Naturopathic Medicine & Testing

What – Unlike IgE Food Allergy testing, which assesses for potentially serious, acute reactions to foods (e.g. anaphylaxis from peanuts), IgG Food Sensitivity testing assesses for delayed immune reactions to foods. This type of reaction can take months to develop, and can trigger inflammation that can persists for weeks or months.

Who – Anyone who is curious about possible food sensitivities, particularly those who have experienced symptoms such as: digestive issues (e.g. IBS, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, etc.), joint pain, skin conditions (e.g. acne, psoriasis, eczema), headaches, general sluggishness, depression, inability to lose weight…. Determining what foods are contributing to these symptoms can greatly impact the sense of overall well-being, and improve function in the affected areas.

How – During your initial naturopathic appointment, Dr. Lee/Dr. Boudreau will take a thorough history to determine if/which testing is appropriate for you. Test results & a FST-specific treatment plan will be reviewed during a  follow-up appointment.  The test requires a blood sample, which can be collected at Lifelabs via a blood draw.  FST results typically take 2-3 weeks to return.  *Note – Possible trigger foods will not show up as positive on testing if you have not eaten them in the past few weeks or months.

What – SIBO can lead to many digestive symptoms, including bloating, constipation/diarrhea, nausea, cramping, and subsequent symptoms like fatigue, headaches, inflammation, and more.

How – Patients receive a take-home test kit to collect breath samples over the course of 3 hours. Results return for discussion approximately 2 weeks after the lab receives the samples.

What – Stool analysis testing may provide a comprehensive assessment of digestive function, including enzyme production, nutrient absorption, and microbial levels (both beneficial and potentially harmful).

How – This take-home kit involves obtaining samples either over a one-day or three-day period, mixed in the appropriate sample tubes, before scheduling a pick-up.

What – Nutrient deficiencies can arise through imbalanced or restricted diets, impaired digestion/absorption, or a number of other causes. Nutritional assessment testing may help shed light on specific areas of concern, including levels of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and fatty acids.

How – Depending upon the specific test, samples may be obtained using first morning urine, a buccal (cheek) swab, a Lifelabs blood draw, or a fingerprick blood sample (or a combination thereof).

What – Exposure to toxic metals such as lead, arsenic or mercury can arise from numerous sources, including the home and the work place. Elevated levels of these harmful compounds may affect everything from mood, sleep and energy to immune function. Testing for levels of these compounds, as well as key nutrients like selenium and iron, is an important first step towards addressing a potential issue.

What – Neurotransmitters are chemicals produced within nerve cells to deliver a message elsewhere in the body, influencing everything from mood (e.g anxiety, depression, insomnia) and energy to immune function. By measuring urinary neurotransmitter levels, it may be possible to determine how they’re being produced, as well as broken down (metabolized).  Neurotransmitter testing determines levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and histamine. The test can be combined with an examination of salivary levels of cortisol, sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, which can also impact mood, energy and reproductive health.

How – Depending upon the specific panel, four salivary samples are obtained over a 24-hour period, as well as either a single urine sample or a 24-hour collection.