There are 8 herpes viruses that infect humans, including HSV1, HSV2, Shingles (Herpes Zoster), Chickenpox, Mononucleosis, and Epstein-Barr (chronic Mono). All share a common need for ARGININE amino acid.

Did you know that shingles is a Herpes virus?

Shingles Herpes Virus is a reactivation of Chicken Pox and can occur or reoccur anytime when overly stressed, Vitamin D stores are low, or excess Arginine is consumed (see below for more on Arginine).

Acute vs. Chronic Shingles

Shingles creates a blistery, red, itchy rash that can be very painful. The rash can clear in 10 to 14 days if treated quickly. Overall, allow 2 – 6 weeks for pain and symptoms to stop. Many recover faster.

Sometimes shingles recurs, or, stays longer. There can also be a bacterial infection at the shingles site if it has been scratched and traumatized. Treatment is different for bacteria.

If you are struggling with chronic shingles, some natural help for shingles tips include: check your Vitamin D is between 60 and 75, have a doctor look for bacterial infection at the site, and make sure you are off high Arginine grains (wheat, corn, rice and oats).

Lysine and Arginine Amino Acids and Shingles

Lysine and Arginine are amino acids (proteins) found in most foods. There are 20 amino acids, and 9 of them MUST be gotten in food. These are called Essential Amino Acids.

Lysine is an essential amino acid. We MUST acquire it in food or supplements. Animal protein (meat, seafood, poultry) is by far the largest source.

Arginine is found in many foods, but is especially high in GRAINS (wheat, corn, rice, oats). See below for a detailed list of high Arginine foods.

Herpes viruses, including shingles, replicate using Arginine. Lysine-dominant food (animal protein) and supplements help block Arginine.

Diet is the #1 natural relief for shingles.

Natural Help for Shingles

#1. First get on prescribed Valtrex or Acyclovir pills and/or topical immediately once shingles has been diagnosed. The sooner the better.

Valtrex (Valcyclovir) can block herpes virus replication. It does not CURE the virus or treat the immune dysfunction that caused the outbreak. It helps reduce the infection for a short time (day to day) and is not meant to be taken long-term.

#2. Stop grains immediately, including wheat, rice, corn and oats. Increase animal protein such as beef, chicken or fish. Add plenty of vegetables – best absorbed when lightly cooked, not raw. This is the Paleo Diet adapted for Herpes.

#3. Start Lysine immediately and for as long as desired. I take it twice daily for life as I had chronic HSV2 for decades until I discovered a genetic immune flaw (CVID) preventing my immune system from working right.

Lysine (and all amino acids) work best on an empty stomach. They don’t have the highest therapeutic value if taken with food, but are simply part of the protein in the meal. It won’t hurt to take Lysine then if you forgot to take it on arising and either mid-afternoon or bed. It just won’t work as well.

When fighting Shingles, try 1000 mg. Lysine twice daily between meals. Increase to 1500/day if needed and off grains. If you still choose to eat grains (the seeds of wheat, corn, oats and rice), take up to 4000 mg./day Lysine temporarily, not long term.

#4. Vitamin D with K2: get a blood test for Vitamin D levels. Don’t TAKE Vitamin D for 2 days before you test it. You want D at 60 – 85 (for life). If your D is lower than this, take Vitamin D3 (better than prescription D2) at 2000 – 10,000 i.u. daily until it stabilizes at 60 – 85. (Test again in 6 months).

Always buy D WITH Vitamin K2. It increases absorption and reduces the accumulation of calcium in your arteries. This is the D + K2 I have carried for decades.

#5. I have many articles, podcasts and supplements for herpes (all types of herpes!) on my website. These are valid professional products, not “miracle cures” sold on the web.

The Herpes Defense Pack includes 7 products for Shingles, HSV, Epstein Barr and Mono. The main infection fighters are whole Olive Leaf, Green Tea EXTRACT, Lysine, Monolaurin, Melissa (Lemon Balm) tincture and Systemic Formulas VIVI ( a terrific anti-viral for viruses of ALL types). Instructions come with this pack, or buy items separately and study the guidelines on my product pages or in the Herpes PowerPoint 90-minute video found here.

Topical Help for Shingles or Herpes Virus

I have used Urban Releaf topicals for years. They have several for HSV, Shingles and Chicken Pox. Soothing and anti-infective and can be applied anywhere on the body except eyes (in my experience).

Go here to find their Lemon Balm Salve and oils.

There are many OTC ideas for topical support, such as Calamine Lotion, Lidocaine and Capsaicin creams. Prescription options are available from your doctor.

The Low-Arginine Diet for Shingles and Herpes

There are several versions of the low-Arginine, high Lysine diet on the web.

All of them are inaccurate, in my opinion, except mine – developed over 20 years.

The KEY is reducing the QUANTITY of Arginine you eat, not the RATIO of Lysine to Arginine. Don’t make this common mistake!

Many vegetables, for example, have a little Arginine and the ratio of Lysine to Arginine is low. But the tiny quantity of Arginine in them is nothing compared to toast, pasta or corn chips. Bread, cookies or corn chips are thousands of times higher in Arginine than spinach or mushrooms.

The Low Arginine Diet for Herpes or Shingles

Animal proteins (fish, beef, poultry, lamb), plenty of lightly cooked vegetables, and butter, ghee, coconut oil or avocado oil. Add some potato and sweet potato, a little fruit. Some eggs.

You may lose weight and feel better overall!

What to avoid? All grains (wheat, corn, rice, oats, rye), beans, collagen supplements, bone broth, most protein powders. These are very high Arginine foods.

Articles and Podcasts on Help For the Herpes Viruses

Here is a detailed article and my Primal Diet – Modern Health podcast on “The Paleo Diet Adapted for Herpes”.

Articles and Podcasts on Shingles – the other herpes virus. Here are #1, #2, #3 and #4 for starters.

Helpful Supplements for Shingles and Herpes

Fixing the diet may be 75% of your improvement. The remaining 25% is from stress, friction, heat and immune system problems such as low Vitamin D.

