Biochemical Tests

More about tests available through Nutritionplus

Biochemical tests can be a useful way of determining exactly what is happening in your body, so your treatment can be tailored accordingly.  These tests are now available for you to order, either in conjunction with a full nutritional consultation or on their own, and in most cases can be carried out easily at home, using a saliva or urine sample.  Some tests require a blood sample which can be obtained from your GP or nurse. Results will normaly be with you in around 14 days, and will include a brief interpretation from a qualified nutritionist.

Tests Available:

The Food Allergy Cellular Test

This test  measures the release of chemical mediators from white blood cells once they have been stimulated and incubated with foods, detecting a much wider range of food intolerances and sensitivities than is possible by conventional means. All types of immunological reactions are measured to around 170 different foods, including common seasonings, colourings, additives and beverages from a single blood sample. 

Signs and symptoms associated with food intolerance include:
  • Gastrointestinal: bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, wind, nausea, vomiting, colitis
  • Genitourinary: bedwetting, chronic bladder infection
  • Immune: chronic infections, ear infections
  • Mental/emotional: anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, inability to concentrate, insomnia, irritability.
  • Musculoskeletal: bursitis, joint and muscle pain, arthritis
  • Respiratory: asthma, chronic bronchitis, wheezing.
  • Skin: acne, eczema, hives, itching, skin rashes.
  • Misc: Palpitations, water retention, headaches/migraines, hypoglycaemia, rhinitis, weight gain, fatigue.

Blood sample required. Price £245

Adrenal Stress Index

Two small glands, known as the adrenal glands, help us deal with stress by releasing the 'stress' hormones, cortisol and DHEA. These hormones are not released constantly throughout the day, but are secreted in a cycle, with the highest values being in the morning and the lowest at night. Sometimes in periods of long-term or profound mental or physical stress these glands can go into overdrive but later become exhausted. When this happens the hormonal levels of Cortisol, DHEA in the blood stream become imbalanced. There are different stages of adrenal stress and as a result you may have some, but not all of the associated symptoms such as decreased mental and physical energy, poor immune system  low mood, emotional instability, increased difficulties in maintaining weight, digestive difficulties, menstrual difficulties/irregularities, cravings, lowered sex drive, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, irritability, skin problems, poor memory/concentration, and chronic fatigue.

The Adrenal Stress Index test enables a detailed assessment of the adrenal hormone cycles by measuring both saliva cortisol and DHEA levels and their ratios throughout then day.  It is a  simple, non-invasive test that uses four saliva samples to measure the adrenal rhythm and obtain a DHEA to cortisol correlation. 

Saliva sample required. Price £70

Candida Antibody Profile

Candida is a natural part of our gut flora. It is a yeast that is present in the intestinal tract, skin, and genito-urinary tract. However, Candida can change into a pathogenic form, and damage the gut lining, causing 'leaky gut syndrome'. Candida can secrete toxins into the tissues and bloodstream.   A major cause of candidiasis is antibiotic use, which kill off healthy bacteria in the gut, which then leads to the overgrowth of other microorganisms such as Candida, which are resistant to the effect of antibiotics. Other contributory factors include the use of steroids and the contraceptive pill. A diet high in refined sugars will encourage candida, as will poor immune function associated with long-term illness, such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

Symptoms of Candida include: thrush, white coating on tongue, diarrhoea/constipation, bloating/excess gas, rectal itching, recurrent cystitis, headaches, depression & mood swings, slow metabolism, menstrual cramps & irregularities, lethargy & 'foggy-headedness', fatigue and acne.

If Candida becomes pathogenic, it will lead to the production of elevated levels of specific antibodies. Using a very sensitive technique levels antibodies to Candida are measured. Such antibody levels can be used to diagnose not only a recent or current Candida infection but also previous infections.

Saliva sample required. Price £70

Thyroid Screen

The thyroid is the body’s metabolic thermostat controlling body temperature, energy use, growth rate, and affecting the operation of all bodily processes and organs. The thyroid gland affects every cell in the body, regulating cell metabolism. When the thyroid is under active it doesn’t produce enough active hormones, so the body's systems become sluggish.  Common symptoms include weight gain, low energy, fatigue, lethargy, needing lots of sleep, slow to get going in the morning, tendency to feel cold especially in hands and feet, depression, low blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, poor concentration and memory, swollen eyelids, face, general water retention, thinning and loss of hair, headaches, weak and brittle nails, goitre, anaemia etc

Blood sample required £80

One day Progesterone/Oestrogen test

Imbalance in our sex hormones are extremely common. Signs & symptoms of such an imbalance include menstrual irregularities, painful, heavy or irregular periods, vaginal dryness, night sweats and hot flushes, memory problems, depression, low libido, painful breasts, fluid retention and bloating, headaches, insomnia and so on. Blood tests for these hormones are not always reliable, since hormones in blood are bound to protein and therefore are not active. Measurement from saliva enables the accurate measurement of the free and active components of these hormones. 

