Blood Test for Liver Function

Most vertebrate animals, including humans, have a liver, and life as we know it will surely fail if the liver stops working. So before we delve into the actual blood testing, let's take a look at what the liver does and how it functions.

The liver is the body's largest organ and because of the tremendous workload we humans put on it, this vital organ should undergo regular liver blood tests. As a blood filter, the liver must metabolize our food intake, that is, it changes what we eat into substances the body requires to function properly. But as the old saying goes, "Too much of a good thing can be harmful."

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

This article is about what is good and what is bad for proper liver function. Let's start with fats-yes... there are good and bad fats. One thing all fats, good and bad, have in common-they both have about the same number of calories per serving.

If your goal is weight loss, then what I have to say here is vital to achieving that slim, trim figure you picture for yourself. Most nutritionists and health care providers agree that fats are at the root of our over-weight problems.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines...

recommend that adults get 20%-35% of their calories from fats. At a minimum, we need at least 10% of our calories to come from fat.

Good Fats: Included here are fats like olive oil, canola oil, nuts like peanuts, almonds, pistachios and walnuts. Avocados top the list of good vegetable fat sources. Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) will lower total cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) while they increase the HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol).

Bad Fats: The bad guys in this scenario are the saturated fats, which tend to raise total blood cholesterol as well as LDL. The principle source for bad fats is as you might expect: animal products like meat, eggs, dairy and seafood. As for plant food, limit or eliminate your intake of coconut and palm oil.

Why do we gain weight?

The "mechanics" of weight gain are basically very simple. The function of the liver is to break down all good and bad fats, but good fats metabolize faster than bad ones.

Because we keep our livers busy during most of our waking hours, it soon becomes overworked. The result is that it has to do something with the excess good and bad fats, so it stores in around our waistlines, butts and thighs.

Toxins:

Other factors keep our livers working overtime too. In its effort to keep our blood supply clean and free of harmful substances, the liver is expected to metabolize the toxic substances we innocently consume. Many folks know that excess sugar in the diet will add to our waistlines so they take the overt step by consuming "artificial sweeteners." The fallacy here is while the liver is preoccupied with metabolizing the aspartame in our diet drinks, the fats it does not get around to metabolizing is stored as body fat. Ironic isn't it? Diet drinks may be the cause of many people's weight-gain.

Liver Blood Tests:

An annual physical examination will include extensive blood tests seeking to discover any not-so-apparent health problems. The list of items covered in the blood testing for liver problems is a lengthy one, but three of the most common indicators of potential problems that often serve as precursors of liver disease are alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and bilirubin.

Generally most liver blood tests are used for the detection of a possible injury or inflammation to the liver. Your physician will order these tests when needing a routine health screening and evaluation for abdominal pain, and the possibility of liver disease. Liver blood tests are typically done as a part of a comprehensive metabolic panel, which also includes your electrolyte levels and general kidney function. Liver enzymes are a byproduct of normal liver function and are found within the liver cells. If the liver has been injured or damaged in some way such as excess toxins in the food consumed, the liver enzymes leak into the blood, which causes elevated liver enzyme levels. Laboratory tests are necessary to detect elevated these liver enzymes.

It becomes very apparent then that regular checkups, at least annually, are called for. What's important for you to remember is that your liver is a vital organ and they only way to get a replacement for one is from an organ donor. And the organ donor must have died for you to get one.

Why Did My Doctor Give Me Cytomel for My Hypothyroidism?

If you have hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) chances are you are taking either Levothyroxine or Synthroid the two most commonly prescribed thyroid hormones in the United States. These are both a synthetic form of T4, the inactive form of thyroid hormone that your thyroid gland is not making enough of to support your metabolism. T4 needs to be converted in the liver and gastrointestinal tract to create the necessary active form of T3.

It has been my experience that some patients will continue expressing low thyroid symptoms like feeling cold, tired, brain fog, weight gain, depression, constipation, etc. even after their physician has introduced thyroid hormone replacement and determined the patient has the correct dosage via blood work.

It has also been my experience that these patients will often go back to their physician frustrated and the doctor will give Cytomel. Cytomel is a synthetic T3, active thyroid hormone that has immediate activity in the body. At times this can help with the symptoms but cause other side-effects like heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, etc. and may not correct the frustrating symptoms. Besides, who really wants to be on yet another medication? Let's get to the root of the problem and fix it, if possible.

