A few simple tests by the doctor that can help most start feeling better
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By Cristen Brooks/Floyd County Extension Agent Family and Community Health—
As someone that works with the public and in the health industry, I often hear recurring complaints from people that I have struggled with myself. These are just a few of the most common ones:
• I’m tired
• I have headaches
• I can’t seem to lose weight no matter what I do
• I can’t sleep
• I’m irritable/moody
• I have joint and muscle pain
• I just don’t feel “well”
I think when we get busy with our lives we decide that “being tired” or “gaining a few pounds” is par for the course, which of course it can be, but there may be another easily treatable culprit as well. The first thing I ask people is what does your nutrition and exercise routine look like. If they eat pretty darn healthy and are moving their body most days of the week then I don’t think these feelings are “normal” or something we should be forced to live with if we don’t have to.
With that being said, there are some basic tests you can ask your doctor to do for you. These tests can be life changing if you have a deficiency or problem in one of these areas and get it fixed. (I know this because I had issues in almost all of these areas and I’m not even the same person.) Everyone is different and may not need all of these tests but I think this is a great place to start to be sure that your body is functioning properly in these very basic but very CRITICAL areas.
Also, if you ask your regular PCP to do these tests and they aren’t able to or unwilling it may be a good idea to ask another doctor for help. Always check with your insurance first as well to make sure these tests are covered.
• Hormones (ALL of them! Not just estrogen & testosterone. Cortisol, progesterone, DHEA, etc. This test goes for everyone; men, women, hysterectomey, menopause, I don’t care, this is very important because we all have hormones that control a ton of different functions in our body!)
• Thyroid function (include T3, T4, Reverse T3 and T4, not just TSH)
• Full vitamin panel
• Auto Immune Test
• Food Sensitivity Test
Lastly, I will add that if you do have these tests and you find out that you have some issues (i.e. you’re intolerant to dairy or your Vitamin D is low) then be the good patient and follow the doctors advice!
I hope this helps someone out there reading this because I know how many years I spent banging my head on the wall not getting the help I needed and these tests completely changed my life and have for friends of mine as well that I have recommended them to.
Full disclosure statement: I am not a doctor, or a nurse, or a medical professional… just a full-time working mom that was tired of feeling tired!
