How do you determine what may be going on with regards to your health and wellness?
Laboratory Testing allows for a better understanding of the balance of the body. By looking at specific areas and specific tests we can get a better idea of the dysfunction that may be present and provide us with a better understanding of what may be the cause of your symptoms and health concerns.
There are several tests available and it all depends on what we are looking to determine from your symptoms and/or health concerns.
- Serum Blood Testing
- Hormone Saliva Testing
- Hormone Urine Testing
- Organic Acids Testing
- Food Sensitivity Testing
- Stool Testing
- Heavy Metal Testing
What do these tests determine?
Serum Blood Testing
Blood tests are used in primary medicine to confirm or reject a clinical diagnosis. These are the tests your medical practitioner would order on yearly exams and/or for presenting health concerns. In Ontario, similar and sometimes more detailed blood tests can be ordered by your Naturopathic Doctor. A requisition form is required for the blood draw and it is important to note that these tests are not covered by OHIP when ordered by a Naturopathic Doctor.
Hormone Saliva Testing
Saliva hormone testing is an accurate, non-invasive and clinically useful way of measuring hormones. Saliva hormone testing can be used to identify existing hormone excesses or deficiencies. As the name of the test states, it uses saliva taken at specific times of the day to determine the levels of certain hormones including sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and DHEA). Hormone Saliva testing can be done for adrenal health and sex hormone health.
Hormone Urine Testing
Urine testing for hormones and their metabolites can be useful when patients present with complex symptoms or require more information. This testing can provide insight into all hormones including sex hormones, adrenal hormones and melatonin. Additionally, as Hormone Urine testing provides the levels and forms of metabolites (the breakdown of hormones in the body through their use in chemical reactions), we can gather information on how and in what form these metabolized in order to determine the production of harmful byproducts.
Organic Acid Testing
A urine sample is collected and assessed for organic acid metabolites. What this means is it allows us to understand symptoms of mood disorders such as anxiety or depression by assessing neurotransmitter functions (Serotonin, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, etc.).
Food Sensitivity Testing
We all know whether we are allergic to nuts or certain food groups, but many assume that an allergy is the same as an intolerance. An allergy produces an IgE reaction that typically occurs within minutes of exposure to, or ingestion of a food. Commonly observed symptoms include hives, itchy watery eyes and breathing difficulties. Food sensitivities, however, are non-immune reactions to food, in which there is a delayed response to the ingestion of a “culprit” food. Food sensitivity Testing is done through blood and can provide an understanding of the amount of inflammation and the foods that are causing the distressing symptoms. Additionally, you can specifically test for candida antigens to determine if there are signs of Candida Overgrowth.
Stool Testing
With the emergence of many various types of digestive complaints and symptoms, stool testing can provide insight into the microbial balance within the digestive system. It provides information pertaining to digestion and absorption, gut ecology, inflammation and immune function and pathogen profile.
Heavy Metal Testing
Heavy metals can be found in hair and urine. Heavy metal toxicity is associated with learning and behaviour difficulties as well as some autoimmune and mood disorders. Determining which heavy metals someone may be overburdened can be seen with heavy metal testing of urine or hair.
