Functional Tests

At Lūmi·ya, we believe in a holistic, proactive approach to health.

While standard blood tests can identify obvious health conditions, they often miss subtle imbalances that may be affecting your well-being before symptoms even appear. This is where functional testing comes in.

Functional medicine practitioners (both doctors and naturopaths) use specialized tests to measure how your body’s biological and biochemical processes are functioning as a whole. These tests go beyond traditional markers to examine pathways, enzymes, hormones, genes, neurotransmitters, gut bacteria, and more.

Benefits of Functional Testing

Instead of isolating one symptom, functional tests assess entire systems and organs, uncovering the underlying causes of health conditions. This allows us to connect the dots with the following benefits:

Identify Underlying Imbalances: allows for treatments that address root causes rather than just symptoms.
Early Detection: identifies subtle imbalances or dysfunctions before they become more severe or lead to chronic conditions, enabling earlier intervention.
Holistic Assessment: evaluates multiple aspects of health, providing a comprehensive view of overall well-being.
Tailored Recommendations: results can guide targeted interventions, such as dietary changes, supplements, or lifestyle modifications, based on individual needs and specific imbalances.
Tracking Progress: useful tool for monitoring of progress and effectiveness of treatment over time, helping to adjust strategies as needed.

The test results and recommendations pages are described with user-friendly language, iconography and graphics.

Functional Tests at Lūmi.ya

Depending on the test that is ordered, we can gain insights into the following:

Nutrition and Metabolic Status: Many patients suffer from chronic illnesses due to nutritional deficiencies or metabolic imbalances. There are tests to measure nutritional status including levels of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids, as well as food reactions and sensitivities.
Hormones: Hormonal tests measure various markers based on the selected panel, including cortisol levels, thyroid function, and specific male or female hormone profiles.
Gastrointestinal Health: Stool and urine samples provide a comprehensive insight into the health and functionality of the gastrointestinal tract, ranging from specific evaluations of parasitic and bacterial activity to broader assessments of overall digestive function.
Toxicity: The presence of toxicants can impede a patient’s response to treatment and has been linked to various conditions, including infertility, certain cancers, developmental delays, asthma, chemical sensitivities, and hormonal imbalances.

What is the difference between functional tests available at Lūmi·ya and blood tests from doctors?

Purpose

Functional Tests: Assess how well various systems and organs in the body are working, often focusing on underlying imbalances or deficiencies.
Blood Tests: Measure specific biomarkers in the blood to detect diseases, conditions, or abnormalities.

Scope

Functional Tests: Often look at comprehensive aspects of health, including digestive function, hormone balance, and nutrient levels.
Blood Tests: Typically provide a snapshot of specific parameters, such as glucose levels, cholesterol, or markers of inflammation.

Methodology

Functional Tests: May involve samples from different sources like stool, saliva, or urine, and can include tests for microbiome analysis or metabolic function.
Blood Tests: Involve drawing blood to analyze various components and markers.

Outcome Focus

Functional Tests: Aim to identify root causes of symptoms and optimize overall health and bodily functions.
Blood Tests: Focus on diagnosing or monitoring specific health conditions or diseases.

Usage

Functional Tests: Often used in functional medicine for a holistic view of health and to develop personalized treatment plans.
Blood Tests: Commonly used in conventional medicine for routine check-ups, diagnosing specific conditions, and monitoring treatment progress.

Functional Tests We Offer

Discover the root of your wellness challenges; use functional tests to uncover underlying imbalances and personalize your path to optimal health.

Please click on each image for more info.

Ordering Functional Tests

Our functional tests are available to order as follows:

as a standalone assessment without consultation
as part of a functional medicine consultation (recommended)
as part of a Lūmi·ya signature program

If you're unsure where to begin, our 30-minute short consultation is the perfect starting point. This session covers:

A brief understanding of your general health concerns.
Guidance on which of the three options above suits you best.
Assistance in choosing between genetic and functional tests based on your unique needs.
Recommendations on which of our signature programs is most aligned with your goals.

Please note that this preliminary consultation does not include dietary or lifestyle advice.

Take the first step toward personalized wellness today—explore the path that’s right for you!