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In this post, I share about this unexpected route to better health: 5 Years on a LOW Vitamin A Diet! Yes, I’m still alive! 😉 … And, I’m healthier than ever.
Over the last five years, I’ve seen some amazing things happen to what was once my sick body. Here are a few of the improvements I’ll talk about in this post:
- Hashimoto’s in remission (symptom-free and off thyroid meds)
- Endometriosis reversed, no longer need 2 hormone-balancing supplements I took
- MCAS and histamine intolerance gone
- Depression disappeared in 2 days, never to return, plus improved mental health
- No longer need any digestive support (thought I’d always need enzymes, HCl, ACV or bitters!)
- Huge improvements in my EMF sensitivity and copper toxicity (they are related)
- Able to eat more foods, not less; able to cheat for fun occasions without problems
What most people don’t yet know is that chronic vitamin A toxicity is common.
By addressing liver health through detoxing vitamin A and copper, the body is able to slowly repair itself. But the process, for me, has also been fast enough that I have seen steady and encouraging progress the whole time. This has been one amazing journey!
2022 article
About 2 years ago, I wrote an article similar to this one, but it also shared my exact diet and supplements, to help others get started or fine tune their processes.
I chose to add this article as an official 5 year testimony.
One role of this article is to say: My body still does not miss or need “vitamin” A. My health is still improving.
So while the two articles overlap information to some extent, this one is more updated with my latest progress and does not include what I eat every day or other unrelated details.
Low Vitamin A: Not just another diet
If you’ve tried other wellness diets, or even if you’re overwhelmed by not wanting to try any more diets!, I highly encourage you to consider this path of wellness. In my experience, a low vitamin A diet (which includes a low copper diet), is the path to overall liver and kidney healing, gut healing, mental health, skin health (oftentimes quick recovery for eczema!) and thyroid healing, plus so much more.
My basic timeline of recovery
5 Years on a Low Vitamin A Diet: My Testimony — 2 days
After 2 days on a low vitamin A diet, which I also refer to as a vitamin A detox diet, I overcame the depression with which I’d been struggling.
Depression came on from drinking a high fat, high vitamin A drink every morning. I didn’t realize it at the time, as I thought that brightly colored and high fat foods were good for me.
After removing the drink and starting the diet, my depression was gone so quickly. What a huge relief and encouragement to keep trying the diet.
5 Years on a Low Vitamin A Diet: My Testimony — 2 weeks
The other acute symptom I was desperate to overcome was my histamine intolerance and MCAS.
After two weeks on a low vitamin A diet, combined with a low histamine diet, I was able to add in high histamine foods that had formerly triggered me.
My histamine intolerance never returned. This is an amazing testimony, as most people with this health diagnosis are stuck on a low histamine diet for their whole lives.
5 Years on a Low Vitamin A Diet: My Testimony — 1 month
After 1 month on the diet, I was able to re-introduce grains.
I’d been on a Paleo grain-free diet for 10 years and never expected to be able to re-introduce grains.
I started eating oats, rice, hulled barley and masa, as well as sourdough bread.
I also added in more beans, which are rich in valuable Vitamin B1 and fiber.
Overcame Hashimoto’s — 3 months
After three months, my doctor took me off thyroid medication. My Hashimoto’s was in remission.
My energy was up, and the chronic constipation that had accompanied my thyroid issues resolved.
Constipation
My bowel health improved not just with my thyroid health, but also because of Dr. Smith’s hands-on approach to helping everyone with every symptom.
(For those who are not familiar with him, Dr. Garrett Smith heads up the research and leadership of patients on this diet. The man who discovered that vitamin A is a toxin and initially started this whole experiment is Grant Genereux. His health is now phenomenally good, after 10 years on the strictest version of a low A diet.)
Dr. Smith’s research helps most people in his Love Your Liver forum overcome their symptoms.
With the symptom of constipation, I was able to apply his insights on Magnesium and Potassium supplementation, while also improving gut health — all key players in motility.
Reversed Endometriosis — 1-1/2 years
Endometriosis left me depleted of energy. After 1-1/2 years on the low A diet, my strength returned. I was able to start jogging again (I mostly jog-walk).
All of the menstrual symptoms that come with this disease also abated.
I was able to stop taking two supplements for hormone balancing that I’d needed for years!
This victory was one of my sweetest, emotionally.
Kidney and bladder health — 2 to 3 years
I didn’t record the time frame on this one, but after 2 to 3 years, I saw deeper healing in my kidneys and bladder than I’d experienced in the past. (I had formerly overcome debilitating Interstitial Cystitis symptoms.)
Earlier unable to eat fruit without a flare of bladder symptoms, a few years into the low A diet, I was able to start eating pineapple, figs, cooked apples and other fruits in moderation.
Now I can enjoy summer fruits and fruit for special occasions.
Grant Genereux, and others, have also found deep healing for kidney problems, as Genereux discusses in his eBooks.
Insomnia gone — 3 to 4 years
With great guidance for proper potassium supplementation, I was able to overcome insomnia.
What an encouraging win!
No symptom is left ignored, and most find answers in this community, because of Dr. Smith.
The low vitamin A diet does not just help you detox your liver of vitamin A. It addresses the whole body and actual root causes of every symptom.
In addition to Dr. Smith’s work, members of the LYL forum daily and generously provide helpful answers to challenging questions.
My very long struggle of 20+ years with insomnia was resolved, thanks to the low vitamin A diet — that includes not just the issue of vitamin A, but all things related to recovery of optimum health, of which the liver is the starting place.
This issue could have been resolved much sooner, but being among the first on the diet, the insights were not all present from the beginning. Starting the diet now, most people will make faster progress than I did.
Potassium deficiency
I’ll soon publish a broader article on this topic of potassium supplementation, that is hard to personalize.
Potassium deficiencies are common, although they don’t apply to everyone.
But for those of us they do affect, it’s astounding how higher doses, in the right form of the mineral, can make all the difference with issues like constipation and insomnia.
Low Vitamin A Diet Testimony: Digestion — 4 years
After 4 years on the diet, I got a wish granted and a prayer answered: I no longer needed digestive support.
Going way back to when we first started the GAPS Diet, over 10 years ago, I always needed digestive support with every meal.
I first started with digestive enzymes, then Betaine HCl and ended up using digestive bitters for years. After about 3 years doing the vitamin A detox diet, I exchanged my bitters (reluctantly) for apple cider vinegar in water.
And finally, I no longer needed anything. I now need zero digestive support! I am really still amazed by this one, and so so thankful.
(Additionally, for years I was unable to eat very big portions of chicken without getting a stomach ache, and I needed those digestive aids more than ever with chicken. I can now eat full portions of chicken without a thought and never have stomach aches from it.)
Copper toxicity and EMF sensitivity — over 4 years
After three years on the diet, I focused more on reducing all copper foods. This change is one example of how those few hundred of us who first started the diet made adjustments late that can now be made right from the beginning.
I didn’t know how I’d ever make a dent in these two issues: copper toxicity and related EMF sensitivity.
But: Knowing I’d found the right diet and group, I kept moving forward with faith.
Finally something came along that provided a HUGE breakthrough. You can read more about the best EMF protection here, and how it helped me to overcome symptoms of my copper toxicity. (Highly recommended if you struggle with EMFs.)
Oxalate sensitivity — over 4 years
It took me years to figure out what was causing a cloud in front of one of my eyes. It’s high oxalate foods.
Through the wisdom and knowledge of Dr. Smith, I learned not to do a low oxalate diet. This approach leads many to a lifelong restricted diet, as it reduces the probiotics in one’s gut that naturally consume oxalates.
Instead, I enjoy a medium oxalate diet and have seen steady improvement in my eye health. This issue is not fully resolved, but it’s better than it was. And a medium oxalate diet is pretty easy to maintain.
I trust that this symptom will continue to improve. And, if anyone will figure out how to help further, it’s Dr. Smith — or just doing the diet for longer, which seems to help every symptom — as Grant Genereux shares in his yearly updates (now at 9 years low A, and he just keeps getting healthier).
5 Years on a Low Vitamin A Diet: further insights
Not one size fits all
The lifestyle this diet invites you into, is not one-size fits all. It’s a community of educated individuals, who work together under the leadership of two brilliant men’s research, to freely choose what’s best for their improvement based on insights into physiology previously misunderstood.
If you are sick, stuck, curious or wanting the truth once and for all, I think you will thank God for this path, as I do.
DIY version or with a doctor
I chose to do the DIY version for the first few years, to save money, and then I had my first appointment with Dr. Smith to get my mineral supplementation correct, through testing with him.
Choose the route I took, or make an appointment sooner for the most insight into your toxicities and deficiencies, which allows for faster progress.
Video testimony
About 6 months ago, I recorded a short testimonial video for Dr. Smith recounting the progress I’ve made on a low vitamin A diet. Find it here, if you’d like to watch. Since filming that video, I made more progress, as is recorded in this article.
How long does the low vitamin A diet take
My progress would have been faster, but being among the first who started the diet (and naturally being a little bit of a rebel), I made more mistakes. A lot of those details have now been ironed out, so it’s a more efficient process. I also included some cheats (like kombucha, cheese and chocolate) that I now know were holding me back and causing new problems.
All that being said, 3 years is the earliest someone can expect full recovery and optimum health. Those three years go by pretty quickly and include a lot of delicious foods that I enjoy.
