BIOCHEMICAL

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) - BUN is a waste product derived from protein breakdown in the liver.  Increases can be caused by excessive protein intake, kidney damage, certain drugs, low fluid intake, intestinal bleeding, exercise, heart failure or decreased digestive enzyme production by the pancreas.  Decreased levels are most commonly due to inadequate protein intake, mal-absorption, or liver damage. A high BUN is indicative of an acidic environment

Calcium - Many minerals and other factors are involved in maintaining a normal body chemistry.  These fluctuate during the day in response to variations in serum and electrolyte concentrations, as well as dietary influences. Calcium acts as a buffer and a balancer to maintain the body in a balanced chemistry state in order for proper enzyme activations to occur.  It is highly sensitive to elements such as magnesium, iron, and phosphorous as well as hormonal activity, vitamin D levels, CO2 levels and many drugs.  Long term acidosis can lead to mineral depletion and osteoporosis evidenced by a low calcium level.

Chloride - An electrolyte controlled by the kidneys.  It is involved in maintaining acid-base balance and helps to regulate blood volume and artery pressure.  Elevated levels are related to acidosis as well as too much water crossing the cell membrane.

CO2 - CO2 level is related to the respiratory exchange mechanism of carbon dioxide in the lungs. It is indicative of the pH or acid/base balance in the tissues.  Most people, especially those on high meat and sugar diet, have too much acid in their body. A high acidic environment is a pro-aging factor.

Creatinine - A protein breakdown product.  Its level is a reflection of the bodies muscle mass.  Low levels are commonly seen in inadequate protein intake, liver disease, or kidney damage.  Elevated levels are generally reflective of kidney damage .Kidney is a key organ that controls the acid/base balance.

Triglyceride - Diets excessive in complex carbohydrates (such as pasta, breads and starches) is the most common cause of elevated triglyceride levels. Only 20% of the ingested sugar load can be burned or stored as glycogen at any one meal.  The remainder 80% will be converted to triglyceride, which can contribute to the buildup of acidity, or stored as fat deposits.  High triglyceride level is usually indicative of an acidic environment.

Uric Acid (serum and saliva) - Directly scavenge oxidative species and chelate prooxidant metals.  Uric acid is known to be high in long-lived species including birds, bats, man and therefore it is thought to be a longevity determinant. 

High uric acid levels, resulting from the breakdown of meat byproducts (purines), including meats, viscera, leguminous vegetables increases uric acid production and contribute to the development of an acidotic condition.  High levels are seen in gout, infections, high protein diets, and kidney disease.  Low levels generally indicate protein and molybdenum (trace mineral) deficiency, liver damage.

Urine pH - A reflection of the body biochemistry and acid/base balance.

CARDIOVASCULAR

It is increasing becoming clear that cardiovascular disease is not simply a result of hyper-lipidemia and hypertension. A functional look at this problem is warranted.

Cholesterol - A group of fats vital to cell membranes, nerve fibers and bile salts, and a necessary precursor for the sex hormones.  It is a well-known risk predictor for cardiovascular disease by indicating the amount of lipids that can be potentially be oxidized. Its correlation with heart disease has been well established by research over the last forty years. The higher the serum cholesterol, the more frequently associated heart disease is found.  The Framingham study found that individuals with serum cholesterol levels below 175 mg/dl had less than half the rate of infarction as those with levels of 250 to 275 mg/dl. Too low a cholesterol ( under 150mg ) has been associated with increased cancer risk.  For certain age groups, cardiovascular deaths increased 10% for each 10 mg/dl increase in cholesterol. High levels indicate diet high in carbohydrates/sugars. It can also be reflective of  chronic vitamin C deficiency according some researchers.   Low levels indicate low fat diet, mal-absorption, or carbohydrate sensitivity. Total cholesterol serves as a marker for both cardiovascular disease and oxidative stress.

C-reactive protein - An independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease elevated levels of C-reactive protein have been shown to correlate with arterial disease in completely healthy men and women.

HDL - Commonly called the "good cholesterol", it is assembled in the blood from components derived from the intestine, liver, cell membranes, and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins during lipolysis.  The higher the HDL, the lower the incidence of coronary disease.  Those at the 80^th percentile of HDL had one-half the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease when compared to those at the 20^th percentile of HDL. 

HDL/LDL - High LDL and low HDL levels indicate diets high in refined carbohydrates and/or carbohydrate sensitivity.

