EVALUATING BLOOD TESTS FROM A TCM PERSPECTIVE
The following is a list of common serological tests. The General Laboratory Values are first listed. The optimum values are what is preferred. In the left hand column you will find the Western medical problem; in the right hand column you will find the common syndrome most often found in combination with the medical problem and the elevation or depression of the blood chemistry.
Key: ^ & > = increased; more, heightened; intensified
< = decreased; less, diminished
RED BLOOD COUNT (RBC)
The red blood cell is a carrier of oxygen through the hemoglobin it contains. The RBC value measures the actual oxygen carrying ability of the blood.
General Laboratory Values: Male: 4.4-6.2 million cu.MM
Female: 3.8-5.4 million cu.MM
Red Blood Cell Increased In:
B6 Anemia Sp, Kid Qi Xu
Emphysema (check HGB) Sp, Kid, Lu Zi Xu; Lu Yin Xu
Respiratory Distress (check total protein) Kid Qi Xu; Lu Qi Xu
Adrenal Hyperfunction (check potassium) Kid Damp Heat
Cystic Fibrosis Sp Qi Xu; Liv Stagnation
Damp Heat
Red Blood Cell Decreased in:
Iron Anemia (check HGB) Sp Qi Xu; Lu Qi Xu
Folic Acid Anemia (check MCV/MCH) Sp Qi Xu
Hereditary Anemia <Jing Qi; Sp Qi Xu
Liver Dysfunction (check SGPT) Li Stagnation; Li Heat
Renal Dysfunction (check creatinine) Kid Qi Xu
Free Radical Pathology <Wei Qi; Sp, Kid Qi Xu
Increased Decreased
Eosinophils, Bilirubin, BUN RBC, HCT, HGB, MCV, MCH
General Picture of Cadmium Poisoning (including toxic metal)
SGOT, SGPT, Calcium Phosphorous
General Picture of Mercury Poisoning (including toxic metal)
SSGOT, SGPT CO 2
General Picture of Arsenic Poisoning (including toxic metal)
Increased Decreased
Alkaline Phosphatase
Selenium/Vitamin E anti-oxidant
Zinc - <zinc associated with toxic metal >
Calcium/Magnesium prevents lead particularly from depositing in body (^EOS)
Vitamin C heat in bld; (^EOS; ^Uric Acid)
Milk Thistle Extract hepatoprotective; (^EOS; ^BUN; ^Uric Acid)
Isatis Formula w/ infx; toxic heat in liver; (^BUN; ^Uric Acid)
Fiber Combination removes toxic metabolites more quickly; broom effect
Siberian Ginseng Combination adaptogenic; reduces metal and radiation poisoning
NOTE: After detoxification is achieved use an adaptogen such as American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, or Siberian Ginseng Combination one month per year is an excellent prophylactic measure.
HEMATOCRIT (HTC)
Hematocrit represents the packed cell volume of red blood cells. It is the percentage of the total volume occupied by packed red blood cells when a given volume of whole blood is centrifuged at a constant speed for a constant period of time. HCT is one of the most precise ways of measuring the degree of anemia. Hematocrit combined with serum iron and hemoglobin is a diagnostic tool for determining iron excess or deficiency.
General Laboratory Values: Males: 39-54%
Females: 35-48%
Dehydration Kid Yin Xu; Lu Yin Xu; Ht Bld Xu
Asthma Spleen Qi Xu; Kid Qi Xu; Lu Qi Xu
Emphysema Spleen Qi Xu; Kid Qi Xu; Lu Qi Xu; Lu Yin Xu
Respiratory Distress Kid. Qi Xu; Lu Qi Xu
Adrenal Hyperfunction Kidney Damp Heat
Diarrhea Spleen Damp Heat; LI Damp Heat
Capilaris & Hoelen Formula Damp Heat (diarrhea; adrenal^)
Hoelen 5 Formula - Dampness (diarrhea; adrenal hyperfx)
Parasites LI Stagnation; Liver Stagnation, Sp Qi Xu
Adrenal Hypofunction Kid Qi Xu
Anemias Spleen Qi Xu; Lu Zi Xu; LI Xu; Liver Bld. Def.
Digestive Inflammation Spleen Qi Xu; Damp Heat Spleen
Liver Dysfunction Liver Stagnation; Live Heat
Renal Dysfunction Kid Qi Xu
Rheumatoid Arthritis Spleen Qi Xu; Kid Qi Zu, <Wei Qi; Liv. Stag.
