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Summer is here—and with it comes the excitement of travel, family getaways, and new adventures. Whether you're exploring scenic coastlines, hiking mountain trails, relaxing by a lake or working, it’s important to support your body so you return home feeling energized instead of exhausted.

Keri and I have gotten some requests on what we recommend for boosting health while travelling.   

Here’s how to enjoy your summer travels while keeping your vitality, digestion, and immune system strong—naturally.

1. Support Your Digestion On the Go

Travel often means new foods, eating at odd hours, and potential exposure to unfamiliar microbes. All of these can throw off your gut balance.

Tips:

• Stick to whole, minimally processed foods when possible.
• Eat slowly and mindfully—even when dining out.
• Stay hydrated (especially on flights!) with filtered water and a pinch of mineral salt or lemon.

Snacks & Protein

• Almonds or walnuts – Rich in fiber and healthy fats
• Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds – Easy to digest and zinc-rich
• Hard-boiled eggs – Protein-packed and satisfying (keep in a cooler)
• Turkey or grass-fed beef jerky – Clean protein with no sugar or preservatives
• Tuna or salmon packets – Great source of Omega-3s (choose wild-caught)

Fruits & Veggies

• Carrot sticks, celery, or snap peas – Crunchy, hydrating, and fiber-rich
• Apple slices or whole apples – Natural pectin supports gut bacteria
• Berries (blueberries, raspberries) – Antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory
• Bananas – Great for digestion and potassium balance
• Avocados – Portable healthy fat (bring a spoon and salt)

Prepped Staples

• Chia pudding – Soothing, fiber-rich, and easy on the gut (prep in jars)
• Overnight oats – With almond milk, flax, and berries
• Hummus or guacamole packs – Pair with veggies or gluten-free crackers
• Rice cakes or almond flour crackers – Light and gluten-free

Bring Along:

• Digestive Enzymes – help break down food into nutrients your body can absorb, supporting better digestion and reducing bloating or discomfort.
• Probiotics – help maintain gut balance and immune function on the road.  I recommend self-stable probiotics, so you don’t have to worry about refrigeration . 

2. Keep Your Energy Steady

Long travel days, time zone shifts, and a break from routine can leave you feeling drained. Instead of relying on caffeine or sugar for quick fixes, use movement and nourishment to keep your energy up.

Tips:

• Take movement breaks: stretch at airports, walk after meals, or do gentle yoga or stretching at your accommodation.
• Don’t skip breakfast—opt for protein and healthy fats to keep blood sugar stable.
• Rest when your body needs it. Vacations are for recharging!

Bring Along:

• Adrenal Supplements – Typically a blend of adaptogenic herbs and nutrients to keep your energy smooth and balanced.
• Electrolyte powder – Great for hot climates and dehydration, without the sugar crash of sports drinks.
• Protein powder and or protein bars - to entire you are getting enough protein daily.

3. Stay Grounded & Calm

Travel can be exciting, but also mentally and emotionally stimulating. From crowded airports to unexpected delays, your nervous system can use a little TLC.

Tips:

• Ground daily by walking barefoot on sand, grass, or earth.
• Try breathwork in the morning or before bed. Alternate Nostril Breathing is a simple technique to regulate your nervous system.
• Use apps or music for calming meditations or binaural beats.

Bring Along:

• Chamomile or Sleepy Time Tea – A natural way to soothe stress and calm you down at night if you are someone that has troubles sleeping.
• Magnesium – Promotes relaxation, supports sleep, and keeps your muscles happy after hikes or long drives.

4. Eat with the Season

Summer offers a bounty of fresh, vibrant foods that support detox, hydration, and nourishment.

Top Picks:

• Hydrating fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and berries.
• Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint to support digestion and liver health.
• Light proteins like wild-caught fish, free-range chicken, or tempeh.
• Skip heavy, fried, or processed foods as much as you can—they can bog you down and increase inflammation during your trip.

