Calcium is regarded as an important nutrient because if its relationship to bone health.  In fact, the whole dairy industry has capitalized on our need for calcium and positioned dairy products as the most convenient way to meet our dietary requirements for calcium.  There are, however, other foods that contain calcium, which is important to know since many of you have learned you have a dairy intolerance or don't metabolize cow's milk very well.  There is also some researching pointing out that we might not be able to absorb a lot of the calcium in dairy because of the interference from the protein.

How Much Calcium Do I Need?

• Toddlers >700 mg per day
• Kids 4-8 years  >1000 mg per day
• Teens 9-18 years  >1300 mg per day
• Adults 19-70 years 1000 mg per day
• Adults 70+ years 1300 mg per day
  
  

Factors That Increase Risk of Calcium Deficiency

• postmenopause (estrogen loss increases bone loss, and reduces calcium absorption)
• women without menstrual cycles (athletes, those with eating disorders have less estrogen, reduced intake of calcium, or increased excretion of calcium)
• food sensitivities, lactose intolerance, other digestive diseases (poor nutrient absorption)
• imbalanced diet or inadequate intake
• vitamin D deficiency 
• prolonged use of medications: laxatives, corticosteroids, proton-pump inhibitors (antacids), statins, diuretics, depoprovera
• kidney disease
• high intake of acidic drinks like pop and coffee, tea or alcohol
  
  

Why Does Calcium Matter?
We are familiar with the relationship between calcium and bones, where calcium is used to manufacture strong bones.  We reach peak bone mass by age 30, so there is an increased need to focus on calcium intake during childhood and early adulthood, to ensure lasting bone structure and also provide adequate stores for calcium.  We also use calcium for muscle contractions (including the heart beat) and blood clotting, but also the relaxation of blood vessels.  So, even though we aren't making a lot of bone after the age of 30, without adequate calcium intake we borrow calcium from its largest reservoir, our bones, in order to carry out these physiological actions.

It is significant to mention that since we reach our peak bone mass at the age of 30, our focus after this age should be geared towards maintainingbone mass (see below).

Non-Dairy Sources of Calcium

• leafy greens (collards, spinach, kale, bok choy)
• salmon & sardines (canned with bones)
• soy beans
• white beans, black eyes peas, navy beans
• sesame seeds (including tahini)
• almonds
• blackstrap molasses 
• fortified milk alternatives (eg. soy, almond, cashew, coconut milk)
• broccoli
• figs
• oranges
• seaweed

Nature packages our foods with other nutrients that it needs to help with absorption and utilization of its constituents, which is incredibly valuable when trying to achieve balance in our diet.  This is why it is so important to strive for nutrients from foods first, and then supplement as a bonus.

Calcium Supplements
There are some things to know about calcium supplementation.  Even though calcium used to be recommended right away when women went through menopause (to counter the effects of lower estrogen on bone mass), we've now learned that taking calcium on its own may be detrimental to other systems.  

When we take vitamins or minerals, we assume that our body will put the nutrients where we want them to go, but this isn't always the case.  When calcium is absorbed in our in our digestive systems, it enters the blood.  Without a clear plan in place, calcium gets deposited all over, including our vascular system.  The problem is, calcium left within our arteries make them stiff, which can lead to high blood pressure or other cardiovascular concerns.  Luckily, there is a solution.  Vitamin D helps guide calcium where it needs to go, and so it is important to incorporate D3 into any calcium supplementation plan.  

It's also important to ensure you are getting enough magnesium (most likely you're not) in a ratio of at least 1:2 with calcium, to ensure proper muscle function.

One final note on calcium supplementation, it must be taken away from thyroid hormones or medications like Synthroid.

What About Osteoporosis?
When we talk about calcium what we're really concerned with is Osteopenia or Osteoporosis.  In order to preserve or encourage bone integrity I have several suggestions.  It is so much easier to work on preventing bone loss than it is to try to rebuild bone (although I have worked with people who have seen improvements on their bone scans, or at least maintenance of their T-scores). 

