FRIDAY 5 - "Your Blood Tests Are Normal” — But Are They Really?

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s Friday Five, I’m breaking down some of the standard blood markers I commonly look at in clinic when somebody is dealing with autoimmune disease, inflammation, fatigue, or hair loss — including alopecia.One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that “normal” blood tests automatically mean everything is functioning optimally. But in reality, many people continue to struggle with symptoms despite being told their results are fine.In this episode, I explain why interpretation matters just as much as the numbers themselves, and why looking at patterns across the body can often reveal far more than one isolated marker.I discuss:• Ferritin, transferrin and the wider iron picture• Why ferritin alone may not tell the full story in inflammatory conditions• Thyroid markers beyond TSH, including Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies• The role of thyroid hormone conversion in energy, metabolism and hair health• Vitamin D and immune regulation• Zinc and its role in immune resilience, skin and hair health• White blood cells, neutrophils and lymphocyte patterns in autoimmune disease• What triglycerides can tell us about metabolism, blood sugar regulation and inflammation• Why markers like serum B12 or HbA1c may not always reflect the full picture• The importance of interpreting symptoms alongside laboratory testingThis episode is not about becoming fearful of blood tests or obsessing over numbers. It’s about understanding the body more deeply and recognising that subtle shifts in markers can sometimes provide important clues long before symptoms become more significant.If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” but still feel that something is off, this episode is for you.📥 Ready for a more structured, personalised approach?→ Apply to work with me— we’ll create a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to your body, your symptoms, and your goals.🧘‍♀️ Need nervous system support?→ I personally use and recommend SONA, a vagus nerve stimulation device clinically shown to support immune balance, inflammation, and stress recovery.Use the code VJ10 for 10% discount at checkout. 📥 New to the podcast or need a starting point?→ Download my free The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan— a simple guide that outlines the steps I recommendThe information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.