Why I no longer rely on the institute of medicine blood test results ranges

Over the last few years, since leaving the hospital setting I have delved into a lot of research regarding disease reversal and health optimisation. As a result, I have formed a lot of new views, and practice what I preach to prevent ailments before they occur. This requires a proactive approach to health and wellness. Our medical system is reactive, and it is good at reacting. However, more and more people are becoming aware that being reactive costs us more than money. It costs us our time, energy, relationships. In this blog I share some of the puzzle pieces that go through my mind as I am looking at blood test results.

To practice being proactive, I have learnt to read blood test results beyond the red markings. I look at trends over time, flag areas and organs to keep an eye on, consider the person and spiritual being as a whole. This allows me to predict where blockages are occurring, and what organs need more support at that time. This allows me to tailor the supplements protocol for an individual, and overall treatment plan recommendations.

Often times Vitamin deficiencies can present in people as asymptomatic. Yet we know that only 6% of Australians meet the recommended fruit and vegetable intake, and 39% of Australians are at risk of mineral deficiency. Your intake is also more individualised when you are managing disease, a high performing individual, and with heightened emotions. Supplementation should be adjusted according to the season of life you are in. If for example you are expanding your business, your nervous system will require extra support.

I no longer rely solely on the institute of medicine blood test results ranges. Alone they do not tell me what I want to know. Furthermore, the reference ranges are pretty outdated and it takes time to update these things due to red tape. Research has shown that people within the 'healthy magnesium level' range are exhibiting signs of magnesium deficiency. There is a new proposed reference range for magnesium. It is taking a while for it to be put into effect.

For me, blood test results are about pattern recognition. It is a clue as to how your body is responding under pressure and stress. It is important to save blood tests over time to monitor the trends, or always use the same pathology as they will automatically save blood tests together.

I look at: what is increasing or decreasing over time, where might symptoms be coming from, any deficiencies, toxicity, how are the vitamins that relate to mental health tracking, are any medications being used and what are they affecting, are the current self care practices enough for the body, what wellness pillar needs improvement.

VITAMIN D

Doctors just can’t seem to agree on a sufficient Vitamin D level. The Institute of medicine says a level of 50 nmol/L is enough and will not deem you deficient until you fall below that. However, the Endocrine Society says 75 nmol/L is needed for optimal hormone production. We produce hormones our entire lifespan, so why doesn't the medical institute promote optimising them? There is a lot of research showing that levels between 75 – 100 nmol/L actually prevents the risk of premature mortality as well as a range of other diseases and chronic illnesses. Dig a little deeper into the research and you will find that Vitamin D levels of 100 - 120 nmol/L reduce your risk of certain cancers. So, who do you want to listen to?

Did you know being overweight or obese makes you at risk of vitamin D deficiency, possibly due to volumetric dilution. Furthermore, has your GP ever mentioned the metabolism and absorption of Vitamin D is heavily reliant on Magnesium?

In Australia during summer 10 – 15% population is deficient and during winter up to 50%

Solutions: Sun exposure, foods (cod liver oil, salmon, mushrooms exposed to UV, beef liver, eggs), food fortification, supplements.

Vitamin D modifies composition of the gut microbiota, upregulates innate immunity, downgrades inflammation, maintains intestinal barrier, reduces blood barrier permeability, boosts serotonin in the brain. So, if you have any gut health issues, are often sick, low energy, mood changes often, check and monitor your Vitamin D status.

The many roles of Vitamin D:

• Immune system

• Bones and teeth (preventing rickets in children, osteoporosis in adults)

• Brain and Nervous System (inverse association between VitD and dementia and cognitive decline and depression)

• Regulates insulin (association between deficiency and insulin resistance)

• Pregnancy (deficiency increases risk of pre-term birth and preeclampsia)

• Respiratory system (Vit D supplementation shown to decrease frequency of upper respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations)

• Skin health (psoriasis, dermatitis)

• Cancer (higher VitD levels in blood associated with a lower cancer incidence and cancer mortality)

MAGNESIUM

Daily Requirements: 4 – 6mg/kg/day

The reference range on blood tests currently 0.75 – 0.955

New proposed reference: 0.85 – 0.955

IRON

The probiotic L. plantarum + Iron = Increases both haem and non-haem Iron absorption of iron and decreases side effects of Iron. Supplementation often causes gas, constipation, pain. Research showed supplementing with both L. Plantarium and Iron boosted ferritin levels by 70% compared to 42% with Iron alone. To further enhance absorption of Iron consume Vitamin C with Iron rich meals. Keep Calcium and Caffeine away from Iron as these inhibit absorption.

