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Functional testing focuses on physiological function (i.e. how the body functions at a molecular, cellular, tissue or organ level) for Scientific Research rather than merely the presence of markers of disease, like conventional medical and diagnostic testing. Testing analysis varies based on the individual for Experimental Research Design Purposes and for  Analysing the Research Hypothesis for which research is intended.

 

Both types of tests are recommended to draw a clear picture of the root causes of your health problems and to identify your specific requirements and then able to re-establish equilibrium using nutritional and lifestyle interventions.

 

Functional tests, in particular, can be invaluable in identifying the underlying cause of imbalance, as well as your unique nutritional needs, when coupled with your health history, dietary/lifestyle habits and nutritional goals. Diagnostic tests bring faster successful outcomes by facilitating the development of more individualised and targeted therapeutic protocols, as well as preventing illness. Laboratory tests are selected carefully depending on your particular health issue, among a wide range of tests offered by well established scientific laboratories. The turnover of most tests is two to four weeks.

 

Tests are most often non-invasive and typically involve a breath, blood, saliva, urine or stool sample. The majority of samples can be taken at home but a patient may occasionally be asked to attend a laboratory to provide samples.

Their are broad range of functional health tests to help assess the causes of ill health for Scientific Study.  The following is a selection of the tests available:

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Naturopathic Screening refers to the process of evaluating an individual's health status and identifying potential health issues using natural and holistic methods.

 

Screening for cardiovascular disease

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It is assessment to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease for the following individuals:Males who are 40 years old or older postmenopausal women, often aged 50 and beyond, or women who have experienced early menopause. Individuals with a familial background of early-onset cardiovascular disease (specifically, men under the age of 55 and women under the age of 65 in immediate family members)Individuals afflicted with clinical illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or chronic renal disease.

Standard screening techniques and tests that are commonly advised by healthcare professionals include:Cholesterol assessment weight, stature, and body mass index (BMI)

 

Screening for diabetes   

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The Framingham Risk Score is a tool used to assess an individual's risk of developing cardiovascular disease.The diet and lifestyle assessment includes an evaluation of many factors such as nutrition, exercise, stress levels/mental health, tobacco usage, and alcohol intake. It is to undergo re-screening every 1-5 years, depending on the individual's risk level and the suggested therapies.

 

Screening for Type 2 Diabetes

 

Regular screening tests for blood sugar abnormalities are often advised for those aged 40 and above, with the frequency of testing ranging from every 1 to 3 years according on their risk factors. If you have a heightened susceptibility to developing type 2 diabetes, the process of screening may need to occur more frequently and start at an earlier point in time. Several variables that increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes include:

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You have a biological parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

You belong to the ethnic groups of Aboriginal, African, Hispanic, Asian, or South East Asian heritage.

You have a higher than healthy body weight, indicating that you are overweight or obese.

You experienced gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.You are diagnosed with prediabetes.

You have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome.You are experiencing hypertension.

You have elevated levels of cholesterol.You are diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, which includes conditions such as heart failure or a previous heart attack.

Your lifestyle is characterised by a lack of physical activity.

You engage in the act of smoking cigarettes.

 

Standard screening tests and instruments that are commonly recommended: Glucose levels after a period of fastingHaemoglobin A1cTwo-hour oral glucose tolerance test body weight, stature, and body mass index (BMI)Screening for cardiovascular disease

 

Cervical cancer screening

 

Cervical cancer screening, often known as a Pap test, is a diagnostic procedure designed to detect the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix prior to their progression into cancerous cells. Screening can further detect cancer in its early stages, prior to the manifestation of symptoms. Pap tests are advised for all sexually active women and/or persons with a cervix, aged 25 to 69. Screening can be discontinued at age 69 if your test results have consistently shown no abnormalities in the previous decade.

 

Screening for breast cancer

 

Screening mammograms are the most effective means of early detection of breast cancer. Mammograms often detect lumps two to three years prior to their palpable detection by a woman or her healthcare professional.The primary risk factors for getting breast cancer are advanced age (specifically, being 50 years or older) and having a family history of breast cancer.The BC Cancer Agency advises undergoing screening mammograms for the following individuals:Women between the ages of 40 and 74 who have a close family member (mother, daughter, sister) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is advisable to undergo an annual mammogram.Women between the ages of 50 and 74 who do not have a familial predisposition to breast cancer. It is advisable to have a mammogram every two years.

 

Screening for colon cancer

 

Regular screening for colon cancer is recommended for those between the ages of 50 and 74, regardless of gender.Colon cancer screening is beneficial in two significant ways:By detecting and excising polyps in the colon before to their malignant transformation into cancer.By detecting malignancies at an early stage, prior to their potential metastasis. Timely identification leads to more treatment alternatives and improved results.Colon cancer screening is advised for the following individuals:Individuals between the ages of 50 and 74, regardless of gender. Undergo a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years to screen for any abnormalities.Individuals between the ages of 50 and 74, who have a notable family history or personal history of colon cancer. It is advised to get a colonoscopy every 5 years.

