Naturopathic medicine is covered by most extended health insurance plans.
T H E R A P I E S
Clinical Nutrition
Clinical Nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Special diets may be recommended. Treatment may include nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and functional foods.
Botanical/Herbal Medicine
The use of Botanical/Herbal Medicine for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization and is the foundation of modern pharmacology. Plant substances from around the world may be used for their healing effects and nutritional value.
Homeopathy
Based on the principle of "like cures like", Homeopathic Medicine uses minute amounts of natural substances to stimulate the self-healing abilities of the body.
Physical Medicine
A variety of hands-on techniques for the spine, joints and soft tissues, physical medicine also includes hydrotherapy and the therapeutic use of light, heat and cold, massage and ultrasound.
Asian Medicine & Acupuncture
Based on balancing the flow of Chi (energy) through the meridian pathways, Asian Medicine includes the use of acupuncture and herbs.
Lifestyle Counseling
Physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors affect health. Lifestyle Counseling helps patients make informed choices to reach and maintain their optimal health.
Clinical Nutrition examines the relationship between diet and health. Special diets may be recommended. Treatment may include nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and functional foods.
Botanical/Herbal Medicine
The use of Botanical/Herbal Medicine for healing dates back to the beginnings of civilization and is the foundation of modern pharmacology. Plant substances from around the world may be used for their healing effects and nutritional value.
Homeopathy
Based on the principle of "like cures like", Homeopathic Medicine uses minute amounts of natural substances to stimulate the self-healing abilities of the body.
Physical Medicine
A variety of hands-on techniques for the spine, joints and soft tissues, physical medicine also includes hydrotherapy and the therapeutic use of light, heat and cold, massage and ultrasound.
Asian Medicine & Acupuncture
Based on balancing the flow of Chi (energy) through the meridian pathways, Asian Medicine includes the use of acupuncture and herbs.
Lifestyle Counseling
Physical, emotional, nutritional and environmental factors affect health. Lifestyle Counseling helps patients make informed choices to reach and maintain their optimal health.
S E R V I C E S / T E S T I N G
_Confirming a diagnosis often requires laboratory testing. These advanced diagnostic assessments can assist in revealing the functional status of one’s health.
BREATH TESTS
SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) Breath Test
SIBO stands for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth. Normally the small intestine is a sterile environment, with cleansing waves of intestinal muscular contraction flushing bacteria through the ileo-cecal valve and into the large intestine (colon). Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth occurs when bacteria overgrows in areas of the small intestine where it should not be present, which can lead to many different symptoms and associated conditions.
SIBO is confirmed through the Lactulose Breath Test which measures hydrogen and methane gases in the breath that are produced by bacteria in the small intestine. This test is also used to monitor the success of each round of SIBO treatment. I use Sage Clinic in Vancouver BC to do my SIBO breath tests. Sage Clinic is now one of the only private clinics in Canada to have it’s own Quintron Breathtracker machine to perform the Lactulose Breath Test on-site.
STOOL TESTING
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis 2.0™ (CDSA 2.0)
The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis 2.0™ (CDSA 2.0) is a gastrointestinal stool test which offers a comprehensive look at the overall health of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It helps identify inflammatory conditions such as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), food allergies, NSAID enteropathy, and post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The CDSA 2.0 stool analysis provides information using advanced biomarkers that evaluate digestion, absorption, pancreatic function, and inflammation, in addition to bacterial balance, yeast, and parasite infection.
Digestive Complaints are Among the Most Common Reasons that Individuals Seek Medical Care
Evidence suggests that both local and systemic health issues may begin as imbalances in GI function. This diagnostic gastrointestinal stool analysis provides immediate, actionable clinical information for the estimated 50% of all patients seen by primary care practitioners who have GI complaints including IBS.
GI Effects® Stool Profile
The GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile is the stool test of choice for optimizing clinical value in managing gut health and has been enhanced to now offer:
Why use targeted stool testing?
Gastrointestinal function is critical for good health. The intestinal tract contains significant amounts of bacteria which, when imbalanced, scientific literature has associated with a wide variety of common illnesses including, but not limited to:
Additionally, balancing gut microbiota is key for improving core gastrointestinal functions, such as digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as metabolic functions. Poor digestion and malabsorption may impact immune function, optimum nutritional status, and mood.
ORGANIC ACIDS TESTING
Metabolic Analysis Profile (Organic Acids)
The Metabolic Analysis Profile is a nutritional test that assesses urine metabolites in order to evaluate four critical areas of metabolism: gastrointestinal function, cellular and mitochondrial energy production, neurotransmitter processing, and amino acid/organic acid balance as influenced by vitamin/mineral cofactors. Results can be used to address chronic systemic complaints ranging from chronic fatigue and mood disorders to headache, muscular/joint pain, and digestive problems.
The Metabolic Analysis Profile is a nutritional test using an urinary assessment of 46 key organic acids grouped according to their primary roles in the following four central areas of metabolism.
Gastrointestinal Function — This profile measures eight markers that can reveal malabsorption and dysbiosis. These imbalances can be addressed to improve gut health and to help prevent or alleviate: chronic digestive problems, common causes of nutritional deficiency, yeast overgrowth, cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal distress, and degenerative conditions.
