Many people undergo routine blood tests during their regular health checkups. However, surprisingly few truly understand what those test results actually mean.
At NAG Orthopedics, we are pleased to announce that our "blood analysis service"—which was previously restricted to condition management for elite athletes—along with the subsequent "nutritional counseling," is now available to the general public.
Optimal Health Values vs. Standard Reference Ranges
During your regular health checkups, have you ever received an abnormal value and been advised to improve your lifestyle habits? While it is easy to imagine that high cholesterol, high triglycerides, or low protein levels are bad for your body, it can be difficult to take concrete action toward improvement if you do not experience any specific symptoms.
However, an abnormal value on a standard blood test implies that a nutritional imbalance has occurred within your body, or that a warning sign for future health risks may be hidden.
The reference values used by testing companies simply mean that you are "within a range that indicates no active organ damage or disease." This is completely different from your body being in its "ideal or optimal state."
In fact, as a sports doctor, I have analyzed the blood of many athletes. Even with muscular, peak-condition athletes, I have frequently encountered cases where the supply of amino acids to organs was insufficient, or where they had developed fatty liver due to foods they were consuming for health purposes. Such internal nutritional imbalances do not always manifest as outward symptoms. Young athletes, in particular, possess immense absolute physical potential. Therefore, it was not uncommon for them to easily achieve excellent results or break personal records in competitions even with multiple abnormal values on their blood tests.
The Purpose of Blood Analysis
Hearing this, you might not feel a strong need for blood analysis.
However, our bodies are not invincible. A long-term nutritional imbalance can silently cause poor health conditions, eventually manifesting as various physical warning signs and symptoms.
Do any of you recognize these symptoms in yourselves?
- Persistent fatigue that does not go away no matter how much you sleep
- A heavy, dull ache in your shoulders or lower back that does not improve even after getting a massage
- Severe mood swings and an inability to control sudden, outbursts of irritability
- Feeling depressed or down, particularly during the winter months (seasonal sluggishness)
- Suffering from skin breakouts or roughness that do not respond to topical medications prescribed by a dermatologist
As an orthopedic surgeon, I usually look for causes within the musculoskeletal system. However, a significant percentage of people suffering from these symptoms actually have an underlying, chronic nutritional imbalance.
The term "condition management" might sound like something irrelevant to your daily life. However, its true purpose is to serve as a guide to uncover the root causes of the daily discomforts you are already experiencing, and to determine the right approach (such as nutritional counseling) for future health maintenance and disease prevention.
Leveraging our experience and expertise gained from working with numerous athletes, NAG Orthopedics offers this blood analysis service as part of your comprehensive health management.
The Workflow and Approach of Our Blood Analysis
At NAG Orthopedics, we evaluate your blood status based on molecular nutrition. Our analysis features two distinct characteristics:
①We set much stricter reference ranges than those used in standard blood tests.
②We include a wide range of test items that are not typically evaluated in standard blood checkups.
The reference values we use for analysis differ in purpose and philosophy from those used in general health checkups. Here are a few examples.
Total Cholesterol
High levels are generally associated with cholesterol buildup in blood vessels, increasing the risk of arteriosclerosis. However, because cholesterol is a vital component used to repair cells, we must investigate why the body is secreting large amounts of cholesterol in the first place. Furthermore, since cholesterol serves as the raw material for sex hormones and steroid hormones, attention is required not only for high values but also for low values.
γ-GTP
As is widely known, this biliary enzyme increases with high alcohol consumption. On the other hand, since the raw material for γ-GTP is protein (amino acids), a low value serves as an indicator of protein deficiency.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
While this is also used to evaluate the biliary system, ALP is an enzyme that functions in various tissues throughout the body. Its activity is closely tied to zinc and magnesium, making it a useful indicator for detecting deficiencies or excesses of these minerals.
