What Functional Lab Tests Should You Get Based On Your Health Issues?
The necessity for functional lab tests emerges from the limitations of conventional blood tests in identifying health issues before they escalate into disease states. In my personal experience, medical practitioners could not diagnose my health problems through standard blood work, as my results appeared 'normal.' Despite visible skin issues, dermatologists also concluded there were no identifiable health concerns after their assessments.
This leads to a critical question: if traditional tests indicate no health problems, why then do symptoms like skin issues, poor digestion, low energy, and adverse reactions to foods persist? It is important to acknowledge the value of blood work within integrative medicine. However, blood results that fall within the medical 'normal' range do not necessarily equate to optimal health.
While conventional medicine excels in treating individuals in disease states, it often overlooks the precursory stages of health decline. To gain a deeper understanding of the disease process, I recommend reading my previous blog post titled “How did the disease take place?” which discusses the six stages of disease development.
Functional lab tests are essential tools I advocate for frequently. They have the capability to detect imbalances, toxicities, and pathogens, which are often the root causes of various symptoms. These symptoms can range from low energy and mood to hair loss and stomach pain. When blood tests do not indicate a diseased state, such symptoms are frequently dismissed, leading to confusion and distress. Unlike diagnostic tools for diseases, functional lab tests are instrumental in identifying underlying causes of symptoms before they progress into diseases.
Which Functional Lab Tests Should You Be Taking?
Many individuals experience digestive issues and symptoms indicative of food reactions. It is important to recognise that inflammatory foods, such as processed and fried items, naturally cause sensitivities due to their detrimental effects on gut health. The food sensitivity test evaluates your reaction to 88 common foods from IgG, IgE, and IgG4 perspectives. This allows for the identification and management of food allergies and sensitivities, which play a significant role in chronic health issues. IgE-mediated food allergies can manifest as hives, anaphylaxis, or digestive issues, while delayed food sensitivities (IgG and IgG4) are linked to a variety of symptoms including sinus problems, acne, fatigue, and more. Recognising and eliminating these sensitivities is crucial in healing conditions like leaky gut. Shop here.
This test assesses digestive system functionality, vitamin deficiencies, and potential need for dietary supplements. It also identifies candida and bacterial overgrowth in the gut, neurotransmitter levels, and mitochondrial function, all of which are integral for a healthy immune system, skin, hair, and nails. Shop here.
This test evaluates the presence of minerals and heavy metals in the body, which can be indicative of various health issues, including mental fog, forgetfulness, and inflammatory conditions. Shop here.
Stress manifests in various forms and significantly impacts hormone levels. This test measures sex hormone imbalances and other hormonal disruptions that can lead to a range of symptoms, including mental health issues and irregular menstrual cycles. Shop here.
Hormonal, Adrenal & Metabolism Test:
This test is ideal for women or men struggling with weight issues, sluggish thyroid, blood sugar dysregulation, menopause, women with polycystic ovaries, and anyone wanting to get to the root of general health concerns.
With a comprehensive panel that includes hormones like cortisol and DHEA, as well as essential vitamins, sex hormones and blood sugar markers, this test will provide a complete picture of your overall hormonal health. Shop here.
This test evaluates inflammation levels based on the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, which is crucial for identifying chronic inflammation. Shop here.
The comprehensive stool analysis is a powerful tool to get a full picture of your gut health. It checks the status of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and parasites to identify sources of inflammation and infection. Shop here.
If you've been struggling with sinus blockages, chronic digestive issues, brain fog, allergies, changes in mood or appetite, or sensitivity to light, you may be experiencing the harmful effects of mycotoxins in your environment or diet. But don't worry, the Mycotoxin test can help.
This comprehensive test screens for eleven different mycotoxins and forty species of mould from a simple urine sample. Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by fungi like mould, which can infest your home, vehicle, or office without you even realising it. Shop here.
Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most under-addressed conditions in medicine today. When the thyroid is low, you will feel fatigued and depressed, lack motivation, have difficulty losing weight, and more trouble with digestion. If the thyroid is off, the entire system may feel run down. Shop here.
Conclusion:
When conventional tests yield 'normal' results despite ongoing symptoms, it is imperative to explore the root causes. Functional lab tests provide invaluable insights into bodily functions, enabling tailored interventions for improved health. For those uncertain about which tests to pursue based on symptoms, consulting with an integrative health practitioner is highly recommended. Information about functional lab tests and my Private Practice can be found on the Synergised website.
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