Is Your Doctor Missing the Mark with Your Lab Tests? Discover What They Could Be Overlooking!

What if you could determine if you’re experiencing chronic illness without waiting for the noticeable symptoms? The good news is that this is already possible. Unfortunately, many doctors are not using newer, more sensitive lab tests when evaluating their patients for chronic illness.

Did you know that nearly two-thirds of all adults in America are suffering from one or more chronic illnesses? These include pre-diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and dementia. The sad truth is that many of these conditions can be detected through relatively simple lab tests.

Outdated testing methods

For more than 40 years, doctors have been using the same blood tests to evaluate their patients’ health. These tests can give doctors some insight into your overall health, but they’re not very effective at detecting chronic illnesses in their early stages.

For example, when assessing thyroid function, most doctors still use the TSH, Total T4, and T3 tests. Unfortunately, these tests tend to miss many cases of hypothyroidism, an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid. A smarter choice would be to test for Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, TPO Ab, and Thyroglobulin Ab, which are more sensitive and specific indicators of thyroid function.

New and improved lab tests

Many health professionals practicing functional medicine are already using these improved lab tests. They focus on identifying the underlying causes of chronic illnesses by looking at the body’s various systems and how they interact. This approach often includes more sensitive and specific lab tests that can reveal early signs of chronic illness that may not yet be causing noticeable symptoms.

Here are a few examples of newer tests that are more effective at diagnosing early-stage chronic illnesses:

• Metabolic Panel: These tests measure levels of Insulin, Glucose, HbA1c, Vit D 25 Hydroxy, and Leptin in the blood. This panel can reveal if the body has a problem regulating glucose levels or if it’s becoming resistant to insulin.

• Lipoprotein Genetics: The Apo E (T471C, C609T) test is a biomarker that can determine your genetic susceptibility to heart attack, stroke, and dementia. The results of this test can provide insight into the best ways to reduce your risk of developing these conditions through lifestyle changes and natural supplements.

• Coagulation Genetics: MTHFR (C677T) and (A1298C) tests can show if your body can effectively metabolize vitamins B12 and B9 for heart health and mood balance. This is important information for those looking to prevent heart disease and improve overall mental health.

• Inflammation/Oxidation tests: Tests like Hs-CRP, Myeloperoxidase, Fibrinogen, and LP-PLA2 can reveal underlying inflammation in the body, which can be a precursor to numerous chronic illnesses.

• Omega 6:3 Index: By measuring the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in the blood, this test can provide insight into your risk for cardiovascular disease and identify potential sources of inflammation.

Take control of your health

So, what can you do to ensure that your doctor is using the most up-to-date lab tests to evaluate your health? First and foremost, it’s important to educate yourself about these tests and discuss them with your healthcare provider. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and advocate for your own well-being by requesting more specific and sensitive tests.

Keep in mind that the most sustainable and effective treatments for chronic illnesses often involve natural remedies and lifestyle changes tailored to your unique genetic makeup and health history. By using the right lab tests to detect early signs of chronic illness, you can take control of your health and work with your healthcare team to develop the best prevention and treatment plan for you.