Never scratch the blisters. Cover them lightly with gauze if needed.

Here are the supplements in the Herpes Defense Pack. They are all helpful on their own but make a powerful team when used together. These are what I take, and what I have in my Clinic for Clients and online buyers:

Supreme Nutrition WHOLE Olive Leaf; Pure Encapsulations Lysine; Systemic Formulas VIVI – Virox; Ecological Formulas Monolaurin; Premier Research Labs Green Tea Extract (ECGC); Melissa Lemon Balm Tincture and Passion Flower Tincture.

Highly recommended in addition (daily for life) is this combo D3 Complete Daily Balance with Vitamin D + K2 + Vitamin A. Take 2 to 4 daily with a meal forever.

Shingles Nerve Pain

Shingles Herpes Virus lives in the nerves.

Some of the acute pain, and most of the chronic pain is from the infection and inflammation of the nerve.

The above advice for food and supplements should be followed until the rash and pain are gone. Prescription Gabapentin helps many with nerve pain.

The post Natural Help for Shingles appeared first on Beverly Meyer's On Diet and Health.

The Thyroid governs your metabolism – how fast things work, get used, replaced. Thyroid hormones assist with body temperature, moving the bowels, growing hair, etc. One of its main jobs is governing the burning of fats, part of weight management.

If you want to check your labs correctly, here is what to know.

Reviewing symptoms of low thyroid function, correct thyroid labs to test, optimal thyroid lab numbers, and how to run thyroid lab tests on your own.

Symptoms of Low Thyroid Function

• Weight gain even when on correct Paleo (lower carb)
• Fatigue, even with adequate rest (and no undiagnosed sleep apnea)
• High Cholesterol
• Constipation
• Swelling at base of the neck (Goiter)
• Hoarse raspy voice
• Thinning eyebrows and other hair loss
• Feeling cold when others are warm

The Correct Thyroid Lab Tests

Many doctors only order TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). If this number is substantially out of range, they will run more labs, but may still not order the CORRECT labs. This is mostly an insurance thing, but is also due to misinformation. Most TSH fall within the “normal lab range”. This means many people are overlooked and untreated for hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s.

Recall that in Functional Health, we look for the cause of issues, rather than just a symptomatic treatment.

Here are the best thyroid lab tests to order if buying tests from a consumer lab (more below) or when asking a doctor (any doctor can order these if you have some of the above symptoms):

TSH, FREE T4, FREE T3; often known as a complete thyroid panel. The key here is the word FREE. Many doctors order TOTAL T4 and Total T3. Total are different from Free and are inadequate, so ask (request firmly?) for Free T4 and Free T3.

Helpful to also run: Thyroid Antibodies, and Reverse T3.

Why Test Thyroid Antibodies?

Many, many women have Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis and do not know it. You want to know if you have antibodies to your thyroid! We in natural health feel strongly you can take action to stop the destruction of your thyroid.

Many doctors do not believe you can stop autoimmune processes, so why bother to test??

If you know you have elevated antibodies, retest them every year or two to track them. Then make decisions how to respond – more (or less) prescribed hormone, different hormone RX, check for metal dental fillings, check for Progesterone via Salivary testing, take myo-inositol and Selenium, Iodine, and more.

Optimal Thyroid Lab Numbers

Note these are MY optimal numbers and are not typical lab ranges. In Functional Health we aim for optimal numbers, not just generally “in range”.

TSH 1.5 – 1.8

Free T4 1.1

Free T3 3.5

TPO or TgAB Antibodies <6

As I coach all my Clients, aim for the middle of a given lab range as a good place to be. You seldom want to be at the high or low ends. (This may not be true for skewed Cholesterol testing).

Run Thyroid Lab Tests on Your Own

In most States, there are “consumer labs” that allow anyone to order blood work, not covered by insurance. This article has more on this.

My favorite place to send Clients is Life Extension. Life Extension markets supplements and it attracts loyal customers by offering really low prices on lab tests. You do not have to buy from them after testing.

Order your test online and receive an email with suggested lab draw sites and a pre-paid requisition for blood draw. That’s it!

Consider their current Thyroid Panel. At $75 this is not “cheap” but it is much less than running TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 anywhere else if your doctor and insurance will not cover it.

If you can, choose the Comprehensive Thyroid Panel for $199. This includes the above plus thyroid Antibodies, Reverse T3, and Total T4.

Life Extension runs sales on labs occasionally.

Medication and Supplement Options for Thyroid

I greatly prefer bio-identical natural desiccated thyroid hormone. There are several brands available by prescription (as long as the FDA does not restrict access after 50 years of use…). Synthroid is synthetic T4 and contains only T4, no T3. The natural hormone from an animal contains all the thyroid hormones.

There is a synthetic T3 called Cytomel, but it can be too “speedy” for many. If you cannot get bio-identical hormone after asking multiple doctors (don’t give up!), consider adding Cytomel to your Synthroid.

Please review the articles and podcasts below for much more on supporting the thyroid without medication. There are reasons your thyroid may test low. Fix the cause, not just the symptom.

One supplement is Thyrommune for those with diagnosed Hashimoto’s. It has been shown to help reduce elevated antibodies and TSH. Do not discontinue medication however.

For general thyroid support, consider Systemic Formulas Gf – Thyroid and our Alaria low-dose natural kelp Iodine from Supreme Nutrition.

When Tired Adrenals are Part of the Problem

If the adrenals are tired and cannot make enough Cortisol, your body may reduce thyroid function so you don’t burn out a tired body. Healthy adrenals also make Progesterone during and after menopause. Progesterone is essential for proper thyroid function.

Other Articles and Podcasts on the Thyroid

I have 8 to choose from but consider these for starters

Causes of Hypothyroidism You May Not Know

Are Your Adrenals Affecting Your Thyroid?

Thyroid Toxins, Goitrogens and Nutrients

The post Thyroid Tests and Lab Ranges appeared first on Beverly Meyer's On Diet and Health.

