I currently offer three different functional lab tests. I am always looking to add more functional labs tests as I see fit for helping my clients achieve their optimal health. Functional lab testing assesses how well your body is or is not functioning. Conventional lab testing such as routine blood work your doctor runs is useful in diagnosing and monitoring disease. This means conventional testing methods often flag problems after they’ve become a disease. However, many people without a diagnosable disease still don’t feel well. This is where functional lab testing comes in to give us a deeper understanding of the root cause(s) of health complaints and prevent disease in the first place.
GI-MAP
The GI-MAP (GI-Microbial Assay Plus) is an at home stool test. It quantitatively measures the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota refers to the collection of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other life forms that colonize the gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiota plays an essential role in the health of humans. Its key functions are related to metabolism, protection against pathogen invasion, and immune system education and regulation.
This test uses PCR technology with high sensitivity and specificity to detect parasites, bacteria, fungi/yeast, and viral pathogens. This test also includes the following markers: steatocrit, elastase-1, b-glucuronidase, zonulin, occult blood-FIT, secretory IgA, anti-gliadin IgA, calprotectin, H. pylori + virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance genes.
Benefits of this Test
This test provides clues to immune system function, gut inflammation, pancreatic function, mucosal barrier permeability (aka leaky gut), fat digestion, presence of blood, and phase II liver detoxification. It also detects pathogens that can cause disease, disrupt the normal microbial balance, and contribute to chronic GI illness. The pathogens detected include bateria, fungi/yeast, viruses, and parasites. Once results are obtained, individual recommendations and protocols can be made.
Who is this test for?
This test is for those with autoimmune disease, irritable bowel syndrome/irritable bowel dysfunction, digestive complaints (diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, undigested food in stool), brain fog, hormone imbalances, fatigue, skin problems (acne, psoriasis, rashes), mood disorders (depression, anxiety, irritability), diabetes, and weight loss issues.
To view a sample report, GI-MAP Report.
DUTCH Complete
The DUTCH Complete is an at home urine test. Urine is collected over a 24 hour time period. This test offers an extensive profile of 35 different hormones. These hormones include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, androgens, DHEA, cortisol, and all of the metabolites of these hormones. After hormones complete their jobs and new hormones are produced, hormones need to be cleared from the body via the urine. This clearance happens via the liver and kidneys producing metabolites. Metabolites are the smaller water-soluble particles that can be excreted in urine. This test also includes the following organic acids (OATs): methylmalonate (vitamin B12 marker), xanthurenate and kynurenate (vitamin B6 marker), b-hydroxyisovalerate (biotic marker), pyroglutamate (glutathione marker), indican (gut marker), homovanillate (dopamine metabolite), vanilmandelate (norepinephrine/epinephrine metabolite), quinolinate (neuroinflammation marker), 8-OHdG (oxidative stress marker), and melatonin. Organic acids are produced from the breakdown of amino acids and represent intermediates in metabolic pathways.
Benefits of this Test
This test provides clues to hormone imbalances, methylation issues, detoxification issues, HPA axis dysfunction, oxidative stress, vitamin deficiencies, gut dysfunction, ovulation status, antioxidant system imbalances, neurotransmitter imbalances, and sleep issues. Once results are obtained, individual recommendations and protocols can be made.
Who is this test for?
This test is for those struggling with symptoms of low sex drive, weight issues, mood disorders, neutrient deficiences, fatigue, fertility concerns, difficult irregular or absent periods, and perimenopause/menopause.
To view a sample report:
Blood Chemistry Analysis
Blood Chemistry Analysis is done at a local lab. The blood draw test is done in a fasted state (>12 hours fasting). This test includes the following markers: CMP, CBC, Lipid Panel with Total Cholesterol, LDH, GGT, Iron & TIBC, Uric Acid, Phosphorous, TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Total T4, Reverse T3, Total T3, T3 Uptake, Thyroglobulin Ab, TPO Ab, CRP hs, Homocysteine, Insulin, Hemoglobin A1c, and Fibrinogen Activity.
Benefits of this Test
This test provides information about thyroid function, inflammation, iron status, immune function, blood sugar regulation, metabolism, and micronutrient status. Once results are obtained, individual recommendations and protocols can be made.
Who is this test for?
This test is for those struggling with symptoms of fatigue, immune dysfunction, high inflammation, blood sugar issues, weight issues, hormone imbalances, slow/fast metabolism, and poor digestion and detoxification.