Blood work is something most of us are familiar with. Whether it’s part of an annual check-up or requested when something feels off, we’ve all had a doctor run blood tests at some point. But have you ever wondered why your lab results come back “normal” even though you still don’t feel your best? This is a common frustration for many people, and the answer lies in how blood work is analyzed.
We’ll explore how to take a deeper look at blood work—beyond what mainstream doctors often check—to gain insights into your health from a more holistic perspective. Our goal is not just to keep things in range but to optimize your overall well-being by catching issues early and addressing potential imbalances. Let’s dive in!
The Difference in Perspective
Traditional healthcare often looks at blood work through a diagnostic lens, using wider ranges to determine “normal.” However, in functional medicine, we focus on identifying patterns and optimal ranges to uncover underlying issues. This approach allows us to assess not only physical symptoms but also emotional and spiritual aspects of health.
Going Beyond the Basics
Mainstream doctors typically check a limited set of markers and often focus solely on whether those markers fall within a broad range. But we believe that by narrowing these ranges and exploring additional markers—like seroplasm and copper levels—we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of a patient’s health.
- Understanding Optimal Ranges: While conventional medicine looks at the average population’s health, we recognize that many individuals are not thriving. By tightening the ranges we consider “normal,” we can identify subtle imbalances that could lead to health issues down the road.
- The Importance of Patterns: Instead of relying solely on one test, we gather information from various sources, including blood work, to identify patterns and support optimal health. This holistic view helps us make better recommendations for our clients.
The Role of Blood Work
Blood work is a valuable tool for understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. Many clients express frustration when their blood tests come back “normal” yet they still don’t feel well. It’s essential to remember that blood work is often the last place where issues will show up, as the body works hard to maintain homeostasis.
- Dysfunction Before Diagnosis: The body goes into survival mode when faced with health challenges, often masking underlying issues until they become more serious. Our role is to catch these patterns early on before they escalate.
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Thyroid Health: A Case Study
One common area of confusion is thyroid health. Many practitioners only check TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), which doesn’t provide a complete picture of thyroid function. We recommend a full thyroid panel that includes:
- T3 and T4 levels
- Reverse T3
- Antibody tests (TPO and thyroglobulin)
Understanding these markers allows us to evaluate how the thyroid is functioning and whether it can convert inactive thyroid hormones (T4) into their active forms (T3) effectively.
The Importance of Comprehensive Testing
We also highlight that sometimes blood work might appear normal when you first begin a healing process. For example, if a client is working on breaking down biofilms (protective barriers for pathogens), their blood work might temporarily show a decline in certain markers. This can be disheartening, but it’s a sign that the immune system is beginning to access previously hidden issues.
Moving Forward
If you’re interested in taking a proactive approach to your health, we’ve created a free download listing the essential blood markers we recommend for optimal health assessments. This resource can guide you in discussions with your healthcare provider.
Additionally, we’ve produced a YouTube video that further elaborates on these markers and why they matter.
Understanding blood work from a functional health perspective can empower you to take control of your health journey. As we continue this series, we invite you to explore these topics with an open mind and a desire to dig deeper into your well-being.
Free PDF download of the blood markers we recommend
Feel free to watch the video below to learn more about bloodwork!