Lab Tests

If you are confused about whether you should be on a low fat or a low carbohydrate diet, this article may help you decide which would work better for you. For years the media has been espousing the benefits of a low fat diet, but these diets did not work for everyone. More recently, several versions of low carbohydrate diets have been offered as the real solution to weight loss and health in general. As with health related topics, the right answer for you depends on your unique biochemical make-up. Just as each of us has our own unique fingerprints, so do we have different biochemistries.

Losing body fat is a complex physiological process that is governed by genetics, age, diet, exercise habits, metabolic factors, disease states, and medication. Although caloric intake is surely important, it is not the only dietary consideration. Another important aspect to consider is the body's hormonal response to foods.

Some people respond to dietary carbohydrates with an exaggerated production of insulin that can lead to a cycle of weight gain - food cravings - overconsumption of carbohydrates - more insulin and so on. These individuals do better on a low carbohydrate diet. On the other hand, those people who have a normal hormonal response to dietary carbohydrates tend to do better on a low-fat, high complex carbohydrate type diet.

There are several indicators to help decide which type of diet is best for you. If you experience hypoglycemia or are diabetic, or have a strong family history of type II diabetes, a low carbohydrate diet is probably for you. Additionally, if you crave carbohydrates, are blood type O, have high blood VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides, elevated fructosamine or glycosylated hemoglobin levels, or an abnormal carbohydrate challenge test, you are better off on a low carbohydrate diet. You can also choose your diet based on results of a genetic test offered by Interleukin Genetics, Inc., which checks three genes connected with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In the meantime, to get a clearer idea of which diet is best for you, take the following test. If you score 25 or higher, you need to limit your carbohydrate intake. If you score under 20, try a higher carbohydrate, low fat diet. No matter which type of diet followed, I believe it is in everyone's best interests, for both weight loss and overall health, to assure that the fats eaten are mostly fresh, unrefined poly and monounsaturates and that the carbohydrates eaten are largely complex and unrefined.

DETERMINING YOUR SENSITIVITY TO INSULINOGENIC FOODS AND EATING HABITS 

Please print out this page to take the test below: 

Please answer yes or no to every question. Add up all the numbers next to every "yes." 

(5)____ I have a tendency to higher blood pressure. 
(5)____ I gain weight easily, especially around my waist and have difficulty losing it. 
(5)____ I often experience mental confusion. 
(5)____ I often experience fatigue and generalized weakness. 
(10)___ I have diabetic tendencies. 
(4)____ I get tired and/or hungry in the mid-afternoon. 
(5)____ About an hour or two after eating a full meal that includes dessert, I want more of the dessert. 
(3)____ It is harder for me to control my eating for the rest of the day if I have a breakfast containing carbohydrates than it would be if I had only coffee or nothing at all. 
(4)____ When I want to lose weight, I find it easier not to eat for most of the day than to try to eat several small diet meals. 
(3)____ Once I start eating sweets, starches, or snack foods, I often have a difficult time stopping. 
(3)____ I would rather have an ordinary meal that included dessert than a gourmet meal that did not include dessert. 
(5)____ After finishing a full meal, I sometimes feel as if I could go back and eat the whole meal again. 
(3)____ A meal of only meat and vegetables leaves me feeling unsatisfied. 
(3)____ If I'm feeling down, a snack of cake or cookies makes me feel better. 
(3)____ If potatoes, bread, pasta, or dessert are on the table, I will often skip eating vegetables or salad. 
(4)____ I get a sleepy, almost "drugged" feeling after eating a large meal containing bread or pasta or potatoes and dessert, whereas I feel more energetic after a meal of only meat or fish and salad. 
(3)____ I have a hard time going to sleep at times without a bed time snack. 
(3)____ At times I wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep unless I eat something. 
(5)____ I get irritable if I miss a meal or mealtime is delayed. 
(2)____ At a restaurant I almost always eat too much bread, even before the meal is served. 
TOTAL: _____