I recently flunked an at-home sleep test and was shocked to discover I have been waking dozens of times an hour with disrupted breathing and low oxygen levels.

Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms You Already Know

• Snoring
• Cessation of breathing followed by sudden sharp intake of air
• A feeling of unrestful sleep and fatigue
• Here’s an article from The Mayo on “common” apnea symptoms

Hidden Sleep Apnea Symptoms You Don’t Know

• Headaches on arising or during the night
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Unusual daytime sleepiness even when getting “enough” sleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Waking with dry mouth
• Irritability
• Nighttime urination not caused by meds, prostate issue or overhydrating before bed
• Narrow chin and/or diagnosed narrow airway or deviated septum

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea means the airway in the back of the throat is being obstructed by your tongue. Air cannot get through so your body wakes you up briefly to get you to breathe. Generally you do not know this is happening, even if 5 – 30 times every hour.

The tongue, tonsils, soft palate and uvula can be swollen, or drop when muscles in the back of the throat relax. This worsens with age as collagen declines.

Who Doctors Think Gets Sleep Apnea

1). Overweight persons

2). Males

3). Thick neck circumference

4). Blocked sinus

5). Alcohol, smoking or sleep meds

6). Older adults

Hidden Sleep Apnea Doctors Don’t Suspect

I suffered with chronic nighttime headaches for 10 YEARS. I saw a dozen different types of doctors, ran many tests, had loads of dental work, physical therapy and body work, but nothing ever revealed a cause. (Brain tumor? Bone Spurs? Traumatic brain lesion?).

I did not fit “the apnea profile” so it was never considered.

Then I requested an at-home sleep study from my PC to track my blood pressure during the night, hoping for the next clue.

The diagnosis was “moderate sleep apnea”. I was stunned! (Results are mild, moderate or severe).

Even if I had a sleep partner to hear me snore or gasp, apnea was not suspected as I am thin, female, and no smoking/alcohol or drugs. I fell between the cracks because I didn’t fit the profile.

Taping the Mouth at Night

I have used Somnifix mouth tape for many years. I never miss a night. It holds my mouth closed so I do not snore. But it does not stop the tongue from dropping back from the roof of the mouth (where it is meant to be), closing off the airway. Here are one article and podcast on mouth taping, and, another on mouth taping with CPAP.

I will always tape my mouth as we are healthier when we do not breathe through our mouths.

Multiple Ways to Test Sleep Apnea

1). An at-home test includes a device strapped to your chest, a nasal canula and a finger Oximeter. Four leads connect easily to neck and chest to record breathing, heart rate, pattern and strength of inhale/exhale, etc. This was easy to do and mail to the lab. My device was a HIRO. There are other similar ones.

2).There are many new devices such as “rings” and medallions your doctor may know about. A “ring” that goes on your left hand and records most of the same data as other traditional tests is from Sleep Image for example. I did not use this.

3.) A professional sleep lab study in a bedroom set-up that adds cameras and microphones to observe. This might be better if you already know you have apnea and they can actually test you while you sleep with different CPAP settings, etc.

All may be covered by insurance if your doctor writes the prescription properly, citing the correct medical reasons for the test (excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, insomnia, etc.)

Who Should Test for Sleep Apnea?

If you fit one or more of these, you should test NOW. It’s easy.

• Snoring
• A partner observes you frequently stop breathing
• Overweight (or not!)
• Excess daytime sleepiness even with 6 – 9 hours sleep
• Poor memory or even dementia
• Morning headaches
• Narrow chin, small mouth, or told you have a reduced airway
• Normal weight with any item on this list
• Dry mouth on awaking
• Over the age of 60

CPAP or Dental Appliance?

Either will work for hidden sleep apnea. CPAP may be covered by insurance, a dental sleep appliance might not (and very expensive).

Both take getting used to and can be frustrating or even painful. It took 3 weeks of frustrating trial and error to find a mask that fits (tiny under-the-nose nasal cushion with minimal straps!)

Test results give no guidance on whether to use a CPAP (also called an APAP or BPap) or a custom night-guard that holds your jaw (and therefore tongue) forward during the night.

Good Sleep is a Game-Changer!

I have greatly reduced nighttime headaches after a week of better sleep and oxygen blood levels.

I have greatly reduced pain in my neck, back, and shoulders. Oxygen to my muscles is helping.

My brain is working much better! What a huge relief and a 10/10 outcome all around.

Finding a Sleep Doctor

I have since learned after having my PC prescribe a test that the MUCH better way is to be referred to a doctor who specializes in sleep studies, CPAP machine settings and trial and error of different masks.

Search the web for sleep doctors in your area. Some do only hospital tests. Most also offer at-home tests and advice afterward. I had no help on this and had to figure this on my own at 4 places plus the web.

Next Stop – a Sleep Dentist

There are specialized sleep dentists who offer a large variety of mouthguards to hold the jaw forward at night. If you can’t tolerate the CPAP or want to use both, find this doctor. Hint: It won’t be your regular dentist or orthodontist. They can order 1 or 2 different models but have fewer choices and experience using them.

These can be difficult to wear and can shift your teeth so you’ll need extra long-term care in fitting.

The Other Option – an Implant Near the Neck

A new device called Inspire is a small unit placed under the skin near the collarbone. It sends a signal to a nerve near the tongue to stay up and keep airway open.

Who Should Test for Hidden Sleep Apnea?

Men and women who snore, at any weight, experience daytime fatigue, have insomnia.

If you have a small chin, headaches or dry mouth on awaking, get up to use the restroom, are over the age of 60, or experience issues with memory or concentration, consider an at-home test. Insurance usually covers.

Start taping your mouth with SomniFix tape now to stop snoring but continue on to a test.

An overnight pulse oximeter that records oxygen during the night and sends info to an app is also a great diagnostic start. Do YOU have low oxygen while sleeping?

The post Hidden Sleep Apnea Symptoms – Is This You? appeared first on Beverly Meyer's On Diet and Health.

Clients and Podcast listeners often ask: “Which is better – Ghee or Coconut Oil?”

Here’s a description and info on the benefits of each.

Which is Better – Ghee or Coconut Oil?

Both Ghee and Coconut Oil are saturated fats. Despite what we have been told, saturated fats are healthier for us than seed oils, as hunter-gatherer humans. Canola, Corn and Soy “vegetable” oil are high in Omega 6 fats – the one we want to avoid.

Saturated fats cook better than seed oils and taste wonderful.

The taste choice is up to you and the food you put it on. Or use both liberally, depending on what you are cooking.

Higher Fat Diets in Human Evolution

• Northern and Southern peoples had abundant herds of red meat with their saturated fat
• People in Equatorial climates ate more coconut oil and fish than fats from red meats
• Saturated fats helped our brains evolve and provided us with nutrient-dense calories

Choosing Between Ghee and Coconut Oil

1. What is Ghee? 
2. What is Coconut oil?
3. Benefits of Ghee
4. Benefits of Coconut oil
5. Ghee vs. Coconut oil  

What is Ghee?

1. Ghee is clarified butter. It is 100% butterfat, with no proteins, lactose or water.
2. If from pastured cows, both ghee and butter contain Vitamins A, D and K2, a bonanza of nutrients
3. Lacking water, ghee doesn’t spatter when cooking. Butter can spatter or pop if too hot.
4. Lacking starch and protein, ghee doesn’t burn like butter will.
5. Ghee does not require refrigeration. Butter does.
6. Regular butter still has traces of whey and casein proteins as well as lactose (sugar) and a little water.  For many of us, the proteins and lactose can create an allergy, intolerance or digestive problem. Ghee is very low in allergenic substances.

What is Coconut Oil?

Oil is extracted from coconuts using a variety of techniques. It does not require refrigeration and does not easily burn or spatter. It has a “fruity” flavor that goes well with poultry or seafood. Different brands of coconut oil may taste differently. Some are more neutral than others and go well with eggs, for example.

Benefits of Ghee

Humans did not eat dairy until we began to domesticate animals instead of hunting them.  We learned that fresh, raw pastured sheep, goat, horse or yak milk had some benefits. It can be fermented to keep longer and is nutritious and filling.

We started milking domesticated animals about 13,000 years ago – very recent in our evolutionary history.  It was probably difficult to adapt to animal milk at first. But we persisted.

I have heard that 30% of humans have now evolved to accept dairy.  This is an exceptionally fast evolution and indicates there is something in dairy that we really, really want.  The FAT!  (The other 70% of us should generally avoid dairy, except for ghee – see more below).

Ghee is an excellent cooking fat, tastes “buttery” and is safer to cook with than butter.

Ghee and Dairy Intolerance

Our immune system’s job is to target foreign proteins such as viruses and bacteria.  It will also attack the proteins in food and those in our own body (auto-immune disorders).  But it will not attack fat.  So even highly dairy-intolerant people (such as myself) can consume ghee liberally and have no arthritis, gas, bloating or immune antibodies.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

• Humans have eaten coconuts for an exceptionally long time. We rarely have immune or allergy problems with it.  Coconuts are a FRUIT, not a nut!
• Like ghee, coconut oil tolerates cooking heat better than butter, olive oil or other fruit or seed oils.
• Coconut oil has a highly digestible structure, primarily Medium Chain Triglycerides (other saturated fats are mostly Long Chain).  It takes little input from bile and digestive enzymes to break down coconut oil, making it a great food for those with no gall bladder or poor digestion such as the elderly or sick.

Ghee vs. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has none of the Vitamins A, D and K2 that pastured ghee or pastured lard have.  This is one drawback.

Coconut oil can be an acquired taste.  Certain foods just don’t work with its sweet, fruity flavor. You can get around this by using cheaper grades of coconut oil which have a lighter taste and still offer (according to my research) the other benefits of the oil.

I prefer the rich mouth feel and taste of ghee, especially higher-quality pastured ghee such as Pure Indian Foods.  It’s a familiar taste and goes with everything.

Bottom line:  keep and use both. Try different brands in different ways.  Reach for ghee or pastured lard when you want those great co-factor vitamins and buttery goodness.

Which is Better – Ghee or Coconut Oil?

Here’s a podcast with Pure Indian Foods owner (5th generation ghee maker) Sandeep Agarwal. Here’s where to see their amazing products.

Listen to my podcast with Dr. Bruce Fife – the “Father of Coconut”.  According to Fife, the brand doesn’t really matter.  This podcast is all about coconut for health and is a good one to share with friends.

The post Which Is Better – Ghee or Coconut Oil? appeared first on Beverly Meyer's On Diet and Health.

2025 brings exciting news on natural supplements for dementia, memory and Alzheimer’s. This and cancer research have been the holy grail of research for decades.

Now we have more answers.

Supplements for Memory and Alzheimer’s

Choline and Lithium are the key – but they must be in the correct FORM of the vitamin (Choline) and the mineral (Lithium). Orotate may be the most absorbable, correct form of Lithium. Bitartrate is the best form for Choline. I carry both in my Online Store, separately and together.

This article from NeuroScience News speaks to Choline and Memory studies.

Natural Supplements for Memory

1). Choline and memory

2). Choline in food

3). Lithium and the brain

4). Lithium sources

5). Doses for Choline and Lithium supplements for memory

Choline and Memory

Choline is the raw material used to make our powerful AcetylCholine neurotransmitter.

It is a Vitamin. It helps Omega 3 fats and B Vitamins such as Folate function properly.

As the precursor to Acetylcholine neurotransmitter, it helps process and store memories, retain knowledge and learn.

Studies since 2019 show Choline impacts brain electrical energy, somewhat like “waking up” the brain, yielding more clarity of thinking and less forgetfulness.

Choline may slow the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s as well as provide everyday support to ALL of us in our daily lives in many ways. (More on this in another article).

