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A normal glucose level should be between 85 and 120 WITH OR WITHOUT FOOD! Glucose spike cause chronic inflammation. (see longer video) Intermittent fasting is a key to controlling your glucose Learn more about healthy intermittent fasting

Chronic UTIs and High Glucose Chronic problems can put a major damper on your everyday life. Some chronic problems, such as UTIs, can be especially painful. Many chronic issues can be difficult to diagnose, making it extremely important to get to the root cause of the problem right away. Below is a case study of a 75-year-old patient of mine who suffered from chronic UTIs. She came in with damage from antibiotics back in 2017 presenting as neuropathy in her foot. Additionally, her legs felt extremely weak, she was experiencing pain in her hips, and her sleep schedule was completely thrown off. Blood Sugar Testing One of the first things we checked were her blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels. This is always one of my first go-tos when I get a new patient, because an imbalance of blood glucose can cause many different problems. Typically speaking, when we check blood sugar levels we want between 85 and 120. Anything outside of this range often results in inflammation, which can cause a wide range of problems. In her particular case, I noticed an issue with her blood sugar levels 30 minutes after eating a meal. She was experiencing a spike after every meal, signaling sugar dysregulation. Any time you have a problem already going on in your body, problems with your sugar regulation will make it worse. How Blood Sugar Relates to UTIs You may be wondering how blood sugar levels are connected to chronic UTIs. Bacteria love glucose. In fact, sugars are one of bacteria’s favorite foods. The simplest way to resolve this issue is by eating less sugars and focusing on high quality proteins and healthy fats. While tracking her blood sugar levels, I also had this patient keep a food journal. This allowed us to see exactly what foods were causing her glucose levels to spike. On her first day of tracking her foods she had almost no good proteins and healthy fats. In fact, the majority of her diet consisted of carbs. These carbs get digested into sugar, which is then passed into the blood. Excess sugar is filtered from the blood into the urine, allowing the bacteria to feed. Solving Her Problems With Diet This pattern of carb-heavy meals went on throughout most of her days. When the patient came to me with all of these sugar spikes, we were able to pinpoint exactly what the cause was by looking at her journal. As a side note, we also checked her labs for ferritin levels. Ferritin is another marker of inflammation, however this one is related to iron in the blood (another snack for bacteria). On a healthy readout, I like to see the range between 40 and 80. This patient’s ferritin levels were at 255. Ferritin can also be heavily influenced by diet, and is easy to manipulate. Roughly 20% of my clients end up having high ferritin levels. The problem is that ferritin is quite often overlooked in the conventional medical system. Once we knew the cause of her problem was likely diet related, we were able to put her on a wellness plan that included more proteins and healthy fats. She quickly began to improve, and she is still improving a lot to this day.

Your brain is getting overstimulated Does movement and lights cause anxiety? Unhealthy brain = MORE depression More solutions to fix pain. Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

Listen up, my friend. If you're looking for a way to feel your best, I've got a health hack that will blow your mind. It's all about magnesium, a powerful mineral that can transform your health and well-being. Now, you might think you've tried it all when it comes to magnesium – glycinate, citrate, you name it. But here's the thing – all of those supplements come in capsule form. And if you really want to feel the benefits of magnesium, you need to switch things up. That's where magnesium powder comes in. This stuff is pure magic, let me tell you. You take a scoop of it, mix it into a 64-ounce bottle of water, and sip it throughout the day. It's like an IV drip, providing your body with a steady stream of magnesium that can do wonders for your health. And let me tell you, magnesium is no small player in the game of health. It's involved in over 400 enzymatic reactions in your body, which means you need a lot of it to function at your best. So forget about taking one capsule in the morning and calling it a day. The real key is to sip that magnesium powder all day long, giving your body the drip it needs to thrive. So if you're ready to revolutionize your health, give the magnesium IV drip a try. And if you love what you're hearing, don't forget to share this with someone who could use a little health boost. More ideas for magnesium! Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

A Common Scenario In this example, let's imagine a fictional female client who is facing several health challenges. Although she is not a real person, these symptoms are quite common among the patients I work with daily, and they might resonate with your own experiences. The Client Profile Our patient is a 45-year-old woman who is premenopausal. She has been diagnosed with low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and deficiencies in iron and thyroid functions. Additionally, she experiences gastrointestinal issues like gas, bloating, and constipation. Other concerns include low vitamin D levels, gluten sensitivity, and difficulty staying asleep. The Ineffectiveness of Conventional Approaches The conventional healthcare system often fails to provide effective solutions for this type of client. Typically, they would label her fatigue as a symptom of depression and prescribe an antidepressant. When addressing her gastrointestinal problems, they might diagnose it as GERD and prescribe medication that could disrupt her system further. In an attempt to alleviate her sleep issues, they might even introduce a third medication specifically for sleep. This process continues, resulting in a cycle of medication dependency that offers no real solutions. The Functional Medicine Approach In contrast, functional medicine provides a better alternative for our client. Instead of dismissing her symptoms, I would acknowledge their validity and propose a natural treatment approach. Our goal is not to rely on medications but rather to enhance her body's innate healing abilities. Step 1: Diagnostic Labs To begin, we would conduct various lab tests to gain deeper insights into her condition. These tests reveal valuable information that can help identify underlying causes. For example, we may discover nutrient deficiencies or imbalances affecting her thyroid, sleep, or blood pressure regulation. Step 2: Addressing Blood Pressure As part of the process, we would prioritize checking her blood pressure. It's common for women who seek my assistance to have low blood pressure. Since blood pressure plays a crucial role in nutrient delivery throughout the body, it becomes essential to address this issue first. Without improving blood pressure, any other intervention would have limited impact. Step 3: Evaluating Blood Glucose Levels We would also assess her blood glucose levels over time. This simple and affordable test provides insights into her sugar regulation throughout the day. It helps identify if she experiences poor sugar control, which can contribute to her symptoms. Step 4: Examining Iron Levels Considering her low iron levels, I would inquire about her fatigue and menstrual cycles. Heavy menstrual bleeding may result in excessive blood loss, disrupting the body's iron regulation. Dietary factors might also contribute to the deficiency. Since iron is responsible for delivering oxygen to the body, low iron levels can lead to various problems. Step 5: Focusing on the Thyroid Unlike the conventional approach, we go beyond the cheapest thyroid tests available. We often uncover autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid. This knowledge leads us down a different treatment path, tailored specifically to address the underlying autoimmune condition. Step 6: Optimizing Vitamin D Levels In mainstream medicine, a vitamin D level between 30 and 100 is considered acceptable. However, I prefer to see my clients closer to 80. Thus, we would introduce vitamin D supplementation to her diet, ensuring she reaches optimal levels. Step 7: Identifying Food Sensitivities We also examine our client's food sensitivities to address her gluten and gastrointestinal issues. It's likely that her diet has not received sufficient attention in the past. By making appropriate dietary adjustments, we can provide her body with the necessary nutrients while avoiding sensitivities. Reaping the Rewards As we progress in resolving these underlying issues, we often find that her sleep improves naturally, without the need for additional treatment. The Power Within You possess an innate ability to heal yourself. In the majority of cases, your body has the capacity to fix itself. It's merely a matter of implementing the lifestyle changes necessary to support proper bodily functions. Embracing Functional Medicine Functional medicine is designed to identify and address any dysfunctions within your body, enabling it to return to its optimal state. Our approach involves developing an individualized treatment plan tailored explicitly to your unique needs and circumstances. Reach Out for Solutions If you're struggling with an unresolved health issue and finding it challenging to obtain an accurate diagnosis or effective treatment, don't hesitate to contact me. Together, we will collaborate to discover the solution your body requires to regain wellness.

Do you have a chronic health condition? If yes, you need to get checked for mold! This is a very easy test to do AT HOME It's very affordable $250 I've had people spend $30,000 to get well that failed because the underlying cause was mold! If you have question let me know SEE BEFORE AND AFTETR MOLD TESTING Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

Suffering from Bloating and Gas after Meals? See the full protocol on this Do you find yourself battling discomfort, such as bloating and gas, every time you munch down your meals? Could it be that your stomach isn't producing enough hydrochloric acid? Let's delve into this mystery! Your Meal's Journey: The Stomach as the Battleground Imagine this: each time you chew and swallow food, it embarks on a thrilling journey down to your stomach. This is where the real action takes place. Your stomach, the resilient warrior it is, produces a substance known as hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric Acid: Your Digestive Superhero Hydrochloric acid might sound like something out of a mad scientist's lab, but it's more like your digestive system's personal superhero. With an impressive pH level close to two—think battery acid level—it has the superpower to break down whatever you've eaten into digestible components. Not Enough Hydrochloric Acid? Here's the Fallout But what if your hero falls short? Most of my clients at our health organization face this very situation. Their stomachs don't generate enough hydrochloric acid. When this happens, the food, be it protein, fats, or carbohydrates, isn't adequately broken down. The aftermath? Gas, bloating, constipation, and even diarrhea. Moreover, you could be at risk of experiencing significant gastrointestinal distress or might even foster a small bacterial overgrowth. Conquer Your Digestive Woes: The Hydrochloric Acid Solution Now you might ask, what's the remedy? It's simpler than you think. The answer lies in hydrochloric acid supplements or capsules. Embrace the Hydrochloric Acid Protocol You'll find a link right in the comments section that will direct you to my website, explaining this protocol in detail. Take the leap, try this solution, and reclaim your comfort from the clutches of post-meal distress. Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

Reclaim Your Hormonal Harmony and Conquer Common Symptoms Are you tired of battling the exhausting effects of hormonal imbalances? Look no further! We have the solution you've been searching for. Our incredible product is designed to restore balance to your hormones and provide relief from a wide range of troublesome symptoms. Say goodbye to fatigue, night sweats, osteoporosis, hot flashes, sweating, and painful sexual intercourse. It's time to take control of your well-being and embrace a life free from these pesky discomforts. Say Goodnight to Sleep Disturbances Struggling with sleep disruptions? Hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on your ability to get a good night's rest. Whether you find yourself waking up too early or battling insomnia, our product can help restore tranquility to your nights. Imagine waking up refreshed and energized, ready to conquer the day ahead. Don't let hormonal imbalances rob you of the rejuvenating sleep you deserve. Regain Control of Your Menstrual Cycle Menstrual irregularities can throw a wrench in your plans and leave you feeling frustrated. Our powerful product can assist in regulating your menstrual cycle, addressing issues such as the absence of menstruation or irregular cycles. No more unpredictability or unpleasant surprises. Take charge of your body and enjoy the predictability and regularity you've been longing for. Unlock Your Emotional Well-Being Hormonal imbalances not only affect you physically but also take a toll on your emotional state. Bid farewell to anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and reduced sex drive. Our remarkable product helps restore emotional balance, allowing you to experience a renewed sense of calm, stability, and overall well-being. Don't let hormonal fluctuations dictate your mood any longer. Experience the Transformation Ready to say hello to a life where hormonal imbalances no longer hold you back? Our product is here to help you embark on a journey towards hormonal harmony. Experience the transformative power of over-the-counter progesterone as it alleviates your symptoms and restores balance to your body. It's time to reclaim your vitality and embrace a life of well-being, inside and out. Don't wait another day! Try our over-the-counter progesterone product and rediscover the joy of balanced hormones. Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

Discover the Most Effective Method to Combat Inflammation Are you struggling with inflammation and searching for a solution? Look no further! I have a game-changing protocol that can significantly reduce your inflammation levels. Say goodbye to discomfort and welcome a healthier, pain-free life. It's time to take control of your well-being! Monitoring Glucose Levels: The Secret to Success Did you know that monitoring your glucose levels can be a powerful tool in combating inflammation? By keeping a close eye on your blood sugar, you can gain valuable insights into the state of your body and take proactive measures to reduce inflammation. The Vital Role of a Glucose Meter To embark on this inflammation-fighting protocol, you'll need a handy tool called a glucose meter. Don't worry; it's not an expensive investment. You can find a high-quality glucose meter on Amazon for an affordable price of just $30. It's a small price to pay for the tremendous benefits it offers. Unlocking the Path to Wellness: How to Use a Glucose Meter Follow these simple steps to utilize your glucose meter effectively: Step 1: Prepare the Test Strip Grab the test strip and insert it into the meter. This action ensures accurate readings. Step 2: Prick Your Finger Using the lancing device, carefully adjust the needle to gently prick your finger. Don't worry; it's a quick and relatively painless process. Step 3: Collect the Blood Sample Place a small spot of blood on the test strip. Ensure that enough blood is collected for accurate analysis. Step 4: Analyze the Results Insert the test strip back into the meter and wait for the results. This will provide you with vital information about your glucose levels. Mastering the Protocol: When and How to Measure Your Glucose Levels To maximize the effectiveness of this protocol, it's crucial to measure your glucose levels at specific times throughout the day. By doing so, you can identify any potential inflammation triggers and take immediate action. Here's when you should measure your blood sugar: Upon Waking Up Start your day by checking your glucose levels as soon as you wake up. This measurement will establish a baseline for your fasting blood sugar. 30 Minutes After Eating After enjoying a meal, wait for approximately 30 minutes, and then measure your glucose levels. This reading will provide insights into how your body responds to the food you've consumed. 60 Minutes After Eating Take another measurement around 60 minutes after eating. This step allows you to gauge the impact of your meal on your blood sugar levels. 2 Hours After Eating Lastly, measure your glucose levels approximately 2 hours after eating. This reading will help you understand the long-term effects of the food you've consumed. Decoding the Results: Understanding Your Glucose Levels Now that you've measured your glucose levels, it's time to interpret the results. Keep in mind the ideal range for healthy individuals, which is typically between 85 and 120 with or without food. Here's what your results could indicate: Below 85: If your readings fall below 85, it suggests that your blood sugar levels are too low. This could lead to fatigue, dizziness, and other discomforts. 85 to 120: Congratulations! If your glucose levels fall within this range, it indicates that your body is functioning optimally, minimizing the risk of inflammation. Above 120: Uh-oh! Readings above 120 are a red flag. This indicates higher-than-desired blood sugar levels, which can contribute to inflammation. Take action to address this issue promptly. Embrace a Healthier Future Today! By incorporating this inflammation-reducing protocol into your daily routine, you're taking a significant step toward improving your overall health and well-being. Remember, a glucose meter is your invaluable ally in this journey, helping you track and manage your blood sugar levels effectively. Embrace this newfound knowledge, and reclaim a life free from inflammation-induced challenges. Your future self will thank you! Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

Identifying Mold Infections Mold infections can be deceptively elusive when it comes to diagnosing chronic conditions. Sadly, the conventional medical system often overlooks mold as a potential cause of these persistent problems. Yet, if you happen to be plagued by a mold infection, treating your underlying conditions becomes an uphill battle of monumental proportions. Finding Mold in Your System Allow me to illustrate this phenomenon with a memorable case study. One of my former patients, a retired nurse who had suffered from a chronic condition for decades, sought my expertise to explore a polytherapy approach for her ailments. Intrigued, I conducted a comprehensive array of tests, including an extensive blood analysis and an organic acid test using a simple urine sample. Upon reviewing her test results, a startling revelation emerged. Her gliotoxin levels skyrocketed to an astonishing 25,539, far surpassing the recommended threshold of 200. This astronomical figure signified an alarmingly high concentration of mold within her body. Furthermore, we detected elevated levels of Arabinose—a type of yeast—measuring an alarming 95, while the ideal range should be below 29. Yeast produces alcohol as a by-product, which can manifest symptoms akin to those experienced after consuming alcoholic beverages, such as brain fog and fatigue. Other Important Markers Additionally, we sought to identify markers associated with inflammation, a common consequence of mold infestations. Mold has an uncanny ability to incite or exacerbate inflammation throughout the body. By uncovering potential additional sources of inflammation, we could devise a more comprehensive strategy to address the mold infection effectively. In her case, the organic acid test revealed an exceptionally high C-Reactive Protein level of 72.13, whereas a healthy range should ideally fall between 0 and 3. Remarkably, heightened levels of this particular protein marker correlate with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks. Furthermore, we noticed that her blood sugar levels teetered on the cusp of pre-diabetes. Notably, her ferritin levels—an iron marker associated with inflammation—were excessively elevated, indicating an abnormal surplus of iron stored in her body. To compound matters, fibrinogen, a final inflammatory marker we examined, exceeded the upper limit by more than twofold. The Importance of Polytherapy It bears mentioning that this patient had spent decades working as a nurse within the confines of the conventional medical system. Curiously, none of these markers had received the attention they deserved during her tenure in the medical field. This serves as a stark reminder of the criticality of adopting a polytherapy approach that transcends the limitations of the standard system. Our bodies are complex entities with a multitude of intricacies, necessitating a comprehensive exploration of potential root causes behind our ailments. In the case of this patient, our customized plan paved the way for her remarkable healing journey. If you find yourself grappling with a mold infection, chronic inflammation, or a perplexing undiagnosed condition, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can forge a personalized path to reclaiming your well-being.

