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Specialty Testing

Gain a More Complete Picture of Your Health with Specialty Testing

Within conventional medicine, laboratory testing often falls short as a diagnostic tool. Consistently, Dr. Stevens will see patients who have tested within the “normal” range in common medical tests but continue to feel like something is wrong. At NOR CAL Natural Medicine, we implement specialty functional testing to truly understand the root causes of your symptoms, which will allow us to customize a treatment plan that caters to your body’s needs. By going deeper and assessing how the body is functioning as a whole, we can help you optimize your overall wellness instead of relying on a symptom-chasing approach to your care.

Genetic/DNA Testing

Genetic testing provides a deeper understanding of what may be going on in the body. Keep in mind, our genes are not necessarily our destiny since they are heavily influenced by our diet, lifestyle and environment. Genetic testing provided an opportunity to determine where we may be most vulnerable. With reviewing your DNA test results, Dr. Stevens can help you discover your genetic makeup and possible mutations that may increase or reduce your susceptibility to various illnesses and diseases. Genetic testing can also offer insight on the right nutritional planning for your body’s needs.

Consider Specialty Testing in these other areas:

Inflammation Profile Testing

Chronic inflammation is the underlying cause of disease. Looking beyond routine lab tests, we assess your blood for systemic inflammation. Blood tests (Homocysteine, C-Reactive Protein, Lipoprotein (a), Oxidized LDL and LDL particle size and number) are available to determine you level of inflammation, risk, and/or effectiveness of current therapy.

Food Allergy/Sensitivity Training

It is estimated that 95% of the population suffers from food toxicities, which contribute to many preventable chronic diseases. Chronic stress, environmental toxins, diets high in sugar and processed foods, and the overuse of medications (antibiotics, digestive aides) have led to an epidemic of digestive impairment. One simple blood test can provide you with the valuable information needed to drastically improve your overall health.

Hormone Testing

Hormonal imbalances affect both men and women. Men may experience a decline in motivation, a lower sex drive, loss of lean body mass, and weight gain. Women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, mood, energy, sex drive, emotions, weight, and sleep patterns. There is no need to suffer with symptoms. Hormone testing is available and natural hormone therapies and/or herbal supplements can bring your body back into balance.

Adrenal Stress Index

Chronic stress—physical, mental, or emotional—can lead to compromised adrenal gland function, resulting in altered levels of stress hormones (cortisol, DHEA, and adrenaline) in the body. Impaired adrenal function may lead to low energy, fatigue, poor blood sugar regulation, weight fluctuations, food cravings, weakened immune system, impaired sleep quality, and chronic pain. The adrenal stress index test evaluates your cyclical levels of stress hormones.

Heavy Metal Toxicity Training

Heavy metal toxicity (lead, mercury, cadmium, aluminum, etc.) is most often do to chronic environmental exposure and may target the endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular, or immune systems. Contaminated food, water, and air also play a significant role. Toxic metals have no useful physiological function in the body and adversely affect the organs. Urine and dermal testing for heavy metal toxicity is available.

Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis

Understanding what’s happening in the gut microbiome is essential for gaining a complete picture of your health. Comprehensive digestive stool analysis is a noninvasive assessment for potential colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is also a reliable assessment of exocrine pancreatic function and expanded yeast and parasite detection. This test evaluates digestion, absorption, gut flora, and the colonic environment. It is indicated for all chronic GI problems, acute bowel pattern changes, and many systemic diseases.

Intracellular Nutrient and Fatty Acid Analysis

Research shows that 50% of people taking multivitamins may still be nutritionally deficient. Various factors such as chronic illness, aging, lifestyle, and biochemical individuality can affect how our bodies absorb and break down nutrients from the foods we eat and supplements we take. Conventional blood serum testing does not reflect the level of micronutrients within the blood cells. Intracellular levels of micronutrients give a much more accurate picture of nutrient status.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is used for estimating body composition. It is a non-invasive test used in determining the resistance to the flow of an electric current through body tissues. The more muscle a person has, the more water their body can hold. The more fat, the greater the resistance. Excessive body fat is associated with inflammatory processes and is linked to the onset of chronic disease.

Neurotransmitter Testing

The human nervous system is one of the most complex systems in nature. It is responsible for coordinating thousands of processes through its chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Imbalanced neurotransmitter levels may lead to feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, and even behavioral problems. The proper balance between excitatory (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) and inhibitory (GABA, serotonin) neurotransmitters is significantly important in maintaining optimal health.

Organic Acid Testing

Organic acids are produced as part of many vital biochemical pathways in the body and levels can be measured in the urine. The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of 76 markers for overall health. It provides such information as: an evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria overgrowth, markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress levels, neurotransmitter levels, and oxalates levels, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses. This test requires the collection of a first morning urine sample. Based upon the results a personalized treatment plan is created for your specific needs.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Stomach acid, bile, pancreatic enzymes and digestive motility all work together to create a healthy intestinal environment. A disruption in any of these areas may lead to a type of dysbiosis know as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Symptoms of SIBO may include: frequent gas or bloating, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and constipation, with mucus in the stool. The most accurate, non-invasive method to test and diagnose SIBO, is using a 3-hour breath test assessing for elevated levels of either hydrogen gas, methane gas or hydrogen sulfide gas in the breath. Based upon the results, a unique treatment plan is formulated to restore your microbiome and get your health back on track.

Dr. June

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. June Stevens is the Founder and Medical Director of NOR CAL Natural Medicine. She is proud to have served as a Critical Care Nurse in the U.S. Navy, retiring after 23 years of service as a Commander. As an independent provider, she has spent many years focused on cardiology and women’s health. Dr. Stevens is a firm believer in patient empowerment and education, and she frequently delivers public lectures as an authority in naturopathic and integrative medicine.

Experience an elevated level of care with
NOR CAL Natural Medicine.

Our office is currently accepting new patients. Please email us or call (530) 691-4115 to schedule your initial consultation. Phone appointments are available for local and out-of-state patients.

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