Functional Naturopathic vs. Conventional Medical Tests

Functional testing focuses on physiological function (i.e. how the body functions at a molecular, cellular, tissue or organ level), rather than merely the presence of markers of disease, like conventional medical and diagnostic testing. Both types of tests are recommended to draw a clear picture of the root causes of your health problems and to identify your specific requirements.

Functional tests can be invaluable in identifying the underlying cause of imbalance, as well as your unique nutritional needs, when coupled with your health history, dietary/lifestyle habits and nutritional goals. Diagnostic tests bring faster successful outcomes by facilitating the development of more individualised and targeted therapeutic protocols, as well as preventing illness.

Gastrointestinal Tests:

• Digestive Stool Analysis - to check for digestion and absorption, the presence of pathogens (yeast, bacterial infections, viruses and parasites), map the gut microbiome (the balance of ‘good’ to ‘bad’ gut bacteria), digestive enzyme levels, gut immunity and inflammation in the large intestine.

• SIBO breathe test – to check for possible bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, often present in IBS, bloating and other gastrointestinal disturbances.

• Leaky gut/ Intestinal Permeability test– to check for integrity of the gut lining, very helpful in gastrointestinal disturbances and immune system reactions, including autoimmunity (rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis etc) and Skin disease.

• Candida test – to check for yeast overgrowth.

• H. Pylori Antigen test

Immunology Tests:

• Gluten intolerance (celiac profiles) and Gluten Sensitivity (non-coeliac mediated)

• Food allergy, Food Sensitivity & Intolerance (IgG-delayed) test. Food, food additives have been implicated in a wide variety of conditions ranging from bloating, migraines, headaches, stomach aches, IBS, constipation/diarrhea, cough, runny nose to severe illnesses such as arthritis and coeliac disease.

Endocrine Tests:

A range of functional tests to evaluate different hormones:

• Adrenal Stress Index Test – to measure the level of salivary cortisol and DHEA, critical for uncovering biochemical imbalances underlying chronic fatigue.

• Thyroid Hormone Profiles – to analyse thyroid hormone production and metabolism, the disruption of which affects virtually every metabolic process in the body, from mood and energy levels to weight and sex drive. Conventional diagnostic testing will only test for clinical hypo/hyperthyroidism (disease). Subclinical often left undiagnosed, leaving people feeling desperate or ‘not right’. Functional testing (Full Panel) is crucial for early detection of thyroid issues and prevention of thyroid disease..

• Hormones (DUTCH) – a test using saliva to track female hormones over a cycle to find out where the imbalances are occurring. Can help determine the root cause of hormonal imbalance issues such as PMS, infertility, perimenopause, and menopause.

Nutritional and Toxin Status Assessment

Inadequate levels of vitamins, minerals and other orthomolecular nutrients or excessive levels of heavy metals can lead to a vast array of health complaints, including infertility, menopause, osteoporosis, miscarriage, fatigue, depression,,,

• Mineral Hair Analysis Test – Heavy (mineral level) metal assessment is particularly important for individuals contacts with toxic chemicals , such as smoking, living in polluted cities, paint, mines, mercury dental fillings, pesticides, vaccines,,,

• A number of comprehensive nutritional assessments- measuring the levels of organic acids, vitamin and mineral status, protein/ amino acid adequacy, cellular energy production, Antioxidant biomarkers, Plasma Mineral Profile, Fatty Acid Profile, and Anaemia Profile.

• Liver Detoxification Profile – to test for the rate of toxin elimination.

Metabolic Assessment

Genetics, sedentary lifestyle, and progressive weight gain are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease, Metabolic Syndrome, diabetes, and obesity.

• PCOS screening

• Inflammation markers

• Homocysteine Level Assessment

• Body fat assessment

• Fasting glucose/insulin levels (pre-diabetes, weight gain, inflammation, PCOS, autoimmunity)

It is important to underline that while conventional medicine looks at “normal/medically accepted” ranges of blood tests, Functional Medicine looks at the optimal narrower ranges, and evaluates GP tests accordingly.

Looking for a professional that can assist you in your future check-up tests? Please give us a call or text at Dr. Neda Naturopathy Clinic at (949) 434-0425 today to schedule a consult session!