Guest guest Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Hi, Rod, Well, it truly is a long story (and an on-going one at that). I'm warning you now that this is a very long post. You may want to get a drink and a snack. The greatest impact of the supplements and diet have been on my symptoms, not on my lab results. I'm sure you (and everyone in the group) are aware that lab results do not give a complete picture of what is actually going on with the thyroid because the lab " normal " ranges are too broad (Have you all read " Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests Are Normal? by Datis Kharrazian? Excellent book from both a patient and practitioner point of view). I haven't had my antibodies checked since diagnosis [TPO ab were 177 (0-45); thyroglobulin ab were 44 (<20)]. So, when I was diagnosed by a naturopath (and until I figured out a great deal of what was going on with me--still figuring out the rest), I had severe constipation with mucus; shaky hands; very foggy head and poor memory; a spot on my little finger that would show up off-and-on and get red, swollen and so painful that I could not wear my wedding ring because it rubbed on that spot--not an allergy to the metal, as I was able to wear it on my right hand without problems, and it never bothered the ring finger or the middle finger (it would even show up when I stopped wearing my ring); and I even got to a point where I felt so unlike myself (depression?)that I could understand why people commit suicide--not that I considered it, but until then I could never understand why someone would want to do that. I also felt like all the water I drank just ran right through me. I didn't feel like my body was utilizing it. I had gone gluten-free right after my diagnosis, as the naturopath told me gluten is a common trigger for flaring Hashi's. I also started taking high doses of vitamin D and Omega 3s, plus taking a supplement called Thyroid Factors Estrogen Response on her recommendation. After 4 months, I still felt terrible. So, I started to educate myself. I started taking continuing education seminars with Apex Energetics (Datis Kharrazian's company)--Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis (5/2010), Functional Endocrinology (6/2010), various webinars on Autoimmune Thyroid and other topics, plus six (so far; it's a series of 20) 2-hour " lunch and learns " on everything from leaky gut and gluten sensitivity to the brain-immune axis and the gut-immune axis). [i've also taken their seminar on Neurotransmitters and Brain, and I will be taking Mastering the Thyroid in September.] I also joined a Functional Medicine group for professionals (where I could post cases and ask questions of professionals who had more experience than I). I fired my naturopath after I took Functional Blood Chemistry for two reasons: 1.) I realized (and she admitted) that she had me on the wrong supplement (Thyroid Response Estrogen Factors). When I was able to understand my own blood work, I saw that I did not have too much estrogen as she had thought I did. 2.) I realized she was giving me supplements to modulate the immune system but was doing nothing to figure out what was driving my immune system to attack my body. I ran a complete wellness profile on myself that includes a thyroid panel, liver panel, CBC, Chem-21, iron, Ferritin, TIBC, and vitamin D 25(OH). I found I had reactive hypoglycemia, low HCL, low zinc, and lots of inflammation. I continued to take high doses of Vitamin D (8-10000 iu/day) and Omega 3s (3-4 g/day), plus I added Oxicell from Apex (a glutathione and SOD cream). I started taking HCL after meals as well as zinc, and I got serious about balancing my blood sugar (a lot of work, but one of the best things I've ever done). I also added Adrenacalm (another Apex cream) to support my adrenals/help with my stress. I decided to give the gluten-free thing more time (as I had been told it could take up to 6 months to completely get it out of your system. Well, after 8 months I still wasn't feeling better, so I decided there must be something besides gluten driving my immune system. Two common things that can drive the immune system are food sensitivities and heavy metal toxicities. I started getting my mercury filling replaced (I have a mouth full, and so far I have been able to afford to have only 4 replaced, so this could possibly be another factor in my on-going quest to manage my Hashi's). I also ran food sensitivity testing on myself (Mediator Release Testing--they test 120 foods and 30 food chemicals). I found out I was sensitive to 34 foods/food chemicals. I'm highly reactive to: corn, eggs, wheat, scallops, mango, and zucchini--my most reactive food! I'm moderately reactive to: amaranth, asparagus, aspartame, basil, broccoli, buckwheat, cabbage, cane sugar, cola nut, cow's milk, FD & C Blue #1, ginger, grape, honeydew, lentil, paprika, peanut, pinto bean, quinoa, rice, rye, salicylic acid, strawberry, sweet potato, tilapia, tuna, watermelon, and whey. It was no wonder I wasn't feeling better on a gluten-free diet; I was sensitive to 4 gluten-free grains (and lots more)! I cut these foods out on October 1 and started a 3-day rotation diet which I am still on. [For the first month I ate only my " safe foods " that were tested, then I started adding untested foods, one every 3 days (to see if I have a reaction). Found out I'm sensitive also to Brussels sprouts!] Within a week of being off these foods, the inflammation in my system dropped dramatically. I found out that even things I didn't think were related to inflammation were. For example, I had very sensitive teeth (which, coincidentally, started around the same time as my other Hashi's symptoms, but I never correlated it). Within a week, it was gone. No more sensitive toothpaste (which wasn't working anyway). I know I did not re-grow enamel on my teeth in a week. It turns out that those poor nerve endings were just inflamed! I also started taking supplements to repair my GI tract. And, I added a product called Glutathione Recycler (Apex again), Co-Q10, a probiotic, sublingual B12/folate, and Magnesium/Calcium (with co-factors) along the way. I also take something called Nitric Balance (again, Apex). Oh, and I did something called a TH-1/TH-2 challenge to see which pathway of my immune system is dominant. Turns out it is TH-1, and I took the supplement to push the TH-2 pathway for a while, but I stopped (can't recall why; maybe I was tired of taking supplements!). Still I avoid things that push the TH-1 pathway--coffee, astragalus, maitake mushroom, and lemon balm/ among them. As of October, I started to feel better. I had a set-back when I traveled to see family for Christmas (very difficult to eat a rotation diet and stay away from sensitive foods while traveling). But, within 2 months of that, I was feeling good (though I tried to add rice back into my diet, and within 6 hours had three pimples--which I never get, a cold sore (I hadn't had one since I got off all