Functional Lab Testing

Functional Lab Tests focus on deeper aspects of health providing answers as well as investigating the root causes to WHY the individual is suffering. It provides specific information about where the block or dysfunction is occurring. Unlike the way conventionally trained practitioners interpret and relate lab tests to the totality of symptoms, at Life Force Nourished the results are evaluated considering not only the symptoms related to mental, emotional, and physical state but taking a system oriented approach understanding the inter-connectedness of the various organ systems in human body. According to World Health Organization, "Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".  

To explain this better I would like to share the case of a 62 year old client ​who came to me with lab results of lipid profile ordered by the family physician. The reports were told to be normal by the physician but not co -relating to the symptoms presented.  She was concerned about her family history of cardiovascular conditions. I suggested her the Cardiometabolic panel along with Micronutrient test which served as a detective to get to the root cause of the chronic inflammatory pattern observed relating to her symptoms. Trained in Functional Nutrition and functional blood test analysis, I was able to make the clinical correlation and create an individualized protocol right for her. 

Want to learn more about the functional lab tests offered and how they can help You get to the ROOT CAUSE...  

Micronutrient Assessment Testing
Nutrition plays a major role in optimal wellbeing and undetected Nutritional deficiencies can turn the genes on and off leading to “Epigenetic” changes. This test is an assessment of 35 nutrients that includes vitamins, minerals, amino/fatty acids, mitochondrial biomarkers, antioxidant status and immune response. 

Organic Acid Test
Organic Acid Test (OAT) gives a snapshot of potential biochemical disturbances. The test will measure various metabolites that include fatty acid metabolism and energy production by the mitochondria, carbohydrate metabolism markers, toxicant /detoxification indicators, B-complex deficiency/methylation inadequacy, neurotransmitter turnover, oxidative stress, bacterial and yeast overgrowth.

Food sensitivity Test
Food Sensitivity is body’s response (IgG antibody response) to certain foods that may occur hours to days after certain foods are consumed and lead to a wide variety of symptoms. They are termed as delayed food sensitivities and can lead to diverse symptoms ranging from fatigue, skin symptoms, joint pains, digestive disorders, etc. This Food specific IgG/IgA Antibody testing, tests reactivity to 96 most commonly consumed foods including Dairy, Meat, Seafood, Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Legumes, Nuts and Nightshades amongst others. 

Comprehensive Hormone Test (DUTCH Test)
This test not only measures the reproductive and adrenal hormones (Cortisol, Cortisone, Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA, and Melatonin) but includes the metabolites of hormones too. Additionally it also tests for the Estrogen metabolic pathways, Nutritional Organic Acids, Neurotransmitter metabolites, and Oxidative stress.

Hair Mineral Analysis
Hair Mineral Analysis test measures the status of nutritional minerals, toxic heavy metals and many more additional minerals. The information is more accurate as the results are accumulated levels over a period of time. Nutritional mineral deficiencies and/or elevated levels of toxic minerals can be cause to various conditions like thyroid issues, fatigue, weight issues, infertility, osteoporosis, etc.

Cardio-metabolic Panel
The test measures Prediabetes Biomarkers, Lipoprotein Particle Profile, Lipid Panel, Vascular Inflammation Biomarkers, and Omega Check. It provides a platform to assess the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and inflammation. 

Comprehensive DNA/PCR Stool Analysis
The test utilizes cutting edge, Quantitative PCR technology to provide a true DNA/PCR based stool test. It measures the Gut Microbiome balance, opportunistic gut bacterias, normal gut flora, fungi/Candida/Yeast, parasites, antibiotic resistance genes, immunologic markers for GI health and function including SIgA, Elastase, Calprotectin and Anti-gliadin testing (Gluten Sensitivity/Immune Response).

Wheat Zoomer
The test measures various biomarkers to assess sensitivity to gluten (gliadins and glutenins) and non-gluten wheat proteins along with total IgG, and IgA, Celiac disease, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), markers of intestinal permeability, tTG/DGP complex, wheat germ, and wheat allergen (IgE).

MTHFR Genetic Testing
Tests for mutations in the MTHFR gene. It tests for MTHFR enzyme activity responsible for converting inactive folate to active folate , involved in the metabolism of folate and homocysteine. Individuals with specific mutations of the MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene are associated with much higher risk for heart disease, stroke dementia, thrombosis, and neural tube defects. Other symptoms that can be related include depression, anxiety, fertility issues, thyroid condition to name a few.  

Comprehensive Bloodwork Result Interpretation
Analysis of the Blood Chemistry and CBC bloodwork reports with a “Functional” perspective, i.e. relating the lab values to the various systems of human body, for example the Gastrointestinal system, Liver –Gallbladder, Thyroid – Adrenal relation, etc. Understanding the implications of the blood work results beyond “Within Normal Limits” outlook and develop a perspective about how all the systems in human body are interconnected and can be affected if the lab values are not in the “Optimal Function Range”.