Please click on a link below to find out more about a particular test:  

• 21 Day Detox Programme
• Gut Permeability Urine Test
• Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test
• Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
• Food Intolerance Testing  
• Homocysteine Test
• Digestion strengthening Package

The Alternative Therapy 21 Day Detox Programme

The Alternative Therapy, 21 Day Detox Programme Incorporates health promoting Colonic Hydrotherapy with cleansing, detoxifying, quality products. 

This tried and tested Detoxification programme is a must for those requiring a deep yet gentle cleans. The products are made using only the best natural ingredients. 

  It comprises the following: 

• Two Colonic Hydrotherapy sessions
• Detox aid, to stimulate, flush, cleanse and support both the Liver and the Gall bladder and in doing so help the whole body to detoxify.  
• Colon Cleanse, a comprehensive formula, which combines fibre with other natural ingredients ensuring a gentle cleansing action on the colon.  
• Bentonite clay, able to absorb 40 times its own volume in solids from the colon wall, is the ideal companion.

The 21 Day Detox programme is suitable for vegetarians. 

The programme has been carefully formulated to ensure that the cleansing and detoxifying process happens at a gentle pace therefore keeping ‘healing crisis' reactions to a minimum.

The package comes with a full instruction manual, which includes sample menus and lots of other handy advice.

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Gut Permeability Urine Test (Code DIG09)

‘Leaky gut syndrome' is a condition whereby the lining of the digestive tract becomes damaged and the contents of the gut can be too easily absorbed. This intestinal barrier is meant to allow only properly digested food particles to pass through the gut lining, whilst minimising the amount of toxins absorbed. At the same time, it also provides a barrier to keep out bacterial products, foreign substances and large undigested molecules. These larger particles, if absorbed, directly trigger immune reactions, including food allergies and intolerances. Enhanced uptake of toxic compounds can overwhelm the liver's detoxification system as well as leading to an overly-sensitized immune system. In certain conditions such as celiac disease, permeability to small molecules, such as vitamins and minerals, decreases - while permeability to large molecules, including undigested food or toxins increases, resulting in malnutrition

Symptoms associated with Increased Permeability

• Fatigue and malaise
• Joint and muscle pain
• Fevers of unknown origin
• Food intolerances/ allergies
• Abdominal pain and distention
• Diarrhoea
• Skin rashes
• Toxic feelings
• Cognitive memory deficits
• Shortness of breath
• Poor exercise tolerance

Conditions associated with Increased Permeability

• Inflammatory bowel disease
  
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Food allergy/ intolerance
• Coeliac disease
• Urticaria, eczema, psoriasis, acne,
• Cystic fibrosis
• Alcoholism
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Schizophrenia
• Chronic fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Autism
• Childhood hyperactivity
• Multiple chemical sensitivities
• Frequent intake of non steroidal anti-inflammatories such as aspirin
• Chemotherapy, radiation or steroid treatment
• Chronic stress levels

How does the test work?

The client takes a drink containing PEG400, a mixture of eleven sizes of molecule. The different sizes of molecule pass through the gut wall and into circulation with differing levels of ease.

All the urine passed over the next six hours is collected (a container with a capacity of about 1.5 liters is most suitable e.g. mineral water bottle). The quantity of each molecular size of PEG is measured. 

Note. The total urine volume must be recorded. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs e.g. ibuprofen may affect the results, as well as drugs containing sorbitol and or mannitol so it is advisable to avoid these for 2 days prior to the test. (Check with your doctor first if these are prescribed drugs).

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Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test (Code DIG10) 

In 1979, J. Robin Warren, a pathologist at the Royal Perth Hospital in Australia, discovered the presence of a new bacterium in the stomach of people suffering from abdominal ulcers.

Subsequently it has been shown that this microorganism infects approximately 50% of all people over the age of 60 years in the developed world. Helicobacter pylori is believed to be the only bacterium able to withstand the acidity of the stomach.

High levels of stress, caffeine, alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds such as aspirin can increase the incidence of this infection.

This bacterium has been shown to be the single biggest cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastritis. It is now believed that virtually all-abdominal ulcers, apart from drug-induced forms, are caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection.

