I am excited to be offering Dutch Hormone testing to my patients. This comprehensive hormone test uses 4 urine samples and is a great way to evaluate free hormone levels vs hormones that are bound. Free hormone levels are most reflective of what actually gets to the tissues and has the most biological effect. Saliva is also a source of free hormone levels and I also test saliva but I find Dutch to be more comprehensive than my saliva testing. It offers more of a complete picture and it is my favorite functional medicine test that I do right now.

I am most interested in doing evaluation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in my corporate patients. This is an up to date term for evaluation of adrenal fatigue. Most of my corporate clients are running on empty in terms of their energy levels and this test looks comprehensively at adrenal output including diurnal rhythm of cortisol, cortisol production and how you are metabolizing it; it looks at DHEA production which tends to balance cortisol, it also looks at melatonin levels which are critical in helping patients sleep through the night. The test helps me make decisions in terms of patient management utilizing adaptogenic herbs and supplemental support.

Most patients that have an H.P.A. dysfunction, may also have a thyroid component that needs addressing. This test can point to a possible hypo thyroid or hyper thyroid status that may need further  evaluation. Patterns that I see in terms of cortisol metabolites and production/breakdown/clearance give me more information about thyroid status and further testing that might be needed. Thyroid support might be recommended in that case. Herbal medicine, homeopathic support and therapeutic supplementation can be helpful. Diet and lifestyle are also critical in management and thyroid medication from your doctor in some cases. 

Evaluation of female hormones (estrogen, progesterone) as well as (testosterone/androgens) and their breakdown and distribution gives me a more detailed view of hormone balance in women and men. It helps me see whether my female patients have an Estrogen dominant condition that could contribute to their chief complaint (menorrhagia, mood disturbances whether it be anxiety or depression, PMS, ovarian cysts, fibroids, etc). It helps me see whether they have an issue breaking down their hormones and how I can help them better do that. It helps me see more clearly if I have a patient with PCOS what androgens might be contributing to their imbalance and how I can intervene. The male test helps me evaluate what factors might be influencing prostate health.

The Dutch Complete also measures some organic acid levels to evaluate B vitamin status and glutathione status (which is one of our most potent antioxidants in the body). The test also assesses levels of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine) indirectly by measuring their urine metabolites. This may not be a perfect reflection of what is going on in the brain but this does offer a good representation nonetheless. This test helps with my evaluation of a patient’s mental and emotional health and whether they may need some support and which neurotransmitter to focus on. 

Come in for a 1st visit and if you are interested in evaluating your hormonal balance, fertility status (having trouble getting pregnant?), or fatigue, I may send you home with a Dutch Complete Hormone Test. To book in with me at Parallel Wellness, call 4032321283, Dr. Vinge

 

Fatigue happens to be the number one complaint that people come in to resolve. So many factors can be responsible for fatigue so labs must be run to rule out the most common reasons like iron deficiency anemia, hypothyroidism, depression and HPA axis dysfunction (adrenal fatigue). In this post, I am going to talk about boosting mitochondrial function using nutrition. Mitochondria are the energy producing organelles in our cells. Nutrition can support our mitochondria and thus boost energy or do the opposite (undermining energy). This information comes from Dr. Terry Wahl’s book “The Wahl’s Protocol”. She has MS and turned around her condition using functional medicine and a comprehensive nutritional approach. I too have had MS since I believe the age of 21 and have been in remission using a nutritional approach along with functional medicine.

Nutrients that support mitochondria include leafy greens such as kale, swiss chard, romaine, leaf lettuce, bok choy, etc., cabbage (red,green), onions/leeks, raw nuts and seeds (soak overnight in water if you have trouble digesting them), B vitamins, magnesium and Coenzyme Q10. A kelp seasoning powder or seaweed blend of spice would be helpful to support iodine intake(subtle thyroid support) and can be added to your evening meal of cooked foods. Take as directed on the label.

Foods most likely to be beneficial for energy include 9 cups of vegetables and fruits daily to maximize cellular repair and energy; 3-6 cups of cabbage, onion, and green vegetables daily to support mitochondrial brain function; 3 cups blue/red/yellow/orange vegetables daily to maximize antioxidant status; raw nuts and seeds soaked overnight in water such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, etc. hemp seeds, chia, flax seed (ground after soaking). Ensure you are getting a serving of omega 3 rich foods daily (flax seeds, chia, hemp, walnuts, wild seafood). Turmeric should also be included (1/4 inch) of fresh root to lower inflammation.

Avoid factors that sap energy including white flour, sugar, refined carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners and additives, trans fats and hydrogenated oils (often found in processed foods). Food sensitivities can cause fatigue and IgG testing can rule those foods out. Chronic infections including yeast or dysbiosis (imbalance between good and bad bacteria) can contribute to fatigue and should be treated if present. Digestive complaints like gas and bloating or brain fog might be present in this case and can be investigated to find the root cause using lab testing. 

Avoid environmental toxins (use natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar) and clean up your immediate environment as much as you can to avoid synthetic chemicals that may contribute to fatigue. Buy organic produce for the dirty dozen and limit non-organic to clean fifteen (Environmental Working Guide). Making sure you are using ‘clean’ makeup and sunscreen/body creams is important to reduce chemicals that may be causing your fatigue. Drink half your body weight in filtered water daily. I love my Mountain Fresh water filter. 

