Integrative Family Health Clinic in Bolton and the Greater Caledon Area
4-22 Simona Drive
Bolton, ON
(905)-951-7134
admin@wildflowerhw.com
FAQs

Tag: digestive health

Best Lab Tests for Digestive Issues

Digestive health can be compromised as we encounter stressors, infections, processed foods, and a multitude of other factors throughout life. Although digestive health is a key component of overall wellness, it is easy to fall victim to fad diets, detoxes, and other treatments in pursuit of digestive relief. 

While it isn’t abnormal to have an irregular bowel movement here and there or a stomach ache after a night out drinking, it is abnormal to suffer from digestive upset more days than not. If your bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, etc. is significantly impacting your quality of life, then it’s time to address it and start making informed decisions about your health. 

This article will shed light on the many tests that naturopathic doctors (NDs) offer to help address your digestive issues and get you feeling better sooner.

Best Lab Tests for Digestive Issues

Food Sensitivity Testing

  • Type of test: Blood draw
  • Symptoms you may have: Bloating, gas, changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain, migraines, headaches, fatigue, hives, asthma, unexplained weight changes, sinus congestion, joint pain, hair loss, and more.
  • Conditions it may be good for: Chronic acne, eczema, IBS, IBD, autoimmune disorders, etc.

The IgG food sensitivity test is a blood test that is used to detect the level of IgG antibodies against certain foods that are consumed within the diet. This information can help determine what foods within the diet may be causing your symptoms and which are likely safe to eat. To clarify, IgG food sensitivity tests do not diagnose a food allergy as those are mediated by IgE antibodies. Instead, they look at food intolerances/sensitivities which are believed to be prevalent in up to 20% of the general population. 

Breath Tests

  • Type of test: Breath test
  • Symptoms you may have: Bloating, gas, abdominal pain, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, and chronic bad breath.
  • Conditions it may be good for: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), H.pylori infection, IBS, and lactose intolerance.

A breath test measures the concentration of specific gases in a given sample of exhaled air. This information can help determine whether certain bacteria have overgrown in the digestive system or whether our body struggles to break down certain carbohydrates in the diet. 

Depending on the type of breath test, patients will usually need to fast for a specific amount of time and then provide a baseline breath sample. After ingesting a test solution (in some cases) you would then provide subsequent breath samples which involve blowing air into a breath collection device. 

An H. pylori breath test is often called the urea breath test as you are instructed to drink a solution containing urea. H.pylori break down urea into carbon dioxide and therefore excess carbon dioxide in the breath can be a sign of infection. SIBO, on the other hand, can be diagnosed with a hydrogen breath test. Patients are instructed to drink either a glucose or lactulose beverage and then breath samples are tested for hydrogen or methane levels to determine a diagnosis.

Stool Tests

  • Type of test: Stool test
  • Possible symptoms: Bloody stools, chronic diarrhea, constipation, ongoing/severe abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, persistent gas/bloating, mucous-y stools, pale or dark stools, etc.
  • Conditions it may be good for: Infections (bacterial, parasitic, viral), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colon cancer, pancreatic insufficiency and more.

Several types of stool tests exist though each involve collecting a tiny amount of stool and sending it off to the lab. The FIT test, otherwise known as the fecal immunochemical test, looks for tiny amounts of blood in the stool which may or may not be associated with colorectal cancer. This test is often conducted with your family doctor or specialist. 

Other types of stool tests like a stool culture determine whether you have an infection and whether the cause is a bacteria, parasite, or virus. This is especially indicated if you have recently travelled outside of the country and/or have other signs and symptoms of an infection. 

Naturopathic doctors sometimes employ the use of more in-depth stool testing like the GI-Map. This test looks at inflammatory and immune markers, digestive markers, antibiotic resistance genes, commensal bacteria, and opportunistic bacteria as well. 

Blood Tests

  • Type of test: Blood draw
  • Possible symptoms: Blood or mucous in stool, fatigue, abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, rashes, etc.
  • Conditions it may be good for: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, H. pylori/peptic ulcer disease, thyroid disorders, and more.

Many are aware that our yearly blood work can give us a lot of insight into our bodies and how well they function. What many don’t know is that blood tests can actually be used to help diagnose certain gastrointestinal disorders. For example, there is an entire celiac disease panel that measures antibodies such as anti-tissue transglutaminase to determine whether you have an autoimmune reaction to gluten. In addition, measuring antibodies against H.pylori can help determine if there is an infection causing your digestive issues.

Why Test?

Testing removes the guesswork from treatment and gets you better faster. Even with the help of an experienced healthcare provider, it is virtually impossible to know what is going on inside the body without actually testing to see. 

Testing helps avoid unnecessary trial and error, wasted supplements, costly dietary changes, and precious time spent in visits. Although testing can be an investment, it is the fastest way to determine the root cause of your health concern and how to best address it. It also ensures that no changes are made to worsen your current condition or masks symptoms that need attention right away.

