Detective
Once I’ve taken a complete and comprehensive health history, I might suggest some tests to provide objective data. In addition to looking at the results of imaging technology and blood work, I have many more tools and perspectives available to find underlying causes. For example, there are several presenting issues related to heavy metal toxicity, such as joint swelling, brain fog, fatigue, high blood pressure. I also test adrenal gland function since weak adrenals can impact one’s energy and immune system. Neurotransmitters, the molecules that affect our emotions, are not only important to consider in issues such as depression, anxiety, and dementia, but are also involved in how all our body systems communicate. These are typically issues overlooked by traditional western medicine, but central in a holistic approach to your health.
I stay on top of the latest research and information in natural health, and I am constantly learning about new approaches. It is what I love to do. For example, there is recent research showing that kids taking a low dose of vitamin D experience less colds and flus that those not taking vitamin D in the winter. Very recent studies show that taking CoQ10 with a glass of grapefruit juice can increase the body’s ability to absorb it by 50%. And, thanks to the genome project, we’re discovering vital information about how our diet affects our genes. For example, we know what foods can alter gene transcription in a positive or negative way. I am committed to your health, and if I can’t help you, I will refer you to other health practitioners who might have the particular set of skills you need.
Detective Story: A mom brought her 10-year-old daughter to me after doctors at the Cleveland Clinic had diagnosed her with fibromyalgia and depression. She had been home-schooled for a year due to her illness. Sifting through her large volume of medical records it became apparent to me that there was an infectious cause. I discovered she had been camping with her family immediately before the onset of her symptoms. On their way home, she vomited nine times. I suspected that a neurotoxin was impacting her central nervous system. After checking epidemiology reports in the area where the family had camped for Lyme disease and West Nile virus, I checked her for both. She was positive for Lyme disease. Although it took several weeks to figure out the right tests, once the Lyme disease was diagnosed and treated, she started to gradually improve. She’s now back in school and doing much better.
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