Functional Testing
To Understand Your Biology
Get ready to learn more about your unique body.
How Can I Help You?
Functional lab testing is a type of medical testing that looks beyond identifying a disease or condition and instead focuses on the evaluation of the overall function of the body’s systems. It is a proactive and preventive approach to health and wellbeing, as it aims to identify imbalances and/or dysfunctions sometimes years before the development of a chronic condition.
At Gut Philosophy, we offer a number of functional tests looking to investigate multiple parameters across digestive and gut health, metabolic state, nutrient status, comprehensive hormones, detoxification capabilities, neurotransmitters and genetic analysis.
Our functional testing options include:
Functional Blood Test
Our comprehensive blood test includes over 150+ biomarkers and assesses your hormonal, immune, metabolic, digestive and nutritional health status. The test also includes an urinalysis (i.e. urine test) and Body Composition Analysis. This approach allows us to identify any early signs of biochemical imbalances and nutrient deficiencies in your body. This is a preventative approach providing us with a clear understanding of your overall health and allowing us to address any imbalances before they lead to more serious health issues.
Organic Acid Test
This test is based on 76 urinary metabolite markers and is useful in discovering root causes of chronic conditions. The test provides a metabolic snapshot of what is going on in your body. It gives an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria, provides information on important neurotransmitters, nutritional markers, glutathione status, oxalate metabolism, and much more.
Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (“DUTCH”)
This urine test is a comprehensive assessment of sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites. It also includes the daily, free cortisol pattern, organic acids, melatonin (6-OHMS), and oxidative stress marker (8-OhdG). The test can help identify root causes of your hormone imbalances and provide insight into conditions such as PMS, fibrocystic breasts, uterine fibroids, hair loss, increased facial and body hear, acne, loss of libido, fatigue, depression, insomnia, mood swings, weight gain and more. It is also a great tool to monitor your Hormone Replacement Therapy (“HRT”).
GI360 – Functional Stool Analysis
This stool test evaluates your gut health by analysing your intestinal microbiome composition, presence of yeast or/and parasites, looking into how well your digestion is working, markers of gut inflammation. This test can help identify the root causes of maldigestion, IBS, inflammatory gut conditions. Additionally, understanding the state of your gut health may provide insights into root causes of autoimmunity, frequent infections, skin conditions, low mood and depression, and more.
Genetic Testing
Our professional genetic analysis is focussed on specific areas of your health that you are looking to investigate in-depth, for example Methylation, Detoxification, Hormones, Oestrogen Dominance, Histamine Intolerance, Nervous System, Thyroid Function, Nutrients and more. Our genetic panels inform how inherited health risks can be mitigated through personalised nutrition and lifestyle change. Understanding your predisposition towards less effective biochemical processes and enzymatic reactions allows for a preventative and truly personalised approach to health.
Environmental Toxins Testing
Our environmental toxins testing evaluates the level of toxins present in your body, including heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals. This test can help identify any toxins that may be affecting your health and inform recommendations for optimal detoxification. At Gut Philosophy, we believe that functional testing provides unparalleled insights into your unique health needs. Understanding your biochemical imbalances, insufficiencies and demands is the first step on your journey to optimal health.
Contact us today to schedule your complimentary Discovery Call to learn which functional test may be the best for you.
Functional Testing FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Functional Testing
Functional laboratory testing is a type of medical testing that looks at how the body is functioning at the cellular and molecular level. It can be used to investigate and assess the root causes of a wide range of health concerns, including nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial imbalances, hormonal issues, toxicity and issues with detoxification, chronic infections, parasites, and more.
Functional lab testing can include a variety of tests, such as functional blood biochemistry, organic acids and mycotoxins testing, hormonal and metabolites testing, comprehensive stool tests, heavy metals and environmental toxins tests. These tests may measure such markers as nutrient levels (vitamins, minerals), hormone and metabolites (i.e. intermediate products of metabolism), gut microbiome composition, toxic burden and inflammatory markers.
Functional tests can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes of health concerns and help guide the development of personalised treatment plans. It can also help track progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed.
Functional lab testing is typically ordered by a healthcare professional, such as a functional medicine practitioner or a conventional medical doctor. The majority of the functional tests could be completed at home, for example urine hormonal testing, organic acids and stool testing. Venous blood draws are completed at a clinic or a lab by a trained phlebotomist, nurse or other medical practitioner.
Coverage for functional lab testing may vary depending on your insurance plan. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if functional lab testing is covered under your plan. Some practitioners may also offer self-pay options or work with clients on a sliding scale fee.
Testimonials
What My Happy Clients Say!
“Elena has inspired me to start my health optimization journey. She has done several functional tests for me (microbiome etc) and helped identify and treat a few issues they showed. It transpired I had candida (which explained some issues I had for years) and through following Elena’s advice, this has been sorted.
She has also tweaked my diet, encouraging me to include food groups I used to ignore and making sure my morning smoothies were balanced, teaching me optimum nutrition for better health. She has also given me advice on sleep, stress management, and weight loss. I have now lost 6kg following Elena’s recommendations and have never felt better.”