ECZEMA

At the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic, scientifically proven diagnostic testing is done to identify the root cause of the eczema – for example, if a food intolerance is suspected, the naturopath may suggest getting food intolerance testing in order to identify what food allergen / intolerance may be causing the problem.

Below are some of the tests that may be suggested at our naturopathic clinic for eczema:

1. Antibody Testing with ELISA – a detailed and comprehensive analysis is crucial for the clinician to make accurate, precise diagnoses of food allergies and environmental allergies. With the Allergy Antibody Assessment, IgE and IgG levels are assessed using an Enzyme–Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).


2. Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acid Analysis – Quite often a deficiency in essential fatty acids can cause dryness of the skin and eczema. Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acid Analysis offers the most comprehensive test currently available for accurately and objectively assessing fatty acid imbalances and tracking progress during nutritional therapy. Utilizing a combination of Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy, the analysis provides a complete and detailed evaluation of a patient's fatty acid status, measuring a total of 24 fatty acids and 17 fatty acid ratios.


3. Elemental Analysis – examines blood or hair samples for levels of toxic and nutrient elements. Toxicities and nutrient insufficiencies are identified, allowing for targeted interventions. The Toxic Element Exposure Profile evaluates a hair sample for levels of 21 toxic elements.


4. The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) is the original non–invasive evaluation of gastrointestinal function that includes analyses of digestion, absorption, bacterial balance, yeast and parasites. This profile is recommended for patients with diffuse and non–specific GI–related symptoms, such as indigestion, dysbiosis, constipation, and diarrhea. If digestion and absorption of food and nutrients is incomplete, the body does not benefit from all the vitamins and minerals, along with essential fatty acids that may be present in the foods. This may lead to immune system Dysfunction, which may lead to skin disorders including psoriasis and eczema.


5. Intestinal Permeability Assessment analyzes urine for the clearance of two non-metabolized sugars, lactulose and mannitol. Identifies "leaky gut" and malabsorption of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, a deficiency of which can cause eczema.


6. Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment is a comprehensive analysis of thyroid hormone secretion and metabolism, including central thyroid regulation and activity, peripheral thyroid function, and thyroid autoimmunity. This serum test allows to pinpoint commonly occurring imbalances that underlie a broad spectrum of chronic illness. Quite often thyroid hormone abnormalities cause severe dry skin which may then lead to eczema.


7. Adrenocortex stress profile – A powerful and precise non–invasive assay, the Adrenocortex Stress Profile evaluates bioactive levels of the body's important stress hormones, cortisol and DHEA. This profile serves as a critical tool for uncovering biochemical imbalances that can underlay anxiety, chronic fatigue, obesity, diabetes and a host of other clinical conditions. It's also a crucial tool for monitoring DHEA and / or cortisone therapy.

   Changing amounts of DHEA and cortisol over an individual's lifetime may signal important alterations in adrenal function that can profoundly affect his / her energy levels, emotional state, disease resistance, and general sense of well being. That's because adrenal hormones exert a profound influence on the body's carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, immune response, thyroid function, cardiovascular health, and overall resistance to stress.

   The Adrenocortex Stress Profile accurately measures unbound levels of both cortisol and DHEA, and provides a complete circadian analysis of cortisol activity using saliva samples. Controlled collection times allow for accurate baseline testing and effective monitoring of hormone replacement therapy. The patient can easily collect saliva samples required for the test at home or at work.

• Previous
• Next