The Startling Truth about Lab Ranges and Optimal Health

Lab tests are important for understanding our health, but did you know that the ranges used in conventional medicine might not give the whole story? Let's break it down in a way that makes sense.

In conventional medicine, lab ranges are typically determined by the labs themselves, using statistical analysis of results from a large sample of patients. The "normal" range is then set based on these statistical analyses, with the range representing the values that 95% of the sample fell within. This approach assumes that everyone in the sample is healthy, which may not always be the case.

Functional medicine, on the other hand, takes a closer look at what's best for your body using a narrower set of lab ranges that take into account optimal health ranges, rather than just the "normal" ranges used by conventional medicine. These optimal ranges are based on the results of the lab tests from healthy individuals, so it shows what truly optimal function looks like.

What's surprising is that even if a patient falls within the "normal" range of conventional lab ranges, they may still be experiencing suboptimal health.

For example, conventional medicine typically uses a wide range for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), with the normal range typically falling between 0.5 - 5.0 mIU/L. However, functional medicine practitioners may use a narrower range, with the optimal range falling between 0.5 - 2.5 mIU/L. This narrower range takes into account the fact that even if a patient falls within the normal range, they may still be experiencing suboptimal thyroid function that could be contributing to their health concerns.

It's crucial for us to grasp the significance of these nuanced lab ranges. Our well-being shouldn't be defined solely by falling within the "normal" range; rather, our aim should be to strive for optimal function and vitality. Understanding the intricacies of lab ranges empowers us to make informed decisions, take control of our health, and prioritize the actions that support our overall well-being.

By using a more targeted approach to laboratory testing, functional medicine practitioners can identify imbalances or deficiencies that may be contributing to a patient's health concerns and develop a more effective treatment plan. While functional medicine lab ranges are not intended to replace conventional lab ranges, they provide a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's health status.

Are you ready to revolutionize your health or just have more questions?