TESTING & ANALYSIS

Functional Medicine practitioners, including nutrition therapists, identify the causes of many health conditions through the analysis of results of science-based testing.  These tests are not standard blood tests but often are investigational in identifying the biochemical and metabolic imbalances that are the cause or the result of a disease processes.  Based on these test results practitioners can develop personalized, patient-specific treatment protocols designed to reverse, stop or prevent disease and its symptoms.

 

Functional Testing

With functional testing, a more in-depth, medical assessment of your current state of health is attained and can guide the development of your program for optimal supplement and dietary support.  Functional tests are used to identify how well various systems within the body are working and measure the progress of the recommended treatment protocols.  There are five distinct areas of laboratory assessments:

Gastrointestinal - Assessments of gastrointestinal function include the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis and several other tests and panels yielding important information about the ecology of the GI tract, including intestinal wall integrity, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, yeast presence, immune function, parasite activity, specific intolerances, Helicobacter infection, and vaginal health.

Immunology - Assessments of immune function include the Comprehensive Antibody Assessment, with reporting of IgG antibodies for delayed reactions as well as IgE for immediate reactions and testing for Celiac profiles.

Nutritional - Nutritional assessments include Elemental Analysis (toxic and nutritional element levels), Amino Acids Analysis (of 40-plus amino acids critical to healthy metabolism and detoxification and neurological health), Essential & Metabolic Fatty Acids Analysis and elemental hair analyses.

Endocrinology - Assessments of endocrine function evaluate the body's ability to regulate itself through hormone action.  Tests include evaluations of sex and regulatory hormones and the Bone Resorption Assessment, Adrenal Stress Index and Thyroid Panel.

Metabolic - Metabolic assessments measure the body's detoxification processes, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense capabilities, and cardiovascular health (with a comprehensive array of independent markers).

 

Functional Blood Chemistry Health Analysis

Oftentimes, when a more complex ailment is present, the assistance of more specialized testing is necessary.  If you think that you have a major system imbalance, such as liver, thyroid, or hormonal problems, or severe digestive disorders such as parasites or gluten intolerance, then you are an ideal candidate for testing.  However, functional blood chemistry analyses are highly beneficial and recommended to all my clients.

 

A functional blood chemistry health analysis offers the most comprehensive measure of your current state of health.  A blood analysis is performed and the test results are assessed using an ideal “functional” range.  Unlike a “clinical range” which is based largely on sick people, the functional range is based on the ranges found in healthy people.  This approach confirms nutritional needs, sub-optimal organ and gland function,

and allows for correction before disease develops.  This blood analysis assesses the immune system, identifies blood sugar imbalances and assesses liver, digestive and thyroid health.

A wellness profile can provide a more detailed picture about your health to give you optimal supplement and dietary guidance to support your individual metabolism, detoxification pathways, nutrient stores, and health conditions.

Benefits of a Blood Chemistry Analysis:

• Develop a reliable perspective for viewing lab reports
• Implement nutrition protocols specific to your body’s state of health
• Provide early detection of developing life-threatening health conditions
• Avoid spending money on supplements you may not need
• Track the results of your wellness program
• Gain a thorough understanding of endocrine physiology and function

 

The benefits of having a blood chemistry analysis completed through Earth and Water Wellness include confidentiality; the results are always confidential and will remain private (your insurance company will not see the results), it is convenient and cost-effective.  Paperwork will be either given to you at the time of your visit or e-mailed to you with lab locations throughout the country.  The cost of a Blood Chemistry Health Analysis includes the lab fee and blood draw, complete assessment and the record of findings for only $175.00.

Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing
This blood test identifies delayed allergies and chemicals (sometimes called sensitivities) to specific foods.  This type of testing is essential for identifying “hidden” allergies that may go undetected by traditional methods such as skin testing.

ALCAT© testing can help you overcome any food sensitivity problems you might have by identifying what foods, additives, and chemicals are provoking your symptoms, and, more importantly, which foods have the highest probability of being safe.

Once the test is performed, an eating plan is developed and tailored to the needs of each individual client with assistance in implementing your new, healthy eating plan.

Testing Panels and Prices

There are several testing panels to choose from and will be discussed between you and the healthcare practitioner.  Prices vary.

