DISCLAIMER
These products and services, as all other natural supplements, are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Therefore, these statements contained herein are for informational purposes only.
These products and services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Always consult with your professional Health Care provider before beginning dietary supplementation.
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The Genova Diagnostics Lab
...formerly called The Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory...
located in Asheville, NC
is the only lab used by the
International Institute of Holistic Healing for testing.
It is among the most modern and sophisticated labs,
fully equipped with "state-of-the-art" tools for precise and sensitive analysis.
This lab is recognized to be a
scientific world leader
using the highest standards
in the industry,
and is managed by extremely knowledgeable chemists and microbiologists.
It is trusted by thousands of
Healthcare Practitioners globally
to yield the most reliable results in their assessment of body specimens for physiological function.
All samples are analyzed
under rigorously controlled conditions,
providing information available
almost nowhere else.
The tests frequently pinpoint
the cause of chronic ailments
and ailments that typically evade
conventional analysis.
Specimens and results are sent by
Airborne Express expedited delivery.
All clients are sent a copy of their results in
easy-to-understand language.
Note: The lab does not test for drugs.
ANMA Naturopathic Nutritional Consultant
Washington, DC Registered Naturopath
Board-Certified by the American Naturopathic Medical Association
International Institute of Holistic Healing, Inc.
Mailing Address: PO Box 944, Lancaster, TX 75146 USA
Physical Location: 2331 Gus Thomasson, Suite 115, Dallas, TX 75228, USA
Business Tel. 972 227-3445 Fax Tel. 972 227-2251
E-mail: Adams@DoctorAJAdams.com Website: www.DoctorAJAdams.com
This test is a powerful and non-invasive assessment of small intestinal absorption and barrier function in the bowel. Leaky Gut is the name of the syndrome describing an unfavorable increase in intestinal permeability which causes nutrients to leak out. Undigested macromolecule food particles and toxins are allowed to pass directly into the body, creating a variety of problems including triggering an immune response sensitizing the individual to normally harmless molecules. When this occurs some people become hypersensitive to environmental substances or develop multiple food allergies. These undigested particles may also pass through the blood-brain barrier where they can be mistaken for neurotransmitters, leading to mental symptoms that may create abnormal behavior. The small intestine has the paradoxical dual function of being a digestive/ absorptive organ for nutrients as well as a powerful barrier against the excessive absorption of bacteria, food antigens and large molecules. Increased permeability of the intestinal mucosal barrier can swell the number of toxins and antigens entering the bloodstream and lead to an overly sensitized immune system in some individuals. Decreased permeability, on the other hand, appears as a fundamental cause of malnutrition, malabsorption and failure to thrive. A number of clinical disorders are associated with both conditions.
In other words, the small intestine has to be able to both digest and absorb nutrients. It also has the important immune function of keeping out excessive absorption of bacteria, substances that trigger allergies, and other large toxic compounds that do not belong in the body. If the gut is too permeable [leaky gut], these substances will penetrate the intestinal barrier, invade the bloodstream and lymph system, overwhelm the liver's detoxification system, and cause an overly sensitive immune system. Intestinal permeability may be affected by several factors, including intestinal infection, ingestion of allergy-causing foods, toxic chemicals, trauma, blood poisoning, alcoholism, and NSAIDS [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications], such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen.
Both malabsorption and increased intestinal permeability ["leaky gut"] are associated with chronic gastrointestinal imbalances as well as many systemic disorders, such as...
- IBS [Inflammatory Bowel Disease]
- Gastritis, Colitis, Ileitis, Crohn's Disease
- Inflammatory Joint Disease [Arthritis]
- Worsening Of Gluten Sensitivity
The Intestinal Permeability Assessment directly measures the ability of two nonmetabolized sugar molecules mannitol and lactuloseto permeate the intestinal mucosa. Mannitol is easily absorbed and serves as a marker of transcellular uptake, while lactulose is only slightly absorbed and serves as a marker for mucosal integrity. To perform the test, the patient mixes premeasured amounts of lactulose and mannitol and drinks the challenge substance. The test measures the amount of lactulose and mannitol recovered in a urine sample over the next 6 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this test involve?
Following an overnight fast (at least 8 hours), you will drink a "challenge" drink of 2 sugars (lactulose and mannitol). You will then collect your urine for the next 6 hours.
Do I have to fast for the entire 6 hours?
No, you will fast for only the first 2 hours after taking the test drink. You may eat and drink normally after this point.
Do I have to avoid certain foods?
Yes, it is important to stop eating or drinking any substances containing fructose (fruit sugar) during the 6 hour collection, as this will interfere with test results. This includes all fruits, fruit juices, soft drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, dietetic foods such as jams and jellies, chocolate and honey. Check labels carefully.
Can I drink water?
Yes, it is important that you drink a glass of water 2 hours after taking the test drink, and then at least 1 cup of water every hour until you finish your collection. I.e. there is no limit after the 2 hour point.
Will the lactulose/mannitol solution make me gain weight?
No, neither sugar is metabolized by your body.
Can the drink make me feel sick?
In some individuals, it may cause a stomach ache or diarrhea.
I am diabetic. Will that affect the test results?
Abnormally high glucose can interfere with the test. Please discuss this with your clinician.
What medications can affect my test results?
Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) may affect the results, although your health care practitioner may choose to examine their influence on gut permeability. Please discuss any medications you are using with him or her.
Can this test be done on a child that is not potty trained?
No, because the urine can be lost in diapers, e.g.
Does a child drink the entire bottle of lactulose/mannitol?
Yes, the child takes the same dose as an adult.
Should I refrigerate the urine samples?
Yes, it is important to refrigerate them if you cannot ship your kit to the lab on the day you complete the test.
What nutritional supplements should I take to help repair a leaky gut?
What does the ordering process involve and how long does it take?
When you order the test kit, you will follow instructions to collect the urine sample. You will FedEx it to the lab via the post-paid envelope. The lab will analyze your sample and send the results to me. I will then send the results to you. The turnaround process takes about 10 business days. The complete cost is only $108, which includes the test kit and the lab results. I am also offering a free naturopathic consult following results upon request. There are no extra charges. All lab tests are accurately performed by Genova Labs.