2) Physical Health (Your Body Is Infrastructure)
Complete foundational tests (know your numbers)
These tests are usually part of your free annual physical and provide the big-picture view of your internal systems.
CBC (Complete Blood Count): This looks at your red cells (energy), white cells (immunity), and platelets (clotting).
- If your Hemoglobin is low, you’ll feel brain fog even if you sleep 8 hours
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel): This checks 14 different substances, focusing on your Liver and Kidney health, as well as your electrolyte balance.
Lipid Panel: This measures LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and Triglycerides.
- Don't just look at the Total Cholesterol. Ask your doctor about your ApoB levels, which many experts now consider a better predictor of heart health.
HbA1c & Fasting Glucose: These measure your blood sugar. HbA1c is a 3-month average, while Fasting Glucose is a snapshot. If these are creeping up, it’s a sign that your body is struggling to process sugar.
Blood Pressure & Resting Heart Rate:
- Optimal BP: Under 120/80.
- Optimal RHR: Between 50–70 bpm. If your resting heart rate is consistently over 85, your body is likely under significant stress or overtraining.
Often Missed but Important (The Optimization Panel)
In 2026, these are the markers that separate average health from peak performance. You may need to specifically ask your doctor to add these to your order.
Vitamin D: Vital for immunity and mood. Many international students see their levels drop after moving to the U.S. due to different sunlight exposure.
- Optimal: Aim for 50–80 ng/mL, not just the normal 30.
Ferritin (Iron Storage): You can have a normal CBC but low Ferritin. Low iron storage causes hair thinning and extreme fatigue.
Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and energy. If you are vegetarian or vegan, this is a non-negotiable test.
Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4): Your thyroid is your body’s thermostat. If your TSH is high, your metabolism slows down, making you feel cold, tired, and depressed.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein): This is a marker of Inflammation. High CRP means your body is fighting something—whether it’s a hidden infection, poor diet, or extreme stress.