Amounts of Choline in Food

The traditional recommendation for Choline in adults is 425 – 550 mg. daily for life. This may be the minimum amount as we age.

However, 90% of humans are said to be deficient in Choline.

Best foods for Choline:

3 ounces Liver or other organ meat yields 359 mg.

3 ounces ocean fish yields 187 mg.

1 egg yolk = 169 mg.

3 ounces beef – 115; 3 ounces chicken or turkey = 72 mg.

Beans = 50 – 200; 1 cup cooked Shitake = 115; 1 cup vegetables (especially Cauliflower) = 10 – 72 mg.; 1 large red potato = 57 mg.

Choline Deficiency

The recommended minimum 500 mg. daily is attainable with 2 whole eggs and 2 servings of red meats or ocean fish (3 servings poultry).

Diets based on grains and sugars contain little or no Choline. Meats and eggs are too expensive for many. Vegans, semi-vegetarians and those intolerant to eggs are at risk of deficiency. Choline is mandatory in pregnancy.

In addition, as with ALL minerals, certain forms are more absorbable than others. Choline Bitartrate is the most studied, best absorbed.

Lithium and the Brain

Lithium is an ordinary mineral found rarely in soil or water, just like Calcium, Zinc and other minerals. It is quite rare in most of the world.

Truly exciting research is showing small amounts (5 – 50mg.) of Lithium may PREVENT and/or REVERSE Alzheimer’s Plaques and Tau Tangles in the brain. Here is one study.

Mice studies have shown reversal of cognitive decline in maze-running and reduction in amyloid beta and tau images when using Lithium Orotate. Previous research had been used with Lithium Carbonate – the Orotate form showed the breakthrough in reduction.

High doses of Lithium are used medically to treat BiPolar Disorder. Doses of 600 – 1200 mg. daily are seen with pharmaceutical Lithium. Daily low doses of Lithium Orotate is hundreds of times less than this.

See below for dosage information (5 – 50 mg. daily).

Lithium Sources

Lithium is rarely found in food.

The most common and famous way to get Lithum is in Mineral Hot Springs. Certain springs worldwide are known for their Lithium or Sulfur content.

There are no food or water sources for Lithium other than random small amounts in the soil where your food was grown. It has to be supplemented – possibly daily for life.

Lithium Orotate is the form being studied. It is widely available and affordable. It is here in my Online Store.

And here in our popular Gabatone supplement useful for daily calming, emotional stability, sleep, anxiety and much more.

Dosing Choline Bitartrate for Memory

Choline Bitartrate: 1 or 2 daily (with breakfast) may provide improvements in thinking and memory. Choline for dementia powers the brain to fire faster. Reduce or discontinue if causes anxiety or insomnia. This is a “side effect” of giving the brain more AcetylCholine to work with but is not optimal.

Perhaps 1 Choline every other day as a starting dose.

If struggling with dementia, work up to 4 daily, in divided doses with breakfast and lunch. Avoid it later in the day.

If you avoid eggs or are pregnant, you need extra Choline. This form is preferred over Phosphatidyl Choline.

Dosing Lithium Orotate for Memory

Lithium Orotate: 1 – 6 a day in divided doses with food long term. Use the higher dosages as memory loss occurs, or if already present.

Ours is a very low dose 5 mg. capsule. It does not cause sleepiness or any other effect – just helps protect and clean the brain! It is also in Apex Energetics Gabatone, one of our top supplements for managing stress, anxiety and mental “overload”.

Choline for Parkinson’s and Tremors

Choline has been studied for Parkinson’s as well.

It appears to improve tremors (in the general public as well as those with Parkinson’s) as well as rigidity, speech, involuntary movement, and memory.

I sell and take Choline Bitartrate. Phosphatidyl and other forms of Choline do not work as well for me. Research by Dr. George Goodheart showed many years ago that Choline Orotate was the preferred form.

Another type of Choline, Citicholine – is being tried in Parkinson’s.

Alzheimer’s and Blood Sugar

This article and Primal Diet – Modern Health podcast examine research that chronically elevated blood sugar is a significant cause of Alzheimer’s. It has been called “Diabetes of the Brain”.

The post Supplements for Memory and Alzheimer’s appeared first on Beverly Meyer's On Diet and Health.

Causes of UTI’s and Bladder Infections

Here’s a list we’ll review for what causes bladder infections. Some you are familiar with. Others may be new to you.

• chronic dehydration
• poor immunity
• diet (sugars and grains)
• antibiotic resistance
• acid-blockers (PPI’s)
• menopause hormones
• expired dental fillings
• intercourse
• hygiene

Chronic Dehydration and UTI’s

Drinking plenty of water once you have an infection can literally help flush bacteria down the drain.  That’s helpful in the early hours.

But chronic dehydration can lead to recurring bladder infections. Get more fluids from cooked vegetables and fruits as well as drinking spring water or reverse-osmosis filtered water.

Aim for half of your body weight in ounces of water – 75 ounces for 150 pound person.

Poor Immune Function and Chronic UTI’s

If you have Herpes, Candida, or chronically inflamed root canals, your immune system may already be struggling.

Do you know your Vitamin D levels? This article and Primal Diet – Modern Health podcast tell you how to affordably test Vitmain D and how to dose it.

If you have chronic infections, review this website for targeted information on HSV and Yeast. Get your low-Arginine diet going for Herpes, and a low-carb plan for Candida.

Antibiotic Resistance and Bladder Infections

Antibiotics work fast for relief from many bacterial infections. But they affect the gut microbiome – the core of your immune system. It is common for the gut to have immediate dysbiosis after antibiotics, and Candida can easily take over. Then you need anti-fungals! (Or, review these two herbal supplements for Candida in my Online Store).

Resistance to antibiotics is already a huge issue if you are eating “regular” meats and poultry from commercial breeders. Animals are often fed antibiotics to fatten them and prevent premature death from infections. Taking them on our own, in addition to “eating them” makes us more resistant to their effects – a problem if facing life-threatening bacteria and they don’t work…

Sex and Bladder Infections

Urinate after sex to help wash out any bacteria. Your partner may have low-grade yeast or bacteria. Hygiene is essential for both parties, including better clean-ups after moving the bowels and always washing your hands before intimate contact.