This test is suitable for anyone with a history of one or more the following symptoms 

Symptoms of a dull, gnawing ache that persists for days or even weeks, that occurs 2 - 3 hours after eating or in the middle of the night, and is relieved by eating or taking antacids and/or any of the symptoms listed below:

• Duodenal and gastric ulcers
• Chronic gastritis
• Excess acidity or dyspepsia
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Acid reflux
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss and decreased appetite
• Upper intestinal bloating
• Burping

H. pylori infection is strongly associated with persistent stomach inflammation (chronic superficial gastritis), and studies have shown that such inflammation significantly increases the risk of stomach or duodenal ulcer formation.

When H. pylori is eradicated, ulcers heal and don't reoccur. It would be wise to consider testing all immediate family members if one member does have H. pylori.

How does the test work? 

The breath test procedure is a highly accurate and non-invasive diagnostic tool utilizing a C13 urea powder to detect the presence or absence of an active H. pylori infection in the human stomach. The patient must provide two sets of breath samples, with an interval of an hour, following a 8-hour fast.

Note: If patients are taking any antibiotics, an interval three days should elapse before completing the test.

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Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (Code CDSA) 

The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) is the original non-invasive evaluation of gastrointestinal function. This assay helps pinpoint imbalances, provide clues about current symptoms and warns of potential problems should the imbalances progress. 

Digestive complaints are among the most common reasons that individuals seek medical care. Recent evidence now confirms that gastro-intestinal abnormalities are associated with many conditions outside the gastro-intestinal tract.

This test reveals important clinical information about: 

• Maldigestion that can result in GI symptoms such as gas and bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation
• Chronic dysbiosis (altered gut ecology) and inflammation that can impair absorption, leading to deficiencies of nutrients, proteins, carbohydrates and fats, or induce systemic systemic autoimmune reactions
• Excess bacterial enzyme activity in the intestine that can promote carcinogenesis, hormonal imbalances and GI irritation
• Short chain fatty acid inadequacy linked to increased incidence of colon cancer and ulcerative colitis
• Bacterial and yeast overgrowth underlying gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic fatigue, mood shifts, and weakened immune function
• Chronic digestive dysfunction that can set the stage for the development of leaky gut, food allergies, toxic stress, and gut irritation

What the test looks at: 

Digestion Markers
(Chymotrypsin, Putrefactive SCFAs, Meat Fibers, Vegetable Fibers)
- An indirect evaluation of digestive function, these markers provide insight into inadequate digestive enzyme production and maldigestion.

Absorption Markers
(Long Chain Fatty Acids, Phospholipids, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Total Fecal Fat)
- Abnormal levels of these Fatty Acids may indicate maldigestion, malabsorption, altered transit time, small bowel bacteria overgrowth and long-term risk for colon cancer.

Metabolic Markers
(Short Chain Fatty Acids, n-Butyrate, Beta-Glucuronidase, pH, Fecal Lactoferrin, Macroscopic exam, Occult blood)
- These markers identify imbalances that are associated with increased toxic burden, small bowel bacteria overgrowth and severe inflammation.
- Abnormal levels of these markers are associated primarily with intestinal conditions, including potential risk for colorectal cancer.

Microbiology Markers
(Bacteriology, Mycology)
- Quantitative measures of the beneficial flora Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
- Quantitative measures of additional flora, including strict pathogenic bacteria and potentially pathogenic and bacteria and yeast.
- An imbalance in GI flora is associated with Intestinal and Extra-intestinal conditions.

The Comprehensive stool Analysis can also include Parasitology. (Code CDSAP) The Parasitoligy evaluation is also available as a stand alone test. (Code CP)
(EIA and microscopic evaluation)
- With the highest documented recovery rates (22% positivity rate), this Parasitology examination quantifies all ova and parasites identified.
- Includes microscopic evaluation for yeast and blood cells.

What is required? 

• A random stool specimen is required.