If you’re inclined to give it a try, start the diet. It’s a great way to watch for initial and encouraging progress. As mentioned, I saw gains at two days, two weeks, one month and at other regular intervals.
When will I be done
There comes a time when vitamin A levels drop significantly in one’s blood test. This testing shows the liver and adipose tissues to have fully detoxed. Copper toxicity is also reflected in testing; so with Dr. Smith’s involvement, labs will show copper levels where they should be, also as they compare to zinc levels.
And then, yes, I’ll be where I want to be!
Grant Genereux has presumably already reached these points. But he continues on with the diet to prove that vitamin A is not needed by the human body. Interestingly, his lab work and general health just keep improving.
So while I expect to enjoy full food freedom, I also plan to keep a lower vitamin A and copper diet long term, for best health.
After all, one is a toxin, and the other is a heavy metal. I don’t want either as staples in my diet.
For those who want all food freedom back sooner, that’s one great thing about the low vitamin A diet: You can make it your own, even long term.
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Marius says
I’ve been looking into experiences with low vitamin A diets and your detailed account of your journey over five years is so encouraging. It’s remarkable to hear about the significant improvements in your health across multiple areas like Hashimoto’s, MCAS, mental health, and digestion.
Your timeline of recovery and the specific milestones you’ve achieved on this diet provide such valuable context for anyone considering a similar path. It’s impressive to see how targeted dietary changes can have such a profound impact on overall well-being.
Thanks for sharing your story and all the practical insights you’ve gained along the way. This kind of information is invaluable for those seeking alternative approaches to health challenges
Megan says
You’re welcome, Marius. I’m so glad it’s helpful! 🙂
Nader ibrahim says
Is wheat bran and other grain brans allowed on the VAD diet?
Megan says
Hi Nader, no. But it’s possible organic oat bran could be used, if it agreed with the person. I don’t see it as a staple.
Jana says
Hello Megan!
I got to your website in researching AIP pancakes, and stayed for all the knowledge and wisdom I’ve found here (and recipes!). Your testimony here and other writings on Vitamin (Toxin?) A are mindblowing to me, but it does make a lot of sense. I’ve been struggling badly with leaky gut, adrenal fatigue, very mild hypoglycemia, and nutrient deficiencies for the past almost three years. I was a complete SAD dieter before this, and the transition has been very difficult, mainly in learning how to cook, but also in knowing what on earth to eat!
Started out going gluten-free (still am, and it helps), then decreased sugar to almost none except for occasional maple syrup, honey, etc. Then, with such strides in mood, energy, and weight gain, I wanted to try and tackle my years-long psoriasis. My FM doctor found some candida, and so I went on a candida diet – which was chicken, eggs, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and similar. It made my skin worse. So I went on the carnivore diet (w/ eggs)! But unbeknownst to me, after murdering my digestive system for so long, I couldn’t digest anything properly, and got some severe deficiencies there – plus I occasionally cheated with sweet potatoes, tomato sauce spaghetti, and carrots, plus dairy products. My skin broke out so badly like it never had before, and at that point due to wanting to be beautiful again, all I really cared about was my skin’s health. Stopping eggs in December helped a lot, but my skin still did not heal.
I was taken off beef, chicken, and pork for three months due to an IgG test, and the most recent has been sweet potatoes, salmon and other fish, shrimp, veggies, etc. And then I found your Vit A posts!
So I’m on Day 7 of VAD, and my mood has improved drastically, and my skin showed notable improvement, but has slowed and some days is still red/scaly. I guess the whole point of my comment is this – will it take a long while? I’ve tried so, so hard to heal my skin and I’m so hoping this VAD thing will help, that it was the sweet potatoes that were murdering me over the course of a year, and that even if my skin “pulses”, just maybe it will get better as my liver detoxes.
Thank you so much for all that you share, and I will support you as much as I can. God bless you.
Megan says
Hi Jana, please forgive the long delay in responding; I’m sorry to keep you waiting! Hopefully now you have a few weeks of Low A under your belt and even more you could say about how you’re doing. In answer to your question (and thank you for sharing!), everyone is different. But most people do see improvements to help them know they’re moving in the right direction and to encourage them. If there are setbacks, it’s good to reach out. For example, it can be important to take charcoal as you detox so any toxins are ad/bsorbed and ushered out. How long will it take? Ideally you’ll see some immediate improvements. For full wellness to be restored, 3 years minimum seems to be accurate. The journey is worth it, for sure. God bless you, too!
Jana Grebe says
Oh thank you!! No worries, I am so touched that you took the time to respond to my long rambling diatribe. I just checked back in today. I am definitely looking into proper charcoal administration for my circumstances, and I can make it three more years 😉 Thank you so for your kind response.
Megan says
Great!! 🙂
Jonathan says
Hi Jana,
I’m hearing you and I feel you. I know how it is because I had psoriasis and skin problems for many years, and I tried all different kinds of diets and approaches.
The only thing that helped with my skin problems has been the low vitamin A, low copper diet.. and zero essential oils, chemicals, perfume, shampoo etc.
Megan has written a lot of valuable great articles here on her webpage, and I have learned a lot from reading her blog post, as well as watching many interviews with Dr. Garrett Smith on YouTube.
I just watched this video called: How to Heal Skin Conditions Naturally with Dr. Garrett Smith
I also highly encourage you to read Grant Genereux free pdf. book called Extinguishing the Fires of Hell.
Wishing you all the best.
Jana says
Thank you very much, sir, for the time you took to make an encouraging comment and send some resources. I will definitely look into those, and have already pulled up the PDF in question. It is wonderful to have some hope of relief. Thank you again. I’m glad your symptoms have drastically improved since learning about these things. I’ll keep learning!
Jana says
One quick note – I am taking digestive enzymes and occasional betaine. What is the practical difference between betaine and bitters? Thank you 🙂
Megan says
Hi Jana, I’m sorry for the long delay in responding! Enzymes directly break down food (immediately on contact). Betaine HCl and bitters stimulate your body to produce those enzymes. Betaine HCl directly changes the pH of your stomach. Bitters stimulates your liver to create bile and your gall bladder to release it; bitters stimulates your stomach to change its pH. Bitters makes your body do the most work, which in one sense is good. Either way, whichever of these aids we use, ideally we are healing the liver, so eventually all of these mechanisms will do the work without help.
Jana Grebe says
I see! I will have to do more research on the topic then. Thank you for the thorough response! This is all new to me as of this year… so much ” red pilling ” that my head is still mildly spinning 😀 I am so grateful for your posts and have learned a lot.
Megan says
I’m so glad, Jana, happy to help! 🙂
Jonathan says
Dear Megan,
fresh datesThanks for sharing your story. I’m glad to read this post. I’ve been reading most of your blog posts about vitamin A for some time now, great stuff, you are good at writing. Thanks for all your hard work, much appreciated. I was a pure vegan for 15 years eating lots of “healthy” bright coloured fruits and vegetables, and I ran into some major health problems.
Then I was blessed to read ‘Extinguishing the Fires of Hell’ by Grant Genereux, which led me to Dr. Garrett Smith aka The Nutrition Detective which led me to your webpage. And for almost 7 months I’ve been doing the Low Vitamin A, Low copper lifestyle. I’ve definitely seen some improvements in my health, which I’m grateful for. I read the “ANTI-INFLAMMATORY-FOOD-LISTS-PRINTABLE” here on the webpage. However, I see that dried dates are on the list. As far as I know fresh dates (before they turn brown and dry) are yellow and orange colour?
Kind regards
Jonathan from Copenhagen Denmark
P.S. sorry for my bad english.
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, thank you for sharing, and I’m sorry for the long delay before responding! So glad to hear you’re on this journey. 🙂 Depending on the variety, unripe dates are green in color, maturing to yellow, then golden brown, brown or a reddish-brown color when fully ripe. Dr. Smith has approved them when dried as a safe low vitamin A food, although they do contain some. Totally great to avoid if that feels better. We are advised to not eat too many, as they are so high in natural sugar. So happy for your health improvements and hopeful for many more to come. Blessings!
Jonathan says
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, dried dates are high in natural sugar, and as far as I know dried fruits can also be high in histamine and sulfur.
I have experienced that I do better without dried fruit on the low A diet, I prefer fresh peeled apples and bananas.
Out of all fruits, apples are the highest in soluble fiber. I find that high quality organic ripe peeled apples, bananas, pressure cooked beans and grass fed meat are grounding/calm and nourishing foods for me to eat.
Megan says
Yes, I totally agree; those are the best foods! 🙂 Those are our staples as well. And we also do really well with oatmeal. I think dates are for those who feel they need them, like my kids occasionally or if someone wants one sweet thing, who is still overcoming a sweet tooth. But there are always best foods on an ideal diet and then those that are acceptable, but that may not be ideal. I’m so glad you’re feeling so grounded and calm and content with your foods! It would be great if everyone could just stick with the basics, like Grant, but it seems most people need variety emotionally.
Jonathan says
Thanks for sharing your story. Please keep us updated about how it goes. You are looking younger now compared to the older photos.
I’m still trying to figure out which type of soluble fiber and the amount of soluble fiber that I need on this low A diet. I’m a bit constipated, usually I’m only going to the toilet every second other day, so maybe I’m eating too little soluble fiber. From my understanding the recommended daily intake of soluble fiber is 25-30 grams a day.
