SPECIFIC LABORATORY TESTS RELATED TO DETOXIFICATION


Our naturopath may recommend specific testing (blood, stool, urine, hair and / or saliva) at this visit in order to better understand how efficient your body is in the removal of toxins, what your toxic load status is with respect to heavy metals and other toxins. Some of the tests provided at the clinic may include:


HAIR / URINE MINERAL ANALYSIS

Hair / urine mineral analysis assesses levels of 22 potentially damaging elements using a hair sample. A substantial body of scientific literature supports hair analysis as an accurate, reliable gauge of long-term toxic exposure. Because hair follicles are exposed to the blood supply during growth, element concentrations in hair reflect concentration in other body tissues.

Should levels be elevated, a variety of clinical and lifestyle interventions can be implemented to reduce toxic burden; follow-up hair testing provides a good indication of long-term treatment effectiveness (after 3-4 months).

The following elements will be checked through the hair mineral analysis:

  • Aluminum
  • Antimony
  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Bismuth
  • Cadmium
  • Copper
  • Gandolinium
  • Gallium
  • Germanium
  • Lead
  • Mercury
  • Nickel
  • Palladium
  • Platinum
  • Rhodium
  • Tellurium
  • Thallium
  • Thorium
  • Tin
  • Tungsten
  • Uranium

Although everyone is potentially exposed to toxic elements, this comprehensive profile is particularly relevant for individuals employed in high risk occupations, including welding, metal working, mining, battery production, aerospace work, optical fiber and lighting manufacturing, and various other high technology and metal manufacturing industries. Because of their unique physiologies, children and other adults (especially post-menopausal women) are also much more vulnerable to the negative health effects of toxic element exposure.


DETOXIFICATION PROFILE

Detoxification profile to assess the body's capacity to carry out detoxification through functional challenges-caffeine, acetaminophen, and salicylate-which evaluate specific aspects of the detoxification process and free radical damage. These functional assessments provide a comprehensive profile of the body's detoxification capacity and potential susceptibility to oxidative damage.

This test measures the clearance of challenge substances in two salivary specimens; the products of detoxifying reactions are also assessed in an overnight urine specimen. In the Comprehensive version of this profile, the urine specimen is analyzed for levels of lipid peroxides. In addition, various oxidative markers are assessed from fasting blood specimens taken the morning after the challenge. These tests are sensitive indicators of biological detoxification status.


OXIDATIVE STRESS PROFILE

Oxidative stress at the cellular level results from many factors, including exposure to alcohol, medications, trauma, cold, toxins or radiation. Although the biochemical significance of oxidative stress has been proven in relation to a vast range of degenerative disorders, including cancer, diabetes, premature aging, Alzheimer's and many others, until recently it has been difficult to assess its impact upon individuals and then measure effectiveness of therapeutic intervention.

Oxidative Stress Profile is a sensitive assessment utilizing challenge substances to evaluate the body’s' oxidative stress status, antioxidant reserve and interrelationship with liver detoxification. This test provides a powerful window on the status of the body's intra-cellular health, and allows clinicians to develop individual therapies for patients and monitor treatment progress.

Related Articles

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition with a prevalence of 80% in female and 90% in male teenagers. It is caused by a disorder of the oil glands that result in clogged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly known as pimples. Risk factors: poor diet, excessive sugar, trans fats and processed foods.

Read more

Candidiasis

Candida overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract is now becoming recognized as a complex medical syndrome known as chronic candidiasis or the yeast syndrome. Symptoms include: Multiple food allergies, or allergic to all foods( pan allergic), alternating diarrhea with constipation.

Read more

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is described as a severe, debilitating fatigue, lasting at least six months (of new and definite onset), associated with at least four of the following symptoms: impaired memory or concentration, sore throat, muscle pains, joint pains, unrefreshing sleep and post-exertion malaise.

Read more

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - a diagnosis of exclusion, this condition is often misdiagnosed. Severe food intolerances / allergies may exhibit symptoms that are similar to Irritable Bowel Syndrome such as pain, cramping, gassiness, sudden bouts of diarrhoea, and constipation.

Read more