Tag Archives: allergy tests

Day 22 to 6 Months – Week 11

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Info for Week 11

  • Tried making Brownies/Chocolate Cake with Stevia (1/2 the amount recommended) & coconut butter – dry as a bone…had to throw it away.  Next time will use the Stevia full amount requested + a 1/4 cup of apple sauce.
  • Ordered 4/4 the Cyrex Test (array 1-4), Metametrix, and Diagnostechs (Saliva Test).  Although it ran me almost $715 (normal price is around $2100), it’s going to let me know what I can & cannot eat .  I also completed blood work for CBC, CMP & Sed Rate from my Rhumetologist (results next week).  I’ll take the tests on Sunday & the Cyrex (blood test) this week / early next week (after submission will take 3 weeks for results).
  • Still waiting on my D.O. to call me back about my other tests – cholesterol, Fruit & sugar test (glucose?), 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Test, Th1 & Th2 (Autoimmune level) tests.
– Edimame Makes Me Flare-Up:  Although soybeans are one of the least-starchy beans, I made the mistake of having an entire bag of them.  Either it’s too early to eat these or I just can’t eat them at all.  Regardless, I had a flare-up that lasted after lunch on 4/3 & ended after breakfast on 4/4.  I have a feeling that the Pyloricin may have killed off the starch-feeding bacteria.
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My Health in Week 11

  • Overall:  I’m breaking through in week 8 after deciding to add ibuprofen when I need it.  On Thursday 3/29, I went to the chiropractor and had another horrible experience with pain.  Although the next day I was feeling better, I just couldn’t deal with another day of a draining and (in many cases) a non-functioning body.  During a typical day, I’m taking around 4-5 pills and I believe my stomach has healed enough to allow it.  I’m also taking 3 Zyflemends a day and always trying to focus on anti-inflammation foods.  4/4 went to the chiropractor with better results (2X easier than on 3/29).  Sleep continues to be horrible as I wake up 1-2 times per night and I have a very hard time getting out of bed.
  • Swollen ankles –  Both of my ankles are now swollen (right is worse than the left).  We have a theory that it is something missing in my diet and hope the tests will help out.  The swelling by 4/4 has gone down, but still prevalent.
  • Continuing Apex Energetics Proglyco-SP 90 (regulates hypoglycemia’s blood sugar & adrenal glands).  I take 2 in the morning, 2 whenever during the day & 2 before I go to bed.  I don’t get the “must go” feeling in the middle of the night & I don’t get my nightly sweats.
  • On 4/2 started taking Magnesium Glucomate.  The ND states it works as a muscle relaxant.  It can be difficult to take with any meal because it requires 8oz. of water per serving with food (I don’t drink water when I eat).
  • Enbrel:  It has been 6 1/2 weeks since my last shot.
  • My lowest weight was 136 lbs. and a BMI of 19.04 earlier on in the week, but have increased to 138lbs. & a BMI of 19.38.

Day 22 to 6 Months – Week 9

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Although I normally post on Tuesday, week 6 was definitely not a normal week.  While I found bouts of feeling “normal”, I also had inconsistent sleep (usually got up 3 times per night, every night), my body locked up one night while laying on my side (had to be pulled up out of bed by someone else in order to get out of bed…at 3:30am), developed a Canker Sore (probably due to my immune system), a swollen / sprained foot, trying to gain weight, difficult chiropractic visits (once finished I felt like I got done with a boxing match), and LOTS of information to sift through.  Without further ado, here are some of the things I found out:

Advice I’ve Received in Week 9

  • Is it better to eat vegetables raw or cooked?  VIDEO from Dr. Furhman
  • Proteins, calories & fat – increasing the healthy way (great advice for athletes who question a whole foods diet):  VIDEO from Dr. Furhman
  • Adding meats back in my diet, I need to remember what organic vs. natural means.
  • Inspiration:  The latest video, “Hungry for Change” from the “Food Matters” team is free to watch until the end of the month.
  • What’s the right balance of food?  Besides Furhman’s “Eat to Live” & the low-starch diet (LSD), I’ve learned about the GAPS diet (discussion on NSD forum).  GAPS have emphasis on fermented foods including yoghurts and vegetables and bone broth.  It also allows for starches such as certain types of beans, also bananas (ripe only), and some root vegetables.  There are others (vegan, vegetarian, etc.), but these nutritional lifestyles seem more appropriate for my body type & lifestyle.

 My 1st Desert Since the Diet – Chocolate Azteca (Mi Pueblo)

Mexican Chocolate Mousse Tart drizzled with macadamia cream and garnished with berries.  It was delicious & (I think) no flare-ups!

Other Foods Tested & No-Flare-Ups:  Small cup of chili (ground beef) with black beans, yogurt, soybeans / edamame, fish & chicken.

