All required tests will be from your medical healthcare
professional or after consultation with Myrna Haag.
Laboratory testing costs are not included in nutrition
counseling or program fees.
“Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is a therapeutic approach
to treating medical conditions and their associated
symptoms via the use of a specifically tailored diet devised
and monitored by a medical doctor physician or registered
dietitian nutritionist (RDN)” Wikipedia
Cholesterol
Triglycerides
HDL
LDL
Description
A complete cholesterol test — also called a lipid panel or lipid profile — is a blood test that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. A cholesterol test can help determine your risk of the buildup of plaques in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis). Mayoclinic.org
A complete cholesterol test includes the calculation of four types of fats (lipids) in your blood:
Total cholesterol. This is the sum of your blood’s cholesterol content.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This is called the “good” cholesterol because it helps carry away LDL cholesterol, thus keeping arteries open and your blood flowing more freely.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is called the “bad” cholesterol. Too much of it in your blood causes the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow. These plaques sometimes rupture and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. When you eat, your body converts calories it doesn’t need into triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells. High triglyceride levels are associated with several factors, including being overweight, eating too many sweets or drinking too much alcohol, smoking, being sedentary, or having diabetes with elevated blood sugar levels. (Mayoclinic.org)
Indications to Order Test:
Patient is over the age of 18 and consuming traditional western diet.
Additional Facts
No sign and symptoms indicate you are at risk for stroke, or cardiovascular disease
The traditional western diet is a large contributing risk factor for many diseases.
A dependency on cholesterol lowering drugs indicates you are at risk for cardiovascular disease, and that taking cholesterol lowering drugs only decreases risk more than not taking the drug.
Nutrition Therapy
Studies support that the proper diet can reduce plaque buildup, made from fatty deposits, that narrows arteries reducing blood flow and potentially causing a heart attack or stroke. Diet has shown to be the largest contributing risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Description
A1C is a test that shows the average level of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. The A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin — a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen — is coated with sugar. The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control and the higher your risk of diabetes complications.
Fasting Glucose test indicates the amount of sugar in your blood that is controlled by a hormone called insulin. Abnormal fasting glucose levels can indicate diabetes, because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or the insulin produced doesn’t work properly, which causes the elevated blood glucose. Increased levels of blood sugar can lead to severe organ damage if left untreated. Low glucose levels can indicate hypoglycemia. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and in many cases reversed with a proper diet.
Indications to Order Test:
A1cC
Once every year if you have prediabetes
Twice a year if you have type 2 diabetes, you don’t use insulin and your blood sugar level is consistently within your target range
Four times a year if you have type 1 diabetes
Four times a year if you have type 2 diabetes, you use insulin to manage your diabetes or you have trouble keeping your blood sugar level within your target range
Fasting Glucose
Overweight and obese adults consuming western diet (high fat and sugar dietary choices)
Family history of diabetes, and individuals with increased cardiovascular disease risk
Additional Facts
Other factors in addition to poor diet can increase blood glucose levels
Overactive thyroid
Pre-diabetes diagnosis
Pancreatitis – pancreas inflammation
High chronic stress or stress from illness, trauma, or surgery
Steroid medications
Elevated glucose levels are a precursor to type 2 diabetes and a major risk factor for cardiovascular, kidney, eye, and neuronal diseases.
Obesity and high fat diets contribute to insulin resistance, a precursor for type 2 diabetes.
Sugar irregularities are a secondary problem from a high dietary and body fat condition that inhibits muscle sensitivity to insulin.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Type 2 diabetes – can be prevented and in most cases reversed through a proper diet.
Type 1 diabetes – is controlled with medication and proper diet.
Description
Most doctors include this test as part of their regular health examination. Abnormal values allow physicians to diagnose illness and/or monitor chronic conditions. Registered dietitians are an important part of your health care team and abnormal values may indicate that dietary interventions may be needed to support treatment.
