Written By Nikki Santangelo, Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDNP)

The foundational labs I evaluate in every Comprehensive Functional Blood Panel

In last week’s blog, we explored the difference between standard lab work and truly comprehensive testing — and why routine panels are often designed for broad screening rather than early detection of subtle imbalance.

This week, I want to build on that foundation.

There are specific markers I consider essential when evaluating someone’s overall health. While many labs can provide meaningful insight, there are several that are especially important — yet they are not routinely included in standard annual blood work.

The five markers below represent just a portion of what I evaluate. There are many additional labs that are equally important and often overlooked. However, these foundational markers frequently provide early clues into inflammatory patterns, thyroid conversion inefficiencies, metabolic stress, nutrient insufficiencies, and immune activation.

When evaluated together and interpreted in context, they offer powerful insight into how the body is functioning beneath the surface.

Below are five critical markers that deserve a closer look — and why they matter.

Ferritin: The Iron Storage Marker Often Overlooked

Ferritin measures your stored iron — not just what’s circulating in your blood.

Low or low-normal ferritin levels can contribute to:

• Hair thinning
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Shortness of breath
• Cold intolerance
• Impaired thyroid hormone conversion

When ferritin is the only iron marker appearing out of range — while other iron markers such as serum iron, transferrin, TIBC, or UIBC remain within normal limits — it may reflect an issue with iron storage or absorption rather than intake alone.

Chronically low ferritin can be associated with compromised gut integrity. Increased intestinal permeability — often referred to as “leaky gut” — can impair proper nutrient absorption, leading to depleted iron stores over time.

When ferritin is elevated in isolation, it may reflect an inflammatory pattern, often associated with liver stress, or blood sugar dysregulation.

As always, context and pattern evaluation are essential.

Fasting Insulin: An Early Indicator of Metabolic Stress

Most routine blood panels include glucose or A1C.

But insulin is often the earlier and more informative marker.

Insulin can become elevated years before glucose appears abnormal.

Elevated fasting insulin may present as:

• Weight gain despite consistent habits
• Afternoon energy crashes
• Sugar cravings
• Hormone disruption
• Increased inflammatory signaling

By the time glucose is elevated, metabolic dysregulation has often been developing quietly.

Insulin plays a central role in cortisol balance, thyroid signaling, inflammatory pathways, and sex hormone regulation. Early identification allows for earlier intervention.

Reverse T3: Evaluating Thyroid Conversion

It is possible to have a normal TSH and still experience symptoms commonly associated with hypothyroidism.

Reverse T3 is the inactive form of thyroid hormone.

It increases in response to physiological stress, inflammation, illness, and low iron status.

Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Feeling cold

If thyroid conversion is impaired, the body may be producing hormone — but not effectively utilizing it at the cellular level.

Without assessing conversion patterns, a significant piece of the thyroid picture may be missed.

CRP: A Marker of Systemic Inflammation

Inflammation is not always overt or painful.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) measures systemic inflammatory activity within the body.

Even mildly elevated CRP levels can indicate underlying immune activation.

Common contributors to elevated CRP include:

• Low-grade or chronic infections
• Food sensitivities or immune reactivity
• Gastrointestinal inflammation
• Chronic stress exposure
• Ongoing immune system stimulation

Inflammation can influence thyroid signaling, metabolic function, and hormone receptor sensitivity.

When CRP is elevated, the goal is not simply to reduce inflammation temporarily — but to investigate and address the underlying driver contributing to that inflammatory state.

Thyroid Antibodies: Detecting Early Immune Activation

Thyroid antibodies (TPO and thyroglobulin antibodies) can become elevated long before TSH shifts outside of the reference range.

This indicates early autoimmune activity that may not yet be reflected in standard thyroid screening.

Contributors can include stress physiology, gut dysfunction, infections, and chronic inflammatory triggers.

Identifying immune activation early allows for a proactive approach before significant tissue damage occurs.

Prevention is always more effective than reactive management.

Why Context and Patterns Matter

Each of these markers provides valuable information.

However, none of them function independently — and these five are only part of a much larger, interconnected picture.

Ferritin influences thyroid conversion.

