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Thyroid Relief: 20 Tips
THYROID RELIEF
20 Tips For:
Better Energy & Sleep
Better Focus & Memory
Better Skin & Hair and
Better Metabolism
Dr. Todd Stone
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Thyroid Relief: 20 Tips
Patients Speak…
“Prior to seeing Dr. Stone 6 months ago; I had no energy, I was in the bed by 6:00 p.m. every evening and I took naps during the day when I could. I felt bad all the time almost like I had the flu. I had severe stomach cramps, constant constipation and bloating. These symptoms I coped with for years thinking this must be my norm.
I had seen multiple doctors for my symptoms; internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology and gastroenterologist. I was told I was sickly, that my body was going through changes. There were times I felt like I was going crazy. I wasn’t getting the help I needed.
A friend mentioned seeing an alternative medicine physician. After 6 months of treatment with Dr. Stone; I can’t stay still I have so much energy in fact my husband says he is going to have to see Dr. Stone so he can keep up with me, the stomach cramps have stopped and I rarely have constipation and bloating. I actually feel human. It was nice to be reassured that I wasn’t crazy and I received proper diagnoses and treatment.”
–D.R.
“I’ve been on thyroid medication for probably 25 years. And I
got to the point where I put on an excessive amount of weight. I had gained 60 pounds in the last 3-4 months before coming here.
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No matter what I did I couldn’t get it off. A couple years ago my blood pressure kept going up and up and up, it was close to 200/110! So, they put my one 1 blood pressure medicine, it didn’t bring it down. Then, I was put on a 2nd which didn’t bring it down, added a 3rd and that didn’t bring it down!! The day before I came to Dr. Stone’s office, I ended up in the ER because of a massive heart attack. Since coming here, I’m off every medication I was taking, and I was on a lot of them. I’m off the thyroid medication, I’m off the blood pressure medication, and my blood pressure is fine. I’ve also lost 30 something pounds! I feel wonderful, and it’s completely changed my life”.
–Judy
“I’ve been to a general practitioner and they diagnosed me
with Graves Disease. I teach, so I couldn’t function really. I couldn’t go 15 min without sitting down. I had very little energy. I just remember, of course I’m trying to forget, but I was very shaky. I couldn’t write my name without having to hold my hand. So, walking was difficult due to the shakiness and weakness. I was hot all the time, my temperature stayed at like 99. When I [first] came in, my heart rate was 150 or 160 [while] resting. Now, it’s consistently at 80! My energy level is fine; I can run with my 8 year old. I walk daily, I’m able to keep up with the 5th graders, and there’s no more shakiness! Everything is pretty much back the way it was before the Graves Disease. “
-Carol
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“I didn’t know I had Hashimotos until Dr. Stone diagnosed it. Doctors kept giving me synthroid and all these medications. My thyroid test kept coming back just very abnormal. Nothing could help. The synthroid made me feel awful. The test [results] were coming back all over the place, so the doctors didn’t know what to do with me. They were doing what they were supposed to do, but they didn’t know what to do.[Dr. stone] started treating my immune system; now my energy is up almost all the time, just beyond anything I could ever imagine! I could never do what I’m doing now. And my attitude, I was always real dreary and negative and now I feel happy almost all the time! I’m back and actually dating as a single, senior woman. I’m having lots of fun!”
-Melissa
“When I came in I was really having issues with my thyroid. I
was in an awful lot of pain. Since coming here I have a lot more energy and as long as I don’t eat anything to cause inflammation, my chronic pain is 100% better. I have days that I can’t believe it’s me. Before [seeing Dr. Stone] I went to another chiropractor 27 times and I saw a Neurologist who gave me an Epidural. Before the epidural wore off I was sent to physical therapy and as soon as the epidural wore off I felt 100 times worse. Now that I’m here, I feel like I’ve come a long way in a little time.”
-Raven
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Thyroid Relief: 20 Tips
Copyright © 2012 Dr. Todd Stone. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission from the publisher.
Todd Stone1119 Hendersonville Road, Suite 330Asheville, NC 28803(828) [email protected]
Limits of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranty
The author and publisher shall not be liable for your misuse of this material. This book is strictly for informational and educational purposes.
Warning – Disclaimer
The purpose of this book is to educate and entertain. The author and/or publisher do not guarantee that anyone following these techniques, suggestions, tips, ideas, or strategies will become successful. The author and/or publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to anyone with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book.
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Acknowledgements
First and foremost, I am grateful for my beautiful and
wonderful wife Sonya, for accepting who I am completely, loving
me perfectly, and assisting me to develop as an individual. Our
children have also helped me grow in ways I never imagined.
Savannah, Sacred, Amory, Gates, and West challenge me, forgive
me, and deepen my life experience.
I also want to acknowledge my patients who have made me a
“Thyroid Specialist,” and advanced my skills in helping others find
relief from a life of thyroid symptoms.
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Contents
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................1
TIP 1: LISTENING..................................................................................3
THE CURIOUS, INTERESTED, SCIENTIST...................................................3
TIPS 2 - 5: DIETARY..............................................................................6
PROTEIN..........................................................................................6
GREENS..........................................................................................8
INDULGENCE "PAY-OFF"...................................................................11
BRAZIL NUTS..................................................................................12
TIPS 6 - 8: THYROID STIMULANTS......................................................14
NOURISH THE THYROID....................................................................14
THYROID MEDICINE (THE BEST)..........................................................14
HIDDEN THYROID CASES (THE BEST MEDICINE)......................................15
TIPS 9 - 11: UPRIVER MEDICINE (STRESS PHYSIOLOGY)......................18
STRESS RESISTANCE..........................................................................18
ADRENAL FATIGUE...........................................................................19
ADRENAL EXHAUSTION.....................................................................21
TIPS 12 - 13: UPRIVER MEDICINE (ENERGY CONFOUNDERS)...............22
ANEMIA AND DIGESTION/ABSORPTION................................................22
ESTROGEN EXCESS...........................................................................24
TIPS 14 - 18: UPRIVER MEDICINE (INFLAMMATION)...........................26
DIETARY INFLAMMATION..................................................................26
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BARRIER COMPROMISE....................................................................29
IMMUNE BLOCKS (INVASION)............................................................31
AUTOIMMUNE...............................................................................34
DETOXIFICATION.............................................................................36
TIPS 19 - 20: ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE......................................................38
PROTECT YOUR LIFE ENERGY..............................................................38
NOURISH YOUR LIFE ENERGY..............................................................42
CONCLUSION.....................................................................................44
THYROID RELIEF CHECKLIST...............................................................46
RESOURCES.......................................................................................48
LAB TESTING..................................................................................48
RECIPES.........................................................................................51
"INDULGENCE ANTIDOTE".................................................................53
SUPPLEMENT RESOURCE...................................................................56
ABOUT THE AUTHOR.........................................................................67
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Introduction
Our clinic has naturally and unintentionally become a Thyroid
Clinic. The truth is that we are a wholistic clinic that treats people
to increase health, but our success with thyroid patients has
brought more thyroid patients.
The observations and experience I have accumulated with
these patients has perhaps made me a specialist in thyroid
conditions. As you will see, though, being a thyroid specialist
means being a specialist in immune disorders, stress hormones,
and other hormones. It means being a specialist in diet and
lifestyle approaches that work for the unique presentation of the
patient with thyroid symptoms.
This book is a compilation of the best and most effective,
results producing, symptom relieving “prescriptions” I give to my
thyroid patients based on thorough diagnostic testing, careful
examination, and, most importantly (see tip 1) listening to and
noticing what works. This specialized knowledge is now yours to
apply in your own life.
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My intent was to write very practically, without bogging you
down with medical terminology or extensive lessons in
physiology. In other words, here is what works well for my
patients, in patient language.
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Tip 1: Listen!
First and foremost, a solid practice of listening to the
messages your body is sending is absolutely essential to achieving
any health goal, and really, any life goal. So many people I see are
completely unaware whether what they are doing or taking is
helping, hurting, or doing nothing.
Sure, there are messages that nobody can miss, like eating a
strawberry and noticing your eyes swell shut. Most messages are
more subtle and require a practice of paying attention.
For instance, when I was in college, the “knowledge” I had
gathered said that diet sodas were a positive part of a healthy
diet. I used them for energy and to avoid sugar calories. Here’s
the listening lesson: I DIDN’T notice that I was the one person in
our class that routinely fell asleep in class.
Of course I did realize that I was falling asleep, but I wasn’t
making the connection that I was completely failing in my attempt
to increase energy. I didn’t observe that my routine was not
achieving my goals, and in fact, I was going the wrong direction. It
might not have occurred to me that it was the diet soda even if I
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had the insight to notice my result and develop a new plan, but
without noticing, I wasn’t even looking for a better plan.
