What is your blood telling you? Part Two

Have you ever wondered what your blood might be telling you about your health and wellbeing? Using a darkfield microscope can give us a glimpse of what is going on in the inside of your body. In this blog we will look at some of my clients, who have kindly shared their experience of using blood analysis in their journey towards optimal health and wellbeing. (Please note, all names have been changed to pseudonyms to protect their identity.)

HENRY

Henry came to me with lots of food sensitivities and poor mental health. His mood was low, he was finding it difficult to concentrated at work and he did not have much energy.

What did his bloods show?

As you can see in this image, the red blood cells were overlapping (red arrows) indicating too much protein in the blood. We saw little white dots moving around actively in the plasma (yellow arrow) which suggests a high concentration of triglycerides (fats) – indications of the liver and gallbladder’s inability to clear them. Some of the red blood cells are different sizes (green arrows) which is an indication of low B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12. Finally we saw some of the platelets sticking together (blue arrow) which suggests blood sugar imbalances.

What did we do?

Over the next two consultations, we made a series of adjustments. First of all, we reduced dietary sugar intake and increased protein. We also supported his digestion by getting him to chew better and take taking a liver / gallbladder support (which helps with fat digestion). Because he was still suffering with a little bit of acid reflux and a bicarbonate of soda test showed he had a low production of stomach acid, I suggested some stomach acid support.

Subsequent blood analysis showed that the red blood cells were no longer overlapping and his plasma was much clearer. There was much less sign of platelets sticking together and consequently better blood sugar balance.

By the 3rd consultation, he said that concentration was much better, his mood more stable, and he had lots more energy although he felt he could do with more. You can see that his red blood cells were more circular in shape and no longer overlapping which meant his blood could supply oxygen more easily to his cells, deliver nutrients, and remove waste much more efficiently.

Some of his red blood cells are still different sizes (red arrows) which suggests he is low in vitamin B12 and/or folate. At this point I recommended a B-Complex supplement to give him the extra energy, and stabilise his mood. His platelets were still sticking together (yellow arrow) which suggested he had not been quite so careful at avoiding high sugary foods!

SIMONE

Simone came to me presenting with many years of chronic fatigue syndrome. She was unable to excercise and was suffering with issues relating to poor digestion.

What did her bloods show?

We can see her red blood cells are overlapping (green arrows). We can also see increased fibrin in her blood (blue arrow) which is an indication of high inflammation. Her red blood look like a target (red arrows) which is an indication of an iron deficiency.

What did we do?

In the initial consultation, I encouraged this client to chew better and also suggested a digestive enzyme which particularly supporting stomach acid production. I recommended that she increase oily fish and turmeric in her food as well as take a fish oil. She also took a probiotic (beneficial bacteria) supplement.

When she can back for her follow-up appointment, she describes having more constant energy throughout the day and was starting to exercise again (mainly swimming). She had taken gluten-out of her diet and her digestion had significantly improved. You can see a really positive difference in her live blood.

JACKIE

Jackie came to me presenting with exhaustion and described needing to have a nap everyday in order to function. She had an upset stomach with intermittent diarrhoea which was triggered by exercise. She would get they bouts of itchy skin and she would scratch until her skin was raw. She was anxious and on anti-depressant medication. She had a history of candida infection.

What did her bloods show?

We can see a large, rock-like protoplast (red arrow), commonly observed when diet and lifestyle is unhealthy. You can also see red blood cells overlapping and in this particular sample, the platelets are fermenting (yellow arrow) which is a sign of a candida gut infection. We can see that she was drinking plenty of water because her red blood cells are nice and round.

What did we do?

I recommended an anti-candida food plan and she took some high quality liver support supplements. She also reduced the alcohol intake and decided to go gluten-free. remarkable. I suggested that she really focus on chewing and eating mindfully due to seeing the ‘balloon’ shaped red blood cells (red arrow). We are also keeping an eye on inflammation as we saw a couple of monocytes (yellow arrow).

REBECCA

Rebecca had a history of endometriosis and presented with menopause symptoms (hot flushes, weight gain and headaches). She was a very successful business lady and described herself and going 100 miles per hour mid-week then down to zero at weekends when she felt exhausted.

What did her bloods show?

You can see lots of red blood cells that look like a ‘cloud pattern’ (red arrows) which is an indication of inflammation. This is when fibrin (blue arrow) is produced by the liver, in response to inflammation, and it pushes into the red blood cells.

What did we do?

I suggested that she come off dairy as dairy is inflammatory and increase her intake of cruciferous vegetables which can help clear oestrogen alongside overall dietary improvement. She also took some anti-inflammatory and liver support supplements. We also talked about some important lifestyle changes so prevent burnout at weekends.

When she came back for her follow-up consultation, her menopause symptoms were much better (she was no longer waking in the middle of the night with hot flushes so she was sleeping much better). Her energy had stabilised during the day and she was no longer collapsing at weekends.

I hope you have enjoyed reading these wonderful stories. I am so happy to see my clients making great strides forwards and seeing such a difference in their lives. If you would like to know how live blood analysis can help you in your journey towards full health and optimal wellbeing, please contact me or talk to me about it during your consultations.

With every blessing,

Emma

Emma Maitland-Carew – Registered Nutritional Therapist

Dip.ION, mBANT, CHNC Registered Practitioner,

Metabolic Balance® Coach, HeartMath Coach, Accredited Wellbeing Coach.