The majority of gluten sensitivity testing done today only screens for one component of wheat, alpha-gliadin. Even though gliadin makes up a large share of the toxic part of wheat, testing for reactivity to gluten needs to go beyond simply measuring gliadin IgA antibodies.
With regards to Celiac disease, it can be more straightforward to screen for because of its genetic nature and if you are quite certain of the condition, you should request an intestinal biopsy, which is the gold standard for diagnosis. Unfortunately the standard blood tests that most doctors do today (if they do them at all) for Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS), which makes up a good deal of gluten-related disease conditions, have a less than 30% accuracy rate.
I continue to be concerned with the overall level of test inaccuracy and under-testing currently being conducted today for gluten-related disease, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and Celiac disease. Time and time again suffering individuals struggle with getting access to good health data and detecting root cause of symptoms.
That’s why I use only the best gut and immune testing facilities for gluten and autoimmune related health issues: Cyrex Laboratories and Vibrant Wellness. Cyrex Labs specializes in Functional Immunology and Autoimmunity and they offer multi-tissue antibody testing for the early detection and monitoring of today’s complex autoimmune conditions. Their testing arrays are designed to assist us in the evaluation of complex gluten, gut-associated and immune-related disorders. Their research and education in the area of immunology acknowledges them as one of the best in their field. Vibrant Wellness is also a superb lab offering a variety of antibody assay testing with new technology that can offer greater accuracy. Their tests offer advanced analysis for those with suspected gut (including leaky gut), food sensitivity, and neuro-immune issues.
All tests can conveniently be ordered through my store if you are a HealthyLiving member as a stand-alone test or through one of my many wellness programs. Most tests require a blood draw, which can be done at one of the convenient and reputable in-network facilities near your work or residence. Further detailed instructions regarding testing will be provided after purchase.
We can ship test kits from Cyrex labs outside the U.S. but currently Vibrant Wellness tests are restricted to those that live in the U.S. We also offer ALCAT, Genova Diagnosics, and other specialty tests.
Recommended Tests from Vibrant Wellness:
Wheat Zoomer
This test is designed to distinguish between celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, non- gluten wheat sensitivity, and other autoimmune diseases triggered by gluten. Using new microchip technology, this test looks for reactivity to more wheat peptides and is designed to test and classify a larger cohort of wheat sensitive individuals. It also tests for other gluten peptides and wheat non-gluten peptides that often cause reactivity in sensitive individuals. This test verifies total IgG and IgA immunoglobulins, which allows for analysis of the current responsiveness and vitality of the immune system (vital to knowing before a host of immune-related tests are done).
Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut)
This test shows biomarkers (abnormal elevation in LPS, zonulin, and actin antibodies) identifying where there is breakdown of the healthy intestinal barrier and provides a baseline so that clients can begin optimal gut repair programs. Leaky gut condition is known to be one of the root causes leading to autoimmune conditions. This test verifies total IgG and IgA immunoglobulins, which allows for analysis of the current responsiveness and vitality of the immune system (vital to knowing before a host of immune-related tests are done).
Gut Zoomer/Bacteria
Provides an opportunity to better understand your gut microbiome (lower bowel), and contributing to advancements in research that may have tremendous benefit for the future of human health and well-being.
Gut Zoomer/Pathogen
This test is a straightforward way to identify, monitor and manage GI infections. This panel is a multiplexed nucleic acid test that identifies 30 viral, parasitic, fungal and bacterial nucleic acids in the stool and ideal for those with signs and symptoms of chronic digestives issues, leaky gut, colitis or gastroenteritis.
Food Sensitivity
This test provides a look at immune reactivity to 96 foods. This is more than a simple skin-prick allergy test done by most allergists. Food sensitivities that go undetected could lead to symptoms and systemic changes that are associated with certain conditions/illnesses like digestive and immune disorders, skin issues, mood disorders and more.
Neural Zoomer
A comprehensive set of autoimmunity markers to provide an understanding of neurological risks including blood-brain barrier disruption, peripheral neuropathy, brain autoimmunity, optical and autonomous system disorders, and even early-on detection of Alzhiemer’s.