½ cup of cooked beans has approximately 5 grams of soluble fiber.
1 cup of cooked beans has approximately 10 grams of soluble fiber.
1 ½ cup of cooked beans has approximately 15 grams of soluble fiber.
2 cups of cooked beans has approximately 20 grams of soluble fiber.
How much soluble fiber do you eat a day and which type do you like the most? Beans, oatmeal, psyllium husk?
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, thanks for your comments and questions, and I’m sorry for the delay in responding. I rely on oatmeal and beans as my main sources. I eat oatmeal for breakfast, and hummus + other bean sources 1 to 2 times daily. And then I avoid foods that constipate, too, so that can look different for different people (but I avoid too much rice, and I don’t overdo oatmeal, so my sweet spot is once a day, not twice for oats). But even more importantly/just as important, are you already taking both Magnesium and Potassium? When I figured out my dosage on those two, that was at least as important for me as the soluble fiber. I take 5 capsules of Mg nightly, and a whole 1/2 teaspoon of Potassium chloride, which might be too high for some people, for sure, but it gives you an idea. You would want to start much lower than that, and then increase until you see results (and then back off a bit if your bowels become too loose.) Re psyllium husk, I use it for baking and love it, but I don’t rely on it for regularity.
Jonathan says
Thanks for your reply and for sharing that information, I appreciate that you took your time writing the message.
I avoid food that constipates too, I eat only organic food and I have around 10 different low A, low copper foods that I rotate with.
Soluble fiber:
I eat beans (soaked overnight and pressure cooked in my Instant Pot). I rotate between Navy beans, Lima beans, and black turtle beans. As well as small amounts of oatmeal. I prefer pressure cooked beans, I find that they are more satisfying compared to oats. As far as I know beans are also the highest source of soluble fiber in the plant kingdom.
Protein and other vitamins: For that I eat lean ground meat and occasionally Ribeye steak, NY Strip or Tomahawk steak.
Potassium: I eat 2 bananas a day (medium ripe) but maybe that’s not enough potassium?
Vitamin C and pectin: Apples (peeled) Cucumber (peeled)
I’m 38 years old, single and living alone, so I only cook for myself.
I don’t care about “fancy meals” or variety, I actually like keeping it simple and not mixing more than 3-4 things in a meal. I don’t like to mix too many foods together, because I have a sensitive digestion system. Usually my meals are just 3-4 things. For example: Beans, lean ground meat (or another cut of red muscle meat) and cucumber slices, and sometimes I add a little bit of fresh squeezed lemon juice to the meal.
I believe in the ‘toxic bile theory’, and the importance of eating a low A, low copper diet.
I am aware of the fact that nutrition and nourishment is more than what we eat, it’s also important to do some movement, grounding, getting a bit of sunlight, rest, sleep, and getting fresh air daily.
I was taking a multivitamin pill and a vitamin D pill everyday for over a decade, because I was told it’s important when living in Northern Europe, where there is little sunlight. But when I found out that vitamin D supplement is rat poison, I stopped taking it.
Now I haven’t taken any supplements at all for around 1.5 years.
I want to try to start taking a Magnesium supplement. I have been searching for the best Magnesium capsule supplement, but it’s a jungle to figure out which type there’s the best one, because there’s so many brands at Amazon. Can you please share a link to a Magnesium supplement if you know one, for example the one that you take? Thanks in advance.
It is inspiring reading about your experience with a low A diet, it makes me motivated to keep doing the lifestyle. So thank you for everything you share, and for the support here, much appreciated.
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, yes, happy to help, and thanks for sharing. My family and I take this Mg: https://amzn.to/4caUweb I personally take 5 capsules nightly (a lot), whereas my older boys take 1 and 2, respectively. As you may already know, you find your dosage based on bowel movement texture. Most people start with two capsules nightly, and then if you’re too constipated still, you increase by one each night until you get the right movement, or if it’s too loose, you back off by one. I’ve found that potassium also really helps with getting it just right (as does fiber in our diets). I take a full 1/2 teaspoon potassium chloride nightly, but I give my 5 year old 1/16th teaspoon and my 15 year old 1/8 teaspoon, stirred into water nightly. 1/8 teaspoon is a good starting place for most adults, in my experience, and while potassium chloride isn’t a good fit for everyone, it seems to be the most commonly helpful. As Dr. Smith has said, potassium can be tricky to dose and choose, but when you find your sweet spot, it can really help with sleep, pooping and more. So you may wish to experiment. The Mg I take is recommended by Dr. Smith, by the way; it took me years to find it, and it’s a keeper. So glad you’re off the D and doing all the great things you mentioned. 🙂
Jonathan says
I remember hearing Dr. Garrett Smith mentioning that bananas and coconut water are a good source of natural potassium on the low vitamin A diet. I don’t have access to coconut water though, but I can get organic bananas, so I’m grateful for that.
I’m aware of the fact that it’s ideal to avoid foods high in aldehydes (because that increases the Vitamin A issues)
. Aldehydes are a compound in certain foods that impede the detoxification of Vitamin A.
So the more we eat them, even if they’re low in vitamin A themselves, the more likely we are to see flares and problems in our detox process. I really love bananas though, and I have actually started to increase more of them in my diet, but I’m aware of the fact that if they are too ripe then they are high in aldehydes, so I’m trying to control myself, by not eating too many of them. I just always had a very sweet tooth, but I’m also trying to be gentle with myself, and be proud of where I am now on my health journey, compared to before I started on the low A lifestyle.
I have already reversed years-long eczema, psoriasis and other illnesses, simply by drastically reducing the vitamin A and copper in my diet, simply by quitting all those trigger foods. Anyways, “trigger food” is a silly term. The so-called trigger foods are simply causing the disease, rather than “triggering” some mysterious, invisible cause. And I couldn’t connect the dots because I was religiously attached to the theory that all modern bred fruits and vegetables were natural to eat for humans and therefore could not possibly be causing the problem. A key thing to understand is that “vitamin” A (which carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, watermelon, cantaloupe melon, parsley, bell peppers, tomatoes, yellow corn, avocado, spinach, kale, nectarine, persimmon, papaya, mango, oranges, tangerines, clementines, grapefruit, jackfruit, mamey sapote and other bright colorful vegetables and fruits are full of) is not just a direct poison only at high doses – That’s a myth. It is toxic at all doses. It can be toxic very quickly at high doses, or it can slowly accumulate in the liver and body fat to become toxic over time at low doses. Many autoimmune diseases are caused by being in a chronic state of elevated storage levels of retinol, retinoic acids, retinaldehyde, and possibly the carotenoid Vitamin A precursor. Vitamin A is clinically proven, and documented, to produce skin inflammation, as well as all the other symptoms of all the autoimmune diseases combined.
Anyways, I am planning on starting with a magnesium supplement first, and see how that goes, and if that helps a bit with constipation.
And then I might start taking potassium supplements later.
Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge and experience, and thanks for passing the link to the magnesium supplement, I appreciate your support a lot.
We are in the same boat, and it’s great that we can support and inspire each other, my need for community is being met here.
Thanks again. Blessings.
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, it’s so great to hear about your long-term eczema and psoriasis clearing up!! Wonderful. Yes, all you said, so true. We do eat plenty of bananas around here, just not too ripe, as you said. Sounds like you have a great mindset and have learned so so much. Thanks for sharing all you did! Blessings, and I hope the Mg is a big help, as I expect it will be. 🙂
Jonathan says
Hi Megan,
I know that you might be busy, and are having a lot of errands, but I have one last question for you, I hope that you are willing to support me with that.
I would really like to purchase the Magnesium malate supplement from the brand called “Designs for Health” (the one that you linked to) and the one that Garrett Smith also recommended.
But the thing is that I can’t buy it online at Amazon’s US webpage, and get it shipped to Denmark.
And unfortunately the Magnesium malate supplement from the brand called “Designs for Health” isn’t available at Amazon’s Europe webpage. So sadly it’s not possible for me to purchase the one you sent me a link to here.
So I’m trying to find a similar Magnesium malate supplement, and I’ve found two other Magnesium malate supplements that might be similar to the one you and the ‘Nutrition Detective’ likes, but I’m not fully sure about the ingredients.
There’s this one:
Ingredients: Di-Magnesium malate (82%), plant fibres (vegan – nano free), modified starch (vegan and gluten-free – nano free), dextrin (vegan – nano-free), release agent magnesium salts of fatty acids (vegan nano free), coating agent plant fibres (vegan – nano free), release agent glycerine (vegan – nano free).
And there’s this one:
Ingredients: Magnesium malate, filler: microcrystalline cellulose, filler: stearic acid, filler, croscarmellose sodium, filler: magnesium stearate, release agent: silicon dioxide, vegetarian coating agent.
Can you please take a look at the ingredients, and tell me which one you think is the best/purest etc. for me to choose.
In other words; if it was you that was me, which Magnesium malate supplement, which one would you then choose out of those two options from Amazon Europe’s webpage?
I ask you because I know that you have a lot of knowledge about supplements, and because you’ve been researching a lot about ‘Toxic Bile Theory’ and been on the Low A, Low copper diet etc. for many years.
I hope that I can find one that’s similar to the one you linked to.
Of course, no medical advice here, but I would appreciate it very much to hear your opinion.