1. Weight lifting or resistance exercises
   - muscle pulling on bone strengthens the bone structure
   
   
2. Eating an antiinflammatory, or alkaline diet (find out more about pH levels, or if you're too acidic here)
   
   
3. Avoid pop
   - the acidity causes bones to leach minerals
   
   
4. Maintain adequate vitamin D level
   - ask your family doctor or me for a blood test
   
   
5. Know your risk (in addition to the factors listed above)
   - if your mom, grandma, or siblings have had concerns with their bones
   - if you've ever had chemotherapy or taken other medications (listed above) for prolonged amounts of time
   ... it's even more important to start working on your skeletal health now
   
   
6. When you know you have bone loss, I suggest bone support supplements that support their complex architecture.  Good products contain calcium in the MCHC form, with other crucial elements of bone health like Vitamin D3, Strontium, Phosphorus, Boron, Manganese, Zinc, Vitamin K2
   - Osteo SAP (NFH)
   - Ortho Bone (AOR)
   - Bone Health (MegaFood)
   - Bone Basics (AOR)

I hope you now have a better understanding of the vital role of calcium in the body as well as having resolved some misconceptions.  I love educating on health, so if you have any topics you'd like me to address please feel free to reach out with suggestions.

Warmly,
Dr. Christa

I get this question a lot.

The answer is, it depends.  

Some people are more sensitive to chemicals in foods because of other factors in their health, like autoimmune conditions, gut issues or liver problems.  In certain cases, your body may be less tolerant of having one more thing to detoxify and the chemicals used in food production are just another thing for a burdened body to do.  It can even put that person's health over the edge, while others are more resilient.

What is the difference between Organic & GMO?

Organic agriculture practices are those that do not utilize chemical fertilizers, pesticides or other agents; however, they may use 'natural' substances to increase growth and crop yields.  

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are those that have had their DNA altered in a laboratory, and often include genes from other species.  One of the reasons that crops have become genetically modified is in order to withstand direct application of pesticides (eg. glyphosphate ready corn).

What is the issue with GMOs?

We don't totally know the full implications of artificially changing genes.  However, one point that is gaining traction in the media is the fact that crops that are grown to withstand direct contact with pesticides will contain those chemicals even after harvest and manufacturing.  (Remember the articles about Roundup in Cheerios?)

Apart from concerns about the high levels of exposure to chemicals in food, and how this is overwhelming our liver and other modes of detoxification, we also need to consider the impact that these chemicals are having on our natural healthy bacteria.  It is thought that regular exposure to chemicals like glyphosphate are changing our gut bacteria - which we know to be critical to our immune function, nutrient absorption and mental health. 

New research is revealing more and more on these topics all the time, so we might have to wait a bit longer for more information.  There are even some studies pointing to the idea that gluten intolerance (which many are experiencing) is actually glyphosphate sensitivity.  Hmmm interesting....

How do I implement an Organic diet?

In order to reduce chemical exposure, I suggest focusing on eliminating GMOs and the crops with the highest levels of pesticide residue, if you can.  Each year the Environmental Working Group updates their list of the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean Fifteen" and today they released their list for 2019.

Dirty Dozen 2019
Clean Fifteen 2019

I share this with you so that you can more confidently choose which foods to prioritize or invest in.  Please let me know if you'd like to discuss your individual needs in more detail.  I always suggest eating vegetables and fruits, regardless of the source.  The lists provided are to help you to fine-tune or elevate your healing journey.

