It’s that time of year again! The uncomfortable lethargy that spills into the new year after overindulging yourself during the holidays. You’re probably full of hope that you’ll stick to your New Year’s resolution for better health, but it’s difficult to get started when you don’t know where to start. A great way to determine your health status and create a basis for a customized treatment plan? Blood work, and an evaluation by the MedLink Health Solutions team. 

What is a blood test?

A blood test, or blood work, is a series of tests from a small sample of blood. This can measure the amount of substances in the blood, count different types of blood cells, check for antibodies, and more. It’s a common procedure often conducted in a regular checkup. 

At MedLink Health Solutions, we offer the convenience of a blood test in our office. Instead of waiting around at clinics like SonoraQuest, we prep you for the test, answer all of your questions, and talk to you about additional panels. For your first blood draw, you will likely need to fast but may not need to for future blood tests. Whatever the case, we will be with you every step of the way. 

Regular blood work is essential in pinpointing where your health status is and what plan is best for you according to your health history and goals. 

What can blood tests detect?

Blood work can detect a multitude of issues that you may have no idea about. Although our bodies are intelligent, you may not know what the signs of disease are if it is in the early stages. Certain diseases and conditions are much more difficult to treat when caught late. Wouldn’t you want to extend your lifespan and improve your quality of life? With regular blood work, your doctor will be able to evaluate your status and treat conditions early. 

Common blood tests include: 

• Comprehensive metabolic panels
• Complete hormone and thyroid panels
• Food sensitivity profiles
• Micronutrient assays, and more 

Blood work benefits

Completing regular blood work is a great way to stay ahead of any potential issues. It’s a powerful way to understand the data in your body and the changes you need to make in order to hit your health goals. In traditional Western medicine, blood work is often reserved for when a medical problem is thought to be present or if your doctor needs to further evaluate you due to a disease. Don’t wait to get your blood tested–it could be the difference in subtracting or adding years of your life. 

Determine your risk for diseases 

Even if you are aware of your and your family’s medical history, you might be predisposed to certain diseases due to genetics and lifestyle habits. Humans are not meant to be sedentary for the majority of their lives, but it’s the unfortunate world that we live in. This slumped shoulder behavior coupled with poor eating habits leads to obesity, high cholesterol, stiff limbs, heart disease, poor mental health, and more. 

Blood tests can catch most diseases early, which is why it’s important to complete the tests often instead of every few years. If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms that won’t go away, your body is signaling you that something is wrong. A blood analysis can determine what’s going on so a treatment plan can be created for you to achieve your health goals. 

Food intolerances and allergies

How often do you enjoy a delicious meal only to feel bloated afterwards? Abdominal pain and headaches should not be a daily occurrence. With the increase of interest in natural medicine, individuals are becoming more empowered about taking care of their health. 

When you are allergic to a food, your body’s immune system reacts negatively because it sees the food as a threat. Symptoms can range from digestive problems to hives, and severe reactions can be life-threatening. Food allergies are sometimes outgrown but they may be lifelong. 

A food intolerance differs from an allergy in the sense that although  it is not life-threatening, it’s still uncomfortable. With an intolerance your body has a difficult time digesting the food and those symptoms can last hours or days. Common symptoms include gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headaches. Milk, gluten, and preservatives are frequent offenders for those who suffer from food intolerances. 

The most accurate food sensitivity test is through a blood draw. A blood test can measure your body’s immune system response to specific foods by measuring an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Your results will show if you are sensitive to a multitude of different whole food extracts. Determining what your body is sensitive to will improve your health and quality of life. 

Healthy hormone levels

Did you know that blood work can measure your hormones? Imbalanced hormones can come with a multitude of issues including unexplained weight gain (or loss), chronic fatigue, irritability, hair, skin, and nail changes, and more. Hormones that are out of balance can be tied to a medical condition such as diabetes or hypothyroidism but can be treated, especially if caught early. If you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms that you don’t believe are tied to the food you eat, you may be experiencing a hormone imbalance. 

The MedLink approach 

At MedLink Health Solutions, we have access to a multitude of different lab tests that are selected based on symptoms and specific health needs so we can create your customized treatment plan and get you feeling better. Your initial appointment with our team lasts over an hour because we take the time to evaluate you from the inside out. By knowing your full health history, mental state, and diet and lifestyle habits, we can determine the best treatment plan for you.

Your genetics, health history, and diet influence your well-being. Before you know where you want to go you need to know where you are now. The wrong diet will fail you if it’s not tailored to you and your needs. With the MedLink Health Solutions team by your side, we educate you beyond your blood work: we understand your concerns, set goals, and answer your questions every step of the way. With a wide array of blood tests and nutritional guidance, we find the baseline of your health so your goals become reality. 

At MedLink Health Solutions, our tests include: 

• Standard panel – for revealing basic immune function, blood sugar, and more

• Comprehensive panel – all of the standard tests and a full hormone panel and inflammation markers 

• Food sensitivity profile – tests your body’s immune response to 184 whole food extracts to avoid the uncomfortable symptoms 

• Micronutrient panel – measures levels of several vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A through K, zinc and iron, and 17 amino acids 

• Complete hormone panel – for hormone imbalances and to measure levels or cortisol, key thyroid hormones, and more 

• Chronic inflammation panel – for detecting inflammation resulting from chronic health conditions 

Feel the MedLink difference 

MedLink Health Solutions isn’t your typical doctor’s office. Instead of a number, you are treated as family as soon as you walk through our doors. Because we care about your needs and thoroughly examine you and answer all of your questions, you will leave our office relieved instead of frustrated. You only have one body–why not be proactive and nourish it with the essentials instead of waiting for signs of disease? 

Regular blood work makes disease prevention easier and reduces potential health risks. And since your body changes as you age, it’s important to keep tabs regularly even if you are an active individual. Preventative care is key for a healthy and happy life. Your body will thank you in health, and your loved ones will cherish the additional time with you. Contact us today by clicking here to book your appointment.