Introduction Hey there, fellas! If you're a guy over 35, I've got some vital information for you. We're about to dive into the two most crucial lab tests you must take to confirm whether your testosterone levels are in the normal range. Stick around, this is important stuff! The Testosterone Normal Range Let's start with a little background, shall we? Here's a peek at my own personal testosterone lab report. Take a look, my friend. The normal range for testosterone, that mighty hormone, falls between 250 to 827. Now, as I sit here writing this, I'm inching closer to the big 5-0. Guess what? My testosterone level is a whopping 823! That's right, it's skyrocketing, proudly sitting in the top 25% of that normal range. The Other Key Tests You Shouldn't Ignore But wait, there's more! Testosterone isn't the only player in this game. You'd be wise to also have your fasting insulin and fasting homocysteine levels checked. Trust me, it's worth it. Fasting Insulin: The Sugar Response Indicator Now, let's tackle fasting insulin. It measures how your body reacts to the sweetness of sugar and glucose. The normal range dances between 5 to 20. But hey, listen up, because here's the golden nugget of information: I advise my esteemed clients to strive for a level hovering around 5 or 6. Yes, you heard me right. The lower your fasting insulin, the higher your testosterone levels are likely to be. So keep those numbers low, gentlemen! Fasting Homocysteine: The Silent Saboteur Next up, we have the sneaky culprit known as homocysteine. Picture this: homocysteine levels that can range from 3 to 16, but the sweet spot lies between 5 to 6. If, my friend, your homocysteine level creeps above 7, consider it a glaring red flag. It's a sign that something's off, and your body isn't in its optimal state. The Dangers of Homocysteine Now, let me shine a light on the dangers lurking in high homocysteine levels. This troublemaker has the audacity to cause dysfunction and damage to your endothelial cells. Result? Say hello to poor blood flow and a whole host of health problems. We don't want that, do we? So keep an eye on those levels, and take action if needed. Spread the Knowledge! If you found this little nugget of information useful, my friend, I implore you to spread the word. Give it a thumbs up, drop a comment, and don't forget to share it with anyone who could benefit from it. Let's help each other out! Remember, gentlemen, boosting your testosterone levels naturally starts with knowing where you stand. Get those lab tests done, keep an eye on your fasting insulin and homocysteine, and reclaim your vitality. You've got this! Note: The content has been transformed to emulate the style of Dan S. Kennedy, incorporating relevant SEO keywords and using H1, H2, and H3 tags for enhanced readability and user experience. Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

Do you feel fatigued and believe it's due to your thyroid? If yes, then this video is for you. If you've had your thyroid levels checked by a doctor and the results were normal, but you still feel terrible, it's clear that something is amiss with your thyroid and it's not functioning optimally. For your thyroid to work effectively, it's crucial to maintain a state of low inflammation. Inflammation causes the outer layer of cells to become rigid, making it difficult for nutrients to enter and for toxins to exit. This leads to the thyroid hormone being unable to attach to the cells, making it difficult for the cells to receive it and leading to a persistent feeling of fatigue. Despite normal thyroid lab results, low-grade inflammation interferes with the pliability of the cell membranes, making it challenging for the thyroid hormone to attach. To decrease inflammation and improve your overall health, visit the link in the comments section below to my website, where I discuss various strategies for reducing total body inflammation. If this information was helpful, please like, comment, and share it with others who may benefit from it. Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

PDF of lecture notes Introduction Are you worried about your risk of a heart attack? In today's world, heart disease accounts for up to 50% of all American deaths. Shockingly, approximately 50% of heart attack sufferers do not survive the event. But fear not, there are tests available that can assess your risk of cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, most conventional medical systems do not routinely perform these tests. Typically, doctors limit cardiovascular examinations to simpler tests, such as measuring total cholesterol. The Patient and the Problems Let me share the real-life story of one of my patients, giving you an insight into how we assessed his chronic issues and gained a better understanding of his cardiovascular health. Hopefully, this will inspire you to take charge of your own well-being and work towards a state of optimal health. Our patient, a 50-year-old male, was plagued by chronic pain throughout his body, particularly in his lower back. The Comprehensive Lab Analysis I always conduct a thorough evaluation using a total of six tests. Below, I'll provide a list of these tests along with their corresponding costs, which I typically incur. These tests include: NMR ($50) Homocysteine ($18) CRP ($12) A1c ($8) Magnesium ($12) In addition, there is a $10 draw fee, resulting in a total cost of $120. By investing just $120, we can gain a clear understanding of your cardiovascular health and develop an effective plan for your overall well-being. In the case of the patient we're discussing, these tests played a crucial role in saving his life. The Endothelium: The Key to Cardiovascular Health When we talk about cardiovascular health, we focus on a specific part of the artery called the endothelium. This innermost layer lines all your blood vessels, from arteries to capillaries, and is incredibly thin—only one cell thick. Despite its delicate nature, the endothelium covers an extensive surface area of up to 14,000 square feet within your body. It acts as an independent organ, producing essential hormones. If the endothelium becomes compromised, it can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation plays a vital role in these tests, affecting various systems throughout your body, including the endothelium. Due to its thinness, the endothelium is particularly vulnerable to damage caused by inflammation. The CRP Test: A Global Inflammatory Marker The first test we performed assessed C-reactive Protein (CRP), which serves as a global inflammatory marker. While it cannot pinpoint the exact location of inflammation, it provides an indication of its presence and severity. Elevated CRP levels in the blood may also indicate the risk of blood clots and other cardiac diseases. Multiple studies have revealed a strong correlation between CRP levels and sudden death. Ideally, the CRP result should fall within the range of 0 to 3.0, with a value above 3 indicating a heightened risk of heart disease. Personally, I prefer to see this number below 1. In our patient's case, the test showed a reading of 8.54. Homocysteine: Another Marker of Inflammation Homocysteine is another marker I often evaluate to assess inflammation. Research has linked increased homocysteine levels to a higher risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's, and more. Fortunately, dietary adjustments can often help regulate homocysteine levels. Typically, the range for homocysteine falls between 0 and 14.5, but I prefer to see it between 5 and 6. In our patient's case, the result came in at 13.2. Hemoglobin A1c and Fasting Insulin Fortunately, our patient's hemoglobin A1c readings were not far off from the ideal range, which was good news. The typical range for hemoglobin A1c is 4.8 to 5.6, and I aim to see my patients fall between 5 and 5.2. Our patient's result was 5.4, slightly higher but within an acceptable range. Similarly, his fasting insulin showed a slight elevation. The standard range for fasting insulin tests is 2.6 to 24.9, and I prefer my patients to fall between 5 and 6. Our patient's result was 7.2. While both of these tests showed only slight elevations, they signify the presence of inflammation that requires timely attention. The Importance of Magnesium Levels Assessing magnesium levels is crucial when evaluating the risk of heart disease. Magnesium is involved in 400 different enzymatic reactions throughout the body. Insufficient magnesium levels hinder the proper functioning of these reactions. Magnesium also helps relax your arteries. Low levels of magnesium can cause constriction in the muscle wall of your arteries, leading to increased blood pressure and putting additional strain on the endothelium. Typically, magnesium levels should range from approximately 4 to 7 in most tests. Personally, I prefer to see levels above 6. As of writing this article, we are awaiting the patient's magnesium test results. However, considering that a significant portion of the US population is magnesium deficient, it is likely that this patient will show low levels. Understanding LDL and LDL Particle Number While low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is an essential marker to assess, it can be confusing to interpret. The quantity of LDL in your system is not as critical as the size of the LDL particles. For instance, two individuals may both have a lab reading of 130mg/dL of LDL. However, one person may have more particles of smaller size, while the other has fewer particles that are larger. The individual with smaller particles faces a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease over time than the one with larger particles. To illustrate the difference between these particle sizes, imagine fluffy cotton balls gently floating versus small, hard BBs. The cotton balls float harmlessly, while the BBs can lodge between endothelial cells, causing damage. LDL and HDL Readings LDL readings come with additional information, including cholesterol levels. Cholesterol itself is not inherently bad. However, like LDL, it needs to be in the appropriate form and quantity. Ideally, I prefer to see triglyceride levels below 100 (our patient measured at 184: high triglycerides means too many carbs) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), often referred to as the "good" cholesterol, levels above 40 (our patient measured at 34). Additionally, our patient had low total particle counts of HDL. Regarding LDL, our patient had a reading of 177, which is relatively high. Moreover, his LDL particle number count (LDL-P) measured at 2,713, an extremely high value. Most particle counts should be lower than 1,000, with anything exceeding 2,000 considered "very high." The test I use also measures the size of LDL particles. Ideally, these particles should be larger than 20.6nm, at the very least. Unfortunately, our patient's readings showed particles sized at 20nm, indicating they were on the smaller side. Why In-Depth Testing Matters Focusing solely on one particular test may not provide a comprehensive understanding of a patient's risk for heart disease. It may only indicate certain symptoms while overlooking the presence of comorbidities that contribute to various problems, increasing the risk of heart issues in the future. Cholesterol levels often receive excessive attention. However, it is worth noting that 50% of heart attack survivors have normal cholesterol levels. The problem does not lie solely in cholesterol, and relying solely on this marker is inherently flawed. This is precisely why comprehensive testing is vital. By gathering a wide range of data, we gain a clearer picture of the underlying causes of the problem. This data drives our solutions to your health issues. Most of these readings can be improved through simple lifestyle changes, such as adjustments in diet, exercise, or the use of supplements. If you are concerned about your heart health, I encourage you to reach out to me. Together, we can conduct tests for all these markers, providing a clear understanding of your current health status and determining the necessary steps to set you on the path to wellness. Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

How Much CRP Level is Dangerous? Decoding Inflammation You're not alone if you feel something's amiss. Pondering if it might be inflammation? This narrative might be what you're searching for. A Real-Life Tale of Tackling High C-Reactive Protein Levels Let's dive into a tale about a client of mine. She waltzed into my office, sensing an issue but unsure what it was. Ever felt like you're just not yourself? That was her. The Alarm Bells – Understanding the C-Reactive Protein Range We didn’t waste a second. Our starting line? The C-reactive protein test. It’s not just fancy jargon; it’s a real-deal inflammation detective. This test reveals just how much inflammation's got you in its grip. What's the goal? Keep that number under three. Bingo! Her number was an eye-watering 224! See that red flag? I sure did. Four Months, One Transformative Journey Now for the twist. In a mere four months, her body's tune transformed. From a staggering 224, we brought it all the way down to a much more manageable **3.93**. That's what I call a makeover! But the secret? Let's spill the beans. C-Reactive Protein High Treatment: The approach A Custom-Made Drink – Not Just Any Beverage For her, I crafted a distinct drink. Consider it her personal health cocktail. This isn't a store-bought mix. Nope. Packed with magnesium powder, vitamin C, amino acids, and essential mineral drops. And she wasn't a casual drinker – she embraced it daily. Couple that with a few more strategies, and inflammation was history! So, What’s the Next Step for You? If you think inflammation and high CRP levels are your unwelcome pals, here's the silver lining: there's a roadmap to better health. With a solid strategy, and perhaps a guide (hint, hint!), you can get back on track and reclaim your vibrancy. Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

Autoimmune Diseases and H. Pylori: What's the Connection? If you suffer from an autoimmune disease, you may want to consider getting checked for H. Pylori. This is a common bacteria that resides in the stomach and can contribute to various autoimmune conditions. I recently conducted a stool sample for one of my clients, and the results came back positive for H. Pylori. This client was also suffering from multiple autoimmune diseases, which is not uncommon. Research shows that H. Pylori can play a role in the development of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, autoimmune liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, low white blood cell count, lupus, Sjogren's disease, chronic mast cell activation, and psoriasis. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to get checked for H. Pylori. A simple stool sample is all it takes to determine if the bacteria is present. And the cost is often less than $30. I hope this information has been helpful. If you enjoyed this content, please like, comment, and share it with someone who may benefit from it. Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

Do you know what's inside your body, keeping you ticking like a clock? One tiny thing is your thyroid, and it's really important. For many people, it doesn't work quite right. But there's hope! Let's dive into an amazing story about a special person who beat the odds and found a different way to make her thyroid healthy without using something scary like radiation therapy. Stick with me, and let's uncover her inspiring adventure. The Road to a New Kind of Medicine: A Big Change The Start of Something Special Meet a woman with a big heart, always helping people feel better. She had problems with her thyroid but didn't want to do what the regular doctors said. She wanted something different, something better. One day, she saw an ad for a special meeting about something called functional medicine. It was just what she was looking for! It talked about the exact problems she had, so she went to the meeting. It changed everything for her. Finding Out What's Really Going On: A Different Way to Heal A Surprise Discovery Guess what? She had something called Graves' disease. It was different from what the first doctor said. But instead of using radiation therapy, she picked functional medicine. It's all about treating the whole body, not just one part. With a new kind of doctor to guide her, she started feeling better, step by step. In just one year, everything about her health was getting better. And guess what? Her thyroid stayed right where it was! Amazing Changes: It's More Than Just Medicine Big Results from Small Steps She worked hard and stayed strong, and guess what happened? She felt so much better! No more feeling hot all the time. And even though she wasn't trying to, she lost enough weight to drop four whole dress sizes! Talk about a change for the better! Her new way of living didn't just fix one problem. It made everything better. Now that's something to think about! Spreading the Word: Helping Others Find the Way One Story Can Change Lives Now, she's a shining light for others, showing that there are other ways to get better. Her story tells people that functional medicine can help with thyroid problems and much more. No need for radiation therapy when there's a whole new path waiting for you! A New Hope: There's Always Another Way What a story! A brave woman beat her thyroid troubles with something new and exciting, called functional medicine. Her story reminds us that sometimes, the regular way isn't the only way. There are other roads to take, ways to heal, and chances to be your very best. Who knows? Maybe this could be the path for you too! Inflamed Thyroid The web of hypothyroidism ~all these need to be addressed All these triggers need to be looked at

See reference The Importance of Labs: Deciphering the Results To gain a deeper understanding of how your body functions in relation to others, examining laboratory test results can be invaluable. However, it's crucial to comprehend the functional range for a normal, healthy individual and compare it with your own or someone who is sick or unhealthy. In the case of insulin, a hormone notorious for inducing inflammation, a fasting level between 5 and 7 is considered ideal for a healthy person. Keep in mind that when undergoing bloodwork, particularly for insulin levels, it is imperative to fast for 8 to 10 hours beforehand to avoid any interference from food-induced insulin spikes. The Significance of Monitoring Insulin Levels Let's begin by discussing one of my clients who was experiencing significant health issues. His lab results revealed an insulin level of 38, a remarkably high figure that went unnoticed until then. Knowing his insulin was so high, we can immediately assume he is experiencing some sort of severe, chronic inflammation . You may also notice that the range on this lab is 2.6 to 24.9. That is ridiculous, it is too broad. We want to narrow it down, and get it to a smaller, more normal range. The conventional system overlooked this person's blood work in this case. An insulin level of 38 is extremely high. There may be other markers you should consider, such as glucose level. Also examining other blood sugar markers in conjunction with insulin levels may point to sugar dysregulation. Research Backs the Connection A plethora of research and data supports the correlation between insulin and inflammation. Numerous articles have delved into this subject, with some offering comprehensive reviews backed by over 100 references. One notable study, titled "Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Alzheimer's Disease: Role of Insulin Signaling and Therapeutic Implications," was published in 2018. It revealed a correlation between type II diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance and elevated insulin levels, and the development of Alzheimer's disease. In their conclusion, the authors emphasized that insulin plays a vital role in brain function and highlighted the heightened risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and neuroinflammation due to insulin imbalances. Therefore, monitoring insulin levels becomes even more crucial for those grappling with chronic health issues. Altered insulin metabolism, characterized by high insulin levels and impaired signaling, contributes to the onset and progression of these disorders by influencing the regulation of neural pathological hallmarks. A Glimmer of Hope: Achieving Improvement In essence, elevated insulin levels lead to impaired brain and body function, perpetuating chronic inflammation. Here's an illustrative example from one of my patients. Initially, her insulin level stood at 23, but after implementing an insulin-control protocol and consistently monitoring her levels, they gradually decreased to 11, and eventually settled within the range of 3.7 to 5.6. These significant improvements demonstrated stabilization within the desired "sweet spot" for optimal health. If you find yourself suffering from chronic problems, it is crucial to check your insulin levels. Early detection and proactive measures can help prevent further complications and improve your overall well-being. Seeking Help and Finding Hope If you found this information helpful, consider sharing it with those who may benefit from it. Remember, seeking help is the first step toward finding hope in your journey to combat chronic inflammation. Consult with a healthcare professional experienced in managing insulin levels to develop an individualized plan tailored to your specific needs. Together, we can work towards better health and a brighter future. Video time stamps [00:00:25] insulin is a hormone [00:02:05] fasting insulin sweet spot 5 to 7 fasting [00:03:10] super high 38 00:03:35] dysregulation insulin [00:05:05] Type two diabetes and Alzheimer's [00:05:45] Increased risk for Alzheimer's, Disease, Parkinson's disease and neuroinflammation. [00:05:55] brain. [00:06:15] High insulin means bad brain, bad body, chronic inflammation.

Let’s examine a case study of a particular woman to see how getting a complete lab workup can help guide your healing. Female, 52 years old, suffering from the following problems: - Contracted COVID-19 twice (never vaccinated) - Damage caused by antibiotics - Thyroid problems for many years - Diverticulitis - Chronic fatigue - Bad back - Nerve damage - Digestive issues - Shakes - More Looking at a walkthrough her labs can give us a very clear view of what was causing many of her problems, and helped us find solutions to her suffering. As we examined her symptoms and diagnoses, it became clear that many of her issues were neurological in nature. Leaky gut, leaky brain, and autoimmune issues were among the largest (though not sole) culprits. Examining her blood work, we found her globulin levels were fairly low. This is a sign that her immune system was very worn down. Her triglycerides and glucose levels indicated issues with blood sugar regulation, as did her heightened levels of hemoglobin A1c. Pregnenolone levels were drastically reduced to around 30, when they should be closer to 150. Her DHEA and vitamin D levels were also quite low. Her thyroid hormones were very high, despite being on a thyroid medication for many years. Research shows that many thyroid issues are actually caused by autoimmune diseases, which the conventional medical system never actually looked for. Fasting insulin levels were highly elevated, which is a pro-inflammatory hormone. It is sort of like having small glass shards floating through your system, and often is overlooked by the conventional system. Polytherapy approaches to medicine can help us come up with a set plan to address multiple issues at once, and reduce inflammation. We ended up plugging her numbers into a software which will color code these readings and tell us which readings are within the normal range, above/below optimal range, above/below standard range, and alarmingly high or low. This software then gives us a basic explanation of what is happening with those concerning ranges. This information helped guide us to find a working polytherapy approach to help this woman improve her health and relieve many of her symptoms. And all of this serves to prove my point that a polytherapy approach is your best chance at ending your suffering. I am here to help you, so do not hesitate to reach out to me so we can work together to find solutions to your problems, and to find the root cause of your issues. We can always find a way to improve your God-given ability to heal your body. FULL FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE REPORT yellow, red and hot pink are BAD!

41-Year-Old Housebound Female Labs Overview In this article we will examine the labs of a 41-year-old female who had been basically destroyed by the conventional medical system. Because of her treatments and poor medical advice, she was left housebound, and had lost pretty much everything. At that point she looked into functional medicine. What is Functional Medicine, and How Do Labs Help? Functional medicine is essentially basic physiology 101. The goal is to try and get your body to function optimally, the way God designed your body to be. If your body is not healing or functioning properly, then we likely need to do a polytherapy approach to get you better and into recovery. Functional medicine looks at essentially two things: What is interfering with the problem? What are you deficient in? Getting blood work done helps us identify the answers to both of these questions. Once we find those answers, we can create a path for your recovery. What Do We Look For in Labs? Let’s look at an example of some blood work and identify what is wrong with this patient. This particular patient had some very extensive labs done. We looked at a wide range of panels to make sure we had the best information. Whenever we look at someone who has a chronic problem, it’s best to always go over some of the most basic solutions first. Even if we end up needing to resort to some of the more complex treatments, such as stem cells, if your body’s basic physiology is not in order then the more complex treatments may not work. For most patients, we look at sugar problems, vitamin D levels, and inflammation. Glucose, Vitamin D, and Inflammation Indicators Her glucose levels were high, but not too much higher than the normal range. Her hemoglobin A1C is in the functional range. Because these are in the normal range, we can say the problem likely was not sugar related. We can then move on to vitamin D, an extremely important nutrient to our bodies. Every single one of our cells has a vitamin D receptor, and relies on the nutrient to perform basic functions. This patient’s vitamin D levels came out at 6.3, when the healthy range is from 30-100. I have taken thousands of labs and have never seen a vitamin D level that low. And even though the range we consider to be “healthy” starts at 30, the research is showing that levels below 80 can cause health problems. Next we checked for inflammation in the form of C-Reactive Protein. The range considered “normal” ranges from 0-3, but this patient’s reading came in at 12.4. It is possible this high inflammation marker is related to the low vitamin D levels. It could also be due to food sensitivities, or a low level of hydrochloric acid, or many other potential causes. Inflammation prevents your body from properly healing. You will never fully recover as long as you have high levels of inflammation. Next we look at homocysteine, a marker for DNA health, and found it to be at 10.7. The “normal” range is 0-14.5, but I like to see my patients more in the range of 5-6. Homocysteine measures how well your DNA is copying itself. Her levels were not very high, but treating it gently would still provide benefits. Another couple of inflammatory markers we look at are the sedimentation rate and fibrinogen activity. Her sedimentation is 26, which is within the “normal” range, but I like to see it lower than 11. Her fibrinogen came in at 400, but I like to see it between 200-300. Again, signs of chronic inflammation. Insulin The next marker I want to look at is extremely critical: insulin. I’ve written about insulin many times, and spoken about it a lot in my videos. A conventional range for insulin is 2.6-25, though I like to see it closer to 5. This patient’s insulin reading was 41.8. Insulin is a hormone that causes chronic inflammation in the body. It is sort of like having glass shards running through your body, scraping it up and causing inflammation. Conclusion Thanks to these readings, we have a lot of ideas of directions we can take. We know that we need to help this patient with: Increasing vitamin D Decreasing inflammation Decreasing insulin levels This is where functional medicine comes in. You need to work with someone who knows you and your condition, who you trust to help you improve. I’ll be the first to say that I have not helped 100% of my patients get better. But I have helped many, many people’s lives improve with a polytherapy approach. If you are out there suffering, contact me. I can be reached on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, or through my website. Don't hesitate to make an appointment so you can start feeling better soon!

The Problem with Gluten-Free Foods The label "gluten-free" has become one of the biggest buzzwords in the world of grocery shopping and nutrition. But is it really worth the extra money, or is there a significant catch you should be aware of? In this article, we will discuss the reasons you should avoid gluten-free products under normal dietary circumstances. The Glycemic Index, Blood Sugar, and Insulin The Problems of Gluten-Free Foods and the Glycemic Index The problems of gluten-free foods largely boil down to something we call the "glycemic index," which describes how much a food will impact your blood sugar levels. The higher the glycemic index, the quicker your blood sugar rises, which can cause chronic inflammation and autoimmune issues. The majority of foods, when digested in your body, are converted into glucose. Foods with a higher glycemic index are converted much faster, prompting a spike in blood sugar. After the spike comes a crash, as well. Eating foods high on the glycemic index can often result in having lower blood sugar levels than before you ate that high-index food. Anything with a glycemic index above 70 is considered "high." An index of 56 to 69 is considered "medium," with anything 55 and under being considered "low." When trying to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, it is important to focus on these low-index foods. The higher the index, the higher the inflammation. The Impact of Chronic Inflammation on Your Body Chronic inflammation can lead to other diseases, including: Heart disease Cancer Fibromyalgia Autoimmune conditions Lupus Many more Really, this list can go on and on. Suffering from chronic inflammation means you are living in an unhealthy state, which makes you more prone to other conditions. The Relationship Between High-Glycemic Foods and Weight Loss High-glycemic foods cause you to leave the fat-burning zone. When your blood sugar level is high, your body leaves your fat stores alone. When it is low, your body begins to convert your fat stores into energy. If you are trying to lose weight, foods high on the glycemic index can make your goal a lot harder to achieve. In order to process glucose, your body needs insulin. As your glucose levels rise, so does your insulin to help metabolize it into energy. Glucose rises and falls very quickly, whereas insulin has a bit of lag time. So if you’re eating sugary meals or foods high on the glycemic index many times a day, your insulin levels are likely remaining at fairly high levels. This can also cause the same chronic inflammation and autoimmune issues mentioned earlier. The Ingredients and Substitutes in Gluten-Free Products Looking at the ingredients list on gluten-free products, you will see many substitutes for wheat products. These can include products such as corn flour, potato flour, brown rice flour, tapioca, and wheat flour. Looking at the table below, you can see that wheat flour has a glycemic index of 74. Many of these substitutes have a glycemic index even higher than wheat. For example, tapioca has an index of 85, and rice flour has an index of 95. Many, many products contain rice flour. Because these products are commonly used in gluten-free foods, eating them will cause a spike in your glucose levels, leading to inflammation and its associated problems. Gluten-Free Substitutes and Their Glycemic Index Understanding the Glycemic Index and Healthiness of Foods A Snickers bar, for example, has a glycemic index of 40. Why would that have a lower glycemic index? The answer is that it contains more than these simple carbohydrates. A Snickers bar contains fat (albeit unhealthy fats), as well as protein. Using the glycemic index will not necessarily tell you whether or not a food is healthy, but it can be a useful guide to finding foods to help you on the way. Many gluten-free foods contain a variety of these substitutes for wheat flour. For example, looking at some varieties of brown rice tortillas, the ingredients list begins with water, then tapioca, then brown rice. Lots of carbs, low protein, and low fat come with the price of higher blood sugar levels and higher inflammation. Similarly, examining some gluten-free cookies, the ingredients list begins with sugar, then potato starch. Both are high on the glycemic index. Gluten-free whole-grain pasta often contains a high amount of brown rice flour, as well. Conclusion What I want to drive home is that "gluten-free" is not necessarily "healthier." Many of these products are very high in carbohydrates and do not have much protein or fats. It is largely a marketing scheme; one that results in much more misinformation. When making dietary choices, it is important to consider the glycemic index and opt for foods with a lower index to reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being. By understanding the pitfalls of gluten-free products and making informed decisions, you can navigate the world of nutrition more effectively and prioritize your health. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Rising Trend: Gluten-Free Labels Everywhere You've seen it; you've probably even tried it. Gluten-free products are flooding the market. But is there a hidden danger lurking behind that popular label? Let's peel back the layers and reveal the truth about these so-called healthy options. The Sweet and Sour of Blood Sugar: Understanding the Glycemic Index What's Behind the Gluten-Free Craze? The issue with gluten-free products is not as simple as it might seem. It's all about something called the "glycemic index." This number tells us how fast food will shoot up your blood sugar levels. Too high, and you could be in trouble. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Glycemic Index High: Over 70 (Danger Zone) Medium: 56 to 69 (Proceed with Caution) Low: 55 and Under (Safe Territory) For a healthy life, keep your eye on the low-index foods. Why? Because the higher the index, the higher the inflammation. Chronic Inflammation: A Silent Enemy Inflammation is like an invisible fire inside your body. It can lead to all kinds of problems, like: Heart disease Cancer Fibromyalgia Autoimmune conditions Lupus And so much more Living with chronic inflammation is like living on the edge. Don't let it push you over. The Weighty Problem with High-Glycemic Foods Trying to lose weight? Watch out for foods that score high on the glycemic index. They can knock you right out of the fat-burning zone and make your weight loss journey much harder. Insulin and Your Body When you eat something sweet, your body's insulin gets to work. But if you're eating high-glycemic foods all the time, you're keeping your insulin levels high. And guess what? This could also fan those flames of inflammation. The Sneaky Ingredients in Gluten-Free Products Those gluten-free labels might look friendly, but what's inside might shock you. Substitutes like corn flour, potato flour, brown rice flour, tapioca, and wheat flour are often used, and guess what? Some of them have even higher glycemic indexes than regular wheat flour! The Deceptive Nature of Gluten-Free Substitutes Here's a startling fact: A Snickers bar has a lower glycemic index than many gluten-free products! But that doesn't make it healthy. The glycemic index isn't the whole story; it's just one piece of the puzzle. Hidden Pitfalls in Popular Gluten-Free Foods Take a close look at those ingredient lists on gluten-free tortillas, cookies, and pasta. You'll often find lots of carbs, low protein, and low fat, all leading to higher blood sugar levels and more inflammation. Conclusion: Beyond the Gluten-Free Hype It's time to face the facts: "gluten-free" doesn't always mean "healthy." It's often just a marketing trick. What truly matters is the glycemic index and the real ingredients hiding behind the label. So next time you're in the grocery store, look beyond the "gluten-free" tag. Understand what you're really eating and make choices that prioritize your health. Remember, wisdom in choosing your food can be your secret weapon in living a healthier life.

What is a leaky gut? Leaky gut , inflammation, and autoimmunity affect your small intestine, which is, roughly, 25 feet long (Figure 1). In the event you have an autoimmune condition, which means your body is actually attacking its own tissues as foreign objects, you can do something to reverse this condition. How functional medicine can fix your leaky gut Because 80% of your immune system is located in your gut, you have a HUGE ability to control your body’s responses (Figure 1). Let’s talk about functional medicine. The ultimate goal, when you have a leaky gut, should be to heal and seal your gut/small intestine - yes, all 25 feet. This can be done without the use of drugs. Your body has the ability to heal and seal your gut without drugs. Medications just cover up your symptoms. Let’s look at the small intestine. The picture on the top left is a picture of your gut or small intestine (Figure 2). The picture to the right is a picture of your skin on your thumb (Figure 3). They are side by side so that we can compare the two and discuss the differences between skin barriers and gut barriers. When you’re looking at the skin on your finger (Figure 3), you can see the bloodstream is located at the base of the example (see Point 1 in figure 3). In order for a cut to actually bleed, you have to cut through, approximately, 10,000 skin cells. That’s a GREAT barrier between the outer layer of the skin and the bloodstream flowing beneath. God designed us to have a great skin barrier for protection! Now let’s contrast this with the picture you see to the right (gut), which is the small intestine. Notice the picture on the right (gut/small intestine) is ONLY ONE CELL THICK to your bloodstream!!!! When it comes to your small intestine, it’s only one cell thick versus the thumb’s skin 10,000 cell thick. This is a drastic difference! Don’t forget this one cell barrier is protecting your small intestine that is 25 feet long and houses 80% of your immune system. That’s an extremely poor barrier for something so large, which can easily lead to leaky gut and chronic inflammation. THIS IS A KEY POINT…. Let’s continue to the next example, which is a blown-up picture of your gut (Figure 4). As a recap, your bloodstream is at the base of the structure, separated by a one-cell thick barrier. When you have a tight junction, as indicated in the green rectangle box, this means the cells are basically meshing together tightly, not allowing anything to pass into your bloodstream (no inflammation will occur). When you have a leaky gut, the cells start to deteriorate and the junctions between the cells widen. THIS IS BAD. See the blue rectangle box above for leaky gut cells. Let’s use an analogy to make this easier to visualize. If you build a house out of brick, your bricks are held together by a layer of cement spread in between each of the bricks, holding them together. In this comparison, the leaky gap in the intestine would be comparable to the cement that holds the bricks/cells together that are breaking away (Figures 5/6). Why a leaky gut is so dangerous This leaky space can become dangerous since your food is located directly above this one cell barrier that is starting to deteriorate. So let’s say you just ate gluten, which comes from wheat. If your tight junctions are intact, the gluten particles would not be able to cross this barrier. However, if you have a leaky gut, the barrier starts to break down and the food particles can enter your immune system and bloodstream. See figure 4 and look at what has gotten into the bloodstream? All the things that should have stayed in your small intestine and found their way into your bloodstream!! CAN YOU SAY CHRONIC INFLAMMATION AND AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE DEVELOPING?! If a piece of gluten enters your bloodstream, your immune system recognizes that as a really large foreign particle that shouldn’t be there. Any time this happens in your body, your immune system starts to attack it. As a result, you begin to experience food intolerance and systemic inflammation throughout the body. Symptoms of a leaky gut This could lead to pain in your body, fibromyalgia, and brain fog. Let’s look back at the leaky gut cell (Figure 4). These small brown bits with the tails floating around represent bacteria (the ones that look like sperm). You have both good bacteria and bad bacteria in your small intestine. When you have a leaky gut, these bacteria can enter your bloodstream from your small intestine, causing ADDITIONAL inflammation throughout your entire body. Now let’s take a second look at gluten. Once this gluten molecule is in your bloodstream your immune system recognizes it, just as we recognize people’s faces. However, when your body sees it, it cannot differentiate between gluten and other tissues. Ultimately, your body can confuse this with other body tissue. THIS IS THE CAUSE OF AUTOIMMUNITY. A CONFUSED IMMUNE SYSTEM. Obviously, it is paramount that you heal and seal your digestive system, decreasing the inflammation in your body. This is the primary goal when you have a leaky gut. At the end of the day, we want to reverse the inflammation and bring you back to optimal gut health. When you do this, you decrease your autoimmune response and your inflammation. In the picture to the right (Figure 7), if you look at the cell that’s labeled, “Leaky and inflamed,” this indicates that your cells have become crusty. Imagine a healthy cell as a jelly donut. You can see that a fresh jelly donut would be really pliable. However, if you leave a jelly donut out for a few weeks, it’s going to become crusty. When all your cells become crusty, your body becomes inflamed. To reverse this, you’ve got to fix your cell membranes and decrease inflammation. Remember, you’re only as healthy as your individual cells - your 100 trillion cells. Let’s zoom in even further to look at the individualized cells (Figure 8). See rectangular box. Saliva sits directly above these cells in your small intestine. This is the dark cloudy area above the finger-like structures. In this area I have labeled the saliva layer. THIS IS IMPORTANT: YOU MUST HAVE THE SALIVA TO PROTECT YOUR SMALL INTESTINE FROM BREAKING DOWN!! Let’s compare this to something we are all familiar with. If there’s no saliva in your mouth, your mouth becomes dry and doesn’t function properly. So just like your mouth, having a healthy digestive system requires a layer of saliva in order to work properly and maintain a strong gut lining. Let’s see what happens to your saliva layer when it starts to degenerate and decay. The blood and other particles are moving, signifying that your immune system is just starting to become inflamed. Now as this inflammation starts to take place, you can see the saliva layer begins to disappear. This is the beginning stage of a leaky gut and chronic inflammation. As it progressively gets worse, your immune system becomes more inflamed and causes irritation and gut issues leading to autoimmune diseases such as RA, Lupus, Hypothyroid, Crohn's disease, IBS, Sjogren's disease, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, and a host of other chronic diseases. Look back at the picture (Figure 9) now and notice the little specks at the top. These are the bugs, bacteria, and food sneaking into your bloodstream, which cause more inflammation. Your gut is becoming more damaged, the cells are becoming crustier, and the tight junctions are becoming looser, allowing food to enter the bloodstream. Overall, the immune system is getting up-regulated and confused. When your immune system is confused, it starts to attack different organs. When your immune system is confused it will always be more aggressive than less. Meaning if your immune system is unsure if something is a friend or foe because it’s confused it will always attack and be more aggressive!!! It will assume its foe. This is AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE. Here is an analogy I like to use. If you have ever had one to many drinks before this will make sense. When this happens, a person will see double or their vision will become blurred, they become CONFUSED! They see two cars, two trees, two median lines, they see double of everything. When your immune system is confused it will see double. When your immune system sees double it will assume most things it encounters are FOE…. At the beginning of this eBook, I mentioned functional medicine. We use functional medicine to see if you have a leaky gut. We do this through an IgG test, or food sensitivity test (Figure 10). Most people are familiar with an IgE test and this should not be confused with an IgG test. An IgE test is an allergen test. This is where they pick your back. However, an IgG test is a leaky gut test measuring food sensitivity. This is a BLOOD test (IgG) unlike the test that picks your back (IgE). The IgG test tells us what causes inflammation in your gut and whole body. On the next page look at the “Dairy” section of the horizontal bar graph (Figure 11). Here we have an IgG blood test to check for food sensitivities. The longer the graph the more reaction there is in your body to the food item. If you have gluten in your bloodstream, your immune system (IgG) recognizes this gluten and, in response, produces a lot of IgGs. When this happens, this causes chronic inflammation Time Stamp [00:01:30] anxiety, depression, racing, heart [00:02:00] brain fog [00:03:00] intestine, the gut [00:04:45] gut barrier is very, very poor [00:06:30] then there's big food particles [00:06:45] systemic inflammation [00:07:15] gluten [00:07:30] fluoroquinolones [00:09:00] Achilles tendon [00:10:45] gluten looks like [00:13:30] your cell, becomes crusty, it becomes inflamed [00:15:45] bloodstream [00:17:45] bacteria [00:22:00] wheat gluten, almonds, some broccoli

