Blood Analysis? Tell me more…

The largest reason I get so many clients is blood analysis.

It seems to be growing in popularity, because so many people have found that it provides helpful insights into their intricate function and well-being.

It offers a different perspective from traditional blood work altogether, and while as a Natural Nutrition Clinical Practitioner I am unable to diagnose anything, the blood can provide some visual feedback that is helpful in determining next steps to support the person before me.

Most people are eager and open to see their blood, but once in a while I get a skeptic.

In the realm of alternative health practices, there are many modalities, many opinions and in turn, many perceptions from the outside about whether something is legit or quackery.

I like to say try it for yourself if you’re curious.

But I also realized it would be helpful to provide some insights into the history of darkfield microscopy from a nutritional standpoint to answer any questions some may have.

What is blood analysis?

It goes by a few different names, but this technique involves observing a person's blood under a microscope to assess their overall health.

We take a small drop of blood from the fingertip (or for little ones we use the heel) and carefully collect the sample, so the cells don’t get destroyed, and then we can asses a variety of markers of health or dis-ease.

What is the history?

The roots of live blood cell analysis can be traced back to the pioneering work of Dr. Gunther Enderlein, a German scientist and researcher.

In the early 20th century, Enderlein proposed the concept of polymorphic organisms, suggesting that these little microorganisms in the blood undergo various stages of development.

According to Enderlein, these microorganisms, or protits, are pleomorphic, meaning they can change shape and form in response to environmental conditions and the overall health of the host.

Enderlein's work laid the foundation for the understanding that the state of the blood reflects the “terrain” or internal environment of the body. He believed that maintaining a healthy terrain was crucial for preventing disease and promoting wellness.

The validity of live blood cell analysis remains a topic of debate within the scientific and medical communities. But it is well respected amongst alternative or complimentary medicine providers.

Many naturopathic doctors utilize it’s power with patients, and people like me are able to use it to make more individualized nutrition and supplement recommendations.

One of the criticisms of live blood cell analysis is the lack of standardized protocols and training among practitioners. Without standardized procedures, the interpretation of blood samples can vary widely between practitioners, leading to inconsistencies in diagnoses and recommendations.

I have been trained by a school that has offered teaching for decades, and the person whom I learned everything from has been using this modality for 30 years. She is very well educated and has seen a lot in her career.

In my opinion, one of the biggest reasons to be skeptical is when people begin to diagnose. I never diagnose. It is not within my scope, and not within my knowledge.

I tell clients daily that this is not a diagnostic tool but it is a helpful opportunity for some visual feedback. It can help us determine what might be contributing to some imbalances in the body.

In my short two years of practicing as a registered holistic nutritionist, and using blood analysis, I’ve seen it’s power. And it’s indisputable.

It can offer insights into health/disease markers, such as oxidative stress levels, immune system function, and nutritional deficiencies. It can help someone prevent disease in the future by giving targeted suggestions for lifestyle changes.

Many individuals in my practice and worldwide have reported beneficial outcomes from undergoing live blood cell analysis.

In other countries, medical doctors even use this practice.

Tell me more about what you can find and how?

1. Nutritional Statuses: By observing the characteristics of red blood cells and white blood cells, practitioners may identify signs of nutrient deficiencies or imbalances. This happens through visual observation. For example, iron issues (anemia, low hemoglobin, etc.) often cause the red blood cells to have a little bit of a ring inside of them visually when magnified under the scope.

2. Toxicity Levels: The presence of certain particles or debris in the blood may indicate the body's detoxification capacity and exposure to environmental toxins. I generally try to rule out the possibility of a particle being on the slide in my office by examining the whole sample, playing with the light settings, and comparing it to other samples.

3. Immune Function: The behavior and activity of white blood cells can offer clues about the body's immune response and overall immune system function. Again, I never diagnose, but I’ve had a couple of instances of seeing abnormal WBC activity and strongly suggesting the client go see their GP for a full blood panel. One woman called me a month later and told me she had cancer - and she never would have thought to go to the doctor if I hadn’t told her. Another woman had undiagnosed thyroid issues that was causing her mental health issues, digestive dysfunction and other unpleasant symptoms.

4. Inflammation: Signs of inflammation are sometimes visible through different markers in the blood. This could be an abundance of certain types of white blood cells, or some “fibrin” showing up in the blood which is sometimes correlated with high CRP levels in traditional blood work.

Live vs. Dry Samples:

In an appointment, we will often do both a live and a dried sample.

Live blood cell samples involves observing blood cells in their natural state, allowing practitioners to assess dynamic factors such as cell movement and interactions.

The cells will still be moving around on the slide as if they were still in your body (assuming I haven’t made any mistakes in carefully collecting the sample.)

In contrast, dry blood analysis involves analyzing dried blood samples on a glass slide, primarily focusing on cellular morphology and structures.

While live blood cell analysis may offer more immediate insights into certain health markers, dry blood analysis provides a snapshot of health from a zoomed out perspective.

We can often guess where inflammation might be occurring in the body with the dried sample.

I’ve often seen parasites in dried samples, and noticed visual differences in clients with cortisol imbalances and adrenal issues.

The long and the short of it is…

Inspired by the work of Dr. Gunther Enderlein, live blood analysis offers a unique approach to assessing health and wellness.

While its validity is subject to debate amongst Western Medicine professionals, many individuals have found it to be a helpful tool for identifying potential health imbalances and promoting overall well-being.

I absolutely LOVE being able to offer this service for my clients and am grateful for the ways it’s been able to help folks get on the right footing with their diet and lifestyle.