Here at Ponderosa Natural Medicine, we offer a wide variety of functional testing options. It’s common for a patient to tell us that they are unwell but that their medical doctor has ran lab tests and reported “everything is normal.” Often times, the patient isn’t even aware of which tests were ordered due to lack of communication on the part of the ordering practitioner. Many conventional medical doctors often assess for frank diseases only and rely on reference ranges that don’t provide optimal data to address the overall wellbeing of the patient. Dr. Karrina Wallace understands the holistic nature of the human body and looks further into the causes of her patients’ symptoms. The tailored testing Dr. Wallace uses in her practice supports the development of concise treatment plans to identify and resolve underlying issues. Additionally, the holistic approach she takes contributes to increased patient compliance and reduced financial burden by limiting unnecessary supplementation.
Below, you will find a few of the key tests offered at Ponderosa Natural Medicine.
Comprehensive Digestive Analysis is appropriate for any patient with digestive symptoms, chronic fatigue, multiple nutritional deficiencies and similar presentations; offers in- depth analysis of the digestive tract; and an assessment of the following:
- quality of digestion of proteins and fats ;
- production of digestive enzymes in the pancreas;
- relative abundance of commensal bacteria in the colon;
- levels of specific probiotics in the colon;
- presence or absence of parasitic infections;
- presence or absence of yeast overgrowth (candida);
- presence of absence of bacterial pathogens;
- levels of inflammation in the colon; and
- presence of absence of microscopic blood.
The above tests may be ordered alone or in addition to other digestive testing we offer, including those for:
- Celiac Disease;
- Food Intolerance
- Small Bowel Overgrowth Syndrome/ SIBO
- H.Pylori
Comprehensive Nutritional Evaluation is appropriate for patients with mood disorders, digestive issues, fatigue, migraines, weight issues, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and many other chronic diseases and symptoms. This testing allows for individualized nutritional intervention based on current levels of vitamins, the build-up of toxins and toxic metabolites, the amount of oxidative stress present, and many other complex factors.
This testing includes:
- B- Vitamin levels;
- Anti-oxidant levels;
- Mineral elements;
- Detoxification markers;
- Toxic exposures (overload?); and
- Essential Fatty acids levels.
Functional Adrenal Stress Analysis is appropriate for patients with hormonal imbalance symptoms, anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, weight issues, and cardiovascular disease. This testing offers a functional analysis of the adrenal glands, which help regulate stress, metabolism, sleep/wake cycle, mood, and blood sugar. The adrenal glands also directly interact with the thyroid gland and influence reproductive hormone pathways.
This testing includes:
- Cortisol “stress hormone” Measurements (x 4 in one day): Cortisol is an extremely important hormone that should be highest in the morning and fall through-out the day. People may experience high or low cortisol levels at inappropriate times throughout the day and issues associated with mood and energy; and
- DHEA levels: DHEA is produced in the adrenals and sent to the ovaries or testicles for production of reproductive hormones. These levels may be high or low with certain conditions. Proper supplementation allows for restoration of hormonal balance.
Reproductive Hormone Testing is an assessment of reproductive hormone health allows for the proper diagnoses and treatment of issues such as PMS, uterine fibroids, low sex-drive, hormonal acne, miscarriages, and similar presentations.
This testing includes:
- Female Reproductive Hormone levels: Progesterone, Estradiol, Testosterone, DHEA, and if appropriate (LH/FSH, Prolactin).
- Male Reproductive Hormone levels: Testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone, Estradiol, and DHEA.
We also offer the following:
- Genetic testing;
- Comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment; and
- Comprehensive diabetes risk assessments.
Through the use of the above listed lab testing, Dr. Karrina Wallace is able to determine underlying imbalances that influence the well-being of her patients. Levels that were identified in initial lab tests as indicating an underlying issue are retested, when appropriate. She ensures that her treatment recommendations are highly individualized and include a combination of herbal medicine, and nutritional supplementation as well as diet and other lifestyle recommendations. Taking into consideration the results of lab tests, Dr. Wallace develops tailored treatment plans in consultation with her patients to identify and resolve underlying issues impacting overall health and wellbeing . Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started on your way to better health. We look forward to hearing from you!