The Struggle of Living with Lupus Diseases In 2006, Jacki, a vibrant woman, was hit with the devastating diagnosis of lupus and Sjogren's syndrome. Her once active life came to a standstill. Every corner of her body was invaded by persistent inflammation - so severe that slipping rings on her fingers became an impossibility and shoes seemed like custom-made torture devices. Each day was a battle, not against an external enemy, but her own body. Mundane activities like walking, waking up in the morning, or simply getting through a normal day became excruciating trials. An Unexpected Detour: When Life Takes A Twist & Best Herbal Treatments for Lupus Her medical team's response was a cocktail of potent drugs: methotrexate, a common chemotherapy agent to suppress the immune system; naprosyn to battle the inflammation; and Tylenol to numb the pain. Prednisone also became a constant companion over the years. The issue? This treatment protocol wasn't a cure. It wasn't even a fix. It was a mere smokescreen, a band-aid on a deep, festering wound. Jacki was determined to break free from this pharmaceutical prison. But every attempt to escape was met with fierce resistance from her symptoms, leading her back to the very medications she longed to leave behind. Daily Battles: When The Body Turns Foe & Diet Recommendations for Lupus Patients Confusion and despair clouded her path, until she came to us. We embarked on a comprehensive analysis of her situation, initiated detailed bloodwork, and uncovered potential root causes that had long remained hidden. An action plan was devised - a health journey aimed at rectifying the root of her issues rather than merely shadowing them. The results? Nothing short of dramatic. Light At The End: The Game-Changer & Natural Anti-Inflammatory Supplements for Lupus. Today, Jacki greets each morning with a surge of energy and a rejuvenated spirit. She proclaims, "I have a ton of energy for my kids. I teach, and I'm loving life." She continues to express her awe, "It's been wonderful. I never knew that something so simple could make such a difference in my health, in how I feel about myself, and everybody is noticing how different I look." Jacki’s Sunrise: A Life Reimagined & Natural Strategies to Reduce Lupus Inflammation Her metamorphosis didn't stop at physical wellbeing. Nights once plagued with pain became serene. Her hair grew lusher. An improved ability to focus propelled her through her daily tasks in a timely manner. "I was sluggish, and I was slow," she admits. Depression, another silent enemy she battled with medication, began to fade away. Today, she confidently states, she no longer needs those pills to navigate her day. Jacki’s Call to Action and Promise of Hope Jacki advocates beginning with a free seminar. She was weary of her compromised health and decided to take charge, attending a seminar with her husband. "It's like an hour and a half, 2 hours of your time. And I was blown away with what I had been doing that was making me sick. I had no idea." Her healing journey has not only changed her life but also positively impacted her family. Her story stands as a beacon of hope for others facing similar battles. We believe that together we can design health plans that improve your life quality just like Jacki's. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're grappling with health issues - we're here to co-create a robust health solution with you.

Battling with Brain Inflammation: A Hidden Concern An engaging presentation on YouTube sheds light on the critical issue of neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation is a frequently ignored but serious concern for those grappling with fluoroquinolone toxicity, more commonly referred to as being "Floxed." The presenter, a seasoned healthcare professional, emphasizes the vital role of addressing neuroinflammation to ensure a full recovery. Linking Fluoroquinolones and Fatty Tissues What sets fluoroquinolones apart? Well, they have an unusual preference for fat tissues, particularly the brain - a predominantly fatty organ. If your brain is "on fire" due to neuroinflammation and it isn't treated correctly, your recovery could hit a roadblock. The Unseen Battle: Neurological Problems in Floxed Individuals Beyond Physical Pain: The Brain’s Silent Scream For Floxed folks, neurological problems can pack a punch, and in many instances, these unseen battles can be worse than physical discomfort. If you're experiencing symptoms like brain fog, weariness, memory troubles, anxiety, depression, rapid heartbeat, or odd thoughts, they might just be the telltale signs of neuroinflammation. Keep in mind: when your brain is in distress, it shows in symptoms, not in pain, due to its lack of pain receptors. The Role of Glial Cells in Brain Health and Neuroinflammation Glial Cells: The Brain's Unsung Heroes 90 percent of your brain's tissues are composed of glial cells, leaving neurons as the minority at 10 percent. In the complex immune system of your brain, glial cells take center stage. Should these cells malfunction or neural inflammation occurs, neurons could face destruction, paving the way for neurological symptoms. The Blood-Brain Barrier , Gut Health, and Neuroinflammation: A Complex Connection Can a Leaky Brain Indicate a Leaky Gut? There's more to consider than just the brain. The presenter delves into the intricacies of the blood-brain barrier and its health. They introduce the blood-brain barrier permeability test to check if this protective shield is compromised. A leaky brain is often linked to a leaky gut, underscoring the deep ties between gut health and neuroinflammation. If you're looking to decrease neural inflammation, tackling gastrointestinal issues is a must. From Gut to Brain: A Troubling Journey Bacteria and inflammation can hitch a ride from the gut to the brain via the vagus nerve, setting the stage for brain inflammation. The presenter emphasizes the high occurrence of gastrointestinal problems in Floxed individuals and the need to prioritize gut health in an all-encompassing approach to lessen neuroinflammation. No One-Size-Fits-All Solution: The Importance of Individualized Treatment Plans Tailoring Treatments for Recovery There's no standard recovery blueprint for those Floxed, given that everyone's circumstances are unique. The speaker advocates for personalized treatment plans, considering factors such as hormone levels, inflammatory markers, DNA replication, food sensitivities, and total inflammation. Guidance and Support: A Beacon of Hope for Floxed Individuals Offering Help Through Telemedicine and Educational Resources In closing, the presenter offers assistance to those dealing with the ramifications of being Floxed, extending their services via telemedicine and providing a wealth of educational resources. The message is clear: You are not alone. Seek help, find answers, and gain support. Video time stamps [00:00:00] neuroinflammation and is your brain on fire [00:00:25] neuroinflammation [00:01:35] Achilles tendon pain [00:03:05] your brain to be inflamed. [00:03:30] fatigue [00:04:00] chronic fatigue [00:04:30] brain fog. [00:05:05] mental speed reduce brain endurance [00:05:40] depression, inability to concentrate, especially for long periods of time, sleeplessness [00:05:58] Horrible insomnia [00:06:10] Lethargy, fatigue, lack of motion [00:06:25] trembling and tremors [00:06:30] neural inflammation [00:06:40] lost balance [00:07:15] blood brain barrier permeability. [00:08:50] fluoroquinolones blood brain barrier. [00:09:35] fluoroquinolones actually destroy the blood brain barrier [00:09:50] what it destroys the mitochondria in your neuronal cells [00:10:30] digestive system is broken down [00:11:45] blood brain barrier is one cell thick [00:12:00] sensitivity, inflammation. [00:12:40] glial cells [00:12:50] microglia [00:13:40] glial cells oligodendrocytes [00:13:45] microglia cells and the astrocytes, 90 percent of your brain tissue makes up the glial cells. [00:14:15] inflammation or your brain on fire [00:15:05] neural inflammation [00:18:25] myelin sheath [00:18:30] axons, your actual neurons to be inflamed. [00:19:10] astrocytes [00:20:20] microglia [00:20:45] a lot of inflammatory markers [00:20:55] Any concussions, micro strokes [00:22:10] through functional medicine [00:22:25] you can see when the blood, when the arteries broken [00:22:50] and millions of these blood vessels [00:23:25] endothelium. [00:23:40] mitochondria damage, then the neurons on fir e [00:24:35] inflamed, this is your gut [00:24:40] causing negative food reactions, gluten, dairy compromised immune system [00:24:45] malabsorption [00:25:00] totally destroyed and then their brains are totally destroyed [00:25:15] no gas, no bloating, no diarrhea, you don't have to take any heartburn medication. that's normal. [00:25:20] leaky gut [00:25:25] brains inflamed [00:25:30] GI problem [00:26:10] in your gut. And when your guts leaky they the bacteria literally go from your bloodstream [00:26:15] your gut in your blood. This causes inflammation. [00:27:00] vagus nerve [00:27:15] digestive system [00:27:47] Like these bacteria can actually travel from your from your gut, up your nerve, right up your vagus nerve right into your brain [00:28:50] your neurological tissues [00:29:50] Floxed are different [00:30:25] You have a poly therapy case [00:30:50] reduce neuroinflammation in your body [00:31:20] vitamin D level [00:31:25] the homocysteine level [00:32:10] DNA [00:32:35] to foods, gluten, dairy, eggs [00:32:55] you have blood brain barrier breech. [00:33:25] and destroying your brain tissue [00:33:45] chemical sensitivities [00:33:50] gas, no diarrhea [00:34:00] function neurology [00:34:15] What's your estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, your cortisol levels. [00:34:35] hormones drop drastically [00:35:25] telemedicine

Listen as Dr. Hugh goes through this very severe case of someone being FLoxed and how these issues are solved with Dr. Hugh's help. Learn how to heal from floxing symptoms. Contact Dr. Hugh Wegwerth today. Are you one of the thousands of people suffering from fluoroquinolone toxicity, also known as floxed recovery? It can be a challenging and devastating experience. The symptoms can range from brain fog, tremors, and crawling sensations in the head to panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and deep central nervous system damage. In this blog post, I share my personal experience with fluoroquinolone toxicity, and how I recovered from it with the help of a functional medicine program. I was prescribed levofloxacin for a kidney infection in October 2018, and after three days of taking it, I felt worse. The damage was already done, and I struggled to function as a parent, wife, and person. I had no sense of decision-making, constant brain fog, and trembling on my right side. I even had outbursts of crying and had to take a month of sick leave. My husband quit work to take care of me. I went to my primary doctor several times, and there was no relation to the drug until I Googled it and found out that there's a black box warning. I struggled to recover, but I started to improve with time, acupuncture, and natural supplements. It wasn't until I met with a Dr. Hugh Wegwerth a functional medicine practitioner that my real change started to happen. I learned more about my diet and eliminated trigger foods like white potatoes and gluten-free pasta. I also started taking specific supplements and magnesium and treating it as needed. After 30 days, I felt a significant boost, and the functional medicine program helped me become whole again. My advice to anyone suffering from fluoroquinolone toxicity is to find a functional medicine practitioner that can help you put all the pieces together and guide you through the healing process. The online portal is an excellent source of truthful information, and it provides guidance that can drive you to heal from fluoroquinolone toxicity faster. Remember that recovery takes time, and it can be a slow process, but stay positive and trust the process.

Understanding the Power and Pitfalls of Cholesterol Medication Through a Groundbreaking Case Study Greetings, valued reader! Get ready for an enlightening rollercoaster ride into the world of cholesterol management, as we unravel an astounding case of transformation. But hey, hold your horses! Before we leap headfirst into the details, do us a favor and make sure you're always in the know. Click the like and subscribe buttons to stay updated on all the latest in the realm of health and wellness. The Unsettling Tale of Over-Medication Let's delve right into the case. This saga revolves around a patient who was taking a daily dose of 10mg Crestor to keep her cholesterol levels under control. However, when we checked her test results in May 2021, we found her cholesterol level still hovered around 208. More alarmingly, her liver markers were also high, hinting at potential tissue degradation. The Dramatic Turn of Events Our jaws dropped when we examined her updated labs just five months later, after she was under our supervision. Our patient, a feisty 71-year-old lady, had seen a drastic improvement. Not only was her cholesterol tamed to a healthier level, but the actual victory lay in her liver markers. Her ATL, a key liver health indicator, shot up from 28 to an astonishing 230, signaling severe liver damage. The culprit? Likely, a cocktail of antibiotics and stat medications she'd been ingesting before coming under our care. Her other liver markers, AST and alkaline phosphatase, were also ominously high. The Hidden Dangers of Low Cholesterol Here's where it gets more concerning. This patient's cholesterol had been reduced to less than 150, a dangerously low level that's linked with a heightened risk of dementia, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions. Cholesterol isn't just a number – it's a key building block of cell membranes and a pivotal player in hormone production and inflammation control. Dialing it down too far can wreak havoc on the body. The Ever-Lowering Benchmarks of Cholesterol Remember this – cholesterol benchmarks have been shrinking over time, slapping more and more people with the "high cholesterol" label and subsequently pushing them onto statins. Powerful as they may be, these medications aren't always angels. They can sometimes unleash a wave of negative effects on the body. The Value of Truth and Healing Our guiding compass is always truth and healing, and that's exactly why we shed light on cases like this. If this article has opened your eyes to something new, then give us a thumbs up, and do explore our other content. And remember, where there's inflammation, there's hope. We appreciate your time. Thanks for reading! Before Statin After Statins

A Candid Conversation with a Healing Expert Listen to an insightful conversation with a medical expert who's dedicated his life to understanding and healing floxed symptoms. Discover firsthand how one patient struggled with the frightening experience of taking antibiotics and the misdirection of another doctor. The Experience of Taking Antibiotics and Experiencing Floxed Symptoms Antibiotics are known to be life-savers, but sometimes they can lead to unexpected symptoms known as being "floxed." Understand what floxing means and learn about the symptoms that can leave you feeling betrayed and misunderstood by those who are supposed to help. Being Gas Lit by a Different Doctor – A Harrowing Tale We've all been in situations where we're told one thing, but experience another. In the world of medicine, this can be both scary and confusing. Hear a real story about being gas lit by a doctor and how it led to unnecessary suffering. How to Heal from Floxing – You Can Overcome This! Feeling lost and overwhelmed? There's hope! The same medical expert who has helped countless patients to overcome being floxed will guide you. Learn the steps to heal from floxing , and embark on a journey that will empower you to regain control of your health. Join Us in the Journey to Healing from Floxing Don't let the experience of being floxed define you. With understanding, guidance, and determination, you can overcome this medical mystery. Take the hand of an expert who knows the way, and walk the path to healing from floxing. You too can learn how to heal. Start today!

