NeurotransmitterA neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger that carries signals between body cells. They are various types of neurotransmitters which play a major role in everyday… tests measure blood platelet levels of dopamineDopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) found within the brain. It has a variety of influences on brain function including playing a role in regulating…, noradrenalin, adrenalin, serotoninSerotonin is a hormone found naturally in the brain and digestive tract. It is often referred to as the ‘happy hormone’ as it influences mood…. and acetycholine. These levels are a good indicator of levels found in the fluid in the brain (the cerebrospinal fluid – CSF), thus indicating excesses, deficiencies and imbalances in neurotransmitters. This test is also available through doctors and nutritional therapists.
Kryptopyrrole or HPL test is a urine test for a chemical that, if raised in the urine, indicates increased oxidative stress and is associated with mental-health problems such as depression, confusion, anxiety and insomnia. It is a very useful indicator of a person’s need for zincWhat it does: Component of over 200 enzymes in the body, essential for growth, important for healing, controls hormones, aids ability to cope with stress… and vitamin B6, supplementation of which tends to normalise HPL levels. This test is available through doctors and nutritional therapists.
Zinc taste test is based on the fact that sufficient zinc is required to detect bitter, sour or metallic tastes. The client is given 10ml of a solution containing zinc, then asked to swish it around in his or her mouth for about ten seconds before swallowing it. Then they are asked to describe what they taste. If they report a distinct bitter, sour or metallic taste or a distinctly unpleasant taste, they are not zinc deficient. If they report no taste, or a ‘watery’ or ‘chalky’ taste, but not bitter, sour or metallic taste, they are most likely to be zinc deficient. Many nutritional therapists use this test. In our experience, it links well with other signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency, and is a good and inexpensive tool for monitoring the success or failure of zinc therapy.
HomocysteineHomocysteine is an amino acid found in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been associated with narrowing and hardening of the arteries, an increased… is a potentially toxic amino acid associated with heart disease, strokes, cancer, abnormal blood clotting and over 100 other medical conditions (see The Homocysteine Solution for details). It is frequently elevated in those with a chemical addiction and especially alcoholics. The optimal level is 6–7µmol/l. The higher your level the more specific homocysteine-lowering nutrients, mainly B vitamins, you need. An extremely high level, above 20 µmol/l, is associated with an increased risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures and therefore should be corrected before beginning alcohol withdrawal. It is an excellent tool for indirectly measuring SAM, folic acidWhat it does: Critical during pregnancy for the development of a baby’s brain and nerves. Also essential for brain and nerve function. Needed for utilising… and methylationMethylation is what occurs when the body takes one substance and turns it into another, so that it can be detoxified and excreted from the… status. When it’s elevated, SAM, folic acid and methylation status is usually inadequate, so it’s a good functional test of whether you are lacking in these nutrients. Homocysteine can and should be tested by your doctor if you have any of the above, but rarely is. You can test it yourself with a home-test kit.
Essential fatty analysis, using red blood cell membranes. Low levels are often found when conditions of addictions occur together, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, cognitive impairment and irritability. This usually matches nicely with physical examination findings of essential...
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