There continues to be tremendous innovation in the way of biological testing. It can be very complicated and confusing.
Blood panel tests are not all created equal insofar as there are differences in which biomarkers they are targeting. A standard blood panel from your primary care physician’s annual wellness visit might only track 20 biomarkers. Blood tests in general are not the be all, end all of the most important biomarkers.
Fortunately, more biomarkers are being made available in North America. While there may be out-of-pocket costs associated with more advanced and specialized tests, it is empowering for the general public to have greater access to the tests they want without being beholden to a doctor or insurance company.
Here’s a breakdown of the more common tests you may want to consider.
Biomarker / Metabolic Health
Stress Hormone Panel
A screening that uses saliva samples taken throughout the day to assess circadian rhythm patterns, stress levels, sex hormones, and immune function.
Oxidative Stress
A screening that uses a dried urine sample to provide insights into digestion, detoxification, and oxidative stress. Oxidative DNA damage is considered to play an important role in accelerating aging and cancer, and can be detected by the biomarker, 8-OHdG.
Biome/GI Map
A test that analyzes stool samples to determine the composition of a person's microbiome. This provides information about their overall gut health and may indicate the abundance, balance, and diversity of various components such as bacteria and microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract. It can also detect pathogens in your digestive tract.
Mucosal Barrier Assessment
A screening that uses a dried blood sample to provide insights into the degree of intestinal inflammation, protein absorption, and intestinal lining permeability.
MRT Food Sensitivity Test
A blood sample screening that tests your blood against 170+ foods to assess which foods are likely causing intestinal inflammation, malabsorption, and permeability that you’ll need to avoid.
Metabolic Typing Test
An online questionnaire that determines your “Metabolic Type,” which helps to develop the optimal macronutrient diet for your health rebuilding program.
Lipoprotein (a) test, known as Lp(a)-P
A useful blood screening tool for diagnosing heart conditions and evaluating the risk of developing vascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is one of the most common diseases and is considered by Peter Attia to be a pillar of chronic illness.
The Lp(a)-P test may be particularly important for individuals with:
- Past heart disease
- High LDL cholesterol levels
- Family history of cardiovascular issues
HTMA
Hair-Tissue-Mineral Analysis is a non-invasive pathology test. It measures the levels and comparative ratios of nutrients and toxic minerals found in hair.
Genetic
Epigenetic (Biological) Age Tests
The most accurate, revolutionary, biological age predictor. Biological age is a measurement of your age based on various biomarkers.
Methylation (MTHFR) Test
This test will provide insight on a gene responsible for converting folic acid to methyl-folate. Your copies of this gene will give you a better idea of your enzyme efficiency and metabolic health.
Body Mass
DEXA Scan
Imaging tests used to measure the density and composition of bones. This is achieved using a dual-energy X-Ray machine. These scans can also be used to measure body composition, which helps people better understand the amount of body fat and muscle mass they possess across the different regions of the body (including visceral fat in the abdomen).
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