The Science Behind Your Health Journey

Triglycerides store excess calories as fat, ready to be used as energy when needed.

Elevated triglyceride levels often signal a diet high in sugars or calories and a lack of physical activity.

Excess triglycerides can accumulate in vital organs, like the liver, contributing to fatty liver disease and increasing cardiovascular risk.

Total cholesterol combines all lipoprotein levels, offering a snapshot of your lipid profile.

Supports cell membranes, hormone production, and vitamin D synthesis while ensuring brain function.

High total cholesterol, especially with low HDL, can lead to oxidized lipoproteins, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.

HDL removes excess cholesterol from arteries, transporting it to the liver or glands for disposal or hormone production.

Higher HDL levels reduce plaque buildup and lower heart disease risks.

Optimizing LDL and ApoB levels holds greater importance than artificially raising HDL alone.

LDL carries cholesterol to cells for essential functions like hormone production and vitamin D synthesis.

High LDL levels can lead to plaque formation in arteries, driving cardiovascular disease.

LDL combined with ApoB or Lp(a) provides a more accurate cardiovascular risk profile than LDL alone.

GGT is a sensitive marker of liver damage or bile duct issues, often elevated early in conditions like fatty liver or gallstone obstruction.

Elevated GGT frequently signals excessive alcohol use or exposure to liver-damaging toxins.

GGT is most effective when paired with other liver tests, helping to pinpoint specific liver concerns.

Found in the liver, heart, and muscles, elevated AST levels often reflect liver or muscle damage.

Chronic alcohol use or certain medications can elevate AST, necessitating lifestyle or prescription reviews.

AST levels need interpretation alongside ALT and other markers to accurately assess liver health.

ALT primarily reflects liver cell damage, making it a key indicator of liver health.

Elevated ALT may signal conditions like fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis before symptoms appear.

Alcohol, medications, or underlying conditions like diabetes can affect ALT levels, requiring targeted management.

Magnesium supports muscle function, nerve health, heart rhythm, and immune system strength while aiding in blood sugar and blood pressure regulation.

Absorption decreases with age, making adequate intake through diet crucial for older adults.

Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and certain fish provide excellent magnesium levels to support cognition and overall health.

B12 is critical for maintaining cognitive functions and nerve communication.

Plays a key role in forming healthy red blood cells and DNA synthesis.

Found in animal-based foods like meats and dairy, fortified foods, or supplements for those with restricted diets.

Testosterone governs many vital functions, including muscle and bone growth, fat distribution, libido, mood stabilization, red blood cell production, and sperm development. It’s primarily produced in the testicles and influenced by the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.

Total testosterone includes free testosterone (2-3%, biologically active) and protein-bound testosterone (97-98%). Normal total levels with deficiency symptoms may indicate low free testosterone due to SHBG imbalances or other underlying issues.

Low testosterone may manifest as reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, thinning hair, muscle loss, fatigue, weight gain, or mood disturbances.

Free testosterone is the unbound, bioavailable form of testosterone that directly contributes to its effects, including physical development, mood regulation, and energy metabolism.

Levels can be affected by age, weight, exercise habits, stress, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment.

Understanding free testosterone provides a clearer picture of hormonal health, especially when total testosterone appears normal but symptoms of deficiency persist.

SHBG, produced in the liver, binds to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, regulating their bioavailability and activity in tissues.

Elevated SHBG reduces available free testosterone, potentially causing low testosterone symptoms, while low SHBG may indicate insulin resistance, obesity, or metabolic syndrome.

SHBG levels are influenced by age, liver function, thyroid health, and hormonal conditions, offering insight into broader metabolic health.

DHEA-S is a steroid precursor to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, produced by the adrenal glands. Levels peak in your 20s and decline with age.

Supports physical and psychological well-being, immune function, muscle strength, insulin sensitivity, and bone density. It also counters the effects of prolonged cortisol exposure.

Monitoring DHEA-S helps assess adrenal health and overall vitality, particularly in managing stress and hormonal balance.

Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress, regulating energy, blood sugar, metabolism, immune function, and inflammation.

Chronic elevation can lead to inflammation, immune dysfunction, weight gain, and metabolic disorders. Low levels can indicate adrenal insufficiency or chronic fatigue.