the sensitive foods), and that spot on my finger flared up for the first time in months. So, as of now, I feel great. I actually feel healthier than I did 10 years ago (I'm 40). My digestion is awesome (at the risk of TMI, I'm thrilled with how complete and regular my bowel movements are!), I don't get shaky, my sleep is really good (I didn't really realize it was a problem until it was better), my head is clear, my mood is good (not that I don't have moments of sadness--no one should be happy all the time--but it is normal), and I feel like my body using the water I drink. I periodically complete a Metabolic Assessment Form, and my most recent one looks great! Oh, the other thing is that my menstrual cycles normalized (they were long). Though my major complaints are under control, I do still feel like something is " off " (though I can't say if something really is or if I am just so in touch with my body that I am almost too sensitive to every shift) so I'm still investigating what else may be going on. I still want to get my fillings replaced. I also want to test for copper toxicity (as I have a history of yeast overgrowth). And, my goal is to be able to eat all those foods that I am sensitive to again. The process of healing the gut is a long one! I want to stress that my supplement regimen and diet will not work for anyone else, as each person needs to be assessed as an individual. If you are not already working with someone who practices Functional Medicine, I highly recommend finding someone near you. If you've made it this far in the post, thanks for sticking with me! I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if you have other questions. > > > > Hi, everyone, > > > > I'm new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is , and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in January of 2010. I have been able to control my Hashimoto's without the use of medication, though I take a lot of supplements and have made serious dietary changes (I am also an acupuncturist who practices Functional Medicine in addition to Chinese Medicine, so I treat myself. I actually got into Functional Medicine so I could learn how to treat myself, as I wasn't able to find anyone who could help me--so frustrating!). > > > > I'm happy to be here to both offer and receive support. Managing Hashimoto's is a never-ending job! I sometimes get very tired of it and want to do things that would be unwise--like eat foods I love that cause my immune system to flare up! I don't eat them, but I want to!!! It also makes it really difficult to do social stuff. Not sure if anyone else has had the same experience. > > > > Thanks, everyone! > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Thanks, ! Please see my other post in response to Rod. > > > > Hi, everyone, > > > > I'm new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is , and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in January of 2010. I have been able to control my Hashimoto's without the use of medication, though I take a lot of supplements and have made serious dietary changes (I am also an acupuncturist who practices Functional Medicine in addition to Chinese Medicine, so I treat myself. I actually got into Functional Medicine so I could learn how to treat myself, as I wasn't able to find anyone who could help me--so frustrating!). > > > > I'm happy to be here to both offer and receive support. Managing Hashimoto's is a never-ending job! I sometimes get very tired of it and want to do things that would be unwise--like eat foods I love that cause my immune system to flare up! I don't eat them, but I want to!!! It also makes it really difficult to do social stuff. Not sure if anyone else has had the same experience. > > > > Thanks, everyone! > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 10, 2011 Report Share Posted July 10, 2011 Forgot to mention that I avoid chlorine, fluoride, and iodine as well. I got a really good shower filter, changed my toothpaste and floss, as well as my vitamins (though I can't take them now because they have broccoli in them--bummer). > > > > > > Hi, everyone, > > > > > > I'm new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is , and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in January of 2010. I have been able to control my Hashimoto's without the use of medication, though I take a lot of supplements and have made serious dietary changes (I am also an acupuncturist who practices Functional Medicine in addition to Chinese Medicine, so I treat myself. I actually got into Functional Medicine so I could learn how to treat myself, as I wasn't able to find anyone who could help me--so frustrating!). > > > > > > I'm happy to be here to both offer and receive support. Managing Hashimoto's is a never-ending job! I sometimes get very tired of it and want to do things that would be unwise--like eat foods I love that cause my immune system to flare up! I don't eat them, but I want to!!! It also makes it really difficult to do social stuff. Not sure if anyone else has had the same experience. > > > > > > Thanks, everyone! > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Hi, , Some of the fruits/veggies are in the same families, but I haven't found a pattern. There are other examples, however, of foods in the same family, but I react to only one (e.g. mango and cashew--I'm highly reactive to mango but not reactive to cashew). So, I haven't figured out rhyme or reason for it. My belief is that the most common cause of food sensitivities is leaky gut. I do essentially eat a Paleo diet, as the only grains I can have are gluten-free oats and millet. As millet has all the appeal to me of eating shoe leather, I really only eat gluten-free oats (every 3 days). I can't speak for all people with Hashimoto's, but I do better without grains. Interesting link you posted. Really, much of his advice applies to all autoimmune conditions, not just Graves' disease. There is a new lab that opened relatively recently (maybe 6 months ago) called Cyrex Labs. They have the most comprehensive gluten-sensitivity profile (previously, technology allowed for testing only 2 of 22 (I believe) components of gluten, so there were a lot of people who came back as negative (and went on eating gluten thinking they didn't react to it), but they just didn't react to the 2 components that could be tested. Cyrex can test for all 22 components. They also have a cross-reactivity profile; it tests foods that are known to cross-react in a person who is sensitive to gluten, such as American cheese, coffee, corn, potato, cow's milk, and gluten-free grains. Apparently, the most common cross-reactivity is rice! Try getting a gluten-free product without rice. What if a great number of those people avoiding gluten are still causing their immune systems to flare by eating gluten-free breads, pastas, crackers, etc. that contain rice? I haven't yet run the profiles from Cyrex on myself (saving up the money to do so). Your relative who reacts with