Learning the history of a patient and their disease is the only way that true healing can occur. The development of a disease is not something that springs up overnight but rather a delicate process that begins at the moment of conception.

The human body is a masterwork of intricately balanced chemical, mechanical and electrical signals, which work synergistically to create a comprehensive whole. This balance is attacked from the first moment we are created inside our mothers’ womb. The world is filled with detrimental substances which are pro-inflammatory, oxidative or disturb the communication, absorption and distribution of substances throughout the body.

Therefore, when looking at a patient’s history, it is important to find where the body’s ability to ward off the detrimental substances was overrun and irreversible damage was caused.

Finding this point in history is the complicated aspect of the puzzle. Every body is unique and everyone has a different tolerance for everything.

So what is the cause?

• Immune suppressants at early ages
• Childhood diseases
• Antibiotic cycles
• Pro inflammatory diets
• Inflammatory or reoccurring viral diseases
• Environmental toxins
• Digestive issues
• Sensitivities, intolerances or allergies
• Stress
• Emotional and/or physical traumas
• Sleeping disorders
• Hormonal imbalances.

The above list is just a simplified snapshot of possible detrimental occurrences. In truth, the list goes on and on with each point having a complex interaction with the various aspects of the body.

For example: A single round of antibiotics can have lifelong effects on the body due to a pathogen. By eradicating not only the pathogenic organism but also the bodies own micro flora in the digestive system, dysbiosis becomes a major issue. Dysbiosis (imbalanced microflora) is directly linked with a lowered immune response, allergies, intolerances, chronic inflammation,  malabsorption of nutrients and mental disorders (ADD, ADHD, autism).

As you can see, just one cycle of antibiotics, if not appropriately cared for (probiotic treatment), can have lasting effects that contribute to chronic disease and general ill health.

Another interesting aspect when looking at a patient’s history is the timing of events. Often there are patterns to be found in someone’s life. These patterns (especially ones relating to times of stress or trauma) can be a fundamental aspect in their presenting disease.

For example: Some people always get sick at Christmas; this is due to the extreme stress they are exposed to by their family and friends. This cycle, which may last for centuries, has effects that far outreach this simple illness they may present with at the time.

The environmental influence on our body is tremendous and examining this aspect of a person’s life cannot be ignored. Since the industrial revolution the list of toxic pollutants we are exposed to has risen to such an extent that we are all exposed to some kind of environmental toxin each minute of every day, our whole lives.

On this extensive list are: PCBs, pesticides, mould, phthalates, VOCs, dioxins, asbestos, heavy metals, chloroform, chlorine, etc…

Therefore, it is important to see where someone has worked and what exposure to toxins they may have been exposed to there.

Creating an extensive and detailed timeline can clearly show the progression of the suppression of the immune system leading to chronic disease.

Tonsillitis, otitis media or appendicitis are all examples of first infections that are the beginning of a chronic cascade of inflammatory infections and diseases which burden the body’s ability to grow, repair and flourish. When placed at the beginning of a timeline, the progression of one disease or issue developing into another can be clearly seen.

Quite often there is a disease pattern recognisable in the development of autoimmune disease

Food sensitivities  – sinus – hay fever – asthma – eczema – psoriasis – rheumatic fever – thyroid disease – vitiligo – dermatitis – inflammation of connective tissue – hashimotos – graves disease – lupus.

Many people are not even aware of the symptoms that they are presenting with. Therefore, the extensive questionnaire is designed not only to make the practitioner aware of the conditions and history, but it also invites the patient to have a more extensive look at their own body and become aware of the symptoms they considered ‘normal’.

The questionnaire eliminates the risk of missing vital points during a face-to-face consultation.

BLUE ZONE Questionnaire

Please answer honestly and to the best of your knowledge:

General / Past Medical History

Did you have a natural birth?

Vaginal secretions are important for the growth and development of a baby’s gut flora and immune system.

Did you have jaundice as a baby?

Jaundice as a baby is often considered normal, however, it can be the first sign of an under-active liver detoxification.