A comprehensive metabolic panel measures the blood levels of albumin, blood urea, nitrogen, calcium, carbon dioxide, chloride, creatinine, glucose, potassium, sodium, total bilirubin and protein, and liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase).
Indications to Order Test:
Physicians order as regular health examination to help identify any monitor specific conditions with kidney, liver, blood pressure, and glucose irregularities. Regular test are typical when taking medications that can impact the liver and kidney function.
Additional Facts
Abnormal laboratory values may not present with any signs or symptoms.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Registered dietitians are an important part of your health care team and abnormal values may indicate that dietary interventions may be needed to support treatment.
Description
Physicians use thyroid tests to check how well your thyroid is working and to find the cause of problems such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones control how the body uses energy, so they affect nearly every organ in your body, even your heart. (National Institute of Health.Govt)
Doctors may order one or more blood tests to check thyroid function,
which may include thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T4, T3, and thyroid antibody tests.
Indications to Order Test:
Physician is interested in further analysis of patient’s signs and symptoms, which may include:
Chronic fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, intolerance to cold, goiter, constipation, irregular appetite, heart palpitations, poor concentration, depression.
Family history of thyroid disease
Additional Facts
Can be related to mineral deficiencies (iodine, selenium, magnesium)
Thyroid diseases predominantly affect women; their incidence is 5-20 times higher in women than in men.
The prevalence of most thyroid diseases increases with age. Consequently, thyroid gland autoimmunity, hypothyroidism, nodular goiter, and cancer occur most often in postmenopausal and elderly women.
Gastrointestinal issues are associated with thyroid disease.
High cholesterol is associated with thyroid disease
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Studies support deficiency in iodine, selenium and protein can be a cause for thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid irregularities require nutrition intervention regarding associated gut issues, weight gain and weight loss, and proper balance of vitamin, minerals and macronutrients for prevention and treatment.
Description
The presence of Thyroid antibodies are tested to diagnose an autoimmune thyroid disorder. Thyroid antibodies are made when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland by mistake. The most common diagnoses are for Graves disease and Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Indications to Order Test:
Goiter
Patient reports of signs and symptoms of unexplained fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, irritability, foggy brain, intolerance to cold.
Currently taking thyroid medication for hypo- or hyperthyroid conditions
Thyroid disease diagnosis
Family history of thyroid disease and thyroid autoimmune disease (Graves, Hashimoto’s)
Your doctor may also order a TPO antibody test if you are pregnant and have an autoimmune disease, especially one that involves the thyroid, such as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease
Additional Facts
Iron, calcium, antiacids, soy and certain vegetables can interfere with absorption of thyroid medications, and need to be properly timed with meds.
Can have thyroid antibodies independent of hypothyroid or hyperthyroid conditions.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical nutrition interventions for the treatment of thyroid autoimmune diseases require different dietary protocols than thyroid disease without autoimmune diseases, therefore it is important to get tested if autoimmune is suspect or patient has thyroid disease.
Some physicians may not see a need to test for thyroid antibodies because there is no pharmaceutical treatment protocol, which is not the case with medical nutrition therapy; dietary choices and supplementation can significantly improve symptoms and has been shown to decrease the expression of antibodies.
Clinical evidence supports thyroid disorders can be from poor dietary choices, specifically the lack of thyroid dependent minerals, such as iodine, selenium and other vitamin and mineral cofactors required to produce thyroxine. Inadequate nutrition can cause dysfunction in the thyroid and over time can trigger antibodies. Once the antibodies are present iodine supplementation needs to be decreased and monitored. In other-words, in thyroid disorders recommended supplements can help but when antibodies are present they can be harmful.
For some individuals they can present with antibodies and have no thyroid dysfunction. The presence of antibodies and thyroid disease can present together or as two separate conditions. In many cases if caught early enough thyroid dysfunction can be reversed with diet and supplements and treatment with drugs is not needed. Antibodies present a different condition where diet may not reverse but can significantly reduce symptoms.
