Have you ever wondered why we offer so many types of testing here at Forum Health Las Colinas? It’s because we know you want to live a long, healthy life, and testing is the first step to getting you there.
Functional medicine testing isn’t just another medical procedure; it’s a deep dive into the intricacies of your health. With these tests, you get a comprehensive view of your health and become fully aware of what’s happening inside your body.
This is a powerful place to be because, from there, you can take charge of your health and wellness like never before.
Why Do We Perform Such Comprehensive Testing?
Our patient-centered approach to healthcare requires a deep understanding of your genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors. Here are a few key reasons functional medicine testing is so vital in that regard:
IN-DEPTH HEALTH ASSESSMENT
We can gather critical information about your health through extensive testing, including nutritional deficiencies, metabolic functioning, hormonal imbalances, and more. This comprehensive view helps us pinpoint specific health issues that may not be apparent through standard medical tests.
PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLANS
The core philosophy of functional medicine is treating the individual rather than the disease. Comprehensive testing helps us tailor treatment plans to your unique needs, considering your specific biochemical makeup, lifestyle, and genetic predispositions.
ROOT CAUSE RESOLUTION
Extensive testing allows us to understand the complex interactions within the body that contribute to illness. By addressing these root causes, we seek to restore health and prevent future issues rather than applying a temporary fix.
PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE
Testing can help us identify potential risk factors before they become more serious health conditions. Through this early detection, we can implement lifestyle interventions and treatments to prevent diseases from developing or progressing.
INTEGRATION OF DIFFERENT SYSTEMS
Diseases often affect multiple bodily systems simultaneously, so a broad range of tests can help us see how different areas of health are related and how an issue in one system might impact another. This holistic perspective supports more comprehensive and effective treatment strategies.
MONITORING PROGRESS
Regular testing allows us to monitor your progress over time. That way, we can adjust treatment plans based on actual data about how your health responds to treatment. This helps us fine-tune your treatment for better outcomes.
Our functional medicine approach provides a roadmap for optimizing your health, from enhancing energy levels and mood to improving digestive health and immune function.
Types of Testing We Offer
To tailor a wellness strategy that’s as unique as you are, we employ a variety of functional medicine tests, including:
ALCAT TEST FOR FOOD SENSITIVITIES
Food sensitivities can be at the root of many issues, from chronic inflammation to metabolic disorders. The ALCAT test uncovers how certain foods may be silently affecting your health.
ALCAT tests your white blood cells for reactions against foods and other substances. It measures:
- 250 foods
- 50 functional foods and medicinal herbs
- 30 food additives, colorings, and preservatives
- 20 molds
- 20 antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents
You’ll get the results in a clear and easy-to-read color-coded format so we can create a personalized nutrition plan.
Read more about food sensitivity testing.
GENOVA GI EFFECTS TEST
This comprehensive stool test offers valuable insights into your digestive health, potential inflammation, and gut microbiome.
The test measures:
- digestive system performance
- inflammation
- general gut microbiome function
- how your GI health is affecting your gut and overall health
- specific pathogens that may be causing illness
- the balance of bacteria that may contribute to your symptoms
- risk factors relating to the microbiome
This example of a test report shows the specific areas of imbalance and provides options your provider can use to restore balance and improve your overall health.
NUTREVAL NUTRITIONAL TESTING
We use this comprehensive testing to better understand any nutritional deficiencies that could be worsening or, in some cases, causing unwanted physical conditions.
This test assesses over 100 markers of your nutritional status. It includes evaluating your antioxidant status, which is vital in determining oxidative stress linked to premature aging, heart disease, neurological diseases, and chronic fatigue.
Often, we take vitamins and supplements to feel better and prevent disease. Although it can be highly beneficial, many variables can exist. That’s why it’s essential to determine which supplements are right for your body and which could be unnecessary or even harmful.
As you can see here, the results provide specific vitamin recommendations for you based on your unique nutritional needs.
Read more about nutritional testing.
What Happens When You Come in for Testing?
If you are interested in one of these tests, we first have you fill out a health questionnaire. After your provider reviews it, she will contact you for a 30-minute phone consultation to discuss the questionnaire with you, along with your symptoms and concerns.
At that point, you can purchase the test from our office, take it to the lab, and provide the samples (blood, urine, stool).
Once the results are back in, your provider will schedule a 30-to-60-minute appointment with you to discuss them and make recommendations for getting your health back on track!
We Are Here to Help You Take Control of Your Health
The journey towards optimal health is deeply personal, and functional medicine testing is a critical first step.
By uncovering the root causes of health issues, guiding preventive medicine, and tailoring treatments to your unique needs, functional medicine testing offers a path to better health and a better quality of life.
If you’re ready to take control of your health and embark on a journey of discovery and wellness, we’re here to guide you.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator today to learn how functional medicine testing can benefit you and set up your appointment.