DIAGNOSTICS
ALLERGY & FOOD INTOLERANCE TESTING
When talking about a healthy diet it is often overlooked that this is not always a matter of general advice such as €œbe sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables €.
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What is good and beneficial food for one may not be suitable at all for somebody else. At the Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre we have many years of experience in diagnosing food intolerances and food allergies.
Especially people with digestion symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea and other more nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, sinusitis, cough, sneezing, weight gain, water retention or eczema and rashes very often suffer from food intolerances and food allergies.
Our immune system has different types of reactions necessary to defeat bacteria, virus, fungus and other things that are not good for our body. But sometimes, due to lifestyle, medication or other unknown reasons our immune system can start overreacting. In this case the immune system starts overreacting to food. There are two ways this can happen, through the fast track (IgE, the food allergy) which usually triggers quite immediate and very severe symptoms like rashes and asthma for example, and the slow track (IgG, the food intolerance) with symptoms than can occur even 72h after eating that food. That is the reason why just by looking at what you have eaten it is almost impossible to figure out foods for which you have an intolerance!
Food intolerances and food allergies can be diagnosed by a blood test.
Depending on the results and symptoms, it is sometimes not enough to only adjust the diet accordingly and avoid the food for a certain period of time. Often it is also necessary to add supplements, probiotics and herbal medication to the treatment plan in order to achieve good results.
BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS
Body Composition Analysis is a very helpful tool to monitor your weight loss or training achievements by giving you an inside view of the amount of body fat, muscle mass and water in your body.
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Considering only the total weight or BMI (Body Mass Index) can be misleading, as people with the same weight and BMI can carry very different amounts of fat and muscle mass. This becomes very obvious if you look at body builders: they are very heavy and have a higher BMI, but most of their weight is muscle mass!
When losing weight it is very important that the weight loss is only fat loss and not muscle mass loss due to malnutrition and lack of protein and exercise. A normal scale cannot help to differentiate this.
Doing regular Body Composition Analysis during a diet for example can give you a detailed report of your success and assist you during that journey. It can help your nutritionist, personal trainer or doctor to adjust your meal plans and exercise routine.
ECG
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart (such as a pacemaker). ECG is the best way to measure and diagnose abnormal rhythms of the heart. The ECG is often used as a preventive investigation for cardiovascular (heart) diseases.
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Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the most frequent cause of death in industrialised countries. Worldwide, cardiovascular disease is responsible for one in every three deaths €" which translates into 17 million people worldwide each year. By 2020, the WHO estimates the death toll from cardiovascular disease will have risen to nearly 25 million worldwide. Cardiovascular disease is a general term for disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels.
These include:
- coronary artery disease
- heart attack
- stroke
- hypertension
- peripheral vascular disease
- chronic heart failure
- angina pectoris
- arrhythmia
By the time that heart problems are detected, the underlying cause (atherosclerosis) is usually quite advanced having progressed for decades. There is therefore increased emphasis on preventing atherosclerosis by modifying risk factors, such as healthy eating, exercise, and avoidance of smoking.
GENERAL BLOOD TESTS
A blood test is a laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample that is usually extracted from a vein in the arm using a needle, or via finger prick. Blood tests are used to determine physiological and biochemical states, such as disease, mineral content, anaemia indicators for cancer or inflammation, drug effectiveness, and organ function.
HORMONE TESTING
Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by specialised cells and released to perform specific actions.
Examples of hormonal regulation are:
- Glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, food intake
- Menstrual cycle of women, sexual development in men and women
- Bone growth
- Adaptation to stress and anxiety
As hormones have many different functions the Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre provide a variety of hormone tests, depending on patient needs.
LP-PLA2 TEST
Lp-PLA2 test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of an enzyme in your blood called Lp-PLA2.
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When your arteries are inflamed, a fatty deposit called plaque builds up in the walls of the artery. If the amount of Lp-PLA2 in your blood is high, this may indicate that the plaque might rupture through the inside wall of the artery into your bloodstream, where it may cause a clot that could result in a heart attack or stroke. Your body will create a thick fibrous cap to contain the lipid pool and stabilize the plaque. As the lipid pool continues to grow, the fibrous cap thins and eventually ruptures resulting in a clot (thrombus). Individuals who have an elevated Lp-PLA2 Test score and one or more risk factors have more than twice the risk of having a heart attack. If the Lp-PLA2 Test is elevated and they have high blood pressure, their risk for stroke increases more than 6 times. In addition, almost 95% of people with risk factors for heart attack or stroke who had a Lp-PLA2 Test of less than 200 ng/mL did not have a heart attack or stroke within 4 years.
So get tested now. Book an appointment with Dr Maria.
NutrEval 360 ° BLOOD & URIN TEST
The NutrEval profile is the most comprehensive evaluation available to help overcome chronic disease and promote optimal health.
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Most know that the foods they eat affect their health. On the other side, the things you do not consume €" but maybe need €" may also have a powerful impact on your body.