Were you breastfed and for how long?

Breast milk contains many of the immunoglobulins that will determine the child’s immune response to pathogens and allergens. It is also (if the mother is healthy) the perfect balance of macro and micronutrients required for a baby’s growth. At this stage it is also important to examine what substitutes were fed to the baby if breast milk was not consumed. Also, at what age food was introduced (especially cows milk) as this can give an indication of the patient’s immune system and gut microflora health.

Did you have the normal childhood vaccinations?

Vaccinations are a difficult topic and to broach them here would open up pages and pages worth of discussion. Therefore, to simplify this topic for the time being we are going to say that vaccinations can be a strong burden on the immune system, especially when administered at a young age. Therefore, the amount of vaccinations and associated reactions had when administered need to be recorded and kept in consideration during the entire investigation and treatment of the patient. Another primary concern for vaccinations is Thimerosal, the preservative substance in many vaccines. This substance is very high in mercury and has the associated neurological damage.

What kind of childhood diseases did you have?

Childhood disease can have lasting health effects, tonsillitis and other immune related conditions especially are indicative of an underactive immune system. Having had the normal childhood diseases such as chicken pox is also an important part of the immune system’s growth and development.

Would you consider your childhood healthy?

This gives a general insight into the patient’s childhood. Recurrences and coping mechanisms of disease are here examined.

If not please explain (list all conditions/diseases).

Acute diseases are often the precursors of chronic conditions. Therefore, the examination of these acute illnesses and the links they may have to the presenting chronic condition may be indicative to the proper treatment, addressing the root cause of the chronic disease.

How many courses of antibiotics did you have in your lifetime?

Antibiotics are extremely detrimental to the delicate gut microflora. The eradication that occurs during an antibiotic treatment leads to dysbiosis and colonisation of damaging bacteria. Therefore, when an antibiotic cycle is necessary a serious probiotic treatment must follow to protect and recolonise the gut flora with the right strains of bacteria. Gut flora doesn’t only play a role in our digestive system but is also one of the key modulators of our immune system. Antibiotic resistance can also be ascertained here, as there are many people who do not complete antibiotic cycles and therefore can cause the growth of super bugs, which can cause major illness for years.

Have you had any major accidents?

This is a simple yet important question that could relate to any system but may be important in the treatment and management of your patient.

Have you had any surgeries? If yes, please state the year and what they concerned:

This is a simple yet important question that could relate to any system but may be important in the treatment and management of your patient.

Have you had any mayor disease after you turned 18? Please state them chronological.

Disease is an expression of reduced reactive capability and the result of a degenerative development process. The sequence of acute illness to chronic conditions normally follows the process of: Excretion, inflammation, deposition, impregnation, degeneration and eventually neoplasma.

From which of these diseases are you still suffering (if applicable)?

Some conditions, such as glandular fever, can cause lifelong reoccurrences, however, this question may also show the patient’s awareness of connectedness between past acute conditions and current illnesses.

Have you ever used steroids, cortisone or similar medication for more than 2-4 weeks?

This can be indicative of liver damage, kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, reproductive organ damage and mood swings due to nervous system or hormonal imbalances.

Please list all supplements and herbs you are currently taking. Name/Brand/Dose/ Frequency/For how long?

The use of this question is self-explanatory as the nutrient and drug interactions as well as the possible effects and side effects these treatments may have on the patient’s health need to be explored and examined.

Please list all prescription and over the counter medications/drugs you are currently taking. (Except chemo and radiation) Name/Brand/Dose/ Frequency/For how long?

As with the question above, the side effects and interactions need to be explored as well as the value of the drug/treatment for the patient’s presenting complaint.

Immune Health

To say that one system is more important than any other would be a lie, but it’s often undervalued and not considered in the pathology of disease. Therefore, in regards to chronic disease, I would venture to say that the immune system is one of the most important systems in the body.

The immune system is made up of white blood cells that are made in our bone marrow. They regulate the body’s resistance and fighting ability to invading pathogens and internal disturbances.