Before and After: A Comprehensive Analysis of a 38-Year-Old Male's Health Transformation Introduction In this article, we will examine lab results from a 38-year-old male who was suffering from several conditions as a result of damage. This man came to me because he had been trying hard on his own to improve his health, but wanted a very specific plan to help him get to a better place. For comparison, we had labs taken a few months ago and new labs taken very recently prior to publishing this article. Looking at these labs we can see some of the conditions and causes that were missed and undiscovered. These discoveries led to a complete lifestyle change, leading him on a better path to healing. Initial Health Conditions The first set of labs was taken in November 2021, and we are revisiting them in February of 2022. When he came to me, he was suffering from the following conditions: - Plantar fasciitis - Achilles pain - Painful feet - Neuropathy - Widespread frailty - Weakness in tendons - Hypersensitivity. Essentially, he was feeling like he was significantly older than his actual age. Comparing Blood Sugar and Vitamin Levels One thing you’ll notice from these labs: a lot of significant changes happened just from this patient altering his diet. However, it was not enough. This patient needed a very specific, guided plan. Looking at the first result from the labs taken at the end of November 2022, you’ll see his A1c results. A1c is a marker for blood sugar levels. From November to his most recent labs, he was able to go from pre-diabetic (5.7) to that sweet spot around the 5.0 level. Next, looking at his vitamin D levels, you’ll see he started out around 39 and improved up to 46. While that is an improvement, I like to see that number around 80, so there is still plenty of room to continue improving. Now examining vitamin B12, increasing from 542 to 889. So it is very clear he is making improvements on his own, but he was still having problems. This serves as more evidence that he, like most of us, would benefit from a specific, guided plan. Hormone Levels and Inflammation Markers Unfortunately, his fasting insulin levels were not tested in his first round of labs, but we can still see that his insulin level is at 9. I like to see this number between 5 and 6, so this result tells us the patient has some sugar dysregulation problems. Because insulin is a hormone that can cause inflammation, if you have more than you should (more than that 5-6 range), then your body is in a chronic state of inflammation to some degree. The next test we examined was his testosterone. We can see an almost 100% increase in his testosterone levels from 338 to 611, which is a significant change. This is vitally important for men to understand. Men with low testosterone may experience one or more of the following symptoms: - Low libido - Trouble gaining full erections - Trouble maintaining full erections - Not having morning erections These are luckily problems which can be fixed with simple lifestyle changes. By changing your food choices, eating right, and working to get your insulin levels down (specifically A1c level down), you can see a significant increase in these conditions. He was able to improve his thyroid hormone levels, as well as his C-reactive protein levels. His thyroid levels increased (which is good), and his C-reactive proteins decreased, showing markedly less inflammation. The Critical Role of Ferritin At this point, we caught some of the most significant issues, namely ferritin. This patient had high ferritin. Nobody had checked this before we did. Ferritin is a measurement of iron storage, and the sweet spot for levels of ferritin range from 40 to 80. This patient had ferritin levels of over 470, more than 10x what the normal, healthy functioning level should be. Now, one thing to keep in mind with ferritin is that it can be an acute phase reactant, meaning that these numbers will go up if you are inflamed. However, all of his markers that we have checked out do not indicate huge inflammation, so we can then determine that his ferritin levels need to come down. We have a specific protocol for bringing down ferritin levels, and it is simple to do. It just needs to be consistently checked and monitored. The reason ferritin levels are important to check is because it is an indicator of problems with your iron levels. Imagine that you have a bicycle, which you leave out in the rain. That bike is going to rust. A similar process is happening inside of your body when ferritin levels are high. If you have high ferritin, which is almost never checked, this is an indicator of your body “rusting” from the inside out, which will naturally cause problems. I have a whole series on ferritin because it is that important, and people’s cases have gotten reversed simply by identifying this one marker and handling it. The Critical Role of Ferritin We also checked his homocysteine levels, which can be elevated if you have a MTHFR SNP, which you can learn more about in this post I published on my blog. His homocysteine was 14.6, which we like to see in the 5 or 6 range. Homocysteine is used in DNA replication. That means high levels of homocysteine indicate poor copying of DNA. Imagine using a photocopier to scan and copy a document. Then you scan and copy that new copy. Repeat this process hundreds, if not thousands of times. Eventually, you will start to see less definition in the new copies. A very similar process happens with your DNA replication, and high homocysteine indicates that your cells are not replicating DNA properly, leading to poor cell communication. All of this I detail in more depth in the post linked above. Conclusion In conclusion, we see that this patient was able to make some significant, and some minor increases on their own, but it was not enough. They are not recovering, and are still suffering from their problems. In this particular case, I am recommending him a very specific, guided program and help get this man back in better health, and feeling better.

The Importance of Fish Oil Supplements for Your Health Improving Cell Membrane Function Let’s talk about the benefits of fish oil, and why everyone should be taking it, especially if you have chronic problems with digestion, pain, and inflammation. To understand the importance of fish oil, and the omega-3 fatty acids present in them, we need to understand what cell membranes look like and are made of. The human body is made up of around 100 trillion cells, each one of them with its own membrane. Our cell membranes are primarily made up of fats, particularly fats known as EPA and DHA. Your average bottle of fish oil contains a combination of both compounds, making it an easy and convenient source of this necessary nutrient. How EPA and DHA Affect Your Cells Both EPA and DHA are cured in shape, a sort of circular pattern with a tail. This shape is what helps provide structure to the cell membranes, creating a solid barrier without leaks. A lack of these compounds, on the other hand, may result in a cell membrane that does not function properly. In fact, a significant lack of EPA and DHA can cause your cells to become “crusty,” rather than smooth. This can result in: - Chronic pain - Inflammation - Fibromyalgia - Digestive issues If you suffer from these problems, then it’s likely your cells are not as flexible as they should be and instead are more crusty and hard. I typically recommend anywhere from one to five tablespoons a day just to saturate these cells when they are in this condition. Taking fish oil supplements creates an influx of these omega-3 fatty acids, helping your cells to be more fluid and move. Detoxifying Your Body That circular shape of the EPA and DHA is what causes the cell to be fluid, allowing things to come in and out of the cell. This is very critical. As your cells metabolize, they create waste. This waste needs to be removed from your cells and into your bloodstream so it can be filtered out and removed by your urine and feces. Not having enough of this oil means the waste remains inside the cell. If you have pain, inflammation , or damage caused by toxicity, then the byproduct of that is only going to build up more and more, causing your condition to worsen over time. In other words, fish oil is very critical to the functioning of your body’s detoxification pathways. As a reminder, we should use the bathroom two to three times per day, both bowel movements and urination. This is how your body eliminates the waste from your cells, which can only be removed if those membranes are also healthy. A Final Note Protecting Nerve Cells The same principle is true for nerve cells. Wrapped around these cells is something called the myelin sheath. What do you think the myelin sheath is made out of? If you guessed EPA and DHA, you’d be correct! EPA and DHA are equally necessary to protecting nerve cells throughout your body, and a lack of these fatty acids can cause damage to nerves and the myelin sheath and may even cause neuropathy. BUY ON AMAZON Floxed the importance of enough Omega 3 fish oil for proper cell membrane health. Neuropathy! Video Time Stamps [00:01:00] the omega three fatty acids and what they do for your cell membrane [00:01:20] EPA and DHA [00:02:10] this is your cell membrane. If you've been flock's, if you've damage, if you [00:02:40] cells become pliable [00:02:48] EPA and DHEA [00:03:20] fluoroquinolone toxicity or [00:03:50] EPA and DHA make your cell pliable [00:04:01] myelin sheath [00:04:40] not absorbing your fats. Maybe you have a fat digestion problem

Chronically Fatigued? Get Your Iron Levels Checked! Today I wanted to talk about the significance of iron, and how iron levels are often overlooked in the conventional medical care system. I have had numerous cases, particularly women, who have come to me anemic, or subclinical anemic (meaning you cannot be diagnosed with anemia, but your iron status is poor). In many of these cases, people are suffering from brain fog or fatigue, fibromyalgia, GI issues, problems with tendons, tingling and other nervous system problems, and more. What's the Point of Iron? Iron serves an important purpose in our body: it allows blood to carry oxygen through the entire circulatory system. When your iron levels are in the optimal “sweet spot,” your blood is able to carry oxygen to the cells and tissues much easier. If your iron levels are low, it can contribute to other problems you already are suffering from, and complicate your diagnosis. Your entire diagnosis may simply be “low iron.” It is possible to have low iron levels and not be anemic, but it still means running on poor oxygen levels as well. Imagine you have a race car, but use low quality fuel. The result will be lower performance than if you are using a high quality fuel. The same goes for your body. 13 Important Iron Markers There are 13 important markers to look at for iron levels. Some of them your doctor may look at include hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, and more. So looking at one case, specifically looking at her red blood cells, the patient is at a level of 4.03, which is low. Looking at their hemoglobin, this particular patient reads at 11.3, and a marker of 12 is considered “low.” Her hematocrit is reading at 34.9, when it needs to be at least a 37. At this point the patient could be considered anemic. Without improving their iron levels, this patient likely will not see noticeable improvements. With less oxygen being carried around to her tissues, it is very difficult for her systems to function and repair. This is why a polytherapy approach is necessary as opposed to a monotherapy approach. Our body has many different systems, sort of like an orchestra. The orchestra director cannot just focus on one instrument and expect everything else to be fine. The director needs to pay attention to all of the individual instruments. The same goes with the body. We need to look at a wide range of potential causes in order to maintain optimal health. Let's Talk About Ferritin I would particularly like to focus on something called ferritin. Ferritin is a marker of iron storage. Iron is so important that your body stores it all over: in organs, tissues, etc. When your iron storage goes down, the amount of iron in your bloodstream also goes down. A ferritin test helps doctors test your iron storage amounts. If your ferritin levels are low, it indicates you have a low storage of iron in your body, and possibly could be anemic. Men store roughly 1,000mg of iron, enough to last them about three years. Women, on the other hand, only store about 300mg of iron, or enough for six months. What that means is that iron levels are more critical for women than for men. So women only have a few month’s worth of iron. Let’s say that, on top of that, you also have poor gut health. Maybe you have bad gas, leaky gut, constipation, diarrhea, or even just infrequent bowel movements (every other day or so). If you have these issues, then you likely are not absorbing your iron very well either. In my experience, fixing your gut health is a very important step to fixing many other health issues. If your gut is not working properly, you won’t be getting proper nutrients (iron or otherwise). When it comes to ferritin, the sweet spot is between 40 and 80. Less than that, and the stores of iron start coming out of your organs and tissues to help blood levels of iron work, and eventually you run into suboptimal iron stores. If you can only get one marker checked out of the 13 iron markers, in my opinion ferritin is the most important to understand iron status. Clinical Case Review I would like to share with you two clinical cases. In both of these people, iron status was never even addressed, and they actually had significant enough iron problems to be diagnosed as being anemic. Looking at one patient, her saturation is at 15. That’s not the sweet spot, and she will be having issues with her blood cells not delivering enough oxygen. Because this was just a small spot on her lab report, this was missed. It was not addressed. This is why we need to consider a whole body approach when it comes to trying to diagnose the cause of a problem. Looking at another ferritin case, we see the patient is at 11. Again, the saturation should be 40 to 80. The doctors tell her, “It’s a little low, but no big deal.” Guess what the patient has? She has brain fog, brain fatigue, tremors, physical fatigue. All of this can be caused by not having enough oxygen delivered to the body’s tissues. Now, some people say, “I went to the doctor, who told me I had anemia. I started taking some supplements, and I got constipated,” or they might list other ways the supplement may not be agreeing with them. Many people with poor iron status take supplements which don’t agree with them, and that is an entirely different issue to try and figure out and solve. I have helped many, many people solve those cases and recover, and eventually get their iron status back up to par. In Conclusion I hope this was helpful for you. If you want to see more, there is also a video where I explain all of this in detail, and you can subscribe to my channel on YouTube and follow my blog to get more content like this in the future.

Non-optimal Iron Status and Dementia Conventional medicine is limited in defining if any relationship exists between a non-optimal iron status and dementia. That’s why this guide provides all relevant details to connect all the dots and furnish you with correct guidance. Taking cues from what this guide offers is a smart way to understand how to beat dementia with ease. Dementia – Causes, Symptoms, and Types Dementia is a rapid loss of cognitive functions like remembering, reasoning, and thinking. It is common among older people and has a potential to interfere with someone’s life and regular activity. Advanced dementia may make sufferers lose control of their emotions and experience rapid, downward personality changes. Dementia is caused by extensive loss or damage to nerve cells . These connections to the brain are responsible for regular functions humans complete each day, but dementia disrupts such activity. Dementia usually causes brain damage in different ways and affects people with unique symptoms. Common symptoms of dementia include: - Rapid memory loss – affects judgment and induces regular confusion in many cases - Speaking difficulty – difficulty/inability to speak, understand, and express thoughts; stunted reading and writing ability - Wandering – getting lost in previously-familiar surroundings - Sharp spending changes – loss of frugality in handling money and settling bills - Repetition – repeating questions and statements in conversations - Hallucinations – along with bouts of paranoia or frequent delusions - Movement difficulty – problems with maintaining balance during movement Currently, about five types of dementia exist, but the most common diagnosis among adults points to Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s & Mild Cognitive Impairment Alzheimer’s is a gradually- de veloping neurological disorder that triggers brain atrophy (shrinking brain). The condition also causes brain cells to die and is a common cause of full-blown dementia in older people. Alzheimer’s causes a continual degradation of social, behavioral, and other necessary skills humans need. People affected by this condition usually find it difficult to function without needing help. Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s include: - Sustained memory loss - Non-existent learning ability - Language issues (pronunciations, reading, and writing) - Difficulty with numbers - Low logical thinking and thought organization - Short attention span - Hostility to new situations However, research has shown that Alzheimer’s develops from an early condition of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). But in some cases, MCI might not degenerate to Alzheimer’s. MCI usually begins when someone loses things often, forgets appointments, and finds trouble piecing words together. Being floxed and chronic fatigue Floroquinolone toxicity is an occurrence among users of antibiotics that might lead to significant health problems. Most sufferers describe the condition as ‘being floxed’. Extensive health challenges floxies suffer might cause intermittent bouts of chronic fatigue. However, little verifiable info exists at the moment to unearth any perceived link between being a floxie and having dementia. Anemia, dementia, and neurological problems Low serum ferritin in the human body is a potent cause of anemia. Several research has shown that anemia is a high-risk factor in people likely to develop symptoms of dementia. Iron deficiency is a major cause of anemia and results in negative changes in a human’s neurological and physiological mechanisms. Anemic people could have to deal with several cognitive development issues. Dealing with anemia directly impairs coordination, regular functions, as well as memory and attention spans. Taking a poly-therapy approach and overturning anemia Beating anemia will be nearly impossible with a mono-therapy approach. A mono-therapy approach rests on one kind of treatment to combat and remedy the effects of anemia. However, mono-therapy usually fails to solve any healthcare challenge, especially one as serious as non-optimal iron levels. Adopting a dynamic, multi-therapy approach is the smartest way to overturn anemia to lead a healthier life. Consulting a qualified doctor to build your poly-therapy regime is the smartest thing to do. Taking such a step makes sure different options work together to improve resistance against anemia. Anemia’s effects on cognitive function in healthy adults Anemic people could find it difficult to perform day-to-day tasks as cognitive impairment is one of its most common symptoms. Low hemoglobin levels in anemic people contributes to brain hypoxia, leading to reduced aerobic abilities and cognitive decline. Cognitive brain function and its link to hemoglobin levels Anemia is essentially a deficiency of red blood cells that contain hemoglobin. Several studies show proof that cognitive brain functions could experience significant reductions due to advanced anemic symptoms. Increasing hemoglobin levels in anemic adults could be a remedy to repair its effects and return normal cognitive brain functions. What is a Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ)? The Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) is a 10-item document administered by clinicians to determine patients’ mental functional capabilities. Scoring for the SPMSQ is described below: - 0 to 2 errors show normal mental functions - 3 to 4 errors show mild cognitive impairment - 5 to 7 errors show moderate cognitive impairment - > 8 errors show severe cognitive impairment Findings from the screening test can help to determine conditions like organic brain syndromes, cognitive impairment, and more. Low Iron Levels and Brain Fog Iron deficiency a t anemic levels could be a major cause of brain fog in once healthy adults. Iron is required to transport oxygen through the human body and brain. Low iron levels directly interfere with an adult’s ability to transmit oxygen to important areas like the brain efficiently. Such shortages result in brain fog and cause significant impairment in previously-easy functions. Iron deficiency at anemic levels could affect adults across all age groups and should be addressed by all means. Conclusion Working with Dr. Hugh Wegwerth i s a smart and effective way to recover from dementia in all its forms. With access to a wealth of resources, hands-on guidance and expert recommendations, it becomes comfortable to overcome dementia entirely. Consultations are one-on-one and you can always reach out for advice on best steps to take towards living healthy again! No one deserves to live with the nagging symptoms of dementia. So, what are you waiting for?! Get in touch now, and maintain your overall health the best way possible!

