This week’s Tuesday Topic is a FREE topic. Feel free to post any running related blog post. Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida! Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!
I wrote about my first experience with Inside Tracker back in March. My results from that test were the following:
At risk: LDL
Needs improvement: Glucose, HbA1c, Hemoglobin, Iron, HDL, Triglycerides
Optimized: Vitamin D, Calcium, Folate, Creatine kinese, Total cholesterol, Magnesium
Each biomarker is categorized as optimized, needs improvement (could be low or high), and at risk.
I went again in June and got updated results. I’ve made some improvements but still need to work on a couple more things. It is always something, right?
At risk: Vitamin D (low), Glucose (high), Total cholesterol (high), LDL (high),Â
Needs improvement: HDL (low), Triglycerides (high), Ferritin (low), Hemoglobin (low)
Optimized:Â Calcium, Magnesium, Creatine kinese, Folate, HbA1c
I made another appointment to get tested again in September. However, I am also going to see my primary doctor for my annual physical test in September too. I will talk to her about my results and ask her to order blood work. Then I will skip the one with Inside Tracker.
I am aware I should be concerned about cholesterol and LDL levels, but I am more concerned about the ferritin and hemoglobin levels. They’ve both gone down since March. I sent a message to a sports doctor I’ve seen before hoping that I could see him and work with him sooner than September. After going back and forth he ended with “Let’s start with your primary doctor first”. I get it but still it doesn’t help.
What have I been doing?Â
- Taking supplements but do not want to depend only on them.
- Trying to eat more iron rich foods but that isn’t always easy.
- Eating more quinoa, tofu, and red meat (the latter not too much since I don’t like it too much).Â
- Cooking in avocado oil.
- Eating more fruit and vegetables.Â
- Keeping up with running and Peloton bike classes.Â
I feel like I am on the right path. Â
School will start next month and the first few months stress me out – way more than the rest of the year! I am known for eating a “not so healthy meal” from McDonald’s when I am stressed out. 😬 😬
Topic for next week – Where I’ve been, A-Z: Letters A-I. Feel free to write about this or any running related topic. We hope you’ll link up with us!
A great idea to get those biomarkers checked regularly, Zenaida.
I’m surprised at how volatile the results are – for example, both your Vitamin D and Total Cholesterol made a big jump in only three months.
But at least it’s a good indication and you’re taking the right steps with your nutrition plan.
I’d hate to see what my results are – I should get my blood work checked, too!
Crossing my fingers for some good news in a few months. Or at what point should I not worry so much about it? I do think about how I will be in 5-10 years and if I will be able to take care of myself.
That’s odd your vitamin D went from “optimized” to “at risk.” Do you have any idea why that happened? I’ve never used Inside Tracker but in the podcast I listened to with Camille Herron, she said Inside Tracker identified her HIGH iron problem, which hadn’t come out on other tests. Anyway, all this information is good- I hope your doctor will be helpful! It sounds like you are definitely on the right track.
I thought that was weird about the Vitamin D. According to Google it is caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight. 🙂 Hopefully now that I am running outside and the supplement I am taking will fix it.
I used Inside Tracker a few years ago but never did a follow up. I think I will try them again this Fall because they really do provide a wealth of information. It’s always good to know your levels and what is good and what can be improved. It seems like you’re doing all the right things as far as eating more fruits and vegetables and taking supplements.
Keep us posted when you decide to do it.
I remember your first review. It looks like you are doing well and being healthy.
Not sure I can say the same. I don’t take supplements and when it’s summer, there’s too much ice cream in my diet.
Ice cream is yummy!
I also think you’re on the right track. Hope the appointment with your doctor goes well and they can explain why those haemoglobin and ferritin levels are low.
I hope so too. Right now I am trying not to worry too much about it. My mind is thinking of bad things that could be causing these low levels.
I think it’s great that you’re on top of your health and keeping an eye on those things. I know that I don’t have a primary doctor and haven’t in years and I’m sure there’s others in my position. Glad Insidetracker gives you a place to start while looking at ways to optimize your health!
I am also glad I am doing this now.
the cholesterol and A1C are super important! I have a genetic predisposition to these and I have to work hard at them. Many of the markers you have mentioned can be helped greatly with a change in diet/nutrition. I am sure your primary doc will be able to guide you in that area.Happy to help anytime if you’d like some tips 🙂
Thanks, Deborah! I appreciate the help. We’ll see how I do when I go to the doctor and then take it from there.