The red blood cell fatty acid analysis is done from a blood sample. Fats have many essential roles in the body. Some fatty acids (building blocks of fats) are essential. This means that, like vitamins and minerals, the body cannot manufacture them. They must be obtained from the diet. Within the body, fats regulate temperature, cushion organs, aid vitamin absorption, help conduct nerve impulses, serve as precursors to hormone-like compounds, and as components of cell membranes, they play a role in intercellular communication. Some of the health conditions in which fatty acid analysis can be of benefit include Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, skin conditions, depression, immune and neurological disorders. Fatty acid analysis can also be performed on pregnant and nursing women, as fatty acid imbalances may impair nervous system and retinal development of the fetus and infant, possibly predisposing to impaired visual and cognitive function including Attention Deficit Disorder and even degenerative neurologic disorders in adulthood.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Proteins form many of the structures of the body and also serve as enzymes, which catalyze biochemical reactions. Some amino acids serve as neurotransmitters or precursors to neurotransmitters. Certain amino acids are essential, meaning the body cannot manufacture them and they must therefore be obtained through diet. Other amino acids can be manufactured by the body. Amino acids analysis can be performed on blood samples but urine specimens are usually preferable. Amino acids analysis not only reveals insufficiencies of amino acids, but also identifies need for specific vitamins and minerals. Abnormalities on amino acid analysis can result from, among other things, inadequate dietary protein, maldigestion or malabsorption. Amino acids test results often shed light on impaired detoxication, yeast overgrowth, inflammatory disorders, food and chemical sensitivities, cardiovascular disease, depression, fatigue, anorexia, learning disabilities and neurological disorders.

This test is a good screening tool because of the diversity of the information it gives. From a urine sample, the laboratory measures several dozen different biochemicals which, when present at abnormal levels, are associated with metabolic dysfunction and a variety of symptoms. The causes include: disturbance of acid-base balance, suboptimal carbohydrate metabolism, inflammation, toxin exposure, impaired detoxication, oxidative stress,  imbalances of neurotransmitters, and deficiencies of B vitamins, minerals, lipoic acid, carnitine, amino acids, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10. Most of the organic acids are compounds produced from normal metabolism. However, some are produced by bacteria, yeast, and parasites residing in the small intestine.   When these chemicals are found in high concentration in the urine, it means that there is an overgrowth of these organisms in the intestines, their metabolic waste products are being absorbed into the bloodstream, stressing the liver, activating the immune system, circulating throughout the body, poisoning it, and then being eliminated in the urine. Some of these microbial organic acids are structurally similar to the organic acids used by the body in cellular energy production. It is theorized that the close resemblance of these microbial compounds results in a "jamming" of the body's cellular energy machinery, resulting in fatigue. In fact, patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have a unique organic acid elevation in their urine. This organic acid has been found to be of bacterial origin.

An individual’s unique nutritional requirements can be assessed with laboratory testing. Analysis of blood samples can pick up most vitamin deficiencies. There are several different tests that can be performed on blood to determine vitamin status and some are much more meaningful and accurate than others are. I recommend performing functional tests as much as this is possible. Specifically, the activity of enzymes requiring the activation of a particular vitamin can be measured. For example, an enzyme called transketolase can be isolated from red blood cells. Transketolase requires vitamin B1 as its coenzyme in order to function. This enzyme can be measured as a test of vitamin B1 status. The laboratory measures the activity of the isolated transketolase enzyme. If it is low, vitamin B1 insufficiency is present. Additionally, a second test is performed which picks up more subtle insufficiencies. Vitamin B1 is added to the transketolase enzyme and the activity of this enzyme is measured again. A large increase in transketolase activity after addition of vitamin B1 shows that the enzyme’s activity had been limited by a functional lack of the vitamin. Adequacy of levels of several vitamins can be evaluated by measuring activities of different enzymes. Other vitamins are assessed simply by measuring their concentration within blood or blood cells.

Whereas vitamins are best evaluated from blood samples, most minerals are best measured from hair specimens. The body deposits minerals in the hair, nails, teeth and other tissues. For obvious reasons, hair is the preferred tissue to use. Although pubic hair can be used, scalp hair gives more accurate results. A hair specimen shows the levels of minerals in the body over the past two months. Hair analysis is accurate for evaluating most minerals. I have yet to see an individual not lacking in at least one mineral on hair analysis.

Sample Fat-Soluable Vitamins Test Report

Sample Organix-Basic Test Report

Sample Hair Analysis Test Report

There are a number of ways to test for food and chemical hypersensitivities. These hypersensitivities are often major contributing factors to a myriad of chronic symptoms as well as autoimmune and degenerative diseases. Immune system sensitivity to foods and chemicals sets off a cascade of metabolic dysfunction, which impacts all tissues and systems of the body.

