041 Demystifying Annual Check-ups & Why They Fall Short

041 Demystifying Annual Check-ups & Why They Fall Short

The Investigation

Annual check-ups are supposed to confirm your health or raise flags on potential issues. But, could they be a false sense of security? I’ve had so many clients come in with a ‘clean bill of health’ from their doctor that doesn’t match how they feel. Today, we’re going to investigate why so many annual check-ups fall short.

Insufficient Blood Tests

Are you getting the right blood tests with your annual check-up to truly determine if your healthy? It depends on your doctor. What tests are run is up to each individual doctor. I find that, unless you are seeing an integrative doctor, chances are good that your blood work is very basic. An integrative doctor will ensure that the blood work includes specific markers to get a complete picture of what’s going on in the body.

How Health Mysteries Start

So often, clients dealing with a health mystery tell me that they’ve had an annual physical and that the blood work came back totally normal. Without more comprehensive blood testing, they presume that nothing is wrong and as a result, doctors may dismiss complaints or rule out issues prematurely. When we presume that things are ‘normal’ it can be very hard to dig deeper to find out what is really going on. And remember, imbalances often start months and years before symptoms appear and a disease is actually found. So, imagine if getting the right blood tests could mean that you catch things before they can turn into a health mystery!

Avoid Becoming a Health Mystery

The number one way to avoid developing a health mystery is to use your annual check-up as an opportunity to do more comprehensive testing. What does this look like? Ask your doctor to do more than just the basics. You need to be specific, otherwise, you might still fall into a false sense of security about your health.

Normal is Too Broad

Another way that issues can slip through the cracks is when our results come back inside the ‘normal’ range. The normal range is not the same as the optimal range and can vary depending on where you live. If you want optimal health, you have to compare your results to the ‘optimal’ range and not the normal range.

What Blood Tests Should be in an Annual Physical

Most routine physicals will include a complete blood count (CBC), a metabolic panel (looks at your glucose, liver and kidney markers), and a lipid panel (cholesterol and triglycerides). This is typically not enough.

Here is what tests you should have done and the optimal ranges to look for:

  • Vitamin D
    • Check both 25 hydroxy and 125 hydroxy, ideally but if you just get one test, ask your doctor for the 25 OH.
    • The typical ‘normal’ lab range for vitamin D is 30-100. Optimally, we want to be somewhere between 50-60 and if you have an autoimmune disease some say even closer to 70.
  • Thyroid (listen to Episode 27 for more on this!)
    • Most doctors won’t check this in a routine physical and if they do, it’s just a TSH test.
    • You should test TSH, Total T4, Total T3, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and Thyroid antibodies.
    • Check the PDF Download for optimal ranges of each of these
  • Iron
    • While the CBC includes a marker called hemoglobin but it is typically not enough to truly evaluate iron levels
    • Ask for Total Iron, TIBC, Iron Saturation and Ferritin (which is the storage of iron).
  • Inflammation
    • Inflammation is what often leads to disease and very few doctors test for it in an annual physical.
    • Ask for a test that looks a marker called HsCRP (high sensitivity c reactive protein). Ideally, this number should be below 1 even though the labs range may allow or up to 5.
    • Also test ESR. Normal ranges is below 15 but optimal range is below 5.
    • High Homocysteine levels can lead to inflammation and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is rarely checked. Most lab ranges show 0-15 as normal. Ideally, homocysteine should be between 7 and 8.
  • B12
    • Normal ranges from 200 to 1100 but ideally, you want to be above 600.
  • Hemoglobin a1c (if you’ve had elevated glucose or you have a family history of diabetes)
    • Most tests are a one-time check of glucose but the a1c looks at average levels over 3 months.
    • Ideal levels are 5.6 or below. Between 5.7 and 6 indicates a higher risk for diabetes. 6-6.3 is considered pre-diabetes. Above 6.3 is diabetes
  • ANA (anti nuclear antibodies) (if you suspect, have any history, or family history of autoimmunity)
    • This general marker does not represent a specific autoimmune disease, having an elevated ANA can be indicative of some autoimmunity.
    • If this is elevated, more investigation is warranted.
  • Histamine determination whole blood (done at Labcorp only, Test # 081315)
    • Learn more about this, the MTHFR gene, and methylation by listening to episode 34
    • The optimal range for this marker is 40-70

Redefining the Basic Tests

Most doctors will run the basics, including a CBC, Metabolic and Lipid Panels. Here are the key things to look for:

  • CBC
    • Look at the white blood cells. The lab range is wide but an ideal white blood cell count is between about 5 and 9.
    • A low white blood cell count can mean there is some kind of underlying infection.
    • Look at thewhite blood cell differential, too. This shows the percentages of the different types of white blood cells. If your lymphocytes are elevated (and you’re not sick) it may be a sign that something is going on, perhaps a hidden virus the body has a hard time fighting off.