Ginseng & Longan Formula - Qi/Blood Def (B 12 def; folic acid def; fe<)
Ginseng Nutritive Formula - Qi/Blood Def (B1 def; B12<; fe<)
Tang Kuei & Ginseng 8 Formula - Qi/Bld Def (B-12<; adrenal<)
Minor Bupleurum Formula - Liv Stag.; St Phlegm; (Liv dysfx; parasites)
Bupleurum & Cinnamon Formula - Liv Stag. w/Ht; (Liv dysfx; rheumatoid arthritis)
HEMOGLOBIN (HGB)
Hemoglobin is the circulating iron containing pigment, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. It is a measurement of how earth feeds metal. Hemoglobins ability to transport oxygen depends upon pH and the presence of ferrous iron. Hemoglobin is the most abundant protein found within the red blood cell. Hemoglobin level measures the amount of intracellular iron. Hemoglobin is synthesized in most bodily tissues but the liver is the largest heme producing organ. (The muscles being fed by iron as well as glucose liver). In the bone marrow heme is transformed into hemoglobin. It is also a measurement of how the metal manipulates the wood.
It is important to note that infants have a higher hemoglobin level than adults. (growth/wood excess in infants). Hemoglobin is considered along with hematocrit, red blood cells, MCV and MCH in determining anemia. Ideally serum iron and ferritin will also be measured.
General Laboratory Values: Males: 13.0 18.0 G/DL
Females 11.5 16.0 G/DL
Asthma Spleen Qi Xu; Kid Qi Xu; Lu Qi Xu
Emphysema Spleen Qi Xu; Kid Qi Xu; Lu Qi/Yin Xu
Adrenal Dysfunction Kidney Damp Heat
Diarrhea/Dehydration Spleen Damp Heat; LI Damp Heat
Increased Decreased
HGB, HCT Lymph
QBC, Eosinophils Potassium
Homeopathic Remedy - Arsenicum Album; Pulsatilla; Phosphorous
Antronex - Liver Stagnation
Pancreatic Enzyme - Sp Qi Xu
Adrenal Extract - Kid Qi Xu
Calcium/Magnesium - will alleviate wiry pulse
Minor Blue Dragon Formula - Phlegm/Damp; Lu Qi Zu; ^EOS
Pinellia X Formula - Phlegm/Damp Heat; sinus; ^LDH, ^EOS, <K
Pueraria Formula - Wind Cold; GB congestion; ^EOS, ^WBC
Parasites LI Stagnation; Li Stagnation; Sp Qi Xu
Adrenal Hypofunction Kid Qi Xu
Anemias <Wei Qi; Lu Qi Xu; Sp Qi Xu; Kid Xu; Jing Qi Xu
Digestive Inflammation Sp Qi Xu; Sp Damp Heat
Liver Dysfunction Li Stagnation; Li Heat; Li Heat Rising
Renal Dysfunction Kid Qi Xu]
Rheumatoid Arthritis Spleen Qi Xu; Kid Qi Xu; <Wei Qi
Increased Decreased
Globulin above 2.8 MCV, MCH, MCHC
Bilirubin
Alfalfa Extract - TID two weeks; BID two weeks
Liver Extract - TID (<HCT, <HGB, <Fe, <Bilirubin)
HCL - with meals (<Fe)
Floradix - TID (<HCT, <HGB)
Dong Quai Combination - Blood Def; w/Sp Qi Xu)
Tang Kuei Four Formula - Blood Def; anemia<aft. Mense; (<HCT, HGB, Fe, RBC)
Increased Decreased
HGB, MCV, MCH, Iron WBC, Cholesterol
Folic Acid/B12 400 mcg/500 mcg TID 2 weeks
400 mcg/500 mcg BID 2 months
Liquid B Complex one dose BID 2 months
]Thymus Extract two tablets TID 2 weeks
Tang Kuei & Ginseng Form. Sp & Liv Bld Def; fatigue (MCV^; MCH^, WBC<) following mense or illness
Ginseng & Longan Formula Sp Qi Xu; calmative; insomnia
Ginseng Nutritive Formula Geriatric anemia (^MCV; ^MCH; <WBC)
Floradix Consider for vegetarians and Cold Sp/St
Dong Quai Combination Sp Qi Xu; thyroid imbalance
Increased Decreased
MCV; MCH; Iron; LDH RBC; HGB; HCT; Folate, Uric Acid, Potassium
Folic Acid/B12 400 mcg/500 mcg TID 2 weeks
400 mcg/500 mcg BID 2 months
Liquid B Complex one dose BID 2 months
Alfalfa Extract dose TID
Ginseng & Astragalus Formula Sp Qi Xu; (Folate<, RBC<, MCV>)
Tang Kuei & Peony Formula Bld Xu; Kid Qi Xu; (MCV>, Folate<; HGB<; HTC<)
It is difficult to differentiate between folic acid anemia and B-12 anemia. One generalization: if the patient is suffering with a looser stool, supplement first with folic acid. If the patient has leanings more toward constipation, use B-12 first. With both anemias the Qi of the Stomach is diminished. Herbal Spleen Qi enhancing formulas such as Ginseng and Astragalus as well as/or HCL should be considered.
