Tag Archives: mercury

Week 22 – Metametrix Test and Hair Analysis

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What I Learned in Week 22

Overall:  Due to recent test results (listed below), I must now eat starches to balance my system.  However, this goes completely against the theories of the No / Low Starch Diet, NSD / LSD, (no grains, 2nd row) which my diet was originally based from.  Since it can take 3-4 days for symptoms to fully manifest, here is what happened after I ate the rice:

  • Took a nap after eating the rice and felt instantly better – more mobility, less pain, and more energy (allowing me to do some things I haven’t done in months).
  • Morning after my nose feels stuffy, but the pain has not increased.
  • Afternoon and evening the stuffiness went away and continued feeling better than I was before I ate the rice.
  • Tomorrow I will eat the other half of the rice & some more spinach for lunch and see if the “feeling better” trend continues.
Brown Rice and Spinach

My 1st Starchy Meal in 5 Months – Organic, Gluten-Free Jasmine Brown Rice

Hair Analysis Test

Results came back from Doctor’s Data on my hair analysis test and showed low levels in all heavy metals except Mercury.  Mercury showed up as medium (80th percentile).  From here, it’s been suggested that I take the urine heavy metals test since it gives a more accurate measurement by swallowing an agent (pill for example) that picks up the heavy metal(s) and then you urinate it out.  If confirmed for Mercury, I would need to take a test of the blood-brain barrier & then IV Chelation.  Also, it’s been suggested I take the metal fillings from my teeth (I have two) before the Chelation.

Metametrix Test

The Organix Profile provides a view into the body’s cellular metabolic processes and the efficiency of metabolic function.  Basically if you’re lacking in nutrition, this test will help find the problem areas.  Here are mine:

  • Fatty Acid Metabolism high – it won’t absorb DHA / EPA fatty acids in my body correctly.  So all that fish & Omega-3 supplements I’ve been taking haven’t been working.  To balance, I need carnitine (found in steak / beef) & B2.  In fact, I need a B-Complex to balance out my B-Vitamins.
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism Very High – Because I’ve been on the low-starch diet, I haven’t been eating nearly enough carbs.  It’s so bad, I was diagnosed with Ketosis – basically the biggest reason I got so skinny & underweight; I turned whatever fat (which I didn’t have much to start with) into energy. For me, fruit isn’t enough – I need a starch.
  • 5-Hydroxyindoleacetate is high, I need to eat more turkey since it has the Tryptophan (stuff that makes you sleepy after Thanksgiving turkey dinner) that I need.  My breakfast consists of ground turkey almost every morning so I’m OK here.
  • Picolinate is high, I need to lower the protein and add in the carbs.  Again, I’ll need a starch to balance this out.
Now that you’ve heard all the science stuff, here’s what’s going on.  I am headed to Ketosis because I’m not eating any starches like rice & potatoes.  My protein levels are too high creating an acidic body (and increasing bacteria).  My fatty acids are not being absorbed and my antioxidants are too low due to protein levels.  Combine that with the idea from the USDA Food Pyramid below and you’ll see that I need starchy grains.  According to my food intolerance tests, the only thing I can choose from now is rice and potatoes.  And thus why I went out to Publix right after the phone call, picked up organic, gluten-free jasmine brown rice and had it for lunch.  Although this is a huge risk for me since it goes against my original diet plan of NSD / LSD (no starches), it’s one I had to take.  And, so far, the risk is paying off.
 USDA Food MyPyramid Food
To recap, here’s what I need to take:
  • Rice and potatoes (take small dose, test for a few days)
  • B-Complex supplement
  • Multivitamin that does not include iodine

Chiropractor Spinal X-Rays

Without going too much in-depth, my spine has seen an overall dramatic improvement in my lower back area and doing OK for the neck area.  However, I am still too weak (especially the neck) and they are going to put me on a protocol to build me up.  Here are some of the important X-Ray results:

X-Ray-Low-Back_6_8_2012

X-Ray Lower Back 6-8-2012 | 45% difference than November 2011.  Discs are fat and it’s where I need to be.

X-Ray-Neck_6_8_2012

X-Ray of Neck 6-8-2012 | 35% difference than November 2011.  Needs work & strength training, good improvement.

