You may consider a stool yeast culture for Candida sp. if you have experienced the following:

• Frequent yeast infection
• Digestive concerns
• Lower immune response
• Fatigue
• Frequent use of antibiotics
• Diet high in sugar/carbohydrates
• Diabetes

Naturopathic Medicine works with botanical medicine, supplements and dietary changes to balance both yeast and bacteria in the body.  

Please contact the clinic at 250.590.5221 for more information about the Yeast Culture testing. 

A Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology options (CSA- P) is a valuable tool in assessing digestive health. This can be particularly useful in challenging cases where everything appears "normal" on regular medical screening but symptoms are not being resolved.

CSA with Parasitology assesses the following:

• Status of beneficial bacteria in the system (probiotics - pro bacteria)
• Status of pathogenic bacteria
• Yeast/fungus growth (Candida albicans)
• Parasite and ova presence
• Digestion markers elastase, fat, muscle and vegetable fibers, and carbohydrates in the stool
• Inflammatory biomarkers such as lysozyme, lactoferrin, white blood cells and mucus

If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms you may benefit from a comprehensive stool analysis. All assessment and treatment options will be discussed with Dr. Watkins in the initial consultation and the decisions are always made together to the patients comfort level.

• Irregular bowel movements: diarrhea, constipation, alternating or alone
• Gas
• Bloating
• Stomach pain and discomfort
• Mucus or blood in the stool
• Weight loss
• Fatigue, lack of energy
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Changes in skin, hair, nails

Please contact the clinic at 250.590.5221 for more information or to book an appointment.

Naturopathic Medicine can be used to help manage many female related conditions including:

• Irregular Menses
• Menopausal Symptoms 
• Peri-menopause 
• PMS
• Fibrocystic Breasts
• Pre-conception Planning
• Infertility
• PCOS
• Skin conditions aggravated by cyclic hormone fluctuations
• Iron deficiency anemia (dietary related or due to heavy menses)
• Weight fluctuations

Laboratory assessment is an important tool and key step in the diagnosis and treatment of health concerns. Many patients find getting in to see their Medical Doctors a challenge to get up to date blood work. Naturopathic Doctors are able to requisition any blood work that may be needed for proper assessment however it is not covered by MSP.

Dr Carrie Watkins works with both salivary hormone testing options and Life Labs for hormone testing. 

An initial consultation will help determine which testing may be required for a patients individual case. Some of the testing must be done at certain stages in the menstrual cycle in order to get accurate results. Common testing may include the following:

- Female Hormone Profile: LH, FSH, Testosterone, Prolactin, Progesterone, Estradiol
- Iron Panel: Iron, TIBC, Ferritin
- Thyroid Panel: TSH, T4 Free, Free T3
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D: 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D
- Complete Blood Count
- Lipid Profile: Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, TC/HDL
- Fasting Glucose
- RBC Magnesium

For more information please contact the clinic at 250.590.5221

Celiac Disease is also known as gluten enteropathy, celiac sprue or nontropical sprue. It is autoimmune reaction to gluten and gluten-like proteins found in many grains. Exposure to these grains cause an immune reaction in the body where antibodies are produced that damage the inner lining of the small intestine. Specifically, it causes flattening of the villi which are normally involved in absorbing nutrients from the food that we eat.  Chronic gluten ingestion in suceptible individuals eventually leads to malabsorption of nutrients leading to growth abnormalities, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, osteoporosis and hormonal imbalance to name a few.

Testing Options: 

• Biopsy: A biopsy of the small intestine is done to confirm a diagnosis of Celiac disease. It may require a referral from your family physician to a gastroenterologist. The process involves taking a sample of the villi of the small intestine to assess for damage/flattening. 
• Celiac Panel: Testing for Celiac also involves assessing the blood for high levels of proteins called autoantibodies, produced by the immune system. These include IgG, IgA and Transglutaminase Antibody (tTGA) testing. This is a blood test that is not routinely performed and may require additional out of pocket payment or coverage through extended health care plans only. In some individuals, this test may come back negative even when Celiac Disease is present or strongly suspected based on symptoms and genetic predisposition. It may be recommended that individuals consume gluten containing products for a week or so prior to this testing in order to ensure exposure.  

