Naturopathic Doctors utilize non-conventional laboratory testing techniques to assess an individual's internal body environment. These tests are performed in-office and the results are immediate.
Zinc Tally (Taste) Test
Zinc is an essential trace mineral and cofactor for a many biological functions in the body. Zinc plays an important role in cell division, growth and repair; wound healing; immune health; and even taste and smell. Hence, zinc deficiency is associated with the inability to taste. In this test, the patient takes a small amount of zinc sulfate in their mouth and holds/swishes it for about 10 seconds. Zinc status is determined according to taste sensations: the longer it takes for the patient to taste something, the more zinc deficient he/she is. Surprisingly, a majority of the population is zinc deficient and this test allows for the appropriate amount of zinc to be supplemented.
Some signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency include:
- Delayed wound healing
- Dandruff
- Hair loss
- Growth retardation
- Skin conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis
- Dry skin and skin rashes
- Hang nails
- White spots on fingernails, traverse lines, and poor nail growth
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of taste or smell
- Loss of sex drive
- Fertility issues
- Inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive problems
- Hormonal imbalance (PMS, irregular menses etc.)
- Behavioural and sleep disturbances
- Hyperactivity
Urinalysis – a urinary dipstick test for pH, blood, glucose, ketones, protein, urobilinogen, bilirubin, nitrate/nitrite, leukocytes, and specific gravity.
Random Blood Glucose Test – a drop of blood is collected on a disposable test strip and read with a glucometer.