Metabolic & Micronutrient Testing
At Villa Kali Ma we take a holistic approach and address the whole person; Mind, Body, and Spirit. One of the most important issues to address when beginning a path toward healing addiction and other co-occurring disorders is the body’s current state of nutrition. Proper nutrition is critical to healing addiction and mental health disorders. Addiction is a chronic brain disorder that causes compulsive behavior that is detrimental to the health of the suffering individual. Malnutrition can make this worse because of how it adversely affects the brain. Deficiencies in micronutrients caused by excessive alcohol or drug use can cause symptoms such as lethargy, depression, anxiety, insomnia, impulsivity, poor concentration, and memory problems, just to name a few.
We know that chronic cocaine use can cause low levels of omega 3 fatty acids which can result in anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, low frustration tolerance, and poor sleep. We also know that Opiate addicts usually show low levels of calcium, B6 and D which manifests in acute anxiety, depression and fatigue and can also greatly compromise the immune system. Alcohol, one of the worst offenders, causes the body to excrete large quantities of nutrients which adversely effects the digestive systems ability to function properly and therefore poses an even greater risk of brain problems as well as damage to nearly every organ of the body.
In order to properly address the presenting problems of our clients, we need to know what is going on nutritionally. A metabolic panel will test the blood for sugar level, kidney function, liver function, and will test the electrolytes in the body for proper fluid balance. The micronutrient test will show any vitamin or mineral deficiencies as well as amino acid and antioxidant levels present in the white blood cells. Armed with the results of these tests we will create a healing plan for each individual that will include a dietary plan and nutritional supplements to help bring the brain and the body back to optimal health.
