Naturopathic doctors can run most conventional testing through LifeLabs in BC. Common tests include metabolic (blood sugars, lipids), nutrient (vitamins & minerals), hormone (insulin, thyroid, sex hormones, cortisol) and organ function (kidneys, liver, heart) testing. Through LifeLabs we can assess inflammation, auto-immunity, infections, cardiovascular disease risk and overall health parameters.

There are many options for hormone testing including blood, saliva and urine testing. Each offer their own benefits. Generally we are testing for levels of sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. We can also test for their metabolites to understand your unique hormonal pathways. Signs of hormonal imbalances include PMS, irregular cycles, mood disturbances, weight changes, low libido, hair changes, acne, sleep issues and fatigue. The results help provide individualized treatment strategies to optimize hormone levels.

Cortisol and adrenal testing evaluates the function of your adrenal glands, which produce cortisol, the body's main stress hormone. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, and stress levels. We can look at cortisol levels throughout the day to give us an understanding of your adrenal rhythm and function. Melatonin testing can also be included.

Comprehensive GI testing assesses the health of your digestive system by looking for harmful pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi/yeasts or parasites) and evaluating the balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut. The microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. Imbalances in the gut can lead to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive issues. This can also include small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) testing. These tests helps identify infections or imbalances, guiding personalized treatment to restore gut health and improve digestion.

Genetic testing analyzes your DNA to identify specific genes or mutations that can affect your health. It provides insight on how you process certain foods and nutrients, metabolize hormones, produce and metabolize neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, dopamine and epinephrine) and which types of exercise are best for you. This information helps create a personalized healthcare plan that addresses your unique genetic makeup, allowing for more targeted prevention, treatment, and lifestyle recommendations.

Comprehensive nutrient testing evaluates the levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in your body. This test helps identify any deficiencies or imbalances that may affect your energy, mood, immune function, and overall health. By assessing a wide range of nutrients like vitamin D, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, omega-3's, amino acids and more, it provides a clear picture of your nutritional status. The results allow for personalized recommendations on diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes to optimize your health.

Food sensitivity testing is a simple blood test that identifies specific foods that you are having a delayed immune reaction to. Common symptoms of food sensitivity include bloating, headaches, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, eczema, acne or digestive discomfort. Unlike food allergies, which cause immediate and severe reactions, sensitivities can lead to delayed, milder symptoms that are harder to trace. The test analyzes your body's immune response to various foods.

Mold and environmental toxin testing checks for the presence of harmful substances in your body that come from mold exposure or environmental toxins such as chemicals and pollutants. These toxins can accumulate over time and lead to symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, neurological symptoms, allergies, respiratory issues, or chronic illness. These tests help to identify if toxins are a cause of your health concerns.

Advanced cardiovascular testing provides a detailed assessment of your heart health beyond standard cholesterol tests. It measures additional markers like inflammation, plaque buildup, and genetic risk factors that can contribute to heart disease. This testing helps identify risks for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions early, even if traditional tests appear normal. This testing enables personalized strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease and improve long-term heart function and wellness. This testing is especially important if you have a strong family history of heart disease.