Energy Production —This profile assesses metabolites that serve as important intermediates in the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. This cycle supplies the body with its primary energy needs, converting 90% of food energy into cellular energy. This subpanel also includes:
Neurotransmitter Metabolites - A special grouping of neurotransmitter metabolites serve as important diagnostic indicators of abnormal metabolism that can underline many key aspects of neuropsychiatric function. These markers are urinary metabolites of powerful neurotranmitters that act on the central nervous system, including: Epinephrine, Dopamine, and Serotonin. These substances can profoundly influence patterns of stress response, emotional well-being, cognition, and sleep.
Assessment of Nutrient Sufficiency — This nutritional test provides a functional assessment of nutrient sufficiency and usage that covers a broad range of vitamins, coenzymes, elements, enzyme activators, and other nutrients. An analysis of amino acid metabolites which require vitamin and mineral cofactors for their metabolism can hint at deficiencies of: vitamins B6, B12 and C, magnesium, copper, iron, and various amino acids.
The reference ranges for this test apply to children (2 — 12 years) and adults.
FOOD SENSITIVITY OR ALLERGY TESTING
Food and Environmental Sensitivity Testing
IgG is the antibody involved in delayed onset sensitivity reactions. This type of sensitivity is difficult to diagnose because reactions do not occur until hours or days after exposure to an substance. This makes it extremely difficult to pinpoint which foods are causing the reaction.
There are many symptoms of this type of reaction. Some of them may include:
Testing for IgG reactions can be done quickly (in-clinic) with a simple finger prick. It is important to consume a wide variety of foods a minimum of 7 days prior to taking this test.
Some individuals find this type of testing helpful. I find the results of an elimination and re-challenge diet more accurate in identifying food sensitivities.
HORMONE TESTING
DUTCH
Dried UrineTest for Complete Hormones
This advanced hormone testing was developed to improve on available hormone testing options. DUTCH offers the most extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones along with their metabolites. Additionally, the daily (diurnal) pattern of free cortisol is included, along with melatonin (6-OHMS), 8-OHdG, and six organic acids. This unique combination of clinical information is not available by any other method.
Salivary Hormone Testing
Salivary hormone testing is a non-invasive method which will assess hormone imbalance that may be responsible for a variety of symptoms including menstrual issues, decreased sex-drive, fatigue, insomnia, mood swings, and hot flashes. Analyzing various hormone levels can provide great insight into thyroid function, stress and adrenal function, male hormone imbalance, and fertility issues.
Types of salivary tests available:
ADRENAL FUNCTION PANEL (cortisol, DHEA-S)
This panel measures the body’s ability to cope with stress and reflects the extent to which the body has been affected by it. Symptoms of impaired adrenal function can include:
FEMALE PANEL (cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, DHEA-S, testosterone)
Appropriate interactions between these hormones are fundamental for good health.
Imbalances may manifest as:
MALE PANEL (cortisol, DHEAs, estradiol, testosterone)
Conditions associated with male hormonal imbalance may include:
BREATH TESTS
SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) Breath Test
SIBO stands for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth. Normally the small intestine is a sterile environment, with cleansing waves of intestinal muscular contraction flushing bacteria through the ileo-cecal valve and into the large intestine (colon). Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth occurs when bacteria overgrows in areas of the small intestine where it should not be present, which can lead to many different symptoms and associated conditions.
SIBO is confirmed through the Lactulose Breath Test which measures hydrogen and methane gases in the breath that are produced by bacteria in the small intestine. This test is also used to monitor the success of each round of SIBO treatment. I use Sage Clinic in Vancouver BC to do my SIBO breath tests. Sage Clinic is now one of the only private clinics in Canada to have it’s own Quintron Breathtracker machine to perform the Lactulose Breath Test on-site.
STOOL TESTING
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis 2.0™ (CDSA 2.0)
The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis 2.0™ (CDSA 2.0) is a gastrointestinal stool test which offers a comprehensive look at the overall health of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It helps identify inflammatory conditions such as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), food allergies, NSAID enteropathy, and post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The CDSA 2.0 stool analysis provides information using advanced biomarkers that evaluate digestion, absorption, pancreatic function, and inflammation, in addition to bacterial balance, yeast, and parasite infection.
Digestive Complaints are Among the Most Common Reasons that Individuals Seek Medical Care
Evidence suggests that both local and systemic health issues may begin as imbalances in GI function. This diagnostic gastrointestinal stool analysis provides immediate, actionable clinical information for the estimated 50% of all patients seen by primary care practitioners who have GI complaints including IBS.
GI Effects® Stool Profile
The GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile is the stool test of choice for optimizing clinical value in managing gut health and has been enhanced to now offer:
- Further insight into gut flora by identifying 24 Commensal Bacteria targets using PCR technology
- Identification of parasites using O&P technology
- Biomarkers indicating levels of digestive and absorptive functions, as well as potential issues with gut inflammation and immunology
Why use targeted stool testing?
