Functional Medicine Testing

Functional Medicine lab testing aims to prevent disease before it happens by assessing patterns of imbalance that without intervention will end up yielding chronic disease.

It keeps a detailed record of how individual body systems work and can help identify any specific physiological imbalances so that you can get to the root of a health problem faster. It can detect nutrient deficiencies and imbalances, allowing a more targeted and personalized protocol to be developed rather than a more general approach that may take longer to produce results.

The interpretation and analysis of your Functional Medicine testing could be part of any of your Follow-up sessions with me and it is not provided as a standalone service. So, there is no extra cost to it.

The following tests are conducted in collaboration with Athens Diagnostic Lab and Genova Diagnostics, two of the most reliable and innovative laboratories.
The following tests are used to collect information and not to diagnose or to cure any situation.

Functional Medicine Testing I commonly use:

Adrenal Stress Index

Daily hassles, chronic pain, blood sugar dysregulation, work stressors, and poor relationship quality can alter the HPA axis. Imbalances in adrenal hormones can have a wide range of negative consequences that can adversely impact a patient’s overall quality of life. The symptoms of HPA axis dysfunction can be vague and are highly variable but may include: fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, depression, GI complaints, and chronic pain. This test can reveal these HPA axis imbalances and provide direction for clinical intervention with targeted therapeutic treatments such as nutrient support and/or adaptogens, stress management, behavioral modification and lifestyle interventions.

Comprehensive Stool Analysis

Assessing gut function is a pillar of all functional health programs. The test looks for markers of digestion/absorption, inflammation/immunology and gut microbiome making it a essential for those with gas, bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowl syndrome (IBS), gastrointestinal infections, dysbiosis and autoimmunity.

Fatty Acids Profile

Fatty acids are essential for cell membrane structure and function, as well as local signaling. They are the basic building blocks of cellular membranes. Fatty acid imbalances can contribute to a wide range of chronic health problems. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation. The Fatty Acids Profile can reveal issues with essential fatty acid absorption and metabolism, which have a big impact on cellular functions, intracellular communication, and neurological/brain development, and it can help you figure out how much omega-3 you should eat and supplement with. Chronic pain/inflammatory conditions, depression, cardiovascular risk and weight issues are some reasons to do this test.

IgG Food Sensitivity Test

This test measures levels of IgG antibodies specific to anywhere from 40-400 foods causing patient reactions. IgG antibodies are associated with “non-allergic” or “delayed” food reactions that can worsen or contribute to many health conditions. It may also indicate the presence of leaky gut syndrome and other digestive issues. It can help with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, major depressive disorder, migraine headaches, skin rashes such as eczema, joint aches, autoimmune disease, Crohn’s disease and obesity.

Organic Acids Test (OAT) / Metabolic Profile

Provides a comprehensive view into the body’s cellular metabolic processes and the efficiency of metabolic function. Organic acids are metabolic intermediates that are produced in pathways of central energy production, detoxification, neurotransmitter breakdown, or intestinal microbial activity. This test is ideal for people who may suffer from weight issues, sleep abnormalities, chemical sensitivities, mood disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, fatigue, chronic stress and inflammation.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO breath testing is used to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine. SIBO is a common clinical condition and can develop in a variety of patient populations. Conditions commonly associated with SIBO include IBS, IBD, celiac disease, diabetes, fibromyalgia, rosacea, parkinson’s disease, obesity and many others.