Naturopathic Approaches to Digestive Issues

In order to determine which test is best suited for you, a licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) would need to complete a medical intake to evaluate your medical history, what tests may have been completed prior, and any signs and/or symptoms you currently suffer from. 

Some tests may be diagnostic and others can give us clues as to what foods you may be sensitive to or what digestive enzymes you may require. Contrary to popular belief, there is not always a clean-cut answer as to why a person suffers from certain digestive disorders and others do not. The good news is that NDs are best suited to offering the options that can help. 

Do you have questions about how to navigate testing or how this would impact your treatment plan? Book in with Dr. Angelica, ND to learn more! 

Do you have questions about how to navigate testing or how this would impact your treatment plan?

Book in with Dr. Angelica, ND to learn more

Holistic Nutrition Versus Dietetics: What’s the Difference?

People seek nutrition support for various reasons, primarily to improve their health and well-being through better food choices. This could range from managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease to seeking weight loss or simply optimizing overall health. When looking for nutrition support, two primary options emerge: registered dietitians (RDs) and registered holistic nutritionists (RHNs).

RDs offer evidence-based dietary advice tailored to specific medical conditions, often working in clinical settings to provide structured meal plans and nutritional counseling. On the other hand, holistic nutritionists approach nutrition from a holistic perspective, considering not only dietary choices but also lifestyle factors and emotional well-being. They may incorporate natural and alternative therapies into their recommendations. 

This article aims to guide readers in choosing between holistic nutrition and dietetics by outlining the strengths and approaches of each. By understanding these differences, individuals can make informed decisions about which approach aligns best with their health goals and personal preferences.

Clinical Nutrition

Clinical nutrition involves the practice of assessing and managing nutritional needs based on medical conditions. Both holistic nutritionists and dietitians use clinical nutrition to address health issues through dietary modifications. This can include using the DASH diet for managing high blood pressure (hypertension). 

About Registered Dietitians

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are healthcare professionals specialized in nutrition therapy. They assess dietary needs based on medical conditions and individual health goals, providing personalized nutrition counseling and education. RDs work in various settings including hospitals (inpatient) and clinics (outpatient), where they collaborate with healthcare teams to manage conditions like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. They utilize tools such as dietary assessments, meal planning, and behavior modification techniques to help clients achieve optimal nutrition and health outcomes. People seek RDs for evidence-based guidance on managing specific health issues, improving overall well-being, and receiving tailored nutritional advice that integrates with medical treatments and lifestyle modifications.

About Holistic Nutritionists

Holistic nutritionists are professionals who approach nutrition therapy from a holistic or whole-person perspective. They typically receive training through various holistic nutrition programs that emphasize whole foods, as well as specific supplements and digestive aids. Credentials for holistic nutritionists vary but may include certifications from organizations like the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN).

In contrast to registered dietitians (RDs), who focus on medical nutrition and often work in clinical settings, holistic nutritionists tend to work in private practice or wellness centers. They address a wide range of health concerns beyond strictly medical conditions, considering factors such as emotional well-being, lifestyle choices, body movement and environmental influences. Holistic nutritionists use tools like dietary assessments, lifestyle evaluations, and personalized meal planning to support their clients in achieving optimal health through balanced nutrition.

Their scope of practice includes conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, weight management, food sensitivities through the digestive system and overall wellness enhancement through dietary changes and holistic therapies. While RDs provide structured nutritional plans backed by scientific research, holistic nutritionists offer a more personalized and integrative approach, often incorporating mind-body techniques and alternative treatments into their recommendations.

Choosing a Type of Nutrition Therapy

Selecting between RDs and RHNs depends on individual preferences and health needs. Dietitians are ideal for those seeking structured, evidence-based dietary plans, especially for managing specific medical conditions. Some examples include those with issues swallowing may require thickening agents added to their meals or the FODMAPs diet for those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

On the other hand, holistic nutritionists appeal to people looking for a comprehensive approach that integrates dietary advice with lifestyle changes, mindfulness based techniques and alternative therapies. A full body assessment is the starting point which includes current nutritional intake, exercise, stress levels, a person’s time commitment as well as environmental factors at work and home. Working with a holistic nutritionist likely involves a longer time period to ensure sustainable changes as well as longer appointments to ask your questions and fully address your individual needs. 

Ultimately, your choice should align with your health goals, the level of structure you prefer in your nutrition plan, and your comfort with integrating alternative health practices into your lifestyle.

In Summary

Choosing between holistic nutrition and dietetics hinges on your health goals and preferences. If you prefer a scientifically validated approach with a focus on medical conditions, a registered dietitian is likely the best fit. Alternatively, if you seek a holistic approach that considers lifestyle and emotional factors alongside nutrition, a holistic nutritionist may better suit your needs. Whatever your choice, taking steps to improve your nutrition can lead to significant health benefits. 

Ready to take charge of your nutrition? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your health goals through personalized nutrition guidance.

Contact Us