While I was in Melbourne I decided to go for the ultimate wellness check and visited a Naturopath!
I’d never been to one before, but was intrigued about what they do and how they work. I’ve really been struggling over the past few months with my energy levels. I’ve started on iron tablets but haven’t noticed a huge change. I thought it would be a good idea to get a different opinion about why I was so anaemic, as none of the doctors in England have been able to pinpoint the cause.
As part of the overall healthy assessment during the consultation he did the following tests.
Talked through my past and current health history.
Examined my iris – this was to look for mineral deficiencies, iron levels and blood health.
Tongue Inspection. This one really surprised me as he correctly guessed my blood type just through looking at my tongue.
Electro Dermal Screening system to find sensitivities to either food or environment. I held a small metal rod which had been covered in water in my left hand and this allowed a current to be passed through me to my other hand. It didn’t hurt and the machine just beeped out noise – no idea what it was saying! But my adrenal gland was not happy!
Live blood test which involves examining a tiny drop of live blood under a powerful microscope. The results are then displayed in real time on a laptop.
“Live Blood Analysis combined with a Naturopathic Assessment is the ultimate wellness check”
This was the test I was most interested in as on the Brunswick Health website it tells you some of the issues and problems it can help to diagnose.
I’ve included a few in the list below but for the full list please check out their website.
Live Blood Analysis can assist in making important observations for the following:
Digestive Problems (poor digestion and assimilation)
Gastrointestinal problems (Gut)
Possible rupturing of Red Blood Cells (Haemolysis: caused by autoimmune diseases, bacteria or parasites
Anaemia (poor iron assimilation)
Reduced oxygen transport by the blood causing fatigue and lethargy
Identify possible allergens (Environmental/chemical allergies, IgG, IgE
Chronic conditions
Microorganisms such as bacterial and viral infections and the role microbes play in blood
Yeast/Fungal infections
Parasitic infections
Toxins released by bacteria (Endotoxins)
Pesticides
Dehydration
Determine nutritional, vitamin &mineral deficiencies
Results
What was really interesting for me was being able to see my live blood on the screen. I’d had images that my blood may have been really damaged from the overtraining I did! But the results were good!
From what he could see I have good blood cells and a strong immune system. I am low in iron but being anaemic is a symptom and what he said was it’s my adrenal glands which have taken a real battering over the past few months and are pretty exhausted. This is why I’ve been so tied, lethargic and had no energy and this is what I need to fix before I can start training properly again.
Next Steps
To do a 10 day health plan, which I was planning to do while up in Port Douglas anyway. So this worked perfectly.
Stick to a Carbohydrate Control Program – basically have a high protein and low carbohydrate diet.
To take Crotico B5 and B6 vitamins twice a day.
To take HCL Capsules three times a day to aid in digestion.
To take a mixture of liquid herbs – twice a day (10 ml with 25ml of water). These are the most feral things I’ve ever had to consume. I was almost sick the first time I had to take them. They are just disgusting and vile, however if they’re going to help me to feel better I’m going to take them!
To continue taking my iron tablets as per normal.
I’ll also add on Vitamin C as this helps the iron to be absorbed into the body.
Lots of water – which I’m going to add lemon to, which helps to alkalize the body.
I’ve booked in for a follow up appointment on the Monday after I’m back from Port Douglas, so it will be interesting to see what improvements have been made over the 10 days.