Functional Testing
What is functional testing?
Functional Testing provides insight into the state of your body, how it is performing, any health predispositions you are at risk of and it emphasises personalisation of your treatment plan while creating a baseline for tracking progress over a period of time.
Functional testing is available to all clients and encouraged where appropriate, however is not the first line of treatment if treatment can be provided based on a thorough case history. Should you decide to have tests done, a follow up appointment will be required to review and discuss your results.
Testing is recommended at different timeframes depending on what is being tested however general bloods are encouraged on an annual basis from your GP as part of an annual health check up. It is important to bring any testing that you have had in the last 12 months with you to your nutrition session.
The most common functional tests offered are outlined below.
🧠 Genetics & Metabolic Function
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A Comprehensive DNA Report analysing genetic markers of digestion, energy, hormones, inflammation, stress, cognition, detoxification, DNA protection & athletic performance to deliver holistic and preventative approaches to health. DNA is an important piece of the puzzle that can help guide treatment from personalised insight and is a proactive solution to optimising health and wellness.
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OMX testing analyses urine metabolites to provide insights into Metabolic and macronutrient processing, nutritional and vitamin status, detoxification, amino acid levels/flow, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, ketosis or poor carbohydrate metabolism, mood issues, oxidative stress, gut concerns or dysbiosis, and overall wellbeing.
OMX testing is complementary to GI MAP testing and is ideal for anyone experiencing lack of energy, fatigue, and lethargy, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, brain fog and focus disturbances, digestive complaints, weight loss resistance, chronic health issues, post-viral infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, evaluating the level of catabolism (post-chemo, progressive diabetes, MS), ADD/ADHD and Autism, unexplained health concerns where other tests don't provide answers, and for athletes (to determine overtraining, poor exercises recovery and GI distress).
🦠 Gut & Digestive Health
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Bacterial concentrations in the small intestine are normally kept to a minimum though when excessive, the delicate mucosal lining and microvilli are disrupted, reducing absorption. As a result, bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine (SIBO) can inhibit nutrient absorption and lead to abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, IBS and serious health problems. The SIBO test assesses for methane dominant and hydrogen dominant gases, and different sugars can be used depending on your needs being lactose, glucose, fructose or a combination.
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The GI-MAP tests for GI pathogens, opportunistic organisms, normal flora, and markers of GI health including bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, inflammation, immune function, pancreatic function, and occult blood. Antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors are also analysed.
GI MAP testing is ideal for anyone presenting with digestive complaints including diarrhoea, constipation or bloating, mood disorders, low mood or anxiety, brain fog, headaches, migraines, skin problems like acne and psoriasis, IBS, IBD, SIBO, Autoimmune disease, chronic and acute gastroenteritis, fungal, bacterial & viral pathogens, suspected H. pylori infection, intestinal permeability issues, hormonal imbalances, immune system issues, chronic Inflammation, diabetes, metabolic and weight loss issues.
🧬 Hormones & Nervous System
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Providing a detailed analysis of hormones estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, this test gives insight into hormone patterns and ovulatory function to identify imbalances. Hormonal balance is essential for a good mood & energy levels, reproductive function and overall wellbeing.
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A test offering insight into brain chemistry, aiming to identify potential imbalances contributing to cognitive decline or poor mental health. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that contribute to transmitting brain and nervous system signals influencing cognitive function, mood and behaviour. Common neurotransmitters GABA, serotonin and dopamine are essential for sleep, motivation and emotions with imbalances resulting in depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorders.
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A reliable marker of stress response and a critical tool for revealing adrenal imbalances. Lifestyle, physical and psychological stresses put constant demands on the adrenal glands. If they become depleted adrenal fatigue or insufficiency may occur. The Adrenocortex stress profile extensive is an expansion of the Adrenocortex basic test as it includes Secretory IgA levels. Salivary cortisol testing is an effective non-invasive salivary hormone test that evaluates bioactive levels of the body’s important stress hormones, cortisol and DHEA. This hormone test serves as a critical tool for uncovering biochemical imbalances underlying anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, dysglycemia, and a host of other clinical conditions that may affect our day to day lives. This hormone test examines 4 saliva samples over a 12-hour period for levels of cortisol DHEA and Secretory IgA, and is a very useful tool for patients that have weak immune systems and susceptible to always catching the flu.
🛡 Immune, Inflammatory & Autoimmune
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A detailed test used to detect autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This panel measures key biomarkers important for identifying conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome. For example, Anti-Nuclear Factor (ANA) levels are commonly elevated in systemic autoimmune diseases like Lupus, while Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is often high in Rheumatoid Arthritis, helping to distinguish it from other types of arthritis.
Anti-CCP antibodies are highly specific for Rheumatoid Arthritis and can predict its severity and progression. Autoimmune diseases often cause symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes, making early diagnosis difficult. Using the Autoimmune Assessment Panel can lead to quicker diagnosis and better management of symptoms, ultimately preventing complications in the long run.
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A test evaluating a number of foods to provide an extensive overview of potential food triggers that could be affecting your health. By identifying Immunoglobulin A, E, or G mediated reactions, this panel helps to uncover food sensitivities that might be contributing to symptoms like rashes, hives, eczema, fatigue, abdominal complaints such as bloating and swelling, diarrhoea or constipation, chronic sinusitis, difficult breathing, headaches, migraines or general inflammation. The results allow for personalised dietary advice, enabling patients to make informed decisions and avoid foods that could be causing discomfort.
🚻 Urinary & Reproductive Microbiome
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A swab test providing insight into vaginal infections including bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomoniasis (TV), while analysing the various microbes residing in the female reproductive tract. Results will show if there is a disruption in microbe levels often due to a deficiency of Lactobacillus and overgrowth of bacteria, resulting in possible infection and unpleasant symptoms.
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The use of PCR testing accurately assesses the microbiota of the urinary tract providing an important clinical assessment tool for those experiencing complicated urinary tract infections.Extending beyond the bladder to the kidneys, complicated UTI’s are considered more serious than their uncomplicated counterpart, which is usually confined to the bladder and urethra. Recurring UTI’s can lead to numerous complications including kidney damage, premature birth, low birth weight, and in serious cases sepsis.
⚖️ Minerals & Toxic Load
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Hair metal and mineral analysis measures nutrient and toxic metal content of hair. As the constituents of the hair are determined by the entry of substances from external sources and from substances entering from the blood stream, hair analysis is ideal. Hair can contain minerals and metals accumulated over a long period of time. A wide range of metals and minerals can be measured in one sample to provide status of cellular activity and nutrient metabolism. Every physiological function in the body is catalysed by minerals. Since the structure of hair remains unchanged, the minerals are fixed in the hair and levels in hair do not significantly change once that portion of hair has grown. The analysis accurately provides concentrations of minerals that have accumulated in the hair tissue over the hair growth period, approximately one to three months. Heavy metals toxicity can be caused by exposure to pollution, chemicals and poisons. It is a growing threat to the population as metals deposit in body tissues leading significant developmental and neurological damage. Heavy metal toxicities can also lead to numerous health conditions including those affecting the various body systems.
This would be ideal for those experiencing neurological conditions or cognitive impairment, inflammation, anaemia, skin complaints, thyroid or immune dysfunction.