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Easy, self-administered autoimmune test that anyone can do at home to identify potential autoimmunity problems lurking.
An autoimmune disorder is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. Autoimmunity problems are at epidemic levels today.
According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, nearly 24 million people in the United States alone suffer from at least one form of autoimmunity problem.
Around the world, it is estimated that 1 in 12 people have autoimmune disease and this number continues to grow rapidly.
Autoimmune disease runs the gamut from mild skin issues to severe neurological and degenerative problems.
Specific examples of autoimmune disease include eczema, asthma, psoriasis, ADD/ADHD, autism, Celiac disease, allergies, asthma, Hashimoto’s, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, diabetes, cancer, and the list goes on. (1)
Most people who have autoimmune disease suffer from more than one autoimmunity disorder with the list of problems tending to grow and become more serious as time goes on.
For example, babies with eczema are more likely to become asthmatic as they get older and people with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease are more susceptible to colorectal cancer. (2, 3)
The problem with autoimmune disease is that it is a sleeping giant. Most people who have it in the earliest stages don’t even know it.
Wouldn’t it be a good idea to be able to find it lurking before life-altering symptoms emerge? Read on for one of the best self-administered ways to do this!
Brain Commonly Affected by Autoimmunity
One of the most common tissues to be affected by autoimmunity problems is the brain itself, specifically, the cerebellum. The brain is second only to the thyroid.
In Latin, cerebellum means “little brain” and is the area of the hind portion of the brain that controls coordination, balance, equilibrium, and muscle tone.
As a result, simple tests to gauge the neurological health of the cerebellum can provide strong clues as to whether an autoimmune problem is potentially lurking.
Past Pointing Test
The simple check recommended to try first is called the Past Pointing Test.
Some people will recognize it as one of the tests police officers commonly give to those pulled over for DUI.
This is because the muscle coordination center of the brain, the cerebellum, is very sensitive to many toxins, alcohol being one of the worst as well as those toxins produced by an imbalanced and leaky gut – the root of all autoimmune disorders.
Will the Past Pointing Test identify all autoimmune problems?
No.
But, remember that the cerebellum is the second most common tissue to be attacked when a person suffers from autoimmunity problems.
Hence, if you suspect you may have some form of autoimmune issue, this would be a good test to try. It costs nothing, is painless and quick.
At-Home Check for Potential Autoimmune Disorders
Here’s how Dr. Mark Frank DC, a holistic doctor in my area who has written several articles for this blog, describes the use of the Past Pointing Test in his office as a way to show subtle dysfunction of the nervous system:
Stand with feet very close together, and close your eyes. You should feel steady on your feet even with your eyes closed. If you start to fall over even with this initial part of the test, that is a sign of potential nervous system problems possibly caused by autoimmunity.
Why?
When you remove the eyes which help tell us where we are in space, we must fully rely on joint and muscle signals to the brain instead.
If you are doing fine at this point, then continue to the next portion of the test.
I then ask patients to touch the tip of their index finger to the tip of their nose. Then repeat with the other hand. Frequently they will miss with one hand or it will be more difficult. I also will have them march in place with their eyes closed. Without realizing, many will spin 90 to 180 degrees within 50 steps!
Temporary Trigger
I think it’s also important to note that if you didn’t pass the second part of the test, you might have just eaten something within the last few days that affected the cerebellum temporarily.
In other words, you might not have active autoimmunity yet (don’t panic!). The toxins in a certain food might be triggering you for a short time.
This happens to me. If I eat processed foods (a lunch out for example), and eat something I was not expecting (MSG in a sauce is a common one), then I will tend to not march perfectly in place (I turn slightly left and move slightly forward) for about 72 hours, but after I get it out of my system, then I pass that part of the test once again.
Hence, if you fail one or both parts of the test, retest later after you’ve been very vigilant with your diet for at least a few days.
Have you ever tried this test on yourself before or in a doctor’s office? If so, did you pass both parts or just the first one?
Did you find that it pinpointed a potential issue with autoimmunity that could be healed via dietary changes?
(1) Gut and Psychology Syndrome, Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride MD
(2) Why Eczema Often Leads to Asthma
(3) High-Risk Groups for Bowel Cancer
More Information
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I had limes disease…cured with olive leaf extract…it is powerful stuff…helps aids patients. Also, i found this website extremely helpful: http://www.earthclinic.com
I have “possible” MS and have been dealing with what my rheumatologist calls “rheumatoid like” arthritis and multiple other issues associated with auto-immunity. During my neurological appointments I fail all of these tests, and others. I fail them even when I’m not having many or any neurological symptoms. I find it interesting that these symptoms could be related to auto-immunity in general, not just auto-immune neurological issues.
If one were to pass this test should they not drink water kefir since it can contain alcohol?
Thanks!
Most people that have Autoimmune disease, are Low in Vitamin D3..
Get your D3 checked. Most Drs. put you on a low dose of D3, like 1000 Iu aday…
Way to low for that amount to do anything..
