Progesterone Chart levels entire pregnancy

Progesterone Chart levels entire pregnancy
NaPro chart calibrated with LabCorp in VA.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

He is proud of me!

Tom told me tonight that he is proud of my weight loss and and proud of me for sticking with the eating plan for so long. Feels sooooo good! :-)

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Friday, February 15, 2008

Happy Dance!!!

There are now officially 20 pounds less of me! Woo hoo!!!!!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Why Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis?

Hair analysis measures the levels of 21 minerals and toxic metals in a sample of hair. Hair contains minerals that are deposited as the hair grows, though the hair is dead the minerals remain. The body uses the hair for storage and elimination of minerals.

An analysis like this one reflects the long term metabolic activity as it measures an average of mineral accumulation over a three month period of time. This is an advantage as the test results are not affected by day-to-day variations in body chemistry due to stress, diet or other factors. The results can identify mineral patterns that can be associated with several different health issues.

I was absolutely astounded when I received my first analysis results. It lined up perfectly with the issues I knew I had, symptoms I was having, and problems I suspected. In my experience it has been very accurate and informational.

Hair Analysis Results

I got my results in last Thursday. I have had basically no change since I did the test 2 years ago. I am surprised it isn't worse, honestly, based on how poorly I have eaten/rested since our business opened. However, it was kinda hard to see all of it in black & white again. Here are the levels, first is my level and second is the level I had last test, and third is the level I should have.

Nutrient Minerals
Calcium - 13.0 - 14.0 - 40
Magnesium - 2.0 - 2.0 - 6
Sodium - 2.0 - 2.0 - 25
Potassium - 1.0 - 1.0 - 10
Iron - 1.3 - 1.5 - 3.5
Copper - 1.9 - 1.9 - 2.5
Manganese - .015 - .015 - .04
Zinc - 17.0 - 16.0 - 20
Chromium - .097 - .101 - .12
Selenium - .057 - .053 - .18
Phosphorus - 14.0 - 14.0 - 16.0

Toxic Metals (all should be 0)
Lead - .047 - .053
Mercury - .018 - .010
Cadmium - .003 - .001
Arsenic - .007 - .012
Aluminum - .62 - 1.29 - 0

Additional Minerals
Nickel - .032 - .029 - .10
Cobalt - .001 - .001 - .04
Molybdenum - .002 - .003 - .11
Lithium - .001 - .001 - .2
Boron - N/A - N/A - .2

Significant Mineral Ratios
Ca/Mg - 6.5 - 7.0 - 6.67
Ca/K - 13.00 - 14.00 - 4.00
Na/Mg - 1.00 - 1.00 - 4.17
Na/K - 2.00 - 2.00 - 2.50
Zn/Cu - 8.95 - 8.42 - 8.00
Ca/P - 0.93 - 1.00 - 2.50

I am a SLOW Oxidizer on both reports.

Oxidation Rate

My analysis says that I have "Significantly Slow Oxidation" - what does that mean?

"Oxidation Rate" refers to the burning of foods in the body or how the body converts the foods you eat to energy. A slow oxidizer is an individual who metabolizes food at a rate slower than that required for the production of optimal energy levels to adequately perform basic body functions. In slow oxidation the activity of both the adrenal and thyroid glands is less than optimal. Slow oxidizers often experience some degree of fatigue, lack of energy, sugar cravings, low blood sugar levels, constipation, weight gain, dry skin and depression.

Stress and Energy / Glandulars

I am in the exhaustion stage of stress . This occurs when the body has exhausted its energy levels in an attempt to contain the stress. In this stage, the body no longer has the necessary energy reserves to resist or contain the stress and is now in a holding pattern to prevent a further decline in health. Symptoms may include fatigue, depression, apathy, despair, constipation, dry skin and hair, adrenal exhaustion and at times less than optimal thyroid activity. This is a common stage of stress for adults today.

I have a pattern of diminished cellular adrenal glandular activity due to chronic stress, toxic metals, nutrient deficiencies, fear or other stree related factors.. Diminished adrenal gland activity may contribute to symptoms of fatigue, exhaustion, depression, mood swings, and PMS.

I also have a cellular thyroid effect which is outside the optimal range. May contribute to fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, brittle hair, depression, a tendency for infections, low blood pressure and low blood sugar. Common causes are the presence of mercury, copper, and chlorine toxicity, impaired adrenal activity, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic stress.

Four Low Electrolytes

This mineral pattern occurs when the electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, sodium and pottasium are all less than the ideal values. Dr. Paul C. Eck determined that patients with this mineral pattern did not respond as well as other patients. This mineral pattern is often associated with chronic fatigue and sometimes allergies. It is a chronic stress or 'burnout' condition that necessitates a special approach to balancing body chemistry.