That’s a perfectly horrible example of listening…what would it
look like to be a great listener? Just like anything that is new, we
all begin at zero, meaning our skills are not developed. We are
bad at listening because we have never practiced or never even
taught that it is of value. As a novice or beginner, I suggest you
use a grading system to monitor your symptoms.
Pick one prominent, or several symptoms that you can clearly
tune in to and notice. Energy is a great symptom since it
accompanies almost every health challenge, and is a frequent
symptom of thyroid problems. Others might include digestion or
constipation, bloating or gas, body pain or headaches, quality of
sleep (ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake refreshed),
mood (irritability, depression or anxiety), and really anything that
has caught your attention.
We call these symptoms, but I also like to refer to them as
“messages.” Grade each message on a scale of 0-10, where 0 is
no symptom at all, and 10 is the most severe and debilitating.
You can take a moment in the evening for a brief reflection on the
day and grade each symptom based on an average, or grade the
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symptom when it is occurring, such as the energy you have when
you first get out of bed.
Always compare apples to apples…if you are grading your
worst headache of the week, compare it to the worst headache of
last week. If you are grading a day that was high stress or physical
activity, compare the symptom grade to a similar day.
Don’t worry about what to do about it yet. I will give you 19
more ideas to implement. Your biggest job is to carefully note
whether the plan is creating a positive trend in symptoms…
meaning, they are getting less. If you have severe symptoms, and
multiple symptoms, you might not notice an improvement in one
symptom unless you are taking this inventory carefully.
Natural medicine works gradually, so we never expect a
complete resolution of a symptom or group of symptoms
overnight…but, if you discover the plan that improves your
symptoms 5% each week, and stick to it, one day you will wake up
and say, “Dang, I feel good!”
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Tip 2: Eat for Adrenal Health
I am going to assume you have virtually eliminated non-food
foods, such as food chemicals, preservative, flavorings, artificial
sweeteners, trans fats (Crisco, hydrogenated oils, margarine).
Many of these chemicals and manufactured foods have
exhausting consequences, and will stand in the way of your best
efforts to feel well again.
Most snack foods are now available in “pure” forms, so there
is no need to mourn the loss of your favorite food, but to choose
chips, candy, and other indulgences from “health food stores.” All
ingredients should be recognizable, such as corn, chocolate, cane
sugar, etc. If you aren’t sure, look it up on the internet.
Once you are eating clean, the greatest challenge with diet is
blood sugar control. Our method of helping your body gain
control is to implement a protein based snack every 2 hours,
including first thing in the morning, and last thing before bed (go
ahead and brush those teeth of course), and every 2 hours…every
two hours throughout the day. Did I get that point emphasized
enough!?
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Your protein sources can include eggs, nuts and nut butters,
meat, beans, and cheese. You can steal my idea if you’d like…I
have almonds or walnuts and a bag of dark chocolate gogi berries.
I take a handful of nuts, pour a few of the chocolate gogi berries
on top, and pop the whole thing in my mouth. Done.
Meal times are included and all meals need to include a
protein source. During meals, shoot for 20-25 grams of protein,
which is the amount in a single serving size chicken breast. The
internet has a million protein gram counting sites, so look it up if
you aren’t sure.
Why!? If you haven’t heard of the adrenal glands, you may
want to do some research and learn the basics. They are known
as the “stress glands,” and it is true, if you are stressed out, they
are turned up. The main stress they combat is low blood sugar.
Most people know about the pancreas, insulin, and diabetes…
that’s about high blood sugar. Protection from low blood sugar is
the work of the adrenals.
And, if your condition wasn’t CAUSED by stress overload,
having a thyroid problem IS stressful, so the adrenals are tired out
either way. By eating the protein every two hours, you are giving
your adrenals a significant vacation all day long. That way, when
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you go to sleep, the 8 hours of fasting are met by rested adrenal
glands, and you have a better chance of sleeping through the
night. Two signs that your adrenal glands are fatiguing are low
blood sugar (shaky, irritable, nausea, lightheaded between meals)
and “waking up” type insomnia. Nope, it’s not a tiny bladder that
keeps waking you up, it’s your adrenals struggling to maintain
your blood sugar during this necessary fast. (Even if you have to
urinate, it’s still the adrenals). This method is the simplest and
most effective way to begin to restore fatigued or exhausted
adrenals.
Tip 3: Go Green
Eat something green with every meal. Salad greens, spinach,
avocado, broccoli, kale, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, collard
greens (or beet, turnip greens), snow peas, bok choy, swiss chard,
celery, and anything else you can think of that’s green. (Go light
on the green beans and peas, as they are more starchy veggies,
which means that you swap out nutrients for carbs).
In order to be successful with this plan, you will have to
discover your preferences. If I had to eat Brussels sprouts every
day in order to be healthy, I don’t know if I would make it. It’s
simply not my preference.
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What I do prefer is broccoli, kale, salads, and spinach. I “wet
sauté” broccoli in a hurry (quick and convenient is an important
attribute). I take a frying pan, just enough water to cover the
bottom of the pan, and of course, broccoli…bring the water to a
boil (takes like a minute), lower the heat to simmer…6-8 minutes.
The last minute or two I put in olive oil, spices (your choice), and
leave the cover off to boil off the water. I get pre-cut broccoli or
frozen broccoli florets, and you have a green side in minutes. I’ll
add some other veggies for variety, especially cauliflower.
A side salad is quick too…I just do greens (your choice),
broccoli slaw, slivered almonds, and cheese for my quickest
variety. Search the internet for a hundred other varieties of
salads which are all pretty quick to make.
My morning greens is almost always a spinach smoothie, with
blueberries and a protein mix. I also add Green First, my favorite
greens powder…a scoop of powdered grasses and veggies that
actually tastes good, and I’ve tried many. (Check the resources
section in the back for specific supplements). Greens first is my
“Multivitamin” so I’m not spending 20 to 50 bucks a month on a
multivitamin, and it makes sense to me to get my nutrients from
whole foods (dried and powdered in this case, but from an actual
veggie).
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Why!? I include “why” because if there isn’t a motive
(motivation), a plan will never stick.
The why is that green veggies are loaded with nutrients, and
importantly, alkalizing minerals that “calm” your autonomic
nervous system. This is our “automatic regulation system.” The
autonomic nervous system regulates circulation, digestion,
breathing…all those things that we never have to think about, but
are critical to health and living. It is divided into two branches,
the sympathetic (fight or flee) and parasympathetic (rest, digest,
and repair).
The parasympathetic side is nourished with these green
veggies, whereas the sympathetic side is nourished with acidifying
minerals, such as phosphorus. Meats, grains, dairy, and beans are
higher in the acidifying minerals, and it is these green veggies that
have these alkalizing and soothing minerals.
With a thyroid problem, or any energy problem, it is
critically helpful to take in therapeutic doses of these minerals
(and all the bonus nutrients). So critical, in fact, that I do this
preventively.
One more note…soda, pop, coke, pepsi…whatever you call
it…is loaded with phosphorus. So beyond the chemicals and
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sugar, this drink is a no-no if you want to shift your body toward
healing and health. There is an alternative that we use, called
Virgil’s Zero that is stevia sweetened and oh so yummy if you
need a sweet treat. If you need caffeine, stick with coffee or tea.
(I have a great and healthy recipe for mocha or vanilla lattes in the
resources section.)
Tip 4: Payoff
Do you believe that you could feel well “if only I could eat
better?” I certainly encourage eating better, but this thinking will
only lead you into extended states of thyroid suppression. If you
are waiting to feel better until you can eat “good enough,” when
will that be? In my experience, never.
Personally, I couldn’t wait to “fix” all my bad habits…I wanted
to feel good now! And currently I am enjoying my best ever
energy, body health, and stress resilience…all while I continue to
indulge in “guilty pleasures.”
How? I pay off every indulgence.
If you look at dietary indulgences, they are all carbs… cookies
and candy… beer and wine… bread… cakes… chocolate…vanilla
lattes… Can you think of a way you eat “bad” that is not a
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carbohydrate indulgence. So, whatever your “poison,” the payoff
is the same.
I will put the whole “indulgence antidote” in the resources
section. It has been prepared through trial and error over time, to
a point where I can over-indulge and pay a very low price or no
price at all (no physical symptoms of imbalance).
The basic dietary payoff is simple. Indulgences create an
insulin spike, so to blunt the spike, couple your indulgences with
protein and fat. Simple enough…if you have a cookie or three,
follow your indulgence directly (or eat them together) with a
protein source.
The regular habits of protein and greens also play into the
payoff, so the more you incorporate those tips, the more room
you have for imperfection.
