The Science Behind Our Objective & Personal Blood-Based Wellness Program
Our natural health solutions are based on scientific and objective testing including blood, urine and hair. The Science Based Nutrition™ report provides individual, drug-free recommendations to promote optimum health based on imbalances and dysfunction identified from the test results.
The Science
The Science Based Nutrition™ program is an innovative, science-based look at nutritional strengths and weaknesses through an individual’s blood test and analysis of hair, urine, and stool. This scientific approach can offer a clear plan for your optimum health.
No general screening test is more efficient, effective and affordable than a comprehensive blood chemistry panel. It allows us to establish a baseline of biomarkers to track your health and nutritional needs. Getting a blood test is essential to understanding your current health.
The Difference
Most blood tests are compared to “Normal Ranges” via your results report. If you are within the “Normal Range” you will most likely be told you are normal, which can be confused with being healthy. It does not necessarily mean you are healthy, as many people incorrectly believe.
Why not? The problem lies in how Normal Ranges are determined.
Normal Ranges are determined by taking approximately 100 to 200 people who tested recently with a particular lab (yes, they are determined by each individual lab and not a centralized agency).
These results are then averaged – this is the middle of the Normal Range. The high and low sides of the Normal Range will be two standard deviations from the average.
Unfortunately, most of the people’s results used in these calculations are flawed because they were having blood tests run in the first place because they already had a health problem!
Does it make sense to compare your blood test results to averages taken from people who were already experiencing a symptom? No. That is why being “normal” is not good enough! Normal blood test scores simply mean you are not yet as sick as the other people used to determine the normal range.
Bring in your blood test results for a wellness evaluation and 2nd opinion!
Personal Health Analysis
The Science Based Nutrition report is the most comprehensive analysis available. Below are some of the key features that set us apart from others:
Individualized supplement recommendations & dosages specific to test findings, age, sex, & weight of the patient
Correlation of drug side effects with patient test finding
Dietary recommendations with meal recipes
Compare color-coded current and previous test results on the same page
Incorporates multiple factors for each condition or diagnosis including the patient's symptoms, medications, blood tests, hair tests, chelation and urine tests.
Early Detection and Correction
Many problems are identified in the blood long before you actually experience symptoms. Certain tests when read properly, will indicate that you are progressing towards a serious illness, such as cancer, diabetes, liver, heart, or many other diseases.
Beginning with a comprehensive blood test, Dr. Rodriguez will perform an in-depth analysis of your total system. Problem areas are identified and carefully documented with major and minor conditions that may lead to serious illness.
Sometimes, an individual case may call for specialized testing, such as tissue mineral analysis, food allergy, or other testing in order to identify other problem areas. When all of the test results are in, Dr. Bert will provide a very detailed and personalized report. These reports contain a hard copy of all of your test results, an explanation of what these tests mean, and a complete list of the nutrients, vitamins, dietary requirements and other lifestyle changes necessary to start your journey back to health!
Acne & Nutrition
Help your children become better students, athletes and people.
Embarrassment, scarring and lack of self-confidence are just some of the effects of acne. But some medical treatments for acne can have far more serious consequences. Accutane, a commonly used drug for more severe acne, is associated with inflammatory bowel disease¹, psychiatric problems² and birth defects. In fact, the warnings are very strong about avoiding use of this drug if pregnancy is a pending possibility.
Maybe you had acne as a child and you want to avoid such a problem with your children. There are several causes of acne, which include poor diet, heavy metal toxicity, digestion problems, nutrient mineral deficiencies and liver dysfunction, and even developing diabetes.
Acne, in fact, might be the tip of the iceberg of a more serious problem developing. But most of the time it can be helped with a modest diet change and the proper nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Many people are trying to be healthier by eating organic foods and taking vitamins, but still have problems. Laboratory testing consisting of a comprehensive blood and hair test to check for heavy metal toxicity will often quickly identify problem areas and indicate exactly what lifestyle and dietary changes and nutrients are needed.
¹Reuters: Common acne treatments linked to bowel problems
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²Reuters: Study on acne suicide risk fuels debate over drugs
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Why do such extensive laboratory testing?
Due to our environment and the quality and processing of our food, we are exposed to higher levels of toxins than ever before. This increasing level of environmental toxins is resulting in children becoming sicker with more chronic diseases than ever before and it has been said many times in the media that the children today will not live to be as old as their grandparents. Stop guessing about your child’s health and get tested today. An investment in their health today can lead to a healthier adult tomorrow.
