What Testing can we do?
There is alot we can understand about your body by listening, observing and taking a thorough health history. We usually start here and begin some simple treatment strategies and it helps us see what might be the best treatment plan, or wether we need to do some further testing.
Testing gives us a sneak peak inside the body and helps us understand how you are functioning, things you are at risk of and how to best support you. Theres testing we can organise with your doctor and medicare and things Naturopaths have access too test also.
Whats the difference between Functional Testing and blood Testing from your Doctor?
Pathology testing through your doctor is often recommended when we start working together. It helps us rule out any red flags, diagnose any conditions and see whats happening inside your body.
Pathology means 'the science of disease'. So pathology testing is essentially looking for disease.
'Functional Testing' is looking for function and dysfunction. How optimally is the body functioning?
Both are important and used for different bits of information. We collate it all together to develop a treatment plan, best suited for your body.
What Blood Testing do I usually recommend through the GP?
This all depends on whats happening with your body. We try and encourage an annual check up through your GP and I can write a letter with some suggestions for them to request.
The GP will then give you a pathology request, you will get your bloods done and then see your GP for the results. Please get a copy of ALL of your bloods and bring them to our next session.
Here are some basic tests that I am commonly checking;
FBC - Full Blood Count for an overview and Heamoglobin count.
Iron studies - If of reproductive age, before, during or after pregnancy or have symptoms of Iron Deficiency.
Liver Function - The liver is a really important organ and is effected in about 30% of my clients.
TSH, T3, T4, rT3, Thyroid Antibodies - For Anyone with Thyroid symptoms, family history of Thyroid conditions or fertility issues.
Zinc and copper - Important in anxiety and insomnia
MTHFR, B12, Vitamin D - For all things mental health.
HbA1C, Insulin and Fasting glucose - If blood sugars are imbalanced, weight gain or loss, family history of diabetes.
Reproductive Hormones - Generally on Day 2 of your cycle, if periods are irregular, really heavy or light or conceiving is taking longer then expected. Include Testosterone for symptoms of PCOS.
Parasite PCR, H.pylori, Lactose and fructose breath testing - For all people with chronic gut issues.
What Functional Testing is available?
There are hundreds of options! But the main 3 I use in my practice are;
Hair Mineral Testing Analysis - This tells us any heavy metals in your body and how your Minerals and metabolism is functioning. I take a tablespoon sample of your hair from the back, close to the roots. I use this test if there are signs of heavy metal toxicity, mineral deficiencies, mental health, inflammation, skeletal issues, gut issues and as a general check up. Cost for Test only - $200.
Hair 600 Testing - This hair test, checks your bodies compatibility to over 600 different food and environmental triggers and sends us a detailed report of what things your body doesnt agree with. We then eliminate these foods for 6 weeks whilst we do a gut healing program. I use this test often in gut health clients, inflammation, allergies and eczema. Cost for Test only - $300
Comprehensive Gut Analysis - This is a stool sample that tells us the good and bad bacteria, any infections, how you absorb your food, any gut inflammation, leaky gut, acidity and so much more! There are 5 options ranging from $155-$355. The more problematic the gut, the more comprehensive test I recommend.
What happens after the test is sent?
Test results are usually returned within 2-3 weeks of the sample being sent. Once we have the results, we will book you in for a follow up and work out a treatment plan. We usually work out any targeted herbs or supplements, any food and lifestyle suggestions and will generally catch up in 4 weeks after that.
How do I organise Functional Testing?
I can organise all of this for you. The first step however, is to have an Initial Consultation where we understand your whole body, and health history and make sure its worth the investment of testing. It may seem expensive, but really, 1 test is the equivalent of a few bottles of supplements which could be totally the wrong fit for your body. So it pays for itself very quickly. It can also get you better, quicker, saving you money on appointments and a whole bunch of time getting to the root cause.
Book in to get started here or shoot me any questions at bewell@ecomumma.com
Charmaine xxx