Understanding the Differences Between Laboratory Testing: GP vs. Functional Medicine
Marie Christine Dix
Understanding the Differences Between Laboratory Testing: GP vs. Functional Medicine
Do you happen to know one of the most commonly asked questions in my practice regarding functional medicine testing?
What is the difference between Laboratory Testing that the GP offers vs. Functional Medicine testing?
A GP typically runs standard laboratory tests to check for diseases or medical conditions. These tests are often focused on identifying specific markers or abnormalities in the body that are associated with a particular condition. For example, a GP may order blood tests to check for cholesterol levels or to see if there are any signs of infection in the body.
A functional medicine doctor in comparison takes a more comprehensive “wide lense” view approach to laboratory testing looking at the patients complete health picture and joining the dots so to speak on the patterns or imbalances that may have led to particular symptoms or ill health. Rather than just looking for specific markers or abnormalities, functional medicine testing is designed to assess WHOLE body function and identify underlying imbalances or dysfunctions that may be contributing to symptoms or health issues. This type of testing can include a wide range of assessments, such as blood, urine, stool, and saliva testing, as well as genetic and microbiome testing.
Functional medicine testing can provide a more detailed picture of a patient's health status, allowing the functional medicine doctor to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the patient's symptoms or health issues. By identifying imbalances or dysfunctions early on, functional medicine testing can also help prevent chronic diseases and promote optimal health and wellbeing.
Overall, the main difference between laboratory testing done by a GP and a functional medicine doctor is the focus of the testing. GP testing is often focused on identifying specific markers or abnormalities, while functional medicine testing is designed to assess overall body function and identify underlying imbalances or dysfunctions that may be contributing to symptoms or health issues.
In my next email I will be sharing the specific areas I offer testing and analysis for. If you’re keen to find out now check out my website laboratory test page which lists a small selection of the many tests I can offer : https://drmariechristinedix.com/laboratory-testing
I THINK THIS SHOULD BE IN THE FOLLOW UP EMAIL as otherwise too long!!
What specific areas can I test for?
Gastrointestinal labs - testing looks at the microbiome, what bacteria you have/don’t have, parasites, candida, inflammatory markers, dysbiosis and an comprehensive view of stool chemistries to better understand what is going on in your digestive tract. A comprehensive stool lab is a valuable test for anyone suffering with chronic digestive issues or autoimmune conditions.
Total Thyroid Screen – Looking at total thyroid hormone levels. I review thyroid function from all levels not just TSH (which is the marker your GP will test – you normally need to be referred to a specialist to get the other markers checked). I test levels of: TSH, Total T4, free T4, free T3 anti-TG antibodies and anti-TPO antibodies to assess central and peripheral thyroid function as well as autoimmune thyroid dysfunction.
Hormone testing whether that is for fertility, menstrual issues, PCOS, PMT, PMDD, peri-menopause or menopause. Specific tests recommended will vary on the presenting symptoms and overall case picture. There are multiple ways to gain a better understanding of what is driving your clinical picture and I will always recommend any labs based on what will gain most information for you as an individual whilst weighing up the best way to spend your budget (I often find with hormonal symptoms often significant improvements can be made without the need for ordering functional labs!).
Other areas I can test for:
Nutrient deficiencies
Food intolerance testing
Oxidative stress and metabolic imbalance
Toxic exposure: mold or other toxic chemicals eg mercury, arsenic, lead…
Nutrigenomics testing: the study of the interaction of nutrition and genes, especially with regard to the prevention or treatment of disease. I offer a range of testing here including testing on:
Nutrient Core: Nutrient Core will help you understand the fundamental genetic interactions with diet and lifestyle and indicate whether specific functions require further genetic testing. It includes genes that have been shown to affect:
food response - coeliac disease (gluten) and lactose intolerance
caffeine - sensitivity and metabolism
microbiome - diversity
vitamin need - vitamins A, B9 (folate), B12 (cobalamin), C, D and K
blood pressure - sodium-potassium balance & salt sensitive hypertension
detoxification - glutathione
metabolism - blood sugar control (insulin), appetite (leptin)
inflammation - specific (infection response) and systemic
circadian rhythm - early bird or night owl predisposition
Detoxification: looking at genes that support detoxification. Poor detoxification can cause symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, allergies, skin disorders, weight gain, bloating, acid reflux and heartburn, excessive sweating, chronic infections, subfertility, low libido, poor mental function and low stress tolerance.
Metabolics: looking at pathways related to metabolic health including appetite regulation, nutrient sensing, sugar and fat metabolism, cholesterol and bile and mitochondria (our cell batteries) and inflammation pathways.
Histamine Intolerance report: The Histamine Intolerance test analyses the genes and nutrients needed to breakdown and remove histamine, showing where disruptions occur and how to support optimal function.
Methylation report: Imbalances in methylation - too little or too much - can increase susceptibility to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, circulatory problems, chronic fatigue, infertility, immune and autoimmune conditions, food and chemical sensitivities, and mood and psychiatric disorders, as well as cancer and premature ageing.
Athlete report: DNA sequencing has opened the door to personalised approaches to health and fitness, enabling a more intelligent approach to training, recovery and performance. In this report, we present elements of your unique DNA profile that have been shown to affect athletic performance.
Hormones report: The Hormones test analyses genes involved in the regulation, synthesis, signaling, transport and metabolism of corticosteroids and sex steroids hormones. It looks at how gene variants affect hormone imbalance and details the nutrients and environmental factors that can influence and improve their balance. The Hormones report is recommended for men and women with hormone imbalance symptoms such as infertility, low libido and sex drive, low sperm count, acne, excess facial hair in women, PCOS, blood clots, mood swings, depression, substance misuse, poor memory, weight gain (belly fat for men), breast appearances in men, and hormone sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer.
Nervous system report: analyses gene variants that impact serotonin (contentment) and melatonin (sleep), dopamine (motivation), noradrenaline and adrenaline (fight or flight); glutamate (the major excitatory neurotransmitter); GABA (the major inhibitory neurotransmitter) which is critical for relaxation; and endoCannabinoids (AEA/ anandamide) which regulate other neurotransmitters. The report provides detailed recommendations for nutritional support to alleviate symptoms and to optimise mental health.
Thyroid balance report- this report analyses the genes involved in the thyroid hormone lifecycle: synthesis - centrally (in the thyroid) and in activation in peripheral tissues, transport and metabolism, processing of cofactors (vitamins D and A) and inhibitors (stress and toxins). It also examines genes that confer susceptibility to inflammation and autoimmunity.
The nutrigenomic tests and descriptions need to go up on the website too on lab page under Nutrgenomics ( can you put this at the top?) and a link to enquire via email about ordering
Take charge of your health and discover the root cause of your symptoms by booking a comprehensive functional medicine assessment today. With a range of add on labs available, including Total Thyroid Screen, Adrenal Stress Profile, and GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile, you can get a detailed picture of your overall body function and create a personalised treatment plan to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Don't wait until it's too late - book your consult now and take the first step towards a healthier you.