Digestive Health

The Comprehensive digestive stool analysis (CDSA) is a range of at-home stool tests that allows your practitioner to better understand your digestive functionality, microbiome health and possible gut infection. Different CDSA test measures a range digestion, absorption, and metabolic markers and can also check bacterial, viral, fungal e.g candida and parasitic infection.

There are different levels of CDSA that range in price $130-$460

Microbiome testing looks into your unique make-up of micro-organism balance living in your system. We truly are symbiotic beings, depending on our microbiome for a huge range of functions such as immunity, digestive health, synthesis of neurotransmitters and vitamins!

How healthy is your system? Testing options include:

Microba – comprehensive microbiome testing  $360

Vaginal microbiome testing - $139

SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is a condition where there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, where usually colonies are minimal.  The overgrowth of these gas producing bacteria can cause a range of different symptoms, most commonly reflux, indigestion, bloating and IBS type symptoms. 

SIBO is a driver of inflammation and imbalance within the GIT possibly leading to wide range of imbalances.

There are different types of SIBO tests but generally a standard test is around $180

Testing is done through www.sibotest.com and this website also details further information.

The intestinal permeability testing or ‘Leaky gut’ test is a simple urine challenge test that is a precise, non-invasive way of assessing for gastrointestinal mucosal integrity. 

Damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract (small and large intestine), is common in people with conditions such as food sensitivity and food allergy, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, arthritis, coeliac disease and dermatological conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

The integrity or gut lining is affected by many things such as stress, gut infections, alcohol, environmental toxins, , poor diet and medications such as non-steroidal anti inflammatories and antibiotics

If your test shows an increased intestinal permeability, your Naturopath will be able to offer you specific advice on how to repair and restore your intestinal integrity that will make you feel vital and well and again.

Candida is type of yeast that can naturally live in our system  However if levels multiply, it can cause a myriad of health symptoms due to it inflammatory and toxic nature.  Candidiasis is an overgrowth of candida in our system and can be the cause of such symptoms as:

• Vaginal or Oral Thrush or ‘Jock itch’
• Fungal infections – nails or skin
• Fatigue
• ‘Foggy’ head, difficulties concentrating
• Headaches
• Bloating, especially after eating
• Low energy
• Sugar cravings
• White or Yellowish coating on the tongue

People at risk of Candida overgrowth are:

• Recent antibiotic use
• Previous long term antibiotic use
• Medication including the oral contraceptive pill & corticosteroids
• Digestive imbalance e.g food intolerances, IBS, constipation
• Diet high in sugars and yeasts (such as in beer)
• Pregnant women – Due hormonal and blood sugar changes
• Weakened immune system e.g HIV/Aids or Cancer

We offer different options for candida testing but most frequently recommend stool testing. Blood spot and serum candida antibody testing is also available. Your Naturopath can provide you with a referral for this. If you have candida, tried and tested natural treatments will be recommended.

Celiac is the most problematic form of gluten-intolerance. It is an immune reaction gluten affecting small bowel digestive lining.  This compromises nutrient absorption and gut health.

 If you feel you don’t tolerate wheat or gluten, it is wise to rule out Coeliac as this disease can create lasting damage.

The only true way of diagnosing Celiac is through biopsy from an endoscopy, however Gene testing and immune testing through the blood can give a very good indication if Celiac disease is likely.