Description
Most doctors include this test as part of their regular health examination. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia.
A complete blood count test measures several components and features of your blood, including:
Red blood cells, which carry oxygen
White blood cells, which fight infection
Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
Hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your blood
Platelets, which help with blood clotting
Abnormal increases or decreases in cell counts as revealed in a complete blood count may indicate that you have an underlying medical condition that calls for further evaluation. (mayoclinic.org)
Indications to Order Test:
Physicians order as regular health examination to help identify and monitor specific conditions related to anemia, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow problems, cancer, and immune disorders that will require further investigation form your physician.
Additional Facts
Abnormal laboratory values may not present with any signs or symptoms.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Hemoglobin and hematocrit disorders have many causes and can be related to low levels of certain vitamins, iron and malnutrition. Registered dietitians are an important part of your health care team and abnormal values may indicate that dietary interventions may be needed to support treatment.
Description:
Lp(a) lipoprotein is a genetic variant of APO A-1 (HDL), a protein that carries the good cholesterol in the blood. The Lp(a) carries a small dense form of the HDL through the blood, but the reason why it is a risky gene variant is because unlike the normal HDL the Lp(a) has small, dense particles that make them more sticky in vessel walls, thus increasing risk for heart disease. The Lp(a) is more characteristic of an LDL -bad cholesterol.
The Lp(a) is called the widow maker because people often don’t know they are a carrier and it can be the reason for unexplained early-age heart attacks. It also puts carriers at an increased risk for thrombosis (blood clotting), and is associated with calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) in which carriers are at increased risk for pro-inflammatory and pro-calcific oxidized phospholipids.
Individuals can have a lipid panel in the normal range or slightly elevated and still be at risk.
Statins will not help Lp(a) because statins work on LDL cholesterol, and Lp(a) is still an HDL cholesterol.
Indications to Order Test:
· Family history of heart disease with mildly elevated lipids.
· Heart disease when there is only mildly elevated levels
· Inherited high cholesterol levels
· It is potentially linked to decreasing estrogen levels, therefore women of menopausal age are at greater risk.
· High HDL levels, mildly or high levels of LDL
Additional facts about Lp(a)
o Can have normal LDL levels and still be at risk with this gene.
o Elevated levels increase heart attack risk at young age. Can develop severe artery disease without other risk factors.
Can have normal cholesterol and still have an attack.
o Statins can lower LDL but will not matter for Lp(a). Statins have no effect on Lp(a).
o Exercise will decrease risk
Medical Nutrition Therapy –
Lowering LDL cholesterol helps reduce risk. Studies support that LDL cholesterol is increased with poor dietary choices. Individuals with the Lp(a) carrier are at a higher risk than non-carriers from poor dietary choices. Proper meal planning can improve LDL cholesterol which can reduce Lp(a) risk. Studies also support that taking Niacin (B-3) can reduce risk by 40%.
Description
APOE is a lipoprotein that is responsible for packaging cholesterol and other fats and carrying them through the bloodstream. APOE is the principal fat carrier for the brain and is associated with cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The APOE gene has three major alleles: APOE 2, APOE 3, APOE 4. Each parent provides one allele, which results in six different gene variations: APOE 2-2, APOE 2-3, APOE 2-4, APOE 3-3, APOE 3-4, and APOE 4-4. Diet protocol is based on the individual’s gene variation.
Indications to Order Test:
For Nutrition therapy I advise that everyone should know their risk of APOE 2 & 4.
APO E 2
· Have trouble clearing fat and metabolizing carbohydrates – prone to diabetes
· Tend to crave carbohydrates which can put them at risk for increased gut issues due to dysbiosis from poor bacteria
balance
· Higher than normal risk of premature vascular disease with diabetes, thyroid disease and steroid use
· With the APOA-5 si9W gene- this gene is a cofactor in E2-2 genes, which is a greater risk for hypertriglyceridemia.
