Functional Medicine is a personalized, science-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. This approach considers the whole person, examining the interconnections between genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors that influence long-term health.
As a functional nutritionist, I use this framework to investigate how your body's systems work together and how imbalances in one area might affect your overall wellness. This approach is particularly valuable for complex conditions like thyroid disorders, digestive issues, and neurodevelopmental concerns that often have multiple contributing factors.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Testing Options
Conventional lab tests often only identify disease states rather than subtle imbalances that may be causing your symptoms. Functional testing provides deeper insights into your body's unique biochemistry, allowing for truly personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
This detailed assessment of digestive function examines:
Beneficial and harmful bacteria levels
Presence of parasites, yeast, or other pathogens
Digestive enzyme production and efficiency
Inflammation and immune markers
Short-chain fatty acid production
Intestinal barrier function
It is particularly valuable for digestive symptoms, food sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, skin issues, and behavioral/cognitive concerns linked to gut health.
Organic Acids Test (OAT)
This urine test provides a metabolic snapshot by measuring over 70 markers that can reveal:
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Neurotransmitter metabolism
Mitochondrial function and energy production
Detoxification capacity
Oxalate metabolism
Yeast and bacterial overgrowth markers
It is particularly valuable for ADHD, ASD, chronic fatigue, mood disorders, and digestive issues.
Cyrex Virus and Infection Panel
This is a highly specialized blood test that screens for immune reactivity to a broad range of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic antigens. Rather than diagnosing an active infection, this panel identifies whether the immune system has developed antibodies to pathogens commonly associated with chronic inflammation, autoimmune conditions, or persistent immune activation. It’s especially useful for patients with unexplained symptoms, autoimmune diseases, or those undergoing functional medicine evaluation for chronic health issues.
This is a specialized urine test that screens for elevated levels of a compound called HPL (hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one)—a marker that may indicate a biochemical imbalance known as Pyroluria. This condition can interfere with the body’s ability to retain key nutrients, especially zinc and vitamin B6, which are essential for brain and nervous system health.
This test may provide valuable insights if you or your child experiences:
Ongoing anxiety, depression, or mood swings
Irritability, poor stress tolerance, or emotional sensitivity
Difficulty sleeping or remembering dreams
Sensitivities to light, sound, or smells
Chronic fatigue or focus issues
Kryptopyrrole Test (Pyroluria Test)
Working With Me: Important Information
When preparing for our work together, please provide your most recent blood work results (ideally from within the last 1-2 months). This helps establish a baseline understanding of your health status and allows for more targeted recommendations.
If you have an upcoming appointment with your primary doctor, please request the following tests:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Lipid Panel
Thyroid Panel including TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and Thyroid antibodies (TPO and TgAb)
Vitamin D (25-OH)
Vitamin B12 and Folate
Ferritin and Iron panel
Hemoglobin A1c
Fasting insulin
High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
Magnesium (RBC magnesium if available)
Zinc and Copper
These tests provide valuable information about your metabolism, thyroid function, nutrient status, and inflammatory markers, which helps us create a more personalized nutrition plan. Most of these tests are covered by insurance when ordered by your physician.
If you're unable to obtain these tests through your doctor, we can discuss alternative options during our initial consultation.
Recommended Blood Tests