Functional Testing
Contact AntoinetteAt Nua Holistic we employ functional (or laboratory) testing from laboratories including Genova Diagnostics, BTS Ireland, Lorisian and Regenerus Laboratories.
This allows the most appropriate test to be selected. Laboratory tests explore the health status of the individual by measuring the functionality of specific body systems and nutritional imbalances. Nutritional imbalances are often at the root of many complex, chronic health conditions. Many regular laboratory tests measure the indications of disease which can be restrictive in understanding the total health picture. Tests are based on saliva, blood, urine and stools. The more popular tests are related to Gastrointestinal Function.
The health of the gut is the foundation for optimal health. Digestive complaints are one of the most common factors in individuals seeking nutritional advice.
Digestive stool analysis: a comprehensive assessment of the whole digestive tract including gut flora (the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ gut bacteria), digestive enzymes, parasites, yeasts, inflammation and overall digestive health. This is a popular and highly informative test for those with digestive issues, suspected food intolerance and autoimmune conditions.
Candida: is a yeast found naturally in the digestive tract. However, if the natural balance of the gut bacteria has been disturbed, such as with a high use of antibiotics, candida levels can grow to pathogenic levels resulting in multiple symptoms affecting different parts of the body.
Helicobacter Pylori: has been recognised as an underlying cause in the formation of gastritis and gastric ulcers.
Intestinal permeability (leaky gut): Gut health has far reaching consequences in the body. Autoimmune conditions are considered linked to the integrity of the gut lining and food intolerances often start from impaired gut health. This is often found in people with highly stressed lifestyles.
Allergy And Antibody Profiles:
These tests assess your body’s reaction to a wide range of foods, food additives and preservatives, spices, inhalant and mould profiles. The selected test will depend on the immediacy or delayed nature of your symptoms.
Food intolerance: A number of tests are available. The tests identify antibodies delayed (IgG) hypersensitivities to foods and other specific allergens. Some tests include gluten antibody profiles which may identify gluten intolerance.
Celiac Profile(gluten sensitivity): the clinical presentation of gluten celiac disease is many and varied which is why diagnosis can often take years.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: gluten related disorders can exist without having celiac disease. Cyrex Laboratories offer an array of multi-tissue antibody testing.
Lactose intolerance test: for identifying intolerance to lactose sugars found in milk
Hormone Profiles:
Hormones orchestrate the functioning of nearly every body system. When one element of the hormone orchestra is out of balance, the whole body and mind can feel out of tune. Tests available for men and women.
Thyroid Screen: Thyroid hormones are essential regulators of the body’s metabolism and imbalances can affect virtually every metabolic process in the body, exerting significant effects on mood, energy levels, weight and sex drive. NHS tests typically measure TSH and sometimes T4. The thyroid test goes deeper and evaluates imbalances that often go undetected with more limited assessments.
Adrenal: regulates the stress hormone response. A highly informative test for clients exhibiting with unexplained energy issues.
Sex Hormones: influence the female reproductive cycle, menopause and can affect mood in both men and women. Balance is the key with the sex hormones and clinical imbalances exert many effects on the body.
Nutrition And Toxin Assessment:
ONE Test (Optimal Nutrition Evaluation): This test is unique in helping to evaluate overall nutritional status and individual functional requirements for key vitamins, mineral and antioxidant status. Additionally, it evaluates gastrointestinal function, cellular energy production and neurotransmitter processing. This test is appropriate when there are many diverse presenting symptoms.
Essential Fatty Acids profile: Evaluating the important Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids required by the body.
Single nutrient analysis: such as vitamin D, B12 and folate, iodine, anaemia, magnesium
Further tests include:
- Liver profile
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Insulin Resistance Profile
- Osteoporosis Risk Assessment
- Homocysteine Level Assessment
Functional nutrition programmes are very effective without testing. Testing enables a more highly targeted nutrition programme to be developed, supporting physiologic function, macronutrient and micronutrient needs. Testing also helps monitor the effects of specific programmes. It is however entirely your decision if you wish to conduct any tests.
"Antoinette is one if the nicest people i have ever met . she is so welcoming and so professional . i would highly recommend having this treatment done with her . she is amazing and ive learned so much from her . Thank you Antoinette xx"
