Functional Laboratory Testing
Why Use Functional Laboratory Testing?
Functional laboratory testing can be utilised to help to identify imbalances in the body, and enable our Nutritional Therapist to design a protocol specific to your needs and health issues.
If appropriate, guidance on tests will be provided during your initial Nutritional therapy consultation. Any costs will be in addition to the consultation fee.
Results are used in conjunction with information collected during your consultation to determine diet and lifestyle suggestions, to fine-tune your nutritional programme, allowing more rapid and cost effective results.
It is also true that for some people, seeing an issue in the black and white of a test result can increase the motivation needed to make changes to diet & lifestyle and can enhance results.
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Functional laboratory testing can be used to evaluate gut and hormonal issues, thyroid function, liver/kidney function, fasting blood sugar, Vitamin D levels, and other possible issues.
Testing typically involves stool, saliva, breath or urine samples. These tests can be done in the comfort of your own home. Blood tests generally require a trip to a clinic to provide the sample.
A range of private laboratories is used, based in both the UK and USA including, Biolab, Genova Diagnostics, Cyrex, Regenerus, Invivo Clinical, myDNAhealth, and Lorisian Laboratories.
If you are interested in discussing testing please do get in touch to decide which is best for you.
Pre Testing
For some tests you may have to avoid certain foods or taking certain supplements for a few days beforehand.
How quickly will I get the results?
Some test results are received in 7 days and some up to 3 weeks depending on the test and laboratory location. Some results will be required before starting on a programme. Others can be run during a programme.
Price
Functional laboratory tests range from £125 – £350 inclusive of personal analysis. Final costs are dependent on the test selected.
The financial investment toward your present and long-term health will be well worth it!
Common Functional Laboratory Tests
Total Thyroid Screen
(Venous blood sample) -looking at the complete range of thyroid hormones TSH, T3, T4, Ft4, Ft3, FT4:Ft3 ratio, rT3, and TG and TPO antibodies
Comprehensive Adrenal Profile
(Saliva collection samples) – assessing levels of cortisol and DHEA and the impact they may be having on stress levels, health, weight, thyroid function, mood etc.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis- Gut Function Testing
(Stool sample/s) – analysis of gut bacteria -beneficial and pathogenic, parasites, yeasts; indications of inflammation, digestive capabilities, gut immunity, intestinal permeability.
Not only used to evaluate gastro intestinal symptoms, but to provide insight into sources of ongoing ‘silent’ inflammation which affects everything in the body. This can manifest such as: depression and anxiety, joint or back pain, autoimmune conditions, eczema and psoriasis, allergies, etc., as well as the primary symptoms of bloating, cramping, constipation, or diarrhoea.
Evaluates the gut microbiome-the bacteria that live in the gut, influencing health in numerous ways. Understanding the basic composition of the gut bacteria can help address dysbiosis (imbalance) through a personalised plan and programme.
Allows understanding of oestrogen metabolism and enzymes of digestion and absorption
SIBO test (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
(Timed breath samples) – assessing levels of methane and hydrogen in the breath to indicate presence of SIBO
Organic Acids Test
(Urine sample) – a comprehensive view of nutrient status and requirements, detoxification and methylation capability, energy production, gut dysbiosis and indications of yeast overgrowth.
Aids understanding in whether your body is getting and using the nutrients needed for optimal health and function, so guides your personalised plan and programme to restore your body to its intended balance.
Especially helpful in the evaluation of the causes of fatigue, GI issues, difficulty losing weight, hormone balance and mood issues.
DNA/genetic test
(Cheek swap sample) – looking at your genetic strengths and weaknesses, predisposition towards certain health conditions, genetic preference for certain foods and types of exercise
Vitamin D
(Finger prick blood sample) – this vital nutrient is important for immune function, bone strength, brain health, metabolism and weight regulation, mood and energy and yet many of us in the UK are low in it.
Homocysteine
(Venous blood or finger prick blood sample) – homocysteine is a much more accurate marker for risk of cardiovascular disease than cholesterol. Elevated levels of homocysteine also predict Alzheimer’s and dementia, diabetes, and other chronic and inflammatory conditions; yet is rarely tested for within conventional medicine.
Other Functional Tests are available such as:
- Menopause / Female Hormone Profile
- Diabetes panels / Insulin Resistance
- Vitamin and Mineral profiles
- Anaemia panel
- Fatty Acid Balance
- Allergy/intolerance Testing – dairy, grain, gluten, other groups of foods and inhalants
- Gluten Sensitivity –IgE coeliac disease screening, or gluten sensitivity
Complementary Treatments
Other treatments to compliment
Nutritional therapy together with Functional laboratory testing enables you to have the highest understanding of the health in your body
Everyday life with all of its stressors through diet and lifestyle can lead to imbalance in the body manifesting as a myriad of symptoms, preventing and limiting us from leading the life we really want to lead.
By diving deeper using Functional laboratory testing and exploring the underlying causes for your symptoms, there lives the possibility to achieve great health and vitality, and have the power to prevent future illness and debilitation.
Let’s work together to find the source of any issues and an inspiring programme that fits your needs and lifestyle.
After Care
Functional medicine tests can provide a much clearer picture of the underlying causes for your symptoms, and therefore, allow resolution of previously difficult to address and treat problems. You will receive a comprehensive analysis of the laboratory test results from your nutritional therapist and supporting nutritional and lifestyle advice to help resolve any issues.
