Seeing an integrative specialist has been something on my to-do list for a long time. I’ve been super curious about learning more about my body ever since my Mom first got me interested in holistic health probably 8 or so years ago. After I shifted more into a health and wellness-oriented lifestyle, I became hyper-aware to how I feel at all times. I feel a new sense of connection to my body, and I’m proud of the knowledge learned up until this point. With that said, I never knew what I was truly allergic/sensitive to, what I should eliminate from my diet, and why I was constantly feeling bloated. Truly I felt like every day I woke up and would feel differently in my body, and the fluctuation and puffiness started to take a toll on me. I looked into countless at home kits for this, but seeing an expert in person seemed like the wisest, most beneficial and comprehensive choice.
Enter Green Circle Wellness. I heard amazing things about their IV therapy, as well as the handful of different test options. They came highly recommended, so I was sold. I pretty much immediately booked an appointment after just a tiny bit of research. Before giving away anything, I can without a doubt already tell you that the team there has changed my life.
In early December, I filled out comprehensive paperwork and then sat down for my initial consultation with Dina, the functional medicine doctor, and Gina, the MSN-RN on staff to share the issues I’ve been feeling. I don’t share much about it on Instagram, but I’ve dealt with digestive issues for years. Recently, I’ve been feeling extra puffy and bloated (especially in my arms and lower stomach) and aesthetics aside, knew I didn’t feel “right.” The two of them suggested I test for vitamin deficiencies, food sensitivities/allergies, hormone imbalances, and G.I. This was a combination of blood work, urine sample and stool sample (yes, it’s gross, but this test was the most critical for me, so it was 10000% worth it.) For more of a breakdown, the blood work shows allergies/intolerances, hormones, and micronutrient deficiencies. The urine showed neurotransmitter metabolites and the stool was for GI. I took these tests beginning of December, one week after my consult, and met with them for the follow-up consults and test results on January 4. If you are planning to go, you CAN get your bloodwork done that same day, as long as you go in the AM and have fasted beforehand.
Before I continue, I do want to mention how this was a TON of information, but I asked a ton of questions so that I would be able to comprise this information and do the best to share everything I can!
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Follow Up
*please note, every individual is different and therefore needs are different. This was recommended for me and my specific needs only.
The main things I learned and am acting upon are:
- Low in magnesium, iodine and given supplements to help these among some others
- Strands of pathogenic (bad) gut bacteria and yeast species was found in my GI test. This can trigger inflammation and impair the absorption of micronutrients. I am proactively treating these first via an all-natural antibiotic. No matter how healthy you are, you don’t feel “good” until fixing an issue like this
- My body has a hard time transferring fat into fuel (energy) due to micronutrient deficiencies
- Allergens in the environment and food have definitely correlated to my “puffy” feeling lately. In addition to removing certain foods from my diet, a HEPA purifying filter and regular allergist sessions were recommended.
- IgG test (Food Antibody assessment) shows delayed allergic reactions, while IgE shows immediate reactions for the following foods:
- IgE: Oat, wheat, sesame seed, wheat
- IgG: Vanilla, kidney bean being the highest.
- Next steps:
- Main goals to detox liver and heal gut. By starting with liver detoxification, I can improve inflammation in the gut as well.
- Will be fully going gluten-free. Practicing a nutrition protocol that will first detox my liver and then my gut.
- Two days will be plant-based, to avoid any additional fats in my diet as my body has a hard time breaking those down into energy currently. I’ll be supplementing protein with additional protein powder on those days.
- Will be detoxing liver by having a lot of antioxidant-filled fruits, foods that help fulfill deficiencies (i.e. kelp noodles for iodine) and mineralized salt foods (like celery). The celery juice in the morning has so many benefits including detoxification and reducing inflammation. More on that here or here.
- Taking supplements for my deficiencies as well as a probiotic
- See an allergist for environmental/pet allergies
- I’ll be taking the tests again in six weeks to reevaluate how I feel and adjust protocol as needed
Pricing
Based on insurance, everyone will have different co-pays, but with that said, most tests will be covered. As far as consults go
- If this is your very first follow-up with Dr. Pavilonis and the nutritionist, your visit will be $275
- If this is a follow-up visit with Dr. Pavilonis, (+/- nutritional visit based on physicians decision or a particular test) your visit will be $175 or less depending on the complexity
- If this is a follow-up visit with the nutritionist, your visit will be $90
- For my followers, the GCW is offering your first consultation free! Just mention Bun Undone at booking. This is typically $75.
I can’t thank the team at Green Circle Wellness enough. This post is in no way sponsored by them, and all thoughts are my own. I am so grateful for this experience and how much it has taught me – even on just the fifth day of my new supplement and nutrition program! My body is purging these toxins and allergins in such a fascinating way right now, and I am feeling so much better already. I’ll, of course, continues to share updates on Instagram as well as I continue this healing journey! I hope this helps to answer any questions you may have about the process. As always, you can message me for any additional information.