Lectin Zoomer
The human immune systems can react to food lectins and produce IgG and IgA antibodies. Detection of these antibodies can help manage eating habits (in consultation with a dietitian or healthcare provider) and reduce the risk of development of more serious conditions.
Dairy Zoomer
An innovative tool that measures IgG & IgA reactivity to all major antigens to cow’s milk.
Corn Zoomer
Corn is the most commonly consumed gluten-free alternative grain with more than 90% of the production in USA being GMO. Persistent symptoms may be present in wheat sensitive individuals who are on gluten-free diet due to consumption of corn.
Egg Zoomer
Egg sensitivity is one of the important childhood disorders. In combination with peanut and cow’s milk, they represent a majority of food sensitivity cases in infants. Egg sensitivity symptoms in adults are less pronounced than other food sensitivities, so they are easier to miss. Some people are sensitive to all elements of the eggs.
Peanut Zoomer
Peanut sensitivity is often confused with peanut allergy. Peanut sensitivity produces IgG and IgA antibodies against peanut antigens and is usually not as life-threatening as a peanut allergy but can develop into allergy and other future diseases if not diagnosed early.
Micronutrient
Vibrant’s patented technology and reporting allows for high sensitivity detection of both extracellular and intracellular testing for a thorough understanding of your short-term and long-term nutritional status and requirements.
Celiac Disease HLA Genetics
Celiac disease has a genetic disposition. First relatives of someone diagnosed with the disease have a 1 in 22 chance of having signs of the disease in their lifetime. Uncontrolled celiac disease predisposes patients to gut carcinomas and lymphomas and it is most common in Caucasians of Northern European descent.
Recommended Tests from Cyrex Labs:
Test Array 3: accurate Gluten Sensitivity test (blood serum)
Test Array 2 & 3: for suspected early Gluten Sensitivity, Celiac Disease and Leaky Gut Syndrome and Autoimmune Conditions because of their association with a variety of local and systemic inflammatory conditions
Test Array 3 & 4: for Gluten Sensitivity, Celiac Disease and testing for advanced symptoms
Test Array 5: for those who suspect Autoimmune conditions in other areas of the body related to Gluten Sensitivity
Test Arrays 10 & 10-90: for those with chronic and advanced symptoms in order to cover a wider spectrum of foods to ensure there is no reactivity and to validate their diet protocol
Test Arrays 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, & 20 – for those with chronic autoimmune symptoms and other conditions who may wish to explore in-depth the health of specific tissues and body systems
Array 2: Intestinal Antigenic Permeability Screen (Leaky Gut)
Both Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease have root cause factors relating to gluten. Knowing that gluten in these cases causes inflammation in the gut, often what is referred to as “leaky gut” (intestinal permeability) needs to be addressed. This test shows biomarkers identifying where there is breakdown of the healthy intestinal barrier. Clients suffering from long-standing Gluten Sensitivity, Celiac Disease and related gut issues find that this test provides a baseline so that they can begin a specific nutritional and dietary protocol in order to break this cyclic disorder and target optimal gut repair.
Array 3: Wheat/Gluten Proteome Reactivity & Autoimmunity
This test is the most comprehensive and accurate for Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity. The majority of Gluten Sensitivity testing done today only screens for only 1 component of wheat, alpha-Gliadin. Testing for Gluten Sensitivity needs to go beyond testing just for Gliadin IgA antibodies. There are over 100 different components of wheat that could cause gluten-intolerance. This test greatly increases the chances of identifying clients who may have fallen through the cracks in the system because they were tested before and were “negative” to alpha-Gliadin only, but are “positive” to another component of wheat. Also a unique and very important part of this test is its test for whether gluten has a drug-like opiate effect on an individual. This test screens for antibodies to the opioids, which signals their presence in the brain which could explain why gluten plays a role in so many cases of ADD/ADHD, autism, or behavioral problems in children; or brain fog, depression, anxiety, and migraines in adults.
Array 4: Gluten-Associated Cross-Reactive Foods and Foods Sensitivity
This test is perfect for those still suffering symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease and where a gluten-free diet has failed to have any effect. If adherence to the gluten-free diet has been 100% in the strictest manner, then research shows that continued symptoms might be due to what is called food “cross-reactivity”. This is where a person’s body mistakes another food for gluten and reacts accordingly. This test looks at the 24 most cross-reactive foods that may be causing cross-reactivity. The most reactive foods being dairy, other non-gluten grains, oats, coffee, lectins, yeast, etc.
