How to Solve Mystery Symptoms, Even When “Your Labs Are Normal”

“Ahh, that’s just part of getting older.”

When’s the last time you said (or thought) that to yourself? 

It’s something I hear allll the time from friends, family & patients, and it makes me sad!

The unfortunate reality is that most of us begin to accept all kinds of unwanted symptoms as we age, when there’s SO much we can do to reverse them, naturally. 

And, I don’t mean popping more medications to “mask” your symptoms. I mean figuring out what the heck is causing them in the first place so you can help your body return to its natural state of health. 

So today, I want to talk about how you can finally get to the bottom of your “mystery” symptoms, even if you’ve been told, “everything looks normal”. 

Are you ready to finally feel better? 

Let’s jump in!

“Your Labs Are Normal”

This is what soooo many people hear from their doctor when they finally decide it’s time to get something checked out. 

It goes a little something like this:

  • You describe your symptoms
  • Your doctor does a quick check-up
  • Your doctor orders some lab tests 

The following week, you get a call saying “your labs are normal”, often accompanied by a prescription for some anxiety meds, Zyrtec, steroid cream, Miralax, or whatever else. 

The problem here is that those prescriptions are oftentimes covering up a deeper problem. In my practice, we view symptoms as important messengers, rather than annoying problems that need to be covered up ASAP. 

In other words, your body is trying to tell you something, and it’s our job to find out what that is.

So, how do we find out? 

We Dig Deeper. 

If you read my last article, you already know I’m a fan of Functional Medicine principles because they help us get to the root cause and focus on prevention, rather than simply treating disease. 

One of the best ways to dig deeper is by using “functional lab testing”

“So… how are functional labs different from the labs I get at my annual physical??”

I’m so glad you asked! 

Conventional Labs

Conventional labs focus on diagnosing disease. 

The important thing to understand about the results is that essentially your doctor is comparing you to the average American (if you live in the U.S.), and when they say “your labs are normal”, all that really means is that you’re within range for the average American. 

Sadly, that’s a pretty low bar. 😬

Functional Labs

Functional labs focus on preventing disease.

These lab tests:

  • Use more narrow ranges based on optimal health
  • Show patterns + trends toward diseases 
  • Help identify the “why” behind your symptoms

These are the tests I use in my own practice because quite frankly, my goal is not just to help you stay as healthy as the average American. It’s to help you look + feel your absolute best!

So, which of these functional tests do I recommend? 

My Favorite Functional Labs.

A Functional Health Practitioner can help you determine which specific lab tests will be most beneficial for you, butttt I want to give you a sense of what’s available, so I’ve included three of my favorites right here. 

Hormones → DUTCH Test 

Hormone imbalances lead to all kinds of health symptoms. 

The Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH) provides insight into hormone levels, helping to support energy levels, improve mood, optimize sleep, and so much more. 

This test can be completed at home by collecting several urine samples over a 24-hour period and mailed in for testing. 

Minerals → HTMA Test 

Did you know your hair is chock full of valuable health information?

The Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) gives us information on your essential mineral and electrolyte levels, including magnesium, calcium potassium & sodium. It also tests for toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, aluminum & mercury, which can be the culprit for all kinds of pesky health symptoms. 

The HTMA test requires only a few snips of hair, which can be collected at home and mailed in for testing. 

Gut Health → GI-Map Test

Trust me when I say, gut health is critical to overall health. 

Almost everyone can benefit from a GI-MAP gut health assessment, which helps us get to the root cause of chronic illness and unwanted health conditions. It tests for parasites, yeast, and bacteria in your large intestine, as well as biomarkers for digestion and inflammation. 

The GI-MAP is a stool test that can be completed in the comfort of your own home, and mailed in for testing. 

There are SO many more incredible tests available, but hopefully, this gives you a sense of how we can use data to get to the bottom of your symptoms, and completely uplevel your health. 

Get Started With Functional Labs.

If you’re ready to look beyond conventional healthcare, I’d love to help you! 

