Tap to play
My Child’s Ongoing PANS/Autism Journey: One Mother’s Story with Jerry Alcoser
Discover how underlying infections like strep and hidden toxins can trigger neurological symptoms in children with autism—and why identifying these root causes can unlock meaningful recovery. Understand how genetic testing provides a personalized roadmap for your child’s care, helping you make informed decisions about diet, environment, and medical interventions. Learn how consistent, layered interventions—from surgery to nutrition to detox support—can create compounding improvements over time, even when progress once felt impossible.
The secret to health isn’t found in obscure foods we’ve only recently started eating
The secret to health isn’t found in obscure foods we’ve only recently started eating. Many of today’s “superfoods” weren’t part of the human diet until the last few decades. They became popular more through marketing than biology. For example, in the 1990s, Pizza Hut was the biggest buyer of kale. They used it as decoration for their food displays. Nuts and seeds, now consumed in large quantities thanks to industrial processing, were traditionally eaten in small, seasonal amounts, if at all. Today, we consume them in concentrated forms (milks, butters, oils), which are high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), estrogenic compounds, and anti-thyroid nutrients like phytic acid. Nutrient density and bioavailability matter more than anything. The best foods are the ones humans have eaten for generations, the ones your grandmother probably ate without thinking twice. What people think are superfoods:flaxseed, chia, kale, salmon, almond milk, nut butters, soy What actually are:milk, grass-fed meat, liver, oysters, eggs, ripe fruit, honey, gelatin, mushrooms, coconut oil These are the foods that support hormone production, thyroid health, and mitochondrial energy—all critical to how we feel, function, and heal. They’ve nourished human beings for generations.
One of my fav dinners! Always like to keep it simple after a long day at the clinic🥩🤍
One of my fav dinners! Always like to keep it simple after a long day at the clinic🥩🤍
It’s estimated that over 85% of breast cancers are driven by excess estrogen
It’s estimated that over 85% of breast cancers are driven by excess estrogen. Today, many women are estrogen dominant, and while breast cancer is more common in older women, signs of estrogen dominance can be seen decades before a cancer diagnosis. Estrogen is one of the biggest factors driving gynecological issues including PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, fibrocystic breasts, etc. Estrogen is now ubiquitous in our environment: – xenoestrogens in personal care products – phytoestrogens in herbs, supplements, and foods like flax – seed oils and PUFAS which can mimic the effects of estrogen – birth control – estrogen only HRT Many women also have impaired detoxification pathways—especially in the liver—which makes it harder to break down and eliminate excess estrogen. Because of this, one of the best things we can do to prevent breast cancer is support healthy progesterone levels. Progesterone promotes cell differentiation and opposes the growth promoting effects of estrogen. It is one of the most protective, anticancer medicines we have. 💗 @raenahealth has a ton of info on how to optimize levels 🙂
PCOS was initially defined by the growth of multiple fluid-filled sacs, or cysts, on the ovaries
PCOS was initially defined by the growth of multiple fluid-filled sacs, or cysts, on the ovaries. Two key words: fluid and growth. One of estrogen’s functions is fluid regulation within cells. And estrogen is responsible for cell division or “growth” (the growth of cysts). Contrary to popular belief (that PCOS is caused by high insulin and androgens), it’s more accurately rooted in estrogen dominance—when estrogen is too high relative to progesterone. This imbalance disrupts the menstrual cycle, interferes with ovulation, and promotes the formation of ovarian cysts. Without ovulation, progesterone remains low, and estrogen goes unopposed. This is what sets off androgen excess. Elevated estrogen increases the ovaries’ sensitivity to luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates theca cells to produce androgens like testosterone. So while PCOS is often labeled as an androgen-driven condition, it’s often unopposed estrogen and failed ovulation that start the cascade. Other hormone imbalances are essentially downstream from estrogen: – Estrogen increases free fatty acids in the blood, which causes insulin resistance—blocks sugar uptake into cells. This increases cortisol, raising blood sugar, free fatty acids, depleting essential nutrients, lowering thyroid function, etc. – Estrogen sensitizes tissues to cortisol. The body then produces androgens to protect against the effects of cortisol (because progesterone isn’t present to do so). This leads to acne, male pattern hair growth, etc. Some strategies to manage: – Supplementing progesterone & supporting ovulation – Supplementing natural desiccated thyroid – Vitamin E – Magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium – Getting adequate sunlight – Niacinamide and thiamine – Lowering fat intake, especially seed oils – Aspirin to lower free fatty acids – Managing stress: Most of my patients with PCOS have undergone prolonged, intense emotional stress. To heal, many women need a more supportive external environment: more sleep, less daily pressure, and space to process unresolved emotions. 🩵
🌸Women can still have thousands of eggs after menopause, but those remaining follicles often no
🌸Women can still have thousands of eggs after menopause, but those remaining follicles often no longer respond to the brain’s hormonal signals. The transition happens because ovulation stops, leading to a drop in hormones like progesterone. Menopause is a shift in hormone communication between the brain and the ovaries, not a failure caused by egg depletion. 🌸The vaginal wall is made of mucosal tissue, which actually absorbs substances really efficiently — sometimes even better than oral routes. So yes, even low-dose vaginal estrogen can be absorbed into the bloodstream, especially with repeated use. It may not spike levels dramatically, but to say it “doesn’t get absorbed” at all just isn’t true. 🌸Progesterone isn’t just for the uterus: it supports the brain, sleep, bones, and nervous system. Women without a uterus still deserve hormonal balance. It’s not just about preventing endometrial cancer. 🌸Estrogen is stored in tissues and can be produced by other cells in the body, especially fat cells. This does not show up on a blood test. So, some women have estrogen that stays high, or fluctuates, for years. What many women do have is low progesterone, and that imbalance can cause the symptoms that many associate with low estrogen. 🌸Progestins are not the same as natural progesterone. They don’t activate the same receptors in the body and often come with side effects. Many are estrogenic or androgenic and can mimic the effects of cortisol. Not only that, but they are also linked to an increased risk of cancer. I only use bioidentical progesterone. 🌸Estrogen has its place, but calling it the anti-aging hormone is marketing. Aging well is complex. There’s no one magic hormone, and more estrogen isn’t always the answer.
