Hi, it’s Dr. Ron!
Let’s face it—there’s no shortage of information out there, especially about health. Everywhere you turn, “experts” are dishing out quick and easy strategies to improve your health. From TikTok trends and fad diets to “new” supplements and lab tests, it’s hard to know what to believe. This is why I’m thrilled to teach you about understanding your “normal” blood work.
Most doctors run labs on you at least once a year. What often happens? You see “normal” results, but you don’t feel quite right. Or, you get results outside the reference range and your doctor either suggests waiting or prescribes medication.
Patients are more engaged in their health today, yet there’s still confusion on enhancing well-being. Plus, getting a holistic health view often seems expensive, leading to pricey supplements. I believe there’s a better way: understanding the information you already have, and making affordable, sustainable changes.
What Does “Normal” Even Mean?
When you receive your blood work results, you’ll see a series of numbers with ranges next to them. These are called “normal” ranges, but here’s the kicker—normal doesn’t necessarily mean optimal.
Think about it this way: if the normal range for a school grade was 50% to 100%, would you be happy with a 51%? Probably not. You’d aim for a score that reflects your full potential. The same goes for your health. Settling for the lower end of a “normal” range might mean missing out on the vitality that true health offers.
The Story of Jake and Jane
Take Jake and Jane, two friends in their 40s. Jake’s blood work showed everything within “normal” range, yet he felt fatigued, had frequent headaches, and struggled to maintain a healthy weight. His doctor said the numbers were fine because they were normal.
Jane took a different approach. Her blood work was also normal, but her functional medicine practitioner looked at it differently. The practitioner pointed out that Jane’s cholesterol and blood sugar levels, although normal, were on the high end. With dietary tweaks and lifestyle changes, Jane felt more energized, slept better, and improved her overall well-being.
Normal vs. Optimal: The Difference
Blood work can tell us so much more when we aim for optimal instead of settling for normal. Here’s how to think about it:
- Cholesterol Levels: Your LDL might be normal, but lowering it slightly could reduce heart disease risk. What does elevated cholesterol tell us?
- Blood Sugar: Your fasting glucose might not signal diabetes, but if it’s creeping high, addressing it now can prevent future issues.
- Inflammatory Markers: These might be within normal limits, but optimizing them can enhance overall health and prevent chronic illnesses.
Practical Steps for Optimal Health
How can you take action? First, don’t hesitate to ask questions about your blood work results. Discuss with your healthcare provider about aiming for optimal rather than settling for normal.
Second, make small, consistent lifestyle changes. Eating the right foods, start a regular exercise routine, or simply get enough sleep. These actions can significantly impact your numbers and your health.
Join Us for More Insights
If you’re curious to learn more about achieving true optimal health, join me for our upcoming webinar on November 6th at 6:30 PM (CST). We’ll dive into these topics and more, helping you decode your blood work and take control of your health journey.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why “Normal” Isn’t Always Optimal: Discover why standard ranges might not be enough for true health.
- Key Numbers Explained: Understand what your labs mean and how there is so much hidden value in these routine tests that are often overlooked.
- How to Reach Optimal Health: Get actionable tips on how to improve your numbers and achieve your best health.
- Your will leave Empowered with a better understanding of how you can take control of your health
Register today at Mission 516 Chiropractic or call 224-483-6941. Let’s go beyond normal together!