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Table of Contents Lab Test Results Turn-Around Time How to Locate a Lab Near You What Lab Tests Require Fasting? Stay Hydrated Before Lab Test Best Time of Day to Get Lab Test Done Taking your Medications Before Lab Tests Important Information for those on Hormone Replacement Therapy and Your Lab Tests Why DiscountedLabs.com? After you buy your lab tests online with Discounted Labs, there are things you should do to get ready for your blood draw at the nearest lab near you.  Here are a few considerations to know so that your lab test results are accurate. Lab Test Results Turn-Around Time All lab test orders are processed Monday to Friday 9 am-5 pm Central Time. Results for commonly ordered tests are typically available within 3 business days after collection at a patient service center. Specialized tests based on LC/MS assay could take 5 to 7 business days to get results.   How to Locate a Lab Near You After receiving and printing your lab requisition form, please take it into any Quest location along with a photo ID.  Quest Diagnostics lab centers are typically open during business hours Mon-Friday,. with some locations open Saturdays. No appointment is necessary, but you can schedule an appointment. Scheduling an appointment may save wait time if the lab is busy. No additional charges will be required. Find a lab near you.   What Lab Tests Require Fasting? Fasting is usually recommended for common tests like glucose and lipid profiles. Some physicians prefer that testosterone testing be done before breakfast since food may temporarily decrease the blood level of testosterone. If you ordered a lipid (cholesterol) panel or a testosterone blood test (and are not currently on testosterone replacement therapy), it is recommended that you fast for at least 8 hours before getting your blood drawn in the morning at the location you choose. The following panels required fasting: 12 hours - CMP (14), Lipid Panels, Renal Function Panel 8 to 10 hours - Insulin, Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel, CBC ( Glucose), GGT 6 to 8 hours - B12, Folate, magnesium, Homocysteine   Stay Hydrated Before Lab Test Hydration is of the utmost importance. Drink extra water for 24 hours prior to your draw, and try refrain from drinking alcohol for 24 hours prior to collection. Dehydration decreases blood volume that could result in higher lab test values.   Best Time of Day to Get Lab Test Done Depending on your current treatment and your doctor's reason for testing, there may be an optimal time of day at which the test should be completed. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for your laboratory tests. Having labs taken early morning is recommended for the following tests: ACTH Glucose Plasma PTH Testosterone (if not on TRT)   Taking your Medications Before Lab Tests Take your medications prior to your appointment. However, if you have diabetes and are on oral medications or insulin, check with your doctor whether to take these medications. See below for special instructions for hormone replacement medications.   Important Information for those on Hormone Replacement Therapy and Your Lab Tests If you are on hormone replacement of any type, please be sure to have your labs drawn BEFORE your hormone cream application or hours before your next testosterone injection.   For more information: Fasting Labs and Blood Tests - Everything You Need to Know Testosterone Tests: Should They Be Done After Fasting? Factors that Can Affect the Accuracy of Your Blood Test Results Biotin May Interfere With Hormone Blood Tests   Why DiscountedLabs.com? We Have the Most Affordable Lab Tests Available in the U.S. No Doctor Visit is Required. Our In-House Doctor Provides Prescription at No extra Cost to You. We Serve Several U.S. States. No Hidden Costs. A $8 Lab Draw Fee is Added to Your Order. Our Blood Tests are FDA Approved. We are HIPAA Compliant. We Protect Your Privacy. Your Order Good for 90 Days. You Do Not Have to Rush to the Lab. Over 1,900 Lab Locations Around the United States. No Appointment Needed. Walk-ins Welcomed. Your Blood Test Results are Delivered by Email. We Provide Hormone Testing Via Sensitive Assays. We Have Created Blood Test Panels Applied to Different Needs. Discount Coupons Emailed Periodically. Educational Videos and Articles are Provided in Our Blog Page.

Table of Contents Background: Known roles of vitamin D in the body and why we need it Can supplementing vitamin D levels raise your testosterone levels? Vitamin D Study Results T synthesis in human primary testicular cell cultures Discussion of These Results How does it happen? References: Testosterone is the male hormone responsible for making us “feel like men, think like men, and look like men.” So in our never ending pursuit to raise our natural testosterone levels, we often look for positive correlations. You may have asked yourself these common questions: “If I up my intake of this nutrient, will my testosterone levels go up?” “If I take this supplement, will I have higher testosterone levels? This article aims to elucidate the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and whether or not a higher level of vitamin D can raise your testosterone levels. Background: Known roles of vitamin D in the body and why we need it First we need to understand what vitamin D really does in the body and why it is important. Vitamin D refers to a group of fat-soluble molecules responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc and multiple other biological effects. It has been known to help regulate blood pressure and to benefit cardiovascular health. It aids in maintaining homeostasis (balance) in the body and overall muscle and bone health[1]. It has also been proven to regulate cell growth and decrease the risk ofcancer in the prostate, breasts, colon, and lungs. Although most Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin through UVB ray absorption from the sun, there are some foods that have naturally high levels of vitamin D, including fatty fish such as salmon, milk, and orange juice. However, most people do not get enough sun or consume Vitamin D-enriched foods to reach optimum blood levels of this important vitamin. For most, supplementation is the only way to maintain healthy Vitamin D blood levels. Now, how does vitamin D relate to testosterone? Let’s find out. Can supplementing vitamin D levels raise your testosterone levels? A study concluded that lower serum vitamin D3 levels are associated with lower testosterone levels. [2] There has also been speculation that adequate vitamin D levels can actually raise testosterone levels. Is there any basis behind this speculation and if so, what is the mechanism? In 2014 the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism published a groundbreaking paper, written by D. Hofer, J. Münzker, et al, on the subject titled “Testicular synthesis and Vitamin D Action”. For the first time, human (vs animal) adult primary testicular cells were isolated, treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 (vitamin D3), and their gene expression levels were profiled by microarray analysis. They were able to determine that there was a SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN SERUM TESTOSTERONE LEVELS WHEN PRIMARY TESTICULAR CELLS WERE TREATED WITH VITAMIN D3 VS CONTROL GROUP. [3] Vitamin D Study Results The authors wanted to measure overall testosterone production when various variables were changed. Keep in mind, 1,25(OH)2D3, is Vitamin D3, the biologically active form of Vitamin D. T synthesis in human primary testicular cell cultures First, let’s look at graph A. It demonstrates a significant increase in T production after exclusive addition of 100 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 (Vitamin D3) (P < .001) compared with control cells treated with vehicle (ethanol) (Figure 3A). Next, let’s look at graph B. Addition of 5 IU/L LH, 100 ng/mL IGF-I together with 100 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly increased T levels (P < .05) (Figure 3B), compared with treatment with LH or LH and IGF-I only. Results are represented as means ± SD. *, P < .05; ***, P < .001. NC, control (vehicle). Discussion of These Results The study researchers saw a SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN TESTOSTERONE LEVELS WHEN PRIMARY TESTICULAR CELLS ARE TREATED WITH VITAMIN D3. Keep in mind though, the level of vitamin D used by our authors would be well above any normal physiological level found in any person. According to The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy 2013, most reliable reference ranges for vitamin D3 put normal serum blood levels somewhere between 25–65 pg/mL. Our authors used 100ng/ml of vitamin D3 to treat these cells, which is somewhere between 300-1200 times a healthy reference range.[4] If our serum concentration of D3 were to ever get that high, our serum calcium levels would skyrocket and our internal organs would begin to calcify.