Tip 5: Brazil nuts
The thyroid is dependent on a trace mineral called selenium
(and iodine, which we’ll cover next), and brazil nuts have
therapeutic doses of selenium. And I mean a lot. Selenium
supplements usually have 100-200 micrograms per capsule…a
handful of brazil nuts have over 500! This nutrient is critical for
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“activating” thyroxine, the thyroid hormone, so it can do its
thing…make more energy. Since we are eating nuts anyway, why
not take advantage of this at least part of the time.
Tip 6: Nourish the thyroid
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Iodine is the trace mineral that the thyroid uses to make
thyroid hormone. I think that iodized salt is a horrible way to get
iodine (I recommend getting rid of table salt altogether and use a
quality Celtic sea salt for spicing foods). Iodized table salt is a
manufactured spice, and anything changed from its natural state
is a bad idea.
A better way to get iodine is kelp or other sea veggies. I don’t
like to eat seaweed, so I take a product called Organically Bound
Minerals. This supplement is a blend of alfalfa and kelp…whole
foods, dried, powdered and squished into a tablet. It is a lower
dose of iodine, so it won’t “over stimulate” a tired thyroid, yet
gently nourish the thyroid. Plus it is an alkalizing green food, so
you get additional assistance with becoming more
parasympathetic (rest, digest, and repair).
Tip 7: The Best Thyroid Medicine
Where the organic minerals provide “food” for the thyroid,
an herb called Ashwagandha is the best “medicine” for the
thyroid. It has published research showing an ability to increase
thyroid hormone production from the thyroid. If such a thing
exists (it does), wouldn’t that be much healthier than taking a
synthetic form of thyroid hormone. Yes it would, but since you
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can’t patent and “prescribe” Ashwagandha, the thyroid hormone
replacement remains a much more lucrative business venture, so
those studies were filed in the archives, waiting for you to
discover them yourself (perhaps with a little help from me).
Tip 8: The Best Medicine For
Hidden Thyroid Problems
Here’s one for those who don’t “qualify” for the hypothyroid
label, yet you have all the characteristic symptoms of low thyroid.
This is far from my discovery…in fact a doctor attempted to name
this observation after himself in the early 1990’s…Wilson’s
Syndrome.
While it would not occur to me to name anyone’s suffering
after myself, his attempts were met with resistance within the
medical society. The discovery was never acknowledged, and I
believe he was brought before the board of medical examiners
and “punished” for thinking outside the box.
While the name didn’t survive, there are still many people
surviving with what he accurately described. In this type of low
thyroid function, the lab testing (TSH, T4) is normal, but with
deeper inquiry, specifically testing a hormone called Total T3,
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which is the name of the activated thyroid hormone, will reveal
that the conversion to “active” thyroid hormone is low.
The best medicine for this problem is an herb called Guggulu.
This plant also has published research documenting it’s capability
of increasing the T3 concentrations by increasing the conversion
process. The product we use is called Thyro-CNV, where the CNV
stands for conversion. It has Guggulu, plus a bit of selenium (I
would still eat the brazil nuts) and other nutrients that help this
conversion.
There is a prescription medication that addresses this need
now, (Armour Thyroid) that has T3 in it, but it is not used
commonly, as medicine sticks to the “play book” pretty closely.
Again, if nature has an option (and it does), I would use the
natural product every time.
As we move down the list of tips, you can see that I am
getting more specific to the individual. This tip is for a specific
type of thyroid…but if your doctor has given you the “normal”
label, despite having thyroid symptoms, this tip might be right up
your alley.
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Tip 9: Stress Physiology
This next tip involves what I call going upstream. You know
the analogy…if you see people being washed down a river, there
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is probably a bridge out upstream. One upstream cause of both
thyroid suppression (High TSH, low T4 = Ashwagandha) and
thyroid activation suppression (Normal Labs but low T3
conversion = Guggulu) is one of the adrenal hormones called
cortisol.
High cortisol will disrupt both the production of thyroid
hormone and the conversion or activation. So, do you think
nature has an “option” for treating high cortisol? I’m glad you
asked, because there is an excellent resource, which is especially
helpful because there is NOT a medication that lowers high
cortisol…so…there is no “Medical” alternative to this natural
approach.
The answer to high cortisol is a particular phospholipid (just
let it go, it’s a big word that refers to a fatty structure of cells)
called phosphatidyl serine (P-S for short). Medicine named this
structure, which is why it is so long and complicated. All you need
to know is that it comes in a bottle and works incredibly well for
reducing high cortisol.
We use two forms in our office, a chewable tablet called
ProCortisol Balance, and a transdermal cream called AdrenaCalm.
The reason for the cream is that it allows for higher dosing, and
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bypassing the digestive process…for the REALLY stressed out
people! This resource will not increase the thyroid, but it will take
the upstream cause away, so it is a great addition to one of the
thyroid medicines that we just mentioned.
Tip 10: Stress Overload
This tip is also about treating stress factors. Stress overload
that is sustained begins to increase two other stress chemicals
called adrenaline and nor-adrenaline.
Most people know about adrenaline from “adrenaline sports”
or from getting the crap scared out of you. Adrenaline is very
protective and even exhilarating in short bursts; but as the
adrenal glands fatigue, your body produces more adrenaline to
make up for the lower production of cortisol. It has similar
effects…keeps the blood sugar from dropping too low…but you
CANNOT sleep on adrenaline.
You can sleep like a baby as the cortisol is released during
your nighttime fast, but if adrenaline kicks in, it wakes you up.
And if you can’t get back to sleep, your adrenals are toast, and
you need some major adrenal rest, repair, and healing! It’s simple
math…if your adrenals are a little tired, the cortisol production is a
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little low, and a little adrenaline is needed to keep the blood sugar
from dropping. If your adrenals are exhausted, your cortisol
production is a lot low, and a lot of adrenaline is needed…and all
you can do is stare at the ceiling and wonder why you can’t fall
asleep while you are sooooo tired! (The next tip is for adrenal
exhaustion if this sounds like you).
Medicine has a tool for high adrenaline, but it doesn’t
improve your energy or health…it just blocks the effect on arteries
so your blood pressure goes down (Beta Blockers for High Blood
Pressure). You still have high adrenaline though, affecting every
other cell in your body.
Nature apparently knew we would do this to ourselves,
because she provides several resources for lowering adrenaline.
My favorite 3 are Passion Flower, Skullcap, and Lemon Balm. As I
mentioned in tip one, you must be the scientist and notice the
results no matter what you choose as a plan…but to help you
choose more effectively, use Passion Flower if you have mucus
effects (heartburn, dry eyes, dry mouth), Lemon Balm if you are in
overwhelm, and Skullcap if a prominent symptom is brain fog.
There are also blends for calming that include hops, catnip,
poppy, kava, and valerian. I am usually able to manage this stress
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effect with the first three, but if you find a blend that you want to
try…try it…and notice the results.
Tip 11: Adrenal Exhaustion.
You are wiped out but can’t sleep, or can’t stay asleep. If this
is you, on top of applying this tip, go to my blog and read the
article on stress tips. Make some life changes as described, AND
start taking Drenamin or Phytodren PLUS Adrenal Dessicated or
Licorice Plus. The latter two are vegetarian friendly and the
specifics on the supplements are in the resources section.
If you remember tip two (protein every two hours), I
mentioned the “vacation” that eating protein provides for the
adrenals. If you are adrenally exhausted, this tip is critical to
include. Often, life won’t willingly change, so we have to optimize
the conditions we have control over. This protocol will make
noticeable changes in your symptoms over time, but you have to
realize that your adrenals didn’t collapse over night. It is even
more essential to listen carefully, noting the subtle changes in
symptoms toward a healed you.
Tip 12: Subclinical Anemia.
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Most people are aware of anemia…it is when your red blood
cells lack the nutrients needed to carry oxygen to the cells of your
body. It is exhausting, and thyroid suppressing (and important to
rule in or out in treating adrenal exhaustion because you will not
be able to build up your adrenals if you are anemic).
This is possibly the only condition that medicine treats
naturally. Of course anemia needs iron…or is it B12. (They like to
do the B12 shots/injections to keep up “clinical” appearances).
First…defining “subclinical”…in medicine, you don’t have the
“disease” called anemia until your hemoglobin reaches 11.6 (It
doesn’t matter if you know the ranges, just stick with me). People
with awesome energy have a hemoglobin over 13.6. Subclinical
means that you are not diseased, but you fall somewhere
between 11.6 and 13.6…sub-optimal. It still matters.
Now, how do you know if you need Iron or B12? You will see
a measurement just under the hemoglobin that is listed as MCV.
It stands for mean corpuscle volume…AKA the size of the red
blood cell. If this number is over 90, it is a B12 need, and if it is
under 90, you need iron.
The tips get more complex as we go on. We aren’t done yet.
