When you approach blood chemistry from the functional perspective, you gain a tool to identify and treat dysfunction before it manifests as a disease. Rather than wait for iron deficiency to become anemia or insulin insensitivity to become diabetes, Functional Medicine practitioners intervene early to avoid the negative health outcomes. Let’s explore some of the principles involved in FBCA.
Funtional Blood chemistry and CBC (complete blood count) analyses are two different types of blood tests that provide valuable information about your overall health. With the right tools and knowledge, practitioners use FBCA and functional blood chemistry ranges to recommend supplements, medication and/or lifestyle changes.
Blood Chemistry Analysis:
- Focus: Measures the levels of various chemicals in your blood, such as electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), blood sugar, cholesterol, liver enzymes, kidney function tests, and proteins.
- Purpose: Helps assess your organ function, identify potential health problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, or kidney disease, and monitor existing conditions.
CBC Analysis:
- Focus: Evaluates the different types and quantities of blood cells, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.
- Purpose: Helps identify conditions like anemia, infection, inflammation, or bleeding disorders.
Combined Picture:
- Practitioners often order both tests together as they provide a more comprehensive picture of your health.
- The results are used in conjunction with other factors like symptoms, medical history, and physical examination to guide treatment decisions.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Blood Chemistry Analysis | CBC Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Blood chemical levels | Blood cell counts |
| Examples of what’s measured | Electrolytes, glucose, cholesterol, enzymes, proteins | Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets |
| Purpose | Assess organ function, identify potential health problems, monitor conditions | Identify blood cell disorders and related conditions |
Understanding Results:
- Blood test results will come with a reference range indicating the typical levels for each measured component.
- Deviations from these ranges might signal a need for further investigation or treatment.
Blood tests go deeper than what’s routine to understand everything that affects how you feel. This means looking at factors like your microbiome, vitamin and mineral levels, hormone status, and food sensitivities.
Medical Intake:
Build a strong foundation of knowledge about your own body.
We will begin by building a strong knowledge base on each individual, inclusive of a comprehensive DNA analysis, custom lab panel, family history, medical intake, and lifestyle preferences. Having multiple data points to reference reduces uncertainty while helping you to know your body better.
Lab Testing:
Measure and monitor the most relevant biomarkers for health.
Quarterly lab testing roots our approach in data. We will actively monitor progress and changes by analyzing specific biomarkers against optimal value ranges – as opposed to normal, conventional ranges. A few decimal points can make the difference in delivering proactive care with significant impact.
Health Coaching:
Get ongoing support and accountability.
Health coaching is an integral part of implementing sustainable behavioral change; its impact should not be understated. Offering accountability and support in implementing the clear and actionable interventions within your care plan.