B-12 and Folic Acid should be considered when dealing with inflamed nerve tissue or degeneration (myalgias), blood sugar disorders, vegetarians and pregnant women. (Pregnancy/neural tube defect). Iron anemia could be the outcome of a history of excessive aspirin use. If sclera of the eyes are blue, need for iron.
MCV indicates the volume in cubic microns occupied by an average single red blood cell. MCV increases or decreases with an increase or decrease in MCH is a finding for folic acid/B-12 deficiency (increase) or iron, copper or B-6 (decrease).
General Laboratory Values: 80 100 cuMM
Increased Decreased
Folic acid/B-12 anemia Parasites (check eosinophils)
Hereditary anemia Iron anemia (check HGB)
Hypochlorhydria (check food allergies)
B-6 anemia; Vit. C anemia
Rheumatoid arthritis; Lead poisoning
MCH indicates the weight of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell. When MCH >s or <s with an > or < in MCV it is an indicator for folic acid and/or B-12 deficiency. A < in MCH with a < in MCV will point to an iron, B-6 or copper deficiency.
General Laboratory Values: 27 33 micro micrograms
Increased Decreased
B-12/Folic Acid anemia Parasites
Hereditary anemia Iron anemia, Copper deficiency
Rheumatoid Arthritis (check Alk Phos)
Toxic metal poisoning lead, etc.
Indicates the hemoglobin concentration per 100ml of packed red blood cells.
General Laboratory values: 31 36%
Platelets, or thrombocytes, are tiny bits of cytoplasm, much smaller than the red blood cells but lacking a nucleus. They are round or biconcave disks and are normally about 30 to 40 times more numerous than the white blood cells. They are produced as broken fragments of the cytoplasm of the giant cells of the bone marrow the megakaryocytes. The platelets primary function is to stop bleeding, with the help of certain clotting proteins in the plasma. When tissue is damaged, the platelets aggregate in clumps to obstruct blood flow through the smallest vessels, the capillaries. In the larger vessels, the clumps of platelets form a site around which a blood clot forms, aided by a clot-promoting factor freed by the platelets as they break down. In short, platelets are responsible in the blood clotting mechanism.
General Laboratory Values: 150,00 450,00 CuMM
Increased Decreased
Anemia Anemia
Rheumatoid Arthritis Liver Dysfunction; Lupus
WHITE BLOOD CELLS (TOTAL WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT)
White Blood Cells are divided into two groups: 1) Granulocytes: neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils, 2) Nongranulocytes: lymphocytes and monocytes.
General Laboratory Values: 4 11 Thous./cu.mm.
Increased Decreased
Measles, Mumps (onset) Measles, Mumps (Late)
Mono (2nd/3rd wk) Mono (1st wk/chronic)
Parasites Parasites
Adrenal Dysfunction Adrenal Dysfunction
Infection (abscess) Chronic Infection (viral/bacterial)
Flu w/additional infx. Flu (onset)
Asthma B-12, B-6, Folic Acid Anemia
Lupus Erythematosis (LDH^; SED^)
Monos^; Cholest^; Albumin<; HCT/HGB<;
Lymphs<; Platelets<
Week #1 Yin Qiao one dose QID first 48 hours
Echinacea Combination one dose TID/QID
Vitamin C mineral ascorbate 500-1000 MG QID
Thymus Extract 2 tablets TID
Proteolytic Enzymes dose TID betw. Meals
Consider stomach protective measurement
Week #2 Isatis Formula dose TID
Zinc Picolinate 15 mg. BID
Consider short course of pancreatic enzyme for Spleen Deficiency
Week #3 Minor Bupleurum Formula dose TID
Thymus Extract dose TID
NEUTROPHILS
Neutrophils are predominantly involved with phagocytosis. Neutrophil count is a way of determining the strength of the immune systems ability to fight infection.
General Laboratory Values: 45 75 percent of total WBCs
Increased Decreased
Infection Infection
Adrenal Dysfunction; Gout Bone Marrow Depression
Pregnancy Last Trimester Iron, B-12, Folic Acid
BANDS OR NON-SEGMENTED NEUTROPHILS
Bands are the youngest form of neutrophils typically found in the peripheral blood. They increase during acute infection with or without an increase in the total WBC. BAND measurement is useful in determining an infectious process.
General Laboratory Values: 0 10% of total WBCs
Increased Decreased
Acute Infection Not considered a significant finding
LYMPHOCYTES
Lymphocytes help to destroy toxic metabolites of protein metabolism. They originate from lymphoblasts in the spleen, lymph, glands, tonsils, bone marrow and thymus. They help to determine the stage of infection: acute; recovery; chronic. Generally when lymphs are high there is some systemic toxicity; when lymphs are low there is often chronic viral infection.