The test I have the greatest experience with for identifying food sensitivities is an IgG4 antibody profile from Metametrix (now Genova) Laboratory. This test measures IgG4 antibody levels to 90 different foods. IgG4 antibodies are involved in delayed immune responses, which may not occur for up to 72 hours after eating the offending food. I have been using the test for about twenty years. This test is about $237.

Recently, I have learned about a test that has been available for less than a year. It is the Multiple Food Immune Reactivity Screen (also known as Array 10) by Cyrex Laboratories. I am convinced that this test is far superior to any other food sensitivity test. The value in this test is exemplified by my experience in testing patients and finding reactions to salmon, flax seeds, green tea, garlic, spinach, turmeric, and red wine. These "health foods" are good for the average person... but there are no average persons. Everyone is unique. Green tea can be great for your health but not if it is causing your immune system to go on the warpath. If you are dealing with chronic health challenges or just want optimal wellness, this test can be key. Be prepared to make some radical dietary changes. It may be necessary. This Cyrex food test is the most accurate test of its type and offers several important innovations (see link to file below). The cost for this 180 food panel is $695.

Sample Allergix Food IgG4 Test Report

Multiple Food Immune Reactivity Screen

More than 300 different symptoms have been attributed to gluten sensitivity. When an individual's immune system reacts to ingested gluten, a variety of adverse health outcomes can result. The number 1 target organ of gluten sensitivity is the brain, although any organ can be affected. Identifying gluten-sensitivity can be life changing - even life extending.

I recommend testing for gluten sensitivity in several different ways. If a blood test from a conventional laboratory identifies elevated antibodies to the gluten protein fraction called alpha gliadin then no further testing is necessary; gluten sensitivity has been identified. Unfortunately, this test is only effective in picking up advanced cases of celiac disease - the gluten-triggered autoimmune condition affecting the small intestine. Routine laboratory tests for gluten sensitivity miss more cases than they identify. I offer patients the option of starting with this test because it is more readily available and covered by insurance.

The most definitive test for gluten and wheat sensitivity is the Vibrant Wheat Zoomer by a lab named Vibrant America. Click here for a detailed description of this test.

When gluten sensitivity is identified, the first part of treatment involves total elimination of gluten from the diet. Repairing the damage that gluten reactions have produced is the next step.

Sample Vibrant Wheat Zoomer report

Toxicity is a significant factor in chronic unwellness. Toxins include not only chemical exposure from air, food, and water, but also metabolic waste products of organisms within the gastrointestinal tract or other tissues. Chemical compounds naturally produced by the body, as part of metabolism can also become toxic when they accumulate beyond a certain concentration. The Comprehensive Liver Detoxification Profile gives detailed information about the body's ability to process toxins, its current load of toxins and free radicals, and the status of its antioxidant defense system. This test involves analysis of saliva, urine, and blood specimens after "challenging" the body to detoxify caffeine, Tylenol, and aspirin. The body's detoxification of these compounds is representative of the most important detoxification pathways. Results from this test allow for recommendation of specific nutrients and foods to improve detoxification.

The gastrointestinal tract is the source of many health problems. It may come as a surprise to learn that the gastrointestinal tract is the site of greatest interaction between the individual and the environment. This is because with all the folds upon folds within the intestinal tract, the actual surface area is equivalent to the size of a tennis court! What's more, the intestines and colon are home to hundreds of trillions of tiny bacteria and yeast. Although they only amount to three or four pounds of weight, their numbers are greater than the number of cells comprising the human body, or the number of stars in the universe! This being the case, it makes sense that more than half of the body's immune system is clustered around the gastrointestinal tract. Poor digestion, malabsorption, food decay, weakened immunity, intestinal irritation, blood loss, as well as overgrowth of yeasts, toxic bacteria, and parasites, are all possible causes of poor health that can be identified by analysis of a stool specimen.

This test utilizes urine specimens for measuring intestinal permeability. Intestinal permeability is a very important factor in determining overall health. The intestinal mucosa, or lining, is a one-cell layer thick barrier between the contents of the intestines and the body’s tissues. The interior of the gastrointestinal tract is not really inside the body. The intestinal mucosa can be thought of as a type of skin. The mucosa has to perform two important functions. It has to allow for the absorption of nutrients while at the same time acting as a barrier to the hostile contents of the intestines. These include parasites, fungi, hundreds of trillions of bacteria and their metabolic waste products, viruses, toxins, and inadequately digested food particles. When the intestinal mucosa is weak, there is a greater translocation of the toxic contents of the intestinal tract into the bloodstream. This results in poisoning of the body. A myriad of chronic symptoms and diseases can be caused in part by increased intestinal permeability, also known as "Leaky Gut Syndrome". Increased mortality in open-heart surgery patients and increased mortality from multi-organ system failure in critically ill patients have also been associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome.

