Understanding Functional Testing: Your Path to Deeper Health Insights
In an era where “one-size-fits-all” healthcare often falls short, functional testing has emerged as a game-changer for anyone seeking to understand the root causes of their symptoms. Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, unexplained digestive issues, persistent mood swings, or a nagging feeling that something just isn’t right, functional tests give you actionable data—not just numbers.
What is Functional Testing?
Functional testing goes beyond standard blood work. Instead of simply checking that your markers fall within a broad “normal” range, it dives into:
- Gut microbiome analysis: A detailed look at the bacteria, yeasts, and other microbes living in your digestive tract—and how imbalances might drive bloating, IBS, or food sensitivities.
- Hormone panels: Measurements of cortisol, sex steroids, and adrenal output throughout the day to reveal patterns behind fatigue, sleep disturbances, or hormonal irregularities.
- Neurotransmitter profiles: A window into your brain chemistry—dopamine, serotonin, GABA—to help explain mood swings, anxiety, or focus issues.
- Toxin and heavy-metal screening: Tests for glyphosate, mycotoxins, mercury, lead, and other environmental chemicals that accumulate in body tissues and can trigger brain fog, skin problems, or chronic pain.
Because these tests use urine, saliva, stool, hair, or dried-blood-spot sampling, they can be performed at home or at convenient partner clinics—saving you time and stress.
“Functional testing has emerged as a game-changer for anyone seeking to understand the root causes of their symptoms.”
Why choose Functional Testing?
1. Root-cause discovery
Stop masking symptoms with seasonal fixes. Functional tests pinpoint what’s triggering your issues—so you can address the source (not just the side effects).
2. Personalised action plans
Test results aren’t just numbers. You get clear, step-by-step recommendations—whether that means targeted supplements, diet tweaks, stress-management strategies, or a referral to a specialist.
3. Track your progress
Retest after a protocol—or six months later—to see how your gut flora has shifted, whether your cortisol rhythm has normalised, or if your toxin burden has dropped.
4. Empowerment through data
Access reliable information to guide lifestyle changes, have informed conversations with healthcare providers, and feel confident in your health journey.
Common functional tests & what they reveal
| Test Category | What it shows | Related symptoms |
|---|---|---|
|
Gut Microbiome & Permeability |
Diversity of gut bacteria; leaky-gut markers |
Bloating, IBS, food sensitivities |
|
Hormone Panels |
Diurnal cortisol, DHEA, estrogen/progesterone ratios |
Sleep disruption, stress, perimenopause |
|
Neurotransmitter Profiles |
Levels of serotonin, dopamine, GABA |
Anxiety, depression, low motivation |
|
Food Sensitivity Screens |
IgG/IgA/IgM responses to 90+ common foods |
Food reactions, migraines, inflammation |
|
Mycotoxin & Heavy Metal Tests |
Levels of mold toxins, lead, mercury, glyphosate |
Chronic pain, headaches, skin issues |
How to get started with JIVI?
1. Explore our test catalogue
You can browse through all or pick a specific category such as "autoimmune", "gut microbiome" and more.
2. Order your kit
Each kit comes with simple instructions and prepaid return shipping.
3. Collect and send
Provide your sample (urine, saliva, stool, hair, or dried blood spot) and send it back.
4. Review your results
In just a few days, you will receive extensive results in your email, alongside clear, practical recommendations.
5. Take action
Implement your tailored health plan, retest as needed, and track improvements over time.
What the future holds for gut health
At JIVI, we believe health is a personal journey. Our mission is simple: “Any Test. Anytime. Anywhere. That’s JIVI.” We partner with leading CLIA-certified labs, offer both at-home and clinic-based sampling, and deliver results you can trust—so you can stop guessing and start thriving.
Whether you’re addressing a specific concern or just want to optimise your health, our curated range of functional tests gives you clarity, direction, and next steps.
Ready to discover what your body is telling you?
Explore our full range of functional tests today—or speak to our team to find the one that’s right for you.
