Functional Blood Testing
Let me guess, the last time you had your blood tests interpreted by a GP, you were told that your results were "normal". Am I right? And yet, there's something niggling away inside telling you that there's nothing normal about the way you're feeling? Well, you're both right and wrong at the same time. You're right because if something's niggling away inside, it's very likely your intuition telling you to get a second opinion. And wrong, because your GP is providing you with what he or she believes to be accurate information. But the issue isn’t the blood test itself. It's that the reference ranges used on traditional blood tests are far too broad and based on statistical averages: being 1 in 2 have a chronic health condition, 1 in 3 are overweight or obese and the majority are performed on those who are sick, elderly or both. These aren't exactly good averages and certainly not statistics anyone should want to measure their health against. And yet, there is actually little difference in the blood tests I request from the one's your GP requested. But, there is a big difference in how these tests are analysed and interpreted.
When it comes to blood chemistry analysis, there are two ranges that can be looked at and analysed. The pathological range and the functional range.
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The pathological range is the range most commonly looked at by allopathic doctors. It is this range that indicates a level of disease in the body, with focus going to markers in the high and low areas of the range.
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Just to be clear, the issue here isn’t that blood testing is a poor diagnostic tool. In fact far from it! The issue is that pathological reference ranges used on traditional blood tests are far too broad and based on statistical averages, not whether a certain value represents good health or optimal function for you.
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So why then do functional reference ranges matter?
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Because, your blood never, ever lies!
And when referenced against functional ranges, blood markers can provide us with valuable information to help heal dysfunctions and determine better health outcomes.
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How functional ranges vary from pathological ranges is that they are significantly tighter. These tighter or narrower ranges can therefore provide more subtle signs of dysfunction in the body. And when interpreted properly, using both an individual and combined analysis process they can help us determine risk and identify sub-clinical health problems. Long before they manifest into chronic illness or disease.
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Which is why I am always looking at how your individual markers interact with each other, the patterns they create and the story they tell us about your individual health. Not how your health compares to the "normal" person.
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Functional ranges also help us determine what course of action is right for you as an individual.
What we have learnt is that with early detection, most health issues can be prevented, appropriately managed - and even healed - with the right support and an individually tailored protocol that addresses the individual health needs and the inclusion of specific supplements, nutritional adjustments, movement and lifestyle changes.
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Functional blood analysis also helps us track your health indicators, disease risk and progress over time. By comparing your results to previous tests we can view your health trajectory and monitor the effects of any health-optimisation strategies you implement.
This is why functional blood analysis is arguably one of the most valuable, efficient and cost-effective screening tools for evaluating the status of your health and susceptibility to illness and disease.
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You'll find a complete list of blood marker's I recommend as a starting point to optimising your health, below...
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FBC (Full Blood Count) with differentials
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LFT and LDH
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Electrolytes and calcium
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TSH, Free T3, Free T4 and Reverse T3
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CRP/ESR
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Folate and Total B12
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Serum Zinc and Magnesium
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Iron Studies
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Renal Function
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Fasting Glucose and Insulin
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HBA1C
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Full Lipid Profile
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OH Vitamin D3
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Homocysteine
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Adrenocortex Function (Cortisol + DHEA)
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Complete Female Hormone Panel including Oestradiol, Progesterone, LH, FSH, LH to FSH Ratio, Testosterone (Total), Testosterone (Free), SHBG; or
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Complete Male Hormone Panel including Testosterone (Total), Testosterone (Free), SHBG, Oestradiol, Progesterone, Prolactin, FSH and LH.
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To learn more about which tests are essential and what these tests actually help measure and determine in bloodwork, see below:
Metabolic Balance with Vitamin D + ESR
Full Blood Count with Differential
The full blood count is used as a broad screening test to check for such disorders as anaemia (decrease in red blood cells or haemoglobin), infection, and many other diseases. It is actually a group of tests that examine different parts of the blood. Results from the following tests provide the broadest picture of your health.
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Red Blood Cell Count
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RBC (Red Blood Cells)
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Haemoglobin
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Haematocrit
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MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume )
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MCH (Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin)
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MCHC
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RDW (Red cell distribution width)
White Blood Cell Count
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WBC (White Blood Cells)
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Basophils
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Eosinophils
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Monocytes
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Lymphocytes
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Neutrophils
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Platelet Count
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UEC's (Kidney Function)
Your kidneys filter waste from your body and regulate salts in your blood. They also produce hormones and vitamins that direct cell activities in many organs and help to control blood pressure. When the kidneys aren't working properly, waste products and fluid can build up to dangerous levels creating a life-threatening situation.