Mitochondria: The Powerhouses of Hormone Production Mitochondria, the powerhouses of the human body, play a vital role in processing oxygen and converting nutrients from food into energy. Found in almost every cell, mitochondria are responsible for generating 90% of the energy required for the body to function optimally. However, the relationship between mitochondria and hormones goes beyond energy production. Hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, as well as adrenal hormones like norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol, are all closely linked to mitochondria. When mitochondria become sick or function poorly, hormonal imbalances can occur, leading to various mitochondrial diseases and disorders. This article aims to explore the effects of insufficient mitochondria on hormone production in the body. Understanding the Role of Mitochondria The energy produced by mitochondria, in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is essential for the healthy functioning of organs throughout the body. ATP releases energy when broken down and fuels crucial bodily processes. While the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, muscles, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs consume the majority of this energy, mitochondria also play a key role in other bodily functions. They contribute to maintaining a healthy hormonal balance and are responsible for the adequate secretion of hormones. When mitochondria function declines, the brain experiences a decrease in sex steroids like estrogen and testosterone, which can lead to premature aging, particularly in women. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Exploring the Consequences Mitochondrial dysfunction refers to the impaired ability of mitochondria to function properly. When mitochondria fail to generate sufficient energy levels, symptoms of insufficiency manifest in the body. These symptoms may include fatigue, mood swings, brain fatigue, anxiety, joint and lung diseases, indigestion, impaired speech, seizures, and strokes. Since these symptoms often overlap with those of other diseases, mitochondrial dysfunction can be challenging to diagnose. However, suspicion of mitochondrial dysfunction arises when three or more organs are affected. If you suspect dysfunction in multiple organs, seeking immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis is crucial. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction has also been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's, as well as endocrinologic diseases such as thyroid disorders and type-2 diabetes. Identifying Factors Contributing to Mitochondrial Dysfunction Multiple factors can contribute to poor mitochondrial function, with varying degrees of impact. A comprehensive diagnosis is essential to pinpoint the precise causes of mitochondrial dysfunction. Several physiological factors, such as environmental conditions, smoking, air pollution, exposure to certain chemicals, drugs, or genetic abnormalities, can affect mitochondrial function on a cellular level. Common cellular issues include improper functioning of the electron transport chain, reduced electrical and chemical transmembrane potential of the inner mitochondrial membrane, and impaired transport of critical metabolites into mitochondria. While it is often believed that mitochondrial diseases are solely inherited from the mother due to mitochondrial DNA inheritance, it is a misconception. Mitochondrial diseases can affect both organ systems and are inherited from maternal and paternal chromosomes. Mitochondria and Aging: Unveiling the Connection Aging is a natural process characterized by a decline in physiological and biological functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a significant role in the aging process, particularly in women, as it contributes to decreased levels of sex steroids, such as estrogen. When mitochondria function poorly, there is a decline in the production of sex steroids in the brain, including estrogen and testosterone. These hormones are crucial for overall well-being and must be maintained at optimal levels to promote good health. Promoting Hormonal Balance through Mitochondrial Care Mitochondrial diseases can disrupt hormone production and balance in the body, leading to reduced energy levels, increased stress, and various internal problems. Cholesterol levels also significantly impact mitochondrial function. If cholesterol levels are high, it can contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction. It is advisable to follow a diet that helps maintain normal cholesterol levels or lowers high levels. A balanced diet plays a pivotal role in promoting proper hormonal functioning. The nutrients from your diet are broken down by mitochondria, which then provide energy to all major organs in the body. Therefore, if you are experiencing hormonal imbalances with fluctuating hormone levels, adopting a healthy balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients is recommended. Additionally, considering the use of supplements to regulate hormone levels can be beneficial. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any supplements into your routine. Your doctor can diagnose any underlying issues and prescribe appropriate supplements, ensuring their safe and effective usage. In Conclusion Mitochondrial dysfunction can give rise to a wide range of diseases and disorders. As the primary energy producers and contributors to hormone production within the body, mitochondria play a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental well-being. If you observe any of the symptoms mentioned earlier or experience difficulties in more than three organs, it is essential to consult your doctor promptly. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage mitochondrial dysfunction and mitigate the associated effects on hormone production, thereby promoting overall health and vitality.

Today, we're taking a deep dive into a lab case of a 33-year-old woman who had been struggling with neuropathy and tendon pain that left her in a wheelchair. She was also experiencing difficulty gaining weight and muscle wasting. Despite previous efforts with another functional medicine practitioner, her anxiety and insomnia persisted. Dr. Hugh emphasizes the importance of running basic labs before specialized tests, and in this case, they discovered that the patient's white blood cell count was elevated at 10.7. The normal range is between 5.5 and 6.5, indicating an infection or chronic inflammation. Further symptoms such as low blood pressure, pounding heartbeat, and light and sound sensitivity confirmed inflammation in her body. Antibiotics and vaccinations may have played a role in damaging her body, contributing to chronic inflammation as the root cause of her symptoms. Dr. You is thrilled to see progress in her healing journey and reminds us that there is hope for those suffering from chronic health conditions or those affected by antibiotics and vaccinations. With functional medicine and proper guidance, you can uncover the root cause of your symptoms and regain your health. See her FULL report here (click here) Reds and Yellow are BAD! 10 Reds 19 yellows Here is a quick 2 minute AUDIO on what you are looking at!

Listen in and see all the labs and protocols that can help you overcome floxed symptoms. Learn how to heal from floxing with the help of Dr. Hugh Wegwerth in Rosemount, MN.

Ingredients: • 300 grams of cocoa butter • Cocoa chocolate 60% • 1 stick Kerry Gold butter • Lots of MCT oil (Now Brand) • 200 grams of Coconut oil • 300 grams of macadamia nuts • 8 full droppers of stevia (Amazon) • 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract • 1 scoop Paleo Protein Procedure: 1. Mix the butter and oils under low heat for three to five minutes. 2. Once the mixture cools, add the stevia drops and vanilla extract. 3. Pour the fudge into 8-ounce wide ball jars. 4. Spread the nuts evenly across all jars. 5. Refrigerate until the fudge reaches the desired consistency. 6. Enjoy your keto fat bomb and start feeling healthier immediately!

Discover the 4 Must-Know Labs for Neuropathy In my years as a functional medicine expert, I've guided countless individuals on their journey to overcome neuropathy. Dealing with neuropathy requires a comprehensive approach, combining multiple solutions to address your unique challenges. While I often recommend conducting a broad range of lab tests to pinpoint the root causes of your symptoms, there are four crucial labs that I consistently advise my patients to prioritize when it comes to neuropathy. If you're currently battling neuropathy, don't hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we can develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate your neuropathic pain and allow you to reclaim the activities you love, whether it's playing with your kids, enjoying a game of golf, or engaging in other cherished pastimes that neuropathy has been robbing you of. Lab 1: Mold A substantial number of individuals suffering from chronic neuropathy are plagued by mold infections in their system. These infections can stem from exposure to mold that occurred as far back as a decade ago. Mold presence in your body triggers persistent inflammation. This inflammation impedes your nerves' ability to receive vital nutrients and hampers their normal functionality. Consequently, neuropathic symptoms arise. Throughout my practice, I've encountered patients with alarmingly high mold levels. Working together, we've successfully eliminated the mold infection, leading to the disappearance of their symptoms. When undergoing this lab analysis, it's crucial to strive for mold levels as close to zero as possible, although anything below 200 is considered ideal. Lab 2: Fasting Insulin Elevated insulin levels contribute to nerve degeneration. Imagine insulin as shards of glass coursing through your bloodstream, triggering significant inflammation. As I mentioned earlier, inflammation can lead to nerve degeneration and dysfunction, which are the hallmarks of neuropathy. Given the close connection between insulin levels and overall inflammation within your body, it becomes imperative to measure fasting insulin as a key marker during lab tests. Optimal fasting insulin levels should range between 5 and 6. Lab 3: C-Reactive Protein C-Reactive Protein serves as a crucial marker, indicating the levels of inflammation present throughout your body. Ideally, the concentration of this protein should be less than 1. However, I've encountered patients with levels surpassing 13. By addressing the underlying issues that contribute to elevated C-Reactive Protein, we've successfully lowered their markers and alleviated their neuropathy symptoms. Lab 4: Homocysteine Homocysteine serves as a marker that can cause damage to your blood vessels and capillaries. This damage impairs your body's ability to provide essential nutrients and maintain the health of your nerves, ultimately leading to degeneration. While high levels of homocysteine can be attributed to genetic factors as well as lifestyle choices, a healthy individual should strive to maintain homocysteine levels between 5 and 6. Elevated levels of this marker can indicate potential harm to your circulatory system, necessitating prompt treatment. By conducting these four crucial lab tests, you'll gain valuable insights into the underlying causes of your neuropathy. Armed with this knowledge, we can devise an effective treatment plan tailored to your unique situation, ensuring a successful journey towards lasting relief.

Stop Neuropathy In Its Tracks: The Role of Homocysteine in Nerve Damage If you're dealing with neuropathy, you know how debilitating it can be. The constant numbness, tingling, and pain can take a toll on your daily life. But what if I told you that there's one critical marker that you need to check to stop neuropathy in its tracks? That marker is homocysteine, and I'm going to show you why it's so important. The Importance of Nerve Health Your nerves are like the lifeline of your body. They help you feel sensations, control movements, and perform essential functions. But when your nerves are damaged, it can lead to a whole host of problems. And that's where homocysteine comes in. The Role of Homocysteine Homocysteine is an amino acid that's produced by your body when you digest protein. While it's a necessary component of your body's processes, high levels of homocysteine can wreak havoc on your nerves. And when your nerves are damaged, it can affect your quality of life in significant ways. Nerve Damage from High Homocysteine Here's what can happen when your homocysteine level is above six: Your nerves can die: Homocysteine is a direct neurotoxin, which means that it can cause nerve cells to die. And when your nerves start dying off, it can lead to significant problems. Your arteries can get damaged: When your homocysteine level is high, it can cause endothelium dysfunction, which means that your arteries can't deliver the proper oxygen and nutrients to your nerves. This can lead to further damage to your nerves, exacerbating your neuropathy symptoms. Your cells can't detoxify: High homocysteine can cause cell damage, which can lead to poor cell detoxification. And when your cells can't detoxify properly, it can further exacerbate your neuropathy symptoms. Your myelin sheaths can become damaged: High homocysteine can cause defects in methylation, which can affect the myelin sheaths that cover your nerve cells. When your myelin sheaths are damaged, it can lead to poor nerve function and increased neuropathy pain. You can experience inflammation: Homocysteine can cause inflammation in your body, which can further damage your nerves and exacerbate your neuropathy symptoms. Monitoring Your Homocysteine Level As you can see, high homocysteine levels can have a significant impact on your nerves. So, it's crucial to get your homocysteine levels checked regularly and take steps to keep them within the healthy range. The lab range is 0 to 14.5, and the sweet spot is 5 to 6. If your homocysteine level is above six, it's time to take action. Conclusion In conclusion, neuropathy can be a debilitating condition, but you don't have to suffer in silence. By understanding the role of homocysteine in nerve damage and taking steps to keep #neuropathyawareness #neuropathytreatment #nervepainrelief #homocysteine #healthylifestyle #healthyhabits #wellnessjourney #healthtips #selfcare #healthandwellness #healthyliving #healthandfitness #healthandwellnesscoach #healthandwellnessjourney #healthandwellnessblogger #healthandwellnesscommunity #healthandwellnessmatters #healthandwellnessblog #healthandwellnesstips #healthandwellnessproducts #healthandwellnessbusiness #healthandwellnessforall #healthandwellnesscoachlife #healthandwellnesscenter #healthandwellnesscoaching #healthandwellnessprogram

Unraveling Neuropathy: CRP Lab Testing and Effective Treatment Strategies Understanding Neuropathy and Its Impact on the Nervous System Neuropathy is a condition characterized by nerve damage or dysfunction, leading to pain, weakness, and numbness in affected areas. As illustrated in this image of the leg, the large red dots depict areas where neuropathy is present, signifying that the nerves are beginning to deteriorate. The pink region on the right displays the actual nerve, with dark red patches indicating degeneration and decay. The Crucial Role of the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test in Neuropathy Management The CRP test is a critical tool in understanding and managing neuropathy. By measuring the levels of CRP, an inflammatory marker, healthcare professionals can assess the severity of inflammation and potential underlying causes. For instance, one client's initial CRP level was a staggering 224, which was successfully reduced to 3.93 after only eight weeks of targeted treatment. Key Insights from Research on Elevated CRP Levels and Neuropathy Research has provided valuable insights into the implications of high CRP levels for individuals with neuropathy. The following are some of the most significant findings: 1. Inflammation: Elevated CRP levels indicate the presence of inflammation in the body, which can accelerate nerve degeneration compared to a body without inflammation. 2. Underlying Metabolic Issues: High CRP levels could signal underlying metabolic problems, such as autoimmune diseases. Identifying and addressing these potential causes is essential in managing neuropathy effectively. 3. Vascular Damage: High CRP levels can result in damage to the arteries in your fingers and toes, which are often the areas most affected by neuropathy. 4. Immune System Overactivity: When CRP levels are high, the immune system becomes overactive, leading to an attack on your nerves and further exacerbating neuropathy symptoms. Empowering the Neuropathy Community with Knowledge and Treatment Options By understanding the critical role of CRP lab testing in neuropathy management, individuals suffering from this condition can take a proactive approach to their health. By identifying and addressing the underlying causes of neuropathy, healthcare professionals can develop effective treatment strategies to minimize symptoms and improve the quality of life for those living with neuropathy. #neuropathy #neuropathysupport #neuropathytreatment #neuropathyawareness #neuropathywarrior #neuropathyfighter #neuropathypain #neuropathysurvivor #neuropathycommunity #neuropathysucks #neuropathyhope #neuropathyhealing

Introduction: Unmasking the Sinister Effects of Neuropathy Are you fed up with neuropathy's relentless assault on your life? It's time to pull back the curtain and expose the truth. Take a gander at this eye-opening illustration, which reveals the insidious nature of neuropathy. On the left side of the image, there's a depiction of a foot – your foot, to be exact – with a sinister red zone that highlights the site where nerves are withering away and inflicting pain. Shift your focus to the right side of the image, and you'll spot the actual physical nerve, sprinkled with tiny red specks. These ominous dots represent the dying and decaying myelin sheath, a prime accomplice in neuropathy's reign of terror. The Fasting Insulin Test: Your Secret Weapon Against Neuropathy It's time to unveil a critical test you absolutely must take – the fasting insulin test. In the accompanying visual, you'll find the insulin levels of one of my clients, indicated by a red arrow pointing at a staggering 41.8 – a level that's off the charts. For reference, the standard insulin level range spans from 2.6 to 24.9, with research suggesting that the sweet spot lies between 5 and 6. High Insulin Levels: The Five Horsemen of Nerve Destruction Scientific research has unmasked high insulin levels as a key instigator of five harmful effects, which include: 1. The Inflammation Inferno: Skyrocketing glucose levels fan the flames of inflammation, ultimately incinerating nerves and causing irreparable damage. 2. AGEs: The Silent Assassins: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are stealthy proteins lurking in your bloodstream, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and wreak havoc on your nerves. 3. The Relentless Siege of Chronic Inflammation: High insulin levels wage a continuous war of attrition, engulfing your body in inflammation and creating a stronghold for diseases like neuropathy to fester and thrive. 4. The Stranglehold on Blood Flow: By constricting blood circulation to tissues in your extremities, like your hands and feet, high insulin levels only serve to tighten neuropathy's grip on your life. 5. The Downfall of the Myelin Sheath: Finally, the myelin sheath, the guardian of your nerves, is left defenseless and in ruins as high insulin levels cause it to crumble and decay. Final Thoughts: Rally the Troops and Spread the Word Empower Others to Battle Neuropathy: If this information has armed you with valuable insights, don't keep it to yourself. Rally your comrades by liking, commenting, and sharing this content with those you care about. By spreading awareness, you can help others join the fight against neuropathy and march toward a healthier future. #neuropathy #neuropathysupport #neuropathytreatment #neuropathyawareness #neuropathywarrior #neuropathyfighter #neuropathypain #neuropathysurvivor #neuropathycommunity #neuropathysucks #neuropathyhope #neuropathyhealing #neuropathyeducation #neuropathyrecovery #neuropathysolutions #neuropathyresearch #neuropathyrelief #neuropathycauses #neuropathysymptoms #neuropathyjourney #neuropathydiet #neuropathymovement #neuropathyblog #neuropathyexercises #neuropathywellness #neuropathyexercise

