FUNCTIONAL PATHOLOGY& DNA TESTING

Not all microbiome tests are created equal; I utilise one that I personally consider to be the most advanced and reliable option available today.

Cobiome - By Microbra

The cobiome test uses Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing.

This innovative DNA sequencing technology allows for a comprehensive analysis of the entire microbial community within your gut, examining over 28,000 species of microorganisms.

Unlike traditional tests, which often overlook the bacterial diversity, this method provides a detailed snapshot of your microbiome, identifying hard-to-detect organisms that may play a significant role in your health.

With the ability to assess both microbial diversity and specific markers of digestive function such as calprotectin, lactoferrin, pancreatic elastase, secretory IgA, and zonulin, giving a full picture of gut health, this test offers valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their overall wellbeing.

Microbiome testing is ideal for those looking to improve their overall health, particularly those with chronic digestive issues or inflammatory conditions. 

It is also a useful way to optimise longevity & anti-ageing, since the microbiome plays a significant role in both healthspan and lifespan.

Poor gut function can lead to systemic problems like food allergies, autoimmune diseases, and toxic overload.

Key signs you may benefit from Microbiome Testing include:

• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Gas, bloating, indigestion
• Carbohydrate intolerance
• IBS, IBD- Chronic nutritional deficiencies
• Anxiety, depression
• Autoimmune conditions
• ADD/ADHD
• Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne
• Hormonal imbalances
• Arthritis, food sensitivities
  
  

Depending on your signs, symptoms and health goals, I have a range of blood tests I use to help address the root cause and optimise your health.

This can include but is not limited to:

• Full Blood Count: This allows me to determine the health and function of red blood cells. white blood cells and platelets. To determine if there is any lingering chronic infections and ensure nutrients and oxygen is being carried around the body efficiently.
• Nutritional Studies: Put simply, used to determine if there is any nutritional deficiencies (such as Vitamin D, B12, Folate, Iron etc), which can be the cause for a range of health issues.
• Lipid Profile: I utilise this to not only determine cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but also to assess inflammation, oxidative stress, bile & liver health. This test also allows me to see how well the liver is functioning at transporting cholesterol and fatty acids in and out of the cell.
• Anion gap: This is used to determine metabolic acidosis. An alteration in electrolytes in the body can indicate a range of health issues and allows us to then do further testing to find out the cause. Many drugs, deficiencies and allergies can cause a disruption in healthy Anion Gap levels. This test allows me to alter the diet program to ensure an improvement in the balance of electrolytes in the body. It can help determine the cause of mental health issues, kidney health issues and acute illness’s.
• Insulin & Blood Glucose: I use these to determine the risk of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and pre diabetes. Also useful for those who are having a hard time losing weight. These are especially important as your diet plan will be altered to address insulin and blood glucose imbalances.
• Homocysteine: This is used to determine inflammation in the body, alongside Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, and if further testing is required for MTHFR.
• CRP: This is also used to determine levels of inflammation in the body. It is a good indicator for arthritis, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowl disease and infections. 
• Thyroid Profile: Thyroid dysfunction is often overlooked in healthcare, largely due to inadequate testing by conventional medical practitioners. General practitioners typically focus on one hormone, TSH, to "rule out" thyroid issues, which fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the thyroid gland's function.

  To truly evaluate thyroid health, it is crucial to conduct a complete thyroid profile that measures gland activity, the peripheral conversion of thyroid hormones, and thyroid autoantibodies to assess for autoimmune thyroid disease.

Hormonal fluctuations can significantly influence your overall health, and hormonal testing offers essential insights into your hormonal balance.

In my clinic, I use a range of tests depending on the client, but my go to hormone test is:

DUTCH Test:

Known as the most advanced and thorough hormone test, this analysis evaluates adrenal and reproductive hormones, such as oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, along with their various metabolites.

It also looks at cortisol, melatonin, DHEA and other important hormones related to longevity.

It’s particularly useful for diagnosing issues like HPA axis dysfunction, high cortisol, infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, benign prostate hyperplasia and premature ageing.

In my seven years of clinical practice, I have utilised several different DNA tests to enhance my understanding of how genetics influence health. Through this experience, I discovered that not all genetic testing is created equal.

That’s why I chose to incorporate 3X4 Genetic Testing into my practice.

This analysis can help to address key areas, including:

• Metabolic Health: Understanding your genetic predisposition to metabolic conditions allows us to customise nutrition and exercise plans that optimise weight management and energy levels.
• Nutrient Requirements: The test identifies your body's specific nutrient needs, helping us ensure you're getting the right vitamins and minerals to support your health and prevent deficiencies.
• Chronic Disease Risk: By evaluating your genetic risk factors for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, we can implement proactive strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Longevity Insights: The genetic information can guide us in adopting lifestyle modifications that promote longevity, focusing on habits that enhance your overall health span.
• Personalised Lifestyle Recommendations: Armed with your genetic data, we can suggest targeted lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and exercise regimens, to maximise your wellbeing and vitality.

This personalised approach empowers you to take control of your health journey, enabling informed decisions that support your long-term wellbeing and resilience against disease.