Order a Laboratory Test
Testing for Inflammation
C-Reactive Protein
This blood test is the most powerful predictor of heart disease. We believe it should be measured in all adults over 30. It was originally used to diagnosis to pneumonia, but now is be used to tell if you have generalized inflammation from many causes including obesity, diabetes, chronic hidden infections, bad teeth, lack of exercise, or an inflammatory diet. It is the best screening test at this time for inflammation.
Cytokines (IL-6, IL-1, TNF-ALPHA, ETC.)
Cytokines are a class of proteins that are the language of your immune, much in the way neurotransmitters are the language of the nervous system and hormones are the language of the endocrine, or hormone secreting glands. They can either promote or reduce inflammation. Newer tests can identify the balance of these compounds. IL-6 and TNF alpha are particularly important inflammatory molecules, implicated in many diseases
Myeloperoxidase
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an abundant enzyme secreted from white blood cells. This forms free radicals and creates inflammation. It has been found to be associated with heart disease.
Food Allergy Testing
The current status of testing for the existence of food allergens is less than ideal, but with some cautions, and using specific tests, insight can be gained into the potential and specific triggers for any one person with chronic inflammation. Here is a brief summary of some of the most useful tests.
ELIMINATION/PROVOCATION
This is the most useful test. Remove the foods, see if your symptoms resolve, and then eat the food again. If you get sick you have your answer. The problem occurs if you don't eliminate ALL the foods you are allergic to, because even if you have removed some, you might not get all better. That is why we recommend a general elimination diet for two weeks. It is a good way to see if food is part of your problem. It is best to reintroduce foods or food groups one at time after the initial two weeks.
ELISA/RAST IGE
This is a very well accepted way to check for IgE or acute food allergies. If you eat peanut, or a strawberry, are you going to get hives or end up in the emergency room? If this is severe, most of the time you already know this. On the other hand, subtle IgE allergies may not always be obvious. This blood test helps to identify the problem.
IGG FOOD ANTIBODY TESTS
There are many labs that perform this, and some are better than others. This checks less obvious allergies or reactions from food. Some of the positive results may not be truly positive, but generally a two-week elimination and challenge with those foods can pick out the truly reactive foods.
GLUTEN ALLERGY (DO YOU HAVE CELIAC DISEASE?)
- IgA antigliadin antibodies (gluten)
- IgG antigliadin antibodies (gluten)
- IgA Antiendomysial antibodies (gluten)
- Tissue transglutaminase antibody (gluten)
- Celiac Gene testing
These tests can identify those who have a genetic gluten or wheat allergy. This occurs in about 1 in 120 people and is seriously under diagnosed. It is known as celiac disease and can manifest in many different forms from digestive complaints to acne to canker sores to thyroid disease and even many autoimmune diseases. If you have a chronic inflammatory condition, it is critical to identify this common inherited gluten allergy.
Common Autoimmune Indicators
- Thyroid peroxidase antibodies
- Anti-thryoglobulin antibodies
- Anti-nuclear antibodies
- Other autoantibodies
These are among the most common indicators of autoimmune antibodies. They are clues about autoimmunity and inflammation, even in the absence of other symptoms. Many environmental toxins or xenobiotics interfere with thyroid function and can cause an autoimmune reaction to the thyroid where the body begins to attack its own thyroid gland, even in the absence of other abnormal thyroid tests.
Assessment for Chronic Infections
ANTIBODY TESTING FOR CHRONIC INFECTIONS
Testing for hidden chronic infections is difficult. There are numerous potential culprits and not everything that you find may be causing symptoms, or even illness. In fact sometimes we live quite harmoniously with a whole host of bugs. When the balance is tipped however problems can occur. Some autoimmune diseases are now linked to infections including Chlamydia and Epstein Bar virus with multiple sclerosis. Other bugs have been linked to heart diseases including Chlamydia (a cause of bronchitis and pneumonia), Helicobacter pylori which can also cause stomach ulcers and stomach cancer), Herpes Simplex 1 (cold sores), cytomegalovirus (a virus often causing no symptoms).
Antibodies (the infection fighters made by your white blood cells against these organisms) can be found in the blood, but often it is hard to tell if this is from an active or previous infection. Newer tests actually can help us with this problem. (See PCR testing below) Consultation with a knowledge doctor can be helpful in this detective hunt.
PCR TESTING FOR CHRONIC INFECTIONS
PCR or polymerase chain reaction is a relatively new technology that can help to identify the actual DNA particle from virus, bacteria or yeasts in any body fluid or tissue sample (this is how they can diagnosis anthrax from the skin). It is useful in people with difficult to solve problems including chronic fatigue and autoimmune conditions.
ASSESSMENT OF YEAST OVERGROWTH
While yeast overgrowth is far from accepted in conventional medical circles, we have found it to be real and very treatable problem for many with chronic illness. There are many ways to identify problems with yeast - antibodies, PCR testing, cultures, metabolites. While none are perfect, combining these can give us a clear picture of the load of yeast in your system and its potential for metabolic and inflammatory damage.
