Insights, news, and clinical pearls.

The Utility of Serum Antibody Testing for COVID-19

Topic: COVID-19
Publication Date: June 2020

In this article Dr. Andrea Gruszecki, ND, discusses serological antibody testing for IgM and IgG for COVID-19. In addition to covering how antibody testing for COVID-19 works, she reviews the clinical application of two different types of COVID-19 antibody testing.

Creating a More Effective Therapeutic Regimen Using Expanded Food Sensitivity Testing

Topic: Food Sensitivity & Allergy
Publication Date: February 2020

In this article, Dr. Chris Meletis, ND, discusses three brief case studies where identifying some surprising food sensitivities led to a world of difference in advancing patient wellness. He also provides guidance on which immunoglobulins to test for—IgG, IgG4, and/or IgA—and how he uses the...

The Relationship Between Environmental Pollutants, Food Sensitivities, and Airborne Allergens

Topic: Environmental Pollutants
Publication Date: September 2019

Environmental pollutants can contribute to allergies, asthma, and altered microbiome ecology. In this article, Dr. Meletis presents scientific literature and case studies that support the strategic removal of EPs such as parabens, phthalates, and other toxins to reduce inflammation and improve gut...

What are Endocrine Disruptors?

Topic: Environmental Pollutants
Publication Date: August 2019

Unfortunately, pollutants and chemicals such as benzene, toluene, parabens, phthalates, and styrenes are commonplace in our air, water, and food, as well as in many of the products we use, and ongoing exposure can have anywhere from mild to severe health consequences. A targeted detoxification...

Clinical Utility of IgG4 Testing

Topic: Food Sensitivity & Allergy
Publication Date: July 2019

The utility of IgG antibody testing is well documented, but when can specific IgG4 testing be beneficial? This article discusses the clinical utility of the IgG4 subclass, known as a “blocking” antibody for the role it plays inhibiting more serious IgE-mediated allergic reactions.

Testing for Environmental Pollutants During Weight Loss

Topic: Environmental Pollutants
Publication Date: March 2019

With the advent of every New Year, many patients become resolute to shed unwanted pounds. As practitioners, we have pledged to do no harm in pursuit of helping patients achieve their wellness goals, so how do we safeguard them from themselves, at very least from the toxins sequestered in their...

Clearing the Confusion about Cross-Reactions in Allergy Testing

Topic: Food Sensitivity & Allergy
Publication Date: September 2018

There are times when patients test positive for allergenspecific IgE antibodies against a certain food or pollen but show no symptoms when encountering the identified allergen. When these false positives occur, the clinician should be aware of a cross-reaction that occurs between allergen-specific...

Phthalates: Detoxifying This Modern-Day Threat to Health

Topic: Environmental Pollutants
Publication Date: July 2018

Phthalates are a group of chemical plasticizers found in many personal care and consumer products. Exposure to phthalates occurs through ingestion, inhalation, contact through the skin, and parenteral exposure from medical devices containing phthalates. The fact that so many people are encountering...

The Microbiota's Intriguing Role in Celiac Disease

Topic: Celiac Disease
Publication Date: November 2018

Celiac disease is characterized by a hereditary response to gliadin, which is a protein fraction of the larger gluten fraction found in wheat. Similar protein fractions are present in rye, barley, triticale, spelt and certain other grains. This response elicits an immune reaction in the gut,...

Neurological Implications of Environmental Pollutants Testing

Topic: Environmental Pollutants
Publication Date: April 2019

Environmental pollutants are burdening every cell in our body, including the 100 billion neurons that comprise our brain. Toxins are associated with neurological disorders such as autism, ADHD and Alzheimer’s disease: 3 A’s linked to environmental pollutants.

Parabens, phthalates, toluene, and...

Pervasive Parabens

Topic: Environmental Pollutants
Publication Date: June 2018

In the modern world, the health-optimizing regimens we develop for our patients may be ineffective when implemented in an environment of pervasive, endocrine-disrupting chemicals. While patients are continually exposed to an alarming number of these toxic environmental agents, this article will...

Leaky Gut and Allergy Catch 22

Topic: Leaky Gut & Microbiota
Publication Date: January 2019

Leaky gut is associated with a surprising number of health concerns including seasonal allergies, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, depression, and Alzheimer’s, among others. Athletes and postmenopausal women are also susceptible to impaired intestinal permeability. All...

Are ADHD and Autism Allergic Diseases

Topic: Autism
Publication Date: January 2019

Symptom aggravation in ADHD and autism can occur for seemingly unknown reasons. This presentation explores how food and environmental allergies and sensitivities may offer a possible explanation for both the pathogenesis of these disorders and their exacerbations. Testing for allergies and food...