Functional medicine represents a paradigm shift in healthcare, emphasizing the identification, testing, and treatment of the root causes of symptoms through individualized lab testing. Rather than merely addressing symptoms, functional medicine practitioners prioritize client education and empowerment as key components of achieving sustainable health benefits. Comprehensive testing plays a pivotal role in this approach, extending beyond traditional lab ranges to offer a more holistic view of an individual’s health status.
Let’s delve into common types of comprehensive tests and their significance:
1. Blood Tests:
- Purpose: Blood tests in functional medicine cover a wide spectrum of health indicators. They provide insights into inflammation markers, cardiovascular health, thyroid function, blood sugar levels, liver function, and major nutrients.
- Common Symptoms Addressed:
* Inflammation: Elevated inflammatory markers may indicate chronic inflammation, which is associated with various health conditions.
* Cardiovascular Risk: Lipid panel tests assess cholesterol levels, a crucial factor in assessing cardiovascular risk
* Thyroid Dysfunction: Thyroid function tests help diagnose thyroid disorders.
* Nutrient Deficiencies: Blood panels reveal deficiencies in essential nutrients - Customization: Test results guide personalized treatment plans, allowing targeted interventions based on individual needs.
2. Genetic Tests:
- Purpose: Genetic testing identifies genetic predispositions to nutrient imbalances, hormone methylation, food and supplement reactions, and health concerns.
- Common Symptoms Addressed:
* Gastrointestinal Disorders: Inflammation levels and microbial conditions impact gut health. From the specific gut bacteria imbalances, microbes, pathogens, and parasites found, we can clearly know what is causing most of the “autoimmune” symptoms the client presents with.
* Digestive Function: Comprehensive stool analysis assesses food breakdown, nutrient absorption, microbial balance, and inflammation. - Customization: Results guide personalized dietary, herbal, detox, and probiotic interventions.
3. Food Sensitivity Testing (IgG, IgM, IgG, IgE):
- Purpose: Identifies inflammatory immune reactions to specific foods.
- Common Symptoms Addressed:
* Digestive Issues: Food sensitivities contribute to bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
* Skin Conditions: Eczema, hives, and rashes may be linked to food sensitivities.
* Fatigue and Brain Fog: Food reactions can affect energy levels, cognitive function, neurological symptoms, and mood imbalance. This can be one of the primary drivers, along with heavy metal and mold toxicity, for autism, ADHD, ADD, asthma, and seizure activity. - Customization: Elimination diets based on test results improve symptoms.
4. Toxicity Testing:
- Purpose: Detects heavy metal exposure and environmental toxins.
- Common Symptoms Addressed:
* Chronic Fatigue: Heavy metals impair cellular function.
* Neurological Symptoms: Toxins may contribute to brain fog, memory issues, mood disturbances, seizure activity, and autism.
* Immune Dysfunction: Toxic exposure affects immune health. - Customization: Detoxification protocols based on toxin levels and types.
5. Mold Testing:
- Purpose: Identifies mold exposure and levels of mold toxicity being stored inside the body.
- Common Symptoms Addressed:
* Respiratory Issues: Mold exposure can lead to Sinus issues, Runny nose, Itchy skin and eyes, Asthma, Shortness of breath
* Fatigue and Headaches: Mold toxicity affects energy levels and cognitive function.
* Allergies: Mold sensitivity triggers allergic reactions. - Chemical and Inflammatory Reaction to Mold (Driven by Mycotoxins):
* Cognitive difficulties (brain fog, poor memory, anxiety)
* Pain (abdominal pain, muscle pain similar to fibromyalgia)
* Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
* Numbness and tingling in extremities
* Metallic taste in the mouth
* Vertigo or dizziness
* Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
* Digestive issues (limited tolerance to food, persistent bloating)
* Significant fatigue interfering with daily activities
* Changes in mood
* Excessive thirst and dehydration (bed-wetting in children)
* Symptoms resembling hormone imbalances (hair loss, rashes) - Customization: Avoidance strategies and highly customized detoxification protocols. Please find a practitioner well-versed in mold toxicity to help you with this.
6. Tick-Borne Disease Testing:
- Purpose: Detects infections from tick-borne and other insect-borne pathogens.
- Common Symptoms Addressed:
* Flu-Like Symptoms: Tick-borne diseases cause fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.
* Joint Pain: Lyme disease, for example, leads to joint inflammation.
* Neurological Symptoms: Tick-borne infections affect the nervous system. - Customization: Targeted antimicrobial, and detox support.
7. Neurology Testing (Neuro Zoomer Plus):
- Purpose: Specific to the Neuro Zoomer Plus from Vibrant Wellness Labs.
- Common Symptoms Addressed:
* Neurological Disorders: Detects autoantibodies associated with neurodegenerative conditions and long-term neurological symptoms such as numbness, difficulty walking, and vertigo.
* Brain Fog: Autoimmune reactions impact cognitive function.
* Mood Disorders: Neurological autoimmunity may contribute to anxiety and depression. - Customization: Immune-modulating approaches based on test results.
Are you ready to address the actual cause of your symptoms and
stop taking a bunch of drugs that only offer side effects?
Then I want to encourage you to schedule an introductory call with us…