The Dirty Dozen

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Peaches
8. Cherries
9. Pears
10. Tomatoes
11. Celery
12. Potatoes

The Clean 15

1. Avocados
2. Sweet corn (unless it is GMO)
3. Pineapples
4. Sweet peas (frozen)
5. Onions
6. Papayas (unless it is GMO)
7. Eggplants
8. Asparagus
9. Kiwis
10. Cabbage
11. Cauliflower
12. Cantaloupes
13. Broccoli
14. Mushrooms
15. Honeydew melons

To make the process of eating more organic foods sustainable, have a look at some of the local farms offering CSA shares for the growing season.  If you think you would enjoy a weekly box of fresh, local produce it could be a great option for you.  They are taking orders now.

Happy spring,
Dr. Christa

I know what it's like - I have every good intention of loading up my shopping cart with a variety of fruits and vegetables and then when I get to the grocery store everything looks .... blah. 

We are far from the days where Canadians developed scurvy in the winter from a lack of Vitamin C, but we do still rely on imported produce to satisfy our nutritional needs.  Spring is around the corner but it will still be a little longer before we see beautiful, fresh fruits and vegetables on the shelves.

The new Canada Food Guide emphasizes exactly what I've been promoting for years - HALF of our diet should be comprised of vegetables and fruits.  In order to accomplish this in the winter, I have the following tips:

1.  Frozen Vegetables

• steam green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots
• add any vegetables to soups
• cauliflower boiled and then mashed or added to boiled potatoes to lighten the carb load is delicious
• pepper & onion, kale or diced veggie mixes are lovely for a quick stir-fry 
  
  

2.  Frozen Fruit

• smoothies (of course)
• Seed 'Granola' Bowl
  - 1/4 cup frozen raspberries or blueberries
  - 1 tbsp ground chia seeds
  - 1 tbsp hemp seeds
  - 1 tbsp ground flax seeds
  - add boiling water to reach desired consistency, top with nuts or coconut chips
  
  

3.  Eat What's in Season or Stores Well from Autumn Harvest

• apples
• pears
• beets
• cabbage
• carrots
• fennel
• garlic
• grapefruit
• kiwi
• leeks 
• mango
• mushrooms
• onions
• oranges
• parsnips
• potatoes
• rutabaga
• squash
• sweet potatoes
  (rutabaga, sweet potato and parsnips are great in stew or baked into fries)
  
  

4.  Canned (BPA-free cans, if possible)

• pumpkin - works well in pancakes, oatmeal, muffins, shakes, chili
• tomatoes - stews, casseroles, chili, pasta sauce
  ​

5.  Farmer's Market

• Orangeville and other Farmer's Markets are still running in the winter on a reduced schedule

Coming Soon...
In April we can look forward to asparagus, radishes, fiddleheads, spinach, rhubarb, peppers, tomatoes & strawberries (from the greenhouse)

Please let me know if you have any other ideas, I'd love to share them :)
Dr. Christa

​ In the summer we get hot and thirsty, so it's a little more natural to reach for a glass of water.  But what about the winter?  Today I'm inspired to write about hydration because I've been hearing from patients saying that lately their water intake, while normally good, has been severely lacking or non-existent.

The thing is, regardless of season, our bodies are made of 60% water, by weight.  This percentage goes down if we have extra adipose tissue (muscle holds more water than fat), or when we don't drink enough.  Adequate water in our bodies keep the blood thin, which takes pressure off the cardiovascular system.  It allows for proper elimination through the lungs, kidneys, and bowels.  It curbs food cravings and reduces pain.  Proper hydration also increases energy levels dramatically, and it's one of the first things I ask about when someone is concerned about fatigue.

How much is enough?  There isn't a downside to drinking more - other than regular bathroom trips (unless you have a kidney issue).  However, there are a few signs to look for that point to dehydration:

• dry skin
• foggy thinking
• fatigue or energy crashes
• headaches
• constipation
• muscle cramps
• skin that lacks lustre
• concentrated yellow or cloudy urine

Adults and kids are frequently dehydrated, and this puts major strain on our bodies that are made mostly of water.  The winter months are particularly challenging as the air is dry from furnaces and defrosters.  We also get chilly and lack desire for cold drinks.  Even though drinking water isn't always as intriguing at this time of year, it's still just as important to stay well hydrated.

