(AST) are (ALT): markers that measure liver function.

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• Some common causes for high AST/ALT include:​

  • ​certain prescription medications​

  • pain relievers like acetaminophen

  • fatty liver disease

  • alcohol consumption

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• Some common ways to reduce AST/ALT include:

  • regular exercise

  • weight loss

  • reducing cholesterol

  • avoid alcohol

  • stop smoking  

(BFP) Body Fat Percentage: the proportion of your overall body composition (fat, water bone, muscle, and other tissues)

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(BMI) Body Mass Index: an calculated score using a individual's height-to-weight ratio to determine if they are considered to be a healthy weight.

• Cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease. Cholesterol in itself is not bad. In fact, our bodies need a certain amount to function properly. However, high levels can pose a serious health risk.

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• HDL cholesterol is considered “good cholesterol” because it helps remove excess cholesterol deposited in the arteries. High levels seem to be associated with low risk of heart disease.

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• LDL cholesterol is considered “bad cholesterol” because cholesterol deposits form in the arteries when LDL levels are high. High levels can pose a serious health risk.

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• Triglycerides are fats in the blood that, if elevated, have been associated with heart disease or pancreatitis. High fasting levels can be associated with other issues unrelated to the heart.

• Creatinine is a waste product that is secreted by the kidneys

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• Some common causes of high creatinine include:

  • impaired kidney function​

  • excessive exercise

  • high protein diets

  • some medications

  • alcohol consumption

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• Some common ways to reduce creatinine include:

  • avoid alcohol​

  • stop smoking

  • avoid overusing NSAID pain relievers

  • talk to your doctor about how much fluid to drink

(CRP) C-Reactive Protein is released by the liver into the bloodstream in response to high levels of inflammation in the body. 

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• Some common causes of high CRP include:​

  • alcohol consumption

  • nicotine use

  • sleep disturbances​

  • physical fatigue

  • psychological and emotional stress

  • infection/inflammation 

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• Some common ways to reduce CRP include:

  • reduce stress

  • reduce saturated fats/ trans fats in diet

  • exercise

  • avoid overeating

  • lose excess body weight

HbA1c or "A1c" is a test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. 

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• Some common causes of high A1c include:​

  • overeating

  • lack of exercise

  • certain medications

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• Some common ways to reduce A1c include:

  • exercise

  • lose excess body weight

  • practice portion control

  • adjust meal/snack frequency

  • reduce dietary carbohydrate and sugar

Hematocrit is the measured percentage of red blood cells in the body.

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• Some common causes of high hematocrit include:​

  • smoking

  • dehydration

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• Some common ways to reduce hematocrit include:avoid alcohol

  • stay hydrated

  • avoid alcohol

  • avoid high iron containing foods

  • limit caffeine consumption

  • stop smoking

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells.

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• Some common causes of high hemoglobin include:​

  • smoking

  • dehydration

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• Some common ways to reduce hemoglobin include:

  • stay hydrated

  • avoid alcohol

  • limit caffeine consumption

  • stop smoking

(PSA) Prostate Specific Antigen is a protein made by the prostate in males is measured to monitor for prostate cancer. PSA testing alone is not enough to diagnose prostate cancer.

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• Some common causes of high PSA include:

  • prostate cancer 

  • ​(BPH) or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

  • (UTI) or Urinary Tract Infection

  • prostatitis (prostate inflammation)

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• Some common ways to reduce PSA include:

  • Adopt healthier habits and lifestyle choices​

  • Consult your doctor about proper care and treatment plans 

(RBC) or Red Blood Cell count is a test that tell you how many red blood cells you have in your body. If your RBC count is too high, it could lead to thickening of the blood, impaired blood flow, and greater risk of forming blood clots.

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• Some common causes of high RBC include:​

  • smoking

  • dehydration

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• Some common ways to reduce RBC include:

  • exercise

  • stay hydrated

  • eat less red meat

  • limit caffeine consumption

  • stop smoking

(TSH) or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone indicates overall thyroid function and can be an indicator of potential thyroid problems.

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• Some common causes of high TSH include:

  • aging

  • obesity 

  • ​hypothyroidism

  • iodine deficiency (or excess)

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• Some common ways to reduce TSH include:

  • Adopt healthier habits and lifestyle choices​

  • Consult your doctor about proper care and treatment plans 

(WBC) or White Blood Cell count is a test that measures the number of white blood cells you have in your body. Increased WBC could require further investigation to determine the cause.

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• Some common causes of high WBC include:​

  • infection/ sickness

  • smoking

  • inflammatory or allergic reactions

  • excessive physical and/or emotional stress

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• Some common ways to reduce WBC include:

  • recovering from any infection/ sickness

  • exercise

  • stop smoking

FEV(1) Forced Expiratory Volume (in 1 second): Simply described as the total volume of air you can force out of your lungs during the first second of the test.

 

During the Spirometry Test or (PFT) Pulmonary Function Test; your FEV(1) percentage is predicted by a number of factors including your gender, age, height, weight, and ethnicity. Inability to achieve a satisfactory FEV(1) could indicate restricted/obstructed airways and/or impaired lung function.

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• Some common ways to improve your FEV(1) include:

  • cardiovascular exercise​

  • practice deep breathing techniques

  • practice regular full-body stretching (especially torso/intercostals)