Functional Pathology - Treatment Method

Tests & Investigations Options

What is functional pathology and what testing can be done?

Functional pathology refers to a branch of laboratory medicine that focuses on assessing the function of various physiological processes in the body. Unlike traditional pathology, which often looks at the presence or absence of diseases, functional pathology aims to identify imbalances or dysfunction in the body’s systems at a subclinical level. It involves specialized testing to evaluate biomarkers and physiological markers that may provide insights into the functioning of organs, tissues, and metabolic processes.

Some common areas of functional pathology testing include:

1. Hormone Testing: Assessing hormone levels in the body, including reproductive hormones (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, testosterone), thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones (e.g., cortisol), and insulin. These tests can help identify hormonal imbalances and contribute to the understanding of conditions like hormonal disorders, adrenal fatigue, or thyroid dysfunction.
2. Nutritional Testing: Evaluating nutrient status, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients. Nutritional testing may provide insights into deficiencies or excesses that could impact overall health and contribute to conditions such as malnutrition or metabolic disorders.
3. Digestive and Gut Health Testing: Assessing the health of the gastrointestinal system through tests such as stool analysis, which can reveal information about the microbiome, digestive function, and the presence of pathogens or imbalances.
4. Genetic Testing (DNA): Examining genetic variations that may influence an individual’s susceptibility to certain conditions or impact their response to specific treatments. This can include testing for genetic predispositions related to metabolism, detoxification, and other physiological processes.
5. Inflammatory and Immune Markers: Measuring markers of inflammation and immune function to identify chronic inflammation or immune system dysregulation. This may involve tests for cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP), and other inflammatory markers.
6. Detoxification Profiles: Assessing the body’s ability to detoxify and eliminate waste products, including testing for liver function and phase I and phase II detoxification pathways.
7. Cardiovascular Markers: Evaluating cardiovascular risk factors, such as cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and markers of oxidative stress.
8. Metabolic Testing: Assessing markers related to glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and markers of metabolic syndrome.

Food Intolerances: Food Intolerance Testing.

Food intolerance testing is a type of diagnostic testing that aims to identify specific foods or food components that may cause adverse reactions or symptoms in an individual.  Unlike food allergies, which involve an immune system response and can be severe or life-threatening, food intolerances generally result in less severe, non-immune reactions. Symptoms of food intolerances can include gastrointestinal issues, headaches, fatigue, skin problems, and other non-specific symptoms.

There are several methods used for food intolerance testing.   Here are some common types of food intolerance testing:

1. Elimination Diet: This is considered the gold standard for identifying food intolerances. It involves systematically removing certain foods from the diet and then reintroducing them one at a time while monitoring for symptoms. This method requires careful tracking of symptoms and can take several weeks to complete.
2. IgG Antibody Testing: Some commercial tests claim to measure IgG antibodies against specific foods. 
3. ALCAT (Antigen Leukocyte Antibody Test): This test measures cellular responses to various foods and chemicals. 
4. IgE Antibody Testing (for Food Allergies): While not designed for food intolerances, traditional IgE antibody tests can identify immediate allergic reactions to certain foods. These reactions are typically more severe and immediate than the delayed reactions associated with food intolerances.

It’s important to note that functional pathology testing is often used in the context of integrative and functional medicine such as Naturopathy and nutritional medicine, which aims to address the root causes of health issues and promote overall well-being. These tests are typically interpreted in conjunction with a thorough patient history, physical examination, and other clinical assessments.

Before undergoing functional pathology testing, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a functional medicine practitioner or naturopathic doctor, who can guide the selection of appropriate tests based on individual health concerns and goals with an appropriate healthcare plan.