Functional medicine is personalized medicine that deals with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of symptoms for chronic illness. Evaluating organ and systems functions rather than looking for a specific disease is a basic principle of functional medicine. Functional medicine lab tests may examine blood, hair, stool, urine, or saliva. These tests, conducted at our office check your nutritional status, digestive function, allergies, detoxification ability and more.
Routine Labs
In support of the concept of preventative medicine, routine blood tests may be used. Routine labs typically include CBC CMP Lipid Thyroid panel and Vitamin D3. Additional lab tests may be added according to each individual patient’s needs.
Genomic Profiles and Specialty Labs
Specialty labs and Genomic Profiles are used in addition to routine labs to evaluate the body’s function, not just presence or absence of disease. These may include, but are not limited to Cardiac risk markers , inflammatory markers, ANA (tests for auto-immune disease) (ANA), Thyroid antibodies, Individual nutrient status such as folic acid and B12, Detailed anemia panels, and Hormone panels.
Allergy Testing
Inflammation and chronic activation of the immune system has been linked to digestive disorders, migraines, obesity chronic fatigue, aching joints, skin disorders, autism and many more. With comprehensive testing we can find the various foods, additives, coloring and chemicals that may be causing a sensitivity-related response in the body. Through nutritional support and diet recommendations, there can be a drastic reduction of the symptoms of these allergies resulting in increased health, wellbeing and energy.
Annual Exams
Routine exams are a very important part of health care. The annual exam provides an opportunity to detect and test for abnormalities or changes in Routine Labs and overall health.
Nutritional Evaluation
NutrEval Testing allows us to offer nutritional recommendations based on a patient’s individual test results. Clinicians commonly use such testing to determine the nutritional deficiencies that are at the root of chronic conditions. Our test panel includes Metabolic Analysis Profile, Amino Acids Analysis, Essential & Metabolic Fatty Acids Analysis, Elemental Analysis, Packed Eyrthrocytes and Oxidative Stress.
GI Testing
Comprehensive Digestive testing offers a comprehensive look at the overall health of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Evidence suggests that both local and systemic health issues may begin as imbalances in gastrointestinal function. Some of the consequences of imbalanced gastrointestinal health are maldigestion, malabsorption, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), altered GI immune function, bacterial/fungal overgrowth and chronic dysbiosis.
Toxic Metals Profile
Urine Toxic and Essential Elements Analysis is an invaluable tool for the assessment of the build-up of toxic metals in the body and the status of essential nutrient elements. Toxic metals do not have any useful physiological function and they adversely affect virtually every organ system and disrupt the homeostasis of nutrient elements. Heavy metals disrupt cellular enzymes, which run on nutritional minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and selenium.
Cortisol Testing
Your adrenal glands are responsible for all of your responses to stress. Levels of the main adrenal hormone, cortisol, rise and fall in a daily pattern that underlies the more erratic fluctuations caused by the stress response. Cortisol output by your adrenal glands is one of the most reliable indicators of your adrenal function and how well your body is dealing with stress. The Cortisol/DHEAS Saliva Test measures the levels of the stress hormones DHEA and cortisol in your saliva, and provides an evaluation of how cortisol levels differ throughout the day.
Hormone Panels
Imbalanced hormone production affects a wide range of body functions, producing symptoms that negatively affect the quality of life and may increase the risk for hormone-related diseases. Identification and targeted treatment of hormonal imbalances using customized hormone and/or nutritional therapies improves symptoms, quality of life, and may reduce disease risk.
Because IV therapy supplies nutrients directly into the bloodstream, immune system antibodies and organs have direct access to the vitamins and minerals they need. Rather than oral supplements that must first go through the digestive process, IV therapy allows for a maximum amount of nutrient absorption in far less time. Our intravenous therapies include a multitude of antioxidants, botanicals, pharmaceuticals and nutritional products designed specifically for individual needs.
Nutritional IVs
IV Vitamin and Nutrients Infusions can provide needed vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids far more effectively than pills alone can. Vitamin mineral nutrients infusions allow higher dosages of targeted supplements, with better absorption, and faster delivery to the cells throughout your body. Often a few weeks of therapy will markedly improve symptoms related to chronic disease. Each nutritional IV is made up for the individual needs of the patient.