Without APOA-5 gene normal lipidemic
· increases risk for hyperlipoproteinemia type III, which is indicative of cholesterol and fatty acid accumulation
Medical Nutrition Therapy
· Monitor sugar balance in meal planning and adjusts fats based on laboratory values and other risk factors
· If diabetic with APO2, the meal planning ratio for the Myrna Method is 1:1 (carbohydrates to protein and fiber ratio)
· Suggested test Hp-2 if diabetic and APOE 2, 4 – Hp-2 increases cardiovascular risk if diabetic- also increases gut
dysbiosis being a precursor of Zonulin gut bacteria – diet will require gluten elimination
APO E- 3
· neutral gene type- lowest risk factor – Mediterranean diet – (20-25% protein, 30-35% fat, 40-50% carbs)
APO E-4
Increases risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Research speculates this gene variation is associated with an increase in brain protein clumps called amyloid plague that causes death in brain neurons which contributes to the progression of the disease, resulting in impaired cognitive function. Having both alleles (APO 4-4) puts you at greater risk.
Not all people with the APOE4 allele develop Alzheimer’s disease, it is an associated risk. Similarly, not all people with Alzheimer’s have the APO4 gene. Studies support that dietary consumption can be beneficial or harmful.
Individuals with APO4 alleles are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, due to increased chance of accumulation of fatty deposits. It is also associated with age related macular degeneration and an increase of Lewy bodies in the brain (dementia).
APOE 4 Allele facts
· Carriers, 25% of population are at risk for CVD and Alzheimer’s.
· APOE-4 carriers need to monitor their cholesterol, especially LDL, since they are at greater risk for increased LDL
· APOE-4 have higher rates of intestinal absorption of cholesterol.
· There is protection from high intensity exercise
· APOE-4 carriers have reduced ability to detoxify heavy metals (mercury, lead). Selenium will detoxify mercury.
· APOE-4 can’t transport mercury out of the brain.
· High doses of DHA supplementation increases total cholesterol in APOE-4 carriers – fish oil supplements are not
recommended.
· Increase in inflammation CRP with SFA (saturated fatty acids) with APOE gene.
· APOE gene 3-4 & 4-4 have increased LDL small particle sizes with higher fat diets, especially saturated fat.
· Alcohol consumption has a greater increase in triglycerides for APOE 3-4 & 4-4 carriers. The Paleo high fat diet has a
detrimental effect on APOE-4 carriers, LDL and cholesterol will increase on this diet- 25% of population. High fat diet not advised for carriers of the APOE4 gene
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Recommendation is a low fat diet, plant based with daily monitoring of sugar in meal plans. Monitor lipids, limit alcohol, administer detoxifying food and supplements. Increase low inflammatory foods and Myrna Method detox program and increase high intensity exercise.
Description
Heptoglobin 2 is a precursor molecule for Zonulin, a bacteria that is formed in the gut from the consumption of dietary gluten (a wheat protein from grass grains). Often gluten sensitivity from zonulin does not display as gut related sign and therefore symptoms such as mental fog, depression, fatigue, joint pain, and headaches go undetected as a food related cause and are treated with pharmaceutical agents instead.
Zonulin is the only regulator of intestinal permeability known to be reversible, which makes it valuable in monitoring dietary therapeutic interventions. Several autoimmune, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases have been associated with elevated levels of zonulin or evidence of increased intestinal permeability, which can be identified by the Serum Zonulin test. (Evexia Diagnostic Labs)
Indications to order test:
Type 1 diabetic
Cardiovascular disease with elevated glucose levels
IBS and elevated glucose levels
Obese adults with glucose intolerances
Obese adults with metabolic syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammatory bowel disease
Celiac disease
Juvenile non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Extensive corticosteroid use
Detailed Information from Evexia Diagnostic Labs
Circulating zonulin is a clinically useful marker of intestinal permeability. Zonulin is a protein, synthesized in intestinal and liver cells, that reversibly regulates intestinal permeability. High levels of zonulin have been associated with increased intestinal permeability, as zonulin induces the breakdown of the tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells. Several autoimmune, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases have been associated with elevated levels of zonulin or evidence of increased intestinal permeability.
