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Gut Testing 101: Which Test Do You Need
TABLE OF CONTENTS Why "normal" gut labs don't always mean a healthy gut Conventional GI testing (what your PCP or GI doc typically run) Functional/specialty GI testing (what we run and why) Which test for which symptom How we can help Why "normal" gut testing doesn't always mean a healthy gut Many of the conventional screening gut health tests ordered by your PCP or your gastroenterologist are looking for only a few specific causes of disease. They tell us very little about h
Dr. Teresa True
3 days ago7 min read
Functional Lab Testing for Hormones, Gut Health, and More: What's Available Without a Doctor's Visit
We see a particular kind of patient pretty regularly. Usually, they've been to their GP, maybe a gastroenterologist, an endocrinologist, possibly a rheumatologist. Every specialist rules out the thing they were looking for - which is genuinely good news - but nobody has actually explained why this person still feels terrible. Tired, bloated, anxious, wired at night, foggy during the day, gaining weight for no clear reason. All the standard labs came back as "normal" or "unrem
Dr. Teresa True
May 288 min read
Natural Inflammation Treatment: Finding the Fire Before You Reach for the Hose
Inflammation gets talked about a lot these days. It's at the root of an enormous number of chronic health conditions, from joint pain and fatigue to autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, and even depression. But here's the thing - knowing you have inflammation and knowing why you have it are two very different things.
Dr. Teresa True
May 226 min read
Natural UTI Treatment (And When You Need Antibiotics)
Few things are as miserable as a urinary tract infection. The burning, the urgency, the feeling that you need to run to the bathroom every five minutes even when there's nothing there can be exhausting and uncomfortable. UTIs are one of the most common reasons people visit urgent care, and for many people, especially women, they keep coming back no matter what is done. The good news is there's a lot more to treating and preventing UTIs than just antibiotics. This article walk
Dr. Teresa True
May 713 min read
GI-MAP vs GI Advanced: Which Comprehensive Stool Test Is Better?
Most people don't think about stool testing until something is clearly wrong, and has been for a while. But by the time symptoms like chronic bloating, IBS, brain fog, or recurring infections appear, gut imbalances have often been present for a long time. Functional stool testing, or comprehensive stool analyses can reveal what's actually driving symptoms. But not all stool tests are created equal. The two most popular functional options, the GI-MAP and the GI Advanced stool
Dr. Teresa True
May 613 min read
Brain Fog? Here’s What’s Actually Causing It (Even With Normal Labs)
Feeling unfocused, forgetful, or like your thinking just isn’t clear, you’re not alone! This is often called "Brain Fog". Many people are told their labs are “normal,” yet they still struggle with constant brain fog, low energy, and poor concentration and are not given a clear solution on how to correct this. Brain fog is something we commonly see, every day even, in our practice among new patients. The reality is, there are often underlying causes of brain fog that aren’t be
Dr. Teresa True
Apr 306 min read
When Chronic Stress Starts Affecting Your Physical Health
Most people think of stress as purely emotional or psychological. But chronic stress can affect far more than mood alone. Over time, stress can begin to influence digestion, sleep, immune function, hormone balance, blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and energy levels. In today's world, stress is very different than what we evolved to handle. Today's stressors are not tigers, bears and staying alive for most people. The lifestyle of constant connection through phones, email
Dr. Teresa True
Jan 57 min read
The Complete Guide to Toxin Testing: Mold, Chemicals, and Heavy Metals Explained
Looking for reliable toxin testing? Learn what environmental toxins, mold toxins, and mLooking for reliable toxin testing? Learn what environmental toxins, mold toxins, and metals you can measure with the Mosaic EnviroTox Complete + Metals panel.etals you can measure with the Mosaic EnviroTox Complete + Metals panel.