No stress my friend, just take your time, and reply whenever it fits into your schedule.
Thanks in advance, I appreciate you.
Sincerely,
Jonathan
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, no problem and happy to chime in what I’d choose for myself. The ingredients in both look okay, just fillers that should be fine. I’d choose the second one, the NOW brand, as they usually offer a clean effective product with minimal fillers at a good price. See how you do with it to be sure it’s a good fit for you. 🙂 Best!
Jonathan says
Thank you so much for your reply and for taking a look at the ingredients.
I’ll try to order the Magnesium malate supplement from the brand called ‘NOW’.
I actually sent an email to“Designs for Health”, and asked if they think that the Magnesium malate supplement that you take would be available at Amazon’s European webpage at some point.
It would be awesome if I could get that, because as you mentioned that was the one Dr. Smith suggested to you.
Anyways, for now I’m just gonna try to order the one available at Amazon European webpage (the one from NOW) and then we’ll see how that goes. Looking forward to trying it.
I’m having a lot of appetite on this Low A, Low copper diet. I’m having way more appetite now compared to when I was eating lots of bright colored fruits and vegetables, and less soluble fiber.
I guess my body is craving some real nutrition dense Low A foods, or maybe my diet is lacking in some minerals or vitamins, I don’t know, because as I mentioned, I haven’t taken any supplements for over 1.5 years. But I do definitely have a lot of appetite, and as I mentioned I’m eating way more food now compared to before I started on Low A diet.
I haven’t gained any weight though, I’m not counting calories, but I think that I’m eating quite a lot of food, from pressure cooked beans, oats, peeled apples, bananas, peeled cucumber and lots of grass-fed grass-finished meat. Do you have any idea about how many calories you are approximately eating a day.
I eat very low fat, that may be the reason why I’m staying lean. When I start taking Magnesium supplement, it will be interesting to see how I feel, and if that can fill out some nutritional gaps (if my diet is lacking in some minerals like Magnesium or Potassium, which I don’t know because I haven’t gotten any blood work done) I’m gonna start with the magnesium, and then I may add Potassium supplement later. I think in general it’s a good idea to start slow with supplements.
Thanks again for your support.
Much Love.
<3
Megan says
You’re welcome, happy to help. No, I’m sorry; I don’t know my caloric intake. Sounds like you’ve got a great thing going. 🙂
Krysta MacGray says
I loved reading this article, Meagan. Thank you for your testimony! I’m curious why you thought you’d need digestive aides forever? I’ve been using them forever just because GAPS and AIP coaches have told me I need to, but whenever I’ve not used them I notice no difference. I notice no difference taking them either. I thought this was a common experience. In any case, I’m curious as to what your symptoms were when you didn’t take digestive aides? Also, I am bowled over about your Hashimoto remission! How long had you had the disease before remission?
Megan says
Hi Krysta, I thought I’d always need them because I couldn’t eat a meal without them and not have digestive discomfort. I relied on them for no-pain eating. So we are different in that way. I’m glad you don’t need them! I had Hashimoto’s for years, but I don’t know how many because it was diagnosed late. Maybe 8 years, possibly longer.
Dave says
This is awesome and glad to hear you and yours are doing so well!
Will share this with my wife who has been struggling with Hashimoto’s (and all that comes along for the ride with it) for decades now too. We have been thru the health wringer – especially her – and it’s having the effect of “oh well, just part of aging” and frankly giving up and/or becoming discouraged that anything will help.
Is there any encouragement that you might give, especially for my wife?
Thank you again!
Megan says
Hi Dave, I’m sorry for the delay in responding, and thank you for your kind words and sharing a bit about you and your wife. I would tell her that there are many women in the Love Your Liver program (with Dr. Smith) who have reversed Hashimoto’s. We often attribute symptoms to aging that have other specific causes. If you choose to have an appointment with Dr. Smith, you get the best attention to your labs and real insight to helpful changes that make a difference. Many folks come to this diet after trying everything, only to finally find what’s true and understand what’s really going on. If you have any hope still, then it’s easy to start this diet and watch for initial changes. 🙂 It can still be a long-ish journey, but knowing you’re on the right path and seeing continual improvements makes all the difference, plus having people to whom you can ask any questions. Blessings!
Dave says
Thank you! Your story and my wife’s seem similar in many ways, especially the thyroid and digestive issues. I’ve passed the link to her, although she wants to try another “program” that a friend of hers has had success with first.
Meanwhile I’ll be the guinea pig with low vA. Reading the info and testimonials had lit up several lightbulbs regarding my own health as I age. So far zinc pico, niacin, beef, beans and rice already have me feeling better. Looking forward to making breakfast a habit again (w/ oatmeal) as well. I know this will be a long term effort but what’s great so far is it is easy to eat low vA. Thanks again.
Megan says
Hi Dave, so great to hear about you being on the diet and your progress so far! Yes, those foods you named are the best, and easy, as you said. I’m so glad you’re making it work, and with joy, and hopefully your wife can benefit soon, too. Thanks for sharing!
Jonathan says
Hi Megan,
I hope you’re doing well.
I took a look at Dr. Smith’s ‘Keystone Minerals’ supplement at his webpage, and it contains 150 mcg of Molybdenum Glycinate.
I heard him mentioning in one of his ‘YouTube Live Streams’ that It’s an essential mineral for detoxing copper.
I’m trying to find a good molybdenum supplement on Amazon’s European webpage.
Apparently ‘NOW’ doesn’t make a molybdenum supplement.
Obviously I would prefer to get a good molybdenum supplement.
Are there anything specific to look out for when shopping molybdenum?
Any information you may have would be greatly appreciated.
Below you’ll see the molybdenum supplements that I can buy in Europe, but I don’t know which one to chose?:
https://www.amazon.de/s?k=Molybdenum+Glycinate&crid=3FIO7A70FMNTN&sprefix=molybdenum+glycinate%2Caps%2C80&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
Would you be willing to take a look at them for me.
Thank you.
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, happy to help. Yes, I think this one looks good: Molybdenum Capsules – 200 µg – High Dose – Quality from Germany – No Additives – Laboratory Tested – Vegan – Small Capsules Instead of Tablets – Trace Element for Active Metabolism – Vitamineule® The dose is just a little higher than Dr. Smith’s 150 mcg, at 200 mcg. You may be fine at the 200 mcg, but if you feel any “off” symptoms, you could always split the amount over two days, to reduce. This product looks clean.
Jonathan says
Hi again Megan,
Doing some research I found the Molybdenum supplement from ‘Biotics Research’ at an European webpage:
Here: https://www.energeticanatura.com/nl-be/producten/mo-zyme
Is the Molybdenum supplement you take still the one from ‘Biotics Research’?
Megan says
Yes, this is the one I take! 🙂
Jonathan says
Hi Megan,
Thank you so much for your reply and for taking a look at the ingredients at the different Molybdenum supplements that there’s available for me to buy in Europe.
The Molybdenum supplement that you take yourself, is the one from “Biotics Research” right? (That one isn’t available at Amazon European webpage)
This Molybdenum:
I read on the above Molybdenum that its:
**Molybdenum from vegetable culture. Specially grown, biologically active vegetable culture containing Phytochemically Bound Molybdenum and other phytochemicals including polyphenolic compounds with SOD and catalase, dehydrated at low temperature to preserve associated enzyme factors.**
It sounds like a different formula of Molybdenum.
I’m trying to figure out what the differences are compared to the ones with Sodium Molybdenum.
In general, for me, it can be a jungle to find out what the differences are between all the different supplements, and which ones are the best and cleanest products.. but I’ll try to order the molybdenum supplement that you’ll suggest, because I trust you.
As far as I know (please correct me if I’m wrong) the mineral supplements Dr. Garrett Smith usually uses to help his clients get better are:
Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Molybdenum, Potassium.
As well as a few other things like: Lactoferrin, Activated Charcoal, SunFiber.
Thanks again Megan, I really appreciate your support.
Megan says
Yes, that’s correct, the list you shared from Dr. Smith. It looks like from your more recent comment you found the better molybdenum. Happy to help, and I’m glad you’re figuring it all out for yourself, despite so much work!
Jonathan says
Thanks for your reply Megan.
I’m unsure which recent comment you are referring to?
So just to make sure that I understand it correctly.
Which one is it that you mean there might be “the better type of molybdenum”
Did you mean the molybdenum from ‘Biotics Research’:
Or did you mean the molybdenum from the Amazon European webpage:
https://www.amazon.de/s?k=Molybdenum&crid=37ZRTDVYVHXVW&sprefix=molybdenum%2Caps%2C164&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, Biotics Research. 🙂
Jonathan says
Hi Sweetheart,
Thanks for sharing.
I actually found a Molybdenum supplement (Molybdenum Glycinate, similar to Dr. Smith’s ‘Keystone Minerals’ with Molybdenum Glycinate… so I ended up buying that instead of the one from Biotics Research)
The Molybdenum Glycinate capsules are made by a US brand called Kirkman.
Kirkman Molybdenum Glycinate 100 mcg capsules:
Molybdenum 100 mcg – Hypoallergenic
Kirkman Molybdenum Glycinate 100 mcg capsules at Amazon US:
I found an european webpage that sells the Kirkman Molybdenum Glycinate 100 mcg capsules, and I ordered it from them.