weight gain is most likely sensitive to some or all of those foods. It's a common reaction (but people can also gain weight on " non-Paleo " foods because of blood sugar dysregulation. Too many carbs, especially in the presence of insulin resistance, will cause the body to convert the sugar/carbs to fat/triglycerides. When this process happens, you get sleepy because it takes energy to make the conversion. So, if you get sleepy after you eat or feel like you need a stimulant after a meal--whether, coffee, something sweet, or a cigarette--you had too many carbs for your body to handle and should eat fewer next time). > > > > > > > > > > Hi, everyone, > > > > > > > > > > I'm new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is , and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in January of 2010. I have been able to control my Hashimoto's without the use of medication, though I take a lot of supplements and have made serious dietary changes (I am also an acupuncturist who practices Functional Medicine in addition to Chinese Medicine, so I treat myself. I actually got into Functional Medicine so I could learn how to treat myself, as I wasn't able to find anyone who could help me--so frustrating!). > > > > > > > > > > I'm happy to be here to both offer and receive support. Managing Hashimoto's is a never-ending job! I sometimes get very tired of it and want to do things that would be unwise--like eat foods I love that cause my immune system to flare up! I don't eat them, but I want to!!! It also makes it really difficult to do social stuff. Not sure if anyone else has had the same experience. > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, everyone! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Thank you, , for posting all of your experiences and knowledge. I just got diagnosed with Hashimoto's a month ago (both tested antibodies close to 300). I've switched my diet to gluten-free, but I know that I also react to other foods. I've recently bought the Everyday Paleo cookbook, which I love, but it relies heavily on eggs for breakfast. I had one this morning, and my stomach aches now. I'm just doing trial and error at this point, but overall, I feel much better than I did a couple weeks ago! Thank you for posting the info on Cyrex. I've been wanting to get tested for food sensitivities. Is their testing very expensive? I'd love to have it done, but I'm pretty clueless. I'm also afraid that what I have is genetic, so I'm also considering getting my daughters tested at some point, as well. > > Hi, , > > Some of the fruits/veggies are in the same families, but I haven't found a pattern. There are other examples, however, of foods in the same family, but I react to only one (e.g. mango and cashew--I'm highly reactive to mango but not reactive to cashew). So, I haven't figured out rhyme or reason for it. My belief is that the most common cause of food sensitivities is leaky gut. > > I do essentially eat a Paleo diet, as the only grains I can have are gluten-free oats and millet. As millet has all the appeal to me of eating shoe leather, I really only eat gluten-free oats (every 3 days). I can't speak for all people with Hashimoto's, but I do better without grains. Interesting link you posted. Really, much of his advice applies to all autoimmune conditions, not just Graves' disease. > > There is a new lab that opened relatively recently (maybe 6 months ago) called Cyrex Labs. They have the most comprehensive gluten-sensitivity profile (previously, technology allowed for testing only 2 of 22 (I believe) components of gluten, so there were a lot of people who came back as negative (and went on eating gluten thinking they didn't react to it), but they just didn't react to the 2 components that could be tested. Cyrex can test for all 22 components. > > They also have a cross-reactivity profile; it tests foods that are known to cross-react in a person who is sensitive to gluten, such as American cheese, coffee, corn, potato, cow's milk, and gluten-free grains. Apparently, the most common cross-reactivity is rice! Try getting a gluten-free product without rice. What if a great number of those people avoiding gluten are still causing their immune systems to flare by eating gluten-free breads, pastas, crackers, etc. that contain rice? > > I haven't yet run the profiles from Cyrex on myself (saving up the money to do so). > > Your relative who reacts with weight gain is most likely sensitive to some or all of those foods. It's a common reaction (but people can also gain weight on " non-Paleo " foods because of blood sugar dysregulation. Too many carbs, especially in the presence of insulin resistance, will cause the body to convert the sugar/carbs to fat/triglycerides. When this process happens, you get sleepy because it takes energy to make the conversion. So, if you get sleepy after you eat or feel like you need a stimulant after a meal--whether, coffee, something sweet, or a cigarette--you had too many carbs for your body to handle and should eat fewer next time). > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 You're welcome. Good for you for switching your diet and paying attention to how your body reacts to different foods! The Cyrex Wheat/Gluten Proteome Reactivity & Autoimmunity Panel is $325 while the Gluten-Associated Cross-Reactive Foods and Foods Sensitivity Panel is $225. For more extensive food sensitivity testing, I run the MRT (Mediator Release Testing) on my patients. The " retail " price (if you were to call the company and ask for the test) is $495. If it goes through insurance, they are billed $1095. The practitioner wholesale price is $295. If you can find someone in your area who runs it and doesn't mark it up, you may be able to get it for as little as $295 (my patients pay $295 plus a $25 draw fee to the lab that takes the blood). Look around. There are other food sensitivity tests other than MRT; it's just the one I prefer. Whatever you get, it will help you so much faster than trial and error (though be aware that food sensitivity testing does not test you for food allergies, so you may not be sensitive to something but you still can be allergic to it; it also doesn't test for things like lactose intolerance). > > > > Hi, , > > > > Some of the fruits/veggies are in the same families, but I haven't found a pattern. There are other examples, however, of foods in the same family, but I react to only one (e.g. mango and cashew--I'm highly reactive to mango but not reactive to cashew). So, I haven't figured out rhyme or reason for it. My belief is that the most common cause of food sensitivities is leaky gut. > > > > I do essentially eat a Paleo diet, as the only grains I can have are gluten-free oats and millet. As millet has all the appeal to me of eating shoe leather, I really only eat gluten-free oats (every 3 days). I can't speak for all people with Hashimoto's, but I do better without grains. Interesting link you posted. Really, much of his advice applies to all autoimmune