Get clear on what drains your energy mentally, emotionally and physically and do less of that if you can help it. Concentrate on slowing down and breathing consistently and deeply to maximize energy intake. Gentle exercise that you love consistently can help renew your energy as well. Do what you love- make time for things that you have a passion for. Until next time, be well. Book an appointment with me at Parallel Wellness to dive more deeply into this topic and get pointed assistance. For more information on boosting mitochondria through nutrition, I urge you to read The Wahls Protocol.

Reference: The Wahls Protocol, Terry Wahls MD  2014 Penguin Books

I have to say that I am dealing with some melancholy right now and it is not due to Covid. I just got back from the Okanagan and spending time with my siblings. My parents have gone into assisted living in the last month, after being in good health last summer. All of my siblings are in a state of shock right now. This was completely unexpected. My Mom was particularly vital and strong but she has had a number of surgeries and has broken her hip. We are all praying that she can regain her strength. My Dad is adjusting and is walking everyday (outside) in the care home that he is at which is good but they are separated (as my Mom is in a different care home) and it is wearing on him. These are all the things I do when I am gripped with melancholy. Hopefully if you are feeling this state too, my tips will help you.

First things first, I love music so no matter what I am feeling, music brings me up. I stream artists on YouTube for free that I like. Today I am listening to Jeremy Dutcher, a former Polaris winner (2018), and an aboriginal artist. His music inspires me; people living up to their true potential I find inspiring. My adopted brother is Metis so there is my connection albeit a distant one. Ralph was the only sibling that was not able to travel to see my parents and I am close to him so a shout out to him at this time. He is an artist too!

The next thing I do when I am feeling melancholy  is get on my meditation mat and breathe. I am currently doing a meditation by Deepak Chopra. After getting into a rhythmic breathing routine, I ask myself questions like Who am I?What do I intend for my life?  What is my purpose? What am I grateful for? There are more components to this meditation but I will share that I meditate for twenty minutes twice daily to be consistent. I have a mantra that I repeat if my mind starts to wander or I get bored (“be still and know that I am God’ is my current one.)

Homeopathy can be helpful when you are feeling melancholy. I will dose Ignatia 200c five pellets if I am feeling grief due to loss. If you have lost people due to a death, Ignatia can be really helpful. It can even help you access tears; when your emotion is stuck, it is easy to feel heavy and fatigued. So expressing that emotion will help you begin to feel better.  I will dose Pulsatilla 200c- five pellets if I am feeling abandoned and needy for love or affection. It is a subtle difference but this is the space of needing Pulsatilla. Homeopathy can result in an energetic shift in the right direction. Taking a homeopathic case, in office, can help me be sure of my patient’s remedy choice but these are a few remedies I turn to initially to treat melancholy.

I have some botanical medicines that are useful to shift mood. Neuropas is a natural alternative to antidepressants. It is a botanical blend of St. John’s wort, Passionflower and Valerian made in Germany. This medicine can be useful for mild to moderate depression. I use Unda homeopathics to treat complex cases of depression along with gemmotherapies. Plants can be matched to the person and shift physiology for optimal balance.

Emotional Freedom Technique is my most useful technique to shift mood rapidly. I have blogged about it before but I will just say that it is a meridian tapping technique that works on Chinese meridians to target blocked energy channels in your body, mind, spirit. It is the most useful counseling tool that I use in my practice.  

Exercise is key to balancing out your mood and shifting your mental space. I exercise at least 30 minutes daily if not an hour. I will work up a sweat and get my heart rate up. Cardio is key but I also like to do yoga and I am dragging myself back to the gym to do some weight training. Strength training is key to help maintain your bones as you age. Exercise boosts mood lifting neurotransmitters like serotonin. 

Get out into the sunshine to get some Vitamin D. Making the time to get outside without sunscreen for at least 20 minutes 3 x weekly  with as much of your skin exposed as possible between 10 am and 2 pm is what I recommend. Optimal levels of Vitamin D can help lift your spirits and sitting in the warm sunshine helps release endorphins in your body. 

Open up your heart to generate a positive mood. Find something that you can love whether it be a pet, family members, or plants. Loving something other than yourself can help lift your mood as can giving back in the form of volunteering or random acts of kindness. How can you make other people feel better? That is the question to ask yourself… as your life is not about you, rather all the other people’s lives that you touch with your life.

Thinking of what you are grateful for can dramatically shift your mood. Keeping a gratitude list first thing in the morning in your head (for instance bullet gratitude 5 items) and the last thing that you do before bed (5 new items) can keep you feel happier. Focusing on the good keeps the positive thoughts flowing.

Lastly, in terms of diet to help you shift your mental/emotional space. Research suggests that 7 fruit servings and eight vegetable servings daily are optimal to balance mood. The Smiles Diet is sometimes used to treat mood disorders as is the Mediterranean diet. Avoid mood killers like sugar, alcohol, refined carbohydrates, hydrogenated fats and transfats. Make sure you hydrate optimally with filtered water.  If you do all these things daily, I can assure you your mood will shift. Be sure and book an appointment to get more pointed advice for your particular condition. Book in with me at Parallel Wellness. Until next time, stay well.