Blood Tests Normal, But Still Feeling Off? Hair & Saliva Testing Offers Answers

Have you ever gone to your doctor, gotten blood work done because you're not feeling well, and the tests come back "normal"? Your doctor tells you everything looks fine, but you're left with the same symptoms and no answers. This has been a recurring scenario in my 20 years of functional medicine practice.

In this blog post, we're going to talk about alternative ways to identify why you're experiencing symptoms and what you can do about it. 

The Limitations of Blood Tests

Blood tests are essential, especially in emergency and urgent care, but they only tell part of the story. Our body prioritizes keeping our blood “happy.” If your blood needs calcium, it might take it from your bones or teeth. So, even if your blood test results are "normal", your body could be borrowing nutrients from other parts of your body, leaving those areas depleted. Blood tests often capture only the last 10-15 percent on the health spectrum, missing the earlier signs of an imbalance.

Exploring Other Diagnostic Options

In functional medicine, we examine the whole body to understand imbalances. Over the years, I've used urine, stool, hair, and saliva tests. Although effective, these tests are limited and can be costly and effort-intensive.

Introducing Hair and Saliva Testing

About five to six years ago, I discovered a company that conducts combined hair and saliva testing. I had experience with hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) and saliva testing for neurotransmitter function, but this company's approach was more comprehensive. It tests 58 different points in the body, affecting 14 systems, and identifies 350 different food and environmental sensitivities.

Benefits of Hair and Saliva Testing

This testing method helps identify how your body is absorbing nutrients, and if any pathogens are hindering nutrient absorption. Many people continue to feel unwell despite eating right due to these hidden issues. The tests also examine 30 different hormones, pinpointing the top four that are out of balance.

How to Get Started

• Step 1: Order a Test Kit - You can order a test kit from me, which will be shipped directly to you.

• Step 2: Collect Samples - You'll cut about a teaspoon of hair (not from the root) and put it into a baggie. If you lack hair, you can also use fingernail or toenail clippings. Additionally, you'll swab the inside of your cheek for 15 seconds on each side. The kit is painless and simple to use.

• Step 3: Fill Out Intake Form - The kit includes a link to an intake form to capture your health history. Drop everything in the provided bag and send it with the prepaid shipping label.

• Step 4: Review Results - Results take about two weeks. I will email you once the lab has analyzed your samples, and we’ll discuss the findings and your next steps.

Why Choose Hair & Saliva Testing?

Testing hair and saliva gives us a more holistic view of your overall well-being. By identifying nutrient absorption issues, hidden pathogens, and hormonal imbalances, we can create a targeted plan to get you back to optimal health.

Core Values in Our Practice:

• Optimal Health: Helping women achieve their best physical and emotional well-being during and beyond pregnancy.

• Holistic Approach: Connecting mind, body, and lifestyle impacts on overall health.

• Personalized Care: Tailored solutions for each woman's unique needs.

• Proactive Wellness: Emphasizing preventative care and informed, healthy choices.

• Patient Empowerment: Providing women with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their own health.

If you have questions or are ready to take charge of your health, please feel free to reach out. We're here to help you every step of the way.