🤍It’s not testosterone itself—it’s its conversion to estradiol via aromatase that contributes to
🤍It’s not testosterone itself—it’s its conversion to estradiol via aromatase that contributes to prostate cancer development. A 2019 study found that administration of estrogen along with testosterone induced a 100% tumor incidence. However, administration of testosterone alone only induced 37% incidence (we can safely assume aromatization was occurring in some of these cases) (PMID: 30877616). 🤍Many assume progesterone fuels PR+ cancers, but PR receptors are actually upregulated by estrogen. A PR+ tumor usually reflects chronic estrogen exposure, not progesterone-driven growth. Natural progesterone often protects against proliferation, unlike synthetic progestins, which are commonly confused in studies. 🤍Certain estrogen metabolites—like those generated through 16α-hydroxylation—can damage DNA and initiate cancer formation, not just cause tumors to grow after its already formed (PMID: 14630087). 🤍Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) suppresses systemic testosterone. However, aromatase expression often increases within prostate tissue under ADT, leading to sustained or elevated intratumoral estrogen. Testosterone also plays a crucial role in a man’s immune function and ability to withstand stress. Depriving a man of testosterone while he is undergoing harsh cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can cause significant negative effects. This increased vulnerability can lead to slower recovery, ultimately worsening cancer outcomes. 🤍Hormones can independently of their receptors. Even receptor-negative tumors exist within a hormone-influenced microenvironment. Estrogen produced via local aromatization still alters inflammation, blood vessel formation, and metabolism, affecting cancer progression indirectly. So, receptor-negative doesn’t mean hormones are irrelevant—it means the effects may be occurring through nontraditional or paracrine routes, which are harder to measure but still biologically significant.
Many people believe that eating too much sugar (or carbohydrates) causes diabetes
Many people believe that eating too much sugar (or carbohydrates) causes diabetes. But the real issue isn’t sugar itself. It’s actually the body’s inability to process it properly. When something interferes with glucose (sugar) uptake, it remains in the blood instead of entering the cells where it’s needed. Over time, this leads to chronically high blood sugar, increased insulin levels, and eventually, insulin resistance. Every cell in the body is designed to create energy from glucose. Losing the ability to use glucose efficiently is at the root of most health conditions. Cutting out carbohydrates or sugar doesn’t fix the real problem; it acts more like a band aid. It can lower blood sugar levels, but it doesn’t mean cells have restored their ability to produce energy. Real healing happens when the body regains its ability to use glucose efficiently. One of the biggest barriers to glucose absorption is excess fat in the bloodstream. When free fatty acids (FFAs) are high in the blood, they block sugar from entering cells. Excess fat in the blood can come from a high-fat diet or chronic stress. When stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released, the body breaks down stored fat from tissues and floods the bloodstream with FFAs as a quick energy source. This is a protective mechanism under stress, but when it becomes chronic, it disrupts glucose metabolism and causes insulin resistance. What increases free fatty acids in the blood? – Cortisol and adrenaline – Low dietary carbohydrate intake – High dietary fat intake – Fasting & caloric restriction – High estrogen – Poor sleep What helps restore glucose metabolism? – Thiamine – Magnesium – Potassium – Aspirin (lowers free fatty acids) – Niacinamide (lowers free fatty acids) – Progesterone (lowers estrogen and cortisol) – Pregnenolone (lowers estrogen & cortisol) – Lowering stress – Removing all dietary PUFA – Optimizing Sleep
I am very grateful to live near the beach, so I make it a ritual to walk barefoot almost every day
I am very grateful to live near the beach, so I make it a ritual to walk barefoot almost every day. 🌊☀️ Grounding involves connecting with the Earth’s electrical energy by walking barefoot on natural surfaces like soil, grass, sand, or even through direct skin contact with natural bodies of water. Grounding has been shown to: – Reduce inflammation. Grounding has anti-inflammatory effects. It is believed that contact with the Earth’s surface may help neutralize excess free radicals and reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and chronic pain. – Improve sleep. Grounding has been linked to improvements in sleep quality. This may be attributed to its ability to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and reduce stress, thereby promoting more restful sleep patterns. – Reduce stress. Direct contact with the Earth helps regulate the body’s stress response and lower cortisol