General Laboratory Values: 18 46 percent
Increased Decreased
Infection; Flu Infection; Flu
Parasites Lupus
Anterior Pituitary Hypofunction Late Pregnancy
Adrenal Dysfunction Adrenal Dysfunction
Hyperthyroidism Immune Deficiency
Day #1: Aconite 200x one dose
Yin Qiao one dose QID
Curing Formula one dose TID
Days #2 5: Echinacea Combination one dose QID
Consider additional Echinacea
Vitamin C 1,000 MG QID
Wobenzyme one/two with meal
Consider proteolytic enzymes between meals
Days #6 10 Isatis Formula one dose QID
Acidophilus/Bifidus one dose BID
Wobenzyme one/two with meal
Zymex II 3 caps two times daily between meals
Jade Screen Formula dose BID
MONOCYTES
The monocyte is a young macrophage. The cells that line sinusoids in spleen, liver and lymph notes derive from the same monocyte-macrophage pool. Normal macrophages have enzyme systems capable of synthesizing and of degrading sphingolipids, compounds important in biologic membranes and especially prominent in the nervous system. Monocytes are of primary importance in diagnosing mononucleosis. At the onset of illness the WBC may be low but by the end of the first week the count will usually be between 10,000 - 30,000mm. There is an increase in lymphocytes as well as monocytes which will often be over 15%.
General Laboratory Values: 0 - 10%
Parasites Not Significant
Hepatitis (SGPT)
Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (Creatinine)
Acute Infection; Mumps
Addressing liver stagnation is most important. Simultaneously consider blood cleansers, anti-virals and liver regulators.
Day #1: Echinacea Combination - 2 droppers 5x daily
Vitamin C - 1,000 mg. - 5x daily
Appropriate Homeopathic - 4x daily
(Oscillococinnum)
Days #2, 3, 4: Echinacea Combination - 2 droppers 3x daily
Isatis Formula (with stronger spleen) - 2 droppers 3x daily
Adrenal Extract and Vitamin C - QID
Days #5,6,7: Isatis Formula - 2 droppers 2x daily
Minor Bupleurum Formula - 2 droppers 3x daily
Merc. Sol, Merc. Viv, or Merc. Dulc. - dose 3x daily
EOSINOPHILS (EOS)
Eosinophils are the mediators in acute inflammation and increase with allergies, some skin disease, after radiation exposure and parasites. EOS are involved with the detoxification and removal of excess proteins. W/ elevation food sensitivities are important to consider. Elevated eosinophils are decreased with adrenal support. It is important when regulating EOS that urinary and saliva pH is maintained between 6.0-6.5.
General Laboratory Values: 0-6%
Allergies (IgE) not significant
Asthma (IgE/HGB)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Alk. Phos.)
Hayfever; Dermatological Disorders
Parasites (IgE/<Fe/MCH/MCV/HGB/HCT)
Hyperthyroidism (T3 Uptake)
Adrenal Cortical Hypofunction (K)
Anterior Pituitary Hypofunction (TSH)
Week #1: Rule out need for HCL
Echinacea Extract - 2 droppers TID
Pancreatic Enzymes - dose w/ meals
Zymex - (for children) - dose BID
Thymus Extract - dose TID
Week #2: Pancreatic Enzymes
Adrenal Extract - dose TID
Vitamin C - dose TID
Symptom specific formula: Minor Bupleurum; Minor Blue Dragon; Du Huo and Loranthus; Pueraria comb.; or Milk Thistle Extract
Calcium/Magnesium - dose BID
Week #3: Syndrome specific herbal formula
Thymus/Adrenal as needed
Vitamin C - BID
Zinc - BID
B-12 - BID
BASOPHILS (BASO)
Basophils contain enzymes called lysosomes. Lysosomes activate the release of histamine and hyaluronic acid. Basophils release heparin essential to fighting inflammation and preventing clotting of the blood in inflamed tissue. Hyalouronic acid is an interstitial adhesive/protective factor whose production is associated with cortisol output.
General Laboratory Values: 0 -2%
Parasites (EOS) not significant
Chickenpox (WBC)
Flu; Inflammation
Hypothyroidism (T3/T4)
Chronic Hemolytic Anemia (RBC/HGB)
SEDIMENTATION RATE
The Sedimentation Rate helps to determine inflammation and/or destruction within a disease process. It helps in following the course of an established condition and also signals the onset of inflammation. Fibrogen increases the Sed. Rate, while an increase in albumin decreases the Sed. Rate. The liver is the seat of albumin synthesis. A damaged liver, therefore, can contribute to low albumin with a corresponding increased Sed. Rate.
General Laboratory Values: Male - 0 - 15 MM/HR
Female - 0-20 MM/HR
Inflammation Not significant
THYROID
Control of oxygen consumption is the most conspicuous biologic effect of the thyroid hormones, a physiologic variable measured in simplest fashion by the basal metabolic rate. Thyroid hormones also influence carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and the mobilization of electrolytes, and the conversion of carotene to vitamin A. (wood/fire). Although the mechanism is not fully apparent, thyroid hormones are essential for development of the CNS and the thyroid deficient infant suffers irreversible mental damage. The thyroid deficient adult may have slowed deep tendon reflexes.
