Exploring Functional Medicine and Lab Testing Services
Comprehensive and holistic testing is at the heart of our approach to functional medicine at the Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine of Stamford, Connecticut. Standard bloodwork and conventional laboratory tests can be extremely helpful in diagnosing chronic health conditions. However, all too often, people are told that their labs all look “normal,” yet they continue to feel unwell. Functional lab testing takes a different approach to assessing pathology, focusing instead on optimal ranges for the individual instead of what might be considered average for the population. With this data available, you and your provider can accurately understand why you’re feeling poorly and what steps might be necessary to reverse that.
What are some of the most common types of functional medicine tests?
Led by talented naturopathic physicians, our center in Stamford, Connecticut, uses an array of tests to uncover what standard or conventional blood tests cannot reveal about your body’s function. This information is used to design a personalized treatment plan for your body’s needs. These tests include stool, urine, saliva, and comprehensive blood work.
What is stool testing used for?
Your health often starts with your gut! Our digestive systems can tell us so much about the function of our nervous system and immune system. Achieving overall well-being may not be attainable for many individuals until all digestive issues are addressed. For this reason, we order broad-based stool tests that most offices simply do not. Some of what we uncover through a stool test might include:
- How we break down our fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
- How much inflammation is in our digestive system
- How likely it is that we have intestinal hyperpermeability (“leaky gut”)
- The health of our microbiome analyses includes considerable insight into the balance, presence, and levels of certain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi in the body
- Much more
How might I benefit from thorough urine testing?
Urine samples also provide clues into the cause of chronic or disruptive ailments and diseases. We can assess for everything from stress hormones like cortisol to estrogen, testosterone, and other sex hormones. Additionally, we look at the neurotransmitters, organic acids, and levels of oxidative stress that influence everything from our mood and sleep quality to our energy levels and nutritional needs.
What is saliva testing, and what is it used for?
Saliva testing can be very helpful for hormone assessment, especially cortisol testing, which explores the circadian rhythm of our bodies and may impact mood, stress, energy levels, anxiety, and sleep.
What can be determined with comprehensive blood work?
Approaching blood work through the lens of functional medicine, identifying your “baseline,” and accordingly understanding the optimal ranges for bloodwork results based on your unique circumstances, body composition, medical history, family health history, and long-term health goals. We use this clear and highly personalized perspective to treat symptoms effectively and based on each individual’s genes, lifestyle, and environment. With comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnostics, the Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine ensures your body gets everything it needs to function at its best, not limited to the proper balance and amount of nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and hormones.
Who can I contact to learn more about functional medicine and lab testing near me?
If you’ve been told that everything in your lab results looks “normal” or “fine,” and you are still not feeling well, please get in touch and schedule a free discovery call with one of our providers. If you want more information about functional medicine testing, the first step in better health and well-being, request an appointment today! Our office in Stamford, Connecticut, can be reached at (866) 320-6402.
Dr. Robert Kachko, Founder and Director of the Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine, is a pioneer in Naturopathic and Integrative Medicine and has developed an extensive bio-psychosocial methodology for people living with chronic diseases. As Past President of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Dr. Kachko advocates for healthcare reform to allow everyone access to the kind of care our clinic provides.
