I am Seeing a Trend

Trends come and go.  Every year there is a new diet that promises to be the best thing since being a caveman/woman.  The holidays are sure to “release” a new weight loss gadget that “guarantees to help you lose 125 lbs while sipping your Starbuck’s pumpkin spice latte”!

I say, GO AWAY you horrible trends…I can see through you!

Although, there is one trend that I see picking up steam…you may have heard of it due to great marketing from companies like 23andme.com and Ancestry.com…genetic testing.

However, I am speaking of a little different genetic testing.  While knowing your ancestral history and chances of having a baby with blues is really cool, I am referring to learning about your genetic mutations.

Your genetic mutations, in my opinion, are going to dictate how you respond to LIFE!

Are you more predisposed to developing an autoimmune condition, such as Celiac Disease?  Should you eat that piece of genetically modified sliced bread?  Is developing a thyroid disease in your future?  Can you detox the junk your body is exposed to every single day?  If you are on birth control, can your body clear the excess hormones being released into your blood stream?

These are all questions you can find answers to by looking at genetic mutations.

What does having a genetic mutation mean?

The layman’s definition of a gene is: a unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.

This means that our parents pass down genes that determine who we are.  The color of our hair, how tall we may be, and even our personalities.

Many times, and in all of us, these genes are not perfect.  They can be broken, or mutated.

If I know what those mutated genes are and understand the role the genes play in your body, I can figure out why you may have an autoimmune condition, or why you have ovarian cysts, or why you have low testosterone.

Back to this trend…

More and more patients are reaching out to me to run their genetic markers to get to the root cause of their health condition.

Quick story…I have a patient that I helped many years ago.  Back in those days, I didn’t utilize or understand genetic testing because not many people were discussing it.

I was able to help this patient reach her goals!  She was a hairstylist at the time.  Hairstylists tend to be some of the sickest patients I encounter.  Why you ask?  Think about what you smell when walking into most salons.  Think about what the stylists are putting on their clients’ hair/scalps.  Heavy duty chemicals are routinely used.  Although, more and more salons are beginning to switch to more natural products.  Awesome!!!

Even though I was able to help this patient years ago, she slowly began battling symptoms that were taking their toll on her health as years went by.

She knew I have been running genetic testing on patients and reached out a few months ago requesting to test her mutations.  Specifically, I ran mutations looking at detoxification pathways, how she clears hormones, and her neurotransmitters (how she feels emotionally).

Today, she requested I order the same genetic tests for her daughter and son (albeit, male hormone mutations).  Why?  Because after seeing her mutations, I was able to put together a healing plan addressing what we learned about her genes.

Guess what?  Her hot flashes have gone away.  The “sludge” she had on the layer of her stomach has disappeared and she is seeing results.  Wooohoooo!!!  Genetic testing saves the day, again!

How Do You Test Genetic Mutations?

Super simple!  You collect saliva and send the sample to the lab.  I use a lab called GX Sciences (www.gxsciences.com).  Not all labs are created equal, and for this reason I put my trust in these fellas.

The lab sends your results to me and I began playing detective, combining the genetic results with blood testing, and other specialized lab tests.

Gathering many pieces of the puzzle will help me help you!  The more I see and understand about you, the better game plan I can create to help you reach your goals.

This Trend Will Change Healthcare!

I firmly believe the more we can get to the root cause of people’s health conditions, the healthier they can become. 

More and more people are realizing the medical model’s Band-Aid approach to chronic disease is not working for them.  They are not healing and living life as they did in the past.  It is for this reason more patients are reaching out to me asking for more in-depth testing to get to the bottom of their issues.

Are you still having a difficult time reaching your health goals?  If so, consider running some genetic tests to figure out why.  Getting a sample of saliva is a heck of a lot easier than struggling with health symptoms for 10 or 15 years.  Plus, there is no needle!!!

Could Genetics be Your Answer for Healing?

How many times have you heard people say, “I have XYZ condition and it runs in my family”?

Before studying genetics, I thought that answer was an excuse the patient would give for not maintaining a healthy body.

The more I studied genetics, I thought, “some of these patients may be right!”

Whether We Want Them or Not!

Genes get passed down to each of us from our parents.  That is out of our control.  What is in our control is the environment that we live in, and we can only control this to a certain extent.

What do I mean by environment?

We are all exposed to environmental toxins, which we can’t control.  We breathe in toxins in our air, no matter where we live.  If you live in LA, you breathe in more compared to living out in the country in Kansas. 

However, we can control HOW we live in our environment!

We can control what eat, our stress levels, our exercise routines, our sleep habits, the people we are around…

We can control A LOT…BUT, with genetic mutations this “control” of ours may not be enough.

What Size is Your Bucket?

What do I mean by that?  

This is an analogy I use to describe why we become sick.  All of us have different size buckets that fill up with toxins throughout or life.  Our genetics will dictate the size of that bucket.  

For example, Natasha and I were living in a home with mold.  Natasha became extremely sick, but I did not.  WHY?  Our buckets are different sizes.  Her bucket filled up and start over-flowing = she became sick.  Natasha has more genetic mutations than I do.  I didn’t get as sick as she did because I have still have plenty of room in my bucket to collect more toxins.

Also, she is a slow detoxifier.  How do we know?  We looked at her genetic mutations that impact her body’s ability to detoxify.  If you can’t detoxify, your bucket is filling up, and you can get rid of those toxins on your own = bucket overflows = you become sick!

Watch the Video Below!

Now that I have taught you a little about genetics, the video below will dive a little deeper for you.

I hope you enjoy!

Free Genetic Sample Report Below…

Would you like to receive a sample genetic report?  Feel free to download it below.  Starting on page 11, you will find the definitions of each gene that is tested, and you will learn more about why that gene is important!

Happy 2018

How is the new year treating you?  Are you living up to all those New Year’s resolutions?  Achieved any goals, yet?  Did you set goals for this year?  I sure hope so!!!

I know, it has been some time since my last email.  The end of 2017/beginning of 2018 was quite crazy for us (almost a 1-1/2 weeks in the oncology department…UGH) and I needed to take some “me” time and re-energize my mind and body. 

Now, it is time to rock ‘n roll and focus on our goals, while helping you achieve yours!

Social Media Takeover!

My first goal started at the end of 2017, and it was to begin getting “acquainted” with social media.  Well…

I did it, I gave in, and jumped right into the deep end!  Yes, I become one of the people with a Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Channel…might as well throw Pinterest in there while you are at it.

I have completely given in to social media. Never did I think that by joining/creating communities, of like-minded people, would my excitement for improving others’ lives sky-rocket.

Now, I look forward to talking to members/friends on social media about their health problems.   Maybe, I have finally given in to technology and how we interact using it.  But sometimes, I do miss the days of no cell phones 🙂

Dr. King’s Thyroid Support Group

Some of you may know, but towards the end of last year I started a Thyroid Support Group on Facebook.  Just this week we were sharing some of our goals for 2018!  If you are not a member, you can join (free) and read what myself and others have been sharing these last couple of weeks.

I started the support group as a way to encourage patients to keep searching for answers for their health.  I feel that education brings knowledge, and knowledge brings healing.  If I can teach a patient one thing that helps to improve the quality of their life, then I have succeeded at being a healthcare professional.

I am striving to educate patients a little more regarding their thyroid condition, along with helping them with ideas on eating healthier (recipes get shared…YES!), supplementation, medication, and answering any health questions they may have.

You are more than welcome to join our community!!! CLICK HERE!!!

4-Week New Recipe Challenge

Would you like to participate in our recipe challenge?  The goal is to challenge ourselves to cook, and post, one new recipe for the next four weeks.  We are just getting started, so make sure to join in.

My recipe for tonight is one specifically prepared for GALLBLADDER patients.  Whether you still have yours, you have gallstones, or even gallbladder “flare-ups”…you may want to take a look at this recipe.  SUPER SIMPLE to prepare…because, I did it! LOL  Trust me, I don’t like complicated recipes.

Instagram

Instagram is certianly fun for posting pictures of food, and in my case…food, hiking, traveling, contests and videos!

Yep…we have some good fun on our IG page.

What to expect from following Ask Dr. King?

• Food posts…with recipes!
• Videos
• Contest announcements
• Inspirational photos/quotes

Make sure to follow by CLICKING HERE!

YouTube Channel

I know…ANOTHER ONE!!!  AGGGGHHHHH!!!

This channel was created towards the end of last year as well.  But check this out…I can essentially teach seminars, AGAIN.  Bonus: now, you can rewind (no fast forward…LOL) and/or pause to take notes! 

Plus, I can share a lot easier, and longer, on YouTube.  AND…the cool part, is now people from all over the world watch and learn, along with being able to ask questions.

Come join in on some of the social media fun!  You never know what you may learn, or what you may WIN!!!  Talk to you soon!

Let’s make 2018 an AMAZING YEAR!!!

3 Foods Thyroid Patients Should Eat

One of the most common questions I am asked is, “what foods should I eat for my thyroid?”

In this short video, I share 3 of my favorite foods that thyroid patients should add into their diet!

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to receive more healthy videos delivered on a weekly basis.  If you enjoy them, please like, share and comment below the video.

10 Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome You Must

Get Under Control To Heal Your Body

A majority of chronic health conditions have one common denominator = Leaky Gut Syndrome!  80% of your immune system is located in your gastro-intestinal tract, when it breaks down, you become sick.

