Services

IgG/IgE Food Sensitivity / Allergy Testing

Nature Doctors employs the latest in scientific allergy testing to determine those allergies that are often hard to detect or are missed on standard skin prick allergy tests with your MD. The test consists of a finger prick with 5 drops of blood and can test for 96 common foods, herb/spices as well as environmental allergen and food additive panels.

What makes IgG / IgE testing unique is its ability to detect low grade allergies. IgG/IgE reactions can take anywhere from hours to days to occur so the patient often cannot figure out the triggering allergen. These antibody/allergen reactions have been linked to the following conditions in the literature:

• Skin depositions: Eczema, Psoriasis and Acne
• Respiratory Depositions: Asthma and recurrent ear, nose, sinus and throat infections
• Joint Depositions: Joint pain and immune mediated arthritis
• Fatigue and Pain

For more information on IgG testing, refer to the following articles: IBS and Crohns

Comprehensive Digestive System Analysis

Nature Doctors brings you the latest in scientific advances with our digestive health test panel. This test is particularly indicated for those with IBD / IBS and other inflammatory bowel diseases. The stool and salivary samples gives us insight into how every part of your digestive system is working. From pancreatic enzyme production to inflammatory markers from the colon, these results give us the exact information we need to select the proper treatment protocol and help solve those troubling digestive problems. The test is non-invasive and easy to perform in the comfort of your home.

Since over 65% of your immune system is in your gut, it may be imperative to test the digestive system for patients coming in with diagnoses of asthma, eczema, psoriasis, autoimmune conditions among many others.

Urinary Analysis Testing

Every new patient will be asked to perform this simple urine test. Results give us insight into kidney and liver and bladder function. As well, it is important to test the acidity because the kidneys and liver work more efficiently in a more alkaline environment. Based on your results, we may recommend key dietary changes that will influence the acidity and help to provide a more favorable environment for your body to heal.

Saliva and Blood Hormone Testing

Science is moving in the direction of salivary hormone testing based on its ease of collection and more accurate results regarding "free" hormone levels. There are a variety of panels that can be run depending on your health concerns.

• Adrenal Fatigue / Cortisol Function test – for complaints of unexplained low energy and disrupted sleep
• Cycling Female Hormones test – provides your estrogen/progesterone levels in graphic representation over the course of your cycle. This test would primarily be indicated for women with painful and/or irregular periods as well as those suffering from infertility.
• Thyroid Function test – for those with concerns of unexplained low energy or a history of thyroid problems
• Male hormone test – similar to the female panel but looks at hormones more particular to men. This panel would also be indicated for men with infertility issues, erectile dysfunction and overall low libido and vitality.
• Estrogen Metabolism Testing – there are a few pathways that a body can metabolize estrogens through and are dictated by genetics and nutritional influences. Women with a history of breast cancer, uterine or cervical cancer often choose to run this test as it will provide insight into prevention strategies.
• Combination testing – a combination of one or more of the above.

Heavy Metal Urinary Testing

Heavy metals are posing an increasing threat to our health. We are exposed on a daily basis through natural and man-made sources, many of which we are unwary of. Heavy metal testing is indicated for those with behavioral disorders such as ADD / ADHD, Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. It is also used for those with complaints of hypothyroidism, cancer, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. A simple urine test will provide data on heavy metals stored in your tissues. Metals that are tested for include mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, tin among many others. As well, the test will provide information on mineral balance within the body.

Zinc Tally Test

A zinc tally test is a short in-office test that involves swishing a zinc solution in ones mouth for 10 seconds. Depending on zinc load in the body, the patient will experience different taste sensations over different periods of time. While being a relatively simplistic test, it can provide information on the health of your immune system.

BIA – Bio Impedance Analysis for Body Composition

BIA's are performed on most patients that come through the clinic. A simple procedure that involves placing adhesive pads and wires to your hand and foot allows the machine to provide data on your body composition. This data will include lean body mass, fat mass, hydration status, intracellular and extracellular water, phase angle, BMI and Basal Metabolic Rate – your metabolism.

Using this data, we can objectively tract changes in your physical body, individualize meal plans, set up medically supervised weight loss programs and follow inflammatory / allergic type reactions.

Neurotransmitter Testing

Without having to cut your cranium open we can see what is happening chemically with a simple urine sample. This specialized testing is shipping to the world's leading authority in salivary neurotransmitter testing in New York State. Indications for this testing include behavioral disorders (ADD/ADHD), Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Seizure Disorders as well as many autoimmune neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis.

Lyme Disease Testing

Lyme Disease testing in Manitoba is known to be unreliable at best. In fact, most infections from tick bites involve other co-infections that produce similar symptoms but do not show up on standard testing. Lyme disease and co-infection testing can only be done by only a few labs in the world. The Mayo Clinic uses the same lab as Nature Doctors for testing and is the most comprehensive test available. These test kits must be special ordered so it is important to tell the front desk or your Naturopathic Doctor that you have an interest in the test.