[4] Organ failure would ensue and ultimately we would die. SO, although we can conclusively say that yes, higher vitamin D3 levels can raise testosterone levels, you will never see a 50% increase in your testosterone level as seen in this study by supplementing vitamin D3 [3,4]. How does it happen? In a nutshell, the authors were able to analyze which and how many proteins were being produced by the genes in these testicular cells. So, how do these proteins relate to testosterone production? Let’s take a look at our famous “Steroid Tree”   This tree outlines steroidogenesis, the process our body (mainly in our sex organs) undergoes to produce our sex steroids/hormones. All steroid hormones including testosterone originate from cholesterol, as seen at the bottom of the tree. In the KEY to Steroid Enzymes box, we see the necessary enzymes that are required to move about the tree, located between each structure. These ENZYMES are some of the PROTEINS that the GENES in our testicular cells are producing. The authors of thispaper measured GENE EXPRESSION, or the level at which the genes in the testicular DNA produced these enzymes/proteins. All in all, they chose 63 different genes to analyze. Of those 63, 6 displayed promising results. Results:   Do you notice anything about these genes and the enzymes they produce? Four of them match with the “KEY to Steroid Enzymes” box in our “Steroid Tree” diagram. Below: Stated first is the gene name, second is the enzyme the gene produces, and the third is the corresponding number of that enzyme on our steroid tree. · CYP11A1: Cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme: 1 · HSD3B2: 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase II : 3 · SRD5A1: 5α-reductase: 5 · CYP19A1: Aromatase: A 1 is essential to our primary step of converting cholesterol to pregnenolone 3 is absolutely essential in getting to testosterone. In conclusion, theauthors proposed that vitamin D3 increases testosterone levels by increasing the number of enzymes available to (eventually) convert cholesterol to testosterone. This is how vitamin D3 raises testosterone! Of Note: It is interesting to note that Aromatase activity was also increased significantly. Aromatase is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into estradiol. It has been shown that low levels of vitamin D are associated with low levels of estradiol in men. [5] 5a-Reductase production was also increased. 5a-reductase is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. Both estradiol and DHT can have minor deleterious effects to male health if present in high concentrations in the blood. Thiswill be discussed in future articles. References: 1. L.A. Schaap, S.M.F. Pluijm, J.H. Smit, N.M. van Schoor, M. Visser, L.J.G. Gooren, et al. “The association of sex hormone levels with poor mobility, low muscle strength and incidence of falls among older men and women.” Clin. Endocrinol. (Oxf.), 63 (August (2)) (2005), pp. 152-160 2. R. Rafiq. N.M. van Schoor, E. Sohl, M.C. Zillikens, M.M. Oosterwerff. Associations of vitamin D status and vitamin D-related polymorphisms with sex hormones in older men. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Volume 164, November 2016, Pages 11-17 3. D. Hofer, J. Münzker, V. Schwetz, M. Ulbing, K. Hutz, Ph. Stiegler, R. Zigeuner, T. R. Pieber, H. Müller, B. Obermayer-Pietsch. Testicular Synthesis and Vitamin D Action. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2014) 99 (10): 3766-3773. 4. Ziegler R (February 2001). "Hypercalcemic crisis". J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 12 Suppl 17: S3–9. 5. Di Zhaoa Pamela Ouyangb, Ian H. de Boerc, Pamela L. Lutseyd, “Serum vitamin D and sex hormones levels in men and women: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)” Maturitas. Volume 96, February 2017, Pages 95–102

Table of Contents What is Anemia? How is Anemia Diagnosed? What Test Are Included in the Discounted Labs Anemia Panel? How is Anemia Treated? Sources What is Anemia? Anemia is a condition characterized by an individual’s blood not containing enough healthy red blood cells. This blood disorder often goes hand in hand with insufficient levels of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that helps circulate oxygen throughout the body. There are many distinct types of anemia, the symptoms of which can range from non-existent to very severe. Some of the most common symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Anemia can be caused by many potential factors but is usually related to an inability to generate enough healthy red blood cells or a loss of blood. How is Anemia Diagnosed? To diagnose anemia, a healthcare professional will most likely run an Anemia Panel and ask about your family history. An anemia panel is a series of tests designed to quickly and accurately determine the cause and type of anemia a patient is experiencing. There are many different kinds of anemia so thorough testing is necessary to determine an appropriate course of action for treatment. Anemia can be tested by measuring the concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells. In men, a concentration of less than 13 to 14 grams per deciliter (g/dL) can indicate anemia. The same goes for women who fall under the 12 to 13 g/dL range.  An anemia panel includes many different tests to pinpoint exactly what is occurring within the patient’s blood. What Test Are Included in the Discounted Labs Anemia Panel? Some factors measured in an Anemia Panel are: Complete Blood Count (CBC): Inventory of different components that make up blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Anemia is most strongly characterized by a lack of normally functioning red blood cells. Since red blood cells are used to carry oxygen from the lungs to every cell in the body, anemia can leave a person feeling fatigued or short of breath. This test measures the total number of red blood cells found within a patient’s plasma, the liquid part of their blood. Red Blood Cell Distribution Width: Measures the size and homogeneity of red blood cells. Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that assist in carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues and carbon dioxide back to the lungs. White Blood Cell Count: Total quantity of white blood cells in a blood sample. As white blood cells are responsible for fighting off sickness and pathogens, an increased concentration can indicate an individual is fending off an infection. A healthy adult typically has between 4,000 and 11,000 white blood cells per cubic millimeter of blood (cells/mm3). Neutrophils: Normally making up 50-70% of white blood cells, neutrophils fight off bacterial infections. If a person’s neutrophil count falls below normal levels (500-750 cells/mm3) their risk of bacterial infection rises significantly. Platelets: Imperative in the process of blood clotting, a normal platelet count is between 130,000 and 440,000 cells/mm3. A low platelet count can lead to easy bruising and excessive bleeding and could be caused by certain drugs, deterioration of the spleen, or autoimmune reactions. Folic Acid/Vitamin B-12: Measuring these essential nutrients can help doctors diagnose anemia, nervous system disorders, or malabsorption syndromes. Lack of B-12 can directly result in pernicious anemia, as the vitamin is responsible for helping the body produce red blood cells. Iron: The body uses iron to create hemoglobin, therefore, a lack of which can impact the health of your red blood cells. This condition is called iron deficiency anemia. How is Anemia Treated? Anemia treatment is dependent on what caused it in the first place. As you can see, there are a plethora of potential causes, all of which occur on a microscopic level within our blood. Be it an iron or vitamin deficiency, chronic disease, or immune system suppressing drugs, anemia is not a “one size fits all” disease. Treatment is directly related to identifying the cause, which is what makes an Anemia Panel so critical for individuals who think they are experiencing anemia symptoms. Sometimes treatment is as simple as making dietary or lifestyle changes. However, in many cases, more severe treatments, such as medication or blood transfusions are required to remedy the problem. The crux of the issue always boils down to the number of healthy red blood cells the body is capable of producing. Whether or not the body can be stimulated into making more is contingent upon identifying the root cause of anemia, as cases can vary widely in severity and treatability. For some, the solution is as simple as introducing a supplement into their daily regimen. For others, the only options can be bone marrow transplantation or chemotherapy. Due to the wide range of causes and treatments, if you are experiencing symptoms that resemble anemia it is strongly recommended to screen for it using an Anemia Panel. At first glance, the number of tests included may seem excessive, but they are imperative in identifying what cellular components are missing from your bloodstream. Doing so is a critical first step toward treating anemia and managing health on a molecular level.       Sources Bunn, H. F. (2014). Vitamin B12 and pernicious anemia—the dawn of molecular medicine. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(8), 773-776.   DeLoughery, T. G. (2014). Microcytic anemia. New England Journal of Medicine, 371(14), 1324-1331.   George-Gay, B., & Parker, K. (2003). Understanding the complete blood count with differential. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 18(2), 96-117.   Shine, J. W. (1997). Microcytic anemia. American Family Physician, 55(7), 2455-2462.   Walters, M. C., & Abelson, H. T. (1996). Interpretation of the complete blood count. Pediatric Clinics, 43(3), 599-622.     Wang, M. (2016). Iron deficiency and other types of anemia in infants