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There is a lab measure called serum globulin…if that number
is not between 2.4 and 2.8…then you won’t digest and/or absorb
your supplements (fully) so it won’t matter anyway. If your MCV
is high, you will benefit from the B12 injections, or there are
sublingual (under your tongue) B12 supplements that will give you
a boost. I am not aware of either option for iron though, so you
have to fix the digestion first (and you want to fix your digestion
anyway, but use the B12 to feel better in the meantime).
We use a vegetarian version of digestion support called
VitalZymes, but if you are ok with non-veggie, my favorite is
Zypan.
I will provide a resource for getting your labs tested if you
don’t know these numbers and your doctor won’t order them…for
applying this tip you need to know your hemoglobin (which if fine
>13.6 you don’t need this tip), MCV and Protein and Globulin
numbers. If the globulin is low or high, zypan plus the
corresponding iron or B12 need (less than 90 = iron…greater than
90 = B12). If the globulin is low, you will also need to apply the
“Barrier” tip below.
Tip 13: Estrogen Excess
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This tip is more for the ladies, but it is useful for men also. It
is the estrogen effect…specifically excess estrogen. Excess
estrogen appears as longer and heavier cycles, often with pain
and irritability (a much nicer way of describing your mood than
your partner uses).
Excess estrogen affects your thyroid hormone by “binding it
up,” making it unusable by your cells. The only lab finding of this
low thyroid pattern is elevated T3Uptake and low Free T4 and T3…
tests that are not standard medical evaluation.
This is not exclusive to women however. Years ago, under
high stress, I ran some hormone labs on myself and found high
cortisol and HIGH ESTROGEN. Nope, it was not the most
energetic time of my life.
A fella would only know by testing the labs I previously
mentioned (you don’t have to test all the hormones, but you
could…in either sex). The ladies have the cycle symptoms to
suggest the need. So what the heck does a woman, anyone, do
about high estrogen?
We all know that endocrinologists have one tool, and that is
to give hormones when they are low. Fortunately, nature again
comes through. This time in the form of a specific amino acid that
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binds up that estrogen (before it binds up your energy and
metabolism) called N-Acetyl Cysteine or NAC. Plus a good fiber
supplement (I use GastroFiber).
This combination will help remove the estrogen, freeing the
thyroid to do its thing. For the guys, the reason for the high
estrogen is the high cortisol, so attend more to the high cortisol
tip.
Tip 14: Inflammation
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Next we move to inflammation sources…the first being
dietary. All hormones are dependent on something called the
“receptor.” The receptor is the site on the cell that the hormone
connects with to fulfill its purpose in life…for thyroid hormones
that purpose is to increase cellular energy production.
If you make tons of energy…you have energy and a
metabolism, but energy also activates repair…so your skin and
hair look awesome. So, these receptors (I like the lock and key
analogy) are critical to allowing hormones of all types to do their
thing. The leverage we have on the efficiency of the receptor is
that they are made of fat…so the types of fats you eat determine
the receptivity of the receptor.
Another analogy…if we think of the receptor as a baseball
glove…catching those hormones…the best baseball glove is a well
“broken in” glove. A broken in glove has one characteristic
different from a glove off the rack…it is flexible. If we look at the
fats in our kitchen, we can observe their flexibility. Butter is stiff…
olive oil is fluid, but hardens in the refrigerator…flax oil is fluid in
the refrigerator, but hardens in the freezer. Only fish oils stay
liquid in the freezer (and the cold water salmon thank them for
that).
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Thyroid Relief: 20 Tips
The point here is not to make butter the enemy…I love butter,
and it has essential nutrients for our health. This is about balance.
We also need these fluid oils…flax and fish. I supplement fish oils
consistently to aid this energy production consideration…but not
only for that reason. I’ll give you a double reason to add this tip.
There is a rising awareness of the omega 3 oils, the category
of fats that flax and fish belong to. Here’s the significance in a
nutshell. There are fats categorized as omega 6, and others as 3.
It’s a chemistry term that I won’t get into here (look it up on the
internet if you wish), but let’s just say that there is a clear
structural difference.
The key observation is that health is optimized when we
consume equal balance of omega 6 and omega 3 oils. A one to
one ratio. The observation continues that as a human shifts
toward omega 6 structured oils, at a 4 to 1 ratio…disease is a
certainty. Mostly because the shift in balance creates
inflammation. This is the inflammation that causes you to take an
advil or aspirin.
We need these omega 3 oils (fish and flax oil) for receptor
flexibility (more efficiency of your hormones) and inflammation
control, but here’s the confounder.
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We also have to decrease omega 6 consumption (in most
cases). Corn oil has a 60 to 1 ratio…wheat has a 20 to 1 ratio
(remember 4 to 1 is the cut off for health). How many
convenience food products are either wheat or corn? Corn oil is
also a cheap cooking oil…if you have it in your pantry, use it for
squeaky hinges and/or your fire pit. Neutral oils for cooking are
olive oil, coconut oil, and butter. Stick to those with cooking…
AND take your omega 3 flax or fish oils. Problem solved.
I have to share a study I read about 10 years ago. A research
lab housing monkeys made a curious and alarming observation
when the monkeys were fed corn oil as their only fat intake. For
several weeks, they exclusively fed the monkeys a corn based
diet. The monkeys became more and more violent, culminating in
self mutilation behaviors. In the end, the monkeys were observed
chewing off their own fingers. As disturbing as this is, it stresses
the significance of a proper ratio of fats for neurological function.
Tip 15: Barriers
Do you realize that your skin is an immune barrier? Just like
the skin, you would clearly notice, if we were turned inside out,
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that the intestinal lining is also an immune barrier. There is also a
brain immune barrier…and a lung immune barrier. Have you ever
had a nice wound on your skin? Do you remember what
happened? Redness, swelling, infection…INFLAMMATION!
If you put gasoline on your skin…day after day…what do you
think would happen to that barrier? Of course we would never do
that…but the internal barriers are torn apart by the last couple
items we discussed…fat imbalance and stress overload (high
cortisol and adrenaline).
If you have made it to adrenal exhaustion, and have endured
that for some time…there’s a good chance that you have a barrier
problem now as well. How do you know? Just like everything
else, there are messages. One message that could indicate barrier
compromise is brain fog. Here’s how you test how far it has gone:
There is a supplement called GABA…we have single serving
packets to test this problem. If you take the GABA supplement
and notice a brain calming or intoxication effect (or a brain
stimulation effect)…you have a brain barrier compromise.
Also, if you think you have multiple food allergies, you
probably have an intestinal barrier compromise. If you suck in air
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as hard as you can, to fill your lungs rapidly, and you cough like
crazy, you have a lung barrier compromise.
The significance: Every time you eat…anything…you “leak”
undigested food and waste into your circulation, which ignites a
furious immune response. If you have an immune response every
time you eat (or breathe), a downpour of inflammation follows
that is suppressing to your thyroid. (destructive to virtually every
cell in your body for that matter).
If you have made it this far, and can relate to these symptoms
or signs, you still have to do everything above this tip…AND…add
Immunoglobulins. We use a product called Immuno-G-PRP.
Doesn’t matter what it means or stands for…it initiates the
rebuilding of these barrier systems…and you will never feel well
without repairing these barriers if they are compromised! (The
product is described in the resources section)
Tip 16: Blocks to Normal Healing
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For this tip, it is helpful to have a CBC (complete blood count)
that counts the numbers of the different types of white blood
cells. It includes….total white cell count, Neutrophils (bacterial
responders), Lymphocytes (Viral responders), Monocytes
(respond to chemical stressors), Eosinophils (Allergy and
hypersensitivity reactions, including yeast/candida and molds),
and Basophils (Parasites).
Here’s my explanation for how the immune system can
“block” thyroid function and repair… Do you remember the last
time you had the flu? How was your energy? Pretty high??
Nooo….immune challenges require rest, so your autonomic
nervous system (regulation) “down-regulates” or blocks energy
systems. It is to your benefit to be tired and sleep as long as you
are sick.
The flu is a vicious form of infection. Called “virulent” in
medical terms. Many infections and other immune challenges are
waaaaay more subtle. If the flu feels like a piano on your back,
these more subtle infections are more like carrying a 50 pound
back pack everywhere you go (even to bed).
Other subtle energy blocking immune challenges are heavy
metals, food sensitivities, and environmental chemicals. The lab
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helps us choose what immune challenge we should be working
on. You will see these readings on your labs:
Segs or Neutrophils: If elevated (see resources for lab ranges) it indicates a bacteriaLymphocytes: If elevated-virusMonocytes: If elevated-Chemicals, Heavy metals or lymph congestionEosinophils: Allergy, yeast, moldsBasophils: Parasites
This isn’t a perfect diagnostic tool, but it gives you a starting
point. I will describe a test in the resources section for
GastroIntestinal Infections. This test would actually identify the
infection for you.
Symptoms again help to guide you.