I suffered with LGS growing up.  Until my early 20’s, everyone thought it was “normal” for me to feel the way I did.  Back then, no one discussed LGS and the implications it has on your long-term health. 

Now, we know better!

In the video below, I discuss what LGS is, what causes it (with more causes below) and how to fix it.  

LGS causes system-wide inflammation which will break down the body, causing chronic health issues: autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, chronic pain, brain fog, food

Doesn’t make sense to heal the gut lining?  You bet!

But First…

It is best to know why you have leaky gut in the first place.  That way you’re not chasing down the wrong remedies.

10 Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome That You Must Know

Although we understand the role of leaky gut in chronic health disorders, the underlying causes of leaky gut itself can be harder to pin down.

Here are the causes we know about:

1. Foods – Many inflammatory foods damage the intestinal walls, leading to leaky gut. Gluten in particular is associated with leaky gut. Dairy, processed foods, excess sugar, and fast foods are other culprits.
2. Alcohol – Alcohol is another common cause of leaky gut.  All alcohol causes inflammation (some are worse than others).  If you are wine drinker, make sure the winery producing the wine does NOT use pesticides/insecticides!
3. Medications – Some medications cause leaky gut, including corticosteroids, antibiotics, antacids, and some medications for arthritis.  It’s important to note some drugs have inflammatory fillers such as gluten.
4. Infections – Certain infections, such H. pylori overgrowth (the bacteria that causes ulcers) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can cause leaky gut. Yeast, parasites, and viruses are other possibilities.
5. Stress – Chronic stress raises stress hormones (cortisol), which damages the gut lining over time.  Yes, stress makes us sick!
6. Hormone imbalances – Hormones can cause leaky gut as the intestines depend on proper hormone levels for good function. Imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and stress hormones all contribute to leaky gut.
7. Crohn’s/Celiac Disease – Autoimmune conditions can lead to leaky gut. We often think in terms of leaky gut causing autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis. However, sometimes it’s the other way around. The constant inflammation of autoimmune disease can make the gut leaky. Or autoimmunity in the digestive tract can sabotage gut health. In these cases, managing autoimmunity is a strategy to improve leaky gut.
8. GMO’s – Food processing changes the natural structure of foods in a way that makes them inflammatory to the gut. Examples include deamidating wheat to make it water soluble and the high-heat processing (glycation) of sugars. Additives such as gums (xanthan gum, carrageenan, etc.), food colorings, and artificial flavors are inflammatory for some people, too.
9. Toxins – Our environment surrounds us with toxins, some of which have been shown to degrade the gut lining. Regularly taking glutathione, the body’s primary antioxidant, helps protect the body from toxins.
10. Vitamin D – Sufficient vitamin D is vital to protecting the gut lining and a vitamin D deficiency can make the intestinal lining more vulnerable to damage.

These are some of the factors known to contribute to leaky gut. By understanding the cause of your leaky gut, you will have more success restoring health to your gut and managing your chronic health or autoimmune condition.

If you feel you may be suffering from LGS, contact me/staff and let’s set up a complimentary phone consultation to see if we should start digging deeper into your health condition.

Do You Suffer Pain, Caused by the Medical Merry-Go-Round?

Close your eyes for just a moment and imagine this…imagine breaking 35 bones in your body, ranging from collarbones, to your hips, to arms, legs, feet, and your hands! 

Do you think that breaking that many bones would cause some pain?  I hope you said, YES! 

Now, you are probably thinking, “who would break 35 bones in their body, besides Evil Knievel?”

Well…that person would be, yours truly!  I have broken 35 major bones, and had 11 surgeries to fix some of injuries.  Let me tell you, pain is not fun!

However, my pain was only temporary (except for some residual ankle pain from a surgery gone bad), while many patients’ pain is chronic and seems never ending.

Some patients, live in a continuous state of pain, WITHOUT breaking bones.  A lot of times, this gets labeled as Fibromyalgia if you are struggling with muscle pain, or early arthritis if you are having joint pains.

Fibromyalgia, which I dislike saying as I am not a fan of the label, is mainly an adrenal gland disorder, with a deep-rooted connection to autoimmune disease. 

NOT LYRICA

Most fibromyalgia patients that I have worked with were prescribed Lyrica at some point in time.  Check this link out: https://www.lyrica.com/fibromyalgia

Look at some the side effects of the medication, including suicidal thoughts or behavior.  Lyrica was originally developed for treatment of seizures, NOT muscle pain.  But, if a medication can calm the brain down and prevent it from seizing, it can also make your body numb to the pain it is having.

If the medication “numbs” the pain, does that mean the true cause of the pain has been fixed?  I hope you said, NO! 

