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Lab and In-Clinic Testing

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Thornhill Naturopathic uses conventional and naturopathic assessment and diagnostic tools to assess each patient’s health. We use several conventional Ontario testing labs as well international private labs. Where possible we will work with a patients’ current medical doctor to facilitate integration of labs tests and results.

Below are some examples of a small number of the many diagnostic/assessment tools used in our naturopathic clinic:

Conventional Blood Screening

Diagnostic screening tests for cholesterol, glucose, thyroid, hormones and many other conventional markers of health

Environmental Medicine Testing

The Environmental Pollutants panel shows the body’s breakdown of volatile organic compounds, phthalates, parabens, and other chemicals. Long-term exposure has been linked to eye and skin irritation, hormone disruption, headaches nausea, fatigue and central nervous system symptoms.

Toxic and Essential Element Analysis

Toxic elements that are commonly found in the household include:

  • Aluminum
  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  • Lead
  • Mercury
  • Tin

These elements do not occur naturally in large quantities in the body. When the body is chronically or acutely exposed it can contribute to a variety of symptoms. Some common symptoms include central nervous system concerns such as tingling in the hands and feet, mental confusion, learning difficulties, heart disease and digestive issues. Essential elements such as calcium, zinc, magnesium and other minerals that are a part of the body’s biochemical processes may be affected by toxic elements exposure.

Female and Male Hormone Panels

Estrogen, Progesterone, Cortisol, DHEAS and Testosterone interactions are fundamental to health. Therefore, hormone imbalances may negatively impact well-being. Hormone imbalance may lead to weight gain, depression, irritability, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, bone loss, breast and prostate cancer, low libido, erectile dysfunction and hair loss.

Adrenal Function Panels

Under stress, the adrenal glands produce the hormone, cortisol. An insufficiency or excess of cortisol may result in a variety of symptoms, including allergies, low libido, weight gain, impaired memory, hair loss, blood pressure issues, fatigue or feeling wired.

Organic Acids Test (OAT)

Organic acids are chemical compounds excreted in the urine that are products of metabolism. The Organic Acids Test (OAT) is a comprehensive metabolic assessment of a patient’s overall health. It provides an evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function.

Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. The cause of this could include oral antibiotic use, high sugar diets, immune deficiencies, acquired infections, as well as genetic factors

Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing

Food sensitivities are correlated with many chronic health conditions such as: IBS, eczema, fatigue, migraines, weight gain, hormonal imbalances and mood disorders. However, with proper identification and elimination of the inflammatory foods, many experience relief from their symptoms.

IgG, IgG4, and IgA antibody assessment panels can serve as useful tools in the identification of food sensitivities in individuals. IGE panels assess specific allergy triggers.

Inhalants and Seasonal Allergy Testing

Pollens and spores from trees, grasses, mold, and dust can produce symptoms that range from minor to severe in certain people. The inhalant panels assess IgG, IgG4, and IgA and IGE antibody response to common allergens. Many foods and inhalants cross react so this test is often combined with food testing.

Lyme Disease

Chronic infections originating from tick-borne diseases are complex and can be debilitating. Coinfections can also be common and can complicate the diagnosis and treatment.

The co-pathogens can cause very specific, but also unspecific and “overlapping” symptoms. Symptoms can include fatigue. numbness and joint pain, neurologic difficulties such as impaired memory and concentration as well as depression and widespread musculoskeletal pain. Symptoms may develop within 10 days of a tick bite or even 6 months later.

A variety of comprehensive and advanced testing options are available through international labs.

Nutrient and Antioxidant Panels

Proper nutrition intake is essential for overall health and can provide ingredients that the body needs to function. These ingredients come in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional testing can provide an assessment of your nutritional status and help to correct imbalances which may lead to chronic illness. Our Clinic routinely tests Vitamin B12, Iron and Vitamin D status. Vitamin D, for example, is important for bone strength and may have impacts on other medical conditions such as osteoporosis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Risk Panels

The Cardiovascular Risk Profile evaluates a series of conventional cholesterol and advanced biomarkers to help with the early detection of risk factors. This test measures the activity of lipoproteins, as well as the true LDL, oxidized LDL, small dense LDL and Lipoprotein (a), which are higher in CVD patients and correlated with the severity of CVD. The goal is to help patients identify and modify lifestyle risk factors.

Stool and Gut Assessments

Gut and digestive health plays a significant role in the wellbeing of our bodies. Gastrointestinal complaints are among the most common reasons that patients seek naturopathic care. Symptoms associated with GI disorders include persistent diarrhea, constipation, bloating, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and malabsorption. We can test digestive and absorptive functions, including the presence of opportunistic pathogens and monitor the therapeutic naturopathic treatments to help you restore digestive balance.