A combination of in house laboratory testing and applied kinesiology assessment. Common symptoms such as fatigue, low energy, reduced immunity, digestive problems, anxiety/depression, blood pressure changes, muscle cramping and many others are signs of damage to the inner environment of your body. Your inner environment consists of many closely monitored systems that are constantly being kept in balance. If the inner environment gets out of balance it can cause significant illness in the body. Some of these inner environment systems that must be kept in balance include:
- pH of body tissues and fluids
- Hormonal communication
- Stress management
- Vitamin and minerals
- Nutrient delivery and waste removal
- Enzyme function
Many people with the above mentioned symptoms often present with “normal” findings in their traditional blood tests, physical exams, or pathology reports. One of the benefits of in-office testing is that it allows us to identify and address subtle imbalances in body systems before they become more severe. A small sample of urine and/or saliva accompanied by signs and symptoms is all that is required to accomplish the following:
- Assess your current health status.
- Identify specific areas of imbalance.
- Treat your areas of imbalance before they become more severe.
- Re-assess to ensure your body remains in a healthy, optimal zone.
The following systems are assessed through a comprehensive series of tests during your in-office visit:
Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Function
If we have suboptimal digestion we will be unable to breakdown and absorb essential nutrients from our food that are used to support the rest of our body. The gastro-intestinal tract is a hugely important system in our bodies. The health of this system directly plays into the health of our entire body. There has also been ample research showing a direct connection between the brain and the gut thus common symptoms such as anxiety or depression can begin in the gut. Common findings such as low stomach acidity, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, malabsorption, leaky gut syndrome, and dysbiosis, the imbalance of “good” and “bad” microorganisms in the GI tract will all be addressed.
Mineral Balance
Some of functions minerals are responsible for include balancing pressure systems’ and pH, and aiding in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. They also help us regulate many enzymes, nerve and muscle tissue, and the transport of essential components across cell membranes. Vitamins and minerals are essential for our body to function optimally. Unfortunately due to food processing, nutrient depleted soils, medications, digestive dysfunction, and poor diet, vitamin and mineral deficiency is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society. In this section we will be assessing for deficiencies in potassium, zinc, magnesium, copper, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and calcium.
Adrenal Stress
In today’s society we have become a nation of “stressed” individuals, due to never ending deadlines, poor sleep, poor nutrition, worry, and over-work. The adrenal system is our “fight or flight” response to stressful situations.
Back in our hunter/gatherer days this system was used when we were running to catch food or running away and fighting in the prevention of becoming food. Add on blood sugar dysregulation, pain, excessive exercise or trauma and you could really be burning your adrenals out. Adrenal insufficiency is very prevalent and can exacerbate allergies, PMS, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, and weight gain.
In this section we will be able to assess your bodies ability to deal with stress, the current state of your adrenals and provide appropriate treatment to get them back into balance.
Thyroid Function
It is not uncommon for a patient to have normal blood tests but still experience many signs and symptoms of low thyroid function. Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is very common and often under diagnosed. Traditional blood tests are rarely sensitive enough for people suffering from mild or sub-clinical hypothyroidism. Due to factors such as the increased consumption of goitrogens (foods that inhibit the normal function of thyroid hormone), genetics, iodine insufficiency, chlorinated drinking water, stress, dieting, and heavy metals more and more people are suffering from sub-clinical hypothyroidism. Patients may experience symptoms such as cold intolerance, weight gain, dry skin and hair, fatigue, and constipation. In this section we will be incorporating a functional assessment of the thyroid through in-office testing before conventional blood work alone.
Acid/Alkaline Balance
When the pH of our body becomes too acidic or too alkaline we can have a dramatic impact on enzyme function, blood/sugar regulation, oxygen delivery and waste removal, electrolyte and mineral balance, and digestive function.
Acid/alkaline balance is a very closely monitored system. All body tissues and fluids function between specific pH ranges. With the exception for blood the majority of tissues in the body have fairly wide ranges in their pH so they can shift their pH in order to buffer the blood pH. When the pH of the body tissues and fluids are kept within their preferred ranges the body functions optimally. During this section we will determine if a primary or secondary acid/alkaline imbalance exists and what is required to get it back into balance.
Dr. Jason Loken ND uses a systemized method of in-office testing to assess your body’s ability to maintain a state of balance and to narrow down the root cause(s) of your symptoms. In-office testing is inexpensive, immediate, non-invasive, accurate and performed during your appointment visit.
