What is Functional Testing?

Today I want to talk to you about something I am very passionate about - functional testing – because it may hold the key to solving your health problems and to staying healthier for longer. So, if your New Year’s resolution is to look after your health, read on!

Remember how detectives use clues to solve mysteries? Well, as your nutritional therapist, I'm like a health detective, and functional testing is my secret weapon for uncovering the root causes of your health concerns. No more wondering "why". These tests can help us unlock the "what" and build a personalised plan to help you feel better. There’s something very empowering, too, about having answers in black and white. And the tests I use are evidence-based and are performed by world-leading laboratories.

If you’re wondering, what exactly is functional testing, let me explain. Simply put, it's a way to go beyond traditional diagnostics and peek deeper into your body's inner workings. 

We can assess things like:

Nutrient deficiencies: Are you missing out on essential vitamins and minerals?

Digestive health: What's behind your bloating or other digestive woes?

Food sensitivities: Is that afternoon fatigue or headache linked to hidden intolerances?

Inflammation levels: Is chronic inflammation silently impacting your wellbeing?

Hormonal imbalances: Are hormonal fluctuations causing unwanted symptoms?

Genetic testing: how are your genes affecting how you feel?

By understanding these deeper factors, we can create a roadmap to address them, not just manage symptoms. There’s so much information available to us as practitioners these days, all of which enables me to provide a bespoke programme for my clients because I truly understand their health.

Sadly, many of the tests I run are not available on the NHS, which means that to access the information, you have to pay. Since you are reading this, I know how much you care about your health and it might be worth thinking about. 

So, let’s talk about why are functional tests a good investment in your health?

Here are 5 compelling reasons:

• Personalised approach: Nutrition coaching is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Tests uncover your unique needs, leading to targeted nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement plans for optimal results.
• Identify the root cause: Stop chasing symptoms and uncover the origin of the problem so you can address the underlying imbalances for long-term solutions.
• Empowerment & knowledge: There are few things more empowering than gaining valuable insights into your body and taking full control of your health journey.
• Preventative action: Functional testing can detect imbalances before they manifest as symptoms, empowering you to take proactive steps towards maintaining optimal health – and preventing future health concerns.
• Improved wellbeing: How do you know you are getting all the essential nutrients your body needs? Testing can assess your nutrient status, and addressing imbalances can lead to increased energy, reduced symptoms, and overall better health. For some tests, we don’t just test once. Repeat testing can see how well you are progressing.

I specialise in gut and hormone health, so there are three tests that I regularly use with clients:

Comprehensive stool tests:

A Comprehensive Stool Test can help to uncover underlying causes of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic diarrhoea, or constipation by assessing gut bacteria, inflammation, and digestive function. 

It can also provide crucial insights for clients experiencing symptoms like bloating, fatigue, skin issues, or food intolerances, enabling me to put together a tailored plan to address these concerns effectively.

DUTCH test for hormones:

A DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) test provides a detailed analysis of hormone levels and their metabolites, offering insights into conditions such as hormonal imbalances, adrenal fatigue, perimenopausal symptoms, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

It is particularly beneficial for clients experiencing symptoms like irregular periods, mood swings, low energy, poor sleep, or unexplained weight changes, allowing us to put together personalised strategies to restore hormonal harmony.

Nutrigenomic testing:

Nutrigenomic testing with LifeCode GX reveals how your genes influence critical areas like food tolerances, detoxification, vitamin needs, and metabolic health, empowering personalised nutrition and lifestyle choices. With a simple cheek swab and expert guidance, this test provides actionable insights to optimise well-being and prevent potential health challenges.

Ready to unlock your health potential? Let's talk! I'm here to answer any questions and guide you through the process of functional testing. Just click here to book a free call.