Although morphology is one of the most frequently performed tests, we still have problems with interpreting its results. Moreover, it happens that disturbing results are underestimated by specialists. We talk about the importance of morphology with Paulina Ihnatowicz and Emilia Ptak, the authors of the book “You have it in the blood”, which deals with, among other things, this problem and is a signpost in the meanders of numbers that we get on the list in the laboratory.
The material was created under the patronage of the book «You have it in your blood. Morphology, Hashimoto’s, cholesterol. Results, diets, tips »
Medonet Editors: We all know the term “Dr. Google”. Due to the fact that nowadays our symptoms are most often checked first on the Internet, do Poles less frequently perform basic tests, such as blood counts?
Paulina Ihnatowicz and Emilia Ptak: According to our observations, the awareness of society is increasing and people are more often examined, even prophylactically. Many laboratories also have interesting research packages and promotional campaigns for a specific season. We are very pleased with this growing tendency and the awareness of the society that preventive examinations are important, but we would like every Pole to perform regular blood tests. From this perspective, we still have a lot to do.
What is the state of the art about the morphology itself? Do we know how often to be tested and what other diseases, apart from the standard anemia, can such a test reveal?
Among basic research, morphology is often performed. However, what most often offends is the inability of patients to read the results and their ignoring by specialists. This is one of the reasons why our book was written so that everyone could properly interpret their morphology results and then consult a specialist. When we can read morphology results, we have access to a wealth of knowledge about our body.
Morphology tells not only about diseases, but also gives a broader picture of the functioning of our body. What else, apart from information about diseases, can we learn from it?
We can see if we are dehydrated. The morphology will also show us the state of our nutrition, especially in the context of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. We will check how the immune system is doing. Do you see any allergies, infections, deficiencies? By reading the results well, we can recognize a lot.
There are a lot of factors that affect the quality of a blood test – for example the diet before the test. How often are the results of morphology disturbed because patients are not properly prepared for it?
In our practice, we anticipate and educate about how to prepare for research, but there are still results that need to be repeated for this reason. Good preparation for testing, fasting, avoiding high physical activity and overloading stress are very important rules that should be followed before blood tests. In the book, we describe in detail how to prepare properly. This saves time, stress and money of the person who is tested, because there is no need to repeat the tests already performed.
What ingredients in the diet are the most important for the proper functioning of the blood? In addition to introducing the correct diet, can we take care of our blood in any other way?
Of course, there are plenty of them. Our blood needs nutrients, i.e. good quality protein, which can be found in products such as eggs, meat, seafood, fish, legumes, nuts and dairy products. For this minerals and vitamins – mainly B12, folic acid, iron, copper, manganese and cobalt. A varied diet rich in vegetables, fruits, the above-mentioned sources of protein, anti-inflammatory fats and good-quality carbohydrate sources are the key to strengthening our blood. In addition, we should ensure adequate hydration, sleep, regeneration, physical activity, regulation of the daily cycle and reducing stress.
One of the authors, despite the diagnosed Hashimoto’s disease, does not have to take medications. How often and with what diseases is there a situation where the course of the disease or its effects can be mitigated by diet or lifestyle changes?
Here the disease was caught very quickly and I did everything to be able to bring the disease into remission. Of course, I consulted a doctor who confirmed that in my case, taking thyroid hormones is unnecessary for now due to the lack of symptoms, nice results of the three thyroid gland and the lack of antibodies. However, this is an exceptional situation because I haven’t actually started taking any medications. It is important to know that thyroid hormones are a drug prescribed for Hashimoto’s and not a Hashimoto’s. In our practice, we often see cases where proper nutrition, but also the entire lifestyle, allow you to reduce the doses of drugs, stop taking them or avoid taking them, but only after consulting a doctor. We see more than once that a change in lifestyle has a positive effect on the results and condition of the patient.
What tests can complete the blood count and when is it worth doing?
Depending on the problem and symptoms. If anemia is highly suspected, iron and ferritin should often be additionally tested. If we suspect a deficiency of B vitamins, we test the level of vitamins B12 and B9 from the blood. If allergies are suspected, then IgE allergy panels. If there is a deficiency of zinc or copper, it is zinc and copper in the blood. If we have thick blood, see what the clotting factors look like. Here, the doctor should guide us depending on the history and symptoms.
Can morphology results be compared between individuals? For example, is comparing my results with that of my friend the correct approach?
Absolutely not! The test result may be influenced by, for example, the day of the menstrual cycle on which it was performed; therefore it is not recommended to do morphology during menstruation. Each of us has a different height, weight, genetic factors, different diets, and all this affects the results of morphology. It also matters whether we hydrate, smoke, drink alcohol, etc.
We evaluate a given morphology only “under ourselves”. We do not compare it with the results of other people. How often in life, and in this aspect, comparing usually does not bring any good.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are becoming increasingly popular. Are the morphology standards of people with such a diet the same as for people eating animal products? Or should such results be interpreted in a different way?
Morphology of vegans and vegetarians should be within normal ranges, as well as for meat eaters. In veg diets, constant supplementation with iron and vitamin B12 is recommended. Therefore, the morphology of a person who has eaten meat and is now not eating it should also be fine if the person is following the recommendations and supplementing. In practice, however, you can actually see a tendency to anemia and deficiencies, because such people, unfortunately, often forget about testing and supplementation, and their diet is improperly balanced. Interestingly, this also happens quite often in meat eaters.
If we have a problem with self-interpretation of morphology results, where can we ask for help?
Definitely see a doctor. A family doctor or internist are people who should help and advise us. However, we are often sent away due to lack of time. Then (with alarming symptoms and results) it is worth looking for a good specialist privately. In the case of major disturbances in the results of morphology, we are most often referred to a hematologist.
The material was created under the patronage of the book «You have it in your blood. Morphology, Hashimoto’s, cholesterol. Results, diets, tips »