Functional Medicine
Frequently asked questions about functional medicine and lab testing in Manhattan, NY
Functional medicine testing can be done through blood work, but at the New York Center for Integrative Health in Manhattan, New York, we also have many other ways to look at the body. We can look at urine samples, saliva samples, stool tests, as well as microbiome and genetic analysis to get a comprehensive and holistic view of your health. These results can show us what we cannot discover through regular blood work, allowing us to create customized treatment plans that target your body’s unique needs.
How can stool testing be used to evaluate my overall health?
For many people, their health begins in the digestive tract. The classic experience for people when they go to a GI doctor or a gastroenterologist is to do some stool tests. However, the stool testing we use in our practice is much broader. We look to see if people are breaking down their food effectively, whether they are absorbing and assimilating their nutrients, and whether they have inflammation. Further, we do a comprehensive assessment of levels of beneficial bacteria, viruses, and fungi in your microbiome. We look to see if there is an overgrowth of anything that should not be there. These results help us to create a comprehensive customized treatment plan.
What is urine testing used to determine?
Urine testing can give us further clarity on your overall health. We can look at hormones, in particular cortisol (our main stress hormone) and the sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. We can also assess “Organic Acids,” which give us an insight into the biochemistry of our bodies, including levels of neurotransmitters that are essential for mood, energy, and sleep. We can also assess levels of oxidative stress to make sure that our bodies are getting the nutrients and antioxidants it needs.
Where can I learn more about treating the body and mind with integrative medicine?
Your mental and physical health are closely intertwined, and functional medicine testing can help reveal the underlying causes of your chronic condition. Contact our office in New York, New York, today at (917) 477-3538 to set up an appointment and learn more about integrative medicine. If you are interested in learning more about functional medicine, request an appointment today!
Dr. Robert Kachko, Founder and Director of the NY Center for Integrative Health, is a pioneer in Naturopathic and Integrative Medicine and has developed an extensive bio-psychosocial methodology for people living with chronic diseases. As Immediate Past President of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Dr. Kachko advocates for healthcare reform to allow everyone accesses to the kind of care our clinic provides.