Health Biomarkers: Key Indicators of Your Well-Being
What are Health Biomarkers?
A biological marker, or “biomarker,” is a molecular substance measured to detect the presence of disease, infection or other abnormal occurrences within the body. Health biomarkers are a valuable asset for health professionals, as biomarkers provide an objective measure of health status and can be used to detect changes in the body over time. Biomarkers can be found in blood, urine, other bodily fluids, or even genetic material. They are typically measured through laboratory tests or imaging techniques. The biomarker results can then be used by clinicians to make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment options. For instance, biomarkers may help diagnose certain diseases such as heart disease or cancer, assess how well treatments are working, or predict potential risks of developing certain conditions later on. Additionally, biomarkers have been used to monitor environmental exposure and help inform public health policy decisions.
Overall, biomarkers offer insight into a person’s overall health, helping to provide a better understanding of the underlying cause and progression of disease. With biomarkers, clinicians are better able to detect changes in the body and make more informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment options for patients. As the use of biomarkers continues to evolve, they will become an even more valuable tool for promoting better health outcomes.
Examples of Health Biomarkers
There are numerous biomarkers that can be used to measure and monitor an individual’s health. Some of the most commonly used biomarkers include:
- Cholesterol Level: Cholesterol is a type of lipid, or fat, in the bloodstream. It plays an important role in metabolism and is associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Measuring cholesterol levels through biomarker testing can help identify individuals at risk for heart disease or stroke.
- Glucose Level: Glucose is a sugar molecule found in food sources such as fruits and breads. It serves as the main source of energy for cells throughout the body. High levels of glucose can indicate diabetes and other metabolic disorders, so biomarker testing is essential for identifying these conditions.
- Hemoglobin A1C: Hemoglobin A1c (A1C) is a biomarker used to measure average blood sugar levels over the past three months. It’s commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes, as well as to assess glycemic control in individuals with pre-diabetes or who have already been diagnosed with diabetes.
- C-reactive Protein (CRP): CRP is an inflammatory biomarker that can indicate infection or inflammation. Higher levels of CRP are associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases, so it’s important to keep track of a person’s CRP levels through biomarker testing.
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): PSA is a biomarker used to detect prostate cancer in men. It’s important for all men over the age of 50 to get tested for PSA levels, as it can help identify early signs of cancer and allow for timely intervention.
These are just a few examples of biomarkers that are used to monitor health and detect disease. As biomarkers continue to evolve, they will become an even more valuable way to promote better health outcomes.
Health Tests that Measure Biomarkers
Haled offers multiple health tests that measure widely differing biomarkers within the body. The Celiac Disease Screening Test, for instance, measures four antigen biomarkers that detect gluten intolerance. The Heart & Diabetes Focused Health Test measures key cholesterol and blood glucose biomarkers. Both the Men’s and Women’s Health Tests analyze dozens of biomarkers with a focus on hormone health. Lastly, the Complete General Health Test examines biomarkers within eight regions of the body for a comprehensive snapshot of where your health stands and what areas can be improved upon.
All biomarkers have a unique purpose in identifying disease or abnormal functioning within the many synergistic systems of the body. Take the first step toward pinpointing potential health concerns –whether undetected or ongoing – with one of Haled’s comprehensive health exams.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3078627/