Specialty Testing
TLDR - Specialty testing can offer insight into underlying causes of health issues, but at the same time can be extremely expensive and lead you down unnecessary rabbit holes. Focusing on the foundational items is much more important than ordering test after test after test.
Example Specialty Tests
MTHFR, Strategene, and Other Gene Variant Testing: These tests can identify genetic mutations that affect methylation and detoxification pathways. Note that your genes are not your destiny. Maybe 70% of people with a specific gene have an issue, but what are the 30% doing and why are they fine? Focus on your environment, lifestyle, and things that impact your gene expression opposed to assuming you have an issue because of your genes. You may end up supplementing for something you don’t even have an issue with. Your mindset also has a significant influence on how your body functions. You could mentally cause your genes to negatively express themselves.
CIRS Testing: These labs help identify if you have chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). You may need a CIRS diagnosis from a Shoemaker approved provider if you plan to take vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). If you go that route then you may want testing done for the diagnosis and so you can get a prescription. If you do, then I would recommend working with a Shoemaker approved provider who can use your insurance to order labs. Most of them are covered and you can push back on having the non covered ones run. Note that you have the ability to heal without VIP, so you could skip this testing all together. CIRS essentially is your body incredibly out of homeostasis. The foundational practices are necessary to heal. More in my CIRS post.
CIRS GENIE: This test evaluates gene expression related to chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). This helps identify what you’re specifically reacting to based on how your genes are expressing themselves. The goal is to reverse the gene expressions. The healing process is the same regardless of your results, but this may help identify specific triggers.
Organic Acids: This test assesses metabolic intermediates, which can give clues about nutrient deficiencies, detoxification issues, and mitochondrial function. Your provider usually gives supplement recommendations based on the results. If you focus on the foundations then much of this will resolve itself. Supplements don’t magically fix you. They are only short term band aids.
Neurotransmitters and Adrenal Hormones: These tests can help understand imbalances in brain chemistry and stress response. Many of these levels change significantly throughout the day so testing isn’t very helpful. Id recommend focusing on fixing your circadian rhythm and mindfulness practices to get to the source of your problem.
GI Stool Profiles: These tests analyze gut health, identifying pathogens, dysbiosis, and digestive efficiency. The fixes are similar regardless of the results. Fix your diet. Fix your light signaling. Fix your stress response. All of this will fix your gut and supplements are only band aids.
SIBO Breath Tests: Some Gastrointestinal Doctors actually can order this test under insurance. If you’re part of this lucky group then go for it. They will then order you a very expensive antibiotic to kill off the bad bacteria in your small intestines. This is very harsh on your gut and isn’t fixing the cause of your problem. Why do you have the overgrowth? Are you increasing digestive motility? Are you eliminating foods that would contribute to the bad bacteria growth? There is so much more to healing your gut than just killing off the bad. If the core issue isn’t resolved then it will just come back a few months later.
Lyme and Other Tick Illness Testing: Lyme is no joke and can cause serious problems. Unfortunately the tests are not very accurate and can be extremely expensive. I’m a broken record, but the foundational practices are what you need.
Concerns of Specialty Testing
While these tests can be highly informative, they are extremely expensive. Specialty tests can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The complexity of interpreting these results also often requires the guidance of a specialist (additional expense).
Financial Burden: The cost of numerous specialty tests can quickly add up, potentially reaching tens of thousands of dollars. This can be a significant financial strain, especially if multiple tests are recommended sequentially.
Emotional Toll: Waiting for test results can create anxiety and fear. Each test result may lead to the suspicion of another condition, prompting more tests and prolonging the cycle of uncertainty.
Inconsistent Recommendations: Different healthcare providers may have varying opinions on which tests are necessary. This can lead to confusion and further financial investment in tests that may not be crucial.
Mindset With Results
My Positive Mindset Post goes into more detail on how your mindset has impact on your health, including gene expression. Even thinking about what your lab tests can start to change how your body functions. It’s critical to be in the mindset that you are strong and your body has the ability to heal.
Utilizing Primary Care Providers and General Labs
Your primary care provider can order general labs that are often covered by insurance. These tests might not provide the depth of information that specialty tests do, but they can help rule out major issues. General labs can include:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Thyroid Function Tests
Vitamin D Levels (sometimes covered by insurance)
Basic Hormone Panels
While these tests might not uncover every nuance of your health, they can serve as a useful starting point and help eliminate any obvious issues the centralized system can identify.
You Can Heal Without Specialty Tests
If you have the financial resources and believe that specialty testing will provide actionable insights, it can be a valuable investment in your health. If funds are limited, know that focusing on foundational practices can still lead to significant improvements in your health. If I were to do this all again, I wouldn’t spend a dollar on testing and would instead put it all towards supporting all of the foundational recommendations.