In the last newsletter, we introduced metabolic testing via PNOE, which measures vital markers like VO₂ max, lung capacity, respiratory exchange ratio, and heart rate to assess how your body utilizes oxygen and fuel during exercise and rest. This data offers valuable insight into your metabolic efficiency, endurance potential, and fat vs. carbohydrate burning tendencies.
But there’s more to metabolism than performance metrics alone.
To truly personalize your health plan, we can dive deeper into how your body is functioning at a cellular and biochemical level. Here are other key labs and functional tests that can reveal root causes of metabolic imbalances, fatigue, and weight resistance.
Labs and Functional Testing to Support Metabolic Health
Core Metabolic Lab Work Includes:
- Fasting Insulin: Detects early insulin resistance—often present long before blood glucose becomes abnormal. High fasting insulin is one of the earliest markers of metabolic dysfunction.
- HbA1c: Reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months, helping assess longterm glucose control and diabetes risk.
- Vitamin D: Far beyond its role in bone health, vitamin D enhances insulin receptor sensitivity, supports immune regulation, and improves glucose uptake in cells. Low vitamin D is associated with increased risk of insulin resistance, fatigue, low mood, and even colorectal and breast cancers, according to the CDC. Routine testing is strongly recommended.
- Sex Hormones (Estradiol, Total Testosterone, DHEA-S): Hormonal balance is key to sustaining metabolic rate. Hormone testing is especially important for those navigating menopause, andropause, or unexplained fatigue, weight gain, or mood shifts.
- CBC & CMP (Complete Blood Count and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel): Screens for anemia, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, liver/kidney function, and electrolyte imbalances—all of which can contribute to low energy and sluggish metabolism.
Additional Functional Tests:
- Salivary Cortisol Testing: Measures cortisol levels across the day (morning, noon, evening, bedtime) to evaluate adrenal rhythm and stress response. Imbalanced cortisol can impair metabolism, disrupt sleep, and contribute to weight gain.
- Cyrex Array 2 & 10: Identifies leaky gut and immune responses to foods that may trigger chronic inflammation, a hidden driver of metabolic dysfunction and autoimmune flares.
- Comprehensive Microbiome Stool Testing: Assesses gut flora balance, pathogens, digestive capacity, and short-chain fatty acid production. The microbiome plays a major role in nutrient absorption, blood sugar regulation, and systemic inflammation.
- DUTCH Hormone Panel: A urine-based test that analyzes sex hormones, cortisol, and their metabolites. This is ideal for understanding adrenal fatigue, estrogen dominance, or poor hormone detoxification.
- Urinary Heavy Metals Testing: Identifies toxic metals like mercury, arsenic, or lead that interfere with mitochondrial energy production, detox pathways, and metabolic resilience.
By integrating these insights with your PNOE results, we create a 360-degree view of your metabolic health—so we can treat the root causes, not just the symptoms.
What Do We Do When We Find Out About Our Metabolism?
Once we have a clear understanding of how your metabolism is functioning—from oxygen use and energy output to hormone status and gut health—we can begin making changes that restore balance and enhance your health.
Some strategies are rooted in lifestyle interventions like:
- A tailored nutrition plan to stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation
- A science-backed exercise regimen to improve mitochondrial efficiency and fat-burning
- Optimizing sleep and stress management to support hormonal and adrenal recovery.
But in some cases, deeper nutritional support and therapies are required to shift your body back into balance—especially when chronic illness, fatigue, or inflammation are present.
IV Therapies That Support Metabolism and Resilience
IV therapy allows us to bypass the digestive system and deliver therapeutic doses of nutrients directly into your bloodstream for rapid absorption and immediate support. Here are some of the key IVs we use to complement metabolic recovery:
- Methylene Blue IV: A mitochondrial enhancer and neuroprotective agent that boosts cellular energy (ATP), enhances cognition, and improves resilience under oxidative stress. Especially helpful for chronic fatigue and brain fog.
- Ozone Therapy IV: Delivers medical-grade ozone to stimulate antioxidant defenses, reduce inflammation, and support detoxification. It can be particularly powerful for those with autoimmune conditions, infections, or sluggish detox pathways.
- Athletic Boost IV: Packed with amino acids, B vitamins, and electrolytes to enhance muscle recovery, energy, and endurance. Excellent for active individuals or anyone looking to optimize performance and recovery.
- Zen IV: A calming blend featuring taurine, magnesium, and Lactated Ringer’s to support nervous system regulation, hydration, and stress resilience. Ideal for those dealing with anxiety, muscle cramps, or adrenal burnout.
From Insight to Action
Testing your metabolism is only the first step. With the right labs, we can identify what’s getting in the way of your energy, hormone balance, or weight goals. Then, using a blend of nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted IV therapy, we help your body restore metabolic flexibility, build resilience, and thrive long-term. If you’re ready to go deeper or have questions about which labs or therapies might be right for you, reach out—we’re here to support your next step toward optimal health.
Join us at Lake Oswego Health Center as we strive to improve your health. Whether you’re seeking relief from fatigue, protection against infections, or a boost to your overall well-being, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
To book an appointment now, call today at: 503-505-9806
