1]. The less hydrogen we have in the stomach, the less HCl is formed.
Common names for PPIs include Omeprazole (Prilosec), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Esomeprazole (Nexium), etc..
H2 Antagonist: Looking back at the same diagram, recall the Histamine receptors that trigger the production of ATPase when activated. These receptors are known as H2 Receptors, and therefore, H2 Antagonists block the receptor for histamine, preventing the activation of ATPase.
Common names for H2 Antagonists include Cimetidine (Tagamet), Famotidine (Pepcid), and Nizatidine (Axid).
H2 Antagonists, or H2 Blockers, are primarily used for relief from peptic ulcers.
Antacid (calcium carbonate): Calcium carbonate provides heartburn relief in two ways [3]:
Once in the stomach, the bond between calcium and carbonate is broken, and the carbonate binds to the free hydrogen, neutralizing it.
The influx of free calcium can stimulate peristalsis, or the mechanical movement of the stomach that works to push food into the small intestine.
Common product names include Tums, AlkaSeltzer, and Rolaids.
3 ways to improve digestion that you can start today
If you think these actions are too small to make an impact, think again. These three action steps are fundamental to long-term digestive health, and are often the first things I recommend to my private coaching clients.
Practicing these steps without also working to find and address root-causes to your digestive symptoms, isn’t going to get you very far. In many cases, we need to dig deeper, and that looks different for every individual.
If you want help figuring out what’s at the root of your heartburn and other digestive symptoms and want to ditch the heartburn medications for good, we need to chat. Click here to book some time on my schedule for a free consultation.
CHEW YOUR FOOD: Think this is too simple to be true? Chewing adequately supports the activation of your rest and digest nervous system response, and activates important salivary enzymes to begin breaking down food. There is no magic number - chew until your food becomes a smoothie-like consistency.
AVOID/MINIMIZE BEVERAGES WITH MEALS: Fluids, especially non-caloric fluids, dilute stomach acid, and prevent or slow the movement of your food through your digestive tract. If you feel the need to “wash down” your food, you may not be chewing enough.
EAT WITHOUT DISTRACTIONS: One of the most important steps needed for good digestion, is the activation of your parasympathetic nervous system, known as rest and digest. Eating while working, driving, doom scrolling, or multi-tasking, even if it doesn’t feel like you’re highly stressed, actually keeps your body in fight or flight, which inhibits digestion.
was this helpful?
Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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BLOG REFERENCES
Shin, J. M., & Sachs, G. (2008, December). Pharmacology of Proton Pump Inhibitors. Current gastroenterology reports. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2855237/
Yibirin, M., De Oliveira, D., Valera, R., Plitt, A. E., & Lutgen, S. (2021, January 18). Adverse effects associated with proton pump inhibitor use. Cureus. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7887997/
Fritz, K. (2023, August 5). Calcium carbonate. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562303/
Low FODMAP Diet and IBS Symptoms
Without also addressing digestive health and underlying stressors, changing your diet and supplements is a giant waste of your money. Probiotics and low-FODMAP foods might help your symptoms, but they are not going to resolve the why behind your IBS symptoms.
When clients come to me with IBS symptoms, I commonly look at their adrenal health, digestive health, liver health, dietary habits, sleep habits, and look for signs of pathogenic activity. When necessary, I’m also looking at specialized lab testing to find sources of these underlying stressors that are part of the root cause for their IBS symptoms.
IBS symptoms are the result of chronic stress
Has anyone ever told you that IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is an umbrella term for symptoms of digestive distress? Put differently, it’s not the cause of your IBS symptoms, it’s simply the name we’ve given them.
What that means is, there are ways to get rid of IBS symptoms by addressing their root causes. But chances are, that wasn’t explained to you when you received (or gave yourself) your IBS diagnosis. Addressing those symptoms requires a more individualized approach than simply following a low FODMAP diet.
This article will dig into potential root causes of IBS symptoms and provide information on how to address them so you can have more freedom and flexibility in your food choices and stop saying ‘no’ to social invites.
Hi friends. I’m Hilary Beckwith, ex-dieter and holistic nutrition expert. Clients come to see me with signs of adrenal stress and inflammatory conditions, and my job is to find the root causes so we can address their symptoms more effectively, and fill in the gaps between what their doctor is saying and what their body is saying.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
how to know if you might have IBS
common root causes of IBS symptoms
where western medicine is missing the mark when working to address your IBS symptoms - why low FODMAP and probiotics aren’t enough
steps you can take to address root causes of IBS symptoms
do you have IBS?
Cleveland Clinic classifies the following as IBS symptoms:
frequent constipation, OR
frequent diarrhea (or a combination of both)
excess gas
excess bloating
abdominal pain and/or cramping
mucus in your stool
unable to feel like you’ve completely evacuated a bowel movement
The word “syndrome” included in the term IBS, indicates these symptoms consistently occur together.
DISCLAIMER
Now is a good time to point out that the information you read in this article and throughout the website should not be construed as diagnosis or medical advice. But rather to provide information and education to help you make more informed decisions about your health, and to empower you to advocate for your own health in the presence of a medical practitioner. Click here to read the full disclaimer.
Do you need a diagnosis of IBS to be able to address underlying causes? Absolutely not.
If you are interested in getting an official IBS diagnosis, consult with a trusted licensed physician who can provide an IBS diagnosis after a proper examination.