5. Don’t Forget Immune Support

Changes in environment, flying, and exposure to new microbes can stress the immune system—especially if you're already feeling run-down.

Bring Along:

• Immune Boosters like Vit C, Astragalus, Elderberry and or Echinacea – help prevent colds and flu and are natural antivirals. Check out Immunotine Plus here for all in one immune boosting. 
• Vitamin D – Even with sunshine, many of us still run low on D, especially with sunscreen use.

Final Thoughts

Travel is meant to be joyful, expansive, and nourishing for your soul. With just a little bit of preparation and support, you can keep your body in balance and nourished —so you truly enjoy every moment.

Pack light, eat bright, move freely, and remember: your health goes with you wherever you go.

If you are interested in gathering any supplements to support your health, go to Designs For Health and receive 15% off with coupon code: SUMMER

     Americans Click Here                      Canadians Click Here

Discount expires Aug 31.  So, make sure to get your supplements before then. 

To your radiant health—

Let us know what you do to support your health while travelling.

Have you ever felt like no one truly gets what you’re going through?

You explain the pain. You describe the fatigue. You share your symptoms again and again. And still… it feels like no one sees the whole of you. Just fragments. Just a checklist. Just “try this medication or supplement and see if it helps.”

I’ve been there.

And it’s one of the main reasons why I do the work I do — offering Distance Healing Sessions that go far beyond symptoms.

Because healing isn’t just about treating a symptom. It’s about feeling seen, heard, and understood on a soul level.

What Happens During a Distance Healing Session

Every session I offer is unique because every person is unique.

Even at a distance — whether you’re across the country or across the world — I tune in energetically to your body, your nervous system, and your field. Through medical intuition and energy sensing, I listen to what your body is really trying to say beneath the symptoms.

Often, the root cause isn’t what you expect.

Yes, it might be hormonal. Or gut-related. Or inflammatory.

But underneath that, I often find:

• Deep layers of unresolved emotional tension
• Unprocessed grief or anger
• A protective pattern your body created long ago that’s now causing pain
• Or even a spiritual disconnection that’s creating energetic fragmentation

During sessions, I gently share what’s presenting — and reflect it back to you with clarity and compassion.

Why Feeling Understood Is Essential to Healing

This is where the magic begins.

Time and time again, I hear people say things like:

     “Yes, that’s exactly how I             feel.”
     “That makes so much sense         I just didn’t know how to          put it into words.”
     “I finally feel like someone gets it.”

When you feel truly understood — not just medically, but energetically and emotionally — your body responds.

• The nervous system begins to settle.
• The fight-or-flight tension starts to dissolve.
• Energy begins to move.
• The body receives permission to let go and release.

Being understood is more than comforting. It’s biologically healing.

Listening Beyond the Words

What I do in these sessions isn’t just diagnosis or energy clearing — it’s deep listening.

Not just to your words, but to your soul.

Because your body always has something to say:

• A tight neck might be guarding unspoken words
• A heavy chest might be carrying unresolved grief
• A tired body might be protecting you from trauma that hasn’t yet felt safe to surface

In a safe, grounded space, I help your body feel that it’s finally safe to speak.

The Power of Being Witnessed in Healing

There is something incredibly sacred about someone reflecting their inner truth without judgment.

It’s not always about giving advice or fixing you — because you’re not broken.

It’s about saying:

        “I see you. I hear you. I feel the weight you’ve been                     carrying — and you don’t have to hold it alone anymore.”

That kind of presence is rare.

That kind of understanding opens doors that no medication, supplement or strategy can.

Real Healing Begins with Wholeness

Symptoms are messengers. They are your body’s way of waving a flag and saying, “Pay attention.”

But so often, we get caught up chasing the symptom — instead of asking the deeper question:

        “What is this pain trying to teach me?”

        “What story needs to be heard?”

        “Where did I stop trusting my body?”

In my Distance Healing Sessions, I help you tune back into those messages.

