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What You're Actually Breathing In (And Why It Matters)

You make healthy choices. You eat organic when possible. You exercise. You manage stress. So why do you have uterine fibroids?

The answer might be hiding in places you never look: your plastic water bottle, that receipt from the store, the shampoo in your shower.

Everyday toxins are silently disrupting your hormones, and fibroids might be the result.


The Estrogen-Fibroid Connection

Here's the biological reality: uterine fibroids are estrogen-dependent. They grow when estrogen levels are high, shrink when they drop (like during menopause), and respond to your hormonal environment.

But here's what most women don't realize: it's not just about how much estrogen your body makes. It's about how much toxic chemicals are pretending to be estrogen.

These chemicals, called endocrine disruptors, trick your body. They act like estrogen even though they're not. Your cells treat them like real hormones, and your fibroids grow as a result.


The Usual Suspects: Hidden Toxins Affecting Fibroids

Bisphenol-A (BPA)

You've probably heard of BPA. It's in plastic bottles, canned food linings, and thermal paper receipts. But here's what most people don't know: women with fibroids have measurably higher BPA levels than women without them.

Research shows BPA actually stimulates fibroid cells to grow. It increases the expression of growth factors that feed fibroid development.

Where it hides:

  • Plastic beverage bottles (especially when heated)

  • Canned soups, beans, and tomatoes

  • Dental sealants

  • Register receipts

  • Some plastics marked #7


Phthalates

These are everywhere. Phthalates are in anything fragranced—perfumes, deodorants, hair products, even "fragrance-free" items because companies use them to mask other smells.

They're also in:

  • Vinyl flooring and shower curtains

  • Plastic food storage containers

  • Processed meats and cheeses

  • Some nail polishes and cosmetics

The frustrating part? They're often hidden under the generic label "fragrance," so you can't easily identify them. Studies show women with elevated phthalate levels have significantly higher fibroid rates.


Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

This is the scariest category because they're nearly impossible to avoid completely. POPs include:

Old pesticides still in the environment:

  • DDT (banned in the 1970s but still in soil and water)

  • PCBs (industrial chemicals banned decades ago but still contaminating rivers and lakes)

Where they persist:

  • Fatty fish and seafood

  • Dairy products

  • Non-organic vegetables and grains

  • Drinking water in some regions

Even though these were banned, they don't break down. They accumulate in your body fat and continue disrupting your hormones decades later.


Cadmium

This heavy metal is a direct fibroid promoter. It acts like synthetic estrogen in your reproductive organs. Women get exposed through:

  • Non-organic leafy greens and root vegetables

  • Shellfish and certain fish

  • Rice

  • Cigarette smoke

Low levels of cadmium have been shown to directly stimulate fibroid cell growth.


The Personalized Approach: Genetic Testing for Estrogen Metabolism

Here's where conventional medicine often misses the mark. Everyone's body metabolizes estrogen differently. And this difference is determined by your genes.


Why Genetic Testing Matters

If your genes code for slower estrogen metabolism, you're holding onto excess estrogen longer. This is like leaving the hormone accelerator pressed down continuously. Your fibroids have more "fuel" to grow.

Understanding your genetic profile changes everything about treatment:

Slow metabolizers need:

  • Different dietary support

  • Targeted supplementation to speed detoxification

  • Specific foods that enhance their unique metabolic pathway

  • More aggressive toxin avoidance

Fast metabolizers have different needs:

  • Different nutritional approaches

  • Often better fibroid prognosis with standard interventions


How to Get Tested

Genetic testing for estrogen metabolism typically includes:

  • Phase 1 detoxification genes (CYP1A2, CYP1B1)

  • Phase 2 detoxification genes (COMT, MTHFR)

  • Estrogen metabolism pathways

A functional medicine doctor or naturopath can order these tests. They show your individual metabolism pattern—not just a generic prescription.

With this information, treatment becomes personalized rather than one-size-fits-all.