These include celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and juvenile nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, evidence is accumulating to support an association with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. Zonulin levels may be higher in obese adults and in adults with glucose intolerance. Elevated serum levels of zonulin and increased permeability are commonly observed in patients at risk of developing Crohn’s disease or type 1 diabetes prior to the onset of symptoms.
Zonulin levels may increase with corticosteroid use. Cellular receptors for zonulin are present in the small and upper large intestines, the heart, and the brain. Zonulin release from the epithelium may be triggered by gliadin fragments or by the adherence of bacteria to the epithelial cell surface. Simple sugars, sodium, emulsifiers, the food additive microbial transglutaminase, and nanoparticles are known to disrupt intestinal barrier function. Restoration of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier may include dietary changes, treatment of dysbiosis, digestive supports, and anti-inflammatory therapies.
These may include supplements such as quercetin, vitamin C, curcumin, gamma-linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA), and aloe vera. Other nutrients such as zinc, beta-carotene, pantothenic acid, and L-glutamine may provide some support for rejuvenation of the GI mucosa. Consider a Comprehensive Stool Analysis to further investigate potential causes of increased intestinal permeability. Zonulin expression in the small intestine occurs when a chemokine receptor is stimulated by gliadin or chemokines and induces proinflammatory signaling pathways in gastrointestinal epithelial cells.
The released zonulin activates the cell-signaling pathway via protease-activated receptor 2 and epidermal growth factor, which causes disassembly of the tight junctions between the GI epithelial cells. The loss of the tight junctions increases intestinal permeability and allows polypeptides and other macromolecules to pass between epithelial cells into the lamina propria layer of the gut wall. The macromolecules and polypeptides induce an antigen response and promote proinflammatory cytokine production in the enteric immune system.
Zonulin is a prehaptoglobulin—levels are modulated by the presence or absence of haptoglobin (HP) gene. When zonulin is cleaved by intestinal tryptase IV, it is converted into haptogloblulin, a protein with heme (iron)-binding and antimicrobial properties. HP-1-1 genotypes have zero (null) copies of the HP gene. HP-2-2 genotypes have two copies of the gene, and HP-1-2 genotypes have one copy of the gene. HP 1-1 (null) genotypes may have zonulin levels in the normal range, even if the presence of inflammatory or autoimmune disease is confirmed by other biomarkers. Zonulin levels may increase in nephrotic syndrome (Hp2-1 or 2-2 phenotypes).
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Dietary recommendations involve removing gluten, specific supplementation, and a more restrictive approach in balancing sugar. Other suggested lab tests are omega-3 and F-2 Isoprostane when cardiovascular disease risk factors are present. The presence of inflammatory markers and HP gene require more lifestyle and dietary protocols than just removal of gluten.
Description:
TMAO is a new blood test that measures levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide — a metabolite derived from gut bacteria which can be a powerful predictor of future risk for heart attack, stroke, and death in patients who appear otherwise healthy, according to pioneering Cleveland Clinic research.
The new test — TMAO — measures blood levels of TMAO, a compound produced by the liver after intestinal bacteria digest certain nutrients: L-carnitine (found in red meat) and lecithin (found in egg yolks, meats and full-fat dairy products). Lecithin is also pumped into the intestines as a component of bile, so all individuals, regardless of diet, feed their gut microbes lecithin and have potential for elevated levels of TMAO.
“The higher someone’s level of TMAO is, the more susceptible that person is to accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall. This increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke,” reports Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD., Vice Chair of Translational Research at the Lerner Research Institute.
In 2011, a research team led by Dr. Hazen discovered that elevated blood levels of TMAO are linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Their studies showed that TMAO directly contributes to the narrowing of artery walls through plaque build-up — findings hailed by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association in 2013 as one of the top 10 advances in heart disease and stroke science.
