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Tag: hormone 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

Menopause Dos and Don’ts According to Our Experts

Menopause can be confusing for many women due to its wide array of symptoms and the variability in how they manifest. These symptoms  can interfere with daily activities, work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Dealing with these disruptions while trying to understand and manage the changes can be overwhelming.

What is menopause?

Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and is defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months. The average age of natural menopause in women is around 51, but it can occur earlier or later. 

 In addition, because there is considerable overlap with other health problems it is hard to attribute symptoms strictly to menopause. For example, women may attribute mood swings or fatigue to stress rather than hormonal changes associated with menopause. Menopause is still a topic that isn’t always openly discussed, leading to a lack of awareness and understanding. Without proper information, women may feel lost or confused about what they’re experiencing.

We find there are a lot of questions around menopause treatment options, from IUDs and antidepressants to more natural options like lifestyle changes, and naturopathic medicine. But here’s our menopause do’s and don’ts regardless of the treatment options you explore. 

Don’t – Ignore Your Symptoms

Ignoring menopause symptoms can worsen discomfort, impact quality of life, and lead to further health risks such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Prompt attention allows for effective management, reduces distress, and prevents complications later on in life. Consulting a naturopathic doctor ensures personalized guidance and treatment which will improve your current and long term health during this natural transition.

Do – Get Your Hormone Levels Checked

Getting your hormone levels checked is like peeking behind the curtain of menopause symptoms. It helps figure out what’s really going on in your body so you can tackle those hot flashes and mood swings head-on. Don’t guess, know for sure! Naturopathic doctors offer a variety of menopause testing such as simple blood work but also the DUTCH test which comprehensively shows the hormone cascade in your body. Working with a licensed naturopathic doctor can get you the answers you need for your body and mind during menopause.

Don’t – Try Just Any Pink Supplement

Those pink supplements might look appealing, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution for menopause symptoms. They are often not addressing the root cause and can be risky if combined with other medications you may be taking. It’s better to talk to a healthcare professional for safe and effective options tailored to your needs. Don’t gamble with your health; go for what’s tried and true.

Do – Get Individualized Treatment Recommendations 

Menopause isn’t one-size-fits-all, so why settle for generic solutions? Getting personalized treatment recommendations from a naturopathic doctor is like finding the perfect fit for your body’s needs. It’s all about tailoring the approach to YOU and your lifestyle. Whether you need more energy to keep up with your family or help dealing with work-related stress, your menopause journey needs your attention. Don’t just wing it; get the guidance that’s made for you.

Don’t – Overeat Soy 

While soy can be the solution for some it may not help with your symptoms. Depending on other aspects of your body, for example your thyroid, it may not be the right move in managing your symptoms. Moderation is key; overdoing it could bring more harm than help. It’s cool to sprinkle some soy into your diet, just don’t go overboard – your body will thank you.

Do – Commit to a Health-Promoting Lifestyle

Regular exercise, balanced eating, and stress management can dial down those frustrating/annoying symptoms and boost your overall well-being. For some women adopting healthy habits may get them a complete resolution of symptoms and for others it gets them the majority of the way there. Plus, it’s a long-term win-win for your overall health. 

In Summary

Navigating menopause can be confusing, but it’s crucial to approach it with clarity and care. Avoiding quick-fix supplements and excessive soy consumption, while committing to a health-promoting lifestyle, forms a solid foundation to support your hormone transition. Seek individualized treatment recommendations and get hormone levels checked to tailor solutions to your needs. With the right approach, you can tackle menopause confidently, ensuring a smoother transition and better quality of life.

Get help with building a plan that supports your health now.

Book an appointment with one of our knowledgeable naturopathic doctors.

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