conditions, not just Graves' disease. > > > > There is a new lab that opened relatively recently (maybe 6 months ago) called Cyrex Labs. They have the most comprehensive gluten-sensitivity profile (previously, technology allowed for testing only 2 of 22 (I believe) components of gluten, so there were a lot of people who came back as negative (and went on eating gluten thinking they didn't react to it), but they just didn't react to the 2 components that could be tested. Cyrex can test for all 22 components. > > > > They also have a cross-reactivity profile; it tests foods that are known to cross-react in a person who is sensitive to gluten, such as American cheese, coffee, corn, potato, cow's milk, and gluten-free grains. Apparently, the most common cross-reactivity is rice! Try getting a gluten-free product without rice. What if a great number of those people avoiding gluten are still causing their immune systems to flare by eating gluten-free breads, pastas, crackers, etc. that contain rice? > > > > I haven't yet run the profiles from Cyrex on myself (saving up the money to do so). > > > > Your relative who reacts with weight gain is most likely sensitive to some or all of those foods. It's a common reaction (but people can also gain weight on " non-Paleo " foods because of blood sugar dysregulation. Too many carbs, especially in the presence of insulin resistance, will cause the body to convert the sugar/carbs to fat/triglycerides. When this process happens, you get sleepy because it takes energy to make the conversion. So, if you get sleepy after you eat or feel like you need a stimulant after a meal--whether, coffee, something sweet, or a cigarette--you had too many carbs for your body to handle and should eat fewer next time). > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Just a quick note - different Paleo authors say different things. Most don't want you to eat eggs every day, and the one I just read said eggs are often problematic for folks with autoimmune conditions. I don't seem to have a problem with eggs myself but I don't eat them every day. Just an fyi. > > > > Hi, , > > > > Some of the fruits/veggies are in the same families, but I haven't found a pattern. There are other examples, however, of foods in the same family, but I react to only one (e.g. mango and cashew--I'm highly reactive to mango but not reactive to cashew). So, I haven't figured out rhyme or reason for it. My belief is that the most common cause of food sensitivities is leaky gut. > > > > I do essentially eat a Paleo diet, as the only grains I can have are gluten-free oats and millet. As millet has all the appeal to me of eating shoe leather, I really only eat gluten-free oats (every 3 days). I can't speak for all people with Hashimoto's, but I do better without grains. Interesting link you posted. Really, much of his advice applies to all autoimmune conditions, not just Graves' disease. > > > > There is a new lab that opened relatively recently (maybe 6 months ago) called Cyrex Labs. They have the most comprehensive gluten-sensitivity profile (previously, technology allowed for testing only 2 of 22 (I believe) components of gluten, so there were a lot of people who came back as negative (and went on eating gluten thinking they didn't react to it), but they just didn't react to the 2 components that could be tested. Cyrex can test for all 22 components. > > > > They also have a cross-reactivity profile; it tests foods that are known to cross-react in a person who is sensitive to gluten, such as American cheese, coffee, corn, potato, cow's milk, and gluten-free grains. Apparently, the most common cross-reactivity is rice! Try getting a gluten-free product without rice. What if a great number of those people avoiding gluten are still causing their immune systems to flare by eating gluten-free breads, pastas, crackers, etc. that contain rice? > > > > I haven't yet run the profiles from Cyrex on myself (saving up the money to do so). > > > > Your relative who reacts with weight gain is most likely sensitive to some or all of those foods. It's a common reaction (but people can also gain weight on " non-Paleo " foods because of blood sugar dysregulation. Too many carbs, especially in the presence of insulin resistance, will cause the body to convert the sugar/carbs to fat/triglycerides. When this process happens, you get sleepy because it takes energy to make the conversion. So, if you get sleepy after you eat or feel like you need a stimulant after a meal--whether, coffee, something sweet, or a cigarette--you had too many carbs for your body to handle and should eat fewer next time). > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Good to know! I'm hoping it's not the eggs that is causing me a reaction. Just this year, we started a little flock of backyard chickens just for their eggs. The husband and I built a little coop and everything! -Lora > > Just a quick note - different Paleo authors say different things. Most don't want you to eat eggs every day, and the one I just read said eggs are often problematic for folks with autoimmune conditions. I don't seem to have a problem with eggs myself but I don't eat them every day. Just an fyi. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2011 Report Share Posted July 12, 2011 Hi, Lora, I'm so glad it helps. Are you off of gluten now? I hope so! Keep in mind that it can take 6 or more months to completely get out of your system. Also, there is no such thing as " mostly " gluten-free. That's like saying you're " mostly " pregnant. You are or you aren't! If you know you have a sensitivity to it, please avoid it completely. Get the cross-reactivity and/or food sensitivity testing when you are able. You're certainly NOT crazy. > > > > You're welcome. Good for you for switching your diet and paying attention to how your body reacts to different foods! > > > > The Cyrex Wheat/Gluten Proteome Reactivity & Autoimmunity Panel is $325 while the Gluten-Associated Cross-Reactive Foods and Foods Sensitivity Panel is $225. For more extensive food sensitivity testing, I run the MRT (Mediator Release Testing) on my patients. The " retail " price (if you were to call the company and ask for the test) is $495. If it goes through insurance, they are billed $1095. The practitioner wholesale price is $295. If you can find someone in your area who runs it and doesn't mark it up, you may be able to get it for as little as $295 (my patients pay $295 plus a $25 draw fee to the lab that takes the blood). Look around. There are other food sensitivity tests other than MRT; it's just the one I prefer. Whatever you get, it will help you so much faster than trial and error (though be aware that food sensitivity testing does not test you for food allergies, so you may not be sensitive to something but you still can be allergic to it; it also doesn't test for things like lactose intolerance). > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 14, 2011 Report Share Posted July 14, 2011 Hi, , Good