Autoimmune responses against endocrine glands are commonplace in clinical practice. Many individuals in the healthcare system present with autoimmune endocrine patterns that are not addressed in case management by healthcare providers. It is NOT considered standard practice to investigate autoimmune eendocrine dysfunction with individuals that present with glandular defect. The question of why the individual’s gland stopped working normally is never questioned. Clinically, when a patient presents with an autoimmune endocrine pattern, nutritional support specific for the endocrine gland, glandular therapy and even hormone replacement does very little to improve the individual’s response and physiology. In these cases the clinical focus must be on modulating the immune attack against the gland.

Autoimmune repsonses can occur against any gland, any tissue, any hormone, or neurotransmitter. The thyroid is the most common endocrine gland attacked by the the body’s immune system. Other common areas effected include the pancreas (causing autoimmune Type 1 diabetes), parietal cells (causing pernicious anemia), gut (causing celiac disease), the cerebellum (causing MS), myelin sheaths (causing neuropathy), joints (causing RA), Lupus and SLE  just name a few.  These conditions must be addressed from an autoimmune standpoint in order to achieve long lasting modulation of the gentic expression of the condition.

In our office we utilize a metabolic assessment form, which goes over many symptoms which are commonly present when the body is not functioning properly. We use complete blood panels (including immune panels which breakdown the lymphocytes (WBC) and cytokine panels), sensitivity testing for antigens, metabolic tests for bacterial, viral, parasitic infections and salivary adrenal stress tests. As you can see, we leave no stone unturned when it comes to diagnosis and management of these chronic metabolic conditions.

Call today to receive a FREE DVD and start feeling better soon. Don’t waste another day feeling lousy because you’re trapped in outdated standards of health care. Call 1-888-924-7664.

Special thanks to Dr. Datis Kharrazian for his endless work in this emerging field and to Dr. Joe Alaimo.

“HOW DO I  SUCCESSFULLY TREAT AUTO IMMUNE DISORDERS?”

By using specific metabolic and neurological testing and treatments!

Metabolic Treatments Based on Specific Lab Panels:

By using specific blood tests such as:

#1: A thyroid panel

#2: A complete metabolic panel (CMP)

#3: A lipid panel

#4: A CBC (complete blood chemistry with auto differential)

We can assess your thyroid, adrenal glands, liver, kidneys, red/white blood cells and gut function with the above lab tests.  All internal functions can be affected with chronic health conditions.  By addressing any problems with your thyroid, adrenal glands, blood chemistry, or gut function, we can help you to heal faster.  The CMP also allows us to check your blood glucose levels since glucose and oxygen are needed by the brain to function properly.

#5: Sensitivity Testing: This test determines if you have a sensitivity to gluten (wheat, rye, oats, and barley), milk, eggs, yeast, and soy.  If you are sensitive to ANY of these food groups, it IS making your auto immune condition worse!  If you have the following symptoms, you could be suffering from sensitivity to gluten, soy, milk, eggs, and/or yeast. 

Here are some of the symptoms of these sensitivities:

Chronic pain or fatigue

Frequent indigestion

Bloated after eating

Frequent loose bowel movements

Constipation

Mouth ulcers or sores

Vomit often

The only way to find out of you are suffering from any of these sensitivities is the run the test!

#6: Adrenal Stress Index (ASI):  We can further test your adrenal glands with a test called an Adrenal Stress Index.  This is a salivary test much like DNA testing.  Your adrenal glands are your “stress” organs meaning that they react to stress.  If you have been or are currently under stress, this test is a must!

IF YOU SUFFER FROM INSOMNIA OR BLOOD SUGAR ISSUES, THIS TEST WILL MEASURE YOUR CORTISOL LEVELS.  When your body’s cortisol levels are abnormal, you will suffer from insomnia and/or problems with your blood sugar.  Cortisol levels can be corrected via specific nutritional protocols. 

#7: Immune Panels: As you know, an autoimmune disease is where your immune system attacks a particular area of the body (nervous system, joints, connective tissue, thyroid, etc.) so we test for specific antibodies to determine if you suffer from an autoimmune condition. 

Immune Panels:

           A: T and B Lymphocyte & NKC

           B: Cytokine Panels—IL-2, TNF-Alpha, IL-4 and IL-10

           C: Natural Killer Cell Activity 

There are two parts to the immune system, TH1 and TH2. 

IL- 2 and TNF-alpha = TH1

TH1 is T-cells.  T-cells are the army that attacks and cleans up afterword. (Helper T-cells, Suppressor T-cells, NKC, regulatory T-cells, and macrophages. 

IL-4 and IL-10 = TH2

TH2 is B-cells.  B-cells make anti-bodies.  They tell T-cells what to kill.  If the testing comes back with a high B-cell count, the patient is TH2 dominant. 

