The test that uncovered what urgent care didn’t

Function member: Danielle, 42, Function editorial director of clinical content

Function focus: Heavy metals

Biomarker imbalance: Mercury

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The subtle symptoms of toxicity

Danielle has been with Function since day one—starting as a clinical copywriter and now leading the clinical content team. But beyond the work, she saw Function as her chance to finally understand the symptoms that had been brushed off for years.

So when employee testing rolled out, she didn’t hesitate.

Her first lab results flagged a few areas of concern—including slightly elevated mercury. It caught her attention, but didn’t feel urgent. At the time, she was more focused on supporting hormone balance and heart health. 

But then came the fatigue. And brain fog. She went to urgent care, so tired she could barely sit up straight or carry on a conversation. They didn’t run any labs. Just a quick COVID test, a shrug, and a suggestion to “get a green smoothie.”

She was devastated and determined to find answers. So she tested again through Function, a year after her initial test, and found her mercury levels had more than doubled—from 5 mcg/L to 12 mcg/L. 

She wasn’t just tired. Her body was in a serious state of toxicity.

The symptoms and sources

Danielle recounts her physical health during that time:

I couldn’t focus on conversations. I’d space out. I felt like I was deteriorating.

The data matched the symptoms. And it helped uncover what urgent care didn’t.

She traced the cause to two surprising sources:

• A cracked amalgam filling from college—slowly leaking mercury.
• A cheap sushi habit—one specific roll with tuna, a fish known to accumulate higher mercury levels.

Taking control

Once she understood the source, Danielle didn’t wait.

Using the very research she helped write for Function, Danielle took action:

• She had the cracked amalgam filling removed by a certified biological dentist—a process that involves protective gear and air filtration, since drilling can release mercury vapor that’s quickly absorbed when inhaled. 
• She switched to fish that’s lab-tested for mercury—reducing one of the biggest ongoing exposure sources.

The impact

Six months later, she retested. Her mercury dropped from 12 mcg/L to 4 mcg/L.

I was able to focus again. My work improved. I could finally function.

Danielle was able to use her own data to course-correct. And the changes didn’t just show up in how she felt. They showed up in her dashboard.

I love the graph. I’ve done four annual tests now. When I slip, I see it. When I tighten things up, I see the progress. It’s satisfying and motivating.

Her focus is back. Her work is better. 

It’s this change in quality of life, and this clarity in her health that makes Danielle share Function with others. Now, her mom and dad test their health through Function, too. 

The power of ownership

Function didn’t just give her numbers. It gave her language—and agency.

I used to be scared to ask questions. Now, I don’t care. I’ve already been laughed out of an office. I’m not going to be dismissed again.

With each round of testing, she’s gotten clearer—not just on her health, but on how to navigate it. 

From Danielle’s perspective, “high mercury isn't a death sentence.” For her, it was direction. A red flag that led her to take control, course-correct, and keep moving forward. 

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If Function didn’t exist

It’s very possible Danielle’s mercury would’ve gone undetected had she stuck to urgent care and annual physicals.

She’s convinced, “No one would have tested mercury. I would’ve just kept deteriorating.”

Had she continued down that path, she would’ve kept pushing through the exhaustion and kept searching for answers. 

Now, she shares her story so others can spot the signs and trust themselves enough to ask questions and advocate for themselves. 

If you feel something, don’t ignore it. And if a doctor doesn’t take you seriously, find a new one. You deserve to be heard.

It was this curiosity and determination that fueled her to test again through Function and gain the clarity she had been searching for.

The lesson

When asked what people should take from her story, Danielle laughs:
“Don’t eat cheap sushi!”

Then she pauses, more serious:

“Really pick and choose your quality of food if you can.”

For her, it all comes back to agency.

To me, owning my health now means noticing a symptom—and understanding why I'm feeling that symptom.

It means testing every six months.
It means spotting patterns early.
It means working with providers who care enough to help connect the dots.

And above all, it means not giving up on finding answers—just because someone else did.