Homocysteine - Homocysteine acts as a molecular abrasive by scraping the inner layer of blood vessels (endothelium).  High levels of homocysteine is associated with damaged endothelium, increased platelet utilization, and the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Studies have shown that men with extremely high homocysteine levels were three times more likely to have an associated myocardial infarction, even when adjustments for other factors such as blood lipids were considered.

Deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid and/or vitamin B6 can affect the enzyme pathways involved in cysteine formation, resulting in increased circulating homocysteine levels in the blood.

A wide array of health conditions, including depression, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, birth defects, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis are associated with elevated levels of homocysteine.

It may be responsible for as many as 20% of all cases of arterial disease and damage, second only to oxidized cholesterol as a cause of this #1 public health problem.

LDL - Low density lipoproteins (LDL) deliver cholesterol to cells for membrane  and steroid hormone production.  In healthy humans, more than 70 percent of the LDL circulating in plasma is removed each day through LDL receptors.  Diets high in saturated fats, trans fat, sugar and cholesterol decrease the liver's endogenous production  of cholesterol and can cause chronic suppression of the LDL receptors, resulting in elevated circulatory levels of LDL. Chronic vitamin C deficiency can also have the similar result according to some researchers. LDL  a key component in arterial damage and blockage.  Low LDL levels have been shown to provide protection from arterial disease and damage, while elevated levels correlate with increased cardiovascular disease and damage.

Lipoprotein(a) - Lipoproteins are high-molecular-weight particles that transport water-insoluble lipids (primarily triglycerides and cholesterol esters) through the plasma.  Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), consists of an LDL molecule covalently bound to the protein component apolipoprotein(a). It is a potent relative of LDL and a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The ApoA-1 component of Lp(a) is thought to act like an adhesive, drawing LDL and other atherosclerotic deposits. Elevated levels of Lp(a) translate into a higher possibility for premature cardiovascular disease.

As many as 40% of individuals who suffer myocardial infarction do not display conventional factors of concern such as fatty diets, lack of exercise, hypertension, smoking and high cholesterol.  Largely hereditary, Lp(a) is unaffected by many of these external influences associated with heart disease and is genetically linked.  This helps explain why a seemingly "healthy" patient may experience heart attack, while an "unhealthy" patient, with a preponderance of various other biochemical and lifestyle factors, may not.

Lp(a) is one of the best predictors of coronary disease severity than most other lipid parameters.  It is one of the most important genetic factor associated with early atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Lp(a) can only be lowered by optimal nutritional supplementation.

Lp(a) is also an accurate indicator for assessing the extent of carotid atherosclerosis, and an elevated serum level can serve as the most significant indicator of patients in which cerebral infarction is a concern.

Total cholesterol / HDL ratio:  An extensive study that examined over 8000 subjects from the Framingham Study, the Coronary Prevention Trial, and the LRC Population Prevalence study found total cholesterol/HDL ratio to be quite strongly associated with coronary heart disease.  The ideal ratio is 3.5 or under.

Triglyceride -  One of the two main components of body fat, have been shown to have a significant role in the promotion of arterial damage and disease.  It forms the core of chylomicrons and VLDL.  Elevated blood levels of triglycerides, but not cholesterol, have been associated with an impaired fibrinolytic system - therefore responsible for another possible cause of cardiovascular disease.  Increased levels are almost always a sign of too much carbohydrate intake.  Decreased levels are seen in hyperthyroidism, malnutrition and mal-absorption.

Elevated serum triglycerides have also been associated to the occurrence of atherothrombotic stroke and transient ischemic attacks. 

C-reactive Protein - An acute-phase marker of inflammation, infection, and trauma, serves as an independent factor for MI and stroke. This relationship has led to important research on the possibility of infectious etiology to heart disease involving C. pneumoniae and H. pylori.

Fibrinogen - An acute-phase reactant that participates in the clotting process by promoting plaques, thrombus, and endothelial damage. When both fibrinogen and LDL are elevated, the chances of MI is increased by up to 8 times.

HORMONE

Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate (DHEA-S) - Also known as the master hormone because it is precursor for the synthesis of many other hormones.  DHEA-S level decreases with age.  Long-lived species have been shown to have high levels of DHEA-S than similar shorter lived species.  It provides important regulatory functions for the immune system, optimizing cardiovascular function and improving cognitive function.