My Health in Week 22

  • Overall:  Continue to wear my Sole Support orthotics as directed and found a great place where you can put your orthotics in sandals (I bought NAOT FOOTWEAR MIKAEL since it allows you to replace the insoles with your own orthotics – make sure to ask if these do that since I bought them at a Natural Comfort Footwear retail store), seeing big improvements since eating the rice on 6/18, and sleep continues to be the same.
  • Sleep:  As with many other previous weeks, I am still waking up twice a night.  I go to bed at 10pm, get up around 1am (take 1 ibuprofen), then around 4am (take 1 ibuprofen, 1 probiotic, and fish oil), then finally get up at 6:30-7:30am.
  • Current Areas of Concern:  Neck is still weak and shoulders are still sore, but much better after eating the rice.  Nighttime is still the “achiest” time of day but I’m finishing this blog up at 10:15pm and can still keep going – woo hoo!  Ankles still swollen and probably won’t improve until I get really used to the orthotics and strength training.
  • Areas of Improvement:  Continuing ibuprofen regiment to reduce inflammation & pain.  Only needed to take 1 nap a day since my energy has increased & pain decreased.  I still have work to get done and tests for the potato and rice aren’t complete, but I am turning a corner here.  That finish line is getting really close!
  • Enbrel:  It has been 17 1/2 weeks since my last shot.
  • My lowest weight was 132 lbs. and a BMI of 18.46.

I want to end this blog from a song that’s been resonating in my heart.  I feel that John Mayer’s “Shadow Days” lyrics describe me and my situation very well:

I’m a good man, with a good heart
Had a tough time, got a rough start
But I finally learned to let it go
Now I’m right here, and I’m right now
And I’m open, knowing somehow
That my shadow days are over
My shadow days are over now

Day 22 to 6 Months – Week 12

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Overall

Today marks 3 months since I’ve been on this new lifestyle diet – constantly updating as I learn new information.  Inflammation levels still high (high enough for my Rhumetologist to call me), I’ve been battling mid-back, shoulder blade & upper back areas (more during the end of the week).  The “big” tests have been sent & will be ready in under 3 weeks.  Other tests will come sooner & by the end of April, I will understand my body better.  For now, pain & inflammation consumes me, but doesn’t define me.  I’ve also learned how much I’m loved by God, family and friends through this ordeal.  Without them, this lonely journey would not continue.

Info for Week 12

  • Seafood Health Chart

    Best type of fish (low in mercury & high in Omega 3-fatty acids DHA & EPA are:  salmon, mackerel, anchovy, herring, rainbow trout, crab (body meat), sardine & cod liver oil.

  • On 4/5, did a test for papaya & the Magnesium Glucomate (MG).  Papaya is an inflammation reducer & MG is a muscle relaxant.  In the morning, I did not take my ibuprofen and instead took these two around 10am.  By noon, the pain was still there and saw very little improvement (if any).  From now on, I continue to stick with the ibuprofen and keep taking the supplements as requested.
  • On Friday 4/6 I went to US Healthworks in Sarasota to do the blood draw for the Cyrex Test (array 4)
  • On Sunday 4/8, I completed the  Metametrix, and Diagnostechs (Saliva Test) & 4/9 sent it to the labs.
  • Made an appointment with Dr. Allessi in Bonita Springs on April 16th to take the cholesterol, Fruit & sugar test (glucose?), 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Test, Th1 & Th2 (Autoimmune level) tests.
  • 4/9 (Sunday) developed a leg cramp in the middle of the night along with shooting pains while trying to fix the issue (lower shoulder area & right-side rib cage).  I was able to stretch it out in bed, but have found more ways to fix the issue.  Since I took the tests on the same day, I couldn’t have any ibuprofen before the morning.  During the day I took ibuprofen all day long due to my trip back/forth to Naples on Saturday.  That trip gave me inflammation not only on my sides, but parts of my back and the entire upper half of my body was sore.  In the future, I need to use seats that recline back.

My Health in Week 12

  • Sleep, Pain & Inflammation:  In week 9 I am seeing some improvement with my sleep.  Instead of waking up 2-3 times per night, it’s usually twice – about 3 hours after I sleep and then 5-6:30am time frame.  As with the previous couple of weeks, I see inflammation mainly on my sides (rib cage area).  Below & sides of shoulder blades still hurt after waking up plus I always have a stiff back.  On 4/6, I’ve changed my sleep number bed from 40 to 35 & it seems to help the stiffness.  A week ago I was getting shooting pains from my right leg when I was in bed.  As of week 9, those pains are going away (they go on & off, but more off) and I believe that is due to switching positions from the head of the bed to the foot.  I’m also not sleeping diagonal anymore (I get more stiffness, but it’s worth training myself to sleep in a normal position).
  • Progress:  I am starting to be more productive with my workload as I’m getting more time with work without feeling the pain (I work whatever time I can, no set schedule).  My parents are saying I’m looking better & I’m not as exhausted.  And when I do, Ibuprofen & sleep.  On 4/6, I took a 3 hour nap and it carried me through the rest of the day / evening.  The latter part of the week got worse due to traveling in Naples + the forward motion that AS does to my body.  As of 4/8, I’ve dealt with throbbing pain (especially when going to bed), but it’s improving each day (going to the pool & hot tub helps).
  • Swollen ankles – Swelling is down to manageable levels, but still prevalent.  I’m still not sure why it’s happening since this is the 1st time it’s ever happened.
  • Continuing Apex Energetics Proglyco-SP 90 (regulates hypoglycemia’s blood sugar & adrenal glands).  I still get the night sweats, just not as much.  I have a feeling it’s because I’m in the same position all night & the heaviness of the cotton shirt.  Once the bottle is done, I’ve got another one where I will reduce the dosage in half.
  • Continuing to take Magnesium Glucomate (MG).  On it’s own, I don’t see the benefit.  But, like most stuff I’m taking, I’m getting better.  So I’ll continue to take this for another month or so.  When I start weening off the ibuprofen, I’ll start weeing off the Zyflamend & MG.
  • Enbrel:  It has been 7 1/2 weeks since my last shot.
  • My lowest weight was 136 lbs. and a BMI of 19.04 (4/9).

