Functional lab testing for ADHD is a relatively new approach to assessing and treating ADHD symptoms. It involves looking for underlying causes of ADHD, such as nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
Functional lab testing can be helpful for people who have not responded well to traditional treatments for ADHD, such as medication and therapy. It can also be helpful for people who want to get to the root cause of their ADHD symptoms.
A few things that functional lab testing looks for:
- Nutrient imbalances: This test looks for levels of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and magnesium and the majority of your vitamins.
- Food sensitivities: This test looks for antibodies to certain foods, which can indicate an intolerance or sensitivity.
- Functional lab tests are wonderful tools to assess the current state of your gut health.
- Hormones:testing looks for levels of hormones such as thyroid hormone, cortisol, and testosterone.
There are several different tests that can be used for functional lab testing for ADHD. My top four favorite ways to assess and treat ADHD are:
- Organic Acids Testing (OAT) -Organic acids are products of the body’s metabolic pathways. Evaluation of these downstream metabolites from various metabolic pathways provides insight into important areas related to gut health, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurotransmitter status, indicators of detoxification and macronutrient breakdown and nutritional status.
- Routine Blood Work - grab the list I recommend here - We run conventional blood markers assess them based on optimal levels and view the results through a functional medicine lens. Too often my client are told their lab results are “normal” by their doctors, although they feel sick and have legitimate symptoms. By taking a deeper look, a more comprehensive assessment can be made regarding one’s health and nutritional needs.
- GI Map w/ Zonulin Microbiome test - The GI-MAP (Microbial Assay Plus) is a unique DNA stool test. It relies exclusively on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, fungi, and more, by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested.Almost every patient can benefit from a GI-MAP gut health assessment. Some patients are looking to achieve optimal health, while other patients have been chronically ill and frustrated without a diagnosis for years.
- Genomics testing - genomic testing can provide insights into an individual's nutritional needs based on genetic variations related to nutrient metabolism. This information can guide personalized dietary recommendations, helping individuals make choices that align with their genetic predispositions.
The results of functional lab testing can be used to create a personalized treatment plan for ADHD. This may include dietary changes, targeted supplements, and other lifestyle modifications.
Functional lab testing is not a cure for ADHD, but it can be a helpful tool for managing the condition and effectively reducing your ADHD symptoms. If you are considering functional lab testing for ADHD, I think that is a wonderful idea.
If your doctor is unable to order functional labs for you. I would love to support you. Book a discovery call and let’s discuss the best functional lab panels for your needs
Here are some of the benefits of functional lab testing for ADHD:
- It can help to identify underlying causes of ADHD symptoms.
- It can help to create a personalized treatment plan.
- It can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
- It can be used to identify and address any side effects of treatment.
If you are considering functional lab testing for ADHD, I have created a FREE Guide to ADHD Functional Lab Testing. You can use this to talk to your doctor and advocate for your own functional labs.
If your doctor cannot order these labs for you, I would love to do so for you. Please click below to book your consultation.