Gastrointestinal function is critical for good health. The intestinal tract contains significant amounts of bacteria which, when imbalanced, scientific literature has associated with a wide variety of common illnesses including, but not limited to:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
Additionally, balancing gut microbiota is key for improving core gastrointestinal functions, such as digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as metabolic functions. Poor digestion and malabsorption may impact immune function, optimum nutritional status, and mood.
ORGANIC ACIDS TESTING
Metabolic Analysis Profile (Organic Acids)
The Metabolic Analysis Profile is a nutritional test that assesses urine metabolites in order to evaluate four critical areas of metabolism: gastrointestinal function, cellular and mitochondrial energy production, neurotransmitter processing, and amino acid/organic acid balance as influenced by vitamin/mineral cofactors. Results can be used to address chronic systemic complaints ranging from chronic fatigue and mood disorders to headache, muscular/joint pain, and digestive problems.
The Metabolic Analysis Profile is a nutritional test using an urinary assessment of 46 key organic acids grouped according to their primary roles in the following four central areas of metabolism.
Gastrointestinal Function — This profile measures eight markers that can reveal malabsorption and dysbiosis. These imbalances can be addressed to improve gut health and to help prevent or alleviate: chronic digestive problems, common causes of nutritional deficiency, yeast overgrowth, cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal distress, and degenerative conditions.
Energy Production —This profile assesses metabolites that serve as important intermediates in the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. This cycle supplies the body with its primary energy needs, converting 90% of food energy into cellular energy. This subpanel also includes:
- Carbohydrate metabolites that can signal impaired glucose metabolism
- Markers that help evaluate the breakdown of fats and production of cholesterol
- A marker measuring the production of coenzyme Q10
Neurotransmitter Metabolites - A special grouping of neurotransmitter metabolites serve as important diagnostic indicators of abnormal metabolism that can underline many key aspects of neuropsychiatric function. These markers are urinary metabolites of powerful neurotranmitters that act on the central nervous system, including: Epinephrine, Dopamine, and Serotonin. These substances can profoundly influence patterns of stress response, emotional well-being, cognition, and sleep.
Assessment of Nutrient Sufficiency — This nutritional test provides a functional assessment of nutrient sufficiency and usage that covers a broad range of vitamins, coenzymes, elements, enzyme activators, and other nutrients. An analysis of amino acid metabolites which require vitamin and mineral cofactors for their metabolism can hint at deficiencies of: vitamins B6, B12 and C, magnesium, copper, iron, and various amino acids.
The reference ranges for this test apply to children (2 — 12 years) and adults.
FOOD SENSITIVITY OR ALLERGY TESTING
Food and Environmental Sensitivity Testing
IgG is the antibody involved in delayed onset sensitivity reactions. This type of sensitivity is difficult to diagnose because reactions do not occur until hours or days after exposure to an substance. This makes it extremely difficult to pinpoint which foods are causing the reaction.
There are many symptoms of this type of reaction. Some of them may include:
- headaches
- weight gain
- mood/attention disorders
- asthma
- eczema
- recurrent infections
- joint pain
- sinus troubles
- digestive upset (including irritable bowel)
Testing for IgG reactions can be done quickly (in-clinic) with a simple finger prick. It is important to consume a wide variety of foods a minimum of 7 days prior to taking this test.
Some individuals find this type of testing helpful. I find the results of an elimination and re-challenge diet more accurate in identifying food sensitivities.
HORMONE TESTING
DUTCH
Dried UrineTest for Complete Hormones
This advanced hormone testing was developed to improve on available hormone testing options. DUTCH offers the most extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones along with their metabolites. Additionally, the daily (diurnal) pattern of free cortisol is included, along with melatonin (6-OHMS), 8-OHdG, and six organic acids. This unique combination of clinical information is not available by any other method.
Salivary Hormone Testing
Salivary hormone testing is a non-invasive method which will assess hormone imbalance that may be responsible for a variety of symptoms including menstrual issues, decreased sex-drive, fatigue, insomnia, mood swings, and hot flashes. Analyzing various hormone levels can provide great insight into thyroid function, stress and adrenal function, male hormone imbalance, and fertility issues.
Types of salivary tests available:
ADRENAL FUNCTION PANEL (cortisol, DHEA-S)
This panel measures the body’s ability to cope with stress and reflects the extent to which the body has been affected by it. Symptoms of impaired adrenal function can include:
- fatigue or feeling ‘tired but wired‘
- depression
- decreased sex-drive
- sleep disturbance
- anxiety
- ‘burned -out’ feeling
- increased susceptibility to infection
- worsening of allergies
- decreased clarity of thought (‘brain-fog’)
FEMALE PANEL (cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, DHEA-S, testosterone)
Appropriate interactions between these hormones are fundamental for good health.
Imbalances may manifest as:
- menstrual problems
- mental-emotional issues
- sleep disturbances
- digestive issues
MALE PANEL (cortisol, DHEAs, estradiol, testosterone)
Conditions associated with male hormonal imbalance may include:
- erectile dysfunction
- infertility
- memory loss
- increased abdominal weight gain
- enlarged prostate