Table of Contents Check Out the Most Important Blood Tests for Seniors Lipids Panel Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Complete Blood Count Thyroid Test Panel A1c Test PSA Test Find Out More About Your Health Today! References: Check Out the Most Important Blood Tests for Seniors   You might be happy to find out that direct-to-consumer blood tests have become so affordable and accessible these days that it's a pity not to take advantage of them. This is particularly important for seniors because they are exposed to more health issues in comparison with younger generations. Fortunately, this article gives you a shortlist of some of the most important blood tests most physicians order for senior patients in follow up visits. These tests give you a great overview when it comes to your general health and based on the test results, you will know exactly what to do next. Let's find out more about these tests. Lipids Panel The lipid panel is a battery of tests that looks at how well your body metabolizes fat and whether you're at risk for coronary artery disease. As you already know, cholesterol is a waxy substance made by your liver. It lines the insides of your blood vessels, making them more elastic and adding protection. Unfortunately, too much cholesterol can cause blockages and blood clots. This is where the lipid panel can help. It shows you an accurate snapshot when it comes to the levels of cholesterol in your blood. Also, the lipid panel looks at your triglycerides, HDL, and LDL cholesterol as well as other important lipids.  Certain foods can raise your cholesterol levels and having a sedentary lifestyle can also increase the chances of having unhealthy cholesterol levels. Some people may also have a genetic predisposition to high lipids due to family history. A lipids panel test can let you know exactly where you stand when it comes to cholesterol and triglycerides. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel You might be happy to find out that the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel is an inexpensive collection of 14 tests that check your protein levels, electrolyte, and fluid balance and more. It also looks at some important liver and kidney enzymes, so you will know right away if these important organs work correctly. For example, some of the substances tested by the CMP are calcium, potassium, albumin, aspartate transaminase, creatinine, and others. Based on the results, your doctor might suggest minor lifestyle and diet changes or further investigations to prevent more complicated health problems. Complete Blood Count The CBC panel looks at the numerous components of the blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and more. It's important to have accurate information about these components because they might reveal if you're struggling with known health problems such as anemia, autoimmune diseases and so on. The CBC panel is paramount for older adults as part of the annual health checkup. Best of all, it doesn't cost a lot of money and you can do it in conjunction with other test panels such as lipid or metabolic panels. The results are emailed to you in just a few business days and your primary healthcare provider can help you interpret them. Thyroid Test Panel Unbelievably, the thyroid gland situated at the base of your neck is the source of your daily energy levels. Its hormones impact most of the organs and bodily processes, so if something goes wrong, you will feel fatigued and your body temperature might get low. As part of the thyroid blood test, the panel looks at some of the most important thyroid hormones such as T3 and T4. If your thyroid hormones are not balanced properly, you might feel certain symptoms such as sensitivity to heat, nervousness, chronic fatigue, and others. If you have these symptoms, you should test your thyroid hormones and see what treatment options are appropriate for you. Some thyroid ailments can easily be mitigated with proper medications, but you need to know your thyroid's hormonal profile before starting a thyroid treatment. A1c Test This test is not as popular as the others, but equally important. The A1c is also known as glycated hemoglobin. The levels of A1c go up in the body when glucose starts to combine with the red blood cells. This usually happens when the blood sugar levels are very high for a couple of months in a row. As you know already, having high blood sugar levels predisposes you to one of the most dangerous chronic diseases - type 2 diabetes. A simple blood glucose test can tell if you're pre-diabetic or your blood sugar levels are within normal ranges. However, A1c can stay in the blood for up to 3 months and this tells you that your blood sugar levels have been high for a long time. It's a more accurate test for some people and it lets you know if you should immediately do something to lower your blood sugar levels to prevent diabetes. PSA Test On top of the aforementioned tests, seniors should also consider doing a PSA test. This stands for prostate-specific antigen and it's a biomarker of prostate inflammation. The prostate can get inflamed for assorted reasons and people of an elderly age are more vulnerable to various prostate diseases. For example, benign prostate hyperplasia, bacterial prostatitis and even prostate cancer are among the numerous illnesses related to the male prostate. A simple PSA test can reveal if your PSA levels are within normal ranges or not. If these levels are high and you also have some specific symptoms, you should consider doing further investigations to find out more about your prostate's health. Painful urination as well as urinating with interruption are among the most common symptoms of prostate inflammation. Find Out More About Your Health Today! As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". This is especially true when it comes to your health. Therefore, do your best to order these blood tests annually to keep your health in check. These tests are not only highly recommended to only adults, but to younger generations as well. At the same time, you can have most of them in a simple package from reputable vendors. For example, go to DiscountedLabs.com and order the Annual Physical Lab Test Panel. This panel contains everything you need to get a comprehensive snapshot of your health!   ====================== References: Top 10 Blood Tests for Older Adults: What to Know A1c- Hemoglobin (Hgb) Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) - Medical Tests    

Table of Contents Celiac Disease Symptoms, Causes, Screening and Blood Tests What is Celiac Disease? What is Gluten? How Does Celiac Disease Develop? Celiac Disease Symptoms Who Is at Risk for Developing Celiac Disease? How is Celiac Disease Diagnosed? The tTG-IgA Test The IgA Endomysial antibody Test Deaminated gliadin peptide (DGP IgA and IgG) The total serum IgA test Other Screening Options Running a Genetic Test Treating Celiac Disease Get Yourself Tested Today! Celiac Disease Symptoms, Causes, Screening and Blood Tests Did you know that approximately 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease? This accounts for roughly 1% of the entire US population. Left untreated, celiac disease can cost the healthcare industry nearly $4,000 for each patient. At the same time, celiac disease is also a life-threatening condition. It’s important to diagnose this disease as soon as possible, and this can be done with various blood or saliva tests. What is Celiac Disease? Celiac disease is an auto-immune disorder. This means that the immune system of a person accidentally or intentionally starts attacking the cells of the person in question, not foreign invaders. As you probably already know, the job of the immune system is to neutralize microbes and bacteria. It sends an army of white blood cells to “catch” foreign invaders such as viruses and to escort them out of the body safely. However, in the case of celiac disease, the immune system attacks healthy cells of the body. This can be a life-threatening condition in the long run, and celiac disease develops as a result of gluten intolerance. What is Gluten? Gluten consists of proteins found in different types of cereals such as wheat, rye, and barley. It is also used as a chemical agent in various food products to give consistency. Gluten can be found in numerous baked goods. The body can process a set amount of gluten daily. However, some people have a sensitivity to gluten, and their tolerance is low. This means that gluten acts as an allergen, triggering an allergic reaction in these people. The most advanced form of gluten intolerance is called celiac disease. How Does Celiac Disease Develop? The digestive system gets busy processing foods you eat. Gluten tends to stick to the walls of the small and large intestines. If a lot of gluten is accumulated there, the body sees this as a threat and starts an immune reaction. White blood cells arrive at the place where gluten is detected and attempt to eliminate it from the body, but they end up attacking the intestinal walls. These walls are lined up with small tissue projections called cilia or villi. These villi are required for the absorption of nutrients