Samantha Flower
Nutrition & Pilates - North London & Online
Functional Testing
Functional testing can be a valuable tool for building a more detailed picture of what's happening in the body. Rather than focusing only on isolated markers, these tests take a broader, whole-body view — offering additional insight alongside your case history and symptoms to help shape a more personalised health plan.
Testing can offer insight into areas such as nutritional status, metabolic function, hormonal balance, gastrointestinal health, and possible food sensitivities. Samantha will discuss with you whether testing is likely to be useful in your specific case, and will always interpret results within the wider context of your health history and presentation.
Some common tests include:
Gut Health Testing
Including Intestinal Microbiome analysis, SIBO, IBS, IBD, Bacterial and mycology cultures, Parasitology etc.
Coeliac & Gluten Sensitivity
Assessing immunologic biomarkers associated with gluten sensitivity and coeliac disease.
Food Sensitivity Testing
Measuring antibodies (IgG & IgE) to commonly consumed foods and environmental allergens.
Nutritional Status
A comprehensive analysis identifying nutritional deficiencies and insufficiencies (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids etc.)
Hormone Testing
Including Adrenal stress levels and Thyroid function that may be contributing to metabolic dysregulation.
Methylation Status
A comprehensive analysis of the methylation pathways, uncovering the need for nutritional support.
DNA Testing
Assessing SNPs that may be contributing to health status.
...and more
How it works
The process is very straightforward. After Samantha’s referral, your tests will be sent directly to you from the testing company, complete with full instructions. Most tests can be done in the comfort of your own home. Once completed, you will return your test to the provider.
Samantha will be notified by the lab when they receive your sample. The lab will also provide an estimated return date for your test results. If a blood test is required, the testing company will provide a list of phlebotomists in your area who can provide this service.
Once Samantha has received and analysed your lab report, a follow-up consultation will be organised to discuss the results. This consultation is included as either part of your package, or if you aren’t following a package programme, will be a 60-minute 1-1 one-off consultation.
Tests are individually priced, made payable directly to the testing company, and are not included in the package prices.
Which Test is Right for You?
Depending on your symptoms, Samantha will discuss the best test(s) that could help to identify the root cause of your concerns. Some of the most commonly-recommended tests include:
GI Effects Stool Test
The health of your entire body is dependent on a healthy gut and gut microbiome. Your gut microbes are not only codependent on one another but also with you, their human host. A dysbiotic (imbalanced) gut microbiome has been linked with multiple conditions both within and outside of the gastrointestinal tract.
This test can provide insight into gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, indigestion/reflux, abdominal pain/cramps, diarrhoea, and constipation, as well as in the context of conditions such as IBD and IBS. Research also points to associations between gut microbiome imbalance and health outside the gastrointestinal tract, including skin, immune, and inflammatory conditions — though these relationships are complex and this test forms one part of a broader picture, not a standalone diagnosis. If you struggle with gastrointestinal health concerns, this test could offer useful additional insight.
Metabolomix+
This test is a non-invasive personalised nutritional assessment providing an analysis of key nutritional biomarkers such as antioxidants, B vitamins, minerals, digestive support, fatty acids, and amino acids. It consists of a urine collection, with optional add-on bloodspot finger stick and buccal swabs.
The test assesses the organic acids in your urine which demonstrates what is happening in your body's biochemical pathways. Marked accumulation of organic acids can indicate a metabolic inhibition or ‘block’. This metabolic block may be due to a nutrient deficiency, toxin excess, an inherited enzyme deficit, or the effects of medication use.
The test provides a thorough analysis of your body's biochemical processes, offering additional insight alongside symptoms and presenting concerns. It can be useful in cases involving chronic fatigue, inflammation, chronic stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Thyroid Plus
The thyroid hormones are vitally important regulators of your body's metabolism. Hormone imbalances can affect virtually every metabolic process in your body. They can have a significant effect on many of your body’s functions including your mood and energy level. Yet many people may be living with a thyroid imbalance that they are unaware of.
This test provides a thorough analysis of thyroid hormone metabolism. It includes central thyroid gland regulation and activity, thyroid production and secretion, peripheral thyroid conversion, and thyroid autoimmunity. This hormone profile can reveal common imbalances that underlie a broad spectrum of chronic illness. The test comprises of a simple blood draw, assessing serum levels of TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, anti-TG antibodies, and anti-TPO antibodies. The comprehensive nature of the test allows a full assessment of thyroid function, as well as thyroid autoimmunity, and can help identify imbalances relevant to metabolism, energy, and related symptoms.