Vibrant Wellness Neural Zoomer Plus Review
Do you have a family history of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other neurological disorders? Or showing early signs and symptoms?
Do you have a child with ADHD or Autism?
The Vibrant Wellness Neural Zoomer Plus is an advanced diagnostic tool aimed at detecting potential inflammatory responses that may be associated with a variety of symptoms related to neurological health, including issues with mood, memory, balance, nervous system function, movement, and pain.
If you are at risk of neurological disorders the Neural Zoomer plus test will give you the information to take action to help improve your health, and reduce the risk of disease.
Understanding the immune system’s role in neurological health is pivotal, and the Neural Zoomer Plus test serves this purpose by evaluating a person’s reactivity to 48 different neurological antigens.
Key Takeaways
- The Neural Zoomer Plus test measures immune responses to neurological antigens related to a range of symptoms and conditions.
- It evaluates reactivity to 48 neurological antigens to uncover potential immune processes that contribute to disease progression.
- Analyzing these reactions aids healthcare providers in devising personalized treatment strategies for neurological health.
Table Of Contents
- Overview Of Vibrant Wellness Neural Zoomer Plus
- Understanding Autoimmune Markers And Neurological Antigens
- Vibrant Wellness Neural Zoomer Plus – What Is Tested?
- Who Would Benefit From Doing The Neural Zoomer Plus?
- Sample Collection And Test Procedure
- Interpreting Test Results For Personalized Health Strategies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What About Genetics Affecting Brain Health?
- What Specific Conditions Does The Neural Zoomer Plus Test Aim To Detect?
- How Does The Neural Zoomer Plus Test Differ From The Traditional Vibrant Gut Zoomer Test?
- Do Toxins Influence The Results Of The Neural Zoomer Plus?
- Do You Ship Test Kits Worldwide?
- What Are The Steps Involved In Taking A Zoomer Blood Test?
- Can I Read More Information About Vibrant Wellness Research?
- Other Tests To Consider
Overview Of Vibrant Wellness Neural Zoomer Plus
Vibrant Wellness is a lab that provides a variety of specialized health tests, including the Neural Zoomer Plus. This test is specifically designed to help detect potential immune reactivity that could affect neurological health.
The goal of the Neural Zoomer Plus is to offer a comprehensive assessment of antigens related to neurological conditions, with an emphasis on early detection and preventive health strategies.
Key Features Of The Neural Zoomer Plus
- Targeted Testing: Evaluates immune reactivity to 48 neurological antigens, which could be linked to neurological disorders.
- Broad Scope: Aims to uncover inflammatory responses that may underlie various symptoms related to nervous system function, including mood, memory, and movement.
- Early Detection: Provides physicians with the resources to identify potential risks for neurological conditions before they fully develop.
Test Benefits Include
- Early risk detection of neurological disorders.
- Empowerment of patients and physicians through detailed information.
- Support for personalized treatment protocols.
In summary, the Neural Zoomer Plus by Vibrant Wellness represents an advanced testing option for those seeking insights into their neurological health and potential risks for developing neurological conditions.
Understanding Autoimmune Markers And Neurological Antigens
Autoimmune markers, specifically autoantibodies, are immune proteins that mistakenly target and react with a person’s own tissues or organs.
In terms of neurology, these markers have the potential to target neurological antigens — components of the nervous system that are recognized as foreign by the immune system, thereby triggering an immune response.
Autoimmunity within the nervous system manifests when the body’s immune defenses erroneously attack components of its own neural tissues. This misguidance may result in a spectrum of autoimmune neurological disorders.
Understanding and identifying these autoantibodies provides insight into various conditions and their potential development.
Neurological autoantibodies can bind to different structures within the nervous system, including:
- Cells: Neuron, glial, and other supportive cells that comprise brain and peripheral nervous tissues.
- Tissues: Specific regions of the brain or segments of the peripheral nervous system.
- Chemicals: Neurotransmitters or signaling molecules that influence nervous function.
Detection of Autoimmune Markers involves analyzing blood samples to identify immune reactivity against a comprehensive set of neurological antigens. Tests like the Neural Zoomer Plus are designed to measure this reactivity, thus aiding in early risk detection and potential prevention of neurological degeneration.
The significance of pinpointing autoimmune markers is dual:
- Diagnostic: Serving as indicators for autoimmune neurological conditions.
- Prognostic: Providing insight into disease progression and potential therapeutic outcomes.
Vibrant Wellness Neural Zoomer Plus – What Is Tested?
Antibodies play a pivotal role in the management and development of neurological disorders, closely linked with inflammation and autoimmune responses.
Demylenation Antigens
Anti-Tubulin – Tubulin is a building block protein inside every cell, but highly concentrated in brain cells.
