A normal lab test doesn’t always reflect reality

Normal may sound like a desirable result, but for the person struggling with a chronic health issue, it is the worst response possible on a lab test. It means the health condition technically doesn’t exist and a doctor can do nothing to help.

Take a look at the top graph. In conventional medicine, your lab results are normal until you are sick to the point where you need medication or surgery. For example, your blood sugar may be too high, but your physician won’t prescribe a drug to help lower it until you cross that disease threshold. Also, a normal value is based on the average of all the people who visited that lab in one year, many of them suffering from a health condition. Is your blood sugar really within normal range? Or is everyone else’s simply too high?

In the functional medicine approach, we identify a health problem before it becomes a disease. This often allows you to reverse the condition without the use of medications or surgery. For example, if we see blood sugar climb out of the optimal range and into the functional disease range (see graph), we can intervene with natural remedies and diet and lifestyle changes to restore normal function.

This is important because it is easier to return you to optimal health at this point than waiting until a conventional doctor considers you sick.

Here’s a real life example:

This is the blood panel of a patient who is tired all the time and whose thyroid hormones won’t normalize. The report shows a functional range and a lab range. According to the lab ranges, nothing is wrong with this patient.  However the functional ranges show abnormal results for the majority of the markers. In particular:

1. Total white blood cells (WBC), or immune cells, are low: This indicates chronic infection.
2. Eosinophils (a type of WBC) are high: This indicates acute allergies or a parasite infection.

Could this patient’s symptoms stem from a parasitic infection? It’s not uncommon.

Functional ranges show whether more testing is necessary

To answer that question a specialized stool test is necessary; general parasite tests are notoriously insensitive. Therefore, I use a lab that has developed a DNA screening technique to identify parasites.  Parasite infections are not just a third-world problem. Intestinal parasite infections are much more common in the United States that previously thought, and the symptoms they create are incredibly diverse. In fact, this patient didn’t have many digestive symptoms.

The results of the stool test:  Positive for parasites. (see below)

By interpreting the blood panel from a functional perspective and then following up with a sensitive DNA stool test, we successfully identified a chronic parasite infection that contributed to this patient’s fatigue and erratic thyroid function. Aggressively treating this infection played a major role in returning this patient to optimal health. Without a functional analysis of her screening blood work, the infection could have degenerated into a more serious condition.

Would You Like a Functional Analysis of Your Own Lab Work?

Call and mention this post for a functional nutrition worksheet that you can apply to your own bloodwork and a complementary consultation with one of our practitioners. Non-optimal values may be important to have analyzed.

A functional analysis like this can help identify:

1. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
2. Liver, kidney, heart, and skeletal problems
3. Insulin resistance and hypoglycemia—risk factors for diabetes
4. Adrenal fatigue
5. Stomach acid abnormalities and poor protein digestion
6. Anemias
7. Hormone Imbalances
8. And much more

I’m sure many of you have already experienced the benefits of cryotherapy when using a simple ice pack!  Now you can get fast and effective, whole-body relief from your pain and inflammation with  3-minutes in our Cryosauna chamber at Below Zero located right here in Denver!

Many of our patients complain of being cold intolerant and concerned they can’t tolerate the treatment despite its many health benefits.  But as Peggy said after a week of treatment, “the inflammation is down in my feet and knees for the first time in years, and all from a surprisingly quick and bearable 3-minute treatment.”  Peggy is using our Cryosauna to address her arthritis and neuropathy symptoms.

You may be wondering if cryotherapy is right for you?  We offer a complimentary consult with our providers to discuss your case.  Come and see the machine and discuss the many treatment options located at our facility.  Not only do we have state of the art technology like cold laser and cryotherpy, but we also are great blend of traditional and alternative treatments to address your health concerns.

Even more exciting news!  We are bringing in a pain medicine and rehabilitation specialist here to Cherry Creek to further enhance our entire facility.  We will be able to provide everything from vitamin injection therapies, hormone treatments and pain management injections and therapies.   Please check back with us in a few weeks for more information!  You can also check us out at www.belowzerocolorado.com or call 303-993-2323.

Have a healthy day!

Again, connect with our sister website at www.belowzerocolorado.com or on Facebook to check out more information on cryotherapy in Denver.

Healthful Diet

The cornerstone of any weight management plan is a healthy diet, which should include whole foods with low glycemic value, such as protein, essential fats, vegetables, high fiber fruit, whole grains and legumes. Further, many of these types of foods are more slowly digested, helping promote feelings of fullness. In a recent study, a higher protein and fiber diet offered statistically significant support for weight management and lean body mass compared to a standard low-fat diet.

Other research has shown that diets higher in protein help preserve muscle mass during a weight management program. In a recent study, individuals following a higher protein diet also reported more satisfaction and satiety when protein was increased to 20% of their total intake.