If you’re local, give us a call to book your initial appointment today. 

If you’re not local, go here to find a functional health practitioner in your area. 

 

Resources:

1. https://dutchtest.com 

Happy Patients

I have had back issues most of my life. Since starting treatments with Dr Greg I have had no more issues. It's such a relief to be able to be physical at the high level I want to be. I am able to maintain wellness by seeing Dr Greg on a regular basis. Thank you Dr Greg!!

Michael L.

Hello! I just want to say that you are truly a healer! After leaving your office last Monday, I was more able to breathe, truly breathe - after having suffered all weekend to take a deep breath due to a "rib out of place" OK - if you say so....all I know is that, though I continued to have a bit of pain in my upper back and neck for a day or two, I could take wonderful, glorious deep breaths thanks to your treatment. Thanks again for all you do! Even if I do make many sound affects while you are treating me - "OUCH!!! Hmmmph!! Ughhh!! Really???" I truly appreciate your healing touch....

MMW

I have had Parkinson's Disease for 8 years.  I have developed arthritis in my back and hips. The stiffness of the Parkinson's and the arthritis has caused me a lot of pain. Because of that unrelenting pain I was unable to exercise. Exercise is an important part of pain management for Parkinson's.  Since I have been seeing Dr. Krapf I am feeling much better and his care has allowed me to begin exercising again, which has improved my overall well being. In the past I have been treated by physical therapists and orthopedists. Dr. Krapf's chiropractic manipulations have had an amazing impact on my health and happiness. I highly recommend Dr. Krapf to anyone who needs excellent chiropractic care and the many alternative therapies he offers. I would say he is magical!

When my friend received excellent care from Dr. Krapf, she recommended him to me. I have had gastrointestinal problems for nearly 50 years that have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease with lactose intolerance. All that, including unrelieved stress had made me unhappy and unhealthy. Today I am a different person with the help of Dr. Greg. The Gastro issues are practically nonexistent, my stress levels have plummeted, and my body is changing. I am so grateful for Dr. Greg and his healing hands.

Mary Ann L.

Our family have been patients of Krapf chiropractic for a few decades. We have several success stories archived. The most recent event involves our youngest son who is completing his senior year of high school. He has been a patient of Krapf Chiropractic (KCA) since birth. He has been an avid soccer player since the age of four and has sustained numerous injuries over the years. Dr. Krapf has successfully assisted in every recovery.

Most recently, he began complaining of his feet hurting while playing soccer. Both feet hurt - particularly the balls of his feet while running and cutting. He came to Dr. Greg with his complaint as this was seriously affecting his game. Dr. Greg evaluated the situation and decided a foot scan should be done. The finding was dropped arches. My son was fitted for orthotics. They arrived within days and he wore these as directed. Within a few short weeks he is now playing full games pain free.

SC

I first called Krapf Chiropractic when my back was so bad that I couldn't get up off the floor. It's been a blessing to have Dr. Greg help me with my overall wellness and health! I find this to be a place where you are not a number and everyone cares. Mollie is always cheerful and reminds me to come. Erin is always smiling and helps relax me when I'm in pain. I would not be functioning if I did not have Krapf Chiropractic to keep me going. As I get older my appreciation deepens, especially when I see people around me who are suffering with back problems. If they only knew how helpful this is. I believe Dr. Greg treats the person not the symptoms. Thank you

Debbie B.

I've been lucky to have exceptional health care from the beginning. At the beginning, seventy-six-plus years ago, Hugh Rodgers brought me into the world in mother and dad's second-floor bedroom in our dairy farm home. Hugh's son, Hugh, Jr., practiced with his dad and beyond caring for my parents, he, also, cared for hundreds of others and me. Roughly forty years ago, a friend suggested I make an appointment with Richard Krapf for help with back-pain. Richard treated the pain that, often, was debilitating, and on Richard's death, his son, Greg became the second second generation to help me from one place to another. I'm grateful to Hugh, Hugh, Richard and, perhaps, most of all, to Greg.

N.C.

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