At Vitalia Health Care INC in Vancouver, our Naturopathic Physicians take a functional medicine approach when addressing your health. This approach investigates the possible root cause of your health symptoms. Diagnostic testing is a part of this approach.
The first step is a consultation with one of our Naturopathic Physicians. Your doctor will gather information about your health history including your current symptoms, any medications or supplements you may be taking, your family history, current diet and assess levels of stress you are under. Your Naturopathic Physician will then determine what tests may be appropriate and beneficial in learning more about your health and to help establish a treatment plan.
We also offer laboratory consultations if you are only interested in getting a test completed. This will still require a shorter consultation. With your consent, we can forward your test results to your physician or other health care provider. Please see our FAQ for more information on laboratory consultations.
Laboratory Testing:
ADRENAL STRESS INDEX (24 HOUR CORTISOL TEST )
Have you ever wondered if STRESS may be contributing to how you feel? The Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) may provide some answers! This is a comprehensive test that assesses various hormones using five conveniently collected saliva samples. These samples help measure cortisol, insulin, DHEA/DHEA-S, secretory IgA, 17-OH progesterone, and wheat gluten sIgA over a 24-hour period. Unlike a single test, this extended collection provides more complete information about your body’s stress response.
The Adrenal Stress Index test may be beneficial to assess if stress and adrenal hormones may be an underlying cause in fatigue, anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, interrupted sleep, and difficulty losing weight.
The ASI test is an effective way to measure the free, active levels of cortisol. This is the cortisol that actually reaches your cells. It is non-invasive (only requires a saliva sample) and can be conveniently collected at your home.
DRIED URINE TEST FOR COMPREHENSIVE HORMONES (DUTCH TEST)
The DUTCH test is a comprehensive assessment of sex hormones and their metabolites, examines the diurnal rhythm of free cortisol and levels of cortisone. It also includes Organic Acid Tests (OATs), which offer valuable insights into nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, melatonin levels, neuroinflammation, and other important factors.
The DUTCH complete is an excellent tool for learning more about your current hormone levels and understanding the intricate interaction between hormone metabolites, adrenal (stress ) hormones and important organic acids.
The DUTCH test may be beneficial in assessing how hormones may influence symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, PMS, fertility, insomnia and weight gain which are often observed during perimenopause and menopause.
COMPREHENSIVE THYROID ASSESSMENT
This blood test is detailed analysis of Thyroid hormones. It includes the following:
This assessment not only identifies Hyper or Hypothyroidism, but also sub-clinical manifestations of thyroid dysfunction including Auto-immune reactions.
The information obtained from this test may be beneficial in identifying if a thyroid hormone imbalance may be the underlying cause of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, cold hands and feet, hair loss, dry skin, facial puffiness, and constipation.
COMPREHENSIVE STOOL TESTING (GI 360 STOOL TEST)
If you’re experiencing digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, heartburn, loose stools, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating, you might be wondering if imbalances in your gut microbiome are contributing to these issues. The GI360 stool test is a comprehensive and clinically applicable assessment that may provide answers.
The GI360 stool test evaluates the gastrointestinal microbiome and intestinal health. It combines PCR molecular technology, growth-based culture, and microscopy to detect various factors that may be affecting your gut health.
This test identifies pathogens such as viruses, parasites, bacteria, and yeast that could be contributing to both acute and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. It’s an excellent tool for assessing the gut microbiome and its microbial diversity. This information helps to understand the balance of beneficial and harmful microorganisms in your digestive system.
The GI360 test includes intestinal health markers to evaluate how well you digest your food, the status of your immunoglobulin (SigA) in your digestive tract, and for the presence of inflammatory markers to assess for IBS vs IBD (Lactoferrin, Lysozyme, Calprotectin).
It also provides information on Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) levels, which play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
This information is clinically relevant. Your Naturopathic Doctor at Vitalia Health Care can utilize this information to create a customized treatment plan specifically aimed at restoring balance to your digestive system.
