Functional Medicine Lab Testing in Sioux Falls, SD
Lab testing is a powerful tool in understanding your overall health, but not all lab tests are created equal. At Essential Health Chiropractic in Sioux Falls, SD, we take a functional approach to lab testing, looking beyond conventional high and low markers. Our goal is to use advanced diagnostic testing to get a detailed understanding of your body’s systems and uncover hidden imbalances before they turn into chronic health issues.
By utilizing labs through Evexia Diagnostics with access to Labcorp and Access Labs, as well as specialized tests like the DUTCH hormone test, GI360 stool test, and 3x4 genetics testing, we offer a comprehensive look at your health. This enables us to track patterns, analyze optimal health ranges, and create a targeted plan that supports your body’s natural healing abilities.
Functional Medicine vs. Traditional Lab Testing: What’s the Difference?
Traditional lab testing often categorizes results as either “high” or “low,” focusing on diagnosing disease or detecting deficiencies once they have already developed. While this approach is valuable for acute conditions, it doesn’t always catch imbalances in their early stages. By the time a traditional test flags an issue, symptoms may have been present for months or even years.
In contrast, functional medicine lab testing looks at much more than isolated markers. It considers optimal ranges, ratios, and trends over time, giving us a deeper insight into your body’s overall function. Instead of chasing symptoms, we focus on identifying root causes and supporting the body’s natural capacity for self-healing.
For example, a traditional thyroid panel might look at TSH levels alone, determining if they’re high or low. A functional lab analysis would evaluate TSH alongside Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies, providing a complete picture of thyroid health and identifying imbalances even if TSH appears normal.
What We Offer at Essential Health Chiropractic
Our lab testing services include comprehensive blood panels and specialized tests tailored to your unique health needs. Here’s a closer look at some of the tests we provide and what they reveal:
Comprehensive Blood Panels
These panels evaluate a broad range of health markers, including metabolic function, nutrient levels, liver and kidney health, inflammation markers, and hormone balance. By looking at multiple systems simultaneously, we can see how one imbalance might be impacting another, creating a complete health picture.
DUTCH Hormone Testing
The DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is a gold standard for evaluating adrenal and sex hormones. It goes beyond just checking hormone levels—it also looks at hormone metabolites, revealing how well your body is metabolizing and utilizing hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. This test is invaluable for individuals experiencing chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, or hormonal imbalances.
GI360 Stool Test
Gut health is foundational to overall wellness. The GI360 test provides an in-depth analysis of your gut microbiome, inflammation markers, digestive capacity, and pathogen presence. By assessing the balance of beneficial bacteria and identifying harmful organisms, we can create a personalized gut health plan that addresses issues like bloating, IBS, or chronic inflammation.
3x4 Genetics Testing
This innovative genetic test analyzes how your genes interact with diet, environment, and lifestyle factors. The 3x4 Genetics Test provides actionable insights, guiding us in creating personalized nutrition, fitness, and health plans that optimize your genetic potential. This is not just about identifying genetic risks—it’s about using your genetic blueprint to thrive.
Specialized Lab Testing Options
In addition to our core lab offerings, we provide a range of specialized tests designed to address specific health concerns and offer a more targeted analysis of your body’s unique biochemistry. These tests go beyond traditional lab markers to explore environmental toxin exposure, food sensitivities, and nutrient status, providing a comprehensive view of your health. Each test is selected based on your individual needs, whether you’re dealing with unexplained symptoms or looking to optimize overall wellness.
Environmental and Toxin Testing
Glyphosate Testing: Glyphosate, the active ingredient in many herbicides, has been linked to various health concerns, including gut dysbiosis and immune dysfunction. This test evaluates your exposure levels, providing insight into how environmental toxins may be impacting your health.
Heavy Metal Testing: Heavy metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic can accumulate in the body over time, disrupting neurological and metabolic health. Our heavy metal test screens for toxic elements to help identify sources of exposure and guide detoxification strategies.
Hair Mineral Analysis: Hair analysis is a non-invasive method to evaluate long-term exposure to toxic metals and mineral imbalances. It offers a unique snapshot of your body’s mineral status over several months.
Food Sensitivity Testing
LRA ELISA IgG and IgE Food Sensitivity Testing: This test measures your body’s delayed and immediate responses to over 200 foods, chemicals, and environmental substances. Unlike traditional food allergy tests, which only look for immediate IgE responses, the LRA ELISA test also identifies delayed IgG reactions, helping uncover hidden sensitivities that may be contributing to chronic inflammation and digestive issues.
Nutritional Status and Metabolic Testing
Organic Acids Test (OATs): The OATs test provides a comprehensive look at your body’s metabolic processes. By analyzing organic acids in urine, it can reveal imbalances in nutrient status, neurotransmitter levels, and mitochondrial function. This test is particularly useful for identifying hidden causes of fatigue, mood disorders, and digestive dysfunction.
Micronutrient Testing: A detailed analysis of 35+ vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids within your cells, offering a comprehensive picture of your nutritional health and pinpointing areas of deficiency that may be impacting energy, immunity, and overall wellness.
Why Optimal Ranges Matter
When it comes to functional lab testing, we use optimal health ranges rather than standard reference ranges. Standard ranges are based on averages from a largely unhealthy population, so being “normal” may not always mean being “healthy.” Instead, we look at functional ranges—the values associated with ideal health and vitality.
For example:
Vitamin D: Traditional reference ranges might accept a level as low as 30 ng/mL, but optimal levels for supporting immunity, mood, and bone health are between 50-70 ng/mL.
Thyroid Markers: A TSH level of 4.0 mIU/L might be considered “normal,” but functional medicine views this as suboptimal, indicating potential hypothyroidism or poor thyroid function.
By focusing on these optimal ranges, we aim to prevent health issues before they arise, supporting you in achieving the best version of your health.
Comprehensive Testing for Whole-Person Health
Lab testing at Essential Health Chiropractic goes beyond surface-level health assessments. We believe in a holistic approach that looks at the entire person, not just isolated symptoms. By analyzing patterns across different body systems, we identify how imbalances in one area (like gut health) might be contributing to issues elsewhere (like immune function or hormone balance).
With each test, we provide detailed interpretations and personalized recommendations, empowering you to take charge of your health with a clear, actionable plan.
Ready to Take Your Health to the Next Level?
Precision and Accuracy
The RJL Quantum 4 is known for its high accuracy, providing consistent data even in different environments.
Comprehensive Health Insights
By looking at detailed metrics like phase angle and cellular health, we gain a deeper understanding of your wellness.
Versatility for All Ages and Conditions
This tool is suitable for various populations, including athletes, seniors, and individuals with chronic health conditions, making it a cornerstone of personalized health planning.
Ready to See Your Progress?
If you’re ready for a deeper look into your health, schedule your comprehensive lab testing appointment with Dr. Mike Hanson and the team at Essential Health Chiropractic in Sioux Falls, SD. Click the button below to get started on your path to optimal health!
Get Started with Essential Health Today.
Location & Hours Of Operation
5023 S Bur Oak Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
We are conveniently located on the South side of Sioux Falls on the same road as Vance Thompson Vision.
MONDAY: 8:00am - 1:00pm, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
TUESDAY: 1:00pm-6:00pm
WEDNESDAY: 8:00am - 1:00pm
THURSDAY: 1:00pm - 6:00pm
FRIDAY: 8:00am - 12:00pm
SATURDAY: CLOSED
SUNDAY: CLOSED