What is Functional Testing
That is a great question. Functional testing is commonly used by Naturopaths like myself, to help gain further insight. There are different types of testing including:
- Stool Microbiome, Pathology and Chemistry testing
- Salivary or Urinary Hormone testing for both men and women
- Cortisol Mapping
- Food Intolerance, Allergy, ALCAT
Not everyone will need Functional testing, it differs from person to person. After an initial Naturopathy consult, I will be able to determine if one is needed or not.
A Functional test essentially looks at how your body is currently functioning and why it’s doing what it is. This helps to identify the underlying cause/s of any signs/symptoms you may be experiencing. My goal is to see you thriving, so this helps me to understand what type of treatment plan is best for you.
Functional testing for acne and eczema.
With skin conditions, I usually only recommend functional testing if your skin has been an issue for a long time, or if it’s not responding to treatment as well as we would like.
Hormonal testing for those with acne can be a real game changer. Acne isn’t always an excess of androgens and understanding where your imbalance lies helps to create a targeted treatment plan. Having this information allows us to target the enzymes and processes involved in the breakdown or production of hormones. We will seek to rebalance your hormones and not simple suppress and replace them with synthetic hormones. This allows you to get to the cause of your acne and prevent its return later in life.
Food allergy and sensitivity testing, along with intestinal hyperpermeability and stool testing, is an important tool for anyone suffering from hives, eczema, or dermatitis. Narrowing down foods that are actually causing inflammation can take out a lot of the guesswork, reduce the need for food/symptom tracking and allow people to enjoy eating without having to worry about flare-ups. Cortisol and histamine hormonal testing is less frequently required but can help determine the type of skin condition and narrow down treatment options also.
If you have been searching for answers, your search can stop here. Let me help you get a clear understanding of what is happening and create a customised, evidence-based treatment plan that will target your individual needs. Functional testing for acne and eczema (or any chronic skin condition) could be the things that gets you great skin. If you live on the Sunshine Coast, click the button below to book an in-person consultation. Otherwise, send me an email and book your zoom/telehealth consult.