Two of these studies, published in New England Journal of Medicine in 2013, and Nature Medicine in 2013, found that TMAO successfully predicted future cardiac event risk, even in patients not identified through traditional risk factors or other blood tests.
The team found that study participants with the highest levels of TMAO had 2.5 times increased risk for a major cardiovascular event (heart attack, stroke, or death) than those with the lowest levels during three years of follow-up. TMAO still predicted risk even after adjustments were made for risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
To study the role of gut bacteria in forming TMAO, people were asked to eat two hard-boiled eggs (egg yolk is high in lecithin) and a capsule of synthetic heavy isotope-labeled lecithin. Shortly afterwards, their blood levels of TMAO, and to a greater extent isotope-labeled TMAO, increased. However, when the same volunteers were given a brief course of poorly absorbed oral antibiotics to suppress their gut bacteria, no TMAO was observed, indicating gut microbes play a critical role in TMAO production. In another study, the team linked a structurally similar nutrient, L-carnitine (which is abundant in red meat), to TMAO production, and heart attack and stroke risk.
“These are very exciting discoveries that help solve the mystery of why eating red meat and full-fat dairy products contribute to inflammation and development of arterial disease in certain patients,” says Amy Doneen, DNP. ARNP, Medical Director of the Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention Center in Spokane, Washington.
Indications to Order Test:
Cardiovascular disease diagnosis with typical western diet history
High protein low carb diet history (Atkins, paleo, keto) with metabolic syndrome and/or obesity
High protein low carb diet history with elevated lipid panel
Additional Facts
High levels of TMAO in the blood are associated with cardiovascular risk even with normal laboratory values
TMAO alters cholesterol metabolism, making it more harmful to artery walls by decreasing cholesterol’s removal
Bacteria in the human gut converts carnitine & lecithin found in red meat & eggs into TMAO and certain people are more prone
Lecithin, choline and carnitine are sold as supplements and in processed foods as a dietary benefit for memory, fat burning , and lecithin as a food stabilizer. The health benefits form these compounds may not outweigh the cardiovascular risk for certain people
Associated with Low Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Remove meat, eggs, high fat dairy, methylated supplements, add probiotics, and follow the Myrna Method detox protocol with portion control and sugar balance. Retest in 3 months, if not sooner, and follow a Myrna Method dietary plant base plan.
Description
Consuming an adequate daily amount and correct ratio of certain fats is critical for optimum health. If the ratio of omega-3 fats (walnuts, fish, flax seeds) is not in an appropriate ratio to omega-6 fats (butter, oil, cheese, chips, meat) it can cause low-grade systemic inflammation. The problem with low-grade inflammation is that it can be non-symptomatic (we are unaware it is present).
Inflammation is the culprit of many diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and autoimmune conditions. For example, cardiovascular disease; certain individuals are more susceptible to the increased oxidative stress that results from consuming a higher ratio of certain dietary fats. This can result in formation of oxidized LDL particles which are risk factors for atherosclerosis (plaque in arteries), and vasoconstriction (high blood pressure).
Indications to Order Test:
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome
Diabetes
Fatty liver disease
Dietary history of high protein/low carb diet (Paleo, Atkins, Keto)
Cardiovascular disease
Elevated lipid panel
Other abnormal inflammatory biomarkers
Autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s
Additional Facts
The amount of fat required for healthy individuals is less than 35%. The typical dietary fat percentage in an American diet is 50%.
Excess dietary fat contributes to an inflammatory gut bacteria called LPS- lipopolysaccharides, Studies support LPS gut bacteria can travel from the gut to other areas associated with illness and inflammation.
LPS bacteria are associated with depression and anxiety.
If levels are elevated, consider conducting an F-2 Isoprostances test to estimate blood vessel vascular inflammation.
