Stool testing is the window into your entire body and immune system. The microbiome is everything to a healthy body. Stool testing can tell us how many good and bad bacteria is present. With GI testing we can see the immune markers, inflammation and if the tight junctions are a problem.
Not all stool testing is the same; in order to really determine what is going on in the intestinal tract you need a test that is sensitive and specific.
What the gut lining reveals is what the brain barrier reveals.
Do you have gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea?
Food sensitivities occur in so many fashions. They can be delayed or immediate. Our immediate foods we recognize but is the delayed foods that are harder to identify.
Food sensitivities are often caused by something called “leaky gut”. Leaky gut is a term used when the tight junctions of the GI tract become compromised. This can happen for a variety of reasons including infection be it bacterial, parasitic, or viral. It is when these junctions become loose that food particles can move through and come in contact with the immune system. This can cause delayed food allergies to occur.
Do you have bloating, constipation, and diarrhea?
Do you have irritable bowel disease?
Do you have fatigue, especially after you eat?
Do you crave certain foods?
What are your 5 most hated foods?
Do you have skin rashes or itching?
Do you have mood changes after you eat?
Do you have depression?
Do you have anxiety?
Do you have swelling?
Do you have frequent urination?
Do you have unexplained weight gain?
Do you have migraines or headaches?
Do you have autoimmune disease?
What Can A Food Sensitivities Lab Do?
Getting food sensitivity testing can finally give you the answers about what foods cause problems for you
Once you have food sensitivity testing done you will know which foods benefit or harm you
This gives us an idea of what is going on with your immune system
Serenity Health Care Center offers hormone panels for anyone looking to learn more about their hormones and hormonal function.
Hormone testing is a great test for anyone to get a baseline before there are symptoms. This allows us to identify which hormone type you are.
Are you high estrogen? Body type as a pear
shape.
Are you high testosterone? Body type as a box.
Being a driven, high-powered person who is burning the candle at both ends can initially bring energy and drive, but once you have been doing this for a while the opposite happens. You become burnt out, irritable, stressed out and lose vitality for life. Ultimately, bringing you unhappiness and a feeling of being lost.
Ashwagandha has been used as an herbal remedy for hundreds of years. It has many applications, and has been used by Native Americans and Africans to treat inflammation, fevers, and to protect against infection or illness. It has also been used to boost the immune system, improve memory, and to promote overall wellness.
Ashwagandha is a shrub that flourishes in India and North America. The roots of the ashwagandha plant have been employed for millennia by Ayurvedic healers. Ashwagandha has many beneficial elements, including flavonoids and members of the withanolide class. Numerous modern studies have found that ashwagandha shows great promise for being effective in reducing inflammation, decreasing stress, increasing mental activity, invigorating the body, and as an antioxidant.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Scholars at Banaras Hindu University, located in Varanasi, India, have conducted research that has shown that many of the elements of ashwagandha are antioxidants. The researchers looked at the effects these elements have on the brains of test animals and found that ashwagandha led to larger amounts of three different natural antioxidants: superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. The scholars conclude, “These findings are consistent with the therapeutic use of W. somnifera as an Ayurvedic rasayana (health promoter). The antioxidant effect of active principles of W. somnifera may explain, at least in part, the reported anti-stress, cognition-facilitating, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects produced by them in experimental animals, and in clinical situations.”
For years, Indians have prescribed ashwagandha as a treatment for cerebral disorders in the elderly, including memory loss. Scholars from the University of Leipzig looked at the effects of ashwagandha on the brain. They dosed rats with ashwagandha and then looked at their brains to see if ashwagandha affected neurotransmitters. The research showed that ashwagandha led to more acetylcholine receptor activity. The scholars concluded that the increase of activity in that particular neurotransmitter could account for the increase in cognitive ability and memory that is attributed to ashwagandha.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center also looked at the effects of ashwagandha. They found that extracts of the shrub had activity that was similar to GABA, which could explain why the plant is effective in reducing anxiety.
Another study, conducted in 2002, found that ashwagandha leads to increased growth of axons and dendrites. Another study in 2001 found that the plant can enhance memory. A 2000 project indicated that ashwagandha reduced anxiety and depression in animals.
