As I last reported, my detox cleanse journey has led to significant health improvements. However, recent lab results show there’s still work to be done. Here’s an update on my progress and what the numbers reveal.

First, let’s start with the changes I’ve personally experienced. Reflecting on the last four months, I can confidently report the following positive shifts:

• increased energy
• elimination of nerve pain
• less inflammation/bloating
• ability to be physically active
• return to work
• increased social interactions and improved relationships
• improved mental health
• 16.8 lb weight loss

I want to emphasize these changes, because realistically, it’s the daily experience and quality of life that truly matter. Any chronic illness warrior can relate to the struggles of losing a job, grasping for your identity, having difficulty maintaining relationships, becoming depressed, and so much more. These changes , to me, are priceless. I cannot thank my holistic care team enough for putting in their dedication in learning about my condition, providing me with options and guidance, and supporting me throughout this journey.

“I have learned SO much for you,” my provider joked. Little did she know, that sentence meant the world to me–especially after hearing from previous doctors, “This is your new normal. You will have to adjust to it.”

Next, I completed a second round of lab work during the first week of April to assess objective changes in my body. Below are some of the reported value changes and their interpretations regarding how they affect the body (based on my limited research and ChatGPT insights):

Measures that have improved:

• MCV: Better red blood cell production and efficient oxygen delivery
• MCH: Better hemoglobin content in red blood cells
• Potassium: A more balanced electrolyte status
• Calcium: Better bone metabolism, parathyroid function, or vitamin D status
• Alkaline Phosphatase: Reduced liver or bone stress, or resolving vitamin D deficiency
• Vitamin D: Improved calcium absorption, immune health, and mood
• Neutrophils: Reduced inflammation and improved immune health

Measures that have worsened:

• EOS: Respond to allergies, asthma, parasites, gut inflammation
• Protein
• AST (SGOT): Liver inflammation or damage
• ALT (SGPT): Mild liver stress
• Magnesium

Measures of concern that were not previously tested:

• Trans growth fat beta 1: Calms inflammation and aids in tissue repair
• Total glutathione: Sign of oxidative stress burden
• C-reactive protein, cardiac: Points to higher inflammation
• Cortisol: Indicative of chronic stress, inflammation, sleep issues, adrenal fatigue or dysfunction
• Copper-to-zinc ratio: Indicative of potential issues like immune dysfunction, oxidative stress, or chronic inflammation

What does all of this mean? Essentially, from my NP’s explanation, though I am feeling better and more functional, there is still work to be done– and support to be provided to my liver.

These results indicate that there is still inflammation in my body, proving that there is some type of inbalance happening. “The person sitting in front of me right now does not match these numbers,” she described. After all, I waltzed into the appointment with a big smile while boasting all of my new abilities and return to life.

What’s Next

After several weeks, I’ve officially been cleared to end my detox/cleanse! This means I no longer need to take any ‘heavy’ medications (e.g., Biocidin, Olivirex, parasite meds — the ones that cause die-off) and will now continue with only supportive supplements. Additionally, I will be completing a urine test to check for the presence of mold, as repeated exposure to mold can cause significant disruptions in various body systems. As explained, “We need to rule out potential underlying causes at this point. Mold and candida often go hand in hand.”

This upcoming round of lab work (to be completed in ~3 weeks) should offer more clarity on the values that were previously untested, helping us determine whether they were worse before without our knowledge, are improving, or indicate the presence of a new issue. “I am so happy you’re feeling good now, but I think we can get you feeling even better.”

Reflections

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Initially, I felt upset that my lab results were failing to reflect how incredible I’ve been feeling compared to this past year. Over time, I’ve come to process these results with a different perspective. Though the numbers don’t always align with my experience, they still serve as valuable pieces of the puzzle. They give me insight into areas where there’s still work to be done and where I can continue to improve.

What matters most is how far I’ve come—how much more energized, active, and connected I feel—and that’s not something a lab result can fully capture. Each step, no matter how small, has led to significant progress, and I’m excited to keep moving forward.

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