The approach is simple.

Use basic tests to get a snapshot of how the body is running and create a plan to optimize it.

Think of the body as an ecosystem. It’s a world of systems & processes that all work together in harmony in pursuit of homeostasis. The body works with itself to adapt to whatever environment it’s in (inside and out). In a “perfect world and perfect working human body”, it would take things in (external things, good and bad, entering the body) process them (utilize everything useful (burn fuel, take resources to repair things) remove things that aren’t (toxins, germs, dead cells, food waste & body waste) and the body would run perfectly. The body would be fairly fit with a little fat reserves, and you would have plenty of energy.

Since this is an unrealistic situation, where we actually take in toxins all the time and we can’t process a majority of things we eat, the body is way out of a healthy harmony. If we jump back to thinking about our body as the ecosystem, it’s been adapting to an unhealthy environment for a long time. Our world is naturally more unhealthy, more toxins in the air, the food we eat has less nutrients in them. Through all this, our ecosystems are adapting and doing what they have to do with the limited resources that are coming in and the abundance of toxins that cant get out. (That last sentance could be said again…)

Our ecosystems are adapting and doing what they have to do with the limited resources that are coming in and the abundance of toxins that can’t get out.

Back to the plan… In a nutshell, this is what to expect.

  • Test your body to determine how it is functioning. More on tests in the section below.

  • You provide further information via food journal, health questionnaires, and of course, let me know what you want to work on. Why are you here? This is a plan made for you and what you want to accomplish.

  • All of your information is considered and a unique program is created based off your tests, where your health is today and where you would like it to be in the future.

    A plan is made that will give recommendations for foods and supplements to take along with foods and supplements to avoid.

  • Now that we have a plan/protocol to move forward, sometimes its helpful to have someone to help get you on your way! Most programs will come with some form of coaching, where I can assist and answer questions. And of course, make any changes that might need to take place.

    Remember, each person is unique, so its all about finding what works for you and your body. Sometimes, this can take some time and sometimes a few different approaches to things.

Testing for your Bio-individuality

The first step involves determining at your individual biochemistry. This is my favorite part, and what instilled my confidence in becoming a health coach.

My program relies entirely on scientific principles and is personalized to your body, eliminating the need for guesswork.

I simply follow the scientific data.

We are not what we EAT but what we can DIGEST.

Remember that.

Self Tests

These tools are not diagnostic - these tools are to help us gain indication of body chemistry imbalances. Diagnosing is the jurisdiction of licensed medical professionals. I’m not “Diagnosing” anyone and neither are these tools.

[level 1 tests]

TEST: BLOOD PRESSURE

BP is important because it can give a great deal of insight into how the body is functioning. Blood flow is the super-highway for the ecosystem in transporting For example it can provide information on digestive capacity, eating habits, and electrolyte status. It also can let us know what some major overall goals the body is currently working on. *We work with the body to help it do its thing.

In the ecosystem:

Blood pressure gives insight into the blood stream. Think of the blood steam as the super-highway in your ecosystem — transporting and communicating. It may seem obvious, but the blood is the lifeline of the body. So naturally, blood pressure plays an important role in looking at the roadmap of the body.

Average cost:

Basic blood pressure monitor: $60 USD

TEST: URINE & SALIVA pH

pH in the body is very important and provides a great deal of information. There are many different parts of the body that have different (important) pH’s - for example, proper digestion needs some very different pH’s — Stomach Acid has a low pH of 2-3 (very acidic) and Bile has a high pH of about 8-9 (very alkaline). But we are not testing those. We are testing Urine pH and Saliva pH. This gives us insight into metabolism. If we know what you are eating and what your Urine/Saliva pH is, we have some insight into how your body is processing these. pH can also give insight into how toxic or how much bacteria might be in the system.

Dumbed down:

pH can provide insight into things like:

Metabolism, Digestion, Immune System, Infections, Bacteria, Toxins, Sensitivities, Emotional Wellbeing

Average cost:

pH paper test strips: $17 USD

TEST: BREATH RATE & BREATH HOLD TIME

This is another great, simple test that provides insight into metabolism. The foods we eat can effect how our bodies produce energy. Depending on how our bodies are producing energy there can be metabolic waste or other energy validators that can reflect through how many breaths you are taking per minute and how long you can comfortably hold your breath.

These readings provide insight into how your body is utilizing & processing energy. How much CO2 is being produced? How oxygen retentive is the blood? etc.

Average cost: Free.

Just need a timer.

[level 2 tests]

TEST: URINALYSIS

This is an easy @-Home test you can do that gives greater insight into what is going on in the body.

These are usually 10 or 11 parameter urinalysis that tests for trace amounts of things like: Leukocytes, Nitrites, Urobilinogen, Protein, pH, Specific Gravity, Ketones, Bilirubin, Micro Albumin and Ascorbate.

I like these tests a lot because they can indicate things like: UTI’s, constipation, anabolic/catabolic states, kidney function/stress or liver function/stress.

Average cost: $18 USD

TEST: BLOOD GLUCOSE

This is another metabolic biomarker for insight into how the body is processing sugar, i.e. its insulin response/strength. This is specifically useful for anyone who might be hypoglycemic, have diabetes, is insulin resistant, or dealing with weight issues.

The most helpful blood glucose reading is a fasting glucose reading, first thing in the morning.

Average cost:

Glucometer: $40 USD

How is your ecosystem running?

We need to figure out how your body is running/processing things. To do this, we test what your body is holding onto and what your body is letting go of, we also look at circadian rhythm, energy production (how cells produce energy), ANS (autonomic nervous system), along with evaluating digestive status.