Additionally, current research has shown that the type and amount of carbohydrate and fat consumed can affect certain weight-related gene expression. A diet high in sugars, refined carbohydrates, starchy vegetables and refined vegetable oils promotes abdominal weight gain and visceral fat accumulation. Conversely, complex carbohydrates from unrefined food sources high in fiber and antioxidant phytonutrients can contribute to healthy glucose metabolism and healthy weight management.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are particularly important for weight management programs. The optimal omega-6 to omega-3 intake ratio should be between 1:1 and 3:1, a stark contrast to the average American diet which can be between 12:1 and 20:1. This overload of omega-6 fats typically comes from processed oils in the diet, including refined vegetable oils, vegetable shortening, margarine and hydrogenated fats. Diets high in omega-3 fats promote healthy weight and metabolism, as well as cardiovascular system function. furthermore, a research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can also support satiety.

Choose Healthful Foods

• Fruits and phytonutrient-rich berries
• Non-starchy vegetables (leafy greens and brightly colored vegetables)
• Lean meat
• Free-range eggs (fortified with omega-3)
• Fish and seafood
• Unrefined extra virgin olive oil and flaxseed oil
• Legumes and lentils
• Whole grain flour (brown rice or other whole grain breads, pasta and cereals)
• Organic dairy
• Raw nuts and seeds

Limit Unhealthful Foods

• Enriched white flour (savory snacks, white bread, white pasta)
• White rice, white potato
• Sugar or high fructose corn syrup (candy, soda)
• Fast foods
• Partially hydrogenated oils (shortening, margarine)
• Refined vegetable oils (corn, safflower, sunflower, canola, lite olive oil)
• Meats with saturated fat (untrimmed meat, processed meats)
• Non-organic whole fat dairy
• Artificial sugars and sweeteners
• Preservatives chemicals or antibiotics

TIME: 6-8 p.m.

SPECIALS: Enjoy special discounts on our CryoSauna and Laser Therapy. All discounts apply to in-office purchases January 19th only.

RSVP: Please call to reserve your spot by calling 303.993.2323, or e-mailing wellness@mederihealth.com.

We look forward to meeting you then!

~The Mederi Health Team

Listen to Your Body

You’ve likely heard this time and time again, but your body is remarkably good at regulating your appetite and intake. Your body sends signals to your brain to let you know when you are truly hungry and full. Listening to those signals and responding accordingly will take the guesswork out of when and how much you should be eating. This is called “mindful eating” or “intuitive eating.”

Being mindful of what you put in your mouth is the most basic way of controlling your intake. However, our culture and increasingly busy lifestyles have caused us to ignore all of those internal clues that regulate our intake. Focus on getting back in touch with your body.

Savor Your Food by Eating Slowly

Did you know that it takes your stomach 20 minutes to send signals to your brain that you are full? If you inhale your food with reckless abandon, you’ll likely feel uncomfortably full later because you ate too quickly for your body to register that you were full long before you stopped eating. To prevent this feeling – and prevent overeating – slowly eat smaller bites.

Limit Liquid Calories

Holiday parties are notorious for providing ample amounts of calorie-laden beverages, especially alcoholic drinks. Limit yourself to one indulgent beverage, like eggnog or cider, and sip it slowly. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water – both before and after you eat. People often mistake thirst for hunger and end up overeating. Stay well-hydrated throughout the party, and you’ll get full more quickly and stay full for longer.

Munch on Low-Calorie Items

Crudités (fancy word for vegetables that are cut-up or sliced and often served with a dip) are a good food to fill up on for very few calories. However, don’t overdo it on the dip as dips are usually high in fat and calories. Use a very small amount of dip or forego it all together. Salsa makes for a great low-calorie dip, and studies have shown that spicy foods may cause a slight increase in metabolism.

Don’t Linger in Front of the Food

Many holiday parties serve food buffet-style since all the guests are often asked to bring a dish. This can be dangerous for those trying to eat healthfully at the party because constantly being in the presence of decadent food can undermine the efforts of the even the most motivated healthy eaters. To avoid this diet deterrent, fill a single plate half with vegetables or fruit, a quarter with a lean protein, and the other quarter with some sort of grain, preferably a whole-grain. The next step is simple: Walk away.

Focus on Connecting with Friends and Family

Concentrate on making socializing the main purpose for attending the party. If your mouth is busy chatting, it won’t be busy chewing food.

Happy and healthy holidays!

~The Mederi Team

My symptoms started a little over 2 yrs ago…insatiable itching at times, on my legs, arms off and on, not only did my doctor advise it was eczema so did a dermatologist. The cream worked on the arms, and the leg problems seem to go away as well… then the itching returned, this time it was on legs and in my ears… I was again told eczema and to put Olive Oil in my ears it would help (the ears they couldn’t explain, figured they were just dry). I really didn’t believe it was eczema nor did I want to be putting olive oil in my ears….as time went on, some other issues popped up with my toe nails, itching on the fatty stomach area, and what I call a traveling itch in my shoulders & neck area and ears. No rhyme or reason for it, dry skin I was told, ecezma.

