If you follow this blog, or know me, you know that I am very good about exercise – sometimes too good. You may also have noticed that while I like healthy foods and products, I also love my treats and good eats. I sometimes use the “but I run all the time” get out of jail free card for this one! That said, I am always on the look out for ways to feel better and be healthier.
My friend, Christine, was running an online auction for her children’s school and I always bid on local stuff. I won a session with a Naturopath physician, Kelly Simms, ND and some vitamins and other goodies. I did not have any specific ailments per say, but was interested in gleaning more ways to improve my health. I visited with a Naturopath at Canyon Ranch last year and he helped me kick my diet soda habit and make a few other small changes that I found useful.
I went to see Dr. Simms and we had a one hour session. We reviewed my medical history and family history. I declared that I am pretty much healthy but want to feel even better. As we spoke, a few issues bubbled up. I have trouble sleeping/insomnia and I have an insatiable appetite for sugar. I also have high cholesterol (always have- damn genetics!)
Based on my exercise levels and some of the symptoms I mentioned, Dr Simms recommended a few follow-up tests. She recommended a saliva test for adrenal gland function (which can be impacted in people who stress their bodies continually with exercise or are under stress), a detailed cholesterol panel and blood work that you get with a physical. I have always been curious about food sensitivities and candida overgrowth (often linked with sugar cravings and fatigue), so after some additional discussion, we decided to do an Immuno Labs Bloodprint. This test uncovers food sensitivities and delayed reactions to 154 foods/food types based on blood tests. This is a way to know what foods to eliminate for an elimination diet. I told Dr. Simms that I did not imagine I would have any gluten or lactose issues (because I never seemed to have any problems on bread and cheese vacations to France or Napa!)
I did the saliva test. OMG, it is REALLY hard to spit 5ml into a tube. Who knew? The first collection took me more than an hour. Then, I went and got a zillion tubes of blood drawn and then waited for a call from Dr. Simms’ office.
What I Learned
Condensed version: I am a not really the healthiest person you know!
Long version:
- We started with the saliva test. It measures cortisol in the blood. Mine was very low. Good thing, I am not a caveman. One of the possible reasons that I feel tired even when I sleep could be low cortisol.
- Next we looked at cholesterol. It was still high but the lowest I have tested in ages- YAY. My HDL, good cholesterol, is very good. The more detailed panel showed generally good results and only one red flag (unfortunately a genetic one)
- Then came the blood work. Like most Americans in colder climates (who work inside and wear sunscreen) my Vitamin D was very low. No surprise. My Magnesium, Ferritin and B12 were also very low. Especially B12.
- And then the foods test results came. To my surprise, I had sensitivities to 32 things! Big categories of things! The top offenders (most inflammatory +3 or +4) were beans (pinto, kidney and navy) – no biggie, onions – no biggie – I avoid those, wheat – GULP, milk – GULP and eggs – GULP. Also, people with high number of food sensitivities are increased risk for more digestive problems. She said 32 is ALOT. 🙁
I was pretty surprised by those results! Dr Simms recommended some supplements and a tincture (herbs) for cortisol and other vitamin deficiencies. I am usually bad with supplements but since these were pretty serious imbalances, I am committed to trying to do better. As far as the food test, the true interpretation is to elimate all 32 foods for 90 days… or at least 30 days. We agreed that I should try to eliminate the highly inflammatory ones and limit the others. The goal is 90 days. 90 days gluten free, egg free and dairy free! Whoa?!?
So what does that mean for me? Lots of whole foods and bringing my own. I don’t feel too devastated because it has a deadline. I am looking at it like training for a race. I am on day 4 and feel ok. I have noticed a pick up on energy (could be from the B12 lozenges or the tincture or some combo I guess or placebo effect.) I have not been feeling as hungry or having as many sugar cravings. Psychological? Maybe! But all in all worth a try! My insomnia is much worse. Bummer!
And, what does it mean for you? More gluten free/vegan finds (have 3 options to review soon Square Bars, Jimmy Bars and Good Greens bars), maybe a few recipes (gasp) and some reports on my progress.
I hope this post is not TMI. I just find this all pretty fascinating. I am my very own science experiment!
Have you seen a naturopath or tried holistic medicine? How about an elimination diet? How did it go for you? I would love to hear your experiences.
PS. Don’t forget to enter my On the Go Snacks 2 giveaway! Great products and great giveaways and ironically all are gluten free, dairy free and egg free! Kismet?