functional
lab Testing

Lab testing is recommended based on what is appropriate and indicated for each individualized case. Details on recommendations would only be made following completed assessments. Not all lab testing options are recommended for all patients. All recommended lab tests are discussed and presented as options as testing through private healthcare comes at a fee. Testing might provide detailed insight into case presentations and assist in creating naturopathic recommendations. Meeting with Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND may help you learn about which testing, if any, might be the most beneficial and indicated for you.

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Blood

Naturopathic Doctors can order Blood tests in Alberta

Routine chemistry panels (e.g. complete blood count, kidney & liver function tests, blood glucose/HbA1c, cholesterol/lipis panel, electrolyte panel and more)
Vitamins & Minerals (e.g. Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, folate, iron status and more)
Hormone testing including Perimenopause, PMOS, Post-menopause (e.g. thyroid panel, FSH, LH, testosterone/free androgen index, DHEAS, progesterone, estradiol and more)
Cardiovascular markers (e.g. insulin, cholesterol, Apolipoprotein B100, Lipoprotein (a), homocysteine, hsCRP, urate and more)
Autoimmune markers for (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's & Graves, SLE, psoriatic arthritis, Type 1Diabetes, Sjörgren's Syndrome and more)
All recommended testing depends on patient case presentation

Hormone: Urine & Blood

DUTCH Test
- A dried urine total comprehensive hormone test
- Profiles reproductive hormones, stress hormones (cortisol over 24-hour period with individual readings)
- Includes organic acid markers for nutrients, inflammation, neuroendocrine/nervous system regulation markers
- Provides detailed information on Hormone production & breakdown, inflammation, sleep markers and nervous system regulation.
- There are additional hormones & markers that should only be tested in the blood and these markers may be tested alongside, if indicated.

Symptoms that might be supported with A comprehensive hormone assessment might include:

Premenstrual symptoms: cramps, headaches, mood changes, etc.
Irregular menstrual periods
Painful menstrual periods
Heavy menstrual periods
Lack of menstrual period
Elongated menstrual cycle
Hot Flashes
Brain Fog
Low Libido
Fatigue
Not waking rested in morning
Second wind of energy in evening
Non-optimal sleep
Chronic stress
Hair thinning
excess hair growth
Difficulties losing weight
and more.

Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities are not equivalent to food allergies.

what is an allergy?

An allergy is an immediate hypersensitivity immune reaction (reflected by elevated IgE immune marker) often occurring within 4 hours of consumption or exposure to the allergen and potentially causing life-threatening effects – also known as an anaphylactic reaction. This type of reaction may be characterized by difficulties breathing, swelling of airways, hives and more. For example, you may be aware of how serious peanut allergies can be for some people. These types of allergies are diagnosed by an Allergist – a medical doctor that specializes in allergy testing – including food, chemical & environmental allergens.

what is a food sensitivity?

A food sensitivity is a reaction to a food (reflected by elevated IgG immune marker) that often occurs 4-72 hours after consumption (also known as a delayed hypersensitivity reaction). This type of reaction is not considered to be life-threatening.

A Food Sensitivity Test (FST) is an option if recommended and is not advised for all patients. Not all symptoms are caused by food sensitivities. After more serious conditions have been ruled out food sensitivity assessment might help the following:

indigestion
joint pain
acne and other skin conditions (e.g. eczema)
headaches
weight management
and more
Alternative options to food sensitivity testing are also available and would be discussed if and when indicated.

StooL

Approximately 70% of the immune system is located in the gut via the Gut-Associated Lymphatic Tissue (GALT) and recent research shows that many forms of disease begin in the gut.

The concept of the microbiome is gaining attention in its potential role in chronic disease. The GI-MAP test is one such test that uses quantitative PCR technology to assess the gut microbiome. It profiles beneficial & non-beneficial bacteria, yeast (candida overgrowth), pathogenic gastrointestinal organisms including H.pylori & inflammatory markers in the GI tract. This test also includes a Fecal Occult Blood test (colorectal cancer screening tool).

A comprehensive stool test Might help support the following:

ulcers
chronic diarrhea of unknown cause with serious reasons already ruled out
gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
chronic constipation of unknown cause with serious reasons already ruled out
indigestion including - bloating, gas and more
candida overgrowth
inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's & Ulcerative Colitis)
other autoimmune disease
hormone health
and more

Naturopathic testing recommendations are individualized to each case. All tests are recommended only after other more serious health conditions have been ruled out when possible by your healthcare team and only if indicated by your naturopathic doctor. Sometimes, these tests might also lend insight into more serious conditions. In the latter, Dr. Mawji ND will recommend you meet with your family MD right away as naturopathic doctors in Alberta cannot yet directly refer to specialists when required.

Meeting with Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND may help you learn about what types of testing may be the most beneficial and indicated for you. If recommended, all tests are optional.