Here at Longevity, we love hearing testimonials from our patients who have experienced amazing transformations with their health.  Enjoy this Q&A with a long-time patient who has seen vast improvements in her quality of life.  If you have a testimonial to share, we’d love to hear from you and use your story to encourage others! 

What were your primary health concerns prior to seeing Dr. Anderson? Describe your symptoms. 

Prior to seeing Dr. Anderson, I was unable to get out of the bed on many days, my whole body ached, I had chronic sinus issues, my brain was foggy, and I simply could not fully function on a daily basis.

What were your first few visits like?  What was your initial response to the treatment?

Before coming to Longevity, I had literally tried everything I could for a year and a half and been to other holistic clinics, only to be left feeling hopeless and wondering if I would ever get my life back. My first few visits were refreshing as Dr. Anderson took time to get to the root of my symptoms, and it was confirming when other areas of concern, which I had not mentioned, showed up in the testing. At first administering the necessary remedies at home felt overwhelming, and I initially experienced some common detox symptoms of headaches and fatigue. The staff were, however, so patient and helpful in explaining my protocol and always available for answering questions. I was absolutely shocked at how much my overall health improved in only thirty days, and I was so grateful to experience moments where I felt like my old self again. Each visit was encouraging as fewer of the old issues were present, and my body attested to the progress made. Furthermore, I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis in the last few years, and several members of the Longevity team put together a comprehensive plan for my treatment focused on lessening inflammation in my body. I have seen tremendous results.

Describe your overall health picture today.  What improvements have you experienced? 

Regaining my health has required commitment, hard work, and perseverance, and it has all been worth it. I am feeling better than I ever have, and my immune system is stronger. More specifically, I am sleeping better, have more energy, no longer ache all over and hardly ever get sick. I have learned principles that will govern my health and that of our family for years to come and feel empowered with tools for preventing illness instead of simply masking the problem. I came to Longevity desperate and am grateful to God and Longevity for the state of my health today.

What is your overall impression of Longevity Health Center and Dr. Anderson and his staff?

Longevity Health Center is a place of warmth and true serenity. Its holistic approach provides me with confidence that no matter the issue, the center is equipped to treat it and to provide ongoing support. The staff are caring and accommodating, and I feel heard. I am impressed by the amount of time Dr. Anderson spends and appreciate the fact that he does not depend solely on his own wisdom but has prayed with me concerning my health. As we have welcomed our baby boy home through international adoption, Longevity has walked with us every step of the way- from travel preparation to detox support to ensuring our son receives the best care possible in his first year of life. There is no place I would trust more with our family’s health.

By Maria Speizer, Certified Natural Health Professional/Holistic Health Practitioner/Master Herbalist 

When it comes to making a decision for yourself and your family about whether you should get a flu vaccine (or any vaccine for that matter), the first step is asking the right questions.  At Longevity Health Center, we believe that an educated person is an empowered person.  Here are some basic questions and answers that might help you make this decision this year.  As always, our desire for our patients is complete health and vitality!

What is the flu? 

The flu (influenza or grippe) is an infectious virus. Several types of flu viruses have been identified. Usually the virus travels through the air over relatively short distances from coughs or sneezes. A person can spread the virus both before and during the time that they are symptomatic. Peak flu season in the United States is considered to be October– April.

What are the risks associated with getting the flu?

Symptoms can be mild to severe. Most commonly, symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, coughing and fatigue. Symptoms can last from two days to more than two weeks. The cough may last longer. Children may also experience nausea and vomiting. Complications of the flu may include pneumonia, sinus infections and worsening of other, pre-existing health problems (such as asthma or heart failure).  

It is difficult to know for sure, but it is generally estimated that there are three to five million cases of the flu around the world, resulting in 250,000 – 500,000 deaths annually (typically occurring in the very young, the very old, or those with other serious health problems). 

Larger outbreaks of influenza are called pandemics and they are less frequent. There were three influenza pandemics in the 20th century, each resulting in over a million deaths. Before the current Coronavirus pandemic, the most recent pandemic was in 2009 (H1N1).