Menopause and UTI’s

I have several articles and podcasts on safer uses of low dose Progesterone, and other bioidentical hormones after menopause. Look here and here.

If you are past menopause, the mucosal tissues lining the bladder and urethra tend to thin out and get infected more easily than thicker, younger tissues.  Similarly, vaginal tissues can get dry and infection-prone as well as being uncomfortable during sex. Natural help for bladder infections includes bioidentical progesterone and/or Estriol estrogen used vaginaly.  

I use Salivary Testing for adrenals and the male and female hormones. It’s more accurate than blood testing. There are simple ways to increase Progesterone or E3 Estriol vaginally without expensive prescription compounds. This is an area I help many Clients with.

Acid Blockers (PPI’s) and Bladder Infections

If you take acid blockers for heartburn, your chances of bladder infections increase.  PPI’s (Proton Pump Inhibitors) are notorious for causing urinary retention and changing the pH of the bladder.  We can work on resolving the cause of your reflux which usually includes simple Dairy intolerance. This may give you help for bladder infections. 

Dental Fillings and UTI’s

In my decades of natural health practice, I have noticed a strong connection between expired metal fillings and many types of Kidney, Bladder and Thyroid issues.

Modern dental materials are much safer than the metal you may currently have. 

Natural Help for Bladder Infections

• A well-known remedy for UTI’s is a simple, non-digestible sugar called Mannose.  You can get it at any health store or Online. (It’s good to keep some on hand for emergencies).  Simply stir it in water and drink 500 mgs. 3 – 5 times a day when needed. It won’t affect your blood sugar.

Non-digestible Mannose molecules will be directed to your kidneys for excretion, and as they pass through the bladder and urethra, they coat the mucous membrane with a slippery layer of sugar molecules.  The bacteria simply won’t stick to your bladder, and you urinate them right out!

Mannose only works on E. Coli bacteria (the most common kind in a bladder infection), so if you don’t see results right away, get to the doctor as you may have another type of bacteria. E. Coli generally comes from contact with fecal matter, so be more careful with that.

• The herb Melia (Neem Leaf) in my Clinic and Online Store is a potent yet gentle anti-infective used for centuries. It will not cause antibiotic side effects. Check it out here. Useful for chronic infections of all kinds.
• I also carry German herbal tinctures that work well. Inquire through our Contact. Marco Pharma Solidago is a tried and true herbal tincture for bladder health. 
• Probiotics are essential both before and after UTI’s. I personally rotate 5 different kinds. Three of them in my Online Store are #1, #2 and #3. 
• 1/2 tsp. Baking soda in water will help quickly alkalize your urinary tract. Twice a day on an empty stomach at first sign of a UTI, and for 3 days.
• Monolaurin is an excellent anti-fungal, anti-viral and natural bacterial infection support. My Herpes Clients buy this in the Herpes Defense Pack and it is sold separately as well. Well tolerated, even at higher doses.

Chris Kresser has an excellent article on this topic which lists many of these options as well. 

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What is Salivary Testing for Hormones? Why do I prefer it over blood testing? What hormones can be measured with Saliva Testing?

Salivary Testing for Hormones

Saliva Testing is easy. You collect extra saliva in your mouth and let it fall into a small collection vial. 

A test comes with a mailing box and shipping label.

Generally, there are only 2 vials needed for male and female hormones. Cortisol uses four.

Salivary Testing vs. Blood Testing

Saliva measures FREE hormone amounts. Most blood tests measure TOTAL hormone amounts which include both Free and Bound hormones. 

A bound hormone is attached to something – perhaps another hormone or to a toxin such as mercury (common with low thyroid disorders). Or it may already have been used and is not active anymore.

If it is bound, it is unavailable and not currently useful.  Measuring hormones in the blood makes no distinction between free and bound hormones. You don’t know the amount of available, currently useful hormones.

There are two hormones that test correctly by blood IF the test is ordered correctly. In Client labs I see, the correct labs are ordered about 50% of the time. Thyroid values for T4 and T3 can be ordered as FREE T4 and FREE T3. Many doctors only test Total T4 and T3. Again, you don’t know the amount of available hormone.

Testosterone can be ordered using both Total and Free Testosterone. Total by itself is not very helpful.

For two of my blog posts and podcasts on Adrenal Testing and  Thyroid Testing: see this, and this.

Free Hormones You Cannot Test by Blood

• Cortisol
• E1 – Estrone
• E2 – Estradiol
• E3 – Estriol
• Progesterone
• DHEA

Hormones You Can Test by Saliva

1. All three Estrogens
2. Cortisol over the day
3. Progesterone
4. DHEA
5. Testosterone and DHT
6. FSH and LH

Cortisol Values in One Day

Cortisol is the main adrenal hormone governing stamina, muscle, water retention, blood pressure, energy and electrolytes. In salivary testing, four samples over one day are taken to observe cortisol at different times of day. (It should be lowest at night, and highest on arising).  

As a natural health clinician since 1985, I have seen many of these tests – the majority show total free cortisol less than or marginally optimal – a true reflection of the exhausting pace of modern life.

I rarely see tests with overall HIGH cortisol even though that is what we hear the most about.

Here is a 5 item Cortisol and DHEA test plus an hour to review, at an excellent discounted rate. 

Progesterone Testing – Key to Women’s Health

Progesterone is often downplayed in women’s health. This can lead to serious health consequences.

Progesterone is key for:

• Vaginal Health
• UTI’s
• Sexual comfort
• Regulation of periods
• Endometriosis
• Fertility and Miscarriage
• Bones
• Anxiety

The dominant medical philosophy for women is “Estrogen + Testosterone, no Progesterone needed”. This has been studied and clarified for 40 years but women still face this at most doctor appointments, even with expensive Bio-Identical Hormone providers. 

