đ Hello Friends!
When was the last time you looked âunder the hoodâ of your health?
Many people assume they feel fine simply because their doctor told them their labs were ânormal.â But in reality, the normal ranges used by most laboratories are extremely broad and often reflect average population values â not optimal health.
For example, the normal range for vitamin D is 30â100 ng/mL. If your level is 35, you may be told that you are ânormal.â But in my clinical experience, patients often feel and function much better when vitamin D is closer to 60â90 ng/mL.
Think of lab markers like the dashboard of your body. They give us early signals about how your metabolism, immune system, hormones, and nutrient levels are functioning â often years before disease develops.
In my practice, I monitor key lab biomarkers every 3â6 months to help patients move from simply being ânormalâ to truly thriving.
In the chart above, Iâve outlined the optimal ranges that I aim for with my patients. In the second chart, Iâve listed supplements that can help support these levels.
Key Nutrients đ
Vitamin D3Â is often considered the âlongevity hormone.â It supports energy production, metabolism, hormone balance, immune function, cancer prevention, and bone density.
Most people need 1 capsule of Vitamin D3 with K2 (5000 IU daily) to reach optimal levels, while some patients require 10,000 IU daily.
For those with osteopenia, osteoporosis, or cardiovascular disease, we also carry a Vitamin K2 with D3 formula with four times the amount of K2, which helps direct calcium toward the bones rather than the arteries.
Ferritin reflects our iron storage levels. Iron is the critical nutrient that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to our tissues, making it essential for energy production, physical stamina, and healthy hair and nails. Low ferritin can contribute to fatigue, cold intolerance, hair thinning, muscle cramps, and restless leg syndrome.Â
Iron is best absorbed when taken alongside its essential cofactor, Vitamin C. For patients who cannot tolerate oral iron supplements due to constipation or demonstrate poor absorption, IV iron infusions may be preferable.
Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in immune function, wound healing, hormone production, brain health, skin health, and our sense of smell and taste.
Inflammation Markers đ„Â
Homocysteine is an important inflammation marker and also reflects the status of our B vitamins.
The lower the homocysteine the better, with an optimal level around 6 ”mol/L.
I typically start patients on Methyl B Complex, and if we donât see sufficient improvement in homocysteine levels, we may switch to Methylation Support.
B vitamins are often called the âstress and energy vitamins.â They support mood, focus, and can even help reduce carb and sugar cravings.
HS-CRPÂ is a marker of cardiovascular inflammation.
An ideal HS-CRP is less than 1.
Supplements such as Omega 3 Fish Oil and Turmeric Pro can help lower inflammation throughout the body.
Metabolic Markers âĄ
Currently, nearly half of the U.S. population suffers from insulin resistance, defined as a fasting insulin greater than 10 ”IU/mL.
Fortunately, insulin resistance can often be reversed through diet and lifestyle changes.
Supplements that help activate insulin receptors include Berberine Pro and Cinnamon and Chromium. These supplements can also help lower A1c, which reflects your average blood sugar over a three month period.
Please watch my video on Insulin Resistance to learn more diet and lifestyle strategies.
ALTÂ is a marker of liver inflammation.
If your ALT is above 30, this may indicate liver inflammation, most commonly from fatty liver disease.
You can improve ALT levels by adjusting your diet and supplementing with Glutathione and Liver Support.
Please watch my video on Fatty Liver Disease to learn more ways to support liver health.
High triglycerides are another very common metabolic issue, often caused by excess sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol.
Omega 3 Fish Oil can help lower triglycerides.
Please watch my video on Cholesterol and Heart Disease to learn more about this topic.
Hormone Markers âïž
TSHÂ is a hormone produced by the brain that reflects how hard the body is working to stimulate the thyroid.
Optimal TSH is generally below 2.5.
For patients with a sluggish thyroid, supplementing with Thyroid Support , which contains iodine and selenium, may help improve thyroid function.
DHEA-Sulfate is often referred to as the âmother of all hormonesâ and is considered a key anti-aging adrenal hormone.
As we age, DHEA levels naturally decline.
Optimizing DHEA can support cognitive health, memory, and overall vitality.
I often recommend patients take DHEA and its precursor, known as Pregnenolone, to help restore optimal levels.
I also check the sex hormones â estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone â on Day 21 of the menstrual cycle in women to help assess fertility and identify transitions into perimenopause and menopause.
In men I check Testosterone and Estradiol, with the ideal ratio of Testosterone to Estradiol being >10:1
If you enjoy grilling in the summer, I hope you get a chance to try grilled peachesđ. Â So sweet and juicy, itâs the perfect summer dessert, your whole family will love!
Cut ripe organic peaches in half and remove the seed. Â
Brush both sides with a little bit of olive oil.
Grill on medium heat for about 4-5 min on each side.
It pairs wonderfully with Coconut Whipped Cream:
1/2 cup of coconut cream
1 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Whisk together in a bowl.
Add a few toasted walnuts or almonds for a little crunch! Â
Enjoy!
Rajsree Nambudripad, MD
As summer begins âïž, itâs a beautiful time to reset, replenish, and support your health from the inside out â so you can feel more energized, balanced, and vibrant in the months ahead.
Wishing you a healthy and joyful start to summer! đ§Ą
Rajsree Nambudripad, MD