Thyroid hormones affect synthesis and metabolism of fats. Abnormalities within the endocrine system may be reflected in altered lipid levels. In hyperthyroidism, degradation and excretion increase more than synthesis, resulting in low levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Hypothyroidism slows catabolism more than it affects synthesis, and hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Hypothyroidism secondary to pituitary failure, however does not cause lipids to rise. In an obviously hyypothyroid patient, a normal serum cholesterol level should direct attention to the pituitary. (Is the problem wood or water). Cholesterol levels will often drop within 3 weeks after thyroid medication.
The thyroid gland synthesizes its hormones from iodine and the essential amino acid tyrosine. Most of the body's iodine enters through the alimentary tract as iodide, but under certain circumstances, the lungs and skin may be portals of entry. Of the iodine that enters the body, approximately one third enters the thyroid gland and two thirds leaves the body in urine.
Enzymes oxidize iodide to organic iodine, which is incorporated into monoiodotyrosine and diiodotyrosine. These one and two iodine containing compounds are building blocks for the active thyroid hormones T4 which has four iodine molecules, and triiodothyronine T3, which has three.
Useful to dx. Hyperthyroidism.
General Laboratory Values: .8 - 1.2
Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism; Pregnancy
Protein Malnutrition Estrogens/Anti-Ovulatory Drugs
Renal Dysfunction Triiodothyronine Rx. for Hypothyroidism
Propylthioouracil Rx. for Hyperthyroidism
T-4 THYROXINE
T-4 is a product of the thyroid follicular cell. It influences the entire body's metabolism. In primary hypothyroidism T-4 levels are usually low. In many cases of sub-clinical hypothyroidism (chk. Daily temperature), T-4 levels may be low normal.
General Laboratory Values: 4.5 - 12 mcg/100m.
T-4
Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism, Renal Dysfunction
Liver Cirrhosis Diabetes; Anterior Pituitary Dysfunction
Pregnancy Protein Malnutrition
THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH)
TSH is secreted from the pituitary gland. It regulates the uptake of iodine as well as the synthesis and secretion of the thyroid hormones. TSH is influenced by hypothalamic stimulation as well as T4 concentration.
General Laboratory Values: .4 - 6 mcIU/ml
TSH
Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism
Liver Cirrhosis Anterior Pituitary Hypofunction
Hyperthyroidism
T4, T3 Uptake; Glucose; BUN Basophils; Albumin; Calcium
Alkaline Phos; Eosinophils Total Protein; HCT; HGB; Iron
Magnesium; Cholesterol; Triglycerides
Hypothyroidism
LDH, Calcium, Magnesium T3 Uptake; T4; HCT; HGB; Iron
Basophils; Cholesterol; Triglycerides Sodium
SYMPTOMATOLOGY
Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism
>Cholesterol, Triglycerides <cholesterol, triglycerides
>Serum Carotene (yellow skin) >skin temp, pulse rat, pulse pressure
>Muscle Enzymes: CPK, AST, LDH >Alkaline Phosphatase
>Prolactin Altered glucose/insulin relationship
Anemia; HGB @ 10g/dl >Proportion of lymphs in differential WBC
Capillary fragility >Urinary calcium excretion
Spinal fluid protein
Pituitary/Hypothalmus
The thyroid produces hormones upon stimulation by the pituitary hormone variously called thyrotropin or thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Pituitary production of TSH (Kidney energy) follows stimulation by a hypothalamic protein called thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), which responds to activity levels of T3 and T4 in the blood passing through the hypothalamus. When hormone levels are low TRH provokes TSH secretion, which then accelerates all aspects of thyroidal iodine metabolism and hormone production.
GLUCOSE
This test is a useful indicator of glucose metabolism disorders.
Glucose represents the synthesis of carbohydrates and is the form in which carbohydrate is supplied to the cell from body fluids. In other words, glucose is the essence (yin) of carbohydrate metabolism. Insulin, of particular importance in the transport of glucose into the fat cell, lowers serum glucose while adrenal and pituitary hormones tend to elevate it through their effects on the liver. The thyroid gland, on the other hand, by helping with the selective activity of the intestinal tract for sugar, increases blood sugar if it is overactive and decreases blood sugar if it is under-active.
Since brain cells cannot derive energy from anaerobic metabolism of glucose, they are most vulnerable to hypoglycemia (enter brain fog)
General Laboratory Values: 65-115 MG/DL
Diabetes Damp Heat in Spleen; Liv. Stag.
Acute/Chronic Pancreatitis Damp Heat in Spleen
Digestive Inflammation Damp Heat in Spleen
Digestive Inflammation Damp heat in Spleen
Hyperthyroidism Damp Heat in Spleen; Liv. Stag.
