Module 3 Diagnostic Revision PDF

Here's a summary of key diagnostic tests and their intended use: 1. Functional Testing vs. Conventional Testing: o Functional testing focuses on how systems are functioning rather than diagnosing disease. It is ideal for understanding body imbalances and fine-...

Here's a summary of key diagnostic tests and their intended use: 1. Functional Testing vs. Conventional Testing: o Functional testing focuses on how systems are functioning rather than diagnosing disease. It is ideal for understanding body imbalances and fine- tuning nutrition plans. Conventional testing is diagnostic and identifies illnesses. 2. Stool Testing: o Purpose: Evaluates digestive function, gut microbiome, inflammation, and intestinal permeability. o When to use: For GI complaints, chronic illnesses (like metabolic endotoxemia), and to assess gut health or presence of pathogens (e.g., H. pylori, parasites). 3. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Testing: o Purpose: Assesses bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine through a breath test for hydrogen and methane. o When to use: For bloating, IBS, or symptoms of poor digestion. 4. Vaginal and Oral Microbiome Testing: o Vaginal Microbiome Testing: ▪ Purpose: Investigates bacterial balance, particularly in cases of bacterial vaginosis, thrush, infertility, or endometriosis. ▪ When to use: For recurring vaginal infections, fertility concerns, or vaginal discomfort. o Oral Microbiome Testing: ▪ Purpose: Assesses oral bacteria, which can impact oral health and systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease. ▪ When to use: For dental issues like periodontitis or if suspecting broader health effects from oral pathogens. 5. Organic Acid Testing (OAT): o Purpose: Identifies imbalances in metabolic function, nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gut dysbiosis. o When to use: For chronic fatigue, autism, mood disorders, or suspected nutrient deficiencies. 6. Thyroid Testing: o Purpose: Evaluates thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, T4), identifying hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. o When to use: For symptoms of thyroid dysfunction (fatigue, weight changes, etc.). 7. Adrenal Testing: o Purpose: Measures cortisol and DHEA to assess adrenal function, typically through salivary tests. o When to use: For symptoms of stress, adrenal fatigue, or energy imbalances. 8. DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) Test: o Purpose: Provides a detailed look at hormone levels, including reproductive hormones and adrenal markers. o When to use: For hormone imbalances, PMS, menopause, or adrenal fatigue. 9. Nutritional Testing: o Purpose: Measures vitamin and mineral levels, omega-3 to 6 ratios, and essential fatty acids.  o When to use: For suspected nutrient deficiencies or to guide dietary recommendations. Flashcard 1: Functional vs. Conventional Testing Q: What is the difference between functional and conventional testing? A: Functional testing focuses on how body systems are functioning and is used for identifying imbalances to improve health. Conventional testing diagnoses illnesses based on set markers. Functional testing is ideal for fine-tuning nutrition plans, while conventional testing is diagnostic. Flashcard 2: Stool Testing Q: What is the purpose of stool testing, and which key biomarkers are analyzed? A: Stool testing evaluates digestive function, gut microbiome health, inflammation, and intestinal permeability. It is used for GI complaints and chronic illnesses like metabolic endotoxemia. Key Biomarkers: Calprotectin (inflammation) Pancreatic Elastase-1 (digestive enzyme function) Zonulin (intestinal permeability) Beta-glucuronidase (oestrogen metabolism) Occult blood (GI bleeding) Flashcard 3: SIBO Testing (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Q: What is the purpose of SIBO testing, and which key biomarkers are involved? A: SIBO testing assesses bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine by measuring hydrogen and methane gases. It is used for bloating, IBS, or poor digestion. Key Biomarkers: Hydrogen and Methane gases (breath test) Methanobrevibacter smithii (methane production) Desulfovibrio spp. (hydrogen sulphide gas production) Flashcard 4: Vaginal Microbiome Testing Q: What is the purpose of vaginal microbiome testing, and what are the key biomarkers? A: Vaginal microbiome testing investigates bacterial balance, particularly in cases of bacterial vaginosis, thrush, infertility, or endometriosis. Key Biomarkers:  Lactobacilli levels (dominance indicates a healthy microbiome) Vaginal pH (normal 3.8-4.5, higher indicates dysbiosis or BV) Interleukin-1 beta (inflammation marker) Flashcard 5: Oral Microbiome Testing Q: What is the purpose of oral microbiome testing, and which biomarkers are key? A: Oral microbiome testing assesses oral bacteria that can impact oral health and systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease. Key Biomarkers: Red complex pathogens (e.g., Porphyromonas gingivalis) LPS (lipopolysaccharides) from gram-negative bacteria (linked to systemic diseases) Oral pH and biofilm presence (indicates dysbiosis) Flashcard 6: Organic Acid Testing (OAT) Q: What is the purpose of OAT, and which biomarkers are analyzed? A: Organic Acid Testing (OAT) identifies metabolic imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gut dysbiosis. It is useful for chronic fatigue, mood disorders, and suspected nutritional deficiencies. Key Biomarkers: Krebs cycle metabolites (energy production) Neurotransmitter metabolites (dopamine, serotonin) Oxalates (calcium metabolism, kidney function) Bacterial metabolites (dysbiosis) Flashcard 7: Thyroid Testing Q: What is the purpose of thyroid testing, and which key biomarkers are measured? A: Thyroid testing evaluates thyroid hormone levels to identify conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. It is