  • Hemoglobin
    • Note that the bottom end of the range is at 11.7 but women should ideally be between 13.5 and 14.5 and men at 14.5-16.5.
  • Metabolic Panel
    • Pay special attention to the glucose. It should ideally be between 79 and 90
    • Bilirubin should be between 0 and .8.
    • Numbers above .8 can indicat...

Jaksot(200)

173 Secrets to Beating Brain Fog with Hashimoto's and Thyroid issues with Michael Antonelli

173 Secrets to Beating Brain Fog with Hashimoto's and Thyroid issues with Michael Antonelli

Strategies to Overcome Brain Fog and Enhance Mental Clarity with Hashimoto’sJump to the FULL SHOW NOTES HEREBrain Boost Supplement: http://Shop.innatopiler.com/brainboost (Use code BRAIN for 10% off)The Case: Donna has Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism and is experiencing persistent brain fog and extreme fatigue.Despite making diet changes and managing stress, she continues to feel mentally hazy and lacks her usual sharpness.Using coffee to combat fatigue but it leaves her jittery and worsens her symptoms over time.Donna’s case is a prime example of so many of my clients with Hashimoto’s experience. It seemed like no matter what she did, she couldn’t shake the brain fog and fatigue. It left her feeling like a shadow of her former self and she was starting to lose hope that she’d ever feel like the person she once was. When I met Donna, it was clear that we needed to dig deeper to uncover the underlying causes of her ongoing cognitive challenges.For more visit: https://innatopiler.com/

5 Syys 202449min

172 Solving the SIBO Mystery in Hashimoto's Patients

172 Solving the SIBO Mystery in Hashimoto's Patients

ANNOUNCEMENT:We'll be taking a break from the podcast for the month of August and be back with more amazing content in September. Enjoy the rest of your summer!  Catchup on past episode here: https://innatopiler.com/podcast/ Inna Topiler Reveals the Root Causes of SIBO in Hashimoto’s Patients and How to Address ThemJump to the FULL SHOW NOTES HERE:The Case: Emily has Hashimoto’s and is experiencing weight gain, constant bloating, and skin problems.She suspected that SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) was the root of her problems.A gastroenterologist prescribed an antibiotic for SIBO which worked until she stopped taking it.Emily was frustrated to have her symptoms return after the prescribed course of antibiotics ended. She was desperate for a solution, and that’s when she came to see me.Press play to find out how we helped her control the bloating and help her lose weight.

18 Heinä 202423min

171 From Overwhelmed to Energized: Hashimoto’s Transformation with Beth Mosher

171 From Overwhelmed to Energized: Hashimoto’s Transformation with Beth Mosher

It Feels Like You’re Handling Stress but Your Body Tells a Different StoryJump to the FULL SHOW NOTES HERE:The Case: Judy is a super busy mom successfully juggling family and her career on Wall StreetSuddenly she started to feel tired all the time. When time off didn’t help, a doctor diagnosed her with Hashimoto’s.Doctors told her to take medication and continue to rest but it didn’t work. Judy’s is such a common case. So many conventional doctors don’t do much more than tell the patient to rest and let the medication get to work. But, when it doesn’t - and you’re used to being unstoppable - the outlook becomes unacceptable. This was the case for Judy. The medication didn’t seem to help. She found herself struggling with simple tasks, unable to spend quality time with her kids, and feeling like life was passing her by. That’s when I met Judy and I knew we needed to dig deeper to solve her health mystery. So what is the Role of the Immune System in Hashimoto's?To help me unravel Judy's complex symptoms, I invited Beth Mosher to join the conversation. Beth is a brilliant board-certified nutrition specialist and has worked with me in my practice for 13 years. Together, we’ve been solving various thyroid and health mysteries. Press play to find out:How Does Stress Impact Hashimoto’s?andWhat Are the Best Ways to Manage Stress and Promote Healing in Hashimoto's?

4 Heinä 202443min

170 [Ask Inna] Why Your Thyroid Medication May Not Be Working and What To Do About It

170 [Ask Inna] Why Your Thyroid Medication May Not Be Working and What To Do About It

Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroid Questions Answered by Expert, Inna TopilerJump to the FULL SHOW NOTES HERE:Common Questions about Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto'sAs an expert in hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, I get a lot of questions (especially on Instagram).  So, every once in a while, I like to dedicate an episode to answering these questions. In this edition of “Ask Inna”, I’m tackling some of the most common questions including why medication doesn’t always make us feel better (even if it used to), whether being a little bit out of range can cause symptoms, and whether or not thyroid medicine is a forever commitment.If you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, chances are you’ve wondered these things yourself - so let’s get to the answers.  In this episode, I'm answering 3 of the most asked questions around:Why You Might Not Feel 100% Better on Thyroid Medication Don't Let Lab Ranges Fool You: Feeling Off Even with "Normal" Thyroid Results?Will I Be on Thyroid Medication Forever?

