Optimal Lab Values vs Normal Lab Values & Using Functional Lab Testing

In healthcare, lab tests play a crucial role in diagnosing, monitoring, and managing health conditions. However, many patients concentrate solely on whether their results fall within the "normal" ranges. Understanding optimal lab values can significantly impact health outcomes. This post will clarify the differences between normal and optimal lab values, highlighting why this distinction matters for effective health management.

What Are Normal Lab Values?

Normal lab values are ranges set by medical guidelines, indicating typical results for a healthy population. These values can vary due to age, sex, and geographical location.

For example: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): A standard lab might consider a TSH level between 0.4 and 4.0 mIU/L as "normal," but a functional medicine practitioner might consider an optimal range between 0.5 and 2.5 mIU/L, suggesting that even if a TSH level is technically normal, a lower value within that range could be better for overall health. Symptoms are frequently overlooked since lab values are in the normal or subclinical value rather than optimal. Conventional practitioners don't address symptoms until they are flagged on lab testing.

What Are Optimal Lab Values?

Optimal lab values represent ideal levels for the body’s best functioning. They typically correlate with a lower risk of chronic diseases and better overall health.

For example, the normal blood sugar level is usually considered to be below 100 mg/dL, while optimal levels are recommended to be below 85 mg/dL. Striving for these optimal levels can facilitate the early detection of potential health issues, enabling timely preventive measures.

How Are Optimal Lab Values Determined?

Optimal values arise from clinical studies, ongoing research, and expert consensus. These benchmarks may vary for individuals based on genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and pre-existing health conditions.

What is Functional Lab Testing?

Functional lab testing is a comprehensive health assessment that evaluates how your body is functioning by analyzing a variety of biological markers. It can help diagnose health conditions or manage them after a diagnosis. 

Functional lab tests can include: Blood tests, Saliva tests, Stool samples, Urine samples, and Hair samples (HTMA).

These tests can provide information about many systems in your body, including:

metabolic, nutritional, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hormonal, immune, genetic, and detoxification. 

Functional lab tests can help identify imbalances and problem areas related to a wide range of conditions and symptoms, such as:

• Autoimmunity

• Cardiovascular issues

• Fertility

• Food allergies and intolerances

• Gut health

• Hormonal imbalances

• Metabolic conditions

• Skin conditions

  
  

Functional lab testing can provide data that's not typically found with conventional medicine. For example, functional medicine practitioners may use a narrower range for TSH levels to identify more thyroid problems. 

Are you looking for functional lab testing? Having symptoms but your labs are "normal"?

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