in foods. They help in extracting vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates from the foods you eat and they are very important for a healthy immune system. When the villi get damaged, the absorption of nutrients becomes impaired. As a result, the person in question starts to lose weight and develop a plethora of other unpleasant symptoms. Celiac Disease Symptoms Luckily, this type of disorder shows some symptoms, so you can go to a doctor and get tested when you have those, avoiding a major complication. It is also true that kids and adults have different kinds of symptoms when it comes to celiac disease. For example, children might experience: Regular vomiting and constipation Diarrhea Weight loss Abdominal pain Bloating The intensity of these symptoms varies with age and the level of gluten intolerance found in the body. At the same time, adults might experience slightly different symptoms such as: Skin disorders Seizures Extreme fatigue Brittle bones which predispose one to fractures Joint pain Loss of tooth enamel Anemia caused by iron-deficiency Another common symptom is dermatitis herpetiformis which can affect from 15 to 25 of the adults. It is a skin itch or rash which can be very annoying and causes multiple blisters and bumps. This type of skin problem can appear on the elbows or knees of the affected person. It has also been found out that those who have dermatitis herpetiformis don’t experience the digestive problem. In some unfortunate cases, celiac disease doesn’t show any signs or symptoms at all, but these instances are rare. Who Is at Risk for Developing Celiac Disease? This auto-immune disorder usually runs in families, so if one or more of your relatives have it, it's possible that you might develop it as well at some point in the future. However, keep in mind that those who have relatives with celiac disease have a 1 in 22 chances of developing it, so the likelihood is slim, though. At the same time, celiac disease is usually associated with other types of auto-immune diseases. For example, you might develop it if you have: Thyroid disease Lupus Addison’s disease Down syndrome Lactose intolerance Auto-immune liver disease People who eat a lot of foods containing gluten and have a genetic predisposition can also develop celiac disease at some point in the future. Keep in mind that an excessive amount of gluten introduced in the body can increase the likelihood of having this problem. Therefore, limiting your consumption of foods which contain gluten puts you at a lower risk of developing it. How is Celiac Disease Diagnosed? There are several types of tests used to determine if one has celiac disease or not. These tests are based on finding the specific antibodies developed by the immune system to neutralize the gluten found in the bloodstream. Therefore, for the tests to be accurate, people with celiac disease should still consume small amounts of gluten to see how many antibodies their system produces. For example, if the number of antibodies is very high, it’s possible that the person in question has celiac disease. Some of these celiac disease tests require a blood or saliva sample, or they can be performed using a cheek swab. We’ll look at a few of those tests and talk about them in greater detail. The tTG-IgA Test This is one of the most accurate tests and commonly used for both children and adults. It stands for Tissue Transglutaminase IgA test, and it looks for a specific antibody in the bloodstream to determine if the patient has celiac disease or not. The tTG-IgA test should be performed on a person who is currently eating gluten regularly. Otherwise, it will not be accurate. For children under the age of two, this test should be used in combination with Deamidated Gliadin IgA and IgG antibodies tests. The tTG-IgA test is usually accurate in 98% of the cases for people who have celiac disease. At the same time, the test can return negative results in up to 95% of cases of healthy people. This is known as the test's specificity. It is very rare, but this test can return false results. With that being said, there are other tests which can be performed to receive a more accurate result. At the same time, people who have auto-immune diseases such as diabetes type 1, lupus or the auto-immune liver disease might return a false positive result, meaning that they don’t have celiac disease. Again, such situations are very rare. The IgA Endomysial antibody Test Another test you can perform is the IgA Endomysial (EMA) test which might not be as sensitive as the tTG-IgA test but has a 100% specificity. This test is more expensive than the previous one, and it's usually left as a last resort solution for people who are very difficult to diagnose. It also involves the using of the umbilical cord in other to test the patient. Deaminated gliadin peptide (DGP IgA and IgG) This is another type of test usually performed on people who experience symptoms of celiac disease, but they have a low level of IgA antibodies. The total serum IgA test This tests for IgA deficiencies and helps to give a more accurate diagnosis when screening for celiac disease. The total serum IgA test is included in most celiac disease blood panels you can buy online to test for this health condition on your own. Other Screening Options There are other methods of detecting this health condition in patients who have gluten intolerance. For example, in patients who also experience dermatitis herpetiformis, the doctor might perform a small skin biopsy. This means removing small pieces of skin tissue and examining them thoroughly to determine if celiac disease is present. In some cases, the results can be inconclusive, and the doctor will eventually recommend performing more tests. For example, a complete blood count test (CBC), as well as cholesterol and serum albumin tests, will help coming up with a more accurate diagnosis. In some cases, a procedure called endoscopy might be required. This involves inserting a thin tube with a camera on top down the esophagus of the patient. The tube is slowly inserted until it reaches the stomach. The camera will provide detailed images of the intestines of a person, and this will help the doctor come up with an accurate diagnosis. Finally, in some cases, an internal biopsy might be required. This means inserting the same tube down the esophagus of the patient, but this time a small portion of intestinal tissue will be removed for analysis. The procedure is safe and can provide much more details to help the doctors come up with a false or negative result for celiac disease. Running a Genetic Test There are special types of genes which are commonly associated with the celiac disease. If the risk of developing this health problem is 1% for most people, having these genes can increase your risk by up to 3%. That's not very much, but still something you should periodically look for. The genes in question are HLA DQ2 and DQ8 genes. Approximately 30% of the general population has those genes. However, this doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll develop celiac disease at some point in the future. It depends on a lot of other factors. Remember that the celiac disease is a health condition which frequently runs in families. Therefore, if the first-degree family members share the same genes with a relative who had celiac disease, the chance of developing it increases to up to 40%. That’s why it is recommended to perform a gene test first and determine if the HLA DQ2 and DQ8 genes are present in the body of a first-degree relative. If they are, further celiac disease screening should be performed every couple of years. If the genes are not present, it is not necessary to spend time or money on unnecessary screenings, especially if the person in question doesn’t experience any symptoms. Treating Celiac Disease Once properly diagnosed, the only way to treat this problem is by avoiding gluten completely. Luckily, there are numerous foods and culinary products which don’t contain gluten at all. They are ideal for those diagnosed with celiac disease and should be consumed regularly. For example, you can enjoy gluten-free pasta, brown rice, amaranth, quinoa as well as numerous vegetables and fruits which don’t contain gluten at all. There is even gluten-free beer out there for people with celiac disease! By switching to a gluten-free diet, you're giving a chance to those small intestinal villi to grow back and recover. As a result, the absorption of the nutrients will be restored, and your celiac disease symptoms will slowly subside. However, this is a process which takes a long period, so committing to a gluten-free diet should be a lifelong endeavor. Fortunately, a gluten-free diet is not expensive to maintain, and most food stores have a plethora of gluten-free products available on shelves, so you have plenty of foods to choose from when designing your personalized gluten-free diet! Get Yourself Tested Today! Now that you know more about lab tests celiac disease and gluten in general, you’re able to make a more informed decision and get tested. Such a test is a small investment in your health, and it can give you more peace of mind. If you find out that you’re at risk for developing celiac disease, you’re more prepared to do something about it and prevent health complications and nasty symptoms.