In my opinion it would be better to get to the real source of the issue that is help the body CONVERT T4 into T3 naturally. If you are not converting well then we can assume you have issues with either the liver, the GI tract or both. These are major areas of thyroid hormone conversion.

There are many possibilities for addressing these areas but we always start with proper testing to give us a baseline understanding of nature of the problem(s). For instance performing a lipid panel and liver enzyme panel may be a start but it is not usually enough. There are excellent tests for evaluating the function of the liver and GI system from a functional point of view. It is lack of function that we really want to unearth and understand.

Once we have a good understanding of the issues then targeted supplementation and specific dietary changes can have a profound impact of liver and GI function and thus thyroid hormone conversion from T4 to T3.

I have found that address these underlying issues has helped patient feel better. Within a couple of weeks they often report better and more consistent energy, normalizing sleep patterns, relief from constipation, lifting depression and a general sense of well being.

This tells me that they are responding to my individual protocol for their issue. It is possible to feel good again!

Are You Being Robbed Of Your Manly Male Hormone Testosterone?

There is a silent epidemic happening that is affecting our men. Our modern day warriors are living a lifestyle that is sapping their strength and vitality, increasing their disease risk and aging them at a premature and accelerated rate.

If you are a man maybe you are experiencing some of the classic symptoms. An expanding waistline, loss of strength, have become irritable, depressed, lack motivation to be active, problems with the love life, feeling tired and lacking energy you could be living the sort of lifestyle that is suppressing your natural male hormones.

It is a common lifestyle that an estimated 80 percent of males live. One that includes too little intense exercise and poor nutrition mainly but you can add in too little sleep, too much stress, alcohol, too many sugars and unhealthy fats as well.

This way of living life could be negatively impacting on the positive, life-force sustaining hormonal expression of your body. The end result is that this situation will gradually drain your energy, vigor, vitality and eventually your life.

The most important reasons other than getting older that suppress male hormones like testosterone in a man are most definitely the negative effects of a bad diet and no proper exercise lifestyle. Not eating enough quality protein or simply not eating enough while overindulging in unhealthy processed foods will also inhibit production.

The powerful male hormone testosterone is what makes 'a man a man' and what fuels them. It gives them drive, energy and motivation to take on the day. When levels are low a man will likely feel tired, flat, depressed with little desire to be active and likely have low self esteem.

If you are a man past thirty this is likely happening to you at this very moment. Your body is quietly stockpiling fat, your lean muscle tissue is dwindling, you are losing strength and your energy is plummeting. The longer you fail to recognize this demise of your body the harder it will be to put the brakes on the momentum that has been happening for years (maybe decades).

Doing enough muscle building and maintaining exercise is critical to keeping male hormones flowing. Proper strength training exercise directly stimulates the testosterone producing glands and men who work their muscular system properly will have higher levels of testosterone and other important 'growth and repair' hormones that will keep them healthier and more youthful.

Just implementing 2-3 sessions each week of a strength training program will help restore your maleness along with your general health. Add to that a reduction in processed foods and an increase in natural whole foods cooked from scratch and you will have a formula that will have your body humming again in just a few months.

As a society, we are raised to believe that getting older brings with it declines in our physical function and aches and pains. But this is simply not true. These declines are not related to age at all but to an overall unhealthy way of living.

A no exercise lifestyle can do way more damage to overall health and vitality than anything the aging process can throw at us. When you disrespect your body this way your energy is drained, your mind fogs and your confidence will crash. You are in fact hammering your very manhood and life-force. But you do not have to follow the others you can take action and refuse to be part of this silent epidemic that is robbing our modern day warriors of their manliness.

Five Foods That Can Improve the Effects of HGH Therapy on Male Libido

Libido loss is one of the more common problems that affect men over the age of 30. While Human Growth Hormone (HGH) therapy can be valuable in helping patients regain their virility, this treatment is just part of the equation.

Like any medical procedure, the effects of hormone replacement for men improve if the patient makes an effort on their part to live a healthier lifestyle. Part of this is eating the right food. To regain lost virility, men can find plenty of affordable natural foods that can naturally boost one's drive, and are readily available at the local supermarket.

