Episode 015 - The Only Labs That Actually Matter: And How to Read Them Yourself

Most people hear “your labs are normal” and still feel awful.

In this episode, Brandon shows you how to read labs like a Compass—so you can spot drift early, not just chase diagnoses later. You’ll learn which biomarkers actually matter, what “normal vs. optimal” really means, and how each lab maps to the Compass domains so you can act with clarity.

What we cover:

• Why normal labs can still signal dysfunction

• A Compass-based approach to interpreting bloodwork

• Nurture labs: hs-CRP, zonulin, SIgA, LBP, WBC differential

• Energize labs: fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, B12/MMA/homocysteine, AST/ALT, lactate, OAT insights

• Strengthen labs: ferritin, DHEA-S, cortisol rhythm, TSH/Free T3/Reverse T3, sex hormones

• Withdraw labs: GGT, glutathione (reduced/oxidized), histamine+DAO, methylation markers, detox OATs

• Build your functional lab dashboard and track trends over time

🎯 Take the Drift Quiz: https://www.themetaboliccompass.com/quiz

➡️ Next: Episode 016 — Butyrate: The Most Underrated Molecule in Human Health