Better Health with The Better Nutrition Program™ & Siphox Lab

The TSH:T4 ratio reflects how effectively the thyroid gland responds to pituitary signals. A higher ratio may indicate reduced thyroid hormone production or early signs of hypothyroidism, even when individual TSH or T4 levels appear normal. This ratio can offer a more sensitive view of thyroid function balance and is useful for identifying subtle changes in metabolic health or early thyroid dysfunction.

VLDL transports triglycerides in the bloodstream and is considered a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Elevated VLDL levels can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing heart disease risk.

HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) is a biomarker that measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months and is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. Levels that are consistently above 5.6% may warrant a visit to a physician.

25-(OH) Vitamin D is an important biomarker for assessing your vitamin D status, which is essential for bone strength, immune function, and overall well-being. Your body produces vitamin D through sun exposure and obtains it from certain foods and supplements. Low levels can lead to bone problems, weakened immunity, and increased risk of chronic diseases, while excessively high levels can cause toxicity.

The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is highly valuable for detecting atherogenic (plaque-filled artery) risk. The lower the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio, the lower the risk.

ApoA1, the main protein in HDL-C particles, plays a crucial role in cholesterol transport and clearance. It is considered the most informative biomarker for "good" cholesterol and is used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.

ApoB is an atherogenic particle responsible for transporting "bad" cholesterol, contributing to plaque formation in arteries. Research indicates that ApoB is a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, compared to LDL-C. Elevated ApoB levels are strongly linked to increased cardiovascular risk, making it a valuable biomarker for assessing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

The AST:ALT ratio, also known as the De Ritis ratio, helps differentiate types of liver injury and assess liver function. This ratio can help distinguish between different types of liver disease and sometimes identify non-liver causes of enzyme elevations. While both AST and ALT are produced in the liver, AST is also found in other tissues such as the heart and muscles, whereas ALT is more liver-specific. This difference is what gives the De Ritis Ratio its diagnostic value in interpreting liver injury patterns.

The BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) to creatinine ratio is a valuable medical test that helps doctors understand how well your kidneys are functioning. Urea and creatinine are waste products that your kidneys filter out of your blood. By comparing the levels of these substances, doctors can identify whether a high BUN is due to kidney problems, dehydration, or other issues. A high ratio might indicate dehydration, while a lower ratio could suggest kidney disease or other medical conditions.

Total cholesterol measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL-C (bad cholesterol) and HDL-C (good cholesterol). Monitoring total cholesterol is important because high levels can lead to the buildup of plaques in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Cystatin C is a protein produced by all cells in your body and is filtered out by the kidneys, making it a powerful marker for kidney function. Measuring cystatin C helps detect early kidney disease, even when traditional tests appear normal, and can improve the accuracy of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which is crucial for diagnosing and managing kidney conditions.

Measuring DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) levels is important because DHEA-S is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to other hormones like estrogen and testosterone. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, immune function, and the body's response to stress. Abnormal DHEA-S levels can indicate issues such as adrenal gland disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or chronic stress.

The DHEA-S:Cortisol ratio reflects the balance between anabolic (DHEA-S) and catabolic (cortisol) activity in the body. A lower ratio may indicate chronic stress, inflammation, or adrenal dysfunction, while a higher ratio is generally associated with better stress adaptation, mood stability, and metabolic resilience. Monitoring this ratio can help assess how the body is coping with physical and emotional stress over time.

Estradiol is a key hormone in the body, important for both women and men. In women, it regulates the menstrual cycle, reproductive system, and overall hormonal balance. In men, estradiol is essential for maintaining bone density, modulating libido, and supporting sperm production. Measuring estradiol levels is valuable for assessing reproductive health, diagnosing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or menopause in women, and evaluating bone health and hormonal balance in both sexes. Abnormal estradiol levels can also impact cardiovascular health and mood.

The Free Androgen Index (FAI) is a calculation used to estimate the amount of active testosterone in your body. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in many functions, including muscle growth, mood, and reproductive health. However, only a small portion of testosterone is "free" and active, while the rest is bound to proteins and not directly usable by the body. The FAI gives a clearer picture of how much active testosterone you have, which is important for diagnosing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women or low testosterone levels in men.

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body, making it an important marker for assessing your iron levels. It also acts as an acute-phase protein, meaning its levels can increase in response to inflammation or infection. Measuring ferritin levels helps determine if you have enough iron to support vital functions like making red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. Low ferritin levels can indicate iron deficiency, leading to anemia, fatigue, and weakened immunity. High ferritin levels can suggest conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) or chronic inflammation.

The Free Androgen Index (FAI) is a calculation used to estimate the amount of active testosterone in your body. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in many functions, including muscle growth, mood, and reproductive health. However, only a small portion of testosterone is "free" and active, while the rest is bound to proteins and not directly usable by the body. The FAI gives a clearer picture of how much active testosterone you have, which is important for diagnosing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women or low testosterone levels in men.

The T3/T4 ratio reflects the balance between triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), two thyroid hormones, and can be a useful indicator of thyroid function.