Cortisol peaks in the morning and declines throughout the day. Monitoring patterns helps identify potential imbalances.

Produced in the liver, albumin transports hormones, nutrients, and other molecules, including testosterone and SHBG, throughout the body.

Low albumin levels may signal liver or kidney dysfunction, malnutrition, or systemic inflammation, while high levels often correlate with insulin resistance.

Maintaining adequate protein intake and addressing liver or kidney health is essential for balanced albumin levels.

Estrogen, particularly estradiol, is crucial for reproductive health, brain function, bone density, and weight management. It’s one of three primary estrogens alongside estrone and estriol.

Estrogen levels fluctuate across puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, shaping various physical and emotional changes.

Monitoring estrogen provides valuable insight into reproductive health, menopause symptoms, and overall hormonal balance.

Lp(a) levels are largely inherited and serve as a key marker for assessing cardiovascular risk, with elevated levels linked to increased risks of heart disease and aortic valve stenosis.

Lp(a) combines with LDL particles, amplifying their atherogenic potential and raising cardiovascular concerns.

Lp(a) levels remain stable over time, making it a one-time assessment for determining cardiovascular risk.

ApoB reflects the total number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles, offering a more precise cardiovascular risk assessment than LDL-C alone.

Elevated ApoB levels correlate with higher risks of plaque formation and heart disease, especially in metabolic conditions.

Lowering ApoB through lifestyle and medical interventions is critical for reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Essential for calcium and phosphorus absorption, vitamin D supports strong bones and teeth, bolsters immunity, and aids thyroid hormone function.

Naturally synthesized in the skin through sunlight exposure, though dietary intake and supplements are often necessary in sun-scarce regions.

Low levels can weaken bones, impair immunity, and elevate risks for conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and depression.

With 99% stored in bones and teeth, calcium is fundamental to structural integrity and long-term skeletal health.

Supports nerve transmission, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and enzyme activity, highlighting its importance beyond bone health.

Blood calcium levels are tightly regulated, with deficiencies potentially leading to bone demineralization and conditions like osteoporosis.

B12 supports red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and nervous system health.

Low levels can lead to anemia, neurological issues, and fatigue, emphasizing the need for sufficient intake.

Found in animal products, fortified foods, or supplements, B12 must be obtained externally to meet the body’s needs.

Supports immunity, bone health, thyroid function, and muscle strength while maintaining neural communication.

High rates of deficiency due to limited sun exposure, diet, or absorption challenges, affecting overall health.

Sunlight exposure, dietary intake of fatty fish and fortified foods, or supplementation are critical for optimal levels.

Vital for DNA synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and blood cell creation.

Maintains neural health and aids in signal transmission.

Found in leafy greens, legumes, citrus fruits, and fortified grains, folate is essential for cellular and systemic health.

Glucose is the primary energy source for every cell in the body, powering essential functions. After absorption, it’s either converted to ATP for immediate energy, stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles, or transformed into triglycerides for long-term storage.

Elevated fasting glucose levels may signal prediabetes, metabolic imbalances, or insulin resistance, even before overt symptoms manifest. Chronic hyperglycemia increases risks for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Imbalances cause both hypoglycemia (shakiness, fatigue, confusion) and hyperglycemia (thirst, blurry vision, excessive urination), emphasizing the importance of hormonal regulation by insulin and glucagon.

TSH controls thyroid activity by prompting the release of metabolism-regulating hormones T3 and T4.

Abnormal levels suggest hyperthyroidism (low TSH) or hypothyroidism (high TSH), requiring further evaluation.

Regular testing and medical guidance are crucial to address thyroid imbalances effectively.

Thyroxine (T4) is the inactive thyroid hormone converted into T3, the active form, crucial for energy, growth, and metabolism.

Conversion to T3 relies on liver health, selenium availability, and absence of stress or toxins.

Pair with TSH and T3 tests for a full thyroid health assessment and manage external factors affecting conversion.

hs-CRP measures levels of inflammation in the body, often serving as an early warning for chronic inflammatory diseases.

Persistent elevation links to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders, signaling long-term damage.

Address inflammation through lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), evaluate for underlying conditions, and monitor regularly.

Measures how much iron is bound to transferrin, a protein crucial for transporting iron to support red blood cell production and immune function.

