At NatNutHC, Epsom, Surrey based naturopathic nutrition clinic we offer blood testing in Epsom and Worcester Park, Surrey to help you address chronic fatigue and long COVID symptoms.
But there’s a significant difference between conventional medical blood testing and the approach taken by naturopathic nutrition and functional medicine. Conventional blood tests are often used to diagnose specific diseases or conditions. In contrast, functional blood testing goes beyond diagnosis, aiming to uncover the underlying root causes of symptoms and imbalances in the body especially in relation to chronic fatigue, inflammation and long COVID symptoms. This holistic approach allows us to develop more targeted, personalised treatment plans to support overall well-being, and to also spot potential early signs of issues and help you put preventative measures into place.
At NatNutHC we frequently run bloods clinics from our Epsom or Worcester Park, Surrey Clinics and support many clients suffering with chronic fatigue, long COVID and inflammation.
The Difference: Functional vs. Conventional Blood Testing
Iron, Energy, Long COVID, and Pathogenic Bacteria:
Let’s take iron levels as an example; conventional blood tests often focus on serum iron, which measures the amount of iron circulating in the blood. While this can be helpful, it doesn’t tell the full story.
A naturopathic nutritional therapist on the other hand, will also test ferritin, which measures the amount of iron stored in your body’s cells. This is crucial because you could have normal levels of iron in your blood but still have problems with iron storage and thus the movement of iron into the cell, which is related more to the metabolism of iron rather than whether you are actually getting enough iron into the body in the first place.
If ferritin (stored iron) is low, it may indicate that your body is struggling to store iron properly, which can cause symptoms of anaemia, long COVID, and chronic fatigue. By looking at both serum iron and ferritin, we can create a more accurate and personalised treatment plan; focusing on improving iron absorption, movement, and metabolism, rather than just prescribing an iron supplement that may not be necessary.
When iron levels are low, a naturopathic nutritional therapist will consider why? Is there an absorption issue due to GUT health issues, or is there a pathogenic bacteria that is feeding off your iron resources (bacteria love to feed off iron!!! supplements can actually help to feed them!!), and thus a naturopathic nutritional therapist will also want to see inflammatory markers, as well as white blood cells to see if the immune system may be trying to fight an infection.
Low iron levels aren’t always due to low iron intake and thus fixing it with iron supplementation isn’t always the solution, and that’s often the problem with the conventional medicine approach. Instead, naturopathic nutrition asks why and digs deeper to get to the root of the matter.
Digging Deeper to Find the Root Cause
When a patient comes to us with symptoms like chronic fatigue or long COVID, it’s rarely due to a single factor. This is where the functional medicine approach shines.
Naturopathic nutrition takes a broader look at multiple markers that can contribute to fatigue and long COVID. For example, we may test:
- Thyroid function, including TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies to check for autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- Serum iron and ferritin to assess both free-floating iron in the blood and the body’s ability to store it, providing insight into anaemia and iron metabolism.
- Inflammation markers like hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), which help us evaluate chronic inflammation, a key driver of many health issues, including fatigue and pain.
- Vitamin B12 and folate, essential for healthy blood cell formation and energy production. Deficiencies in these vitamins can contribute to fatigue, memory problems, and mood disturbances.
- White blood cells, to see if there is dormant viral or bacterial picture at play, with the immune system fighting some pathogen or viral infection, and potentially consuming the bodies iron stores.
- HbA1c, Fasting Insulin and Fasting Glucose, these give us an indication of whether blood sugar levels are high or if there is an issue with getting sugar into the cells; high blood sugar levels can impact blood circulation, which in turn can cause fatigue symptoms.
By assessing all of these markers, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of your health. If any one of these markers is out of balance, it may be contributing to your chronic fatigue, long COVID or other symptoms. Functional blood testing gives us the full picture and helps us develop a naturopathic nutrition and supplement plan tailored to your body’s unique needs.
