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Functional Testing

 

Functional testing focuses on physiological function (i.e. how the body functions at a molecular, tissue or organ level), rather than merely the presence of markers of disease, like conventional medical testing. In many cases combining both functional testing with conventional medical testing may be used to draw a clearer picture of an individual’s health status. Testing aims to uncover potential problems and to identify specific requirements needed in order to re-establish balance.Functional tests can be invaluable in identifying the underlying cause of your health issues, as well as your unique nutritional needs.

When coupled with your health history, dietary/lifestyle habits and nutritional goals, diagnostic tests bring faster more successful outcomes by facilitating the development of more individualised and targeted therapeutic protocols, as well as illness prevention. Laboratory tests are carefully selected from a wide range of well established, scientific laboratories and dependent on the particular health problem.  A test is most often non-invasive and typically involves a breath, blood, saliva, urine or stool sample. The majority of samples can be taken at home but a client may occasionally be asked to attend the laboratory to provide samples.Our clinic offers a broad range of functional health tests to help assess the causes of ill health.

Common Tests Used

As a patient of LYFE Naturopathics, you have access to a number of further testing options to help us create your ultimate roadmap to health. Some of the more common tests that are routinely used to evaluate your health include (but not limited to):

Complete Microbiome Mapping

Think of this test as a map of your microbiome (gut bacteria). This advanced stool test looks microbes that cause disease or disrupt normal microbial balance which can contribute to your gut symptoms and more systemic chronic health issues.

It provides information on the balance of your good bacteria (do you have enough of these to maintain good health?), or problematic bacteria, as well as fungi, viruses, yeast and parasites.

Through measuring your Zonulin levels, this test can also determine whether you have increased intestinal permeability or ”leaky gut”, which is a common contributor to autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

This test is beneficial for those suffering with:

  • Skin problems like acne and psoriasis
  • Digestive complaints, diarrhoea, constipation, wind, gas, cramping pain, IBS/IBD, heartburn, reflux, ulcers
  • Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
  • Brain fog
  • Recurrent gut infections
  • Diabetes and weight loss issues
  • Generalised poor health symptoms of fatigue, inflammatory problems, autoimmune conditions

TEST TYPE: Stool sample

DUTCH TEST

DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) testing is the most advanced and comprehensive hormone test due to the fact it measures your hormones and hormone metabolites. This gives us insight into hormone production and hormone breakdown.

Not only does this look at sex hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and their metabolites, it identifies any adrenal (stress hormone) dysfunction via cortisol,  cortisone and DHEA testing.

DUTCH test now also looks at markers for neurotransmitters, B12, B6 and glutathione.

This test is a must when identifying underlying hormonal imbalances and how to better manage your symptoms of PMS, weight gain, heavy painful periods, infertility, migraines and headaches and more.

TEST TYPE: Urine

STRESS/ADRENAL HORMONES

An important place to start when looking at how your nervous system, hormones and stress are impacting your overall health. This saliva test looks at 4 samples throughout the day to assess your cortisol and DHEA levels (as well as melatonin where required).

This test is extremely useful for anyone suffering with:

  • Fatigue
  • Stress
  • Adrenal exhaustion
  • Insomnia and other sleep problems
  • Poor immune function such as repeated infections
  • Depression and other mood disorders
  • Weight gain
  • Poor concentration / brain fog

TEST TYPE: Saliva

SIBO TEST

This is a breath test which can be performed in a specialised clinic or at home, testing for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (or SIBO). This is a common condition where where an overgrowth of otherwise normal bacteria that usually resides in the bowel, moves its way up into the small intestine and proliferates in problematic numbers. This can cause a range of unwanted gut symptoms such as:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Bloating and gas
  • Burping and reflux
  • Food sensitivities
  • Joint pain
  • Skin rashes
  • Mineral deficiencies
  • It’s also estimated that up to 80% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) sufferers have SIBO.

The test helps identify what particular subtype of SIBO you have (ie: methane or hydrogen producing bacteria)

TEST TYPE: breath test

FOOD ALLERGIES/SENSITIVITIES

The way that the human body responds to food can be quite complicated.  Food intolerances, sensitivities and allergies can mimic other diseases and cause those with food sensitivities a great deal of pain and suffering.  According to some estimates, about 45% of the population is affected by some form of food intolerance.

Discovering what food(s) you have a sensitivity to can change your life and often it can do so in dramatic ways.  It is important to note that there are many reasons that your body is rejecting a particular food.  Heredity can play a role as can the existence of chemicals, pesticides, food dyes and colourings.  The fact that food now includes artificial ingredients, chemicals and pesticides can make it more difficult to initially understand one’s food allergies or food-related issues.  All of these factors underscore the great importance of food intolerance testing.

Common Symptoms of Food Intolerance Include

  • Itching – Itchy skin, palette, nose, inner ear that cannot be relieved by scratching. Itching causing sneezing, coughing or ear pulling.
  • Rhinitis – Frequent sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, blocked nose, post nasal drip or poor sense of smell.
  • Weight gain – Fluid retention along with increased body fat, reduced muscle mass, fatigue and weakness. Poor exercise tolerance.
  • Digestive Issues – Bloating, gas, flatulence, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, food cravings. Always feeling hungry or a very poor appetite.
  • Mood Swings & Fatigue –Typically depressed or anxious. Often waking up feeling tired or noticeable fatigue after meals. May feel worse after sleep. Craves coffee and junk foods.