Estradiol - The primary female sex hormone responsible for women's sexual development, has been shown to provide valuable effects in enhancing cardiovascular health, cognitive function and possibly the prevention of dementia.  Other benefits include the improvement of skin quality, maintenance of women's sexual health and a decrease in the risk of incontinence.  Women with chronically high amounts of circulating estradiol have been known to reach menopause much earlier than normal.

Free Testesterone -  The amount of testosterone that is not bond to SHBG and is free floating form. This accounts for only 3% of the total testosterone in the body but that which is active.

Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), (Somatomedin-C) - IGF-1 is a surrogate marker for growth hormone.  Levels of IGF-1 have been shown to correlate closely with growth hormone levels.  Growth hormone deficiencies in adults have been shown to correlate with increased total body fat, decreased lean muscle mass, decreased energy and mental acuity. Most adults over 35 are deficient in IGF-1.

Progesterone - An opposing hormone to estrogen, progesterone is an important hormone in women's health helps to minimize PMS< pre-menopausal, and menopausal symptoms. It optimizes healthy bone structure and reduces risk of cancer.  Estrogen dominance is seen to be a negative fountain of youth, and maintaining a proper balance of progesterone/estrogen level is a key to anti-aging.

SHBG -   Measured directly in the patient's serum to allow calculation of the Free Testosterone Index.  Results of this test in conjunction with the total testosterone level provide information on the patient's adrenal and gonadal function.

Total Testosterone - The most potent, naturally-secreted androgen.  In postpubertal males, testosterone is secreted primarily by the testes with only a small amount derived from peripheral conversion of androstenedione.  In adult women, it has been estimated that over 50 per cent of serum testosterone is derived from the peripheral conversion of androstenedione secreted by the adrenal gland and ovary.  The remainder is from the direct secretion of testosterone from these glands.  The majority of circulating testosterone is bound by sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).  A smaller portion is bound by albumin.  Only 1-2 percent exists in the circulation as free or unbound testosterone.

HYDRATION

Hematocrit - Hematocrit is the measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood. It is elevated in a dehydrated stated, and is depressed in an  overhydration stated.

Potassium and Magnesium - these elements are found primarily inside the cells of the body.  Low levels in the blood may indicate severe diarrhea, alcoholism, or excessive use of water pills. Serum Magnesium is not reflective of the actual magnesium available intracellular or its nutritive status.

Sodium - An important role in salt and water balance in your body.  Over-hydration can  cause a low level by dilution, loss of sodium in diarrhea, fluid or vomiting.  A high level can be caused by too much intake of salt or by inadequate water intake.

Urine specific gravity - A low specific gravity can be due to over hydration. A high specific gravity may be due to a dehydrated state.

MINERALS AND VITAMINS

Alkaline Phosphatase - Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that is found in all body tissue, especially in the  liver, bile ducts and the gut, a high level of which may indicate dysfunction of these areas. Certain drugs may also cause high levels.  Low levels indicate low functioning adrenal glands, protein deficiency, malnutrition, or  zinc deficiency.

Gamma-Glutamyltranserase (GGTP) -  Involved in the transport of amino acids into cells as well as glutathione metabolism.  Found in the liver, it will rise with liver disease or excess magnesium.  Decreased levels can be found in hypothyroidism and more commonly decreased magnesium levels.  Low levels of GGTP may indicate a magnesium deficiency.

Phosphate - Is closely associated with calcium in bone development. Very low levels of phosphate in the blood may be linked to starvation or malnutrition and this can lead to muscle weakness.  High levels in the blood are usually associated with kidney disease.

Transaminases (SGTP) & (SGOT) - These are enzymes mainly found in the liver and indicators of liver damage. High levels in the blood may be caused by high alcohol consumption, certain drugs, or hepatitis. Low levels of SGPT and SGOT may indicate vitamin B6 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 - A water-soluble vitamin.  It is also valuable in keeping damaging homocysteine levels low, and thereby indirectly promotes arterial health.  A low vitamin B12 is associated with increased oxidative stress.

OXIDATIVE PROTECTION

Albumin - A potent antioxidant.  Albumin is known as a sacrificial antioxidant because it has no recycling pathway and the consequences of its damage do not directly affect cellular function.  It binds waste products, toxins and dangerous drugs that might damage the body.  Is also a major buffer in the body and plays a role in controlling the precise amount of water in our tissues.  The higher this number is, generally the better.  The highest one can reasonably expect would be 5.5

Albumin/Globulin's ratio - A general marker of health and well being.  The ideal ratio is 1.85 or higher.  High immunoglobulins can indicate a long history of infections, which may increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

Direct & Total Bilirubin - considered a waste product of heme metabolism.  It is known to act as an antioxidant that provides protection against oxidative stress.    Direct (conjugated) bilirubin is the form of bilirubin that can be absorbed and removed from the body in the bile.

