Functional testing

I know how disheartening it can be to hear that your blood tests are "normal" when you still don’t feel your best. The reality is that normal doesn't always mean optimal. Functional testing goes beyond standard diagnostics by using advanced tools to explore what might be going on beneath the surface, whether that’s nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, gut dysfunction, or hidden infections.

Rather than focusing solely on disease diagnosis, functional testing looks at how your body’s systems are actually functioning day-to-day. This more detailed picture helps identify the root causes of symptoms and provides a strong foundation for creating a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan aimed at restoring balance and supporting long-term health.

While conventional tests offered by your GP can offer some useful information, they typically use reference ranges designed to flag disease. Functional testing, on the other hand, focuses on optimal ranges, what’s best for wellbeing, not just what’s considered “normal.” For instance, a Vitamin D level of 50 nmol/L may be classed as sufficient in conventional medicine, but functional testing often considers the ideal range to be between 75–125 nmol/L.

Blood Testing

This is the most common test I use in clinic. Functional blood analysis looks beyond whether your results fall into the 'normal' reference range and instead focuses on what is optimal for your health. This can reveal subtle imbalances that might be contributing to fatigue, mood changes, hormone imbalances, or nutrient deficiencies, even when standard results appear "normal."

For example, if your ferritin (a marker of iron stores) is just above the lower end of the range, you may still feel tired or run down. In clinic, I use blood testing to assess up to 80 different biomarkers, helping to quickly identify areas that need support and reduce the need for guesswork.

Oral Microbiome Testing

Explores the balance of bacteria in the mouth, which can impact inflammation, gum health, digestion, and even heart health.

Stool Testing

A comprehensive stool test provides valuable insight into your digestive health and the balance of your gut microbiome. It can help identify underlying causes of symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux, and IBS, as well as skin issues, fatigue, low mood, and autoimmune conditions. By assessing factors like inflammation, digestion, and microbial diversity, stool testing enables a more targeted and effective approach to improving gut health and overall wellbeing.

SIBO Testing

Detects bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, often linked to bloating, discomfort, and IBS-type symptoms.

Vaginal Microbiome Testing

Assesses microbial balance and pH to support symptoms like recurrent infections, irritation, or hormonal imbalances.

Genetic Testing

Looks at how your genes influence things like nutrient needs, detoxification, metabolism, and mental health. Helps personalise diet and lifestyle for long-term wellbeing.

Thyroid Testing

Goes beyond basic TSH to give a fuller picture of thyroid health, energy levels, metabolism, and autoimmunity.