Lab Tests
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.
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.
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.
Cyrex Laboratories has created Array 5- Multiple Autoimmune Reactivity Screen - a blood test that measures auto-antibodies against 24 different tissue "targets". Elevated levels of any of these antibodies are associated with increased risk of developing (or having) one or more autoimmune diseases.
Array 5 measures antibodies that can damage the gastrointestinal tract, liver, skin, endocrine system, reproductive system, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. Autoimmune diseases don't typically develop over night - usually it takes years. Auto-antibodies are immune system proteins that target tissues for destruction. These antibodies can be measured in the blood before people have symptoms; they can be detected years before autoimmune disease is clinically diagnosable. One of the measurements on Array 5, "ASCA + ANCA", is strongly predictive of developing Crohn's disease within the next three years - if nothing is done. But something can be done.
Array 5 is a good test for anyone with unexplained symptoms. Array 5 is also a valuable test for anyone who wants to be proactive and stay healthy. Because of genetic predisposition, It is particularly important when there is a family history of autoimmune disease. It is also important for people with a diagnosed autoimmune disease because the biggest risk factor for getting an autoimmune disease is having one already; when your immune system loses tolerance for one tissue in your body, it is more likely to start attacking other tissues, as well.
by Dr. Joseph Debé
The general public has become well aware of the association between high levels of cholesterol in the blood and cardiovascular disease. However, the precise role that cholesterol plays in cardiovascular disease, the things that influence its metabolism, and the existence of other risk factors, are not common knowledge. There has been an overwhelming amount of research in this area, and much is yet to be learned. The following are what appear to me to be a few important pieces to this puzzle.
Cholesterol is an essential substance manufactured by the body. The body makes much more cholesterol than is eaten in the average American diet. It serves as a precursor to many hormones and is a component of cell membranes. However, when cholesterol levels in the blood climb too high, problems can result. It may come as a surprise to learn that most people do not experience an elevation in blood cholesterol from eating large amounts of cholesterol. Excessive intake of certain dietary carbohydrates and fats is usually the cause of high blood cholesterol. In general, these carbohydrates include simple sugars and refined white flour, such as breads, pastas, cookies, cakes, candies, and sodas, including all those supposedly healthy fat and cholesterol-free prepared foods on supermarket shelves. What's more, excessive dietary carbohydrates can raise insulin levels, which is another risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The types of fats that can raise blood cholesterol are saturated fats, which are mostly found in animal sources, and hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are originally healthful fats that have been tinkered with by man to improve shelf life. Hydrogenated oils have been added to most commercially prepared foods. Some people are genetically prone to higher cholesterol levels. Even the "genetic type" of high cholesterol can be lowered by the proper type of dietary modification. Other causes of high cholesterol include hypothyroidism, toxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress, liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, infections, and stress. Magnesium, vitamin C, taurine and glycine are needed to excrete excess cholesterol from the body. Therefore, high cholesterol can be caused by inadequate levels of these nutrients.
Strangely enough, deficiency of certain types of essential fats can actually result in elevation of blood cholesterol levels and the production of other biochemicals that are also involved in cardiovascular disease. These essential fatty acids, linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid, are found in various plant foods. I believe that the types of fat in the diet are much more important than the amount of fats in the diet. A 1995 study published in the journal Lipids, demonstrated this very nicely. One group of people was put on a high (39% of calories) fat - low carbohydrate diet and the other group of subjects followed a low (22% of calories) fat - high carbohydrate diet. Both groups ate the same type of fats in the same healthful proportions. At the end of the study, there were no differences between the two groups as far as blood levels of total cholesterol, HDL or LDL cholesterol. The low fat diet group was found to have higher levels of very low density lipoprotein and triglycerides - not a favorable change.
There are many other biologic chemicals, in addition to total cholesterol, that have been found to be related to cardiovascular disease. LDL and VLDL cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), Apolipoprotein B, and triglycerides produce varying degrees of risk to heart disease, whereas HDL cholesterol and Apolipoprotein A-1 are protective against cardiovascular disease. When these substances are found at abnormal levels, there are several other considerations besides the previous dietary advice. Cardiovascular exercise, smoking cessation, and consumption of high fiber foods, soy, raw monounsaturated fats (found in avocados, olives, cashews, almonds, pecans, filberts, and macadamia nuts) and cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines to name a few) all can help. Several natural substances can also have powerful effects on normalizing these cardiovascular risk factors. These include chromium, berberine, carnitine, garlic, vitamin C, Insinase, plant sterols, fish oil, krill oil, pantethine, guggulsterone, red yeast rice extract, and niacin. A medical food called Ultra Meal Plus 360 is probably the most powerful natural supplement for reducing overall cardiovascular risk factors. Some of its active ingredients include Insinase, plant sterols, soy protein, fiber, magnesium, and folic acid.
There are several other biochemicals in the blood that are strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease that unfortunately are not yet measured routinely.