While Cleveland Clinic contradicts itself by calling IBS both a cause of symptoms and a “group of symptoms”, I have to give them credit for pointing out the interaction between the gut and the brain, further pointing to “childhood stress” as one common cause of IBS symptoms.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IBS AND IBD
IBS is an acronym for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a group of symptoms that consistently occur together, that does not cause damage or inflammation to the intestines.
IBD is an acronym for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which is an umbrella term that includes Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which cause inflammation and damage to the intestines. According to Cleveland Clinic, IBD is incurable.
I would argue that there are ways of reducing underlying stress and systemic inflammation that may help symptoms of IBD in addition to addressing digestive health and adrenal health as a whole.
Addressing these symptoms goes deeper than following a low FODMAP diet. It requires an individualized look at your body’s symptoms, history, and needs. That’s the work I do.
common causes of IBS symptoms
Earlier we discussed how Cleveland Clinic describes the causes of IBS symptoms, but let’s break it down a bit more. I’ve used the list of common IBS symptoms we looked at earlier in the article, and provided common root-causes I see in my clients who have these symptoms.
potential causes of constipation
candida overgrowth
low stomach acid
slow motility (food does not move quickly enough through your digestive system)
lesions in the gut lining
dehydration
potential causes of diarrhea
intestinal inflammation (it’s possible IBS doesn’t cause inflammation and tissue damage, but it can certainly be caused by it)
food intolerances
unaddressed infection, such as bacterial overgrowth, Lyme, h. pylori, clostridia, or parasites
heightened adrenal response (chronically active fight or flight response)
potential causes of excess gas
low stomach acid and digestive juices
poor protein digestion
slow motility
diet high in fermentable foods (high FODMAP)
bacterial overgrowth in small or large intestine
potential causes of excess bloating
(see potential causes of excess gas)
potential causes of abdominal pain and/or cramping
Because the abdomen consists of many organs, it’s difficult to provide generalized information about what may be causing abdominal pain or cramping.
If you experience abdominal pain or cramping, please consult with a trusted healthcare practitioner.
potential causes of mucus in your stool
mucus membranes are home to part of your immune system (think congestion when you get a head cold). Mucus in your stool can indicate immune activity, fight off a gut infection such as bacterial overgrowth, candida, parasites, or mold.
constipation - if you’re constipated, your body may secrete mucus in order to help you evacuate a bowel movement
ulcerative colitis
potential causes of feeling unable to completely evacuate a bowel movement
parasitic infection
congested liver
dehydration
chronic sympathetic nervous system response (fight or flight) due to stress
low FODMAP and probiotics aren’t enough to address IBS symptoms
Here’s where Western medicine and health influencers are missing the mark.
I commonly hear clients and friends who experience digestive symptoms (including IBS symptoms) tell me that they’ve tried probiotics and low-FODMAP diets for their symptoms, with little or short-lived success.
It’s also common for me to hear that they were instructed to do so by their Primary Care Physician or that they saw it on socials somewhere.
Without also addressing digestive health and underlying stressors, changing your diet and adding supplements is a giant waste of your money. Probiotics and low-FODMAP foods might help your symptoms, but they are not going to resolve the cause of your IBS symptoms.
When clients come to me with IBS symptoms, I commonly look at their adrenal health, digestive health, liver health, dietary habits, sleep habits, and look for signs of pathogenic activity. When necessary, I also look at specialized lab testing to find sources of these underlying stressors that are part of the root cause of their IBS symptoms.
The process of eradicating these pathogens is specific to each person, the severity of the infection, and includes personalized dietary support. Once the pathogens are successfully eradicated (confirmed with lab testing), THEN we rebuild the gut microbiome with probiotics.
So, while low-FODMAP diets and probiotics might temporarily help with your symptoms, they are not fixing the problem.
steps you can take to address root causes of IBS symptoms
ADDRESS DIGESTION - This may seem rudimentary, but it is fundamental to addressing IBS symptoms. Mindful eating (sitting down to meals, undistracted, chewing adequately, relaxing) are all ways to effectively support your digestion.
Additionally, clients who show indications of low stomach acid production or intestinal inflammation are also recommended supplements to temporarily support those functions, as well.
This Digestion Troubleshooting Guide will help you understand the basics of healthy digestion, and troubleshoot your own symptoms.
ADDRESS ADRENAL HEALTH - This is a broad feat, and requires more than a simple blog paragraph can offer, but like digestion, it is essential to long-term solutions for IBS symptoms.
Addressing adrenal health requires a look at sleep, blood sugar regulation, mental health, activity levels and timing, and light exposure. The adrenal glands regulate sleep, stress, hormone balance, fluid balance, and energy production.
If you want a closer look at supporting adrenal health, check out this article.
GET TESTED - Before you can address gut pathogens, we first need to know what they are. Addressing mold is different than addressing bacterial overgrowth (same for candida, h. pylori, parasites, and other factors). Lab testing is the only way to know for sure what we’re dealing with.
In order to know which type of testing best suits your symptoms, we need to have a face-to-face conversation. Book a free 30-minute consultation so we can figure it out together.
YES! EAT A LOW-FODMAP DIET! - By writing this article, I’m not suggesting low-FODMAP diets or probiotics won’t help. I’m pointing out why those two remedies are not enough to resolve your IBS symptoms. As you can see, IBS is more complex than that, but there is hope! And eating low-FODMAP can help reduce your symptoms.
FODMAP is an acronym that stands for:
Fermentable
Oligosaccharides
Disaccharides
Monosaccharides
And Polyols
IBSDiets.org put out a comprehensive FODMAP food list here that will help get you started.
learn something new?
Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
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