HOW TO READ AND UNDERSTAND YOUR BLOOD TEST

Many times patients ask me to help them interpret their blood test results. Even if I personally rarely run blood tests, I still value them and always spend the time necessary to explain to my patients the significance and importance of their blood tests. Here is a summary of some of the major BLOOD MARKERS so you can begin to understand your own blood test results.

GLUCOSE:  This is the most important source of our energy level. If your BLOOD SUGAR is lower than 65, you are considered Hypoglycemic, which makes you feel tired, lacking concentration, lightheaded, and eventually even fainting. If your BLOOD SUGAR is higher than 100, it is a sign that you may be at risk for developing DIABETES. Above 120, you ARE considered DIABETIC.

BLOOD UREA NITROGEN (BUN):  UREA is the end product of PROTEIN METABOLISM, and it is produced in the Liver. It is then dumped into the bloodstream and eliminated by the Kidneys. Decreased levels is rare and the result of severe Liver function failure, or inadequate protein intake and mal absorption. If your BUN is elevated, it is a sign of RENAL DETERORATION, renal / ureter obstruction, or maybe CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE.

CREATININE:  Creatinine is a reflection of muscle mass and waste product of muscle metabolism. Low levels are sometimes seen in Kidney damage, protein starvation, Liver disease, and sometimes during pregnancy. Elevated levels are generally reflective of Kidney damage.

SODIUM:  Sodium plays an important role in salt and water balance. But, Sodium always needs to be considered in relation to Potassium. Low Sodium levels are caused by too much water intake, Heart failure, Kidney failure, and diarrhea or vomiting. A high level can be caused by too much Sodium intake or not enough water intake.

POTASSUM:  Potassium needs to be in balance with Sodium and Magnesium. Low levels of Potassium may indicate severe diarrhea, alcoholism, or excess use of diuretics. High levels of Potassium are linked to acidosis, or a side effects of medication such as beta blockers (blood pressure medication), or low adrenal function.

CHLORIDE:  Chloride contributes to the body’s acid / base balance. It is controlled by the Kidneys and can be affected by diet. Low levels of Chloride may indicate alkalosis, low adrenal function, or diarrhea. High levels are related to acidosis, too much water, renal dysfunction, excess sodium intake, or severe dehydration.

MAGNESIUM:  Magnesium plays a role in both carbohydrate and protein metabolism. The serum Magnesium is not reflective of total Magnesium stores. Low Magnesium is a sign of hypo-thyroidism, renal dysfunction, increase intestinal losses, or laxative abuse. High Magnesium levels are rare, in
hyper-parathyroidism, hypo-thyroidism, low adrenal function, lithium therapy, or renal dysfunction.

CALCIUM:  Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is involved in many functions, such as bone metabolism, protein absorption, transporting fats, muscular contraction, nerve impulse transmission, blood clotting, hormonal activity, Vitamin D levels, CO² levels, and Heart function. Serum Calcium is not reflective at all of total body stores of Calcium. Calcium needs to be in balance with Phosphorus, Magnesium and Iron. Low Calcium levels reflect acidosis, Magnesium deficiency, and hypo-parathyroidism. High levels are involved in hyper-parathyroidism, malignancy, pituitary, and adrenal dysfunction.

PHOSPHORUS:  Phosphorus is a critical constituent of all the body’s tissues. It is essential to the formation of muscles, red blood cells, acid / base balance, blood viscosity, in the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fats, and nervous system. Low levels are signs of alkalosis, too much carbohydrate intake, starvation or malnutrition which can lead to muscle weakness. High levels are usually associated with Kidney disease.

TOTAL PROTEINS:  Proteins are the most important compound in serum. Proteins are involved in enzymes, hormones, antibodies, osmotic pressure balance, acid-base maintenance, as well as a reserve source of nutrition for the body’s tissues and muscles. Total proteins include Albumin and Globulin and need to be viewed all together. Proteins are decreased in low Albumin, low Globulin, protein deficiency, mal absorption, and degenerative Liver disease. Increased proteins are seen in dehydration, Liver dysfunction, chronic infection, collagen vascular diseases, and sarcoidosis.

ALBUMIN:  Albumin is the major constituent of serum protein. It is manufactured by the Liver from the amino acids taken from the diet. It binds waste products, toxins, and drugs; it controls the amount of water in the tissues, it serves to transport vitamins, minerals and hormones. Low levels of Albumin are seen in poor diet, diarrhea, fever, infection, liver disease, low iron, third degree burns and edemas. High levels or Albumin are seen in Liver dysfunction, Congestive Heart Failure, dehydration, or poor lymphatic drainage.