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Sodium
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Potassium
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Chloride
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Chloride
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Bicarbonate
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Urea
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Creatinine
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eGFR
Liver Function (LFT's)
Your liver processes drugs and alcohol, filters toxic chemicals, stores vitamins and minerals, and makes bile, proteins and enzymes. This liver function test examines enzymes and other markers for evidence of damage to your liver cells or a blockage near your liver which can impair its function.
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Bilirubin
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ALP (Alkaline phosphatase)
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AST (Aspartate aminotransferase)
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ALT (Alanine aminotransferase)
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GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase)
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Albumin
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Globulin
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Total Protein
Inflammation
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The link between low-grade inflammation and chronic disease is widely recognised. Research indicates that following an anti-inflammatory diet may help fight off inflammation. This blood test measures:
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hs-CRP (highly-sensitive C-reactive protein)
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LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)
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Creatine Kinase
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Additional Inflammation Marker:
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ESR
Pancreatic
Function
Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down by stomach acids, enzymes produced by the pancreas, and bile from the liver. This process also releases micronutrients. This blood test measures the levels of enzymes produced by the pancreas.
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Lipase
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Amylase
Metabolic Function
Proper metabolic function is essential for optimal health and like every other blood marker, the are various other systems and funcitons in the body that can influence optimal levels. Blood glucose is generated from carbohydrates consumed. To use this fuel for energy your body needs insulin. With metabolic dysfunction the cells either ignore the insulin or the body doesn't produce enough of it. Glucose then builds up leading to problems with the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels and more. This blood test measures:
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Fasting glucose
Essential Minerals
Essential minerals are part of a complex feedback loop that play a critical role in maintaining bone health, cortisol regulation, electrolyte balance and many other essential functions in the body. This blood test measures:
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Calcium
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Calcium (corrected)
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Magnesium
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Phosphate
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Urate
Lipid &
Cholesterol
Lipids and cholesterol are fat-like substances in your blood. Cholesterol is necessary for good health, but when you have variations of cholesterol in your blood, then we have to start asking why and what other dysfunctions are causing this. Lifestyle choices including diet, exercise and alcohol intake can all influence cholesterol levels, but so can fat malabsorption andother factors which is why we need to look beyond just the marker. This test measures:
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Total Cholesterol
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LDL (low density lipoprotein) HDL (high density lipoprotein) Triglycerides
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Non-HDL Cholesterol
Iron
Studies
This test measures how much iron you have in your blood, as well as the amount of iron you have stored in your body. This iron test can be used to diagnose anaemia or monitor an existing iron deficiency. This iron test can also be used to investigate iron overload syndrome (haemochromatosis) which is an inherited condition where your body cannot remove excess iron. And it can also help us understand anomolies between intake or uptake. This iron test measures:
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Iron
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Transferrin
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Transferrin Saturation
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Ferritin
Thyroid
Function
Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate growth and energy expenditure. Thyroid disorders are becoming more and more common. This is why understanding the thyroid function and the various other organ systems that play a role in regulating thyroid function is critical for thyroid health. This thyroid test screens for the thyroid hormones that play a key role in regulating the body’s metabolism. This thyroid test measures:
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TSH
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FT4
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FT3
Vitamin D
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Vitamin D is essential proper immune function and mediates many other functions in the body. Although called a vitamin, vitamin D (25-OHD) is actually a steroid hormone which is activated by sunshine on the skin. It is also essential for bone strength as it helps the intestines absorb calcium. Calcium and vitamin D play a critical role in developing and maintaining strong bones and immune health. This vitamin D test measures:
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Vitamin D
Customised Tests
The best place to start is always by looking at your Metabolic Balance Panel + Vitamin D to provide us with vital information about your health.
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However, on occasion further testing is required and this is where we can start to drill down and customise tests based on the information we need.
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Often these tests may include:
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SIBO + SIFO
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H. Pylori
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Parasites + Mould
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PCOS
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Endometriosis
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Hormonal Imbalance Check
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Thyroid Antibodies
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MTHFR Check
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and hundreds more
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This will be discussed if your health care provider believes further testing is necessary to determine the best course of treatment.
Remember, your blood never lies...
If you're ready to optimise your health, please provide me with your details below.