When visiting a primary care physician for an annual physical, the check-up typically follows a familiar routine. The doctor measures an individual’s height and weight and orders basic blood work, as dictated by insurance coverage.

While these diagnostic tests allow healthcare providers to measure some important health indicators, they only provide a limited snapshot. If the physician’s review doesn’t go further, the assessment of an individual’s health will be far from complete.

In contrast, functional medicine approaches the physical examination by first compiling a detailed health history to better understand familial, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Doctors specializing in functional medicine perform a deep dive into an individual’s medical background and tailor the treatment plan to each patient’s specific needs. These are the variety of advanced tools which enhance the more familiar measures we are accustomed to.

Heart Health Diagnostic Tests

In addition to the standard heart-health tests done by cardiologists, such as stress tests and echocardiograms, functional medicine goes further to predict risks for atherosclerosis (plaque build-up) by testing patient cholesterol through advanced lipid panels and inflammation markers.

These additional screenings help guide the patient toward interventions that can reduce the inflammation leading to plaque formation.

"We also perform cardiac genetic testing to detect genetic markers that put patients at increased risk for coronary artery disease. Based on the results, we pursue personalized interventions, which may include lifestyle changes, supplements, and, when necessary, medication."

Other tests provide a more comprehensive picture of heart health, including the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) test. The CIMT test measures the thickness of the inner layers of the carotid artery, which transports blood from the heart to the brain, and can detect the early stages of plaque build-up.

This enhanced cardiovascular evaluation includes lab work, such as advanced lipid panels, and checks for insulin resistance, as well as insulin and glucose levels. In some cases, patients with signs of coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis may be referred for a coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Images from the CCTA scan are processed using artificial intelligence-based algorithms, which translate the data into measurements and reports that provide detailed information about plaque build-up in the arteries and any potential narrowing (stenosis).

Toxic Load Tests

Exposure to chemicals found in household products, drinking water, and other sources can adversely affect our health without us even realizing it. One such chemical is glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide, found in over 700 different products, including agricultural and household items.

A 2022 CDC study found that glyphosate is present in our air, water, and bodies. Research has shown a strong correlation between glyphosate use and chronic illnesses. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans."

Treatment for glyphosate toxicity focuses on identifying the source of exposure and avoiding future contact. Eating organic, non-GMO foods and drinking filtered water are two of the best ways to minimize glyphosate exposure.

A simple urine test can measure glyphosate levels, while additional lab tests are available to check water samples for contamination.

Tick-Borne Diseases

Patients experiencing lethargy, fatigue, body aches, and brain fog may have an unexpected cause: tiny ticks or other insects whose bites can trigger significant health problems.

At Naples Center for Functional Medicine, we partner with IGeneX, a lab that screens not only for Lyme disease but for a range of other tick-borne pathogens.

Nearly one in four ticks carrying Lyme disease also carry multiple pathogens. As a result, 25% of patients tested only for Lyme disease may not be properly diagnosed.

IGeneX's proprietary test for Lyme disease boasts a sensitivity greater than 93%, while the two-tier testing protocol recommended by the CDC has a sensitivity below 58%.

Stool Testing and Gut Health

Discussions about gut health often center around diet, but the digestive system is much more complex. It involves coordination between various organs, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and intestines.

Gut health plays a crucial role in overall wellness, impacting cardiovascular health, obesity, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic conditions.

One advanced way to assess gut health is through a gastrointestinal microbial assay (GI-MAP) or GI Effects stool test, which measures commensal and pathogenic bacteria, parasites, fungi, and other harmful organisms that could negatively affect the digestive, immune, metabolic, and endocrine systems.

These connections should not be overlooked. A leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability) can lead to serious disorders such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, arthritis, and allergies. Emerging research into the "gut-brain axis" has also linked digestive issues to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

Annual check-ups that go beyond the basics are essential to maintaining good health. As functional medicine specialists, we don’t claim to have all the answers, but you can be sure we will ask plenty of questions and go far beyond the status quo when it comes to your health.

Dr. Lina Sakr is a board-certified internal medicine physician at Naples Center for Functional Medicine, located at 800 Goodlette-Frank Rd. With nearly 40 years of experience, she specializes in metabolic and nutritional medicine, anti-aging medicine, and women’s health. To make an appointment call 239-649-7400 or visit NaplesCFM.com.

Naples Center for Functional Medicine - 800 Goodlette Rd Ste 270, Naples, FL

Dr. Lindsey Berkson MA, DC, CNS, DACBN, CAN is a hormone scholar and functional medicine specialist focusing on hormones, anti-aging and medical nutrition at Naples Center for Functional ... Read More »