Functional Lab Testing to Help You Stop Guessing
When digestive problems, fatigue, inflammation, or other symptoms continue despite your efforts, you may need more information.
Functional lab testing can help your dietitian examine patterns in digestion, food-related inflammation, blood chemistry, minerals, and nutrient status.
We use testing alongside your symptoms, health history, nutrition habits, and lifestyle to create a clear plan based on your needs.
Testing With a Clear Purpose
More testing is not always better.
Sometimes the right first step is improving meal timing, hydration, sleep, movement, or another foundational habit. Your dietitian will help determine whether testing is appropriate and which test may provide useful information.
Functional lab testing may be considered when:
- Symptoms have continued despite basic nutrition changes
- Digestive concerns are persistent or complex
- You suspect food-related inflammation
- Standard lab results do not fully explain how you feel
- You want a more focused nutrition plan
- You need help deciding what to do next
Functional Testing Options
GI-MAP Digestive Health Testing
The GI-MAP is a stool test used to evaluate markers related to digestive health.
It may be considered for people experiencing:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic constipation
- Chronic diarrhea
- Bloating
- Excessive gas
- Ongoing abdominal discomfort
- Digestive symptoms that have not improved
Your dietitian uses the results to identify priorities and build a step-by-step plan that may include nutrition, meal timing, lifestyle changes, movement, and supplements.
MRT Food Sensitivity Testing
MRT is a blood test that measures inflammatory responses to foods and food chemicals. It evaluates 176 foods and chemicals, including caffeine, spices, and food additives.
MRT may be considered when symptoms include:
- Digestive concerns
- Skin problems or rosacea
- Joint discomfort
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Headaches
- Ongoing inflammation
Blood Chemistry Review
Standard bloodwork can offer useful information when reviewed through a nutrition-focused lens.
Your dietitian may look at patterns involving:
- Blood sugar
- Cholesterol
- Iron
- Vitamins and nutrients
- Liver function
- Thyroid-related markers
- Inflammation
- Metabolic health
We do not diagnose medical conditions or replace your physician. When needed, we work with your healthcare provider or recommend additional medical evaluation.
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis uses a small hair sample to evaluate mineral patterns and certain heavy metals.
It may provide additional information about:
- Mineral balance
- Nutrient status
- Stress response
- Energy production
- Metabolic patterns
- Possible heavy metal exposure
Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms, health history, medications, supplements, and other available lab work.
What Makes Our Approach Different?
We Do Not Test Without a Reason
Every test should answer a specific question and help guide your care. We explain what the test can show, what it cannot show, and how the results may change your nutrition plan.
We Prioritize the Results
Functional lab reports can feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to address every marker at once, we identify where to start and establish a manageable set of priorities.
We Combine Testing with Nutrition Counseling
Testing alone does not create lasting change. Your dietitian helps you understand how eating patterns, movement, sleep, stress, meal timing, and supplements may affect your symptoms.
We Work to Reduce Restrictions
The goal is not to keep you on a complicated protocol forever. As symptoms improve, we help you expand your diet, reduce unnecessary restrictions, and build habits that support long-term progress.
What to Expect
1. Start With a Consultation
Your dietitian reviews your symptoms, health history, previous testing, nutrition habits, medications, supplements, and goals. Together, you will decide whether testing is appropriate and which option may provide the most useful information.
2. Complete the Test and Review the Results
Depending on the test, you may collect a sample at home, complete a blood draw, or submit a small hair sample. Once the results are available, your dietitian will explain them in clear language and connect the findings to your symptoms and health history.
3. Follow a Prioritized Plan
You will receive a step-by-step plan that may include changes to your diet, meal timing, movement, lifestyle support, and supplements. We will monitor your progress, adjust the plan, and help you move toward a less restrictive and more sustainable approach.
Patient Success Stories
Testing Is a Tool, Not the Entire Answer
A lab test cannot explain everything about your health. The most useful plan combines test results with your symptoms, health history, daily routine, nutrition habits, and response to treatment. Our goal is to help you understand what the results mean and turn that information into realistic next steps.
Common Questions About Functional Lab Testing
Do I need functional lab testing before starting nutrition counseling?
No. Many patients begin with nutrition counseling and make foundational changes before testing is considered. Your dietitian will help determine whether a test is likely to provide useful information.
Which functional tests do you offer?
Available options may include GI-MAP digestive health testing, MRT food sensitivity testing, blood chemistry review, and Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. Your dietitian will recommend testing only when it is appropriate for your symptoms and goals.
Will insurance cover functional lab testing?
Many functional lab tests are not covered by insurance. Coverage and costs vary depending on the test, laboratory, and insurance policy. Pricing will be explained before you decide to move forward.
What is the GI-MAP test?
GI-MAP is a stool test that evaluates markers related to digestive health. It may be considered for ongoing concerns such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and other complex digestive symptoms.
Is MRT the same as an IgG food sensitivity test?
No. MRT measures changes associated with inflammatory responses to foods and food chemicals. It is different from many direct-to-consumer IgG tests, which may identify normal exposure to a food rather than a clinically meaningful reaction.
Will food sensitivity testing mean I have to avoid foods forever?
No. The initial eating plan is temporary and structured. Your dietitian will help you reintroduce foods gradually so you can identify which foods may continue to cause symptoms and which foods can return to your diet.
How long does a functional nutrition protocol take?
The timeline depends on the test, symptoms, results, and your response to the plan. A digestive health protocol may take approximately three to four months, while other testing plans may follow a different timeline.
Can you review the bloodwork ordered by my doctor?
Yes. Your dietitian may review available bloodwork alongside your symptoms, medical history, and nutrition habits. We do not diagnose medical conditions or replace your physician’s care.
Do you recommend supplements?
Supplements may be recommended when appropriate. Recommendations are based on your symptoms, test results, health history, medications, and nutrition needs. The goal is to use supplements purposefully rather than add unnecessary products.
Get Answers Without Creating More Confusion
You do not need every test available or a long list of foods and supplements. You need help identifying what information matters, where to begin, and how to create a plan you can realistically follow.