Antibodies attack the structure of tubulin and disrupt signal transduction across neurons.
Positive antibodies are associated with:
- chemical exposure including mercury and other heavy metals.
- 56% of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis patients have increased Anti-Tubulin.
- 41% of Graves’ Disease patients have increased Anti-Tubulin
Anti-Myelin Basic Protein – Myelin basic protein plays an important role in the myelination of nerves. Antibodies against myelin can cause them to short circuit.
Elevated Antibodies are associated with:
- Disruption of myelin sheath.
- Most common in MS, Lupus, Autism, OCD. A candidate antigen in MS.
- Correlation exists between increased levels of BPA
(Bisphenol A found in plastics) and Anti-Myelin basic protein
Anti-Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (AntiMOG) – Anti-MOG is a candidate autoantigen in MS, particularly in the pediatric population and/or when anti-myelin-basic protein is negative.
Cross-reactivity has been observed between anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and Milk Butyrophilin
Anti-Myelin Associated Glycoprotein (Anti-Mag) – MAG is a transmembrane protein of both the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS). It is involved in the process of myelination and antibodies are associated with peripheral neuropathies.
MAG antibodies are also a more specific marker for delineating MS than myelin basic protein.
Anti-Neurofascin – Positive antibodies are associated with
- Inflammation and inflammatory conditions (strong association)
- Combined central and peripheral demyelination
Anti-Myelin Proteolipid Protein (PLP) – is the major myelin protein of the CNS and plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of myelin.
Blood Brain Barrier Disruption Antigens
With a “leaky brain” it is important to assess for concussion or head trauma.
Anti-s100B – s100B is an astrocytic, calcium-binding protein that is a primary component of the blood-brain barrier. Anti-s100B indicates BBB permeability and CNS injury.
Antibodies develop early before the development of gross changes, making it a target antibody for prevention.
Anti-s100B has primary associations with concussions and TBI. Anti-s100B have associations with AD, especially in conjunction with the ApoE4 genotype
Anti-Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein – Anti-GFAP are not found outside the CNS. If antibodies are present in serum; this is considered a blood-based diagnostic marker of brain injury.
Anti-Microglia – indicate a breach of the blood-brain barrier and found to play a role in tissue destruction in Alzheimer’s.
Anti-Glucose Regulated Protein 78 – These antibodies can trigger blood brain barrier breakdown and development of anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies, so these antibodies can be used as treatment targets in blood-brain barrier treatment protocols.
Optical And Autonomic Nervous System Disorder Antigens
Anti-Neuron Specific Enolase – Neuron-specific enolase is an enzyme found in mature neurons. It is a glycolytic enzyme and is involved in energy (ATP) production for the eye.
Antibodies are associated with:
- Optical Neuropathies
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Anti-Aquaporin 4 – Has been observed in peripheral demyelination
Anti-CV2 – Demyelinating peripheral neuropathy
Anti-Recoverin – Associated with Retinopathy
Peripheral Neuropathy Antigens
Anti-GMI & Anti-GM2 – Gangliosides are found in membrane components of the nervous system on the surface of motor and peripheral neurons. They are involved in cell signaling between neurons.
Lysoganglioside GM1 is concentrated in the central nervous system and associated membranes of nerve cells. Antibodies elevated in autoimmune motor neuropathies-primary symptoms are muscle pain/weakness/atrophy and loss of motor function
Antibodies can be mildly elevated with other autoimmune conditions: SLE, RA
Anti-Hu – Associated with sensory neuropathy
Anti-Ri – Associated with Opsoclonus/ Myoclonus
Anti-Amphiphysin – Associated with stiff person syndrome
Neuromuscular Disorder Antigens
Anti-Acetylcholine Receptors – bind acetylcholine which is an important neurotransmitter for signal transduction in the CNS. Receptors are localized in the neuromuscular junctions.
This is the primary blood test for Myasthenia Gravis. Positive antibodies are found in up to 90% of people with generalized MG and 50% of those with ocular MG
Anti-Muscle Specific Kinase – positive antibodies are found in 50-70% of people who are negative for anti-acetylcholine receptors yet have generalized MG
Anti-Titin – Connectin protein.
Present in 70-90% of thymoma autoimmune MG patients
Anti-Voltage Gated Potassium Channel – Associated with Stiff Man Syndrome
Anti-Voltage Gated Calcium Channels – Responsible for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome, a rare Al disorder of the neuromuscular junction
Brain Autoimmunity Antigens
Check Vibrant Wellness Wheat Zoomer or consider gluten-free to limit the possibility of gluten ataxia. Check for active viruses.