Medical nutrition therapy
Reduce omega-6 fats, increase supplementation or dietary omega-3 fats. Monitor daily dietary fat amounts and ensure adequate ratio of omega-3 to omega-6. Retest in 3 months after adhering to dietary fat protocol
Description:
F2 isoprostanes are unique hormone like compounds that are formed with the oxidation of free radical compounds, specifically, but not limited to, the oxidation of arachidonic acids (omega-6 fats). The test measures the free radical damage and indicates if patient is following healthy lifestyle habits. The F2 test measures the rate of aging and risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer due to poor life style choices.
F2-isoprostanes as markers of oxidative stress in vivo: an overview. Authors: Milne GL1, Musiek ES, Morrow JD.
Numerous studies carried out over the past decade have shown that these compounds are extremely accurate measures of lipid peroxidation and have illuminated the role of oxidant injury in a number of human diseases including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and pulmonary disorders.PubMed
Additional Facts
High risk for lung disease.
Increased risk of high blood pressure and blood clots.
High risk factor for cancer and other age-related diseases.
Indicates high inflammatory condition.
Correlation of elevated F-2 Isoprostanes and oxidized LDL fats in type 2 diabetics.
Any type of stress produces free radicals like extreme exercise. Studies support that participation in ultra-marathons has caused long-term heart damage.
Caused from free radical compounds that are increased with processed food fat choices.
High sugar fatty processed foods, cooking with fats, trans fats, omega 3:6 imbalance
Medical nutrition therapy
Monitor daily fat amounts and omega 3:6 ratio. High vitamin and mineral supplementation with NO2 rich foods. Inadequate vitamins and minerals can cause elevated levels of F2. Portion and sugar controlled diet – monitor body fat- increase in body fat increases F2 risk. Retest in 3 months after adhering to healthy lifestyle program.
Description
Homocysteine is a protein that is produced in the blood when the body has inadequate levels of B12, B6 and folate. High levels of homocysteine can contribute to arterial damage and blood clots and have been linked to cancer, autoimmune, diabetes, stroke, atherosclerosis, and neural tube defects.
Indications to Order Test:
History of poor food choices, processed foods
Elevated lipid panel with metabolic syndrome
Poor omega-3 ratio
High protein diet low vegetables and beans
Has the MTHFR gene
Additional Facts
High levels of homocysteine in blood is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Comes from eating red meat and having low levels of certain B vitamins, or un-methylated B6, B12, and folate for MTHFR genotypes.
Homocysteine decreases function of the liver’s detoxification system (glutathione) leading to toxic build-up and susceptibility to chemicals.
Results in poor conversion of an amino acid methionine, increasing risk for degenerative diseases, depression, and anxiety
Copper, B6, B12, and folate work together as co-factors – needs all three to be effective.
Medical nutrition therapy
methylated folate, B6, B12, magnesium, 3-4 cups greens, I cup beans, balance meals and sugar control.
Description
Lp-PLAC 2 is an enzyme that plays a role in the inflammation of blood vessels and promotes plaque. The Lp-PlAC-2 blood vessel enzyme is attached to low-density Lipoproteins (LDL) and is therefore associated with elevated LDL levels. High levels indicate increased inflammation in vessels. his inflammatory marker is an independent, specific marker to cardiovascular disease.
Lp-PLA2 appears to be associated with inflammation/immune activation, but also with anti-thrombotic effects. Lp-PLA2 may represent a valuable early biomarker of CVD risk in the immune compromised before subclinical atherosclerosis can be detected, as studies show with HIV infected individuals.
Indications to Order Test:
Immune compromised individual with abnormal LDL and cholesterol levels
Periodontal disease and abnormal LDL and cholesterol levels
Low testosterone levels and abnormal LDL and cholesterol
Additional Facts
Indicates high risk that there is plaque formation that is dangerously inflamed.
Elevated levels are important bio-markers in detecting the vulnerability to heart attack from plaque formation.
High levels after treatment for CVD indicates if treatment medications are effective in preventing a heart attack or stroke.
All other inflammatory biomarkers can be normal range and LP-PLA2 high – it is an independent marker for inflamed vessel disease.