Saliva sample required £65

Female Hormone Panel 

Many factors can influence the delicate balance of hormones, including stress, hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies and toxins. Problems with the menstrual cycle are among the most common complaints seen by doctors. PMS is estimated to affect 70-90% of women.  This saliva test analyses levels of progesterone and oestrogen by sampling twelve times through the cycle. The relative levels of these two hormones can then be plotted and graphically to represent any abnormalities throughout the menstrual cycle. This test also measures testosterone which can be elevated in some women.

Saliva sample required £150

Menopause Profile

Menopause is a point at which a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, indicating the end of fertility. Although menopause is not a disease, but a natural progression in life, many women experience significant discomfort both during and after the menopause as the changing hormones start to establish a new balance.

These hormonal changes that occur in the menopause also increase the risk for other health concerns, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, breast and vaginal cancer. Osteoporosis in particular is a major problem. The Menopause Profile consists of three tests; a 1-Day Progesterone/Oestrogen test, an Osteoporosis Risk Assessment and an Oestrogen metabolism test.

Saliva sample required £170

Osteoporosis Risk Assessment

Osteoporosis is called the ‘silent disease’ because you cannot see or feel your bones losing density. This condition characterised by a degenerative thinning of bones, which leads to chest pains and fractures. Although bone degeneration starts out slowly, usually around the age of 35, it can accelerate rapidly in women after the menopause.

This test measures a bone collagen peptide, which is a marker of current bone remodeling/breakdown activity. 

Urine sample required £70

Hair Mineral Analysis

With ever-growing levels of toxic metals in the environment, widespread nutrient and mineral insufficiencies, poor lifestyles and dietary habits; there is an increasing need for a reliable tool to identify imbalances of both essential and toxic minerals within the body. Scalp hair has been used since 1929 to assess mineral levels, and is also widely accepted for assessing toxic element exposure.

 

Hair sample required. £65

Comprehensive digestive stool analysis

Digestive problems are one of the leading causes of visits to a GP. Two in every three people have problems with their digestive tract or have conditions which are influenced by the health of the digestive system. The health of the gastrointestinal tract is linked to the functioning of many other organs and systems within the body. 

The ability to digest and absorb nutrients from food is one of the cornerstones of good health. Poor digestion and malabsorption can contribute to degenerative diseases, compromised immune status, and deficiency states.  In addition the gut must maintain a well balanced ecosystem of millions of bacterial flora. This delicate balance can easily become altered and result in health concerns such as food intolerances, Coeliac Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease, as well as more non-specific symptoms such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, changes in bowel movements, bloating, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, cramping, food allergies or intolerance etc.

Stool sample required £200

Comprehensive Paristology

The Comprehensive Parasitology assesses bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and infectious pathogens.

Stool sample required £140

Gut Permeability

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition whereby the lining of the digestive tract becomes damaged and the contents of the gut can be too easily absorbed. Large particles, if absorbed, trigger immune reactions including food allergies and intolerances. Symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal pain and distention, diarrhea, skin rashes etc.  The gut permeability assessment directly measures the ability of two non-metabolised sugar molecules, lactulose and mannitol, to permeate the intestinal mucosa.  The degree of permeability if reflected in the level of the two sugars recovered in a urine sample collected over the next 6 hours.

Urine test £120

H Pylori Test

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium which can survive in the highly acidic environment of the stomach.  The bacteria can cause the protective mucus lining to thin allowing acid produced in the stomach to come into contact with the cells lining the stomach cusing pain and discomfort.  It can also increase the alkalinity of the stomach which increases the chances of further digestive problems, and other bacteria or pathogens infecting the digestive tract.  

A simple breath test is available which is able to confirm that there is an active current infection of H.pylori. The breath test procedure is a highly accurate and non-invasive diagnostic test. 

£100

I can offer other tests as required - if the test you are interested in does not appear here, do email me with your requirements and I will probably be able to help.

 

How to order

Ordering a test couldn't be easier.  Just let me know which test you require, your name address, date of birth and telephone number, and I will order the test kit to be sent to you.  Full instructions are enclosed within the test kit, but if you have any queries please feel free to email me for clarification. You perform the test at home, then send it back to the laboratory in the envelope provided, along with your payment.  Results are usually with you in around two weeks.

Testing is carried out by Geneva Diagnostics in conjunction with IWDL testing services, who offer excellent, accurate, scientifically verified testing.  Please email me if you would like to be sent any further information on any of the tests.


Contact me
crobi@connectfree.co.uk


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