Of course, drinking plain water is THE BEST option.  However, I totally understand that it doesn't always happen, or sometimes we need to switch things up.  Some people don't always absorb the water they are getting, and need electrolytes, or other adjustments to help get the water into their cells.
How to stay hydrated without water:

Foods

• soups - they have a high water content compared to other foods, and are often high in vegetables so the nutrients help the water get absorbed by the body
• vegetables and fruits - cucumbers, celery, blueberries, pineapple, lettuce, strawberries, spinach, bok choy, zucchini, tomatoes, swiss chard....
  - most vegetables are 90% water by weight 
• smoothies - liquid meals help get more water into the body by replacing dry foods
  - try 1 cup frozen fruit with 1/2 avocado and cover with liquid of your choice
  - add boosters like protein powder if desired

Drinks

• herbal teas - they can also provide the benefits of whatever herbs they contain
• sparkling mineral water - contain minerals to help with absorption
  - I really like Gerolsteiner for the high magnesium content -> very helpful for relaxation if you have a glass in the evening (hint: extra beneficial for hydration if you replace dehydrating alcohol for a mineral water)
• lemon water or other infused waters to improve flavour and absorption
  - lemon or lime (can serve warm like tea)
  - a few cucumber slices
  - a few raspberries or strawberries
  - a sprig of mint or rosemary
• coconut water
• maple water (found at Zehrs in the natural health section)
• RHD Milieu by Physica Energetics (purchase at the clinic)
  - homeopathic drops that you put into your water to help with absorption of water into the cells, works very very well

Lifestyle

• we lose a lot of water through our skin so if you have dry skin, ensure you protect the barrier function of the skin by using coconut oil or other natural oil moisturizers
• watch caffeine and alcohol
• start the day with one glass of water to begin the day in a positive water ratio
• try to have 1 litre of water by noon to stay on track and stay out of the bathroom at night
• humidify - set your furnace (purchase a humidifier) and set it to the upper end of the recommended 45-55% humidity level
  - (fun fact:  studies show that humidity above 43% keeps the flu virus from spreading as easily)

I hope this helps to encourage you to become more hydrated!

Take good care,
Dr. Christa

This time of year is a huge challenge for some people.  Many people feel the pressure to do more, buy more, give more, eat more, drink more (nevermind the Elf on the Shelf!) - and do it all with grace and joy.  It's a recipe for disaster.  It makes me happy that some of you have figured out a way to divide the work, once you learned that doing it all yourself was just WAY too much.

The ideas I've heard from patients are awesome:

• making all get-togethers potluck
• getting children involved with housework and wrapping
• opting for family experiences as gifts instead of toys and other "stuff"
• purchasing baked goods (Try: Shine Baking Co. - allergy friendly options for those who are gluten free, dairy free, egg free etc.)
• pre-cooking the meal to avoid spending the day in the kitchen
• serve a buffet
• 3 gifts only: something you want, something you need, something to wear
• keep up or start the adrenal support for stress now to improve resilience
• make time for yourself too

So, it sounds like in general things have been scaled back in terms of gifts and cooking, but what about the other expectations?

The holiday season is a huge test for your new and hard-earned lifestyle changes.  I totally think it's a time to enjoy some indulgence, but I don't believe that you need to feel gross for the next 4 weeks straight either.  If you find yourself thinking that it's a good thing you got new track pants or pajamas then it might be time to reassess your tendencies.  If you are eating a whole tray of baking at a time, if you're stress eating, if you're feeling pressured to eat foods that you know don't agree with you then we need to reevaluate (and maybe even in person).  In the meantime, here are some great tips for staying on track.


How to Navigate Eating Over the Holidays

1.  Eat your regular meals - sometimes we want to skip meals if we know we have a big feast coming (or we get busy and forget), try to just eat lighter and focus on veggies, healthy fats and protein at your regular mealtimes to keep your blood sugar stable (and prevent you filling up on appetizers when you arrive at your event).
2.  Get some activity - whether it's the gym or a snowball fight or public skating, move your body to keep your mood up and burn some calories.
3.  Eat before you leave - having a small meal before you go will prevent you from being tempted by foods you know aggravate your health.  (Just like grocery shopping when you're hungry leads to a cart full of junkfood).
4.  Make special requests - everyone is entitled to feel good, but sometimes we hesitate to inform our hosts of food sensitivities which can make them feel just as awkward when you can't eat the food they've prepared.  This likely won't go over as well for people with multiple sensitivities - dairy free, gluten free, egg free only please ;) 
5.  Bring things you can eat - bring your own safe foods so that you know you have an option: crackers, dip, salad, etc.  You can always warn your host privately ahead of time - I know that many of you aren't comfortable asking for special accommodations, so this is a way around that.
6.  Beverages - keep hydrated to stay energetic and also prevent cravings.  For every alcoholic drink, have one glass of water.  Minimize sugary alcohol drinks like egg-nog which have a lot of extra calories.  White wine spritzers can be a good alternative, also gin & tonic or vodka & soda.  As long as you have something in your hand, you will generally be left alone (sad but true!).  I've been loving the flavoured sparkling waters lately.
7.  Arm Yourself - if you have a food sensitivity or trigger that causes immediate symptoms, you can arm yourself with digestive enzymes and probiotics to prevent some of the side effects. The same is true if you experience anxiety in social situations or with family stress, we can discuss your best remedy choice.
8.  Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself - if someone is trying to pressure you into eating a second serving of dessert, just say no (politely) and excuse yourself from the conversation.  If you actually want the item that's being offered, that's ok - enjoy it.  Check in with yourself and decide if you are making the best choice for you, or are you being driven by other feelings like guilt?
9.  Focus on People - get-togethers are about enjoying the company around you.  Position yourself away from the buffet table and use smaller plates to prevent overeating, then enjoy catching up with friends or family.
10.  Sleep - just as it's important to stay on routine with foods, keeping your regular sleep schedule will help control stress (cortisol) and regulate blood sugar (AKA cravings!).
11.  Be kind to yourself - relax and have fun because a healthy lifestyle is about what you choose each and every day of the year, not in one meal.  At this time of year we aren't judging others on what they're eating, and we shouldn't judge ourselves either.  Start the next day fresh and let go of guilt.
12.  Remember your why - remind yourself of why you chose a healthier lifestyle in the first place.  Was it to lose weight, feel better in your own skin, be energetic, have less pain, stop feeling bloated?  It's easier to stay focused and avoid de-railing your lifestyle if you remember why you're doing it in the first place.

Take care of yourself and each other this season,
Dr. Christa

Iron deficiency, or anemia, is a very common diagnosis for women.  It's so common, in fact, that we often accept it as 'normal' or no big deal.  Well, guess what?  Yet again, just because something is common does not make it normal.

The symptoms of iron deficiency are: fatigue, exhaustion, pale skin, frequent colds or other infections, feeling cold, shortness of breath, noticeable heartbeat, dizziness, headaches, swollen tongue, trouble swallowing, spoon-shaped or brittle nails, leg pains, hair loss, or a desire to eat non-food items like ice.

As with most of the vitamins, the common lab reference ranges (the range which is considered acceptable) do not reflect optimal nutrient levels.  This means, that when you have bloodwork done, you may be told that everything is normal - and yet you are one point away from being deficient.  As you know, to me that one point is significant.  There is no imaginary line that defines when we have symptoms and when we do not because health is a continuum.  This explains why many women can be diagnosed with iron deficiency on and off throughout their lives.  The other reason is that the cause of the deficiency has not been addressed.  Let's go through some of the reasons why you might have low iron.

