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Lab Tests

The field of biological testing has advanced tremendously in the last decade. The advancement in this field of technology has increased our understanding on how our internal environment can affect our well-being and behaviour. It has also enabled us to go beyond symptoms and questionnaire findings. We use a variety of laboratory tests to determine the internal biochemistry of our clients. The laboratory tests that we use include:

 

 

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

We are the distributor for the International Trace Elements Laboratory (ITEL) based in Addison Texas, USA. We supply the lab tests and provide consultation support to clinics and hospitals in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. We also provide hair analysis to our clients.

A HTMA is essentially a scientific analysis of the contents of the hair using advanced laboratory equipment, such as the ICP-MS. The contents of the hair is then compared with a database of research allowing information associated with various disease trends, metabolic types, behavioural tendencies and even emotional characteristics to be derived.

We find that HTMA is a valuable tool in helping all our clients, whether for special conditions, peak performance or getting to the top.

Food Allergies Test

We routine order food allergies tests, both IgE and IgG.

IgE allergy, often called hypersensitivity, refers to undesirable, damaging, and sometimes fatal reactions produced by the immune system. Some people can tolerate a large degree of allergens without ever experiencing any outward symptoms while others may only require a very minute amount of exposure to allergens before symptoms are expressed. The degree and severity of symptoms vary because of the genetic makeup of the individual. Allergic type reactions require a pre-sensitized immune state more likely to develop allergic reactions. A person who has a classic allergy usually develops redness, swelling, and heat in the body as a result of the elevated blood levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE). Contrary to popular belief, the symptoms produced by IgE can be subtle and similar to those seen in other conditions. This potential confusion makes diagnostic testing very important in recognizing the disorder known as allergy. When symptoms of allergy occur internally, the symptoms may be specific to the failing organ affected by the inflammation, such as the case with asthma. Approximately 80% of children with asthma also have documented food allergies. Other allergic conditions, such as nasal allergies or eczema, are often also present. Allergic asthma often goes into remission in early adulthood. However, in 75% of cases, the asthma reappears later.

IgG testing is a useful guide in structuring elimination diets for many chronic conditions. Individuals with neurological, gastrointestinal, and movement disorders often suffer from IgG food allergies. These people may continue to compulsively eat the offending food, unaware of potential effects. Complete elimination of potential problem foods from the diet may bring about striking improvements in health status, mood, energy, and even behavior. IgG antibodies are the antibodies that provide long term resistance to infections after immunizations. These antibodies have a much longer half life than traditional IgE allergy and function in a much different capacity with immune cells. This different function of IgG causes the symptoms of the allergy to be delayed. Thus, symptoms may occur hours or even days after the offending food has been ingested. Some people can tolerate a large degree of food without ever experiencing any outward symptoms. Others may only require a minute amount of food before symptoms are expressed. The degree and severity of symptoms vary because of the genetic makeup of the individual.

 

Organic Acid

Healthy gastrointestinal functioning is the basis of overall physical and psychological health. Abnormal toxic metabolites of intestinal microorganisms can cause or worsen behaviour disorders, hyperactivity and aggressiveness, affect energy levels, mood and immune functioning. Dysbiosis, or imbalances in intestinal microorganisms, can contribute to food allergies, digestive disorders or vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, which in their turn, can lead to dysfunction in other systems of the body. These combo tests are especially useful for evaluating specific types and levels of intestinal yeast, which can produce toxic metabolites frequently found in children with developmental disorders, hyperactivity, language problems, and in adults with chronic fatigue and depression. Yeast can attach to the intestinal wall causing abnormal intestinal permeability, which facilitates passage of toxic metabolites to the blood and to the brain. Yeast overgrowth can be caused by antibiotic use, high dietary sugars, immune or genetic predisposition or environmental factors.

Oxalate and its acid form oxalic acid are organic acids that are primarily from three sources: the diet, from fungus such as Aspergillus and Penicillium and possibly Candida, and also from human metabolism. Oxalic acid is the most acidic organic acid in body fluids and is used commercially to remove rust from car radiators. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is toxic primarily because it is converted to oxalate. Two different types of genetic diseases are known in which oxalates are high in the urine. The genetic types of hyperoxalurias (type I and type II) can be determined from the organic acid test done at The Great Plains Laboratory (page 4-5). Foods especially high in oxalates include spinach, beets, chocolate, peanuts, wheat bran, tea, cashews, pecans, almonds, berries, and many others. Oxalates are not found in meat or fish at significant concentrations. Daily adult oxalate intake is usually 80-120 mg/d; it can range from 44-1000 mg/d in individuals who eat a typical Western diet.

Peptites

With the recent attention on the gluten-free, casein-free diet and its positive affects for those with gastrointestinal, neurological, and movement disorders, The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. offers a test which can help to determine whether the diet should be part of an overall integrated treatment plan. This test measures levels of two opiate peptides derived from dairy and gluten products. Peptides are small fragments of proteins; many peptides engage in cell-to-cell signaling and have neurological effects. Casomorphin is produced by digestion of casein, the major protein in all mammalian milk, including human milk. The opiate effect of milk may help soothe and quiet the nursing infant, whether a puppy or a child. Gluten in wheat produces another peptide of the same size called gliadorphin. Grains like rye and barley contain similar prolamine proteins like gluten, and are assumed to yield bioactive peptides. Peptide problems are more severe among individuals who have difficulty breaking down opiate peptides, which requires an enzyme nicknamed DPPIV. This enzyme can be inhibited by both yeast byproducts and mercury exposure. These incompletely digested peptides are then absorbed into the body and bind to opiate receptors – the physiological effect can alter behavior and contribute to lack of focus and attention, sleepiness, or even aggression and self-abuse can result.

Other Metabolites

Organic acid profiling of urine metabolites in the realm of functional medicine typically encompasses a panel of 25 to 50 compounds under the classifications of; Glycolysis and Citric Acid Cycle Metabolites, Fatty Acid Oxidation, Ketone Metabolites, Cofactor and Neurotransmitter Markers, in addition to markers of detoxification. Clearly, a comprehensive analysis such as this holds the potential for a wealth of information on the physiological and pathophysiological status of different metabolic pathways and their interrelationships in the body, of which may provide a wealth of clinically relevant information for preventive healthcare.