We've all experienced symptoms like a nagging cough or chronic fatigue. Typically, we visit a doctor for a quick diagnosis and medication. However, this approach often overlooks the root causes of health issues. Functional medicine offers a revolutionary perspective by viewing the body as an interconnected system, focusing on the complex interplay of factors affecting overall health rather than just isolated symptoms.
A few common questions before we start
Will my medical pay for these tests?
Simple answer - NO. While medical aids gladly fund band-aids for symptoms, they turn a blind eye to the preventative power of functional medicine, leaving South Africans to fend for themselves against chronic disease. Makes perfect sense right?
What are the benefits?
Based on your unique assessment results, a functional medicine practitioner can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may include dietary and lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, and other natural therapies. By addressing the root cause of your health concerns, functional medicine empowers you to take control of your health and achieve lasting well-being.
How can I justify the costs?
Consider these assessments as an investment in your long-term health. By proactively addressing potential health concerns, you may be able to; reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses, minimize the need for costly medical treatments in the future & improve your overall quality of life and longevity.
Lets unpack 3 laboratory tests used by Functional Medicine Practitioners.
The Comprehensive Stool Analysis + Parasitology (CSAP)
If you present with one or more of these symptoms, a functional medicine practitioner may look to this test. Despite the unglamorous methodology, this test gives a trained Functional Medicine Professional a vast amount of information that can be used in building a personalised care plan
The following symptoms or conditions may indicate the need for a CSAP test
Health Issues |
Autoimmune Disease |
Food Allergies/Sensitivities |
Gastrointestinal Symptoms |
IBD/IBS |
Inflammation |
Joint Pain |
Nutritional Deficiencies |
Systemic Illnesses |
Toxic Overload |
This test uses advanced techniques to identify harmful organisms and their treatment sensitivities non-invasively, aiding recovery. It helps your functional medicine practitioner to assess;
Parasites |
Gut bacteria |
Yeast |
Fungi |
Gut inflammation affects nutrient absorption.
The CSAP test measures stool markers like calprotectin, lactoferrin, and lysozyme to evaluate inflammation levels. It can result from infections or conditions like IBD.
These markers distinguish between serious conditions like IBD and less severe issues like IBS. Good health depends on effective digestion, nutrient absorption, eliminating harmful organisms, and timely waste removal.
Organic Acids
The next test we will review is the Organic Acids test or OAT.
How is the test administered
The Organix Comprehensive test is a urine test that checks organic acids to give you a look at your biochemical processes and help with targeted treatments.
What does the test show?
The test analyzes biochemistry and metabolism, including energy production, vitamin levels, detoxification, neurotransmitters, methylation, oxidative stress, and intestinal bacterial activity.
If you present with one or more of the symptoms / conditions listed below, your functional medicine practitioner may prescribe the organic acids test
Symptoms/Conditions |
Lack of energy |
Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME) |
Muscle pain |
Inflammation |
Oedema |
Behavioral issues (ADHD, autism) |
Symptoms of ineffective detoxification |
Neurodegenerative diseases |
Amino acid metabolism imbalances |
Neurological symptoms |
Depression |
OCD |
Anxiety |
Gastrointestinal symptoms |
The Power of DNA Testing
The final test in this episode is DNA. DNA testing stands at the forefront of personalized healthcare, tapping into the very blueprint of life to unveil unique genetic variations. This cutting-edge technology allows Functional Medicine professionals to tailor treatments and interventions based on each individual’s genetic makeup. By analyzing your DNA, they can pinpoint susceptibilities to certain conditions, predict responses to medications, and devise personalized health strategies. In essence, DNA testing transforms the generic one-size-fits-all approach into a customized roadmap for your well-being, ensuring you receive the most effective care.
Motivating Behavior Change
Understanding genetic predispositions plays a pivotal role in promoting healthier lifestyle changes. By analyzing one's genetic makeup, individuals can uncover how their unique biology influences health aspects such as disease susceptibility, metabolic rates, and responses to diets and exercise. This insight empowers people to make informed health decisions, tailoring their lifestyle choices to align with their genetic tendencies.
Identifying Personal Health Priorities
Furthermore, personalized recommendations based on an individual's genetic profile can greatly enhance the effectiveness of health interventions. For example, a person with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol may benefit from an omega-3-rich diet, while another with a genetic inclination towards obesity might succeed with high-intensity interval training. Integrating genetic insights into health strategies increases adherence to personalized recommendations, fostering a direct correlation between actions and health outcomes.
Summary
Key functional medicine lab tests include:
Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSAP): Identifies parasites, bacteria, yeast, fungi, and gut inflammation, assessing digestive health and nutrient absorption.
Organic Acids Test (OAT): Analyzes biochemical processes and provides insights into fatigue, inflammation, neurological issues, and detoxification.
DNA Testing: Uncovers genetic predispositions and empowers personalized health decisions and lifestyle changes.
In South Africa, a significant challenge persists: The current pill & bill medical model means medical aids predominantly cover treatments rather than preventative assessments. This limitation severely impacts the practice of functional medicine. However, the benefits of functional medicine are undeniable. It offers personalized treatment plans tailored to individual assessments, integrating diet, lifestyle modifications, and natural therapies. These approaches not only enhance long-term health but also substantially reduce the risks of serious illnesses and improve overall quality of life.
As an accredited practitioner with all of the international labs that run these comprehensive assessments, Jenny is the right person assist you in selecting the correct test and the critical interpretation of the results. Book your FREE discovery call today.
To view all of the DNA tests visit our online store.
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