Everyday we are bombarded with possible causes for infection. White blood cells, which permeate every tissue in the body, neutralise these dangers and produce antibodies to hinder future invasions of the same pathogen.

The immune system is not only responsible for the removal of external pathogens but also plays a role in the clean-up of cells after apoptosis (cell death) and the removal of malignant or ‘abnormal cells’.

Cancer is considered an immune deficiency where cancerous cells have had the opportunity to proliferate and become a tumour.

Autoimmune disease is the flip side of the coin and is an overactive immune system. White blood cells attack invading or mutated cells by detecting receptors on the accusing cell. If the cell does not display ‘self’ receptors, the immune system targets the pathogen and attempts to kill or remove it. In autoimmune conditions, the white blood cells are overactive and begin to attack the body’s own cells, ignoring self receptors.

During a person’s life they are exposed to different pathogens. The immune system has the ability to memorise pathogens the body has already been exposed to and create antibodies to prevent future infection. At birth a baby receives an initial load of antibodies from the mother through vaginal secretions during delivery and through breast milk. These help protect the baby from common illnesses and a baby’s immunity reflects the immune status of the mother.

The immune system protects us from bacteria, viruses and fungal infections. These make up the majority of all diseases humans are at risk of being exposed to.

The largest risk to the immune system is chronic inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s attempt at self-protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens, and begin the healing process. This action causes the immune system to be on alert. A constant system inflammation causes the overburdening of the immune system making it prone to pathogens, cancer and toxic cell remnants. One commonly forgotten cause of chronic inflammation is allergic reactions. These must be a primary concern to practitioners.

Questions pertaining to the immune system (below) are very limited as the immune system is intimately linked with every other system in the body. Therefore, to obtain a picture of a patient’s current immune status, a practitioner must refer to it by questioning all other systems.

Questions regarding to the immune system:

Have your tonsils or adenoids been removed?

The tonsils’ adenoids and the appendix are purely lymphatic organs. These organs are there to support the intestinal/lymphatic, rather like an army’s reserve forces when the normal forces no longer have enough striking power. Tonsillitis and appendicitis are always an alarm system, indicating that the immune system is not working normally – in most cases due to food allergies.

Have you had your appendix removed?

As above.

Digestive Health

Do you suffer from abdominal bloating, intestinal gas, burping, indigestion, heartburn or any other associated pain?

This question is extremely broad, however, it can indicate if there are any major issues with a patient’s digestive system. This can be an initial question handy to judge the integrity of a patient’s gut health.

Have you had any surgery in your stomach area? If so, what was done?

A simple yet necessary question to know any complications that may need to be worked on or worked around in the treatment and management of the patient.

Do you ever get diarrhea, constipation or suffer from IBS?

Diarrhea and constipation are symptoms of digestive disorders; IBS, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, overuse of antibiotics, food intolerances, etc.

Do you suffer from nausea relating to food?

Nausea after eating food could be a sign of fat indigested (liver) or food intolerances.

Do you have or suspect that you suffer any food intolerances or allergy symptoms? Please state all symptoms you have.

This firstly checks if the patient is aware of his bodies reactions to food and can give the practitioner a starting point to look for possible food sensitivities.

How is your stool? Please describe; does it float, sink, bad odour, consistency, does it contain undigested food particles, have a shiny look or fat droplets floating in the water, and is there blood or mucus present? 

Many patients never look at their stool and this question can give them the awareness to examine their faeces over the next couple of days. How the stool presents can give the practitioner a clear understanding of the patient’s bowel, liver and bile function.

How often do you have a bowel movement per day?

You should have a healthy bowel movement at least once a day. Patients get used to how often their bowel movements are as a normal occurrence. Therefore, it is important to ask how many bowel movements the patient has instead of asking if it is ‘normal’. Constipation or only releasing stool every couple of days can be extremely toxic as the materials waiting to be eliminated sit in the bowel and begin to get reabsorbed.

Do you rely on any of the following for bowel elimination? How often?

Enemas, laxatives, what type/brand?

The previous two questions give a practitioner an insight into the drugs that are being used by the patient and management that may be needed to rectify ongoing laxative use (dehydration, minerals, water soluble vitamins).

Oral Health

Oral health is an extremely important aspect of health that is often overlooked or ignored.

Questions to ask regarding oral health.

Do you have amalgam fillings?

Amalgam fillings have a content of mercury, which can leach/gas out into the mouth. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin and affects the thyroid. Detoxification of mercury is slow if not non-existent, therefore, it builds up slowly over time.

Do you have any root canal?

Cavities in the teeth can be a major breeding ground for bacteria and inflammation. Root canal fillings commonly leave pockets inside the jaw bone structure full of bacteria. These bacteria multiply and grow, leaching toxins into the bloodstream over years and even centuries.

Do you have other foreign/prosthetic objects in your mouth?

Do you suffer from bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums can be indicative of inflammation in the mouth from bacteria or poor connective tissue strength, caused by a range of deficiencies and diseases.

Endocrine Health

Do you suffer from hair loss?

Hair loss may be a sign of: thyroid disorders, autoimmune disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, extreme mental/emotional stress, physical stress (surgery, intense illness), skin conditions, anaemia, androgenetic alopecia, hair products, connective tissue nutrient deficiency and toxins.

Do you have cold hands and feet and are you sensitive to cold?

This is an indication of hypothyroidism or cardiovascular disease.

Do you experience fatigue during the day? Please elaborate.

This is often associated with cortisol and adrenaline imbalances due to hypothyroid and adrenal fatigue.

Do you have dry skin?

This is a sign of adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism and an essential fatty acid deficiency.

Do you have difficulty losing weight?

Hypothyroidism may be indicated when a patient cannot lose weight. However, type 2 diabetes, PCOS and estrogen dominance may also cause an inability to lose weight.

Do you gain weight easily?

As above.

Do you have a low libido?

A low libido may be influenced by: adrenal fatigue, testosterone imbalances (male and female), blood sugar levels and thyroid dysfunction (most commonly hypothyroidism).

Are you tired when you awaken?

This is an indication of hypothyroidism or adrenal fatigue.

Do you have afternoon fatigue?

Cortisol drops at 1- 4 pm in the afternoon, therefore, if you have a cortisol imbalance, the cortisol would drop too low and cause fatigue.

Do you have thinning of your eyebrows or eyelashes?

Thyroid issues are linked with loss of hair around the eyes.

Is your voice hoarse?

Too much testosterone causes a hoarse voice and can be an easy indicator.

Respiratory Health

The respiratory system comprises of the: mouth, nose, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm. Together these work together to supply the blood with oxygen. Oxygen is necessary for human life and plays a key role in the production of energy (ATP). During each inhalation and exhalation, the lungs (primary organ of the respiratory system) exchange gasses from the blood stream. As we breathe in, we suck air into our lungs and the oxygen is transported via passive diffusion through the thin capillary walls inside the alveolar in the lungs. When oxygen enters the bloodstream, it is exchanged for carbon dioxide, which we then exhale. Carbon dioxide is a toxic by-product of energy production and must be excreted as fast as possible. This is why during sport we breathe faster and deeper, to expel as much carbon dioxide as possible while simultaneously oxygenating the blood.

The blood PH was thought to be regulated solely by the kidneys, however, the lungs play a fundamental role in PH modulation. Carbon dioxide is by nature acidic and oxygen alkaline. Therefore the correct balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is vital for blood PH regulation. Shallow breathing is a major risk factor for acidity and the associated conditions.

The lungs are prone to infection as they are the relatively exposed to the environment. Each breath in can contain pathogens, dust and other toxic substances. To combat this constant onslaught, the lungs have the highest concentration of antioxidants in the entire body. Super oxide dismutase (SOD), the body’s primary antioxidant, plays a vital role in the quenching of free radicals in the lungs. Glutathione is also found in extremely high concentrations in the lungs and aids SOD. Therefore, lung infections are a clear indication of antioxidant deficiency.

Questions regarding the respiratory system

Do you suffer from any respiratory diseases?

Helps to get a comprehensive medical history.

Have you ever suffered from respiratory disease? E.g. bronchitis, sinusitis. 

The lungs have the highest concentration of antioxidant properties in the body. Reoccurring respiratory conditions can be a sign of deficient endogenously produced antioxidants (SOD, glutathione). The lungs are also one of largest surfaces in the body exposed to the outside air. Therefore, the management and health of these surfaces can be a good indicator of the immune system, general cell and connective tissue health and can predispose the body to many oxygen deprived related diseases.

Do you smoke or have you smoked in the past? How long?

In case you weren’t aware that smoking is toxic…smoking is extremely toxin and loads your body with all sorts of havoc driving chemicals and heavy metals. It is a huge burden on the body.

Estrogen Health

Please tick if applicable and elaborate (what, when, where).

Do you suffer from anxiety, irritability, anger or agitation?

Do you get cramps, heavy bleeding, prolonged bleeding and clots?

Do you experience water retention/weight gain, bloating throughout your cycle?

Do you get breast; tenderness, lumpiness, enlargement or fibrocystic breasts?

Do you experience mood swings, depression, and weepiness?

Do you suffer from headaches/migraines?

Do you have muscle pains, joint pains, back pain?

Do you get acne? If so, please indicate location specifically.

Do you experience foggy thinking, memory difficulties?

Do you have fat gain, especially in the abdomen, hips and thighs?

Do you get cold hands and feet? Adrenal relation.

Do your blood sugar levels vary and do you suffer from insulin resistance?

Do you have irregular periods?

Do you have a decreased sex drive?

Do you suffer from gall bladder problems?

Do you have infertility?

Do you get insomnia?

Do you have osteoporosis?

Do you have endometriosis?

Do you have polycystic ovaries?

Do you have uterine fibroids?

Do you have cervical dysplasia? (Abnormal cells on PAP smear)

Do you have allergic tendencies?

Do you suffer from any autoimmune disorders?

Do you have breast, uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer?

Urinary Health

The urinary system is the most common way for water-soluble toxins to leave the body. Made up of two kidneys, this system, although extremely effective when functioning properly, can easily be damaged. The kidneys are made up of a fine network of capillaries (nephrons), which filter the blood and remove toxins including urea, uric acid and creatinine. The kidneys also filter out; sulfates, phenol waste, excess sodium, potassium and chloride ions. This process is extremely important for the health of the entire system as many of these products are extremely toxic and can acidify the blood PH. Sulfates, uric acid, urea and phenols are all byproducts of phase 2 liver detoxification.

The kidneys function by the using a very fine tuned active transport and osmosis regulated system. This ensures that the blood remains at the correct PH and the amount of water excreted is in balance with intake. Antidiuretic hormone (arginine vasopressin) controls the quantity of water excreted. Produced by the hypothalamus and stored and excreted from the pituitary gland, this complex hormone requires a long chain of events to successfully complete its role in the kidneys. The nephrons in the kidneys work with a series of sodium/potassium pumps to regulate osmolality. If the body is deficient in electrolytes (especially potassium) then the kidneys are one of the first systems to shut down. This causes an accumulation of toxic metabolites in the blood.

All the above show how dis-functioning kidneys not only affect the entire body if dis-regulated, but also rely on an entire functioning system.

As most biochemists know, one of the easiest ways to affect an entire system is to change the medium in which it resides. Therefore, any changes to the blood chemistry will have a systemic effect on the body. The kidneys are responsible for the excretion of these toxic metabolites and therefore play an integral role in regulating the entire system.