My Health in Week 9

  • I Have Hypoglycemia:  Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, uses hormones to keep your blood sugar in a normal range. But a long-term health problem that needs treatment can cause blood sugar to drop too low.  I usually refer this as a sugar drop – I get jittery, the sweats, achy (inflamed), short-tempered and sometimes nervous.  DEFINITION & SYMPTOMS It’s also an adrenal disorder that has too much/little cortisol that increases inflammation.
  • Hypoglycemia Test & Fix:  First, I know I’ve had sugar drops in the past + my mom has it, but never knew it could lead to chronic inflammation until my consultation with Dr. Jeremiah Joseph.  On 3/16 I switched my diet – breakfast was my normal smoothie (1/2 fruit, 1/2 veggie) and was still quite inflamed.  During lunch, however, I had a large 12 oz. portion of salmon along with 2 sides of broccoli.  Afterwards I felt much better than breakfast.  Dinner consisted of fajitas (w/o the wraps) – again more meat & veggies.  Two things happened here:  my blood sugar normalized and I introduced more protein in my diet than I did for almost the whole week.  Not only does this follow the Hypoglycemic diet, but the low-starch diet (LSD discussion).
  • Modifying the Diet:  Although I don’t have it all figured out yet, I need 20% of my diet in meat, find more protein sources, and combine meat while decreasing the dosage of the smoothie.  Currently, here is my list of protein sources (keep in mind I also need to maintain / increase my weight):
  • Almond butter – 7g protein, 180 calories, serving size: 2 Tbsp
  • Salmon – 34g protein, 241 calories, serving size: 6 oz.
  • Beans – List of Protein (will start trying beans in the next week or two)
  • Edamame (Soybeans):  12g protein, entire bag contains 3 servings.
  • Kale, Spinach, & Swiss Chard – 1-2g protein, serving size: 1 cup (look up other veggies)
  • Enbrel:  It has been 4 1/2+ weeks since my last shot
  • My lowest weight was 138 lbs. and a BMI of 19.28.  To gain weight, I need to gain healthy fats.  Here are the things I need to do:
  • Daily calories 2220 X .20 (min) or .35 (max) = 444 (min) – 777 (max) calories of fat.  To get grams of fat, divide by 9.  444/9 – 777/9 = I need 49g – 86g of fat per day.  MORE INFO
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil on salads & edamame.  Contains 14g fat per Tbsp.  Look for organic and/or from one country producing it.
  • One Avocado contains 14.66g fat (9.80g monounsaturated / good fat)
  • Supplement Modifications:  Need to add in:
  • Magnesium Glycumate – 6-800mg. It will strengthen bones, muscle, and helps with 300 reactions per cell.  Individuals suffering from malabsorption conditions like celiac and Crohn’s disease will benefit from this form of magnesium.  AS has similar gut issues as Crohn’s.
  • Vegetable-based protein powder (can contain hemp or quinoa)
  • Apex Energetics Proglyco-SP 90 (regulates hypoglycemia’s blood sugar & adrenal glands).  Take 2 in the morning, 2 whenever during the day & 2 before I go to bed.
  • Removed Organic India’s Fiber Harmony Orange Flavor as the protein / meat is binding “things” just nicely.
  • Advil:  I stressed again that I need 2-4 Advil to keep me asleep over the night. While the ND would suggest not taking any medications, he mentioned that the recovery from sleep outweighs the issues with taking Advil.
  • TH1 vs. TH2 Immunology: Still reviewing the theory.  But a correct balance can reduce / remove the inflammation.
  • Daily chiropractic work:  Using the Denny Roll 1X/day should be sufficient as I progress.  I can add more once I get better.
  • Papaya Seeds:  I have been taking them everyday for 1 1/2 weeks with no effect.  Although it may not work for me, it could work for anyone who has intestinal worms in their system (no one knows if they do unless they take a probe to see or test).  The ND is fine with doing this.  MORE
  • Blue Fingers:  I’ve heard it before, but the ND confirmed I have Raynaud’s Syndrome.  It’s quite harmless and I only get cold quickly in air conditioned rooms.
  • Hair Thinning:  This could be due to my Thyroid, but mostly due to my Hypoglycemia / blood sugar issues.

What allergy tests should I take and how does insurance work?

