Functional Medicine Toxicity Testing
Everyone has toxins in their bodies, which are known to have a negative effect on our health. For certain individuals, it is easier to get rid of them while for others, they accumulate in fat and cause cells to malfunction, resulting in ailments. These toxins may be the root of some diseases, or they can increase the severity of a pre-existing condition. Even if a person is feeling healthy, it is wise to reduce the number of toxins in the body to prevent any future health issues. The following tests are recommended to get an overview of someones toxic burden
Organic Acid Test (OAT Test)
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) is a comprehensive evaluation of various toxins associated with digestive yeast and bacteria, mold overload, oxalate, and a range of biochemical and mitochondrial irregularities. This test is highly recommended and ought not to be bypassed for another testing but in combination with as it can also show levels of dysbosis for yeast, oxolates and certain bacteria that you don’t get with other tests.
Great Plains Laboratory (GPL) Hazardous Non-Metal Substances
Numerous chronic illnesses are connected to the presence of poisonous substances. These can be everything from additives in gasoline to herbicides and pesticides, which can contaminate our water and food.
A range of medical issues such as heart problems, mental and nerve system conditions and even malignant growth can be caused by certain chemicals. While the Organic Acids Test (OAT) can provide an indication of chemical exposure, the only way to know for sure is to take the GPL-TOX Profile examination.
MycoTox Profile (GPL)
The Mycotoxin profile from Great plains tests the presence of mycotoxins using a combination of the most common mycotoxins found in agricultural products. The GPL-MycoTOX Profile is used to detect and quantify mycotoxins in a wide range of commodities. It is designed to provide the most reliable and accurate results for the most commonly encountered mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins, the toxins created by mold, are extremely toxic and can have drastic consequences on the body. Damage to the organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and nervous system which can lead to chronic fatigue among other conditons can occur due to mycotoxin overload.
The presence of mycotoxins can be found in various foods, including grains, fruits, meats and dairy, which is usually sourced from mold growth in water damaged building materials. The Organic Acids Test (OAT) provides markers that ascertain an overgrowth of the fungus in the digestive system, but not the particular mycotoxins present. To acquire this information, one must undertake the GPL Mycotoxin profile.
Hair Mineral Testing
Different sources of food and water including grains (brown rice), poultry and fish can cause a person to be exposed to Arsenic, Lead and Mercury, resulting in a variety of health issues that can turn chronic. Lead, for instance, when consumed, can be related to mental health problems such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and behavioural difficulties in children including Autism due to its hazardous effects on the brain and nervous system.
Hair Metals testing is an uncomplicated way to detect heavy metal exposure in both adults and children. Additionally, it can provide insight into certain mineral imbalances such as lithium, selenium, cooper and zinc which can be very insightful for the practitioner.
Quicksilver Mercury Tri Mercury Test
The Quicksilver Mercury Tri-Test is the only test that carries out mercury speciation analysis, a patented advanced technology that distinguishes between methyl mercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (HgII) and measures both accurately. Quicksilver Scientific’s machines are sensitive enough to gauge the amount of ambient mercury in the body WITHOUT THE NEED TO UNDERGO CHALLENGE TESTING. This method gives healthcare practitioners never-before-seen insight, granting them the capacity to identify the patient’s sources of exposure, the total amount of mercury in their body, and their body’s ability to excrete either form of mercury.
Genetic Testing
Genetic Testing can be very helpful to give an overview of some of the genes needed to detox and whether there is SNP which is a good data point for the practitioner.