Functional Lab Testing

Functional Labs help us to get a closer look at what is happening inside the body, to best identify and address the root causes of your symptoms

Why functional labs?

Surely, you have had labs drawn by at least one medical practitioner in your lifetime. Lab tests are used to diagnose or better understand a person’s health status. Lab testing can validate what a person is feeling, or reveal something that may not be visible otherwise. Conventional lab testing is typically ordered as a response to a symptom, or handful of symptoms. If the results of the labs are within “normal” range, the patient’s concerns are often dismissed. The lab values may not be enough to get a holistic picture of what is contributing to dysfunction. Functional medicine, used for centuries throughout the globe, is becoming increasingly recognized in the Western world as a better way to approach healthcare. Functional medicine practitioners are not limited by conventional lab testing or pharmacological treatments. They use an expansive array of comprehensive medical tests, herbs, supplements, lifestyle modification, and natural remedies to treat the whole person.

At Whole Lifecycle Nutrition, as part of an in-depth assessment, we use a variety of testing to help our clients to learn more about their bodies and come up with targeted solutions to address chronic and complex health issues.

Functional Medicine Lab Tests may be for you if:

✓ You need help getting answers to persistent symptoms that have been ignored by traditional medicine practitioners

✓ You have ever been prescribed birth control as the first line treatment for your hormonal imbalances

✓ You have gut issues that just do not seem to go away

✓ You have chronic fatigue or pain

✓ You have had your concerns dismissed because your labs were within normal range

✓ You have been advised that losing weight will resolve all of your health issues

✓ You feel that you are not heard because you are living in a larger body

✓ You have an autoimmune condition

✓ You are constantly stressed, anxious, or depressed

✓ You feel your hormones are out of whack

I did the 3×4 genetic testing and it was so cool and interesting! I learned a lot about myself, but I also feel like it reinforced a lot of what I knew. It feels good to have real answers about my health and not just a guess. Rachel put together a list of custom supplement and food recommendations for me based on my results. I highly recommend the test.

–K.P.

Icon of a microscope | Nutrigenomics Testing

Whole Lifecycle Top Functional Labs

DUTCH Hormone Testing

The DUTCH Complete is a noninvasive test that uses dried urine to provide a comprehensive look into how a person’s sex and adrenal hormones are functioning. The test also looks at organic acids, metabolites in the urine which provide insight into nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, melatonin, neurotransmitters, and inflammation.

DUTCH Cycle Mapping

The DUTCH Cycle Mapping test combines the DUTCH Complete with a map of the progesterone and estrogen patterns throughout the entire menstrual cycle. This is the best test to take a deeper dive into fertility, PMS, irregular cycles, PCOS, and other hormone imbalances. This test is not indicated for postmenopausal women or women taking hormonal birth control.

GI Map

The GI Map stool testing uses quantitative polymerase chain reaction technology to detect parasites, bacteria, and fungi by targeting the specific DNA of gut microbiome organisms. This test provides an in-depth look at the richness and diversity of the gut microbiome, which is associated with dozens of health conditions and overall wellness. Stool tests are not only for people experiencing GI symptoms. Identifying gut dysbiosis and treating it may play a key role in preventing chronic disease. The GI Map not only assesses the condition of the gut microbiome, but digestion and absorption of nutrients, and inflammation.

SIBO Testing

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth breath test kits by Commonwealth Diagnostics and Genova Diagnostics can diagnose SIBO by measuring fermented gasses methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. Lactulose or glucose is used as a substrate. The test takes place over two to three hours and involves blowing gas into a collection tube. SIBO may cause unwanted weight loss, malnutrition, and uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhea and painful bloating after meals. These noninvasive tests can help to identify or rule out SIBO to get relief faster.

Nutrition Panels

There are a variety of excellent options to choose from. These tests help to assess the functional need for antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals, digestive support, fatty acids, and amino acids. The Metabolomix+ test analyzes key nutritional biomarkers, including organic acids, amino acids, and oxidative stress markers. This is a go-to test for clients experiencing chronic stress, fatigue, mood disorders, or inflammation. Micronutrients testing can evaluate the extracellular and intracellular levels of vitamins and minerals. Organic acids testing provides a metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health.

Metals, Molds, and Toxins

There are opportunities for most people to be exposed to environmental toxins and heavy metals every day. Many people are exposed through their occupation. They may be inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Too much exposure can lead to toxicity and damage to our bodies. Testing may use blood, urine, fingernails, or hair. The best treatment is usually to identify and remove the source of exposure.

Fatty Acids Testing

There are several tests that measure the Omega-3 Index, the Trans Fat Index, the Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio, and the AA/EPA ratio. Many studies have shown that people with higher (vs. lower) omega-3 index levels are at a decreased risk for disease. Testing can identify omega-3 status to help make precise nutrition recommendations.

Take the First Step towards a Healthier Family

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