about Functional Lab testing
stop guessing by testing
Use of functional lab tests allow your provider to gain insights into your unique biochemistry, physiological imbalances, and potential underlying causes of health issues. These tests go beyond standard laboratory tests commonly performed in conventional medicine and provide a more comprehensive assessment of your health.
Functional nutrition labs are designed to assess various aspects of health, including hormonal balance, digestive function, immune system health, detoxification capacity, and inflammatory markers, among others. These tests help identify potential imbalances or dysfunctions that may be contributing to an individual's health concerns.
Some common types of functional nutrition labs include:
Hormone Testing: These tests evaluate hormonal balance, including sex hormones, thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones (such as cortisol), and insulin levels. They can help identify imbalances related to reproductive health, metabolism, energy levels, stress response, and other hormonal functions.
Gut Health Assessment: Tests for gut health assess the composition of the gut microbiome, identify the presence of pathogenic bacteria or parasites, evaluate gut permeability, and measure markers of inflammation in the digestive system. These tests are crucial for understanding the role of gut health in overall well-being, as imbalances in the gut can impact digestion, immune function, and systemic inflammation.
Food Sensitivity Testing: These tests identify food intolerances or sensitivities by measuring specific immune markers or antibodies in response to certain foods. They can help identify trigger foods that may be contributing to symptoms such as bloating, headaches, skin issues, or digestive disturbances.
Comprehensive blood work: This panel includes tests that assess organ function, such as liver and kidney function, blood glucose levels, electrolyte balance, and indicators of metabolic health. Comprehensive blood work also assesses levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids in the blood to help identify deficiency. This panel measures cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. It provides information about cardiovascular health and lipid metabolism. This panel also measures markers of systemic inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or pro-inflammatory cytokines. Comprehensive blood work also detects specific antibodies associated with autoimmune diseases and measures the levels of red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin, which helps to identify conditions such as anemia, infection, or immune system dysfunction.
Functional nutrition labs are part of a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing the root causes of health issues, helping individuals optimize their health, prevent chronic diseases, and support overall well-being.
*Please note that we do not diagnose or treat illness.