When I reached my 40’s my body was out of sync; I battled with hypothyroidism, depression, PTSD, weight gain, insomnia, liver congestion, brain fog, and even uncontrollable psoriasis. Despite adopting a vegetarian diet and maintaining a rigorous exercise routine, my energy levels plummeted, and desperation set in.
I took in on to myself to become the CEO of my own health. Drawing on my 25 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry, I sought answers beyond conventional medicine. As a scientist, I was seeking a data driven solution to better understand what was happening within my body and use this information to develop a plan to eliminate a constant cycle of trial and error.
I needed a methodology that would make a significant difference specifically for my body. Without the time, patience, resources, or motivation to continue guessing, I decided to stop guessing and start testing. This decision led me to Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN), which uses advanced lab testing along with tailored nutrition, stress reduction, sleep, exercise and lifestyle adjustments to uncover and address health imbalances.
5 foundational laboratory tests that you need (and your doctor doesn’t know about)
- Dutch test by Precision Analytical
The Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH) provides a detailed profile of sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and adrenal hormones (DHEA, cortisol) along with their metabolites. It includes the overall diurnal pattern of free cortisol, the total distribution of cortisol metabolites, and an organic acid test (organic acids panel), which gives insights into nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis, melatonin, and neuroinflammation. This test helps understand how the body processes hormones and the possible impact on physical well-being.
The DUTCH test is a highly convenient at-home urine test collected between days 19-22 of a woman’s 28-day menstrual cycle. Men can take it at any time. Clients need to urinate on a card, let it dry, and mail the samples using the provided pre-paid courier service.
- GI MAP by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratories
The GI-MAP (Microbial Assay Plus) is a comprehensive stool test utilizing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to accurately detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting specific DNA. It is widely recognized that gut health significantly impacts overall well-being. The gut microbiome plays an essential role in mediating the effects of diet and other factors on digestive, immune, metabolic, inflammatory, dermatological, neurological, and neuroendocrine health. The results from this test, combined with findings from other foundational assessments, facilitate the development of a personalized lifestyle protocol aimed at optimizing overall health.
The GI-MAP is an at-home test designed for convenience. Simply collect a sample in the privacy of your bathroom, then send it using the provided pre-paid courier service.
- Metabolic Wellness Panel (MWP) by FluidsiQ
This is test is a great assessment on metabolism and their pathways for function optimally; specifically, liver and detoxification pathways, digestion and oxidative stress. Three specific biomarkers are used in this assessment: indican, total bile acids and 8-OHdG.
An indican test can screen for digestion issues by measuring the byproducts of protein putrefaction in the small intestines. The urinary bile acids (UBAs) test measures liver and gallbladder function. Oxidative stress is measured by 8-OHdG, a biomarker indicating DNA damage from free radicals. It can be assessed directly by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) or indirectly by the damage they cause to lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
The MWP test is a highly convenient at-home urine test collected first thing in the morning. Clients need to urinate on a card, let it dry, and mail the samples using the provided pre-paid courier service.
- Mucosal Barrier Assessment (MBA) by FluidsiQ
The mucosal barrier/membrane, found throughout the body, separates the external environment from the internal milieu. The intestinal mucosal barrier is thin, fragile, and complex. It has two main functions: allowing digested micronutrients to pass through the hepatic portal system, and protecting the bloodstream from harmful bacteria, toxins, and parasites. Healthy intestinal barriers are crucial for digestion and gut immunity. Dysfunction can lead to gut issues and immune challenges, such as increased pathogen load and impaired absorption of water, sodium, and fat-soluble vitamins.
Zonulin regulates the tight junctions between epithelial cells by keeping them open. It only opens these junctions to flush out waste and immune complexes into the gut lumen; it cannot close them. Diamine Oxidase (DAO) is an enzyme that breaks down histamine. Histamine, produced in mast cells, increases blood flow to areas needing repair due to injury or offense.
The MBA test is a highly convenient at-home blood spot test. Clients collect blood spots on to a card, let it dry, and mail the samples using the provided pre-paid courier service.
- Food Inflammation Test (FIT) 132 by KBMO
The FIT test measures immune responses to foods, including inflammation and leaky gut markers. It detects both IgG antibodies and immune complexes to assess reactivity to various food antigens. Food sensitivities can cause significant internal stress and inflammation if not addressed, affecting the digestive system and potentially leading to dysbiosis, candida overgrowth, H. pylori proliferation, leaky gut, malnutrition, liver congestion, and impaired immunity.
The Fit 132 test is an at-home blood spot test. Clients collect blood spots on a card, let them dry, and mail the samples using a pre-paid courier service.
Key Takeaway
These 5 proven foundational lab tests will help to identify health imbalances across multiple physiological aspects of the body e.g., hormone imbalance, immune response, detoxification pathways, digestive disorders, energy production and oxidative stress. Test results are typically provided in about three weeks. We will then review the test results, correlate them with your symptoms and other findings, and discuss nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress reduction, and supplementation recommendations based on your data.
As a certified FDNP, I offer personalized, science-based programs tailored to you. Through advanced lab tests and holistic protocols, I identify the stressors impacting your health and guide you to sustainable solutions.
Don’t just survive—thrive. Let’s work together to restore balance and help you live a vibrant, healthy life.