|
Topics of Interest
TESTS DONE AS PART OF THE 4-RTM PROGRAM
A number of health problems have been shown to contain elements of abnormal digestive and metabolic function. Allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions, and a variety of intestinal problems are just a few of the conditions with a strong gastrointestinal component. As part of the evaluation and treatment of your condition, we have recommended the following tests in order to better plan your therapy using the 4-RTM Program, which is a registered trademark of a company called HealthComm, the innovators of the 4-RTM Program.
THE COMPREHENSIVE DIGESTIVE STOOL ANALYSIS (CDSA):
This test involves a stool analysis, looking for substances in the stool that point to improper digestion and absorption. It can point to an imbalance of the enzymes and bacteria involved in the process. This test is sometimes combined with a COMPREHENSIVE PARASITOLOGY, looking for the presence of bacteria, yeast, and parasites that may be affecting normal digestion. The results of these tests will be used to guide your therapy in the parts of the 4-RTM Program known as "Remove" and "Replace."
THE INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY ASSESSMENT:
In normal digestion and absorption, food is broken down into small molecules that are then absorbed. In some patients, however, changes in digestion and absorption can occur that can result in the absorption of larger molecules that would ordinarily be excluded, giving rise to the term "leaky gut syndrome." The body then recognizes the larger molecules as foreign and reacts by forming antibodies and other inflammatory substances. These antibodies and inflammatory compounds have been implicated in many inflammatory conditions including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, skin conditions, allergies, and even depression and fatigue. The purpose of the Intestinal Permeability Assessment is to determine whether or not intestinal permeability is altered. This would allow us to guide your therapy in several parts of the 4-RTM Program including the part known as "Repair."
FOOD ALLERGY TESTING:
Allergies to foods can occur from a variety of causes, either as a primary problem, or as a result of other conditions. They have been strongly linked to asthma, allergies, and skin conditions, and play a role in the inflammatory conditions mentioned above. In this test, blood is analyzed for the presence of antibodies to 96 different foods. Allergies to spices can also determined. Identification of food allergies allows us to more appropriately counsel you regarding dietary changes, and is important in the part of the 4-RTM Program known as "Remove."
ANTI-GLIADEN ANTIBODY TESTING:
Gliaden is a substance found in grain products such as wheat, oats, rye, and barley. Some patients, such as those with Celiac Sprue, which is also known as Gluten Enteropathy, are sensitive to gliaden. They can react in such a way as to cause severe abdominal and gastrointestinal symptoms leading to other systemic symptoms and even malnutrition. Depending on your symptoms and their relation to your diet, it may be necessary to do this blood test, to look for the presence of antibodies to gliaden. For this test to be meaningful, you can not be on a Gluten-free diet at the time it is done.
|