By taking note of these foods while undergoing HGH therapy, you can help contribute to the treatment's potency. These foods are also a good source of other important nutrients that may not directly improve the effects of HGH treatment, but still help to improve the body's overall health.

At the top of this list of is chocolate. Dark, bitter chocolate in particular contains high concentrations of the chemical phenylethylamine, which induces the feeling of being in love for both men and women. Dark chocolate also contains serotonin, which helps elevate the mood.

Garlic is another common ingredient that can help enhance the effects of HGH therapy. Aside from providing much-needed flavor to a dish, garlic also contains allicin, a chemical that naturally increases blood flow to the body parts essential for the male libido. While garlic is used often in dishes, you can also choose to take it as a capsule if bad breath is a concern.

Another potent food that helps the HGH treatment along is the avocado, which is packed with folic acid, vitamin B6, and potassium. Vitamin B6 is particularly important for men because it increases testosterone levels, while folic acid supplies the body with energy. The potassium found in avocadoes can also help women undergoing HGH treatment by improving the function of their thyroid gland, which in turn helps improve their libido.

Oysters are another good supplement for men undergoing HGH therapy. A plate of oysters contains high levels of zinc, which the body needs to naturally produce testosterone. Almonds are another ideal food because they contain fatty acids, which contribute to the body's overall hormone production.

While these foods can naturally improve the effects of hormone replacement for men, it's advisable to first consult a doctor before eating them. A specialist can develop a proper nutrition plan that maximizes the effects these foods have on your HGH treatment.

Balancing Your Hormones Naturally -- What To Do First

One of the questions that I frequently get asked is "What steps do I need to take to begin getting my hormones in balance?" The following is what I suggest:

1. Test your hormone levels. This should be done by utilizing both saliva testing and blood testing. For more information on how you can do this yourself call Oasis Advanced Wellness about how to obtain kits to use in the privacy of your own home. You will need to test for estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol.
   
   
   
   


2. Educate yourself on the topic of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and balancing your hormones naturally. A good place to start is my e-book--Balancing Your Hormones Without Drugs...You Can Feel Good Again and also at www.menopause-pms-progesterone.org. This will not only address your hormone issues but also help you to bring your whole body into balance...from the comfort of your own home. You can purchase this at www.oasisserene.com.
   
   
   
   


3. Take your results to a healthcare professional that you trust and one that works with bio-identical hormones. If you cannot find a healthcare professional in your area we offer telephone consults and will be glad to assist you in reaching your health goals. Make sure that you employ a healthcare professional that will work as a team-player. Ultimately, you are the one responsible for your health - not your doctor.
   
   
   
   


4. If you are currently on HRT go to www.oasisserene.com for instructions on how to get off HRT. You will need to wean yourself off gradually.
   
   
   
   


5. As good as bio-identical hormones replacement therapy is, it is not an end-all. Your goal should be to bring your body into total health and balance.
   
   
   
   


6. Be willing to address detoxification, diet, water in-take, supplementation, exercise, physical / emotional stress and environment. This is a MUST.
   
   
   
   


7. Once you start on a program your hormone levels should be monitored every three months for one year. This eliminates all the guesswork as to whether or not what you are doing is actually working. The goal should be to get your system balanced and to hopefully stimulate the hormones to start producing again.
   
   

About Supplements: It would be easy for me to include, in the above suggestions, vitamin/supplement recommendations like B-Complex, Vitamin E, etc. The reason that I do not is because many will go to a local drugstore or grocery store to purchase these supplements. All supplements/vitamins are not created equal. Sometimes the fillers and excipients can negate any benefit that you might get from the vitamin. I believe this is one reason why natural medicine is not taken seriously by many people. They tried a $9.95 supplement and it did not work, so therefore the reasoning is that using a natural approach does not work. It can be over whelming and time consuming to decide which supplements are best and which ones will work. This is why I believe it is important to have a healthcare professional on your team who is trained in knowing what supplements will be absorbed, transported and utilized effectively by the body. For information about the supplements that we recommend to our clients get the e-book - Balancing Your Hormones Without Drugs...You Can Feel Good Again.

