Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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We discuss these "tests" all the time. We toss it into answers and comments and questions with ease. Probably most Paleo-heads on here know what most of these tests are and what they're for.

Lately I've had people recommend about eighty billion 'tests' that I should get checked out and, as someone who is fairly competent, willing, motivated, and serious, I still have yet to get some of these tests.

I am supposed to go get tested for ApoE, to see if I have the gene and, if so, what variation of it. So I asked myself... I said "Self, why have you not done it yet?"

I think it's just because I am not familiar with the process, and then I figured.. Hey! I'm probably not the only one on PaleoHacks who feels that way.

So I'd really like to leverage the knowledge and familiarity of those that can point everyone in the right direction. This thread can serve as "The wheres and hows of getting tested" thread on PaleoHacks. In fact, I think that's what I'll call it!

Most people know that you go to your Doc for a lipid panel of a VAP, but if anyone has some insight that new people may not know even about that, please share with everyone.

Where/How do you get tested for

- ApoE

- Omega6:Omega3 ratio

- Cortisol Levels

- Iron, Magneisum, Copper, Selenium etc.

- Genetic or "Genome"

- [insert possibly important test here]

Also, many people don't realize that if they want to check their vitamin D levels, or CRP, these come with a standard lipid panel test. Feel free to throw in any 'side note' wisdom like that about other tests. You never know what people don't know.

flag	asked Aug 10 2011 at 15:33 Jack Kronk 19.9k●4●33●102

Rose · Answer 1 · 2011-08-10 15:48:06Z UTC

Nice question. Here's a listing of genetic testing resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_genomics#Predictive_medicine_services_already_available

And for anyone who's considering a genome test (I've done it, and I'm happy to have the info), here's a good, cautionary article:

http://wiringthebrain.blogspot.com/2011/08/welcome-to-your-genome.html

The Loon · Answer 2 · 2011-08-10 16:40:24Z UTC

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I am personally not a huge fan of all the testing, and prefer to find ways to pay attention to subtle changes to get back into balance. That said, I'm not all that messed up. If I had a serious condition to deal with, I would get myself to a doc who really understands hormone therapy and pay them to help me sort it out.

answered Aug 10 2011 at 16:40

The Loon
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it's hard to "sort out" hormone therapy with no testing. – Jack Kronk Aug 10 2011 at 17:05

bingo Jack!.... – The Quilt Aug 10 2011 at 20:04

I agree. I was talking about getting back into balance, not hormone therapy. But in your case, I would seek out a doc, even if I had to travel to do it. – The Loon Aug 10 2011 at 20:24

xjhues · Answer 3 · 2011-08-10 18:32:15Z UTC

Great topic.

I'm still waiting for my standard blood test from last week to come back, and (baring any unusual results) the only further testing I'm likely to pursue is a salivary cortisol test. Pretty sure stress has mine out of whack. I asked my doc about it and she told me straight out to find an endo - she didn't want to touch anything hormonal. So now I need to find an endo that's actually informed and cares rather than one who is just a pusher. I know I can buy a test online, but I'd have to pay rather than my insurance.

invisible ink · Answer 4 · 2011-08-10 19:45:12Z UTC

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My endorcrinologist is very open to ordering any blood test I request. Perhaps you could speak with an endocrinologist and see how they feel about you getting a full workup?

answered Aug 10 2011 at 19:45

invisible ink
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The wheres and hows of getting TESTED. (ApoE, Cortisol, Genome, O6:O3 Ratio, Mineral Levels, etc…)

4 Answers