What is the flu shot?

The flu shot is a vaccination against influenza. It typically covers three to four specific strains of the influenza virus. Since the virus evolves rapidly, the vaccine is changed from year to year to include the strains of the flu that are predicted to spread in the coming season.  There is no guarantee that the flu shot will be effective against the strains of the virus that actually do spread in any given year.  The vaccine can be administered in a shot form (usually in the arm) or in a nasal mist (contains live viruses). Nasal mist vaccines are only recommended for those ages 2-49.

What are the toxic ingredients that are included in the flu shot?

There are multiple flu shots made by different manufacturers from year to year.  They all typically contain:

    • Thimerasal (a mercury compound used as a preservative to prevent contamination). Due to concerns about autism, some manufacturers have removed Thimerasal from children’s flu vaccines.
    • Aluminum Salts (adjuvant used to stimulate a response to the antigens)
    • Egg Proteins (used to culture the virus)
    • Formaldehyde (to kill inactivate other toxins during the manufacturing process)
    • Neomycin (an antibiotic to kill bacteria that contaminate during the manufacturing process.
    • Gelatin is present as a stabilizer. Most flu shots use pork-based gelatin.

Additional ingredients typically include MSG, sucrose and phosphate buffers, as well as multiple mineral and chemical compounds.

How effective is the flu shot?

In 2018-2019, the vaccine was considered to be 29% effective (in other words, 71% of people who were vaccinated still had a flu that season).  Nasal Spray form of the vaccine has been found to be generally ineffective for the last few years. The flu shot has been shown to be most effective in those who have not previously received the vaccine.

What are the risks or potential side effects associated with getting the flu shot?

The most common side effects include soreness at the sight of the injection, mild fever and flu-like symptoms. However, more serious vaccine injuries occur every year, including Guillian-Barre Syndrome, Auto-Immune Disease, and Encephalitis (brain inflammation), sometimes leading to death.

Can I decline the flu shot?

Despite the tremendous pressure put on the public by big-pharma funded media, as well as the CDC and health professionals, the flu shot is not mandatory.  Some employers (especially those in the healthcare industry) require employees to receive the flu vaccine each year.  However, exceptions may be allowed, particularly on the basis of medical or religious exemptions.  We encourage you to know your rights when it comes to vaccine choice, and to even consider joining in the ongoing efforts to keep vaccine choice in our state and country!

How is the flu treated medically?

Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu are used to treat influenza. Their benefits, in both otherwise healthy people, as well as people with other health problems, do not appear to be greater than their risks.   Since the flu is not bacterial, antibiotics have no effect on the virus.

How can I naturally and proactively protect myself against the flu?

Your immune system health is the most accurate predictor of whether or not you will get the flu.  The best way to prevent the flu is to strengthen your immune system!

Get your D3!

Studies are showing that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D might be the single most important thing that a person can do to prevent the flu.  Vitamin D produces up to 300 different antimicrobial peptides in the body that work to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi.  A recent study showed that children taking just 1200 IUs of Vitamin D3 daily were 42% less likely to get the flu.

Work that gut!

About 80% of your immune system actually resides in your GI tract, so having a healthy gut means having an optimal immune system!  One study showed that children who took probiotic supplements twice a day for 6 months reduced antibiotic use by up to 84%!  In addition, limiting sugars, avoiding alcohol and practicing good nutrition is vital to overall health.

Take natural immune boosters: 

  • Probiotics
  • Colostrum
  • Vitamin D3
  • Vitamin C
  • Elderberry
  • Echinacea
  • Astragalus
  • Adaptogenic Mushrooms (Beta Glucans)
  • Glutathione 
  • Zinc & Quercetin
  • Turmeric

Take antimicrobial herbs 

  • Pelargonium
  • Oil of Oregano
  • Garlic
  • Rosemary

Other home remedies include:

  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Bone Broth or Chicken Soup
  • Hot Herbal Teas
  • Elimination of Sugar and Carbs (get calories from protein and vegetables)

Additionally, make sure you get plenty of rest (7-9 hours per night), practice good hygiene (hand washing!), reduce stress, exercise, and stay well hydrated.