The intestinal permeability test is performed in the following way. A solution of two non-metabolizable sugars is consumed. One of these sugars is normally absorbed by the intestinal mucosa, the other is not. Urine is collected for several hours after drinking the solution and a sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis. When the normally non-absorbed sugar is found at high concentration in the urine, this indicates Leaky Gut Syndrome. If the normally absorbed sugar is found to be lacking in the urine, this is a sign of malabsorption. Results of the intestinal permeability test lead to appropriate follow-up evaluation and natural therapies to restore normal permeability.

Sample Test Report

by Dr. Joseph Debé

Excessive exercise can stress the body. There is a way to help determine if a given duration and intensity of exercise is stressing or de-stressing the body. A test of salivary cortisol levels is performed in relation to exercise. A saliva sample is taken five minutes before beginning exercise, five minutes after, one and three hours after finishing the exercise session. It is acceptable for cortisol levels to rise immediately after exercise. However, they should decrease by one hour after exercise. Three hours after exercise, cortisol levels should be equal to or lower than starting values. If they are, then the level of exercise is beneficial. If they are not, then this level of exercise is a stress to the body and is sabotaging fitness goals and undermining health. In this case, the type, intensity, and/or duration of exercise need to be adjusted. This test is particularly well suited for women who cannot lose weight even though they exercise aerobically and, inappropriately, eat a high carbohydrate diet and avoid weight training.

This test is the state-of-the-art in body composition analysis. It provides a wealth of information regarding the make-up of the body’s tissues. A simple five minute test, utilizing sophisticated computer software, gives a breakdown of how much of the body is lean tissue, intracellular lean tissue, extracellular lean tissue, fat, total water, intracellular water, and extracellular water. This information is invaluable for bodybuilders, for those on weight loss programs or metabolic detoxification programs, and to track the aging process and general health status.

The Adrenal Stress Index is a test that shows how the body's stress response system is functioning. The adrenal glands produce the body's two long-acting stress hormones, cortisol and DHEA. When these hormones become imbalanced by prolonged stress, every part of the body begins to break down. The immune system is compromised with increased risk to infections, certain cancers, allergies and autoimmune diseases. Glucose utilization and insulin function are altered with resultant higher blood sugar levels. Salt and water are retained, producing tendency toward high blood pressure. Blood cholesterol and triglycerides increase and predispose to heart disease. Thyroid function becomes impaired, resulting in decreased metabolism, lowered body temperature, and reduced vitality. The body stores fat, especially around the midsection. Depression, insomnia, hunger, and PMS result. Reproductive function falters with resultant infertility and cessation of the menstrual cycle. The body becomes more susceptible to toxins and heavy metals. Stomach ulcers form. Memory and learning become impaired. The combination of reduced R.E.M. (rapid eye movement) sleep and lowered growth hormone release at night diminish mental and physical regeneration, which results in acceleration of the aging process. Protein synthesis is reduced and protein breakdown is increased, leading to bone loss, skin wrinkles, arthritis, muscle loss and weakness, and all the protein supplements in the world won't make a difference. However, resistive exercise (like bodybuilding) can maintain muscle mass under these conditions by "stealing" protein from the internal organs. Obviously, this is not healthy. An additional strike against endurance athletes is the fact that insulin-sensitive, slow oxidative type 1 muscle fibers become replaced by fast glycolytic type II-B muscle fibers, resulting in poor performance. Not all of these effects of high cortisol and low DHEA occur in everyone. What does happen in each individual is dependent upon genetic predisposition and lifestyle/environmental factors. It's important to realize that stress includes not only mental-emotional strain, but also excessive levels of sound, light, certain chemicals, fatigue, starvation, acute illness, pain, tissue injury, trauma, surgery, long airplane flights, heat, cold, and swings in blood sugar levels. The Adrenal Stress Index involves laboratory testing of saliva samples for levels of cortisol and DHEA. The precise nature of the results leads to various natural strategies to restore the body's stress response system to normal and improve energy levels.