levels. – Protect against EMFs. Some proponents of grounding believe that it helps shield the body from the potentially harmful effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by electronic devices. It’s suggested that through grounding, the body can discharge excess EMFs and maintain a more balanced bioelectrical state. – Promote wound healing. There is some research indicating that grounding may accelerate wound healing by promoting blood flow, oxygenation, and immune responses at the site of injury. – Support the immune system. The anti-inflammatory effects of grounding indirectly support the immune system. By reducing chronic inflammation, the body’s immune resources could be better allocated to fight off infections and other health challenges. This week, touch grass! 🏝️🌱
Seed oils didn’t exist in the human diet 100 years ago, but now they’re everywhere
Seed oils didn’t exist in the human diet 100 years ago, but now they’re everywhere. Canola, soybean, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, etc. are found in nearly every processed food. They’re marketed as “heart-healthy,” but seed oils are high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, which are unstable and prone to oxidation. When exposed to heat or light during processing, storage, cooking, or in our bodies they break down into harmful compounds like aldehydes and free radicals. These byproducts are linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and even cancer. One review (PMID: 28925728) found that repeatedly heated oils, a common practice in restaurants, can form carcinogens tied to lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. Seed oils also interfere with how your mitochondria make energy. Research has shown they interfere with enzymes needed for healthy glucose metabolism (PDH, cytochrome c oxidase), lower the NAD+/NADH ratio which disrupts ATP production, deplete antioxidants like vitamin E, impair thyroid function, and increase estrogen levels. These effects are dangerous over time, and especially for young people who’ve never known a diet without them. Gastrointestinal cancer rates are rising fastest in adults under 40. In December of last year researchers at the University of South Florida found that seed oils, commonly used in processed foods, may be a major contributing factor to the increasing rates in younger adults. I prefer to eat traditional foods that have been around for thousands of years. Our ancestors ate based on generations of accumulated wisdom, refining their diets through experience rather than relying on studies. It’s easy to assume we’ve outsmarted the past, but traditional diets were built on what worked-nutrient dense, high quality foods that sustained life. If you’re unsure what to eat, start with whole, unprocessed foods that have nourished us for centuries. 🙂
Drinking coffee is one of my favorite habits to help prevent cancer! A review of over a thousand
Drinking coffee is one of my favorite habits to help prevent cancer! A review of over a thousand compounds in coffee (PMID: 36769029) found consistent associations between regular coffee intake and reduced risks of liver, endometrial, thyroid, and colorectal cancers. — Coffee is rich in chlorogenic acid, which neutralizes free radicals and reduces oxidative DNA damage, a major trigger for cancer development. These antioxidants protect cells from damage and DNA from mutations. — Coffee stimulates bile flow and enhances phase II liver detoxification enzymes, helping clear estrogen metabolites and environmental toxins. Compounds like chlorogenic acid, cafestol, and kahweol strengthen these processes and add anti‑inflammatory support. — A 2012 randomized trial (PMID: 23078574) showed that in men, just two cups of caffeinated coffee per day increased testosterone by 67% and simultaneously reduced free and total estradiol by about 45% after four weeks Meanwhile, other data suggest caffeine may raise progesterone indirectly by reducing prolactin and supporting adrenal function, though findings are mixed and likely vary by stress level, gender, and metabolic context. — Coffee improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, which lowers the risk of insulin-resistant cancers such as colorectal and pancreatic cancer. If coffee makes you feel anxious or shaky, it’s usually not the caffeine, it’s a blood sugar issue. The liver plays a major role in regulating glucose, and when it doesn’t have enough stored glycogen, drinking coffee can lead to a dip in blood sugar, triggering a stress response and a spike in cortisol. Adding cream, honey, or drinking coffee with a meal can blunt this effect. It’s best to avoid drinking black coffee on an empty stomach. And interestingly, with regular intake, many people find that coffee actually improves liver function over time, leading to better glucose regulation and less reactivity. I always use a stainless steel percolator to make my coffee. My fav coffee maker & coffee are on my Amazon storefront (linked in my bio). You can also purchase the coffee @perfectly__healthy 🙂