I’m looking forward to starting on adding that Molybdenum supplement to my zinc picolinate, selenium, and magnesium.
I take the magnesium glycinate capsules from the brand called Pure Encapsulations, as well as the zinc picolinate capsules from Pure Encapsulations. The selenium I take is the one from NOW called, Selenium 100 mcg (L-selenomethionine) yeast free.
I hope those minerals help with detoxing the excess burden of copper, vit A, and the high doses of vit D that I took for many years.
Thanks for reading my message.
Keep up the good work my friend.<3
Megan says
That all sounds great, Jonathan! Yes, sounds like you’re on the right path! Blessings. 🙂
AJ says
Hi Megan!
I really appreciate you sharing your entire journey. I have explored your website on and off over the years as my family has had similar foods sensitivities and have appreciated your insight and wisdom!
I am not sure if you’ll get this because, it appears this post is older. But, I found it after researching Dr. Smith & Grant Genereux. Recently I’ve been following a lot of Karen Hurd’s wisdom that is very similar with these guys (toxic bile theory), and she has been using her protocol for over 30 years and has had tremendous results. Our family has been sensitive to a lot of natural plant chemicals and I’ve tried Paleo, GAPS, low salicylate, amine, glutamate, oxalate, Keto, & Carnviore-ish… ???? The carnivore-ish pathways seems to make the most sense (especially with plant chemicals) but… also totally open to any and all healing pathways!
All that to say… It’s sounds like you’ve done hardcore paleo and GAPS and AIP and all the elimination diets full on and now have done the low vitamin A for 5+ years now… Knowing what you know now, would you just start with Low Vitamin A (10+ years ago) versus all the other diets/protocols you’ve done?
Thank you! I really appreciate all your hard work, commitment and research! And, CONGRATS on all the well earned healing!!! 🙂
Megan says
Hi AJ, nice to connect! Knowing what I know now, I’d start the Low A diet and skip all else. It takes care of eliminating sugar, which was the best gift I received from the GAPS diet. Low A allows you to be grain-free if you prefer, short term or longer. Dr. Smith’s wisdom/knowledge does feel that the carnivore diet is missing meaningful fiber. I would fully skip AIP, as its emphasis on the rainbow diet and organ meats is harmful. The Vitamin A Detox diet addresses all things and is the best use of time. Plus, the support community in LYL is very intelligent, as well as kind. There are no parroted answers ever; every answer is well thought out, and “I don’t know” is more welcome than repeating some answer that isn’t backed by good science. Karen Hurd, Smith and Genereux’s wisdom on beans is wonderful, even if many people on the low A diet can’t eat them initially. I’m so happy you found the diet! You can definitely customize it to meet your family’s needs and/or restrictions — another wonderful thing about the diet, Dr. Smith’s guidance and the community. Best!! 🙂
AJ says
Amazing! Thank you for your reply, Megan!!
I so appreciate your reflections and distinctions. I haven’t jumped into Dr. Smith’s LYL community yet, so thank you! I’ve taken Karen Hurd’s courses and worked with her a bit but, it appears Dr. Smith is taking it to a whole new level of healing with the vitamin a, aldehydes, etc. We also eat a TON of eggs and ghee because we’ve been so limited with food. So, wondering about that…
I did see Grant write something about how the carnivore diet has a higher success rate without encountering detox cycle, compared to the vitamin a protocol. I tried to find the actual link but couldn’t. He writes about how maybe the higher fat in the carnivore diet is sufficiently emulsifying the additional toxic bile and allowing it to get safely expelled with waste. That maybe some vitamin A people could use more fat and some carnivore people could maybe benefit from some fiber.
Any thoughts or experiences with that?
Also, curious if you’d heard of or done the CLRLY liver detox? He has used a lot of the wisdom from Grant & Garret. I did it and the main benefit I noticed was way better sleep.
THANK YOU!!
Megan says
Hi AJ, happy to help! Wow, I hadn’t seen the CLRLY liver detox yet, and it is quite the mind-blowing combination of theories (no offense to anyone, but I’m still reeling from reading it!). Whoever that author is, he is combining the toxic bile theory with a slightly reduced vitamin A diet and asks us to resume vitamin A consumption after clearing out the liver, which he seems to think is a pretty simple (and fast!) process that includes mixed messages for the body: Half of what he’s suggesting pushes toxins into the liver, lungs and more (NAC, TUDCA and up to 2000 IUs of vitamin A daily), and the other half of the supplements are working to detox. TUDCA (or the medical version: UDCA [same thing]) actually causes long term damage: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11197788/ even though it produces short term results for some. He has some of his knowledge straight and too much of it dangerously wrong. He has also created a one size fits all program which just can’t work, because we are all so unique and should not start on the same dosages of minerals or anything else. Also weird: Maybe I didn’t look hard enough, but who is he, what are his credentials etc, and why is he promoting CBD anything lol? We also get the “encouragement”, “Positive feedback is pouring in after just one week of releasing the detox protocol.” Yikes, how about having years of research on how this affects hundreds of people not just one week for a few people?
A quote from one of Dr. Smith’s recent emails may be helpful in terms of more specifics on why the carnivore diet will not bring long term benefits: “As I’ve learned over and over again, either from stories like this or from working with my own clients… Some results have leases on them, and like all leases, they end… Which gets to the cope. So many who have experimented with carnivore diets or something similar tell me all the time… “I was doing great on Diet X or Y until it stopped working for me.” That’s the rub… Because their diet never addresses the elephant in the room, which is the sheer amount of toxins in our bodies that never escape. Especially for someone eating nothing but muscle meat (Not talking about nose-to-tail carnivores, that’s a whole other story), toxin intake drops dramatically. The most efficient way your body releases these toxins is via a bowel movement. And if there’s one thing we know about carnivore types, their bowel movements are few and far between. Not to mention, studies show roughly 95% of toxic bile, the primary driver of so many long-standing health issues, gets reabsorbed back into the body while less than 5% actually makes it out.… It’s no wonder why so many diets cause a relapse in conditions. The toxins never get a chance to escape. If you’re a carnivore, vegan, vegetarian, Peater, or whatever, and you’ve noticed old symptoms that were once gone, come back with a vengeance… I can confidently tell you from years of experience you’re still plenty toxic. Fortunately, there’s something that can help you… Which is fiber.”
Nicely, Dr. Smith does not do one size fits all, so he does bless a little more fat for those of us who need it, but he also knows when something isn’t a good idea. I have tried to stray from his advice many times over the years, because I was so entrenched in my former way of thinking that I just couldn’t give up certain ideas, but every time he ends up being right, and I end up having wasted time not believing him. So, in your shoes, I’d trust him. He really is gifted and brilliant beyond all others. I’m not saying he’s perfect or hasn’t re-thought beliefs, but he has figured out more about this process than anyone else, and he’s the best bet for a good guide. Plus, the forum gives a few variations of opinions, so you have people helping you with grey areas. 🙂
AJ says
Hi!!
Awesome note! Thanks! The only thing I know about the CLRLY founder is that he had some health issues and I think did some of Grant & Garret’s work but, obviously diverged. I think he’s more in the quantum biology space. I appreciate your thoughts on it though.
And, I also appreciate Dr. Smith’s email about the carnivore diet. It does make sense. There are of course so many people on carnivore diet that are thriving and have for years (sometimes up to 10-20 years) on eating just meat that don’t appear to have their issues come back.
I have talked with Dr. Chaffee and I think it 100% works for him and his community. I mentioned the need for fiber and the enterohepatic re-circulation and he said that he has heard people saying that but he hasn’t seen that in the research. I’m also aware that the toxic bile is a “theory” and everyone’s experimenting and learning what works. I do find it fascinating to see how many people Karen Hurd & Dr. Smith have helped heal and equally how many people have healed on a keto & carnivore diet.
I attached a picture of Grant’s post that I had read. It makes me wonder why he or some low vitamin A people wouldn’t try more of a carnivore diet, especially if he’s seeing them get better results? Maybe you’ve already tried that path and it didn’t work for you and your family. I know that people end up going to Karen after they’ve tried GAPS or AIP or KETO and it doesn’t help them and then, her protocol finally helps them.
That is also fascinating that when you’ve strayed from Dr. Smith’s advice, being entrench in former ways of thinking, that you ended up wasting time because he was right. It’s truly astonishing how much you’ve healed on that protocol. I will probably dive into the LYL community to get a deeper understanding. Thanks again for your comments/notes back. It’s definitely helpful to learn more about your experiences!
Megan says
Hi AJ, I think you might find this video with Dr. Smith helpful, as he fully explains his views on fat in one’s diet: https://rumble.com/v27zpt4-fat-and-oils.html It is not a one-size fits all approach. 🙂
AJ says
Hi again! 🙂
I ask about the carnivore pathway because it seems you could do that with added sunfiber and psyllium with maybe some seasonal (low vitamin A) veggies/fruits and in theory maybe still get the same healing results. And, you’d have an overall lower plant toxin load with minimal potential downside like lectins, oxalates, salicylates, etc. that are in beans, oats, nuts/seeds, etc.
I just recently read Dr. Georgia Ede’s & Sally Norton’s books and they’re both fascinating. They challenge the idea that we need a lot of fiber and both talk about the negative impact of seeds, nuts, grains, legumes.
