The tests described below are the ones I use most frequently to not only help clients identify the root cause of their ailments, but also to optimize their health.
Comprehensive Stool Test
Micronutrient Test
This blood test looks at nutrients levels intracellularly (inside your cells) telling us what your body has actually absorbed and utilized in the past couple of months. While the levels themself can be insightful, sometimes we see patterns of nutrient deficiencies that help us put the puzzle pieces together. This test is also a great way to assess if the supplements you have been taking are working as intended. For this test and all blood tests ordered, you will either go to a lab or have a mobile phlebotomist come to you for your blood draw.
Food Sensitivity and Allergy
Traditional allergy tests are done as a back prick test, watching for a histamine reaction – the larger the red bump, the higher the reaction. The test I like to use is a blood test that looks not only at food allergies, but also food sensitivities. Because sensitivities can take up to 72 hours to occur and can manifest in a variety of symptoms, they can be harder to identify with just a food journal. While an elimination diet (removing specific foods and being intentional about systematic reintroduction) can be helpful, it can also be time consuming if assessing multiple foods. This test also identifies food intolerances, which not only can result in uncomfortable reactions, but continued consumption of these foods over time can contribute to inflammatory conditions. As a result of doing this test, I have had clients discover ‘healthy’ foods they were eating were actually causing inflammation and/or contributing to their issues.