As a Registered Nutrition Practitioner, I have access to private functional testing for clients. So, what are the benefits of functional testing? Testing takes out some of the guesswork and can help me to identify the root cause of conditions, focusing on the causes rather than just the symptoms. Testing is one of the keys to providing a personalised approach, provides measurable data and can be a great motivation for making changes.
Testing, combined with a detailed analysis of clinical symptoms and history gives information about where to start and which imbalances need to be addressed. This can often result in quicker progress and less financial outlay overall. Although there is the initial cost of a test, they provide us with valuable information for a more targeted approach and reduce the need for trial and error and “educated guessing”.
You may be wondering whether you can get the tests I use on the NHS. If I consider a client needs basic blood tests which should be available on the NHS, I will always advise which tests they should request from their G.P. However, testing in the NHS is limited and nowhere near as extensive as the private lab testing I can access for my clients.
My Top 3 Tests
Invivo G.I. Ecologix
This is a gastrointestinal health and microbiome profile test which requires a stool sample.
Because gut health is connected to so many conditions, this test could be appropriate for:
- Anyone with obvious digestive issues such as constipation, loose stools, bloating, IBS-type symptoms.
- Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD
- Fatigue conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, post-viral fatigue.
- Autoimmune conditions
- Chronic sleep problems
- Migraines
- Asthma, hayfever
- Skin problems
This test is not the same as stool tests offered by the NHS, which are focused on acute situations such as looking for food poisoning microbes, signs of cancers or inflammation markers. This test has been designed to look for markers associated with chronic disease or overall health such as commensal bacteria, digestive or immune health and can complement the acute tests offered by the NHS. You can read more about GI Ecologix here
Genova Metabolomix +
This is a comprehensive nutritional evaluation which can be done at home as a urine collection. There are also add-on elements which can be included with a finger-prick blood sample and a cheek swab.
Genova’s Metabolomix looks at many different elements such as need for vitamins and minerals, gut dysbiosis, need for digestive support, need for nutrients involved in energy production, neurotransmitter status, need for amino acids. It’s an excellent test for guiding practitioners in where to target their support. If you’re struggling with any of the following this test may be appropriate for you:
- Fatigue conditions
- Mood and behavioural issues
- Depression, anxiety
- Chronic stress and burnout
- Cognitive problems
- Poor digestion
Read more about the Metabolomix here
Precision Analytical DUTCH plus
The DUTCH Plus test is provided as a home kit, requiring urine and saliva samples. It assesses sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites. It also assesses cortisol levels (stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands) on waking and throughout the day. When the adrenals and cortisol levels are working fine the cortisol levels follow a particular pattern. After periods of chronic stress on the body, cortisol levels can be affected; this test is a “mini stress test” which looks at this pattern.
This test could be appropriate for those who have:
- PMS
- Perimenopause symptoms
- Fatigue
- IBS
- Headaches/migraines
- Anxiety or depression
- Poor sleep
- Chronic pain
- ADHD
- Psychological burnout
You can read more about the DUTCH Plus test here
If you’re ready to access the power of functional testing to identify the root causes of your health problems, book a Discovery Call and we can have a chat about how Functional Testing can lead the way to personalised solutions.
