Functional Medicine Lab Testing

The article says functional labs can reveal deficiencies, inflammation, insulin resistance, autoimmune markers, and the biochemical terrain behind symptoms. Single-lab workups are described as insufficient for root-cause resolution because they only provide single-system insights. The article frames inability to make lifestyle changes as often reflecting biochemical obstruction rather than poor character or motivation. The article says the three essential labs should be ordered simultaneously rather than one after another. Ordering only the test most related to the chief complaint is described as a costly and common mistake. 8-OHdG is a biomarker of DNA damage associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, high cortisol states, and breast cancer. The article recommends adrenal hormone testing, GI testing, and organic acids or metabolomics testing for every patient. The 8-OHdG test measures oxidative stress impact on DNA. The Redox Antioxidant Panel evaluates antioxidant response capacity across more than 40 antioxidants. The article says functional labs are essential before or alongside dietary change. Comprehensive micronutrient panels can identify spe…