Insulin affects inflammatory signaling.

Inflammation alters hormone receptor sensitivity.

Gut integrity impacts nutrient absorption and immune regulation.

The body operates as a coordinated system.

This is why evaluating patterns — rather than isolated numbers — is essential for meaningful interpretation.

My Approach: Annual Comprehensive Functional Blood Panels

My Annual Comprehensive Functional Blood Panel is designed to assess:

• Inflammatory patterns
• Immune function
• Thyroid conversion efficiency
• Blood sugar regulation
• Iron status and nutrient sufficiency
• Stress physiology
• Interconnected lab patterns
• Additional markers often overlooked in routine screening

We evaluate both reference ranges and optimal ranges.

We interpret labs within the context of the whole system.

We identify subtle dysfunction before it progresses into diagnosable disease.

Because true prevention requires depth, strategy, and precision.

If You’re Ready to Take a Deeper Look

If you’re ready to move beyond basic screening and gain a clearer understanding of how your body is functioning, I invite you to schedule your free discovery call to get set up for your Annual Comprehensive Functional Blood Panel.

This is not about ordering more labs unnecessarily.

It is about ordering the right labs, interpreting them comprehensively, and developing a strategic plan based on objective data.

If you missed last week’s foundational article on why standard lab work often overlooks early imbalance, you can click HERE to read it first — it will give you important context for understanding why comprehensive testing makes such a difference.

Testing provides clarity.

Clarity provides direction.

And direction leads to measurable results.

Written By Nikki Santangelo, Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDNP)

Many people wonder why their doctor won’t order certain blood tests or labs during their annual physical. If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but you still don’t feel like yourself, you’re not alone.

This is one of the most common frustrations I hear from clients who feel like something is being missed.

The truth is, most conventional blood work is designed to diagnose disease — not to identify early imbalance, subtle stress patterns, or declining function. There is a difference between “not sick” and truly optimal.

Understanding that difference can change everything. It can be the difference between reacting to disease and preventing it.

Conventional Medicine Is Designed to Diagnose Disease

Primary care providers are trained and required to follow medical guidelines that focus on diagnosing and managing disease once it reaches a certain threshold. Many routine lab panels are designed to detect conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney dysfunction, or cardiovascular disease only after they meet clinical criteria.

Functional wellness takes a different approach. Instead of waiting for disease to develop, we look for early patterns, subtle imbalances, and stress signals that may impact how you feel long before a diagnosis appears.

The earlier these shifts are identified, the easier they are to address.

Insurance Limitations

Another reason your doctor may not order certain blood tests is insurance policy.

Insurance companies determine which labs are considered medically necessary. Many of the markers I evaluate are extremely valuable for prevention and optimization but may not be covered unless a diagnosis already exists.

Because of this, providers often order the labs that insurance guidelines approve, rather than the broader panels that can give a more complete picture of health.

Time Constraints in Traditional Appointments

Primary care visits are often limited to short appointment windows.  Reviewing complex lab patterns, correlations, lifestyle factors, and root causes takes time.

Functional lab analysis looks at the body as an interconnected system:

• Immune function
• Inflammatory patterns
• Blood sugar regulation
• Thyroid and hormone balance
• Liver and detox pathways
• Kidney function
• Cardiovascular risk
• Nutrient status

Rather than reviewing isolated numbers, I evaluate how these systems influence each other.

This deeper analysis is often the starting point for building personalized wellness plans for many of my clients.

“Normal” Lab Ranges vs. Optimal Ranges

Standard lab ranges are based on population averages. They are designed to flag disease.

Functional medicine looks at optimal ranges — levels that support energy, clarity, metabolic balance, and long-term health.

You can be inside a “normal” range and still be trending toward dysfunction.

That’s why so many people hear, “Everything looks fine,” while still experiencing:

• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Hormone changes
• Digestive issues
• Inflammation
• Stubborn weight shifts
• Feeling “off” without clear answers

Quiet imbalances often show up in patterns before they show up as diagnoses.

Comprehensive functional lab testing allows me to evaluate how your body systems are working together — not just whether a single number falls inside a reference range.