Intestinal bloating is commonly one of these more subtle
infections. Brain fog is often connected to heavy metals. Food
sensitivities or allergies often cause IBS symptoms (sluggish, then
“Gotta Go!”). Environmental chemicals are often accompanied by
headaches.
You will have to make a decision based on the labs and
symptoms, apply the remedy, and notice the results (carefully as
mentioned in tip 1).
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Thyroid Relief: 20 Tips
In our clinic, I use muscle testing to determine the best
remedy. If the supplement strengthens a weak muscle, it
increases the probability that the choice will be helpful. The next
best option is the multiple herbal formulas. They contain multiple
herbs that have hundreds of years of evidence of eliminating
infection (or helping the body’s immune system to eliminate the
infection).
For Stomach and upper GI symptoms: Gastro-ULC + H-PLR
For Lower bowel symptoms: GI Microb-X
For Heavy Metals: HM Chelate
For Food Sensitivities or allergies: Eliminate offenders and take
Vital-Zyme or Zymex (most common offenders are gluten, dairy,
soy, yeast, corn)
For Yeast / Molds: Yeastonil
For environmental chemicals: Tip 18
Tip 17: AutoImmune
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If you have been able to test thyroid antibodies, you know
whether this tip is for you or not. But, if you struggle, like most
patients, to get your doctor to look more deeply at your
symptoms and cause, you can assume you are autoimmune if
your symptoms wax and wane.
If you have good days and bad days (and the more severe the
swings, the greater the probability), if you test for hypothyroid
and then don’t, or if you feel worse when you are on thyroid
replacement; these are strong indicators of your thyroid
suppression being autoimmune. (or you can order the test listed
in resources)
Don’t fret…it’s not the end of the world. There is a ton of
misconception about autoimmune diseases. The reality is that we
always have cell recycling and immune antibodies to the thyroid
and all cells in our body. It is part of the normal healing process.
Our white blood cells gobble up unhealthy, old, or damaged cells
to make way for normal cellular reproduction, AKA healing.
If this “normal recycling” process is stepped up, is it the
normal recycling process that is the cause of the symptoms, or is
the cause of the cellular damage or toxicity that the immune
system is attempting to clean up? I vote for the latter, because it
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makes logical sense, and I believe that your internal regulation is
ALWAYS doing the “right” thing with the given circumstances.
So what we need to be doing if your thyroid symptoms are
considered autoimmune, is caring for the health of the cells,
which includes treating “blocks” to normal healing such as
invasion (see tip 16), and detoxing the cells (see tip 18).
Working with regulation in autoimmune disorders, there are
two important additional considerations. There are two critical
nutrients that work with regulatory T cells, which could be
thought of as the “brain” of the immune system. Both are
classically depleted with chronic immune challenges such as
infection, chemical or heavy metal toxicity, and allergy type
responses. They are Vitamin D and Glutathione.
Vitamin D (we use a liquid vitamin D called EmulsiD3) and
Glutathione (we use a transdermal cream called Oxicell) can be
supplemented to support the intelligence of the immune system
(see the resource section for details).
Tip 18: Liver Detoxification
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The liver is the major conversion site of thyroid hormones
(activates them so you feel good, and energized) If the liver is
congested, inflamed, or blocked up, this normal conversion
cannot happen, and no matter what your labs say, you will feel
hypothyroid.
The key signs of liver involvement are ALT, AST, GGT,
cholesterol and triglycerides. I will list the optimal ranges in the
resources section, so check to see if your ranges are high OR low.
If you are not optimal in either direction, the liver needs help
doing its job.
Detoxification is a normal process in the liver. The liver binds
the chemical or hormone to create a neutral substance, using
binders such as sulfur and amino acids, and the “neutralized
substance” is released into the waste elimination systems for
dumping (that’s pooping and peeing).
Since it is a normal process, I believe the best method for
detoxing is simply providing the liver the materials it needs for
detoxing. You don’t need to go on a “detox”…it is already
happening every moment.
The best resource I have discovered for supporting this
natural process is the Apex Energetics Detox support. It includes
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Thyroid Relief: 20 Tips
Clearvite, the best tasting meal replacement (or meal
supplement) I have ever tried. (I need my resources to be pain-
free, preferably enjoyable, and easy/convenient!) The supportive
supplements include Methyl-SP, Metacrine-DX, and Bilemin.
These products provide all the minerals, vitamins, binding
proteins, and herbs that are known to support and protect the
liver cells as they do what nature intended…clean up your internal
environment.
Also, if your elimination route is blocked (constipation), you
will need to add some fiber (Gastrofiber), and if you still don’t go…
add 3 capsules of Disodium phosphate per day until you start
going on your own.
And always…always…take a careful inventory of your
symptoms to know whether you are getting better, getting worse,
or nothing is happening. VERY IMPORTANT!!
Tip 19: Protect your energy
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I refer to disease or condition experiences as bad patterns. A
typical low thyroid pattern, purely on a chemical level, is an
elevated TSH and Low T4. That is the classic thyroid pattern that
is diagnosed with current medical protocols. There is also the
high estrogen pattern and the stress (ie. Cortisol) chemical
patterns I mentioned.
So, how do we end up in any or all of these chemical or body
chemistry patterns? The answer is your lifestyle.
Most of my patients are aware of the sugar and junk food
lifestyle. They have noticed an increase in symptoms when they
eat certain foods, and have noticed a decrease in symptoms when
they eat other foods. Almost always, the negative effects are
after carbohydrate foods, with some exceptions. Almost always,
the positive effects are after protein and vegetable foods, with
some exceptions.
As I communicate with these patients, I often point out other
lifestyle patterns. These patterns are more behavioral patterns,
and can offer very useful resources to treating an energy robbing
pattern.
The two most common patterns, which are exhausting, are
the caretaker pattern and the fixer pattern. Taking care of people
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and helping people with problems CAN be very nourishing. But
any positive behavior can be taken too far, and lead to fatigue or
exhaustion.
If you provide care or help in an energizing behavior pattern,
you will receive an energy currency called appreciation. You will
be emotionally nourished through providing care and help.
Now here’s the importance of listening taken to a behavioral
pattern level. If your return for your efforts is lack of appreciation,
being taken for granted, and/or resentment or anger…you are
over caring or over fixing.
Take a moment to notice what energy you receive in the
different relationships where you provide care and help. Do you
feel appreciated? Do you feel like anyone takes your efforts for
granted? Do others get mad at you, even push you away, despite
your best efforts to help them?
If you discover you are over caring and/or over fixing, there is
a simple solution called teaching.
Let’s look at the attributes of teachers that produce excellent
and resourceful students.
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If your math teacher calculated all the problems for you, your
homework would be completed, but when test time came
around, you would lack the resources to stand on your own.
Good teachers gift their students with the resources to stand on
their own.
Good teachers allow their students to make mistakes. The
best lessons in life, the most valuable resources…come from
falling on your face. There are times when the best thing for you
and your student is to stand back and watch. See how they can
stand on their own with their current resources. If they succeed,
they build confidence and self assuredness. If they fail, you might
be able to teach…
Good teachers do not teach a student who has no perceived
problem. The key word is perceived! If a person does not notice
a problem they are having, they are not open for teaching.
Instead of teaching (which would result in a negative transaction,
either greater helplessness or greater anger), a good teacher
would inquire.
“That looks painful. Is it painful?” If no, they are not ready.
Go back to watching. If yes… “What are you going to do about
that pain?” If they have a plan, they are not ready. Go back to
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watching. If they aren’t sure… “Would you like my help or
advice?” If no, they are not ready. Go back to watching.
If you have THREE green lights, you have permission to
teach…and you will be rewarded with appreciation. Just be a
“good” teacher. Don’t give them a fish…teach them to fish…gift
them a resource.
If you are receiving lack of appreciation or resentment, give
everyone involved a gift and step back. Watch for a little while.
Inquire a bit. And pour that unused energy into Tip 20…
Tip 20: Nourish your energy
Our culture holds a negative association, at least in part,
toward nourishing self. We have terms like “self-centered” and
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“selfish” that trigger those negative associations and create
behaviors that prevent us from being called selfish or self-
centered.
Again, it is a virtue to be selfless…but which person can be
more giving…a well nourished person or a weak, exhausted
undernourished person. (And I’m not only talking about food.)
The fact is that we have to gather energy in order to give it
away, and if we give to those who appreciate, we can multiply our
energy. You must be your first recipient of giving.
If you are tired or sick, it is definitely as sign that you need
more attention and nurturing. And if you are your current
caregiver, then it is up to you to make sure it happens.
I call this tip “self responsibility,” and it is performed like this.
Turn directly around 180 degrees in your attitude toward what
might be called selfishness. Sprint with all your might in that
direction. Chances are, you will end up right about in the middle.