I find most women need only low doses of vaginal or oral (real) Progesterone (not Progestin as in BC Pills), and perhaps a small amount of E3 – Estriol. These are available OTC affordably. I have used them in my Clinic for many years. 

Here’s info from Dr. Christiane Northrup on Bioidentical Hormones. 

Bioidentical Estrogens can help:

• Hot flashes
• Sleep disturbance at menopause
• Bones
• Hair loss

Saliva Testing for Men

Saliva tests give a thorough breakdown of ALL the testosterone metabolites, especially the ones that can cause prostate problems. This is a far superior test to simple PSA testing.

Men need to test E2 Estrogen as well as it is often high and causing prostate issues.

Free Testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and Androstenedione are all valuable. Women can benefit from these too. DHT for example is often associated with hair loss – particularly “male pattern” hair loss.

Additional Saliva Tests

1. Gluten, Dairy and Egg Antibodies
2. Insulin before and after food to test Insulin Resistance
3. H. Pylori stomach bacteria associated with ulcers and acid-blockers

Helpful Saliva Testing Tips 

To optimize Saliva Testing for hormones, do not take hormones for 2 days prior to testing. Do not exercise that day or test on an unusually stressful day.

If you are a female with monthly cycles, test on Day 21 when Progesterone should be at its peak.

I offer Saliva Testing for Cortisol and other Hormones for local and distance clients. It’s the most frequent lab I recommend. Here’s info on local or Virtual Consults with me. This offers a 15 item Saliva Test and 90 minute review. 

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Yes! I have seen a wide variety of Clients’ digestive and gallbladder symptoms improve after eliminating eggs.

This is true whether you have a gallbladder or not.

What Does the Gallbladder Do?

The liver makes bile and sends it to the gallbladder underneath the liver. The Gallbladder concentrates and stores bile until needed to digest fats.

The Gallbladder is connected to the top of the small intestine (the Duodenum) by a bile duct. As you eat, the gallbladder pumps bile through the duct and into the intestine, emulsifying fats for digestion by the enzyme Lipase. These fats carry the fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, K and E throughout the body.

How Eggs Cause Gallbladder Problems

• Food sensitivity to eggs
• Or reaction to Fat and Cholesterol?

Food Sensitivity to Eggs

Dr. Jonathan Wright cited a study by Dr. J.C. Breneman in 2018 that tested food sensitivities and the gall bladder with an elimination diet. The study was titled: Food Allergy as a Cause of Gallbladder Disease.

The test showed that eggs were by far the #1 food sensitivity causing gallbladder spasm when eating eggs after an elimination period.

92.8% of participants reported pain after eating eggs. 

Here are two slides from that presentation showing egg sensitivity affecting the Gallbladder. See Slides #15 and #16 here.

Fat and Cholesterol in Eggs

The medical view of fats and gallbladder disease relates only to the saturated fat and cholesterol content in eggs. “Conventional” wisdom says to avoid meats, fats, butter in general.

Most websites discussing what to eat for the gallbladder refer only to the fat content of egg yolks as what is bad for gallbladder health.

Some medical sites say to avoid egg yolks, some say they are OK.

Science no longer supports the view that a conservative amount of eggs is bad for you. Read more here on cholesterol and heart disease – what does the science say?

This article and Podcast review the 2015 USDA report that quietly declared cholesterol safe – a food no longer “a nutrient of concern”.

Eating Eggs Without a Gallbladder

If you have lost your Gallbladder, do an egg elimination and provocation trial.  

Eliminate them 100% (mayo, dressings, baked goods, etc.) for at least 2 to 3 months and watch for beneficial changes in digestion, pain, headaches, nausea and bowels.

Then try 1 to 2 egg yolks a week, with a gently cooked pastured yolk. Do this for a few weeks observing for digestive symptoms, pain, changes in stool. 

If that goes well (and you’re paying attention), try just cooked egg white, 2 per week for several weeks.

Then try the whole egg 2 or 3 per week if no issues.

If you’re nauseous, burping, dizzy or in pain, eggs are not good for your particular gallbladder system – even if the Gallbladder itself has been removed. The occasional egg may be fine but not every week.

Eggs are eliminated in Paleo Autoimmune Protocols and Dr. Terry Wahl’s diet as well.

What to Eat When You Have No Gallbladder

1. Gluten-free foods
2. Cooked vegetables
3. Moderate amounts of fruit
4. Minimal other grains as well, especially corn
5. Leaner meats, poultry and seafoods
6. Controlled use of butter, ghee, avocado oil, coconut oil, etc.

What to Eat for Breakfast Without Eggs

I always advise Clients – whether eating eggs or not – to eat dinner for all meals. 

This means breakfast, lunch and dinner should look pretty much the same – proteins, vegetables, fats, and perhaps a small serving of tuber such as potato or yam. 

This recipe roundup from dozens of Paleo bloggers has ideas for you to break the egg habit. 

Elimination Diet for Gallbladder Pain

Avoid these foods for several weeks or months before trying them slowly one at a time:

• Dairy (except butter and ghee)
• Eggs
• Gluten (here’s why)
• Corn
• Canola  and other Hydrogenated Oils
• Processed foods 
• Refined sugar and high carb “foods”
• Fatty meats such as ribs

Help With Your New Diet

Contact me for diet Consults and what supplements I recommend for the Gallbladder.

The post Can Eggs Cause Gallbladder Problems? appeared first on Beverly Meyer's On Diet and Health.

Passion Flower for Sleep and Calming 

Passion Flower is well-known historically for its calming properties. The “amount” of calming depends on the dose (see below).

You can take Passion Flower during the day and during the night, with or without food. Try it before business meetings, when anxious, before bed AND during the night if you wake up and your mind is busy.

It helps calm pain, anxiety and can help menstrual cramps too. 

Passion Flower Tincture in Alcohol or Glycerin

I sell both types of Passion Flower tincture. Buying this in liquid form gives you more versatility than buying in capsules. There are times you may not want a full dose. Drops let YOU choose.

