Benefits of Functional Testing
Conventional medical testing—like conventional medicine—addresses acute, advanced illnesses that have already manifested themselves. As a result, vague and undiagnosed symptoms may go on for months—or even years—before a chronic condition fully develops.
Conventional testing and evaluation does not take into account the many individual factors that lead to disease. Diet, stress, and lifestyle are rarely discussed or evaluated—or even considered relevant in making a diagnosis.
The truth is that every person has a unique biochemistry based on many factors, such as genetics, diet, environmental exposure to chemicals and metals, lifestyle, and psychological as well as physical stress. Functional testing helps identify your unique biochemical makeup and the potential for degenerative disease, in order to prevent it from happening in the first place.
While a standard medical test may reveal that “everything is within the normal range”—because there truly is no existing pathology—functional testing identifies the many physiological precursors that lead to chronic conditions and degenerative diseases.1
It’s important to note that functional testing is only one part of a comprehensive health and wellness assessment performed by an experienced healthcare professional. A thorough evaluation of the results by your healthcare professional is crucial in designing a detailed, individualized map for disease prevention and/or recovery.
Furthermore, functional testing does not usually lead to a “quick medical fix.” It requires you to work closely with your healthcare professional to resolve the identified problems which may have been present for a long time. Sticking to the plan you develop with your healthcare professional is crucial to the success of a well-designed map for recovery and good health.
Finally, functional testing enables healthcare professionals to develop scientifically based nutritional plans and immune-enhancing strategies that produce positive health outcomes that can far exceed conventional medical expectations.2
Identify Recurrent Health Issues
Functional testing can help identify many chronic conditions, including:
Sources:
1) “What is Functional Medicine?” Institute of Functional Medicine
http://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatis.asp
Accessed July 2005
2) “Functional Medicine,” Natural Health Chiropractic Center
http://naturalhealthchiropractic.com/functional_med.html
Accessed July 2005
Article ID: 94
Conventional testing and evaluation does not take into account the many individual factors that lead to disease. Diet, stress, and lifestyle are rarely discussed or evaluated—or even considered relevant in making a diagnosis.
The truth is that every person has a unique biochemistry based on many factors, such as genetics, diet, environmental exposure to chemicals and metals, lifestyle, and psychological as well as physical stress. Functional testing helps identify your unique biochemical makeup and the potential for degenerative disease, in order to prevent it from happening in the first place.
While a standard medical test may reveal that “everything is within the normal range”—because there truly is no existing pathology—functional testing identifies the many physiological precursors that lead to chronic conditions and degenerative diseases.1
It’s important to note that functional testing is only one part of a comprehensive health and wellness assessment performed by an experienced healthcare professional. A thorough evaluation of the results by your healthcare professional is crucial in designing a detailed, individualized map for disease prevention and/or recovery.
Furthermore, functional testing does not usually lead to a “quick medical fix.” It requires you to work closely with your healthcare professional to resolve the identified problems which may have been present for a long time. Sticking to the plan you develop with your healthcare professional is crucial to the success of a well-designed map for recovery and good health.
Finally, functional testing enables healthcare professionals to develop scientifically based nutritional plans and immune-enhancing strategies that produce positive health outcomes that can far exceed conventional medical expectations.2
Identify Recurrent Health Issues
Functional testing can help identify many chronic conditions, including:
- Digestive dysfunctions such as nutrient malabsorption, Leaky Gut Syndrome, chronic Constipation, Diarrhea, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- Food intolerances and allergies.
- Nutritional deficiencies.
- Hormone imbalances, such as those that occur in Premenstrual Syndrome, and Menopause.
- Metabolic dysfunctions, such as Syndrome X.
- Heavy Metal Toxicity.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as Fibromyalgia, Lupus, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- Causes of chronic pain.
- Chemical sensitivities.
- Sleep disorders, such as Insomnia as a result of Circadian Rhythm Disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder.
- Immune disorders, such as chronic Sinusitis.
- Endocrine disorders such as Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome.
- Do your research. Review multiple sources to get an idea of what types of tests are available, and the price ranges that are involved.
- Look for reputable companies with a verifiable phone number, physical address, and email. Customer service is essential for addressing all your questions and concerns before, during, and after testing. You can also ask about refunds and/or guarantee policies.
- Check the company’s confidentiality practices. Make sure that the results can be confidentially delivered to you and/or your healthcare professional.
- Find out the specific requirements for ordering functional tests. Some may require a doctor’s authorization.
- Consult with your healthcare professional to make sure that the test is necessary and valuable for your needs. While the price of the test should be considered to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor in selecting a test. First and foremost, you should purchase tests that will lead you to an accurate diagnosis so that you can receive the right treatment. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-treatment. Make a list of the functional tests you want, and run them by your healthcare professional before making any purchases.
- Contact your insurance company and find out what types of functional tests it covers. This can help you budget your money and plan for the tests you need.
Sources:
1) “What is Functional Medicine?” Institute of Functional Medicine
http://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatis.asp
Accessed July 2005
2) “Functional Medicine,” Natural Health Chiropractic Center
http://naturalhealthchiropractic.com/functional_med.html
Accessed July 2005
Article ID: 94
