A Holistic Approach to Health

Functional Medicine recognises that the person who has the disorder is more important than their diagnosis and looks beyond symptoms to find and address root causes.

Rather than focussing on just one area of the body or set of symptoms, Functional Medicine starts from the fact that all systems of the body are dependent on each other, and all must be addressed to create a vital and happy life.

After carefully taking a full medical history, including genetics or family history, diet, lifestyle and environment, all the factors influencing a person are used to formulate a unique health plan. In addition, cutting-edge functional testing can be employed to help shed light on the origins of disorders.

Once identified, root causes can be addressed and supported, providing the body with everything it needs to return to optimal health.

Virginia specialises in autoimmune and chronic health conditions. Some of the disorders she commonly works with include:

  • High blood pressure, irregular/racing heartbeat, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol/poor cholesterol balance

  • high or low blood pressure, irregular/racing heartbeat, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol/poor cholesterol balance

  • Mild Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Acid reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Coeliac Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, SIBO

  • MCAS: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, histamine sensitivity

  • Both male and female.

    Low Fertility, Endometriosis, Dysmenorrhea (painful periods), PCOS, Acne, Menopause and Peri-menopause issues, Low Testosterone, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Benign Breast Disorders (eg fibroadenomas)

  • Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Graves Disease, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Testing

Virginia makes use of various tests within her practice to build a clear picture of the possible factors impacting a person’s health.

Depending on the presenting symptoms, the client may be referred to another practitioner, including their GP, for further tests, and/or be recommended functional medicine diagnostic testing.

Functional testing gives clients a wider range of diagnostic options than the NHS currently offers and can reveal underlying causes of disorders, such as imbalances, pathogens and nutrient profiles. These areas include the gut microbiome, hormone balance, nutrient status, inflammatory markers, genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and heavy metal toxicity, to name just a few. Test results can then be used to help inform your unique health plan strategy.

Virginia is a registered practitioner with several functional testing labs, including Lifecode Gx, Genova Diagnostics, Cambridge Nutritional Sciences, Nordic Laboratories, Regenerus Laboratories and INVIVO.

These tests include:

  • A range of specialist DNA test panels which reveal inherited health risks. Virginia will explain how these risks can be mitigated through personalised nutrition and lifestyle changes. This test is done by a buccal (cheek) swab.

  • A comprehensive assessment of gut health which reveals the level of gut damage, the presence of pathogens and the health of the microbiota. This test is done at home with a three-day stool test.

  • A blood serum test that identifies widely accepted immunologic biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis of coeliac disease.

  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth is tested for through a breath test which measures hydrogen and methane gases.

  • Homocysteine is a marker for inflammation. Raised levels are associated with many disorders, including cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, psoriasis, depression, dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, amongst many others. High levels may be caused by low B vitamins, especially folate, as well as having genetic mutations which limit the uptake and conversion of these nutrients. This test is done via a blood test.

  • This salivary test gives a comprehensive picture of the HPA axis revealing the individual’s stress response and resiliency.

  • This IgG food antibody profile reveals foods that elicit an immunoglobulin response – not those defined as a classic (IgE mediated) food allergy. This can be helpful to rule out foods that are contributing to chronic low-level health issues. This test requires a blood draw.

  • This simple blood prick test gives an indication of inflammation and a guide as to how to address one aspect of this underlying issue which is common to all chronic disorders.

  • This panel goes beyond the markers checked by the NHS to include not only TSH and free T4, but free T3, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies.

  • These tests (there are several varieties on the market) reveal a comprehensive overview of nutrient need, gut health (including yeast dysbiosis), toxin exposure and mitochondrial health. This is primarily a urine-based test, but add-ons such as for fatty acid markers or genetic mutations can be ordered which require blood and / or a buccal swab.

  • This 24-hour urine test is helpful to assess a person’s iodine sufficiency. Low iodine is suspected in thyroid and breast disorders and can play a role in many other health concerns.

  • DUTCH stands for Dry Urine Test and gives a good picture of a woman’s sex hormone levels either throughout the day or, with the DUTCH Cycle Mapping test, throughout the monthly cycle. Stress hormone tests, via saliva samples, can be added to this test.

  • This swab test reveals the health of the vaginal microbiome (bacteria and yeast) – a key ecosystem for female health and reproductive optimisation.

  • Toxicity can come from a wide variety of sources. Tests include panels for heavy metals, chemical toxins like glyphosate and mycotoxins. Test methods vary depending on the panel, but can include hair, urine or blood analysis.

  • Female and Male one-day hormone check.

  • A comprehensive check on over 125 biomarkers, including nutrient levels

Note: All tests are chargeable in addition to consultation fees.