There are many resources now available for people diagnosed with Celiac disease or Gluten sensitivities.  Proper lifestyle and dietary changes can restore and heal the surface of the small intestine and prevent many of the conditions associated with this disease. Supplementation may also be necessary to help restore any nutritional imbalances that may have developed. 

For more information call the clinic 250.590.5221 or book online

Vitamin B12 is an important B vitamin required for the formation and maturation of red blood cells and proper functioning of the nervous system, bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin B12 works closely with folic acid and these are often supplemented together. 

Please note that all patients must have at least one initial consultation with Dr Watkins and relevent assessments done before a treatment protocol for B12 injections is established. 

You may need to be assessed for Vitamin B12 deficiency if you experience any of the following:

• Fatigue/low energy
• Paleness, weakness, shortness of breath
• Dizziness, rapid heart rate
  
• Celiac Disease
• Irritable Bowel Diseases
• Poor digestion/food intolerances
  
• Numbness, tingling
• Vibration and position senses altered
• Vegetarian/Vegan diets
• Mood swings

What causes Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal products which is why diets restricted in these often require additional B12 supplementation. In order to absorb Vitamin B12, the body also requires intrinsic factor, a substance that is normally produced in the lining of the stomach. Any condition that alters stomach acid levels or damage to the gastrointestinal lining can alter Vitamin B12 levels. These conditions may include long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors, Irritable Bowel Disease, Celiac disease, untreated food allergies/sensitivities, chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal system and infections of H.pylori. Liver conditions may also impact the storage of Vitamin B12. 

Symptoms of chronic Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest as fatigue, numbness and tingling because red blood cells are unable to mature properly. Poor maturation leads to large red blood cells along with white blood cells that have abnormal nuclei.  Pernicious Anemia is an autoimmune condition that destroys intrinsic factor can lead to Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency.

How is Vitamin B12 supplemented?

Vitamin B12 can be supplemented orally or injected. In either instance, the best absorbed form is Methylcobalamin. This is the only type used and recommended in the clinic. The thought is that injections are much better absorbed into the body as they bypass the digestive system and the need for intrinsic factor. However, sublingual Vitamin B12 supplements are widely available and well absorbed by those without any clear digestive concerns. Both Vitamin B12 injections and oral supplements are available at the clinic.

Proper assessment of Vitamin B12 deficiency is important before ruling out other causes of symptoms. A blood test is available to determine Vitamin B12 levels. This is often done in conjunction with assessment of folate levels. In cases of chronic fatigue, paleness, and weakness  - Iron deficiency anemia, hypothyroid and other conditions also need to be investigated. Where numbness, tingling, vibration and position senses are altered a neurological examination is important along with other assessments to be sure of the root cause. 

For more information contact Dr Carrie Watkins at 250.590.5221 or BOOK ONLINE

645 Fort Street, Suite 212 (Yarrow Building) | Victoria, BC V8W 1G2 

Dr Carrie Watkins has relocated to Victoria, BC and leaves her Toronto, ON clinic to Dr Goldgut: 416.738.6757  

Allergic reactions to food and inhaled particles occur when the immune system is triggered to release antibodies. The two most commonly produced antibodies are immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.

The clinic offers 96 IgG Food Allergy Testing in both a standard and vegetarian option.

IgG Reactions 

IgG reactions may occur gradually over hours or days. Because of this delay, it is often difficult to isolate the offending allergen. Furthermore, the effects of the IgG reactions can become cumulative over time as chronic inflammation contributes to other health concerns and symptoms. IgG allergy testing is a valuable tool when a symptom picture reflects inflammation and is not being resolved by other means.

Testing for IgG food allergies can be done quickly in the clinic with a simple finger prick to obtain a sample of blood. Analysis is done through Rocky Mountain Analytical Laboratories, who provide a detailed report. It is important to consume a wide variety of foods a minimum of 7 days prior to taking this test in order for allergen-antibody complexes to form for the foods being tested.

IgE Reactions 

IgE reactions usually occur quickly following exposure to the offending allergen, thus making it clear and easy to diagnose. Hives on the skin or difficulty breathing after exposure to an allergen are examples. These types of reactions generally involve the respiratory system, skin and digestive tract with obvious symptoms.  

