Ever wonder what lab tests might really help to protect you? There are 8 predictive biomarkers you should ask your physician about.

Russell Jaffe, MD, founder of ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies (national lab for testing immune functions and allergy systems) has published a report of great value to all who seek to best preserve and protect their health and well being: The Power of Predictive Biomarkers – 8 Predictors of Life and Death.

Because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, spotting potential problems before they worsen can save your life!  Let’s take a look at what these labs are and why they are important:

1. Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c):  measures the average blood sugar level for the previous 3 months (instead of just the past 12-18 hours).  This can predict the risk for diabetes and insulin resistance
2. High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: this is a marker of systemic inflammation which could be associated with increased risk of pre-diabetes or diabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (Syndrome X) –all connected to increased cardiovascular risk
3. Homocysteine:  high homocysteine is a widely recognized marker of cardiovascular risk, cancer, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.  *High homocysteine can be corrected through diet and proper supplementation
4. Oxidized LDL/HDL: oxidized LDL is a measure of the health of the DNA in your cells and is a highly accurate predictor of cardiovascular risk.  Research studies using oxidized LDL/HDL show a 90% accuracy rate for cardiovascular risk vs only a 50% accuracy rate for cholesterol testing
5. 8- oxoguanine: this is an important marker for systemic inflammation and its effects on your DNA; this focuses on the acceleration of aging due to potential DNA damage – a factor underlying most chronic illness
6. Vitamin D:  with low Vitamin D levels (less than 50) there is increased risk of cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, psychiatric and mood disorders; according to the National Institute of Health, Vitamin D may play a role in the prevention and treatment of both Type I and Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and MS (multiple sclerosis)
7. First morning pH (measurement of acid/base balance): the pH level in your urine after 6+ hours of rest reflects the pH throughout your body which is an indicator of your metabolic status.  Low pH can lead to osteoporosis and other metabolic effects while high pH can lead to breakdown of tissues.  Balance is the key here.  Optimal range is 6.5-7.5.  Most of us on the standard American diet including processed foods and high red meat intake will fall in the low pH range.  Dietary changes can alter this balance easily.  If you are in the low range, simply investigate “alkaline diet” on the internet
8. LRA by ELISA/ACT: this is the Lymphocyte Response Assay and it examines the general health of your immune system by monitoring delayed hypersensitivity responses to more than 490 substances.  You need not break out in a rash to be “allergic” to something.  Low levels of allergic responses lead to raised levels of systemic inflammation and increased risks to a wide range of chronic illnesses

The full report from Dr. Jaffe and PERQUE Integrative Health is available here. . .