Testing Tools For Targeted nUrtitional Protocols
Now Offering:
GI Map stool test- Diagnostic Solutions Lab via Evexia Diagnostics
RWS Comprehensive Blood Panel- Labcorp via Evexia Diagnostics
MRT food sensitivity test- Oxford Biomedical Technologies
This week I wanted to highlight some of the new, functional testing tools that I am offering as part of my nutrition therapy practice after recently completing level two of the Restorative Wellness Solutions program training.
Restorative Wellness Solutions offers qualified practitioners comprehensive training to use tools such as lab testing and interpretation to investigate the driving factors causing digestive imbalances, hormone imbalances, and other dysfunction relating to their clients’ symptoms. This allows for more targeted and customized nutritional protocol development facilitating more effective healing strategies.
As of now I have completed levels 1 and 2 of their 4-part training program. Below I have highlighted some of the objectives of these trainings and the unique tools and their benefits.
Level 1-Mastering the Art of Gastrointestinal Healing
This is the foundational training that focuses on investigation of the gut. As our first line of defense, home to nearly 70% of our immune system, and the seat of nutrient absorption, we cannot ignore the role of the gut and its far-reaching affects on every other system of the body.
During this training, stool analysis using is explored in-depth, allowing practitioners to obtain data informing them of the terrain of the microbiome. Pathogen overgrowth, friendly (commensal) bacteria levels, and digestive capacity/insufficiency are some of the areas of observation that are quantified to assist in application of the appropriate protocols. The preferred tool used to amass this information is the GI Map.
Disruption of efficient gut function often leads to “leaky gut” and this can be caused by many factors including dysbiosis, pathogens, medications like antibiotics, stress, and poor diet. Identification of food sensitivities is an essential step toward gut healing in order to minimize immune reactivity. The MRT or mediator release test is another powerful tool level 1 prepares the practitioner to implement. This effectively helps to pinpoint dietary immune triggers so that they can be temporarily eliminated for accelerated gut healing.
Level 2- Mastering the Art and Science of Nutritional Blood Chemistry
This level teaches the nutritional practitioner to interpret many basic labs used commonly in conventional medicine through a functional lens. Conventional lab ranges are often based on a population that includes a significant number of unhealthy individuals producing ranges that are far from optimal.
Functional ranges on the other hand, are typically more narrow and are based on numbers that are considered to more accurately represent healthy individuals. Rather than being used individually to identify dysfunction in isolated systems of the body, these markers are observed across multiple systems to identify patterns of dysregulation driving their clients’ symptoms.
Markers included on the Comprehensive blood panel include:
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) + High Sensitivity CRP
Complete Blood Count (CBC) With Differential
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Ferritin
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Hemoglobin (Hb) A1c With eAG
Homocysteine
Insulin
Iron and Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC)
Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LD / LDH)
Lipid Panel + VLDL + TC/HDL Ratio + LDL/HDL Ratio + CHD Risk + plus apolipoprotein assessment
Magnesium, Phosphorous, Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy
Thyroid Antibodies (Thyroglobulin Antibody + Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibody)
Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroxine (T4), Thyroxine (T4) Free, Direct, Triiodothyronine (T3), Triiodothyronine (T3), Free, Reverse T3
Uric Acid
When to consider incorporating these testing tools as part of your health strategy:
Chronic digestive discomfort, bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea
Persistent skin-related issues
Fatigue, headaches, brain fog, achy joints
Frequent infections/illness
Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety or sleep disturbance
Unwanted weight gain/loss
Neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD
Find out more about how these tools could benefit your health journey by heading over to the Rebel Roots Nutrition Podcast or book a free 30 minute consult here.