There are several unique lab tests to help us get a picture of what’s going on inside your body. These tests tend to be very helpful in figuring out what’s at the root cause of your symptoms and allow us to better create a treatment plan to solve your problem.
Common Functional Tests
After your treatment has come to an end, many people struggle with changes in their bodies and are looking for answers to figure out what’s going on. Some common long term side effects cancer survivors continue to have include digestive concerns, insomnia, hormone imbalances and fatigue. Here are some tests that might help you get to the bottom of your symptoms.
Standard blood tests
- CBC – complete blood cell count. This tells us how many red and white blood cells you have, and can point to things like anemia or other nutritional deficiencies.
- TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone. This tells us how well your thyroid is working, and can help us figure out a cause of fatigue.
- Ferritin & B12 – these are commonly low in those with cancer.
- FBG & HgA1c – fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c. These are markers of metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
- Lipid panel – this includes serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels (HDL and LDL). Low levels of HDL and high levels of LDL are a risk factor for heart disease.
- CRP – a marker of inflammation.
Food Sensitivity Testing
Many people have food sensitivities and finding the culprit(s) can be challenging. Headaches, depression, pain, skin issues, and many other conditions can all be associated with sensitivities to foods. After chemotherapy, it is common to develop leaky gut, which can lead to food sensitivities. Avoiding foods that do not agree with you can help to heal the gut.
Hormone Testing
Men and women who are diagnosed with hormone sensitive cancers may find it useful to take a look at what their bodies are actually producing. Cortisol, our stress hormone, is also very useful to measure as abnormalities can be linked to fatigue and insomnia.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Patients frequently tell me about symptoms of bloating and other digestive issues after the completion of chemotherapy. Testing for SIBO involves breathing into several tubes that capture gasses produced by an overgrowth of bacteria, and treating it with medicinal herbs is quite effective.
Vitamin D
There is convincing data that vitamin D is one piece of the puzzle involved in cancer development, cancer progression, recurrence and even survival. Vitamin D is also important for bone health, and testing your levels will determine what daily dose you should be taking.
Micronutrient Testing
This blood test evaluates your levels of vitamins (vitamin A, all the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E), minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium) and antioxidants (CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, glutathione). All of these nutrients are essential for cell protection, immune function, energy and mood.
Lab testing can be ordered as early as your first visit, to quickly get you the answers you are looking for. Call and book an appointment with Dr. Landmann today.
