Metabolic Health

Optimal metabolic health is crucial for maintaining weight, regulating blood sugar levels, promoting cardiovascular health, and reducing your risk of chronic diseases. At Origin Medicine in Tacoma, Washington, integrative medicine specialist Michelle Sandwisch, ARNP, FNP-C, provides personalized metabolic health support to improve your health and well-being. Call or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is metabolic health?

Metabolic health means having optimal levels of five markers: blood pressure, triglycerides (fats), cholesterol, blood sugar, and waist circumference. Poor metabolic health can increase your risk of several diseases, such as:

• Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational)
• Overweight/Obesity
• Uric Acid
• Hemochromatosis
• Mitochondrial disorders

While weight plays a crucial role in metabolic health, it extends far beyond your waist size. Taking a holistic, integrative approach to metabolic health involves addressing lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, detoxification, and sleep, to achieve optimal levels of these markers and promote your overall well-being.

Which risk factors affect metabolic health?

The top risk factors that affect metabolic health include:

High blood pressure

Also called hypertension, high blood pressure is when the force of blood against your artery walls is too strong.

Excess abdominal fat

Abdominal fat is linked to visceral fat, which covers your internal organs. Women with a waist circumference over 35 inches and men with a circumference over 40 inches are at an increased risk of metabolic disorders.

High cholesterol

High low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride (fat in the blood) levels can block blood flow. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) also make removing these substances from the blood difficult.

Age

While conventially associated with age, metabolic disorders can affect people of any age.

Smoking and drinking alcohol

Smoking and drinking alcohol excessively can lead to higher triglyceride levels, particularly when consumed together.

What tests can evaluate metabolic health?

Origin Medicine works with you to create a personalized metabolic health plan. Several tests are used to assess your current health, including:

Body Composition

Body composition testing assesses the relative proportions of fat, muscle, bone, and other tissues in the body. It helps measure health and fitness levels, enabling personalized recommendations for weight management and exercise.

Lab tests

Lab tests for metabolic health assess blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, liver function, and other specialized biomarkers. These tests aid in diagnosing metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, dyslipidemia), evaluating risk factors, and guiding lifestyle interventions to improve the patient's metabolic health. 

VO2

VO2 measures the amount of oxygen the body consumes at rest. It indicates the number of calories burned during rest or activity, providing valuable insights for weight management and personalized nutrition plans.

Heart rate variability (HRV)/stress management

HRV is a benchmark to gauge heart health and resiliency by tracking beat-to-beat changes in heart rhythm.

Vitals

Taking vitals for patients involves measuring essential signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate. This quick assessment aids in monitoring overall health, detecting abnormalities, and guiding medical decisions.

Genetic analysis

Genetic analysis helps identify genetic variations that can increase your risk of metabolic health concerns.

After completing your initial testing, Origin Medicine may recommend supplements, exercise, dietary changes, and other lifestyle modifications to improve your metabolic health. Call Origin Medicine today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.