Taking a Holistic Approach on my Health

After a year of being told my health problems were all in my head and that I needed to just go join Weight Watchers, I finally bit the bullet and made an appointment with our Holistic Medical Clinic.

It all started back about 3.5 years ago when I had my youngest daughter. I just never did bounce back after her birth. I know I did suffer from Post Partum depression, but I was too shy and felt like I was a failure if I went to the doctor about my problems. Then when I finally did go last year, it was like a slap in the face.

Anyways, hubbs and I agreed last week it was time to make my appointment. I have put it off way too long and I have heard so many wonderful testimonials about the Holistic Clinic here.

I walked away from the appointment finally feeling like I had a renewed hope and I would be able to get my life back. The best part of it all is, I can do it naturally :). I just want to share about my appointment in hopes this can help other moms know…NO we are not just crazy and yes pregnancy hormones can do many things to our body.

The appointment started out with several Nutritional Deficiency Tests. I will go through each one and my results.

First Test: Tissue Calcium Test

A muscle that can withstand 200mm/mercury is considered to have sufficient calcium stores. A patient who has cramping prior to 200mm/mercury is considered to be deficient in tissue calcium. The optimal tissue calcium level is considered to be 240mm/mercury or more.

My result: 120mm – He did ask me if osteoporosis runs in our family. I am surrounded by so many family members with this… so it was definitely a wake up call for me. He said if I do not do something about it now, by the time I am age 40 I will be in trouble.

Second Test: Salivary pH Testing

Normal oral pH Adult 7.4 to 7.6

A lower than normal oral pH is a sign of Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) need.

My results: 5.8

He put me on Flax Oil to take control of this issue. My hubbs has been taking this for the last year and I should have followed suit sooner.

Test 3 Zinc Test

This was a big test for me because of my immune system is not the greatest I don’t think. Because of the deficiencies in the American diet, clinical experience indicates that most Americans suffer from some degree of zinc deficiency. Zinc levels are just one indicator of the immune systems ability to function.

I was given this liquid to swish around my mouth and then swallow. Depending on my reaction determined my deficiency.

Grade 4 No Taste = Severe Deficiency

Grade 3 Slight taste, or delayed slight taste = Deficiency

Grade 2 Moderate unpleasant taste = Mild Deficiency

Grade 1 Immediate strong unpleasant taste = Adequate zinc status

My taste response was Grade 4. It tasted like water to me. This was good to know though so I can get my immune system built up.

Test 4 – Ragaland’s Test – Postural Hypotension Test

This test is used to determine the adrenal glands ability to raise blood pressure. In patients with adequately functioning adrenal glands the systolic blood pressure should rise 6 to 10mmHg when changing from lying to standing position. In patients with adrenal fatigue there is a failure of the systolic blood pressure to rise or there might even be a drop in the systolic blood pressure and they will feel dizzy.

Test Results

I passed this test really well. Lying BP was 109/71 – Standing BP was 111/81

Test 5 – Iodine Patch Test

Iodine deficiency is one of the primary causes of Hypothyroidism (under functioning thyroid). An individual that is hypothroid will usually complain of Intolerance to cold. Dy coarse skin and hair, Weight gain, Muscle fatigue, Depression, Headaches, Menstrual disturbance, Lethargy to name just few complaints. The rate at which the iodine is absorbed determines the severity of deficiency.

Patch is completely gone in 6 or less hours indicates a severe deficiency of iodine.

Patch is completely gone in 12 hours or less indicates a moderate deficiency of iodine.

Patch is completely gone in 24 hours or less indicates a mild deficiency of iodine.

Patch is noticeable for 24 hours or more would indicate a normal level of iodine.

My test results

This definitely makes since because from day 1, I have thought I had an under functioning thyroid. Needless to say the iodine patch was gone in 5 hours which indicates I have a severe deficiency of iodine.

He also did blood work where they test all four thyroid functions. I should have that back in a couple more days. He mentioned most family doctors will not treat you for a hypothyroidism until your levels are over 5.50. He said that he does not believe that approach at all. Waiting till 5.50 is just asking for trouble and he treats when it is over 2.00. He said why wait till it is getting out of control to treat it. Also most doctors just test one part of your thyroid. The way he described it made so much sense and I should have been treated all along for this just as I have been saying. I know most of my problems stem from this and pregnancy can wreck havoc on your thyroid.

He is waiting for my blood work to come back and then we will have another consult on which plan of action he wants me to take for my thyroid. I am so darn excited to finally get answers to all my problems and get a course of action.

Right now he prescribed for me to take

Guarana – PRN

Flax Oil with each meal

Selinium 200mcg 2x a day.

Hubbs and I are both so excited for me to get back on track and start feeling how I use to. Hubbs is going to go for an appointment to as well to get his health on the right track.

That wraps up my tests. He talked me through all the results and answered all my questions. It was like he really cared about my health and my feelings about different situations. I am definitely loving the holistic approach to my health!