QUESTION: My concern is throwing anything new into the mix to treat possible biofilms. I worry GI support, herbs, and medications will trigger a worsening of the patient’s symptoms, namely angioedema. Do I stabilize the histamine breakdown first before going after the GI system?
ANSWER: In my experience most all aggravate (in this patient type category) especially with the correct type of Tx in the beginning, so they have to know that and not freak out. Stabilize HIS as soon as possible then go for the GI Tx. If you don’t get the GI cleared up (a 6-18 month process in most people) you’ll never decrease the reactivity. And if I didn’t mention it I like Interfase Plus for GI biofilms.
QUESTION: Do you single-nutrient dose? Titrate up one at a time? How frequently do you increase a dose during this process?
ANSWER: I do them in groups, and titrate them up a few at a time. Pt sx will dictate how much you increase. I may increase weekly if tolerated.
Below is the “order” I usually think of as far as adding things in:
A: DAO / MAO, SOD, COMT, GAD, GSTP, NAT, Basic Methyl Family
These are all terminal removal pathways or important processors of excitatory chemicals. The rest are huge users of: B-1, P-5-P, Magnesium, B-2, Copper and a few other minerals. Optimal doses of these are:
- B-1 start at 50-100 mg and work up to 200-300 mg with food, at breakfast or lunch.
- You can use as much P-5-P as you will tolerate without nightmares, but typically 200-300 mg may be required for a few months.
- Magnesium is to bowel tolerance.
- Copper should be 2-4 mg per day as long as you have a Zinc intake of 15-25 mg.
- B-2 should be 25-50 mg to start and then 100-200 mg for maintenance.
- NAT is primarily a Phase-2 acetylation pathway which requires B-5 (Pantothenic Acid), dosing B-5 ranges from test doses of 100-250 mg to 500 – 3000 mg in repletion. People with allergies or other Histamine issues may need those higher doses when symptomatic.
B: BHMT, CBS, More methyl Family The P-5-P is the big cofactor here along with Magnesium. Dose as mentioned above. BHMT can really be helped by Betaine (trimethylglycine) and is worth a try at higher doses. Use Methyl Guard Plus as it is concentrated. Methyl Guard Plus is really only missing B-1 and B-5, but has a reasonable dose of TMG. If you do start that, dose 1 a day for a week then 2 then 3 per day with food as tolerated. If needed, additional Methyl B-12 or Methyl Folate can then be added.
C: Detoxification, Hormones, Infections etc. The “CYP” family is a group of detoxification enzymes often called “Phase-1” detoxification. These generally require B-Vitamins, many trace elements as well as Glutathione and SOD for full support. The “CYP” SNP’s are generally not specifically supported but are generally supported via the other nutrients and Glutathione / SOD support. In the case where Phase-1 is more potentially injured than the other SNP’s then it may require support earlier on. Chronic infections and immune issues, metal or chemical toxins also will need support (earlier or later based on clinical factors). Please note that infectious / immune issues and metal / chemical detoxification are primarily supported via addressing the issues in “A”and “B” above.
QUESTION: Time line I should expect to see improvements?
ANSWER: Plan on constant aggravation during the induction phase of 2-6 weeks – some don’t but some do. And plan for more HIS stabilization needed as the biofilms break. Most patients with biofilms have improvement then aggravation so prepare them for an up and down type of progress. And although you’ll have progress in the early months, I have seen it take 6 mo to 2 years to work through the process.
See this updated Webcall on Biofilm treatment for more information.