Homeoprophylaxis for Influenza

Homeoprophylaxis Protocol (HP) is a natural method to help boost natural immunity to the seasonal flu.  This holistic approach  can also help a person with actual flu symptoms to relieve them quickly and naturally. 

HP has been used worldwide for over 200 years with clinical effectiveness based on modern research studies. It uses potentized substances in a systematic manner to boost natural immunity. HP is a 100% safe, method of stimulating and increasing the body’s immune system with highly diluted homeopathic substances. These substances are made into non-toxic homeopathic remedies.

Benefits of Homeoprophylaxis: 

  • Designed to boost natural immunity to influenza
  • Used to build up the immune system before exposure to the influenza and during the flu season
  • Strengthens the body and increase its resistance to the season’s flu viruses
  • Protects against cold & flu symptoms such as body aches, nausea, chills, fever, headaches, sore throat, coughs, and congestion
  • Addresses the after effects of the flu 
  • Alleviates adverse effects of the flu shot

Flu season is here and we can’t avoid being exposed to it.  However, we can help prevent getting the flu by boosting our immune systems and making ourselves ready to fight back.

Stay Well!

I am so thankful that the Lord led me to Dr. Anderson and Longevity Health Center. I truly believe they have saved my life. I had been sick for almost two years with symptoms that affected every system in my body. I had chronic stomach issues, skin conditions, severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, chronic fatigue and major fluid retention. I had been to numerous specialists and had gone through several surgical scopes, a surgical muscle biopsy, painful nerve conduction testing, multiple MRI’s, CT scans, and blood tests, all to no avail. I was getting sicker and had no answer as to why. I was on many prescription drugs and was continually offered more and more to try and control the symptoms. I had to quit my job as a Kindergarten teacher. I spent most of my days in bed, losing the life that I once knew, which was that of an active mother, teacher and avid runner. But through the grace of God, a friend suggested that I travel from Alabama to Georgia to see Dr. Anderson.

Every aspect of my experience with Dr. Anderson’s office has been wonderful. From the friendly and helpful ladies on the phone to everyone I came in contact with at the office during my visits. They worked together to help care for me. Dr. Anderson told me on the first visit that he would find the source of my problems and not just treat the symptoms. That was music to my ears!! With his testing, he found multiple issues going on in my body. I explain it to others by saying that it was a perfect storm that led to a really sick body! He made a detox plan and started me on my journey to healing with natural remedies and holistic medicines. For the first time in a long while, I had Hope. Hope that I would get well and that I could regain the life I had once lived.

After only 2 weeks on the plan, I was able to get off of my reflux medication and anti-depressant. Both of which I had been on for 10 years. I was able to get off of the other prescription drugs too. By the end of the first month, which was the end of January, I was already starting to feel better and more like myself. By the end of the second month, I was able to go buy groceries for my family and do laundry and housework. I was spending less and less time in bed. At the end of the fourth month of my wellness journey, I walked a 5K with my family. It was such a victory! I had signed up for the race back in January after my initial visit, just in faith, that by the end of April, I would be able to walk the 5K. My family and I praised God that day as we walked, thanking Him that I was alive and able to walk that far without pain! My new goal is to run that same race next year!! I am continuing to heal and to detox and even though I still have days that I feel bad, I just praise God for how far I’ve come and that the good days now outweigh the bad.

Through the help of Dr. Anderson and his staff at Longevity Health Center, my life has taken a new turn. My family is now eating healthy and organic and we are taking a natural approach to healing. My daughter has also become a patient of Dr. Anderson’s. I am happy to report that after 2 years of chronic stomach issues, she is pain-free! Praise the Lord!

Here at Longevity, we love hearing testimonials from our patients who have experienced amazing transformations with their health.  Enjoy this encouraging story from a patient who has experienced a complete 180 in her health and quality of life.  If you have a testimonial to share, we’d love to hear from you and use your story to encourage others!

