When you have been suffering from a chronic illness I always recommend some tests to help get you on the right track faster. Otherwise it can become a bit of a guessing game which in the long run ends up costing a lot more time & money. With testing you can assess straight away certain possible contributers to your condition and come up with a health plan to successfully support this. Below you will find a list of some tests I recommend depending on your condition...
The OATS test also known as the Organic Acids Test includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and is the only OAT to include markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses.
It measures the levels of organic compounds in urine that are produced in the body as a part of many vital biochemical pathways
Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine.
The OATS test assists in evaluating the following -
Mitochondria are the energy factories in our body and contribute to metabolising biochemicals needed for optimum health, such as synthesis of certain hormones, cholesterol metabolism, neurotransmitter metabolism, and ammonia metabolism. The Organic Acids Test has several markers for mitochondrial function,
The levels of HVA (homovanillic acid) and VMA (vanillylmandelic acid)are measured, these are the metabolites of the neurotransmitters, dopamine and epinephrine/norepinephrine. It also measures the ratio of the two metabolites.
This includes vitamins B12, B6, B5, B2, and C, Coenzyme Q10, N-Acetylcysteine, and Biotin (Vitamin H). Deficiencies of these vitamins and antioxidants are affiliated with a variety of chronic health issues
Once any yeast or bacterial abnormalities are detected, there are a variety of treatment options available, including antifungal or antibacterial products, probiotic supplementation, vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary modification.
Elevated levels of these fatty acids can be indicators of protein malnutrition, type I diabetes, severe GI Candida overgrowth, various genetic disorders, and cause hypoglycemia and lethargy
Unlike other chelating agents, oxalates trap heavy metals in the tissues, leading to metal toxicity. Oxalates also interfere with the Krebs cycle’s glucose metabolism and can inhibit absorption of essential minerals necessary for optimum health.
Studies also show that oxalates in the urine are much higher in individuals with autism than in non autistic children
The Organic Acids Test includes important indicators of the body’s detoxification abilities, including those for glutathione levels. Glutathione is one of the most important and powerful antioxidants, and is often deficient in autism and other chronic conditions. When an individual is prone to oxidative stress, they are also more susceptible to opportunistic pathogens. These pathogens can hinder, either directly or indirectly, proper digestion and create further oxidative stress in the body. Unless addressed, this vicious cycle will continue to inhibit the various chemical pathways necessary for proper neurological and immune function.
Another important marker included in the Organic Acids Test for detoxification is orotic acid. High levels of orotic acid can be caused by dysbiosis. Elevations of this marker are most commonly associated with ammonia toxicity. Elevated ammonia may result from drug toxicity to the liver, viral liver infection, or inborn errors of ammonia metabolism. Ammonia excess affects brain tissue, causing symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, confusion, inability to concentrate, anxiety, and even delirium.
With the correct support from abnormal findings in an OATS test, many clients find improvement including decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, and decreased abdominal pain.
The OAT is strongly recommended as an initial screening test.
COST $359
Normally, bacteria are found in the trillions in the LARGE INTESTINE, where they perform various symbiotic functions for the human body. SIBO is a condition where bacterial overgrowth occurs in the absorptive area of the body the SMALL INTESTINE.
SIBO causes damage to the absorptive surface of the small intestine – the ability of the body to absorb nutrients from food -
The breath test is a simple, non-invasive test. After a 24 hours preparatory diet, the lactulose (or glucose or fructose) test substrate is swallowed.
Lactulose is not absorbed and therefore may act as a food source for bacteria, if present, in the small intestine.
The bacteria may ferment the lingering substances and produce hydrogen and/or methane. These gasses may then be diffused into the bloodstream and exhaled via the breath.
Breath samples are collected every 20 minutes for 3 hours
Some reasons you may be prescribed a SIBO test
SIBO Complete (Fructose, Glucose, Lactulose)
Comprehensive detection for a wide range of intestinal microbes to identify the presence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) as well as malabsorption to high fructose food
Cost $409
SIBO Advanced Test (Lactulose and Glucose)
This gives a comprehensive detection for a wide range of intestinal microbes to identify the presence of small intestine bacterial overgrowth
Cost $299
SIBO Basic Test (Lactulose)
This tests for the presence of pathogenic intestinal bacteria that consume lactulose as their main energy source.
Cost $175
Fructose Melabsorption Test (Fructose)
This detects the presence of gas and fermentation upon the consumption of fructose to detect if fructose rich foods need to be avoided upon treatment diets.
Cost $189
Methane Spot Test (Methane)
A single baseline breath sample collection to identify the presence of methane production in constipated patients.
Cost $40
This test looks at four 4 different immune responses to 88 food antigens. This test evaluates both allergies and sensitivities, specifically . . .
IgE (immunoglobulin E)
The IgE antibody response is the most commonly known food allergy response. This response usually occurs immediately and can create severe symptoms such as swelling, hives, itching, and – in some cases – anaphylaxis
Even though IgE reactions are immediate, the allergic potential of food-based allergens can remain in the system 1-2 days after ingestion, extending the presence of symptoms during this duration. IgE reactions can be permanent or they may improve with the elimination diet and gut treatment. IgE reactions stimulate the release of Histamine in the body
IgG4 (Immunoglobulin G Subtype 4)
IgG4 is important in relation to IgE because it can act as a blocking agent for an IgE reaction, reducing anaphylaxis and the symptoms mediated by IgE, although, if too high it can also result in a secondary set of conditions of its own. Too much IgG4 causes immune-mediated conditions that typically affects multiple organ systems in the body
IgG (Immunoglobulin G, total)
IgG are antibodies that provide long-term resistance to infections and have a much longer half-life than the traditional IgE allergy. The IgG antibody response creates sensitivity to a particular food. Symptoms may be less severe than with IgE allergic reaction and can manifest anywhere from 3-72 hours after exposure. The delayed response makes sensitivities difficult to identify without a test.
The report provided includes Candida albicans (a microscopic fungal organism and pathogenic yeast). High levels of IgG antibodies to Candida have been found in patients who reported many symptoms of yeast overgrowth
C3d (complement component 3)
This will amplify the reaction that occurs with total IgG greatly increasing inflammation and symptoms of sensitivity
This is a blood test that is drawn at pathology and the cost is $515
The GI360 is a comprehensive stool test that is very different from the one your doctor may have already prescribed for you. There is so much more information on your gut health that the GI360 will provide including assessment of your gastrointestinal tract microbial diversity and abundance, digestive function, viruses, pathogens and parasites, inflammatory markers, GI tract immune barrier assessment.
Indications for the GI360 include - GI symptoms, Food Sensitivities, Nutritional Deficiencies, Chronic or Acute Diarrhoea, Bloody Stool, Abdominal Pain, Fever, Vomiting, Mucosal Barrier Dysfunction, Inflammation, IBD/IBS, Joint Pain, Autoimmune Disease
This is a simple stool test that is carried out over 3 days and the cost is $535