Functional Testing.

Functional testing can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your nutritional levels, identifying imbalances and deficiencies that could be underlying contributing factors affecting your health. Functional tests have become an essential diagnostic tool in a naturopathic nutritionist’s protocol as they can help clarify the client’s condition/nutrient status to enable a more focussed naturopathic plan in the process of re-establishing good health.

Types of Functional Nutritional Tests

Hormone Testing – Assesses hormone levels, thyroid function, and potential autoimmune dysfunction. Hormone panels, including adrenal and sex hormone testing, can identify imbalances like adrenal fatigue or oestrogen/testosterone fluctuations that impact energy and mood.

Nutritional Analysis – Evaluates dietary intake and lifestyle factors to detect nutrient deficiencies or imbalances. Specialised tests can assess levels of micro nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids to detect deficiencies affecting energy production. 

Comprehensive Stool Tests – Examines digestive function, gut inflammation, and microbiome health. Poor gut health can lead to fatigue by impairing nutrient absorption and increasing inflammation. Comprehensive stool tests can detect imbalances in gut bacteria, parasites, fungi or other issues affecting digestion and absorption.

Blood Tests – Measures key markers related to hormonal balance, nutrient levels, and inflammation. A comprehensive blood panel can reveal anaemia, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiencies, and electrolyte imbalances—all of which can contribute to low energy levels. Testing markers such as complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and thyroid function can provide essential insights.

Food Sensitivity Tests – Identifies foods that may trigger adverse reactions, contributing to symptoms like fatigue, bloating, and inflammation. Hidden food sensitivities can cause systemic inflammation, brain fog, and fatigue. Elimination diets can also help pinpoint problematic foods, allowing for a more tailored diet to support energy levels.

Benefits of Functional Nutritional Testing

• Identifies nutrient gaps and ensures you’re meeting essential dietary needs.
• Helps uncover the root causes of health concerns, such as fatigue, mitochondria dysfunction, digestive issues, or inflammation.
• Provides a foundation for personalised dietary and lifestyle modifications to optimise overall well-being.

Additional tests to consider: 

Sleep - If you’re experiencing fatigue despite adequate sleep, a sleep study can identify disorders like sleep apnoea, restless leg syndrome, or nocturnal oxygen deficiencies that could be disrupting your rest and recovery.

Genetic Testing - Genetic predispositions can influence how your body metabolises nutrients, detoxifies, and produces energy. Genetic testing can provide personalised insights into mitochondrial function, methylation, and detox pathways, allowing for targeted health interventions.