The kidneys have a very limited ability for regeneration. Therefore, we have much more kidney tissue than we need. This explains how a person can live with one kidney. Kidney damage may result in proteinuria (protein in urine) and hematuria (blood in urine). These conditions are specifically linked to damage of the glomerulus while dehydration; uric acid build up and water retention, may only be indirectly linked to kidney dysfunction.  Because regeneration is negligible, the preservation of kidney function and tissue is an important aspect of any detox treatment.

The remainder of the urinary system, which includes the ureters, bladder and urethra, is a place prone to infection. The ureters and bladder are by nature a sterile place free from bacteria. However, the urethra is open to the outside elements and due to its location near the anus, the contamination risk is high.  When the immune system is challenged, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can be the first sign for many people.

Questions regarding the urinary system

Do you suffer from bladder infections? If so, how many per year/month (however applicable).

Bladder infections are most commonly associated with a challenged immune system. Numerous bladder infections can also lead to structural damage of the urinary tract. An important aspect of treatment to consider is the integrity and secretion of the mucus membranes.

How often do you urinate?

Urination is dependent on water intake but could also be an indication of disease related to the endocrine (diabetes presents with increased urination), cardiovascular and nervous.

Is there any discomfort or pain associated with urination?

Pain could be indicative of a bladder infection/UTI. In men this could be associated with prostate hyperplasia (cancerous). Although uncommon, it could also be the passing of kidney stones.

Do you experience fluid retention?

Fluid retention can be the indicative for many things. It could be an indication of hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, kidney disease, cardio vascular disease, lymphatic blockage, histamine reactions, physical inactivity, diabetes, elevated sodium levels, atherosclerosis, and endocrine disruption, specifically the antidiuretic hormone.

Do you ever experience any lower back pain? If so, please indicate where on your back.

Lower back pain could be mistaken with kidney pain. Therefore, the location of lower back pain needs to be examined to find out if the kidneys could be associated. High levels of stress are normally associated with lower back pain and adrenal exhaustion is indicative to this.

Have you ever suffered from kidney stones?

Kidney stones, which have several, hypothesised causes, including electrolyte and mineral imbalance, and inflammation due to antibody reactions. These antibodies are often the nucleus of kidney stones as minerals bond to them and grow. When a patient has had one kidney stone the likelihood of developing another is extremely high. Therefore, the examination of allergies and mineral/electrolytes balance must be closely addressed in these patients.

Do you struggle starting and stopping your urine?

This is a clear indicator of smooth muscle function and strength, this also relates to the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. For men the ability to stop and start can indicate prostate health.

Do you suffer incontinence?

The complete inability to hold urine in the bladder can both be a sign of nervous system failure or lack of smooth muscle strength. Some cases have minimal intervention possible, however, supporting the nervous system and muscular system can decrease incontinence in some patients.

Please describe your normal urine; colour, cloudy, blood and odour?

The basic colour could be a simple sign of hydration and can be used to verify a patient’s water consumption claims (note that this could be affected by water soluble vitamins, plant phenols and other supplements). Cloudy urine could be a sign of infection due to pathogens and antibodies in the urinary tract or proteinuria (protein in the urine), which can be caused by kidney (glomerulus) damage. Blood in the urine can be due to damage of the kidneys or urinary tract trauma.

FOR WOMEN ONLY! Menstrual Periods

Please complete this section to the best of your ability even if you no longer menstruate. It provides valuable information for an accurate assessment.

If you have are currently going through menopause, please answer the following:

When did you stop menstruating?

Did you suffer from night sweats, hot flushes, moods or vaginal issues?

Is there any other important information regarding your menopause that you think may be relevant?

Please answer the following questions regarding your cycle:

What age did you start menstruating?

Average length of your cycle?

Length of flow?

Were your cycles regular?

Were your periods light, heavy, any clots and colour of the blood?

PMS? (Please describe symptoms)

Do you have or had uterine fibroids?

Do you have or had fibrocystic breast disease?

Do you have or had endometriosis?

Have you had fertility problems?

Have you had a miscarriage and if yes, when?

Do you have anxiety or panic attacks?

Are you currently using or ever used birth control pills? For how long?