Table of Contents Serum Thyroid Function, Mortality and Disability in Advanced Old Age: The Newcastle 85+ Study. The association between changes in thyroid hormones and incident type 2 diabetes: A 7-year longitudinal study Buy Thyroid Tests References: Serum Thyroid Function, Mortality and Disability in Advanced Old Age: The Newcastle 85+ Study. Perturbations in thyroid function are common in older individuals but their significance in the very old is not fully understood.A study called "Serum Thyroid Function, Mortality and Disability in Advanced Old Age: The Newcastle 85+ Study" published in the November 2016 edition of theJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism sought to determine whether thyroid hormone status and variation of thyroid hormones within the reference range correlated with mortality and disability in a cohort of 85-year-olds.This study included a cohort of 85-year-old individuals were assessed in their own homes (community or institutional care) for health status and thyroid function, and followed for mortality and disability for up to 9 years. Six hundred and forty-three 85-year-olds registered with participating general practices in Newcastle and North Tyneside, United Kingdom.The study tracked all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and disability according to thyroid disease status and baseline thyroid hormone parameters (serum TSH, FT4, FT3, and rT3). The data were adjusted for age, sex, education, body mass index, smoking, and disease count. The study found that after adjustment for age and sex, all-cause mortality was associated with baseline serum rT3 and FT3 (both P < .001), but not free T4 or TSH. After additional adjustment for potential confounders, only  reverse T3 remained significantly associated with mortality. Baseline serum TSH and reverse T3 predicted future disability trajectories in men and women, respectively. In conclusion, this study is reassuring that individuals age 85 years old with both subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism do not have a significantly worse survival over 9 years than their peers with normal thyroid function. However, thyroid function tests did predict disability, with higher serum TSH levels predicting better outcomes. These data strengthen the argument for routine use of age-specific thyroid function reference ranges.   The association between changes in thyroid hormones and incident type 2 diabetes: A 7-year longitudinal study Thyroid hormones are important regulators of glucose metabolism and stability; however, the association between thyroid hormones within the reference range and type 2 diabetes remains unclear. A study named "The association between changes in thyroid hormones and incident type 2 diabetes: A 7-year longitudinal study" published in the Thyroid Journal on November 201 was designed to clarify the incidence of type 2 diabetes according to the baseline levels and changes of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (free thyroxine [FT4] and free triiodothyronine [T3]) in euthyroid (normal thyroid function) people. Among the participants who consecutively underwent thyroid function tests between 2006 and 2012 through a yearly health check-up program, 6,235 euthyroid subjects (3,619 men and 2,616 women) without diabetes were enrolled in the study. The change in each hormone was calculated by subtracting the baseline value from the level at the end of follow-up or 1 year before the diagnosis of diabetes.The study found that during 25,692 person-years of follow-up, there were 229 new cases of type 2 diabetes. After full adjustment for potential confounders including HbA1c and fasting glucose in Cox proportional hazards models, the individuals in the highest tertile of TSH change (2.5 to 4.2 μIU/mL) had a greater risk of incident type 2 diabetes  in comparison with individuals in the lowest tertile (-4.1 to -0.5 μIU/mL). Simultaneously, the highest tertile of T3 change (16.3 to 104.7 ng/dL) and  free T4 change (0.2 to 1.6 ng/dL) conferred protective effects against diabetes compared to those in the lowest tertile (-76.5 to -1.8 ng/dL and -0.6 to 0.0 ng/dL, respectively). These associations remained significant when each of the hormones was analyzed as a continuous variable. However, baseline levels or tertiles of TSH and thyroid hormones were not associated with the risk of diabetes. This study showed that individual changes in TSH and thyroid hormones even within the normal reference range were an additional risk factor of incident type 2 diabetes.   Buy Thyroid Tests   References:   1- J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Nov;101(11):4385-4394. Epub 2016 Aug 23 2- Thyroid. 2016 Nov 3. 

