Testing not Guessing

Functional Testing

I like to use functional laboratory testing, where possible, to more accurately determine nutrient and biochemical imbalances, hidden infections, or food sensitivities, that may be contributing to my client’s symptoms. This can help get to the root cause of their health issues more quickly and allows for more a targeted nutritional programme.

Whilst blood tests measure levels of circulation nutrients such as B12 in the serum, this does not tell us how well it is taken up into the body’s cells. Organic acid testing, on the other hand, measures levels of cellular by-products through metabolic processes in the urine. This allows us to assess whether there is enough B12 in the body at a cellular level. B12 is required for the conversion of methylmalonic acid into Succinyl coenzyme A, needed for metabolism. Insufficient cellular levels of B12 result in elevated levels of methylmalonic acid in the urine. 

Functional testing typically involves providing stool, urine, saliva or breath samples. I would order the test kits on your behalf to be sent to your home address. You would then need to follow the instructions provided and return the sample to the lab as directed. Most blood tests can be done in the comfort of your home, however, some may involve travelling to a clinic or arranging a home visit via a mobile service.

I regularly use functional lab tests to assess the following:

  • Digestive function & analysis of gut bacteria

  • Intestinal permeability

  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

  • Infections (viruses, parasites, yeast overgrowth)

  • Toxins (heavy metals, chemicals, or mould)

  • Food intolerance or sensitivity

  • Hormonal imbalance (stress, thyroid, reproductive hormones)

  • Metabolic health markers

  • Immune markers or autoimmune reactivity

GP testing

Where possible, I will recommend GP testing via the NHS. However, due to financial restraints, certain tests are not available on the NHS, and, where appropriate, I will recommend more comprehensive private blood testing.

For example, it is standard procedure for GPs to check Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels when checking for hypothyroidism. However, measuring TSH is often not enough as this does not look at how well your body is converting thyroxine (T4) into T3 (the active form) in order to use it. If the conversion of T4 to T3 is poor, then you may experience common hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue, depression, difficulty concentrating and more.