Each BODY is unique. This is why the ‘one size fits all’ standard medical approach doesn’t work for everyone. What I aim to do is to get to the root cause rather than just manage your symptoms.
Certain health issues can definitely be solved with nutrition alone.
Sometimes however, there are issues that are very stubborn and that is where testing can be useful. By using a test we can really see what is going on inside the body and address those deficiencies and imbalances directly. I have worked with clients that have had a variety of symptoms and the lab work completed has provided valuable insightful information that wouldn’t have been achieved by any other means.
For example, you suspect you have an issue with your thyroid but your test comes back normal or you have a history of unexplained digestive issues or fatigue. You may have trouble conceiving
We can then personalise your programme based on your unique test results, giving your body what it needs to rebalance quickly and effectively.
I have access to a large variety of Functional Clinical health tests, which help me to assess the underlying causes of any imbalances in your body. It takes the guesswork out and there is no more assuming.
All of these tests can be done from the comfort of your own home and will provide a deeper look at what is going on with you. Having this information at hand we can really laser in on your specific issues. The tests involve a variety of methods including hair, saliva, urine and blood testing.
However, it’s important to remember that these tests and results work as “icing on the cake” to an already stellar, nutrient-dense diet.
I also find data hugely motivating for both my clients and myself. Even when you feel better, by seeing the improvements in your results from your previous test, you feel enthused about staying on track, as you can see the results in print. When you have tests done by the GP they often come back as ‘normal’, which is frustrating when you still feel rubbish. This is because they test less markers and their ranges are also not individualised.
Here are some of the most common tests that I run with my clients.
Gut health and microbiome testing
This stool test looks at digestive markers, inflammatory markers, yeasts and parasites, bacteria and imbalances in gut microflora. I use this for long standing tummy trouble that are not resolved with some of the basic interventions.
Our microbiome is unique to us. So important to our wellbeing, it has even been dubbed the second brain. Imbalances in the microbiome are linked to digestive issues including IBS and bloating, to fertility and immunity issues, to low energy and libido, and to illnesses including Alzheimer’s and arthritis.
Symptoms such as sugar cravings may indicate a yeast overgrowth, and the inability to digest dairy may mean lactobacillus is missing entirely. The Invivo stooltest can help us find out specifically what is causing your symptoms so we can work methodically to bring your gut health back to equilibrium.
Well Woman / Well Man testing
Get comprehensive health insights including checks for thyroid function, hormones, vitamins and minerals, and cholesterol. It explores factors that could affect your energy levels, such as your thyroid function, iron levels, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
The Well Woman testing also includes female hormones FSH, LH and oestradiol which are markers for fertility, menopause and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS
The Well Man testing also includes a test for testosterone, a male hormone essential for libido, fertility and building muscle mass.
Hair Mineral Analysis
What does my hair tell me ? Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is the most accurate way to test for intracellular mineral status. It tests for 35 elements, including 14 important nutritional elements, 7 toxic heavy metals, 14 secondary nutritional elements, and 7 significant nutritional ratios and 9 toxic mineral ratios
Why do a HTMA? Our hair contains a lot of data about who you are, how you live, and what your current diet lacks. For example, the key mineral balance needed to support optimal thyroid health are calcium and potassium. These two super-important minerals must be in good balance with each other, but it’s something that I rarely see when working with my clients experiencing thyroid symptoms.
It’s a useful test for anyone who wants to get an overall picture of their health. A strand of hair can tell a lot about what is going on and show which minerals are in short supply in your body, as well as provide insights into:
Stress levels (anxiety)
Oxidation rate (metabolism)
Heavy metal poisoning
Thyroid activity
It is a non invasive test and it requires a small amount of hair (1tsp collected at the root) The newest hair growth (1-1.5 inches) is needed to show what is going on in your body most recently, as hair cut from the ends would show what was happening in your body several years ago depending on hair length.
If you colour, perm or bleach your hair wait until there is virgin growth at the root as the chemical used to treat your hair could contaminate your result and it wouldn’t be accurate.
It's best if you wait about 6- 8 weeks after your last appointment so you can be sure that you have enough hair that is not colour treated.
If you’re looking to improve your diet and mineral intake, hair analysis can be an invaluable diagnostic tool that can show you an overall picture of your health. It is also very affordable which is one reason this is one of the more popular tests.
Full thyroid screen
to include T3, reverse T3 and 2 thyroid antibodies (anti TPO and anti TG)
The Thyroid pathway involves several different thyroid hormones. It’s important to test all of the markers that can indicate a potential thyroid weakness or auto-immune condition so that we can address the root cause and not just the symptoms.
This is a useful test if you have; unresolved symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, depression, cold hands/feet, brain fog, memory loss, constipation, PMS, infertility, low libido, hair loss, poor nails, dry skin, joint pain, high cholesterol. You have been tested but your Dr has told you you're 'normal'. You are on medication but still having symptoms.
Female Hormone Assessment
(with cycling hormones across your menstrual cycle if appropriate):
I use either saliva or the new DUTCH dried urine assessment tests which measure metabolites of hormones, so we can really see where the blockages and issues are in how you process and make hormones.
It tests for:
Cortisol and Cortisone – your STRESS Hormone
DHEA & Testosterone – your androgens and their metabolites, progesterone, estrogen, oestrone and oestriol – your 3 Oestrogens plus their metabolites
Neurotransmitters; Dopamine, Nor-adrnaline, melatonin
Key Nutrients; B12, B6, Glutathione
It can be a useful test if you have symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, overwhelm, irritability, depression, poor sleep, brain fog, memory loss, digestive issues, frequent colds/infections, PMS, hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low libido, high blood pressure, palpitations, infertility and weight gain.
You have a hormone driven condition, such as PMS, PCOS, heavy/painful periods, menstrual migraines, endometriosis or fibroids.
Organic Acid test
This is a urine test that checks for metabolites. Organic acids are the metabolic intermediates of various biochemical processes in the body, including energy prduction, liver detoxification, neurotransmitters and methylation. When I use this test, I can see where a client may have vitamin or mineral deficiencies, bacteria or yeast overgrowth or if they are in a state of oxidative stress. Based on this test I can then recommend specific foods and supplements.
I find the organics acids test is a great test to assess overall health and to take a proactive approach in managing my clients' help, as often markers can be out of range before you feel symptoms.
How to book a Clinical Health Test:
If you would like to have some testing done, you will also need to book one of my Nutrition Coaching Packages. Add a test onto my 3 or 6 month coaching package for a full support and testing service.
If you would like to explore the benefits of functional testing, then feel free to book a free initial consultation with me.