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    Blood Chemistry 101 from a Functional Medicine Perspective

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    • Introduction to Blood Test Analysis
      • 1.1Why You Need Understanding of Your Blood Tests
      • 1.2Decoding Medical Jargon
      • 1.3Introduction to Functional and Lifestyle Medicine
    • Understanding Complete Blood Count (CBC)
      • 2.1What is CBC and Its Components
      • 2.2Understanding Laboratories Ranges
      • 2.3Interpretation from a Functional Medicine Perspective
    • Insight into Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)
      • 3.1Importance of CMP
      • 3.2Knowing High and Low Ranges
      • 3.3Functional Medicine Perspective on CMP
    • Studying Vitamin D
      • 4.1The Role of Vitamin D
      • 4.2Laboratory Ranges for Vitamin D
      • 4.3Functional Medicine Advice for Vitamin D Levels
    • Inflammation Markers - CRP
      • 5.1Understanding CRP
      • 5.2CRP's Laboratory Ranges
      • 5.3CRP from a Functional Medicine Perspective
    • Decoding Thyroid Markers
      • 6.1The Significant Role of Thyroid
      • 6.2Understanding Thyroid Marker Ranges
      • 6.3Thyroid Markers and Functional medicine
    • Iron Markers
      • 7.1Understanding Iron and Its Markers
      • 7.2Iron Marker Ranges and Their Meanings
      • 7.3Iron Markers in Functional Medicine
    • Lipid Panel Assessment
      • 8.1What is a Lipid Panel
      • 8.2Interpreting High and Low Lipid Ranges
      • 8.3Lipid Panel: Functional Medicine View
    • Micronutrient Markers: Folate, Vitamin B12
      • 9.1Importance of Folate and B12
      • 9.2Understanding Their Ranges
      • 9.3Functional Medicine Approach to Folate and B12 Levels
    • Micronutrient Markers: Zinc, Copper, Magnesium
      • 10.1Significance of Zinc, Copper, Magnesium
      • 10.2Ranges and Their Meanings
      • 10.3Functional Medicine Take on These Micronutrients
    • Other Key Blood Chemistry Markers
      • 11.1Unpacking Lesser Known Blood Markers
      • 11.2Deciphering Their Ranges
      • 11.3The Functional Medicine perspective
    • Implementing Lifestyle Recommendations for Improved Markers
      • 12.1Nutrition for Better Blood Markers
      • 12.2Exercise and Your Blood
      • 12.3Role of Sleep and Stress Management
    • Pulling It All Together – Your Personal Health Assessment
      • 13.1Comprehensive Review
      • 13.2Case studies
      • 13.3Crafting Personal Action Plan

    Insight into Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)

    Understanding the Importance of a Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)

    group of 14 blood tests often used in medical diagnosis

    Group of 14 blood tests often used in medical diagnosis.

    A Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a frequently ordered set of 14 blood tests that provide crucial information about the current status of your kidneys, liver, electrolyte and acid/base balance, blood sugar, and blood proteins. It is a powerful tool that healthcare providers use to check for certain diseases and conditions. It also helps monitor the health of patients diagnosed with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and liver disease.

    What is a CMP?

    A CMP is a group of tests that provides a broad look at your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as:

    • Breathing
    • Circulating blood
    • Regulating body temperature
    • Contracting muscles
    • Digesting food and nutrients
    • Eliminating waste through urine and feces
    • Functioning of the brain and nerves

    The CMP includes tests for the following:

    1. Glucose: The primary energy source for the body's cells. High levels may indicate diabetes or other conditions.
    2. Calcium: One of the most important minerals in the body; essential for the proper functioning of nerves, muscles, and the heart.
    3. Albumin: The main protein in the blood; it helps keep blood from leaking out of blood vessels.
    4. Total Protein: Measures albumin and all other proteins in blood, including antibodies that help fight off infections.
    5. Electrolytes:
      • Sodium
      • Potassium
      • CO2 (carbon dioxide, bicarbonate)
      • Chloride
    6. Kidney Tests:
      • BUN (blood urea nitrogen)
      • Creatinine
    7. Liver Tests:
      • ALP (alkaline phosphatase)
      • ALT (alanine amino transferase, also called SGPT)
      • AST (aspartate amino transferase, also called SGOT)
      • Bilirubin

    Why is a CMP Ordered?

    A CMP is typically ordered as part of a routine health checkup. It helps screen for potential problems and diseases before you have noticeable symptoms. It can also be ordered when you're admitted to the hospital.

    Doctors may order a CMP as part of the evaluation process if you're experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, or abdominal pain. It can also be used to monitor conditions, like hypertension and diabetes, and to check the body's response to certain treatments.

    In conclusion, understanding the importance of a CMP and what it entails is the first step in taking control of your health. It provides a wealth of information about the functioning of your body and can help detect health issues before they become serious.

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    Next up: Knowing High and Low Ranges