LAB TESTS
IgG Food Sensitivity Test
What is IgG (Immunoglobulin G) Food sensitivity?
Lab Tests
IgG Food Sensitivity Test
Food sensitivities are delayed reactions to specific foods that are triggered by IgG antibodies. In an IgG reaction, the IgG antibodies attach themselves to the food antigen and create an antibody-antigen complex. These complexes are normally removed by special cells called macrophages. However, if they are present in large numbers and the reactive food is still being consumed, the macrophages cannot eliminate them properly. The food antigen-antibody complexes accumulate and are deposited in body tissues. Once in tissue, these complexes release inflammation causing chemicals that may contribute to disease.
Why test IgG food sensitivity?
- IgG food reactions take several hours or days to develop making it difficult to determine which food is responsible for the reaction.
- Most individuals are consuming foods which they are reacting to but are unaware of it.
- IgG reactions are affecting an estimated 1/3 of the general population and 2/3 of those suffering with chronic health issues.
- Numerous conditions and diseases are linked to food sensitivities.
Who would benefit from IgG food sensitivity testing? Those with:
- Headaches & migraines
- Hypertension
- Irritable bowel syndrome (altering constipation & diarrhea)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Gas, bloating, indigestion
- Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia
- Weight gain, difficulty losing weight
- Eczema, psoriasis
- ADD/ADHD
- Anxiety, depression
- Joint conditions and many more conditions
How is a sample taken for IgG food sensitivity test? Blood sample is collected for testing by finger prick.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid testing
Omega-3 Fatty Acid testing
Good fats – The essential fatty acid family includes omega-3 and omega-6, which are considered essential because it is not synthesized in the body and is dependent on diet. Most of us get plenty of omega-6 fatty acids from grains and grain-fed animals and lack the omega-3 fatty acids. However, a proper balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart attack and inflammation. Bad Fats – Trans fatty acids (TFAs or trans-fats) are chemically altered forms of good fatty acids. Food manufacturers began altering fatty acids to increase their stability and to extend shelf life. Saturated fats are mostly found in animal meat and are solid or semi-solid at room temperature. Consequently, both trans- fats and saturated fats raise cholesterol (LDL, triglycerides) therefore, increase risk for heart disease.
There are two ways to measure omega-3 levels:
- Breast milk sample
- Finger prick blood sample
Testing Omega-3 in breast milk
- Proper DHA omega-3 levels in a mother’s breast milk are important for the optimal development of her breastfeeding child.
Studies show:
- Higher levels of DHA are associated with better mental development and intellectual functioning in infants and toddlers.
- Higher levels of DHA in breast milk have been related to better visual acuity in infants and remains beneficial for advancement during a childs first years.
Knowing your levels is the best way to ensure you’re offering your developing child the omega-3 they need through breast feeding
Testing Omega-3 in blood samples:
- Omega-3 continues to be essential throughout adulthood for its ongoing health benefits and a reduced risk for a variety of ailments.
- Higher levels of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with a significantly lower risk of death due to cardiovascular disease and an increased life expectancy.
- In adults, higher blood levels of EPA/DHA omega-3 have been associated with a significantly lower risk for psychological distress, depression, cognitive impairment, age-related dementia, certain cancers, and various other disorders.
The Omega-3 fatty acid test will help to determine if levels of essential fatty acids and other beneficial fatty acids are sufficient. This will allow to correct any deficiencies through diet and supplementation if need be. Retesting after 3-4 weeks can be done to confirm that the recommend levels have been reached.
Hair Mineral & Cortisol Analysis Test
Hair Mineral Analysis Test
Hair mineral analysis is a screening test to measure the levels of up to 60 essential minerals and toxic metals. With correct testing and interpretation, one can construct a complete metabolic profile of the human body.
Hair is an excellent biopsy material. It is easy to sample, easily preserved and transported, represents a soft tissue of the body and is storage and eliminative tissue. As hair grows it forms a permanent record of the body’s nutritional deficiencies or excesses.
Minerals screened include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorous, coppers, zinc, manganese, selenium, iron and cobalt.
Elevated readings can have different meanings depending upon:
- Present symptoms
- The elevated mineral in question
- Whether a specific treatment, regimen or diet is being followed
- Relationships to other elemental readings
Toxic metal screening includes lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and aluminum.
A very high reading may represent a toxic amount of the mineral in the hair and in the body tissues in general. In the case of a toxic metal, any deposition or accumulation in the hair indicates some degree of toxicity.
High levels of toxic metals inhibit the body’s ability to process and assimilate specific nutritional elements that are essential to good health and have a proven link to many types of diseases.
Health problems that may be associated with mineral imbalances or toxic metal excesses:
Health problems that may be associated with mineral imbalances or toxic metal excesses:
- ADD/ADHD
- Autism
- Allergies
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety and depression
- Arthritis
- Arteriosclerosis
- and many more
Hair Cortisol Analysis Test
The HPA Axis response to acute stress can be assessed by measuring cortisol levels in saliva, urine and blood. However, these tests only reflect the past 24 hours.
Hair cortisol analysis is an innovative way to measure HPA Axis activity in response to long term stressors. A small hair sample is required for analysis.
- Impaired cognitive function
- Lower immunity
- Increased abdominal fat
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Decreased bone density
- Suppressed thyroid function
- Elevated blood pressure
- Sleep disturbances
- and many more
Stress and negative emotions persisting overtime can lead to the development of chronic illnesses.
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Digestive disorders
- Headaches including migraines
- Hair loss
- Heart failure
- Hyperactivity hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Inability to lose weight
- Infertility and miscarriage
- Insomnia
- Learning disabilities
- Lethargy or weakness
- Muscle weakness
- Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- Parkinson’s disease