Introduction: The Power of Vitamin D in Combating Neuropathy Vitamin D, often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, has been hailed for its numerous health benefits. But did you know that it could also play a pivotal role in alleviating neuropathy symptoms? In this article, we'll explore how this humble hormone may prove to be a game-changer in your fight against neuropathy. Neuropathy: A Brief Overview What is Neuropathy? To better understand neuropathy, let's take a closer look at its underlying mechanism. Imagine your leg covered in large red dots, signifying areas where neuropathy is beginning to manifest. These dots represent nerves that are gradually dying. Upon examining the nerve fiber, you'll find smaller red dots, indicating the deterioration of the myelin sheath, ultimately causing neuropathy symptoms. The Critical Role of Vitamin D in Neuropathy Management The Importance of Optimal Vitamin D Levels One of my clients, for example, had a strikingly low vitamin D level of 6.3, compared to the normal lab range of 30-80. Ideally, if you're dealing with neuropathy, your vitamin D levels should be around the sweet spot of 80. Below, we'll discuss the four main ways that optimal vitamin D levels can positively impact your body and neuropathy symptoms. 1. Vitamin D and Myelin Sheath Repair Vitamin D is essential for maintaining and repairing the myelin sheath. As previously mentioned, the degradation of the myelin sheath is a significant contributor to neuropathy. Without sufficient vitamin D, your body will struggle to repair the myelin sheath, exacerbating neuropathy symptoms. 2. Vitamin D's Role in Immune System Regulation Your immune system is heavily influenced by your vitamin D status. Insufficient levels of vitamin D can lead to a dysregulated immune system, which may begin attacking your nerves and worsening neuropathy. Maintaining optimal vitamin D levels can help ensure a balanced immune response, reducing the likelihood of nerve damage. 3. Pain Modulation and Vitamin D Vitamin D is also crucial for modulating pain. If your vitamin D levels are suboptimal, your pain receptors become more sensitive, causing you to perceive pain more intensely. This heightened pain perception can aggravate neuropathy symptoms, making it even more essential to maintain proper vitamin D levels. Conclusion: The Importance of Vitamin D for Neuropathy Relief In summary, maintaining optimal vitamin D levels can significantly improve your neuropathy symptoms by promoting myelin sheath repair, regulating your immune system, and modulating pain. If you or a loved one is experiencing neuropathy, it's vital to keep an eye on your vitamin D levels and take necessary steps to ensure they remain in the sweet spot. Share this information with friends and family to help spread awareness about the connection between vitamin D and neuropathy relief. #neuropathy #neuropathysupport #neuropathytreatment #neuropathyawareness #neuropathywarrior #neuropathyfighter #neuropathypain #neuropathysurvivor #neuropathycommunity #neuropathysucks #neuropathyhope #neuropathyhealing

Defining Neuropathy and Identifying Degenerating Nerves Don't let neuropathy advance unchecked. Here's what you need to know. First, let's define neuropathy. Take a look at this image. The red area represents your leg, where neuropathy is beginning to develop. The nerves in this area are starting to degenerate. Observe the pink nerve and the dark red blotches, which indicate nerve degeneration and decay. The Importance of Testing for Mold One essential lab test to consider is checking for mold. This simple urine test can determine if mold is present in your body. To illustrate the impact of mold, let's discuss a client's case. A Case Study: High Levels of Mold When we tested her for mold, her Gliotoxin levels were shockingly high at 25,539 (normal levels are below 200). This showed she had a massive amount of mold in her body. The Four Critical Ways Mold Affects Your Nerves Research indicates that mold can affect your nerves in four critical ways: 1. Neurotoxicity : Mold in your body can cause your nerves to degenerate. 2. Inflammation : Mold leads to chronic inflammation, resulting in degenerating nerves. This may explain why some people visit multiple doctors without finding a solution—they haven't been tested for mold. 3. Blood-brain barrier disruption: Mold can impact the blood-brain barrier, which in turn affects neuropathy. When the blood-brain barrier is compromised, your body may perceive more pain because the brain's ability to diminish pain is hindered. 4. Overall detrimental effects: Mold exposure can reveal your body's weakest points, and for some, that may be neuropathy. If you find this information helpful, please like, comment, and share with someone who may benefit from it. #neuropathy #neuropathysupport #neuropathytreatment #neuropathyawareness #neuropathywarrior #neuropathyfighter #neuropathypain #neuropathysurvivor #neuropathycommunity #neuropathysucks #neuropathyhope #neuropathyhealing

PCOS and High Testosterone Struggling with Menstrual Cycle Problems? Discover the Solutions Are you a woman dealing with painful or inconsistent menstrual cycles? This problem can be overwhelming, but the solution might be closer than you think. Dive into this article, and learn how hormone imbalances, particularly with testosterone, can impact your menstrual health and well-being. Male Hormones in Female Bodies - A Delicate Balance Understanding Androgens Male hormones, called androgens, play a role in the female body. Certain levels are normal and needed. But when these hormones rise, particularly testosterone, it can turn typical menstrual cycles into uncomfortable or even agonizing experiences. The Devastation of High Testosterone in Women It's no secret that having too much testosterone can create issues for women. Let's have a look at what you might face: Hair loss/male pattern baldness Excessive hair growth Weight gain Ovarian cysts Low libido Fatigue Acne Mood swings Difficulty conceiving If you notice the testosterone and estrogen chart below, you'll see how testosterone stays relatively low during the menstrual cycle, with a spike that remains below estrogen's levels. But, women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) experience alarmingly high testosterone with low estrogen. Imagine these levels swapping, with testosterone consistently high. That's the picture. Factors Causing High Testosterone Many factors can drive testosterone high, including: Poor gut health Elevated insulin High blood sugar Concussions Food sensitivities causing low hydrochloric acid levels The Androgen Dilemma – What's Going on in Your Body? Androgens might seem mysterious, but they don't have to be. Many culprits, like excessive insulin and genetics, are at play. While we can't change our genes, we can adjust our lifestyles to reduce the symptoms. Lifestyle Changes to Counter High Androgens Making five or six alterations in your life may lead to significant improvements. Adjustments in diet, quitting smoking, and embracing a multifaceted approach to medicine can make a world of difference. Finding Harmony - The Importance of Hormone Balance Life's all about balance, and your body's hormones are no different. If hormones like progesterone are out of whack, your body might not function properly. Hormones and Insulin's Role Your hormones come from cholesterol. But high levels of hormones like insulin can disrupt this processing system. Get your insulin levels checked! Normal levels should be between 4 and 7. Anything higher can cause inflammation, leading to a rise in testosterone and other male hormones. You don't want that! The Power of Progesterone in Men and Women This vital hormone plays different roles in men and women. In females, it's tied to vitality and youthfulness. In males, excessive estrogen can lead to unwanted physical changes. Keeping Insulin Levels in Check Monitoring your insulin levels helps maintain proper hormone balance. If it's too high, your menstrual cycle can get thrown off completely. Keeping these hormones in harmony ensures a healthy cycle. Healing and Hope - Taking Control of Your Health Feeling overwhelmed? Don't fret. Numerous studies, like the one published in 2021 citing over 230 sources, show that various treatments, from supplements to dietary changes, can support healthy reproductive organs. If you're struggling with PCOS due to high testosterone, know that there are many different factors at play and several courses of treatment. Reach out to start your path to healing and get your cycles working correctly. There's hope for your health, and you don't have to face it alone.

Check out Episode 36 on PCOS now! Understanding the Challenges: PCOS and Endometriosis PCOS Symptoms: Excessive hair loss Ovarian cysts Irregular and missed periods High testosterone levels Insulin resistance Fatigue Acne Endometriosis Symptoms: Pelvic pain Infertility Excessive bleeding Constipation Nausea The Link Between Blood Sugar and Inflammation Blood Sugar and Inflammation: There is a direct relationship between blood sugar and inflammation, and therefore a relationship between blood sugar and PCOS, endometriosis, and painful periods. Implementing the Protocol: Tracking Blood Sugar Levels Tracking Blood Sugar Levels: Luckily, it is very easy to track your blood sugar levels. You can purchase this $30 glucose meter [2]. You will use this to prick your finger, and measure the amount of glucose in your blood using the slides you can also purchase at a very affordable price. How to Track Your Blood Sugar Levels: When you get up in the morning, you are going to record your blood sugar. You’ll also record your levels before you eat, thirty minutes after eating, one hour after eating, two hours after eating, and again before you go to bed. If you happen to wake up in the middle of the night, it is also a good idea to test it then. That can add up to a lot of pricks very quickly. For this first week, you might end up pricking your finger 15 times a day. But what’s the point? What is this going to accomplish? Leveraging Data for Personalized Improvement The Importance of Data: After all of these tests over the course of a week, we will now have a fairly clear picture of how your blood sugar fluctuates over the course of the day. Now you will be able to clearly identify if you have a few or many spikes in a day, or if you are in the sweet spot. If you fall out of that zone, then we can make a good assumption that it is contributing to your female problems, since your chronic state of inflammation all over your body will also cause female organs to inflame. Taking the Next Steps Seeking Personalized Guidance: There is a fair probability that your levels are high, and there are many more articles about this on my website. But what can you do? The good news is that there is a lot of hope. If you are looking to get some help, you can schedule a Zoom or phone call with me, and we can discuss a path to get you better. Ideally, have a hyperlink to the bottom of the page, or a link to wherever you have these available. I've purposely left this sort of vague so you can change it to however you are going to link to the studies. Embrace the New Protocol and Reclaim Your Well-being Take charge of your PCOS, endometriosis, and painful periods with this revolutionary protocol. By tracking your blood sugar levels and making targeted adjustments, you can alleviate your symptoms and achieve a better quality of life. Say goodbye to pain and hello to a brighter, healthier future.

Welcome to a straightforward guide designed for all the wonderful women out there navigating the challenges of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) . We're diving into an often-overlooked aspect of managing this condition: the significance of C-reactive Protein (CRP) testing. It's simpler than it sounds, promise! What Exactly Is CRP and Why Should You Care? Unraveling the Mystery of CRP First off, let's break down what CRP stands for. Imagine CRP as a red flag your body waves around when it's fighting off something harmful, like an infection or chronic inflammation. For women grappling with PCOS, this marker is like a secret code that can reveal hidden inflammation in your body. The Link Between CRP Levels and PCOS What the Research Says There's this study we stumbled upon that shines a light on something pretty important. It talks about how women with PCOS often have higher levels of CRP. Think of CRP as a global marker for inflammation. This isn't just any marker; it's like the beacon showing how much inflammation is partying inside your body without an invite. A Real-Life Transformation with PCOS Now, let me paint you a picture with a story of transformation. We had this client, a brave woman battling PCOS. We checked her CRP levels before starting our special program tailored just for her. Picture this: a lab report with a big red arrow pointing to her CRP level at 4.87. Now, in a perfect world, that number should be less than one. Fast forward through our program designed with PCOS in mind, and her CRP level danced down to 1.09. That's the power of targeted care. Take Action and Transform Your Health Step Out of the Shadows of PCOS If you're out there feeling stuck in the shadows cast by PCOS, and the usual routes haven't lit the way, it's time for a chat. Our journey together could be the beacon you've been searching for, guiding you towards a path less inflamed. Join Our Community of Thrivers Loved diving into the simplicity of CRP and its impact on PCOS with us? If this snippet of knowledge sparked something in you, don't keep it to yourself. Like, comment, and share this insight to spread a little light. Together, let's build a community where understanding meets action in the realm of PCOS management.

PDF of lecture notes~ Dysautonomia symptoms & treatment Understanding Dysautonomia I have personally helped hundreds of people with dysautonomia. Many people go from doctor to doctor trying to find what is causing their neurological problems and end up being given anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications to no avail. So what is dysautonomia? According to the organization, Dysautonomia International, dysautonomia describes several medical conditions causing a malfunction of the Autonomic Nervous System. This part of the nervous system is what controls the body functions our bodies do without us thinking about it. This can include heart rate, blood pressure, pupils, kidney function, etc. Because this condition affects your brain’s ability to automatically perform tasks, you might see symptoms from any organ or system that you do not consciously need to regulate. The problem is in your brain but shows symptoms in your organs and systems, including your: Heart Blood vessels Kidneys Spleen Skin Stomach Bladder Pancreas Lungs Gallbladder Small and/or large intestines Eyes Immune system Since the symptoms are caused by neurological issues but expressed in other symptoms, it can be extremely difficult to diagnose dysautonomia as the cause. THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT SLOW! You DON'T want FAST Symptoms of Dysautonomia While there are many possible symptoms of dysautonomia, the most common symptoms include: Rapid heart rate Orthostatic hypertension (sudden rise in blood pressure when standing) Chronic fatigue Anxiety Temperature regulation Shortness of breath Irritable bowel syndrome Dizziness Migraines Dysautonomia, the Midbrain, and the Cerebellum The central portion of the brain, aptly called the midbrain, is what controls these automatic regulations. If it is not functioning properly, you will likely be experiencing neurological issues that you (and likely your doctors) do not understand. Similar to the midbrain, the cerebellum is directly connected to your body through the spinal cord. The cerebellum alone has more neurons than the rest of your entire brain combined and acts as a sort of “gatekeeper” between the brain and the body. It regulates the signals and information being passed both ways. The cerebellum is directly connected to the rest of the body through the spinal cord and nerves. If there is something wrong with the cerebellum, it will have immediate effects on the rest of the body. This takes the form of problems caused within your parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve systems. The former controls functions related to relaxation and digestion, while the latter is related to your “fight or flight” responses. Dysautonomia often causes problems by activating your sympathetic systems. What Causes Dysautonomia? I can confidently say that 100% of the clients I work with have some level of dysautonomia. The causes can be minor or major, including: Low Vitamin D levels Poor GI health Poor cell membrane function Concussions Antibiotic damage Food sensitivities (including dairy and gluten) Low blood pressure Low blood sugar Anemia High inflammatory marks on labs Low magnesium levels Mold infection Heavy metals present in the body Stress Autoimmune diseases against your own nervous system Not enough stomach acid to properly digest food High insulin levels Being pre-diabetic Major infections (EBV, long-haul covid, etc) Examples of Dysautonomia While there are many ways these causes may present themselves, here is a simple example of how dysautonomia might be affecting your body. Let’s say your stomach is not using enough acid to break down food. This keeps the food in your system longer, which allows it to ferment. This fermentation brings with it higher bacteria growth than is necessary. That higher level of bacteria results in more protein being passed into the blood, which can create major inflammation problems throughout the entire body. Your nervous system is an “all or nothing” system. That means it either is firing completely, or not at all. Dysautonomia lowers your threshold for your nerves to fire, meaning that less stimuli is needed for your brain to act. An example of this might be light or noise sensitivity. Things to get checked out What Can You Do? The first thing to do is get tested and look for the root causes listed above. Finding out what problems are going on in your body will give you a clear idea of how to approach your treatment. Finding out you suffer from chronic low blood pressure, or subclinical anemia will help you treat your individual problems and allow your body to function properly. Not all situations require testing. For example, if you consistently suffer from bloating, diarrhea, or other digestive problems then you can likely ascribe your dysautonomia to a GI issue without testing. You can look for resources on my website or schedule a call with me, and we can discuss what issues you are experiencing. Together we can come up with a treatment plan that can help you on the way to health.

Carbs: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - Know the Difference and Feel the Impact! The myth that all carbohydrates are harmful is just that—a myth! Let's dive deeper with this handy glycemic index guide, which reveals the truth about carbs and their impact on your health. The Glycemic Index: A Game-Changer The glycemic index is a game-changer. It shows how swiftly carbs break down and enter your bloodstream, affecting insulin levels and inflammation. High-glycemic carbs are the real culprits, causing spikes in insulin and raising inflammation throughout your body. Check This Out There are so many different foods you can eat. Some have inflammation-fighting, low-glycemic carbs, like fruits and fiber-packed veggies. Others, with medium and high-glycemic carbs, such as white bread, can wreak havoc on your health. So it depends on the types of carbs you are eating to determine which you are eating too much of. The Bottom Line: Not All Carbs Are Enemies By focusing on low and medium-glycemic options, you can combat inflammation and experience a healthier, more energetic life. Don't let misconceptions about carbs hold you back. Make informed choices and feel the benefits! If this insight resonated with you, please like, comment, and share it with those you care about.

