My Energy Solution? Kidney Hats

Click for photo source site and adrenal information

One of the reasons that I started my “get healthy” journey and, in fact, one of the reasons I began this blog is that I have a very small bucket of energy to get me through the day.  I have been searching for the right mix of healthy solutions to apply to my life.  The journey has taught me a great deal but I have not felt much, if at all, better.

I decided to step outside the box again and drive over to visit an integrative and natural medicine  center.   My first appointment involved the nurse taking some basic vitals and few more tests.  Then, the doctor and myself sat in his office and discussed everything for over 90 minutes.  He suggested some tests and let me know which ones he thought were more urgent and important, and why.  Together, we decided the tests that I would take.  It felt a little odd to be out of the more paternalistic and time crunched model.

I returned to the doctor about 5 weeks later and discussed the results (another 80 minutes of discussion).  There are still some investigations to be done to get to the bottom of what, if anything may causing some of the results.

* This office does not accept insurance.  Using a cash based system offers them more freedom in how to conduct their practice.

There is a huge learning curve going on here, so I am sure to be sharing more related information as time goes on.  I am sharing this just as general information on my journey.  If you have any specific questions just ask away, or email.  The “traditional” medical doctors I have gone to over the years did not run or offer these tests.  There is controversy over some of these tests’ accuracy and over the treatments offered.  If you have experience or information on any of these topics please feel free to share!  But like Planet Fitness, this is a no judgement zone.

Test 1:  Cortisol

This test was done at home through a saliva collection at certain times throughout the day.  The result was that my level was low throughout the day…well late at night it was near the average range.  So, when I am sleeping, I am close to normal.  8)

Test 2:  Aldosterone

This test was done through a 24 hour urine collection.  Results: low

These two tests seem to indicate that my adrenal glands are not as peppy as they need to be.  The DHEA level was normal.  My treatment plan for these include 2 over the counter adrenal gland support supplements and one prescription (for the aldosterone).  My doctor told me to take some Himalayan salt to help my little adrenals get happy.  So much for low salt diet!  My dosages are very low and will be slowly elevated as/if needed.  All of the supplements should only be taken with medical supervision and knowledge of where your levels are!

Test 3:  Heavy Metals

This test was a provoked test using chelation agents.  So, they gave me an IV and I went home and collected urine.  Because of the limited collection period and because the results are compared to non-provoked standards, these results are a little more controversial.  The results:  very high Lead levels; elevated aluminum, cadmium, mercury, tin, uranium.  I was given a few choices on how to treat this.  I will likely wait a bit to see how the other meds effect me and then take the slow and steady method of taking supplements to help to detoxify.

Test 4:  MTHFR

This is a blood test.  It looks for genetic mutations.  Mutations here can take on different forms and be of varying severity.  My results were “2 copies of the same mutation A1298C.”  Bad that there are any mutations, worse that there are two; however, very good that those are the ones that I have.  There are other mutations that can lead to big problems.  For this I am taking TMG.  This may help with heart health and the body’s natural detox pathway.

The Usual Suspects:

Vitamin D:  up to 27 (Md’s goal = 60-80) – supplementing

B12:  low normal rage – supplementing

Glucose: 83, Cholesterol: 133

All the little liver, kidney, red and white cells were happy.