Table of Contents Diagnosing Your Fatigue Total and Free Testosterone Tests Thyroid Function Tests Adrenal Function Tests Glucose Tests Anemia Tests Immune Function Tests Iron Tests Order Fatigue Panel Here Fatigue is can be very frustrating for many people since it can have several causes. There's the normal tiredness we feel at the end of every day, the tiredness that comes from being a hard-working person. But sometimes that fatigue goes beyond just the "norm". It pervades your muscles, fogs up your brain, affects your mood and makes it impossible to focus and cope with stress. When this happens, you KNOW there's something wrong. You have tried taking supplements and energy drinks. You hoped that a healthy diet, a good exercise regimen and sleep habits would help, yet you're too exhausted to do anything. Does this sound familiar? If so, you may be at a loss to find out why you're so exhausted all the time. Diagnosing Your Fatigue If you find yourself exhausted all the time--and it goes beyond the tiredness from your normal daily activities--it's in your best interest to get checked out and have the cause of your fatigue diagnosed. Some physicians are trained in looking at different hormone deficiencies, but many people do not have access to them due to insurance or geographic limitations. Fortunately, Discounted Labs is happy to offer a brand new Fatigue Panel that includes a battery of tests designed to determine what's causing your fatigue. You can get this panel without the need of a physician’s visit. You can order this panel online in most states in the U.S. and go to a local lab to get your blood drawn. Your test results will be emailed to you and you will provide a free consultation with a trained clinician to guide you through your lab values. The truth is that there are A LOT of things that can cause your fatigue: everything from low testosterone to reduced thyroid function to adrenal gland problems. That is why this Fatigue Exploration Panel examines every one of these variables to determine the root of the problem. What does the Fatigue Exploration Panel include? Total and Free Testosterone Tests It's a well-known fact that low testosterone blood levels in men and women can lead to a reduction in energy, as well as a low sex drive, an increase in body fat accumulation, sleep problems, and decreased motivation. If these problems accompany your fatigue, it may be a sign that your testosterone levels are too low. The Fatigue Panel includes tests to measure both your total and free testosterone levels. Total testosterone includes the total testosterone (free and protein-bound) hormone in your body. Testing for total testosterone helps to determine if hypogonadism (under-production and secretion of testosterone) is the cause of your fatigue or other problems. Free testosterone is unbound to protein molecules, and thus more bioavailable. Low free testosterone can be another diagnostic tool since some men and women with normal total testosterone may have low free testosterone blood levels. Thyroid Function Tests Thyroid hormone deficiency is one of the most common types of fatigue a. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped organ that produces important hormones that affect just about every one of your body functions. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, can cause fatigue, depression, weight changes, appetite changes, and even forgetfulness. Fatigue isn't the only sign you may have hypothyroidism. Other symptoms include: extreme sensitivity to cold, difficulty with weight loss even though you diet and exercise daily, brittle nails, and hair loss (especially on your eyebrows). If you notice any of these signs along with your fatigue, it's a good idea to get yourself checked out to determine whether or not your thyroid gland is functioning properly. Our Fatigue Panel includes a number of tests that will measure you thyroid function: TSH test -- This test measures the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your bloodstream. TSH is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, and it's intended to signal to your thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones to be released into your bloodstream. If your pituitary gland isn't producing enough or producing too much TSH, that may be the reason your thyroid gland isn't working properly. High TSH levels can indicate that your thyroid is working extra hard to stimulate T4 and T3 production, which can be the cause of your fatigue. Some physicians use TSH as the only measure of thyroid function, but we now know that TSH alone may not be accurate enough to do so. Free T4 Test -- This test is used to determine the unbound level of thyroxine, a hormone known as T4. This hormone converts into T3 to help your body produce energy, balance your heart rate, and maintain a steady temperature. Hypothyroidism can lead to insufficient production of this hormone, and may result in fatigue. Free T3 Test -- This test is used to determine the level of unbound triiodothyronine, a hormone known as T3. Free T3 helps to regulate your metabolism, heart rate, temperature, and more. Low free T3 levels can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, and may be behind your fatigue. Some physicians only measure total T3 and not its free, active portion which may be the main factor in diagnosing low thyroid function. Adrenal Function Tests Adrenal fatigue is the result of imbalances in your body, which can cause adrenal gland function to be reduced significantly. It's estimated that up to 40% of men over 60 years old suffer from "Stage 3 Adrenal Deficiency and Depression". That's a lot of people dealing with fatigue as a result of their adrenal gland problems. Your adrenal glands are responsible for producing the epinephrine ( adrenaline) that kicks in when you're stressed, excited, or scared. It's the "fight or flight" response that gets you "pumped up" in extreme situations. In normal situations, adrenal gland function returns to normal after the extreme situation passes. But in cases of chronic stress (work, home, health, family-related), the adrenal gland continues to produce cortisol and adrenaline, the two hormones that keep your "fight or flight" response on. The longer that response is on, the more energy is sapped. Adrenal fatigue is the result of over-production of these two hormones. Poor sleep quality worsens adrenal fatigue since the body tends to regenerate gland function during deep sleep. The use of stimulants is also an accelerator of this problem. What are some of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue? Aside from sheer exhaustion, there are a few others, including: dizziness, low blood pressure, depression, headaches, anxiety or panic attacks, low blood sugar, and other equally debilitating problems. DiscountedLabs.com’s Fatigue Exploration Panel includes two tests to measure adrenal function: -Salivary cortisol test -- This measures the amount of cortisol in your body. While most tests measure cortisol in your bloodstream, salivary cortisol tests kits can be taken home for sampling during the day to see changes in cortisol from morning to night time. This test allows for the collection of 4 samples during the day that you bring back to the lab. -DHEA test -- This test measures the levels of DHEA-S in your blood. DHEA-S is an androgen hormone produced in the adrenal glands. If levels of DHEA-S are too high, they may indicate adrenal hyperplasia, or overproduction of adrenal hormones. Low DHEA-S can be indicative of adrenal dysfunction and fatigue. Glucose Tests Glucose is the fancy name for "sugar", and blood glucose is your body's primary source of energy. When you eat, your body turns carbs and fats into glucose, which it then sends around your body to as fuel for all of your organs. Too-high levels of glucose can cause damage to your blood vessels, nerves, and organs, so your body is designed to respond by producing insulin, which helps to reduce blood sugar levels. Once your blood sugar is back to normal levels, insulin production stops and everything runs smoothly. But there's a problem: the more often you have high blood sugar and the higher your blood sugar levels, the more insulin your body has to produce. Excessive carb intake (a problem in our modern diet) can lead to excessive insulin production, which causes your blood sugar levels to drop TOO low. This can cause fatigue, and your body will respond by producing appetite hormones that encourage you to eat. Of course, these hormones will tell you to eat something that will give you a quick dose of blood sugar, which often leads to you eating something with too many carbs. Around and around the vicious cycle goes. If this continues over the course of years, your body becomes desensitized to insulin. This means it takes more insulin to have the same effect, so the insulin produced by your pancreas is insufficient to reduce your blood sugar levels. Chronically high blood sugar can lead to inflammation, slow your circulation, deprive your body of oxygen, and produce monocytes that can cause fatigue when they are absorbed into the brain. Diabetes fatigue is a very real thing, and even non-diabetics can suffer fatigue as a result of their high blood sugar levels. The Fatigue Panel includes an A1c test, a blood test commonly used to diagnose Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. This test measures your average blood sugar level for the past 60-90 days, examining the amount of glycated hemoglobin (sugar-coated oxygen-carrying red blood cell proteins) in your bloodstream. Higher levels of A1c can indicate poor blood sugar control, and thus point to an increase risk of diabetes--and diabetes fatigue! Anemia Tests Anemia is a condition in which your body doesn't have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen and nutrients to the various organs, functions, and systems. Without enough oxygen and nutrients, your body essentially starves, leading to fatigue, dizziness, weakness, irregular heartbeats, and more. The Fatigue Panel includes tests to measure both hemoglobin and hematocrit: -Hemoglobin tests measure the levels of hemoglobin, the protein molecule in your red blood cells that carry oxygen. Too-low levels of this molecule may be a sign of anemia. -Hematocrit tests determine your blood's red cell percentage. People with low hematocrit are anemic, and thus may suffer from fatigue. -Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) tests measure the size of red blood cells. If the red blood cells are large, they may indicate anemia due to vitamin B6 or folic acid deficiency. If the red blood cells are small, they may indicate anemia due to iron deficiency. -Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) tests measure the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Both hemoglobin and hematocrit are used to calculate this number. Low levels indicate anemia. -Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) tests are often used with MCV results to figure out what could be causing the anemia. If anemia is the cause of your fatigue, it's vital to get diagnosed as soon as possible. Anemia can be a very serious problem if left untreated! Immune Function Tests Your immune system is responsible for handling all invading threats to your body, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, and all other pathogens. It also handles injuries, cellular mutations, and other internal problems. But your immune system requires energy to function. Chronic inflammation, infection, and injury may lead to fatigue, as your body is constantly using energy to deal with whatever is going wrong in your body. The Fatigue Panel includes a White Blood Cell Count test, which is designed to determine if there is infection in your body that could be the root cause of your fatigue. Or, your bone marrow may no longer be producing the white blood cells, which could indicate a number of other (more serious) problems. Iron Tests Iron is needed to produce red blood cells, meaning a lack of iron (iron deficiency) can lead to anemia. The Fatigue Panel offers an iron test to determine if serum iron levels are high enough for normal body function. However, there are also two other tests included to help determine your body's ability to absorb, utilize, and store iron: -TIBC tests, or total iron binding capacity tests, measure the levels of iron in your blood. If the TIBC is high, it means there is insufficient iron. -Ferritin tests measure the levels of ferritin, the protein responsible for storing iron in your body. Low ferritin levels are an indication of iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia. These tests are very helpful to determine if iron is the reason behind your fatigue (anemia fatigue). Our Fatigue Panel is the lowest-cost fatigue exploration panel offered anywhere. Take advantage of these tests to find out exactly what's causing your fatigue, and take steps to deal with the problem today. Order Fatigue Panel Here For more information about how DiscountedLabs.com services work, please the read the frequently asked questions.  

