What's Causing Your Digestive Problems? - Testing for Issues (Part 2 of 3)

In a previous article, I spoke of various things that may be causing your digestive issues. With all the GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms) out there, combined with depleted soil, it's no wonder that even those of us who try and eat healthily, end up with some type of digestive issue. Our bodies simply view GMO's as foreign invaders, since these crops have been modified to the point where our body barely even recognizes them as food, and therefore doesn't know what to do with them once they get in our bodies. Further, altering these foods removes many of the naturally occurring enzymes they once had, so now our body simply can not break down these foods as it would have in the past, when these foods' were in their naturally occurring state, with all enzymes intact.

Testing

Here's another scary thought: Only about HALF of the tests we need to determine disease show up in the tests medical doctors perform. So where do we go to determine the other 50% of potential disease? Naturopathic Doctors (ND's). So, let's talk about the additional tests we need to determine what may be wrong with us, as stated in my last article:

1. Candida (systemic yeast infection): Stool test from an ND (only MAJOR Candida will show up in the blood)

2. Lingering bacterial infection: Stool test from an ND (bacteria will only show up in a blood or urine test if your regular doctor is testing for something SPECIFIC)

3. Parasites: Stool test from an ND (only a MAJOR parasite infection will show up in the blood, and a regular doctor will usually refuse to do a stool parasite test. Vets do it for animals, so why won't doctors do it for humans!? It makes no sense!)

4. Lingering viral infection: (must be assumed when other tests show up negative). The only way to test for viruses is antibody tests in the blood done by an MD. Unfortunately, there is no way to know for sure if you have a virus unless blood comes back positive for the antibodies to fight off specific viruses. The good news is either I, or another qualified Natural Medicine Practitioner, will ask you the proper questions about your history to determine if you may have a lingering virus. All viruses we've ever had are still lying dormant in our system (which also become active at certain times), at least with TRADITIONAL medical treatment. Are there NATURAL ways to knock out viruses for good? YES!!!

5. Heavy Metal Poisoning: A combination of blood, stool, hair, and urine tests, ordered by an ND. Most MD's will not test for heavy metals, even if you ask for it (although they do know how). These tests are the most complex, because different types of heavy metals show up in different parts of the body. The good news is a good ND knows which ones to test for, based on your symptoms and history, as well as which ones will show up in the blood, hair, urine, or stool.

6. Crohns, Colitis, Diverticulosis, and Diverticulitis: These are all inflammatory issues within your colon, and much as it hurts me to say this, the only way to test for these issues is via a colonoscopy, through an MD. What is the number one cause of these issues? GLUTEN! GET OFF THE GLUTEN!!!

7. Leaky Gut Syndrome: When we keep eating foods we're sensitive to, such as gluten, dairy, corn, soy, etc. (we'll talk about food sensitivities next), they begin building up in our digestive tract. Our body cannot eliminate them, and as a result, bacteria and fungus begin to form, eventually beginning to 'leak' through our intestinal walls and into the bloodstream. This is known as Leaky Gut Syndrome. We'll talk about how to heal this, and all other issues above, in the next article. The only way to test for this condition is a stool sample, ordered by an ND.

8. Food Sensitivities: Wouldn't it be great if we actually knew which foods we're sensitive to, so we can avoid them? Well, we can! This test is also done through a stool sample, ordered by an ND. Why do we have so many food sensitivities nowadays that we've never had in the past? GMO's!!! How do we avoid GMO foods? Anything that is a grain, nut, seed, bean, fruit, or vegetable, look on the label (or produce itself), and make sure it either says 'NON-GMO', or 'CERTIFIED ORGANIC', or 'USDA ORGANIC' (organic foods are automatically non-gmo).

In my final article in this series, I will cover the process of healing from these various digestive issues.

About the Author

Jason is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Hypnotherapist. He’s been seeing clients since 2003, and has conducted lectures and workshops across the country on natural health. Jason has written several articles and advertorials for newspapers and magazines, and has hosted a radio show called 'Holistic Health & Healing' on Adrenaline Radio, which is now available on podcast. His book, entitled "Get Thin For Life", available on Amazon, covers the roots causes of why people get sick and how to heal themselves naturally. Lastly, he is the founder and creator of the website lookfeelbehealthy.com