Rather than reviewing isolated markers, I assess how key systems are functioning together and influencing one another.

This broader view helps identify areas that may need support before they progress into more significant dysfunction. Functional testing is designed to complement your existing medical care by offering deeper insight into how your body is functioning right now.

If This Sounds Like You…

• You’ve been told your labs are “normal” but you don’t feel your best
• You’re dealing with fatigue, brain fog, hormone shifts, digestive issues, or stubborn weight changes
• You want answers before things progress further
• You want a proactive, root-cause approach

Looking deeper may be the next right step for you.

The Goal: Earlier Insight, Better Prevention

 The goal of functional lab testing is not simply to collect more data — it’s to create direction.

By identifying patterns and trends early, we can:

• Understand why symptoms may be developing

• Identify stressors affecting your body

• Personalize nutrition and lifestyle support

• Support long-term wellness and prevention

Instead of waiting for numbers to cross into disease range, this approach focuses on supporting optimal function, so you can feel better now and protect your health long term.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need current lab work before scheduling?

No. During your discovery call, we’ll discuss your health concerns and determine whether comprehensive testing would be beneficial for you. If appropriate, I’ll guide you through the process step by step.

Is this testing done virtually?

Yes. Standard blood work is typically completed through LabCorp, while certain specialized functional lab tests may be sent directly to your home for convenient at-home collection. Once results are available, we review everything together and discuss your personalized next steps.

---

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve been told your labs are “normal” but you still don’t feel like yourself, it may be time to look deeper.

Comprehensive functional lab testing provides clarity, direction, and a personalized path forward.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start understanding what your body truly needs, I invite you to schedule a complimentary discovery call. During this call, we’ll discuss your symptoms, your goals, and whether this approach is the right fit for you.

This is simply an opportunity to gain clarity and determine your next best step.

Click below to schedule your complimentary discovery call with me.  

Happy New Year one and all.

As this New Year begins I wanted to introduce myself to those who haven’t met me yet or had a chance to experience my bodywork or Spiritual Guidance and Coaching.

I am Laurie Holmes and I have lived in South Carolina since 2010. My sojourn to the south began in 1984, around the time that I was finding my way into energetic bodywork. I came to it by a series of fortunate accidents.

Since the late 1970s, I have become fascinated with the whole field of inner soul work, first through a transformation workshop called EST (Erhard Seminar Training), and later through workshops for both the mind and the body.

As my interest grew in both areas, I began to explore deeper the significance the mind has over the body, and my ability to pick up messages long buried in the clients I worked with. At first, I was flabbergasted at my ability to “know” things about them. I thought I must be making it up. When it happened time and time again, including bringing a deceased cat through for a client’s friend, I saw that my abilities were multi-layered. Not only did I see vivid pictures, but I could also at times see or ‘hear’ words, or feel emotions inside my clients. I also have picked up the knowledge that someone I was working with was going to die. Not the when, where, or how… but rare precognition of events that actually happened later on.

When I was able to merge my understanding of how the mind and body both work, things really got interesting. Everything we experience is from the Inside Out, and everything is guided by our ability to feel and think our way through life. It’s both a spiritual gift and a natural one. This gives us a unique sense of creating our own personal realities. The problem shows up when we innocently mistake where our experience is coming from, and it gets embedded in the soft tissue as trauma we have not fully experienced or released. It’s not necessary to relive the trauma, just to acknowledge that it happened so it can be let go of. One has to “see” it to release it. My laser coaching pinpoints the moment we traumatize ourselves through thoughts and feelings. It shows up as a core belief, and the body accepts it as truth. Examples are: I’m not good enough… lovable, smart, worthy, intelligent, etc. Then we play out the story of that belief over and over again. It’s never the Truth but we believe it is, and that’s what innocently keeps it “alive”.

The good news is that this is what I assist my clients in doing. Release it for good.

More recently a new ability has emerged that allows me to follow the minute trace energy trails that occurred from long past traumas(some that go back to babyhood) and find the places where the tissue is bound up in it, to release it as well. It’s a profound relief to no longer carry that inside you. That’s what freedom feels like.