Table of Contents What is Vitamin D? Here are four signs that suggest you may be low in vitamin D. #1 is Unexplained Fatigue. #2 is Back Pain. #3 is Frequent Infections. 4 is Depression. Sources of Vitamin D GET YOUR VITAMIN D BLOOD TEST What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because you can synthesize it from cholesterol when you expose your skin to the UV rays from the sun. But unlike other fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D also functions as a hormone, and almost every cell in your body contains receptors for it. Research has shown that vitamin D plays an important role in skeletal, immune, and cardiovascular health. Historically, the main disease attributed to severe vitamin D deficiency is rickets, which is characterized by weak and soft bones in children resulting in bowed legs, stunted growth, and bone pain. Rickets was first defined as a medical condition in 1645 by an English physician named Daniel Whistler who gave the earliest known description of the disease. Today, rickets is relatively uncommon in the developed world due to public health initiatives in the 1930s recommending vitamin D fortified foods such as milk and cod liver oil for infants. However, there is still an epidemic of low vitamin D levels in North America with estimates as high as 70% of the general population falling into this category. The main causes of low vitamin D are factors such as the excessive use of sunscreen, darker skin people emigrating to northern climates, and limited outdoor activities. A recent study showed that children in the United States spend less time outdoors than inmates in a maximum-security prison. Unlike severe vitamin D deficiency seen in rickets, the signs of low vitamin D are more subtle, can take longer to manifest, and are often mistaken for other health conditions. Here are four signs that suggest you may be low in vitamin D.   #1 is Unexplained Fatigue. Fatigue is one of the most common complaints seen at the doctor's office, even among people who claim to be getting sufficient sleep. Because the root causes of fatigue can be complex and variable, it can be difficult to pinpoint one single culprit. However, recent studies have highlighted the importance of vitamin D about energy production. One cross-sectional study published in the Global Journal of Health Science evaluated 200 nurses by measuring levels of fatigue based upon self-reported questionnaires. The subjects then had blood tests for 25 hydroxy vitamin D, which is the most important vitamin D metabolite. On a possible scale of 9 to 63, the mean fatigue score was 38.76, with 89% of the nurses shown to have low vitamin D levels. Researchers are unsure why vitamin D deficiency contributes to fatigue, but they suspect it may have something to do with mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the powerhouse centers of your cells that produce energy by replenishing a key molecule called, phosphocreatine. Optimizing vitamin D levels has been shown to result in a significant reduction in phosphocreatine replenishment times, indicating an improvement in mitochondrial function.   #2 is Back Pain. Chronic back pain is a leading cause of disability, resulting in a significant reduction in quality of life. It's estimated that 80% of back pain cases have no obvious identifiable cause making it difficult to treat. However, new research suggests that chronic back pain may be a sign of low vitamin D due to the role that it plays in bone health. Vitamin D is important for maintaining a healthy skeletal system by helping the absorption of calcium into the bones. Back pain is most common in postmenopausal women who have osteoporosis associated with decreased bone mass, spinal fractures, and inflammation. One study involving 9,305 women with a median age of 67 found those with the lowest vitamin D levels had the most severe back pain and limited mobility for daily activities. Back pain can also be caused by a condition called osteomalacia, which is bone weakening caused by faulty bone building biology. Osteomalacia is characterized by a dull, aching pain in the lower back, pelvis, hips, legs, and ribs. Optimizing vitamin D levels will help to deposit calcium into your bones where it can strengthen your entire skeletal system and reduce pain.   #3 is Frequent Infections. One of the most important functions of vitamin D in the body is to strengthen the immune system to ward off pathogenic bacteria and viruses. If you happen to be one of those people who catch every cold or flu that goes around the office during the fall and winter months, then you may be low in vitamin D. Immune cells contain receptors for vitamin D, enabling modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses to infection and inflammation, as well as providing protection against autoimmune disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. One large scale study examined the association between vitamin D levels and the prevalence of upper respiratory tract infections in 18,883 participants 12 years and older. After adjusting for demographics and clinical factors such as season, body mass index, smoking history, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the analysis showed that individuals with low vitamin D levels were more likely to contract an upper respiratory tract infection than those with adequate vitamin D levels.   4 is Depression. Depression is a mood disorder that can be difficult to identify because it can come on gradually and vary in intensity from person to person. Some of the signs to look for are a loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities, poor mental focus sometimes described as brain fog, feeling tired all the time, low self-esteem, changes in appetite, antisocial behavior, and constant feelings of despair and hopelessness. As I mentioned in the introduction, vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because we can synthesize it internally when we expose our skin to the UV rays from the sun. This is why research has shown that there is a connection between depression and vitamin D deficiency, especially in individuals who suffer from seasonal affective disorder. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Black Americans compared to Caucasian Americans. This may result in darker skin individuals living in northern latitudes having a greater risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Research has shown that parts of the human brain, the link to the modulation of mood, have cell receptors for vitamin D. It's these receptors that enable brain cells to receive important chemical messengers. Although the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, scientists have theorized that vitamin D enhances the effectiveness of feel-good neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which in turn elevate mood. A study in Sweden found that people who attempted suicide had significantly lower blood levels of vitamin D and higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which had previously been observed in other suicide patients. Cytokines are a type of cell-signaling protein that promotes inflammation in the brain and have been linked to depression in other neurological diseases. Vitamin D has been shown to reduce the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Although these four signs aren't definitive proof that you're low in vitamin D, they can be an early warning that you need to speak with your doctor or to have your blood tested.   Sources of Vitamin D Foods that contain vitamin D are fatty fish such as salmon, or sardines and fortify dairy products. Supplements are also an option. I take 6,000 IUs of vitamin D, three per day, which is far above the paltry amount of 600 I use of the RDA, and this puts me in the upper end of optimal ranges for vitamin D blood levels. If you prefer not to take supplements, you can raise your vitamin D levels by exposing your skin to the sun for 30 to 60 minutes three to four days per week, depending on your skin pigmentation. One study found that not only does regular sun exposure raise vitamin D levels, it also raises endogenous neuropeptides called endorphins that inhibit pain and produce a feeling of euphoria. GET YOUR VITAMIN D BLOOD TEST

