Medical Testing to Find the Source of What Ails Us
Sacramento, Calif.- If you want to make a dramatic improvement in your health this year, Dr. Chris Meletis, ND, recommends four simple laboratory tests before embarking on your wellness journey. As Dr. Meletis tells his patients: "Test, don't guess."
Organic Acid Testing
Because we are all biochemically unique, we each have different nutritional needs. Urinary organic acid testing is a crucial step in determining exactly which nutrients your body requires.
Organic acids are compounds produced within the body during metabolism. Your metabolic state determines your overall health and is the result of a combination of factors: genes, nutrition, lifestyle, attitude, and environment. By identifying specific metabolic issues, you can begin a targeted nutritional program to significantly improve your results.
Saliva Hormone Testing
Saliva testing is an easy, non-invasive, and reliable way to assess bioavailable hormone status-the clinically relevant portion of hormones that the body can actually use.
Men and women of any age (and even children) who are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance-such as fatigue, insomnia, chronic stress, or weakened immunity-should be tested. For those over 40, a baseline test is highly recommended.
The five primary hormones monitored through saliva are:
- Testosterone
- Progesterone
- Estrogen (estradiol)
- Cortisol
- DHEA
Hormone levels often become imbalanced due to aging and stress. One frequently underrated hormone for both men and women is testosterone. In men, the decline of testosterone (andropause) often begins in the 30s and peaks in the 50s and 60s, when symptoms become unmistakable. Low levels are linked to low energy, decreased libido, poor concentration, insomnia, night sweats, depression, and even hot flashes.
Furthermore, men with excess abdominal fat should monitor their estrogen levels; abdominal fat can convert testosterone into excess estrogen, leading to significant health issues.
Food Allergy Testing
Food allergy testing is a vital clinical tool for uncovering hidden factors affecting health. Patients often believe they do not have allergies because they are unaware of IgG food sensitivities, which are-by definition-hidden and delayed.
It is difficult to design an effective nutritional program without knowing if a patient has these underlying sensitivities. Using an ELISA immunoassay test via a simple fingerstick, doctors can identify low, moderate, or high reactions to 96 commonly eaten foods.
Iodine Sufficiency Test
Thyroid disorders have reached epidemic proportions. Weight gain, mood swings, thinning hair, and fatigue are often caused by hypothyroidism. Noted iodine expert Dr. Guy Abraham has established a clear link between iodine deficiency and both hypo- and hyperthyroidism.
This deficiency can be detected through a user-friendly oral loading test followed by a 24-hour urine collection.
Conclusion
Organic acid, salivary hormone, food allergy, and iodine sufficiency testing can provide the roadmap you need for your journey to optimal health!
Explore additional topics from Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center with Dr. Godby, ND, MA and his team at Natural Wellness.
As a naturopathic doctor for the last 20 years, I have witnessed the power of a preventative lifestyle and naturopathic medicine to transform the health and lives of thousands of patients.
Sacramento Naturopathic
2530 J Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 446-2591
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