Total Protein - Includes albumin and the immunoglobulins.  High total protein is associated with increased anti-oxidative properties. A low or high total protein does not indicate a specific disease, but it does indicate that some additional tests may be required to determine if there is a problem.

OXIDATIVE STRESS

% Iron Saturation (total iron/TIBC)*100% - Is the relative ratio of iron to iron binding capacity.  The higher the iron saturation, the higher the risk for iron to participate in catalyzing free radical species and results in oxidative stress.

Available Iron Binding Capacity (AIBC) - is the amount of transferrin, ferritin and albumin that is not binding iron and therefore can accept (capture) a free iron molecule. High AIBC offers protection against oxidative stress.  AIBC proteins are synthesized in the liver and are kept at a fairly constant steady state level in the serum.  The higher the iron (iron bound by proteins) the lower the AIBC.

Ferritin - A protein that binding harmful metal ion that causes oxidative damage.  It is synthesized by the liver in response to the amount of iron in the serum.  It is therefore an indicator of the body's iron storage and possible long-term iron overload.  High ferritin levels in serum have been linked to high amounts of free radical damage and a higher risk for developing most of the age-related diseases including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Glucose - Elevated glucose levels are diagnostic of diabetes mellitus, one of the most well-known pro-oxidant and pro-aging conditions.  It is also a reflector of the oxidative state.  Sugar is an oxidant and creates an acid biochemical state in the body.  A level greater than 105 in someone who has fasted for 12 hours suggests a diabetic tendency.  If this level is elevated even in a non-fasting setting one must be concerned that there is a risk for developing diabetes.

Total Iron - Iron is a very powerful pro-oxidant, has a strong role in promoting the oxidation of lipids and, in turn, leads to arterial inflammation and blockage. High iron (overload) is associated with risk for developing most of the age-related diseases including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) - TIBC is the AIBC plus the total iron.  This value is used to reflect the liver's capacity in making iron-binding proteins.

OXYGEN CARRYING CAPACITY

Hemoglobin - Hemoglobin provides the main transport system of oxygen and carbon in the blood.  It contains iron and is an important determinant of anemia  , poor diet/nutrition,  certain mal-absorption or vitamin deficiency syndromes, or occult blood lost.

Iron - The body must have iron to make hemoglobin and to help transfer oxygen to the muscle for cellular respiration. If the body is low in iron, all body cells, particularly muscles in adults do not function properly.   A low level may indicate a state of anemia. 

MCV - Measures the average size of the red blood cells and their volume.  These components together can is decreased in iron deficiency anemia or rheumatoid arthritis. It is increased in B12/folate deficiency anemia.

THYROID

Free T3 (Triiodothyrononine) - In the serum, the majority of triiodothyronine (T3) is bound to the major binding proteins: thyroxine binding globulin (TBG), albumin, and pre-albumin.  A very small fraction (less than 0.3 percent) circulates as unbound or free T3 and represents the physiologically active form. This is the most accurate test of T3 availability.  Measurement of serum free T3 levels is unaffected by the changes in T3 protein binding levels and therefore correlates accurately with the functional thyroid state in most individuals.

Free T4 - In the serum, the majority of thyroxine (T4) in the blood is bound to the major binding proteins: thyroxine binding globulin (TBG), albumin and prealbumin.  A very small fraction (less than 0.1 percent) circulates as unbound or free T4 and represents the physiologically active T4.  T4 is also the major precursor to triiodothyronine (T3).  Changes in the circulating levels of TBG will result in a proportional increase or decrease in the concentration of total T4.  Measurement of serum free T4 is unaffected by the changes in T4 protein binding levels and therefore correlates well with the functional thyroid state in most individuals.

TSH - Hypothyroidism is one of the most under-diagnosed aging conditions. It is estimated to affect 10% of the aging population.  TSH provides an overall assessment of the patient's thyroid function and is an excellent indicator of thyroid health.  TSH results along with the other thyroid tests can assist in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroid is one of the most under-diagnosed diseases of aging. A level higher than 2 (traditionally higher than 4) may be indicative of hypothyrodism.