It’s fun to “chat” about these things! Thank you! 🙂
Megan says
Hi AJ, yes, that is an option, and Dr. Smith has said that if someone wants do the Carnivore diet, that’s the way to do it, with added fibers, as you mentioned. 🙂 If you could summarize what they consider the dangers of grains, does it include compounds like lectins as the main issues? Do they believe a body can detox with meat alone? For me, I feel so liberated getting to eat grains and beans again! They feel so nourishing and gentle, like they did when I was younger. It’s true that when my gut wasn’t well, I did need to remove them, but with the Low A diet healing my gut, the lectins and other issues are not a problem anymore (although I’m still working on the oxalate issue, but I believe that will be handled soon with more fully healed bile ducts). I do think a healthy gut can digest grains and beans with no backlash. Thanks for sharing about your read and bringing together the worlds of thought to discuss. 🙂
Jonathan says
Hi Megan,
I heard Dr. Garrett Smith saying in the “Love Your Liver Livestream #154” that Thiamine / B1 binds to aldehydes, which can make the aldehydes less toxic.
He’s also mentioning in the video that one can take up to 2 grams of B1 Thiamine a day.
I am curious to hear if you are taking B1 everyday, or how often?
Blessings.
<3
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, Vitamin B1 has been a favorite for me. Recently, I experimented with no longer taking it, as Dr. Smith says that a time will come when we shouldn’t need it anymore. Indeed, I am good now without it. But for years I have taken 600 mg daily: I took 300 mg with breakfast and 300 with lunch. I did try going higher, but didn’t feel well with the higher dose, and at 600 daily, I felt improved energy, among other benefits. I never took it at night because it can keep you awake. I love what Dr. Smith said about it. I hope you find it useful! It can also help with digestion by supporting the right stomach pH and enzymes, and I like the idea of taking it for anyone who eats foods that deplete thiamine, like egg whites, white bread or white rice. 🙂
Jonathan says
Hi Megan,
Thank you very much for sharing about your experiences with B1 / Thiamine, I’m taking notes.
In the “Love Your Liver livestream #154”, Dr. Garrett Smith mentions a Thiamine / B1 supplement that he likes, it’s a brand called Dr. Clark.
Dr. Clark Vitamin B1 Thiamine 500 mg (Thiamine Hydrochloride) Gelatin Capsules at Amazon US:
It looks like a clean one, but I can’t buy the above one from the brand called Dr. Clark here in Europe. However, I’ve found another one that looks like a good one too.
Vitamin B1 Capsules, 200 mg (Thiamine Hydrochloride) from Vitamineule at Amazon EU:
Ingredients:
Thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), rice flour, capsule shell: hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
I’ll keep you updated about how it goes.:-)
Thanks again, you’ve been so kind and helpful, I’m very grateful for your support, you’re an angel.
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, thank you for your very kind words. Your B1 looks good, and I’ll look forward to hearing how it goes. Blessings!!
Lisa says
Hi Megan,
I stumbled across your articles and web page when struggling with a kidney infection, after about a year of flirting with UTI’s. The colloidal silver recommendation was HUGE. But here I also learned about vitamin A toxicity. Never heard of it before. I was on Acnutrol for about 6 years, while taking fermented cod liver oil and beef liver. I’m wondering if that played a part in my UTI struggle. (Have stopped all three supplements.) I recently also tested very high for Ochratoxin A. (Supposed to be below 7.5, and I’m over 129.) Ochratoxin A is also hard on the kidneys. My ND prescribed glutathione and other binders for that. Then I read you stay away from glutathione and many other supplements I’m taking. The book Cu-Re: your fatigue – The root cause and how to fix it on your own, by Morley Robbins was recommended to me. Are you familiar with his research? It’s basically opposite of most of what you’re saying about vitamin A and copper. I’m feeling VERY confused and frustrated as to what direction to go. Are the two different ways of thinking just addressing different issues? I’d love any insight you might have if you’re familiar with Morley Robbin’s perspective. Also, I so appreciate you taking the time to respond to comments!
Thank you!
Lisa
Megan says
Hi Lisa, happy to help, and nice to connect! I’m sorry for your struggles and happy you’re searching for long term solutions. It’s so encouraging that they exist. The doctor who’s leading the research on the vitamin A toxicity concept is Dr. Smith. You are exactly right that the vitamin A toxicity concept and Dr. Smith’s work on it that includes the toxicity of copper (which is a heavy metal) directly conflicts with Morley Robbins’ work. I believe Robbin’s work is making many people a whole lot sicker, and that he is affecting his own health that way as well. It is interesting that Robbins drinks coffee daily, but then talks about how he’s figured out that copper is what’s missing for people’s energy issues lol. Copper actually depletes potassium, and potassium is ending up to be a game-changer in the low A low copper diet and recovery of all health issues process. Potassium has helped so many people in the LYL program overcome insomnia and constipation (including me), plus more subtle issues. The longer I detox copper the better I get. One wonderful example of this includes me finally overcoming extreme EMF sensitivity in my right arm. The copper there was conducting electricity up and down my arm. It detoxed from a low copper diet and using a special arm band that neutralized the EMFs. Unfortunately, Robbins is one of many doctors who now claim to know the root cause of illness, and they point us to vitamin A supplements (lots of organ meats), copper and even vitamin D supplements. I took all of this for 10 years and just kept getting more autoimmune diseases and more symptoms. As my testimony from this article states, all that just started falling away immediately on the low A diet, and got even more wonderful when I realized the importance of low copper. One thing I’ve found spiritually, too, is that the more we read or consider what’s false, the more confused we become, but when we delve into the life and facts of what’s true, the more we understand and feel peace. I would heartily encourage you to try the low A and low copper diet to see what happens, ideally with activated charcoal dialed in, as well as making sure your bowels are moving, so you are detoxing well. I also recommend watching Dr. Smith’s free videos on YouTube, the more recent the better (anytime in the last year), because he is very clear with his research. It is not confusing, just accurate and logical. I don’t think you’ll feel confused after listening to him on various topics. All the best!! And then I also recommend his Love Your Liver forum if you decide to start the diet. 🙂
Jonathan says
Hi Megan,
With regards to Magnesium citrate and Potassium citrate powder.
I heard Dr. Garrett Smith say in one of his livestream videos:
**The citric acid that’s used to bind to those minerals is almost all GMO, so always find a brand that is non GMO. MicroIngredients make the best ones.**
Unfortunately I can’t buy from the brand called MicroIngredients.
(MicroIngredients products are not available at Amazon German webpage)
I can only buy Magnesium citrate powder via the Amazon German webpage from Now.
This one.
Have you heard any bad things about the magnesium citrate powder from Now?
Since I can’t get the one from MicroIngredients, I want to make sure that the one I can buy from Now is good enough?
Any thoughts on the magnesium citrate powder from Now?
Are you supplementing with magnesium citrate powder sometimes?
I know that you are taking the Magnesium Malate capsules from DesignsForHealth.
I did actually also hear Dr. Smith talking about Magnesium Malate in one of his livestreams, he said:
**Magnesium Malate is one of my preferred oral magnesium. I used that as a filler in the Keystone Minerals.**
The Magnesium Malate capsules from DesignsForHealth, are not available in Europe either.
So I was thinking about going for the Magnesium Citrate powder instead.
Hugs.
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, NOW’s Mg says GMO-free, so it looks like a good bet!
Jonathan says
Okay great.
Thanks.
Jonathan says
Hi Megan,
I hope you’re doing well at this moment.
Unfortunately I can’t buy the Magnesium Malate capsules from ‘DesignsForHealth’ here in Europe, so I’m looking for a similar Magnesium Malate capsule supplement, but I don’t know which one to choose.
I don’t know if you can access the link below, otherwise you can try to go to amazon . de and search for Magnesium Malate capsules.
https://www.amazon.de/s?k=Magnesium+Malate+capsules&i=drugstore&crid=3KILUKYME3S3&sprefix=magnesium+malate+capsules%2Cdrugstore%2C540&ref=nb_sb_noss
Would you be willing to take a look at them for me, and let me know which one you think that looks similar to the one from ‘DesignsForHealth’
Thank you in advance.
Kind regards,
Jonathan
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, It’s hard to tell for sure, but the Nutravita one looks okay. Sometimes with Mg, you have to try it to see how your bowels respond, to know for sure. It’s a complex of several compoundings of Mg, so it may or may not be a good fit, as pure Mg Malate is a little more predictable. Similarly, the Vitality Nutritionals may be a good one, but it’s hard to know without trying out the combination of compoundings. The other products there do not look as good, from what I can tell. You may need to guess, and use a little intuition, hoping you find a good one. I’m sorry it’s so tricky.
Jonatahan says
Thank you so much Megan, for taking your time going through the different options of Magnesium Malate available at Amazon european website, I appreciate your support a lot.
Do you remember that I told you a while ago that I was constipated, I’m not that any longer, my digestion is better now.
I believe it might be the Magnesium Glycinate that helped with the constipation, but it could also be something else.
When I’m running out of magnesium glycinate I want to try the magnesium malate, that’s why I asked for your help.
I know that the Magnesium Malate capsules from DesignsForHealth are a great product, and that it was one Dr. Garrett Smith recommended, but like I said I can’t buy them here in Europe, and that’s why I was looking for something similar.
In general I see improvements on this Low vitamin A / low carotenoid, low copper lifestyle.