Have fun with this process. Ask everyone for everything you
ever wanted. Make a list of what you want, if you were to totally
indulge yourself in your desires. Do more than you should of
those things on your list.
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When anyone tries to get you involved in their needs, simply
say, “What are you going to do about that.”
Then, as always…notice the results. Check in with your
symptoms, energy, happiness, relationships, and whatever you
call success in life. (There will always be withdrawal symptoms of
taking away caretaking, but that shows growth in the relationship)
Conclusion
My recommendation is to gently work your way through this
list, adding one, two, or three tips at a time and giving yourself a
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couple weeks to listen. Listen by grading your loudest several
symptoms. If energy is low, this is a great general symptoms that
requires all systems to be moving in the right direction, so you can
be sure you are “doing the right thing(s)” if your energy is
improving. Natural medicine is gradual. Rarely will you notice a
huge difference within a day or even week. But if you improve
something, even 5% each week, and you keep doing what is
working, and keep working through this list, one day you will
wake up and say, “Dang, I feel pretty good.”
Some of the tips are specific to a particular type of thyroid
suppression. If the tip doesn’t apply to you diagnostically, the
probability of it helping will be low. I hope I have been clear
enough that you can easily decide if a tip applies to you or not.
You may choose incorrectly for you. You might not feel
better. Notice that…it doesn’t mean that nature doesn’t have
your solution, it just means you have not found your solution. I
have seen and experienced personally how “hitting the right
button” will quickly shift your symptoms in a positive direction
(which you will only notice if you are listening carefully). When
that happens, keep going! Don’t mess around with a program
that is improving your health week after week.
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A “good” program for you might stall out. Again, it doesn’t
mean that nature has failed you…it means it’s time to support
another system or shift. Pay attention, maybe a different
symptom is loudest “now”…pick another program that makes
sense to you, and keep listening.
If you decide to use lab testing to guide your choices, retest
the labs to see what happened. That’s how I became a
“specialist,” I retested over and over, and noticed what helped,
what didn’t, and what had a negative effect. These tips are the
ones that helped the most!
If you have any questions or confusions, don’t hesitate to
email me at [email protected].
Thyroid Checklist
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□ Taking Inventory: Pick 3-6 “loud” symptoms and grade them daily to notice trends
□ Protein Every Two Hours□ Including Brazil Nuts as a Protein Source□ Greens with Every Meal□ Organically Bound Minerals or Natural Iodine Source (not
iodized salt)□ Ashwagandha if TSH is High and/or T4 is low□ Thyro-CNV (or Guggulu source) if You Don’t Qualify for a
Thyroid Diagnosis (but have thyroid symptoms)□ AdrenalCalm especially if you have trouble falling asleep□ Adrenaline and Noradrenalin herbs
□ Overwhelm: Lemon Balm□ Mucus Problems: Passion Flower□ Brain Fog: Skullcap
□ Adrenal Fatigue / Exhaustion Remedy: Trouble falling asleep and/or hypoglycemia
□ Vegetarian: Phytodren + Licorice Root□ Glandular: Adrenal Dessicated + Drenamin
□ Positive for Anemia (Low Hemoglobin/Hematocrit)□ MCV < 90: Hemevite□ MCV > 90: B12 Max□ Globulin Low or High (2.4-2.8): Vitalzymes or Zypan
□ T3Uptake is high or Cycle Symptoms□ NAC + Gastrofiber
□ Include fish or flax oils + reduce grains, corn□ Fail any Barrier Test (GABA Challenge, Breath Test, Food
Sensitivities)□ ImmunoG-PRP
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□ Elimination Diet: Corn, Soy, Dairy, Gluten, Yeast, Peanuts, Eggs, Sugar)
□ Immune Blocks to Healing□ Upper GI Symptoms (Bloating, Heartburn, Reflux):
GastroULC + H-PLR□ Lower GI Symptoms (Bloating, Gas, Constipation):
GI Microb-X□ High Monocytes/Brain Fog: HM Chelate□ High Eosinophils
□ Plus Food Sensitivity: Elimination Diet + Vitalzymes
□ Plus Headaches: Detox (Tip 18)□ Diagnosed with Autoimmune Thyroiditis, or have the
symptoms characteristic of Autoimmune conditions? (Symptoms Wax and Wane, Labs Wax and Wane, Poor Response to Thyroid Hormone)
□ Vitamin D□ Glutathione
□ Liver Detox Support□ Clearvite + MethylSP + MetacrineDX + Bilemin
Resources
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Lab Testing
Direct Labs: This is a direct to consumer lab resource that
allows you to order your own lab tests. Sign up at directlabs.com
and look up the following tests I mention in this book.
CBC w/ Diff + platelets: This provides a reading for anemia,
and the white blood cell counts for immune analysis.
Optimal Ranges: White Blood Cells (WBC)= 5-8;
Neutrophils=50-68; Lymphocytes=24-40; Monocytes=1-6;
Eosinophils=0-2.5; Basophils=0-1; Red Blood Cells (RBC)=4-5.2;
Hemoglobin=13.7-15; Hematocrit=39-44.
Thyroid Panel with TSH: Provides Total T4, TSH, T3Uptake,
and T7. This is the basic panel that diagnoses thyroid dysfunction
or suppression.
Optimal Ranges: TSH=1.8-3; Total T4 (Thyroxine)=7.5-10;
T3Uptake=28-33
Total T3: This is the add on for “Wilsons syndrome” or low
conversion into T3, the “active” thyroid hormone.
Optimal Range: Total T3=100-180
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Thyroid Antibodies: This is the add on for identifying
autoimmune thyroid problems.
Optimal Ranges: Use lab ranges
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: This panel provides the
total Protein and Globulin measures that we use to identify
digestive challenges, and ALT, AST to detect Detox issues (along
with a lipid panel)
Optimal Ranges: Protein=6.8-7.4; Globulin=2.4-2.8;
ALT/AST=14-30
Lipid Panel: This test measures cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and
triglycerides, useful for evaluating liver function.
Optimal Ranges: Cholesterol=160-220; HDL=50-80,
Triglycerides=70-100; LDLs= 70-120
Specialized Lab Testing: All these tests can be ordered
directly through our office. Results will be provided with a report
explaining the problems and recommendations for treatment.
Adrenal Stress Index: This test assesses the stress physiology
effects, and identifies the stage of adrenal fatigue: Resistance
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(high cortisol), fatigue, exhaustion, or failure (very low, an
indication for hormone replacement)
GI Microbiology: A very comprehensive assessment of
intestinal infections and normal bacterial counts. (yeast, fungus,
molds, bacteria, parasites)
Female Hormone: A very comprehensive assessment of
female hormones, including estrogen, progesterone,
testosterone, LH, FSH, and DHEA.
Male Hormone: A very comprehensive assessment of male
hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, LH,
FSH, and DHEA.
Recipes
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Vanilla or Mocha Latte: One Scoop Vanilla or Chocolate
Dream Protein, 1/3 to 1/2 Cup Silk Vanilla Soy Creamer (or I use
half & half and honey). Add 4 ounces of coffee and shake well. I
have a 16 ounce cup that I pour it in and fill to the top with coffee.
Green Shake: One handful spinach, ½ Cup Blueberries, 1
Scoop Greens First, One Scoop Clearvite (If I am taking any herbal
tinctures, I will put them in as well). Blend and enjoy. (Not like a
cookie, but pretty good by green veggie standards).
Greens and veggies ideas (my favorites, quick and easy)
Kale Chips: Tear up kale and remove stems, spread on a
baking sheet, drizzle with oil and spices/salt, bake until crispy
Veggie Sauté or Stir Fry: I start with enough water to cover
the bottom of the pan and add oils later, any veggies, about 8
minutes cooking time (I get the precut veggies), add protein
Veggie Soups: Add veggies to chicken broth plus protein
Salad Variations: Choose the Greens of your choice (or
blends), and whatever supportive veggies, seeds, nuts (I really like
to add broccoli slaw)
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Baked chicken salad: Top with baked chicken breast and bleu
cheese dressing
Taco Salad: Top with ground beef, sour cream, Mexican
cheese, and taco sauce
Bacon and spinach: Replace lettuce with spinach, top with
bacon and honey mustard dressing
Side salad: Top with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Chef salad: top with sliced turkey, hardboiled eggs, shredded
cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing
Cranberry Nut Salad: Add cranberries, walnuts/pecans, and
crumbled feta cheese
Chicken or Tuna salad: Mix shredded chicken or tuna as
above and scoop onto mixed greens
Look for dressings that do NOT contain: high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, preservatives, and flavorings, NO hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils
“Indulgence Antidote” Protocol
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As I mentioned, all indulgences are carbohydrates. When you
take in a large amount of carbohydrate food or drink, there is a
corresponding rise in blood sugar, followed by insulin. This
surging of chemicals inside your body is taxing to the liver,
pancreas, adrenals, and eventually, the intestines.