  • Cyrex Test (array 1-4) – measures auto immune & cross-reactivity.  At this time, Cyrex Laboratories is not contracted with any insurance provider, including Medicare. Patients are given invoices/statements, which can be sent to their insurance provider for possible reimbursement.
  • Metametrix – Comprehensive testing – I choose what to test for (heavy metals for example).  I pay up front, they send the bill to insurance, and whatever Golden Rule covers is the money I would get back.  Their providers they deal with are Blue Cross / Blue Shield. 
  • Diagnostechs (Saliva Test) – SIGA test, cortisol & DHA levels.  Since Diagnos-Techs is a non-contracted provider with all insurance companies except Medicare, some insurance companies will send the reimbursement to the member. In this case, the patient will be responsible for forwarding the insurance checks to us or they can submit payment in the form of check, money order, or credit card.
  • The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test
  • Cholesterol Test – should be around 200 MG/DL
  • Thyroid – All panels, TPO & Anti-throid globulan

Autoimmune Disease and Inflammation Treatment Seminars

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During the end of the 6th week on my Ankylosing Spondylitis / Autoimmune Disease Diet (2/27/12), I went to two autoimmune treatment seminars that should help eradicate this disease and reduce my inflammation.

Autoimmune Disease Class (Joseph Family Chiropractic)

When:  Monday, 2/27/12
Teacher:  Dr. Jeremiah Joseph
12479 S. Access Rd
Port Charlotte, FL 33981
Phone: (941) 473-7900
Fax:     (941) 473-7877
Email:  frontdesk@myjfc.com

Why Does Autoimmune Disease Happen?

This can happen as early as childbirth.  First, if you were not fed as a baby with breast milk, you lose powerful immune-fighting Colostrum.  Another reason is if you had a C-Section and was not birthed through the normal vaginal wall that contains other immunity helpers.  When a baby is born, the passage through the vaginal canal introduces the baby to billions of healthy bacteria, or microflora. It is absorbed by the gut and jump-starts a new baby`s immune system.

What Foods Decrease Your Immune System

  • Milk & Dairy Products (including Cheese)
  • Soy
  • Feta Cheese from U.S. (Cow).
  • Gluten which is in all wheat products.  Take allergy blood tests for any gluten-free products.
  • Foods high in Iodine

Alternatives to the Food Listed Above

  • Almond, rice, & hemp milk
  • Goat cheese
  • Almond and coconut yogurt
  • Feta cheese from Europe is fine (Sheep)

Detoxification to Boost Immune System (In Order of Importance)

Each taken once per day unless noted

  1. Vitamin D3 – 5,000 – 10,000 i.u.
  2. Magnesium Glycumate – 6-800mg
  3. Green Vibrance (1 Tbsp in 4 oz. water)
  4. Fish Oil (liquid form) – 3 Tbsp. per day
  5. Vitamin B12 Drops or Spray (under tongue, 900 micrograms)
  6. DMG – 125mg
  7. Probiotics – 30 – 100 billion with a minimum of 3 strains.
Other supplements suggested for me

Allergy Tests

 

Whole Body Class – Fight Inflammation (Whole Foods, Sarasota Florida)

When:  Saturday, 2/25/12
Teacher:  Lauren Rathvon, AP, DOM
Nationally Board Certified (NCCAOM)
@ Midtown Medical Park
1219 East Avenue South, Suite 104
Sarasota, Florida 34239
P: 941/951.1119
Turmeric Root
How much curcumin is in an actual turmeric root (or culinary turmeric powder).  Although the numbers vary, it’s primarily between 3-5% (some sources say as little as 0.6%, some as high as 6%).  That pales in comparison to the 95% found in supplements!  So, unless you REALLLLLLY like the taste of turmeric (in EVERYTHING you eat!), you may want to stick to the supplements.  By supplements, I will be taking Zyflamend.  

NSAIDS Long-Term

  • Increase 3X the risk for ulcers and upper GI issues.
  • 50% higher risk of heart disease taking Alleve 2X per day for 2 years

Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Papaya, pineapple, ginger, berries, turmeric, green tea, broccoli, avocados, sweet potatoes, salmon, & fresh produce

Agave:  In some cases, contains more fructose than high fructose corn syrup.

Suggested Supplements

  • Turmeric (especially when paired with biopene – good & bad)
  • Omega 3 fatty acids
  • GLA (Borage or Evening Primrose oils)
  • Enyzmes (on an empty stomach) – I use Digest Gold
  • Zyflamend
  • Traumeel (orally)

My Conclusion:

As with anything you take, do your own research and take supplements that will compliment your lifestyle.  The good news is that are very rare (if any) issues with taking too many supplements.  I’ve encountered numerous chiropractors, doctors, and other physicians taking much more than I currently do and then turn around & recommend them to the general public.

I also suggest taking the more expensive tests once you have managed your symptoms.  It’s much easier to live a life of knowing which starchy foods to avoid than avoiding all starches the rest of your life.  But the only way to know this is to test & experiment.  The more comprehensive the test, the less likely you’ll have a flare-up when testing these foods out on your own body.