One of the easiest ways to get your health back is get your blood work done (lab tests).
Getting a thorough set of labs allows you to ‘check under the hood’ so to speak.
Proper lab tests can help check for things that may not be so obvious and maybe even more importantly
– why you just don’t feel right.
Maybe you are even wondering if all that hard work in the gym or with your diet is actually working?
Find out by getting your blood work done.
Test, don’t guess – Get your lab tests done
Getting your blood work done is easy to do (just a quick visit with your Doctor)
Why get lab tests done?
- tells current status of your vital organs are working (liver, kidneys, etc)
- checks for nutrient deficiencies (iron, zinc, B12, etc)
- informs if you’re at risk of coronary heart disease or other.
Blood tests also can screen for a wide range of conditions like NAFLD (non alcoholic fatty liver disease), which is quickly on the rise.
Knowing where you’re at is power. The truth of the matter is, many of these health conditions are preventable with the right diet, detox, and daily routine.
Below are the 10 most important lab tests I use in my clinic and to ask your Doctor to do
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Liver function test. ALT, AST, GGT
If you have gut (digestive) issues, look upstream to the liver. So much attention is on the gut when it’s the liver that cleans the blood of it’s impurities that then damage the gut wall. If the liver is under functioning (aka fatty), it opens the flood gates to inflammation – the Key Driver to all chronic diseases.
2. Serrum Ferritin
Serrum Ferritin measures your iron stores. Everyone knows low iron is linked to fatigue and brain fog, however, did you know it impacts your ability to lose weight? This is especially important for those partaking in the Ketogenic Diet for weight loss.
3. Lipid Panel: Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides
An HDL on the’ higher side’ is a sign of good liver function. HDL particles actually bind to inflammatory endotoxins and protect us from oxidation (aging too quickly). Knowing your total cholesterol is important too. Cholesterol comes to the rescue to clean up inflammation helping with overwhelmed gut damage. Cholesterol is the building blocks of hormones. To have a well functioning brain, you need enough cholesterol.
4. Highly Sensitive CRP (HSCRP). Not to be confused with regular CRP
This marker, along with homocysteine are the two that show you how inflamed you are. We want it >0.5 HS-CRP is a chemical called upon with an acute phase reaction. The liver releases it anytime we face an immediate stress. The same is true for ferritin, also stored in the liver.
5. Homocysteine
Homocysteine is a marker for cardiovascular health and osteoporosis (the condition I personally reversed). It’s a metabolite of the amino acid, methionine – the building blocks of cells. I regularly test for homocysteine and HS CRP (along with Vitamin D) to make sure my bones are building and not breaking down. Testosterone is also a good test to check for bone density – just as a side note.
6. Complete CBC with differential and platelet count
This looks at oxygen carrying capacity (energy) and types of anemia. The white count can pinpoint systemic infection, and even parasites.with a skilled Natural Health Practitioner. I personally have been trained by Dr. Dickson Thom for ranges to look for and it’s been very helpful when working with clients.
7. Complete thyroid panel with antibody screening (TPO Ab and Tg Ab)
This is most important for those suffering from Hashimoto’s disease or who suspects an under active thyroid.
The complete thyroid panel includes: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 (this you’ll need to pay extra for but worth it). Realize that your Doctor may only do TSH unless you ask for this complete panel. TSH really doesn’t give much information to help you with your health. Just so you know.
8. Complete Kidney tests: Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, Estimated GFR
The Estimated GFR is what I use to determine how much protein one can assimilate to keep their lean muscle (or build more). I have many clients find out they have a certain level of kidney disease with this marker. With the right calculations, I can advise the right protein amounts to rebuild the body and get it healthy again.
9. Hemoglobin A1C
This will test to see how you’re handling your sugars. All carbohydrates break down into sugar. If your body has a difficult time regulating this, you see conditions such as hypoglycemia, Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 along with weight loss resistance. Leptin Resistance also can be detected with this marker along with vitamin D and HS CRP.
Identifying these makers can be a game changer when it comes to finally shredding extra body fat.
10. Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports the immune system and is an important marker for Osteoporosis. Vitamin D is what extinguishes inflammation. Vitamin D levels above 50 ng/ml are associated with being lean as it directly relates to healthy leptin levels. The optimal range is 70-120.
IN CONCLUSION
The real magic in these lab tests are how to interpret them.
Understanding the interplay between all the markers, can help with a Personalized Nutritional Plan. Doing so not only can prevent disease but may even stop the progression in its tracks to truly heal – on a cellular level.
The point of this blog post was to inform you of the importance to getting a full blood panel. One that’s thorough enough to give clear direction on what diet and exercise is best.
Testing again every 3 to 6 months is also relevant. You’re looking for ‘trends’ here. Are you trending in a good direction or not so good? Testing is how you will really know.
One other point to make is to look for ‘optimal values’ not the normal values shown on your sheet. This is where skilled Natural Health Practitioner can help.
I am available for one on one consults for anyone looking to dive deeper.
If you’ve already got your blood work done, I am happy to make sense of it all and Personalize your diet and exercise even further.
Any questions? Just Ask Michale