Functional Medicine Lab Testing in Charleston, SC

At the Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine (COEM), we’re committed to offering a comprehensive, holistic approach to medical diagnostics, which includes Functional Medicine Lab Testing. This cutting-edge approach aids us in identifying the root cause of disease, rather than just treating the symptoms. Our philosophy of functional medicine views the body as an interconnected whole and aims to optimize overall health and wellness.

Unlike traditional lab tests that primarily look for disease markers, our functional medicine testing delves deeper. It evaluates various aspects of a person’s biochemical, metabolic, and hormonal makeup. At COEM, we focus on different bodily systems like the digestive system, immune system, and hormonal system, among others.

Functional medicine lab tests aim to identify dysfunctions in physiological systems such as digestion and absorption, detoxification and elimination, immune function, energy production, and nervous system function. We also evaluate the body’s detoxification capabilities, the health of the gut microbiome, food sensitivities, and genetic predispositions to certain health conditions.

Who Should Consider Functional Medicine Lab Testing:

• Individuals with unexplained symptoms or chronic conditions
• Those seeking a more comprehensive understanding of their health
• People interested in proactive health management
• Patients on multiple medications with limited relief

Functional medicine lab testing provides a comprehensive, individualized, preventative, and root-cause-oriented approach to evaluating health status. It is a powerful tool in our pursuit of optimal health and wellness. By integrating advanced testing technologies with clinical practice, we are empowered to optimize patient outcomes and promote long-term well-being.

• Comprehensive Assessment: Our functional medicine lab testing is comprehensive, evaluating a wider range of biomarkers, including nutrients, metabolic markers, oxidative stress indicators, and immune function parameters. We employ advanced testing technologies to uncover potential contributors to chronic health conditions, offering a detailed view of a person’s health.

• Holistic View and Individualized Interpretation: COEM’s functional medicine lab testing provides a holistic view of health, considering the body as a complex network of interconnected systems. We understand that every individual’s body reacts differently to environmental factors such as diet, exercise, and stress. Our lab tests emphasize individualized interpretation, factoring in each patient’s unique health history, symptoms, and lifestyle.

• Emphasis on Root Causes and Personalized Treatment Plans: Our lab testing aims to identify the root causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. The results from our functional medicine lab tests guide us in creating personalized treatment plans that address these root causes, giving a more efficient approach to health care compared to traditional symptom management.

• Integration with Clinical Practice and Focus on Restoration: Our functional medicine lab results are integrated into our patient care plans, guiding our treatment decisions and therapeutic interventions. We use these results to personalize recommendations for diet, lifestyle, and supplementation. Unlike traditional medical testing, we emphasize restoration and optimization, aiming to improve overall health and well-being.

Our practice is rooted in the belief that every patient is unique and that their care should be individualized to their specific health needs. We believe in working closely with our patients to ensure they receive the best care possible. Consult with our healthcare practitioners to learn more about how functional medicine lab testing can benefit your health journey.

• Specialized Care for Chronic Health Conditions: We specialize in providing care for patients with unresolved chronic health conditions such as fatigue, persistent pain, and digestive disorders. We utilize functional medicine lab testing to identify underlying causes and devise effective treatment plans.

• Holistic Approach to Diagnosis: We believe in going beyond conventional medical tests to identify the root cause of your health concerns. Our functional medicine lab testing allows us to give you a more holistic understanding of your health and devise personalized treatment plans.

• Emphasis on Wellness Optimization: Our goal is not just to treat diseases but also to help our patients achieve optimal health. Functional medicine lab testing assists us in gaining insights into your lifestyle, genetic factors, and biochemical makeup to optimize your well-being.

• Addressing Lifestyle Factors: We understand that lifestyle factors significantly impact health. Through functional medicine lab testing, we can identify how your daily habits, environment, and diet may be affecting your health and provide effective strategies to address these.

• Assessing Genetic Risks: If you have a family history of chronic diseases or genetic predispositions, our team can use functional medicine lab testing to assess your risk and develop preventative strategies.

• Detecting Functional Imbalances: Our expertise in functional medicine allows us to identify and address hormonal imbalances, digestive dysfunction, and abnormal immune responses. By using functional medicine lab testing, we can provide a more comprehensive investigation into your health.

• Investigating Inflammatory Markers: We understand the critical role of inflammation in many health problems. Our functional medicine lab testing can help us identify any systemic inflammation and its sources, allowing us to devise effective treatment strategies.

• Addressing Gut Health: We recognize the importance of gut health. Persistent digestive symptoms may indicate underlying imbalances in your gut microbiota, which we can identify through functional medicine lab testing.

• Supporting Mental Health: We believe in the connection between physical and mental health. Functional lab testing can help us evaluate the role of nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, or inflammation in mental health conditions, aiding us in creating a comprehensive care plan.

• Personalized Treatment Plans: We pride ourselves on providing personalized care to our patients. Functional medicine lab testing gives us a comprehensive look at your health, enabling us to create a treatment plan that addresses your unique health needs.

COEM provides gastrointestinal tests such as comprehensive digestive stool analysis and intestinal permeability tests to shed light on the health of the patient’s gastrointestinal tract. These tests also give insights into gut microbiome diversity, inflammation, and digestive function. Furthermore, food intolerance and sensitivity tests help the medical team identify any potential food allergies or intolerances, creating a solid foundation for nutritional advice and dietary changes.

Hormonal analysis is another key component of the functional medicine approach. The team conducts thyroid function tests, adrenal function tests, sex hormone tests, and neurotransmitter tests to evaluate the levels of various hormones and neurotransmitters. This comprehensive assessment helps to identify any hormonal imbalances, which can be linked to a wide range of health issues.

COEM also offers nutrient status assessments to identify any nutritional deficiencies or imbalances in the body. These tests measure the levels of various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids in the body, helping the medical team to provide detailed nutritional advice tailored to the individual patient’s needs.

We also conduct stress and detoxification assessments, infectious disease screening, and specialized tests like immune function tests, mitochondrial function tests, and epigenetic tests. These tests provide a holistic view of the patient’s health, allowing the medical team to devise a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of health conditions, not just the symptoms.

The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine utilizes functional medicine lab tests to provide an in-depth understanding of an individual’s health. The insights gained from these tests guide the team in creating personalized treatment plans, leading to optimal health outcomes for their patients. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston SC, Ladson, SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally.