A variety of tests are offered to help with diagnosis, monitoring of progress. Some testing profiles are listed below. This list is not a complete list.
- Routine Blood Work such as monitoring your red/white blood cells, blood sugar, cholesterol.
- Vitamin D. Vitamin D is not just a vitamin; it is a hormone with effects on every cell of the body. Not only does it help with calcium absorption and bone density, it is important for mood, attention, and keeping the immune system healthy.
- Thyroid. Thyroid hormone is important for all metabolic processes. If your thyroid is not working, neither are you. TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and if indicated, thyroid antibodies can be added to routine blood work.
- Adrenal. A working adrenal gland is important to help deal with stress. If this small gland is not working, symptoms may include fatigue, weak muscles, the inability to handle even small amounts of stress, sugar and/or salt cravings, muscle aches/pains, and/or high blood sugar.
- Sex Hormones. An imbalance of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can lead to low bone density, sleep disturbances, PMS, hot flashes, brain fog, increased cancer risk, low sex drive, and other disturbances. Testing for hormones can determine if an imbalance, deficiency, or excess contributes to physical, mental, or emotional symptoms. Testing may include urine or saliva samples.
- Food Allergy, IgG. Food allergies can cause a myriad of symptoms including fatigue, mood disturbances (depression, anxiety, hyperactivity), sleeplessness, dermatitis, autoimmune disorders, hypertension, fainting, bedwetting, and more. Food allergies can contribute to disturbances to all systems of the body and can be very individual; two people may react poorly to the same food, but their reactions may be completely different. IgG immunoglobulin may contribute to delayed sensitivity reactions which may take from 2 to 96 hours to be felt. Identifying and then eliminating offending foods can aid in reducing or eradicating symptoms.
- Parasites and beneficial bacteria. Although parasites are not as prevalent as in many other countries, they do exist in the United States. Repeated antibiotic use can result in low numbers of beneficial bacteria and overgrowth of detrimental bacteria or yeast. Beneficial bacteria help digest food, outcompete detrimental bacteria/yeast, absorb vitamins, and reduce overall inflammation. Yeast, such as Candida albicans, can increase inflammation, cause sluggishness and brain fog, increase the toxicity of mercury exposure, aggravate skin irritations, stimulate sugar cravings, and reduce energy levels. Testing may determine if you have a parasite, lack beneficial bacteria, or if you have an overgrowth of detrimental bacteria or yeast.
- Toxic Metal Analysis. Toxic metals such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are prevalent environmental toxins and may contribute to chronic disease states. Testing can determine a relative body burden of these compounds and if toxic metal exposure is currently occurring. Testing is recommended for those suffering from chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, chemical sensitivity, autoimmune disease, Parkinson’s disease, MS, Alzheimer’s, unresolved dermatitis, autism, ADD/ADHD and others. Lead is especially toxic to children and can reduce IQ and increase aggressive behavior. Lead and mercury in adults can contribute to cardiovascular disease and increase risk of heart attacks. If toxic metals are present, a detoxification plan may be created including supportive nutrient therapy.
- Neurotransmitter testing. A simple urine test may show why anxiety, depression, or obsessive behavior persist.
- Chemical burden. Chemical exposure is a reality in our modern world. Pesticides, PCB’s, plastics, parabens, and solvents may contribute to the disease process such as immune disorders, neurological diseases, infertility, hormone issues, lowered immunity, and lowered IQ in children. Testing for these compounds is possible and may help determine how to decrease environmental toxic exposure and show you the need for a detoxification plan.