The useful tests include:
- Candida and other fungal antibodies
- PCR testing for various fungal organisms
- Stool cultures
- Vaginal Cultures
- Vaginal KOH (potassium hydroxide) smears (done in a doctor's office)
- Urinary Organic acids for yeast metabolites including arabinitol, citramalate, beta-ketoglutarate (all analogue inhibitors of metabolic function, or imitators of our own molecules that can cause interference with our own metabolism)
ASSESSMENT OF GUT SOURCES OF INFLAMMATION/INFECTION
The gut-immune connection is well established, yet few physicians think to look at the gut as a source of systemic inflammation. Trying to identify the problem bugs can be difficult, but when these tests are used with good clinical judgment, those problems can be identified and treated. The goal is to find imbalances in the ecosystem of the gut and correct them so that the cycle of inflammation is stopped.
Here is what we have found to be the most useful tests for identifying problems in the gut ecosystem.
URINE ORGANIC ACIDS FOR DYSBIOSIS
Organic acids are metabolites in the urine that can give clues to nutritional status, but is often used to look at unusual chemicals that come from the gut bacteria, yeasts or parasites.
STOOL ANALYSIS FOR DYSBIOSIS
Many chemical markers can be analyzed in the stool to give a picture of the ecosystem. Markers for digestion, absorption, inflammation, acid-alkaline balance, and as well as cultures of the various bacteria, yeasts or parasites can often pinpoint the source of inflammation and be linked to many diseases
HYDROGEN BREATH TESTING FOR SMALL BOWEL BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH
One of the best tests for identifying bacteria growing in the small intestine (where there should be none) is the hydrogen breath test. After drinking a special sugar drink, your breath is collected. If there is a lot of gas or hydrogen, then it means that the bacteria or other organisms in your small intestine are fermenting the sugars, like a little brewery. This problem is often linked to autoimmune conditions, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Heavy Metal Testing (Mercury, Lead, and Others)
HAIR ANALYSIS FOR HEAVY METALS
While there has been controversy over hair analysis, it is a well-accepted and scientifically accurate method for assessing your burden of heavy metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, etc. Heavy metals have been shown to cause autoimmune and inflammatory reactions.
URINE PROVOCATION TEST FOR HEAVY METALS
This is the most accurate way to assess your total body load of heavy metals. Other tests may show what is being excreted in the hair from fish consumption, or temporarily in the blood, but the urine provocation test can best tell you your lifelong exposure. The test is done by taking an oral dose of either DMPS 10mg/kg or DMSA 30mg/kg followed by a six hour urine collection.
Testing for Parasites
This is one of the most problematic areas in medicine. The correct diagnosis depends on experienced lab technicians, correct collection and sometimes multiple specimens. Many labs now specialize in the unique methods needed for proper detection. [see resources] Still multiple specimens are needed, and often you must take a laxative to get those critters to let go of the bowel wall where they like to hang on. Be sure to check to make sure you have rid yourself of these with at least three specimens at least two weeks after your treatment is over.
Testing for the Gut Micro Ecology Imbalances
The following tests have already been reviewed elsewhere:
- Comprehensive digestive stool analysis
- Specialty Parasitology Labs
- Hydrogen breath testing for small bowel overgrowth
- Organic acid urine testing for dysbiosis
- Intestinal permeability (lactulose mannitol challenge)
Other Tests for Gut Function
LACTULOSE: MANNITOL CHALLENGE FOR INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY
Checking for a "leaky gut" can tell you if you are keeping out unwanted food particles or antigens and bugs or not. This test is very good for looking at whether or not your gut is keeping out the bad stuff and letting in the good stuff. A leaky gut is a common feature of most inflammatory conditions.
COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT
This common test can give many clues to underlying infection. It shows the different types of white blood cells and their responses to different organisms. Here's what to look for:
Anemia or Large Red Blood Cells
This can be sign of B12 or folate deficiency. B12 is absorbed in the small intestine and if there is chronic inflammation, bacterial overgrowth or a parasite, it is often a poorly absorbed leading to large red blood cells that show up as an elevated MCV (or mean corpuscular volume). Anything over 95 should get you thinking about B12 malabsorption or folate deficiency
A Low Neutrophil and High Lymphocyte Count
This can be a sign of chronic yeast or viral infections. These are types of white blood cells. A low total white blood cell count can also be a sign of stress to the immune system
Eosinophils
These are specialized white blood cells that fight parasites or deal with allergens and may indicate either or both. Further testing for parasites or allergies should be done if eosinophils are elevated
HOMOCYSTEINE AND METHYLMALONIC ACID
These can help pick up B12 or folate deficiency
25 OH VITAMIN D
- Low vitamin D levels are a very good clue to malabsorption, poor nutrition, risk of osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, seasonal affective disorder and more
