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Testing in Nutritional Therapy - What, Why and When?

Writer: Laura BealesLaura Beales

As a Nutritional Therapist, I will commonly write to your GP to recommend blood tests depending on your presenting symptoms. However, there are some tests that the NHS won’t provide, and this is where the depth and breadth of private functional testing can be of benefit. Functional Tests provide valuable insight into the root cause of symptoms. These are organised and interpreted by me and the results allow me to provide the most targeted plan for YOU!


Here are 5 of my favourite functional tests (in no particular order!) that I use with my clients.


  1. Metabolomix+ by Genova Diagnostics


Urine Test


What I like about this test is that it is a non-invasive personalised nutritional assessment and is sampled by urine, although there are optional add-on tests via bloodspot finger stick and mouth. This test provides an analysis of key nutritional biomarkers. It is a patient-friendly way to assess the functional need for antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals, digestive support, fatty acids, and amino acids.


When may I recommend this test? For clients who present with:


Mood disorders

Chronic stress

Fatigue

Inflammation

Suspected nutrient deficiencies

Suspected genetic influences


Sample Report:


  1. FDX Ultra – by Functional DX


Blood sample


The FDX Ultra offers an in-depth analysis of your health condition, helping detect or predict various chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, inflammation, and more. Over 90 biomarkers are included in an extensive health report.

This test offers a complete analysis of vitamin, mineral, thyroid, cardiovascular, protein, iron, sugars, liver, and gallbladder status. It also includes a full series of hormones and sex hormones and prostate assessment. These serve as important tools in the evaluation of several systems including immune, liver, prostate, male and female hormones, fertility, bone health and blood sugar management.


When may I recommend this test? For clients who:


Wish to have an Entry Level full health MOT

Need to identify undiagnosed or unidentified underlying health issues

Already have displaced long term chronic symptoms or have an existing diagnosis/condition


Sample Report:


  1. GI Effects by Genova Diagnostics


Stool Sample


This is a stool test that provides information on inflammation and how well you digest and absorb your food. Stool testing can also uncover imbalances in yeast, parasites, and healthy and unhealthy bacteria that live in the large intestine. This bacterial population is called the microbiome. Systemic diseases can be linked to the GI tract and improving the health of your gut may improve your overall health.


When may I recommend this test? For clients who present with:


IBS Symptoms

Digestive issues

Intolerances

Skin issues

Recurring UTIs

A history of antibiotic use


Sample Report:


  1. Thyroid Plus by Genova Diagnostics


Blood sample


Thyroid hormones are essential and primary regulators of the body's metabolism. Hormone imbalances can affect virtually every metabolic process in the body, exerting significant effects on mood and energy level.


Symptoms of thyroid hormone imbalances can include:

  • Fatigue

  • Depression

  • Coldness

  • Constipation

  • Poor skin

  • Headaches

  • PMS

  • A lack of menstruation

  • Fluid retention

  • Weight gain

  • Anxiety/Panic attacks

  • Decreased memory and concentration

  • Muscle and joint pain

  • Low sex drive


Thyroid Plus is a hormone profile that provides a thorough analysis of thyroid hormone metabolism. It includes central thyroid gland regulation and activity, thyroid production and secretion, peripheral thyroid conversion, and thyroid autoimmunity.


When may I recommend this test? For clients who are experiencing:


Energy issues

Symptoms of low stomach acid

Fertility issues

Irregular periods

Weight gain/loss

A family history of thyroid issues


Sample Report:


  1. Rhythm Plus by Genova Diagnostics


Blood sample


Hormones play a critical role in maintaining optimal health. The proper balance of oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are essential for muscle and skin tone, bone resilience, libido, fertility, weight management, energy levels, and a healthy menstrual cycle. Imbalanced hormones affect sleep, metabolic rate, and immune system function, and contribute to the development of osteoporosis, breast and endometrial cancer, and heart disease.

The Rhythm Plus hormone test is a comprehensive salivary assessment of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone that spans a full 28 days. Additionally, this hormone testing profile includes the Adrenocortex Stress Profile and the Comprehensive Melatonin Profile to reveal how the sex hormones are influenced by cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin.

Rhythm Plus is a hormonal test indicated for both premenopausal and perimenopausal women not currently supplementing with hormones.


Sample Report:


When may I recommend this test? For clients who are experiencing:


Irregular periods

PMS

Hormonal acne

Perimenopause symptoms

Fertility challenges

Anxiety



So What Does This All Mean For Me?!


Firstly, it is not a one size fits all, just because you may present with some of the symptoms above doesn't necessarily mean I would recommend a test when we start to work together.

What is brilliant about working one on one with me is I listen, carefully, and ask questions to build a complete picture of your symptoms, your circumstances, your diet, lifestyle and your goals.

Functional testing can open doors to answers you never even knew existed, especially if your GP blood tests are "normal" but you feel everything but that.


So, if you are curious about functional testing get in touch. My preference is that these tests are used during the time we are already working together, but I do offer a test ordering and interpretation service if required.

These tests can only be ordered by a practitioner.



The content provided is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on laurabealesnutrition.co.uk is provided for information and educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your doctor and/ or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, supplement, exercise or other health-related programs.

 
 
 

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