When I moved on from diet and lifestyle changes to researching possible underlying conditions, I ran into some issues. The symptoms I was experiencing (bolded below) fell under a bunch conditions. It proved to be invaluable for me to track symptoms and habits so I could communicate clearly with my doctors. Being very aware of how I felt and how it changed based on certain factors was really the only way I could fend off the "what if it's all in your head" assertions that friends, family and even doctors would propose.
We have been tackling these one by one. As symptoms don't resolve, another issue will surface (proven by tests to exist) that has to be cleared. The latest is Mercury/Lead poisoning. It feels like we're digging through symptoms, clearing conditions on the way, taking factors out as possibilities: diet, lifestyle, stress, SIBO, Parasites, now metal. Brahm and I would laugh every time another issue came to light because all the symptoms seemed to be the same.
"You have to laugh at yourself, because you'd cry your eyes out if you didn't."- Indigo Girls
MERCURY:
Diarrhea, Constipation, Colitis
Allergies/Asthma
Chronic Fatigue
Skin Problems
Anxiety, Depression, Nervousness, Mood Swings, Anger, Confusion
Memory Loss, Lack of Concentration
Nausea/Vomiting
Joint and Muscle Aches
Anemia
Weight Loss
Leaky Gut
SIBO:
Bloating, Pain, Cramps, Constipation, Diarrhea
Asthma
Fatigue
Eczema, rashes
Autism, Depression
Heartburn, Nausea
Joint Pain
Anemia
Weight Loss
Fatty stools
LEAKY GUT:
Digestive Issues (gas, bloating, diarrhea, IBS)
Allergies/Asthma
Chronic Fatigue
Skin Issues (acne, rosacea, eczema)
Mood/Mental (Depression, Anxiety, ADD, ADHD)
Auto Immune Diagnosis (Hashimoto's, Celiac, Psoriasis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Candida
Food allergies/Intolerances
Hormonal Imbalances (PCOS, PMS)
PARASITES:
Diahrrea, Gas, Bloating, Constipation, IBS, Digestive Issues
Allergies, runny nose
Chronic Fatigue
Irritaion at nose, ears, eyes, anus, rashes, hives, eczema, acne
Fuzzy thinking, Headaches, anxiety, hyperactivity, nervousness
Joint and Muscle Aches
Weight Gain
Candida
Painful Menstruation
Sources:
http://www.dentalwellness4u.com/layperson/symptoms.html
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10908/9-signs-you-have-a-leaky-gut.html
http://organicolivia.com/2014/02/24/everyone-has-parasites-part-one-why-how-symptoms-what-you-can-do/
http://www.siboinfo.com/symptoms.htm