Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about the important role of hypercoagulation in chronic illness.  About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Ruth Kriz.  Utilizing her functional medicine background as well as experience in microbiology and teaching pharmacology, Ruth Kriz, MSN, APRN has spent the majority of her professional career as a Nurse Practitioner working with Chronic UTI and Interstitial Cystitis patients; as well as those dealing with hypercoagulation.  Her practice expanded to patients from almost all the states in the US as well as from 35 countries who came to her seeking answers beyond symptom management.  Through molecular testing, an understanding of the genetics common to these patients, and an understanding of how genetics contributes to chronic infection, hypercoagulation, and biofilms, she has been able to very successfully treat this population.  These factors have broad implications for other chronic infections (sinus, prostate, ear infections, wounds, etc.) as well as fibromyalgia, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions in which hypercoagulation and biofilms are an important contributor.  She has closed her medical practice, but she reinvented as a consultant to help practitioners learn how to utilize her approach for curing these patients and currently is working with MicroGenDX. Key Takeaways: What are the symptoms and conditions associated with hypercoagulation? Why is the "fibrinolytic pathway" a better term than "hypercoagulation"? What genetic predispositions are involved in coagulation disorders? Can hypercoagulation be treated naturally or are pharmaceutical interventions required? What is the role of vitamin K in coagulation? How might long-term antibiotics for chronic Lyme disease contribute to coagulation issues? What is the difference between fibrin and a biofilm? What are some of they key labs to explore in order to assess for the potential of hypercoagulation? Are statin drugs contraindicated in those with high Lp(a)? What role do platelets play in the coagulation discussion? What is the connection between long COVID and biofilms? How does lumbrokinase compare to nattokinase? Why are D-Dimer and PT/PTT not ideal tests for exploring hypercoagulation? Connect With My Guest:  http://RuthKriz.com Related Resources: To review additional resources mentioned in the episode including details about the LabCorp panel, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode207. Interview Date: October 29, 2024 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode207. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.