Functional Testing
Why Test?
Testing can be useful if you are suffering from symptoms and do not seem to be getting any answers. Symptoms (including digestive issues, fatigue, skin issues, headaches, weight gain, mood swings, insomnia etc) can be the result of imbalances in the body - testing can take out the guesswork.
Some blood markers/tests may be available via your GP/NHS (eg. cholesterol, HbA1c, vitamin D etc). However, you may have been told your results are "normal" but you are still struggling with symptoms. This could be because whilst your results have fallen in the "normal" range, they may be at the very high or low end of the range, thus leading to symptoms. We want to aim for "optimal" levels, to help you feel, think and perform at your best.
Other functional tests (eg. DUTCH hormone and gut/digestive stool tests) and Nutrigenomics are only available privately.
However, functional tests offer an effective and scientific way of assessing how the body is functioning and assess the root cause of imbalances rather than just on any symptoms. Understanding the root causes enables us to develop a personalised and targeted approach for your journey to optimum wellness with quicker and more effective results.
They are only recommended when necessary, as testing should be assessed on an individual basis.
Test Options Include:
Would you benefit?
Nutrigenomics
Genetic testing enables us to look in detail at our DNA - the chemical instructions present in every body cell that make us who we are and drive every body function.
This genetic code tells our bodies how well to absorb and use specific nutrients like vitamins, which affects our nutrient needs. It also impacts the production of sex hormones, reproduction and fertility, and our neurotransmitters, influencing thinking and emotional wellbeing.
It regulates how well our cells can grow and repair and even how efficiently they produce energy, or how readily we store excess energy as fat.
But our genetics are not all the same. We are all biochemically unique due to variants in our genetic code called SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms). These SNPs can affect how our bodies function and whilst they don’t create ill-health in themselves, their combinations can affect our mental wellbeing, our detoxification pathways and our energy which can impact our health and contribute to the development of health conditions.
Whilst we cannot change our genetics, we can adapt how we interact and support them through our "environment". Nutrigenomics looks at how our "environment" ie our nutrition and other lifestyle factors and how these impact our genes. With nutrigenomics, we are able to establish what positive lifestyle choices are required to align with our own unique genetics to optimise our health and wellbeing.
Depending on your family history, personal health history, symptoms and concerns a selection of reports are available:
Nutrient Core - Metabolic - Hormones - Methylation - Histamine Intolerance - Oestrogen Balance - Detoxification - Nervous System - APOE - Thyroid Balance
Hormones
The DUTCH Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is a unique urine test that provides us with a comprehensive view of your hormones, how they are working and being metabolised.
This test may be beneficial if you struggle with a range of symptoms including; anxiety, irritability, fatigue, low mood, poor sleep, brain fog, memory loss, PMS, hot flushes, vaginal dryness low libido, headaches, night sweats and weight gain.
Or if you have a hormone-linked condition such as fibroids, endometriosis, menstrual migraine, heavy/painful periods, PCOS or PMS or are taking Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
In addition, adrenal fatigue and stress can be a driver for a number of conditions and symptoms and this test can detect imbalances in your daily circadian secretions of stress hormones. These imbalances can indicate an inappropriate response, negatively impacting on your energy levels, emotions, and many other health complaints.
Biomarkers measured include:
Stress Hormones: Cortisol and Cortisone
Hormones: 3 Oestrogens (Oestrogen, Oestrogen, Oestriol) and Progesterone plus their metabolites.
Androgens: DHEA, Testosterone plus their metabolites
Neurotransmitters: Dopamine, Noradrenaline, Melatonin
Key nutrients: B12, B6, Glutathione
Adrenal fatigue, stress, low energy, hormone imbalances,
Gut & Digestion
Imbalances in our gut microbiome have been linked to many issues including bloating and IBS, immune dysfunction, cravings, food intolerances, low energy and to systemic diseases.
Stool testing measures markers of: digestion, absorption, inflammation, immunology, dysbiosis, metabolite imbalance and infection. By uncovering imbalances and identifying abnormalities in our gut microbiome, we can establish if there is any inflammation as well as understand how well you are digesting and absorbing your food. This enables us to develop a plan focussed on your specific needs to bring your gut health back to equilibrium supporting your overall health.
The GI Effects stool test can help us find out specifically what is causing your symptoms and can be beneficial for those struggling with a range of symptoms including:
gas - bloating - abdominal - pain/cramps - indigestion - acid reflux - diarrhoea - constipation - food allergies/intolerances - IBS - bowel conditions - fatigue - migraines - brain fog - low mood - anxiety - joint pain - feeling hungover - cravings - weight gain.
“Since adopting Natalie's advice, I have more energy than I've had in months, I've lost weight & I'm eating more! I feel more in control of my symptoms rather than just trying to live with them.”
– Tricia, 64 –
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