Dr. Teresa True
Dec 4, 20255 min read
Natural Ways to Lower High Blood Pressure: An Evidence-Based Naturopathic Guide to Hypertension
Description: High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the world’s most common yet most dangerous chronic health conditions. Often called the silent killer, hypertension typically develops without obvious symptoms, making regular monitoring and early prevention essential. Over time, untreated high blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and cognitive decline. Fortunately, naturopathic medicine offers effective,
Dr. Tessaundra Steinhebel
Dec 2, 20258 min read
Take Control of Your Health with Functional Lab Testing
Learn which functional lab tests explain bloating, fatigue, sleep issues, and hormone changes. Order digestive health tests, hormone panels, and cortisol testing directly.
Dr. Teresa True
Nov 10, 20254 min read
Understanding Gut Health: Why It Matters for Your Well-Being
Still dealing with bloating, constipation, or diarrhea despite “normal” results? Learn how functional digestive testing reveals hidden imbalances in digestion, microbiome health, and inflammation to guide real solutions.
Dr. Teresa True
Nov 10, 20255 min read
What Labs Can Show if Stress is Affecting Your Adrenal Glands
Find out how stress impacts your adrenal and hormone health. Learn about DUTCH and Doctor’s Data adrenal labs to uncover cortisol and hormone imbalance.
Dr. Teresa True
Nov 5, 20257 min read
How Cell Salts Support Digestion & Hormone Balance - And When to Use Functional Lab Testing
Discover how Schuessler cell salts support digestion and hormone balance and when functional lab testing can reveal the root cause of imbalance.
Dr. Teresa True
Nov 5, 20256 min read
Understanding Inflammation: A Functional Medicine Approach
Learn what functional medicine doctors look for in inflammation labs. Discover key markers, functional tests, and how naturopathic medicine identifies the root cause of inflammation.
Dr. Teresa True
Oct 27, 20255 min read
Which Lab Tests Are Most Helpful for Women in Perimenopause?
Learn which lab tests are most helpful for women in perimenopause. Discover why saliva hormone panels and DUTCH testing provide more accurate results than standard bloodwork, and how they reveal adrenal function and hormonal balance.
Dr. Teresa True
Oct 22, 20257 min read
Why Preventive Health Care Matters
When it comes to health, many of us wait until something goes wrong before seeking help. But what if we told you there’s a better way? A way to catch problems early, avoid unnecessary medications, and actually fix the root causes of health issues. That’s the power of preventive care. In this post, we’ll share why the value of preventive care is so important, how it can transform your well-being, and how our functional lab tests and services support you on this journey. Natura
Dr. Teresa True
Oct 21, 20255 min read
Food Allergy vs. Food Sensitivity: What’s the Difference (and Which Test Is Right for You)?
Learn the difference between food allergies and food sensitivities, how each affects your immune system, and which test can actually give you answers. Order a Food Sensitivity Test online through Pacific Clinic of Natural Medicine — no appointment required.
Dr. Teresa True
Oct 21, 20257 min read
B12 & B-Complex Injections: A Smarter Way to Restore Energy and Metabolic Balance in Portland, OR
Restore your energy, focus, and metabolism safely with B12 and B-Complex injections at Pacific Clinic of Natural Medicine in Portland. Physician-supervised, lab-guided, and personalized for your health.
Dr. Teresa True
Oct 16, 20255 min read
Can Hormone Imbalance Cause Weight Gain? What Labs Should You Check?
Many people struggling with weight gain wonder if hormone imbalances are to blame. The truth is, hormones play a major role in regulating metabolism, appetite, fat storage, and energy balance. If they are out of balance, weight can be much harder to manage, even with healthy eating and exercise. Quick Answer: The most important labs to check for hormone-related weight changes include: Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, antibodies) Sex hormones (estradiol at least, but a mo
Dr. Teresa True
Oct 3, 20254 min read
Uncovering the Root Causes of Fatigue: Essential Blood Tests for Your Health
If you’re constantly exhausted, struggling to focus, or relying on caffeine to get through the day, the right blood work can reveal why.
Dr. Teresa True
Sep 25, 20256 min read
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