Autoimmune Labs: A Key Step on the Road to Remission

A Holistic Functional Approach to Immune Health

When you embark on our Road To Remission journey, one of the first steps is ordering autoimmune labs. These tests differ from the ones your conventional doctor might order because we operate within a functional medicine framework, which focuses on discovering:

• Are you experiencing chronic inflammation?
• What’s triggering this immune response?
• Are you deficient in key nutrients that support immune function?
• How are your T cells responding?

By examining both blood and stool samples, we gather the data needed to craft a personalized protocol to guide you toward remission and improved well-being. Below, we outline the core labs we typically start with, including general bloodwork, food inflammation tests, and a comprehensive stool analysis.

Functional Medicine Autoimmune Labs: What We Test

1. General Bloodwork

We partner with Quest and Labcorp to perform thorough blood panels, and if insurance isn’t an option, we offer discounted cash pricing. While tailored to individual needs, the following bloodwork provides a foundational understanding of your health:

• CBC with diff – Insight into red and white blood cell levels
• CMP with GGT – Metabolic, liver, and kidney function markers
• hsCRP – A sensitive indicator of inflammatory cytokines
• Iron panel with ferritin – Low ferritin signals low energy, while high levels suggest inflammation
• Vitamins/minerals D, A, zinc – Essential for robust immune function
• Omega check – Balances omega-3 fats and arachidonic acid to control inflammation
• Antibodies – Targeted based on individual symptoms and conditions
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) – An inflammation marker, often tied to pain
• Viral panel – Chronic viruses like EBV, CMV, and HSV
• Lipid panel, insulin, C-peptide & hemoglobin A1C – Metabolic and blood sugar health
• Glutathione levels – Your body’s primary antioxidant, crucial for immune support
• Thyroid panel with antibodies – Thyroid autoimmunity is common, and proper thyroid function is key to immune health
• Prolactin and other hormones – Including DHEAS, estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, and leptin, based on individual needs

Additional tests may be ordered depending on specific conditions. This comprehensive list is a great starting point for most people.

2. Food Inflammation Testing

Understanding your body’s inflammatory response to foods is key to designing an effective elimination diet. This approach helps reveal which foods are most likely to reduce inflammation and support your healing.

Our preferred test is the Food Inflammation Test, which measures both antibodies and complement factors and also includes an intestinal permeability panel. You can easily order this test yourself through our functional lab shop. For more detailed autoimmune assessments, we turn to Cyrex Labs, known for their specialized panels like Array 3, which provides an in-depth assessment of wheat and gluten reactions. Additionally, Cyrex offers Array 4, which identifies gluten cross-reactive foods.

3. Functional Stool Test

In functional medicine, gut health plays a pivotal role in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. To assess your gut, we utilize a functional stool test, with our top choice being the GI-MAP. This test provides insights into:

• Harmful microbes (yeast, parasites, viruses, and harmful bacteria)
• Levels and diversity of beneficial gut bacteria
• Digestive health and inflammation markers

Start Your Personalized Road to Remission

With the results of these three key lab tests, we can create a tailored plan to address your autoimmune condition and support your journey to remission.

Do you have any questions about these tests or want to learn more about how functional medicine can help with autoimmunity? Drop a comment below—we’re here to help!

Warmly,