That is why many people take vitamins and supplements €" to feel better and prevent disease. While taking vitamins can be extremely beneficial, everyone has specific nutritional needs. It is important to understand which supplements are right for your body and your circumstances so that you don't waste money on items that could be unnecessary or even harmful.
With the NutrEval test, you can find exact answers to your health questions. NutrEval can help you achieve optimal health beyond just feeling better. This test panel includes several comprehensive tests:
Amino Acid Test
Amino acids are vital for optimal health. They are the body's basic building blocks and are responsible for the health of bone and muscle. Balance is critical for proper nerve function, detoxification, metabolism, and digestion. When amino acids are too high or low, they can cause fatigue, increased heart disease risk, and promote depression, anxiety and mood swings. Once identified, imbalances can be corrected, helping to prevent many chronic illnesses before they can cause lasting damage.
Omega 3, 6, and Other Fatty Acids Test
Fatty acids are essential to the construction of cell membranes. Too little or too much fat can cause health problems. Reduced levels of certain fats can result in depression, hyperactivity, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, as well as early senility. In addition, pregnant and lactating mothers should have their fatty acids tested to ensure their children receive the fats needed for proper brain and nerve development. Measurement is the only means to determine your individual needs.
Mineral and Heavy Metal Testing
Minerals in our body serve two functions: one being that they are the building blocks, second being that they are regulators of our body's processes. Many of these minerals are derived supplements. Some minerals can even be toxic. Magnesium, copper and manganese are beneficial. If proper amounts are not obtained, problems such as joint pain, weight problems, depressed libido, depression, or anxiety can occur. On the other hand, exposure to mercury, lead, arsenic or other heavy metals can be harmful, causing fatigue, emotional disturbances, even kidney failure. Laboratory testing can provide valuable information about your health.
Antioxidant Test
Antioxidants are protective molecules that reduce free radical damage or oxidative stress. Free radicals are naturally occurring compounds in our body that can cause severe injury to cells. Low levels of antioxidants lessen your protection from these harmful compounds. Antioxidants are essential for the body's ability to protect against free radicals, and for healthy function of the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. Oxidative stress is linked to premature aging, heart disease, neurological diseases, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Lab tests can assess equilibrium between oxidative stress and antioxidant protection.
Metabolic Analysis
Measuring 39 key organic acids to evaluate gastrointestinal function, cellular energy production, neurotransmitter processing, and functional need for vitamins, minerals, and co-factors.
Homocysteine
Homocysteine can be used as a biochemical marker for certain nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin B6). It also serves as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and is implicated in a number of other conditions.
Vitamin D
(25-OH Vitamin D) 25-hydroxycholecalciferol is the principle circulating derivative of vitamin D and the precursor to the active form 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. As well as playing a vital role in maintaining bone health, Vitamin D is critical for immune function and deficiencies are associated with many serious illnesses.
So get tested now. Book an appointment with one of our practitioners.
MICRONUTRIENT TESTING
Micronutrient testing is a next generation blood test for measuring specific vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential micronutrients within an individual's white blood cells (lymphocytes). It is the gold standard for this type of test.
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Nutrient status is a vital foundation of health. Each micronutrient plays an indispensable role in promoting optimal cell function. When some cells do not function at their best, the foundation of our health is compromised, setting the stage for the development of disease. Identifying and correcting nutritional deficiencies is an important step in the long-term maintenance of optimal health.
Vitamin deficiencies aren't just a reflection of diet. Since we are all biochemically unique, nutrient deficiencies will vary from patient to patient, and do not necessarily correlate directly with nutrient intake, even among those with similar health conditions. Many factors beyond diet determine whether nutrient function is adequate. These include biochemical individuality, genetic predisposition, absorption and metabolism, age, disease conditions and medications.
You can be deficient in micronutrients and not even know it. Studies have shown that 50% of patients taking a multivitamin are functionally deficient in one or more essential nutrients that are vital to long term health. Scientific evidence also confirms such deficiencies are associated with disease processes and the overall condition of your health. Deficiencies suppress the function of the immune system and contribute to degenerative processes. So, anyone who is interested in feeling his or her best can benefit from these tests.
If you would like more information about the tests or are wondering which test would be right one for you, book a consultation with Dr Maria (Preventive Medicine), Asha Jones (Ayurveda), & Zenia Menon (Nutrition) and they are more than happy to assist you.
So get tested now. Book an appointment with one of our practitioners.
GENETIC TESTING
Prevention with genetic testing: Make the most of early opportunities recognise your risks early,
Live an optimal lifestyle Stay healthy at any age.
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Our genes are the basis for the development of many diseases. We cannot change our genes, but we can influence whether or not they are activated. Not every risk will turn into a medical condition. Wouldn't it for example be interesting to know, if you carried the risk of suffering a heart attack while at the same time learning how to prevent the disease? Each of us has a very individual susceptibility of how our body responds to the environment.
As well as our genes, many other factors play a part €" including our environment. There are toxic substances to which we are exposed whether we play sports, smoke or have a healthy diet. Another factor is the level of stress we have to endure each day. Future risks are not fixed in stone €" we are able to influence these risks, and we should know what they are. We can give you information about how you can live a healthy lifestyle that is optimal for your genetic situation. Each of the genes we analyse can be influenced by appropriate diet and an optimal lifestyle.