questions. As for eating gluten (or another offending food before the test), here is a response I found on one of the professional yahoo groups I belong to (it's from a 2008 posting): " Unfortunately there is no clear cut " yes or no " answer to the prior exposure before testing question. I would say that prior exposure to foods is certainly recommended but not ultimately required. To explain a bit further…….We always tell patients that if there are certain foods which they know that they have a known negative reaction to, that they should continue to avoid them, even prior to testing. However, it will always help for a more accurate test if the person has had some fairly recent prior exposure to the other foods which they are uncertain about. The flip side is that we have seen cases where a person has never eaten the food or has not eaten the food for a very long time and the Alcat picks up a reaction which may just be genetic. What we have seen is that frequency of consumption does not seem to affect the level of reaction, unlike IgG tests. " So, my response would be that what your daughter is eating is probably fine, i.e. I wouldn't have her stop before testing, but I also wouldn't ask her to increase the amount of gluten she is eating. In answer to your other question about food sensitivity testing and if/how it differs from the skin prick allergy testing: Skin prick allergy testing tests just that--true allergies. These are the result of IgE antibodies. These are the reactions that happen quickly after exposure. Food sensitivities are delayed reactions (45 minutes to 3 days after exposure) that are mediated by IgG antibodies or IgA antibodies (with IgA being found in mucosal linings). You can do more research on the web about the differences. Just know that you can be sensitive without being allergic. The Cyrex gluten sensitivity test I posted about earlier tests both IgG and IgA to 12 components of gluten (I misspoke in an earlier post when I said 22; I was thinking of the 24 tests run--12 components x 2 tests each, i.e. IgA and IgG on each = 24). If your daughter does the test and tests sensitive for any of the components, she should stop consuming ALL gluten immediately. Hope this helps. Sorry if I'm not clear--it's late, and I'm tired. > > My daughter doesn't eat much if hardly any gluten—challah once a week. She doesn't eat processed foods so she isn't getting any there. Does this skew the test? I've heard that if one is testing gluten, one doesn't want to be off gluten beforehand. She has had prick allergy testing before and it only showed up histamine and ragweed. Is this food sensitivity test different? > > Thanks, > > > I'm so glad it helps. Are you off of gluten now? I hope so! Keep in mind that it can take 6 or more months to completely get out of your system. Also, there is no such thing as " mostly " gluten-free. That's like saying you're " mostly " pregnant. You are or you aren't! If you know you have a sensitivity to it, please avoid it completely. Get the cross-reactivity and/or food sensitivity testing when you are able. You're certainly NOT crazy. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 hi julie wow, thank you so much for sharing all your information! i am curious about your sensitive teeth. i never connected my sensitive teeth to my hashi's. despite cutting out gluten and being on a basically paleo diet, i don't think i've gotten rid of my inflammation. i'm going to do the cyrex test for other foods.) when were you able to cut out the flouride toothpaste? i'm on the extra-strength one right now because i wouldn't be able to eat otherwise. i know flouride is bad for hashi's but i've got to eat! thanks! nicole > > > > > > > > Hi, everyone, > > > > > > > > I'm new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is , and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in January of 2010. I have been able to control my Hashimoto's without the use of medication, though I take a lot of supplements and have made serious dietary changes (I am also an acupuncturist who practices Functional Medicine in addition to Chinese Medicine, so I treat myself. I actually got into Functional Medicine so I could learn how to treat myself, as I wasn't able to find anyone who could help me--so frustrating!). > > > > > > > > I'm happy to be here to both offer and receive support. Managing Hashimoto's is a never-ending job! I sometimes get very tired of it and want to do things that would be unwise--like eat foods I love that cause my immune system to flare up! I don't eat them, but I want to!!! It also makes it really difficult to do social stuff. Not sure if anyone else has had the same experience. > > > > > > > > Thanks, everyone! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 , I changed to a non-fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth (I think the brand was " Kiss My Face " ) right after my diagnosis in January of 2010. I was able to stop using " sensitive " toothpaste in October of 2011 after my food sensitivity testing and cutting out all of those foods to which I was reactive. Before I cut out those foods, my teeth were still extremely sensitive (like nails on a chalkboard anytime I brushed my teeth) even with the sensitive toothpaste, though I think it would have been worse without the toothpaste. Good luck! > > > > > > > > > > Hi, everyone, > > > > > > > > > > I'm new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is , and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in January of 2010. I have been able to control my Hashimoto's without the use of medication, though I take a lot of supplements and have made serious dietary changes (I am also an acupuncturist who practices Functional Medicine in addition to Chinese Medicine, so I treat myself. I actually got into Functional Medicine so I could learn how to treat myself, as I wasn't able to find anyone who could help me--so frustrating!). > > > > > > > > > > I'm happy to be here to both offer and receive support. Managing Hashimoto's is a never-ending job! I sometimes get very tired of it and want to do things that would be unwise--like eat foods I love that cause my immune system to flare up! I don't eat them, but I want to!!! It also makes it really difficult to do social stuff. Not sure if anyone else has had the same experience. > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, everyone! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 2011 Report Share Posted July 15, 2011 Thanks, . Is there a test that you suggest for testing FOOD sensitivities, not just gluten? Am I correct in assuming that food sensitivities can cause inflammation? Isn't there a basic test that tells you whether there is inflammation going on? And finally, can one have food sensitivities w/o digestive symptoms? Hi, ,Good questions. As for eating gluten (or another offending food before the test), here is a response I found on one of the professional yahoo groups I belong to (it's from a 2008 posting):"Unfortunately there is no clear cut "yes or no" answer to the prior exposure before testing question. I would say that prior exposure to foods is certainly recommended but not ultimately required. To explain a bit further…….We always tell patients that if there are certain foods which they know that they have a known negative reaction to, that they should continue to avoid them, even prior to testing. However, it will always help for a more accurate test if the person has had some fairly recent prior exposure to the other foods which they are uncertain about. The flip side is that we have seen cases where a person has never eaten the food or has not eaten the food for a very long time and the Alcat picks up a reaction which may just be genetic. What we have seen is that frequency of consumption does not seem to affect the level of reaction, unlike IgG tests."So, my response would be that what your daughter is eating is probably fine, i.e. I wouldn't have her stop before testing, but I also wouldn't ask her to increase the amount of gluten she is eating.In answer to your other question about food sensitivity testing and if/how it differs from the skin prick allergy testing:Skin prick allergy testing tests just that--true allergies. These are the result of IgE antibodies. These are the reactions that happen quickly after exposure. Food sensitivities are delayed reactions (45 minutes to 3 days after exposure) that are mediated by IgG antibodies or IgA antibodies (with IgA being found in mucosal linings). You can do more research on the web about the differences. Just know that you can be sensitive without being allergic.The Cyrex gluten sensitivity test I posted about earlier tests both IgG and IgA to 12 components of gluten (I misspoke in an earlier post when I said 22; I was thinking of the 24 tests run--12 components x 2 tests each, i.e. IgA and IgG on each = 24).If your daughter does the test and tests sensitive for any of the components, she should stop consuming ALL gluten immediately.Hope this helps. Sorry if I'm not clear--it's late, and I'm tired.>> My daughter doesn't eat much if hardly any gluten—challah once a week. She doesn't eat processed foods so she isn't getting any there. Does this skew the test? I've heard that if one is testing gluten, one doesn't want to be off gluten beforehand. She has had prick allergy testing before and it only showed up histamine and ragweed. Is this food sensitivity test different?> > Thanks, > > > I'm so glad it helps. Are you off of gluten now? I hope so! Keep in mind that it can take 6 or more months to completely get out of your system. Also, there is no such thing as "mostly" gluten-free. That's like saying you're "mostly" pregnant. You are or you aren't! If you know you have a sensitivity to it, please avoid it completely. Get the cross-reactivity and/or food sensitivity testing when you are able. You're certainly NOT crazy.> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2011 Report Share Posted July 16, 2011 , I run the MRT (Mediator Release Testing--120 foods + 30 food chemicals) on my patients, but there are others out there (Alcat is a popular one). YES!--food sensitivities can cause inflammation, and someone can have food sensitivities without having digestive complaints. They can show up as migraines, rashes or other skin conditions, fibromyalgia, dizziness, ADHD, arthritis, asthma, recurrent sinus infections, depression, etc. Food sensitivities don't cause everything, but they can cause anything. There are many blood tests for inflammation. On a complete wellness profile (CWP), inflammation can be seen in high monocytes (a type of white blood cell), high uric acid, sometimes in high basophils (another type of white blood cell), and high LDH (indicates tissue destruction). Or course, we look more for patterns within the CWP than just one test. For example, in autoimmune conditions, we tend to see high HDL cholesterol (over 80), low triglycerides, and low or normal total cholesterol. It's important to note, also, that you can have inflammation without having, say, high uric acid or high LDH. Other specific tests for non-specific inflammation (if that makes sense) are the ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and C-Reactive Protein. They tell if there is inflammation, but not where the inflammation is. > > > > My daughter doesn't eat much if hardly any gluten—challah once a week. She doesn't eat processed foods so she isn't getting any there. Does this skew the test? I've heard that if one is testing gluten, one doesn't want to be off gluten beforehand. She has had prick allergy testing before and it only showed up histamine and ragweed. Is this food sensitivity test different? > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > I'm so glad it helps. Are you off of gluten now? I hope so! Keep in mind that it can take 6 or more months to completely get out of your system. Also, there is no such thing as " mostly " gluten-free. That's like saying you're " mostly " pregnant. You are or you aren't! If you know you have a sensitivity to it, please avoid it completely. Get the cross-reactivity and/or food sensitivity testing when you are able. You're certainly NOT crazy. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2011 Report Share Posted July 17, 2011 , Many thanks. The real reason I am interested is for my daughter who has a family history of anxiety, depression and ocd (father's side). A few functional psychiatrists talk about these as due to inflammation in the brain. So, those are her key symptoms along with some eczema on her hands that comes and goes. I don't know your background but you have been very helpful and informative. I really appreciate your thoughts. ,I run the MRT (Mediator Release Testing--120 foods + 30 food chemicals) on my patients, but there are others out there (Alcat is a popular one). YES!--food sensitivities can cause inflammation, and someone can have food sensitivities without having digestive complaints. They can show up as migraines, rashes or other skin conditions, fibromyalgia, dizziness, ADHD, arthritis, asthma, recurrent sinus infections, depression, etc. Food sensitivities don't cause everything, but they can cause anything.There are many blood tests for inflammation. On a complete wellness profile (CWP), inflammation can be seen in high monocytes (a type of white blood cell), high uric acid, sometimes in high basophils (another type of white blood cell), and high LDH (indicates tissue destruction). Or course, we look more for patterns within the CWP than just one test. For example, in autoimmune conditions, we tend to see high HDL cholesterol (over 80), low triglycerides, and low or normal total cholesterol. It's important to note, also, that you can have inflammation without having, say, high uric acid or high LDH. Other specific tests for non-specific inflammation (if that makes sense) are the ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and C-Reactive Protein. They tell if there is inflammation, but not where the inflammation is.