Clearing up your child’s acne naturally will have far greater benefits than just clear skin. See sample report of what we can provide to show you exactly what poor diet and heavy metal toxicities need to be corrected, and how you can correct them to clear up acne issues.
What does the testing include?
Foundational blood test includes cholesterol, thyroid, CBC, liver and kidney panels, diabetes, infection and inflammation.
Hair testing includes toxic elements such as mercury, lead, arsenic, copper, aluminum, and uranium.
After the testing is completed a comprehensive report will be developed explaining the test results, diet and nutrient recommendations.
Andropause & Low Testosterone: A Drug-Free, Natural Approach
Testosterone is often viewed as the male vitality anti-aging solution. Many doctors promote hormone shots, patches and pellets as a way to boost the libido, build muscle mass, improve memory and concentration, increase energy levels and remain youthful. But at what risk?
Testosterone therapy has been shown to increase your risk of heart disease, contribute to sleep apnea, create acne or other skin irritations, limit sperm production, lead to an enlarged prostate condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia as well as encourage prostate cancer growth.
Taking testosterone will cause a reduction of your own natural testosterone production resulting in needing to take higher and higher levels of testosterone therapy to try to achieve desired results.
There are safer, healthier options. Low testosterone is not the primary problem. The body will distribute resources to the most important areas first, such as the heart, liver, brain, kidneys. Having sex and building large muscles are really secondary functions.
In fact, one of the first signs of poor health in men is a decline in testosterone and sexual function.
There are typically underlying conditions contributing to low testosterone levels. The solution is to identify these areas of weakness for correction and this will allow the body to restore hormones to their optimal levels.
Asthma: A Drug-Free Approach
What triggers your asthma?
• Pollen, dust or dander?
• What about smoke or airborne odors?
Asthma is an allergic and inflammatory reaction which causes your lungs to constrict their airways, making breathing very hard.
At our wellness center we will focus on not only decreasing your allergic reactivity but also on restoring your healthy immune function. In allergic reactions, your body mistakenly views otherwise harmless substances like tree pollen as dangerous invaders and begins an inflammatory process to protect the body.
Diagnostic testing such as blood work and biomonitoring which is the practice of testing blood, urine and other fluids for the presence of environmental chemicals as well as other tests, such as lung function studies, will help identify exactly what underlying conditions or deficiencies are contributing to the allergic process of your asthma attacks.
Then we will work to eliminate or control your exposure to any reactive substances and foods. Chiropractic adjustments may also be recommended.
Asthma attacks can have serious consequences so don’t wait to schedule your appointment. Proper testing, then retesting to ensure progress and effectiveness of the program is essential.
Chronic Candidiasis Symptoms, Causes & Relief
Yeast is an opportunistic organism. In a healthy body, Candida Albicans- a type of yeast, naturally reside in the gut, mouth, skin, urinary and vaginal tract. But when the Candida grows out of control and becomes systemic, a slew of symptoms can occur.
Because this yeast lives in so many areas of the body, symptoms can be wide ranging and contribute to a general feeling of being “sick all over”.
Common complaints include…
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Headaches
- PMS
- Night Sweats
- Decreased Libido
- Nagging Cough
- Numbness and Tingling
- Irritability
- Chemical Sensitivities
- Craving Foods rich in carbohydrates and yeast
- Gas and bloating
- Intestinal cramping
- Rectal or Vaginal itching
- Frequent Bladder infections
- Canker Sores
- Acne
- Clogged Sinuses
So what caused the Candida to get out of control? Several things can contribute to this such as antibiotic use, oral contraceptives, heavy metal toxicity or having certain diseases such as diabetes or liver dysfunction. Diets high in processed foods, sugar or alcohol are often major factors.
Taking medications to kill off the yeast may work short term but what will keep the yeast from just growing back? Medications strong enough to kill the yeast can also harm the liver and kidneys.
Yeast also has a unique ability to bind up heavy metal toxins. Killing off the yeast with medications might release those toxins back into your system making you even sicker.
Finding the root source of the problem is the only way to ensure that your body can regain optimal health.
Diabetes and Nutritional Management
Diabetes has become a silent, modern epidemic as it’s already the 6th leading cause of death among Americans and the fastest growing disease in every age group…even children.
Glucose-regulating medications come with numerous side effects such as muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, changes in heart rate and even rapid weight gain. Can you imagine what a lifetime of drug therapy will do to these children? How will their medication use affect future generations?