Table of Contents What is HDL? What Are the Optimal Levels Of HDL? Top Tips To Increase Your HDL Levels Naturally Exercise More Often Quit Smoking Eat More Fiber Eat More Nuts Laugh More Monitor Your Sugar Intake Avoid Trans Fat Get a Curcumin Supplement Drink More Cranberry Juice Eat More Tomatoes Drink Red Wine Responsibly Check Your HDL Levels Today! HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein and it's the "good" type of cholesterol that circulates through the bloodstream. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein and it's commonly known as the "bad" cholesterol, the one that you should have less of for optimal health. These two are some of the most popular and important forms of cholesterol and it's recommended to keep an eye on your levels regularly. Cholesterol plays a vital role in the human body and you should monitor your levels to make the necessary adjustments whenever necessary. A lipid panel test can reveal your cholesterol levels with little to no effort. Keep reading to learn more about HDL, its importance and what to do to increase it efficiently. What is HDL? In broader terms, cholesterol is nothing but a waxy substance produced by your liver. It shields the interior of your arteries and veins and it contributes to their flexibility and health. You can also get cholesterol from various foods you eat. Now, cholesterol splits into two parts - HDL (the good one) and LDL (the bad one). Ideally, a healthy individual should have more of HDL and less of LDL. You can do various things to increase your HDL and lower LDL naturally, but if nothing works, your doctor might prescribe statins to you. This is a type of medicine designed for those who have an unhealthy lipid profile. What Are the Optimal Levels Of HDL? Having low HDL levels is associated with a lot of cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and even stroke. Having an unhealthy lifestyle, not exercising often and smoking can contribute to the lowering of HDL in the bloodstream. The optimal levels of HDL are above 60 mg/dL of blood for both men and women. Having HDL levels of less than 40 mg/dL of blood puts you at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Fortunately, as mentioned earlier, you can do so much to improve your HDL levels and not have to deal with heart problems in the future. Top Tips To Increase Your HDL Levels Naturally It's important to remember that increasing HDL levels as well as lowering LDL levels is a process that takes time; it doesn't happen overnight. You might want to do a blood test first and see how you stand at the present moment. Then, you can adjust your lifestyle, make healthier choices and test yourself again after a few months. Here are a few scientifically proven ways to increase HDL: Exercise More Often There's no way going around the fact that more physical exercise will benefit your health tremendously and it will increase HDL levels for sure. This is the case for both aerobic and anaerobic exercises, so make sure that you try to incorporate at least 30-40 minutes of physical exercise 3-4 times a week to reap these benefits. At the same time, regular physical exercise might also reduce your levels of LDL, so it's an added advantage for your health. Some studies suggest that the increase in HDL is noticeable even for men in their 50s. Quit Smoking Smoking cigarettes is one of the worst habits you can have because they contain thousands of toxic substances and many of them are known carcinogens. Even if you go for electronic cigarettes and vape nicotine in combination with e-juices, this will still cause inflammation in your lungs and lower your HDL levels. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done if you have the willpower or seek professional guidance. It's common knowledge that each cigarette can shorten your lifespan by eight minutes and increase LDL levels, so if you stop smoking, your HDL levels will naturally get back to normal. Eat More Fiber Getting more soluble fiber into your system will definitely increase HDL levels, according to some recent scientific studies. Foods high in fibers are all kinds of oats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Make sure that you have at least two servings of fiber per day and this will both help with your regularity and increase HDL levels. On top of that, it's known that fiber helps to stabilize glucose levels in the blood. As a result, your blood sugar levels will stay within normal ranges and enjoy higher HDL levels at the same time. Eat More Nuts Different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts, pecan nuts, almonds, walnuts and so on, are full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Studies done in 2002 and 2004 show that including more nuts into your diet will increase HDL levels in the long run. It's important to be consistent with this habit and incorporate different types of nuts as snacks into your diet. Laugh More Yes, there are studies that suggest that laughter can significantly increase HDL levels, particularly in patients with diabetes. That's because laughing more often alleviates stress and puts you in a better mood. As a result, your body will automatically produce good hormones such as HDL and their levels will stay elevated for longer. Monitor Your Sugar Intake Another great method to increase your HDL levels is to watch your sugar intake and try to limit or reduce it every day. Multiple studies suggest that high intakes of sugar is associated with a decrease in HDL levels and an increase in LDL levels. You should be particularly mindful of high-fructose corn syrup. Ideally, try to avoid refined sugars and go for natural sources of sugar such as those found in fruit and some vegetables. Avoid Trans Fat Although many laws and regulations have been passed that forbid the addition of trans fats to everyday foods, this toxic substance is still present in various products you might find in supermarkets. For example, margarine, some instant coffee products, multiple pastries and bakery products and other foods contain trans fats. This type of substance is known to increase the levels of LDL while lowering HDL ones, so avoid trans fats as much as possible to let your HDL levels return to normal. Get a Curcumin Supplement Curcumin is the active ingredient found in turmeric, the famous Indian spice with inflammatory properties. Some recent studies show that taking a curcumin supplement of just 500mg/day can increase HDL levels by 30% in a few months. At the same time, curcumin is known to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and it might reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Drink More Cranberry Juice Recent studies show that cranberry juice can increase HDL levels by almost 10% when consumed on a daily basis. This type of berry also has numerous anticancer properties, so if you get the chance to include it in your daily diet, it's highly recommended to do so. Also, other studies done in 2008 show that regular berry consumption can also increase HDL levels. Eat More Tomatoes Simple tomatoes can work wonders for your health, as recent studies suggest. Eating more tomatoes, particularly the Roma variety, can increase HDL levels by more than 10% and this type of vegetable can also reduce your blood pressure. Consider incorporating more tomatoes into your diet and eating them in salads or raw. Tomatoes also contain a decent amount of soluble fiber and some studies show that they can protect against prostate cancer too. Drink Red Wine Responsibly Scientists have been studying the effects of red wine for decades and have realized that it can offer numerous health benefits when consumed in moderation. For example, resveratrol is a substance found in red wine that has amazing antioxidant properties and can boost the function of your immune system. At the same time, this substance has been shown to increase HDL levels when consumed in moderation for a period of a few months. Make sure that you drink no more than one glass of red wine per day to reap these benefits and check your HDL levels often to see the improvements. Check Your HDL Levels Today! Cholesterol has gotten a bad rep in the last decades, but if you look at it closely, you see that some of it is good for you and you can do something to increase its levels. If you want to find out your HDL levels, you can do that with a simple blood test. You can order such a blood test online, draw a sample at a nearby clinic and get the results mailed back to you in just a few business days. In most cases, it's recommended to check your HDL levels in correlation with your LDL levels and your triglycerides. This is called a "lipid profile" and it will help your doctor better evaluate your health and come up with a diagnosis. For example, if your HDL levels are relatively good, but your LDL and triglycerides are out of normal ranges, you still need to make lifestyle changes to improve your health. Go to DiscountedLabs.com today and order your HDL blood test as well as other tests you might need to assess your overall health!     ================== References: HDL cholesterol: How to boost your 'good' cholesterol How to Increase HDL - Peak Testosterone How to Increase Good Cholesterol (HDL) in Men on TRT | Excel Male TRT Forum Why does testosterone therapy decrease HDL cholesterol in some men? | Excel Male TRT Forum