Comprehensive Testing in Toronto, ON

Food Sensitivity Testing

Food sensitivities and intolerances routinely cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, colitis,  fatigue, headaches, migraines, reflux, joint pain, acne, eczema, depression, foggy thinking, weight gain, attention problems and many more. They often play a role in autoimmune conditions as well.  In my practice, I find that identifying the culprits can be essential for resolving your health concerns. After a time of avoidance and gut healing measures, many sensitivities will resolve.

Food allergy and sensitivity are different. Food allergy aka peanut or shellfish allergy causes hive-like reactions and anaphylaxis (throat-closing). It is produced by IgE mediated hypersensitivity. Food sensitivity symptoms are caused by IgG antibodies and present with a large variety of symptoms.

Testing is done using

1) Blood testing for IgG and IgE antibodies to foods.
Skin scratch testing is relatively useless for determining food sensitivities. You will be given a special kit to take to the any Life Labs where a blood sample will be taken and processed. Results are ready in about 7 days. Lab fees are in the range of $300.00. Some insurers cover the cost of lab tests. Check with your provider.

or

2) Electrodermal Testing.
There is no blood draw using this method. The test measures changes in electrical conductance in your skin when exposed to various foods and food chemicals. A very broad range of items are tested. You will be referred to a testing location to have the test done. Results are immediate. Costs range between $75-$150.

Live Cell Analysis

Live Cell Analysis is a valuable to assess your terrain, aka the health of the environment in your body. A toxic, inflamed,  nutrient deficient terrain produces disease. A pure terrain does not. Live Cell Analysis is used in many parts of the world by ND’s and MD’s alike. It’s also an extremely useful tool to help elucidate the root cause of your concerns.

A finger prick of blood is mounted on a slide and examined under a microscope. The image in the microscope is projected onto a TV screen. By looking at your blood, we get an over all picture of your health. We can see the health of your cell membranes and shape of your cells, we can see how healthy your immune system is by the movement, shape and number of your white blood cells. We can see evidence of free radical stress, acidity and degeneration. We can see if there is evidence of maldigestion of proteins, fats and carbs. We can see evidence of leaky gut, bowel inflammation, systemic inflammation and microbial fermentation from overgrowth. We can see if there is liver congestion or lymphatic congestion. Evidence of heavy metal or chemical toxicity may appear. Deficiencies in essential fats, overall minerals, B12, iron and antioxidants can be seen. We can monitor your progress with repeat testing. For example you’ll be able to see just how effective doing a detox really is and correlate why you feel better with what is happening in your body.

Body Composition Testing

This is a quick, inexpensive and useful test to help me monitor your overall health and body composition and watch it improve! It also helps to target what is needed nutrient-wise makes sure you’re healthy. Healthy bodies don’t develop chronic disease or cancers!  These tests are often used at gyms, however this particular machine is more accurate. It measures fat mass, muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, cell membrane health, toxicity levels, hydration – overall, in the cells, and between the cells. It’s useful tool when implementing a weight loss program, for athletes wanting to improving performance, or monitoring health in cases of cancer and AIDS. Cost is $20.00.

Heavy Metal Testing

Heavy metal toxicity is a serious health risk to developing autoimmune conditions, cancers and neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, ADHD, dementias and Parkinson’s. They can also be the cause depression, cognitive problems, paraesthesias, dizziness, fatigue, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, thyroid issues, fertility issues and more.  Anyone eating sushi as frequently as 1 x per week should be tested. Toxicity is not uncommon. In fact, testing for environmental toxicity should be part of primary health care! Blood levels show current only exposure within the last 72hours. Urine provocative challenge testing elucidates lifetime tissue storage levels. Hair analysis is less useful as it shows recent exposure with in the last 3-4 months and is typically accurate only for organic mercury. Blood testing is done at a regular lab. Urine challenge testing (gold standard for storage levels) is done using a urine collection kit and sent to specialized lab in the states called Doctor’s Data. Cost for pre and post testing is $220 plus HST.

Testing for Environmental Chemicals

solvent, dioxin, pesticide, PCB load etc.

(information to be added shortly)

Salivary Hormone Testing

Salivary testing has been found to be a highly accurate way to properly assess hormone balance. It reflects tissue levels of hormone rather than blood levels, which tend to vary hourly, daily, weekly. Testing is done for adrenal function and to elucidate functional imbalances in reproductive hormones for both men and women. Costs vary depending on tests required.

Comprehensive Digestive and Stool Analysis

This test is extremely valuable to accurately diagnose key functional problems causing gut related symptoms, autoimmune conditions, skin conditions and frequently, joint inflammation.

It tests for: Healthy bacterial colonies, pathogenic bacterial colonies, parasites, yeast, h.pylori, blood, pH, inflammation, pancreatic enzyme secretion, bile, secretory IgA – an important marker for immune function/deficiency, IgA – antibodies for gluten, dairy, egg and soy.  Lab fee is approx. $320 plus HST.

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