Samantha Flower
Nutrition & Pilates - North London
Functional Testing
Functional testing provides an invaluable tool that helps identify the root causes of imbalances. Unlike traditional diagnostic techniques, functional tests focus on the causes of imbalances rather than just symptoms, providing a ‘whole body’ approach to analysis.
Functional testing is cost effective in that it eliminates the need for a 'trial and error' approach, ensuring that the most suitable health plan can be established to suit your specific needs. Testing can quickly show what is happening in your biochemistry revealing potential food allergies or intolerances, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic function, hormonal imbalances and gastrointestinal health status.
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 reveal important information about the root cause of many common gastrointestinal symptoms as well as non-gastrointestinal conditions including: bloating, indigestion/ reflux, abdominal pain/ cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), atopic dermatitis/eczema, allergies, autoimmune diseases and many more conditions. If you struggle with gastrointestinal health concerns, this test could help you.
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 enabling a ‘deeper dive’ into symptoms and presenting conditions. It can reveal important information about the root cause of conditions such as: chronic fatigue, inflammation, chronic stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, mood disorders and more.
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 auto-immunity.
The following areas of health can be profoundly affected by thyroid hormone function: carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, vitamin utilisation, digestive function, energy production, hormone secretion, blood flow, sexual and reproductive health and more.