My food list is currently this:
Protein:
Red lean muscle meat:
Cow meat
Deer meat
Lamb meat (fat removed)
Chicken (skinless)
Turkey (skinless)
Carbohydrates:
Beans:
Cannellini beans/white kidney beans
Lima beans/butter beans
Navy beans
Black beans
Whole grains:
Oats (rolled oats, not quick oats and not steel cut oats)
Barley
Rice (brown)
Fruits:
Apple (peeled)
Bananas (medium ripe)
Grapes (green)
Cucumber (peeled)
Asparagus
My supplement involves:
Zinc Picolinate (capsules from Pure Encapsulations)
Selenium (tablets from NOW)
Molybdenum (capsules from Kirkman Group)
Magnesium Glycinate (capsules from Pure Encapsulations)
B1 / Thiamine Hydrochloride (from VitaminEule)
I heard Dr. Garrett Smith says in a livestream that we are recycling our bile anywhere between 20 to 70 times per day.
I also heard him mention your name in one of his older videos, he was referring to your article about EMF.
Thanks again my friend.
With respect and gratitude ~
Jonathan
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, that all sounds perfect and so good. I’m so glad for your progress and that you no longer have constipation. Many praises!! 🙂 Thank you for your kind words, too! Blessings!!
Jonathan says
Thanks Megan.
I’m taking notes when I watch Dr. Garrett Smith ‘Love Your Liver’ livestream videos.
After hearing Dr. Garrett Smith saying the things below in a couple of his livestreams, I have deleted rice from my food list.
Dr. Garrett Smith said all this:
There are problems with rice. Rice has an arsenic problem. I can show it on hair tests. Rice is basically a chain of glucose. It slows down detox. It slows down Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) which can cause a build up of aldehydes. When you have too much rice in your diet you push out protein. Arsenic does store in your liver. Arsenic depletes your zinc. I’m not saying never to eat rice, but there are better grain options that don’t come with a bunch of arsenic and more fiber. The big soluble fiber grains are barley and oats. Oats, barley and beans grab vitamin A and toxic bile.
.. Brown rice and beans was my staple carbs, but I’m not planning on having more rice in my diet, instead I want to have oats… and of course my favorite legumes: Navy beans, Lima beans/butter beans.
I’m curious to hear what your favorite way to eat oats is?
Do you make oats in an Instant Pot pressure cooker or how do you like it?
If yes, how long do you cook oats in the Instant Pot, at High Pressure and Natural Pressure Release?
Prayer before meal:
“Father, we wanna tell you that we are so grateful that you provided us with this food. We ask that you will bless it and guide us in our thoughts and our words and our conversations. We ask that you will be here too with us. We thank you and we are asking you in Jesus name. Amen.”
Thanks again for your support, much appreciated.
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, thank you for sharing your beautiful prayer. I like what you said and the quote you shared about rice. Oats are definitely my best grain, too. I used to cook them in the IP, and sure, that’s a great way to do it; really, whatever works best for your lifestyle and intuition. That recipe is 1 cup rolled oats for 2 to 2.5 cups water (depending on how thick you like your oatmeal), for just 2 minutes on High, and then let the pressure release for at least 10 minutes before opening the lid. I also cook my oats on the stove top, in which case I don’t measure; I just wing it. My favorite stove top method is kind of “no stir” where I just have the pot over low heat, covered, and occasionally give it a stir as I do other things. It barely simmers, and after about 30 minutes it’s done. The way I make oats the most often I learned from Dr. Smith, which is to just pour room temp or warm water over oats (I do 1/2 cup plus 1-2 Tablespoons oats) with a little potassium salt. I then let it sit for about 20 minutes, covered. It’s kind of like soaked muesli. Dr. Smith says that in contrast to the push to sprout or pre-digest grains, he feels we get fewer anti-nutrients and all the fiber with this simple method. Sometimes, if in a hurry, I do the same, but use hot water, so it speeds it up. Then I top with sea salt and Oat Malk or another gentle non-dairy milk. Blessings!!
Jonathan says
Megan,
Thank you so much for your reply, I appreciate it.
In terms of rice, Dr. Garrett Smith also said in the Love Your Liver Livestream number 89 at 01:51 about rice: Rice is amazing at taking up arsenic from the soil, so be careful with rice. Arsenic is a real issue, I can see it on hair tests – it’s like fish and shellfish in mercury.
I don’t know if there were any signs of arsenic or mercury in your hair test, but I’m not planning on eating any more rice, instead I’m gonna embrace the oats and beans, those two are also superior in soluble fiber, compared to rice.
Thank you very much for sharing all that information about how you like to prepare rolled oats. It’s very valuable, and I’m looking forward to trying savory oats by adding the 50/50 salt.
I can’t buy the Jacobsen salt co. salt here in Europe, but I can buy the brand called Saltverk Flaky Sea Salt from Iceland. So I’ve just ordered that salt, and some Potassium Chloride powder from NOW (I can’t buy the Potassium Chloride from the brand called MigroIngredients here in Europe neither) but I hope the one from NOW is good enough to use for 50/50 salt, so I will try to make the 50/50 salt and add that to my meals, to give it a better mineral profile.
Dr. Garrett Smith said in one of his livestreams:
Humans recycle their own bile around 27 times a day. The cells that make the hormones in the body live for 3 months. The ‘Love your Liver program’ is not a quick fix. There’s no health in the extremes. We are trying to find the middle ground. Protocols are garbage because everyone is different. Protocols are for people that can’t think for themselves. Principles / guidelines are for intelligent people. The two important goals are (1) getting enough protein to make retinol-binding protein, and (2) getting enough soluble fiber to absorb bile and transport the bile out of the colon rather than getting reabsorbed (Cholestasis).
.. I used to eat a lot of coconut oil on my food and on my skin but I’m not using any oil any longer, I haven’t used any oils since I started on the low vitamin A diet (neither in food nor on the skin. In livestream number 89 Dr. Garrett Smith mentions The Blue Zones, and at around 54 minutes in the video, Dr. Garrett Smith talks about coconut oil and why to avoid it both orally and topically.
He said: The Blue Zones are mainstream garbage. If longevity research is being presented in the mainstream, it’s a lie and you should do the opposite.
Coconut oil is extremely pore-clogging / comedogenic. We keep avoiding polyphenols, vitamin A, sulfur and copper and see people getting better.
THINGS I OPTIMIZE FOR:
-Eat high quality food, give thanks and enjoy every bite
-Eat slowly, patiently, and with full presence
-Chew until liquid (R.Fletcher method)
-Digestion (no bloating)
-Be kind, patient and loving
Thank you Megan.
Bless up!
<3
Megan says
Hi Jonathan, I’m sorry that I missed some comments from long ago, and yours was in that category. Thank you for sharing your thoughtful insights here! 🙂
Mike says
Megan,
I think I remember reading one time in your blog that your husband had also done the low vitamin A diet and generally was having a good experience with it. But, if I recall correctly, did you mention he had some kidney distress in the early part of his experience?…or an infection maybe?
Reason I ask….I’ve been on a low A diet for a little under a year, and I feel its been great for my wellbeing overall….but, there are times my kidneys seem to struggle a bit. If I am recalling the situation with your husband correctly, please let me know if you/he have any recommendations as it relates to kidney health during this process.
As of right now, I regularly take magnesium, potassium, B1, B2, B6, B12, molybdenum, manganese, K2…but all in small amounts and not every day.
Thanks for all of your work on this topic.
Mike
Megan says
Hi Mike, happy to help and so glad to hear you’re doing the low A diet. It’s always so good to reach out, because it’s easy to get one or two things “wrong” and really cause issues that can be avoided or stopped, and then get on the right track again! I did this myself! Yes, my husband is still on the diet, and has had only benefits. It was me that got the kidney issues. I actually had a major kidney infection and had to use colloidal silver in high doses to get past it. (https://eatbeautiful.net/how-to-use-colloidal-silver-for-kidney-infections-utis/) But I’m glad you mentioned your supplements so I can speak to those. The B6 and manganese need to be eliminated, according to Dr. Smith’s wisdom. B6 is neurotoxic, and there are more studies coming out now on this to add to his original conviction on that. The manganese is very problematic on the diet, a definite one to avoid. Hope you don’t mind me being so blunt! 🙂 Then, are you taking zinc and selenium? Also, most importantly: Activated charcoal. That is really needed to sop up toxins in your bile as you detox. Let me know if you need more info on dosing etc. Hardwood activated charcoal (taken nightly) is key for avoiding discomfort and definitely affects and protects the kidneys. https://eatbeautiful.net/what-is-the-best-activated-charcoal/ I believe the main reason I had kidney problems at the beginning is that AC wasn’t part of the regimen yet, and I was detoxing too fast for my kidneys. Blessings! I hope this all helps and you are feeling better soon. I’m happy to help with questions.
Mike says
Megan,
Thanks so much for your quick reply. And I don’t mind bluntness…its efficient. I hate inefficiency.
Understood on Manganese and B6. I was just doing trace amounts of those….both due to my understanding that they are important co-factors for B1, but I’m not certain of that.
I take selenium a few times per week, and eat a brazil nut or two on the other days. I take zinc periodically also. I should clarify that I don’t do any of my supplements every single day, and even on the days I do them its in very small amounts. For example, B1 and B2 I break open a capsule and put small amounts in juice or on food. I do it that way now because I believe I overdid it with some supplements a few years back and detoxed too fast, may have caused other deficencies, etc…and because I feel IMMENSELY better than a few years ago….I don’t think my needs are as great. I take activated charcoal about every other night right before bed.
