Many people are concerned about how nutrition and the environment affect the immune system; however obtaining usable information on how they interact is difficult at best. We have adopted an integrated approach that allows for each of these areas to be objectively assessed.

Without proper nutrition, your body cannot function properly. Heavy metals bind within the body where minerals belong. They stop your body's enzymes, immune system and other physiological responses from occurring normally. A simple Red Blood Cell (RBC) Mineral analysis test checks if your minerals are present in proper amounts.

While a diet low in minerals leads to poor: nutrition, at other times the gut does not absorb what we have eaten even when dietary intake is ok (this is called the Leaky Gut Syndrome). This can be due to heavy metal deposits, immune system abnormalities or infection (such as yeast or other bacteria) within the bowel itself. We may run a Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) test in order to see if your bowel is functioning properly.

A six hour urine study measures for heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. Sometimes a pill called "DMSA" may used to challenge, or pull more of metals out, when performing this test. If heavy metals are found, this same pill is taken in order to treat the problem.

While a standard Complete Blood Count (CBC) gives us an overview of your immune system, other specialized tests such as the Lymphocyte Enumeration Panel (LEP) tell us in much greater detail if certain populations of your immune system exist in proper numbers. There are other tests that evaluate how the cells that are present are working as well.

Often we can diagnosis problems with your nutritional status or immune system by performing one or two of the above tests, and then treat the problem by helping your body rid itself of any heavy metals that may be present.

At Piedmont Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation", P.A. we address these issues as we believe in reducing the total of all stresses placed your body. By reducing the "Total Load" your body has to fight against you will either wound heal quicker or just feel better.