Our Medical Model

Why, then, are so many patients on this medication, for years?  Why are the causes not being looked for?

Let’s ignore the fact there is a pill you can take if you have muscle pain.  Imagine, those pills never existed.  If medication for Fibromyalgia, let’s just call it muscle pain from here on out, didn’t exist, what would you do?

Think of it this way…if your car was dripping oil onto your drive way, to the point where oil was pooling under your vehicle, what would you do?  Hopefully, you would take the vehicle to a mechanic to FIX the problem. 

If the mechanic slapped some duct tape on the oil pan, to stop the leak, would you be happy?  Probably, not.  More than likely, you would end up returning the vehicle and demanding for the leak to be FIXED.

Why then, do so many patients settle for “slapping” some medication onto a symptom? 

We Have A “Duct Tape” Crisis in Our Country!!!

Muscle pain, without injury or over-use, is typically caused by inflammatory hormones.  The big culprit, cortisol!  Cortisol is released from the adrenal glands in states of stress (chemical, physical, and emotional). 

Let me ask you a question, have you ever heard of peoples’ pain getting worse under stress?  You have?  Great!  I just described what causes debilitating muscle pain, barring a major injury.

Stress?  Yes!  But, that stress can be caused by many triggers: bacterial infections, blood sugar fluctuations, reactions to toxins, viruses, food sensitivities…and the list can go on.

Would it be beneficial to begin looking for some of these triggers that drive the adrenal glands to release too much cortisol, therefore causing more pain in the muscles?  You bet it would!

Do most doctors do that?  Some, but not a majority of them.  How do I know?  Because, this story has been told to me by hundreds of patients in the past 10+ years.

If you are having unexplained muscle pain, you must start looking to see what could be making your adrenal glands work over time.

Early Arthritis

Hearing this has always boggled my mind.  Let’s take, Susan, a stay at home mom of two beautiful children, who has an amazing husband, Steve, and they are living an incredible life: great job for Steve, beautiful home for the family, wonderful friends and relatives…but, Susan has recently been diagnosed with early arthritis.

A few months back, Susan noticed she was having some knee and ankle pain, bilaterally (on both sides).  She ignored the symptoms for a couple of weeks until she couldn’t live with the pain anymore. 

Against her better judgement, she began taking some Tylenol/Advil/Motrin (take your pick), and noticed the pain went away.  GREAT!  But…the pain kept coming back. 

Eventually, she becomes concerned and visits her family doctor, Dr. A(rthritis).  As Dr. A asks Susan about her past history, he learns that Susan was NEVER an athlete.  She didn’t play sports growing up and has never had an injury to those body parts.

Even though she was not an athlete, and never suffered trauma to her knees/ankles, Dr. A tells her she has early arthritis and to take some pain pills and try to avoid any type of impact exercise.

Susan leaves Dr. A’s office still feeling lost.  She didn’t get an answer, and was told to do what she was already doing. 

What does Susan do?  She listens to the doctor and keeps taking the pain pills.

What Do You Think?

What would you begin to analyze about Susan in order to determine why she was having pain?  Would you think to run some blood work looking to see if her body was inflamed?  You would?  Awesome!!!  Great idea.

Let’s say you took the time to run blood work.  The blood work comes back with very high levels of ferritin, CRP, and homocysteine (those are all inflammatory markers).  So, it appears that Susan has lots of inflammation.

Did you know that the leading cause of joint destruction is inflammation?  Yep, inflammation DESTROYS!  In some cases, the inflammation destroys areas of the body, one at a time, or it goes after multiple areas at the same time.  The knee and ankle for example. 

Dr. A told her she was having early arthritis and to take pain pills.  You, the smart doctor you are, discovered her body is very inflamed.  And…you know that inflammation causes pain. 

So, smart doctor, you decide to dig deeper to figure out what is causing the inflammation.  Great idea by the way!

Medical Merry-Go-Round

What I just described is how patients get labeled with a health condition, but the cause is never truly uncovered, therefore never addressed.

In this case, Susan would keep doing what Dr. A told her to do, and would never know what is truly causing her pain.  Her body is inflamed, but why? 

If you can figure out why, then you can put an end to Susan’s joint pain (the “early arthritis”) and you can begin to help heal the joints as the inflammation is decreasing.

How awesome is that???

Hang Tight, This Was a Long Blog

While these are not the ONLY reasons for muscle/joint, they are the BIG culprits in most patients. 

If you are struggling with chronic pain, reach out to me, let me run some blood tests to begin uncovering the CAUSE of the situation. 

Remember, you wouldn’t settle for slapping some duct tape onto the oil pan to fix the leaking oil.  Don’t settle for medications for a chronic health problem!

Below you can download the 67-blood markers I run on every single patient, and compare these markers to what your doctors have been running!