Your blood tests are “normal”, but you still feel bad? Optimal vs normal ranges.
When you’re not feeling right, often the first port of call for your GP will be to run some blood testing. These tests can help us identify potential health issues and often the second port of call after that, might be medication vs working out what is driving this.
But, what if your blood results have all come back “within range”, but you still feel like sh*t and just know something isn’t quite right?
Well, there's a significant difference in how conventional medicine and functional medicine approach the interpretation of these lab results. In this article, we'll explore the distinction between conventional lab reference ranges and optimal reference ranges, particularly from the perspective of a functional medicine nutritionist.
Photo by Siobhan Calder
What are conventional lab references ranges?
Conventional medical practice follows standardised lab reference ranges that are established based on population averages. These ranges are designed primarily to detect diseases and medical conditions. Here's what you need to know about them:
population centric
Conventional lab reference ranges are broad and often centred around the average values found in a given population. They serve the purpose of identifying outliers or deviations from the norm. 95% of the population will fall “within range” or “normal” - yet is 95% of the population truly healthy?
disease detection
The primary goal of these reference ranges is to diagnose and manage diseases and pathology. They're excellent for flagging conditions that fall outside the typical range, such as high cholesterol or diabetes.
one size fits all
Conventional ranges treat everyone as if they are the same. They don't take into account individual variations, genetics, or lifestyle factors.
Photo by Siobhan Calder
What are optimal reference ranges?
Functional medicine takes a more personalised and holistic approach to health. It seeks to optimise wellbeing, prevent diseases, and promote the body's natural healing processes. Here's how optimal reference ranges differ:
individualised health
In functional medicine, the focus is on you as an individual. Optimal reference ranges are narrower and tailored to your unique health goals, considering factors like age, genetics, and lifestyle. So often individuals can be symptomatic but fall “within ranges”, we’re aiming for optimal health to reduce those symptoms.
preventative care
Instead of waiting for diseases to manifest or blood markers to fall outside of “normal”, functional medicine strives to prevent this. It aims to keep you in the "optimal" range of health, which can lead to increased energy, mood, hormonal health and overall wellbeing.
Root Cause Analysis
As a functional medicine trained nutritionist, I seek to identify and address the root causes of health imbalances rather than merely treating symptoms. This often involves comprehensive evaluations and a deep understanding of your health history.
Why do optimal ranges matter?
Here's why they matter:
Proactive Wellness: Functional medicine empowers individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing proactively. By striving for optimal ranges, you can prevent many chronic conditions from developing in the first place and avoid the symptoms that can often still come when we’re on the edges of “normal” ranges.
Holistic Approach: As a functional medicine nutritionist, I consider your entire lifestyle, including diet, exercise, stress levels, and environmental factors. It's a comprehensive approach to health that goes beyond the confines of conventional medicine and looks at the body as a whole e.g. your gut issues or “IBS” can impact your hormones, mood, skin…the list goes on. Our body doesn’t operate in compartmentalised boxes.
Long-Term Benefits: Achieving and maintaining optimal ranges can lead to long-lasting health benefits, from increased energy and mental clarity to enhanced quality of life.
If you're intrigued by the idea of personalised nutrition and holistic health, functional medicine nutrition could be the right path for you. It's a journey that involves working closely with a practitioner who understands your unique needs and is committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal health.
To sum things up, the difference between conventional lab reference ranges and optimal reference ranges is a fundamental concept in functional medicine. While conventional medicine primarily focuses on disease detection and treatment, functional medicine seeks to optimise your health, prevent diseases, and support your body's natural healing mechanisms.
It's a shift from reactive healthcare to proactive wellbeing.
If you have questions or would like to explore functional medicine nutrition further, pop over to the contact page or book your free discovery call now. Your health journey is unique, and functional medicine can provide the personalised guidance and support you need to thrive. Remember, optimal health is within your reach when you’re supported to take a proactive and individualised approach to your well-being.