I guide you gently toward your root cause — and help bring your system back into alignment, clarity, and peace.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been trying everything and still feel unseen…
If your symptoms don’t make sense on paper…
If your heart just needs to feel heard and held…

This work is for you.

You are not alone.
You are not imagining it.
Your body is wise.
And healing begins the moment someone truly listens.

If you’re ready to explore what your body is trying to tell you — and finally feel seen, heard, and energetically supported — I’d be honored to hold space with you.

You don’t have to heal alone.
Let’s uncover the root together.

Find out more about Distance Healing Sessions here.

Navigating Liver Health: What Really Works?

With countless supplements on the market claiming to support liver health, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise, presenting the most effective and scientifically backed options, including milk thistle, turmeric, dandelion root, artichoke leaf extract, and grass-fed beef liver.

Why Liver Health Matters

The liver is a powerhouse organ responsible for metabolism, detoxification, digestion, immunity, and vitamin storage. Keeping it in top shape is essential for overall well-being. Yet, factors like poor diet, toxins, and chronic stress can burden liver function, leading to fatigue, poor digestion, and even serious conditions like fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome.

Common signs your liver may need support include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Digestive issues and bloating
• Bad breath and thick coated tongue
• Skin issues (acne, rashes)
• Unexplained weight gain
• Sensitivity to strong odors
• Right-side abdominal discomfort
• Irritability, anxiety and mood-swings
• Depression

If you experience these symptoms, it may be time to consider liver-supportive supplements.

Top 5 Supplements for Liver Health

1. Milk Thistle – A Powerful Liver Protector

Milk thistle has been used for over 2,000 years to support liver function. Its active compound, silymarin, is a potent antioxidant that helps repair damaged liver cells, reduce inflammation, and protect against toxins like alcohol and medications. Studies suggest it can improve liver enzyme levels in individuals with fatty liver disease.

2. Grass-Fed Beef Liver – A Nutrient-Dense Superfood

Grass-fed beef liver is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that modern diets often lack, including vitamin A, B12, iron, and zinc. These nutrients help regenerate liver cells, boost energy, and enhance detoxification. Following the principle of "like supports like," consuming liver is believed to nourish and strengthen human liver function.

3. Artichoke Leaf Extract – A Natural Detoxifier

Artichoke leaf extract has been shown to lower liver enzymes and improve bile production, enhancing detoxification. It supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and may protect against liver damage, making it a great addition to a liver-friendly routine.

4. Turmeric – The Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse

Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in bile production, detoxification, and fat metabolism. It’s particularly beneficial for those with fatty liver disease and can help restore optimal liver function. A daily dose of 2-4 grams has been found effective for liver health.

5. Dandelion Root – A Traditional Liver Tonic

Dandelion root has been used for centuries to support digestion and liver detoxification. It may enhance bile flow and protect liver cells from oxidative stress. While clinical research is still evolving, its traditional use makes it a promising natural remedy. 

Dandelions grows in an abundance in many places of the world.  You may even find it growing in your own yard or garden for harvesting if you haven't treated the area with pesticides. 

Essential Vitamins for Liver Health

In addition to supplements, certain vitamins play a key role in liver function:

• Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that helps reduce liver inflammation and fat accumulation.
• B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate): Essential for detoxification and liver repair.
• Vitamin C: Supports glutathione production, a key liver detoxifier.
• Vitamin D: Regulates immune function and inflammation, helping prevent liver disease.

Access high quality supplements to support and detox your liver from Designs For Health.  Receive 15% off your order until the end of May 2025 with promo code: LIGHT    

Click here for Designs For Health Supplements. 

