Wondering which functional labs are worth doing? Read on….
Here I’ll break down which functional labs are best for you depending on your symptoms…
First a little background on where I’m coming from on this….
Years ago, the doctor I was working with had me do over $3,000 in functional labs…
before anyone even ran a basic blood panel.
Looking back? Most of those tests weren’t just expensive.
They were unnecessary.
I didn’t need more testing—I needed the right test, at the right time, with someone who could help me make sense of it all.
That’s the approach I use now in my own practice.
Judicious. Strategic. Rooted in experience and expertise.
Because your time, energy, and money should go toward what actually helps you feel better—not just collecting data for a binder.
I can’t tell you how many times I hear from people who’ve had a similar experience—have spent hundreds or thousands on functional lab testing…
and are now more confused than before.
No guidance. No interpretation. No real plan.
And look—those tests aren’t the problem.
They’re powerful. When used well.
But they’re pretty much useless without someone who knows how to connect the dots and help you take action.
Here’s what I want you to know:
You don’t need all the tests.
You don’t need to spend $3K before you even get started.
The goal isn’t more data—it’s the right data.
I’m not the kind of practitioner who orders a test buffet just to look fancy.
I’m here to help you figure out what’s actually helpful—based on your symptoms, your history, and what you’re trying to solve.
Here’s a quick rundown of my go-to functional labs—and when they’re worth it 👇
Functional Labs Breakdown
🤧 FOOD SENSITIVITY TEST
Best for: joint pain, bloating, puffiness, inflammation, headaches, skin flares
My go-to: KBMO FIT 176 or FIT 132
This one’s different because it also includes a gut barrier panel (aka: checks for leaky gut). Why does that matter? Because food sensitivities don’t happen in a vacuum.
If you’re reacting to a bunch of foods, it’s not just about removing them—you’ve gotta heal the gut or you’ll just develop new sensitivities. I’ll help you do both.
💩 GUT / STOOL TEST
Best for: IBS, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, autoimmune diagnoses
My go-to: GI Map
This is the gold standard for looking under the hood of your GI tract. We’ll see what’s growing that shouldn’t be (pathogens, overgrowths), what’s not growing that should be (beneficial flora), and how your digestion, inflammation, and immune function are doing. Major clarity for people who’ve tried “all the gut stuff” with no real results.
If you want to do this test: First step, book a consult and let’s make sure it’s the best choice for you. There are several different flavors of stool test out there and I choose which is best for each client who needs one based on symptoms, and details.
⚡️HAIR MINERAL ANALYSIS
Best for: fatigue, burnout, hormone chaos, anxiety, blood sugar swings, insomnia
My go-to: HTMA from Trace Elements
Tiny hair sample. Giant insight. This test looks at your mineral levels over the past 3–4 months—and that means we can see what’s really going on with your thyroid, adrenals, blood sugar, metabolism, and even exposure to heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and aluminum.
This one is part of baseline testing in my practice for a reason.
Because when we tailor your support based on this test, things shift fast.
(And yes, we can create your own supplement couture ✨)
Not sure where to start? Start here:
👉 Book a Fresh Start Session
This is where we connect the dots between your symptoms, your story, and your goals.
I’ll help you figure out which functional lab (if any) makes the most sense right now—and what small shifts will actually move the needle.
It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of approach.
I’m your guide.
Destination: You, 20 years ago… but better.
xo,
P.S. If you’ve ever looked at a test result and thought, “Cool…but what do I actually do with this?”—you’re not alone.
Testing without context is like getting handed a puzzle with no picture on the box.
Let’s change that. Book your Fresh Start Session here and we’ll make a clear, smart plan—together.
The content in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always check with your primary care provider before changing your diet, starting a new supplement, or protocol.
