Functional medicine takes an individualized approach to healthcare, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of your symptoms. Personalized lab testing is one of the key tools we use to better understand these causes and tailor an effective treatment plan just for you.
One of the first tests we conduct for our members is a comprehensive blood panel to evaluate various body functions.
We also order tests for six major nutrients, checking levels of:
This broad panel provides key insights to help us piece together your health picture. Unlike conventional medicine, we interpret the results using functional ranges. For example, while conventional labs usually only test TSH and T4, it is also important to test Free T3, Free T4, and Thyroid Antibodies for a more complete assessment of thyroid function. Functional medicine practitioners prefer a narrower range for TSH, from 1.0 - 2.5 mIU/L, to help identify thyroid issues earlier. A TSH above 2 mIU/L increases the risk of both hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease.
If you suffer from digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, or other symptoms of gut imbalances (such as skin problems), your Root doctor may recommend a comprehensive stool test called GI-Map®. This test measures the levels of both “good” and “bad” gut bacteria and checks for signs of parasites, yeast overgrowth, inflammation, and more. Stool testing helps us create personalized treatment plans that address specific gut dysfunctions. Results often lead to improvements such as a reduction in digestive symptoms, clearer skin, and increased energy.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when an excessive amount of bacteria is present in the small intestine rather than the colon. Common symptoms include gas, bloating, skin issues, abdominal pain, and anxiety, which may not resolve with standard gut healing treatments. In such cases, we often suspect SIBO. The primary test for diagnosing SIBO is a breath test. During this test, you drink a specific solution, and breath samples are taken at various intervals (usually over 2-3 hours). While we often begin with stool testing, SIBO testing is also ordered to confirm a diagnosis or track progress during treatment.
Here is an example of what stool testing results might look like:
45-Year-Old Male with Severe GI Issues and Successful Treatment with Acupuncture and Supplements
Patient Profile
A 45-year-old male who frequently travels overseas presented with severe gastrointestinal (GI) issues. For a month, he experienced significant digestive distress, including bloating, pain, and an inability to eat normally. This resulted in a 30-pound weight loss. Despite seeing four different gastroenterologists and undergoing various tests, all results came back normal. The patient’s condition continued to deteriorate, and he struggled with fatigue, malnutrition, and dehydration.
Approach to Treatment
After his conventional medical tests showed no conclusive results, the patient sought alternative treatment options and was referred to our clinic. He underwent an in-depth consultation, where we conducted a comprehensive GI-MAP stool test to assess his gut health. This test revealed that the patient had Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Leaky Gut, and low enzyme levels, all contributing to his ongoing digestive struggles.
Treatment Plan
We developed a treatment plan that focused on restoring balance to his digestive system. The plan included:
Outcome
Within one month of starting treatment, the patient reported significant improvements. His GI symptoms, including bloating and discomfort, were substantially reduced. He regained his ability to eat normally and began to put weight back on. The energy levels and overall well-being also improved, and after another follow-up test, his GI-MAP results showed marked improvement: SIBO, Leaky Gut, and enzyme deficiencies were addressed.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of comprehensive testing and personalized treatment plans for patients with unexplained GI symptoms. Even when conventional medical tests do not reveal underlying issues, functional approaches like acupuncture and targeted supplementation can make a significant impact on gut health. With the right treatment, the patient was able to regain his health and enjoy normal digestive function once again.
Understanding the Role of Stress Hormones in Your Health
Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands in response to stress. While it once served an essential evolutionary role by helping our bodies respond to immediate threats, modern life can lead to chronic stress, resulting in elevated or imbalanced cortisol levels. Over time, these imbalances can contribute to a range of health issues.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, cortisol testing may be a valuable tool in identifying underlying issues:
Cortisol follows a natural daily rhythm: it peaks in the morning to help energize you and should gradually decrease throughout the day, reaching its lowest levels at night to allow for restful sleep. When this rhythm is disrupted, it can cause fatigue, sleep problems, and difficulty focusing.
To assess your cortisol levels accurately, we use saliva testing, which allows us to measure cortisol at multiple times throughout the day. This method gives us a complete picture of your cortisol pattern, helping to identify whether there are any imbalances in your body’s stress response.
By understanding your cortisol levels, we can develop a personalized treatment plan. Many patients see significant improvements in their symptoms after incorporating targeted strategies such as lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, and supplements. These interventions often lead to reduced anxiety, better sleep quality, and improved focus.
Example of Cortisol Testing Results
Results from cortisol testing will typically show your cortisol levels at various times throughout the day, helping us identify any disruptions to your natural cortisol rhythm. Based on these results, your healthcare provider will work with you to restore balance and improve overall well-being.