The reason I started low vitamin A is because I took A LOT of cod liver oil years ago, ate a lot of beef liver, lots of high fat local milk, etc….and read Grant’s blog and had MANY of the same symptoms as he did.
I use castor oil packs to help with liver and kidney detox….they seem helpful. Your thoughts on that usage during low vitamin A?
Open to any other suggestions…and thanks again for your input.
Mike
Megan says
Hi Mike, thanks for those additional details. I think your intuitive use of supplements is great and fine. There are others in Dr. Smith’s forum who do this approach as well. If you ever have blood work done, you may find you need more zinc, for example, but I wouldn’t sweat that until/unless you feel you need to pursue that. Dr. Smith points out that castor oil packs move things around, but they don’t solve anything. He says that’s not necessarily bad; it can help, especially if there’s some discomfort that needs relief. But the better route would be activated charcoal poultices, to actually do deep good: https://charcoalremedies.com/resources/how_to_make_a_charcoal_poultice/ In this recipe, you can also sub the flax for psyllium husk, and some users freeze the poultice before applying it to make the application easier. Happy to help!
Mike says
Megan,
Interesting on the charcoal poultice. So do you put it on your liver overnight just like you do a castor oil pack?
My thought is – or has been to this point – do a castor oil pack at night and take 2 capsules of activated charcoal before bed. So that’s a little over 1000mg. And what is released by the liver from the castor oil pack is ‘mopped up’ by the AC. But perhaps that isn’t enough AC?
I may ask you more questions about your specific supplement recommendations if you don’t mind. K-2 is one I take periodically. I do it because of a history of osteo issues in the family, and my concern that I have weakened kidneys and that seems to be beneficial according to the research. Any thoughts/reasons you can share as why you take K-2, and how to best take it I’d love to hear.
Have you ever used Pectasol C?…That is something I take periodically as a binder & anti-inflammatory, plus lots of potassium, but not sure it that can be helpful or hurtful when it comes to the efforts of the low vitamin A diet.
Thank you,
Mike G
Megan says
Hi Mike, Yes, the AC poultice can go over the liver. Unfortunately, when Dr. Smith says that the castor oil moves things around, he isn’t saying that it moves toxins where we want them to go, just that it moves them. With a leaky liver, we can be sure toxins are not moving properly and only into the GI tract. Thus, castor oil pacts cause temporary relief. Re Vitamin K, it can be used with issues of too much bleeding: in the gums, women’s menstruation, bruising, that show there’s a deficiency. While best known for blood coagulation, it is also involved in energy production: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22582012/, serving as an mitochondrial electron carrier. Also, vitamin A has been shown to deplete Vitamin K (bile kills the bacteria that produce K). Over time, for those who don’t find they need to supplement, this issue can resolve itself on the low vitamin A diet, as the body can make its own, as the biome is restored to normal. I do personally take it, and I think it’s a good one to supplement if you notice benefits. I take mine each morning. Re Pectasol C, it is a citrus pectin, I believe. Eating apples would be gentler, as they don’t contain citric acid. Apples, beans and oats. 🙂
Mike says
Megan,
Thank you for your recommendations. I’ve not done the AC poultice, but over the last week+ I’ve taken AC right before bed, 1,000-1,500 in capsule form. Honestly, I’ve slept better and wake up feeling better. Signs of inflammation are lower (in particular rash areas and redness of face lessening). And there has not been a constipation issue like some people have warned about with AC. All great things, so thank you!
A couple of follow up questions though – 1. Some have warned about taking AC long term, and doing it every day. Maybe because they are afraid of nutrient loss??…I don’t know. Do you have any thoughts or recommendations on that?
2. And I’ll try to articulate this one in a not so gross manner, but I think in this venue it’s welcome to talk openly about some physiological issues (and feel free to edit this comment if you’d like before you post it)…when on the AC, my bowel movements (I’ll abbreviate with BM’s) are 1-2 per day, and are a little….’rough’ so to speak. It can just be a little sore/painful. But I assume that is normal and not a concern because the AC is very fibrous and can cause a feeling like that. Maybe that’s another reason to take a break from it?…Open to any thoughts on that. And thank you again!
Megan says
Hi Mike, and I’m sorry I missed your message until now! The main thing with taking AC regularly is to be eating enough fiber that agrees with your body. 2 apples a day is a great approach, but everyone’s different. For some, beans are better. I do beans; my husband does apples. I eat beans with most meals. So you just need to dial in those dietary elements, and sometimes a supplement, too, like Magnesium (getting the dose right), potassium and/or Sun Fiber or psyllium. The right combo and balance of these allow for gentle AC ingestion daily, and the benefit is that toxins are being trapped and ushered from the body daily so they don’t wreak havoc. You can also pull back on the dosage just a bit if that helps the most. Blessings, happy to help, and again, sorry for the delay in responding.
Mike says
Hey Megan,
No problem at all that it took you a while to respond….I’ve been busy myself through the holidays with family/kids, and I’m finally getting caught up and responding to your last post (thank you so much for that input by the way).
I’ve been taking activated charcoal (AC) daily for quite some time now….2+ months. I’m still taking the capsules, coconut husk form, 1-3 times daily usually 250-300mg each time. I’ve also ordered the other form you recommended and have started to incorporate that. I think its effective, but probably could use some direction from you and others that have used it successfully. Can you remind me your dosage and time(s) day you take it?…and are you still taking it daily?
Also on the potassium supplement….I certainly think I need more of that. I can definitely tell when I’ve had too much sodium & not enough potassium. I eat bananas, white beans, sometimes oranges, but I feel I still fall short on intake. BUT, none of them seem to agree with my stomach….I’ve mostly used potassium citrate, but that and others don’t seem to sit well with me. Curious of what form & dosage has worked best for your potassium supplementation?
Thanks again for all your input.
Megan says
Hi Mike, I take a similar dosage. I personally take a scant 1000mg hardwood charcoal before bed. Yes, daily. I add my potassium to the same water, as both can be helpful for sleeping well. Good that you’re noticing what foods don’t agree with you; the oranges aren’t a good option either way because they are high in vitamin A. You might be sensitive to fruit, as I am, if bananas, oranges and the potassium citrate don’t agree with you. And it’s common for beans to be problematic. Re potassium, I use potassium chloride, this one: https://amzn.to/4jzboQv I add a full 1/2 teaspoon to my charcoal water. You could gradually increase your potassium dosage to find your correct amount. I hope that’s helpful! 🙂
Mike G says
Thanks so much for this Megan.
I am going to try the regular hardwood right before bed. I’ll start low and work my way up to that dose.
Also, just to bounce this off of you…my daily diet is very simple now, which I find to be pretty beneficial and inline with low vitamin A habits. Its mostly meat and a carb (oftentime quick oats) at every meal. Mostly beef & chicken, some fish and pork.
Everything you read is this type of diet is terrible for the liver and kidneys (many of the ‘superfoods’ for kineys are high in vitamin A).
So you might say I am mostly carnivore without doing much of the organ meats, just muscle meats.
Years ago I did way more veggies & salads, and of course that always what’s recommended, but much of that is counter to the low vitamin A diet.
Anyway, any thoughts you have to offer on that are appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
Megan says
Hi Mike, sure: So the pork and fish should be eliminated. It might be okay to keep a little white low fat fish in your diet if you want to, but most people eliminate it when they’re ready. The pork, for sure. Also, are you eating organ meats at all? If you are, they should be eliminated, other than heart can be fine. The only thing missing from a carnivore diet for it to be productive (after eliminating pork, organ meat, fish and high fat), is fiber. If you can add in apples, if they agree with you, that would be ideal. Another option if you’d really rather stay carnivore, is to add in something like SunFiber: https://amzn.to/4hNWfZT *Starting with only about 1/8 of a scoop and increasing to the full scoop mixed into a glass of water over the course of 2 weeks or so. Very important to keep things moving through the GI tract. (2 to 3 poops a day) If you’re open to other forms of fiber, the other best ones, in addition or as alternatives to apples include beans and green kiwi. There are more, of course, too.
Mike G says
Megan,
I’ve read a lot about the importance of magnesium and potassium intake in the vitamin A detox/recovery. You’ve alluded to it several times, including your post/response to me recently. I have some Now brand potassium chloride that I’ve started to supplement with again. I’m looking back at your post, and the potassium chloride supplement you mentioned and the amount you take. However, because of the measurement referenced on that package, I cannot tell how many MG of potassium chloride you are taking at night. (you said half teaspoon, the supplement references ‘scoop’ but I don’t know if that scoop is 1 teaspoon or more/less than that?). If the scoop is a teaspoon then you are taking 350mg correct?
In short, I am trying to figure out how many MG’s of potassium chloride you are taking with your activated charcoal at night?
Thanks so much for your time and knowledge.
Megan says
Hi Mike, sorry for the confusion. It takes about 5 of the little 365mg scoops (found in my bulk bag of potassium) to make up the 1/2 teaspoon I take. So I take about 1800mg of potassium chloride nightly. (I don’t know how big your scoop is, but mine’s tiny and reflects the usual lower dose most people take.)