My workshop on the 16th of January will go into more depth on all that happened to me on my 41-year journey in body/soul work. I am giving out 31 free books to anyone who signs up. It’s both a fictional spiritual story wrapped in real things that happened through my life. It is ultimately what has saved me and awakened me to my full potential.. I hope you will join me and bring your childlike wonder and curiosity and be open to a dialogue, as that will create an intimate connection with all who will attend.

Class: January 16th
Time: 5-7 pm
Where: Holistic Wellness and Detox Center
Address: 167 C Bluffton Road, Bluffton SC
Cost: $25
Seats limited to 30.
Sign up HERE

When it comes to breast health, early detection and prevention are key.

With multiple screening options available today — including thermography, ultrasound, and mammography — many women wonder which test is best and whether they can be used together for a more complete picture. Let’s explore how each of these tools works, their unique benefits, and how they can complement each other in a proactive approach to breast wellness.

What Is Thermography?

Thermography (also known as digital infrared thermal imaging) is a non-invasive, radiation-free screening that measures heat and blood flow patterns at the skin’s surface. Because changes in temperature can reflect inflammation, hormonal imbalances, or increased blood vessel activity, thermography can sometimes detect early physiological changes before a structural issue appears on imaging.

Benefits of Thermography

• No radiation or compression — safe and painless.
• Detects early functional changes that may occur before tumors form.
• Useful for younger women or those with dense breast tissue.
• Helpful for monitoring hormonal or inflammatory patterns over time.

What Is Ultrasound?

Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. It’s especially helpful for evaluating areas that appear abnormal on a mammogram or thermogram and for distinguishing between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.

Benefits of Ultrasound

• No radiation exposure.
• Excellent for dense breast tissue, where mammograms may be less clear.
• Can help guide biopsies or pinpoint the nature of a lump.
• Often used as a follow-up tool for additional clarity.

What Is Mammography?

Mammography is an X-ray imaging technique that visualizes the internal structure of breast tissue and is the current standard screening tool for breast cancer detection. It can identify microcalcifications and structural changes that may indicate cancer at an early stage.

Benefits of Mammography

• Detects small structural changes that may indicate early cancer.
• Widely available and often covered by insurance.
• Considered the primary screening test in conventional medicine.

How They Work Together

Each test offers a unique piece of the puzzle:

• Thermography shows early functional changes — like inflammation or increased heat patterns.
• Ultrasound reveals tissue characteristics and helps clarify findings.
• Mammography detects structural changes within the breast.

When combined, these three tools create a comprehensive breast health strategy — identifying both early physiological shifts and structural changes, which can help guide preventive care or timely intervention.

For example, a thermogram may detect unusual heat activity before a mammogram shows visible change, prompting an ultrasound for further insight. Together, they support a more personalized and proactive approach to women’s health.

Choosing the Right Option for You

Your best screening approach depends on your age, breast density, health history, and risk factors. Many integrative practitioners recommend annual thermography combined with periodic ultrasound and mammography for a well-rounded view of breast wellness — especially for women looking to minimize radiation exposure while still maintaining thorough monitoring.

Key Takeaway

Each breast screening tool has its strengths:

• Thermography detects early changes in physiology.
• Ultrasound provides clarity and confirmation.
• Mammography reveals structural detail.

Used together, they empower you to take charge of your breast health with confidence, awareness, and balance!

Last Week’s Theme Was Really Loopy!!

Last week’s major theme was about getting stuck on repeat—those mental programs that try to justify themselves by recreating the same situations again and again. Most of us are running these loops all day long without even realizing it!

This is why meditation is so powerful. When we become still, we create the space to observe these patterns. From there, we can consciously begin to reprogram them, replacing old cycles with healthier, more positive thought patterns.

The Eclipse Energy was forcing these subconscious patterns to the surface!

While that may have felt intense or even unsettling, it was really an invitation to see what’s ready to shift. It seemed like everyone I talked to hand some broken record repeating and repeating around and around that they couldn’t seem to break out of. It was like a Twilight Zone loop. It became clear that they (and myself) were talking themselves into their problems and fueling them with energy, which was making things worse.

I got caught in the LOOP too!

