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About the Episode

Identify the different factors that play into complex health conditions and start feeling better!

Join board-certified Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Nafysa Parpia, as she deep dives into complex and chronic illnesses to help you better understand how they work and how to treat them.

Listen now and untangle the possible factors affecting your health!

What We Discuss

When we talk about “complex cases,” we’re referring to the “mysterious” cases where there are many different causes contributing to their illness and inflammation in the body. These are the diagnoses that just don’t make sense to the medical establishment. Sometimes these hard-to-diagnose cases get the label of chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, long-haul covid, autoimmune conditions, chronic Lyme or tick-borne diseases, and any post-infectious illness.

In these complex cases, there are no true treatments. There are quick palliative treatments for relief, but no personalized medical treatment or investigation available to address the causes. Because these conditions are so underlying, complex, or little understood, they often take a lot of time and multiple doctors to arrive at, and they can end up with catch-all “wastebasket” diagnoses that don’t mean much.

Individual Systems & Toxins

People with complex cases can have many different causes, which are often different for each patient. In fact, even though everyone’s genes are expressed in different ways, the end result can be quite similar, making things even harder to diagnose. Different people will have different sensitivities, so for some these triggers can be toxins from the environment, or something else such as mold or heavy metals.

Patients might have an allergy to mold in the environment, the toxins from mold, or they might have a high load of mycotoxins inside their bodies, all of which can contribute to complex cases.

Heavy metals are another source of disease. Many of Dr. Parpia’s patients eat a lot of fish, and some of them have high mercury. She also sees the lead in many of her patients, specifically her female patients in the starting phase of menopause. It’s not normal to have lead in the system, so the body ends up storing it someplace like the bones and urine. But when people have bone loss, such as women going through menopause, that stored lead goes back into the system and can cause further complications.

Removing ourselves from exposure to toxins and mold allows us to assist the body in flushing out what’s already inside us without continuing to add more for it to process.

Treatment for Complex Cases

There’s always going to be another exposure and more stress, so preparing your body so it knows what to do when it gets an exposure, or bitten by another tick, can help ease symptom flares in these complex cases. Detox and immune modulation can be some of your best friends for this.

Dr. Parpia treats chronic infections in similar phases, by first modulating the immune system and bolstering the detox pathways to prepare the body to be able to handle the detox process. Inflammation is the important first step in the healing response, but patients with complex conditions have had such assaults on their systems for so long, that inflammation that should originally be temporary has become chronic. If we don’t honor the order of treatment and tackle the small stuff before moving on to the bigger stuff, it makes untangling the inflammation within the system much harder.

Peptides Therapies

When Dr. Parpia talks about immune modulation, she’s talking about peptide therapy. Peptides bring down inflammation in the gut and throughout the rest of the body, optimizing the healing process for all the different pieces of the condition.

Because peptides help stabilize the immune system, they also work as great bandaids while doctors can go in and treat the root causes. Treatment for complex cases needs to be well-rounded because it’s not caused by a single factor such as just mold or just metals or just Lyme. A well-rounded treatment approach is a dance that’s different for each patient.

Learn how the factors at play in your own health and start healing with this episode!

Guest Bio

Dr. Nafysa Parpia is a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor at Gordon Medical in San Rafael, CA and has spent the last decade treating patients with complex chronic illnesses. Her current focus has expanded to include Long Haul COVID and ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).

Links

https://www.facebook.com/dr.nafysa/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nafysa-lalani-parpia-a338b1b6
http://www.gordonmedical.com/
https://gordonmedical.com/the-pre-tox-protocol/

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions
Get the Right Treatment for Complex Conditions

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted