Blood tests are utilized to show us the chemical make-up of the blood. The composition of the blood should include certain nutrients in order for the body to stay healthy and if some of these nutrients are missing or lacking, serious problems could arise.
Many of Ezette's clients see her after a medical doctor has referred them. Usually, they come in after blood tests have identified particular issues which could be resolved by dietary changes — conditions such as Anaemia, hypertension or diabetes can all be identified through blood tests. Ezette helps her clients make dietary changes to improve these blood biochemistry measures.
Without retesting, it's difficult to judge if these nutritional changes are making any difference. So Ezette retests regularly to monitor the changes in the blood chemistry and the progress of your treatment.
Stool testing is an excellent tool for how us what's going on inside the digestive system. Stool samples give us a lot of data - we can identify inflammation, malabsorption, parasites, and infections just by analysing your samples. While the thought of sampling stool may seem less than ideal, it does give us great insight into your overall health.
Stool tests are particularly useful for people who have digestive issues that seem to have no cause. Many people try to self-treat their digestive problems by modifying their diets and changing their lifestyles, but the problems persist.
In these cases, stool samples are a great option to find the source of discomfort so that you can get appropriate treatment.
Genetic Testing for Weight Loss
You may have heard of genetic testing for ancestry and medical concerns, but understanding your genetic information can help you lose weight and get in shape!
Most people try different diets and exercise routines for years before figuring out what is best for their unique metabolism and body type. By using the power of your genetic code, Ezette uses genetic testing as a blueprint to understand your body at the most fundamental level.
By looking at your genetics, you can obtain intricate insight on how your genes influence your body's daily activity, intake of food, etc. Genetic testing for your diet can teach you about your:
- Sensitivity to Carbohydrate and saturated fat
- Need for Vitamin B, D and omega-3's
- Need for Detox and antioxidants
- Your response to Salt, alcohol and caffeine
- Your predispositions to Lactose intolerance and coeliac disease
Your body will have an individual reaction to key macronutrient groups (fats, carbohydrates and protein). Depending on your genetic profile, you may receive a different amount of energy per calorie from both refined sugars and saturated fat.
This is important to understand when tailoring your eating plan so that you can limit your intake of these food groups for the best possible outcome.
Helping You Control Your Diabetes Through Nutrition.
For patients with Pre-Diabetes, Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes, and Gestational Diabetes, balancing food, exercise, medicines, blood sugar monitoring, and stress can be overwhelming.
If you have Pre-Diabetes, lifestyle changes can prevent or delay it from becoming Diabetes.
If you suffer from Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, there are many misunderstandings out there about what you should and should not consume. There is no list of prohibited foods, sugar & carbohydrates are not "forbidden," and yes, you can keep eating at your favourite restaurants.
Gestational Diabetes is a prevalent complication of pregnancy. It occurs during pregnancy and often stops after delivery. However, high levels of blood sugar may lead to high birth weight, childhood obesity, and heightened risk for Type 2 diabetes in the baby. Ezette Oosthuizen is specially trained to help you understand how it progresses and why it is essential to sustain healthy blood sugar, which is necessary for all pregnancies.
Ezette Oosthuizen is specially trained to provide nutrition care for patients with Pre-Diabetes, Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes, and Gestational Diabetes.
She can teach you how to control your Diabetes by providing you with the nutrition and lifestyle guidance you need.
Food Intolerance Testing
Food intolerance refers to difficulty or discomfort in digesting certain foods. It is important to note that food intolerances are different from food allergies; the symptoms of food intolerance generally take a little bit longer to emerge, compared to food allergies - which typically show signs within minutes.
The symptoms for food intolerances typically occur several hours after ingesting the offending ingredient and may persist for several hours or even days. In some instances, symptoms may take up to 48 hours to show signs - which makes it a bit difficult to identify a food intolerance without testing.
In addition to that, some people are intolerant to several groups of foods, which makes it even harder to determine whether it might be a chronic illness or food intolerance. Identifying which foods are the culprits can take a long time.
The following are the most common reactions to food intolerances:
- Runny nose
- Feeling under the weather
- Stomach ache
- Irritated Bowel
To read more about Food Intolerance Testing, take a look at Ezette's article here: https://www.longiva.co.za/testing-1-2-3-personalised-health-at-longiva-healthy-ageing-institute