Array 5: Multiple Autoimmune Reactivity Screen
For the majority of Gluten Sensitive individuals, gluten damages the brain, the heart, the skin, the respiratory tract, or the joints. This test measures “predictive antibodies”, some of which can appear up to ten years before the clinical onset of disease. This test will target specific parts of the body that is the site of inflammation and degeneration caused by gluten intolerance. This test is used most often with chronic increased intestinal permeability, which is the gateway for environmentally-induced autoimmune disorders.
Test includes immune screening for: stomach & intestinal, bone & joint, Diabetes, chemical toxin, thyroid, adrenal, heart, endocrine, and brain.
Array 6: Diabetes Autoimmune Reactivity Screen
This test assists in the early detection of autoimmune processes of Type 1 Diabetes and impaired blood sugar metabolism. It is recommended for individuals who have Type 1 Diabetes or severe/atypical manifestations of Type 2 Diabetes or who have a family history of Type 1 Diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome. This screen may be used as a follow-up to the Test 5 Autoimmune Reactivity Screen or be used as an initial screening for Diabetes and related symptoms.
Array 7: Neurological Autoimmune Reactivity Screen & Array 7X: expanded
These tests assist in the early detection of neuro-autoimmunity. It is recommended for individuals who have Gluten-Reactivity and/or Dairy-Sensitivity contributing to neurological dysfunction or show decline in brain function with accompanying fatigue or Fibromyalgia. This screen may be used as a follow-up to the Test 5 Autoimmune Reactivity Screen or be used as an initial screening for neuro-autoimmunity and related symptoms.
Array 8: Joint Autoimmune Reactivity Screen
This test assists in the early detection of mixed connective tissue disorders. It is recommended for individuals who have Osteoarthritis or Arthritis symptoms or joint infl¬ammation following exposure to environmental triggers. This screen may be used as a follow-up to the Test 5 Autoimmune Reactivity Screen or be used as an initial screening for autoimmune reactivity associated with joints.
Array 10: Multiple Food Immune Reactivity Screen
Reactivity to foods has been rapidly increasing over the recent years. It is thought that environmental variables can disturb the balance in the microbiome (gut microbial) causing certain immune reactivity to develop. This test is especially important in screening for IgG and IgA immune reactions to food proteins and the chemicals in foods that may be risk factors for chronic and degenerative diseases. This test is important to: 1) evaluate immune reactions to foods, raw and/or modified, food enzymes, lectins and artificial food additives, including meat glue, colorings and gums; 2) early detection of dietary-related triggers of autoimmune reactivity; and 3) monitor specific dietary plans.
Array 11: Chemical Immune Reactivity Screen
This test assists in identifying the loss of immune tolerance associated with Xenobiotic exposure i.e., chemical compound (drug, pesticide, or carcinogen) that is foreign to a living organism, which may lead to autoimmune reactivity. It is recommended for individuals who have a loss of immune tolerance and/or abnormal immune function, family history of autoimmune disease, or suffer from an increased sensitivity to chemicals.
Array 12: Pathogen-Associated Immune Reactivity Screen
This test assists in assessing immune reactivity to pathogens that can exacerbate inflammation and autoimmune symptoms including oral pathogens, gastrointestinal pathogens and parasites, bacterial and stealth pathogens, environmental molds, viral pathogens and tick-borne pathogens.
Array 20: Blood Brain Barrier Permeability
This test assists in the evaluation of a breach of the Blood-Brain Barrier by stress, trauma or environmental triggers, even in the absence of apparent concussion or brain injury. It is recommended for individuals who have intestinal permeability with abnormal elevation in LPS and/or Occludin/Zonulin antibodies. This test may also be considered for investigation and management of contact sports-related Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and if motility issues are noted for gut-related issues.
Other Recommended Tests:
Please contact our office to find out more about our ALCAT food-related, Genova Diagnostic and other specialty tests.
We suggest you read the following information about our Polices before you order any tests.
If you would like more information about testing and what may be appropriate for you, speak to your Advesta Heath Practitioner or consult your primary physician.
