The Organic Performance Lab
At the foundation of my unique approach to patient care are the most advanced, high-tech testing methods available today. These tests are vastly different from the tests performed in most doctors’ offices, and here’s what that difference means to you.
A typical patient visiting a typical doctor’s office can expect a standard lab workup: routine blood count; thyroid, liver, and kidney function tests; and a conventional blood chemistry panel - tests designed to assist the doctor in diagnosing common ailments. Based on test results, the doctor may prescribe medication to address irregularities and relieve symptoms, and then send the patient on his way.
Such a routine is probably adequate, as long as the patient is “typical” and the goal is symptom control, but it does little to assist the doctor in evaluating the root causes of symptoms and determining an individualized treatment plan for optimum wellness.
In contrast, I see my patients as unique individuals with distinct needs. By incorporating my sophisticated testing methods into each patient’s care, I am able to determine the root causes of many problems and determine the most effective and natural treatment options, based on scientific evidence. I feel that most health problems patients face are due to a combination of nutritional, metabolic, hormonal, oxidative and immune imbalance. By looking at all of these systems from different angles, I am able to get a much clearer understanding of the physiology. And by doing so, I am able to help patients feel better than they ever have before.
Following is a list of the lab tests used in the Organic Performance Lab at Primary Plus Organic Medicine, LLC. Each description includes a link to a sample report, along with some of the conditions they are associated with.
1. Food Sensitivity/Compatibility Testing: Measures white blood cell response to 200 foods, food additives, food coloring, environmental chemicals, and molds.
(CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE REPORT)
Conditions associated with food sensitivities include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Rash
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Colitis
- Allergy symptoms
- Weight gain
2. Amino Acid Testing: Measures 40 individual amino acids, the “building blocks” of proteins, which are found in every tissue of the body. Amino acids play a major role in almost every chemical process that affects physical and mental function, including the formation of ligaments, tendons, bones, and antibodies, as well as regulation of enzymes and blood transport protein.
(CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE REPORT)
Conditions associated with amino acid changes in plasma include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Congestive heart failure
- Impotence/erectile pain syndromes
- Multiple chemical sensitivities
- Detoxification disorders
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Arrhythmias
- Hypertension
- ADD/ADHD
- Infertility
3. Fatty Acid Testing: Measures the exact amount of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids in your body. The balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids (molecules that help to moderate the body’s inflammatory responses) is influenced in large part by the balance of fatty acids we consume. Since inflammation has now been shown to be a factor in so many disease processes, nutrients that counteract inflammation can have profound health benefits.
(CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE REPORT)
Conditions associated with fatty acid changes in plasma include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Muscle wasting
4. Comprehensive Stool Culture: Gastrointestinal (GI) function is essential to general health. The intestinal tract contains significant amounts of bacteria - some beneficial, some neutral, and some harmful. Balancing beneficial microbial flora in the gut is key to proper digestion and efficient nutrient usage and ridding the body of waste and pathogens. Poor digestion and malabsorption can lead to immune dysfunction, nutritional insufficiencies, mental/emotional disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
(CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE REPORT)
Conditions associated with GI tract disturbances include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Colitis
- Gastroenteritis
- Food sensitivities
- Malabsorption
- Abdominal pain
- Arthritis pain
- Bloating and gas
5. Hormone testing: Unlike the hormone testing most doctors use, my hormone testing studies blood, saliva and urine samples to determine hormonal balance. Hormones are influential in all physiological functions; when hormones are not balanced and optimized, patients tend to feel fatigued and experience loss of sex drive. But when hormones are optimized, patients feel great, have energy, lose weight, and enjoy life more.
(CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE REPORT 1, CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE REPORT 2)
Using the combination of blood, saliva and urine testing, I’m able to analyze several hormone imbalances:
- Cortisol
- DHEA
- Pregnenolone
- Testosterone
- Progesterone
- Estradiol
- Estriol
- Estrone
- IGF-1
- Thyroid Hormones (Free T3, Free T4)
- Thyroid Antibodies
- DHT
- Androstenedione
- Insulin
- FSH
- LH
- Melatonin
6. Vitamins/ Minerals: The only way to know for sure if you are getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals from your diet and supplements is to measure. I rely on several different blood and urine tests to make this determination for you.
(CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE REPORT)
Conditions associated with vitamin and mineral changes include:
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Thyroid disorders
- Chronic fatigue
- Malnutrition
7. Oxidative Stress: Oxidation is a result of the body’s response to stress, which results in wear and tear, muscle breakdown, and accelerated aging. This blood test helps to determine the root cause of this process.
(CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE REPORT)
Conditions associated with oxidative changes:
- Cancer
- Atherosclerosis
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Macular degeneration
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Poor athletic performance
8. Detoxification: One of the body’s primary defense mechanisms is the conversion and neutralization of metabolic products and toxins into soluble and safe byproducts for elimination. The only way to determine if your body is eliminating correctly and efficiently is by testing your detoxification process.
(CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE REPORT)
Conditions associated with detoxification impairment:
- Chronic fatigue
- Chemical sensitivities
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
Are you ready to FINALLY feel energetic, sleep well, and lose that weight you’ve been struggling with? Then it’s time to take your first step on your personalized path to wellness. Just call 843-767-7650 to make an appointment.
Please Note: My program has drawn an enthusiastic response from patients who, like you, are eager to get to the root of their health problems. As a result, new patient appointments are scheduling about 4 to 5 weeks out. Thank you for your patience - I look forward to working with you in your quest for optimum health!