The Hidden Story Behind Blood Test Results
Midlife is a phase where many individuals seek reassurance through routine health check-ups, often receiving feedback that their blood work falls within the "normal" range, giving them a false sense of security.
For adults in their midlife striving to maintain peak physical condition, enhance energy levels, reignite libido, and effectively manage chronic health issues, relying on conventional medical norms might not be the ideal approach.
The Pitfalls of Normalcy
The concept of "normal" in conventional health assessments poses a significant challenge.
Traditional medical reference ranges are statistical averages derived from the general population, offering little insight into what truly defines optimal health and longevity.
Regrettably, these standard ranges are built upon an increasingly unhealthy population. As our society grapples with rising dysfunction, obesity, and a surge in cardiovascular and autoimmune ailments, the "normal conventional range" expands, making it an unreliable indicator of genuine well-being.
The Absurdity of Averages
In essence, the prevailing medical reference ranges are formulated based on a bell curve distribution, with 95% falling within the "normal" range, 2.5% above, and 2.5% below. However, this statistical approach doesn't account for the fact that a substantial portion of the population used in these calculations is already grappling with health issues.
For those navigating midlife and aspiring to proactively manage their well-being, it becomes evident that true vitality lies beyond the limitations of these generic benchmarks. It's time to redefine what is considered "normal" and embrace a personalized approach that aligns with your specific health goals and the unique challenges faced by adults in their midlife journey.
Relying solely on conventional medical reference ranges can be a precarious choice for adults in their midlife pursuing holistic well-being. It often provides a misleading sense of assurance, hindering the proactive steps necessary to enhance vitality and avert potential health issues.
The Flaws in the Black-and-White Approach
In the conventional medical paradigm, individuals are either labeled as having a disease or classified as "normal," with minimal emphasis on disease prevention. This binary perspective disregards the crucial aspect of proactive health management.
Discovering abnormalities in your lab results when a disease has already manifested is a belated revelation. Waiting until your doctor notifies you of abnormal labs is comparable to changing the oil in your car only when the engine light flashes—an approach that neglects the crucial preventive measures required for sustained well-being.
Beyond Disease Diagnosis: A Holistic View
Conventional doctors primarily focus on identifying diseases by flagging results outside the "normal" range. However, this mindset neglects the significance of preventing health issues before they escalate.
Don't be misled into thinking you have nothing to worry about simply because you haven't been diagnosed with a disease. Optimal health extends beyond the absence of a known ailment. Monitoring your health intelligently, akin to regular car maintenance, is key to avoiding the onset of chronic illnesses and the ensuing costly breakdowns.
Unveiling Hidden Dysfunctions
Many individuals in midlife fall outside the functional or optimal blood ranges without manifesting identifiable diseases. Despite not yet reaching a diagnosed disease state, they are experiencing dysfunction, a state where their physiological systems are no longer operating at peak efficiency, subtly impacting their overall well-being.
Things like:
❌ Fatigue or low-energy
❌ Digestive disorders
❌ Allergies
❌ Reduced immunity
❌ Infertility
❌ Pain & inflammation
❌ Thyroid issues
❌ Sex hormone dysfunction and low libido
❌ Sleep disturbances
❌ Skin issues
❌ Anxiety/depression
❌ Weight fluctuations
❌ Hypertension/Stress
❌ Cognitive impairment
The “If it's not broken, don’t fix it” mentality isn’t looking at preventative steps to stop diseases- it’s only reactive. By which point, you’re already sick.
“Normal” and Optimal” are two very different things regarding blood work.
The most important thing to know regarding blood testing is that “normal” doesn’t equal healthy.
For example, the medical upper range for triglycerides is 150 mg/dL. But there is a lot of research to show this limit should be much lower.
Researchers reviewed 61 studies with 726,030 people and found that levels below 90 mg/dL were associated with the lowest risk of mortality.
Triglycerides above 90 mg/dL also increase the risk of developing diabetes [R].
A separate meta-analysis of 13,957 people found that levels below 88 mg/dL were linked to the lowest mortality risk [R, R]. Levels above 88 mg/dL magnify the risk of heart attack when cholesterol levels are also high.
In other words, high LDL cholesterol levels become much more dangerous when accompanied by triglyceride levels above 88 mg/dL [R].
Functional (optimal) Ranges
There is a significant difference between conventional medical diagnosis and functional medicine.
Functional medicine approaches a patient with a slightly different lens, allowing the functional medicine doctor/practitioner to see what’s going on, not in terms of disease or pathology but in terms of dysfunction.
Optimal ranges are based on optimal physiology, not the “normal” population.
This results in tighter ranges.
What’s happening in the grey areas of the chart?
Why are the results moving towards the edge?
Something is not correct, and we need to act now. Let’s not wait until you are sick.
You want “optimal” health, not “normal” health.
Unlocking the secrets within your optimal blood biomarkers is a pivotal step for individuals in midlife aiming for informed decisions in their pursuit of well-rounded health. These biomarkers provide invaluable insights into crucial lifestyle factors, including nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep patterns, mindset, and social connections.
For those prioritizing preventive measures and aspiring to extend their health span, consider shifting your approach during your next health assessment. Opt for a Functional Medicine Doctor (FMD) to delve deeper into your body's intricacies and ensure it operates at its peak efficiency.
The Distinctive Edge of Functional Medicine
Unlike conventional medical practitioners, Functional Medicine Doctors are uniquely equipped to offer a heightened level of service in the realms of preventive medicine and lifestyle modifications. Their specialized training enables a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness between various aspects of your health, allowing for tailored recommendations beyond traditional medical approaches.
When it comes to optimising your health in midlife, partnering with a Functional Medicine Doctor empowers you to address the root causes of potential issues, enabling a proactive and personalized approach to your well-being.
Embrace the shift towards a more holistic and preventive healthcare model, ensuring you navigate midlife with vitality and resilience.