You will want to determine if there is an active antigen or dysregulation. 

Active antigens are parasites, bacteria, virus, mold, yeast, fungi, protozoan, foods, chemicals, and heavy metals. 

The best indicator for an active antigen as the cause of the patient’s abnormal dominance is the “Helper/Suppresor” ratio on the T & B cell panel. (also called “CD4:CD8” ratio). 

The closer to 2.5 the ratio is (or if above that), the more likely it is that you’re dealing with an antigen. 

If the ratio is below 1.2, then you are most likely dealing with a dysregulation problem. 

The immune panels give me an in depth picture as to what is exactly happening with your immune system.  If you are suffering from an auto-immune disorder, it obviously trumps everything and it must be the first thing to be addressed.   

#8: H.Pylori: We can run a test for H. Pylori bacteria to determine any problems related to the gut function. 

#9: Intestinal Permeability:  Used to determine if the patient suffers from leaky gut syndrome (LGS).

LGS or Leaky gut syndrome describes a condition of altered or damaged bowel lining, caused by antibiotics, toxins, poor diet, parasites or infection can lead to increased permeability of the gut wall to toxins, microbes, undigested food, waste or larger than normal macromolecules. It has been proposed that these substances affect the body directly, while others postulate an immune reaction to these substances.

#10: NEUROTRANSMITTERS: We test for decreased brain neurotransmitters.  Neurotransmitters are vital for proper brain function.  Decreased neurotransmitters can cause increased pain.  

#11: HORMONE PANELS:  We can check hormone panels to determine if the patient suffers from low testosterone in males or low estrogen/progesterone levels in females. Symptoms related to decreased hormone levels may include depression, fatigue, mental fogginess, mood swings, hot flashes, sweating attacks, weight gain, and decreased physical stamina.   

#12: INFLAMMATION: Finally, we may need to test for inflammation in your system by testing homocysteine levels and C-Reactive Protein (C-RP).  Many patients suffering from chronic health conditions suffer from inflammatory processes.  Just about every fibromyalgia patient that I have treated suffers from some form of chronic inflammatory process. 

#13: GLUTATHIONE: We use Glutathione in our treatment of ALL AI conditions (along with other nutritional protocols).  Glutathione is the “mother-load” of anti-oxidants. Glutathione cannot be taken orally in pill form as the body will not absorb it.  We have seen miraculous changes in our patient population as a result of our specific glutathione protocols.  Glutathione is especially helpful with autoimmune diseases. 

Neurological Treatments Based on Specific Neurological Testing: 

#1: Oxygen therapy: Oxygen is fuel for your brain and nervous system.  Your brain and nervous system need two things to survive…..fuel and activation.  Fuel comes in the form of OXYGEN AND GLUCOSE.  By using oxygen, we will help you heal faster.  By using exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT), we can increase firing to brain.  By increasing firing of brain, we help MANY chronic conditions.  (Oxygen therapy is ordered by our M.D.—Please see the O2 handout)

#2: Brain-Based Therapy (BBT):  We use specific brain-based therapy such as:

Vibration Therapy:  Vibration fires the back part of the brain called the cerebellum.  One of the functions of the cerebellum is control of the spinal muscle. 

We may also use auditory, visual, olfactory and caloric stimulation to increase firing of brain.  

Laser therapy:    Laser therapy helps heal tissues.

Non-surgical Spinal Decompression:  NSSD creates a negative disc pressure and helps to remove pressure off of the nerve.  It also provides a slow stretch of the muscles which fires up the spinal cord to increase firing of brain.

Metronome: Program that uses visual, auditory and motor stimulation to increase firing of the brain.

Once we have run the necessary tests to determine your specific condition, we can successfully treat you via proper neurological and all natural nutritional protocols.   

Ask yourself the following questions:

#1:  How has your AI condition affected your job, relationships, finances, family, or other activities?

#2: What has it cost you in time, money, happiness, sleep?

#3:  Where do you picture yourself in the next one to three years if your AI condition is not taken care of soon?

#4: What is it worth to you if we could improve your condition?

Some 20 million Americans are affected by thyroid disorders…..that’s 1 in 13 people! And more than half of those people are unaware they have a thyroid problem because it frequently goes undiagnosed…until it gets severe.

According to the National Women’s Health Information Center, 1 in 8 women will experience a thyroid disorder during their lifetime. The reason why this fact may surprise you is because you’ve probably never heard it explained to you…that’s because most doctors are only vaguely familiar with thyroid disorders.

• Are you tired of running from doctor to doctor only to play “Russian Roulette” with different medications? “Here try this drug, that didn’t work? Try this one!”
• Are you tired of taking drugs that don’t fix the problem?
• Do you continue to struggle with chronic thyroid symptoms day in and day out?
• Here is a list of symptoms….

