Ep 59 I Testing 101 I The Pros & Cons of Blood Tests, Bone Scans & More | Getting Accurate Blood Tests | How Naturopaths Look at Blood Tests Differently

Julie and Karinda explain how many GPs primarily flag only results outside reference ranges to identify frank disease states, while they also use functional/optimal ranges and compare multiple markers over time using historical results to spot trends and support prevention. They outline practical factors that can skew blood tests—fasting too long (aim ~10 hours; avoid >12), exercising (even up to 48 hours prior), stress, illness/recovery, dehydration, and timing/queues — encouraging consistency across tests, including seasonality. They discuss Australia’s Medicare limits influencing GP test ordering and note naturopaths can arrange private tests. Other GP-aligned testing covered includes coronary artery calcium scoring for cardiovascular risk and DEXA/bone testing (including an ultrasound option with fragility scoring), plus concerns about medication side effects and interactions. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Menopause Real Talk 00:50 Welcome and Topic Setup 02:15 How Doctors Read Bloods 04:27 Blood Tests Are Snapshots 06:12 Fasting Done Right 07:45 Exercise and Other Confounders 11:10 Hydration and Needle Tips 13:07 Timing Your Lab Visit 15:04 After Dinner Snack Hack 17:26 Naturopathic Functional Ranges 18:55 Functional Ranges Explained 20:37 Tracking Trends Over Time 22:11 Standardizing Test Conditions 24:13 Skewed Reference Ranges 27:40 GP Limits and Medicare Rules 29:45 Private Testing Options 32:02 Heart Risk Calcium Score 36:09 Bone Density and Fragility 39:20 Part Two Teaser Wrap Reach out to the Nuanced Naturopaths⁠⁠ ⁠here⁠⁠⁠! Send us your feedback, questions & episode requests. ⁠⁠Check out our Nuanced & Nourished Membership here⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Connect with us on Instagram⁠⁠ ~ CONNECT WITH JULIE: ⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Book in with Julie⁠⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH KARINDA: ⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Book in with Karinda⁠⁠ ~ DISCLAIMER FOR PUBLIC: The contents of this podcast or any information mentioned is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you're seeking assistance with your health, please contact an accredited healthcare professional. If you'd like personalised support with your health, you can book a session with Julie or Karinda using the links above. DISCLAIMER FOR HEALTH PRACTITIONERS: The content provided is intended for entertainment and educational purposes. The information discussed in this podcast is not a substitute for professional training. While the authors/hosts make every effort to provide the most up-to-date data and evidence on naturopathic information, this content should not necessarily be considered standard of care and may not reflect individual practices within or outside of Australia. ~ The Nuanced Naturopaths Podcast is a friendly conversation between two friends, us! Karinda and Julie. We’re passionate about finding the nuance in natural health. As degree-qualified naturopaths, we like to ask the questions that need to be asked - about all aspects of health, healing and well-being. We delight in questioning firmly held beliefs and finding the nuance in all subjects health-related and beyond. Sometimes it can get a little technical, but hopefully we explain things in a way that's accessible to anyone interested in natural health, whether you’re a practitioner or someone who wants to learn more and optimise your wellbeing. It’s a chat about poop, periods and everything in between - buckle up for a laugh, a cry and for some things you are yet to consider about your health! Stay nuanced!