Conventional lab ranges are based on the average of what is found in the general public, not necessarily healthy individuals. We all know that the average American is overweight, sick and tired. It is not optimal to simply be “in range.”

As a naturopathic doctor, my goal is to optimize the health of my patients. Labs are one tool that can assess underlying imbalances. When values are compared to the “optimal range,” we can strive to achieve a higher level of wellness. Comparing values to “optimal range” can also reveal trends in a person’s health and thus prevent disease.

The following labs are top ones I recommend having done for a good comprehensive baseline and to then check annually as needed:

(These recommendations may change slightly depending on you as an individual and your health concerns.)

Test. Don’t Guess!

• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): Looks at how well our kidneys are filtering, how well the liver is functioning, and electrolyte levels. The health and function of the liver and kidneys are vital to removing toxins from the body and preventing acute or chronic conditions. Glucose is part of this panel. Optimal level for glucose: 80-90. 

• Complete blood count (CBC): Looks at the white blood cells and red blood cells. It gives us information on possible acute infections, chronic infections, and anemia.

• Vitamin D: The benefits of vitamin D go far beyond bone health! Vitamin D is important for immune regulation, cancer prevention, hormone health, and energy production. Unfortunately, most people do not get the recommended amount for their bodies. Optimal level: 60-80.

• HgbA1c: This test gives an average blood glucose level over the past three months. This, along with insulin, can give insight on how the body is processing blood sugar levels. This is one marker used to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes. Optimal level: <5.5.

• Insulin: Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to blood glucose levels rising in the blood like when we eat, for example. This can give us an early picture, even before your HgbA1c or blood sugar levels rise, if your body is trending towards insulin resistance and eventually diabetes. In fact, insulin can rise 10-15 years before glucose abnormalities show up. Optimal level: <10.

• NMR Lipid Panel: I see a lot of patients for high cholesterol. If total cholesterol is above 200, the conventional approach is to simply take a statin. This is frustrating because this is a rudimentary approach. There is so much nuance to interpreting cholesterol or lipids. A standard cholesterol panel is lacking. To get a full picture and to truly assess heart disease risk, I order the NMR lipid profile.
  • The NMR lipid profile assesses not only the amount of cholesterol particles in your blood but also the SIZE of lipid particles. There are two different types of LDL, for example:
  • Big, buoyant LDL particles (think beach ball that can bounce off the arterial wall, not causing damage)- pattern A (this is preferred)
  • Small, dense LDL particles (think golf ball, causing damage to the arterial wall)- pattern B

• Homocysteine: This is an inflammatory marker that, when elevated, can increase risk of stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. If this is high, it can indicate vitamin deficiencies (such as folate and B12 deficiencies) and also gives us an understanding of methylation. Optimal level: <10.

• HsCRP: This is an inflammation marker. Elevated hsCRP is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Research shows that “healthy” people whose hsCRP results are high normal or elevated have 1.5-4x the risk of having a heart attack compared to those whose hsCRP are at the low end of normal range. Optimal level: <1

• Full thyroid Panel: Unfortunately, most doctors just order TSH (and maybe a T4). But this can miss a lot of hypothyroid cases. Free T3 is your active thyroid hormone. So if you struggle with fatigue, weight loss resistance, hair loss, and/or cold intolerance, it is important to get a full picture with not only TSH, but also free T3 and free T4. Optimal levels:
  • TSH: 1-2
  • Free T3*: ~3
  • Free T4: ~1

• Ferritin- Ferritin is the storage form of iron. It’s the earliest, most sensitive indicator of adequate iron stores. Low ferritin is very common in women. Symptoms of low ferritin include hair loss, exhaustion, shortness of breath, restless legs, and/or mood disturbances (notably anxiety). Optimal level: 40-50. 

• Micronutrients- In addition to vitamin D (listed above), I commonly order lab tests to assess B12, zinc, magnesium, and iron levels. If these nutrients are low, our energy levels, mood, and immune system can be impacted. If levels are low, I may suggest a supplement to boost your levels, and I will always suggest “food as medicine” tips to optimize nutrient status.
  • Optimal level of B12: 500-1000
  • Optimal level of zinc: 80-120
  • Optimal level of RBC magnesium: 4-7

Your conventional medicine provider will most likely only order some of those tests listed above. I hope this encourages you to ask your provider to order these additional tests or schedule an appointment with your provider at Lakeside Natural Medicine to get a full analysis.

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.