Diagnos-Techs™ Laboratory has developed a very accurate way to assess levels of these hormones. Multiple saliva samples collected over the course of a month are used to measure the cyclical fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone. Saliva is actually superior to blood for evaluating these hormones because it accurately reflects the concentrations of "free" hormones in circulation. Hormones in the bloodstream are mostly protein-bound which makes them inactive. It is only the free or unbound hormone that is able to pass into the cells and exert activity. For premenopausal women and for those women less than five years past menopause, this test gives extremely valuable information regarding not only the absolute levels, but also the cyclical relationships of these hormones – something that is unique to each woman. Testosterone and DHEA levels are also measured with this test. This information allows for greater customization of hormone replacement with regard to which hormones to supplement, the quantities to use, and the days during the month that they should be taken. By comparison, a single blood sample gives very limited insight into the cycling of these hormones. Repeat testing, after using the hormones for several months, allows for fine-tuning of therapy. In women more than five years past menopause, the hormones are no longer secreted in a cyclical fashion. In this situation and for men as well, a single saliva specimen is all that is required to measure levels of these hormones.

The Estronex test reveals a woman's risk to breast cancer. 

Whereas mammograms are valuable for early detection of breast cancer, the Estronex test, by measuring estrogen metabolites, identifies biochemical changes in a woman's body years before a cancer cell ever forms.

Estrogen can be metabolized into various forms, including 2-hdroxyestrogens and 16-hydroxyestrogens.

The 16-hydroxyestrogens increase oxidative stress, genetic damage, oncogene expression, cellular proliferation, and inhibit apoptosis; in other words, promote cancer. 16-hydroxyestrogens are formed more under the influence of inflammation, alcohol consumption, and xenoestrogen (e.g. pesticide) exposure. 

2-hdroxyestrogens are weaker and safer metabolites. They are antioxidants and reduce estrogen receptor stimulation. 2-hdroxyestrogens also limit cell division and growth by slowing the cell cycle. 

The ratio of 2 vs. 16-hydroxyestrogens is an indicator of breast cancer risk. A urine sample can be analyzed for levels of these estrogen metabolites. Diet and lifestyle changes and nutritional supplementation can improve the 2 vs. 16-hydroxyestrogens ratio.

The Estronex test also is valuable in cases of autoimmune disease and prostate conditions.

Insulin–like Growth Factor–1 (IGF–1) is a key hormone to measure as part of an Anti–Aging program evaluation. It is measured from a blood sample. Its levels are reflective of another important hormone, growth hormone. Growth hormone mediates much of its effects by stimulating the liver’s production of IGF–1. IGF–1 levels tend to fall with age. It is an anabolic hormone, meaning it causes a general increase in manufacture of body tissue. This makes it valuable for repair of injured and "worn out" tissues. IGF–1 plays a role in building and maintaining lean muscle mass, maintaining bone density, protecting nerve cells from degenerative changes, improving skin tone, and reducing risk to cardiovascular disease. When IGF–1 levels are found to be low, recombinant human growth hormone, homeopathic remedies, and several different natural compounds can all be considered as remedies.

However, IGF–1 also has its dark side. Because it is an anabolic hormone, it may spur the growth of tumor cells as well as healthy cells. Cancers of the prostate and breast are the main cancers that one needs to be concerned about in connection with elevated levels of IGF–1

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and retina of the eye. Melatonin release from the pineal gland occurs in response to darkness and is a powerful orchestrator of various body cycles. Besides being one of the most powerful antioxidants yet discovered, melatonin boosts immune function, and plays an important role in sleep. Melatonin levels tend to fall with age. In order to make supplementation of melatonin as safe and effective as possible, we recommend measuring the body's circadian output of the hormone to determine proper potency and timing of dosage. This is done with saliva samples.

The competency of the immune system can be assessed with several specialty tests. Secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) can be measured from saliva and also from stool specimens. SIgA is the main antibody that protects the mucous membranes from foreign invaders. The mucous membranes are those tissues lining the respiratory, genitourinary, and the gastrointestinal tracts. Intestinal SIgA is particularly important. It binds, neutralizes, and helps the body excrete parasites, toxic bacteria and fungi, viruses, toxins and food antigens. SIgA is referred to as "the first line of defense." When levels of SIgA are elevated it means the immune system is engaged in battling a [perceived] foreign invader. Low levels of SIgA are a sign of weakened immunity and necessitate therapeutic intervention to restore levels to normal. 