We also conduct tests on items that are rarely checked in conventional examinations:
Vitamin D
In recent years, Vitamin D has attracted significant attention as an essential nutrient for maintaining optimal health. Its benefits are extensive; recent studies highlight its crucial role not only in maintaining bone quality but also in muscle synthesis, brain health, and mental stability.
Zinc
Zinc is a vital substance involved in over 300 types of enzymatic reactions within the body. A deficiency can lead to abnormalities in the skin, nails, and hair, as well as a decline in immune function and bone density. It is also involved in the synthesis of testosterone (male hormones), and deficiencies in children carry a risk of growth retardation.
EPA/AA Ratio
EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is involved in cell membrane fluidity and supports smooth circulation, while also being deeply linked to maintaining brain health. On the other hand, arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, can trigger inflammation in the body if present in excess, exhibiting the opposite effect of EPA. By measuring the balance between the two, we evaluate whether you are absorbing appropriate fatty acids from your daily diet.
Blood Analysis Plan
Standard Blood Analysis
: Evaluates a total of 36 items.This plan includes many items not checked in standard health checkups, allowing for a highly detailed evaluation of your current physical state.
Recommended for people who:
- Have been feeling constantly fatigued lately.
- Have trouble falling asleep or wake up multiple times during the night.
- Experience frequent sports- or exercise-related injuries.
- Have persistent skin issues that do not seem to heal.
- Have recovered from a major illness but do not know how to adjust their daily lifestyle.
- Have been diagnosed with or warned about osteoporosis.
Flow of Blood Analysis
Blood drawing will be performed during your outpatient visit. The procedure takes only a few minutes.
You will return home on the day of the test. Please visit the clinic again 10 to 14 days later for your results consultation.
A physician will provide a personalized, one-on-one explanation of your results.
Documents Provided During Your Consultation:
- NAG Orthopedics Original Report
- Blood Analysis Guide: An exclusive handbook summarizing the functions of each nutrient across all 36 items tested in the Standard Blood Analysis.
Important Notes Regarding Self-Pay (Uninsured) Medical Care
Blood analysis is a self-pay treatment and is not covered by Japanese national health insurance.
- Test Details
We conduct a comprehensive blood analysis consisting of up to 36 items—offering a much more detailed breakdown than standard health checkups—based on molecular nutrition criteria. This program includes a one-on-one results consultation with a physician and the provision of a personalized original report. - Duration and Frequency
Approximately 10 to 14 days from blood collection to the results consultation.
(This is a single-session complete test. Periodic testing is also available upon request.) - Fee
Standard Blood Analysis (1 session): ¥22,000 (tax included) - Main Side Effects and Risks
Risks associated with blood collection include mild pain, internal bruising (subcutaneous hemorrhage), transient vasovagal reactions (dizziness or lightheadedness), and, in rare instances, nerve injury.
Precautions for Your Blood Draw
- On the day of your test, please come to the clinic on an empty stomach if possible.
- Ensure a minimum of 8 hours of fasting prior to your blood draw.
- Because it directly impacts triglyceride results, if you have consumed alcohol and fats together, you must fast for at least 12 hours before the test.
- If you are currently taking any medications, please consult with us at the time of booking.
To Book Your Blood Analysis at NAG Orthopedics
Please make a reservation using the link below.
Director of NAG Orthopedics: Yoshimasa Nagumo
Orthopedic Specialist & Sports Doctor
Dr. Nagumo initially built his career as a surgical oncologist specializing in orthopedic cancer treatment. Subsequently, he moved to the United States to engage in advanced research in the field of regenerative medicine.
It was during his time in the U.S. that a personal injury led him to realize the critical importance of sports medicine. Upon returning to Japan, he transitioned his focus to become a sports orthopedic surgeon.
Currently, he leads the "Athlete Support Program," which provides comprehensive medical support to athletes using a combination of blood analysis and cutting-edge regenerative medicine technologies.
[Click here for the program introduction page:https://nagseikei.jp/en/dr/]
