The specific treatments that functional medicine practitioners may recommend in response to abnormal lab results will depend on the patient's individual health concerns, medical history, and other factors. Here are some examples of potential treatments for various lab abnormalities: 

• Abnormal glucose levels: If a patient's CMP reveals high glucose levels, functional medicine practitioners may advise dietary changes such as reducing refined carbohydrate intake and increasing fiber and protein intake, as well as exercise and stress management techniques. They may also advise taking supplements that support healthy blood sugar regulation, such as chromium and alpha-lipoic acid.

•  Elevated LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels: If a patient's lipid panel reveals elevated levels of LDL cholesterol or triglycerides, functional medicine practitioners may recommend dietary changes such as reducing saturated and trans fat intake and increasing intake of heart-healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids. They may also advise taking supplements containing nutrients that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, such as niacin and fish oil. 

• Thyroid imbalances: If a patient's thyroid panel reveals imbalances, such as low thyroid hormone levels or high TSH levels, functional medicine practitioners may recommend dietary changes, such as limiting goitrogenic foods and increasing iodine-rich foods. They may also advise supplementation with thyroid-supporting nutrients such as selenium and zinc. 

• Adrenal imbalances: If a patient's adrenal function panel reveals imbalances, such as high or low cortisol levels, functional medicine practitioners may recommend stress management techniques, such as meditation and yoga, as well as dietary changes that promote healthy adrenal function, such as limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption. They may also advise taking adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha and rhodiola. 

• Hormonal imbalances: If a patient's sex hormone panel reveals imbalances, such as low progesterone levels or high estrogen levels, functional medicine practitioners may recommend dietary changes, such as increasing cruciferous vegetable intake and decreasing intake of hormone-disrupting chemicals. They may also advise taking herbs and nutrients that promote healthy hormone balance, such as vitex and DIM.

•  Gut imbalances: If a patient's comprehensive stool analysis reveals gut bacteria imbalances or the presence of pathogens, functional medicine practitioners may recommend dietary changes, such as increasing prebiotic and probiotic food intake, as well as targeted antimicrobial treatments, such as herbal or prescription antibiotics. 

• Food allergies/sensitivities: If a patient's food allergy/sensitivity testing reveals sensitivities to specific foods, functional medicine practitioners may advise dietary changes such as eliminating or reducing intake of those foods while increasing intake of nutrient-dense alternatives. They may also recommend gut healing protocols, such as glutamine and bone broth supplementation, to support gut health. 

• Heavy metal toxicity: If heavy metal testing reveals elevated levels of heavy metals in a patient, functional medicine practitioners may recommend detoxification protocols such as chelation therapy or sauna therapy, as well as dietary changes that support liver and kidney function, such as increasing intake of leafy greens and antioxidants. They may also recommend detoxification nutrients such as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and milk thistle as supplements.