OUR TREATMENTS

FUNCTIONAL TESTING

Functional tests can help us to gain a better understanding and insight into what is happening within the body’s biochemistry. The results can help to aid diagnosis, identify specific issues, and develop a more targeted treatment plan. 

These tests are useful, but are expensive and must be interpreted by an experienced practitioner. Functional testing is important in complex health issues, not everyone needs to do these tests as many health problems are easy to understand and treat. There are many tests available so please talk to The Herb Centre staff or your practitioner to see what is appropriate for you.

Food Inflammation Test (FIT)

Take the guesswork out of food sensitivities. Accurate testing can give valuable insight into the contributing causes of inflammation. Inflammation often results in skin problems, headaches, migraines, and chronic gut issues. This test measures IgG and Complement reactions to 132 or 176 foods, colouring and additives across all major food groups (in one easy blood spot test). This test employs a unique method to detect both IgG antibodies and immune complexes (simultaneously) increasing the accuracy and sensitivity of test results.

Organic Acid Test (Oat)

This test offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a person’s overall health with over 70 markers. It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria and also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels and oxalates, which are implicated in chronic illnesses. It also helps assist in evaluating Krebs cycle abnormalities, antioxidant deficiencies and fatty acid metabolism. Oat testing can give valuable insights into causes of behaviour and movement disorders, hyperactivity as well as fatigue, and immune function, by measuring the metabolites of certain organic compounds produced in the body. 

DUTCH Complete

This is an advanced comprehensive hormone test offering the most extensive profile of reproductive (oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and adrenal hormones (cortisol & DHEA), along with their metabolites. 35 hormones are measured in total, this test is available for both men and women. It measures daily free cortisol patterns to give insight into stress loading and cortisol response. The interpretation of these results can be complicated and needs to be in the context of the individual person’s symptoms. This will then enable a more effective treatment plan to be developed according to the person’s specific issues such as fertility, mood, fatigue, and stress.

Stool Test (GI360) & DNA Analysis

This test is particularly relevant to those people who have had difficulty in improving gut function. It provides a comprehensive stool profile including the abundance and diversity of key bacterial populations of the GI, detects pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as assessing levels of biomarkers. This information enables the practitioner to be much more targeted in their treatment.

Complete Thyroid Panel

This is a very comprehensive test giving valuable insight into the complexities of thyroid function. Typically, only TSH (or thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is measured in standard blood tests, which is a very narrow part of the problem. This test measures thyroid gland activity, peripheral conversion of thyroid hormone, and thyroid autoantibodies (TSH, Total T4, Free T4, Total T3, Free T3, Reverse T3, TPO Abs, TG Abs). Thyroid issues affect a large number of the population, but once corrected, it can make a huge difference to your well-being. 

Hair Toxic & Essential Element Analysis

Hair analysis gives a baseline quantitative test of heavy metals such as Mercury, Aluminium, Arsenic (and more), alongside measuring nutrient levels such as Magnesium, Zinc, Chromium, Copper, Selenium (and others). These results can direct a treatment plan for detoxification and the balancing of nutrients. 

Vitamin D Test

Vitamin D is one of the most thoroughly researched nutrients which recognises its importance in the prevention of chronic disease, cancer, and mood disorders. This test measures D2 and D3 levels in dried blood spot samples and is one of the most accurate methods available. Vitamin D deficiency may be present even when there are no symptoms, yet it is simple to correct and may solve a number of subclinical health problems and reduce the risk for more serious diseases.

These tests are only part of the picture and are conducted alongside a full comprehensive case history which factors in diet and lifestyle alongside other contributing aspects. Please note that these tests can take between 3 - 4 weeks for the results to come back. Most tests are taken at home, each kit comes with a full set of simple instructions. 

Pricing can range from $95 - $865 per test.