EP: 098 Key Biomarkers to Test to Improve Your Health

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10 Key Biomarkers to Test to Improve Your Health

In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to overlook the intricate processes that keep our bodies running smoothly. One such vital process is metabolism, responsible for converting the food and beverages we consume into the energy we need to function. 

Metabolism at a glance

It's a complex network of chemical reactions that allows us to harness the energy we get from our diet.

1  Waist circumference:A healthy level is under 35 inches for women and under 40 inches for men.

2. Blood pressure: High blood pressure is another important indicator of metabolic health; it can reflect the body's ability to regulate blood flow and energy utilization, and it is often linked to metabolic syndrome and related conditions.

3. Fasting Glucose (Optimal Range: 70-85 mg/dL) Keeping fasting glucose between 70-85 mg/dL is essential for preventing insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. While fasting glucose levels between 85-99 mg/dL are often labeled "normal," higher levels could signal early metabolic dysfunction. 

Elevated fasting glucose levels may contribute to an increased risk for metabolic issues, which can be associated with conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

4. Hemoglobin A1c (Optimal Range: 5-5.4%)

Hemoglobin A1c measures average blood glucose over the past three months and is a critical marker for assessing long-term glucose control. Keeping A1c levels below 5.4% to ensure optimal metabolic function. 

Warning:  that even slightly elevated levels (5.5%-6.4%) can indicate pre-diabetes, suggesting early insulin resistance, which can significantly increase the risk of diabetes.

5. Apo B (Optimal Range: <80 mg/dL)

Apo B, a key marker for cardiovascular health, measures the number of "bad" cholesterol particles (LDL). Aim for Apo B levels below 80 mg/dL to minimize their risk of atherosclerosis. 

Elevated Apo B levels suggest an increased number of LDL particles that can deposit cholesterol in the arteries, potentially leading to heart disease.

6. Triglycerides (Optimal Range: <80 mg/dL)

Triglyceride levels under 80 mg/dL indicate healthy fat metabolism. Elevated triglycerides are often a sign of insulin resistance and poor metabolic health, typically linked to high sugar and refined carbohydrate intake. 

7. HDL Cholesterol (Optimal Range: 50-90 mg/dL)

HDL cholesterol is often called the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Maintaining HDL levels between 50-90 mg/dL is crucial for cardiovascular health. Levels below this range can signal a higher risk of heart disease, while levels too high can indicate other metabolic issues.

8 Liver Enzymes (AST/ALT Optimal Range: <17)

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification and metabolism, and elevated AST or ALT levels can signal liver inflammation or metabolic dysfunction. 

9. Fasting Insulin (Optimal Range: 2-5 mIU/L)

Fasting insulin is a key indicator of how sensitive the body is to insulin. 

Fasting insulin levels between 2-5 mIU/L as the optimal range for insulin sensitivity. Fasting insulin levels over 10 mIU/L indicate insulin resistance, which can precede type 2 diabetes.

10. hsCRP (Optimal Range: <0.3 mg/dL)

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an inflammatory marker and essential for tracking systemic inflammation. 

Elevated hsCRP levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and chronic inflammation. Keeping hsCRP below 0.3 mg/dL helps minimize inflammation and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases.