Moomin wrote:What test do folks recommend for testing gut health? I've had food sensitivities for several years and mostly avoid foods that bother me but I'm really not sure that I've understand the complete list of bothersome foods. Also, I'd just like to heal my gut.
I'm 3/4 for apoe, my parent are also 3/4s and my Dad has been living with dementia for the last six years. I tested with AHNP in January 2019 with the intention of reducing my risks but, honestly, I realize that I'm not always recognizing faces that I would have recognized a few years ago. That freaks me out and I'm so grateful for this resource.
My highest risk factors are glycotoxicity and toxicity, followed by trophic loss and inflammation. My hormones were off - estradiol was 0, cortisol, DHEA-sulfate, Free T4, progesterone and testosterone were all low. Potassium, RBC mg and serum copper were all low. My HDL was 60.4 and triglycerides were 64 - green; my LDL was 142.8 and total cholesterol was 216 - red.
Second question - could leaky gut issues impact hormonal levels?
I've improved my fasting glucose so that it's typically below 90; almost daily 16 hour fast; incorporating more exercise. Eating more fish and less red meat. Mostly grain free. Taking a slew of supplements including DHEA and pregnenolone which I'm hoping has helped with the hormonal panel.
Thank you for any input you might have!
Welcome to the Apoe4.info community
Moomin- it’s great to have you as a member! Kudos to you for proactively getting tested and taking steps to understand and enhance your own brain health and overall wellness! It sounds like you are already taking lots of positive steps (improving fasting glucose, restricting feeding window, reducing grains, recommended supplements, etc) to reduce your risk factors- what great news! And it sounds like you are passionate about learning and dive into your interests with gusto, what a gift!
I can imagine it has been difficult to watch your father as he’s been living with dementia and then questioning yourself at the slightest inkling you may be exhibiting any symptoms. Please be assured this forum is information and support- rich and you’ll be in good hands digging into the research and discussions to learn more.
If you haven’t seen it already,
the primer is a great starting place to learn about the extensive resources available to you on the ApoE4.info site. It was authored by a member physician who carries two copies of the ApoE4 allele, is regularly updated and provides information on the science behind the ApoE4 allele, tips on diet and lifestyle choices, biomarkers to check, and prevention strategies. In addition, you may be interested in checking out the Wiki section on
GI Health to dive deeper into tests and recommendations for Gut health and healing. Cryex Labs Array 2 can be used to diagnose leaky gut and is also discussed on pages 145 and 146 of Dr. Dale Bredesen’s The End of Alzheimer’s book.
I am not up to speed the linkages/or not between gut health and hormones, however being that there are so many knowledge forum members, I’m guessing you’ll receive a reply or resource links on that question in the near future.
Additionally, I thought you may also be interested in checking out
eating a healthy diet with heaps of micronutrients, get some inspiration and new ideas for meals from the
Recipes from Members section, and read the thread on
Our Stories to share your story with members and learn about fellow community members who are embarking on this journey as well.
Welcome to the forum and please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!
Best,
Mandy