Cortisol testing is a key tool for assessing your body’s stress response and supporting your journey toward better health.
Here is an example of what cortisol testing results might look like:
Another test we offer is a functional nutrition test called NutrEval®. This is a blood and urine profile that evaluates the body’s need for 40 antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, digestive support, and other select nutrients. Common indications for testing may include fatigue, weight issues, insulin resistance/diabetes, mood disorders, and/or athletic performance.
This test allows our doctors to recommend specific foods and recipes to support the areas in which your body is depleted. When appropriate, we can also individualize any vitamin, mineral, or nutrient supplement to the correct dosage based on your results.
Here is an example of what NutrEval® testing results might look like:
Hormones play a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions, from sleep quality and mood to concentration and overall well-being. Imbalances in hormone levels can lead to various health issues, which is why identifying and addressing these imbalances is an essential part of a functional medicine approach.
Why Hormone Testing Is Important
Your hormones influence nearly every aspect of your life, including your energy levels, mood, reproductive health, and metabolism. If you are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, irregular periods, or difficulty concentrating, hormone imbalances could be a contributing factor. Hormone testing helps uncover the root causes of these symptoms, allowing for a personalized treatment approach.
The DUTCH Test: A Comprehensive Hormone Evaluation
One of the most effective tests for evaluating hormone imbalances is the DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) test. Unlike traditional blood tests, the DUTCH test requires just a few dried urine samples collected over a 24-hour period. This test provides a comprehensive view of how your body is metabolizing hormones, offering valuable insights into hormone production, balance, and metabolism.
What the DUTCH Test Measures
The DUTCH test measures a variety of hormones, including:
Conditions That Benefit from Hormone Testing
A Root doctor may recommend the DUTCH test if you have any of the following conditions:
How Hormone Testing Helps You Feel Better
By analyzing the results of your DUTCH test, your Root doctor can help you address the underlying causes of your symptoms with personalized recommendations. Many members who undergo hormone testing report improvements such as:
Hormone testing is a powerful tool to help you understand your body's unique needs and restore balance. If you're struggling with symptoms of hormone imbalance, speak to your Root doctor about whether the DUTCH test might be right for you. With the right diet, lifestyle changes, and supplementation, optimal hormone health is within reach.
Here is an example of what DUTCH hormone testing results might look like:
Toxic mold exposure can have a significant impact on your health, but diagnosing it can be challenging due to the variety of symptoms it can cause. If you’re experiencing unexplained health issues such as headaches, chronic fatigue, asthma, infertility, or anxiety/depression, it could be related to mold exposure. Mold often thrives in water-damaged buildings and high-humidity environments, making those who live in such conditions more susceptible to its effects.
Why Mold Testing Is Important
Exposure to mycotoxins (toxins produced by mold) can lead to a wide range of health problems. However, symptoms related to mold toxicity are often vague and can mimic other conditions, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause. A MycoTOX test is a urine test that helps detect the presence of mycotoxins in the body, giving us valuable information to identify whether mold exposure is contributing to your symptoms.
When to Consider Mold Testing
If you’ve been exposed to mold—whether in your home, workplace, or through contaminated food—or live in an area with high humidity, mold testing may be appropriate if you're dealing with symptoms such as:
The MycoTOX Test
The MycoTOX test is a functional medicine urine test designed to measure the presence of mycotoxins in the body. It provides crucial information about whether you have been exposed to mold and the extent of that exposure. This test helps our Root doctors understand how mold exposure may be affecting your health, allowing them to create a tailored treatment plan to address your symptoms.
Treating Mold Exposure
If mold exposure is identified, treatment may involve detoxification strategies, lifestyle changes, and addressing the root cause of the exposure. This could include improving indoor air quality, reducing humidity, and supporting your body’s natural detox pathways through diet, acupuncture,red light,supplements, and other therapies.
Overcoming Mold Infection
Patient Background: L, a 42-year-old woman, had been struggling with chronic fatigue, anxiety, GI symptoms, and autoimmune issues for years. Despite taking 20 different supplements, she experienced no significant relief. Lab results showed no clear answers.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis: L had lived in a humid environment and, after testing, found high levels of mycotoxins in her urine, confirming mold exposure. This explained her chronic symptoms.
Treatment Plan:
Outcome: Within two months, L’s fatigue, anxiety, and GI symptoms improved. Her autoimmune issues also lessened. By six months, she felt revitalized, no longer needing numerous supplements, with lab results showing improvements in her overall health.
Conclusion: Identifying mold exposure can be crucial in cases where traditional tests fail to pinpoint the root cause. A targeted treatment plan addressing detox, gut health, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve quality of life.
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