Functional vs. Medical Blood Analysis

Have you ever felt unwell, and got your bloodwork done, only to hear that your results are normal? What gives? Well, your doctor probably checked your medical blood analysis, but not your functional analysis. Here at LifeWorks Integrative Health in Kansas City, we focus on your functional range to reveal the underlying causes of your symptoms.

Let’s look at the difference between functional and medical blood analysis and how these blood labs help restore your health and well-being balance.
 

What Is Functional Blood Analysis?

A functional blood analysis goes much further than the normal range to detect deficiencies, inflammations, or imbalances in your system. Think of a functional blood analysis as an early warning system.

You can see the beginnings of poor health long before debilitating symptoms show. This is good information to steer your body back to normal through natural methods like diet and lifestyle improvements.
 

Functional Blood Analysis Insights

A functional blood analysis uses a broader-than-average statistical range as a reference to interpret your blood labs. While it’s a great tool for diagnosing acute or chronic illnesses, a holistic approach is still necessary to determine the best course of action. Let’s highlight the most common blood labs that you need to know. 
 

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC is a group of tests that check your platelets, red and white blood cells, and other components. The process is most commonly used to diagnose anemic and leukemia infections.

A functional blood analysis uses the CBC to look at your overall health and reveal potential risks of disease. CBC includes:
 

White Blood Cell Count

Range: 5 to 8

A white blood cell count (WBC) detects the presence of bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that cause infections or diseases. A high WBC means that your immune system is fighting an infection. A low WBC indicates compromised Immunity in conditions like HIV/AIDS or certain cancers, and liver and spleen disease.
 

Red Blood Cell Count

Range: 4 to 5, except during menstruation (4 to 4.5) and menopause (4.4 to 4.9)

Red blood cells (RBC) carry oxygen throughout your body tissues through the protein hemoglobin. A medic can spot an infection, immunity disorder, blood cancer, blood clotting problem, or anemia by checking your RBC.
 

Hemoglobin

Range: 13.5g/dL to 14.5g/dL for women; 14g/dL to 15g/dL for men

Hemoglobin indicates how well your red blood cells transport oxygen in your body. A high hemoglobin count indicates dehydration, a high altitude environment, or a bone marrow disorder. A low hemoglobin count indicates anemia.
 

Platelets

Range: 175 to 250

These are small but powerful blood cells that help in blood clotting. Low platelet levels indicate poor Immunity due to cancer or infections like dengue fever. High platelet levels indicate a blood clotting disorder.
 

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

The next type of blood test is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), which looks at 14 factors, from liver and kidney function to blood sugar and nutrients. When you understand the optimal CMP range, you can correct health issues before they become chronic or debilitating.

CMB checks for the following:
 

Total Protein

Range: 6.9g/dL to 7.4g/dL

This measures the protein in your blood. High total protein means a high protein diet, an infection, liver problem, dehydration, or bone marrow disorder.

Low total protein means kidney or liver disease, gut inflammation, hypothyroidism, or H. pylori.

Sodium

Range: 137 to 143 mmol/L

This mineral maintains your fluids, muscles, and nerves. Sodium imbalances result from high stress, high card and salt diets, dehydration, and insulin resistance.

Potassium

Range: 4.0 to 4.5 mmol/L

This mineral maintains good muscle and heart functions. Both high and low potassium levels can indicate hypertension and kidney problems.
 

Chloride

Range: 100 to 106 mmol/L

This electrolyte maintains fluids and pH in the body. Low chloride indicates kidney stress and failure, while high chloride indicates insulin resistance and aspirin in the body.
 

Carbon Dioxide

Range: 23 to 27 mmol/L

This measures CO2 levels in blood serum rather than dissolved CO2 gas. High CO2 concentration indicates lung issues, severe vomiting, or diuretics in the body.
 

Comprehensive Blood Analysis

A comprehensive blood analysis (CBA) is the best way to understand your blood labs in detail. A CBA is more sophisticated because it looks at all the above markers and much more. It can reveal early signals for immune system problems, insulin, blood sugar imbalances, inflammations, and vitamin and mineral absorption issues. Do your CBA regularly to stay on top of your health outcomes.
 

Final Thoughts

Get a detailed look at your blood labs with CBC, CMP, and CBA tests for peace of mind. These identify underlying health issues well in advance. It gives you the best chance to restore your health naturally instead of relying on conventional medications. To understand your blood labs and chart a course to good health, LifeWorks Integrative Health in Kansas City is ready to help. Get in touch with us today.