FUNCTIONAL TESTING
WHY TEST?
To help explore why you might be presenting with a set of specific signs and symptoms, and to understand the ‘function’ of the body, its often beneficial to run clinical tests. I have access to laboratories across the globe that offer advanced testing not readily available on the NHS.
The tests below are the ones I most frequently run in clinic, however, other testing is available and will depend on your presenting complaint.
GI 360 Comprehensive Stool Test
GI360™ profile offers an advanced, clinically applicable profile to assess the status of pathogens, viruses, parasites and bacteria that may be contributing to acute or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. The results provide a measure of the efficiency of digestion and absorption; whether or not inflammation is present; and level of gut immunity.
SAMPLE: stool.
Dutch Comprehensive Hormone Panel
The test includes a further 6 ‘wellness markers’ that explore your need for B Vitamins (important for hormone health); need for antioxidants; and how well some of your neurotransmitters are working (a marker of emotional health).
SAMPLE: urine
Organic Acid
Organic acids are chemical compounds excreted in the urine which are bi-products of metabolism. The test provides a comprehensive snapshot of overall health and features 75 ‘wellness markers’ including information on systemic and small intestine yeast and bacteria, abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen fatigue and immune function. Vitamin, mineral and antioxidant needs; the balance of neurotransmitters; and cellular energy capacity.
SAMPLE: urine.
Advanced thyroid panel
The thyroid is a complex endocrine organ with a myriad of factors contributing to an imbalance in hormone secretion. The current way of assessing the thyroid means its frequently under-diagnosed. An advanced panel looks at all thyroid hormones, and whether or not antibodies are present, that decide whether or not the body has created an autoimmune response to the thyroid gland.
SAMPLE: blood draw
Advanced Viral Screen
Human Herpes Viruses are a family of viruses that can persist in the body over a period of years, making them both the trigger and perpetrator of ill health. Factors including stress, inflammation and poor food choices can challenge the immune system meaning that viruses can become active again. Herpes viruses are implicated in a host of serious illnesses including autoimmune conditions and chronic fatigue syndrome and may be the missing link as to why an individual might not respond to a given treatment protocol.
SAMPLE: blood draw
Food Intolerance Test
Food intolerance’s are often harder to navigate than a classic food allergy. Symptoms can be delayed by up to 72 hours and can include reactions such as headaches, join pain and skin disorders rather than more obvious gastrointestinal complaints. Finger prick blood tests measure the IgG branch of the immune system and whether or not your body has created antibodies to 136 foods.
SAMPLE: home finger prick test
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
SIBO is characterised by an increase or change in the type of bacteria found in the small intestine. This imbalance in bacteria can be aggravated by certain types of carbohydrate and lead to symptoms that include diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, cramping, nausea, reflux and flatulence and may be the reason why irritable bowel syndrome might not improve in some individuals. The detection of hydrogen or methane in the breath provides information about the type of bacteria present and informs the correct treatment protocol.
SAMPLE: breath test