Two Powerful Supplements Most Doctors Don't Mention

Nattokinase: The Fibrin-Dissolving Enzyme

Uterine fibroids are made of tissue held together by fibrin—essentially internal scar tissue. Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from fermented soy that breaks down excess fibrin.

How it works:

  • Dissolves fibrin deposits naturally

  • Reduces inflammation in fibroid tissue

  • Improves blood flow to affected areas

  • Supports the body's natural fibrolysis (tissue breakdown)

What research shows:

  • Effective at reducing fibroid size in some women

  • Works synergistically with other treatments

  • Generally safe with minimal side effects

  • Takes 3-6 months to see results

How to use it:

  • Typical dose: 2,000-3,000 Fibrinolytic Units (FU) daily

  • Take on an empty stomach (morning before breakfast)

  • Consistency is key—this isn't a quick fix


Serrapeptase: The Complementary Enzyme

Serrapeptase works alongside nattokinase. This protease enzyme breaks down dead tissue and biofilm—the protective covering fibroids use to hide from your immune system.

Why it matters:

  • Helps your immune system recognize fibroid tissue

  • Reduces inflammation and swelling

  • Works on scar tissue

  • Supports natural healing responses


Common protocol:

  • Often used alongside nattokinase

  • Dose: 40,000-60,000 units daily

  • Also takes on empty stomach

  • 3-6 month treatment window

The combination approach: Women using both nattokinase and serrapeptase together report better results than either alone. The two enzymes work on different aspects of fibroid tissue:

  • Nattokinase dissolves the fibrin matrix

  • Serrapeptase breaks down protective biofilm and dead tissue

This allows the body's natural healing systems to address the fibroid more effectively.


Your Action Plan: Taking Control

Immediate Steps (This Week)

  1. Reduce toxin exposure:

    • Stop using plastic bottles; switch to glass

    • Buy organic leafy greens and root vegetables

    • Choose fragrance-free products (or those scented with essential oils only)

    • Decline receipts or use digital options


  2. Order genetic testing:

    • Talk to your functional medicine provider

    • Get tested for estrogen metabolism pathways

    • Understand your personal detox capacity


  3. Start targeted supplementation:

    • Begin nattokinase (empty stomach, morning)

    • Add serrapeptase if recommended

    • Give it time—3-6 months minimum


Ongoing Changes (This Month)

  • Increase fiber intake (supports estrogen elimination)

  • Add cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower)

  • Use glass and stainless steel for food storage

  • Filter your drinking water

  • Switch personal care products to clean brands


Monitoring Progress (Ongoing)

  • Track symptom changes (heavy bleeding, pain, pressure)

  • Get ultrasounds at 3-month intervals

  • Work with practitioner to adjust protocol

  • Notice energy and hormonal symptom improvements


Why This Approach Works Differently

Most conventional medicine treats fibroids as a problem to surgically remove. Functional medicine asks: Why did they develop in the first place?

By addressing:

  • Toxin exposure and detoxification

  • Genetic metabolism patterns

  • Inflammation at the tissue level (with nattokinase and serrapeptase)

  • Hormonal environment

...you're actually changing the conditions that allow fibroids to thrive.


The Bottom Line

Your fibroids aren't a random malfunction. They're your body's response to a hormonal environment disrupted by environmental chemicals and your unique genetic detoxification capacity.

Understanding your genetic metabolic pattern gives you power. Adding enzyme support removes the tissue inflammation. Reducing toxin exposure stops feeding the problem.

This isn't fast. It isn't glamorous. But it works with your body's actual mechanisms rather than against them.

And for many women, it's the difference between hysterectomy and finally feeling normal again.


Ready to understand your personal estrogen metabolism? Get genetic testing. Ready to support tissue healing? Start nattokinase and serrapeptase. Ready to detoxify your environment? Begin eliminating hidden toxin sources.

Small changes. Big impact. Your fibroids don't stand a chance. Be sure to consult with your doctor before trying these recommendations. This is for educational purposes only.

