Nutrient & Hormone Testing
To identify the aging process, we have to test certain chemicals in the blood to determine a treatment plan. There are many different tests available and below are some that we use for diagnosis.
Organ-Specific Tests
In addition to routine blood tests, such as a complete blood count test (CBC) or a comprehensive chemistry panel, there are also organ-specific tests like thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, liver, heart, renal and pancreas. These specialized tests provide function assessments by measuring specific parameters present in each organ.
Inflammation Tests
It has been highly documented that the cause and effect of the diseases of aging is due to chronic inflammation. We are able to use high sensitivity CRP, insulin, homocysteine, vitamin D and/or inflammatory cytokines tests in order to test inflammation levels.
Hormone Tests
Hormone levels decline as we age and need intervention to keep all systems balanced. Initial blood tests include, cortisol, testosterone, estradiol, estriol, DHEA-S, and progesterone.
Micronutrient Tests
In order to assess nutrition and cardiovascular risk through micronutrient testing, we may use the following tests:
WBC Intracellular Exam
Measures vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acids and metabolites which is helpful in supplementation.
Cardiovascular Testing
Accurately measures both the density and number of lipoproteins. This gives an accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk. The factors are Lp(a), RLP, HDL2b, small dense LDL, VLDL, LDL, and HDL. This test helps identify the 50% of patients that are at risk for cardiovascular disease but have “normal” cholesterol levels.
Telomere Testing
Telomeres are the ends of DNA akin to the ends of shoelaces. Over a lifetime, as cells divide, telomeres shorten unless therapies are used to slow this process. Studies have shown a direct correlation between telomere length and cardiovascular disease and other age-related diseases.
HS-Omega-3 Index Test
Measures the percentage of EPA and DHA levels. Omega 3′s are important in decreasing chronic inflammation in age-related cardiovascular diseases and strokes.