A average person starts out taking 5000 iu aday D3..
If you need D3, try to get the vitamin, not the scrip from your Dr.
Get a blood test from your Dr…
Make sure you are getting enough k2 and A with the D though, as D alone can get calcium built up in the arteries. When accompanied by K2 and A however, it can have a great effect on clearing out the arteries.
And make sure you test calcium when concerned about low vitamin D to check for parathyroid issues.
I’ve failed your test; I lose my balance when I close my eyes. I do have autoimmune diseases.
Love this article. Completely makes sense. I’m going to use this simple test with my clients!!
I followed the SCD diet for a few months and got worse. Switched to GAPS, did slightly better. Now I have a combo of WAP/GAPS/Nourishing Traditions for about a year. I have had great success with the process, having flares and setbacks but usually resulting in a step forward in improvement. Essential Oils and bone broth have been key in healing for me. There have been times that I get burnt out on limited foods and battling the leaky gut. I’ll give into my cravings, go overboard and can see a huge difference.
Just came out of a bad eating stage. The result is the worst Fibromyalgia flare since being diagnosed over 20 years(controlled it really well with diet) and a progression of arthritis in my hands and overall pain. Stupid. Other than an occasional treat I have cut out all processed foods again recently. By processed I mean dark chocolate(sustainable companies), organic sea salt chips and fries,Applegate beef dogs(grass fed but still processed) haven’t ate fast food for over 20 yrs my diet had been pretty traditional but got way off track after my son was born with medical issues and I was exhausted and overwhelmed (15 yrs ago). I slowly started using time savers, boxed broths, store baked breads, canned beans etc. Huge mistake especially with the stress already stripping my gut, slowly developing allergies/intolerance to foods/pets. Pushed over the edge 5 years ago due to an illness and that is when the symptoms tripled. I have to cut down on fruit also now. I feel like I have regressed pretty bad. I am living proof..diet matters. Food does heal. I am barely introducing grains(soaked baked oatmeal) with some success but I think I will back off for a bit on that too. I have been grain free for 4 years. I look forward to the day my symptoms are gone and I can eat balanced and economical because a whole foods diet only, no grains, dried beans and other pantry staples, I am not making it financially. I admit, I am having a tough time with all this. So appreciative for the support from you and the other bloggers I follow. Thanks so much!
Well, I passed all of them with flying colors but I DO have autoimmune issues! I didn’t get dizzy, I easily touched my nose with both hands and when I marched for 100 steps, I don’t think I altered my direction by even a degree. Yes, I did this with my eyes closed.
I have rosacea and fibro like symptoms brought on by the human parvo virus B-19 (Fifth disease) years ago but was able to do the above. However, before I started to take natural thyroid hormones, I would have been dizzy with my eyes closed.
Perhaps it CAN be an indication but in my case…..NO!
Yes Shari, I agree. I too passed with flying colors, not moving a degree from where I started.
I am a 50 year old woman in good condition with great balance, but I have Hashimoto’s (10 + years) and have had ADD my whole life. I have been eating a “whole foods” diet for 20 years, switching to gluten free, then paleo five years ago. So from this test has my clean living helped my brain but I’m still living with autoimmune symptoms? I think there are too many variables for this test to be accurate.
It doesn’t say how long to stand with your eyes closed. I passed the initial test, but I only counted to 20. I marched in place 50 times and only moved forward a few feet. I have a thyroid disorder that is being treated. If you have autoimmune that is being treated, would you still pass?
If you pass, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have autoimmune issues .. it just means that your cerebellum is in good shape and likely unaffected (cerebellum is the second most affected tissue by autoimmune disorders).
And if you fail this test – one or both – what do you recommend? I also have had eczema for many years and a child with type 1 diabetes and Hashimoto’s (but he’s only 3).
The way to heal autoimmune disease is by healing/sealing the gut. The GAPS Diet is a popular one. Best to obtain guidance from a GAPS Certified Practitioner if at all possible. A short, inexpensive consultation with Biodynamicwellness.com is one place to start. You can also read the GAPS book to get an idea of what is involved if you wish to educate yourself thoroughly on the protocol first before jumping in.
Concerning the GAPS diet, I’ve read before that food sensitivity can not be reverse. When you become sensitive to gluten, for example, you will have antibodies reacting to gluten for life and have to avoid gluten for life. Need to know because I have Hashimoto’s disease and I have to determine my course of action and might have to argue with my practitioner 🙁
BUT, if the food never enters the blood stream as food but only as micro nutrients as it is supposed to, then your body won’t have anything to react to. Seal the gut and stop reacting. Of course one may need to remain GF for life, but this has worked for many. Especially young people who catch their autoimmunities early.
Is GAPS the only solution to healing the gut, or will simply switching to the WAP lifestyle improve it?
If you have mild gut dysbiosis, Traditional Diet alone is probably sufficient. If you have autoimmune disease that is sufficiently entrenched, GAPS is probably necessary. Biodynamicwellness.com has GAPS Certified Practitioners on staff that can help you with that determination.