The tragedy is that in most cases, this disease is entirely preventable with proper awareness, testing, diet and exercise. Yet it’s estimated that 5 million people are unaware of their abnormal glucose or hemoglobin A1C levels. Could you be one of them?
The cause of elevated glucose levels could be many things. Poor diet, medications, liver disease, mineral deficiencies, toxic elements, chronic infections and digestion problems can all be contributors. This is why it is essential to do proper testing to assess all aspects of your health.
Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and loss of nerve function which can lead to the need for amputation. Because of this, medications are frequently used to reduce glucose levels in your blood stream.
But the most important question to ask when medication is used is this: Where does the glucose go when it is lowered from say 300 down to 120? The Glucose is not eliminated or destroyed. It is forced into other cells, such as the eyes and kidneys, where it continues to do damage causing kidney disease, and even vision disturbances or blindness.
Type 2 Diabetes can nearly always be reversed and even Type 1 can be greatly improved. Remember, the less insulin and medication you need, the better you are and longer you will live.
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue
What causes fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? Believe it or not, you’re asking the wrong question. The cause can be different for everyone. The better question is, “Why is my body not healing and repairing properly.”
Your muscles, joints and soft tissues break down a little bit every day just from doing normal daily activities and work. During sleep and rest, your body should repair the damage and restore your energy. But if your body is not healthy enough, damage to your muscles, joints and soft tissues will accumulate and progressively worsen leading to chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia… unless you find out why your body is not repairing like it should.
Dr. Bert understands that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are multi-faceted syndromes. A comprehensive analysis is essential to determine what conditions could be contributing factors. Viral infections, low immunity, food allergies, medications, depression, hormone imbalances, toxic elements, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and neurological and structural imbalances can all cause fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue symptoms.
The only way to determine exactly what deficiencies, toxicities or dysfunctions are contributing to YOUR symptoms is through a comprehensive health analysis including blood testing, tissue mineral hair analysis and other diagnostic testing.
Through careful examination and analysis, we can help assist you with the lifestyle changes, diet or nutrients needed for your body to heal itself and restore your health, as well as continue to monitor your progress.
Be aware that Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia have often taken years to develop and at times, it can be a long, slow progress to recovery. But consistent improvement, even if slow, will lead you back to good, vibrant health.
Gastrointestinal Reflux (HeartBurn)
Millions of people nationwide suffer from heartburn or reflux. Continued use of antacids and prescription drugs have serious side effects and merely mask the problem of heartburn or reflux. Continued use of these drugs will usually result in further problems and even worse digestion leading to more and stronger drugs.
Both of these symptoms can be controlled naturally and often times positive results occur quickly. Common causes of reflux include liver and gall bladder problems, pancreatic enzyme deficiencies, food allergies, infection and inflammation.
We can evaluate which tests are necessary to provide insight on helping you to improve your health. A healthy gastrointestinal system is vital to good health. Stop masking the real problem.
Call us today at 786-360-6355
Heavy Metal Toxicity
Contamination of our environment is, unfortunately, a common by-product of modern society. Toxic elements called heavy metals are known to accumulate in our soil, water, air and food. Examples of heavy metals are lead, arsenic, uranium, cadmium, mercury, and aluminum.
Repeated exposure to these toxins can result in significant health risks. Heavy metal toxicity may cause or contribute to a number of unwanted symptoms including: anemia, learning deficits, behavior changes, tremors and other nervous system disorders, gingivitis, cancer, fatigue, headaches, memory difficulties, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Autism and MS.
Cases of severe poisoning due to lead, mercury and exposure to other heavy metals are now somewhat rare. However, chronic, low-level exposure from occupational, environmental and foods is much more common and poses a significant risk to your current and long term health because the effects tend to be cumulative and usually insidious. Think of it as a slow poisoning.
We can perform the appropriate diagnostic testing to detect the presence of heavy metals in your body. Then Dr. Bert will design a plan that may include specialized testing and oral chelation to decrease the toxic burden of these substances on your body and help you identify the source of your exposure to those elements.
High & Low Cholesterol: Testing is Key
Cholesterol is a major building block for a healthy body. While optimal levels are best, it is vital to determine the cause of your high cholesterol before simply taking a statin.
Low cholesterol may be more dangerous as it puts you at greater risk for infections, malnutrition, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and reduces your ability to absorb fat soluble vitamins like vitamin D and K.
