Can a Functional Medicine Approach to Lab Testing Improve Patient Care?

In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, the concept of functional medicine often used interchangeably with integrative medicine, has garnered significant attention. Traditionally, healthcare has focused on diagnosing and treating specific diseases, often through a reactive approach based on presenting symptoms. However, as our understanding of human physiology deepens, it becomes evident that a more proactive and functional approach to patient care is essential. This is where integrative medicine, supported by functional laboratory testing, can play a transformative role - helping to identify and correct biochemical abnormalities that could eventually lead to serious health issues.

Beyond Symptoms: The Functional Medicine Approach to Optimal Health & Longevity

In this blog, we will explore the importance of achieving optimal health, the benefits of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, and how holistic patient care can help reverse biological age. We'll provide practical examples, discuss the benefits of expanded lab testing, and share insights from Dr. Mitch Ghen, an expert in integrative medicine and the Medical Director of Physician Consultations for Access Medical Labs.

Understanding Optimal Health

Optimal health is more than just the absence of disease. It’s a state of wellness where the body functions at its best, much like it did in your late teens or early twenties. According to recent research published in Aging Cell, individuals who maintain optimal health markers in the “Healthy Aging Metabolic (HAM) index” —such as balanced hormone levels, low inflammation, and good cardiovascular health—tend to experience a higher quality of life and longevity.

While we can't turn back the clock or our chronological age, we can support our body’s natural processes to slow down, or even reverse biological aging, prevent the onset of chronic diseases, and promote vitality. By focusing on factors such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep quality, we can help maintain or even improve our health over time.

Source: Biomarkers of aging: Current state-of-art, challenges, and opportunities: MedComm – Future Medicine: Vol 2, Issue 2 Jun 23

"Optimal health is not just about feeling well in the moment; it’s about creating a foundation for long-term wellness. This involves understanding and supporting the body's natural processes to prevent disease and promote vitality," explains Dr. Ghen.

The Role of Comprehensive Diagnostics in Functional Medicine

Imagine taking your car in for a check-up. In the past, a mechanic might have just inspected the oil or the carburetor. Today, advanced computers perform in-depth diagnostics to identify issues and provide preventative maintenance, helping your car last longer. Similarly, given the complexity of the human body, it only makes sense to use advanced tools for a comprehensive evaluation of your health.

Comprehensive lab testing allows us to gain a deeper understanding of our patients' health by evaluating multiple systems simultaneously. Blood tests and other tests that measure molecular and cellular aging biomarkers are vital tools that allow us to understand a patient’s biochemical profile in depth. Traditional lab testing often focuses on identifying specific conditions or diseases, but comprehensive blood panels can reveal hidden imbalances in hormones, nutrients, and metabolic function that may not yet be causing symptoms but could lead to future health issues if left unaddressed.

Dr. Mitch Ghen explains:

"When we only look at isolated test results, we risk missing the bigger picture. Comprehensive testing helps us connect the dots, leading to more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatment plans."

Studies consistently show that comprehensive lab testing can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. For instance, research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that multi-marker testing for thyroid function significantly improved the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction compared to TSH testing alone.

Similarly, a 2023 study on Lipoprotein(a) as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Diseases highlighted the importance of advanced lipid testing, showing that patients with normal cholesterol levels but elevated lipoprotein(a) had a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events.

"When we extend our testing protocols, we open up new avenues for early intervention. By identifying issues before they become symptomatic, we can prevent the progression of disease and improve the quality of life for our patients," states Dr. Ghen.