HDL Cholesterol (HDL-C) is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for excretion. HDL-C helps protect your arteries from the buildup of plaque, which can lead to atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Additionally, HDL-C plays a role in metabolic health by influencing insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a biomarker that measures low levels of inflammation in your body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic low-level inflammation can be a sign of underlying health issues, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Elevated hs-CRP levels are associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and conditions like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Homocysteine (HCY) is an amino acid in your blood that is normally broken down by vitamins B6, B12, and folate. Measuring homocysteine levels is important because high levels can indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. Elevated homocysteine levels can also be linked to deficiencies in these essential vitamins.

Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a blood test that measures the blood's capacity to bind and transport iron. High TIBC levels can indicate iron deficiency, meaning your body needs more iron to function properly, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue and weakness. Low TIBC levels might suggest excess iron storage or certain medical conditions affecting iron metabolism.

LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C), often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, is a type of cholesterol that can build up in the walls of your arteries, forming plaques. This buildup can narrow and harden your arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

The LDL:ApoB ratio compares low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to apolipoprotein B, a structural protein present in all atherogenic lipoproteins. Because each atherogenic particle contains one ApoB molecule, this ratio helps indicate LDL particle size and density. A lower ratio may signal a higher proportion of small, dense LDL particles, which are more strongly linked to cardiovascular risk than larger LDL particles, even at the same LDL-C level.

The LDL-C to HDL-C ratio is an important measure of heart health. LDL-C is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in your arteries, leading to blockages and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. HDL-C, on the other hand, is known as "good" cholesterol because it correlates with cholesterol removal from the blood. By comparing the levels of these two types of cholesterol, doctors can assess your risk for cardiovascular issues more accurately than looking at total cholesterol alone. A lower LDL-C/HDL-C ratio generally indicates better heart health and a lower risk of heart problems.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in managing stress, regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation, and controlling blood sugar levels. Abnormally high cortisol levels can be a sign of chronic stress, Cushing's syndrome, or other health problems, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood swings. Conversely, abnormally low cortisol levels can indicate adrenal insufficiency or Addison's disease, resulting in fatigue, weight loss, and low blood pressure.

Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health and other bodily functions. In women, prolactin is essential for breast development and milk production during and after pregnancy. In men, prolactin helps regulate testosterone levels and can affect sperm production.

Total testosterone in males is a crucial biomarker that measures the overall amount of testosterone, a key hormone responsible for regulating many important functions. Testosterone plays a vital role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, mood, and sexual health, including libido and sperm production. Low testosterone levels can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, reduced muscle mass, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and mood changes. Conversely, excessively high testosterone levels can also be problematic and may require medical attention.

The testosterone:cortisol ratio is a valuable biomarker that measures the balance between testosterone, a hormone essential for muscle growth and energy, and cortisol, a hormone related to stress and breakdown of tissue. This ratio provides insights into your overall hormonal balance and how well your body is managing stress and recovery. A high testosterone:cortisol ratio suggests a favorable environment for muscle growth, physical performance, and recovery, indicating that your body is in a healthy, anabolic state. On the other hand, a low ratio can indicate increased stress, overtraining, or insufficient recovery, which can lead to muscle breakdown, fatigue, and impaired performance.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a crucial biomarker used to assess thyroid function. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by the thyroid gland. These hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. High TSH levels can indicate hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), where the thyroid isn't producing enough hormones, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Low TSH levels can indicate hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), where the thyroid produces too many hormones, causing symptoms like weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat.

The Total Cholesterol:HDL-C ratio compares the total amount of cholesterol in your blood to the amount of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), often referred to as "good" cholesterol. A lower ratio is generally better because it indicates a higher level of HDL-C relative to total cholesterol, which means your body is more effective at removing excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. This helps prevent the buildup of plaques in your arteries, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a higher level of "bad" cholesterol relative to HDL-C, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood, and they are an important biomarker for assessing your overall health, especially your heart health. Measuring triglyceride levels is valuable because high levels can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis. Elevated triglycerides are often associated with other conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. High triglycerides can also be a sign of insulin resistance, where your body doesn't use insulin effectively, leading to higher blood sugar levels and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

The Triglyceride:HDL-C ratio compares the level of triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood, to the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), often called "good" cholesterol. A higher Triglyceride:HDL-C ratio can indicate a higher risk of heart disease because it suggests that there are more fats in your blood relative to the amount of protective HDL-C. This condition can lead to the buildup of plaques in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Additionally, a high Triglyceride:HDL-C ratio is a strong indicator of insulin resistance, a condition where your body doesn't respond well to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is a key factor in metabolic syndrome, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The TSH:T4 ratio reflects how effectively the thyroid gland responds to pituitary signals. A higher ratio may indicate reduced thyroid hormone production or early signs of hypothyroidism, even when individual TSH or T4 levels appear normal. This ratio can offer a more sensitive view of thyroid function balance and is useful for identifying subtle changes in metabolic health or early thyroid dysfunction.

VLDL transports triglycerides in the bloodstream and is considered a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Elevated VLDL levels can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing heart disease risk.