Advanced Functional Medicine Testing

There are hundreds of tests to help us understand our patients' unique biology. For example, tests exist for mold and mycotoxin exposure (linked to chronic fatigue and a weakened immune system), heavy metals (linked to neurological symptoms and cardiovascular disease), and hormone pathways (assessing levels and effects in the body). Advanced cardiometabolic tests look deeper into processes that affect cardiovascular risk.

Comprehensive Functional Medicine Serum Testing

At Innovative Health, we begin with a deep dive into our patients' metabolic health. Our Functional base panel contains close to 100 biomarkers, including thyroid, blood sugar, cardiovascular, sex, and stress hormones; micronutrients; immune function; and inflammation. Many patients have had testing by conventional medicine and were told “all is normal”. We understand that being "in the normal reference range" on lab tests does not guarantee optimal health.

Genetic Testing

At Innovative Health, we offer various genetic testing, including interpretation, and support for nutrition, methylation, and exercise genetics. Understanding these factors helps us tailor weight-loss and nutrition interventions to improve each patient's chance of success.

MTHFR is a commonly discussed genetic test. Today, our understanding of methylation genetics—how the body adds small chemical groups to DNA to regulate gene expression—goes beyond basic MTHFR variations. MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, a gene with common variants at positions 677 and 1298. These gene changes, called polymorphisms, can reduce the production of L-methylfolate, the active form of folate (a B vitamin). Low L-methylfolate can impair the body's natural detoxification and reduce neurotransmitter (brain chemical) production, potentially affecting mood. This also affects the conversion of homocysteine (an amino acid) to methionine (another amino acid important for health). There are other effects as well. MTHFR gene changes may increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and can also raise the risk for some psychiatric conditions, memory issues, or attention problems. Up to 60 percent of the population has at least one of these gene variants. These changes in genes have been linked to depression, ADHD, cancer, and other conditions.

• Genetic assessments of hormone and enzyme pathways provide details about a person’s risk of certain health conditions, predicted response to medications, possible hormonal or mental health changes, and mood variations. Knowing this genetic information supports choosing more precise treatments and prevention strategies for each person.
• Genetic factors play a key role in weight-loss outcomes, nutrition, and the tailoring of interventions for success.
• Genetics also affect Monoamine oxidase (MAO) and Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT). These are enzymes that help break down neurotransmitters—chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine that send signals in the brain and body, influencing mood and the stress response. MAO and COMT testing can show how efficiently the body processes these brain chemicals. Genetic testing also assesses how well substances are converted to their active forms and how well cells respond to brain signals. It also looks at micronutrient variations, or how the body uses vitamins and minerals that impact neurotransmitters and mood.
• Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a protein that helps move cholesterol through the blood. It also has functions in the brain. Testing for APOE gene variations helps assess a person’s risk for neurodegenerative illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease. This information enables the development of personalized programs to help maintain brain health and thinking abilities.

Other Functional Tests are available

• Environmental Chemical Exposure Testing (identifies harmful chemicals in the body, such as pesticides, plastics, and PFAS)
• Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing (detects immune responses to many common foods)
• Gut Stool Testing analyzes bacteria and other microorganisms (such as yeast and parasites) in the digestive tract and provides targeted treatment to optimize digestion, reduce specific symptoms (such as bloating or pain), and improve overall health.
• Heavy Metal Testing (measures metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, etc.)
• Urine or Saliva Hormone Testing, such as the DUTCH test (measures levels of sex and stress hormones and metabolites, HPA axis, etc.)
• Methylation Testing evaluates how the body adds methyl groups—small chemical units—to DNA and proteins, a process important for detoxification, mood regulation, and heart health. Based on results, we can recommend specific nutrients or lifestyle changes.
• Micronutrient Testing (checks for vitamin and mineral levels within the body)
• Mold Toxicity (tests for harmful effects of mold and mycotoxin exposure in the patient and the home)
• Neurotransmitter Testing (measures brain chemical messengers, which are essential in mood issues and other neurological issues)
• Telomere Testing (assesses the protective caps on chromosomes related to aging)

Functional Medicine Testing is a powerful tool for understanding the root causes of health issues. Functional Testing allows for early detection, prevention and optimization of overall health. At Innovative Health, our goal is to provide personalized treatment plans that encompass a broad view of health and anti-aging.