[VIDEO] True Health News: The 360 Degree Approach, Part 1

Blood Tests for Optimal Health & Longevity

Evaluating a broad spectrum of metabolic biomarkers provides valuable insights into overall health and longevity. Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach as to which markers should be included, research highlights several key biomarkers essential for comprehensive health assessment. These panels might encompass the following:

• ANA (Antinuclear Antibody): Can indicate the presence of autoimmune disorders/
• hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein): Measures systemic inflammation.
• CMP: Provides essential information about chemical balance and metabolism.
  • BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) 
  • ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) 
  • AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
  • ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) 
  • Albumin 
  • Total Protein 
  • Glucose 
  • Bilirubin 
  • Electrolytes: Calcium, sodium, potassium, CO2, and chloride
  • Creatinine
  • Globulin
• CBC: Measures blood cell types and counts to diagnose infections, anemia, and other disorders.
• Insulin, Fasting: Measures fasting insulin to assess insulin sensitivity.
• Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): Reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.
• C-Peptide: Indicates insulin production levels.
• Lipid Panel:
  • Total Cholesterol
  • HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein)
  • LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
  • Triglycerides
• Homocysteine: A marker for cardiovascular and neurological health.
• Vitamin D (25-Hydroxy Vitamin D): Assesses vitamin D levels for bone and immune health.
• Vitamin B12: Important for neurological function and red blood cell production.
• Folate: Involved in DNA synthesis, repair, and red blood cell production.
• Magnesium: A critical mineral for hundreds of enzymatic reactions, nerve function, and muscle health.
• Ferritin: A marker of iron stores and overall iron status.
• Uric Acid: High levels are associated with metabolic syndrome.
• Zinc: Vital for immune function, DNA synthesis, growth, and hormone production.
• Extended Thyroid Panel: Provides a detailed assessment of thyroid health.
  • TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)
  • Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)
  • Free T4 (Thyroxine)
  • Reverse T3
  • Thyroid Antibodies (TPO, TGAb)
• IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1): Related to growth hormone activity, aging, and metabolism.
• DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate): A steroid hormone involved in aging and adrenal function.
• Estradiol: A form of estrogen, is important for hormonal balance.
• Testosterone, Free & Total: Measure both bound and unbound levels. 
• Cortisol: Assesses adrenal function and stress response.
• SHBG:  A protein that regulates testosterone and estrogen levels in the body.

This combination of testing gives a holistic overview of metabolic health and aging, identifying areas where intervention may be necessary to support healthy aging and prevent disease. 

Practical Benefits of Expanded Blood Testing 

Expanding your lab testing protocols to include comprehensive panels for various body systems can significantly enhance your practice and patient care. Here are some key benefits and examples of how they can inform treatment:

Early Detection: A patient with borderline cholesterol might not show immediate signs of cardiovascular issues. However, a comprehensive panel including hs-CRP and homocysteine levels might reveal inflammation and oxidative stress, enabling early lifestyle and dietary interventions to prevent disease progression.

Customized Treatment Plans: A patient with symptoms of depression and fatigue might be found to have low Vitamin D and magnesium levels. Addressing these deficiencies with targeted supplementation could improve their symptoms without the need for antidepressant medication.

Patient Trust and Satisfaction: A patient who receives a comprehensive hormonal evaluation might better understand the root causes of their symptoms, leading to greater adherence to treatment protocols and a higher likelihood of positive outcomes.

Embracing Functional Medicine as The Future of Patient Care

Incorporating integrative/functional medicine and comprehensive lab testing into patient care is not just a trend; it’s a vital approach to supporting optimal health and reversing the biological clock. Comprehensive diagnostics enable early detection, customized care, and enhanced patient trust, ultimately leading to better outcomes. As the field of functional medicine continues to grow, so too will the emphasis on using comprehensive bloodwork to support the health and well-being of patients for years to come.

Working with the right lab is crucial because it’s the integrative practitioner’s frontline tool.  Having a precise, accurate, and timely lab partner is essential in this process. Without reliable lab results, it would be impossible to develop an effective treatment plan. This is why functional and integrative medical professionals prioritize using labs like Access, ensuring that the data they collect is accurate, timely, and actionable.

About Access:

Access is the nation’s premier specialty diagnostic lab. We offer a broad menu of testing from blood, saliva, urine & swab samples. We perform all of your tests in our 25,000 sq. ft. ultra-automated facility in Jupiter, Florida & provide results within 24hrs. Since 2003, we continuously strive to innovate, inspire, and improve solutions for physicians by providing an exceptional personalized experience with the most accurate testing.

Feel free to contact our specialist to find out more about prices and services. We are always ready to answer your questions: sales@accessmedlab.com