For several years, I also had light brownish skin spots on my arms and back.

I would continue to use the creams provided to help the attacks…. then I just lost energy & focus, could not multi task to do my job, didn’t feel like doing much and the itching remained.

I heard about Mederi Health thru a co-worker in NM, I’m in Aurora…. Good News travels far!!

- I contacted Mederi Health for an appointment, after receiving the questionnaire, I felt my symptoms were very small compared to others… and I would be wasting Mederi’s time.

… They assured me that my problems were just as important to them as anyone elses….

When I visited the clinic we went over several areas of possibility, took some tests and found not only did I have yeast/ bacteria issues, my stress levels were very high, my sleeping habits were poor due to the cortisol levels the interrupted sleep due to the itching, and other important chemical factors for my system would need to be addressed as well.

** Guess what!! It isn’t eczema at all, the itching is gone, my stress levels have decreased tremendously, I’m sleeping better, cleansed my system, resolved issues I didn’t even know I had, my focus and energy is back, the spots are gone and as an extra bonus…

I LOST 20 lbs !!!

** Mederi Health is great to work with… Nina & Kristen listen to your concerns & needs… they will continue to work with you until they figure out the problem.

I’m looking forward to discussing our maintenance plan!

Give them a call, you’ll be glad you did….

-Mederi Health patient Carol

C.J. Wilson practices cryotherapy, the process of exposing himself to extremely low temperatures, to hasten his physical recovery between starts.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111018&content_id=25697970&vkey=news_tex&c_id=tex

We are beginning to schedule, the machine arrives on Monday October 24 and we will begin appointments on Monday the 31rst of October.  Give us a call 303-993-2323 to get scheduled.

Here are some reasons you’ll want to try our top products*:

Tension Tamer: This is a great tasting, cherry-flavored powder that you mix into water.  Children and adults alike enjoy this product to promote a calm state of being.  It may be used during the day to manage anxious feelings, or simply as a way to relax and wind down for the evening prior to bedtime.  Research studies have shown inositol, one of the main ingredients in Tension Tamer, to be effective in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder as well as lessening suffering from panic attacks and depression.  Inositol is also effective against insulin resistance which typically precedes the onset of Type II diabetes.

Complete Flora: This superior gut health product provides both prebiotics, probiotics and a blend of immunoglobulins which help fight unfriendly bacteria and viruses.  Prebiotics are carbohydrates that feed good bacteria in the gut, and probiotics further populate the gut with those helpful organisms that are necessary to effective digestion. Studies show that obesity may be closely linked to a deficiency of good bacteria.  The presence of strains of good bacteria such as Bifidobacterium help to neutralize toxins in the gut that can cause weight gain and increased belly fat.

Regenerex Youth Elixir:  Beautiful skin, strong bones, radiant skin and shiny hair all come from proteins that are made up of the key ingredient in Regenerex, orthosilicic acid.  The special technology used to develop this product assures that this nutrient, which is normally too large to absorb, is usable in the body.

Omega 3 with D:  2 daily capsules of this high-potency, lemon-flavored fish oil supplement provides 900 mg of EPA and 660 mg of DHA; both are critically important to the health of the heart, brain, joints and every cell in the body. Conveniently, this supplement also provides 1000 iu of vitamin D3 which more and more people are finding they are deficient in.  Vitamin D may impact the ability to maintain healthy blood pressure as well as a strong immune system.

Click here to visit the store and learn more about our featured products.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

The chamber produces hyper-cooled air that dips to 166 degrees below zero. That air travels about half a millimeter into your skin and cools it to 32 degrees.  Cold sensors in the skin are activated to draw blood to the core.

Once the cold air exposure subsides after 2.5 minutes of treatment, oxygenated blood flushes the tissues providing up to 3 times greater blood flow to the body’s damaged tissues and muscles.  Additionally, during the treatment nerve activity is dampened thus minimizing pain signaling that lasts well beyond treatment .  The result is rapid recovery, pain cessation, feelings of energy and well being, firmer, healthier skin and overall decrease in the body’s inflammation.  Just ask Dr. Oz, NIKE, ESPN or the world champion Dallas Mavericks all of which endorse the use of cryo-saunas or chambers.

As we lead up to November, we will continue to post about the benefits of cryo-therapy.

These treatments will be available beginning November 1st.  Please call and reserve your spot today as we have already began filling up due to demand.  Sessions range from $45-$90 for an individual treatment, packages are available. Locations both in Denver and Boulder.

Mederi Health offers food elimination/detox diet programs as well as food sensitivity testing – great for food sensitivity detection, boosting your immune/digestive health, and weight loss. Call today for your complementary consultation. 303.993.2323

http://news.yahoo.com/celiac-disease-rise-u-160803394.html