Being a Functional Medicine Practitioner entails a deep dive into the realm of lab work, which serves as our primary tool for understanding the intricate workings of the human body.
Through a series of carefully selected tests and analyses, we are able to capture a detailed snapshot of your internal health. These labs are meticulously tailored to each individual, recognizing that every patient is unique and may require a personalized approach.
Lab work serves as a crucial gateway to uncovering underlying health issues, identifying imbalances, and pinpointing areas that require attention. This data-driven approach allows us to craft targeted and effective interventions that are
While getting your annual blood work is a great starting point for motoring your health, I always recommend taking a deep dive into more comprehensive testing. Especially if you feel like you know something is wrong. Besides the basic measures, there are a variety of specialized tests that can provide a much more throughout approach to your health.!
Here are my favorite tests to run to get a better idea of your health:
#1: Hormone Testing:
Happy hormones = a happy life. Hormonal imbalances are one of the strongest root causes behind a multitude of conditions. Instead of running just your estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, the lab company we use runs a cascade panel, which looks like this:
This allows us to look at how all of your hormones fit together, and help us find better solutions to your needs.
I would recommend this test for anyone experiencing:
Fatigue
Difficulty losing weight
Sexual Dysfunction
Hormonal Imbalances - irregular periods, heavy periods, PCOS, unwanted facial hair, hair loss, PMS
Acne
#2: Gut Testing:
Have you heard that the gut is the root of all dysfunctions? Because it just might be! A gut panel, which involves a stool sample, is an absolutely phenomenal way to get an insight into your gut health. We look at parasites, viruses, bacterial levels, digestion, inflammation, and so much more. This panel helps give us insight into how your body is processing everything you are putting in.
I would recommend this test for anyone experiencing:
IBS
Bowel issues, such as chronic diarrhea, constipation, loose stools
Constant bloating
Fatigue
Skin Conditions (rashes, eczema, acne)
#3: In-Depth Full Blood Panels
Whenever you get your annual blood drawn, you typically only get partial tests done. For example, you get your blood sugar checked, but not your A1c. You get your thyroid checked, but not your T3 levels, etc.
Here are my most common detailed tests to run:
Blood Sugar --> A1c, Insulin, and Blood Sugar
Thyroid --> TSH, T3, T4, Reverse T3, and Thyroid Antibodies
Vitamins --> Vitamin D, Folate, and Vitamin B12
Inflammation --> Homocysteine, Ferritin, Hs-CRP
These tests are great for those who get their annual blood drawn every year, but things still don't feel 'right'.
#4: Genetic Testing:
Your genetics play a HUGE part of your life. There are certain genetic/gene testing that we can do that give you the ultimate wellness hacks.
These include:
MTHFR: The MTHFR gene plays a crucial role in processing folate (a B-Vitamin) and converting it into forms that the body can use, which is essential for DNA synthesis and repair. Variations in this gene can affect an individual's risk for certain health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and neural tube defects, making its proper functioning vital for overall health.
Full Genetic Panels: We can run panels that look at 40+ genes, including genes like the MTHFR, that show us how your body processes work.
Celiac: A celiac panel gives us insight into if you create antibodies to gluten. Celiac is much more than just your gut health, it can cause symptoms like chronic coughs, tingling, bloating, brain fog, and much more.
#5: Misc Functional Medicine Testing:
Okay, there are MUCH more than mentioned above, but here are a few more of my favorites:
Hair Mineral Test- Tests your mineral status, both of healthy minerals and heavy metals
Mold Testing - A SNEAKY dangerous culprit to your health
Neurotransmitters - Getting your neurotransmitters tested gives us a wonderful insight into your brain and nervous system
Have you been on the fence about getting some further testing done? We offer testing at an affordable price, because wellness shouldn't be expensive.
We offer FREE Functional Medicine Consultations to see if we would be the right fit. Book one below!
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