Many times I hear, “My doctor says I’m fine and the blood tests came back normal, but I just don’t feel ‘right!’” I will address some reasons for this.
• It is important to understand that “normal” doesn’t mean “ideal.” “Normal” blood tests mean the results were within the average range of everyone who gets their blood drawn at that lab. Lab values differ in various parts of the country. “Normal” serum (blood) lab results in Florida may not be “normal” in Minnesota.
• Complete tests may not have been done. Suppose you went to your doctor for a thyroid test. Most likely only TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) would be done. If that came back “normal” you would be told you were “fine.” I have had people (mostly women) tell me they “know” something is “not right,” yet their doctor has told them they are “fine” and in trying to help may have suggested antidepressants. Antidepressants can be helpful at times, but if the thyroid is low, let’s run the appropriate tests and fix it instead of prescribing antidepressants. A TSH blood test is not enough to know what the thyroid is doing!
• We live in a toxic environment. Even in Santa Clarita we are exposed to chemicals in our water, air and from our own body processes. Stress creates even more toxins in our bodies. These toxins need to be released for us to function well. There are specific ways to release the chemical residues that adversely affect our brain and endocrine (hormone) system. Our mental and emotional function can be affected by the chemical overload in our bodies.
If you or someone you know is not “feeling right” even though medical professionals are saying they are “fine,” working with a holistically trained integrative clinician with a strong background in nutrition, who uses stress-reduction techniques, phytonutrients and other supplements, understands food and chemical sensitivities, can order appropriate blood tests for you and knows what to do about the results of those tests, just might be the answer!
Dr. Elena Michaels is a Doctor of Natural Health, Integrative Healthcare Practitioner, Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist who has been helping others for over 29 years. See the Community Calendar section for events at her office.
For more information, please call 661-250-4395, visit www.DrElena.com or e-mail Elena@DrElena.com .