Are you currently on or have ever used a long lasting contraceptive (implanon, IUD, depot injection)

Do you or have you ever used hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? If so, please elaborate.

Do you have any sexually transmitted diseases?

Do/did you suffer from thrush?

Vaginal thrush is caused by an increase in the amount of candida albicans in the vagina. There are several things which make vaginal thrush more likely, including: taking antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, a weakened immune system, taking the contraceptive pill, wearing tight-fitting clothes such as jeans or synthetic underwear.

Allergies

Did you have eczema as a child?

Eczema is linked to a deficiency in glutathione. The deficiency may be due to an endogenous production issue (sulfation, methylation: polymorphism on MTHFR and ZBS genes) or the use of glutathione lowering drugs during pregnancy or early childhood (paracetamol). Dietary allergens, environmental toxins and environmental allergens may also play a significant role in the causation of skin conditions (eczema).

Do you suffer from any skin problems (eczema, psoriasis, itchy skin, hives)?

As above, however, special emphasis must be put in the use of omega 3 fatty acids as a treatment for skin conditions.

Do you experience sneezing, persistent runny or itchy nose?

This is linked with an IgA antibody reaction to either environmental or dietary allergens.

Do your eyes itch, water, get red or swell?

As above.

Do you have asthma, wheezing or a chronic cough?

As above.

Do your symptoms worsen during a particular season?

This is an indicator or possible environmental influences such as pollen, humidity and temperature. It can also indicate dietary changes throughout the year e.g. chocolate at Easter.

Do your symptoms change when you go inside or outside?

This can help identify the possible allergens location.

Are your symptoms worse in your bedroom after going to bed?

We spend 60+% of our lives in the bedroom so the removal of toxins and allergens in the bedroom is a primary concern to health (mould, bed bugs, mites, dust, formaldehyde, BPA).

Are your symptoms worse in dusty areas?

As above

Are your symptoms worse around animals?

This just narrows down the source. However, it is important to note that not all animal allergies are due to the animals themselves but due to the food and care products used on the animals (+dust, mites).

Do you have any relatives with allergies?

Allergies have a genetic link, however, there is also a connection between similar lifestyle decisions and living conditions between relations indicating that allergies may be due to habitual daily activity. The genetic link is often not linked directly with allergies but with poor liver detoxification and poor gut health, which lead to allergies.

Do you have mood swings or feel depressed for no reason?

Food sensitivities are linked with changes in mood so this may be one of the only symptoms a patient presents with.

Do you sometimes feel stimulated or fatigued after meals?

Allergies or sensitivities may indicative of this. However, the liver and thyroid also affect this greatly.

Do you have dark circles under your eyes?

Although not a sign reliable for diagnosis, dark circles under the eyes may be due to a severe allergic burden.

Cardiovascular Health

The cardiovascular system is responsible for the mobilisation of all nutrients to cells. Therefore, ensuring that the cardiovascular system is healthy and functioning properly will contribute to the efficacy and efficiency of all other treatments. When addressing cardiovascular health, the primary discussion is the effect of cholesterol and saturated fat. Hopefully this section will simplify this matter.

Saturated fat and cholesterol have been stated as the cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for years. Lowering cholesterol is a primary aim of advertising and media. However, much of this information is not scientifically proven or is only displaying part of the truth. Effectively, media has brainwashed people into believing saturated fat and cholesterol are the cause for CVD.

In fact, people with reported cardiovascular disease have cholesterol levels that range from extremely low to high with no conclusive evidence supporting the concentration of cholesterol in the body contributes to CVD. Other studies have shown that the intake of saturated fat doesn’t actually correlate with an increase of cholesterol. More than 80% of the cholesterol produced in our body is in fact produced endogenously. Therefore, there is little evidence to support the intake of saturated fat contributing to hypercholesterolemia and increasing the risk of CVD.

Hundreds of studies refuting the risk of high cholesterol and saturated in the development of CVD have been released in leading medical journals. However, most media, pharmaceutical evidence and medical professionals are refusing to look at this evidence or disregard it.