What Your Triglycerides Say About Your Diet Let's dive into something super important: your blood work, especially those numbers called triglycerides. Think of triglycerides like a secret code that tells you if you're eating the right amount of carbs or way too many. I'm here to make it easy to understand, just like I did with one of my clients. What are Triglycerides? What do high triglycerides mean? So, here's the deal. Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood, and their levels can tell us a lot about what you eat. A healthy level is usually between 0 and 149, but the sweet spot? That's around 100. Now, if you peek at your blood work and see a number higher than 100, especially over 149, it's like a big red flag waving at you, saying, "Hey, you might be eating too many carbs!" What is the connection between carbs and triglycerides? How Do Carbs Turn into Triglycerides? Wondering why carbs matter? Let me break it down for you. When you eat a lot of carbs, like bread or pasta, your body turns those carbs into sugar. This sugar then travels in your blood and ends up in your liver. Your liver, acting like a little factory, turns this sugar into triglycerides. This process is pretty tiring for your body and can even make you feel exhausted. Too Many Carbs = Too Many Triglycerides If your triglyceride levels are high, like over 100, it's a sign that there might be too much sugar cruising through your blood. This isn't just about numbers; it's about your health. High triglycerides can be a warning sign that you need to watch your carb intake. Take Action for Your Health Ho to Check Your Triglyercide Levels and Adjust Your Diet What can you do? First, get your blood work done. Look specifically at your triglycerides. If they're in the ideal range, awesome! If not, it might be time to cut back on those carbs. Remember, your body works hard to manage all that sugar, and too much can be a burden. Share the Knowledge I hope this makes things clearer for you. If you found this helpful, don't keep it to yourself! Like, comment, and share this with someone you care about. Let's all get healthier together by understanding what our bodies are telling us! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

Hey there, health-conscious friend! Ever wondered if that extra serving of pasta or that second piece of pie is causing more harm than good? There's a sneaky number in your blood work that can give you the answer, and today, I'm pulling back the curtain to reveal it. The Number You Need to Know: What High Triglycerides Means Now, don’t glaze over. We're not about to dive deep into science class. Instead, think of triglycerides as little messengers in your blood. If they're shouting too loudly, you might be having a few too many carb-filled treats. Let me paint you a picture. Imagine a friend of mine, who's just like you and me. He got his labs done, and the report showed something alarming. Reading Between the Lines of the Lab Report In his report, right there, bold and upfront, was the word "Triglycerides." If you're like most folks, you want that number between 0 and 149. Anything below 100? Gold star for you! But my friend? His number was off the charts at a whopping 346. That's like showing up to a quiet library with a brass band! Why Should You Care About High Triglycerides? Here's the simple truth. When you eat more carbs than you should, they turn into sugars in your blood. Now, sugar isn’t just bad for your teeth—it's not great for your insides either. It's kind of like an unwelcome houseguest: your body needs to do something with it fast. The Sugary Problem and Its Solution Here's where it gets interesting. Your body's way of dealing with this sugar invasion? Your liver steps up, acting like a superhero, and transforms this sugar into triglycerides. Sounds cool, right? But there's a twist. This transformation isn’t like a magic show – it needs a LOT of energy. Imagine running a marathon after eating a big meal. You'd feel worn out, right? That's how your liver feels, and it can leave you feeling tired too. The Bottom Line: Watch Your Carbs! If your triglycerides are soaring over 100, maybe it's time to rethink that extra serving of fries or that sweet drink. Aim to keep your levels between 80 to 100. It's a small change, but your liver will thank you. Avoiding high triglycerides means having a healthy lifestyle, and there are other parts of your glycemic index that matter too. Share the Knowledge Did this tidbit open your eyes? I bet it did! If you found this helpful, don’t keep it a secret. Pass it on! Share it with someone you care about. And hey, while you're at it, drop a comment. We love hearing from our smart readers like you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

The HCL Challenge- Optimal digestion is super important for your body to work right. One big reason for digestive issues is not having enough hydrochloric acid (HCL) in your stomach. The parietal cells in your stomach are the ones that make this acid. HCL is key because it helps break down the food you eat. When you munch on fats, proteins, and carbs, HCL gets the digestion process rolling. If your stomach doesn't have enough HCL, you might face some annoying digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and other issues. To figure out if your stomach has the right amount of hydrochloric acid for perfect digestion, you've got to try the HCL challenge. Impact of Low HCL in Digestive Process For apt understand, let's say north is your stomach and south is for pooh. Therefore, the digestion process starts from north and goes south. So, you need first to ensure you chew your foods properly. Then the food goes into the stomach after chewing. You need to have enough hydrochloric acid in your stomach for this to happen because inadequate hydrochloric acid in the stomach disrupts the normal digestive process. Inadequacy HCL causes your food to leave your stomach and go into your small intestine. If your body doesn't produce enough hydrochloric acid (HCL) , it means the parietal cells in your stomach aren't doing their job properly. This lack of HCL affects other parts of your digestive system too. For instance, your pancreas won't get the signal to produce the necessary digestive enzymes, and your gallbladder won't be prompted to produce bile. This leads to a shortage of both pancreatic enzymes and bile acid. These deficiencies can disrupt your gastrointestinal (GI) system, causing issues like poor gut health, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and more. Therefore, undergoing a hydrochloric acid challenge test is important. It helps determine the right supplements to take and the best digestive programs to follow in order to repair and restore your gut health. You might try various supplements and GI protocols, like glutamine, aloe vera, mushrooms, licorice, and other specialized options, to increase your hydrochloric acid levels. However, if you still find yourself lacking enough hydrochloric acid in your stomach after these efforts, don't worry. Keep reading this post until the end. I'm going to recommend some highly effective, yet affordable, capsules that can help repair and restore your gut health. Additionally, I'll share the detailed protocol that I've used for the past ten years to successfully reverse chronic degenerative conditions and GI issues in my patients. The Problem of Undigested Protein and Its Effect The problem of undigested large protein molecules can be a major issue for your digestive health. Normally, if your digestive enzymes and bile acids are functioning well, they break down proteins efficiently, allowing them to be absorbed into your gut without causing inflammation. However, when there's a lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid (HCL), digestive enzymes, and bile acid, these proteins remain undigested. For example, consider lactose that isn't properly broken down. This results in large protein molecules, which can cross the gut barrier and enter the bloodstream - a place they're not supposed to be. When your immune system detects these misplaced lactose molecules, it starts to attack them, leading to widespread inflammation. This inflammation can cause a variety of health issues, including brain fog, chronic fatigue, muscle and tendon pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and various thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. All these conditions can stem from a leaky gut caused by poor digestion. Improving Your HCL and Digestion Improving your HCL (hydrochloric acid) levels and digestion can be achieved with the help of a supplement called Betaine HCL. This supplement is rich in essential nutrients and includes pepsin, another digestive enzyme that helps break down food. While its main component is HCL, it may also contain other ingredients to aid digestion. When choosing a Betaine HCL supplement, it's not necessary to stick to a specific brand, but ensure that it's labeled as Betaine HCL. Here's a detailed protocol for using Betaine HCL: Start Small : Begin with a half capsule per meal. It's crucial to take Betaine HCL only when your meal includes fat and protein. Avoid taking it with just an apple or carbohydrates. The meal should be a combination of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Meal Composition : Make sure each meal contains fat, protein, and carbohydrates. This is essential when taking Betaine HCL. Monitoring for Heartburn : Continue this routine until you experience heartburn. The occurrence of heartburn indicates that your HCL has reached its optimal level, and you can stop using the supplement. Adjustment Based on Heartburn : If you reach a point where you get heartburn, you'll need to scale down the dosage. Frequency of Use : Typically, you should use half a capsule with each main meal - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many people may need to take five to seven capsules before experiencing heartburn. It's important to follow this protocol closely and adjust based on your body's reactions, particularly the onset of heartburn, which is a key indicator of your HCL levels. What if you don't get Heartburn after Using Several Betaine HCL Capsules? If you're taking several Betaine HCL capsules with each meal and still not experiencing heartburn, this could indicate significant issues with your gut health. In such cases, it's possible that your parietal cells are not producing enough hydrochloric acid. There are a few reasons why this might be happening: Degenerative Health Conditions : If you have a degenerative health condition, it may be affecting your body's ability to produce HCL. As the condition progresses, your hydrochloric acid levels could continue to decrease. Generally, HCL production declines with age, and this decline can be more pronounced if you have chronic health issues. Genetic Factors : Genetics can also play a role in HCL production. Some people might naturally produce less hydrochloric acid right from the start. If you're genetically predisposed to low HCL production, you may always produce an insufficient amount, which could impact your digestion throughout your life. This might explain why you could have experienced gastrointestinal issues from a young age, possibly as early as elementary or high school. Understanding these factors is essential in addressing your digestive health and finding appropriate methods to enhance hydrochloric acid levels and overall gut health. How do you Figure Out the Number of Capsules you Need to Repair your Gut?  determine the right number of Betaine HCL capsules needed for gut repair, it's important to follow a gradual and careful approach. Here's a step-by-step guide: Starting Point : Begin by taking a half capsule with each meal for three days. Incremental Increase : On the fourth day, increase the dosage to one full capsule per meal. Continue this for another three days. Further Increases : If you don't experience any heartburn after three days on one capsule, increase the dosage to two capsules per meal. Take this amount for three days. Continued Adjustments : If you still don't have heartburn, on the fourth day, increase to three capsules per meal. Continue this for three days. If there's still no heartburn, you can increase to four capsules per meal, again for three days. Reaching Higher Dosages : Proceed to increase the dosage by one capsule every three days, reaching up to five capsules per meal. If necessary, you can go up to seven capsules per meal, but this should be the maximum limit. Maximum Limit : Seven capsules per meal is the maximum I recommend. Do not exceed this amount. It's crucial not to rush into this protocol. Each time you increase the dosage, make sure to maintain that level for three days before increasing again. This gradual method helps you carefully monitor your body's response and find the right dosage for your needs. What to do when you get heartburn after using four Capsules? If you experience heartburn after using four Betaine HCL capsules, here's what you should do: Reduce the Dosage : Once you get heartburn at four capsules, it's time to decrease the dose. Drop down to three capsules, which is the amount you tolerated without heartburn. Take three capsules with each meal - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Monitor and Adjust : As your body begins to heal, you may find that you start experiencing heartburn at this new, lower dosage. If that happens, reduce the dosage further to two capsules. Finding Your Ideal Dosage : By following this protocol, you'll gradually discover the right number of capsules you need for each meal to maintain a healthy gut without causing heartburn. This process allows you to adjust the dosage as your gut health improves. Sticking to a Brand : Choose a brand of Betaine HCL and stick with it. Different brands can have varying strengths and compositions. For instance, the brand I recommend with vital nutrients contains 1040 milligrams of Betaine HCF in two capsules. If you start with a half capsule, that's about 250 milligrams. Consistency with your chosen brand is important for accurately gauging the effect. Maximum Limit : Do not exceed seven capsules per meal. If you don’t experience heartburn even at this high dosage, it indicates a significant issue with your GI system, and further investigation is necessary. Start Slowly : Begin with a half capsule and gradually increase. This slow progression is key, as different brands have different concentrations of the active ingredients. Efficacy of the Protocol : This approach has been highly effective in reversing chronic degenerative conditions and GI problems in my patients over the past decade. It's a simple yet often overlooked method in functional medicine. Moreover, HCL supplements like Betaine are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to other enzyme supplements. Following this method diligently will help you to effectively tailor your HCL supplement intake to your body's needs and improve your digestive health.

Introduction Have you ever encountered the enigmatic properties of methylene blue and its profound impact on mitochondrial function? Allow me to elucidate this fascinating connection. Within the vast repository of knowledge known as PubMed, an extensive compilation of research endeavors from across the globe, methylene blue and mitochondria emerge as a captivating subject. Immerse yourself in this exploration of over 220 scholarly articles, all delving into how methylene blue exerts its influence on your mitochondria. Let us embark on a journey to unravel three pivotal mechanisms through which methylene blue offers support to these vital cellular powerhouses. Electron Navigation and Amplified ATP Production As we venture into the intricate landscape of mitochondria, methylene blue unveils its first remarkable feat: facilitating electron flow within these energy factories. By streamlining the passage of electrons, this enigmatic substance heightens adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, the quintessential energy currency of our cells. Picture methylene blue as a conductor orchestrating a harmonious symphony within the mitochondrial realm. Enhanced Membrane Permeability and Intricate Exchange Methylene blue's second act unfolds as it confers enhanced permeability upon the mitochondrial membranes. Through this biochemical wizardry, these membranes become more receptive, allowing seamless passage of vital substances into and out of the mitochondria. Imagine methylene blue as a skillful gatekeeper, deftly facilitating the exchange of essential components, fostering a state of cellular equilibrium. Mitochondrial Integrity and ATP Preservation Our journey through the methylene blue narrative concludes with its exceptional ability to safeguard mitochondrial integrity. This extraordinary substance acts as a sealant, mending any microscopic breaches that could undermine the mitochondria's functionality. By preventing the occurrence of leaky mitochondria, methylene blue ensures the preservation of ATP production, the lifeblood that fuels our cellular vitality. Recommended Dosage and Call to Action Now, as we near the end of our expedition, I urge you to consider integrating methylene blue into your wellness routine. The recommended dosage ranges from 8mg to 16mg, an appropriate starting point for exploring its potential benefits. (This is a proper methylene blue dose for UTIs as well if that is one reason for considering taking it.) Embrace this opportunity to embark on a journey of mitochondrial empowerment. Share this transformative knowledge with those dear to you, as we strive to unlock the secrets of optimal well-being together. Conclusion In the intricate tapestry of human biology, methylene blue emerges as a potent ally in nurturing the delicate dance between our mitochondria and vitality. Its multifaceted actions, from facilitating electron navigation and bolstering ATP production to enhancing membrane permeability and fortifying mitochondrial integrity, make methylene blue an enigmatic force to be reckoned with. Embrace the power of this remarkable substance and witness the profound impact it can have on your well-being. Buy on Amazon! Schedule a call with Dr. Hugh now to start getting the care you deserve to feel better.

Here are some great resources on Glyphosate https://www.drugwatch.com/roundup/ https://www.drugwatch.com/roundup/glyphosate/ The Unseen Threat in Your Food Is the food you're consuming slowly harming your health? The alarming truth is that it might be. The culprit is a chemical called glyphosate, which has been increasingly used in agriculture since its introduction in 1992. This article will explore the dangers of glyphosate in your food and provide insights into how you can protect yourself and your loved ones. The Glyphosate Surge: A Growing Concern Glyphosate was initially introduced as an effective herbicide and quickly gained popularity due to its ability to control weeds. The graph of its usage over the past two decades shows an alarming increase, as it became a staple in modern agriculture. Today, glyphosate is found in many of the products we consume daily, from cereals like Cheerios and Lucky Charms to staples like oats. How Glyphosate Affects Living Organisms The primary function of glyphosate as an herbicide is to kill unwanted plants and insects. It accomplishes this by puncturing the stomachs of insects, causing them to die. This raises the question of how glyphosate might affect humans who consume food products containing the chemical. The Health Risks Associated with Glyphosate Consumption Research on glyphosate has revealed a range of potential health risks. According to scientific studies, this chemical can contribute to various diseases and conditions, including: 1. Dysbiosis: An imbalance in the gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues and weakened immunity. 2. Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, causing damage to the small intestine. 3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. 4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common disorder affecting the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. 5. Anxiety and Depression: Mental health issues stemming from the potential neurological effects of glyphosate. These health risks demonstrate the importance of being aware of the potential dangers associated with consuming food products containing glyphosate. Choosing Organic: A Healthier Alternative To minimize your exposure to glyphosate and its associated health risks, consider switching to a 100% organic diet. Organic foods are produced without the use of harmful chemicals, providing a safer and healthier option for you and your family. By making this change, you can work towards eliminating the potential causes of chronic health issues linked to glyphosate. Conclusion: Take Control of Your Health Today The presence of glyphosate in our food supply is a growing concern. By understanding the risks associated with this chemical and making informed choices about the products we consume, we can take control of our health and protect ourselves from its harmful effects. Share this information with your loved ones and consider making the switch to an organic diet for a healthier future. If you found this article informative and valuable, please like, comment, and share it with those you care about. Together, we can make a difference in our health and well-being.