Periodontal disease can elevate levels.
Elevated levels in high concentrations can indicate plaques that are ready to rupture leading to heart attack and stroke.
There is a correlation of low testosterone with abnormal LP-PLA2.
LP-PLA2 is directly correlated with atherosclerosis and can lead to abnormal lipid levels.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Low-fat plant based diet, antioxidant supplementation, highly soluble fiber, plant sterols, omega-3, and turmeric for inflammation. Follow gut health protocol – probiotics, and consumption of prebiotic rich foods. Retest in 3 months.
Description
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a protein secreted by white blood cells that is intended to kill harmful bacteria, but the presence of the MPO antibody may instead inflame the body’s arteries and cripple protective substances in the blood, according to a study published in the July 10, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC). As a result, long before conventional risk factors set off alarms, elevated MPO levels signal that harmful plaque has been building up.
American College of Cardiology. “Blood Protein Offers Clues To Heart Attack In Seemingly Healthy People.”ScienceDaily
Not only does MPO change low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol into a harmful oxidized form that can cause atherosclerosis, the “bleach” produced by MPO damages the arteries directly, causing cell death and erosion of the arterial lining, a process that can create unstable plaques. MPO also hampers the protective effects of high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and reduces the availability of nitric oxide, a natural chemical that relaxes the blood vessels.
Elevated MPO levels signaled increased risk even in those with acceptable levels of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or C-reactive protein, a widely acknowledged marker of inflammation.
Christopher Cannon, M.D., F.A.C.C., who is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. “One fascinating aspect of this study is that this marker of inflammation precedes by nearly a decade the development of clinical coronary disease,” he said. “This suggests MPO could be used to catch the disease in a very early stage and help in true prevention of CAD.
“Another interesting aspect of MPO is that it may be a marker for unstable plaque. Even more than the number or severity of coronary plaques, we want to know the risk of plaque rupture, and this evolving new marker may help in that regard. More study is needed, but among the hundreds of markers tested to date, MPO looks like a “keeper” that will one day become part of clinical care,” Dr. Cannon said.
Indications to Order Test:
Family history of early heart disease, stroke.
Obese and elevated LDL with family history of stroke
Cardiovascular event – Body releases this inflammatory enzyme when artery walls have been damaged
Chronic infections, autoimmune conditions (SLE, RA and thyroid)
Additional Facts:
Obesity is correlated with increased MPO enzyme activity.
Elevated Myeloperoxidase is associated with up to a 91% increase in heart disease and used as a predictor of the disease.
Elevated levels of MPO independently predict future heart attacks.
2.5 times as likely to die from stroke with MPO enzyme.
2 times as likely to experience death from cardiovascular disease with MPO enzyme.
An increased risk of MPO damage to vessel walls with elevated hsCRP8 biomarker.4,5,9
Test measures the amount of myeloperoxidase enzyme in the blood which the body releases with infection. Normally localized at the site of an infection, but 2 out of 50 people have a gene variant where it becomes elevated throughout body.
Worst and most dangerous inflammatory marker for people with this gene.
Produces highly oxidized compounds that make all cholesterol bio-markers more inflammatory.
Causes HDL to turn into an inflammatory cholesterol.
Interacts with hydrogen peroxide in blood to produce hypochlorous acid which makes it easier for tears to form in vessel walls and plaques to form.
Decreases body’s ability to make nitric oxide – which helps protect the vessel lining.
High risk- 2.5 times more likely to die from stroke
Can be elevated with normal cholesterol levels.
Independent marker for CVD and worse if MPO -463 GA/AA is present
Anti-MPO antibodies may also be found in patients with other diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and autoimmune thyroid disease
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Supplements: antioxidants, arginine NO2. Plant based low fat diet, <15% fat. Weight loss – maintain ideal bodyweight, calorie restriction through Myrna Method portion control and sugar balance for meal planning. Retest for LDL levels.
