Functional Testing: A Useful Diagnostic Tool in Nutritional therapy.
As part of my nutritional therapy clinics in Exeter, I offer functional testing. As a nutritional therapist, this can be an important tool.
Functional testing can be a useful tool in nutritional therapy. Often clear patterns and progression of disease can be identified by researching a client’s medical history, symptoms and family history.
However, there are times where dietary changes and standard supplements may not help symptoms. Alternatively the pain or risk of symptoms may require urgent identification. In these instance I may discuss options for testing with people.
If I do recommend tests to you, they will come from accredited labs who specialise in working with nutritional therapists. I will discuss the types of tests I am recommending, why, what they will tell us and how much they will cost.
The types of test I use include.
Hair mineral analysis
Uses a sample of hair to look at the balance of how your body is using minerals. Minerals underpin many metabolic processes in the body and can therefore give us information about a number of processes in the body including: oxidation rate, blood sugar balance, thyroid function, adrenal status, vitality, stage of stress, metabolic trends, mineral utilisation.
Key biological markers
These tests are blood tests and look as key biological markers such as: cholesterol, liver function, thyroid function, fertility levels, adrenal function, menopause status, inflammation levels, vitamin and mineral deficiency.
Oral and gut health
These tests use saliva and stool samples. They look at mycology (molds & yeasts), pancreatic inflammation, intestinal inflammation, intestinal immune status, leaky gut, coeliac, intestinal bleeding, parasites, lactose intolerance, bacterial infection, viral infection and quality of microbiome.
Allergy & intolerance
These tests measure the IgG and IgE antibodies in your blood to identify allergies and food intolerances.
Nutritional Therapy in Exeter.
Looking for a dietitian, nutritionist or nutritional therapist? Want to know what the difference is and how I can help you?
Want to find out how a changed to your nutrition can improve your health? Contact me here for your free 15 minute nutritional therapy consultation.
Ready to book your nutritional therapy appointment, book your appointments in Topsham, Exminster or online here.
What is Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional Therapy is a holistic approach to health and wellbeing that focuses on using food and nutrition to support the body's natural healing processes.
I provide personalised nutrition plans tailored to individual needs.
Whether you're looking to improve digestion, boost energy levels, manage weight, improve your nutrition intake, or address specific health concerns. Nutritional Therapy can offer valuable insights and support on your journey to optimal health.
My Nutritional Therapy diploma is held with the School of Health, and I am a registered Nutritional Therapist with the Federation of Nutritional Therapy Practitioners.
What is the difference between a; dietitian, nutritionist and nutritional therapist.
Dietitian's - Dietitian's provide practical guidance to sick individuals to help them make appropriate, healthy choices for a specific medical conditions. They often work as part of a clinical team, including for example doctors, nurses, physiotherapists etc. They take a direct approach to the illness being presented to them, not the body as a whole.
Nutritionists - Registered nutritionists are qualified to provide information and nutrition advice about food and eating habits. They may take a similar approach to a Nutritional Therapist. Nutritionists normally operate out of private practices. Dieticians will normally operate out of the NHS.
In general, nutritionists provide evidence-based information and guidance about the impacts of food and nutrition on the health and wellbeing of humans
Nutritional Therapists - Nutritional therapists practice complementary medicine, taking a holistic approach to the symptoms that are presenting in the body, They provide recommendations for diet and lifestyle to reduce or prevent health issues and illnesses. They work on the belief that the body has underlying nutritional and biochemical imbalances that lead to poor health, including mental health problems.
You can view my online brochure, of the wellbeing services I offer in Exeter, here.
