When I first started seeing this woman, she had been suffering with Kidney Stones almost weekly for the previous 6 months. We also quickly found out that there were several other body systems involved (as is often the case). It took some investigation on our end and some hard work from her, but she says that her health today is better than it has been in years.
Primary Concern:
Kidney stones as often as 1x/week for the last 6 months
Story at Our First Visit:
- Kidney Stones started 3 years ago, becoming more frequent, for last 6 months have been as often as 1x/week.
- Living on pain medications just to survive
- Recurrent UTIs
- Migraines – Onset 15+ yrs ago. Intermittent, worse with stress.
- Depression & Anxiety – Treating with Antidepressant (Zoloft & Buspirone).
- Allergies – Treating with Zyrtec & Singulair. Use of nasal steroids (Flonase). For 6 months was treated for an infection on feet, until found to be due to “allergy” to fertilizers she was walking in at work.
- Stomach & Digestive Issues – pain from Ulcer, constipation (BM once a week), heartburn/acid reflux – treating with medication (Pantoprazole, Ranitidine). Was on NSAIDs (Ibuprofen 800mg 4x/day).
- Brain Fog – Onset seemed to be related to antidepressant meds. Decreased concentration. Difficulty with memory.
- Insomnia – Inability to fall into deep, restful sleep. Feelings of tiredness, even after many hours of sleep.
Family History:
Family history showed almost all of these issues she was dealing with
Diet:
Standard American Diet
- Breakfast: Doesn’t eat breakfast. Hasn’t since middle school because it makes her feel sick
- Lunch: Fast Food – catering truck (soup/sandwich), chicken wraps (Wendy’s), Burger King (Rodeo burger & Onion rings).
- Dinner: Chicken, rice, steamed broccoli, cauliflower, venison, potatoes, rarely eats fruit
- Snacks: Mostly at night. Cheerios, Captain Crunch, popcorn, dried fruit, Mountain Dew – 1 can/day
Occupation:
Working at a nursery (6 yrs) 8-5 , 5 days/week
Testing Done:
Basic Labs – mostly fine except had Vitamin D deficiency (level was 21, goal is 50-80), Functional B Vitamin Deficiencies (B12, B9, B6, B2)
Toxin Testing:
Treatment:
- Nutritional Plan – Elimination Diet initially, Detox Food Plan longterm
- For Vitamin D Deficiency – we started supplementation with high dose Vitamin D2 (50,000 IU twice weekly x 3 weeks, then once weekly).
- For Functional B Vitamin Deficiencies (B12, B9, B6, B2) – start SuperMethyl-SP 2 capsules each morning/early afternoon with meal.
- For Kidney Stones/Toxic Burden – need to decrease/stop exposure (I recommended she consider changing employment), clean up diet. Started Glutathione, and added a supplement with necessary amino acids to support phase II detox, adequate water intake (at least 1/2 body weight in ounces per day).
- For Recurrent UTIs – started d-Mannose (1 scoop daily for prevention, 1 scoop 3 times daily at first signs of UTI and continued until symptoms resolve).
- For Stomach Ulcer – we were able to wean off of acid-blocking medications. Temporarily we supplemented with digestive enzymes to help break down food and maximize absorption of nutrients.
- For Anxiety / Depression – we were able to wean off of the Zoloft and Buspirone, and just added some L-Theonine and magnesium to help support mood and sleep, and offset what appeared to be an elevated Glutamate to GABA ratio.
Outcomes:
- Digestive issues completely resolved
- Able to wean off all prescription medications, including medications for depression, anxiety, and pain.
- Energy levels improved dramatically
- Ability to focus and concentrate returned
- No longer having difficulty sleeping
- Migraines resolved
- Kidney stones are becoming increasingly less frequent, now only every 2-3 months
- Vitamin levels now in optimal ranges
- Quit her job and started her own business!
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