The advocacy group Moms Across America sent 10 samples of wine in to be tested by Microbe Infotech Lab in St. Louis.
The samples came from vineyards of all sizes—from very small to very large operations… The vineyards included those that use modern agricultural practices—as well as those that are “organic.”
They ALL tested positive for glyphosates.
Even the ones that had never been sprayed with Roundup (the trade name of Monsanto/Bayer’s toxic glyphosate herbicide).
Levels were much higher in crops that were sprayed directly with pesticides and herbicides—but even those that did fall victim to the reckless use of these toxins on our food supply.
Here’s another interesting tidbit:
Glyphosate is patented as an antibiotic. So, now it is not only going to be in our food source, it could be used as an antibiotic. We know that the glyphosate damages tissues, we can also be sure that it’s also disrupting our microbiomes.
Studies have shown that it favors harmful bacteria growth while inhibiting the good stuff.
Obviously, it’s becoming harder and harder to avoid glyphosates without sourcing food from remote farms—far away from “modern” agricultural practices.
With the good weather coming, I would encourage you to go to farmer’s markets and talk to farmers about how they grow their foods and what they use – so you know exactly what happens to your food.
Let’s Talk Wellness Now is a natural health and wellness podcast hosted by Dr. Debra Muth, ND – the founder of Serenity Health Care Center and Phoenix Factor – Female Health Protocol. Let’s Talk Wellness Now is a raw and exciting dialogue that will explore topics ranging anywhere from hormone function and sexual health, to brain health and Lyme Disease.
Each season’s theme will concentrate on a specific health condition, and feature industry experts ranging from clinical psychologists and compounding pharmacists, to Global Nonprofit Presidents and fellow practitioners leading the world of integrative medicine and natural health. Season 1 is devoted to all things Hormones, followed by a season dedicated to all things Sexual Health!
We invite you to listen in, review, comment, share, make suggestions, and enjoy the incredible conversation about the world of natural health and wellness!
Food and sex can be an erotic mix – if you know what you’re doing!
Food and sex can be a seriously erotic mix if you know what you’re doing, so getting to grips with aphrodisiac foods this Valentine’s Day will be really worth it.
For some people the idea of foodie foreplay is just a big NO, chocolate body paint won’t float everyone’s boat. But squirting whipped cream-on-body-parts isn’t what we’re getting at here, although that is a fun idea. We are going to explore foods that are known as aphrodisiacs all by themselves.
Even the NHS says aphrodisiac foods can help bring couples closer both physically and emotionally. It’s got to be a good thing!
So if you’re intrigued here’s our A-W list of aphrodisiac foods… how you enjoy them is up to you!
Almonds
The almond has been a symbol of fertility and an aphrodisiac through various ages and some believe that just the smell can stimulate women sexually. Sprinkle them with a little seasoning and they are ready to pop in your mouth and let it water.
Apricot Brandy
Long considered an aphrodisiac drink. In a Midsummer Night’s Dream the fairies are told of the efficacy of apricot and Shakespeare seems to have been drawing on an established folk tradition. Dried Apricots steeped in sweet Muscat wine for a week or two are favorite sweetmeat with which lovers can feed each other.
Avocado
The Aztecs allegedly called the avocado “ahuacatl” – their word for ‘testicle’… but if that doesn’t turn you on (it doesn’t do much for us either) avocados are at least a treasure trove of vitamins and good stuff.
They contain vitamin B6, which is said to increase production of male hormones, as well as potassium, which helps to regulate the female thyroid gland – not sexy but at least you’ll look and feel pretty good.
Asparagus
The humble asparagus spear is a powerful aphrodisiac – not only does it look a bit phallic but it also contains vitamin E, which makes you gorgeous (think healthy skin, hair and nails) and is also said to be a sex hormone booster. Delicious.
Bananas
Phallic again – use your imagination this is enough to get the sexy going on the aphrodisiac list. In the case of the banana it’s also making an appearance due its levels of potassium and B vitamins that aid your sex hormone production.
These beauties are a great source of instant and long-lasting energy – so have one before sex to give you the staying power to satisfy your significant other.
Bananas are excellent at regulating blood pressure, too. High blood pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction and that’s no fun on Valentine’s Day (or any other day for that matter).
