Why Conventional Testing Misses the Mark and How Functional Testing is Different
Have you ever gone to the doctor with symptoms that you know aren’t normal, but they run some blood work or other tests and everything looks normal?
While we never want something to be “wrong” sometimes a diagnosis brings some level of relief. We can work on fixing it when we know what it is. But when everything is fine? It can feel like we have no control. And when there’s nothing to “fix” it’s easy to blame aging or being a woman on how we feel. We normalize symptoms that are 100% not normal.
I’m here to tell you that what you are feeling is valid. And there are ways to work on calibrating your body back to a place of feeling good without getting a diagnosis.
Blood work is often thought of as the gold standard for assessing our health. While it's undoubtedly a valuable tool, it might not tell the whole story. This is where functional labs come in, offering a deeper look into our body's inner workings and complementing the information provided by traditional blood tests.
Why blood work Alone May Not Be Enough
Blood work primarily focuses on identifying disease states and measuring specific markers within a narrow range considered "normal." However, normal ranges are usually an average of the population—and, spoiler alert, our population is sick. Moreover, our bodies are complex systems, and optimal health goes beyond the absence of disease.
Here's where blood work might fall short:
Limited Scope: Blood tests often measure static snapshots of our health, but our bodies are dynamic. Functional labs assess how our bodies function over time, revealing imbalances that might not show up in standard tests.
Individual Variability: "Normal" ranges are broad averages that may not apply to everyone. Functional labs consider individual differences, providing personalized insights into what's optimal for each person.
Root Causes: blood work may indicate a problem, but not its underlying cause. Functional labs delve deeper, identifying the root causes of imbalances rather than just treating symptoms.
Utilization vs. Availability: Blood markers often show what's available to our bodies, but not necessarily how our bodies are utilizing those nutrients. Functional labs, using samples like hair, urine, or saliva, can reveal how well our bodies are absorbing and using essential vitamins and minerals.
The Power of Functional Labs
Functional labs encompass a wide range of tests that assess various aspects of our physiology, including:
Hormone Levels: Comprehensive hormone panels can reveal imbalances affecting energy levels, mood, sleep, and more.
Nutrient Status: Testing for vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients can identify deficiencies that contribute to various health issues.
Digestive Function: Stool tests and other assessments can pinpoint digestive problems that impact nutrient absorption and overall well-being.
Detoxification: Assessing how our bodies process and eliminate toxins can reveal imbalances that hinder detoxification pathways.
Food Sensitivities: Identifying food sensitivities can help individuals tailor their diets for optimal health and reduce inflammation.
How Functional Labs Complement blood work
Functional labs work in harmony with blood work to create a more comprehensive picture of your health. For example:
If your blood work shows normal thyroid levels but you experience fatigue, functional labs can assess thyroid hormone conversion, revealing underlying imbalances.
If your blood work indicates inflammation, functional labs can help pinpoint potential triggers, such as food sensitivities or gut dysbiosis.
If your blood work suggests nutrient deficiencies, functional labs can assess how well your body absorbs those nutrients through urine or stool tests, and identify potential barriers to absorption.
The Bottom Line
Functional labs are not a replacement for blood work, but a powerful complement. By working together, they offer a more complete understanding of your health, empowering you to make informed decisions and take proactive steps towards optimal well-being.
Remember, your health is a journey, not a destination. Functional labs can provide valuable insights to guide you along the way.