Unlike some other lab tests, the GI360 stool test includes sensitivity testing. This means it identifies which prescriptive and natural agents can be used to treat bacteria or yeast found in your stool sample. Your treatment can be precisely targeted.
The GI360 stool test can offer valuable insights into your gut health, helping you make informed decisions about your well-being.
ADDITIONAL TESTS AVAILABLE AT VITALIA
Bio-Impedance Analysis:
This is a measurement of body composition – the relative amounts of lean body mass and body fat – which is a critical factor in health risks such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and more. It also indicates other aspects of health, including cellular health and water retention.
BIA measures your body’s resistance to a small electrical current, and provides analysis of your metabolism. This is especially important when undergoing weight loss therapy, to ensure on-going health.
Book your appointment HEREAdrenocortex Stress Profile
An adrenocortex stress profile measures the levels of two important stress hormones in the body: Cortisol and DHEA. The test is essential to analyze how the body deals with stress and common stress triggers. When the results of the profile test are too high or too low, this could indicate negative health impacts to the body. Chronic fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, frequent illness, and insomnia are common health effects. By using the stress profile, you can find an effective treatment plan by balancing out your hormones.
Female Hormone Panel
Hormone imbalances can result in a number of health issues for women, such as uterine fibroids, infertility, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. An female hormone profile test measures the levels of hormones in pre-menopausal women and post-menopausal women. Once an analysis has been completed, a treatment plan can be developed to help correct hormonal imbalances that could be affecting your health and causing symptoms
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
Stool samples are commonly used in laboratory testing to help identify a number of health conditions as well as intestinal pathogens. A comprehensive digestive stool analysis uses this method to assist in finding a diagnosis and treatment for various ailments, from constipation to indigestion.
Food and Environmental Allergy Testing
Food and various environmental allergies may lead to chronic health problems. Gas, bloating, skin conditions, sinus congestion, mood changes, and migraines may all be a related to certain foods or allergies that aggravate the body. A food and environmental allergy test can determine what foods or environmental allergies you may be allergic to.
Intestinal Permeability Assessment
More than half of your functioning immune system can be found within your digestive tract. The small intestine is vital to protecting our body from dangerous bacteria and viruses. An increase in intestinal permeability may result in a breakdown of immune functions, leaving your body more susceptible to various illnesses. An intestinal permeability assessment determines the permeability of the intestinal cell.
Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment
A comprehensive thyroid assessment is a detailed analysis of thyroid hormone metabolism, including thyroid production and secretion, thyroid gland activity and regulation, and thyroid autoimmunity. Testing also helps pinpoint imbalances that could be causing chronic illness. The assessment can also detect metabolic irregularities that could be arising due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, stress, or heavy metal toxicity.
Comprehensive Cardiovascular Assessment
Heart disease is the second most common cause of death in North America. While cholesterol testing is important to detect the early signs of cardiovascular problems, more than 50 percent of individuals with normal cholesterol levels are still at risk for heart disease. A comprehensive cardiovascular assessment looks at all the factors that put you at risk for heart disease, including diet and lifestyle choices. Identifying these risks can provide us with a better basis for treatment.
Toxic Element Profiles
Research has shown that more and more individuals have dangerous levels of toxins and chemicals in their systems. To identify harmful elements within the body, a toxic element profile can be performed. Get on the road to better health with this lab testing.
Red Blood Cell Elements
Just a small blood sample can provide a plethora of information regarding the presence of beneficial vitamins and minerals in your body. This analysis of red blood cells helps determine what crucial substances are missing from your body. When confirmed, a treatment plan can begin to ensure that all essential health elements are replenished.
Individual Optimal Nutrition Profile
Get a detailed report of your overall health with an individual optimal nutrition profile. An ION measures various health factors, including levels of amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. It can also determine what deficiencies you may have that could be negatively impacting your health. Nutritional profiles are the first step to treating a range of ailments and chronic illnesses that could be affecting your wellbeing.