An Invaluable TOOL to uncover Root Cause(s) to Your Health Struggle and Provide Most Appropriate Intervention.
Here you will find common tests and labs used in my practice to help you evaluate things like nutrient imbalances, gut health markers, gluten intolerance, SIBO, autoimmune IBS, food allergies, detoxification pathways, hormone, adrenal, and neurotransmitter balance, toxicity levels, and more that may be driving underlying health issues. Each person is unique and need for testing is determined upon case by case basis.
All labs are well-established reputable labs that are FDA approved and used by many functional physicians and practitioners throughout the country.
The top 3 tests I most often use:
1. GI MAP – Stool Test by Diagnostic Solutions
The Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP) is an innovative clinical tool that measures gastrointestinal microbiota DNA from a single stool sample with state of the art, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology.
The GI-MAP was designed to detect microbes that may be disturbing normal microbial balance and contributing to symptoms and illness, it also provides indicators of digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function.
Every patient can benefit from a GI-MAP gut health assessment. Some patients are looking to achieve optimal health, while other patients have been chronically ill and frustrated without a diagnosis for years.
Some conditions that warrant testing are:
- Autoimmune diseases
- IBS/IBD/SIBO
- Digestive complaints, diarrhea or constipation
- Brain fog
- Skin problems, like acne and psoriasis
- Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
- Diabetes and weight loss issues
2. Organic Acid Test (OAT) – Urine Test by Great Plains Lab
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with 76 markers. It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria, as well as markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and is the only OAT to include markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. The cause of these high levels could include oral antibiotic use, poor diet, immune deficiencies, acquired infections, as well as genetic factors.
3. NutraEval – Serum Test by Genova Labs
The NutrEval FMV® is both a blood and urine test that evaluates over 125 biomarkers and assessing the body’s need for 40 antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, digestive support, and other select nutrients. It is one of the most comprehensive nutritional profiles available assessing a broad array of macronutrients and micronutrients, and key markers that give insight into digestive function, toxic exposure, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress.
Proper nutrition is key to preventing a number of diseases. Nutrients are necessary to feed every cell and ensure all body systems are functioning properly. Testing can help clinicians and patients gain an understanding of how nutritional imbalances may be impacting their health. Certain conditions or dietary, genetic, and lifestyle factors may predispose a person to having nutrient imbalances.
Symptoms and conditions associated with nutrient imbalances
- Mood disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity/ Insulin resistance/ Type 2 Diabetes
- Fatigue
- Weight Issues/ Malnutrition/ Dietary Guidance
- Maldigestion/Malabsorption
- Increased nutrient demand in physical trauma/healing