Anti-Cerebellum – Cerebellum is the portion of the brain that controls motor coordination. Antibodies to the cerebellum can include antibodies to Purkinje cells, as other cerebellar cells, and are
- Cerebellar ataxia/gait abnormalities
- Statin-induced CoQ10 deficiency
- Autism
Anti-Purkinje – Purkinje cells are located inside the cerebellum and are a class of GABA-producing neurons. GABA is one of the main inhibitor neurons in the CNS
Antibodies to the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum can cause alterations to gait, peripheral movement, ataxia (loss of control of movement of one or more limbs).
Anti-Amyloid Beta – One of the 2 most common autoantibodies found in Alzheimer’s disease.
Anti-RAGE peptide – Receptor for advanced glycation end products. Has been identified as the major receptor at the blood-brain barrier to mediate the flux of amyloid-B protein from the blood to the brain.
As it is a glycation end product, strongly correlated with dysregulation of insulin/insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, there is an associated risk with diabetes.
Anti-Glutamate – Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter that converts to GABA by GAD-65 enzyme. Antibodies are associated with excitation abnormalities
Anti-Dopamine – Important neurotransmitter in the brain, connected with Parkinson’s, Tourette’s, and Schizophrenia
Anti-a1 and B2 Adrenergic Receptors – found mainly in different forms of dementia
Anti-Yo – found in cerebral degeneration
Anti-Amyloid beta – this is a signature marker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
Anti-Tau – mainly elevated in Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Anti-Alpha-synuclein – mainly elevated in AD and Parkinson’s disease (PD)
Anti-Endothelin A receptor – found in vascular dementia
Anti-Hydroxytryptamine – found in autoimmune encephalitis
Brain Inflammation Antigens
Anti-Dopamine Receptors-1 – facilitates dopaminergic action and is responsible for many neurological processes such as motor control, cognition, and behaviour.
Anti-Dopamine Receptors-2 – inhibits dopamine action and is also responsible for motor control, cognition and behaviour
Anti-NMDA – Antibodies to Anti-NMDA receptor are major contributors in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and have cross-reactivity/molecular mimicry with anti-ds-DNA antibodies.
Positive antibodies may have involvement with seizure disorders and migraine symptoms.
Anti-GABA – GABA is an important neurotransmitter associated with the central nervous system. It has antagonist effects with glutamate as glutamate converts to GABA
GABA antibodies will block the function of GABA and the CNS can become excitotoxic (glutamate will build up)
- Clinical symptoms typically include anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity and also associated with Parkinson’s
Anti-AMPA – AMPA receptors work in conjunction with NMDA receptors
Anti-CNTNAP2 – associated with autism
Anti-Glycine Receptor – May be helpful in the diagnosis of patients with symptoms and signs that include ocular, motor and other brainstem dysfunction, stiffness, rigidity, myoclonus, and spasms.
Anti-Ma – Exclusively found in neurons and testicular germ cells. Found in a wide range of neurological syndromes including encephalitis.
Anti-Neurexin 3, Anti-Leucine-rich-Glioma-inactivated protein 1 – associated with encephalitis.
Infection Antigens
Viral infections dramatically affect the brain and neurological cells.
- Anti-HSV-1 – Herpes Simplex Virus 1
- Anti-HSV-2 – Herpes Simplex Virus 2
- Anti-EBV – Epstein Barr virus, also known as mono
- Anti-HHV-6 – Roseola infantum, otitis media with fever
- Anti-HHV-7 – Roseola infantum
- Anti-CMV – Cytomegalovirus
- Anti-Streptococcal A – Bacteria that trigger autoimmune mechanism associated with PANDAS
Who Would Benefit From Doing The Neural Zoomer Plus?
Advanced neurological testing would benefit people experiencing a wide range of conditions, and people with chronic symptoms. Especially when other neurological tests are not giving you answers to the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Sample Collection And Test Procedure
The Vibrant Wellness Neural Zoomer Plus test is a specialized laboratory test that measures immune reactivity in the nervous system. The sample collection for this test is done via Dried Blood Spot (DBS) collection.
The DBS collection makes it easier for international shipping of samples, and it saves time by avoiding the need to go to a pathology lab for a blood draw.
Before the Test
- Preparation: Individuals should hydrate well the day before the test to ensure an easier blood-draw process.
- Drink a glass of water 30 minutes before sample collection.
- Swing your arms while standing to increase blood flow to your fingers
Collecting the Sample
- The test kit provided includes the necessary components for sample collection.
After Collection
- The blood sample must be properly labeled and prepared according to the test kit instructions.
- Timing: The blood spot card must be allowed to dry for at least 2 hours before shipping.
- Use the prepaid mailer provided in the test kit for shipping.
The Neural Zoomer Plus test requires precise and careful handling to maintain the integrity of the sample and ensure the accuracy of test results. If you follow the instructions that come with your test kit you will find the process is simple and easy to follow.
Interpreting Test Results For Personalized Health Strategies
When patients receive their results from the Neural Zoomer Plus test, the data provides an extensive overview of immune reactivity to neurological antigens. At Planet Naturopath we can interpret these results to tailor treatment protocols that address specific symptoms and conditions, to get the best results I recommend scheduling a one hour consultation.
This individualized approach is aimed at managing or mitigating issues such as cognitive impairment, movement disorders, and other neurologically related symptoms.
The information yielded by this test is multifaceted; it shows reactivity to 48 neurological antigens linked with a spectrum of neurological conditions. Utilizing these insights, practitioners can devise personalized primary prevention strategies, potentially improving the quality of life for the individual tested.
Key Aspects of Test Interpretation include:
- Autoantibodies: Profiles the presence of neurological autoantibodies to understand disease mechanisms.
- Inflammatory Responses: Identifies potential inflammation in the nervous system, which could underpin various symptoms.
- Preventative Measures: Guides the implementation of lifestyle changes and interventions to prevent disease progression.
Core Components Of Test Interpretation
Component | Description | Relevance to Treatment |
Autoantibodies | Indicators of immune response to the nervous system | Tailoring treatment protocols |
Inflammatory Markers | Signs of inflammation in nervous tissues | Personalized primary prevention |
Antigen Reactivity | Specific reactions to neurological tissues | Customized intervention strategies |
In summary, the Neural Zoomer Plus test presents a valuable resource for healthcare providers looking to execute a precise and personalized approach to patient care in the realm of neurological health.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries about the Neural Zoomer Plus test and related Vibrant Wellness offerings.
What About Genetics Affecting Brain Health?
Genetic testing is also important, and specific genes like APOE are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, especially if you have the 3/4 or 4/4 combination.
We recommend testing with SelfDecode to assess APOE, MTHFR, COMT, and a wide range of genes associated with neurological health and your overall health outcomes.
What Specific Conditions Does The Neural Zoomer Plus Test Aim To Detect?
The Neural Zoomer Plus is designed to detect immune reactivity to various neurological antigens. It can identify inflammatory responses potentially linked to conditions affecting mood, memory, balance, nervous function, and more.
How Does The Neural Zoomer Plus Test Differ From The Traditional Vibrant Gut Zoomer Test?
The Neural Zoomer Plus focuses on neurological autoantibodies, while the Vibrant Wellness Gut Zoomer test targets gastrointestinal health issues by analyzing gut microbiome and intestinal permeability.
Doing these tests together is a great combination as gut health can be a trigger for brain inflammation.
Do Toxins Influence The Results Of The Neural Zoomer Plus?
Yes, the Vibrant Wellness Total Tox Burden test analyzes biomarkers related to chemical exposure, heavy metals, and mycotoxins assessing the body’s toxic burden from environmental factors. This can be valuable to identify the triggers of neurological issues, or cognitive decline.
Do You Ship Test Kits Worldwide?
The Vibrant Wellness tests can be shipped to most countries, shipping is calculated at checkout, and if your country is not on the list of available shipping destinations you will be notified before payment is made.
What Are The Steps Involved In Taking A Zoomer Blood Test?
Taking a Zoomer blood test typically involves professional sample collection by a phlebotomist, however for ease of collection we ship the Neural Zoomer Plus test kit with a dried blood spot collection kit to make collection easier.
Can I Read More Information About Vibrant Wellness Research?
Vibrant Wellness have published many studies to validate their testing, you can read more about this at the Vibrant Wellness Resources page.
Other Tests To Consider
At Planet Naturopath we offer a wide range of functional medicine testing to help you get to the root cause of your health concerns, or simply help you optimize your health.
The tests below combine well with the Organic Acids test and you get a cheaper price if you combine the Gut Zoomer or Toxins test with the OAT test. You can also check our All Tests Available page for the full list of available testing options.
Gut Zoomer + Wheat Zoomer
The Gut Zoomer panel is a detailed analysis of gut health, assessing pathogens, beneficial bacteria, and intestinal health markers for inflammation and absorption.
The Wheat Zoomer helps with understanding your reaction to wheat, but even more importantly it identifies leaky gut, high levels of lipopolysaccharides as these are associated with brain health.
Environmental Toxins
Environmental toxins can wreak havoc on our bodies and lead to inflammation, chronic illness, and more. Environmental Toxins from Vibrant Wellness uses the most advanced technology available to assess 39 different markers and see if excessive environmental toxin exposure is at the root of your symptoms.
This test also measures heavy metal levels and mycotoxins as mold toxicity can cause neurological symptoms.
Food Sensitivity Complete
The Food Sensitivity Complete bundle assesses the most common foods and food additives available, with 209 foods and 57 food additives tested. Non-food-based additives include difficult to detect ingredients such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, food dyes, and even pesticides.