At Oasis Advanced Wellness, we not only specialize in getting the hormones in balance for women and men, but in the process we will help you to get your whole body in balance. For many it is the first time in a long, long time that they begin to experience true health and well-being. We can help you, too.

Hormones and Menopause - What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Women lose hormones as they get older. While the menopause transition usually occurs around age 50, perimenopause, the transition to menopause can start in the early thirties. Hormones and menopause is an important topic because most if not all the premenopause and menopause symptoms are due to hormonal imbalance.

With hormonal imbalance comes one of the most debilitating consequence: weight gain. But there are also the other symptoms such breast tenderness, cravings, fatigue, depression. These are all the results of hormonal changes.

Hormones regulate the biochemical reactions in your body. That's why when your hormones are out of balance, you suffer from so many symptoms.

To replace the lost hormones, doctors usually recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For a long time, synthetic hormones were the hormone replacement of choice. Synthetic hormones are drugs made from pregnant mares' urine. They are not natural to your body. Traditional HRT has been found in studies to increase the risks of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke.

In contrast, bioidentical hormones are plant- based and synthesized in a lab to replicate the hormones found in your body. However, you will have to find the right doctor who is knowledgeable about the hormonal system. Your doctor will have to work with a compounding pharmacy to put together a special formula that will be unique to the hormone levels in your body.

The result of proper replacement with bioidentical hormones will be a return to your normal weight (providing you have a balanced diet) and an overall feeling of wellbeing.

There are two hormones in particular that are out of balance at the onset and during menopause: estrogen and progesterone. The symptoms associated with progesterone deficiency include: painful, tender breasts, anxiety, PMS, night sweats, trouble sleeping, low bone density and excessive water retention. Symptoms of estrogen deficiency include unexplained weight gain, bloating, night sweats and hot flashes, depression, trouble sleeping, foggy thinking, low libido, fatigue and low bone density.

The benefits of bioidentical progesterone are numerous. Among them are improved energy and stamina. In addition, progesterone is a natural antidepressant and is known to restore the sex drive. It also protects against endometrial cancer and fibrocystic breasts.

You must be aware of the fact that bioidentical hormones are controversial with some doctors as they are not regulated by the Drug & Food Administration. Because of that fact, doctors are skeptical about their reliability and quality. As with all natural treatments, you must do your research and weight the positives and the negatives.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement: A Natural and Powerful Alternative

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a powerful yet natural alternative to synthetic hormone replacement. Bioidenticals are hormones that are equivalent chemically to those that you have naturally lost due to age, that you have too much of due to an imbalance, or that are otherwise causing you problems. While the most common boidentical hormones right now are estrogen and progesterone, more uses for this type of procedure are being found all the time.

Estrogen replacement is the most common bioidentical hormone replacement use, and there has been very favorable research in this area. More recently this natural procedure has also been used in men to replace progesterone and testosterone. In addition, teenagers and young adults with acne related to hormone cycles (e.g. with females during menses) have found success with a natural bioidentical to Progesterone. In fact, acne or not, bioidentical hormones have been reported to reduce the severity of symptoms such as cramps related to menses.

Bioidentical hormones come in two categories: mass produced and "custom-compounded". The latter is also sometimes called "alternative hormone therapy" and it describes a process where bioidenticals are created uniquely in the lab for the individual person's needs. Custom compounding of bioidenticals may include the ration of certain ingredients in the formula itself, or a difference in the means of entry into the system - such as the production of transdermal paths or bioidentical lozenges.

Many in the bioidentical field feel that custom custom compounding shows the true potential of this type of alternative treatment, while others feel hat the fact that even mass produced bioidenticals are much more biologically accepted - using well-known 100% natural ingredients - than synthetic hormones is the most important factor. As of now, the scientific evidence necessary to compare custom compounded biopidenticals with other hormone replacement therapy is lacking, likely because it's hard to build an effective study around such unique formulas.

The bottom line on bioidentical hormone replacement is that all of the ingredients used are natural and known to be safe in other forms. This treatment has been said to be more gentle on your system that synthetic hormone replacement which is more traditional. There are still risks and this article is only meant to be an overview; if you are considering hormone replacement it may make sense to look into bioidenticals, but you should always check with you doctor and consider all of the risks and benefits unique to you before choosing a path.