This protocol has saved my health from my lack of discipline.
I am more disciplined now than when I was 22 (I’m 42 now), but I
don’t see perfection in my near future. When I’m more strict on
my diet, I save money and pill taking, but when I feel like
indulging, and do, I don’t pay the price of feeling lousy afterward.
(Yes, it works amazingly well for guys/ladies night and alcohol
over indulgence…virtually no hangover, as long as you remember
to take your supplements with some protein and water before
you go to bed)
As you will notice, the greater your indulgence, the more
payoff is required. If you are massively over indulging, for
example 10 donuts or glasses of wine, it will “cost” you 40 pills
and herbal doses to adequately pay off the indulgence. But if you
use moderation, say 3 glasses of wine or servings of cake, well
then your payoff is less than 10 pills.
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In order to apply this scientific protocol, you have to know
what a serving of your indulgence is equal to. Some are
straightforward, such as a bottle of beer, glass of wine, or piece of
bread (yes, include all carbs in your indulgence serving count).
They all are around 15 grams of carbs. (I don’t worry about
counting exact, just round off). But a nice slice of cake is equal to
2 servings (around 30 grams of carbs). A little internet research to
find the carb level of your indulgences is pretty simple. Or, it may
be listed right on the package.
One serving = approximately 15 grams of carbs.
Supplement DosingMetacrineDX 1 capsule per serving (1:1 Ratio)NAC 1 capsule per 2 servings (1:2 Ratio)Bilemin 1:2B Vitamin 1:2 (you choose your B vitamin based on your genetic profile, see below)If you have four –six servings, add:Liver 1:3Phytodren 1:3Fish oil 1:3 (Based on a 500 mg capsule)If you exceed six servings, add:Oxicell 1:6Ginger 1:3Zymex 1:3
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The B Vitamin will be chosen based on your familial disease pattern:Dementia: Vitamin B6 (Our version is activated B6: Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate)Cardiovascular or Diabetes: Folic Acid (Folapro)Cancer: Vitamin B12 (The activated form: Methly-Cobalamin)Not Sure: Methyl-SP (A blend of all three)
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SUPPLEMENT RESOURCES
All of the products mentioned are “physician lines,” meaning that
they are sold only through physicians. The advantage of using physician
lines is that these products are tested in thousands of doctor’s offices
and clinics, most using lab testing to confirm the desired result is
achieved. That is the best “research” that you are ever going to get
verifying and validating a quality product…clinical results. The
supplement company is accountable to the doctors (we won’t use them
if they don’t get patients better), and the doctors are accountable to the
patients (you won’t use us if we fail to get you better). I don’t see that
kind of accountability anywhere else in the natural product market.
With that said, there is no way to patent natural products, so if you
have a quality resource for supplements, you can try to find the best
“copy” of these supplements from your resource(s).
If you are going to take the time to follow these tips, my best
recommendation is to use the exact products and brands, at least
initially. We have all the products mentioned here listed on our
website, or you can call our office directly. Or, if you prefer, you could
most likely find all these exact products on Amazon.
These supplements flat out get the job done, and when they don’t
get the desired result, it is a matter of digging further diagnostically…
further down the list. For example, if the thyroid support herb doesn’t
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work, there may be too much cortisol or adrenaline (stress factors), or
an immune challenge that must be addressed first.
I encourage you to price them out compared to other brands also.
My experience is that when I have to pick up something at a store or
retailer, the cost for a comparable product is either higher or the same.
The ingredients have a certain cost for the manufacturer, so I am
suspicious of “discount” versions that are priced much lower.
I have listed all the supplements (by brand/manufacturer) I have
mentioned, with a short description.
GREENS FIRST
GREENS FIRST- is a whole food dietary supplement of dehydrated
and powdered shake mix consisting of “super” greens (chlorella,
spirulina, young barley greens, spinach, kale, parsley), vegetables
(carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts),
fruit (Blueberry, cranberry, tart cherry, raspberry, plum), healing herbs
and plants (aloe, milk thistle, turmeric, kelp, beet root, licorice root),
plus digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber. It is alkalizing, anti-
oxidation, and pure nutrition in a tasty mint leaf and stevia leaf blend.
Even my kids like it.
DREAM PROTEIN- is a great tasting vanilla or chocolate flavored
whey protein shake mix. I follow my greens drink in the morning with a
vanilla latte coffee drink using one scoop of Dream protein, a couple
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ounces of silk vanilla creamer, and coffee. Make it a mocha with a bit of
organic cocoa powder or with the chocolate dream protein.
SUPREME NUTRITION
ASHWAGHANDA SUPREME-is an adaptogen working on the
endocrine system on Stress Physiology. It is most well known to
decrease fatigue, allow you to handle stress more effectively, increase
strength and stamina, increase libido, improve memory and clarity, and
produce restful sleep when needed. The various conditions it has been
used for include arthritis (it is anti-inflammatory), chronic lung
conditions and immune deficiency, hypertension, auto-immune
problems, hypo-thyroidism, and many others.
STANDARD PROCESS
ADRENAL DESICCATED- supports endocrine health and contains
nutritional components of the bovine adrenal glands, which handle
stress. It also provides powerful short-term adrenal support for
immediate energy needs. It also supports immune system function,
which can be compromised when adrenal fatigue sets in.
DISODIUM PHOSPHATE- is used for short-term support of the
bowel. It supports healthy elimination and promotes intestinal motility .
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DRENAMIN- supports adrenal function and helps maintain
emotional balance. It promotes healthy adrenal gland function and
encourages a healthy response to environmental stresses. It also
maintains energy production while supporting a balanced mood.
GASTRO-FIBER- provides soluble and insoluble fiber to support the
digestive system. It encourages a healthy intestinal environment to help
maintain proper intestinal flora and cleanses the lower gastrointestinal
tract. It encourages a healthy gastrointestinal tract pH and also supports
healthy elimination. It contains fennel, which helps relieve gas,
abdominal cramps, and indigestion. It also maintains healthy lipid and
blood glucose levels already in normal ranges.
LINUM B6- contains flaxseed oil, a natural source of alpha-linolenic
acid (Alpha-linolenic acid is a precursor of EPA and DHA) and vitamin B 6.
This product is designed to support hormone production and nerve
tissue, as well as systems such as the cardiovascular and immune
systems. It supports the formation of eicosanoids, healthy skin, and
cognitive function.
ORGANICALLY BOUND MINERALS- encourages healthy enzyme
functioning. It also promotes healthy connective tissue. Organically
Bound Minerals helps to maintain proper cellular energy production and
provides antioxidants. It also contains trace amounts of naturally
occurring potassium, from kelp and alfalfa. It provides naturally
occurring minerals that help maintain a healthy water balance and
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supports nervous system health. Its iodine assists with proper thyroid
function
ZYMEX- promotes a healthy pH range in the intestinal tract. It
encourages a healthy intestinal environment to maintain proper
gastrointestinal flora
ZYPAN- supports gastrointestinal pH and the environment of the
gastrointestinal tract. It provides enzymatic support for protein
digestion. The fatty acids are included to coat the pancreatin, helping it
to be digested in the correct area of the digestive tract .
APEX ENERGETICS
ADRENACALM- is a broad-spectrum cream containing
phosphatidylserine and key B vitamins, complemented by calming
ingredients, such as Valerian Root, Polygala tenuifolia, and rejuvenating
fresh bud extracts. New aromatherapy ingredients, such as Lavender
essential oil, have been added that have demonstrated support of a
healthy stress response in human and animal studies.
B12 MAX- This product is a highly absorbable oral solution of
Vitamin B12, which allows it to avoid the GI tract and the liver,
decreasing the possibility of conversion to other metabolites. Vitamin
B12 is essential for a multitude of internal functions, including red blood
cell health and genetic risk factors for cancer.
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BILEMIN- provides lipotropic (fat digestion) nutrients and herbal
compounds that support healthy bile synthesis, formation, secretion,
stasis, and elimination. This product can be very useful as a part of any
detoxification program. In addition, BileMin™ can provide specific
nutritional support for the normal process of excreting hormones. This
product can also help to support the digestive processes in people who
have had their gallbladders removed.
CLEARVITE- is a scientifically designed formula offering
hypoallergenic nutrients, necessary enzymatic cofactors, metabolic
precursors, and herbal compounds to support normal liver
detoxification reactions and bile flow.
H-PLR- provides a research-guided selection of herbal extracts to
support a healthy immune response, especially in the pathways that
respond to intestinal infections. In addition, certain ingredients have
shown support for the healthy activity of immune cells, such as
macrophages, natural killer cells, and neutrophils.‡ The product also
provides special, naturally occurring compounds shown to support a
healthy bacterial environment and to support a healthy gastrointestinal
terrain.