What is the difference between food intolerances and food allergies?

At times, an allergy test might not reflect an immune response to a food that causes a known reaction in an individual. In this case, the results may be due to an intolerance. For example, lactose intolerance is due to a deficiency in the lactase enzyme rather than an allergen-antibody reaction. Low stomach acid or digestive enzymes can also contribute to intolerances.

Management of allergy and intolerances is done through clinical nutrition, supplements, botanical medicine and acupuncture depending on the specific symptoms unique to each individual.

Please call 250.590.5221 to book an appointment

645 Fort Street, Suite 212 | Victoria, BC V8W 1G2 

If you suffer from any of the following, you may need to look at balancing your hormones.

Hormones are chemical messengers that signal the cells of your body how, when and what to do. They are secreted by glands of the endocrine system through complicated interactions and feedback loops that may promote or inhibit various hormone levels.

Currently there are over 50 hormones known and there may be more to be discovered. Of those, a few key hormones are well understood and recognized for their role in metabolism, stress response, mood, sex drive, menstruation, menopause, pregnancy and breast health to name a few.

Salivary hormone or blood hormone testing are both ways of uncovering hormone imbalances for both men and women. Hormones travel through blood in the body as messengers. As this blood supplies the salivary gland, these hormones pass into the saliva thus reflecting tissue (bio-available) hormone levels.

Salivary hormone testing includes the following options:

• General Assessment: Cortisol, DHEA-S, Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone

• Adrenal Function: Cortisol and DHEA-S

• Female Panel : Cortisol, DHEA-S, Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone

• Male Panel: Cortisol, DHEA-S, Estradiol, Testosterone

• Melatonin and Cortisol Index

• Estrogen Metabolites: 2OHE and 16OH1 which may help in the assessment breasts cancer risk

Chemical and Environmental Hormone Disruption

Xeno-estrogens from our environment are another contributor to hormone imbalances leading to diseases of estrogen dominance. For example, polycarbonate is a hard plastic (one that carries the No.7 recycling symbol) that is used for everything from drinking water bottles, sippy cups, food storage containers, bulletproof glass, and eyeglass lenses to compact disc cases. Polycarbonate plastic contains the chemical Bispheonal-A or BPA . BPA leaches out of these containers when exposed to water, food or heat. This is a major health concern because BPA mimics estrogen thus disrupting endocrine (hormonal) pathways and contributing to disease and other health concerns.

Ways in which this may affect humans include decreased sperm counts, increased risk for breast cancer, endometriosis, fibroids and other estrogen dominant conditions and precocious puberty in which young girls are experiencing menarch as early as 8 years old. The earlier a girl menstruates, the longer she is exposed to estrogen and the greater her risk of developing estrogen related diseases later on in life.

There are many other chemicals in our environment that mimic hormones. Detoxification programs, lifestyle changes and education are important ways to minimize our exposure to the effects of these chemicals. Additional hormone testing is also available via blood draw and urine for assesment of thyroid and insulin balance.

Please call the clinic at 250.590.5221

Blood, hair, saliva, urine and stool testing is available through Dr.Carrie Watkins, Naturopathic Doctor in Victoria. Dr Watkins has extensive training in lab diagnosis and interpretation. Medical testing can be a valuable tool in the assessment of a patient's complete health picture. She is able to provide many different health assessment tools through accredited laboratories  including the following:

• Salivary hormone testing
• Allergy testing
• Urinalysis
• Gynecological examinations
• Blood typing
• B12/folate injections
• Body Index Assessments
• Indican test for bowel toxicity
• Heavy Metal Testing Hair Mineral Analysis

It is highly recommended that all patients bring in copies of lab work for the initial consultation whenever possible.

Requisitions through a Naturopathic Doctor are not covered by MSP However, in the event that additional testing is required, this can be conveniently requisitioned by Dr. Watkins through Life Labs Downtown Victoria

Common blood testing may include: Iron Panel, Thyroid Panel, Blood Lipids, Vitamin B12, Folic acid and Liver Enzyme levels. 

Please call the clinic at 250.590.5221 or BOOK ONLINE