Hi everyone
had an interesting morning! Found a nearby GP who advertises a speciality of nutrition. I have found 'gaps' in my health that after reading these posts and discussions and further research have lead me to self supplement (which has helped markedly - especially the improvement in my hair and sensitive teeth!) so figured it was a good time to get some baseline testing done - in particular Vit D (history of very low levels and no supplementing for over 12months), Zinc, B12, chromium, selenium, thyroid and cholesterol. Also I will have a blood test of my Day 21 hormones.
For those in Australia be aware that I had to explain the MMA urine B12 test. The GP had no knowledge about it and had to phone the lab to see if it was available. It is, though it does not differentiate between B6 and B12 bioavailability. There is a test that can be done in the US which is way more specific but there is also a huge price differential - $50 vs $400. Will stick with the cheaper local one unless indicated.
Also was interesting talking with her. She is an active Intergrative Medicine GP therefore believes in client motivated care. She had not heard of this way of eating and understandably had her own concerns as the official line she explained is 'paleo'. But she was open to it being right for my body and I am comfortable working with her.
So will have blood tests on saturday and then will be about two weeks before I have the results from the urine test apparently.
Must remember to get the last blood test results...they were done last June when I was still gourmet/nut/fat plus raw....have never bothered to get the results as I moved away and changed to 811 so figured they were no longer relevant...but now I am curious! lol.
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After reading your post,I felt somewhat concerned when you mentioned issues with your hair and teeth.This is usually an early indication of some type of malnutrition,especially a deficiency of certain minerals.From my own experience and observing others,if this continues long term,will lead to serious problems.Its good to hear there is improvement after supplementing.The problem these days is our food is lacking in nutrient density,this can even apply to organic food,not just conventional produce.If we look at the nutrient content tables and think we are getting enough of this or that,in reality,we're not.Its a real problem.
Yes, it is a problem. After my own observations, reading of other peoples experiences and further research my hunch was that my calcium:phosporous ratio was skewed and complicated further by low Vit D (which further limits the bodies ability to uptake calcium). Was amazed that only a few hours later after supplementing my hair was noticeably less dry and my teeth less sensitive. So...knew I was on the right track! Had already started B12 and chromium a couple of weeks back...this immediately lessened the level of hair loss i was noticing when brushing. It is about 8 months since I switched from a high meat low carb diet and these symptoms started showing up in the last month and a half.
So, will get the tests done then work out exactly which vitamins/minerals are requiring a bit of help at the moment and then purchase a quality 'broad-based nutritional supplement' as recommended by Don.
Maybe me documenting my experiences and findings may help someone else down the track. It was through reading some old discussions that I came across the question of the calcium:phosphorous ratio and then the link with low Vit D. Such a relief to see things improve so rapidly!