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Gastrointestinal Tests: digestion and gut function analysis

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• Digestive Stool Analysis (such as GI Map, Doctor’s Data & Genova Diagnostics) – to check for digestion and absorption, the presence of pathogens (yeast, bacterial infections, viruses and parasites), map the gut microbiome (the balance of ‘good’ to ‘bad’ gut bacteria), digestive enzyme levels, gut immunity and possible inflammation in the large intestine

• SIBO breath test – to check for possible bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, often present in IBS, bloating and other gastrointestinal disturbances.

• Lactose & fructose intolerance breath test

• Leaky gut/ Intestinal Permeability test – to check for integrity of the gut lining, very helpful in gastrointestinal disturbances and immune system reactions, including autoimmunity (rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis etc) and allergies

• Candida test – to check for yeast overgrowth

• H. Pylori Antigen test

 

Immunology Tests: allergy and antibody profiles

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• Gluten intolerance (celiac profiles) and Gluten Sensitivity (non-coeliac mediated)

• Food allergy (IgE-immediate allergic reactions) and Food Sensitivity & Intolerance (IgG-delayed) test.

• Food, food additives and environmental allergens have been implicated in a wide variety of conditions ranging from bloating, migraines, headaches, stomach aches, IBS, constipation/diarrhea, cough, runny nose to severe illnesses such as arthritis and coeliac disease.

• Food intolerances may show up even 72h after exposure to an antigenic substance, making it hard to identify the causative agent.

• Common sensitivities include but are not restricted to wheat, gluten, yeast, dairy (lactose or casein), milk, nuts, corn, eggs, seafood, beans. The panels are tested for both raw and cooked foods. 

 

Endocrine Tests: hormone profiles

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Practically all systems in the body are controlled by hormones, yet poor diet, stressful lifestyles and exposure to toxins may disrupt hormonal levels, resulting in profound effects on health which is studied in scientific Research Study 

 

A range of functional tests are available to evaluate different hormones, including:

• Adrenal Stress Index Test – to measure the level of salivary cortisol and DHEA, critical for uncovering biochemical imbalances underlying chronic fatigue.

• Thyroid Hormone Profiles – to analyse thyroid hormone production and metabolism, the disruption of which affects virtually every metabolic process in the body, from mood and energy levels to weight and sex drive. Conventional diagnostic testing will only test for clinical hypo/hyperthyroidism (disease). Subclinical hypothyroidism is increasingly common in the UK and Mediterranean countries, often left undiagnosed, leaving people feeling desperate or ‘not right’. Functional testing is crucial for early detection of thyroid issues and prevention of thyroid disease however, a full panel is most often needed to diagnose and address poor thyroid function efficiently for Scientific Study.

• Female/Sex Hormones Profile – a test using saliva to track female hormones over a cycle to find out where the imbalances are occurring. Can help determine the root cause of hormonal imbalance issues such as PMS, infertility and menstrual irregularity as well as menopause

• Oestrogen metabolism test – This test measures the ratio of ‘good’ to ‘bad’ oestrogen metabolites which can either encourage or inhibit hormonal-dependent cancer

 

Nutritional and Toxin Status Assessment

 

Inadequate levels of vitamins, minerals and other orthomolecular nutrients or excessive levels of heavy metals can lead to a vast array of health complaints, including infertility, menopause, osteoporosis, miscarriage, children’s health problems, fatigue, depression as well as more serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Nutritional assessments establish the success of dietary and supplementation plans.

 

• Mineral Hair Analysis Test – to test for mineral levels and heavy metal toxicity. Heavy metal assessment is particularly important for individuals coming in contact with toxic chemicals on a daily basis, such as smoking, living in polluted cities, paint, mines, mercury dental fillings, pesticides, vaccines, excessive fish consumption etc

• Bone scanning – to evaluate the risk of osteoporosis

• A number of comprehensive nutritional assessments which measure the levels of organic acids, vitamin and mineral status, protein/ amino acid adequacy, cellular energy production and neurotransmitter processing, such as the Optimal Nutrition Evaluation, NutrEval, Antioxidant biomarkers, Plasma Mineral Profile, Fatty Acid Profile, Anaemia Profile etc and help determine which nutrients and at what levels are most important for you, as opposed to the mythical average person.

• Liver Detoxification Profile – to test for the rate of toxin elimination.

 

Metabolic Assessment

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Genetics, sedentary lifestyle and progressive weight gain are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease, Metabolic Syndrome, diabetes and obesity. Cholesterol has been blamed for many years for the aforementioned conditions, however the latest research points towards more specific and accurate biochemical markers. A range of tests are available for early detection of risk, including:

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• PCOS screening

• Inflammation markers

• Homocysteine Level Assessment

• Body fat assessment

• Glycosylated Haemoglobin

• Fating glucose and insulin levels (pre-diabetes, weight gain, inflammation, PCOS, autoimmunity) 

• Leptin levels 

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Genetic Testing for DNA Research Analysis 

 

Nutrigenomics is a branch of nutritional genomics and a cutting-edge area of research that studies the effects of foods and food constituents on gene expression (DNA), at a molecular level. Knowing which specific foods can affect our genetic expression is invaluable when dealing with chronic illness/symptoms.

 

Nutrigenetics Research studies how genetic variation or SNPs can influence, nutrients’ absorption, metabolism, elimination or biological effects, which can be extremely useful in pointing towards our unique needs and creating long-lasting results. Knowing our genetic predispositions can help prevent illness and foster optimal health for a lifetime.

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