It has taken me some time to sit down and write this…partly because I am a procrastinator and partly because…well, there really are no words that can adequately articulate the transformation in my health, my excitement about the work Dr. Anderson is doing, and my complete and utter gratitude to Dr. Anderson, his family, and staff.  I mean seriously, how can one put in a nutshell going from a life of chronic illness and multiple mis-diagnosis to a life of abundant energy and feeling better than when I was in high school!?  I’m anxious to tell you, but I’m also telling you, it’s not gonna fit in a nutshell!

Before seeing Dr. Anderson I was on a seemingly unending cycle of doctor visits, specialist visits, antibiotics, tests, procedures, and bills and more bills.  I was exhausted, scared, and broke, and all the while getting sicker and sicker with no end in sight.  My vast array of symptoms from head to toe seemed to change by the day with no rhyme or reason. Over the years I have experienced headaches, neck pain, blurred vision, stars in vision, brain fog, EXTREME irritability, EXTREME fatigue, anxiety, weakness, chronic adenoid infection, stomach pain, recurring UTI’s, frequent urination, incomplete elimination, inability to move bowels, inappropriate lactation, joint pain, tingles down my back, numbness in my arm and legs, itchy ears, skin rashes, tinnitus, weight gain, memory loss, sensitivities of all kinds, and the list goes on and on!

Most doctors seemed to think it was all in my head, and that none of the issues were related! I had to admit, the symptoms were strange, ever changing, and seemed vastly unrelated. But how could that be? I’ve been sick on and off most of my life, but could it be that at the age of 27 my body was really just completely falling apart? Could it be that my entire body was malfunctioning and it just happened to be all at the same time? Or could it be that it’s all in my head?

The anguish, despair, and fear I felt every time I left a new doctor’s office without answers was completely desperately lonely and agonizing. No one understood how sick I really felt. I spent my life ‘faking’ it as a college student and athlete, and now I was really faking it, and it was getting harder and harder to hide. It affected every area of my life. My life had been reduced to one thing a week. I could pick one outing, one visit, or one chore, and then I was wiped out for the rest of the week. Life was hard and miserable and confusing.  I’m thankful for incredible family support and dear friends, but even they could not possibly understand how bad I felt.  I spent many many hours researching, I changed my diet(which helped a little), I took supplements(which helped a little), I took medications, I tried to tell myself it was all in my head(which did not help!)….NOTHING worked.

Growing more stressed and desperate by the day, I was ready to do ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING. I had a child to raise, and there were things I wanted to do with my life!  Though I had been sick on and off for a long time, the dramatic and acute decline seemed to be triggered by Epstein Barr virus and/or pregnancy, both of which I had around the same time.  I have sat around, acutely and chronically ill with these mystery symptoms for 6 years solid!  All of my, now 5 ½ year olds, life!  I felt like a failure of a mom. I began to question my sanity. My marriage was suffering. I was in the pit. Regardless of my religious beliefs, I felt hopeless.

I was at a crossroad. I had exhausted my resources. I live in Raleigh, NC and I have access to the “best medical care,” and I only got worse. I was treated at Duke, UNC, and other surrounding medical facilities. I spent tens of thousands of gut wrenching dollars. I had many suggestions of things to try, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, colon therapy, more supplements, rid myself of all stress(is that really possible? I think not.), go to a different specialists, have my adenoids removed, do more outrageously expensive tests, do another colonoscopy, get on anxiety meds, etc, etc.  I felt like some of these could be good recommendations, however I struggled to believe that any of them were really going to fix the root of the problem, but what was the root of the problem? No one could tell me, and I was running out of money!