Another example of an important test for immune function is Natural Killer Cell Activity. Natural killer cells are white blood cells that are focused on killing tumor cells and viruses. From a blood sample, the laboratory measures the speed with which the individual’s natural killer cells destroy tumor cells. When natural killer cell activity is found to be below normal, holistic natural therapies can be used to boost natural killer cell activity.

Parasites, yeast and toxic bacteria can all be checked for with laboratory testing. A surprisingly large percentage of the population is infected with these "bugs". The lab test that is most effective for identifying these organisms utilizes DNA assessment. This method is reportedly 10,000 times more effective than previously available techniques. You do not have to travel to third world countries to contract a parasite. They are commonly ingested in food that has been prepared by an infected cook. When these pathogens are found, treatment usually involves some combination of herbs, medication and dietary changes. One laboratory I commonly use performs a "Sensitivity Test" on the toxic organisms isolated from stool samples. This involves exposing the "bug" to varying concentrations of different herbs and medication. The purpose is to see which compounds are most effective in killing the organism. In this way, treatment becomes customized and more effective.

Nutritional minerals and toxic elements retained by the body are deposited in the hair. A sample of hair, analyzed by a good laboratory, gives an accurate picture of the quantities of different elements the body has been exposed to in the past two months. This is often a wealth of information. Mineral deficiencies and elevations of toxic elements both can impair metabolism and result in a multitude of symptoms. What's more, different patterns of mineral deficiency and excess indicate malfunction of various bodily processes. Allergies, select vitamin deficiencies, weakened detoxification and antioxidant defense systems, hypothyroidism, maldigestion and malabsorption, disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, and stress are a few of the metabolic imbalances that are alluded to by various results of hair analysis. Hair elemental analysis is a good test for investigating underlying causes of fatigue, chronic pain, cognitive/memory/emotional problems, violent behavior, learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, neurological disorders, weakened immunity, hypoglycemia, diabetes, weak finger nails, unhealthy skin and hair, and accelerated aging. Due to the breadth of information and its low cost, Hair elemental analysis is a test I like to employ with every new patient. I have yet to test a person who did not have at least one mineral deficiency identified on hair analysis. Reduction in toxin exposure and use of specific natural supplements are indicated for correcting abnormalities found on hair analysis.

These tests reveal genetic predispositions to disease, which can be modified by natural treatments. When it comes to most health conditions, genes allow for possibilities, not death sentences. Genes are turned on and turned off by biological and environmental influences. Armed with the knowledge of potential genetic Achille’s heels, we can take more precise actions to remain healthy.

These newly available tests enable us to analyze a small part of an individual’s genetic make-up. DNA is extracted and analyzed from cells that line the inside of the cheek. Obtaining a sample simply involves wiping a cotton roll inside the cheek. Genes that are analyzed must meet certain criteria. The gene must be associated with adverse health conditions. The gene must be present in a significant number of people. Finally, there must be a way to compensate for the adverse health influence of the gene. 

These genetic tests check for gene variations, where one base is substituted for another. On average, it has been estimated that an individual can inherit one of 14 possible variations of a gene. Certain gene variants, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), program for inefficient versions of proteins and enzymes. This produces an altered state of physiology, which can manifest as a diagnosable condition or disease. 

As an example, one in three Americans has a SNP that impairs their ability to properly utilize folic acid. L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) is the metabolically active form of folic acid. Once absorbed, dietary (and supplemental) folic acid has to undergo several biochemical conversions in the body to become L-5-MTHF. Roughly one in three Americans have genetically inefficient enzymes that help create L-5-MTHF. 

For individuals found to have this unfavorable SNP, supplementing with L-5-MTHF is the answer. If you are an individual with impaired ability to utilize regular folic acid, L-5-MTHF supplementation can make a truly dramatic difference in your health. Some of the conditions related to L-5-MTHF adequacy include coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease, miscarriage, birth defects, depression, presbyopia, sensorineural hearing loss, osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis, cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and complications of diabetes.

Wellproz -a separate website for Vibrant Wellness Lab tests

From a saliva specimen, Bristle Labs provides a detailed report of the make-up of the hundreds of organisms that live in your mouth! This has not only consequences for oral health but affects every part of the body. Dysbiosis (flora imbalance) of the mouth is a potent driver of systemic inflammation, which contributes to symptoms of chronic unwellness and degenerative diseases. Read More