Written by Dr. Candice Lynch, Naturopathic Doctor
A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) blood test measures essential components in your blood (including sugars, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, and waste products) that contribute to your overall health and provide information on the functioning status of your metabolism, liver, and kidneys.
Glucose: The primary type of sugar found in your blood. This test assesses your metabolism and helps detect diabetes, insulin resistance, or blood sugar imbalances.
Kidney tests:
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): A protein waste product removed from the blood by the kidneys. High levels may indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or high protein intake.
- Creatinine: A muscle-produced waste product filtered out by the kidneys. High levels suggest impaired kidney function or muscle breakdown.
- eGFR: A calculation (factored from your serum creatinine level, age, and gender) used to determine your level of kidney function. The higher your eGFR number, the better your kidneys are working; low results may be a sign of kidney disease.
Sodium: An electrolyte necessary for healthy muscle and nerve function that also helps maintain fluid balance. High or low levels can signal dehydration, kidney, or adrenal problems.
Potassium: An electrolyte vital to a cell’s ability to take in nutrients and remove waste; it is also essential for muscle function and regulating fluid balance. Imbalances may affect the heart or result from medication or kidney issues.
Chloride: An electrolyte that helps regulate fluid and acid-base balance within the body. Helps identify dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic problems.
Carbon Dioxide: A waste product created by the body’s metabolism that helps maintain the body’s acid-base balance (pH) in the form of the electrolyte bicarbonate. Important for lung and kidney function evaluation.
Calcium: A mineral essential to bone and muscle health. This test helps screen for and diagnose diseases that affect your bones, heart, muscles, nerves, kidneys, and other organs.
Protein (total): The total amount of proteins (including albumin) found in the blood that helps determine overall nutritional status and can assess liver function and chronic inflammation.
Albumin: The main protein that circulates in the blood, which provides tissue nourishment, carries substances (such as hormones and drugs) in the blood, and helps keep fluids within the blood vessels. Low levels may indicate liver disease, malnutrition, or inflammation.
Globulin: A measure of a group of proteins that function to help transport nutrients and help the body fight infections. High or low levels may reflect infection, autoimmune disorders, or immune deficiency.
Bilirubin: A waste product produced by the liver as it breaks down red blood cells. Elevated levels can indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct problems, or anemia.
Liver tests:
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme found in the cells of the liver and other tissue. Elevated in liver disease or bone disorders.
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme found mostly in the cells of the liver and kidney. A key marker for liver health and damage.
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): An enzyme found in the cells throughout the body but mostly in the cells of the heart and liver. Elevated with liver, heart, or muscle injury.
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel provides a powerful snapshot of your body’s overall health by monitoring vital organs, detecting imbalances early, and helping guide personalized care. Regular CMP testing is a smart, proactive step toward better energy, longevity, and peace of mind.
To schedule an appointment at Strata Med please call 719-748-6949.
About the Author
Candice Lynch
Naturopathic Doctor
Specialities include primary care, preventative health, metabolic and hormone health, gastrointestinal health, anti-aging and wellness optimization and naturopathic physical medicine and pain management.