1.  Blood Loss
- Whether you have heavy periods or a hemorrhoid (both are treatable, by the way), it's important to first consider any reasons why you might be losing blood.  Blood loss through the colon, even if you can't see it, is a huge red flag for colon cancer and must be treated urgently.  A bleeding ulcer is another origin for digestive blood loss, and could be caused by pain medications irritating the stomach. 

2.  Not Getting Enough Iron in Your Diet
- When we think of Iron, we often think of red meat but there are plenty of other foods that contain iron as well:
spinach, shellfish, lentils, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, broccoli, dark chocolate, tofu, turkey  Here's a great reference
- Women who are menstruating need at least 18mg of iron per day, while Men & menopausal Women require a minimum 8mg/day.  The need for pregnant women is much higher at 27mg/day.

3.  Not Absorbing Iron
- Plant sources of iron are not as well absorbed by the body as animal sources, so you need to consider this if you are following a vegetarian or vegan style of eating.
- Vitamin C helps to improve the absorption of iron and you will notice that some iron supplements suggest taking it with a glass of orange juice or else they contain Vitamin C right in the capsule.
- Many different medications interfere with our digestive processes.  Our stomach acids start the process of protein digestion, and iron is absorbed in the first part of the small intestine.  Stomach acid levels are interfered with by antacids including TUMS or other prescription Proton-Pump Inhibitors.  Furthermore, pain medications like Aspirin or Ibuprofen are known for irritating the stomach lining, and consequently the stomach cannot efficiently do it's job to break down proteins, which leads to poor iron absorption as well.
- the heavy metal lead competes with iron, and so a lead toxicity can lead to iron deficiency
- Drinking tea with meals because the tannins in tea block iron absorption (a trick to use if your iron levels are too high)
- Any digestive condition that leads to poor digestive ability or inflammation in the digestive tract like Celiac disease, food sensitivities, irritable bowel diseases like Chron's or Colitis
- Chronic infection
- Iron absorption is tightly regulated by the body, so we can only absorb so much each day.  Eating a ton of iron one day and none the rest of the week will not maintain iron stores in the body.  Just like taking huge doses of an iron supplement will only lead to constipation since the majority of the iron simply passes through.

4.  Other Conditions to Think About
- We know that having low iron often goes hand in hand with low thyroid function.  The symptoms of each are very similar, and both should be considered if you have been diagnosed with one or other
- Kidney disease can impair the ability to make Red Blood Cells, which will show up as anemia in lab work

To me, the why is just as important as the diagnosis.  I like to understand where things are going wrong so that we can fix it for good. Your body deserves to be working at it's best, and by healing the root cause of your issues we can make that happen.

Comfort Foods - Without the Weight GainEven though we've had a beautiful extension of summer weather, the darker evenings and cooler nights give away the fact that autumn is around the corner.  Even though we don't necessarily want to gather extra insulation on our bodies, you may find that you are naturally craving more carbohydrates and fewer salads.  As per Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is important to switch to more warming and cooked foods as the season changes over to fall in order to nourish your body and boost your immune system.  So, it's totally ok to ditch the salad if your body is saying 'no'.  I will give you some great ideas for comfort foods that aren't full of bread and flour or lacking in veggies, so that you can continue to eat foods that serve your body.

                                                                                                                        Loving the gorgeous sunsets,
                                                                                                                                                       Dr. Christa

Medical practitioners have may tools available to to help figure out what is going on with your body.  These tools are like clues, and in isolation they don't mean a lot, but when putting together a thorough investigation can lead us to a diagnosis and ideally to the root cause of symptoms. 

Laboratory tests offer us unique insight to how the body is working and points to the areas that need improvement.  I will often utilize specialized testing in order to get a clearer picture of your health. 

