What Test is Right For You?

Written By Livia Lai

Here at The Vital Balance, we offer a range of functional medicine testing not typically available through your doctor that can give you greater insight into your health status and imbalances. Often clients will have standard bloods test requested by their doctor and be told their results are ‘normal and nothing to worry about’, yet they continue to feel unwell, and given little to no explanation to why and what to do next.

Functional tests cover a broad range of health conditions and symptoms ranging from stool profile, food allergies, reproductive hormones, adrenal hormones, nutrients, and genetics. There are many different types of test, with varying prices, but we will be able to recommend the right one for you based on your case, symptoms and budget.

Let’s explore some of the functional medicine tests available through a qualified practitioner.

Comprehensive stool profile

A comprehensive stool profile can detect and assess the status of pathogens, viruses, parasites, and bacteria that may be contributing to acute or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and disease. It includes a broad range of stool chemistry markers to assess digestion/absorption, inflammation, immunology, short chain fatty acids and intestinal health markers.

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
    Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
    Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
    Auto-immune disease
    Joint pain
    Food sensitivities
    Nutritional deficiencies
    Skin conditions

  • Regenerus Lab - GI360 Complete

    GI360 sample report

SIBO Breath Test

SIBO breath test measures hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gas levels in response to ingesting glucose. Both hydrogen and methane are expelled during respiration making breath testing a non-invasive way of identifying SIBO. SIBO breath testing assesses hydrogen and methane gases to evaluate for SIBO or intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO). If SIBO is present, bacteria will metabolise glucose within the small intestine resulting in an early increase in gas production. Bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation are common symptoms of SIBO.

  • Diarrhoea
    Constipation
    Bloating
    Cramping
    Nausea
    Reflux
    Flatulence
    Belching
    Repeated antibiotic use
    Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
    Hypochloridria
    Pancreatitis
    Diabetic neuropathy
    Migrating motor complex (MMC) impairment
    Gastroenteritis
    Motility disorders
    Crohn's Disease
    IBS
    Coeliac Disease

  • Regenerus Lab - SIBO Glucose

    SIBO Glucose - Sample Report

Food Sensitivity Test

IgE and IgG antibody assessments are bloodspot tests that can help identify problematic foods or allergens by measuring antibodies to commonly eaten foods and environmental antigens. Identifying reactive foods and specific triggers helps tailor your treatment plan as their removal from your diet and lifestyle often results in symptoms resolving.

  • Swelling
    Hives
    Itching
    Anaphylaxis
    Common food sensitivity symptoms include:
    Diarrhoea or loose stool
    Constipation
    Gas or bloating
    Heartburn
    Rashes, eczema, or swelling
    Joint pain or inflammation
    Headaches or migraine
    Congestion or runny nose
    Sinus infections
    Acne
    Exacerbation of Autistic traits
    Irritable bowel syndrome
    Fatigue or poor sleep

  • Genova Diagnostics - Food Sensitivity+

    Food Sensitivity+ Sample Report

Adrenal Stress Profile

This Adrenal Function test assesses the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis using carefully timed salivary samples over the course of the day of the hormone’s cortisol and DHEA. Imbalances in adrenal hormone as can have a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, mood disorders, weight issues, and cardiovascular disease.

Cortisol levels should be at their highest level 30 minutes after waking up in the morning, decreasing gradually over the course of the day and reaching their lowest point at bedtime. The resulting pattern allows practitioners to pinpoint issues with adrenal gland function, leading to symptoms related to stress, fatigue, and insomnia.

DUTCH Complete Test

DUTCH Complete provides a comprehensive assessment of 35 different sex and adrenal hormones, including oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and cortisol along with their metabolites by assessing dried urine. It also measures melatonin and nine organic acids including markers for vitamin B12 (methylmalonate), vitamin B6 (kynurenate and xanthurenate), biotin (β-hydroxyisovalerate), glutathione (pyroglutamate), dopamine (homovanillate), norepinephrine/epinephrine (vanilmandelate), neuroinflammation (quinolinate) and tryptophan putrefaction (indican).

DUTCH Complete can help identify the root causes of sex hormone and adrenal imbalances in both women and men.

Methylation Panel

A methylation Panel offer insight into critical biochemical methylation pathways and can uncover needs for nutritional support such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in people with cancer risk, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, fertility issues, psychiatric and mood disorders, and neurological disorders. Knowing this can help guide dietary and nutraceutical treatment plans.

Thyroid Panel

A thyroid hormone profile provides a thorough analysis of thyroid hormone metabolism, thyroid hormone production and secretion, peripheral thyroid conversion, and thyroid autoimmunity. A thyroid panel reveals imbalances that often go undetected with more limited assessments. It is useful for individuals that are suffering from thyroid dysfunction, in particular auto-immune thyroid conditions including Hashimoto and Graves’ disease.

  • Fatigue
    Depression
    Feeling cold
    Constipation
    Poor skin
    PMS, dysmenorrhoea
    Poor fertility
    Weight gain or inability to lose weight
    Fluid retention
    Anxiety and mood disorders
    Decreased memory, concentration, or brain fog
    Muscle and joint pain
    Low libido
    Hyperthyroid symptoms include:
    Nervousness
    Anxiety
    Mood swings and irritability
    Hyperactivity or feeling tired all the time
    Palpitations
    Sensitivity to heat

  • Genova Diagnostics - Thyroid Panel

    Thyroid Panel Sample Report

Livia Lai
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