20 Kesä 202425min

169 Anti-aging with Hashimoto's:  What’s Safe and What to Avoid

169 Anti-aging with Hashimoto's:  What’s Safe and What to Avoid

How to Age Gracefully and Naturally without Triggering a Hashimoto’s Flare-UpJump to the FULL SHOW NOTES HERE:Anti-Wrinkle and Anti-Aging Options for Hashimoto’sI’ve received countless questions about safe and effective anti-aging techniques for those of us with Hashimoto’s. I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to navigate these concerns. As someone who’s passionate about natural living but also loves looking and feeling my best, I’ve tried and tested various methods to find what truly works without compromising my health.In this episode, I share what’s worked for me and what I think those with Hashimoto’s should avoid.For more visit: THYROID MYSTERY SOLVED PODCASTA real, case-based, top rated podcast that is helping tens of thousands find answers to their frustrating thyroid, Hashimoto’s and autoimmunity issues and see that they are not alone in their health struggles.Inna speaks from a wealth of her own experience as well as with some of the best minds in functional medicine to get to the root of each mystery. She shares these life altering stories and inspires and educates you to take action and see things from every angle.

6 Kesä 202422min

168 How to Color Your Hair Without Worsening Hashimoto's Symptoms, Dryness, or Hair Loss with Jay Small

168 How to Color Your Hair Without Worsening Hashimoto's Symptoms, Dryness, or Hair Loss with Jay Small

Can You Safely Cover Gray Hair without a Hashimoto’s Flare Up?Jump to the FULL SHOW NOTES HERE:The Case: Name: ME! Today I solve my own health mystery…I’ve been covering my gray hair naturally to avoid triggering my Hashimoto’s with chemical dyesI tried Hair Print and at first, I loved it, but after a while, my hair became very dryHow could I continue to cover my gray hair without going back to harsh, chemical hair dyes?Yep, today’s episode is all about me and a personal struggle many of you might share – the quest for safely coloring grays that doesn't come with toxic side effects or a side of dryness.

23 Touko 202445min

167 Did Hashimoto’s Cause Your Gut Issues or The Other Way Around? (How to Improve Both with Josh Dech)

167 Did Hashimoto’s Cause Your Gut Issues or The Other Way Around? (How to Improve Both with Josh Dech)

Jump to the complete episode #167 show notes HERE.The Case: Beth had Hashimoto’s and has been dealing with weight gain and digestive issues.She fluctuated from constipation to diarrhea and always feels gassy, bloated and uncomfortable. She’d also been diagnosed with IBS but none of her health care providers offered any solutions beyond medication. When I met Beth in my Hashimoto’s program, she was overwhelmed trying to research the connection between her gut and Hashimoto’s. She was frustrated that her traditional doctors weren’t offering any solutions beyond treating the symptoms and wanted to reclaim power over her own health journey. That started with her joining the Thyroid Mystery Solved program where she discovered that she didn’t have to figure it all out on her own. I knew exactly where to start to get to the bottom of her thyroid mystery. Press play to find out the role Hashimoto's might be playing with your gut health.

9 Touko 202457min

166 Hashimoto's Disease and Mold Exposure: Symptoms, Testing & Solutions with Jason Earle

166 Hashimoto's Disease and Mold Exposure: Symptoms, Testing & Solutions with Jason Earle

Jump to the complete show notes here:https://innatopiler.com/podcasts/hashimotos-disease-and-mold-exposure-symptoms-testing-solutions-with-jason-earle/The Case: Bonnie has Hashimoto’s and is experiencing brain fog, fatigue, and respiratory issuesShe joined my Thyroid Mystery Solved program to get to the bottom of these symptomsWe worked on her immune triggers but something still wasn’t adding up.After we started to address her immune triggers, Bonnie wondered if maybe mold might be the culprit but wasn’t sure how to figure it out. I knew exactly where to start. In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back Jason Earle. We last chatted with him in episodes 117 and 118. Jason is an indoor air quality crusader and is so informed about all things mold. He’s the founder & CEO of 1-800-GOT-MOLD and MycoLab USA. He even created the GOT MOLD?® Test Kit so I knew he’d be able to shed some light on where Bonnie could start in investigating the potential link between her Hashimoto’s issues and mold. Press play to find out how mold may be affecting your health, how to find it and how to get rid of it.

25 Huhti 202443min

Suosittua kategoriassa Terveys ja hyvinvointi

unicast
psykopodiaa-podcast
tiedenaiset-podcast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
vakeva-elama-viisaampi-mieli-vahvempi-keho
selvin-pain
fitnessvastaanotto
rss-uplevel-by-sonja-hannus
meditaatiot-suomeksi
terapiassa
paritellen
katilon-kahvitunti
aamukahvilla
rss-nautinto
rss-rentoudu-podcast-rentoutumiseen-hanna-viljanmaa
rss-narsisti
selviytyjat-tarinoita-elamasta
rss-myotatunto-edella
rss-duodecim-lehti
rss-onnistunut-laihdutus