New Year, New You: Navigating Health Testing in Ibiza.

No longer do you need to rely on your doctor to organise health testing. Whether you’re keen to monitor your hormone levels, test your gut health or check your thyroid, at home tests are now widely available. But as with many things in Ibiza, navigating testing can come with an added layer of challenge. As a qualified nutritionist practicing in London, Ibiza and online, I use functional health tests with my clients on a weekly basis. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most useful tests, who they’re good for and how to do them. 

Blood testing: Synlab

Whether you’re due for a health MOT, monitoring a condition like diabetes or underactive thyroid, or keen to check your nutrient levels, most of us can benefit from regular blood testing. 

How to test: Based in the heart of Ibiza town, Synlab offer a wide range of blood panels to choose from. Visit Synlab and select the panel and blood draw process that best suits you.

At RoseBar, we partner with Synlab to provide bespoke blood testing services to our clients. You can arrange a consultation with a member of our clinical team to create a bespoke panel tailored to your needs, have your blood taken and review the results with an expert. Contact RoseBar for details.

Cost: Synlab panels start at €45

Gut testing: Parasite Clinic 

IBS is a common issue and can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms, from constipation and diarrhoea to bloating and abdominal discomfort. Many of the clients I see have been to their doctor for investigations without having been able to establish the root cause. Often, parasites can be to blame.

How to test: Parasite testing involves taking a stool sample at home. Visit Parasite Clinic’s website, complete the parasite form and a member of the team will analyse your answers and recommend the best test for you. You’ll receive a test kit through the post to your chosen address. Sample are returned via the DHL envelope enclosed in your kit.

Once your results are available you can request a call from a member of the Parasite Clinic team free of charge. If your results indicate you’d benefit from a course of treatment, a consultation with a doctor can be arranged for an additional fee. 

Cost: from €159 

Hormone testing: DUTCH Plus from Regenerus

DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. DUTCH complete is a comprehensive hormone test that assesses sex hormones and stress hormones (which can impact one another). I most commonly recommend DUTCH testing for women struggling with PMS or going through the menopause. 

How to test: It must be said that this is not a straightforward test. Careful reading of instructions prior to carrying out this test is recommended! This urine and saliva test is carried out at home and the sample returned to the lab in the envelope enclosed in your kit. A follow up consultation with a functional medicine practitioner is recommended to talk through the results and establish a protocol if required.

Cost: €500 

DNA testing: Omnos

Testing your DNA can give you insights into a wide range of factors that impact your health, from genetic likelihood of certain nutrient deficiencies to your detoxification ability. While it won’t give you specific detail as to your current health status, it can act as a useful roadmap indicating areas to keep an eye on. 

How to test: DNA tests require a simple mouth swab which can be carried out at home. You can arrange to have a test posted to you from Omnos at a cost of £50, or pick up your test from RoseBar and avoid delivery fees. Interpret the results yourself, or book in with an experienced clinician via RoseBar or Omnos who can talk them through with you. 

Cost: £159 (available in Euros from Feb 2024) + £50 for shipping

Professional Guidance

If you aren’t sure where to start and would like some professional guidance in establishing the best test for you, you can book a complimentary call with me via my website. We can talk through your health challenges and goals and identify the best next steps.

Kim Pearson is a qualified nutritionist with more than 15 years’ experience. She specialises in weight loss, metabolic health and longevity. In addition to heading up her UK team of nutritionists, Kim is clinical director of RoseBar longevity club based within Six Senses Ibiza. 

Follow Kim on Instagram 

Visit her website