Author: DR Jeffrey J Hunt
Candida Testing
Elevated IgG antibodies to Candida are often found when someone has a fungal infection, such as vaginal yeast infection, athletes food and ringworm. This blood test can measure IgG, IgA and IgM if you suspect chronic infections
Chronic exposure to Candida, especially when the yeast has colonized directly on or has become invasive into the mucosa tissues, can result in the elevation of antibodies in the blood. This anti-candida antibody and antigen evaluation is a screening test for candida Infection.
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis is a test that can help assess digestive and absorptive functions, the presence of opportunistic pathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to prescriptive and natural agents.
Gastrointestinal complaints are among the most common reasons patients seek medical care. Symptoms related to GI disorders includes persistent diarrhea, constipation, bloating, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, and malabsorption.
The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis is a test that can hlep assess digestive and absorptive functions, the presence of opportunistic pathogens and to monitor efficacy of therapeutic treatments. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to prescriptive and natural agents is also performed for appropriate bacterial and fungal treatments.
Allergy Desensitization
After diagnosis of inhalant allergies via a scratch or blood test we offer sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SLIT treats the cause of allergy by giving small doses of the allergen to the patient. SLIT is given as drops under the tongue. Research shows that when an allergen is presented this way, the immune system learns to tolerate the allergy. SLIT is proven, with over 60 clinical trials which shows its effectiveness. It is endorsed by the World Health Organization, the World Allergy Association, and the Cochrane Collaboration. SLIT is effective, safe, and well tolerated.
Book your appointment today for diagnosis and treatment with SLIT. Click Here!
Unexplained Chronic Illness and Fatigue?
Consider chronic Lyme disease and other coinfections.
Dr. Jeffrey J. Hunt utilizes specialty Lyme disease diagnostic testing and comprehensive treatment.
Treatment may include addressing sleep disorders, digestion, diet and nutrition, allergies, other infections, hormonal and neurotransmitter disorders, exercise and detoxification.
Magnesium Absorption
Dr. Hunt has developed his own calcium magnesium combination. This is an important balance between calcium and magnesium, preventing the negative side effects of too much calcium and poor magnesium absorption.
Magnesium is useful for a multitude of health concerns, namely
- muscle cramping
- fatigue
- insomnia
- osteoporosis
- anxiety
- depression
- high blood pressure
- fibromyalgia
Not all types of magnesium cause a laxative effect. Poorly absorbed magnesium supplements need to be broken down into its ionic form in the body before it can be absorbed. A high concentration of mineral ions in the gut increases the osmotic pressure that causes water to be drawn into the intestine to dilute the ions and lower their concentration. This increased flow of water into the intestine is what creates the laxative effect and can lead to lose stools, bloating and diarrhea.
Magnesium chelates such as magnesium glycinate do not need to be broken down into ionic form for absorption. When magnesium is combined with glycinate it can easily cross the intestinal membrane as an intact pair through gates designed specifically for their passing called dipeptide channels. As a result, no magnesium ions are left behind to disrupt osmotic pressure and therefore a laxative effect is avoided.
Benefits of Soybean Foods
Much research has been focused on the role of isoflavones in disease prevention or treatment. It has been suggested that soybean foods are beneficial in the protection against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.
However, there is much more to be learned, particularly what component of soy foods in responsible for its protective effects. Other considerations include the form of soy foods (fermented or non-fermented) and possible synergistic effects of the bioactive components of soy.
Ref: Omoni AO aluko RE Soybean foods and their benefits potential mechanisms of action. Nutr Rev 2005; 63 (3): 272-283
Submitted by Dr. Jeffrey J. Hunt Naturopathic Physician
Menopause
Menopausal Conditions
Vaginal Dryness with Menopause
The cause of hot flashes may be elusive, but vaginal dryness is a direct consequence of decreased estrogen. When estrogen levels drop, it takes a few years for the effects to be noticed, but eventually the reduction in estrogen leads to dryness and thinning of the cells in the vagina and genital area. Low levels of testosterone are also a contributing factor in vaginal dryness since testosterone is responsible for maintaining healthy tissue integrity.
Menopause and Your Skin
Many women complain of a significant loss of skin elasticity with the onset of menopause. Estrogen is known to keep skin looking younger and more elastic. For some women, this may be an indication for estrogen replacement therapy. It is important to remember that estrogens must always be balanced with progesterone and to be used in the smallest effective dose.
Sleep Disturbance and Menopause
Sleep disturbances may be an issue with menopause.
Estrogen deficiencies contribute directly and indirectly to sleep disturbances. Estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to improve sleep in symptomatic menopausal women. Estrogen deficiency also affects sleep indirectly as night sweats can make it impossible to sleep through the night. Supplementation with progesterone particularly oral progesterone can improve sleep quality.
Concentration and Memory Problems During Menopause
Another symptom relating to the change of menstrual status with age is poor concentration and foggy thinking. Estrogen is needed for the transport of glucose into the brain, which means that too little estrogen leads to energy starved brain cells and foggy thinking. Supplementing with too much progesterone can also contribute to foggy thinking. Too much cortisol can impair memory, as can a lack of testosterone. If foggy thinking is a major symptom, it is advisable to do salivary hormone testing to confirm which of the hormones is responsible, and to make corrections to the hormone imbalances.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement (BHRT)
BHRT refers to the therapeutic use of hormones that are identical in every way to the hormone produced naturally in the body. Diagnostic testing (salivary testing) identifies hormonal imbalances that are then addressed with the use of BHRT. Bio-identical hormones used in BHRT include estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone and testosterone. Cortisol may be supplemented in cases of cortisol deficiency, but cortisol is not normally considered part of BHRT.
See your healthcare provider before taking hormones.