After the age of forty an increased cholesterol level has actually shown to be protective against heart disease and even show that increased fat consumption leads to reduced weight and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Atherosclerosis is one of the primary concerns in hypercholesterolemia. Atherosclerosis can lead to the development of clots, which in turn can cause a stroke or myocardial infarction. The case for the development of atherosclerosis is debated throughout literature. However, the increased consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol has not been scientifically proven to contribute to the development. Cholesterol just happens to be at the site of infection when there is a production of a plaque. But to blame the cholesterol for the plaque would be like blaming firemen for a fire just because they were at the scene.

Alternative theories to the development of atherosclerosis consider the varying causes of inflammation to the arterial wall. One theory believes that it may be due to the pressure and force that branches in arteries are exposed to. This can lead to damage and inflammation. Supporting this evidence is that plague buildup commonly occurs at branches in arteries. Another causation for increased inflammation is due to allergens or intolerances we are exposed to. These cause an allergic response in the arterial wall leading to inflammation. This causes an increased deposition of fats, white blood cells and debris in the arterial wall, eventually leading to a clot. Yet another theory relates to the oxidative damage that omega 6 polyunsaturated fats have on arterial walls. These also lead to inflammation and the eventual production of clots. It is generally agreed that the production of arterial clots and atherosclerosis is attributed to an inflammatory reaction.

Therefore, the primary concern with cholesterol is its ability to be oxidised. When fat oxidises it causes free radicals and begins the cascade of events leading to inflammation.

In today’s world, the exclusion of saturated fat and the introduction of omega 6 polyunsaturated fats has actually led to an increase in oxidative damage. Omega 6 oils are in fact very inflammatory as they are very prone to oxidisation. Products like margarine go through a process of partial hydrogenation. This process increases the oxidative load and creates trans fats, which have sufficient evidence supporting their detrimental effects on the body.

It is assumed that cholesterol is a toxic substance in your body and the primary aim is to get it as low as possible. By weight, cholesterol is the most common molecule in your brain, it is present in every cell membrane in the body and is the primary precursor for all our sex hormone production. Therefore, to assume that there are no adverse reactions and consequences when we pull cholesterol out of the body is as stupid as assuming the body can live without water.

There is no conclusive evidence that statins reduce the risk of heart disease and no evidence suggesting that cholesterol is even a risk factor.

Besides the below questionnaire regarding to cardiovascular health there are a number of functional tests that can be done to asses the cardiovascular system’s health. As explored above, the causation to most cardiovascular diseases is by inflammation. Therefore, measuring inflammatory markers in the blood is one of the most reliable ways to asses heart health. Homocysteine, C-reactive protein, interleukin 6 and 1, and triglycerides.

Our body is more than just our cardiovascular system, therefore the treatment of cholesterol with statins may or may not affect cardiovascular health, however, it can increase our risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.

Questions regarding the cardiovascular system

Do you know your blood pressure?

Do you suffer from any dizziness, light headedness, or ear problems?

Hypertension or hypotension can cause all of the above symptoms.

Do you have pain in your calves when walking?

May be due to intermittent claudication linked with diabetes. However, varicose veins and poor venous return can lead to edema and pain during walking.

Do you have problems with varicose veins?

Varicose veins can be a sign of poor circulation, connective tissue and skeletal muscle tone (reduced physical activity).

Do you bruise easily?

Connective tissue weakness may be due to: nutritional deficiencies (zinc, vitamin C, Omega 3, cholesterol).

Do you have tingling and numbness in hands and feet?

Related to poor circulation or peripheral neuropathy.

Do you have cold hands or feet?

Related to poor circulation or peripheral neuropathy.

Do you suffer from hemorrhoids?

Related to poor connective tissue, venous diseases, and poor smooth muscle function.

Do you suffer from fluid retention in ankles and feet?

Venous return (arthrosclerosis), diabetes, sodium imbalance, kidney disease, etc.