What are the key biomarkers to test?
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Key biomarkers to test for understanding your health include:
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Blood Sugar Levels: Testing for fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and hemoglobin A1C can provide insights into your body's sugar metabolism. Elevated levels may indicate metabolic syndrome or diabetes risk 1 2.
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Inflammation Markers: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are important for assessing systemic inflammation, which can be a precursor to various health conditions 1 3.
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Lipid Profile: Measures like triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol are crucial for evaluating cardiovascular health and the risk of heart disease 2 4.
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Thyroid Function: Testing for TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies is essential, especially for detecting disorders that might be misconstrued as other health issues such as depression 1.
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Nutrient Levels: Vitamins such as vitamin D and B vitamins (e.g., B12) should be checked to ensure they are not at suboptimal levels, as deficiencies can cause various health problems, including fatigue and depression 1 5.
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Liver Enzymes: Biomarkers related to liver function can indicate liver health, potentially highlighting issues related to alcohol use or other liver-affecting conditions 4.
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Metabolic Health: Include checks for waist circumference and blood pressure, which are simple yet telling indicators of metabolic health 2.
These biomarkers help provide a comprehensive understanding of your current health status and can guide proactive healthcare decisions.
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