Blood Truth: What Your Labs Say About You

A no-nonsense breakdown of your blood panel—what’s good, what’s off, and what it means for your future health. Clean. Clear. Critical.

1. Cholesterol – 164 mg/dL
What it is: Measures total cholesterol in your blood – a mix of HDL, LDL, and other lipids.
Target range: Ideal < 200 mg/dL
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Healthy cholesterol supports heart health and hormone production.
Consequences if high: Increases risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke.
Keep it in range: Continue balanced diet, regular exercise, minimize processed fats.

2. Triglycerides – 193 mg/dL
Target range: Ideal < 150 mg/dL
Status: High
Why it matters: High triglycerides often result from poor diet and insulin resistance.
Consequences: Raises cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis risk.
Improve it: Cut sugar, alcohol, and refined carbs. Boost omega-3 intake. Exercise.

3. HDL (Good Cholesterol) – 47 mg/dL
Target range: Ideal > 60 mg/dL
Status: Borderline low
Why it matters: HDL clears bad cholesterol from arteries.
Consequences: Low HDL limits protection against heart disease.
Improve it: Exercise, healthy fats (avocados, olive oil), stop smoking.

4. LDL (Bad Cholesterol) – 101 mg/dL
Target range: Optimal < 100 mg/dL
Status: Near optimal
Why it matters: LDL clogs arteries when oxidized.
Consequences: Heart attack and stroke risk increase over time.
Improve it: Fiber-rich foods, less saturated fat, consistent physical activity.

5. Glucose – 92 mg/dL
Target range: 70–99 mg/dL (fasting)
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Blood sugar control prevents diabetes and fatigue.
Keep it in range: Maintain consistent carb intake and activity.

6. BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) – 12 mg/dL
Target range: 7–20 mg/dL
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Reflects kidney function and protein metabolism.
Keep it in range: Stay hydrated, don’t overload on protein.

7. Creatinine – 1.3 mg/dL
Target range: 0.6–1.3 mg/dL
Status: High-normal
Why it matters: Marker of kidney health.
Consequences if elevated: May indicate reduced filtration rate.
Improve it: Hydrate, avoid unnecessary NSAIDs, monitor protein load.

8. Sodium – 138 mmol/L
Target range: 135–145 mmol/L
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Key for nerve and muscle function, hydration.
Keep it in range: Balanced fluid intake and electrolyte management.

9. Potassium (K) – 5.0 mmol/L
Target range: 3.5–5.1 mmol/L
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Essential for heart rhythm and muscle function.
Maintain it: Avoid extremes—too high or low can affect the heart.

10. Chloride – 101 mmol/L
Target range: 98–107 mmol/L
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Helps maintain pH and hydration.
Keep it steady: Linked with fluid and acid-base balance.

11. CO2 (Bicarbonate) – 31 mmol/L
Target range: 23–30 mmol/L
Status: Slightly elevated
Why it matters: Reflects acid-base balance.
High levels may indicate: Compensation for metabolic alkalosis or COPD.
Next steps: Review with provider if symptoms exist.

12. Calcium – 9.7 mg/dL
Target range: 8.5–10.5 mg/dL
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Supports bones, nerves, muscle contraction.
Keep it in range: Ensure adequate vitamin D and magnesium.

13. Total Protein – 7.5 g/dL
Target range: 6.0–8.3 g/dL
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Reflects liver and kidney function, nutritional status.
Maintain it: Adequate protein intake, good liver support.

14. Albumin – 4.7 g/dL
Target range: 3.5–5.0 g/dL
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Keeps fluid in vessels, transports nutrients.
Keep it healthy: Maintain hydration and liver health.

15. Bilirubin – 0.6 mg/dL
Target range: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Liver function marker.
Maintain it: Avoid liver stress—alcohol, drugs, toxins.

16. Alkaline Phosphatase – 87 U/L
Target range: 44–147 U/L
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Linked to liver, bone, and bile duct function.
Maintain it: Balanced mineral intake and liver support.

17. SGOT (AST) – 17 U/L
18. SGPT (ALT) – 18 U/L
Target ranges: AST 10–40, ALT 7–56 U/L
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Enzymes that indicate liver cell health.
Keep it steady: Reduce liver toxins and support liver with antioxidant-rich diet.

19. Hemoglobin A1c – 5.8% (High)
Reference Range: 4.8–5.6%
Status: Prediabetic
Why it matters: Reflects average blood sugar over 3 months.
Consequences: Higher risk of Type 2 diabetes and vascular damage.
Improve it: Carb control, exercise, weight loss, monitor stress.

20. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) – 1.96 µIU/mL
Target range: 0.4–4.0 µIU/mL
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Controls thyroid function.
Keep it in check: Monitor for symptoms—fatigue, weight changes.

21. WBC (White Blood Cells) – 2.72 x10^3/µL (Low)
Target range: 4.0–11.0 x10^3/µL
Status: Low
Why it matters: Immune defense indicator.
Consequences: Weakened immunity, potential marrow or infection issue.
Improve it: Address chronic stress, nutrition, screen for underlying issues.

22. Hemoglobin – 17.0 g/dL
Target range: 13.5–17.5 g/dL (men)
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Carries oxygen in the blood.
Maintain it: Adequate iron and hydration.

23. Hematocrit – 49.5%
Target range: 38.8–50.0% (men)
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Measures blood’s red cell ratio.
Watch it: Dehydration or high altitude can raise levels.

24. Platelets – 235 x10^3/µL
Target range: 150–450 x10^3/µL
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Important for clotting.
Keep it healthy: Avoid liver stress and inflammation.

25. Blood (unclear reference – assume Hemoglobin from blood) – 88.7% (uncertain context)
Note: Clarify what this refers to – not standard format.

26. Vitamin B12 – 184 pg/mL
Target range: 200–900 pg/mL
Status: Low
Why it matters: Essential for nerves, blood cells, DNA.
Consequences: Fatigue, nerve damage, memory issues.
Improve it: Supplement B12, increase animal proteins or fortified foods.

27. Folate – 15.8 ng/mL
Target range: > 3.0 ng/mL
Status: Excellent
Why it matters: DNA production, red blood cells, fetal health.
Maintain it: Leafy greens, beans, fortified grains.

28. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) – 1.760 ng/mL
Target range: < 4.0 ng/mL
Status: Normal
Why it matters: Prostate cancer screening tool.
Keep it in range: Monitor yearly if over age 50, support prostate health.

29. Vitamin D – 27 ng/mL (Low)
Target range: 30–100 ng/mL
Status: Deficient
Why it matters: Immune function, bone strength, mood regulation.
Consequences: Weak bones, immune issues, mood swings.
Improve it: 2,000–5,000 IU/day supplement + sun exposure.

*If we have your attention now … check out Blood Panel Truths: What Your Labs Say About You , How To Reclaim Your Blood and Need To Knows.

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