Great Plains Laboratory
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections can manifest in many different ways. A common manifestation of yeast infections is vaginal yeast infections that plague millions of women throughout the world. The dry, inflamed, and itchy vaginal tissue becomes irritated by the presence of certain yeast that reside in the pelvic region. When host immunity is compromised, especially locally in the vaginal area, the yeast proliferate causing the uncomfortable symptoms described previously. Another manifestation of yeast infections is oral thrush. This is common in young children and individuals with poor immunity or poor oral hygiene. Yeast infections in the mouth give a white coating appearance to the tongue and cause inflammation along the gums and throat.
Yeast Infections in The Digestive System
A more deeper manifestation of yeast infections is the overgrowth syndrome that occurs when yeast in the digestive system becomes invasive and causes a lot of intestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, loose stools or constipation. Yeast infections in the digestive system are often caused by a common yeast called Candida albicans. This particular yeast can naturally be present in small amounts in the digestive system, but when host immunity becomes compromised via other infections, i.e. bacteria or parasites, a diet to high in sugar, excess alcohol consumption, eating foods that cause allergic reactions, etc. the naturally present yeast take advantage and proliferate. This type of yeast infection can lead to a variety of health problems such as brain fog, fatigue, muscle aches and pain, and even certain mental disorders if severe enough.
Effects of Yeast Infections
It is known that the toxins produced by yeast infections can interfere with brain chemicals predisposing to depression. Many individuals on the autism-spectrum are neurologically sensitive to yeast infections and the toxic byproducts they produce. One such chemical called arabinose can be produced from yeast infections in the digestive system which cause various biochemical imbalances in the nervous system. It is important for anyone suffering from yeast infections described here to have some specific testing done.
Testing For Yeast Infections
A common test is the Organic Acids Test from Great Plains Laboratory. This test helps to identify the toxins produced by yeast infections, as well as other metabolic factors that can be a problem. Also, food sensitivity testing is important too as adverse food reactions can lead to the potential for yeast infections. Finally, yeast infections can be treated with various non-toxic medications and/or herbal/natural supplement remedies. Taking these, along with a change in diet, can make a significant difference in reducing and eliminating the problems with yeast infections.
Recommended: Candida Symptoms
Food IgG Test Video
Get The Food IgG Test Here.
Food IgG Test – For Food Sensitivity
Food sensitivities generally involve a number of antibodies (aka. immunoglobulins), but the most prevalent one is called IgG. There are 4 different types of IgG – 1 thru 4. Each plays a different role in the immune system, but as a group they are useful to test against various foods to determine immune intolerance. When elevated they point to a problem that the immune system is hypersensitive and excess Total IgG levels can trigger inflammation throughout the body. Many people with Food IgG sensitivities complain of fatigue, headaches, sinus congestion, digestive problems such as pain, bloating, gas and bowel changes, as well as joint pain and stiffness. Therefore, the Food IgG Test is extremely useful for anyone looking to improve their overall health.
Food IgG is also correlated with a variety of mental health challenges, and elevated Total IgG is often seen positively correlated to depression, anxiety, autism, mood disorders and others. Many children on the autism-spectrum have elevated Total IgG to gluten, casein, corn and soy which correlates to behavior issues, sleeping problems and poor attention.
There are many tests on the market that use the IgG4 as their determining antibody for immune reactivity. However, this antibody is an incorrect marker to use solely as its elevation can indicate immune tolerance and actually has a blocking effect against food sensitivity. Therefore, the more accurate test to perform is Total IgG which is what the Food IgG Test from Great Plains Laboratory uses. This test is available as a finger prick analysis which makes it extremely easy to do at home, and bypasses the need to do blood testing which is problematic for some children. The Food IgG Test analyzes over 90+ foods and is highly accurate for immune sensitivities. The Food IgG Test from Great Plains is considered to be a foundational test to perform along with other metabolic tests such as the Organic Acid Test.
Porphyrins Profile Test Video
Get The Porphyrins Profile Test Here.
Porphyrins Profile – For Porphyrins Analysis
The Porphyrin Profile Test is an important test with respects to overall heavy metal assessment. Used along with a Hair Analysis, aka. Hair Toxic Metals and Elements it provides detailed information about the toxicity at the cellular level with respects to heavy metals such as Arsenic, Lead, Mercury, etc. The Porphyrin Profile Test is a urine test that is collected at home. Each porphyrin on the Porphyrin Profile when elevated is suggestive of some type of environment insult effecting its production. The porphyrins in general are very sensitive to the presence of heavy metals.
Porphyrins are a chain biochemical reaction that occurs in the mitochondria of the cells. They produce a chemical called Heme which is used by the body to produce hemoglobin to carry oxygen. Heme is also used by the liver to aide in detoxification, and heme is also used in the brain to help remove toxins like mercury. Through the Porphyrin Profile Test you are able to assess whether one or a group of porphyrins are elevated which can indicate a toxic load of heavy metals in the cells.
A normal Porphyrin Profile Test doesn’t necessarily rule out the presence of heavy metals (which can then be cross checked with the Hair Analysis), but it helps to show that major toxicity is not likely occurring at the cellular level.