1.  IgG Food Sensitivity Test
- This super cool test gives you insight into which foods are aggravating your gut.  It measure the degree of immune reaction to commonly consumed foods like milk, eggs, gluten, wheat, corn and sugar.  I use this test a lot for people who have bloating, gas, heartburn or constipation; and also for less obvious reasons like acne, anxiety, depression, joint pain and eczema.  It's extremely helpful to figure out exactly which foods you need to avoid (often temporarily) in order to reduce inflammation and heal your body.  As a side bonus, many people find that eliminating their trigger foods leads to weight loss and less fluid retention.

2.  Month Long Hormone Panel
So many women enter my office with concerns of hormonal imbalance.  Hormones are messengers that tell our body when to do and when to do it, they keep us in check.  When our hormones are "off" (chronic stress, imbalanced diet, liver backlog and lack of exercise being common reasons), we can feel completely dreadful.  It can be hard to sleep, women may have irregular, painful or heavy menstrual cycles, it's hard to lose weight, fertility is impacted, or perimenopause is a nightmare. 

The trouble with assessing hormones in women is that they cycle and change over the course of the month - they're supposed to - but it makes it difficult to know precisely what's going on if you just take a blood test on any given day.  When I want to know more about hormone health, I go to the Month-Long Hormone Panel because this way we get 11 strategic saliva samples so we know exactly what is going on with estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, cortisol and testosterone over the whole month. 

3.  Comprehensive Stool Analysis (with Parasitology)
I have been extremely impressed with the information from this test because it gives a great picture into digestive health.  Not only do we find out which probiotics you need or don't need, we also find out about candida overgrowth, bacterial imbalance, parasite infection, and how well you are digesting fats, carbs and proteins.  It also looks for markers of IBS and IBD (Chron's and Colitis).  It's a fantastic way to gather more information on the way your body breaks down food, especially when the common solutions aren't helping.

4.  Hair Mineral Analysis
This is a great, non-invasive screening tool for your overall health and whether heavy metals are a burden to your system.  Using a small hair sample the lab assesses mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, calcium and many other minerals.  It also provides significant ratios for these minerals that can also gives clues for stress/adrenal fatigue, bone loss, and thyroid imbalance.  

5.  Thyroid Function Panel
When you have your thyroid checked by your family doctor, almost always they are simply checking TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) because it is the accepted screening tool for thyroid function.  As you may have already experienced, my standards for TSH are much different than the acceptable norms from the lab because I am looking to optimize your health, not just diagnose disease.  Unfortunately, TSH is not the only factor in thyroid health and by only checking TSH we risk missing a thyroid problem.  When I run a thyroid panel it's still just a blood test, but it also includes T4 (inactive thyroid hormone), T3 (active thyroid hormone), thyroid antibodies, and reverseT3 (the wrong kind of T3). 

Getting a full picture of thyroid health is essential because I don't just care that your thyroid is getting the signal (TSH) to make hormones, I also care that your body is converting the hormone to a usable form (T3).  This is why some people don't actually feel better when they take Synthroid or Eltroxin, because their body is not converting the hormone effectively.  Their TSH normalizes, but all the symptoms of hypothyroidism (weight gain, constipation, acne, depression, chilly temperature, low energy) remain.  I also like to know if the cause of thyroid dysfunction is from an immune response (therefore the reason for checking antibodies), since the most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disease that requires a different approach to treatment.

6.  Organic Acids Test
I like using the OAT urine test to give information on neurotransmitters, some vitamins and minerals, metabolism, yeast overgrowth, and presence of antioxidants.  It's great for assessing anxiety and depression so that I know which pathways to support; serotonin, dopamine, or GABA, for example.  It's also utilized frequently with autism, ADHD, addictions, neurological disorders, and fatigue.

This is just a snapshot of the wonderful tests we have available to us that you don't get anywhere else.  As a Naturopathic Doctor, I also use conventional blood tests frequently.  I'd be happy to go over any new test results with you to give you better understanding of what is going on in your body, and what to keep your eye on in the future.

Your in health,
Dr. Christa