In this Inner Circle video workshop with Ben and Jessa Greenfield, you’ll learn how to cut out the middleman and take charge of your own medical testing to save money on medical care.
Basic tests that you can (and should) consider doing:
• Lipid panel, which includes ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol, as well as triglycerides
• C-reactive protein, which has been linked to inflammation and heart-attack risk
• Liver function, looking at measures such as the enzyme alanine aminotransferase, or ALT
• Vitamin D
• Hormone levels, including testosterone and estradiol, a form of estrogen
More specifically, for men:
CWP:
Over 50 individual laboratory tests to provide a thorough Biochemical assessment of your health, and includes the basic cardiovascular tests as well as diabetes testing:
Lipids (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, the risk ratio, triglycerides)
Complete Blood Count (CBC’s)
Fluids and Electrolytes
Thyroid w/TSH
Liver
Kidney
Glucose (Diabetes)
Mineral and Bone
Fibrinogen – An important contributor to blood clotting, fibrinogen levels increase in response to tissue inflammation. Since atherosclerosis and heart disease are essentially inflammatory processes, increased fibrinogen levels can help predict the risk of heart disease and stroke. High fibrinogen levels not only are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, but also are seen in other inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation of the kidney.
C-Reactive Protein,hs (CRP,hs) – C-Reactive protein,hs is a substance in the blood that indicates the presence of inflammation and could warn of a heart attack in advance. Elevated amounts of the protein in men may triple their risk for heart attack and double their risk for stroke, whereas elevated amounts in women can increase their heart attack risk up to seven times. Cardio (also specific or high sensitivity) C-Reactive Protein is a marker of inflammation to the blood vessels and a strong predictor of risk for future myocardial infarctions. Cardiovascular tests ordered vary based on patient symptoms as well as family history.
Homocysteine – The amino acid, Homocysteine, plays a role in destroying the lining of your artery walls, promoting the formation of blood clots, and also accelerates the buildup of scar tissue. High levels may increase the chance of heart disease and stroke, especially if you have other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, or family history.
Hemoglobin A1C – One of the best ways to assess your glucose status is testing for hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c). It measures a person’s blood sugar over the last two to three months and is an independent predictor of heart disease risk in persons with or without diabetes. Maintaining a healthy hemoglobin A1C level may also help those with diabetes prevent some of the complications of the disease.
DHEA,s – Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and is a precursor to the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. DHEA levels peak in one’s twenties and then decline dramatically with age. DHEA is frequently referred to as an “anti-aging” hormone. DHEAS and several other androgens are used to evaluate adrenal function and to distinguish between androgen secreting adrenal conditions from those that originate in the ovary or testes. DHEAS can be measured to help diagnose adrenocortical tumors (tumor in the cortex of the adrenal gland), adrenal cancers, and adrenal hyperplasia (which may be congenital or adult onset) and to separate them from ovarian tumors and cancers.
Testosterone, Total – Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. The blood level is used by men to investigate abnormal sexual development and sexual dysfunction. Small amounts are produced in women’s ovaries and levels are tested to evaluate virilization.
Testosterone Free -The concentration of free testosterone is very low, typically 50% of total circulating testosterone is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin, SHBG, and most of the rest is bound to albumin.
PSA – The prostate specific antigen (PSA), is a protein made only in the prostate gland. PSA is produced by normal, abnormal and cancerous prostatic tissue. The PSA blood test is an accurate measure of this amount. The theory is that cancer causes more of the protein to be made and leaked into the blood than normal prostate tissue, so PSA is now used for assisting in the diagnosis and monitoring of prostatic carcinoma.
Estradiol – Both men and women need estrogen for physiological functions. Estradiol is the primary circulating form of estrogen in men and women, and is an indicator of hypothalamic and pituitary function. Men produce estradiol in smaller amounts than do women; most estradiol is produced from testosterone and adrenal steroid hormones, and some is produced directly by the testes. In women, estradiol is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and peripheral tissues. Levels of estradiol vary throughout the menstrual cycle, and drop to low, constant levels after menopause. In women, blood estradiol levels help evaluate menopausal status and sexual maturity. Increased levels in women may indicate an increased risk for breast or endometrial cancer. Estradiol plays a role in support of healthy bone density in both men and women. Low levels are associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture as well. Elevated levels of estradiol in men may accompany gynecomastia (breast enlargement), diminished sex drive, and difficulty with urination.
And for women:
CWP –
Over 50 individual laboratory tests to provide a thorough Biochemical assessment of your health, and includes the basic cardiovascular tests as well as diabetes testing:
Lipids (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, the risk ratio, triglycerides)
Complete Blood Count (CBC’s)
Fluids and Electrolytes
Thyroid w/TSH
Liver
Kidney
Glucose (Diabetes)
Mineral and Bone
Fibrinogen – An important contributor to blood clotting, fibrinogen levels increase in response to tissue inflammation. Since atherosclerosis and heart disease are essentially inflammatory processes, increased fibrinogen levels can help predict the risk of heart disease and stroke. High fibrinogen levels not only are associated with an increased risk of heart attack, but also are seen in other inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation of the kidney.
C-Reactive Protein,hs (CRP,hs) – CRP, hs is a critical component of the immune system and can be predictive of future risk of heart attack, stroke, sudden cardiac death, and the development of peripheral arterial disease. Individuals with elevated levels of CRP have a risk about 2 to 3 times higher than the risk of those with low levels.