 
 
 

Take the Quick Symptom Check

Do you experience these things regularly?

  • [ ] Hives or unexplained rashes that come and go

  • [ ] Intense itching that doesn't match the rash severity

  • [ ] Brain fog that hits suddenly

  • [ ] Digestive chaos (bloating, pain, irregular bathroom habits)

  • [ ] Anxiety or panic that seems random

  • [ ] Joint or muscle pain without clear cause

  • [ ] Flushing or feeling hot without fever

  • [ ] Fatigue that sleep doesn't fix

  • [ ] Multiple symptoms happening at the same time

If you checked 3 or more: Keep reading. You might have found your answer.


What's Actually Happening in Your Body?

Imagine your immune system has security guards called mast cells. Their job is to protect you from real threats. But in MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), these guards are oversensitive. They see a false alarm and sound the entire building's alarm system.

When triggered, they dump inflammatory chemicals everywhere—histamine, tryptase, and others. Your body reacts like you're under attack. Itching. Swelling. Pain. Anxiety. Fatigue. All from an overreaction.

Here's the catch: Most doctors don't know to look for it. MCAS was only officially recognized in 2007. Many people suffer for years before getting answers.


Why It's Hard to Diagnose

Most people (and many doctors) confuse MCAS with simple allergies or assume it's "just histamine intolerance." But it's different. And testing is tricky:

  • Labs need the sample chilled immediately or results are wrong

  • Certain medications throw off test results

  • You might get a false negative even if you have it

  • Symptoms affect multiple body systems simultaneously, which doctors often treat as separate problems


This is why you can see 5 different doctors and get 5 different diagnoses.


The Hidden Epidemic Nobody's Talking About

Here's something shocking: An estimated 17% of Americans have MCAS. That's roughly 57 million people. And about 80% of those are women.

It's often connected to:

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Autoimmune conditions

  • IBS and digestive issues

  • POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)

  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

  • Endometriosis and reproductive issues

  • Long COVID

You might have MCAS without realizing it. You might be getting treated for five different conditions when it's actually one root cause.


The Problem with Standard Treatments

Most doctors prescribe antihistamines, steroids, or mast cell stabilizers. Sound reasonable? Here's the problem: These medications cause the exact same side effects as MCAS symptoms.

Weight gain. Joint pain. Fatigue. Numbness. The same thing you're trying to treat. So people stop taking them.

And long-term use? That's where it gets serious. Bone loss. Kidney damage. Immune system deterioration. Sometimes addiction.

You trade one problem for several others.


What Actually Works: The Surprising Solution

Here's where it gets interesting. Your body naturally has a "calm down" mechanism through something called the endocannabinoid system. It's not about marijuana—it's about specific compounds found in everyday foods.

One of the most powerful is beta-caryophyllene (BCP), found in:

  • Black pepper

  • Cloves

  • Cinnamon

  • Oregano

This compound acts like a "mast cell off switch." It tells your security guards to stand down. To stop releasing inflammatory chemicals unnecessarily.


Real People, Real Results

People who've used BCP report:

Within 10 minutes:

  • Less itching and hives

  • Reduced anxiety

  • Better breathing

  • Less joint pain

  • Mental clarity returns


After consistent use:

  • Stable energy levels

  • Normal digestion

  • Fewer mystery flares

  • Better sleep

  • Reduced need for other medications

One patient on multiple medications for 30 years? Within weeks of BCP, she eliminated most of them. Another had severe spinal cord injury complications from MCAS—his pain and most symptoms resolved.

The studies show it works as well as standard medications without the serious side effects.


