There are three laboratory tests that EVERYBODY should have done and it is even more critical for anyone with chronic health conditions (including physical, mental, emotional, or cognitive conditions). These tests can be done from home and without a doctor’s order (although I have included a couple of options done via a doctor’s order).
#1 Genetic Testing And Report
Genetic testing includes two parts. First, you’ll need to get your DNA data. Second, after you get your DNA results you’ll need a report or an analysis of your DNA results.
DNA Testing
The first step to understanding how your DNA impacts the unique functions or dysfunctions you may have is to get a downloaded copy of your DNA data. The most common and easiest way to get your DNA tested is through 23andMe via the website 23andMe.com
DNA Report
Once you have a copy of your DNA you should get your data analyzed and get a copy of a report interpreting your results. There are many websites and doctors that can do this. One of the websites I’ve used is LiveWello which allows you to run genetic reports for many types of conditions. But my favorite general report that gives a thorough look at your genes involved in several of the biochemical pathways that have a massive impact on your long-term health and chronic illnesses is the StrateGene Report which can be purchased at SeekingHealth.com. To get your personalized report simply purchase the report and upload your data from 23andMe. Note that this report is 100+ pages of very helpful insights and you should save it and become familiar with how your body works and how you may need to personalize your diet or environment based on your genetics.
#2 Nutrition Evaluation
An evaluation of your nutrition is critical to long-term health and resolving chronic health conditions. While some medical professionals might test your levels of one or two individual nutrients VERY FEW medical professionals test or even understand the importance that ANYONE with subpar health should be checked to see if they are getting sufficient amounts of the essential nutrients FOR THEIR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCE, HEALTH, GENES, AND ENVIRONMENT.
I recommend evaluating your nutritional needs from testing through Genova. If you choose to have lab work done with Genova but without working through a doctor you can order the Metabolomix+ test through Genova Connect (personally I’ve found it much faster and more convenient and usually more affordable to run these labs without going through a provider, but while getting the tests done is easier without a provider it is VERY important to review the results with the most expert professionals available). If you prefer to work through a provider to get the tests ordered and completed I’d start with either Metabolomix+ (along with the add-ons) or with the NutrEval (also taking advantage of any relevant add-ons). After the initial evaluations with either Metabolomix+ or NutrEval it would be smart to periodically check in using either of these again or choosing a less comprehensive (and less expensive) test that narrows its focus on the exact nutrients you’re concerned with most. Here are tests you might consider.
Genova Metabolomix+ (View Sample Report)
Metabolomix+ can conveniently be done from home via urine and a bloodspot (for lipid analysis). The test is most complete when you opt for two add-ons (the Comprehensive Urine Analysis Profile and the Bloodspot Essential & Metabolic Fatty Acids). Also, note that if you order through Genova Connect the add-ons may be included and might not be available separately.
*The Metabolomix+ (along with the add-ons) test does not include evaluation of vitamin B5, vitamin D, iodine or potassium (potassium is no longer included in the urine tests), among others. If evaluation of any of these is critical consider additional or different lab work.
Genova NutrEval (View Sample Report)
A Comprehensive Profile for Identifying Nutritional Deficiencies and Insufficiencies. Vitamin D is only evaluated if you choose to include the vitamin D add-on.
The NutraEval test does not include calcium, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, iron, sulfur, cysteine or tyrosine, among others. If evaluation of these nutrients is critical start with Metabolomix+.
Genova Methylation Panel (View Sample Report)
The Genova Methylation Panel is not nearly as robust of a test but does offer evaluation of a few nutrients that are not included in Metabolomix+ or NutrEval including homocysteine, choline, betaine (TMG), and SAM among others.
HDRI Methylation Panel: The most comprehensive methylation panel. Includes SAMe, SAH, and both reduced and oxidized glutathione. Does not include glycine.
Genova Organix (View Sample Report)
The Genova Organix test is a smaller portion of the Metabolomix+ that includes organic acids, many vitamins and a few minerals. It’s great if you’re targeting only the specific vitamins, minerals, and/or markers that help evaluate dysbiosis, mitochondria, neurotransmitters and others.
Genova Amino Acids Analysis Urine (View Sample Report)
Like the Organix test the Amino Acids Analysis is a smaller portion of the Metabolomix+ that includes many vitamins, some minerals and most amino acids.
Genova Comprehensive Urine Elements Profile (View Sample Report)
The Comprehensive Urine Elements Profile is great for an evaluation of minerals as well as toxins being eliminated via the urine.
Spectracell Micronutrient (View Sample Report)
While not from Genova this report includes 31 vitamins, minerals, amino/fatty acids, antioxidants, and metabolites. This test includes data for vitamin D3, K2, pantothenate, and fructose sensitivity. If these are important consider this one.
#3 Stool and/or Microbiome Analysis
There are many pros and cons to comprehensive stool tests. The pros are that they can tell you what microbes (good or bad) were found in your stool at the time of the test. The cons? Well, what is found in your stool can change quite a bit from day to day and therefore – test to test.
Why is it so important then?
FIRST, ANYONE WITH LESS THAN PERFECT HEALTH SHOULD KNOW IF THEY HAVE STUBBURN BAD BUGS (PARASITES, BACTERIA OR FUNGI).
AND SECOND, IF YOU’VE GOT GUT ISSUES – YOU WANT TO KNOW IF THE DETECTABLE AMOUNT OF GOOD BUGS ARE IN LINE WITH THE AVERAGE PERSON. This can keep you from spending a lot of time and money trying to increase beneficial microbes that you already might have plenty (or too many) of.
There are three options worth mentioning but options are and will improve dramatically and quickly.
Genova Comprehensive Gut Health Test – GI Effects Preferred or Premier (view sample report)
There are three levels of Genova’s GI Effects test: Standard, Preferred, and Premier. The Preferred and Premier are both really great tests. The Preferred test comes with a ten page report and is probably the best value in the industry but the Premier comes with a 70+ page report and is hands down the most comprehensive.
Ombre Gut Microbiome Health Test (order test here)
The Gut Microbiome Health Test from Ombre is not a comprehensive or high end option. The test is limited to only bacteria and there reports only include bacterial results they determine to be significant. But there are two things that might make this test one worth knowing about. First, it’s the most affordable option in the market. Secondly, the affordable price makes it an economical option for someone who is trying to track and increase specific strains of bacteria via fermented foods, prebiotics, or supplementation. If that’s the case for you, then Ombre can save you from spending hundreds of dollars on ongoing tests.