Lifestyle Habits to Enhance Liver Function

While supplements and vitamins are beneficial, lifestyle choices have a major impact on liver health. Consider these habits:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and fiber.
• Exercise regularly to improve metabolism and detoxification.
• Stay hydrated to support kidney and liver function.
• Limit alcohol intake to prevent liver damage.
• Reduce processed foods and sugar to ease liver strain.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Liver Wellness

The key to a healthy liver is a combination of nutrient-dense foods, targeted supplements, essential vitamins, and a healthy lifestyle. By understanding how to support your liver naturally, you can enhance detoxification, boost energy, and maintain long-term wellness.

Your liver works tirelessly for you—it's time to return the favor. Incorporate these supplements and habits to keep your liver thriving!

Samantha had always been the strong one. The one who juggled work, family, and friendships effortlessly. But at 47, something felt off.

It started with fatigue—not the usual end-of-day tiredness, but an exhaustion so deep it felt like her body was running on empty. Climbing stairs left her breathless, and simple tasks felt overwhelming.

Then came the brain fog. Samantha, once sharp and quick-witted, found herself forgetting appointments, struggling to focus, and losing words mid-sentence.

One night, after a stressful day, a sudden tightness in her chest stopped her in her tracks. It wasn’t sharp, just a deep pressure that refused to go away. She brushed it off as stress—until her left arm tingled, and dizziness set in.

Her husband, seeing the panic in her eyes, rushed her to the ER.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

"Your cholesterol is high, and your blood pressure is through the roof," the doctor said. "Samantha, you’re having the warning signs of heart disease."

Heart disease? That was for older people, smokers, or unhealthy eaters—not her.

But the truth was undeniable. Years of stress, late nights, skipping workouts, and emotional suppression had caught up with her.

She felt fear creeping in. Would she have a heart attack? Would she see her kids grow up?

Then came the guilt. Had she ignored the signs? Was she responsible for this?

And the depression—a heavy cloud of sadness, making her feel like a prisoner in her own body.

The Emotional Toll of Heart Disease

Samantha wasn’t just battling a physical condition—her emotions and mind were unraveling.

• Fear & Anxiety: Every heartbeat felt like a ticking time bomb. Any chest discomfort made her panic.
• Brain Fog & Mental Fatigue: Even on good days, she felt mentally drained, struggling to process information.
• Isolation & Depression: She withdrew from social events, feeling like a burden rather than the vibrant woman she once was.
• Frustration & Anger: She felt betrayed by her own body—how could it fail her when she had so much life left to live?

Her doctor suggested lifestyle changes, stress management, and a heart-healthy diet, but Samantha knew she needed more than just medicine.

Choosing to Heal—Mind & Heart

One evening, after a particularly tough day, she sat in front of a mirror and whispered, "I don’t want to live in fear anymore."

That was the moment she decided to fight back.

• She started morning walks, feeling her heart grow stronger with every step.
• She practiced deep breathing and meditation, calming her anxious mind.
• She embraced heart-healthy foods, nourishing her body from the inside out.
• She journaled her emotions, releasing the guilt and frustration she had buried.
• She reconnected with friends and family, choosing love over isolation.

As weeks passed, her energy returned, her thoughts became clearer, and for the first time in a long time—she felt like herself again.

At her next checkup, her doctor smiled. "Your numbers are improving, Samantha. Keep going."

And she did. Not just for her heart, but for her mind, her emotions, and the life she still had ahead of her.

The Takeaway: Healing Is More Than Physical

Heart disease isn’t just about clogged arteries—it’s about mental and emotional well-being too. Samantha learned that healing starts from within, and the heart and mind must heal together.

"Your heart doesn’t just beat—it feels, thinks, and carries your life. Treat it with love."

Have you ever experienced emotional struggles linked to heart health or other health problems? Let’s talk!

Comment below or email us directly here.  

How are you feeling?

Do you experience low energy, lack of focus and brain fog?

My question to you is how do you want to feel?

Do you want to feel energized and focused? 

Write in comments how you want to feel?

A simple trick to upgrade how you feel is to align yourself with it. 