Then I heard about the Longevity Health Center.  A very sick friend of mine was going there and seeing good results.  I knew I must try. I knew I had nothing to lose.  I knew it was affordable.  I called.  Melina was so helpful and kind.  She talked with me about my symptoms, what might be helpful, and what would not be helpful for my situation.  I was lined up for a colonoscopy and surgery, and she encouraged me to wait, just till after I could get in to see Dr. Anderson.  She scheduled me and put me on the waiting list.  I’m so thankful I did get in a few weeks early!  From that point on my life changed. I had great hope.  My health changed. My marriage changed.  My family’s life changed.

Right away Dr. Anderson said, “you are very sick.”  I wanted to cry and hug his neck. He believed me!  He found a Spirochetes Bacteria, parasites, some viruses, and fungus invading my body. I had food sensitivities and my immune system was on the brink. It all made sense. It made sense why I couldn’t step in a grocery store or restaurant without getting sick two days later. It made sense why all I wanted to do was sleep. It made sense why I’d had a sore throat for 6 years! It made sense why all my body’s elimination methods were shutting down.  “Give me 6 months,” he said.  His methods are different, but at that point no amount of standard medical care had helped me. I was a ready and willing candidate for anything, even the atypical or somewhat peculiar.  I did it religiously and without fail, I followed his direction down to the last card, drop, and pill.

Today my life is a WHOLE. DIFFERENT. BETTER. STORY.

Dr. Anderson sent me home with a card, yes a card, to wear on my body that he made on his fascinating VEGA machine. He sent me home with silver to fight the Spirochetes bacteria and few supplements to help support my depleted adrenals, organs, and immune system.  He promised the foods I was to avoid would only be temporary. He warned me that I would feel worse for a few weeks, and I did.  Almost immediately the UTI I had been dealing with for months went away.  I got better little by little.  Braced for disappointment (a learned reaction from past medical treatments), I continued on faithfully following Dr. Anderson’s directions.

At my second appointment many of my ailments had cleared! I felt better, but not 100%. I made a few trips to Atlanta, he said I had plateaued and that this is typical, and he encouraged me to remain faithful.  He explained that they are seeing a pattern where people get worse before they get better. I was game. What did I have to lose? Weeks past, months, and I still felt better, but still not 100%.  I continued on into the 4th and 5th month…and suddenly I got worse again. OH NO! What is this? I felt nervous, but I had several more weeks till next appointment, and I remembered his warning.  I got really sick for three weeks, but I remained hopeful.  Then all of the sudden I was better. A LOT better. I had energy. My infection was gone!  My irritability fell away like a heavy cloak. My vision was better, my anxiety gone, my brain fog no more, numbness gone, and I started eliminating regularly!  I was almost afraid to admit how good I felt. At my 6 month appointment the spirochetes bacteria was clear!

My adrenals are still stressed and my liver is working hard, but I am on a better track! My body is healing; I have no infections, and I have energy!  I have energy to keep up with my son (who has also been treated by Anderson with fantastic results!), I go to the grocery store, restaurants, church, parks, museums, everywhere and I don’t get sick, and sometimes I do it all in one single day!  I have my life back!  I’ve lost weight, we eat healthier as a family, it’s has been a complete lifestyle change for us.  I’m thankful for this experience. It was a hard, miserable, and confusing 6 years, but it was used to mold me and make me who I am today. I am thankful.

I cannot say enough about Dr. Anderson and his staff. They are simply a joy to visit. They are caring and very knowledgeable.  I feel strongly that, in addition to Dr. Anderson, his staff was a huge part of my healing process. I particularly enjoyed the lymphatic treatments, and my visits with the coordinators to go over Dr. Anderson’s treatment plan.  They spent time with me, they made sure I understood and felt comfortable with the supplements and plan, they simply cared.

Words cannot express my gratitude.  I would recommend Longevity Health center to anyone and everyone.  Regardless of whether you are generally healthy or sick, Longevity health Center has resources that simply should not be missed out on.  I’m thankful for Dr. Anderson’s willingness to share his knowledge, his gifts, and his passion.  I pray for Dr. Anderson, his family, and his staff, that they would have great endurance, perseverance, and good health, so that they can continue doing what they do best, helping others and changing lives.