FUNCTIONAL TESTING
“Test, don’t guess!” A motto sung by Naturopaths.
Testing enables us to understand the underlying cause(s) and exacerbating factors that are driving your symptoms. Through testing we can pinpoint deficiencies and imbalances in the body and monitor progress to ensure long-term results.
I offer a number of on-the-spot (that do not require any additional fees) in your initial consultation, which may include urine testing, zinc taste testing, iridology (study of the iris), blood pressure testing, body composition testing, as well as optional tests (which are priced from $79), including omega-3 index test, food intolerance testing and live blood analysis testing.
I also work with a variety of labs across Australia to offer a range of functional and pathology tests, including hormone tests, microbiome stool tests, thyroid tests, nutritional profile tests, heavy metal toxicity tests, liver tests, gene testing and more. I use labs including Microba, Laverty Pathology, NutriPATH and InClinical.
Testing Examples:
Gut Microbial Test - Stool Test
It’s estimated 1 in 2 Aussie’s experience digestive discomfort.
Although digestive discomfort is common, it’s not normal - by changing your gut microbiome we optimise digestion & elimination, and can alter the trajectory of your health.
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Australia’s most comprehensive gut microbiome test is now available through Olivia. It is a powerful, evidence-based tool that allows you to learn about your unique microbial community in unprecedented detail and identifies dietary suggestions.
Read more about gut microbiome testing and the 5 reasons you should do this test
Microbiome test is priced at $349 (+ $245 for a report of findings consultation), which is why it's included in the Nourished program. Nourished is priced at $777 per month (x 3) and includes the metabiome test + 4 x 1:1 consultations, email support between consultations, 12 online learning learning modules and more.
This test gives detailed information into which bacterial species are living in your gut (we can see what composition of ‘goodies’ you have vs ‘baddies’), what foods they’re using as fuel, and how your body is breaking down the food you’re eating.
This test also tells us how your digestion and gut microbiome is affecting:
Metabolic healthCardiovascular healthDetoxificationNervous system & moodInflammationDetoxification
Your gut microbiome is as unique as your fingerprint.
By doing a gut microbiome test we get an insight into your health and it helps us understand why you may have specific signs, symptoms and health challenges. It then enables us to create a bespoke natural health plan, which includes specific foods to eat more of, meal ideas and recipes, so your gut microbiome can thrive.
We can see your microbial diversity, digestion + absorption/elimination, inflammation, metabolic health, nervous system and detoxification markers.
Food Intolerance Testing:
It’s estimated that 65% of the population has digestion issues and 45% of the population have food intolerances, including wheat, gluten, dairy, soy and eggs. The food intolerance test is priced at $270, which includes a summary of results. Olivia will help you understand and implement the findings from the test during your follow-up consultation.
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It has been shown by various studies, that if foods that are producing high IgG levels are reduced and sometimes eliminated (for a short period of time only) from the diet, the symptoms of food intolerance can be reduced. If food intolerances go undetected that may be contributing to digestive discomfort, bloating, headaches, mood swings, eczema and fatigue
+ Foods that are tested:
Cereals
Corn, Durum Wheat, Gluten, Oats, Rice, Rye, Wheat.
Nuts & Beans
Almond, Brazil Nut, Cashew, Cocoa Bean, Peanut, Legume Mix (pea, lentil, haricot), Soya Bean, Walnut.
Meats
Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Pork.
Fish
Freshwater Fish Mix (salmon, trout), Shellfish Mix (shrimp, prawn, crab, lobster, mussel), Tuna, White Fish Mix (haddock, cod, plaice)
Vegetables
Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Celery, Cucumber, Leek, Peppers (red, green, yellow), Potato.
Fruits
Apple, Blackcurrant, Grapefruit, Melon Mix (cantaloupe, water melon), Olive, Orange & Lemon, Strawberry, Tomato
Other
Egg (whole), Cow's Milk, Garlic, Ginger, Mushroom, Tea, Yeast.
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An independent audit, conducted in 1998, studied symptom reduction in over 2000 individuals following an elimination diet based on the food intolerance IgG test. The audit demonstrated that more than 70% of patients reported a significant reduction in symptoms after eliminating the foods giving high IgG levels in the test.
Omega-3 Index Test:
It’s estimated that 80% of us don’t consume enough omega-3
Omega 3 can manage reduce inflammation, support healthy hormones and manage pain, including arthritic pain.
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The Omega-3 Index Test is a simple on-the-spot finger-prick test that measures the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell (RBC) fatty acids. The test itself specifically measures: omega-3 index (total combined EPA and DHA); Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio; EPA:Arachidonic acid ratio; and total trans fats.
Our body CANNOT produce omega-3, it must come from the diet. Omega-3 plays a crucial role in reducing overall inflammation and supporting our body systems, specifically repairing our nervous system, supporting a healthy stress response, natural mood management, pregnancy and hormonal support, healthy and elastic skin, cardiovascular health and general wellness.
Priced at $79, Olivia performs the finger prick test during your consultation and usually receives the results within 2-weeks. You’ll receive a report of findings, of your omega-3, omega 3:omega 6 ration, EPA: arachidonic acid ration and total trans fat. Olivia can then tailor your prescription pad based on your specific health requirements and current needs.
All test results are discussed in-depth in naturopathy consultations.