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2 Important Lab Tests for Your Immune Health

Lab testing can be valuable for supporting immune health.

As COVID-19 continues to surge across the globe, one of the most important things you can do to help protect your health is to optimize your immune system. Good nutrition is key to bolstering immunity and increasing resiliency. Nutrients (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and phytonutrients) are an integral part of the immune system, and the body needs optimal levels for effective immune function. Every stage of the immune response depends on certain micronutrients, such as vitamins A, D, C, E, B6, B12, as well as zinc, selenium, iron, copper and magnesium.

While it is well established that overt micronutrient deficiencies adversely affect the immune system and predispose individuals to infections, insufficiencies also reduce the ability to fight infections and have been shown to increase one’s risk of developing chronic health conditions. Research shows that micronutrient inadequacies are very common. In fact, most Americans fall short on getting enough vitamins D, E, A, C and K, magnesium, calcium, essential fatty acids, iron, choline, zinc, and potassium through diet alone.

The gut microbiome also plays an important role in immune health by educating and regulating the immune system. Because gut dysbiosis is a feature in many health conditions including COVID-19 infections, taking steps to optimize the GI microbiome health is very important.

Unfortunately, even with the best diet, micronutrient insufficiencies and microbiome imbalances are still possible. There are many factors that can affect micronutrient status and microbiome health. Examples include, age, digestion and absorption ability, lifestyle choices, medication intake, stress, genetics, pregnancy, seasonal changes, activity levels, chronic conditions, active infections, sleep patterns and toxin levels.

Functional Lab Tests for Immune Health

Functional lab testing is a great tool for helping you learn about your unique needs and can provide you with a personalized approach to bolstering your immune health. Two very valuable lab tests include our Micronutrient Analysis and Digestive Health Panel.

    Micronutrient Analysis

    This blood test measures cellular levels of over 50 vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other key nutrients to provide insight into your nutrient status over the past 6 months. Correcting nutrient insufficiencies is one of the most important things you can do for your immune health.

    Digestive Health Panel

    This comprehensive stool analysis provides detailed information about your digestion, absorption, bacterial balance, yeast overgrowth, inflammation, metabolic activity and immune function. A healthy functioning GI system is a cornerstone of good health. Identifying and correcting imbalances is essential for a healthy immune function.
      In conjunction with lab testing, working with a nutrition expert can be very beneficial when you want to take steps to better your health. Village Green has a team of naturopaths and nutritionists available for consultation and can provide you with customized diet, lifestyle and supplement recommendations tailored to meet your unique needs.
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