Tests can help to pinpoint the underlying causes of various health issues more precisely, for instance what specific foods you have an intolerance to, whether there are high levels of toxic metals in your body, overgrowth of parasites, yeasts or bacteria, which hormones are out of balance.

In most cases these scientific tests are non-invasive. Tests can provide a measure of the progress you’ve made by comparing results of subsequent tests with earlier ones.

Recommended tests are carried out by reputable laboratories. Any tests, if recommended, will be fully explained to enable you to make an informed decision.

Test results are sent directly to the nutritional therapist who then interprets and formulates your programme accordingly. Costs of the tests vary.

Descriptions of some tests

FACTest
A food intolerance/allergy test that measures more than 200 different foods, including additives, seasonings and beverages. Blood samples required

FoodSCAN
A food intolerance test that looks for your body’s reactions to 113 individual foods. Uses simple finger-prick blood collection device.

Hair Mineral Analysis
This hair test gives information on your essential mineral and toxic metals status. It also indicates your metabolic type.

Adrenal Stress Index
A saliva test that measures the fluctuations of steroid hormones cortisol and DHEA. These hormones influence carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism, thyroid function and help the body manage stress.

Female Hormone Panel
This saliva test measures the monthly fluctuations in oestradiol and progesterone levels which play a vital role in the different phases of a woman’s cycle. Also measures testosterone levels. Many hormonal problems in women are the result of imbalances in these hormones.

Male Hormone Profile
This saliva test reveals how the adrenal hormones cortisol and DHEA, along with melatonin, can all influence testosterone levels. It helps detect imbalances related to symptoms of male andropause, aging, low vitality and sexual dysfunction as well as metabolism.

Total Thyroid Screen
This provides an initial investigation into suspected thyroid dysfunction by measuring the hormones TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Total T4 as well as levels of auto-antibodies. Blood sample required.

Urine Thyroid Hormones
This urine test assesses peripheral tissue exposure to thyroid hormones over a 24-hour period. Useful for diagnosing cases of mild hypothyroidism.

Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology
This stool test provides a lot of information into intestinal health including bacteria, yeasts, parasites and other infectious pathogens, the state of digestive, absorptive function and inflammatory conditions.