How long would you ignore a wobbly wheel or put up with ineffective brakes on your bike? My guess is not very long. And how often do you get your car serviced? Probably as often as possible – you wouldn’t want to cruise around in a car you didn’t fully trust, after all.

Yet we often ignore little niggles within our bodies, put up with an ache here or a pain there, or turn a blind eye to undesirable health habits that gradually creep in. Sometimes, we need facts and figures, hard evidence to make a positive change.

Last week I went to see naturopath Angela Smith at Melbourne Anti-Ageing Clinic, and I am so glad I did! I had a series of tests, including blood typing, acidity/alkalinity testing, a zinc test and live blood analysis, which she does with all clients as standard – as well as a few extras that I requested, including testing of oestrogen levels and cortisol (I will share the results of the hormone testing next issue in a feature we will be running on oestrogen dominance and the effects it can have on mood, weight, fertility and long term health).  

The live blood analysis was fascinating. Angela placed a drop of my blood between two slides and projected the image from the microscope onto a screen where I was able to see my red and white blood cells in motion. She was able to tell me so much about the state of my health, including liver health, immune function and integrity, inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, essential fatty acid status, B12 and B9 deficiency and blood lipids, as well as identifying potential concerns such as leaky gut syndrome and anaemia. Information like this can make a world of difference to ones health in both the short and long term.

So next time you book your car in for a service, or replace a flat tyre on your bike, why not book yourself in for a few tests too? It’s a fascinating (and rather enjoyable experience) and it could make all the difference to your health now and in the years to come.

Take care,

Liz