Functional Testing

I run functional tests ranging from stool tests, urine tests for metabolic markers and nutrigenomics/genetic testing. Here is a summary of some of the frequent tests I run in my practice (please note that testing is not an obgligatory requirement to the consultation):

Nutrigenomics testing – LifecodeGX

Is the way your body is responding to menopause in part down to your biological blueprint? A fascinating way to pinpoint how your genetic variants or polymorphisms / SNPs affect your health and how they can be mitigated through food and lifestyle. Are there genetic reasons why you have problems sleeping or suffer with anxiety? Are you a slow or fast metaboliser of caffeine, do you have a higher propencity for lactose intolerance, do your SNPs make vitamin D absorption less efficient, how do your SNPs effect appetite, your stress response, susceptability to infection and oestrogen detoxification? Here are some of reports that can be done:

Nutrient Core Report – This test analyses how gene variants can affect food tolerance (and intolerance), appetite control and blood sugar balance, vitamin and mineral needs, detoxification ability, and susceptibility to inflammation and infection.

Hormone Report – This test analyses genes involved in the regulation, synthesis, signalling, transport and metabolism of stress and sex hormones. It looks at how gene variants affects hormones imbalance and details the nutrients and environmental factors that can influence and improve their balance.

Nervous System Report – It 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.

Detoxifcation Report – 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. This report looks at key genes involved in liver detoxifcation and highlights personalised nutritional support required to optimise detoxification.

Metabolics Report – Looks at the genes that can powerfully influence key pathways looking at appetite regulation, nutrient sensing, sugar and fat metabolism, cholesterol and bile, mitochondria and inflammation.

APOE Report – APOE E4 being the biggest risk factor for Alzhemier’s disease – although this does not mean you are going to get it. 50% of Alzheimers sufferers do NOT have this genetic SNP. The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is best known for its role in fat metabolism by helping to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. It can exist in three main forms known as E2, E3 and E4. The E4 form of the APOE gene has been associated with increased plasma cholesterol and triglycerides and susceptibility to cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. However, having an E4 genotype is one of many risk factors and does not mean you will develop any of these conditions.

Histamine Report – histamine intolerance is the body’s reaction to an imbalance between accumulated histamine and the capacity to break it down. It can often manifest at menopause due to it’s link with oestrogen. When the body is unable to break histamine down quickly enough it becomes toxic. Symptoms of histamine toxicity may include skin irritation or breathing difficulties (mimicking an allergic reaction), digestive problems, headaches, insomnia and anxiety. 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 – Methylation is the process of adding methyl groups, consisting of one carbon and three hydrogen atoms, to other molecules. It is involved in almost every metabolic process in the body, occurring billions of times every second in our cells and contributing to numerous crucial functions.

Genova GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Test looks at digestive markers, inflammatory markers, yeasts and parasites, bacteria and imbalances in gut microflora

Genova Metabolomix which is a urine test which includes B vitamins, zinc, magnesium and manganese but it does include some gut support markers as well as antioxidant glutathione