Overview
Naturopathic Doctors have historically used many non-conventional in-office testing techniques to assess an individual's terrain. Each of these tests has been validated by both research and years of clinical experience.
Urinary Indican Test (Obermeyer Test)
The essential amino acid tryptophan is converted to indole by intestinal bacteria (tryptophan is a common component of protein in the diet). Following absorption, indole is converted to indoxyl or indican in the liver. The indican is then transported to the kidney where it is excreted. By using the Obermeyer reagent one can measure the amount of indican present in the urine. High amounts of indican can indicate overgrowth of bacterial organisms in the intestines.
Zinc Tally (Taste) Test
Zinc is an essential mineral and cofactor for a host of enzymatic reactions within the body. Zinc deficiency has long been associated with inability to taste (this is due to the fact that Zinc is essential for taste receptor function). In this test a patient takes a small amount of Zinc Sulfate in their mouth and holds it for a short period. Taste sensations are assessed and Zinc status can be determined. Zinc deficiency can lead to various symptoms and syndromes, and knowing zinc status can allow for adequate supplementation.
Koenisberg Test (Urinary Adrenal Stress Test)
"The urinary adrenal stress test" measures the amount of chloride displaced into the urine. Increased or decreased levels of chloride in the urine are a reliable measurement of adrenal stress or fatigue, kidney stress, mineral loss from the body and acid-alkaline imbalance.