Note that a high ferritin value can indicate the presence of inflammation, especially liver-related inflammation. Your body will naturally block the absorption of iron if you are getting too much. So if you're experiencing high iron levels, the cause may be elsewhere.

CHOLESTEROL

Did you know optimal blood cholesterol levels are below 4.0 mmol/L. However, more often than not, a GP won't refer you to a dietitian until levels are above 5.5 mmol/L. So, there is this grey space between 4.0 - 5.5 mmol/L where many people sit and wait for their cholesterol to rise higher before their doctor becomes aware of it. If a year or two has passed without a blood test, some people's cholesterol may spike from 4.0 to 6.5 and now they are being prescribed statins. Heart disease takes years to develop. You can take steps to reduce your risk, delay the onset and prevent adverse events. Be curious about the direction your cholesterol is going in. I am more interested in the HDL : LDL and your Triglycerides. If your Triglycerides are <0.5 you will outlive most.

OMEGA3s

The Omega 3 index report - "The immortality test" (it's a finger prick test)

Being overweight, obesity and smoking lowers the omega 3 index

Being within the score of between 8 - 12% reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, decreases the risk of mortality

ZINC

Shown to benefit Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) patients: Reduces hospitalisations, reduce Surgeries, reduce Disease related complications.

Other recommendations to improve your blood profile you won't hear from your GP:

Organic foods

Organic foods are higher in polyphenols and lower in toxins. Go organic with the dirty dozen, stick to the clean 15 with the rest (look it up). Bridge the gap with a good quality bioavailable multivitamin.

Phone usage is reducing your oxygen uptake

Due to the change in posture - Limit your phone use to improve your mood. 90% Serotonin is produced in the gut, 60% of Dopamine is produced in the gut. Research has shown 80% of chemicals are sent from the gut to the brain and only 20% from the brain to the gut. You may be cutting of the supply with poor posture. Visit a chiropractor and maintain your spinal health.

Phytates

Found in cereal grains, legumes, nuts, pseudocereals (amaranth, quinoa, millet), and seeds may inhibit absorption of iron, zinc and calcium. They also acts as an antioxidant and have an antineoplastic effects. Reduce food sources by: boiling, fermentation, germination, soaking.

Tannins

Found in apples, beans, berries, cocoa, grapes, nuts, stone fruits, tea, whole grains. Inhibit iron absorption; Negatively impact iron stores. Reduce food sources by: boiling, steaming.

Phytoestrogens

Found in flaxseeds, fruits and vegetables (negligible amounts), nuts (negligible amounts), soy and soy products. Endocrine disruption(hormones) Reduce with: Boiling, steaming, fermenting (increases aglycone content), Avoid GMO products. Avoid plastic cups and containers.

Oxalate

Beet greens, beet root, legumes, cereal grains, nuts, potatoes, rhubarb, sorrel, spinach, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard. May inhibit calcium absorption; May increase calcium kidney stone formation. Reduce with: Boiling, pairing with high calcium foods, soaking, steaming, baking, grilling.

Lectins

Found in cereal grains, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables. Altered gut function; inflammation. Reduce with: Autoclaving, boiling, fermentation, germination, soaking. actually increased with: Baking, roasting. This is the peanut butter debate.

HYPOTHYRODISM (underactive thyroid)

Interacts with Thyroid Medications: Goitrogens Brassica vegetables (kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip greens, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, cassava, millet), Inhibit iodine uptake.

Reduce food sources through: cooking, peeling skins of fruits and nuts.

Summary: All I'm saying here is, it is never the one thing. Pay attention to your diet as a whole and make sure you are getting variety, make changes across all 7 pillars to wellness to notice improvements in your bloods and health outcomes. Be proactive.

Tag & Share with your friends who would love it too! Sign up for my Free NuFit Wellness Newsletter and be the first to know it all. Attend my Wellness Workshops. Kathy O - Health & Wellness Strategist: Supporting people achieve optimal health, wealth and relationships with lifestyle principles through awareness, breath and choice. Embodiment Coach: Alignment is the method. Embodiment is the achievement. Authenticity is a byproduct. Be unstoppable. Be authentically you.

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KEYWORDS: Blood tests, nutrients, absorption, elevated, decrease, increase, deficiencies, toxicity, guidelines, ranges, wellness.