To do so, close your eyes, take 3 deep belly breaths, and say to yourself, “I align myself with the highest form of energy and focus so it can flow through me with ease and grace.”

Notice how it makes you feel and share your experience in the comments. 

What would your life look like if you had more energy each day?

Here's a list of things that more energy does:

• You feel better
• You can adapt to stress easier
• It's easier to problem solve
• You're a better communicator
• You have a stronger memory
• Improved balance and coordination 
• You heal faster

What is something you notice when you have more energy?  Comment below.

4 Things that Help Increase Energy

• Get natural light exposure into your eyes 30-60mins after waking to increase morning cortisol. 
• Do light exercise like go for a walk, stretching, and or Qi Gong to warm up your core temperature.
• Delay caffeine intake 90-120mins after waking to avoid an afternoon crash.
• Do a morning meditation where you connect with God, Jesus and or the Holy Spirit and focus on at least 3 things you are grateful for to summon with a positive mindset. 

What is something you do to increase your energy? Comment below.

If you need additional help increasing your energy, click here to Work with Keri and Adam.  

Do you suffer from sleeping problems like insomnia?  You definitely want to hear this.

The number one cause of insomnia is stress.  However, it’s not always clear as to what is causing the stress.

I’m going to help you figure that out.  Along with what you can do to overcome the stress so you can sleep better at night and have more energy during the day. 

The top things you need to do to sleep better are:

• Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from your bedroom.
• Avoiding large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.  No food 3hrs before bed and no caffeine 8hrs before bed because it can take up to 8hr to clear out of your body.   If you rely on caffeine for energy and can’t function without it comment before. 
• Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.
• Using room-darkening shades, earplugs, a fan, or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.
• Do calming activities before bedtime, such as taking a bath or using relaxation techniques can promote better sleep.
• Spend time outside in natural sunlight during the day has been shown to improve sleep.

All the info you just read is all available through a quick Google search, however I find many people don’t want to make the changes necessary to improve their sleep. 

Here’s why…..

Food, caffeine, alcohol, and entertainment are providing the person with a feeling of pleasure. 

Are you someone that struggles with changing your lifestyle habits, even though you know they aren’t good for you and have a negative impact on your sleep?

#1 reason that stops a person that knows better is negative feelings about oneself.

Pray every day – Connect with Jesus Christ/God and ask for the strength and power to overcome your negative feelings.

Example of a prayer is: “Thank you Jesus for providing me the strength and energy to overcome the negative feelings I have about myself.”

Pray first thing in the morning and before bed for strongest impact. 

Next, connect with those negative feelings.  Ask yourself, why do I have these feelings? 

It’s important to be aware of why they are there, so you can deal with them accordingly. 

For example, if you have negative feelings about yourself due to feelings of guilt.  It’s important to forgive yourself for your past mistakes or failures.  If you need help forgiving yourself, ask Jesus for support.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for giving me the strength to forgive myself for my past mistakes and failures. 

These types of prayer help you to surrender, so you can let go of the emotional pain limiting your life, stressing you out affecting yourself.

If negative feelings are not responsible for your struggles with stopping habits that keep you await at night. 

Ask yourself, “What feeling do I want more of.”  Often it is something very simple like comfort, joy, love or calmness. 

Use similar prayers as above to fill your soul with what you need to feel full.

Example of prayer: Thank you Jesus/God for giving me to strength to experience more calmness in my life. 

Find the prayers that work well for you and spend a few minutes doing them every day.  Overtime you will feel more enriched.

If you would like more help getting over your sleeping troubles I can help you through my Distance Healing Sessions. 

Click here for Distance Healing Sessions

Click here to go to Super Charge Your Energy

Levothyroxine (generic for Synthroid) is one of the most prescribed medications in North America and it’s for Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). 

Underactive thyroids appear to be an epidemic, but why are they so prevalent?

Let’s first get clear what a healthy thyroid does. 

Your thyroid produces hormones to regulate metabolism, healthy growth and development of your body.

