What is a 'functional test' and do you need one?

It can be very useful to use functional tests to help us get to the root cause of health challenges. They aren't always crucial, but sometimes I may advise they would be useful.

But, what does the term ‘functional tests’ even mean?

Are they different to tests I’ve had at the GP? Are they expensive? How do I know which one I need? Let me de-mystify this world of microscopes and fancy tech.

What are functional tests anyway?

A ‘functional test’ simply means it is a form of diagnostic test that assesses how well your body is functioning.  In reality, they are advanced, much more detailed types of tests than we can access on the NHS.

I use several different functional test suppliers in my clinic. This enables me to recommend the best tests for you specifically as I’m not tied into using any one company.

I’ve done advanced training on test methodology and interpretation for a wide range of options. Most of the testing labs I partner with only work through a practitioner because to the untrained eye the reports look like gobbledegook.

It’s also crucial that any of these tests are interpreted in the context of health history, symptoms and medication.

My top tests and why I use them....

(1) Blood tests

Blood markers can tell you lots about how different bodily systems are working. They can be great for some common nutrient deficiencies such as B12 and iron.

Unfortunately, GP’s are only allowed to request quite basic markers unless certain clinical criteria are met. While I always analyse recent GP-done blood tests if my clients have them, often it is a more thorough and swifter option to use a private blood testing service.

I often suggest Medichecks who frequently have 20% off promotions. Blood draws can be done at numerous clinics I can guide you to or you can have a nurse visit your home.

Costs vary depending on the markers I suggest we need but tend to be in the range £70-£250.

Most common patterns I see that contribute to various health symptoms include low Vitamin D, sub-optimal liver health, poor blood sugar control, low B12 and thyroid challenges.

(2) Stool tests

I may suggest a stool test if digestive issues such as IBS, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, excess wind or pain have been going on for some time.

Whenever I talk about stool tests I am often greeted with a look of horror as I see people wonder if I carry these out in my kitchen…. I do not! I work with various accredited labs depending on the client needs. My particular favourite tests are the Doctors Data GI360 or the Invivo GI Ecologix.

The tests involve taking tiny samples of your stool, sometimes from 3 different samples over the space of a few days. These are then posted back to the labs and take around 3 weeks to produce results.

These tests help us get to the root cause of your digestive issues. They look at the presence of parasites, worms, viruses and bacteria you’d really rather not have. They also consider the health of the gut lining and overall microbiome balance.

Once we have this information we can create a super-personalised plan of action that improves your digestion for good.

These tests are not cheap – investment ranges from £300-£400. But they are incredibly helpful in many cases.

(3) Urine tests

I use these for two main reasons – to establish nutrient deficiencies and to understand hormonal balance and metabolism.

There are a number of different tests which use urine samples, my favourites being the Organic Acids Test (OAT), Humap and Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH test).

Urine tests measuring hormones can be particularly useful in perimenopausal women considering HRT as urine tests conducted over 24 hours give a more comprehensive picture of what is going on on the hormone rollercoaster compared to bloods.

They are also able to indicate how your body is using these hormones and if you tend to metabolise oestrogen in more favourable ways or not which can contribute to symptoms (more on this another time).

OAT tests are helpful when you want to understand potential challenges with your metabolism, neurotransmitters (brain hormones) and how well you detoxify toxins.

These tests range from £200-£500, again, an investment, but one often worth making if you can.

(4) Genetic tests

Nutrigenomics is the study of how your genetic profile interacts with your food and lifestyle to influence your health.

I am a Lifecode GX registered practitioner, the leading UK Nutrigenomics provider.

A quick swab of the inside of your cheek collects your DNA. Depending on your symptoms I advise which genetic reports we would want to consider. The test and a couple of reports costs between £200-£300.

Understanding your genetic predispositions is super helpful as it can help us understand what is driving your symptoms and where you may need more support. In clinical practice I’ve used Nutrigenomics most for mental health challenges, chronic fatigue and metabolic dysfunction.

This really is the bees knees in terms of personalised nutrition, particularly if combined with any of the above tests, depending on your health challenges.

So in conclusion…

Obviously, testing is not necessary or affordable for everyone and is never a pre-requisite to work with me.

However, sometimes it is super informative and boosts my detective work around what is driving your less-than-optimal health challenges.

If you’d like to find out more about functional testing or working with me, please book in for a free chat here.