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

#1: Fatigue, tired, or sluggish?
#2: Cold feet and/or hands?
#3: Do you require excessive amounts of sleep to function?
#4: Do you gain weight easily?
#5: Do you have difficult or infrequent bowel movements?
#6: Are you depressed? Do you suffer from depression?
#7: Lack of motivation?
#8: Do you suffer from morning headaches that wear off as the day progresses?
#9: Do you suffer from thinning hair or excessive hair falling out?
#10: Do you suffer from dryness of the skin and/or scalp?
#11: Do you suffer from mental sluggishness?

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

#1: Do you suffer from heart palpitations?
#2: Do you suffer from inward trembling?
#3: Do you have an increased pulse even at rest?
#4: Are you nervous and emotional?
#5: Do you suffer from insomnia?
#6: Do you suffer from night sweats?
#7: Do you have difficulty gaining weight?

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the patient’s immune system attacks the thyroid. Patient’s that suffer from Hashimoto’s experience some or all of the above symptoms.

Let’s talk about the thyroid gland a bit…..

The thyroid “runs” our metabolism—it is the “gas pedal” of the body.

Thyroid hormones have direct effects on most organs, including the heart which beats faster and harder under the influence of increased thyroid hormones (this is why heart problems can often accompany chronic thyroid problems in women, and perhaps why heart problems are more common in women under the age of 50).

T3 is the more biologically active hormone (it’s more important for cellular function), and in fact most of T4 (80%) is converted to T3 in the body’s peripheral tissues. So T4 is just a precursor for the more active hormone, T3.

One of the problems in some thyroid disorders is that you may have trouble converting T4 to T3 in your tissues (have you been checked for this?). This can create a deficiency of T3, disrupting the body’s ability to properly regulate metabolism…leading to specific symptoms.

There are some clinicians that are treating thyroid conditions with iodine. I do not recommend iodine in the treatment of thyroid conditions. According to renowned thyroid expert, Dr. Datis Kharriazian, author of the book, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms?, using iodine to treat thyroid conditions is akin to throwing gasoline on a fire.

I am here to tell you that there is NEW HOPE!

If you’re tired of dealing with this problem and you are worried about it getting worse, learn how your thyroid condition can be helped by calling for a consultation at 1-888-924-7664.

Do you suffer from degenerative disc disease, herniated or bulging disc, sciatica, or other spinal problems? Has your physician suggested you consider surgery? You may want to consider spinal decompression therapy first.  If you have already had surgery, spinal decompression therapy can still be considered if you suffer from failed back surgery syndrome.  Most patients find pain relief within a few sessions.  Before you opt for surgery, explore the possibility of spinal decompression therapy. Every person who is interested in spinal decompression therapy will be evaluated to see if he or she would make a good candidate. To schedule an appointment for a free consultation* to see if you are a candidate for this breakthrough procedure give us a call Toll-Free at 1-888-924-7664 or fill out the form below. 

REMEMBER….OUR ECONOMIC STIMULUS SPECIAL IS  50% DISCOUNT OFF THE REGULAR FEE..IF TREATMENT IS STARTED BEFORE 11/26/09.

This work and the products we use are backed by the latest scientific and clinical research. There are hundreds of studies done every year that continually provide us with the knowledge to make the best choices for you. We want to get you better…faster.

This is the most comprehensive, scientific, and objective way to give your body what it needs with laser-like accuracy. Imagine knowing exactly what you need in order to sleep well, decrease pain and inflammation naturally, restore your energy and return to the things you love most.

Most lab work ordered today is limited to a very basic number of tests because of insurance restrictions. We go beyond these limitations by ordering comprehensive studies and matching those findings with your history, questionnaires and neurologic exam findings (in office patients), to determine the best course of treatment. Once you’ve been following the prescribed care for some time, follow-up tests are performed to demonstrate your progress.

Here’s the other issue…

You can fall within the reference range of “Laboratory Normal” and still be unhealthy! We use functional ranges (not just the laboratory ranges) to understand if your health is moving in an unhealthy direction.

Every year labs update their “normal” ranges based on the population they’ve tested. As the population gets less healthy…the lab ranges become larger. What was considered normal in the 1970’s was much different from what is considered normal now.

By looking beyond overt pathology and analyzing the delicate interplay of systems and measurements we can gain a deeper understanding of your health. It is then possible to use cutting-edge nutritional protocols to reverse the loss and restore vibrant health.

We leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting you better. By combining functional nutrition with Brain-Based Therapy (Functional Neurology), we’ve helped hundreds of patients who suffer from chronic conditions.

Our entire practice is dedicated to helping people that have not been able to get better elsewhere. People that were rejected by the ’system’ or unsatisfied with their options and left to fend for themselves. Now you have options, And Finally…..There is Hope!!