This mineral pattern is analogous to being on a treadmill you can't get off or in a car with its wheels stuck in the mud. This results in using up a lot of energy, but accomplishes little. These individuals are often used to working hard and are rather compulsive about work or physical and mental activities.

The most important recommendation for someone with this mineral pattern is to rest the adrenal glands. The recommended diet and supplement program will provide the necessary nutritional support. However, correction also depends on getting more rest, reducing both excess activity and compulsive/negative thinking and avoiding or limiting stimulants such as coffee, cola drinks or excessive exercise.

Low Sodium/Potassium (Na/K) (Inversion) Ratio

A sodium/potassium inversion is the single most important imbalance on a hair tissue mineral analysis. This indicates a reduced vitality and impaired electrical balance within the cells. Sodium is an extracellular element while potassium belongs inside the cells. A decrease in the ratio indicates a loss of potassium into the interstitial spaces as cells are destroyed.

This low ration is often associated with adrenal exhaustion, infections and impaired sugar and carbohydrate tolerance. The body is unable to burn glucose properly to produce energy and begins to cannibalize body proteins. This is not only inefficient, but may contribute to many detrimental conditions. The pattern is also associated with liver and kidney stress, allergies and impaired digestion. Balancing this ratio is a major focus of your recommended dietary, supplement, lifestyle and detoxification program.

Dietary Patterns

I have moderately impaired sugar and carbohydrate intolerance. Excessive intake of carbohydrates has been shown to upset the balance between calcium and phosphorus and between calcium and magnesium and can lead to development of many health conditions.

My analysis also indicates impaired protein synthesis. Adequate protein synthesis is vitally important for the regeneration of all body tissues. This requires proper digestion, absorption and utilization of proteins. It also requires adequate levels of zinc and micro-nutrients. Is influenced by the amount and type of protein consumed and one's eating habits.

I also have impaired digestion. If digestion is impaired, even the best diet will not supply the body with needed nutrients. Additionally, improperly digested food will ferment or putrefy in the intestines and produce extremely toxic chemicals that are then absorbed into the body. Proper digestion depends on one's diet, eating habits, energy levels, digestive enzymes, bowel flora and the condition of the intestines.

Nervous System Patterns

I am in a predominately parasympathetic state. The autonomic nervous system regulates many functions in the body and consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. The sympathetic branch activates the brain, muscles and the thyroid and adrenal glands which enable the body to respond to stress. During the day, one primarily uses the sympathetic nervous system which is associated with expending energy and is catabolic, breaking down body tissues.

The sympathetic branch is balanced by the parasympathetic branch which is associated with the nurturing and regeneration of body tissues. The parasympathetic branch also enhances digestion and the elimination of toxins. This branch is restful, conserving of energy and is anabolic or builds up new tissue. Healing requires that one spend sufficient time in a parasympathetic state to permit proper digestion, elimination of toxins and rebuilding of the body. One is more parasympathetic when sleeping, resting, or relaxing.

When in a parasympathetic state it is due to the exhaustion of the sympathetic nervous system, which causes the body to shift to an unhealthy parasympathetic state to allow for some degree of healing and regeneration. General causes for this state include nutrient deficiencies, toxic metal excesses, excessive activity or mental patterns such as worrying, fears, anger or resentments.

To balance the autonomic nervous system, additional rest is required and it is important not to push yourself or work too hard as these activities stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Supplements beginning today

From Endo-Met
Paramin - specific levels of D3, Cal/Mag/Copper and Boron - 3B, 3L, 3D
Limcomin - A, C, B6, Cal/Mag/Copper/Zinc/Manganese - 2B, 2L, 2D
Megapan - Manganese, Chromium, Potassium, PABA, pectin, lecithin, bioflavonoids - 1B, 1L, 1D
GB-3 - Bile, Pancreatin, Dehydrocholic acid, Black Radish - 1B, 1L, 1D
Nature's Sunshine
Licorice Root (for adrenals) - 2B, 2L, 2D
Protease Plus (digestive enzymes, minerals) - 2 daily between meals
Yeast/Fungal Detox - 2B. 2L, 2D
Melatonin Extra - 1 / 1 hour before bed
Twin Lab
Norwegian Cod Liver oil - 2B, 2L, 2D
Emerita
Estrogen cream - phytoestrogens - small dab first thing in AM entire month
Progesterone cream - before bed, starting small right after menses and increasing through month, stopping during menses