• If parasite evaluation is included then five stool samples over 3 days is required

• If taking antibiotics or antifungals, wait at least 3 day after finishing the course before starting the test. Discontinue the use of the following: barium enemas, bentonite clay, castor oil, mineral oil, betaine HCI, or digestive enzymes, rectal suppositories, vitamin C supplements, and probiotics 4 days prior to starting the test. Consume some fats such as butter and vegetable oils plus some protein-rich foods during the two days prior to beginning the test. Discontinue use of aspirin and ibuprofen (check with doctor if prescribed medication) 2 days prior to test.

Food Intolerance Testing

The only intolerance test endorsed by Allergy UK. 

How can you go round to a friend's house if you think an attack of IBS might strike?  You might have to cancel a night out because your migraine means you need to be in bed.  Not being able to wear that new top because you've had an eczema flare up.  All of these are everyday considerations for a large number of people. 

As food intolerance becomes more widely accepted and understood, lots of people are beginning to associate poor health with what they are eating.  However, just because some foods affect one person, this doesn't mean that it will be the same for everyone, and trying to find out which other foods trigger your symptoms can be like finding a needle in a haystack! 

Food intolerance, or sensitivity, has been linked to many chronic and persistent problems such as: headaches, intestinal symptoms, skin problems, behavioural changes and asthma - amongst others.  

The YORKTEST foodSCAN tests measure specific IgG antibodies to identify foods to which you may be sensitive.  The presence of IgG antibodies indicates a possible sensitivity to a particular food. 

How does it work? 

STEP 1 - A finger prick sample of blood is taken by your practitioner. 

STEP 2 - The sample is posted to the lab on the same day. 

STEP 3 - When your sample is received at the laboratory, it is extracted from the blood collection wand using  dilutent and one of the qualified lab technicians will test the sample using one of the foodSCAN Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests.

STEP 4- The results are returned to your practitioner in an easy to undrstand format which is a bit like a traffic light system - the foods in the green section are all okay to eat freely, the foods listed in the yellow section should only be eaten every 4-5 days, and the foods in the red section are those you should avoid. 

STEP 5 - After discusing the results with your practitioner a guidebook that details the foods families, and vitamin and mineral information plus a copy of the results are forwarded to your home address.   

Note:If you have been avoiding foods because you think they are the problem they may not be picked up, as there will be no IgG antibodies for that particular food in your blood sample. It is therefore advisable to eat a variety of foods for 4 days prior to the blood test including those that you suspect a problem with.

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Homocysteine Test

Research suggests that high levels of homocysteine in the blood is a contributory factor in heart disease, strokes and thrombosis amongst other diseases and experts are hailing it a better predictor of potential health problems than cholesterol. 

The YORKTEST Homocysteine test allows you to easily check your levels of homocysteine using a unique plasma separator device, which was developed in-house by York Laboratories research scientists. 

"Your homocysteine is your most vital health statistic - more important than your weight or blood. It literally tells you where you are on the scale of health and whether you are doing enough to keep yourself in tip-top condition." 

Patrick Holford, author and founder of the Institute of Optimum Nutrition.

Testing Procedure:

• A finger prick of blood is taken by your practitioner and applied to the plasma separator device.  When your sample arrives at the laboratory the sample disc is removed from the main card device, and liquid is added to saturate or rehydrate the sample - this process removes the sample from the disc itself. 
• The next chemical added ‘frees' the homocysteine from the protein in the blood sample.  This means that any waste material is washed away and a clean homocysteine sample, ready for testing, is left. 
• The sample is then assessed on the HPLC (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography) equipment. 
• The final result is calculated using reference standard preparations.  The specialised software computes the information to determine your ‘H-Score' (homocysteine results). 
• Your results are returned to your practitioner who will discus the results with you highlighting any potential risk factors and recommendations for vitamin supplementation if necessary.

The Alternative Therapy Digestion Strengthening Package

The Alternative Therapy Clinic Digestion Strengthening Package is ideal for those with a sluggish system or for those wishing to improve their digestion in general.

Tailor made to improve or revitalize your individual digestive function, this package includes:

• A full consultation.
• Two colonic sessions.
•  3 supplements chosen to benefit your individual digestive function and enhance the overall treatment.