Introduction

You might not know this because not much emphasis is placed on the value of your labs, but when it comes to understanding your overall health, routine blood tests like the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) and Complete Blood Count (CBC) are essential tools. These tests are commonly used in medical practice to provide a snapshot of your body’s internal workings, but they are truly undervalued for the “root cause” information they offer, because information is being overlooked. They might seem like just another part of your yearly check-up, but these tests offer valuable insights into various organ systems and can help detect potential health issues early when interpreted nutritionally.

Brief Overview of CMP-14 and CBC Tests

CMP-14: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

The CMP-14 is a blood test that measures 14 different substances in your blood, giving a broad overview of your metabolic health. It includes the markers glucose, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), and kidney and liver function indicators. This panel helps to assess your body’s chemical balance and metabolism.

CBC: Complete Blood Count

The CBC test measures different components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It provides crucial information about your blood's ability to carry oxygen, fight infections, and clot properly. Key markers include hemoglobin, hematocrit, and various white blood cell types.

How These Tests Provide Insights into Various Organ Systems and Health Conditions

Energy Levels

If you’ve been feeling fatigued, these tests can offer clues. For instance, the glucose level in the CMP-14 helps detect blood sugar imbalances, which can cause fatigue. The CBC’s hemoglobin and hematocrit levels can indicate anemia, another common cause of persistent tiredness.

Digestive Health

Are you experiencing frequent digestive issues like bloating, gas, or constipation? These tests can help identify underlying problems, especially of the upper digestive system. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT) in the CMP-14 can point to liver or gallbladder issues, while the CBC can detect signs of inflammation or infection that can affect your digestive system’s ability to break down food and then absorb it.

Liver and Gallbladder Health

Embarrassing gas and bloating, unexplained weight gain, digestive discomfort, or frequent use of antacids can sometimes be linked to upper digestion, and liver or gallbladder health. Elevated liver enzymes in the CMP-14 can signal liver stress or damage, while bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels can provide insights into bile duct and gallbladder function.

Let me give you an insight. Gallbladder disease, inflammation, sludge and gallstones is a progressive disease. It develops over time. Why is anyone having their gallbladder removed, especially as an emergency, when we can look at lab preventively and catch the liver enzymes increasing over time? Our health system must do better.

Malabsorption Syndrome

Struggling with nutrient deficiencies despite a balanced diet? This could be due to malabsorption syndrome, where your body fails to absorb nutrients properly. The CMP-14’s albumin and total protein levels can indicate protein malabsorption, while the CBC can show red blood cell abnormalities that suggest nutrient deficiencies.

Parasitic and Digestive Infections

Persistent digestive issues, despite making dietary changes, could hint at a parasitic or bacterial infection. The CBC can reveal elevated white blood cells, particularly eosinophils, which are often increased in parasitic infections and food sensitivities. The CMP-14 can show electrolyte imbalances due to prolonged infection.

Blood Health

Are you’re dealing with symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, pale skin, or shortness of breath, anemia could be the culprit. The CBC test is particularly useful here, as it measures hemoglobin and red blood cell counts, helping to identify various types of anemia. Elevated white blood cell counts can also indicate infections, including parasitic infections, which might not be immediately obvious.

Symptoms and Conditions Related to Organ Systems

Energy

Maintaining your energy levels is crucial for feeling your best and staying productive throughout the day. If you're experiencing persistent fatigue, it could be more than just a lack of sleep or a busy schedule. The CMP-14 and CBC tests can provide valuable insights into why your energy might be lagging.

Conditions: Blood Sugar, Anemia

CMP-14 Markers:

• Glucose: One of the primary markers in the CMP-14 is glucose, which measures your blood sugar levels. Both high and low glucose levels can significantly impact your energy. High blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance and eventually diabetes, causing fatigue as your body struggles to manage energy properly. Conversely, low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia, can result in sudden energy crashes and feelings of weakness.
• Kidney Function (BUN, Creatinine): Your kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products from your blood. Elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine can indicate poor kidney function, which can lead to a buildup of toxins in your body and result in fatigue.
• Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium): Electrolytes are essential for maintaining the body’s fluid balance and proper muscle function. Imbalances in sodium and potassium levels can disrupt these processes and lead to feelings of tiredness and lethargy.

CBC Markers:

• Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: These markers measure the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in your blood and the proportion of red blood cells, respectively. Low levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit are indicative of anemia, a condition where your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues, resulting in chronic fatigue.
• White Blood Cell Count: An elevated white blood cell count can signal an infection or inflammation in your body. When your immune system is actively fighting off an infection, it can drain your energy and make you feel exhausted.

Understanding these markers can help you identify, and address issues related to nutrition and blood sugar earlier. Have Dr. Plank review your tests to reveal abnormalities with blood sugar levels, kidney function, or signs of anemia or infection, it’s essential to address these findings with the help of a healthcare professional or a functional nutritionist.

Digestion

Digestive health is a cornerstone of overall well-being. Issues such as bloating, gas, constipation, and nutrient malabsorption can significantly impact your daily life. By examining specific markers in the CMP-14 and CBC tests, we can gain insights into the health of your digestive system and identify potential underlying issues.

Conditions: Digestive Issues, Antacid Use, Burping, Gas, Bloating, Constipation, Malabsorption Syndrome

CMP-14 Markers:

• Liver Enzymes (AST, ALT): The liver plays a vital role in digestion, including bile production, which is essential for fat digestion and absorption. Elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) can indicate liver stress or damage, which can affect bile production and lead to digestive issues such as bloating and constipation. High liver enzyme levels can also signal gallbladder problems, contributing to symptoms like gas and burping.
• Albumin: Albumin is a protein made by the liver, and its levels can provide insight into your overall nutritional status. Low albumin levels can indicate poor protein absorption, which is often a result of digestive disorders. Conditions like malabsorption syndrome can lead to low albumin, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and swelling.
• Total Protein: Total protein measures the combined amount of albumin and globulin in your blood. Low levels can suggest that your digestive system is not absorbing nutrients effectively. This can be due to various digestive issues, including chronic inflammation, infections, or conditions like celiac disease, which impede nutrient absorption.

CBC Markers:

• White Blood Cell Count: An elevated white blood cell count can indicate infection or inflammation within the digestive system. For instance, a high count might suggest bacterial or parasitic infections that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Chronic digestive inflammation, as seen in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can also elevate white blood cell levels.
• Red Blood Cell Indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC): These indices measure the size and hemoglobin content of your red blood cells. Abnormal levels can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies often associated with malabsorption syndromes. For example, low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) can indicate iron deficiency anemia, while high MCV can suggest vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, both of which are common in individuals with malabsorption issues.

Understanding these markers can help you identify, and address issues related to nutritional and digestive health earlier. Have Dr. Plank review your tests to reveal abnormalities in liver function, protein levels, or signs of infection and nutrient deficiencies, it's crucial to take steps to address these findings. This may involve dietary changes, supplements, or further diagnostic testing to pinpoint specific conditions.

Liver/Gallbladder Health

Your liver and gallbladder play crucial roles in digestion and metabolism. When these organs are not functioning optimally, you may experience a variety of symptoms such as weight gain, digestive issues, and discomfort after eating. By examining specific markers in the CMP-14 and CBC tests, we can gain insights into the health of these organs and identify potential issues that need to be addressed.

Conditions: Weight Gain, Digestive Issues, Antacid Use, Burping, Gas, Bloating, Constipation

CMP-14 Markers:

• Liver Enzymes (AST, ALT): Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are enzymes found in your liver. Elevated levels of these enzymes indicate liver stress or damage, which can result from conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or excessive alcohol use. Liver dysfunction can lead to digestive issues, including bloating, gas, and constipation, as well as weight gain due to impaired metabolism.
• Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed by the breakdown of red blood cells. High levels of bilirubin can indicate liver or gallbladder dysfunction, such as bile duct obstruction or liver disease. Symptoms of elevated bilirubin include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and light-colored stools, along with digestive discomfort and bloating.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme related to the bile ducts. Elevated ALP levels can suggest bile duct issues, such as blockages or inflammation, or liver disease. High ALP levels can contribute to symptoms like burping, gas, and discomfort after eating, as well as more serious conditions like gallstones or cholestasis.

CBC Markers:

• White Blood Cell Count: An elevated white blood cell count can indicate infection or inflammation in the liver or gallbladder. Conditions such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or liver abscesses can cause an increase in white blood cells. Infections and inflammation in these organs can result in symptoms like fever, chills, abdominal pain, and digestive disturbances.

Understanding these markers can help you identify, and address issues related to nutritional, liver and digestive health earlier. Have Dr. Plank review your tests to reveal abnormalities in elevated liver enzymes, bilirubin, or ALP, or if there is an increase in white blood cells, it’s crucial to investigate further to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Parasitic and Digestive Infections

Parasitic and digestive infections can wreak havoc on your overall health, leading to a range of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms. By examining specific markers in the CMP-14 and CBC tests, we can gain valuable insights into the presence of infections and their impact on your body. Identifying these issues early on allows for timely intervention and treatment, helping you regain your health and well-being.

Conditions: Parasitic Infection, Digestive Infection

CMP-14 Markers:

• Electrolytes: Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride are vital for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Prolonged parasitic or digestive infections can lead to electrolyte imbalances, resulting in symptoms like dehydration, muscle cramps, and fatigue. Monitoring electrolyte levels can help detect these imbalances and guide appropriate treatment to restore balance.
• Liver Enzymes (AST, ALT): Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are enzymes found in the liver. Elevated levels of these enzymes can indicate liver stress or damage due to infection. Parasitic infections, particularly those affecting the liver, such as liver flukes, can cause an increase in AST and ALT levels. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.

CBC Markers:

• White Blood Cell Count: An elevated white blood cell count is a key indicator of infection or inflammation in the body. A high count suggests that your immune system is actively fighting an infection, which could be due to a parasitic or bacterial infection in the digestive tract. Symptoms of such infections can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
• Eosinophils: Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in combating parasitic infections and allergic reactions. High levels of eosinophils can indicate a parasitic infection, such as those caused by worms or protozoa. Symptoms of parasitic infections can range from gastrointestinal issues like bloating and diarrhea to more systemic symptoms like fatigue and muscle pain.
• Neutrophils: Neutrophils are another type of white blood cell that are part of your body's first line of defense against bacterial infections. Elevated levels of neutrophils can indicate a bacterial infection in the digestive system. Symptoms of such infections can include severe abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits.

Understanding these markers can help you identify, and address issues related to nutritional and digestive health earlier. Have Dr. Plank review your tests to reveal abnormalities in electrolyte levels, liver enzymes, white blood cell count, eosinophils, or neutrophils, it’s essential to take steps to address these findings. This may involve dietary changes, medications, or further diagnostic testing to pinpoint specific infections and determine the appropriate treatment.

Malabsorption Syndrome

Malabsorption syndrome occurs when your digestive system fails to absorb nutrients properly, leading to various health issues such as digestive discomfort, weight gain, and nutrient deficiencies. By examining specific markers in the CMP-14 and CBC tests, we can gain valuable insights into the presence of malabsorption and its impact on your body. Identifying and addressing malabsorption early on can help you restore nutrient balance and improve your overall health.

Conditions: Digestive Issues, Weight Gain, Malabsorption Syndrome

CMP-14 Markers:

• Albumin: Albumin is a protein made by the liver, and its levels can indicate the body’s protein status. Low levels of albumin can suggest protein malabsorption, which can lead to symptoms such as swelling, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Protein malabsorption can be a result of various digestive conditions, including celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and pancreatic insufficiency.
• Total Protein: Total protein measures the combined levels of albumin and globulin in the blood. Low levels of total protein can indicate poor nutrient absorption, which can lead to a range of health issues including weakened immunity, slow wound healing, and muscle loss. Malabsorption can result from chronic digestive conditions or surgeries affecting the digestive tract.
• Electrolytes: Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and chloride, are essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper muscle function. Imbalances in electrolytes can result from nutrient malabsorption, leading to symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness, and dehydration. Monitoring electrolyte levels can help detect and manage malabsorption issues effectively.

CBC Markers:

• Red Blood Cell Indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC): These indices measure the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells. Abnormal levels of mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) can suggest nutrient deficiencies related to malabsorption, such as iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiencies. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
• White Blood Cell Count: An elevated white blood cell count can indicate underlying inflammation or infection impacting nutrient absorption. Chronic inflammation or infections in the digestive tract can impair the absorption of essential nutrients, leading to malabsorption syndrome. Symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.

Understanding these markers can help you identify, and address issues related to nutritional and digestive health earlier. Have Dr. Plank review your tests to reveal abnormalities to address malabsorption syndrome and its related health issues. If your tests reveal abnormalities in albumin, total protein, electrolytes, red blood cell indices, or white blood cell count, it’s essential to take steps to address these findings. This may involve dietary changes, supplements, medications, or further diagnostic testing to pinpoint specific conditions and determine the appropriate treatment.

Blood Health

The health of your blood is crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and fighting off infections. Conditions like anemia and parasitic infections can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. By examining specific markers in the CMP-14 and CBC tests, we can gain valuable insights into the state of your blood health and identify potential issues that need to be addressed.

Conditions: Anemia, Parasitic Infection

CMP-14 Markers:

• Kidney Function (BUN, Creatinine): Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine are markers of kidney function. Poor kidney function can contribute to anemia by reducing the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Elevated BUN and creatinine levels can indicate that your kidneys are not effectively filtering waste from your blood, potentially leading to symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
• Electrolytes: Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride are essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Imbalances in electrolytes can affect overall blood health and contribute to conditions like dehydration, which can exacerbate anemia and other blood-related issues.

CBC Markers:

• Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in your blood. Low levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit are key indicators of anemia, which can result in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin. Anemia can be caused by various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, and blood loss.
• Red Blood Cell Count: A low red blood cell count is another marker of anemia. This condition can lead to insufficient oxygen delivery to your tissues, causing symptoms like dizziness, weakness, and cold hands and feet. Identifying the cause of low red blood cell count is essential for determining the appropriate treatment, whether it’s addressing nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions.
• White Blood Cell Count: An elevated white blood cell count can indicate an infection or inflammation in your body. This marker is crucial for identifying parasitic infections, bacterial infections, and other inflammatory conditions. If your white blood cell count is high, it’s important to investigate further to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
• Eosinophils: Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a role in combating parasitic infections and allergic reactions. High levels of eosinophils can suggest a parasitic infection, which can cause symptoms like gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, and muscle pain. Identifying and treating parasitic infections is crucial for improving overall health and preventing long-term complications.
• 
  

Understanding these markers can help you identify, and address issues related to blood health earlier. Have Dr. Plank review your tests to reveal abnormalities in kidney function, electrolyte levels, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, or eosinophils, it’s essential to take steps to address these findings. This may involve dietary changes, supplements, medications, or further diagnostic testing to pinpoint specific conditions.

Conclusion

These tests provide a wealth of information that can guide your path to better health. However, they also have limitations and might miss specific nutritional deficiencies. If you are looking for answers for symptoms such as fatigue and digestive issues, understanding what these tests can reveal is the first step towards comprehensive whole-body health care.

You've most likely had these tests completed but you can be missing valuable nutritional information that could guide you to making better supplement, eating and lifestyle decisions.

STOP worrying and wondering about your health. Visit NorwinWellness.com and schedule a Free Best Next Step Consultation Call with Dr. Plank, now!