The Porphyrin Profile Test is a useful way to monitor heavy metal detoxification therapy overtime as well, particularly if an initial Porphyrin Profile Test was positive. Therefore, the Porphyrin Profile Test should be considered a baseline test, along with a Hair Analysis to check for cellular reactions to heavy metals, and determine the extent of toxicity that may be occurring.
Organic Acid Test Video – OAT Test
Order The Organic Acid Test Here.
Urine Organic Acid Test
10 Reasons Every Individual Should Do a Urine Organic Acid Test From Great Plains Laboratory
The Organic Acid Test evaluates for various fungal toxins, including specific markers for candida. Many people rely on stool testing for candida diagnosis and miss the presence of candida toxins through the Organic Acid Test. Candida can create problems with brain function including goofiness, giddiness, and inappropriate laughter, as well as sensory problems and self-stimulatory behavior.
The Organic Acid Test evaluates for two specific toxins related to clostridia bacteria – HPHPA and 4-cresol. Both of these toxins can inhibit a dopamine converting enzyme leading to excess dopamine and toxic reactions in the brain and nervous system. Behavior problems such as moodiness, irritability, aggression, self-injurious behavior, sleep problems and more is associated with clostridia bacteria overgrowth.
The information from the Organic Acid Test helps to prioritize treatment intervention instead of just assuming everything is a candida problem. Treating for candida when clostridia bacteria are present can lead to problems, i.e. worsening behavior.
The Organic Acid Test evaluates for high oxalates (oxalic acid). Oxalates are compounds found in many foods, and can be worsened from candida overgrowth. High oxalates are associated with pain in the joints, muscles, and connective tissues. They can also trap heavy metals (such as mercury, lead, and arsenic) in the body, and lead to mineral imbalances as well. Behavior and self-injurious tendencies have been associated with high oxalates.
The Organic Acid Test evaluates for mitochondrial imbalances. The mitochondria are the energy factories of our cells. Often they are stressed because of toxins from yeast, bacteria, metals, and even oxalates. Mitochondrial dysfunction is seen in autism and can be a contributing factor to poor attention and cognitive skills, as well as poor physical growth and development.
The Organic Acid Tests evaluates for imbalances in Dopamine (HVA) and Norepinephrine (VMA). The balance between these two important brain chemicals is critical for attention, focusing, mood, calmness and other functions of the nervous system. Attention deficit problems are commonly associated with norepinephrine imbalances.
The Organic Acid Test evaluates for imbalances in serotonin (an important brain chemical for mood, fine and gross motor skills, and calmness), as well additional markers that can indicate toxic stress in the brain and nervous system such as Quinolinic Acid. High Quinolinic Acid is suggestive of toxic stress in the brain and is important to evaluate before implementing certain supplements particularly L-Tryptophan which is commonly used to help with sleep.
The Organic Acid Test evaluates for two specific chemicals related to folate metabolism. Folate is part of the methylation cycle that supports the inner workings of the cells related to DNA function.
The Organic Acid Test evaluates for various nutritional markers such as vitamin B6, B5, vitamin C, CoQ10, as well as N-Acetyl-Cysteine which is necessary for the production of glutathione.
The Organic Acid Test evaluates for glutathione production problems. Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant in our cells and is often deficient in autism. The Organic Acid Test evaluates for cellular markers related to this important antioxidant.
Overall, the Organic Acid Test from Great Plains Laboratory is critically important for overall health assessment and is considered a cornerstone diagnostic assessment for optimal health achievement.
Amino Acids Urine Test Video
Order The Amino Acids Urine Test Here.
Amino Acids Urine Test – For Amino Acid Imbalances
Amino acids play a vital role in our body and brain chemistry. Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins which are needed by every cell and organ system. One area that is particularly dependent on optimal amino acids is the brain. The various neurochemicals, aka. neurotransmitters, in the brain are made up of certain amino acids.
The Amino Acid Urine Test is a useful way of assessing for amino acid status – either for deficiency or excess. The Amino Acid Urine Test is felt to give a more accurate assessment of total body storage of amino acids overtime versus blood testing which can easily be manipulated by diet, supplementation or starvation.
The Amino Acid Urine Test evaluates for essential (amino acids that need to be obtained from the diet) and non-essential (amino acids that can be created within the body). Also, various categories for digestive and absorption problems, nutrient deficiencies, and more is analyzed from the Amino Acid Urine Test.
Certain amino acids like Methionine, Cysteine, and Taurine, which are all sulfur containing amino acids, are often found deficient in certain mental health disorders, as well as autism. Autism-spectrum children seem to have a hard time holding on to taurine which is needed to maintain magnesium levels in the brain and provide substrate for the production of bile acids to help with fatty acid vitamin absorption. Other amino acid deficiencies are also seen through Amino Acid Urine Testing.
The Amino Acid Urine Test should be considered for anyone wanting to know the overall status of amino acids in the body, as well as those with fatigue, memory problems, neurological conditions, autism, anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges.