When necessary, Dr. Tam, ND uses a variety of diagnostic tools to help assess the health of her patients. Below are a few lab tests that are commonly used:
1. Conventional Blood-work
Conventional blood tests such as blood sugar, cholesterol, iron, thyroid panel, vitamin D and B12.
2. IgG Food Sensitivity Test
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This test looks at a different type of allergic reaction from the conventional skin prick allergy test. The IgG Food Sensitivity Test requires a few drops of blood from a simple finger prick, and can give us a comprehensive assessment of potential sensitivities to hundreds of different foods.
Hidden food sensitivities can lead to inflammation, which can contribute to a multitude of health problems including:
- Bloating & digestive difficulties
- Eczema & other skin reactions
- Asthma
- Headaches & migraines
- Congestion & sinusitis
- Joint pains
- Seasonal allergies
- Moodiness & mental fogginess
- Difficulty losing weight / weight gain
- Puffiness around the eyes
Food sensitivities (IgG reactions) may not be as immediate or severe as food allergies (ie. peanut allergy). However, these low-grade sensitivities can significantly affect our everyday functioning.
3. Saliva Hormone Testing
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This is an accurate and non-invasive of measuring hormones (ie. estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, etc.) and identifying possible excesses and deficiencies in the body. Female and male panels are also available.
4. Hair Element Analysis Test
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This test assesses any on-going exposure to toxic elements (ie. mercury, lead, aluminum) and shows essential nutrient status (ie. magnesium, zinc, selenium) in the body.
5. Comprehensive Stool Analysis & Parasitology Test
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Digestive complaints are among the most common reasons that patients seek medical care (learn more here).
Your stool can tell us a lot about your digestion!
Hence this stool analysis test is an invaluable and non-invasive tool to help assess the health of your digestive tract, how well you are absorbing nutrients, the balance of good and harmful bacteria, and identify yeast/fungus and parasites that may be present in your gut. This information will greatly help in selecting the most effective treatments.
