

Northside Massage and Nutrition
Rem​edial Massage, Nutrition Services and Alternative Therapies
Nutritional Testing
We offer GI-MAP testing, nutritional DNA testing (nutrigenomics) and MTHFR gene testing.

GI-MAP test: Overwhelmingly, research indicates that gut health and the microbiome impacts overall health. The gut microbiome is a collection of bacteria, funghi, viruses and their genes that live in our gut. We need a healthy microbiome for adequate functioning of our immune system, protection against harmful pathogens, digestion, nutrient absorption, metabolic function and mental health. Assessing the microbiome with gut health tests can help practitioners get to the root cause of chronic illness and therefore a better treatment outcome for patients.
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Anyone can benefit from a GI-MAP gut health assessment, as it can be used for anyone looking to achieve optimal health, or it can be used as an important tool for further investigation for anyone who is chronically ill and frustrated without a diagnosis. A comprehensive nutrition consultation must be undertaken in order to conduct testing.
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GI-MAP testing can support conditions such as:
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Autoimmune diseases
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IBS/IBD
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Digestive complaints, diarrhoea or constipation
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Brain fog
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Inflammatory conditions
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Skin problems like acne and psoriasis
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Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
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Diabetes and weight loss issues
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Weight gain​
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Nutrigenomics: Nutritional genetic testing, known as nutrigenomics, incorporates a holistic approach that brings together genetics and personal, social and environmental factors that allow the practitioner to treat the whole person. It allows the practitioner to have a deeper understanding of the possible causes for specific issues that a patient may present with.
Nutrigenomics is not a diagnostic test that determines whether you will or will not end up with a specific illness or disease. Rather, it allows people to discover areas of health they may need to pay attention to, as our genes can reveal key genetic variations that influence our health, provide information to assist with food and supplement and lifestyle interventions which helps to support and improve patient outcomes.
Anyone wanting a Nutrigenomic test must book a standard nutrition consultation as this needs to be included for optimal treatment outcome. ​
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MTHFR gene testing:
MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme that helps process folate, a B vitamin. This enzyme is crucial for converting folate into a usable form for the body and plays a role in various bodily functions, including DNA production and protein modification. Variations in the MTHFR gene, called polymorphisms, can affect how efficiently the enzyme works.
While many people with MTHFR gene variations don't experience any health problems, some individuals may have reduced enzyme activity. This can lead to slightly elevated levels of homocysteine (an amino acid) in the blood, especially if folate levels are low. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood can cause many health conditions such as heart disease, blood clots, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, neural tube defects and developmental delays in children. Therefore, adequate folate intake through diet or supplements is crucial, regardless of MTHFR gene status, as it supports many essential bodily functions.
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MTHFR gene testing can be beneficial if you are struggling with a chronic health condition, mental health issues or chronic fatigue, and have also had a comprehensive nutrition consultation that shows there could be evidence to support testing. If you have a MTHFR test that reports findings of a strong variation within the MTHFR gene, usually diet and supplementation will be required.
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*An initial nutrition consultation is required to gather all required information before conducting any of the above testing. However, if you have had an initial consultation within the last 6 months, please book for a follow up appointment.
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