> >> > My daughter doesn't eat much if hardly any gluten—challah once a week. She doesn't eat processed foods so she isn't getting any there. Does this skew the test? I've heard that if one is testing gluten, one doesn't want to be off gluten beforehand. She has had prick allergy testing before and it only showed up histamine and ragweed. Is this food sensitivity test different?> > > > Thanks, > > > > > > I'm so glad it helps. Are you off of gluten now? I hope so! Keep in mind that it can take 6 or more months to completely get out of your system. Also, there is no such thing as "mostly" gluten-free. That's like saying you're "mostly" pregnant. You are or you aren't! If you know you have a sensitivity to it, please avoid it completely. Get the cross-reactivity and/or food sensitivity testing when you are able. You're certainly NOT crazy.> > > > > >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2011 Report Share Posted July 20, 2011 Hi , You provide good info. I notice that on all the complete wellness profiles labs, anyway all the ones I have come across, include the old, obsolete thyroid tests (total T4, T3 uptake, Thyroxine index and TSH – omitting all T3 testing). So just how does one go about getting appropriate FREE T thyroid testing done via a CWP? I think at most, if not all labs, we can order a CBC (complete blood count with differential) and the CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel aka CHEM 21) with FREE T labs. For a wellness checkup my doc also includes a complete iron panel with ferritin, homocysteine, uric acid, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C - reactive protein along with other bone tests that can be useful. He always tests cortisol, rennin and aldosterone since I have experienced hypoaldosteronism and subclinical hypoadrenalism, which both are mostly stored appropriately yet still need to be monitored. I am glad you mentioned that - anyone can have inflammation without having, HIGH uric acid or HIGH LDH. I don't much fit any illness profile and this is NO exception. I had huge amounts of inflammation, my antiTPO Abs were over 20,000 but due to many changes for betterment these Abs are now at 87. I am sure I still have some inflammation,. Why would HDL over 80 cause inflammation? Did you mean LDH? HDL is the good cholesterol that is suggested to be between 70 and 160, depending on each individual's needs. Also, you would think that I would have high basophils, too; NO they are always in the reference range usually around mid range or slightly lower like the other white blood differentials. Best, ~Bj > > >> > > My daughter doesn't eat much if hardly any gluten—challah once a week. She doesn't eat processed foods so she isn't getting any there. Does this skew the test? I've heard that if one is testing gluten, one doesn't want to be off gluten beforehand. She has had prick allergy testing before and it only showed up histamine and ragweed. Is this food sensitivity test different?> > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > I'm so glad it helps. Are you off of gluten now? I hope so! Keep in mind that it can take 6 or more months to completely get out of your system. Also, there is no such thing as "mostly" gluten-free. That's like saying you're "mostly" pregnant. You are or you aren't! If you know you have a sensitivity to it, please avoid it completely. Get the cross-reactivity and/or food sensitivity testing when you are able. You're certainly NOT crazy.> > > > > > > > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 2011 Report Share Posted July 20, 2011 Hi, Bj, The complete wellness profile is meant to be a general screen. What I have been taught is that T3 uptake can be used as a proxy for Free T3 (i.e., high T3 uptake=high Free T3), but at a lower cost. So, running it in the CWP will let me screen for problems and let me know if I need to have the patient pay for the more expensive test. Plus, clinically it is more useful with cases of hyperthyroidism or to monitor thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Since not everyone I see has thyroid issues or is on replacement therapy, I prefer to go with lower cost for the screen. Of course, a practitioner can set up their own CWP with a lab (as I have done, adding tests that aren't usually found in a CWP, such as magnesium and phosphorus. Most CMPs are not Chem 21, but Chem 16). But, again, I try to keep the cost down for my patients. If I know someone already has a thyroid diagnosis, I'd change what tests I order. Sounds like you have a good doc! But it also sounds like you have worked very hard and made some difficult but necessary changes. That's awesome that your antibodies are down to 87. We have to remember that there is not a cure for Hashimoto's--we can only manage it. I don't know of anyone who has been able to completely get rid of inflammation. I think you'd almost have to live in a bubble! HDL (yes, HDL cholesterol) over 80 does NOT cause inflammation, it is simply a sign or marker of inflammation--pointing out that it is there. I know it is called the " good " cholesterol, but honestly, all cholesterol can be good or bad, depending on the amount. It's kind of like how anything can be a poison in a certain dose. If you drink too much water, it can kill you, even though water is " good " for the body. The functional range for HDL is usually 50-80 (some say 75, and some say over 50 if the person is a " couch potato " ). In general, yes, HDL is " good " in that it removes cholesterol from artery walls and transports it back to the liver where it is removed from the body. However, there is an antioxidant called paraoxonase-1 (PON 1) which circulates in plasma bound to high-density lipoproteins (HDL). In the presence of oxidative stress and inflammation, the body will try to compensate for it by increasing PON 1 activity (and, subsequently, HDL) to counteract oxidative damage. Thus high levels of HDL may indicate the body's attempt at reducing inflammation. Here is a long and boring article that deals with PON-1 if you are interested (warning: it's very dry and technical). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2632645/ Apparently, you can have this inflammation and have it not show up in a CRP. It's still not widely understood, and there is a lot more research that needs to be done, but it is yet another example of how you can have inflammation that doesn't show up on a test (i.e. the CRP doesn't go up, but inflammation is present). It's all very complicated, and just when I feel like I'm getting an understanding of it, I realize I still have so much to learn. But I think, like you said, we can tell when we have inflammation no matter what the test says. The really hard part is figuring out what is creating that inflammation. > > > > > > > > My daughter doesn't eat much if hardly any gluten—challah once > a week. She doesn't eat processed foods so she isn't getting any there. > Does this skew the test? I've heard that if one is testing gluten, one > doesn't want to be off gluten beforehand. She has had prick allergy > testing before and it only showed up histamine and ragweed. Is this food > sensitivity test different? > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > I'm so glad it helps. Are you off of gluten now? I hope so! Keep > in mind that it can take 6 or more months to completely get out of your > system. Also, there is no such thing as " mostly " gluten-free. That's > like saying you're " mostly " pregnant. You are or you aren't! If you know > you have a sensitivity to it, please avoid it completely. Get the > cross-reactivity and/or food sensitivity testing when you are able. > You're certainly NOT crazy. