Ask Dr. Nan.

Q: I'm confused about blood test levels. The numbers you quote are different from the ones my doctor and the laboratory show. I'd like to know the optimal levels for blood tests, and which tests I should ask my doctor to order.--S., Bend, OR

A: First, let me explain why there's a difference in blood test norms. The normal levels given by laboratories are old numbers that were initially based on illness, not wellness. In effect, they're saying, "When your blood level for a test is above or below these norms, it means there's a disease process we can identify and name."

But many of us don't want to wait until we're sick. We'd like to know when we're heading toward illness so we can prevent it. When you're looking for optimal health, you'll find the norms are narrower than those shown on laboratory report forms.

There's an excellent book on this subject, Normal Blood Test Scores Aren't Good Enough, by Ellen Cullen, RN (YFH Press, 2004, $13.95). It explains each blood test in detail including the reasons for abnormalities. It also gives a list of blood tests to get if you have or think you're getting a specific illness. It's an excellent book to help you understand blood tests, and to show to your doctor.

Optimal health takes a lot of work. But at least with the information in this book, you can know in which direction you're heading, and whether or not you're improving.

Q; are power drinks like Red Bull helpful or harmful?--R.S., San Luis Obisipo, CA

A: Mostly, they're harmful. Red Bull and other energy soft drinks including Jolt, Mountain Dew, Coke, Pepsi, and the like are filled with sugar and caffeine. Red Bull just happens to have the most caffeine: 80 mg in one can. This is twice as much as you'll get in a can of Coke.

What makes Red Bull different from Coke and the like is a smattering of vitamins and a full 1,000 mg of taurine. Taurine is an amino acid that prevents weight gain. It also improves physical workouts by reducing muscle fatigue and allowing people to push themselves harder. Interestingly, although it's a major ingredient in energy drinks, no one has ever shown that taurine increases energy.

One study of energy drinks found that Red Bull and others could raise blood pressure and heart rates. They're safe only for very healthy people. In fact, the ingredients in Red Bull could reduce the effectiveness of some medications. If you're taking any drugs, ask your pharmacist if it's safe to mix them with any of these beverages.

If you need more energy, start looking at why yours is low. Then address your specific nutritional and lifestyle needs.

You may be tired because your body is trying to repair itself. If you've been stressed, consider taking pantothenic acid (250 mg three times a day) for a few days. This B vitamin can give support to your adrenal glands and help you feel better.

Next, consider a little caffeine. Not as much as you'll find in a cup of coffee, but the amount in a cup of green or black tea. Just enough to feel a little better. When you have a little more energy, remember to conserve it. Don't spend it all in one place and exhaust yourself.

Just avoid the energy drinks that tend to be high in caffeine and sugar. They may make you feel better temporarily, but eventually you'll crash.

ww.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN063794320071106.

Have a question? Send it to: Ask Dr. Nan, P.O. Box 467939, Atlanta GA 31146. Or e-mail to [e-mail]. While I can't diagnose or treat your illness by mail, I'll answer as many questions as I can in the newsletter.

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