TOTAL GLOBULINS:  Globulin is important for its immunologic response (such as IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE). Globulins have many functions; they are carrier of some hormones, lipids, metals, and antibodies. Globulins are lowered in immune compromised patients, poor dietary habits, mal absorption, and Liver and Kidney diseases. They are elevated in chronic infection (parasites, bacterial or viral), auto-immune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis), or Liver disease (cirrhosis, jaundice).

BILIRUBIN:  Bilirubin is the predominant pigment in Bile. The Liver converts Bilirubin to a form that is excreted via the Bile or Kidneys. Low levels of Bilirubin are due to iron deficiency, Spleen dysfunction, or impaired digestive ability, especially fats, due to altered bile composition. High levels of Bilirubin are due to Liver dysfunction (viral hepatitis, cirrhosis), infections, Bile obstruction (cholecystitis or pancreatitis), high estrogen levels or oral contraceptives, Congestive Heart Failure, or pernicious anemia.

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE:  This is an enzyme found in all body tissues, but most importantly in Bones, Liver, Bile ducts, and the Gut. Low levels of Alkaline Phosphatase indicate low functioning adrenal glands, low thyroid, pernicious anemia, low hydrochloric acid, and a lack of folic acid, protein deficiency, and malnutrition or more commonly a zinc deficiency. A high level of Alkaline Phosphatase may indicate Bone, Liver or Bile duct disease, hepatitis, mononucleosis, parasites, Shingles, oral contraceptives, or certain drugs.

LDH:  As an enzyme, LDH is a catalyst for the conversion of pyruvic acid to lactic acid. It is found in all tissues of the body. Decreased levels are rare and not clinically significant. It may imply reduced cellular activity (low thyroid or adrenal, malnutrition, inactivity, etc.). Slightly elevated levels in the blood are common and usually do not indicate disease, but may be associated with Heart or Liver issues.

GAMMA-GLUTAMYLTRANSPEPTIDASE (GGTP):  The only source of GGTP is the Liver, so it is an excellent indicator of Liver damage or Biliary obstruction of Bile ducts. Decreased levels of GGTP can be found in hypothyroidism and more commonly decreased magnesium levels. Increased levels of GGTP occur in alcohol use, Liver disease, Mononucleosis, Diabetes, or Pancreas Disease.

TRANSAMINASES (SGTP) & (SGOT):  These are enzymes primarily found in the Liver. Low levels of SGTP and SGOT may indicate Vitamin B6 deficiency or chronic Kidney dialysis. Drinking too much alcohol, certain drugs, Liver disease such as hepatitis, and Bile duct disease can cause high levels in the blood.

URIC ACID:  This marker is involved with Kidney and Liver function. This is the first test thought of to diagnose Gout and Kidney stone formation. If there is no renal or hepatic problem, alkaline mineral deficiency may be the problem. It is lowered in Folic Acid or B12 anemia, pregnancy, chronic debilitating disease, kidney or liver dysfunction. It is elevated in renal dysfunction, Gout, dehydration, acute inflammation or Liver dysfunction.

IRON:  Iron is needed to make hemoglobin (red cells) and help transfer oxygen to the muscles. Low iron levels are seen in case of excessive bleeding, lack of stomach acid, mal absorption problems, or Liver and Kidney dysfunction. Elevated iron levels are due to Liver disease, excessive iron intake, or hereditary hemochromatosis.

TRIGLYCERIDES:  Triglycerides are fats used as a fuel by the body, and as an energy source for metabolism. 90% of the dietary intake and 95% of the fat stored in tissues are Triglycerides. Decreased Triglyceride levels are seen in hyperthyroidism, malnutrition, autoimmune diseases, infections and mal absorption. Elevated Triglycerides are almost always a sign of too much carbohydrates / sugar intake.

CHOLESTEROL:  Cholesterol is essential to the proper function and structure of cells membranes, nerve fibers, and bile salts, and a necessary precursor for the sex hormones. Decreased levels are seen in mal absorption, malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, depression, autoimmune disease, and malignancies. High Cholesterol levels indicate a diet rich in carbohydrates and sugars, hypothyroid function, Pancreatic, Liver, Gallbladder or Kidney dysfunction or can also be purely genetic.

HDL (High Density Lipoprotein):  HDL is produced by the Liver and Intestines. HDL is called the “good cholesterol”. It inhibits cellular uptake of LDL, and it serves as a carrier that removes cholesterol from the peripheral tissues and transports it back to the Liver for excretion. Low levels of HDL are due to poor diet, lack of exercise, high triglycerides, obesity, Liver dysfunction smoking, and Diabetes. High level of HDL is rare and may be involved in many dysfunctions (Liver, hormonal, Pancreas, Kidneys…).

LDL (Low Density lipoprotein):  LDL also called “bad cholesterol” carries cholesterol for cellular building needs, so it is not all “bad”. But by doing so, it leaves behind itself any excess of Cholesterol on the arterial walls which then create the build up of plaques on the arteries. Low levels of LDL are seen in hepatitis, Mononucleosis, hyperthyroidism, depression, anemia, mal absorption and Cardiac dysfunction. High LDL levels are due to poor diet, alcoholism, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, gout or can be genetic.

WBC (White Blood Cell Count):  White blood cells main function is to fight infection, defend the body against invasion by foreign organisms, and to produce antibodies in the Immune Response. The White Cell count is decreased in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, adrenal dysfunction, hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hyperparathyroidism. It is increased in case of any type of infection, adrenal dysfunction, asthma, leukemia, or Lupus.

RBC (Red Blood Count):  This is a measurement of how many Red Blood Cells are in the blood. The RBC are decreased in case of anemia, chronic renal or Liver diseases, blood loss, and carcinoid syndrome. The RBC are increased in respiratory disorder such as emphysema, cystic fibrosis, chronic respiratory insufficiency, adrenal cortical hyper function and dehydration.

HGB (Hemoglobin):  Hemoglobin provides the main transport of oxygen and carbon in the blood. It is low in case of blood loss, malnutrition, poor diet, anemia, edema, lack of folic acid, B12, iron, or copper deficiency, but also in chronic disease, and bone marrow insufficiency. HGB can be elevated in case of adrenal hyperfunction, dehydration, high altitude adaptation, spleen dysfunction or external source of testosterone.

HEMATROCRIT:  Hematocrit measures the percentage of Red Blood Cells in the whole blood. It decreases in case of blood loss, lack of iron, B12, folic acid, or proteins, and chronic disease. It increases in adrenal cortical hyperfunction, chronic respiratory distress, dehydration, high altitude adaptation, and spleen disease.

MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume):  This reflects the average size of the Red Blood Cells and their volume. Decreased values can be genetic, or may indicate rheumatoid arthritis, the toxic effect of lead, or anemia possibly caused by iron deficiency. Increased values may indicate anemia, liver disease, hypothyroidism, B6, or folic acid deficiencies.

SUMMARY

There are many more blood markers that can be tested but these are the most current markers run in regular blood test. One important point to remember is that the body will do everything possible, by adapting and compensating, to keep the blood in HOMEOSTASIS or in other words, IN BALANCE. When blood test markers are disturbed, there are basically two major case scenarios:

1. It is either a very acute disturbance, such as the exposure to a microbe, toxins, or after surgery, and in this case the blood markers will come back in balance very quickly, like in a few days.

2. Or it is a long and chronic condition which has been preparing slowly for many years, and in this case, the markers can stay abnormal for many years.

In both cases, it is always interesting to have a first blood test as a basis. Then, re-test after a specific treatment or time period to follow-up on the evolution of the blood marker changes. One more recommendation is to try and use the SAME laboratory for re-test as very often there are slight differences between different blood testing laboratories.

I sincerely hope this article will be helpful for your understanding of your future blood test readings.

A NEW HEALTH CARE PRODUCT FROM FRANCE

Cold season is still very present these days, and I have seen many very sick patients in the office for the past couple of months. For many years, I have looked for PROPOLIS products because I know how efficient they are during winter cold season. I finally found a very safe and efficient Throat Spray from a small French company which specializes in Propolis derived products. Propolis is made by Bees in the bee hive. They use it to build their honey comb in which the honey is then deposited. Bees also use Propolis if a dead animal has invaded their hives, which avoids the putrefaction of the dead animal (rats, insects, vermin). Suffice to say, Propolis is an amazing ingredient that as humans, we can use safely as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, ant- parasitic supplement.  I have used Propolis for many ailments when I was still practicing in France, and it took me this long to finally find a company that will meet the criteria I require for a high quality and effective product.

The Propolis Throat Spray is very convenient to use: As soon as you feel a tickle or scratch in your throat or your nose, and / or you are feeling a cold coming on, spray three or four times in the back of your throat, and repeat every two hours until the symptoms disappear. If you begin this treatment soon enough, you will in all likelihood be able to avoid the cold from coming on.

It is also very useful to take this Propolis Throat Spray with you on an airplane to avoid germ contamination. John and I faithfully sprayed our throat every two hours when we came back from Germany this past week (a twelve hour flight), and sure enough, we didn’t get sick!

The Propolis Throat Spray is safe for children, adults, and the elderly. We now carry it on our web store www.YourGoodHealthStore.com and in the office. The retail price is only $10.95, and I can tell you that it is money well invested as I have seen this product stop many people from getting sick if used as recommended right at the beginning of the cold / flu symptoms.

Yours in Health,

The entire contents of HEALTH AWARENESS are based upon the opinions of Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath, unless otherwise indicated. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as an offering and sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath within the U.S. and Europe. Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

©Copyright 2007 Beatrice F. Levinson, Naturopath. All Rights Reserved.  This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Beatrice Levinson is required.

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