So whack out those bananas and away you go!
Bone Marrow
According to the ancient Romans produces pheromones that stimulate our sense of smell that attracts us to our lovers.
Caviar
Testosterone is great for your sex life – it makes both men and women more randy and sexually stimulated. Zinc, found in caviar, stimulates the formation of testosterone so it stands to reason that posh fish eggs are in fact an aphrodisiac!
Celery
Not a universally loved veg but apparently it gets women going. Celery contains androstenone, a hormone that researchers believe attracts females when it’s secreted through sweat. Nice.
Champagne
Champagne is the drink of love often the mere presence of that expensive bottle will get you going. Champagne reaches the blood stream rapidly. Drinking too much, however, might change the outcome so drink responsibly.
Chili Peppers
Hot chili’s are thought to release endorphins that give our bodies a high. Many hot foods fall into this category but chili’s also contain the chemical capsaicin, which stimulates our nerve endings and raises our pulses for a greater sense of touch.
A little tip we have is to put a tiny bit of chili in your cocktails. Honestly, it works wonders!
Chocolate
Nothing says, “I love you” like a box of chocolates, at least for me that is a way to my heart!
It contains a stimulant called phenylethylamine, and a substance called Theobromine which is thought to act on the neurotransmitters of the brain to give you a natural high with a sense of well-being and excitement.
Use dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, as this is what makes the magic happen.
Coffee
You stand on your doorstep at the end of the perfect date, and think of saying “want to come in and tear my clothes off with your teeth?” but that’s perhaps a little forward.
Instead you murmur: “would you like to come in for coffee?”… the meaning behind the message is the same.
Coffee’s actually on the list for its stimulating qualities but it’s earned its reputation as a sexy beverage by the power of suggestion alone. Make sure you drink it in a sexy manner!
Cream
Cream doesn’thave any nutritional value, but as an aphrodisiac it gets it’s merit by sex food play! It can be a bit messy but isn’t that what sex is all about? If you want to clean up easy get the shower curtain out for this one!
Coconut
We all are aware of the coconuts health benefits as a healthy oil, but did you know it make a great massage oil and an even better natural lubricant with a great flavor or oral sex.
Cucumber
Cucumberis certainly phallic in appearance, but its aphrodisiac reputation is not based on looks alone. From a nutritional standpoint, cucumbers provide several nutrients essential to maintaining sexual health, including Vitamin C and magnesium. It also helps to decrease water retention and bloating so enjoy.
Figs
This one’s for your partner – ask them to open a ripe fig and eat it seductively in front of you. This is supposed to be a powerful aphrodisiac because the fruit’s insides look like female genitalia.
Ginger
A circulatory system stimulant, ginger eaten raw, preserved or cooked is said to increase sexual powers and desire. Ginger omelets are a great way to start the day.
Ginseng
Often found in Asian cuisines such as Chinese and Korean, ginseng is believed by many to increase sexual appetite for both men and women. Consuming Ginseng tea or shred some raw root onto a salad.
Oysters
Oysters are probably the world’s most well-known aphrodisiac and they’ve been top of the sexy food list since the age of the ancient Greeks.
They’re full of zinc that helps in production of testosterone, which not only acts on male libido but is also great for the female libido too. Raw oysters are best served with a glass of cold Champagne.
Pine Nuts
Like oysters and caviar, pine nuts are full of zinc that is great for producing sperm and for increasing the libido.
Pumpkin Seeds
More zinc! You can eat these toasted or raw and they’re great on a sexy salad with cucumbers, apples, raisins and almonds.
Radish
Egyptian pharaohs were all about radish when they wanted to up the ante in the royal chamber. It’s thought that their spicy taste could stimulate the palate and of course the shape are supposed to turn you on.
Raspberries
Succulent red fruits that are perfect for feeding to your lover and are especially good when dipped into melted chocolate – an aphrodisiac two-for-one!
They’re red which is meant as a stimulating color that indicates we are excited which our brains are programed to notice as stimulating. They are high in vitamin C, which may not turn you on but will sure keep your healthy.