ALCAT Finger stick test – now only $99

ALCAT Laboratories provides patient-friendly screening for detecting IgG-mediated (delayed) food allergy without the need for a blood draw!  This option will only test for 20 different foods, but provides an excellent baseline as a start.  Test kits are available and can be mailed out to you when you contact me directly at 303.718.3360.

  

Why we frequently feel sick

Food sensitivities are a common cause of many chronic conditions and affect an estimated 15-20% of the population.  Symptoms provoked by food sensitivities occur when our immune system begins perceiving foods in the same way it perceives things which are actually harmful ‑ bacteria, viruses, parasites. This causes the release of toxic chemicals called “mediators” (such as histamine, cytokines, and prostaglandins) from our immune cells.  It’s the inflammatory and pain-inducing effects of the mediators that give rise to symptoms, which ends up making us feel sick. 

Research has shown that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, chronic depression, and many other conditions have higher than normal levels of these mediators circulating throughout their bodies.  For many, the “trigger” that causes the mediators to be released can be linked to foods or chemicals in their diet.

Food sensitivity symptoms are often chronic because the mediators that make us feel sick are released every time you eat your reactive foods.  And it doesn’t matter what drugs we take to try and get better; if we have food sensitivities and don’t figure out which foods we should be eating (and of course, which foods we should stay away from), getting better and staying better becomes a long-term losing struggle.

 

Conditions and Symptoms Linked to Food Sensitivities

• Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, functional dyspepsia (heartburn), diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating
• Migraine and other chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, joint pain, muscle pain, muscle weakness
• Autism, ADD/ADHD, fatigue, tiredness, insomnia, general malaise, restlessness, “brain fog”
• Hives, eczema
• Excess mucous production, chronic post nasal drip, chronic congestion

Additional Testing

• Adrenal Stress Index
• Thyroid Panel
• Gastrointestinal Index
• Detoxification pathways and Toxic Load analysis
• Heavy Metal Analysis
• C-Reactive Protein (Inflammation)

Adrenal Stress Test
Your adrenal glands play an important role in regulating energy, hormones, and immune system function.  These glands are especially susceptible to the effects of stress and often “burn-out” or dysfunction.  The adrenal stress test provides the information needed to identify and accurately correct adrenal dysfunction.

Thyroid Panel

The thyroid panel has 4 tests: Free T4, Free T3, Thyroid stimulating Hormone and Thyroid antibody.  Thyroid hormones play critical roles in your metabolic rate, carbohydrate metabolism, fat metabolism, vitamin and mineral absorption, sexual function and sleep.  This panel is obtained through a random saliva collection, resulting in a highly sensitive test that gives a good reflection of the tissue delivery of the hormones.  Is this test for you? 

Gastrointestinal Index/Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA)
This is a stool test used to identify microbial and yeast overgrowth (candida), inflammation, and “leaky gut”.  The stool test also measures the level of good, healthy bacteria and identifies immune system deficiencies within the GI tract.  It is ideal for determining if parasites or bacteria are present.

 

Female Hormone Panel

This test provides a reliable assessment of hormone function. Effective assessment can provide important information for avoiding the negative side effects associated with hormone replacement therapies, as well as offer more natural forms of hormone therapy.

 

Male Hormone Panel

This test provides a reliable assessment of hormone function. Effective assessment can provide important information for addressing issues related to impaired libido, fat accumulation around waistline, change in sleepin patterns, erectile dysfunction or depression/loss of vitality.

Inflammation

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
• Homocysteine levels

Tests for Mental Health

• Blood panel for vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Thyroid and adrenal panels (Wilson’s thyroid syndrome)
• Food sensitivity tests for gluten and casein sensitivity
• Blood and hair analysis for heavy metal and toxic chemicals
• Tests for Pyroluria, methylation, and other metabolic imbalances
• Hormone levels
• Stool samples for candida yeast, bacteria and parasites

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Earth and Water Wellness uses LabCorp Testing Services for all blood draws and the analysis is completed by ALCAT, DirectLabs, Diagnos-Techs, Metametrix Laboratories, York Laboratories or ZRT Labs.

If additional testing is recommended and you decide to order testing or a blood chemistry health analysis, you will receive a LabCorp order either via e-mail or fax.  LabCorp is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of Medicare program

 

For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact:

Vicki Gerberich, Certified Nutrition Therapist

Earth and Water Wellness, LLC

303-718-3360