Low levels suggest iron deficiency, while high levels may indicate iron overload or inflammation.

Optimize dietary iron intake, consider supplements under medical guidance, and regularly monitor levels to avoid over- or under-supplementation.

TIBC assesses how well your body can transport iron by measuring the blood’s capacity to bind iron with transferrin.

Elevated TIBC often signals iron deficiency, while low TIBC may indicate iron overload or chronic inflammation.

Balance iron levels through diet or supplementation, treat underlying conditions affecting iron metabolism, and consult a healthcare provider for tailored advice.

Iron supports oxygen transport, energy production, immune function, and cognitive performance.

Low levels manifest as fatigue and weakness, while excess iron can harm organs like the liver and heart.

Prioritize dietary sources like lean meats and leafy greens, use supplements cautiously under medical supervision, and monitor levels to maintain balance.

Creatinine, a byproduct of muscle metabolism, reflects how efficiently the kidneys filter waste from the blood.

Increased creatinine can signal kidney dysfunction, often associated with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Annual testing, especially as you age, is essential for early detection and prevention of kidney function decline.

eGFR assesses how well your kidneys filter blood, offering a snapshot of overall kidney health.

This test helps identify early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), even before symptoms arise.

Results may need adjustments based on factors like muscle mass, age, and body composition for accuracy.

RBCs transport oxygen and carbon dioxide, relying on hemoglobin to carry these gases. Abnormal counts can indicate anemia, nutritional deficiencies, or bone marrow disorders.

Maintain optimal iron, B12, and folic acid intake. Monitor hydration and consult a healthcare professional if abnormalities persist.

MCV measures the average size of RBCs. Low MCV suggests microcytic anemia (often iron deficiency), while high MCV can indicate macrocytic anemia (B12 or folate deficiency).

Address deficiencies through diet (iron, B12, folate-rich foods) and supplements as needed. Include vitamin C for enhanced iron absorption.

RDW measures variation in RBC size, helping diagnose mixed anemias (e.g., iron and B12 deficiencies). Elevated RDW can also signal heart disease or cancer.

Ensure balanced nutrition and monitor RDW levels alongside other indices for comprehensive health insights.

Indicates the proportion of RBCs in blood. High levels may suggest dehydration or lung disease; low levels could point to anemia or bone marrow issues.

Maintain hydration and address potential nutrient deficiencies or underlying conditions.

Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying component of RBCs. Low levels are indicative of anemia, leading to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Increase dietary iron, B12, and folate. Address underlying causes such as blood loss or medical conditions with professional guidance.

Reflects the average hemoglobin content in RBCs. Low MCH suggests microcytic anemia; high MCH points to macrocytic anemia.

Focus on dietary adjustments to correct deficiencies and consult a healthcare professional for persistent issues.

Indicates hemoglobin concentration in RBCs. Low levels may suggest iron deficiency anemia, while high levels could signal conditions like spherocytosis.

Address iron deficiencies and evaluate for specific conditions if levels are abnormally high.

Platelets are critical for clotting. Low counts (thrombocytopenia) increase bleeding risk, while high counts (thrombocytosis) may lead to clots.

Monitor platelet levels, understand medication impacts, and address underlying causes with a healthcare provider.

Indicates platelet size. Larger platelets may reflect increased production or bone marrow activity.

Pair MPV insights with platelet count to identify clotting or bleeding risks. Regular monitoring is key for diagnosis.

First responders to infection, their count indicates active inflammation or immune response. Low levels may signal immune deficiency.

Monitor neutrophil counts for trends, particularly during illness or after treatments affecting immunity.

Specialists in adaptive immunity, lymphocytes include B cells (antibodies), T cells (cell-mediated immunity), and NK cells (rapid response to infected cells).

Ensure lymphocyte counts are within normal ranges and address underlying conditions if abnormal.

Transition to macrophages and dendritic cells to clear infections and present antigens to lymphocytes. Elevated counts suggest chronic inflammation or infections.

Investigate chronic infections, autoimmune disorders, or inflammatory diseases with professional evaluation.

Fight parasites and mediate allergic responses. High counts may indicate allergies, asthma, or parasitic infections.

Identify allergens or infections causing elevated eosinophil counts and follow targeted treatments.