Oxidative Stress Analysis

Vitamin and Minerals (nutritional assessment)

Oxidative Stress Analysis

The cells of the body are continuously under attack from damaging molecules known as free radicals. These free radicals are produced as a result of the various digestive and respiratory processes in the body. The damage caused is known as oxidative stress.

Anti-oxidants are nutrients that neutralise free radicals, thus preventing them from causing damage. The main anti-oxidants are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium. There are others including bioflavonoids found in many plants and vegetables, together with a number of herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle).

Oxidative stress can cause serious consequences, and is thought to be a contributing factor in many conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and conditions affecting immune system, liver, kidneys, lungs and nervous system.

Oxidative stress is also thought to contribute to the aging process and a number of degenerative conditions of old age.

The Oxidative Stress Analysis can give valuable information about the body’s level of oxidative stress, using markers to determine the degree of free radical activity in the body and the availability of antioxidants.

Who Should Have the Test?

The test is available to everyone.

It would be particularly valuable for those with any of the following conditions:

Alcohol induced problems
Alzheimer’s disease
Arthritis and other auto-immune diseases
Cancer
Contact eczema
Diabetic disease, especially cataracts
Drug toxicity
Emphysema, and other chronic lung conditions
Cardiovascular disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Iron overload disease
Kidney disorders
Liver cirrhosis
Nutrient deficiencies
Parkinson’s disease, and other senile neurological conditions
Premature aging, or premature retinopathy

If you answer ‘yes’ to 2 or more of the following questions, then you may be at risk of oxidative stress damage, and you should consider having this test:

Do you have allergies?
Do you often get colds or have sinus problems?
Are you under a lot of stress at work and/or at home?
Do your muscles or joints ache after even mild exertion?
Have you ever been diagnosed for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Does your diet consist of fast food and/or mostly processed food rather than fresh vegetables and fruits?
Are you often exposed to automobile exhaust fumes?
Do you smoke cigarettes or cigars or use tobacco products such as chewing tobacco?
Do you live or work with someone who smokes in your presence?
Have you ever been diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?
Do you take a multivitamin supplement less than once a day?

For those with these any of these factors, then it could be argued that they should have the test every 12 - 24 months.

How Is It Done?

The Oxidative Stress Analysis is carried out by collecting an urine sample, and sending this to the laboratory for analysis.

A special kit is provided, which should be sent to the laboratory in the post.

Results are available within 14 – 21 days, and we usually arrange a follow-up appointment at the Clinic a month after the test has been sent. Alternatively test results can be sent to you by post, and a follow-up telephone call can be made to a practitioner who can discuss the results with you and recommend further treatment as appropriate.

How Accurate are the Results?

The results are very accurate. We use a laboratory in the United States that provides high quality tests and results, and is accredited by a number of agencies. They are well established in their field, and have pioneered a number of tests for over 15 years.

There are no tests currently available in the UK that provides this comprehensive type of assessment.

What Advice Do You Get?

Full explanation is given of the test results and any advice recommended.

The test will establish the risk of oxidative damage and identify those with increased risk.

For those with increased risk treatments advised by Better Health may include various nutritional, herbal and homoeopathic medicines, and the actual treatments recommended will depend very much on the results of the tests carried out.

How Much Does it Cost?

The current cost of the Digestive Function Analysis is £100. A carriage charge may be additional for shipping to the laboratory.

Further charges apply for any further consultations, tests or treatments, and these will be discussed with you fully as necessary.

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