Charlotte Watts Dip. ION BANT Nutrition

Tests

I use a variety of quality tests that provide evidence-based answers to your health concerns. These tests can be done free at home or in the clinic or more in-depth laboratory tests. I also look at tongue and nail signs to help ascertain your health and body functions. I will advise you on what is most appropriate for you, according to your health concerns and what will give us most useful answers on your budget.

Most commonly used tests:

• Stool Testing; digestive health is the root to good health and we can test many different factors that may be linked to symptoms, such as beneficial bacteria status, candida, parasites and other infestations and digestive and absorptive capacity.
• Hair Mineral Analysis; measures mineral levels and shows any toxic metals present. I have many years experience of this test and how to use it to relate to body functions and decide the best course of action to help you most. The best test for an overall inside look into your body and easy to do at home.
• Thyroid Profile Tests; lowered thyroid function is seen more commonly in response to stress and poor nutrient status, it can be the underlying cause behind many weight, mood and energy issues.
• Adrenal Stress Index; a 4 sample saliva test that measures your rhythm of the stress hormones cortisol and DHEA over the course of a day and can explain much about Chronic Fatigue, energy, libido, motivation, sleep and mental health issues.
• Food Intolerance Test; home pin-prick blood test to identify foods that may be affecting your health, but are difficult to self-diagnose as an intolerance reaction can happen minutes to days after eating the food and there is usually more than one.
• Cellular Profile and Metabolic Profile Tests; these tests measure metabolites in urine that provide valuable information about how you are producing energy, liver function, antioxidant status, neurotransmitter production and many others – very helpful for difficult cases, energy problems and chronic illness.
• Female Hormone Panel; a 12 sample saliva test taken over the course of the female cycle to show varying levels of the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, giving you an understanding of why you may suffer from PMS, infertility, PCOS, irregular periods and any other hormone imbalances.
• Female Hormone Test; for women who do not menstruate, this is a one sample saliva test that shows your levels of the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone to explain and address symptoms.
• Broda Barnes thyroid test; free at home
• Ragland’s Blood Pressure/ Adrenal Function Test; performed free in clinic
• Stomach Acid Test; free at home
• Transit Time Test for bowel function; free at home
• Pupillary Response Adrenal Test; free in clinic

There are many other tests available, but this gives you an idea of how I approach investigating as much about the cause of your symptoms as possible. These take the guess work out of nutrition, but we can also gain an amazing insight by discussing your symptoms and how you reached them.