Functional Diagnostic Lab Tests
Part II of the Functional Lifestyle Journey
If you’re currently experiencing chronic discomfort in or around your body, a good way to begin your return to a healthy balance is by working with a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P) like me.
Here's why: Unlike other nutritional coaches, an FDN-P has the ability to order functional lab tests directly, which prove to be incredible tools in helping to analyze the root cause of your discomfort and work with you on healing opportunities to reduce the stress your body experiences and heal from dis-eases.
There are many functional lab tests available, but three are common practice: the GI MAP Stool Test, the MRT, and the SHP and finding unique your Metabolic Type. The specific ins-and-outs of these tests can get a bit technical and science-y, so let’s take a closer look at what these tests look at in simple terms.
What is the GI MAP stool test?
The Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP) is an FDA-approved stool lab test that is considered the most sensitive and accurate stool test available.
This test looks at the level of pathogenic bacteria, parasites, viruses, opportunistic organisms, normal flora, and fungi found in your stool sample. That’s right, we’re talking about what’s found in your poop!
This test can be combined with a DNA/PCR technique to measure antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors that contribute to pathogenicity.
In other words, this test is really good at analyzing your base gut bacteria levels and genetics to determine what stressors your body may be prone to.
What is the MRT test?
The Mediator Release Test (MRT) is a simple blood test that provides insight into 170 inflammation-provoking foods and food chemicals and identifies the best foods that should form the basis of an individual’s eating plan.
It is not dependent on antibody reactions (IgG, IgA, etc).
What is the SHP test?
The Stress and Hormone Profile (SHP) test measures key indicators of immune and stress imbalance or dysfunction.
And if we're getting technical, this includes a reading of cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, and the addition of the daytime levels of Melatonin and Secretory IgA (SIgA).
What is Metabolic Typing?
Metabolic Typing is method of interpretation the “body language,” or the evaluation of any number of the hundreds of different traits and characteristics that make one person distinct from another in terms of:
physical appearance
anatomical or structural traits
psychological characteristics
personality and behavioral traits
food reactions and dietary preferences
Believe it or not, all your highly individualized characteristics have biochemical correlates. In other words, they are a direct result of the unique way in which your regulatory control systems are designed, and in particularly how your body digests and absorbed the food you eat, what type of food works better for your body and which does not. Metabolic Typing along with MRT food sensitivity test give you a complete list of foods that are good for your body. You'll be amazed how this system works.
Are there other wellness tests available?
The use of certain lab tests is based on your unique set of symptoms. An FDN-P like me can help guide you to pick the best testing regimen for you.
Here are some other tests and what they measure:
Thyroid: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, TPO, TgAB, Reverse T3
OAT: Organic Acids Testing
SIBO: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
MWP: Metabolic wellness profile (measuring levels of indican, total bile acids and 8-OHd, key metabolic markers of digestion, detoxification and oxidative stress.)
MBA: Mucosa barrier permeability
Wellness Panels: for men, women, heart health, energy levels, brain function, mineral & methylation.
What comes next?
After the results of your lab testing come in, I’ll get straight to work on your specialized nutrition and lifestyle program. Learn more about the D.R.E.S.S. protocol in Part III of the Functional Lifestyle Journey.
Are you ready to hear more about me?
Schedule a free consultation with me and start exploring how you can help your body healing.