If you are suffering from a chronic condition like:

•Thyroid Problems
•Insomnia
•Chronic Fatigue
•Loss of Libido
•Pre/Post Menopause Issues
•Peripheral Neuropathy
•Multiple Sclerosis
•Diabetes
•Gluten Allergies
•Gastrointestinal Issues
•Liver/Gall Bladder Issues…

…or any other condition listed on this site; you may be a candidate for Functional Endocrinology & Nutrition. 

How will I save money on lab testing? We often order extensive blood work, salivary testing and gastrointestinal studies that would cost thousands of dollars at a fraction of the cost. We pass that cost savings along to you. You are only charged for the cost of the testing. We do not profit from running the lab studies. Dr. Barbach does charge a fee to interpret your findings and develop your treatment plan. He will review those fees before any testing is ordered. All testing must be paid for prior to ordering.

Remember, we leave no stone unturned. We expect to find the underlying cause of your concern and implement a therapy that can bring you results when other approaches have fallen short.

•Insomnia
•Pre/Post Menopause Issues
•Thyroid Problems
•Chronic Fatigue
•Loss of Libido
•Multiple Sclerosis
•Diabetes
•Liver/Gall Bladder Problems

This program has been clinically proven to help even the most stubborn, chronic cases.  We have been studying under Dr. Datis Kharrazian who has written numerous books on Functional Endocrinolgy and lab work.  This program is specificially designed for each individual based on his/her lab work-up.  Many of these tests are performed using saliva instead of blood, which means not having to be stuck with a needle.

The migraine headache is perhaps the best known special type of headache.  It is really called the migraine syndrome.  By syndrome we mean that a lot of things accompany the headache – all of them bad.  Symptoms include dizziness, visual problems, “spots” before the eyes, redness, swelling, tearing of the eyes, muscle contraction, irritability, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.  These symptoms often arise before the headache hits.  The headache itself may last for a few minutes to a few days, and the severity may range from minor discomfort to immobilizing agony.

The migraine pain is most common in the temple, but it may be experienced anywhere in the head, face and neck.

A variety of headache, closely related to the migraine, is the cluster headache.  Attacks come on abruptly with intense, throbbing pain arising high in the nostril and spreading to behind the eye on the same side.  Sometimes, the forehead is also affected.  The attacks tend to occur from once to several times daily in clusters lasting weeks, or even months.  Without apparent reason, the cluster subsides as quickly as it began.

So what puts the ache in headache?  The pain-sensitive structures of the head are the culprits.  These are the arteries of the brain and skull, the tissues surrounding the head veins, the dura mata covering over the brain, and certain nerves called cranial nerves.  When these parts are inflamed, stretched, pulled, or under pressure, any type of headache may be caused.

Migraine headaches can be classified into two types: classical and common.  The classical migraine is a headache that follows an aura or some type of spontaneous event such as numbness or tingling.  The aura may be flashes of light, squiggly lines, or a halo effect.  The common migraine does not have an aura associated with it.  Most people who suffer from migraines suffer from common migraines – usually at a 3:1 ratio.

Approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraines, and millions go without treatment.  Scientists once thought migraines were caused by abnormally dilated or enlarged blood vessels.  Now, new imaging devices have allowed them to watch brains during migraine attacks, and scientists are discovering that sufferers have abnormally excitable neurons or brain nerve cells.

The latest migraine research has yielded a mechanism called cortical spreading depression, or CSD.  Prior to the onset of pain in a migraine, researchers have observed a sudden burst of cortical activity that occurs most commonly in the occipital lobes (back part of the brain).  The occipital lobe will increase in frequency of firing, or have a burst of activity, and then there will be an episode of silence or depressed activity.  The actual activity of the brain becomes depressed when compared to normal.  The resulting pain comes from either the brain stem activation or from blood vessels inflamed by rapidly exchanging blood flow – or both.

I take a different approach to the treatment and prevention of headaches and migraines.  After a thorough neurological examination I determine which part of the nervous system is not functioning properly.  In many headache and migraine patients I may find a high mesencephalic output.

There are three parts to the brain stem: top, middle, and lower.  The mesencephalon is the top part of the brain stem.  A high output of the mesencephalon will cause an increased pulse and heart rate, inability to sleep or waking up from fitful sleep, urinary tract infection, increase warmth or sweating, and sensitivity to light.

Along with a high mesenphalic output, the patient may have a decreased output of the cerebellum.  The cerebellum is in the back part of the brain, and it controls all of the involuntary spinal musculature.

No matter what the condition, it is imperative that we perform a thorough and comprehensive exam to determine the exact nature of the patient’s condition.

For more information or to see if you might be a candidate for these breakthrough treatment programs give us a call at 1-888-924-7664 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.