Vitamin C Therapy
Intravenous (IV) vitamin C infusion therapy may be used as an adjuvant therapy for many health conditions including cancer treatment. Intravenous vitamin C is an immune system booster and has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-histamine properties. Very high doses of vitamin C appear to be toxic (lethal) to cancer cells. With this therapy, high doses of vitamin C are infused directly into the bloodstream at the correct therapeutic dosages. Medical research has demonstrated that vitamin C improves organ function, speeds healing and even acts as a detoxification agent.
Chelation Therapy
Chelation is derived from the Greek word chele meaning claw of a crab. It refers to how, in a pincer like fashion, a chelating agent grabs onto an electrically charged mineral ion such as lead, copper, iron or calcium. Chelation therapy involves the use of compounds taken intravenously or orally to bind metals present in toxic concentrations so they can be excreted from the body. Chelation has long been a successful, natural alternative to reducing inflammation and infection in the body. Chelation therapy is commonly used to remove heavy metals and to treat heart disease.
Glutathione IV
The scientific basis of intravenous glutathione therapy is well established, and clinical studies have demonstrated excellent results across a variety of conditions, including serious chronic diseases. Glutathione is a protein called a tripeptide – a molecule composed of three amino acids. It is a potent antioxidant and quenches dangerous free radicals. It also binds to dangerous toxins through a process called “conjugation” so that they can be safely eliminated.
IV Ozone Therapy
Ozone Therapy is a unique and integrative treatment that is used to increase the amount of oxygen in the body through the introduction of ozone into the body. This is achieved through the process known as autohemotherapy, in which blood is drawn from a patient, exposed to ozone and re-injected intravenously (directly into the vein). The effects are shown to be both healing and detoxifying with its main purpose of suppressing infection and boosting the immune system. Ozone Therapy stimulates the uptake of oxygen by stimulating the DPG enzyme. The DPG enzyme supports the release of oxygen from the hemoglobin molecule so that it can be used by the cell.
IV Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy
In IV H2O2 therapy, Hydrogen peroxide is infused into the circulatory system. In the blood, it encounters two enzymes: catalase and cytochrome-C. Catalase drives the above reaction to completion immediately. That part of the hydrogen peroxide that binds with cytochrome-C, however, is not allowed to become water and singlet oxygen for a period of forty minutes. After forty minutes of being bound to cytochrome-C this enzyme begins to act like catalase and breaks down the hydrogen peroxide to water and singlet oxygen. By this time, the hydrogen peroxide/cytochrome-C complex has been spread throughout the body. In this way the benefits of hydrogen peroxide are made available to all cells.
IV Alpha Lipoic Acid Therapy
IV alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is used to treat cancer, neuropathy and chronic liver disease. This fatty acid is a natural, yet powerful antioxidant, like vitamin C and E, found in many foods and helps protect cells from oxidative damage.
IV PTC Therapy
Phosphatidylcholine is a type of phospholipid that is found in many foods and is an essential nutrient for human health.
Integrative Treatments are a variety of alternative and traditional services to promote health and healing for chronic and acute medical conditions.
Homeopathy and Herbal Remedies
When it comes to using products like herbs and homeopathies, the quality of the products is of high importance. Here at the center I only use products that are manufactured according to the highest pharmaceutical standards and principles of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) to guarantee the highest degree of consistency, reliability and potency. Homeopathic remedies relieve the acute symptoms of a condition and stimulate the body to begin the healing process. Herbal remedies work on the cause of the problem by improving systemic functioning and supporting the organ, body system or individual as a whole. Most natural herbal and homeopathic remedies do not produce negative side effects, and unlike conventional medicine, natural herbal and homeopathic remedies do not just mask symptoms, they get to the root of the problem to support health and effect healing at the same time.