Homocysteine – The amino acid, Homocysteine, plays a role in destroying the lining of your artery walls, promoting the formation of blood clots, and also accelerates the buildup of scar tissue. High levels may increase the chance of heart disease and stroke, especially if you have other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, or family history.
Hemoglobin A1C – One of the best ways to assess your glucose status is testing for hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c). It measures a person’s blood sugar over the last two to three months and is an independent predictor of heart disease risk in persons with or without diabetes. Maintaining a healthy hemoglobin A1C level may also help those with diabetes prevent some of the complications of the disease.
DHEA,s – Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and is a precursor to the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. DHEA levels peak in one’s twenties and then decline dramatically with age. DHEA is frequently referred to as an “anti-aging” hormone. DHEAS and several other androgens are used to evaluate adrenal function and to distinguish between androgen secreting adrenal conditions from those that originate in the ovary or testes. DHEAS can be measured to help diagnose adrenocortical tumors (tumor in the cortex of the adrenal gland), adrenal cancers, and adrenal hyperplasia (which may be congenital or adult onset) and to separate them from ovarian tumors and cancers.
Testosterone Total – Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. The blood level is used by men to investigate abnormal sexual development and sexual dysfunction. Small amounts are produced in women’s ovaries and levels are tested to evaluate virilization.
Testosterone Free -The concentration of free testosterone is very low, typically 50% of total circulating testosterone is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin, SHBG, and most of the rest is bound to albumin.
Urinalysis, complete – Over 15 different items, this panel is useful in the evaluation of conditions such as urinary tract infection, dehydration, and kidney stones.
Estradiol – Both men and women need estrogen for physiological functions. Estradiol is the primary circulating form of estrogen in men and women, and is an indicator of hypothalamic and pituitary function. Men produce estradiol in smaller amounts than do women; most estradiol is produced from testosterone and adrenal steroid hormones, and some is produced directly by the testes. In women, estradiol is produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and peripheral tissues. Levels of estradiol vary throughout the menstrual cycle, and drop to low, constant levels after menopause. In women, blood estradiol levels help evaluate menopausal status and sexual maturity. Increased levels in women may indicate an increased risk for breast or endometrial cancer. Estradiol plays a role in support of healthy bone density in both men and women. Low levels are associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture as well. Elevated levels of estradiol in men may accompany gynecomastia (breast enlargement), diminished sex drive, and difficulty with urination.
See other recommended tests at: http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/2012/08/how-to-self-test-your-body/
The only two I discuss here that I am not entirely convinced from research are efficacious, but *may* be worth, trying are:
Secretor type test: http://goo.gl/dWLPU
Blood type test: http://goo.gl/YvZyc
Tests to talk to your doctor about ordering:
Immunoglobulin for protein allergies: http://www.usbiotek.com/Content/Services/Antibody-assessment.html
Cyrex labs assay for gluten testing: http://cyrexlabs.com/CyrexTestsArrays/tabid/136/Default.aspx
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Recommended resources/labs for self-medical testing:
WellnessFX (good if you want a medical practitioner to oversee everything): http://goo.gl/vXZcw
DirectLabs (cheaper, but you need to know what you’re doing or have Ben walk you through it): http://goo.gl/JJoOT
Cardiochek portable blood testing system for lipid testing/cholesterol: http://goo.gl/9B9O5
Portable glucose monitor for blood sugar: http://goo.gl/QbhZb
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Other testing services (most of these use http://www.labcorp.com, so they’re all fairly similar):
Best google phrase: “self testing in ‘INSERT NAME OF YOUR STATE HERE’
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Useful phrases:
“ZRT” – ZRT Laboratory is what most of the services above use for adrenal/hormone testing.
“ALCAT” – comprehensive food panel
“GENOVA/METAMETRIX” – gut and stool testing
“SPECTRACELL” – micronutrients and minerals
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Good resources for test interpretation if you need help with results:
https://greenfieldfitnesssystems.com/product-category/coaching-consulting/ (use 10% discount INNERCIRCLEBG)
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Other FAQ’s:
******What if my lab results are abnormal?
Although abnormal blood tests can be considered an early warning, they do not necessarily mean you have an illness or disease. It is important to understand that Blood Tests are only a part of what goes into a diagnosis and are not intended to be a substitute for a physician’s consultation. We do not recommend self-diagnosis, vitamins, or self-medication solely based on your test results.
The results of your blood tests should be considered in the context of an overall relationship with your personal physician and we strongly recommend you discuss abnormal results with your Doctor for evaluation, further testing, and diagnosis.
******Do I need to fast?
Instructions regarding fasting are provided with each blood test or panel ordered.
******Do I need a doctor’s order for my blood work?
No. Blood Tests are only a part of what goes into a diagnosis and are not intended to be a substitute for a physician’s consultation. Furthermore, we do not recommend self-diagnosis or self-medication; the results of your tests should be considered in the context of an overall relationship with your personal physician. We encourage you to discuss abnormal results with him/her.
******Where is my laboratory test performed?
Some tests, such as the All specimens are analyzed at Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp). LabCorp is one of the world’s largest clinical laboratories, with annual revenues of $3.6 billion in 2006. Headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina, LabCorp has approximately 25,000 employees and offers a broad range of genomic/esoteric tests. Listed under the ticker symbol LH on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), LabCorp tests more than 370,000 specimens daily for over 220,000 clients nationwide.