Functional testing
Conducting functional tests (such as digestive tests/vitamin deficiencies/metabolic imbalances etc.) helps us uncover the possible root cause of your symptoms and enable me to create targeted, more personalised recommendations. Please see a selection of tests below – there are many more available which might be better suited to your needs. We will discuss the relevance of testing for your situation during our initial consultation.
Some tests help us identify nutrient deficiencies or surpluses. Deficiency may be an issue for some people; others may be getting all the nutrients they require from food but buying expensive supplements they simply do not need.
If resources aren’t available for testing, it is still possible to make good progress – it just may just take a little while longer to assess specific problem areas.
*Although functional tests can assess deficiencies/metabolic imbalances, please note I am not qualified to diagnose an illness or medical condition; this would need to be confirmed by your GP.
Stool tests
Genova stool tests:
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Invivo GI Map:
The GI-MAP test uses DNA technology (qPCR) to assess gut bacteria, yeasts, protozoa and comprehensive antibiotic resistant genes, alongside intestinal health and immune markers.
Zonulin add on:
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth breath test (SIBO)
This is my ‘go to’ test for SIBO. If bloating is a significant issue for you, this may well be the best test to assess what is happening in your small intestine. SIBO is considered to be one of the underlying causes of IBS in around 60% of people with IBS.
Allergy tests:
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Allergy tests
I don’t offer testing in the clinic as I don’t find the ‘immediate result’ tests very reliable.
I prefer to discuss allergy testing during consultations – if people have digestive issues including intestinal permeability, this needs to be the priority area to address. If leaky gut is present, allergy tests sometimes might need to be delayed otherwise the results can be misinterpreted.
I usually prefer to support people with elimination diets to identify food allergy/intolerances. We start by removing some of the key foods people are commonly sensitive to.
My preferred allergy test (especially if people have an auto-immune condition) is Cyrex lab in America which is a gold standard tests. Although pricey, they are highly reliable so well worth the investment.
DNA testing:
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DNA tests
I have access to many different labs which offer DNA testing. Although I have used them, I don’t generally recommend comprehensive DNA tests (such as 23andme) as they can uncover health trends that are sometimes alarming for people to have revealed. The tests I recommend assess gene variations which can be positively affected by nutrition and lifestyle.
Nutrigenetics is a new and really exciting branch of science that is discovering how people respond to nutrients depending on their genetic makeup. If certain gene variations are found we can adapt your diet/supplement schedule accordingly which helps us personalise your recommendations.
This DNA Health test assesses different biological areas and enables us to identify which areas we may need to focus on with regards to diet, supplement or lifestyle interventions to off-set any genetic imbalances in these areas.
These include:
- Methylation (defects can lead to various chronic diseases/stress hormone imbalances and can affect how we process folate and vitamin B12)
- Detoxification pathways
- Oxidative stress
- Bone health
- Lipid metabolism
- Lactose intolerance
- Caffeine sensitivity
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Microbiome test
Gold standard test for imbalanced bacteria, yeast and protozoa.
GI Effects comprehensive test
ONE organic acid test (urine test):
It also includes vitamin, mineral and amino acid deficiency markers and enables us to create a personalised supplement programme based on their recommendations to correct deficiencies or imbalances.
It includes a measure for imbalanced bacteria/yeast – so can indicate if a stool test is necessary. It isn’t as accurate as a stool test as it only covers bacteria/yeast rather than protozoa or stool chemistry markers.
Great Plains organic acid test
Biolab: Micronutrient Screen (blood test):
- Plasma Minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, chromium, manganese, and selenium) with red cell magnesium.
- Urine Iodine
- Vitamin profile (A,C, E, Carotenes, B1, B2 & B6)
- Vitamin D
- Coenzyme Q10
- Fatty Acids Screen (erythrocytes)
Thyroid tests:
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Total thyroid screen
This test analyses serum levels of TSH, total T4, free T4, free T3, anti-TG antibodies, and anti-TPO antibodies to assess central and peripheral thyroid function, as well as thyroid auto-immunity.