Day 22 to 6 Months – Week 5

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Uniqueness of Week

  • When making a smoothie, do not add in orange peels with the oranges or too much ginger / turmeric root.  The oranges make the smoothie bitter + the ginger root is too strong.  The ginger root / turmeric slice should be no bigger than a 1/2″ and I usually cut my slice around a 1/4″.
  • I am switching my probiotic from the Good Belly Big Shot to the Garden of Life Probiotic for Men.  It has more probiotics, more strains of probiotics, and does not contain the rolled oats (which have starch) that the Good Belly does.  I will start off with taking one a day and increase the dosage as my gut accepts it.
  • Scientifically-Speaking:  The root of Ankylosing Spondylitis’s problem is the bacterium called the Klebsiella.  I just found out there is an antibiotic called Moxifloxacin that can kill most / all of it.  The downfall?  Although there are lots of side effects and issues, I’ll keep this as a “Plan J” kind of scenario.
  • I am getting more into Iodine testing for starches which is confirming all my reading.
  • Fish & mercury poisoning – The younger the fish and caught by trolling or by line usually contain much less mercury.  Think about it.  With all the bad “stuff” we have put in the water over the years, which fish would be most likely to keep it ingested – 100 year old grouper or a fish caught within the 1st years of it being born?
  • Lowest weight of the week was 141.5lbs. and a BMI of 19.88 (2/20/12).  A BMI of 18.5 is considered underweight.

My Health in Week 5

  • During the day I am seeing improvements in mobility due to Yoga, walking and Chiropractic exercises, especially throughout the day.  I am not following the chiropractic regiment as it tends to pull my neck out.  Sleeping (especially getting in/out of bed) tends to magnify the pulled-neck issue.
  • Sleeping continues to degrade by body & gets worse each day, but I’m adjusting my Sleep Number bed to low levels (25) on each side, then I tried one side harder (so I can sleep on my stomach part of the night), and rotate on all sides of my body.  The result does net me a few more hours of sleep between waking up, but my sides tend to hurt & getting out of bed is the hardest thing I do in my day.  On Saturday (2/18), I took 1/2 of a Naproxen along with Enbrel as I see the situation getting to the point of unbearable.  I almost made it to two weeks (Tuesday would be two weeks from the last shot).
  • 2/20 experienced less pain & inflammation due to the Enbrel, but developed a pulled neck.  Needed to take 1 Ibuprofen and heating pads to keep the pain manageable.

Notable Meals this Week


Steamed Asparagus with Salmon-Filled Yellow Pepper

  • Steamed Asparagus topped with Himalayan Sea Salt
  • Yellow Bell Pepper opened at the top / stem
  • Filling is a variation of my other salmon fillings.  This one consists of Wild Alaskan Salmon, 1 tomato chopped, 1 carrot, cut-up spinach, whole grain mustard, mayo, 1/2 of an avocado, lemon, ground pepper, basil & rosemary.
Synopsis of Meal:  Meal is quite delicious, mostly vegetables, and the filling can be used for another 2-3 days.

 

Godzilla Burrito at Chef Brooke’s Natural Cafe in Fort Myers

  • Collard Wrap loaded with sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, and a plethora of other ingredients
  • The sauce really makes the meal.  It’s a sesame & tamari mix that was so good I bought some to take home.  I highly recommend.

Italian Salad & Chicken Bryan at Carrabas

  • This is my big treat (and my favorite chicken meal) for being on the diet for over a month.  Although it was very delicious, the chicken was not as good as what I remember it to be.  Will I buy it again?  Oh yea…
  • Because I didn’t have any bread, there wasn’t enough food for me to eat.  I went over next door to Earth Origins market and ended up buying a 20-25 oz. smoothie  (mango, apple juice, blueberries, kale, spinach & frozen bananas)

Salad at Subway

  • Like most restaurants, Subway isn’t going to be organic, but it’s a great way to pick up something quick and healthy.  Just put the base of the salad with lots of spinach & add the ingredients you want.  At Subway, you can add as much as you want (that fits in the bowl).  I also suggest getting oil, vinegar, pepper & a little salt as the dressing.