We are pleased to offer you a genetic test that looks at your genetic disposition to many illnesses – including strokes, heart attacks, thrombosis, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, lactose intolerance, osteoporosis, inflammations, cancer and dementia. It contains a written evaluation of your personal predisposition and an individual interpretation of your genes taking account of your medical history and your lifestyle.
If you would like more information about the tests or are wondering which test would be right one for you:
Dr. Vimala Lewis is an alumnus of the prestigious Fr. Muller’s Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, India. She graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor Degree in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery. Thereafter she worked at a Government Homeopathic Centre in Udupi, India for a brief period before joining her alma mater as a tutor for Homeopathic Materia Medica, where she worked for 2 years. She was assigned duties to the outpatient department of the hospital at the same time. Later on she started her own private consultancy in her hometown and practiced homeopathy for a couple of years.
Dr. Eram Mohd Shaikh is an established and highly skilled General Practitioner with strong focus towards Integrative Medicine. Being born and brought up in Dubai, she graduated from one of the leading universities in UAE and was trained in multiple hospitals across the Emirates such as, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Al Baraha Hospital in Dubai.
Dr. Asha Jones has many years of broad practical experience in Ayurvedic medicine and treatment in India and in UAE. Since graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery from India’s highly reputed Government Ayurvedic College in Trivandrum, Kerala, Asha Jones has worked as a consultant in many of the country’s Ayurvedic hospitals and centres. She has been practicing in U A E since 2004. Jones joined Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre in 2011.
After graduating in 1992 as an allopathic physician from the University of Bonn, Germany, Dr Maria worked for three years in neurology and four years in psychiatry. She had extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (acupuncture & herbal prescriptions). Furthermore she has a Master’s Degree in Preventive Medicine from Dresden International University. Dr Maria is licensed as a conventional and as a CAM physician. She is also trained in homoeopathy, naturopathy, and is fluent in English, German and Spanish.
With over 8 years of experience practicing acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the United Arab Emirates, Shan Xu is highly passionate about functional and integrative medical approaches that honor the concept of holism, which is central to TCM.
Jing Zeng got the medical degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2008 when she completed her 6 years studying at Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, China. Ever since then she has been working as a doctor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.During 2005-2007, Jing Zeng was selected to follow Acupuncture Master Dr Dong Hongtao (a reputed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in China) to learn acupuncture techniques. And during 2008-2010, she worked in the affiliated hospital of Guangxi TCM University. In the year 2010 she became a Member of The World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, as well as relocating to Dubai to continue her profession. With enthusiasm, Jing Zeng has focused her practice in fertility support, rehabilitation, detox, energy balancing and facial acupuncture by Acupuncture treatment and prescriptions of herbal teas (decoctions).
Yang Yang has been practicing medicine for almost 20 years. She obtained her medical bachelor degree from Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2000 and worked in Dalian hospital as a TCM doctor. She pursued further study at Dalian Medical University and was awarded a Masters degree 2010. She treats her patients using acupuncture therapy combined with cupping, Chinese herbs, moxibustion and lifestyle management to treat both physical and psychological problems, in order to promote health and wellbeing both spiritually and mentally.
Zhiyan Shi completed her Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2008 at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. During her Master’s Degree studies, she worked at the affiliated Foshan Chinese Medicine Hospital. From 2011 to 2015, she worked in the No.181 Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army. Her therapies include TCM consultation, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, tuina massage and ear point treatment. Zhiyan has focused on fertility support, rehabilitation, detox, acupressure, energy balancing, facial acupuncture by Acupuncture treatment and prescriptions of herbal teas (decoctions). Besides other diseases she is specially trained on treating arthritis, rheumatism, muscle strain, tennis elbow, headache, migraine, immune system diseases, insomnia, neck-, shoulder-, low-back- and leg pain. She joined Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre in 2015.
Dr. Acharya has five decades of clinical experience and four decades in hospital administration. After seven years in the National Health Services (NHS, UK), Dr. Acharya held the position of Director of Primary Healthcare in the Department of Health & Medical Services, Government of Dubai from 1972 until 2002. During this period, he was also Head of the Dermatology Department and Liaison Officer for WHO. Upon completing his tenure at DOHMS, Dr. Acharya helped to establish the Dubai Herbal & Medical Centre (DHTC) as one of the first truly integrative medical centres in the UAE. From 2002 until 2010, he held the role of Medical Director at DHTC, while continuing to practice integrative dermatology.
Beena Joseph obtained her diploma in Ayurvedic Nursing, Massage and Panchakarma from the Kerala Health Care Centre & Para Medical Institute in 2003. She has more than ten years’ experience in a reputed traditional hospital in India. After obtaining her MOH /DHA License in 2008 she worked as an Ayurvedic Therapist in a Medical Centre in Dubai. She joined DHTC in 2014. She is well experienced in all Ayurvedic Therapies, Ayurvedic Massages & Facials and feel well Treatments.