Your Next Steps

Option 1: Get Tested

  • Ask your doctor about mast cell mediator testing

  • Tests measure histamine, tryptase, and prostaglandins

  • Get baseline levels to track improvement


Option 2: Try Natural Solutions First

  • Add BCP-containing foods to your diet (pepper, cloves, cinnamon, oregano)

  • Or consider a BCP supplement

  • Track your symptoms daily for 2 weeks


Option 3: Combine Approaches

  • Use food sources + supplements

  • Work with a functional medicine provider who understands MCAS

  • Monitor what triggers your flares


The Important Part

If you've been told "it's all in your head" or bounced between specialists... stop. Your symptoms are real. MCAS is real. And it's treatable.

Millions of people suffer because they haven't connected the dots. But you don't have to be one of them.

Your body isn't broken. It's just overprotective. And that can be fixed.


Quick Recap: MCAS Checklist

  • [ ] Experiencing multiple symptoms from different body systems

  • [ ] Traditional allergy tests come back negative

  • [ ] Symptoms come in random flares

  • [ ] You feel better when stressed or anxious

  • [ ] Nothing seems to fully work

If this is you, ask your doctor about MCAS. Or explore natural approaches like BCP. Either way, get answers.

You deserve to feel normal again.

 
 
 

Methylene Blue isn’t new—it’s been around since the late 1800s. Doctors have used it to treat rare blood disorders, malaria, and even urinary tract infections. Surgeons still use it to literally stain blood vessels and internal organs blue to make them easier to see.


It’s fascinating (and a little strange) that a compound that can turn your tongue, urine, and tissues blue is also being studied today for its ability to support mitochondrial energy, mental clarity, and resilience.



🔋 Why Mitochondria Matter


Your mitochondria are like the batteries of your cells. When they’re running low, you feel it as:


  • Constant fatigue

  • Brain fog

  • Poor stress tolerance

  • Sluggish recovery after illness or exercise



Methylene Blue has been shown to:


  • Make the mitochondrial “battery” more efficient

  • Reduce damaging free radicals

  • Improve how your cells use oxygen



In practical terms, that can mean more steady energy, sharper focus, and improved resilience.



🧠 The Brain Connection


Research is especially exciting in the area of brain health. Low doses of Methylene Blue have been shown to:


  • Boost memory consolidation and retrieval

  • Protect neurons from oxidative stress

  • Support mood and mental clarity



Patients who use it under supervision often describe it as “lifting the fog.”


⚠️ What You Need to Know Before Considering It


This is where I step in as your guide and safety net. Methylene Blue is not something to order online and experiment with—it requires thoughtful, personalized use.


  • G6PD Test First: Anyone considering Methylene Blue must have a simple blood test for G6PD deficiency. Without it, this compound can cause red blood cells to break apart—a dangerous condition called hemolysis.

  • Dosing Is Weight-Based: The benefits happen in microdoses calculated by your body weight. Too much can be toxic.

  • Drug Interactions Are Real: Especially with antidepressants (SSRIs), which can trigger serotonin syndrome.

  • It Stains Everything: Tongues, clothes, counters… and yes, even internal organs.



This is why supervision is non-negotiable. If it’s the right fit, we can write a prescription to a compounding pharmacy that prepares it safely for your unique needs.


🌿 My Functional Medicine Perspective

Methylene Blue can be a helpful tool—but it is just one tool. My job isn’t to hand you a one-size-fits-all answer, but to really understand your body’s terrain: gut health, hormones, nutrient status, toxin exposure, and stress response.


If we uncover that mitochondrial support would benefit you, Methylene Blue may be part of the plan. But the real power lies in looking deeper and tailoring care to you.



✅ Key Takeaways


  • Methylene Blue is an old medicine being rediscovered for energy and brain health.

  • It works by supporting mitochondria, the cell’s energy factories.

  • ⚠️ It is not safe for everyone—G6PD testing, provider supervision, and weight-based dosing are essential.

  • It can stain your tongue, your urine, and even your internal tissues.

  • In functional medicine, it’s a tool for the right person at the right time—not a quick fix for all.



✨ If you’re curious whether mitochondrial support could help you, let’s explore it together.

📍 Clark Wellness – Waco & Hamilton, TX

📞 254-227-5851

 
 
 
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