One of the first things I did when I decided to try the Yasko protocol was to undertake a slew of tests to get a baseline as to where I was as far as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, gut flora, toxins, etc. were concerned. I was feeling a bit guilty about spending so much money on testing ($2000...gulp!), so I cashed in my savings bonds that I had intended to keep for vacation purposes. Apparently my guilt was definitely one-sided, as my husband didn't seem too concerned about me spending that kind of money. (Go figure??)
To prepare for the tests, the plan was to go off all supplements for 2 weeks prior. (The idea being that I wanted to see where my body was at sans supplements). It turned out that I went off supplements for 4 weeks due to Christmas holidays and not wanting to send in tests over that time period. Going off all supplements wasn't too bad for the first 2 weeks, but I really started to notice slight worsening of my symptoms from week 3 onwards. I remember thinking that I was probably going to feel a lot worse before I started feeling better! Ain't that the truth!
So what tests did I have done? There were 8 in all: Urine Toxic Metals (I tested positive for 11/20) Urine Essential Elements (low to lowish on all but 3) Hair Toxic Metals (I tested positive for 23/31) Urine Amino Acids (lots of imbalances) Fecal Metals (I tested positive for 12/13!) Comprehensive Stool Analysis w. Parasitology (imbalanced flora, 1 parasite, but no yeast) Metabolic Analysis Profile (showed issues with short chain fatty acids and B Vitamins) Neopterin/Biopterin Profile (issues with BH4)
Thankfully, not all the results came in at the same time, so I was able to go through one or two tests at a time, and compare my results to what Dr. Amy is looking for on tests, as described in: Amy Yasko Autism Pathways to Recovery Workbook.
Don't let the title fool you...she may focus on helping children within the Autism Spectrum, but as I mentioned in a previous post, she started out helping people with neurological conditions.(Parkinson's, Lupus, MS...) I meet with my Naturopath in 2 weeks to discuss my test results and to share what I've learned so far. And although my Naturopath is new to the Yasko Protocol, she is very interested in it's application to various conditions, and I really value her expert opinion and feedback.
Biochemical testing was one of the best things I have done for myself...instead of second guessing that I had a mineral/vitamin/amino acid imbalances, or a yeast problem, or gut flora issues, or a parasite (which I had long suspected), I now know exactly what is going on in my body. And more importantly...I understand why I might be having the issues I am, I see how I might have developed the issues I have, AND I can see what I need to do to help address those issues.
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