Homocysteine is a toxic amino acid that is formed as part of normal metabolism from the amino acid methionine. When homocysteine levels rise, vascular damage occurs. This damage to the lining of blood vessels plays a role in the formation of plaques and the whole atherosclerotic process. The body has ways of converting homocysteine into other, innocuous biochemicals. Folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6, and betaine all can help to lower homocysteine levels. A recent study found that heavy coffee consumption was associated with higher levels of homocysteine. Other factors that contribute to elevated homocysteine include alcohol consumption, genetics, toxicity, smoking, certain medications, menopause, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and kidney failure.
Another one of the largely ignored risk factors is a protein called fibrinogen. Fibrinogen appears to be of equal or greater importance than total cholesterol in promoting cardiovascular disease. It does so by stimulating blood clot formation. Females and blacks tend to have higher fibrinogen levels. Smoking, oral contraceptive use, inactivity, obesity, mental stress, diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation all are associated with higher levels of fibrinogen. Exercise, weight loss, and consumption of garlic, alcohol, fish oil, vitamin E, niacin, gingko biloba, and bromelain all help to lower fibrinogen levels. An enzyme from earthworm called lumbrokinase is perhaps the most effective treatment for elevated fibrinogen.
Recent research has found a correlation between elevated blood levels of C-reactive protein and cardiovascular disease. C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation. Its elevation has been linked with ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction (including those heart attacks that kill without being preceded by any warning signs). C-reactive protein elevations can precede a first myocardial infarction by six or more years. When C-reactive protein is found to be above normal levels, an attempt should be made to determine the underlying cause of the inflammation. It appears that one cause is infection with bacteria or viruses. Exposure to toxins and antigens, including food allergens, is another cause of inflammation. Arachidonic acid, a fatty acid found in animal products and shellfish, is to inflammation what gasoline is to fire. Excessive dietary refined carbohydrates also can cause inflammation. Other contributors to inflammation include insulin resistance, advanced glycation endproducts, excessive visceral (abdominal) fat, inadequate sleep, hormonal imbalances, dysbiosis (imbalance in the types of organisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract), stress (including feelings of hostility and depression), and mechanical trauma, such as that produced by spinal misalignments. Smoking cessation, dietary modification, nutritional supplements and other natural approaches can all help reduce inflammation.
Lipid peroxides can also be measured in blood or urine to assess risk to cardiovascular disease. High levels of these compounds result from free radical damage. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that, when unregulated, can cause damage throughout the body. Free radical damage to the lining of the blood vessel wall and to LDL (bad) cholesterol appear to be pivotal steps in the initiation of atherosclerosis. In fact, studies have shown that normal blood cholesterol is relatively harmless. It is when the cholesterol becomes altered by free radical damage that it produces harm. The focus, therefore, should be on reducing sources of free radicals and increasing antioxidant defenses. Any type of damaged dietary fat or oil is a source of free radicals. These include fried or overcooked foods containing fats or cholesterol and improperly processed oils (which, with the exception of olive oil products, are the only type of oil sold in supermarkets). Well-cooked animal products (like a steak) contain AGEs (advanced glycation endproducts), chemicals that damage cholesterol, cause inflammation and contribute to cardiovascular disease through other mechanisms. Cigarette smoking, pollution, heavy metals, and toxins are other sources of free radicals. Inflammation, insulin resistance, hypoxia (low oxygen states, such as that produced by anemia), and poor mitochondrial function (resulting from toxicity, nutrient deficiency, hypothyroidism, lack of exercise) all increase oxidative stress or free radicals. Antioxidants to protect against free radical damage are found in unrefined plant foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains), tea, coffee, and red wine. There is also value in using supplements of vitamin C, carotenoids, tocotrienols, grape seed extract, green tea extract, curcumin, coenzyme Q10, glutathione, lipoic acid, pomegranate extract, and vitamin E, to name a few. A recent study showed that 400 iu of vitamin E may be the minimum daily intake required to protect LDL cholesterol from free radical damage. Use natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol or, preferably, mixed tocopherols) instead of the inferior synthetic (d,l-alpha tocopherol) vitamin E. Substituting dietary monounsaturated for polyunsaturated fats will also result in decreased free radical damage to LDL cholesterol, as will supplementing with a liquid form of lecithin.
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.
From a simple swab sample taken from inside the cheek, 3X4 Genetics provides an action-oriented detailed report about hundreds of health-shaping genes. Here’s a sample report.
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
Régénère is a comprehensive, unique skin health analysis. A saliva specimen is analyzed to evaluate the version of 34 genes, which have an influence on skin aging, sun sensitivity, free-radical repair, collagen formation, inflammation, wrinkles, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. This information is used in conjunction with a skin health questionnaire and assessment of a facial photo evaluated by an esthetician. All this information is used to create a custom-made face and eye serum. Fifty different peptides are among the active ingredients drawn upon to make your individualized formulas. The results others have experienced have been phenomenal!
Learn more and order Régénère