Adrenal Function Test
To test the adrenal glands function you must take your blood pressure. Make sure to record all results. First take your blood pressure while standing. Second take your blood pressure while lying down after you have rested for five minutes. Then take your blood pressure immediately after stand up. If your reading is lower after you stand up it is possible that your adrenal glands are not functioning properly. The amount the blood pressure drops upon standing is usually proportionate to the degree of hypoandrenalism.
Allergies to Food Test
To verify a suspicion that a food is causing an allergic reaction you can test by recording your pulse after eating the food you suspect. To do this wait for at least three hours after eating and sit in a relaxed atmosphere. Have a watch with a second hand and the suspected food near you. After you are relaxed take your pulse and record the number (beats per minute), normal pulse rate is between 52 and 70. After recording the number eat the food you suspect and wait for about twenty minutes while still relaxed. Retake your pulse again. If your pulse rate has increased more than 10 beats per minute you should omit this food and retest yourself after a month’s time.
Breast Cancer Self Examination
It is very important for women to examine their breasts once a month as a regular health regimen. This examination should be at the same time after each menstrual cycle. Men can also get breast cancer so it is advisable for them to check for abnormalities in the chest each month as well. Below you will find a self-examination procedure.
- Stand in front of a mirror and raise your arms over your head while pressing them together. Look closely at the shape of your breasts, then put your hands on your hips and push in while looking for any dimpling of the skin, any marked differences between the breasts, abnormalities in the skin like red scaling, and if the nipples seem to be in different positions.
- With one arm raised above your head use the other hand to check the breast.
Start with the outer edge and with a circular motion work toward the nipple.
examine your armpit, the lymph nodes in the armpit should move freely and
feel soft. You are looking for lumps that don’t move and that are hard.
Repeat the procedure on the other side.
- While lying on your back repeat #2 as you may be able to find any lumps
easier in this position.
Diabetes Test
Type I – Juvenile-Onset
This test is conducted with kits that may be purchased at a drug store or by electronic devices.
With the strips for manual readings, prick your finger and apply a drop of blood to the test strip then compare the color changes to the chart provided.
With the electronic device, prick your finger and apply a drop of blood to the test strip then place in the device for analysis. The device will provide you with a numerical reading. Bayer Corporation of Elkhart, Indiana, manufactures two such devices – Glucometer Elite and Glucometer Encore.
Type II – Adult Onset
This test will measure the persons taste perception of sweet. People with no diabetic problems will perceive a sweet taste with less than a teaspoon of sugar in water, whereas a diabetic with adult onset will not notice a sweet taste until more than a teaspoon and a half. Here’s how you test.
Make sure that the person being tested doesn’t consume any sweets or stimulants (coffee, soda or tea) for one hour before the test.
Fill seven eight ounce glasses with water and label them with the following amounts: no sugar, ¼ teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 ½ teaspoon sugar, 2 teaspoons sugar, 3 teaspoons sugar. Add the sugar that is indicated on the label and turn the labels away from the person being tested and rearrange the glasses so that they do not know how much sugar is in each glass.
Put a straw in each glass and have the person sip from one glass at a time and have them rinse their mouth with purified water after each sip. With each sip have the person write down the amount of sugar they think is in that glass.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Test
Put your hands together, palms out, with your fingers pointing down and the wrists at a 90-degree angle. Your elbows will be pointing straight out at the sides. Hold this position for a couple of minutes and if you start to develop symptoms after holding this position for over a minute you may have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Colon Cancer Test
You may be able to purchase a test kit at a drug store that is used for detecting blood in the stool. This kit will provide you with chemically treated test strips that you may drop into the toilet after a bowel movement. If the paper changes color to blue this is an indicator that blood is in the stool (an early sign of colon cancer). If the test paper turns blue then you will need to retest in three days. If the test is positive the second time then you should consult a health care professional.
Heart Function Test
You can use this test daily in your routine to monitor the functioning of your heart. Each morning before rising take your pulse at the wrist. If your pulse is under 60 your heart is functioning properly. If the pulse is above 80 this is a warning that you may need to change your lifestyle as a chronically high pulse rate is an indication of the onset of hypertension (high blood pressure). This test can also serve as a warning of an oncoming condition. If you see that your pulse is high you may want to consult your health care professional.
Impotence Test
To determine whether impotence is psychological or physiological you may use this test. It is important to know which is the cause in order to properly deal with the condition. When impotence is psychologically based a man will continue to have erections in his sleep whereas a physiologically based impotence will not have erections during sleep.
Glue a strip of stamps around the shaft of the penis before bed. If the ring is broken in the morning it is probable that the problem is psychological in origin.
Ovulation Timing Test
There is a test strip that can be purchased over the counter at any drug store that can detect the luteinizing hormone which triggers ovulation. These test strips can detect this hormone in the urine. Once the strip changes color ovulation will occur within twelve to thirty-six hours.
Peripheral Artery Function Test
To test for how well blood is flowing through the arteries of the leg you can perform this simple test by yourself. The three places where the pulse can be easily felt is the top of the foot, behind the knee, and the inner aspect of the ankle. Lightly apply pressure to these spots and if you do not find a pulse this may be an indication that the blood flow is restricted and you should consult your health care practitioner.
Stomach Acid Test
The acid produced by glands in the stomach that is necessary for digestion is called Hydrochloric Acid (HCL). If you have too little HCL in your stomach it can lead to indigestion. You can determine whether your indigestion is from a lack or excess of HCL by this simple test.
When you are suffering from indigestion take one tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. If the symptoms go away there is a lack of HCL and you may purchase supplements that contain HCL. If the symptoms worsen you have an excess of HCL and should take steps to avoid supplements containing HCL.
System Function and Balance Test
This test is designed to help you determine your overall health and an appropriate course of action. Check the answer that best applies to your lifestyle and/or symptoms. Add up the number of YES answers in each section and write the total in the area provided.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
Are you experiencing diminished energy or foggy thought processes? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you catch the flu or colds easily? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Have you used antibiotics repeatedly or for prolonged periods? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you recover slowly from infections? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Does your daily diet consist of any wheat products? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you crave sweets and sugar? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have any swollen lymph nodes in your armpit, groin or neck? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you experience seasonal allergies? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Does your family have a history of cancer? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Are you sensitive to dust, pets, molds or other environmental irritants? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have chronic sinus congestion or post-nasal drip? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you experience itchy eyes, palate, throat, skin or eyes? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have joint pain? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you feel worse after eating certain foods? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have asthma? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Have you been diagnosed with auto-immune disease? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Score: 0-3 –little to be concerned about Total Yes: ___________
4-6 – pay attention
7-9 – seek professional assessment
>9 - immediate attention may be needed
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Have you had increase in urinary action or thirst? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you feel less motivated since turning 50? (for men) ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you feel worse since menopause? (for women) ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you feel worse during pre-menstruation? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Have you seen changes in your menstrual cycle? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Is there a history of miscarraiges or infertility? (women) ( ) Yes ( ) No
Have you had a loss of body hair and/or scalp hair? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Are you sensitive to minor weather changes? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Does your skin tan without sun exposure? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you crave salt? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you suffer from fatigue, constipation, weight gain, dry skin, or chilliness? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have excess weight around your middle? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have chronic stress? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you feel worse after missing a meal or eating sweets? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you suddenly feel dizzy upon standing up? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have difficulty sleeping, or wake up feeling tired? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you feel depressed or more tired during the winter? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Have you noticed labile emotions or mood swings? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have high blood pressure? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have high cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have a family history of osteoporosis? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Have you noticed a decline in sex drive? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Score: 0-3 –little to be concerned about Total Yes: ___________
4-6 – pay attention
7-9 – seek professional assessment
>9 - immediate attention may be needed
DIGESTION & NUTRITION
Do you have difficulty gaining weight? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have heartburn or reflux? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you use antacids or acid blocking drugs? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you use digestive enzymes? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Are your fingernails brittle, dotted with white spots or soft? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have a bad taste in your mouth? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Have you lost, in whole or in part, your sense of taste? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Are there specific foods you are intolerant of? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have difficulty swallowing? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have any history of anemia? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you see undigested foods in your stool or a greasy film on the toilet water? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you experience muscle cramps? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have poor night vision? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Is your skin dry, bruise easily or slow to heal? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you eat fast foods? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Are you a vegetarian with no eggs or dairy? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you drink more than three alcoholic drinks per week? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have belching, bloating, or persistent full feeling after meals? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have a poor appetite? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Score: 0-3 –little to be concerned about Total Yes: ___________
4-6 – pay attention
7-9 – seek professional assessment
>9 - immediate attention may be needed
ELIMINATION
Have you ever drank water from a well or stream? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you commonly have diarrhea and/or constipation? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Have you traveled outside the country? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have small, dry or hard stools? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Have you taken anti-biotics twice or more this year? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you ever see blood or mucous in your stool? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you experience cramping or abdominal discomfort? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do frequently have gas or bloating ( ) Yes ( ) No
Score: 0-3 –little to be concerned about Total Yes: ___________
4-6 – pay attention
>5 - immediate attention may be needed
DETOXIFICATION
Do you have gingivitis, oral sores, or dental problems? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Have you been exposed to toxic chemicals or metals on the job or at home? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have frequent headaches? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you have mercury/silver amalgam fillings? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Are your muscles routinely sore or do they fatigue easily? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you eat large fish in your diet like tuna, swordfish or halibut? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you or your family have a history of liver disease, hepatitis, or mononucleosis? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Are you sensitive to smells such as car exhaust, household cleaners, perfumes, and
Cigarette smoke? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Have you become more sensitive to alcohol? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Are you having difficulty with memory or concentration? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you currently take more than one medication on a regular basis? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you commonly experience side effects from drugs? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Score: 0-3 –little to be concerned about Total Yes: ___________
4-6 – pay attention
7-9 – seek professional assessment
>9 - immediate attention may be needed
Testicular Cancer Test
To test for testicular cancer use both hands to gently roll each testicle between the thumb and fingers to check for lumps or suspicious nodules. It is best to test when the scrotal skin is relaxed after a warm bath. If you find any suspicious lumps or nodules consult your health care professional.
Thyroid test
Many people have blood tests that show their thyroid function is normal yet they still display symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Another way of finding out the functionality of the thyroid is to test your underarm temperature. Women who are still menstruating should test 6 days after the last day of menstruation. Postmenopausal women and men can test at any time. Each morning of the test period have a thermometer beside the bed and each morning, for 6 days, take your underarm temperature before rising. Record these numbers to see the pattern of your thyroid function. If your temperatures are below 97.6 during this test period this usually indicates an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism).