Functional Testing
Functional testing is a crucial aspect of my naturopathic practice. These tests help uncover underlying issues that contribute to your health concerns, allowing for precise, targeted treatment plans.
Here’s an overview of the functional tests I offer:
SIBO Breath Test
This test detects overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. As bacteria consume the food we ingest, they produce gases such as hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulphide. These gases are absorbed into the bloodstream and released into the lungs. Using specialised testing methods, we can collect and measure these gases at specific intervals after you’ve eaten. This helps determine if you have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO).
Microbiome Analysis
A small stool sample is collected on a cotton tip and sent to a laboratory where specialised methods identify the microbes present. This analysis includes determining the phylum, genus, species and strain of the microbes, the metabolites they produce, their preferred nutrients, and their abundance in the gut, or with other types of samples, in the mouth, bladder, vagina, prostate, or semen. This test provides a comprehensive view of your microbiome’s health and its impact on your overall wellbeing.
Intestinal Permeability Test
This test involves ingesting Lactulose and Mannitol, avoiding certain foods for a specified time, and collecting your urine for six hours. The laboratory measures the amounts of these two sugars to determine if you have Intestinal Permeability (leaky gut) and to what degree. This helps us understand if your gut lining is allowing unwanted substances to pass into your bloodstream.
Gastrointestinal Markers
Other stool sample tests can measure gastrointestinal markers such as inflammation, gut immunity, antibodies, pancreatic function, and the presence of blood or fats. These markers provide insights into the overall health and functionality of your gastrointestinal system.
Dutch Plus Test
Urine and saliva samples are taken at specific times across the day and night to measure hormones such as estradiol, estrone, estriol (the three estrogens), and their metabolites. This test also measures progesterone, testosterone and its metabolites, DHEA, DHEAs, cortisol, cortisone and their metabolites, melatonin, and other markers. This comprehensive hormone test helps detect hormonal imbalances, adrenal dysfunction, and poor communication between the brain, ovaries, and adrenals, and provides clues to how you metabolize and process these hormones.
Full Thyroid Panel
This blood test measures levels of TSH, fT4, fT3, rT3, and thyroid antibodies. It helps us determine your thyroid function and whether it’s contributing to issues like weight changes, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, palpitations, low mood, and temperature sensitivity.
Blood Testing
Various blood tests may be requested as needed, including nutrient levels, inflammatory markers, iron studies, cholesterol levels, and antibody markers. These tests provide essential information about your overall health and help pinpoint specific issues.
Additional Pathology Tests
There are many other pathology tests available to uncover the underlying causes of your health concerns. These tests help create a comprehensive picture of your health, enabling targeted and effective treatment plans.