We offer several comprehensive blood panels. Click here to view the blood test panels we offer and how you can book.
The Power of a Comprehensive Approach
One of the key differences between functional medicine and conventional medical approaches is our commitment to finding the root cause of health problems, not just treating symptoms. Functional blood testing allows us to look at multiple systems in the body simultaneously, including hormones, nutrient levels, inflammation, and detoxification pathways. This comprehensive approach is essential for addressing complex health issues like chronic fatigue, long COVID, and even cardiovascular disease.
For example, if someone is struggling with fatigue, weight gain, showing symptoms of long COVID and hormonal imbalances, conventional blood tests may only focus on thyroid hormones or blood sugar. However, with functional blood testing, we can also look at markers related to inflammation, insulin sensitivity, hormonal balance, and nutrient levels like B12, iron and ferritin. This holistic view allows us to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses all contributing factors, improving overall health and well-being.
Why Functional Blood Testing Matters
Functional blood testing provides a much more detailed look at your overall health compared to conventional testing. By identifying the root causes of your symptoms, we can create a personalised plan that addresses your specific health needs. Whether you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, anaemia, long COVID, or chronic inflammation, the insights we gain from functional blood tests allow us to support your body in a more effective and holistic way.
By incorporating this deeper level of testing, naturopathic nutrition and functional medicine aim to provide long-term solutions that promote true healing and well-being, rather than simply managing symptoms. If you’re ready to take a deeper look into your health and uncover the root cause of your symptoms, consider functional medicine blood testing as a key part of your journey to optimal health.
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Blood test panels can also be ordered online, and taken to a phlebotomist of your choice. Learn more here about the blood testing services we offer here.
Get Started with Functional Medicine Testing in Surrey
If you’re dealing with symptoms like chronic fatigue, low energy, long COVID or inflammation, it’s time to dig deeper into what’s really going on in your body. Functional blood testing offers the insights we need to create a truly personalised, root-cause approach to your health. Contact us today to learn more about how naturopathic nutrition and functional medicine can help you restore balance and achieve optimal well-being.
Book an online appointment or visit us at our Epsom or Worcester Park, Surrey Clinics.
We cater to both men’s health and women’s health, offering support for overall well-being and vitality to increase your energy, reduce your brain fog, address issues such as long COVID and reduce inflammation. Whether you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, long COVID, digestive issues, cardiovascular problems or hormone imbalances our naturopathic nutrition health reset plans can help.
Visit Us at the Whitehouse Health and Wellness Centre, Epsom, or at the River Club in Worcester Park, Surrey. Alternatively, book an online appointment. In the first instance book a FREE initial call to learn more about how we work – book your FREE call here.
If you’re looking for a naturopathic nutritional therapist in Epsom or Worcester Park who can offer holistic, and evidence-based care, come visit us at the Whitehouse Health and Wellness Centre, conveniently located opposite Epsom Train Station, we provide a welcoming and supportive environment for your health journey. Contact us today to start your personalised naturopathic nutrition and functional medicine health reset plan and discover the root cause of your health issues and how to address them.
At our Epsom clinic, you’re not just a patient – you’re a partner in your own health transformation. Let us guide you toward vibrant, long-lasting health!
At NatNutHC we have supported numerous clients throughout London and the South of England especially those living in Epsom and Worcester Park, Surrey and Sussex, UK. We have helped them to achieve many health benefits including increased energy, reduced fatigue, less aches and pains, increased vitality, improved sleep, weight reduction and increased mobility.
If you would like more information on the best diet and supplements for your particular needs, or want to find out more about naturopathic nutrition and functional medicine, get in touch today via: info@natnuthc.co.uk, or visit our website: www.natnuthc.co.uk and book your free 15-minute no obligation discovery call.
Alternatively, please follow us on Instagram or facebook @natnuthc for more tips and advice on how naturopathic and nutritional health care can support you and your family.
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The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or nutritional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or health care regimen. Individual needs may vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.