The glycerin extract contains no alcohol and has a sweet taste. It has no calories and is not a toxic artificial sweetener. This is ideal for dosing on the go, or in the middle of the night when you can take it straight by mouth.

The tincture also comes in an alcohol base. This works fine but you may need to add it to a little water to dilute the alcohol taste.

Dose Passion Flower for Sleep and Calming

More Uses for Passion Flower

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The key to managing Herpes is the quantity of Arginine you eat, NOT the ratio of Lysine to Arginine alone.

Lysine, Arginine and Herpes

1). What is Lysine?

• Lysine is one of 23 Amino Acids in food. Amino acids are proteins which combine to make hundreds of substances in the body . They also perform many jobs on their own.
• Lysine is one of 9 essential amino acids – we cannot make these. We must consume them in food or supplements.
• We use Lysine for sleep, bone-building, immune support, and antiviral defense, especially for conditions like Herpes, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Shingles.

2). What is Arginine?

• Arginine is an amino acid that we CAN make on our own. It is especially high in seeds, grains, beans, coconut meat and most protein powders.

3). Lysine, Arginine & Herpes

• Arginine feeds the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Arginine can also stimulate Epstein-Barr Virus activity and may worsen flare-ups of Shingles in some individuals.
• Reducing Arginine helps you gain control of HSV.
• Lysine acts in opposition to Arginine and helps suppress it. My 90 minute Herpes Relief Guide covers all of this, plus supplement info.

Lysine Arginine Ratio vs. Quantity

• Many charts and graphs show the calculated ratios of Lysine to Arginine in foods for Herpes and Epstein-Barr management.
  • For example, if a serving of wheat has 1000 mg Lysine and 3000 mg Arginine, the ratio is 0.33 (very bad).
  • If a serving of beef has 2000 mg Lysine and 1000 mg Arginine, the ratio is 2:1 (good!).
• By looking at ratios, you find abundant Lysine (more than 1:1 ratio) in animal protein and dairy.
• Vegetables may have high or low ratios, but all have minimal quantities (except peas, beans and lentils).
• Grains, nuts, seeds and coconut meat have lots of Arginine and contain ratios less than 1 to 1.

Do not be confused! The ratio is of some help in HSV but it’s not the main story.

Lysine and Arginine Quantities in Foods

The key to Herpes management is reducing the AMOUNT of Arginine you eat.

It’s misleading to worry about a poor ratio in vegetables when the Arginine content is low. For example:

• 1 cup Brussels sprouts has 130 mg Lysine and 178 mg Arginine (a poor ratio). The difference is only 48 mg.
• A 4 oz serving of beef has 1820 mg Lysine and 1425 mg Arginine — a net Lysine gain of 400 mg, similar to taking one 500 mg Lysine supplement.

If you eat the way I teach Paleo for Herpes with animal proteins, fats, vegetables and a small amount of tubers, your Lysine to Arginine balance will change VERY quickly. I have seen many Clients permanently reduce chronic outbreaks in 2 weeks of higher Lysine quantity foods.

Examples of Lysine and Arginine Quantities in Food

• 4 oz Meat: 2450 mg Lysine / 1730 mg Arginine — a major Lysine boost, ideal for anyone managing viral conditions like Epstein-Barr or Herpes.
• 1 cup Yogurt: 700 mg Lysine / 235 mg Arginine — high Lysine food.
  (Note: Some with Epstein-Barr or Herpes have dairy sensitivities.)
• 1 slice Cheese: 500–700 mg Lysine / 200–300 mg Arginine.
  (Again, may be hard for some to digest.)
• Butter and oils: Almost zero Lysine or Arginine — they’re fat, not protein.
• 3 oz Fish (deck of cards size): 1550 mg Lysine / 1000 mg Arginine — an excellent choice for Herpes, EBV and Shingles.

Lysine and Arginine in Fruits and Vegetables

Most fruits and vegetables have very little protein, and therefore minimal Lysine or Arginine. Green peas and lentils are exceptions.

• 1 cup Green Peas: 460 mg Lysine / 625 mg Arginine — higher Arginine load, so limit if Herpes or Epstein-Barr is active.
• 1 cup Green Beans: 97 mg Lysine / 80 mg Arginine — ratio is good, and Arginine quantity is low.

Questions on the Lysine-Arginine Ratio

1. What foods have the most Arginine? Grains, seeds, nuts, bone broth, gelatin, collagen and coconut meat. And most protein powders.
2. Is the Paleo Diet the best place to start? Yes! Paleo eliminates grains. We did not evolve to graze on grass seed. Here is the Paleo Diet Adapted for Herpes article and Podcast.
3. Once I stop grains and increase animals, fats and veggies, will my outbreaks stop? That depends on many factors: stress levels, skin friction; your overall health and immune status.
4. Why can I eat coconut oil or almond oil but not coconut meat or almonds? Fats have no protein.
5. Are gelatin capsules OK? Yes. There is only a tiny amount of protein in gel caps. This potent anti-viral made for HSV has an anti-viral herb and traces of gelatin. It’s a great product!
6. Can’t I take lots of Lysine and eat what I want? A band-aid approach does not help the inflammation from eating grains. Here’s a quality Lysine in my Online Store.
7. When is the best time to take Lysine? On an empty stomach is best but it won’t hurt to take with food. It just doesn’t work as well when mixed with protein in the meal.
8. Is there a free chart of the quantities and ratios? Yes, here is a good one.

Conclusion

Managing Herpes, Epstein-Barr and Shingles through diet means focusing on high-Lysine, low-Arginine foods, especially from animal protein. Reducing grains, seeds, and processed protein powders can dramatically change how often symptoms appear. With the right nutrition, many people find lasting relief from chronic outbreaks. For deeper help, check out my Herpes Relief Guide and free food charts.

The post Lysine Arginine Ratio vs. Quantity appeared first on Beverly Meyer's On Diet and Health.