Naturopathic Blood Tests
Naturopathic doctors can perform a variety of diagnostic tests to help assess a patient's health status, including:
-
Laboratory tests: Naturopaths can order standard blood tests, urine tests, and stool tests to evaluate various aspects of a patient's health, such as blood sugar levels, liver function, and digestive health.
-
Functional medicine tests: These are specialized tests that assess the underlying causes of health problems, such as food sensitivities, hormone imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies.
-
Allergy testing: To identify food and environmental allergens that may be contributing to health problems.
-
Gastrointestinal testing: To evaluate digestive health and identify issues such as leaky gut, IBS and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
-
Physical exams: A thorough physical examination can provide important information about a patient's health and help identify underlying health issues.
It's important to keep in mind that the specific tests a naturopath may perform will depend on their individual approach to treatment and the health concerns of the patient.
Using Diagnostic Testing to Guide Approach
Diagnostic testing is an important tool used to help guide approach to treatment. It helps to create a comprehensive understanding of a patient's health status and identify underlying causes of health problems. For example, if a patient has symptoms of fatigue and low mood, a comprehensive panel of blood tests can be ordered to evaluate hormone levels, nutrient levels, and markers of inflammation.
If the tests reveal low levels of thyroid hormones and high levels of inflammation, it may suggest hypothyroidism and/or another autoimmune condition. A treatment plan can then be developed to support the thyroid and reduce inflammation. By using a holistic and patient-centered approach, patients can achieve optimal health and prevent future health problems.