Last week, I caught myself turning something tiny into a full-blown disaster—completely in my head. I kept replaying it, convincing myself I was the victim and that everything was falling apart (LOL).

How do you go from Challenge to Growth?

Thankfully, I realized what was happening and took a dose of my own medicine: be still and present with the thoughts and emotions. Just observe. Stay neutral. Feel it fully until the emotional charge releases.

When that charge lifts, the situation shifts. It no longer feels overwhelming—it simply is. From that calm, grounded place, you can actually see things clearly and consciously choose how to respond (or not), instead of reacting from emotion and creating more problems for yourself.

Free Energy Healing to Recognize Patterns and Find Calm in the Storm

I am sharing this experience with you and also offer an energy healing to help you gently recognize and transmute subconscious negative thought patterns into uplifting feelings of gratitude, joy, and personal growth.

How to Receive the Healing – Watch the Video 🙂 Or Follow the Steps below.

I placed this healing into a little package and sent it out to the Universe like an energetic google drive upload that anyone can download at any time! To receive (download) the healing all you need to do is:

• Find a cozy spot where you can relax.
• Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
• Say out loud (or quietly to yourself): “I intend to receive the healing sent by Hollie to help me transmute my negative reinforcing thought patterns.
• Don’t stress about saying it perfectly—your intention is what truly matters. The Universe knows exactly what you mean. 💖
• Feel and enjoy the beautiful energy flowing to you.
• That’s all!

Have a great week! <3

🌿 Weekly Healing Themes

Each week, a common theme tends to rise to the surface—whether through my clients, my family, my friends, or even within myself. Last week, the energy was all about confidence—and the intention to move beyond the false limitations we place on ourselves when we don’t fully trust our own personal power. This week the healing energy is coming to you from the Angelic Realm.

✨ Free Distance Energy Healing ✨

I am offering this healing to help you remember your beauty and strength, so you can live more fully from a state of confidence and faith in yourself.

We live in a world of shoulds and shouldn’ts, ideals and comparisons, social media pressures, and unrealistic standards about how we should look, act, feel, and believe. The truth is—no one fits neatly into those boxes. It’s easy to feel like you’re not enough.

But that is a lie. You are already perfect just the way you are. The light and the dark, the wrinkles and the warts, the smiles and the tears, the successes and the failures—they are all threads in the beautiful tapestry that is you.

💖 The Intention of this Healing

The purpose of this session is to help you fall in love with yourself—not in a narcissistic way, but in a way that allows you to recognize and honor your own strength. When you can truly see and appreciate your own truth and beauty, you naturally begin to see and appreciate the truth and beauty in others as well.

✨ To Receive the Healing Follow the Steps below: ✨

I placed this healing into a little package and sent it out to the Universe like an energetic google drive upload that anyone can download at any time! To receive (download) the healing all you need to do is:

• Find a cozy spot where you can relax.
• Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
• Say out loud (or quietly to yourself): “I intend to receive the healing sent by Hollie to help me live more confidently from my authenticity and truth! Because I am amazing!
• Don’t stress about saying it perfectly—your intention is what truly matters. The Universe knows exactly what you mean
• Feel and enjoy the beautiful energy flowing to you.
• That’s it! 💫

And if you fall asleep, that’s perfectly okay!

Sometimes your mind and body naturally shift into a deeper brainwave state so the energy can flow exactly where it’s needed most. Trust the process—your system knows how to receive. ✨ You can even set the intention to receive this healing before you go to sleep. That is perfeclty fine.

Relax and Enjoy this Beautiful Angelic Energy! I can’t wait to see those Beautiful Wings of Your’s soon!! 🪽

To Receive More Free Weekly Healings, Meditations & Information about our Events, Specials and Healing Services, feel free to sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Social Media!

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Mail

Disclaimer

None of the information on this site should be considered medical advice. Functional Nutrition, Reiki or ACMOS Energy Balancing are not replacements for your medical care. A Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Reiki Practitioner or ACMOS Bioenergetician does not diagnose or treat disease. It is always recommended and encouraged to inform your doctor of energy work, nutrition, or lifestyle changes as these changes may effect the needs or doses of medication or treatments.