used for fatigue, weight changes, and other thyroid dysfunction symptoms. Key Biomarkers: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Free T3 and Free T4 (thyroid hormones) Anti-TPO antibodies (autoimmune thyroid disorders) Flashcard 8: Adrenal Testing Q: What is the purpose of adrenal testing, and what are the key biomarkers? A: Adrenal testing measures cortisol and DHEA levels to assess adrenal function and stress response. It is useful for symptoms of stress and adrenal fatigue. Key Biomarkers: Cortisol (daily rhythm measured over 24 hours) DHEA (balances the effects of cortisol) Salivary cortisol patterns (high or low cortisol levels indicate stress phase) Flashcard 9: DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) Q: What is the purpose of the DUTCH test, and which biomarkers are analyzed? A: The DUTCH test provides a detailed look at hormone levels, including reproductive and adrenal hormones. It is used for hormone imbalances, PMS, menopause, or adrenal fatigue. Key Biomarkers: Oestrogen metabolites (E1 – Estrone, E2 – Estradiol, E3 – Estriol) Progesterone (balance with oestrogen) Cortisol and DHEA (stress hormones) 5α-Reductase activity (testosterone metabolism) Flashcard 10: Nutritional Testing Q: What is the purpose of nutritional testing, and what key biomarkers are involved? A: Nutritional testing measures vitamin and mineral levels, omega-3 to omega-6 ratios, and essential fatty acids. It is used to detect nutrient deficiencies or to guide dietary recommendations. Key Biomarkers: Serum Vitamin B12 and Folate Serum Ferritin (iron storage) Serum Vitamin D3 Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio key bacteria and their roles in the microbiome 1. Lactobacilli: Role: These bacteria produce lactic acid, which helps maintain an acidic environment that prevents the growth of harmful pathogens. Found in: GI tract, vaginal microbiome, oral microbiome. Health Implications: Dominance of Lactobacilli in the vaginal microbiome is associated with a healthy balance, helping to prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and other infections. 2. Bifidobacterium: Role: Produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyrate, which is a key fuel for colon cells and helps maintain intestinal barrier integrity. Found in: GI tract. Health Implications: Supports immune function, prevents gut inflammation, and maintains a balanced microbiome. 3. Akkermansia muciniphila: Role: A mucin-degrading bacterium that plays a protective role in maintaining the mucosal lining of the intestines. Found in: GI tract. Health Implications: Associated with a healthy intestinal barrier and reduced risk of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes. Low levels are linked to increased intestinal permeability and inflammation. 4. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii: Role: Major producer of butyrate, an SCFA crucial for gut health and anti- inflammatory effects. Found in: GI tract. Health Implications: Low levels of F. prausnitzii are associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and other gut-related disorders. It helps regulate immune responses and supports gut health. 5. Methanobrevibacter smithii: Role: A key methane-producing bacterium, often found in individuals with constipation-predominant IBS or methane-dominant SIBO. Found in: Small intestine. Health Implications: High levels of methane are linked to slowed gut transit time, causing constipation and bloating. It is often found elevated in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). 6. Ruminococcus spp. (e.g., R. gnavus, R. torques): Role: Degrades mucin and contributes to gut mucosal health but can also degrade the mucosal lining under certain conditions. Found in: GI tract. Health Implications: Overgrowth of certain Ruminococcus species is linked to autoimmune diseases and gut inflammation. A balanced level supports gut health, but overgrowth may lead to mucosal degradation. 7. Desulfovibrio spp. and Bilophila wadsworthia: Role: Associated with the production of hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S), which can contribute to GI symptoms such as bloating and discomfort. Found in: GI tract.  Health Implications: High levels of these bacteria can be implicated in SIBO, and their production of H2S gas is associated with GI disturbances and inflammation. 8. Prevotella spp.: Role: Plays a role in carbohydrate digestion and is often found in individuals with high-carbohydrate diets. Found in: GI tract, oral microbiome. Health Implications: While Prevotella is part of a healthy microbiome, its overgrowth has been linked to inflammatory diseases and metabolic disturbances. 9. Helicobacter pylori: Role: H. pylori colonizes the stomach and can be a commensal bacterium in low amounts but becomes pathogenic when it overgrows, particularly strains with virulence factors. Found in: Stomach. Health Implications: It is linked to gastric ulcers, gastritis, and stomach cancer. Not all individuals carrying H. pylori will have symptoms, but elevated levels often lead to clinical issues. 10. Veillonella spp.: Role: Associated with lactic acid fermentation and linked with the gut-liver axis. Found in: GI tract. Health Implications: High levels are sometimes linked to liver disorders and indicate a need for liver detox support. 11. Clostridium difficile (C. diff): Role: Normally kept in check by the gut microbiome but can cause serious infections if overgrown, particularly after antibiotic use. Found in: GI tract. Health Implications: Causes severe diarrhea and colitis, especially in individuals with disrupted gut flora. Treatment involves restoring microbial balance. These bacteria play crucial roles in maintaining health, supporting digestion, and modulating the immune system. An imbalance in any of these bacteria can lead to health issues, making microbiome testing an essential tool for diagnosing and managing gut-related disorders.