GUT HEALTH NATUROPATHIC CARE IN TORONTO

IgG antibody testing if you think you may be reacting to certain foods you’re eating, but find it very difficult to pinpoint which ones. Often the symptoms may not appear for hours or even days afterwards and these are called delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Classical food allergies are considered immediate hypersensitivity reactions and are usually much less common than food sensitivities. If you’ve been experiencing hives, eczema, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, migraines, fatigue, congestion or even skin rashes, a food sensitivity test may be extremely helpful in identifying triggers in your diet. To complete the blood test, your naturopath will send you to a Toronto LifeLabs location and the final report will reveal your levels of IgG antibodies to 200+ different foods. When your digestive tract breaks down food into smaller particles, sometimes these particles can be considered foreign or antigenic by the immune system which triggers the production of antibodies. The food sensitivity test will be assessing the levels of antibodies produced in reaction to each of the 200+ foods being tested.

Yes, our naturopaths can offer a variety of tests related to assessing gut health. Our patients have the option of completing a comprehensive stool test, at home, that can be sent to a Toronto laboratory for analysis. The test will detect specific pathogens (parasites, bacteria, viruses, candida and fungi) known to cause symptoms of intestinal gastroenteritis (inflammation and discomfort in the digestive tract). This test can also be helpful for patients dealing with autoimmune diseases, ulcerative colitis or Chrohn’s Disease, as it will help identify microbes putting unnecessary stress on the immune system and causing chronic inflammation. In some cases, we may find that a patient is dealing with a candida fungal overgrowth, while at the same time suffering from a parasitic infection that has likely been lingering in the background for years, especially if they often travel.

Nutrient deficiencies can occur for a variety of reasons, but as naturopaths we do often see chronic inflammation and bloating as a common cause. The bloating could be resulting from unknown food sensitivities, ongoing stress, IBS/IBD, or simply an imbalance in the gut bacteria. If you’re noticing frequent abdominal discomfort, gas, bloating or constipation, you may want to consider having testing completed to assess your micronutrient levels. In our patients who report frequent bloating, it is extremely common to see deficiencies in nutrients that are essential for optimal energy, mood and immune function.

We are passionate about helping you understand exactly what your unique body needs to function better. Whether you want to increase fertility, prepare for pregnancy, or ensure a healthy full-term pregnancy, we’ll create a custom nutrition plan to help you reach your goals. Choosing the right foods starts with learning how to best combine macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fats), nutritional supplements, and ‘superfoods’ to give your body the building blocks for optimal fertility.