HEMEVITE- provides a rich source of iron and other key nutrients
necessary for heme synthesis, such as ferrous fumarate. It also includes
a high-quality hydrolyzed liver extract (a rich source of iron that does
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not cause abdominal discomfort) and ascorbic acid and hydrochloric
acid to further support iron absorption.
GASTRO-ULC- provides key antioxidants and phytonutrients that
support the health of the gastric mucosal lining, and includes special
compounds that support a healthy bacterial environment and a healthy
gastrointestinal terrain. The ingredients in Gastro-ULC™ support
intestinal villi, normal mucus formation, and a healthy gastric lining.
METHYL SP- provides key nutrients and cofactors in effective
amounts necessary to support healthy methylation reactions
(detoxification). It also contains compounds that have been shown to
support healthy bile synthesis and homocysteine (inflammation)
metabolism.
METACRINE DX- provides a rich mix of key vitamin substrates and
amino acids required for Phase I and Phase II detoxification, as well as
herbs that further support healthy detoxification reactions, hepatic cell
growth and repair.
OXICELL- a glutathione and superoxide dismutase antioxidant
cream with a complex of other nutrients and cofactors. Glutathione and
superoxide dismutase are considered powerful and vital antioxidants.
Key ingredients are known to support a healthy total antioxidant
capacity, which may be helpful when high levels of free radicals are
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present. Important for a healthy immune system response to all
immune challenges.
THYRO CNV- is an excellent broad-spectrum nutritional formula,
which brings together several key ingredients and cofactors, to support
healthy thyroid hormone conversion.
YEASTONIL- helps to support a healthy intestinal environment
with antifungal and anti-mold properties. It provides natural
compounds that support a healthy microbial environment and a
healthy candida/yeast balance.
PRL
LEMON BALM- Used since ancient times to give the body support
as a sedative for intense heat and nervous irritation. It can also be used
for hyperactivity, hyperacidic stomach with nervousness, insomnia, and
overwhelm.
PASSION FLOWER- Thought to be one of the best mental sedatives.
Can be used to support the body's nervousness, insomnia, mental
restlessness, especially with shaking in the hands, and mucosal dryness.
PHYTODREN- helps the body deal with all kinds of stress and
fatigue. The most common indicators for the use of PhytoDren™ are
when the body experiences: Functional hypoadrenia (a low functioning
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or deficiency in the functioning of the adrenal glands), stress syndrome,
functional endocrine imbalances due to fatigue, and asthma.
SKULLCAP- helps promote general relaxation without sedation. It is
useful for excessive muscular tension, mental stress and fog, frustration
and anger accompanied by pain and/or inflammation. Useful for
headaches, insomnia, PMS, and hypertension when related to
emotional stress.
PURE ENCAPSULATIONS
HM CHELATE- promotes the body's natural, healthy detoxification
reaction to common, mild environmental heavy metal exposure while
supporting antioxidant and immune defenses.
EPA/DHA- EPA and DHA from fish oil promote cardiovascular health
by supporting healthy triglyceride and lipid metabolism, maintaining
healthy blood flow, and supporting healthy platelet function. Fish oil is
also important for optimal joint function. It maintains healthy
inflammation balance, which is important for maintaining connective
tissue health and comfort. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids are
important components of neuronal cell membranes and are essential to
cognitive function. By supporting vascular health, fish oils promote
oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain. Studies suggest that healthy
red blood cell membrane omega-3 fatty acid concentration is associated
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with emotional well-being. Both epidemiological and double blind
placebo- controlled trials indicate that fish oil supports positive mood.
NUMEDICA
IMMUNOGPRP- Contains colostrum (bovine) which has high levels
of Immunoglobulins. It helps support the immune system, accelerate
healing of all body tissue, repair immune barriers, increase bone and
lean muscle mass, and helps support healthy cognitive function.
METAGENICS
FOLAPRO- provides an activated form of folic acid that is ready to
use for the multitude of metabolic functions that folic acid supports.
We use this most often to support genetic risk factors for diabetes and
cardiovascular disease.
LICORICE PLUS- is designed for individuals who have been exposed to
prolonged stress and have difficulty achieving an adaptive response,
which may be due to physically exhausted reserves.
DESIGNS FOR HEALTH
VITAL-ZYMES- may benefit gas and bloating after meals,
constipation, and the feeling of fullness after eating only a small
quantity of food (vegetarian digestive enzymes)
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EMULSI-D3- A natural, self-emulsifying technology allows us to
produce a 2,000 IU per drop formula that quickly and completely
disperses in liquid. This cutting edge technology provides enhanced
bioavailability utilizing only naturally derived ingredients that are free of
preservatives and synthetic surfactants.
GI MICROB-X- is a blend of botanical extracts with a long history of
use as natural antimicrobials. The ingredients provide a broad spectrum
of activity against the most common pathogens present in the human GI
tract in conditions of dysbiosis, while being relatively sparing of normal
flora.
NAC- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is an amino acid that is a precursor to
glutathione, the body’s most powerful antioxidant. It is also used for
rapid recovery after workouts. NAC can be used in any cases where
there is a need to rebuild the liver and promotes optimal detoxification.
It is also researched for protection from heavy metal damage.
P5P- stands for Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate, which is the active (body
ready) form of Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is essential for a multitude of
internal functions, including the metabolism of histamine and GABA
(nerve calming), and for the genetic risk factors for dementia.
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About the AuthorDr. Todd Stone was born and raised in Northern Minnesota, in
a small town of less than 2000 people. During his first year of life,
he suffered from recurrent upper respiratory infections. His
condition was treated with a slew of antibiotic prescriptions.
Research has now proven that antibiotics taken before age two can
have long term consequences on immune system regulation
function. At age one, his immune system was compromised to such
a degree he began bruising. A mere touch would cause a single
large bruise, which ultimately left his whole body bruised.
After numerous examinations and blood tests Dr. Stone’s
doctors found no explanation for his condition. His fragile blood
vessels were causing serious problems, including anemia.
Eventually, he was diagnosed with an autoimmune blood disorder.
To treat this condition, his spleen was removed at 16 months old,
which saved his life.
Dr. Stone, spent the next several years enduring more blood
tests so doctors could check for any return of his autoimmune
disease. Although the splenectomy was vital, this operation
contributed to a weakened immune system, leading to severe
environmental allergies. Dr. Stone was allergic to cats, pollen, dust
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and more, which when treated with medication did not subside but
instead left him tired and drowsy. Moreover, he suffered from
frequent bouts of strep throat.
Dr. Stone began exploring the world of heath at an early age.
As young as 13, he read fitness magazines and began
experimenting with nutrition and bodybuilding. He gained a level
of heath that supported his body to overcome his severe allergies,
aside from seasonal allergies. And he held off any return of the
autoimmune disease.
At age 15, Dr. Stone’s mother severely sprained her neck,
which resulted in severe pain, headaches, numbness, and weakness
in her arm. After standard medical care, she continued to suffer
from her original symptoms. In chiropractic care, Dr. Stone’s
mother finally recovered. After witnessing the healing his mother
experienced while in the care of her chiropractor, Dr. Stone
decided he would one day become a Chiropractor. At age 16, Dr.
Stone had already decided where he would pursue his graduate
studies.
Even before undergraduate school, Dr. Stone pre-applied to
Chiropractic College for graduate school. Later in grad school, Dr.
Stone began to understand the unseen yet powerful innate
intelligence each human being relies on to maintain health. It is
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this organizational and balancing phenomenon that keeps us
healthy and alive. This intelligence is also an inner wisdom that
regulates our heartbeat and blood pressure, our immune system,
endocrine system, and all other functions of the body.
During Dr. Stone’s first years of clinical practice he was
dedicated to discovering why his patients were sick. This quest led
Dr. Stone on a long journey of further education, studying under
some of the greatest innovators in medicine and neurology
(including Functional Diagnostics and Integrated Natural
Medicine, Functional Neurology and Brain Based Medicine, and
Energetic Medicine including Applied Kinesiology and Neuro-
Emotional Therapies).
Dr Stone uses a unique system of evaluation and treatment
that allows him to offer solutions to many chronic conditions that
are otherwise swept under the rug or thought to be incurable. As a
functional medicine doctor of chiropractic, Dr. Stone is dedicated
to finding the missing puzzle pieces his patients need to formulate
complete picture of their health. Dr. Stone asserts that traditional
doctors do not explore their patients’ conditions and causes deeply
enough. Looking further and further down the rabbit hole, Dr.
Stone asks questions about his patients’ health to uncover the
physiological process that causes his patients’ conditions. Then he
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supports his patients’ internal systems to reverse the processed that
originally caused the conditions.
If you struggle with health challenges of any type, Dr. Stone
offers a common sense, big picture system of evaluation and
treatment that will lead you to greater levels of health.
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