About 80% of total cholesterol is made by the liver, while the remaining 20% comes from dietary sources. Cholesterol travels from the liver through the blood stream by protein molecules called lipoproteins. From there, the body’s cells can extract what they need, leaving the remaining cholesterol for transport back to the liver.
While often receiving a bad rap, cholesterol is actually a major building block for hormones which regulate blood sugars, blood pressure, stress, sex hormones and digestion.
Diet and exercise are only part of the story. Your body will raise its cholesterol levels to protect itself against toxins, bacteria, infections and other threats. Stress, poor nutrition, thyroid and liver problems also cause high cholesterol.
If you take a statin to lower cholesterol levels are you healthier? Have you fixed the problem?
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is generally regarded as the greatest risk factor for heart attack or stroke and is known as the silent killer due to the fact that it can go undiagnosed until it results in death.
Blood pressure is a measure of the force produced each time the heart beats. This pressure is what keeps your blood flowing to all parts of your body. When blood pressure becomes elevated abnormally, it is called hypertension.
Hypertension is a blood pressure that is consistently above 140/90. It is closely associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, impaired circulation, and kidney disease. Normal blood pressure is considered 120/80 or slightly lower.
Over 80% of individuals with high blood pressure are considered to have moderate or below moderate hypertension. According to the American Journal of Cardiology, drug treatment is not recommended in these individuals, as there is “little evidence these patients will achieve enough benefit to justify the costs and adverse effects of anti-hypertensive drug treatment.”
If not with drugs, then how should most people address this problem? Wait until it does get worse? Comprehensive blood and toxic element testing can indicate problems or the cause of the high blood pressure from things as simple as anemia, infection to inflammation and heavy metal toxicity. With the results of the testing, a program can be developed to improve the health of the body, which will fix the cause of the high blood pressure. This will likely include lifestyle modification, including weight control, exercise, avoidance of tobacco, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and the use of nutritional supplementation.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) & Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
If you suffer from abdominal discomfort and/or recurrent bowel attacks, you do not have too. We are well trained and equipped to care for most bowel and stomach problems without the need for prescription drugs. The natural treatment and management of inflammatory and irritable bowel is highly effective.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the general name given to two specific conditions: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the term used when no medical disease is present, but bowel symptoms exist nonetheless.
IBD and IBS share many similar symptoms such as pain, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating. Distinguishing between the two can be difficult, but is very important, as there are critical differences in the proper management of these two conditions. Although, medications may give relief, they do little to correct the cause or the digestive problem and will in fact actually contribute to the progression of the disease because the drugs will cause further malabsorption. The use of these medications will commonly slow improvement but progress is the goal. Appropriate laboratory testing is useful in both the diagnosis and successful treatment of these conditions. We can safely guide you through this process.
We can recommend appropriate nutritional supplementation, as well as any dietary changes based upon your individual test results that will allow your body to restore itself to good health and well-being.
Menopause
Suffering from hot flashes or hormonal imbalances? Has your medical doctor or family members recommended hormone replacement therapy or bio-identical hormones? Remember these four things…
- Heart Disease
- Breast Cancer
- Blood Clots
- Stroke
A large clinical trial found that hormone replacement therapy, commonly known as HRT, significantly increases your risk for all four. In fact, the results of a study called the Women’s Health Initiative found a 26% increase in breast cancer for women undergoing HRT.
According to the Mayo Clinic and the FDA, bio-identical hormones are no more effective than traditional HRT and may in fact be riskier.
The key to alleviating symptoms is finding out why your hormones are out of balance. HRT will not solve the primary problem. The body will distribute resources to the most important areas first – the heart, liver, brain, kidneys, etc. Troublesome hormonal symptoms are really indicators of deficiencies, imbalances or toxicities which are robbing the body of nutrients essential to proper hormone balance.
Vitamin and mineral imbalances, poor lifestyle habits and toxic element exposure can lead to hormonal imbalances. We can help you find natural and safe alternatives to HRT and bio-identical hormone therapies.
Start by completing our patient symptom survey (add a link to the form) which aides in determining what comprehensive tests to order, informs us of any medications you are taking, and indicates the symptoms you are experiencing. Once your test results are in, we compile all of the data in a comprehensive, color-coded report that is easy to read and understand. Using your unique test data, the Science Based Nutrition® report will reveal your underlying health deficiencies and indicate the nutrients and diet that will likely help you progress toward a healthier you. Contact us today to learn more about the Science Based Nutrition® program.