On an energetic level your thyroid creates balance within yourself that creates a sense of calmness and shields/protects your body from negative energy like other people’s negative influence.    

So, what’s going on….  Why do so many people have an underactive thyroid?

On a physical level the thyroid becomes imbalanced from:

• Consuming too many foods and substances that create disharmony in the body.  These are things like excess animal protein (meat and dairy), rancid oils (found in processed foods, many restaurants, etc.), refined sugars and fluorinated water.
• Toxic exposure to things like heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and insecticides.
• Radiation exposure.

On an energetic level I find people’s thyroids become out of balance via:

• Not being true and trusting oneself on an ongoing basis.
• Think low of oneself
• Lack confidence in one’s decisions.
• When one’s brain overpower our heart to make the right choice due to fear, worry, sadness, anger, past trauma, etc.
• Not Understanding that one’s voice matters.
• Not taking care of one’s health.
• Lacking healthy habits.  I.E. diet, exercise & sleep.
• Not trusting one’s gut feelings.
• Not speaking one’s truth.

How do you prevent developing hypothyroidism or heal from it?

The strategy for prevention and healing on the physical level are different.  But, on the energetic level there are many similarities.  Those being:

• Accept yourself for who you are.
• Focus on what you are good at and what makes you happy….  This naturally boosts confidence.
• Trust your gut feelings.
• Speak your truth.
• Make a point to do something each day that nourishes yourself.  Ex. Eating a healthy meal, telling yourself, “I love myself unconditionally,” going for a walk in the nature, etc.

Preventing Hypothyroidism:

• Adequate exercise.
• Healthy eating.
• Proper sleep.
• Cleansing to prevent toxicity build up.

Healing from Hypothyroidism:

• Discovering the root cause of hypothyroidism.
• Taking the right supplements to support healing.
• Detoxification to clear toxins and inflammation from the body.
• Dietary changes to support healing and a healthy thyroid.
• Exercising to support healing and a healthy thyroid.
• Ensuring healthy sleeping habits.
• Daily visualization to support healing.

If you need help overcoming a Thyroid imbalance don’t hesitate to ask…..  I’m here to help.

Heather Mills

Mc Cune, Kansas, USA

"Before working with Adam, blood work had shown that my thyroid levels were low. My doctor recommended I start taking a prescription thyroid drug. Instead, I did 2 Distance Healing Sessions with Adam. A few weeks later I had my blood work done again. My thyroid levels were back to normal.

I am so thankful that I did not have to resort to taking a prescription medication. Adam also discovered mercury toxicity in my body that was an underlying cause of other health issues I was dealing with. After removing the mercury, these issues were resolved. I'm so blessed to have found Intuitive Health Solutions."

Yes, I would love your help! Click here

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3847753/

Struggling With Hormone Imbalances?

When I ask you to think about hormone issues, what is the first words that come to your mind?

Endometriosis, pms, mood swings, weight gain, insomnia, pcos or even hair loss?

Those are quite common symptoms of hormone imbalances, but what are some of the other hormone symptoms you can have?

Let me name a few….

Fatigue – this is more common than you might think, and your hormones have a lot to do with it!

Low Libido – a lack of interest in sex, has a lot to do with hormones.  

Weight loss Resistance – Hormones definitely contribute to weight gain and weight loss resistance. 

Aching muscles and joints – Did you know that your hormones can actually cause you pain when they are imbalanced?

Hair loss – Hair thinning all over the head can be a sign of high androgens and other hormone imbalances. 

Ovarian Cysts – This is definitely a sign that your hormones are needing some balancing. 

Dry Eyes – Yes, dry eyes can also be caused by hormones. 

Anxiety and Depression…

Hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, water retention, cramps, constant colds, and many, many more…….

So, what can you do about it?  

First and foremost, I suggest learning the differences between testing your hormones with blood, urine and saliva.  

Yes, they are very different.  

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BLOOD, URINE AND SALIVA TESTING!

BLOOD

Blood is an accurate reading of what is happening at one point in the day. It is great for testing the overall picture.  Blood or serum is great for testing peptide hormones and total hormones such as Follicle stimulating hormone, LH, prolactin, insulin and even thyroid hormones (if the free form is included). 

But, for sex hormones no distinction is made in blood between bound hormones and free hormones (the hormones your body can use). 

Women have three different kinds of estrogen in the body: estradiol, estrone and estriol.  In blood they are only tested as one hormone.  Meaning we can’t tell the difference between the good and bad estrogens in the body by evaluating blood. 

This can lead to misleading results!  

It can cause hormones to appear completely normal or even high normal. Remember blood is only testing the total of your three estrogens. 

But, if the free hormone level is low (your available hormone or usable hormone) you can still feel like a hot hormone mess.  Even if your doctor has told you that your hormones are normal!

Serum hormone testing also does not measure estrogen, adrenal or androgen metabolites.  So, it does not show how those hormones are breaking down in the body and how well the liver’s phase one and two detoxification is working.   

SALIVA

Saliva has become really popular over the years. Saliva is non-invasive and quite easy to do.  The benefit to saliva is that it allows for multiple collections over a 24 hour period, or even an entire month.  This allows you to see abnormal hormone patterns, such as shortened luteal phase (the second half of a woman’s cycle), or even cortisol patterns over the entire day. 

A Saliva test measures free hormones (your usable hormones or bioavailable hormones), which makes it a better measure then blood for evaluating hormone profiles.  

Remember blood is measuring your total hormones and only at one point in the day, which does not give you a good indicator of hormones that may dip or spike during certain times in the month. 

Saliva is a good measure of Estradiol, estrone, and estriol, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA.  But, saliva does not show steroid hormone metabolites. This is limiting as it does not show you how your hormones are breaking down, or if they are being reabsorbed.

URINE

The 24 hour urine hormone test is the preferred method for testing hormones. It tests for hormones secreted at night, like cortisol and melatonin as well as growth hormone.

Got insomnia or sleeping trouble? This test can show you why!

Urine testing measures unbound hormones, reflecting the bioavailable hormones or the hormones that are available for use right now!

The advantage of urine testing is the ability to measure hormone metabolites. It will show your estrogen levels good and bad, and whether they are metabolizing down a pathyway that can be carcinogenic.  Urine will also show how Androgens are metabolizing in your body, whether they are going down the pathway that will cause hair thinning and androgenic alopecia etc. 

Urine testing can show the balance of protective “good” estrogens, compared to harmful or “bad” estrogens and whether your treatment protocol is working. This is huge!  No longer do you have to wonder if you are getting anywhere with what you are taking!

Urine hormone testing measures both phase 1 and 2 liver detoxification.  It shows how well the liver is metabolizing estrogen, among other hormones and how well the liver is functioning, which is huge in everything from hormone imbalances to depression and anxiety.

Urine is also an excellent test to evaluate adrenal health and function.  It not only measures DHEA and DHEAs, but measures cortisone and cortisol, telling us the status of your adrenal glands and if adrenal fatigue is an issue. 

In my opinion, urine is the gold standard of hormone testing.  

BEING VULNERABLE

I tested my Urine hormones a year ago.  It led me to some eye -opening discoveries. 

I found out that my liver’s phase two detoxification was quite low (I suspected as much) and that my estrogens were beginning to metabolize down a carcinogenic pathway.  THIS IS HUGE.  Essentially, this test allowed me to begin treating this issue before it became significant.

Blood would never have been able to show me this. 

If you would like to discover your hormone profile, as a Functional Medicine Practitioner, I have begun offering these tests. 

You can email me at [email protected] to find out more or sign up for a Functional Medicine Consultation here to test your hormones.

In good health, 

Keri Fulmore

Medical Intuitive, Functional Medicine Practitioner & Author