IPT/IPTLD
Insulin Potentiation Targeted Low Dose therapy (IPTLD) is a procedure for targeting chemotherapeutic drugs directly to cancer cells, making the drugs tougher on the disease and easier on the rest of the body. Conventional chemotherapy tends to flood the body with drugs so enough will enter the cancer cells to kill them. Each of our trillions of cells has a membrane, an outer skin that protects it from toxins. Standard chemotherapy must be given in large enough quantities to force penetration through that membrane. IPTLD, however, penetrates easily through the cell membrane because it goes in hand-in-hand with sugar (glucose). Cancer cells, unlike healthy cells, need lots of glucose for fuel. IPTLD uses about 90% less chemotherapy compared to conventional oncology.
Immune Enhancement & Support
Immune modulation is important in autoimmune disorders where there is a production of autoantibodies to a self-created antigen with resulting injury to the host tissue with persistent inflammation such as in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid arthritis or Myasthenia Gravis. Our mission is to first assess the strength, response and effectiveness of the immune system by using laboratory testing and physical examination. After these diagnostic tests are completed, therapeutic protocols are set up that will address the related immune compromise.
Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy
Hormone levels naturally decline for several reasons: diseases, genetic issues, deficiencies, stress and the aging process itself. BHRTis structurally identical to the body's natural hormones, allowing your body to recognize and metabolize the hormones more naturally. BHRT is gentler and is not associated with the same risks as synthetic hormones. We use a detailed approach to balance all hormones, including thyroid, adrenal and other hormones.
Nutritional Supplement Programs
Quality nutritional supplements are available via prescription by our doctors. The supplements we offer are much stronger and of higher quality than those found in health food stores. Our physician-grade supplements are for therapeutic purposes and vary for each patient. Our supplements are prescribed in specific combinations and given in the best bioavailable forms.
Integrative Pediatric Services
Integrative Pediatrics brings you the best of all worlds by blending holistic, complementary, and alternative care with conventional care. It supports the innate capacity of the human body to heal, while empowering individuals, families, and communities. Integrative pediatrics acknowledges that there is a place and time for various modes of medicine, balancing safety and the potential for healing.
Nutritional Support
In addition to making lifestyle recommendations, such as dietary changes or increased exercise, prescription supplements may be appropriated. These may include commonly known nutrients, such as vitamin C and zinc, or less familiar supplements. Supplements are prescribed based on your symptoms and lab test results with the goal of addressing the root cause of the problem and restoring health. Natural medicine uniquely integrates scientific studies of natural medicine efficacy and drug interactions with knowledge of the usage history of the particular substance. Only professional grade supplements are used or prescribed for your safety and benefit.
Detoxification is a critical ongoing process for achieving and maintaining health in the human body. It involves the elimination of substances which are poisonous and/or for which the body has no further constructive use. All healthy cells automatically detoxify themselves every day. Up to 80% of all processes of the human body are for detoxification. This means that 80% of a person’s physical health picture comes from their ability to efficiently detoxify and eliminate waste.
Integrative Cancer Therapy
Integrative Treatment can include IPT chemotherapy in conjunction with various IV and detox therapies to address the cancer with minimal damage to the patient as well as providing the support the body needs to build up and recover a state of homeostasis. Nutritional counseling and supplementation are integrated into the treatment as well.
Heavy Metal Detoxification
There are various chelation methods for mercury, copper, lead and other toxic heavy metals, but chelation can also be used to remove heavy metal metabolites that may impact various infectious agents related to cardiovascular diseases. The best possible combination of chelation agents is determined through testing. Heavy metals act as a catalyst, promoting massive oxidative stress and damage in the body. Reducing the overall burden of these metals allows the body to heal much more rapidly and the immune system to respond far more completely.
Chronic disease patients suffer from what we have seen as a consistent problem with an incomplete diagnosis by a previous medical doctor. People that have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and various autoimmune diseases, usually lack a full diagnosis.
Lyme Disease
Antibiotic treatments are usually prescribed to treat the early stages of Lyme disease as well as decreasing any risk of complications in the future. Antibiotics are the primary form of treatment for bacterial infections. The bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, is what causes Lyme disease. Antibiotics may also be useful in treating the later stages, particularly if there are accompanying ailments such as heart conditions. Fortunately, Lyme disease is treatable with the proper therapies. These treatments can last anywhere from eight to twelve weeks, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how advanced the disease has become.
Cancer
There is universal agreement that cancer is a failure of the immune system. We feel strongly that killing the cancer is only one part of the job. Re-training and strengthening the immune system is another part of our job. Our goal is for the patient to be healthier once treatment has been concluded.
Thyroid Imbalance
Natural treatments and or bioidentical hormone replacement for thyroid related health issues may be very effective at minimizing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction and regulating thyroid gland, along with balancing other hormones if need be. The natural approach to thyroid problems involves first identifying the root cause of the thyroid problem, be it stress or an imbalance in the endocrine system, from a holistic and a scientific perspective using various medical tests. Once the root cause is established, the treatment consists of natural therapies such as dietary modifications, herbal supplements, and supplementation in order to treat the underlying cause of the problem and rebalance the endocrine system hereby improving thyroid function and optimizing your overall wellbeing naturally.
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common causes of chronic disease. Symptoms of are varied and wide-ranging. They may be severe or subtle. Symptoms associated with food sensitivities may affect most any system within your body. Our approach to allergy diagnosis begins with a comprehensive history and physical and appropriate testing. Low Dose Allergen therapy can address foods, inhalant allergies (spring and fall pollens), molds, chemicals and chronic Lyme disease symptoms.
IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common, yet poorly understood problem. Chronic abdominal issues afflict millions of Americans. IBS is any uncomfortable single symptom, or set of symptoms, associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Identifying the underlying cause and addressing treatment is a multi-faceted approach on both ends of the spectrum. Testing, appropriate elimination diet and additional nutritional/treatment are addressed individually.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue represents a constellation of symptoms that altogether form a syndrome. The vast array of symptoms often do not seem to be related, making the diagnosis challenging. Proper treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome requires the proper diagnosis and treatment. The AZ GOOD HEALTH Center provides a unique and thorough approach to evaluate patients with the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Adrenal Insufficiency
The diagnosis of adrenal fatigue can be made by obtaining a detailed history and physical. Often, this is all that is needed to establish at a minimum the suspicion of the problem let alone the actual diagnosis of adrenal fatigue. Adrenal function may be assessed by a number of blood tests or a 24-hour urine collection measuring adrenal hormone levels or a 24 hour salivary test. This is an easily obtained test that is collected at home by the patient. Treatment and recommendations will be given based on results. Treatment may include bioidentical hormones, supplementation and/or dietary changes.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by a set of generalized groups of symptoms. Not too long ago, fibromyalgia patients were sent to a psychiatrist as the main course of treatment. If we take a deeper look at fibromyalgia patients, they all have a vastly different set of detailed symptoms from patient to patient when examined and tested properly. This is an important distinguishing clue that fibromyalgia patients really have different underlying health problems that are causing the physical and mental symptoms.
Myofascial Release with John Bolin
Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.
Thermography with Naomi Brand CTT
Medical Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging, or Thermography, is a state-of-the-art technology that screens without radiation or contact.
It is 100% safe for any age.
There are five approved adjunctive screenings with thermography by the FDA; these include breast cancer screening, thyroid pathology, cerebrovascular disorders, peripheral vascular disease, and neuromuscular disorders.
Annual breast/half body/full body screenings can detect changes in the body at a physiological level, identify disease processes early, and monitor improvements when used regularly.
Call the office to schedule a screening.
Raindrop Therapy with Morgan StClaire
Raindrop Therapy is a healing technique using pure essential oils. Raindrop Therapy combines aromatherapy, reflexology, massage and moist heat to create healing and cleansing through structural and electrical alignment to the body. The purpose of the therapy is to bring total balance, harmony, and body wellness – mental, physical, and emotional.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapy with Morgan StClaire
Lymphatic drainage therapy practitioners use their fingers in a light, feathery massage to redirect the flow of lymphatic fluid in specific areas of the body. They employ precise rhythm, pressure, and direction of massage to clear stagnant fluid from lymph nodes. Activating fluid flow in blocked nodes might detoxify the body to improve health.