functional testing
Below is a selection of the more commonly used tests I recommend. It is not an complete list of what may be available to you.
Testing will only be suggested if we feel deeper investigation is required and that the findings would be a valuable asset to creating your unique treatment plan.
GUT
Organic Acid Test (OAT) £250 The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with over 70 markers. It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. The Organic Acids Test also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and is the only OAT to include markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses. For more info
Gut Function Testing GI-MAP Stool Analysis £289. The GI-MAP includes the first comprehensive pathogens assay that is FDA approved: the GPP assay by Luminex Corp. The pathogen targets include bacteria, parasites and viruses - another first for the market. The test shows a balance of beneficial bacteria, parasites, markers of inflammation, digestion, absorption and DNA/PCR techniques. It also allows for the measurement of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors that contribute to pathogenicity. This is the true diagnostic solution for evaluating gut health. Zonulin can be added on. Zonulin is a protein that regulates tight gap junctions in the gastrointestinal tract and modulates intestinal permeability. For more info
SIBO Breath Test (Lactulose or Glucose) £170. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria appear in the normally more sterile small intestine and begin to colonize.
Hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gasses are produced in the digestive system primarily only by the bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates (sugars, starches or vegetable fibers). The generation of H2 and/or CH4 will result in the absorption of some of these gases into the blood stream from the site of their production, and they will appear in the expired air. If either of the gases appear in the expired air, it is usually a signal that carbohydrates or carbohydrate fragments have been exposed to bacteria, permitting such fermentation to take place and that SIBO can be suspected.
This SIBO breath collection kit comes with either Glucose or Lactulose as a substrate.
Studies have indicated that potentially up to 80% of patients with IBS may in fact have SIBO which this Hydrogen /Methane breath test can easily and non-invasive help determine. For more info
Hormones
DUTCH Complete £287 (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) DUTCH offers the most extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones along with their metabolites. Additionally, the daily (diurnal) pattern of free cortisol is included along with melatonin. This unique combination of clinical information is not available by any other method.
Women: Millions of women suffer from hormonal imbalances. Identifying the root cause of chronic health issues is certainly correctable, but only if properly identified. The dried urine collection process is great for baseline measurements of women with hormonal imbalances and for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) monitoring.
Men: Over time, men experience a gradual loss of their hormones that are produced in the gonads and adrenal glands. Testosterone and DHEA levels fall and estrogen levels tend to rise. Many men feel like this is part of getting older and do not think there is treatment to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. The DUTCH test was created to provide insight, in one easy to administer test.
The DUTCH cycle mapping £345, Women struggling with infertility
The DUTCH CAR £210 "Cortisol Awakening Response" looks at the overall diurnal pattern of free cortisol, and the total and distribution of cortisol metabolites.
For more info
Toxin exposure
GPL-TOX (Toxic Organic Chemical Exposure) £299 A toxic non-metal chemical profile that screens for the presence of 172 different toxic chemicals including organophosphate pesticides, phthalates, benzene, xylene, vinyl chloride, pyrethroid insecticides, acrylamide, perchlorate, diphenyl phosphate, ethylene oxide, acrylonitrile, and more. This profile also includes Tiglylglycine (TG), a marker for mitochondrial disorders resulting from mutations of mitochondrial DNA. These mutations can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, infections, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies.
The Phthalates & Parabens Profile £245 helps assess levels of phthalates and parabens in the body, which can help identify if exposures correlate with health issues. Phthalates and parabens are known as xenoestrogens, which bind to estrogen receptors and disrupt the endocrine system. Knowing a patient’s body burden of phthalates and parabens can assist in creating treatment plans to help achieve patient wellness. Environmental toxins should be evaluated as a "first step" to help patients get back on the road to wellness.
Phthalates, also called "plasticizers", are found in numerous everyday products, including children's toys, cosmetics, cleaning products, air fresheners, perfumes, furniture, vinyl flooring, plastic food containers, and many medical products.
Glyphosate £139. Glyphosate is the world's most widely produced herbicide and is the primary toxic chemical in Monsanto's Roundup™. It is a broad-spectrum herbicide that is used in more than 700 different products from agriculture and forestry to home use. Glyphosate was introduced in the 1970s to kill weeds by targeting the enzymes that produce the amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine. Usage of glyphosate has since amplified, after the introduction of genetically modified (GMO) glyphosate-resistant crops.
For more info
NUTRIGENOMICS
DNAlysis is at the forefront of nutrigenomics, the study of the interaction of nutrition and genes, providing healthcare practitioners with an unparalleled depth of insight into your personal dietary needs.
Panels include DNA Diet, DNA health, DNA oestrogen as well as Coliac markers. For more info genetic testing and available panels
www.dnalysis.co.za/products
Note: These tests are not diagnostic , but used for deeper exploration. Prices may vary according to laboratories used and their current pricing.