Pregnancy Damp Heat in Spleen
Adrenal Cortical Hyperfunction Damp Heat in Kidney
Chronic Renal Dysfunction Damp Heat in Kidney
Cardiac Dysfunction Damp Heat in Heart
Hypothyroidism Spleen Qi Xu
Malnutrition Spleen Qi Xu
Pregnancy Spleen Qi Xu
Hypochlorhydria Spleen Qi Xu
Liver Dysfunction Spleen Qi Xu; Wind Attacking Earth
Hypoglycemia Spleen Qi Xu; Kidney Qi Xu
Anterior Pituitary Dysfunction Kidney Qi Xu
Adrenal Cortical Hypofunction Kidney Qi Xu
Glucose; Basophiles; Creatinine Calcium; Insulin; Lymphocytes; T-cells
GGTP, Triglycerides; Cholesterol Blood pH; Phosphorous; Chloride
BUN; Uric Acid; Alk. Phos & LDH normal-^ Albumin & Magnesium normal to <
It is interesting to note that with diabetes or pre-diabetic condition, the serum triglycerides will often be higher than the serum cholesterol. In Oriental Medicine this would relate to the predominant problem being Damp Heat in the Spleen as opposed to pure Liver Stagnation.
Astragalus & Ganoderma Formula Deficiency of Qi and Yin
Anem-Phello & Rhemannia Formula Heat w/ Yin Deficiency
Bitter Herb Combination Liv Stag.; Phlegm in Stomach/Sp.
Bupleurum/Dragon Bone Formula Diabetes w/ hypertension
Dandelion Extract Liver Stag.; ^Cholesterol/Trigs.
Goldenseal Extract Heat in St.; Dampness; infx.
Echinacea Combination if associated with infection
Garlic Hyperglycemia w/atherosclerosis
Chromium 100 mcg. BID Stabilizes blood sugar
L-glutamine 500 mg. BID between meals or beg. meal; sustains blood sugar
Niacin/Niacinamide 100 mg. 2X daily every other week 3 months
Lipotropics (Choline, Methionine, Inositol) 350 mg. BID digest fats
Zinc (taste test) 15 mg. BID; slow healing; check nails; fungal infx.
Vit. A (emulsion or cap) 15,000 IU diabetics have difficulty converting beta-carotene to Vit. A
Vit. C Mineral ascorbate 1,000 mg. TID
Vit. E Caution with hypertensive diabetic 200 IU BID TID
Those who have an onset of diabetes with adulthood (type II diabetics) are not able to perceive sweet tastes easily. The taste buds must be very stimulated with a large amount of concentrated sweet for the taste to be perceive. Its almost as if the Spleen has lost some of its intelligence, discerning power or Qi.
This patients inability to perceive sweet tastes makes it very difficult for them to lose weight. WHY? They do not recognize sweet foods as such, and will often consume large amounts of sugary type foods. This test will often detect an impaired ability to taste sweets.
STEP #1: Make sure the patient has not consumed caffeinated stimulants within the last three hours.
STEP #2: Label seven glasses as: 1: No sugar; 2: Ό tsp. sugar; 3: ½ tsp. sugar; 4: 1 tsp. sugar, 5: 1 ½ tsp. sugar; 6: 2 tsp. sugar; 7: 3 tsp. sugar. Place these amounts of sugar in eight ounces of water.
STEP #3: Have the patient sip with a straw from each glass. After each taste have them rinse their mouth with water. Most people without a sugar disorder will be able to perceive a sweet taste with only one teaspoon or less of sugar in the eight ounces of water. Most individuals with a sugar disorder will need 2 to 3 teaspoons of sugar present in the eight ounces to perceive sweetness.
Growth Hormone^ Glucose <
Insulin^ LDH normal to <
A hypoglycemic may display any or all of the following symptoms: fatigue, dizziness, headache, irritability, depression, anxiety, tightness in the chest, sweet cravings, confusion, night sweats, weakness in the legs, nervous habits, insomnia and an assortment of pains. These symptoms relate to various syndromes, the most obvious being Spleen Qi Xu, Kid. Qi Xu and Liver Stag.
A low normal glucose combined with a low normal LDH is reason to suspect hypoglycemia. In Oriental Medicine this would be associated with Spleen Qi Xu. Hypochlorhydria (St. Def.) and biliary stasis (Liver Stagnation) are prominent syndromes in most cases of hypoglycemia. Low blood pressure (Kid. Qi Xu) is also common amongst hypoglycemics.
With blood sugar problems, a craving for sweets is common. Bile salts for a short period of time 2 weeks, along with chromium, is an effective way to diminish this sweet craving. Ginseng & Astragalus and/or Ginseng & Atractylodes Formulas will enhance digestion and help to take the extreme dip out of the blood sugar curve. Homeopathics: Pulsatilla; Arg. Nit.