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 2011 Report Share Posted July 21, 2011 Just realized I should have specified that in the sentence, " Plus, clinically it is more useful with cases of hyperthyroidism or to monitor thyroid hormone replacement therapy, " I meant Free T3. Sorry if it wasn't clear which test I was talking about! > > > > > > > > > > My daughter doesn't eat much if hardly any gluten—challah once > > a week. She doesn't eat processed foods so she isn't getting any there. > > Does this skew the test? I've heard that if one is testing gluten, one > > doesn't want to be off gluten beforehand. She has had prick allergy > > testing before and it only showed up histamine and ragweed. Is this food > > sensitivity test different? > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I'm so glad it helps. Are you off of gluten now? I hope so! Keep > > in mind that it can take 6 or more months to completely get out of your > > system. Also, there is no such thing as " mostly " gluten-free. That's > > like saying you're " mostly " pregnant. You are or you aren't! If you know > > you have a sensitivity to it, please avoid it completely. Get the > > cross-reactivity and/or food sensitivity testing when you are able. > > You're certainly NOT crazy. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 Hi, , Thanks for the update. I'm sorry you were disappointed in your results. Despite there not being some huge, clear cut reactions, I think it was still valuable for you to do it, given that you had some reactions, even if not severe. It's also important so you can move on and explore what else may be causing you problems. I agree it would be nice if we didn't have to spend so much money on these tests, though! Regarding your minimal gluten reaction, I do not know what components of gluten that test looks at. Most do only Alpha Gliadin 17 and 33 at most. To get a true picture of gluten reactivity, the Cyrex Labs test is the most comprehensive. I've mentioned the details before on this group, so hopefully you can find the info without me repeating it. Good luck, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi, everyone, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I'm new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is , and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in January of 2010. I have been able to control my Hashimoto's without the use of medication, though I take a lot of supplements and have made serious dietary changes (I am also an acupuncturist who practices Functional Medicine in addition to Chinese Medicine, so I treat myself. I actually got into Functional Medicine so I could learn how to treat myself, as I wasn't able to find anyone who could help me--so frustrating!). > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I'm happy to be here to both offer and receive support. Managing Hashimoto's is a never-ending job! I sometimes get very tired of it and want to do things that would be unwise--like eat foods I love that cause my immune system to flare up! I don't eat them, but I want to!!! It also makes it really difficult to do social stuff. Not sure if anyone else has had the same experience. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, everyone! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2011 Report Share Posted September 7, 2011 i do remember about the cyrex test. that would probably explain why it shows up on some tests and not others but no point in doing the test since i just avoid every part of gluten! thank you! nicole > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi, everyone, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I'm new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is , and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in January of 2010. I have been able to control my Hashimoto's without the use of medication, though I take a lot of supplements and have made serious dietary changes (I am also an acupuncturist who practices Functional Medicine in addition to Chinese Medicine, so I treat myself. I actually got into Functional Medicine so I could learn how to treat myself, as I wasn't able to find anyone who could help me--so frustrating!). > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I'm happy to be here to both offer and receive support. Managing Hashimoto's is a never-ending job! I sometimes get very tired of it and want to do things that would be unwise--like eat foods I love that cause my immune system to flare up! I don't eat them, but I want to!!! It also makes it really difficult to do social stuff. Not sure if anyone else has had the same experience. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, everyone! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2011 Report Share Posted September 7, 2011 i do remember about the cyrex test. that would probably explain why it shows up on some tests and not others but no point in doing the test since i just avoid every part of gluten! thank you! nicole > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi, everyone, > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I'm new to the group and just wanted to introduce myself. My name is , and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in January of 2010. I have been able to control my Hashimoto's without the use of medication, though I take a lot of supplements and have made serious dietary changes (I am also an acupuncturist who practices Functional Medicine in addition to Chinese Medicine, so I treat myself. I actually got into Functional Medicine so I could learn how to treat myself, as I wasn't able to find anyone who could help me--so frustrating!). > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > I'm happy to be here to both offer and receive support. Managing Hashimoto's is a never-ending job! I sometimes get very tired of it and want to do things that would be unwise--like eat foods I love that cause my immune system to flare up! I don't eat them, but I want to!!! It also makes it really difficult to do social stuff. Not sure if anyone else has had the same experience. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Thanks, everyone! > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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