Natural Health Care with Results
Environmental Exposure and Detoxification Lab Tests
Environmental chemical exposure has never been more pervasive with thousands of chemicals in use around the world. Many chemicals are integrated into our food supply, the air we breathe and the water we drink. Every day, we ingest small amounts of many chemicals and our bodies cannot metabolize and clear all of them. Chemicals not metabolized are stored in the fat cells throughout our bodies, where they continue to accumulate. As these chemicals build up they alter our metabolism, cause enzyme dysfunction and nutritional deficiencies, create hormonal imbalances, damage brain chemistry and can cause cancer. Because the chemicals accumulate in different parts of the body—at different rates and in different combinations—there are many different chronic illnesses that can result.
We offer a spectrum of tests designed to evaluate the exposure to environmental toxins, and assess the body's capacity for endogenous detoxification. Especially important for the latter category is the Plasma Methylation Profile.
Several of our lab partners test for Environmental Exposure and Detoxification. Please refer to the About the Labs We Utilize section of the website for links to all of our lab partners and a full list of tests performed by each lab.
For sample reports of some of the lab tests we order please see the links below.
DetoxiGenomic Profile - Genova Diagnostics
This test evaluates SNPs associated with increased risk of impaired detoxification capacity especially when exposed to environmental toxins. It also identifies individuals potentially susceptible to adverse drug reactions.
SNPs are DNA sequence variations that occur relatively frequently in the general population. They are different from disease mutations, which are very rare. Huntington’s disease is an example of a disease mutation - if you inherit the altered gene, the disease will develop. Certain SNPs may be associated with particular health conditions, but they are not known to directly cause disease. The majority of SNPs affect protein, enzyme or cell receptor structure and function.
SNPs may have subtle but true biological effects. Some SNPs have been correlated with health concerns or disease risk. Often several SNPs need to be present to alter metabolic or biochemical functions in the body. SNP activity and gene expression may often be modified by epigenetic factors (diet, lifestyle, nutrition, toxicant exposures). The effects of SNPs are often cumulative; the expression of a single SNP often depends on the presence or absence of other SNPS.
Download a sample report here.
DNA Methylation Whole Blood * - Doctors Data
Normal metabolism of methionine is critical for cellular methylation of DNA, proteins and neurotransmitters. Aberrant methionine metabolism can occur in anyone at any age and can be associated with numerous health consequences including cardiovascular disease and cancer. The Methylation Profile provides a functional assessment of the phenotypic expression of common SNPs (MTHFR, MS, CBS) by evaluating the plasma levels of methionine, cysteine, SAM, SAH, homocysteine, adenose and cystathionine. It also provides the important “methylation index”, a ratio of SAM to SAH.
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* Not currently available in Florida or Connecticut.
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Download a sample report here.
DNA Oxidative Damage Assay - Urine * - Doctors Data
Oxidative stress is adversely involved in many pathophysiological processes, aging and cancer. Oxidation of DNA occurs readily at the guanosine bases, so measurement of 8-hydroxy-2'- Deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in urine provides a quantitative assessment of ongoing oxidative damage or stress in the body. When 8-OHdG levels are elevated, it's important to identify the sources of oxidative stress and assess the primary intracellular antioxidant glutathione. Taking steps to reduce oxidative stress is valuable in optimizing health and longevity. This non-invasive test requires a single first morning void (FMV) urine collection.
* Not currently available in Florida or Connecticut.
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Download a sample report here.
Glutathione - Erythrocytes * - Doctors Data
Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant and important intracellular antioxidant. GSH in erythrocytes is an indicator of intracellular GSH status, the overall health of cells and of the ability to endure toxic challenges. Low levels of GSH have been reported in cardiovascular disease, cancer, AIDS, autism, alcoholism, and debilitating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It has also been associated with chronic retention of many potential toxic elements, chemicals and some drugs. Assessment and support of erythrocyte GSH can contribute to healthy aging and effective detoxification of toxic metals and chemicals.
* Not currently available in Florida or Connecticut.
Download a sample report here.
Urine Porphyrins - Urine * - Doctors Data
Abnormal levels of urinary porphyrins, oxidized metabolites of heme biosynthesis, are associated with genetic disorders, metabolic disturbances and diseases, anemias, oxidative stress, and high-level exposure to toxic chemicals or metals. Specific urine porphyrin profiles are associated with high-level exposure to mercury, arsenic, lead and some chemicals and drugs.
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Precoproporphyrins, associated with mercury, are reported separately and per unit of uroporphyrin to increase detection even when heme biosynthesis is low. This non-invasive test requires a single first morning void (FMV) or 24-hour urine collection.
* Not currently available in Florida or Connecticut.
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Download a sample report here.
Salivary and Urinary Metals and Elements Combo Panel - DiagnosTechs
Salivary and urinary analyses after use of a chelating agent can be useful for assessing potential body burden. These analyses can also be used to assess the efficacy of detoxification therapies. The tests can be used individually or in combination.
The Toxic Metals Elements Combo Panel saliva and urine panels test for the following metals and elements:
Aluminum (Al), Antimony (Sb), Arsenic (As), Barium (Ba), Beryllium (Be), Cadmium (Cd), Calcium (Ca), Cesium (Cs), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Gadolinium (Gd), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Lithium (Li), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Mercury (Hg), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni), Palladium (Pd), Phosphorous (P) (only available in saliva test), Platinum (Pt), Rubidium (Rb), Selenium (Se), Silver (Ag), Strontium (Sr), Thallium (Tl), Thorium (Th), Tin (Sn), Titanium (Ti), Tungsten (W), Uranium (U), Vanadium (V), Zinc (Zn), Zirconium (Zr) (only available in saliva test), Creatinine
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Download a sample report here.