Headaches associated with chronic low glucose: Ginseng & Astragalus Formula
Hypoglycemia prior to menstruation is often due to a poor diet of excess sugar and fats. Harmonizing the liver/gallbladder with Bupleurum and Tang Kuei Formula (for the more Blood Def.) of Bupleurum and Paeonia Formula (for the more Liver Stag. wiry pulse) will assist in controlling the blood sugar before menses.
A flat glucose curve is common with learning disabilities and personality disorders or disturbed Shen. Heavy metals may also be the culprit here.
Food allergies, especially gluten and milk, may often cause blood sugar fluctuations.
If LDH and glucose are low and such symptoms as hypochlorhydria, (Sp. Qi Xu) hypotension and adrenal fatigue, (Kid. Qi Xu); and acidic urine and saliva (Stagnation) one must rule our food allergies. Avoidance of allergens, simple sugars and over-cooked fats is a must.
Ginseng & Astragalus Formula Sp. Qi Xu; prolapse; taken betw. Meals will help to control blood sugar; taken w/ meals assists digestion.
Saussurea & Cardamon Formula Sp. Qi Xu; Damp; St. Stagnation; gas; w/meals to resolve digestive symptoms
Ginger Extract Cold; Stagnant St.; w/ meals for digestion; between meals for nausea, morning sickness
Echinacea Extract low grade infx. (5 days 2x each month 3 months)
Licorice Extract may be added to Ginseng and Astragalus Formula. By itself effective as a Kid. Qi tonic for one week at a time. Administer at 11 AM and 3 PM. (do not use with hypertensives or individuals with sodium retention. Used historically in the treatment of Addisons Dx (exaggerated Kid. Qi Xu). Licorice Extract enhances endogenous activity of mineralocorticoids via inhibition of degradation by the liver. Glycyrrhizin suppresses 5-beta-reductase, the main enzyme responsible for inactivating cortisol, aldosterone and progesterone. Glycyrrhiza also has significant anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity. Glycyrrhetinic acid was the first drug shown to treat peptic ulcers. Glycyrrhetinic acid also effective in speeding the healing of oral and genital herpes.
Chromium
Bile Salts
Adrenal Extract
Liquid B Complex p 50 mg. 2x daily imperative in carbohydrate metabolism. Augments Spleen Qi. Will create heat and is therefore not as effective in diabetes as in hypoglycemia.
B-12 500 mcg. As needed (may be given IM 1 cc. Every 5 days for 4 doses. Will assist in bowel absorption of nutrients. Enhances communication or feeding from the earth to metal. Assists in resolution of diarrhea/constipation associated with food allergies/hypoglycemic symptoms.
Note: a useful injection: B complex (1 cc) plus pyridoxine (1/2 cc) once per week for one month has shown to be very effective in the beginning stages of treatment for hypoglycemia. This is a relatively mild treatment and can be combined with any of the herbal formulas. ACE injections in small amounts will also assist in initial stages of tx.
Pantothenic Acid 350 mg. BID/TID magnesium is important in sugar metabolism.
Lipotrophics (Choline, Methionine, Inositol) Liv. Stag.; ^lipids
Fiber Combination (Guar Gum, Psyllium, etc.) LI Stag.; may create a problem w/ Sp Qi Xu. Begin with small amounts.
CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
In the combustion of food, oxygen is used and carbon dioxide is given off. The rate of oxygen consumption indicates the energy expenditure of an organism, or its metabolic rate. The metabolic rate of any given animal at any given time is highly variable and is influenced by many diverse factors, including amount of muscular activity; quality of diet; presence or absence of digestion, lactation or pregnancy; time of day or year; period of the menstrual cycle and emotional state. Although most CO@ is lost through the lungs, some is converted to bicarbonate. This bicarbonate is part of the alkaline reserve available for neutralization of acids. Arterial blood has a lower total CO2 than venous blood.
General Laboratory Values: 22-32 mEq/L
Fever; Respiratory Distress/Alkalosis Dehydration; Acidosis
Adrenal Hyperfunction Renal Dysfunction
TOTAL IRON
Iron is largely absorbed across the mucosa of the duodenum and proximal jejunum. Gastric juice plays an important but not thoroughly understood role in promoting absorption. The low pH of gastric juice makes iron more available from iron-rich foods.
General Laboratory Values: 40 170 mcg/mL
Pernicious Anemia/B-12 Iron Anemia; Parasitic Infection
Liver/Kidney Dysfunction Liver/Kidney Dysfunction; Gastrointestinal Dx. (peptic ulcer; diverticulitis)
CALCIUM
Calcium is absorbed from the upper part of the small intestine. Absorption depends upon the relative acidity of the intestinal contents and the amount of phosphate present. Calcium absorption is influenced by parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and Vitamin D.