Migraine Headaches and Nutrition
Migraine headaches may be brought on by food allergies, hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, nervous system dysfunction, and/or toxicity.
Laboratory testing may show obvious things that could cause migraines and headaches such as anemia, hypoglycemia, and low thyroid among other things. Prescription drug use can be a cause or a contributing factor in both types of headaches.
Osteoporosis
Are you concerned about osteoporosis? An early stage of bone loss is called Osteopenia. Once a person has lost approximately 30% of their bone density it is called Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis can occur in both men and women however women are at greater risk due to a lower bone density prior to age forty. Bone loss is usually greatest in the spine, hips, and ribs.
Commonly a bone density test called a DEXA scan, which measures the density of the hip and the lumbar spine is used to assess bone loss. Osteoporosis is a preventable illness provided certain dietary and lifestyle measures are followed. Calcium intake is usually recommended however there are more minerals and nutrients that play a preventative role.
The big question here is, “Why aren’t my bones strong?” or “Why is my body not willing to allocate nutrients toward strong bones?”. Do you think your body has more important things to do with those nutrients? Maybe there is some more important internal function that needs the extra nutrients right now and the body is not going to waste those valuable nutrients on non-essential tissue. Yes, your bones are non-essential to the body. Your body needs to make sure your liver function, kidney function, immune system, etc. are optimized and as a result it will break down your muscles and bones to free up nutrients to be used for more important bodily function! So, if you’re not getting the nutrients your body needs from your diet, guess what’s going to happen! That’s right, Osteoporosis may develop or other conditions. But, how do you know which nutrients you’re deficient in?
Suggested causes of Osteoporosis include low calcium, low vitamin D, low phosphorus intake, high protein diets, high salt intake, trace mineral deficiencies, and even increased soft drink consumption. Proper testing will identify major and minor key elements of imbalance and deficiency, environmental toxicities, stress and physical structure, abnormal organ functions, digestive disorders, and much more. Through careful examination and analysis, we can help you determine your risk and determine what lifestyle changes you need to make in order for your body to heal itself, build bone mass and restore your health.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory condition in which a malfunctioning immune system causes the body to attack itself. The traditional approach to this condition has been to treat using immune suppressing drugs, steroids, and anti-inflammatory drugs. But is this the only option? Does it address the complex, fundamental causes of this disease?
There is another answer for those who suffer with Rheumatoid Arthritis. We offer a comprehensive approach to helping those afflicted with this multifaceted disease. He or she will assess the essential factors that may play a role in RA.
The Big Question About Rheumatoid Arthritis
The big questions here is, “Why aren’t my joints healing and repairing?” or “Why is my body not willing to allocate nutrients toward joint repair?”. Do you think maybe your body has more important things to do with those nutrients? Maybe there is some more important internal function that needs the extra nutrients right now and the body is not going to waste those valuable nutrients on non-essential tissue. Your joints, muscles and energy level are non-essential to the body.
Your body needs to make sure your liver function, kidney function, immune system, etc. are optimized and as a result it will break down your muscles, joints and bones to free up nutrients and protein to be used for more important bodily function! So, if you’re not getting the nutrients your body needs from your diet, guess what’s going to happen! But, how do you know which nutrients you’re deficient in?
What We Do
We understand that the key to overcoming Rheumatoid Arthritis lies in the testing. Proper testing will identify major and minor key elements of imbalance and deficiency, environmental toxicities, stress and physical structure, abnormal organ functions, digestive disorders, and much more. Through careful examination and analysis, and by addressing these conditions, we can help you know what lifestyle changes you need to make in order for your body to heal itself and restore your health.
Thyroid Disease
Are you taking thyroid medications and wish there was a safe alternative? Do you have all the symptoms of thyroid disease, but you are continually told it is normal? Often small variations in thyroid levels that are within the medically normal range can create severe symptoms.
Many physicians only test the TSH, however to accurately diagnose thyroid disease it is necessary to order the appropriate tests and to interpret them correctly.
It is important to run T3 uptake, T4, T7 and at times other tests like Reverse T3, thyroid immunoglobulins, and TSH. Other tests that may help influence the thyroid include heavy metal analysis, iodine levels, and lifestyle evaluations.
What We Do
There are natural alternatives to manage and correct thyroid disease that may include vitamins, enzymes, homeopathic remedies and diet modification. Ask us to order the proper tests, evaluate them and manage thyroid disease naturally.
