Functional Pathology can help to diagnose many conditions and also help to identify underlying imbalances before they become a problem. There is a wide range of tests available and I have listed some of the most beneficial and popular tests done by Planet Naturopath, but if there is any test missing that you would like to do just let me know.
The adrenocortex stress test is a saliva test that measures DHEA and Cortisol at 4 different times of the day to measure your response to stress. Stress can be caused by emotional problems, dietary and physical injuries and sickness.
Many chronic health problems can be caused by stress and too high or too low cortisol will lead to fatigue, immune problems, weight gain and increased emotional stress. More information about testing adrenal function can be found here
As well as testing cortisol and DHEA it is also possible to measure Melatonin if you are having chronic insomnia, as this maybe a contributing factor to your lack of sleep.
Adrenal Stress Test indicating high cortisol levels
Thyroid abnormalities are one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting millions worldwide. Thyroid hormones are known for their role in basal metabolic rate, development and growth. Hypothyroidism affects approximately 4-5% of the population whilst estimates for hyperthyroidism are 0.4-2%
The thyroid hormones interact with receptors found in the nucleus of every cell of the body and this interaction leads to the ‘turning on and off’ of many genes and ultimately to the modification of many bodily functions. Therefore, it is understandable that abnormalities in the level of thyroid hormones can lead to a diverse array of symptoms involving the heart, brain, skin and reproductive systems.
High Reverse T3 makes the TSH seem “normal” but active T3 is low
Imbalances in sex hormones can lead to a wide range of symptoms in men and women and can affect fertility, weight, healthy aging, mental health, cardiovascular health and osteoporosis.
The Organix Comprehensive Profile provides a view into the body’s cellular metabolic processes and the efficiency of metabolic function. Identifying metabolic blocks that can be treated nutritionally allows individual tailoring of interventions that maximize patient responses and lead to improved patient outcomes. Organic acids are metabolic intermediates that are produced in pathways of central energy production, detoxification, neurotransmitter breakdown, or intestinal microbial activity.
The Organic Acids test requires a urine sample making it an easy test do for people of all ages and gives the widest range of metabolic markers out of any test.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In the past decade CVD has been the cause of over one-third of all premature deaths in Australia. The conventional risk factors for CVD include hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and diabetes and inflammation. However, in an individual the presence of only one of these factors has a low positive predictive value. The most advanced strategy for coronary risk assessment is therefore to combine the information of several risk factors; a ‘multi-marker’ approach which enhances risk assessment.
The comprehensive cardiovascular assessment measures detailed cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as inflammatory and clotting factors which are the drivers behind cardiovascular disease.
Gastrointestinal function is important for general health. The intestinal tract contains significant amounts of bacteria – some beneficial, some neutral, and some harmful. Balancing beneficial microbial flora in the gut is key in digestion, nutrient usage, and ridding the body of waste and pathogens. Poor digestion and malabsorption can lead to immune dysfunction, nutritional insufficiency, mental/emotional disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
The second type of stool test is a PCR DNA stool test which identifies parasites and bacteria, this is the most accurate way of identifying pathogens.
Michael is head consultant at Planet Naturopath - Functional Medicine and Nutrition Solutions. He is a registered naturopath with the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and works with clients from all over the world via video or phone consultations. He is a degree qualified naturopath from the Endeavour College of Natural Medicine in Australia with 18 years of experience. He uses advanced testing methods, nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, and lifestyle advice to help you stay healthy. He is a Kalish Method-trained practitioner that keeps updating his education with Chris Kresser. Michael completed Dr. Terry Wahls practitioner training program, a 12-month program with ongoing training that helps understand the underlying cause and treatment of MS and autoimmune conditions. He keeps up to date with the latest research into health and natural medicine through the Metabolic Fitness Pro course with Dr. Bryan Walsh.