General Laboratory Values: 8.5 10.5 mg/dl
Hyperparathyroidism Hypoparathyroidism]
Ovarian Hyperfunction Ovarian Hypofunction
Epilepsy Osteoporosis; Acidosis; Hypochlorydria
PHOSPHOROUS
Phosphorous plays an important role in the hemostasis of calcium and in reactions involving carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. The chemical energy of the body is stored in high energy phosphate: compounds. Calcium and phosphorous dynamics are largely regulated by the effects of parathyroid hormone on bone and on urinary excretion and the effects of vitamin D metabolites on intestinal absorption and on bone. Parathyroid hormone causes increased resorption of both calcium and phosphorous from bone; it suppresses urinary calcium, causing serum calcium levels to rise and serum phosphate levels to fall. Vitamin D stimulates absorption of calcium and phosphorous from intestinal contents, and accelerates the turnover of both minerals in the bone.
General Laboratory Values: 2.5 4.5 mg/dl
Renal/Liver Dysfx. Digestive Dysfx; <HCL
Ovarian Hyperfunction Ovarian Hypofunction
Fractures; Increased Vit. D levels Diabetes; Decreased Vit. D. levels
WATER: KIDNEY/BLADDER
SODIUM
Sodium levels alone are of limited diagnostic use. It is important to compare the relative measurement of sodium vs. potassium. Excessive sodium levels implies heat in the kidney. Low levels of serum sodium imply Kidney Qi Deficiency.
Adrenal Cortical Hyperfunction Adrenal Cortical Hypofunction
Congestive Heart Failure Diabetes; Diarrhea
Diabetes; Water softeners Excessive perspiration following exercise
POTASSIUM
Potassium levels can indicate in which general direction the bodys pH is going. Increased levels of potassium are indicative of acidosis while decreased levels are indicative of alkalosis. With chronic potassium elevation one has to consider immunodepression and/or inflammation.
General Laboratory Values: 3.5 5.3 mEq. per liter
Adrenal Hypofunction Adrenal Hyperfunction
Asthma, Emphysema Vomiting; Diuretics; Diarrhea]
Renal Dysfunction Hypertension
CHLORIDES
Sodium, potassium and chloride ions surround the cell plasma membrane. Comparing the measurements of these three ions one can get general information on the basic functioning of the kidney and the relationship of the water and the earth elements. Generally, elevated chlorides will represent Heat and decreased chlorides will represent Deficiency within the water elements.
General Laboratory Values: 96 109 mEq/L
CO2 deficiency CO2 excess
Adrenal Hyperfunction Adrenal Hypofunction
Hyperaparathyroidism Respiratory distress
Dehydration Diabetes
Salicylate toxicity Renal Dysfunction
BLOOD UREA NITROGEN (BUN)
Urea is formed almost entirely by the liver from protein metabolism in the tissues. The rate of urea production is accelerated by a diet high in animal proteins and chronic tissue damage. It is believed that more than 50% of the kidney must be destroyed before serum urea levels are significantly elevated. Elevated BUN with normal creatinine usually signals a non-renal cause for uremia.
General Laboratory Values: 7 25 mg/dl
Renal Dysfx; Gout; Heart Failure Celiac Sprue; Advanced Acidosis
Liv/Biliary Dysfx; Rheum. Arthritis
CREATININE
Creatinine clearance is a good measurement of glomerular function. It measures the rate of excretion by the kidneys of metabolically produced creatinine. Blood Creatinine rises when renal function declines. With severe renal impairment, urea levels continue to climb, but creatinine values plateau.
General Laboratory Values: .6 1.5 mg/dl
Reduced blood flow to kidney not significant
Urethral obstruction/stones
Shock, Blood Loss, Dehydration, Burns
Muscle trauma; Flu; Late pregnancy
URIC ACID
Uric Acid is the chief end product of purine metabolism. Purines are constituents of nucleic acids. Most uric acid is synthesized in the liver, in a reaction requiring the enzyme xanthine oxidase. Uric acid travels through the blood to the kidneys, where filtration, absorption and secretion will affect uric acid excretion. Organ meats, legumes and yeast are especially high in purines.
Uremia can be described as symptoms and physical abnormalities that result from the kidneys failure to remove nitrogenous waste products normally excreted in the urine. The toxic effects of uremia affect virtually all human organs. The most common symptoms are high blood pressure, swelling (edema) of the ankles, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Anemia is almost always present because high blood levels of urea, one of the nitrogenous substances, shortens the life span of red blood cells. Other symptoms may include irritation of the heart sac (pericarditis), bleeding, muscle twitches and itching (pruritus). In the later stages, uremia causes agitation alternating with stupor, convulsions, coma, and ultimately death. Analysis of blood chemistries show elevated levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, phosphorus and hydrogen ion.
General Laboratory Values: Males: 3.0 9.0 mg/dl
Females: 2.2 7.7 mg/dl