Functional Testing Overview
* The term “functional testing” refers to a variety of scientific tests that analyze the functionality of a particular organ or bodily system. There are tests to determine how the liver is operating and processing toxins, what the hormone levels are and how they fluctuate during the month, what toxic metals are stored in tissues, whether an individual is a fast or slow metabolizer, and how the digestive tract is working.
* The purpose and importance of theses tests is to obtain an individual’s metabolic profile. Underlying health issues that contribute to IC can be identified and improved upon or resolved, using these tests as a baseline. An important step in reducing IC symptoms and promoting healing is the resolution of underlying health problems.
* Some of the contributing health issues in IC are low thyroid, estrogen dominance, gastrointestinal problems, toxic metals, nutrient deficiencies, yeast, bacteria, low energy production, weak immune function and allergies.
* Functional testing includes: hair test, organic acid, gastrointestinal function, hormone profile, thyroid level, stress hormone levels, presence of yeast and other parasites, allergies, amino acid and vitamin levels.