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FUNCTIONAL TESTING

EXPERT MEDICAL HERBALIST

IFM PRACTITIONER

GAPS PRACTITIONER

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE RECOMMENDED LABORATORY TESTING CAN BE ORDERED TO DIAGNOSE COMPLEX CONDITIONS.

Edinburgh Herbalist is registered to work with all the known laboratories including Cambridge Nutritional Sciences, York testing, Genova Diagnostics,  Regenerus Labaratories, Biolab Medical Unit,  Invivo Clinical and FunctionalDx.

HERE IS A SUMMARY OF MOST COMMON TESTS USED FOR PATIENTS:

  • The current Gold standard in identifying food allergies and intolerances is an elimination diet of 3 to 4 weeks duration and then introduction of eliminated foods one at a time under supervision. However sometimes it is simpler to conduct a blood test to identify suspect foods.
  • Nutritional evaluation. ONE nutritional test helps to give an understanding of individual diet and supplementation needs, and offers a personalised functional nutrition assessment covering ntioxidants, B Vitamins, Digestive Support, and Minerals.
  • Stool analysis. The GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile is an advanced stool test that provides immediate and actionable clinical information for the management of gut health and includes an assessment of digestive function, gut inflammation, impact on immunity the gut microbiome.
  • Organic Acid Testing identifies various metabolites of microbial activity in the gut and is an accurate assessment of intestinal yeast and bacteria which get absorbed and finish up in the patient’s urine. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behaviour disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function. 
  • Neurotransmitter evaluation. Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals that facilitate the transmission of signals from one neuron to the next across a synapse. Neurotransmitters work with receptors in the brain to influence and regulate a wide range of processes such as mental performance, emotions, pain response and energy levels. Numerous clinical studies have shown that inadequate neurotransmitter function has a profound influence on overall health and well-being.
  • Adrenal Stress Index. This saliva test can detect imbalances in the daily circadian secretions of the stress hormones cortisol and DHEA. Imbalances in these hormones can indicate an inappropriate response that can negatively impact energy levels, emotions, and many other health complaints. These include anxiety, chronic inflammatory conditions, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, depression, migraines, headaches, recurrent infections, menstrual difficulties and infertility.
  • Hair Toxicity and Elements analysis provides information regarding recent and ongoing exposure to potentially toxic metals and status of nutrient elements. Toxic elements may be 200 to 300 times more highly concentrated in hair than in blood or urine. Therefore, hair is the tissue of choice for detection of recent exposure to elements such as arsenic, aluminium, cadmium, lead, antimony and mercury. Nutrient elements including magnesium, chromium, zinc, copper and selenium are obligatory co-factors for hundreds of important enzymes and also are essential for the normal functions of vitamins. The levels of these elements in hair are correlated with levels in organs and other tissues.
  • Hormone Panels. The Comprehensive Hormone Panel is the starting point for initial assessment of hormonal status and endocrine function for male and female patients especially important in patients who are experiencing weight gain, multiple chemical sensitivity, high blood sugar, insomnia, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia.
  • Gene testing. The patient can be offered different panels from Detoxigenomic profile that evaluates SNPs associated with increased risk of impaired detoxification pathways when exposed to environmental toxins; Cardiometabolic profile that uses genomic testing to identify the risk go genetic susceptibility to cardia related conditions; Neurogenomic profile that assesses SNPs that makes one susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases.
All of these tests must be ordered by the practitioner to be sent directly to the patient. The patient is then responsible to pay for the test and return the sample according to the guidelines instructed by the laboratory used.
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