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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of functional testing?
When should stool testing be utilized?
What symptoms would indicate the use of SIBO testing?
What is the goal of vaginal microbiome testing?
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For which conditions is Organic Acid Testing (OAT) primarily indicated?
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What does thyroid testing primarily evaluate?
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What does adrenal testing measure?
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Which of the following conditions would NOT typically be evaluated through stool testing?
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What health issues are associated with high levels of methane in the gut?
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Which species under Ruminococcus is linked to autoimmune diseases when overgrown?
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What gas is produced by Desulfovibrio spp. and Bilophila wadsworthia that may contribute to GI symptoms?
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What is a consequence of Helicobacter pylori overgrowth in the stomach?
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Which bacteria is known for its association with lactic acid fermentation and liver health?
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What is the primary purpose of the DUTCH test?
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In which situation would nutritional testing be most appropriate?
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What key biomarker is NOT associated with stool testing?
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What is a common condition that SIBO testing is used to assess?
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Which biomarker indicates intestinal permeability during stool testing?
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What is the main focus of functional testing?
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Which organism is associated with methane production in SIBO testing?
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What can vaginal microbiome testing help investigate?
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When is stool testing typically utilized?
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Which test focuses on measuring the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids?
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What does a dominance of Lactobacilli levels indicate in the microbiome?
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What is a normal vaginal pH range, and what does a higher pH indicate?
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What is the main purpose of organic acid testing (OAT)?
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Which of the following is NOT a key biomarker analyzed in thyroid testing?
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What does the presence of LPS (lipopolysaccharides) indicate in oral microbiome testing?
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What is assessed through adrenal testing to evaluate stress response?
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Which biomarker is associated with energy production in organic acid testing?
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What does the DUTCH test analyze regarding hormone levels?
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Which metabolic imbalance does organic acid testing NOT specifically identify?
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What does a high salivary cortisol pattern typically indicate?
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Which of the following is a key role of Lactobacilli in the microbiome?
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What is one of the main health implications associated with Bifidobacterium?
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Which key nutrient is assessed in nutritional testing to evaluate iron storage?
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What type of fatty acids does Faecalibacterium prausnitzii primarily produce?
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What biomarker is indicative of the stress response?
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Akkermansia muciniphila plays a role in which of the following?
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In nutritional testing, what is measured to assess a patient's balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids?
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Methanobrevibacter smithii is often associated with which condition?
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Which oestrogen metabolite is primarily referred to as Estradiol?
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What is a common health implication of low levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii?
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Study Notes
Functional vs. Conventional Testing
- Functional testing assesses how body systems operate, focusing on imbalances and optimizing health through nutrition.
- Conventional testing diagnoses diseases based on specific markers.
Stool Testing
- Evaluates digestive function, gut microbiome health, inflammation, and intestinal permeability.
- Used for GI complaints, chronic illnesses (like metabolic endotoxemia), and assessing gut health or pathogens (e.g., H. pylori, parasites).
- Key biomarkers: Calprotectin (inflammation), Pancreatic Elastase-1 (digestive enzyme function), Zonulin (intestinal permeability), Beta-glucuronidase (estrogen metabolism), Occult blood (GI bleeding).
SIBO Testing (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
- Assesses bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine using a breath test for hydrogen and methane.
- Used for bloating, IBS, or symptoms of poor digestion.
- Key biomarkers: Hydrogen and Methane gases, Methanobrevibacter smithii (methane production), Desulfovibrio spp. (hydrogen sulfide gas production).
Vaginal Microbiome Testing
- Investigates bacterial balance, particularly in cases of bacterial vaginosis, thrush, infertility, or endometriosis.
- Used for recurring vaginal infections, fertility concerns, or vaginal discomfort.
- Key biomarkers: Lactobacilli levels (dominance indicates a healthy microbiome), Vaginal pH (normal 3.8-4.5, higher indicates dysbiosis), Interleukin-1 beta (inflammation marker).
Oral Microbiome Testing
- Assesses oral bacteria, impacting oral health and systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease.
- Used for dental issues like periodontitis or when suspecting broader health effects from oral pathogens.
- Key biomarkers: Red complex pathogens (e.g., Porphyromonas gingivalis), LPS (lipopolysaccharides) from gram-negative bacteria, Oral pH and biofilm presence.
Organic Acid Testing (OAT)
- Identifies metabolic imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gut dysbiosis.
- Useful for chronic fatigue, autism, mood disorders, or suspected nutritional deficiencies.
- Key biomarkers: Krebs cycle metabolites (energy production), Neurotransmitter metabolites (dopamine, serotonin), Oxalates (calcium metabolism), Bacterial metabolites.
Thyroid Testing
- Evaluates thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4), identifying hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- Used for symptoms of thyroid dysfunction (fatigue, weight changes).
- Key biomarkers: TSH, Free T3 and Free T4, Anti-TPO antibodies (autoimmune thyroid disorders).
Adrenal Testing
- Measures cortisol and DHEA to assess adrenal function and stress response through salivary tests.
- Used for symptoms of stress, adrenal fatigue, or energy imbalances.
- Key biomarkers: Cortisol (daily rhythm), DHEA, Salivary cortisol patterns.
DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones)
- Provides a detailed look at hormone levels, including reproductive and adrenal hormones.
- Used for hormone imbalances, PMS, menopause, or adrenal fatigue.
- Key biomarkers: Estrogen metabolites, Progesterone (balance with estrogen), Cortisol and DHEA, 5α-Reductase activity.
Nutritional Testing
- Measures vitamin and mineral levels, omega-3 to omega-6 ratios, and essential fatty acids.
- Used to detect nutrient deficiencies or guide dietary recommendations.
- Key biomarkers: Serum Vitamin B12 and Folate, Serum Ferritin (iron storage), Serum Vitamin D3, Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio.
Key Microbiome Bacteria and Their Roles
- Lactobacilli: Produce lactic acid, preventing harmful pathogens. Found in GI tract, vaginal microbiome, and oral microbiome.
- Bifidobacterium: Produce SCFAs (especially butyrate), which fuel colon cells and maintain intestinal barrier integrity. Found in the GI tract.
- Akkermansia muciniphila: Degrades mucin, protecting the intestinal lining. Found in the GI tract.
- Faecalibacterium prausnitzii: Major butyrate producer, crucial for gut health and anti-inflammatory effects. Found in the GI tract.
- Methanobrevibacter smithii: Key methane producer, often found in individuals with constipation-predominant IBS or methane-dominant SIBO. Found in the small intestine.
- Ruminococcus spp. (e.g., R. gnavus, R. torques): Degrades mucin and contributes to gut mucosal health, but can also degrade the lining under certain conditions. Found in the GI tract.
- Desulfovibrio spp. and Bilophila wadsworthia: Associated with hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) production, contributing to GI symptoms like bloating. Found in the GI tract.
- Prevotella spp.: Plays a role in carbohydrate digestion and is often found in individuals with high-carbohydrate diets. Found in the GI tract and oral microbiome.
- Helicobacter pylori: Colonizes the stomach and can be commensal but becomes pathogenic when overgrown, particularly virulent strains. Found in the stomach.
- Veillonella spp.: Associated with lactic acid fermentation and the gut-liver axis. Found in the GI tract.
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff): Normally kept in check by the gut microbiome, but can cause serious infections if overgrown, especially after antibiotic use. Found in the GI tract.
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Description
This quiz explores the differences between functional and conventional testing, focusing on digestive health assessments, including stool and SIBO testing. You'll learn about key biomarkers involved in evaluating gut health and how these tests contribute to overall wellness.
