Do I Need Specialty Testing?
I hear more people asking about specialty tests like the GI Map (for gut health), the DUTCH Test (for hormones), or food sensitivity tests. These tests seem to be popping up a lot on social media, and I understand why people are curious.
I can order and interpret these tests, but most of the time, they aren’t needed to get started on a solid health plan.
When I first started my practice, I used these tests more often. Patients would spend a lot of money, deal with collecting samples, and wait weeks for results. But over time, I realized the results didn’t change much about how I helped people.
The simple truth?
I focus on understanding you—not just lab results.
Why I Don’t Default to Specialty Tests
When we work together, my first goal is to get to know you—your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. This conversation usually gives me all the information I need to create a plan to help you feel your best.
Lab results can be helpful, but they don’t tell the whole story. Your wellness is unique, and it’s not something that can be solved with a one-size-fits-all test.
In the end, my plans still focus on the basics: your diet, lifestyle, and stress management. These are the areas that make the biggest difference, and even the supplements I recommend rarely change.
But Wait, Don’t You Order Extra Blood Work?
Yes, I do! Blood work is a great, affordable way to learn about your health. It can show us things like your nutrient levels, immune health, and metabolic markers.
I like to order extra tests to look at deeper patterns and imbalances.
Blood work gives us clear numbers to track your progress and make sure your plan is working. And it’s a lot easier to repeat blood tests than some specialty tests, which are often expensive.
Want to learn more? Read about the value of blood work here.
When Specialty Testing Makes Sense
Specialty tests aren’t bad—they can be useful in some cases. If we’ve worked on your diet, lifestyle, and supplements and you’re still not seeing progress, a test might help us figure out what’s missing.
Also, if you feel strongly about getting a specific test, I fully support that. It’s your body, and I’m here to make sure you feel good about the steps we take together.
Sometimes, seeing test results on paper can be the motivation you need to make changes.
Your body is wise, and every symptom is a message. While specialty testing can be helpful, it just isn’t my first step.
Together, we’ll focus on building a strong foundation for your health—so you can trust the process and feel confident as you move toward harmony and vitality.
Ready to take the next step in your wellness journey?
Book a complimentary Discovery Call today and let’s chat!