Naturopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and treating the underlying causes of health issues. In Australia, naturopaths often use a range of functional medicine tests to help identify imbalances in the body and develop targeted treatment plans.
In this article, we will explore some of the most common functional medicine tests that we use in the Kiyah Clinic.
1) CDSA4 Stool Test
The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) 4 is a stool test that examines the digestive and absorptive functions of the gut. This test assesses the levels of beneficial and harmful bacteria, yeast and parasites, digestive enzymes and the overall health of the gut lining. The test can help to identify imbalances in gut bacteria and issues such as inflammation, leaky gut and malabsorption. We use the information from this to create more targeted treatment plans that ultimately improve digestive function and alleviate symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
2) CoBiome Microbiome Test
The CoBiome Microbiome test is a comprehensive microbiome analysis that assesses the levels and diversity of bacteria in the gut. This test provides information on over 1,000 different species of bacteria and can identify imbalances in gut bacteria that may be contributing to health issues such as gut dysbiosis, immune system dysfunction and mental health issues. Naturopaths use the results of the test to develop personalised treatment plans, such as dietary changes, probiotic supplementation and targeted antimicrobial therapy.
3) Salivary Cortisol Test
The Salivary Cortisol Test is a test that measures cortisol levels in the saliva across the day. Cortisol is the hormone released in response to physical or emotional stressors and plays an important role in regulating the body's stress response. We use this test in the Kiyah Clinic to identify imbalances or fluctuations in cortisol levels that may be contributing to symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, insomnia and feeling burnt out. This allows us to choose the right herbs and nutrients and make specific lifestyle suggestions that will normalise cortisol release.
4) Histamine Intolerance Genetic Testing
The Histamine Intolerance test analyses the genes and nutrients needed to breakdown and remove histamine, showing where disruptions occur and how to support optimal function. Diamine oxidase (DAO), which primarily breaks down histamine in the gut, can be impaired by gastrointestinal disease or ‘blockers’ such as alcohol, smoked or fermented foods, black tea, green tea and some medications such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen or aspirin). Insufficient histamine-n-methyl- transferase (HNMT) in the nervous system and lungs can also lead to histamine overload.
In some cases, we would also include a Histamine Metabolism Profile which looks at Blood- Serum DAO and Histamine levels.
5) DUTCH Test
The DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) Test is a comprehensive hormone test that assesses levels of sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and melatonin. This test provides detailed information on hormone imbalances that may be contributing to health issues such as PMS, irregular periods, infertility, and menopausal symptoms. Naturopaths use the results of this test to develop personalised treatment plans, including dietary adaptations, nutritional supplementation, and herbal medicine.
6) Hydrogen & Methane Breath Test for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
The Hydrogen & Methane Breath Test for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a test that assesses the levels of bacteria in the small intestine. SIBO occurs when bacteria from the large intestine migrate into the small intestine, where they can cause extremely uncomfortable symptoms such as chronic bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. We use the results of the test to ensure that the supplements required as SIBO-friendly and you get the right, targeted antimicrobial therapy and probiotic supplementation.
7) Vaginal, Oral and Digestive Microbiome Mapping
Microbiome Mapping tests are a comprehensive analysis of the microbial populations living in the vagina, mouth and gut. These tests can identify imbalances in bacterial populations that may be contributing to health issues such as chro
nic vaginal infections (like thrush and bacterial vaginosis), bad breath, and gut dysbiosis. We use the results of these tests to develop personalised treatment plans, with targeted antimicrobial therapy and specific probiotics to restore balance to these areas. Eg prevent infection. improve vaginal lubrication, and reverse digestive symptoms.
In Conclusion..
Functional medicine tests provide valuable insights into underlying imbalances that may be contributing to your health issues. That said, we won't recommend functional medicine testing unless it is going to change or improve our treatment plan, or unless you would simply like something specific. Sometimes the symptoms your body conveys are enough information to develop the right treatment plan, and sometimes not.
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