Comprehensive Stool Analysis and Parasitology is assessed from stool samples. The test kit contains full instructions and all equipment required to perform this test at home, plus self-addressed packaging to return the sample to the laboratory. Three stool and two saliva samples must be provided on consecutive days. The Comprehensive Stool Analysis offers a comprehensive view of the health of the gastrointestinal tract, with information about digestion, absorption, bacterial balance, yeast overgrowth, inflammation, metabolic activity, and immune function. Parasitology detects the presence of intestinal parasites including amoebae, flagellates, ciliates, coccidian and microsporidia. Imbalances in any of these areas can produce a variety of symptoms, as gut health may directly or indirectly affect mood, mental wellbeing, and ability to thrive

Gut Permeability is assessed from urine samples. This test involves collecting samples before and after consuming a premeasured challenge drink containing lactulose and mannitol. The kit includes full instructions plus challenge drink and collection containers. This test assesses intestinal permeability and absorption levels. Intestinal permeability may lead to an increased burden on detoxification systems, the development of food allergies and autoimmune conditions and has also been associated with moods and behavioural issues.

Secretory IgA (SigA) is assessed from saliva samples. Measuring levels of SigA can provide the link between gut disorders and systemic illness. SigA production is greatly influenced by aging, antibiotics, intestinal infection, chronic alcohol intake, maldigestion, malabsorption, NSAIDs and chronic stress levels.

Candida Antibody Profile is measured from 1 x 10ml ETDA sample or 1 x plain saliva sample. Candida Albicans is a naturally occurring yeast species that is found in the large intestine, genital tract, mouth and throat. Under normal conditions it is compatible with good health and usually kept under control by beneficial bacterial flora, the immune system and proper intestinal pH. However, under certain circumstances, Candida can become pathogenic and may overgrow leading to a pronounced immunological reaction.

Gluten Sensitivity Profile is assessed by 1 x 10ml EDTA sample. Intolerance to the gluten component of wheat, rye, oats and barley causes gluten sensitive enteropathy (GSE), which is characterised by chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and flattening of the epithelium. Gluten intolerance can cause both acute and chronic symptoms, including anaemia, unexplained weight loss, diarrhoea, bloating, wind, low energy, general malaise, dermatitis herpetiformis, mood disorders, aching joints and muscles.

Vitamin & Mineral Screen – Health Risk Profile this (extended) profile requires venous blood. This test measures cellular levels of a number of vitamins, minerals, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, antioxidant and other enzymes, bile acids and proteins and includes vitamin D and homocystein. These measures can help to identify deficiencies and/or high (potentially toxic) levels of these substances.  They can also point to potential liver dysfunction and elevated blood glucose levels. The test involves a fasting blood sample taken at the laboratory or taken elsewhere and delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours.

Mineral Imbalances can be assessed by blood sample or hair mineral analysis. Hair mineral analysis requires a small sample of hair (about 2 teaspoons) taken from the back of the head. The hair sample must be untreated (i.e. not dyed or permed) and cut close to the scalp. If scalp hair is not available, then sweat may be used. Deficiencies, excesses or imbalances of minerals including toxic metals may contribute to a variety of symptoms including anxiety, mood changes, poor memory and concentration.

Optimal Nutritional Evaluation (ONE) Test requires a urine sample, to be frozen and returned to the laboratory. This comprehensive test provides assessment of amino acids, organic acids and levels of oxidative stress. The 80+ markers assess the metabolic functioning such as cellular energy production, neurotransmitter processing, gastrointestinal function and vitamin/mineral cofactor status, antioxidant status and oxidative injury.

Vitamin D is assessed from blood samples. Vitamin D has a hormone like effect. There is growing evidence for the contribution of low circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D derivative levels to the development of a wide range of bone, autoimmune, and nervous system diseases as well as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The biologically active vitamin (1-alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) is produced locally in various tissues where it modulates calcium and inflammatory responses. Most Vitamin D is stored in body tissue as 25(OH). Total body vitamin D nutritional status is indicated by serum 25 (OH) D measurement.

Adrenal Stress Index assessed from saliva samples. Four saliva samples are collected at home over a 24 hour period. The test assesses the body’s free circulating, biologically active hormones of cortisol and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). This shows how well the body is coping with emotional, physical and chemical stresses. Symptoms of anxiety, stress, low mood or mood swings, fears, fatigue, ‘brain fog’, lack of drive, are associated with imbalances in cortisol and DHEA.

Total Thyroid Screen is assessed from 1 x 10ml serum sample. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that regulate your metabolism. Disruptions can slow down or speed up your body’s metabolism, resulting in fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, weight gain or loss, changes in menses, high blood pressure and/or heart problems. This test assesses thyroid gland function.

Homocysteine levels are assessed from blood plasma. This test requires a sample of blood. Homocysteine is a potentially harmful sulphur bearing amino acid produced in the body. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood may be related to increased risk factors concerning cardiovascular health, low mood, Alzheimer’s.

Metabolic Analysis Profile is measured from 2 x 5ml first morning urine samples. This profile provides a unique way of assessing various cellular processes and the efficiency of metabolic function by measuring intermediates that are excreted in the urine.

Neurotransmitter Imbalances are assessed from blood platelet levels of neurotransmitters. This test requires venous blood. Levels of platelet determinations of serotonin and noradrenalin (norepinephrine) are measured. An imbalance in these neurotransmitter levels is principally associated with symptoms of low mood and lack of drive.

Histamine Imbalance is assessed from blood plasma. This test requires venous blood . Blood can be drawn at a private practice in central London. An imbalance in histamine is associated with symptoms of mood and behavioural changes.

Urinary Peptides An early morning urine sample is collected, frozen and returned to the laboratory. The sample is then tested for chains of amino acids (peptides). Elevated levels of these peptides result from partially undigested milk or gluten foods being absorbed into the blood stream. Most of the peptides are flushed out of the body in the urine but a small proportion will cross into the brain and interfere with function. This can result in the symptoms such as behavioural, autistic spectrum disorders, learning and behavioural problems.

HPL (hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one) is assessed by urinary reagent analysis. This test requires 2 urine samples. Pyrroluria, which is an elevated level of HPL in urine, may be a factor in low mood, anxiety and behavioural issues.

Female Hormone Panel from saliva samples. This test analyses eleven saliva samples over a 28- day period for the levels of ß-estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. This test may be useful if mood and wellbeing is related to hormonal cycle.

Detoxification Capacity Profile is assessed from urine and saliva samples. Saliva samples are collected following the ingestion of a premeasured amount of caffeine, while urine is collected following the ingestion of aspirin and acetaminophen (Paracetamol). The test assesses the body’s capacity to detoxify environmental and gut-derived toxins and the body’s own hormones and other compounds. This test is useful if it is suspected that the mood and other symptoms may be related to toxic exposure, hormonal imbalances, gut dysbiosis or a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Associated symptoms may include eczema, joint aches, and mood and related symptoms that are worse after eating.

Costs may vary depending on the tests used. Contact us to request your detailed information pack.