Rocket
Even back in the first century A.D. they were using rocket (or arugula) leaves to boost flagging sex drives. But were as they used it with grated orchid bulbs and parsnips, we recommend toasted pine nuts, almonds and pistachios for a more palatable sexy salad!
Sweet Basil
Maybe it’s the smell, but some people think that basil has the power to stimulate your sex drive and boost your fertility – so don’t be too annoyed if he turns up with a takeaway pizza this Valentine’s Day.
Strawberries
For all the same reasons raspberries are on the list! Pop one in your champagne glass, dip them in some lush melted chocolate… strawberries are sensual, sexy and I know this is cliché but feed them in a sensual way to your partner.
Truffles
Truffles are one of the most extravagant foods out there and this point alone is sometimes enough to turn a women on.
They may not look so appealing but trust us these babies pack a punch. Drizzle a little truffle oil on some pasta, or put a few shavings on some risotto.
Their delicious taste and musky aroma certainly stimulates the palate which can lead to arousal elsewhere.
Wine
Drinking wine can be quite an erotic experience. Drinking in moderation can help to ease inhibitions and promote relaxation but alcohol is also a depressant and we all know that too much never did anyone any good.
Your Valentine’s Day or romantic date will be memorable for all the wrong reasons if you have one to many rosés! Wondering why Roses are so sexy? In part it is sacred to the love goddess in all the mythological traditions. The evocative shape of the petals and the intense perfumes make it the archetypal female emblem. It is the scents of the rose that are an aphrodisiac. Enjoy them put the petals on the bed…. Use the rose petal to gently stroke them across your lover’s body. Use your imagination and enjoy!
Progesterone is a steroid hormone produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, the brain and peripheral nerves.
At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we use bioidentical hormones to treat imbalances and improve the functions of female hormones, especially during menopause and other transitional periods of life. We have the expertise and knowledge to address hormonal issues and other health problems that are affecting your quality of life. Contact us for an appointment.
Why Phone or Zoom Consultations Could Be Right For You!
Comfort
You can talk from the comfort of your own home, where you may feel more relaxed, focused, and in-tune with your consultation. If you’re battling symptoms, it may be easier (and healthier) to receive consultation remotely.
Ease
Wisconsin’s winter storms can be severe. If roads are bad, traffic is slow, or something else interferes with your schedule, you won’t have to worry about commuting to the clinic.
Convenience
Some of our patients travel long distances to meet with our practitioners – a phone consultation can save you time and money spent traveling. For our patients with kids, you won’t need to spend money on babysitters or day care.
Accessibility
If a practitioner has sudden openings (and you’re able to fit a different slot into your schedule), you could meet with them sooner than the original scheduled date – without having to commute.
For patients who still prefer to see practitioners visually, we can offer Zoom Video Consultations as well! Please contact our office for information on phone or Zoom consultations!
*Disclaimer – Please contact our office or PCP to see which consultation type is right for you. Some patients will still need in-person consultations.
Saliva is a reliable, noninvasive, and cost-effective method to measure active hormone levels. However, in certain populations, saliva sampling may be difficult because of insufficient saliva flow.
Methods recommended to increase saliva include using lemon or vitamin C water or chewing gum, has been found to potentially compromise sample integrity, especially if the methods involve the presence of a collection aid in the oral cavity like a cotton swab.
A recent review of the literature reveals a potentially more tantalizing option for saliva production….bacon!
A 2015 study evaluated an over-the-counter
anhydrous crystalline maltose lozenge (intended to increase saliva production
for patients with xerostomia long after the lozenge dissolves) and the smell of
freshly cooked bacon on saliva output compared to passive saliva collection,
without assistance.
Results revealed that both the lozenges and bacon significantly decreased collection time compared with the passive saliva collection day. Furthermore, no significant changes to the levels of cortisol, testosterone, or DHEAs were seen when comparing lozenge or bacon to the passive collection. Post-bacon saliva hormones values also did not differ from post-lozenge saliva hormones values.
Further studies are needed to support the use of an OTC anhydrous crystalline maltose lozenge, but smelling bacon is an easy way to improve saliva production without the risk of compromising the integrity of the saliva sample. If you are struggling to produce saliva while collecting your hormone sample, fry up some bacon while you are collecting and see what happens.
