Naturopathic Testing

Although naturopathic medicine takes its roots from folk medicine with a history spanning back the ages, current scientific breakthroughs are occurring regularly that allow us to investigate health on a specific and comprehensive level.

While my treatments and recommendations will all be related to herbs, nutrients and food as medicine, I employ a large range of testing to help understand your health if further investigation is necessary.

*Please note, I only recommend testing when I believe it is needed, and it is by no means compulsory. If you are looking for testing, I will not request a test for you without a naturopathic consultation first. This is to ensure you are getting the correct test, and also to identify if the test you want is warranted in your case. A follow up consultation will deliver your results to you, complete with testing interpretations and recommendations as to a treatment plan suited to your needs.

 Common naturopathic tests used include but are not limited to the following.. 

Food Intolerance Testing:

IgG food intolerance testing identifies foods in the diet which your immune system reacts to in a negative way.

The majority of reactions to food can result in discomfort in many chronic conditions and diseases. The symptoms are varied and individuals can react in different ways. Many people live with minor or major symptoms of adverse food reactions for years without ever suspecting the involvement of the immune system and the foods which trigger them.

Common conditions where food sensitivity may play a significant role include bloating and fluid retention, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, depression and mood swings, asthma, skin conditions and behavioural problems in children.

Food sensitivity reactions may be the result of enzyme deficiency, histamine releasing effects, altered intestinal permeabililty (e.g. leaky gut) or pharmacological effects.

This test does not investigate IgE mediated food allergies (immediate and severe reactions to foods such as swelling and vomiting). 

This is a blood test taken either in clinic by me, or at a blood collection facility such as ARL.*

Complete Digestive Stool Analysis: 

A CDSA test investigates the health of the digestive system from top to bottom. This test provides an overview of the components of digestion, absorption, intestinal function, and microbial flora, as well as identifying pathogenic bacteria, parasites and yeasts.

Poor digestive function and imbalanced gut flora may play a crucial role in the underlying cause of numerous health conditions. Symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, abdominal discomfort, skin conditions, allergies, and intolerances are all indicative of poor gut function.

This test is non-invasive, a stool sample is collected at home and sent to the lab for analysis.* 

Adrenal Hormone Profiles:

This test examines four levels of the stress hormone Cortisol and its precursor DHEA-S, over the course of a day. Four samples are taken to ensure an accurate reading over a 12 hour period.

This is an important test to determine adrenal function in patients presenting with symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, mood swings, insomnia, headaches, low energy, stress, hormonal imbalance, and poor immune function.

This is a saliva test collected at home and posted away.*

Hormone Profiles:

In both men and women, a Hormone Profile provides valuable information on an individual’s hormonal status and the potential impact this may have on physical and emotional health.

Hormonal imbalance may result in weight gain, mood swings, night sweats, disturbed sleep pattern, loss of libido, male pattern baldness, and hot flushes.

This is a non-invasive saliva test that can be done in the comfort of your own home.*

Melatonin Profile:

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland and secreted in a distinct circadian rhythm - stimulated by darkness, inhibited by light.

Low levels of melatonin in the body may result in sleep disturbances such as insomnia, poor immune function, depression, and other mood disorders.

This is a non-invasive saliva test.*

Comprehensive Urine Elements Profile: 

This test assesses the urinary excretion of 15 nutrient elements and 20 toxic metals. It is an ideal test for patients suspected of toxic metal exposure as well as potential nutrient deficiency.

Accumulation of toxic elements can occur in the body in response to occupational and environmental exposure and from toxic release in air, soil, and industrial waste. Evidence suggests that toxic element exposure can adversely affect respiratory, renal, hepatic and immune function and compromise cognitive and neurological health.

Toxic elements: Aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, bismuth, cadmium, cesium, gadolinium, lead, mercury, nickel, niobium, platinum, rubidium, thallium, thorium, tin, tungsten, uranium.

Nutrient elements: Calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, selenium, strontium, sulfur, vanadium, zinc.

This is a non-invasive urine test taken in the privacy of your own home.*

Urinary Kryptopyrrole Testing:

Pyroluria is a common feature of many behavioural disorders.

The condition indicates an excess of pyrroles, which interrupt vitamin B6 and Zinc metabolism leading to behavioural symptoms, such as ADD, ADHD, Bipolar, aggression, depression and schizophrenia.

This is a non-invasive urine test.*

 *Please Note: All tests are only recommended after a naturopathic consultation. Pricing will vary for each test, and fees must be paid to the testing laboratory directly.