The Top 5 Functional Health Labs I Use to Help You Heal From the Inside Out
By Dee Davidson, Board-Certified Functional Health Practitioner
If you've ever felt like you're doing all the right things — eating clean, exercising, managing stress — and still feel off, tired, bloated, inflamed, or stuck, you're not alone. I see it all the time. Symptoms are your body’s way of speaking to you, and often the missing piece is data — not just any data, but the right data that reveals the root causes of what’s going on beneath the surface.
That’s why I don’t believe in guessing. I believe in functional lab testing — so we can stop chasing symptoms and start supporting your body in the way it actually needs.
Here are the Top 5 Functional Health Labs I use with my clients to uncover hidden stressors, nutrient imbalances, hormone shifts, toxic burdens, and more — so we can craft a plan that’s tailored to you.
1. HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis)
What it is: A non-invasive test that analyzes the mineral content of a small sample of your hair.
How it's done: You collect a hair sample from the root, send it to the lab, and results come back in a full mineral and heavy metal report.
What it reveals: This is your body’s blueprint for mineral balance, stress response, metabolic type, adrenal function, and even thyroid health. It also shows if heavy metals are disrupting your system.
When I run it: This is often the first lab I run with new clients — it gives insight into foundational imbalances we must address to heal anything else.
Why it matters: Minerals are the spark plugs of the body. If they’re out of balance, everything from energy to hormones to mood is affected.
2. GI MAP Stool Test
What it is: A DNA-based stool test that gives a comprehensive snapshot of your gut health.
How it’s done: A sample is collected at home and mailed to the lab.
What it reveals: Parasites, candida, bacterial overgrowths, leaky gut, H. pylori, inflammation, enzyme function,liver function, gluten sensitivity, immune function and more.
When I run it: If clients struggle with bloating, constipation, skin issues, brain fog, hormone imbalance, sleep issues or autoimmune symptoms, this is key.
Why it matters: Your gut is the gateway to your immune system, hormones, brain, and mood. When the gut is imbalanced, the whole body pays the price.
3. Total Tox Burden Test
What it is: A powerful urine test that identifies three categories of toxins — mold (mycotoxins), heavy metals, and environmental toxins.
How it’s done: A simple at-home urine collection sent to the lab.
What it reveals: Whether your symptoms could be linked to toxic exposures (which are more common than most people realize).
When I run it: If someone’s done “everything” and still doesn’t feel better — we often uncover toxic burden as a hidden roadblock to healing.
Why it matters: Detoxification isn’t about juice cleanses. It’s about identifying the toxins interfering with your hormones, brain, metabolism, and immune system.
4. DUTCH Hormone Test
What it is: A dried urine test that gives a full picture of your hormone health and how your body metabolizes them.
How it’s done: You collect samples at home and mail them in.
What it reveals: Cortisol rhythm (your stress hormone), sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and how your body processes these hormones.
When I run it: With clients dealing with fatigue, PMS, infertility, weight gain, menopause or perimenopause struggles, or adrenal issues.
Why it matters: Balancing hormones isn’t just about boosting or lowering levels — it’s about supporting your body’s communication system so it can regulate itself with ease.
5. Metabolic Typing Test
What it is: An online assessment that identifies your body's ideal macronutrient ratios and metabolic tendencies.
How it’s done: You take a detailed questionnaire and receive your type and food guidance.
What it reveals: Whether you thrive on more protein and fat or more carbs and how your nervous system and oxidation rate play into your food needs.
When I run it: With almost every client! Especially helpful for those who are eating "healthy" but not feeling better.
Why it matters: You’re not what you eat — you’re what you absorb. Eating in alignment with your metabolic type means better energy, digestion, mood, and weight regulation.
Why Labs Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle
Here's the thing — I don’t “treat” lab results. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all protocol. My approach is rooted in you as a whole person — your symptoms, your history, your lifestyle, your energy, your intuition.
Labs give us insight, but you give us context.
That’s why when you work with me, we focus on:
Nutrition that works for your body
Hormone balance
Nervous system regulation
Sleep hygiene
Detox practices
Supplements that are strategic and safe
Stress, mindset, and daily rituals
Because healing isn’t just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual too.
Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Healing?
If you're tired of doing it alone and want to finally understand what your body is trying to tell you, I’d love to help.
Click here to schedule a discovery session with me
Or read client success stories here
Let’s find the root cause together and create a personalized plan that honors your whole self
Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any new health program.
Dee Davidson is a Functional Health Practitioner, hormone health expert, and advocate for personalized health and integrative care. With a focus on functional health and functional nutrition, Dee provides bio-individualized solutions to help clients restore balance. To learn more about how functional lab testing, functional medicine, and a holistic health approach can support your wellness journey, listen to her Confidently Balance Your Hormones podcast or schedule a discovery call at ConfidentlyLoveYourself.com.