Discover the science of PreviMedica. Learn about your immune system and the hidden dangers of chronic inflammation. Explore the science behind our most popular functional nutrition tests to help you choose the tests that are best for you.
Inflammation, the body’s innate defense mechanism, manifests in two different forms, acute and chronic.
While acute inflammation, an immediate vascular and cellular response causing redness and swelling, is an essential and temporary healing process that protects us against infections, injury, and tissue damage, chronic inflammation involves a prolonged and persistent immune response that can lead to impaired organ function and an increased risk of long-term complications.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to diseases and health problems involving various organ systems and biological processes. The World Health Organization ranks these inflammatory conditions as a significant health concern.
Chronic inflammation can be mitigated, and your risk of developing it can be reduced, by using proper interventions, with diet and nutrition playing a fundamental role.
A personalized anti-inflammatory diet is key, as foods that can be helpful for one can prolong inflammation for another.
Optimal health starts with optimal nutrition.
The ultimate anti-inflammatory eating pattern is one that is individualized for you. One size does not fit all. Triggers are unique to each individual and identifying those unique triggers by using standard elimination plans and what we call “blanket” diets most often does NOT do it all. Even foods that are considered healthy and anti-inflammatory are actually pro-inflammatory for those whose immune system is mounting a response to them! For example, salmon, walnuts, and avocados are considered by nutrition experts to be excellent choices for overall health. But if an individual’s innate immune system reacts to them, they would actually have the opposite effect and contribute to inflammation and potentially aggravate health issues in that person. Testing rather than guessing allows individuals to know what to avoid and what to include in their anti-inflammatory eating pattern.
Developing a personalized anti-inflammatory diet starts here. The Alcat Food Sensitivity Test discovers what specific foods cause an inflammatory reaction for you, providing you with a list of foods contributing to chronic inflammation and a list of foods that do not cause an elevated cellular immune response.
It’s important to note that these are not allergies nor intolerances.* Sensitivities, allergies, and intolerances can each provoke adverse reactions but do so through different mechanisms. The differences can be subtle but are crucial to determining your course of action.
*The Alcat only tests for sensitivities, not allergies or intolerances.
**Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a specific antibody released in response to an allergen.
Nutrients are vital to health. Metabolism takes place within your cells and requires vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients to function optimally. They are required for every metabolic process in the body to maintain life, including production of cells, tissues, organs, bones, generation of energy, immune cell function, synthesis of enzymes, hormones, and brain chemicals and regulation of inflammation and antioxidation.
The assays that make up the Cellular Nutrition Assay (CNA) test for proper cellular nutrition, antioxidant function, and which antioxidant nutrients and botanicals provide the greatest protection for you. Nutrient requirements can differ greatly between individuals and the information gathered from the CNA can ensure you’re getting the nutrients YOU need.
For more information about the Cellular Nutrition Assay, visit www.cellsciencesystems.com/patients/cna/
The Methyl Detox Profile is a test that evaluates critical genes and genetic variations in your methylation. Methylation is a process by which your DNA and other molecules undergo modifications by a small molecule called a methyl group. This process allows for the millions of chemical processes the body needs to function. When it comes to DNA, adding or removing methyl groups can alter your gene expression, such as turning a gene on or off.
Your Methyl Detox Profile can identify variants that are associated with cardiovascular disease; chronic diseases such as migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, mood disorders, chronic fatigue, and dementia, among others; and diminished methylation capacities, which can impair vital chemical processes, including your body’s detoxification abilities. This test provides you and your nutritionist with valuable and actionable information regarding your body’s methylation process and what nutrients to address to help you achieve balanced methylation. These genes are also involved in clearing away homocysteine which, in excess, is damaging to the cardiovascular system, nerves, and other important tissues.
For more information about the Methyl Detox Profile, visit www.cellsciencesystems.com/patients/methyl-detox/
The tests described can provide you with vital information to prevent disease, help you feel your best, achieve your health goals, and promote optimal health. Each test addresses a different aspect of health and together they can provide remarkable insight into your body’s current functioning.
Outside References
Harvard Health. (2020, April 1). Understanding acute and chronic inflammation. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-acute-and-chronic-inflammation
Pahwa, R., Goyal, A., Jialal I. (2022, August 8). Chronic inflammation. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/
Hannoodee, S., Nasuruddin, D. (2022, November 14). Acute inflammatory response. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556083/
Harvard Health. (2020b, April 1). Understanding acute and chronic inflammation. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-acute-and-chronic-inflammation
Methylation. (n.d.). Genome.gov. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Methylation
Immunoglobulin E (IGE) defined | AAAAI. (n.d.). https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/allergy,-asthma-immunology-glossary/immunoglobulin-e-(ige)-defined
No more waiting, observing, or relying on guesswork. Our tests are the best way to get essential health information quickly and efficiently.
Get tested todayDisclaimer: It is important to note that food sensitivity testing is distinct from food allergy testing. While both tests share the objective of identifying potential food reactions, they vary in their diagnostic methodology and the types of reactions they detect. Food allergy testing commonly focuses on immediate, life-threatening reactions to foods, while food sensitivity testing aims to detect delayed responses that can be less severe but still affect one's health. Therefore, we strongly advise consulting with a qualified healthcare professional to determine which testing approach is most suitable for your particular situation.
