Issues from the Gut: Results are In

Until I figure out the metal poisoning, I will constantly be battling the cycle. But, I am not going to stop until I find it.

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • February 25, 2017
Table of Contents

Issues from the Gut: Results are In

The results are in!!!

*Before you continue to read if you did not read #1 “Breaking Point” and #2 “Attempts to figure it all out” please take a minute so you’re up to speed.*

After more blood tests, breath tests, a colonoscopy, an endoscopy, rounds of antibiotics and then more blood tests, oh, and one visit to the infectious disease specialists I took a massive leap. I had heard of this guy who used to work with NASA doing research. He realized his research could help more people and he started his company that many professional and Olympic athletes use. My husband’s business partner used him based on a referral of another client of his.

Sidenote: Pilates instructors I hope you caught that. I’m the second client this guy received based on one client. So, even if you only have one client today, you could have three next week. Ok, sorry sometimes I can’t help myself I love business coaching.

A year ago I spoke with Chris about my situation. At that point, I was on a sugar reset, and anytime I would reintroduce food my body would react. When I would just stick to the reset and not introduce food my body was still fighting something. He was awesome and listened to my whole story. He felt I might have something parasitic and so before I spent the money to work with him I should make sure I did not have any parasites. So, that was the reason I went back to western med. This time I got into the best GI group of doctors and tried again.

Every test according to my doctors came back normal. The only test that gave any indications I might have something was a breath test. Based on that test it was recommended I do a Low-Fodmap Diet. I could barely sustain this protocol. It required me to get rid of onions, mushrooms, and garlic (this will be a major detail later). Then it gave a crazy list of foods I could not eat and ones I could eat sometimes and then foods that I could eat. But, when you’re gluten, dairy, grain and soy free that list of foods I could eat was extremely limited and minus the onion and garlic pretty bland. It also required I cook almost every meal. After a month and feeling worse than before I decided to ditch the list. I compromised and kept the onions, mushrooms, and garlic at bay.

As time went along, I became worse. I also started to feel down, depressed, forgetful. I was losing my strength even though I was keeping up my workout routines. For years I hardly slept more than a couple hours at a time. Not something I wanted but just a matter of fact. After the holidays I called this guy up and said: “I’m ready!”

He sent his phlebologist to my house, and she drew nine or ten vials of blood. After a few weeks, over 200 tests run, he had the results.

This week Chris met with me in person. We could have done the results over the phone, but I think my results were so crazy that he had to see me in person (I’m that special).

I won’t go into detail too much because, well, the meeting was an hour and a half. My packet of results is as thick as most books. But, I’ll give you the highlights.

  • no testosterone
  • b12 2 points off from being admitted to a hospital
  • Vitamin D 1 point off from being admitted to a hospital
  • Arsenic and Cadmium levels through the roof
  • Stomach Bacteria two times higher than the highest high you should be at

There were a bunch of other things, but these were the biggies. My recent lack of strength, coordination, memory, my feeling of depression all due to metal poisoning, low D, and low B12. He asked me if I was a vegan. NOPE. I was embarrassed to say I ate red meat multiple times a week due to my Ayurvedic recommendations. So, how does one have red meat as much as me but have the blood of a Vegan who hasn’t figured out how to get B12? The gut situation is causing me to not absorb vital nutrients I am ingesting. The metal poisoning is keeping my brain from sending messages to my body and causing gut hostility. The vicious circle made worse when I went off onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Basically, all foods that help your liver process metals that come into your body. Why, did the blood tests from my doctors visits not show any of this? Because, the doctors don’t look at the whole panel. They order one thing here and there. But, when Chris looked at the whole picture it became very clear!

These results might seem scary or daunting to some, but the truth is I was crying tears of joy. Finally, answers to everything. All of this is fixable. I’m on the hunt for where I’m coming into contact with arsenic and cadmium. In the meantime, my husband has been overloading me with onions, garlic and mushrooms (at night as teaching after eating garlic isn’t the best idea).

My guy doesn’t love supplements, but for getting back on track, I’m on a few just for now. I also am getting b12 shots, and I cannot tell you how fantastic I feel just two days after my first one. My Pilates sessions since it are back to where they used to be. My nightly pregnancy moments are more 3-6 months, not 6-nine months.

Until I figure out the metal poisoning, I will constantly be battling the cycle. But, I am not going to stop until I find it.

I’m not anywhere back to normal. Healing will take so much time. The metal poisoning could have been going on for years but masked by the fact that I used to eat the foods that supported my liver. So, maybe that awful doctor’s recommendation wasn’t terrible after all. If I had not ridden those foods from my diet, I might not have discovered this metal contamination.

I’ll keep you posted on the healing journey. For now, this is all as I’m feeling the fatigue. #metalpoisoning #strongereveryday

xx~LL

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

6 comments

  1. Have you ever considered what you are putting ON your body, makeup, lotions, shampoos etc may be
    attributing to the problem? Since our skin is the largest organ on our bodies and we have NO idea what really lives in our daily routines of skin care may I suggest you do some research on your products? I have recently started selling Beautycounter and I am shocked at the chemicals that are hidden in our daily products. Parabens, toxic chemicals and many, many other bad toxins that are allowed to be listed as “secret” ingredients!
    I also have digestive issues and understand your struggles. Sine going gluten free for the past 4 years I have very little issues, thank God.
    I encourage you to look at the Beautycounter website that has done tons of research and gives you information that is free of how to eliminate and look for toxins in your body products.
    I wish you all the luck, and I will put out positive vibes for a speedy recovery and look forward to hearing you are in remission. With much love Marsha

    1. HI Marsha, we got a test kit and it happens to be our water. I had a feeling based on the intensity of the metals in my body. Now onto fixing that situation. Thanks for your support!! xx~LL

  2. Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry you are going through this and it’s amazing that you are such a giving unselfish coach and a support to everyone else while dealing with this. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

  3. Do you ever think it could be the geography or smog of L.A.? You said your problems started then. I currently live near the missippi river and the high mold causes many problems for me. Just something to consider if you haven’t already

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

TOPS 'N TAILS

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Tops ‘N Tails (or Tops & Tails) is a wonderful expression I grew up with! It means being ready-to-go…from top to bottom, front to back, end to end! Isn’t that exactly what Pilates does for our minds and bodies? It encourages us to ready for any adventure that comes our way because our workouts use variety to engage the whole body, and to focus our minds.

This month’s Reformer workout will have us exploring Tops ‘N Tails by working from the ends of The Order. We’ll alternate exercises from the beginning and from the end of our usual routine for a challenging time! You’ll need your reformer box and pole.

On the Wunda Chair and Mat we'll be focusing on working from the top half or the tail half of our bodies! While every exercise requires the whole body. Setting ourselves up for success from the Top to the Tail makes the most difference!

On the Cadillac/Tower we will work on how the top half of the body helps to support the bottom half and vice versa! Pilates allows us to use the whole body to help with strength from Top to Tail! Let's explore how the springs on the Cadillac/Tower make us connect to the whole body in each exercise.

xx-LL

MEET ME HALFWAY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week we’re going to focus on how we use Abduction and Adduction to center ourselves, find our control, and harness our power. We’ll be working about halfway through The Order of Exercises on both the Mat and the Reformer with an Adduction - squeezing toward center - focus , then we’ll go back to the beginning and repeat those exercises with an Abduction - pulling away from center - focus. You’ll need something you can squeeze and something you can pull apart. So grab a ball and a resistance band, or just a magic circle and meet me halfway!

See you in class,

Tami

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a ball and a resistance band, or just a magic circle and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a ball and a resistance band, or just a magic circle and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

LEG PULLS ARE FUN

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Alright so maybe they're not fun! But, what we think about an exercise does matter! And if you don't like an exercise or you tell yourself you can't do an exercise I promise you your brain and body will believe it!

So, I'm taking Leg Pulls (Control Push Ups on the Reformer) and making them fun! So we can ALL enjoy what is possible from these dynamic duos!

Have a squishy ball or stuffed toy nearby for our Leg Pull moments on the Mat. Reformer no props needed.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a squishy ball or stuffed toy and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

CONTROL YOUR BALANCE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Alright loves, you may not like going overhead and you may not be able to…yet..

But this week on the Mat and the Reformer we will be ready-ing ourselves to Control our Balance.
Yes, the exercise but there are so many ways to work this that if you are not going upside down you're going to feel your balance get controlled!

Think long legs, asymmetrical legs and maybe even a little single leg deadlift.

On the Mat, if you do struggle with balance go to a wall during the standing work or have a chair nearby. No extra props needed for the Reformer.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

SLINKY SPINE?

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

I know you remember the slinky! So wouldn't it be nice if our bodies could move like that? Well, it's not necessarily good to be super bendy, but it is good to be able to articulate the spine when we are able. In the classes this week we will work through the articulation and flexibility of the spine, as well as pay attention to trying not to go too far. Finding your strength and connections in your flexion and extension is going to be the key! Hopefully, you will feel like a slinky here and there throughout the class!

See you in class,

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MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

HORSES HORSES HORSES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

If you are a lover of the Reformer chances are you have little love for the Horseback. I don't blame you. It's not that fun. If you're on the Mat you probably have no idea what this means…

And that's ok! Horseback is like a seated Teaser but harder!

On both the Mat and Reformer we will be playing with how to connect to this exercise, prepare for it and find a Horse that works for us!

Props: Mat, have light weights nearby

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS SKIP TORSO DAY!

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

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Props for the Wunda Chair: yoga block and long box for some exercises

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

TOPS & TAILS

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Tops ‘N Tails (or Tops & Tails) is a wonderful expression I grew up with! It means being ready-to-go…from top to bottom, front to back, end to end! Isn’t that exactly what Pilates does for our minds and bodies? It encourages us to ready for any adventure that comes our way because our workouts use variety to engage the whole body, and to focus our minds.

This month’s Reformer workout will have us exploring Tops ‘N Tails by working from the ends of The Order. We’ll alternate exercises from the beginning and from the end of our usual routine for a challenging time! You’ll need your reformer box and pole.

On the Wunda Chair and Mat we'll be focusing on working from the top half or the tail half of our bodies! While every exercise requires the whole body. Setting ourselves up for success from the Top to the Tail makes the most difference!

On the Cadillac/Tower we will work on how the top half of the body helps to support the bottom half and vice versa! Pilates allows us to use the whole body to help with strength from Top to Tail! Let's explore how the springs on the Cadillac/Tower make us connect to the whole body in each exercise.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