Fixing a Broken Nutrition Plan Part 4: Four Additional Assesments

Some tests need more blood than others[1]

The last post went over non-invasive assessments to get a much closer look at metabolic function.  This post will go over different blood tests that can uncover metabolic issues.  Here are tests that can be helpful for people who want optimal health and fitness:

1. Basic Blood Chemistry:  This is the standard test that is usually used at doctor appointments/physicals.  This includes LDL Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and Blood Glucose.  At Life Time Fitness these markers are measured in the myHealthscore assessment.  It is a good first step for people that should be done yearly.
2. Food Sensitivity Test:  Two good ones are the Alletess 96-Food Allergy Test and the LEAP MRT Test.  If a person has high extracellular body water levels one of these tests will tell the user which foods are causing inflammation in the body that can slow fat loss.
3. Gender Specific Hormone Test:  At Life Time Fitness this is called the Longevity & Vitality Test and it measures Thyroid Hormones, Sex Hormones (Estrogen and Testosterone), Inflammation Markers (C-Reactive Protein, Homocystine), Vitamin D, etc.  This test will uncover lots of potential issues that people don't realize they have.
4. Fatty Acid Tests:  These are tests to make sure people are getting enough/not getting too much Omega-3 in the diet.  One good one for measuring this is an EPA/AA Ratio.

The next post will look at different nutrition plans for different body types.

References:
1.  Image retrieved from:   http://www.lifesafer.com/blog/supreme-court-review-dui-dwi-blood-draw-laws/