🌿What Does ‘Optimal’ Really Mean?

Understanding Your Labs with The Cure Method

Have you ever walked out of your doctor’s office feeling frustrated because you were told “Everything looks normal,” yet you still feel completely off? Maybe you’re exhausted every afternoon, you can’t think straight, or your hair is thinning — but your labs say you’re fine.

You’re not alone. I see this all the time in my functional wellness coaching practice. It’s one of the biggest reasons I created The Cure Method. I believe there’s a big difference between “normal” lab ranges and what’s truly optimal for your health.

What Does “Normal” Actually Mean?

Most blood test reference ranges are based on the “average” population — and let’s be honest, the average population isn’t exactly thriving. So when your lab results come back “normal,” it just means you fall somewhere inside that big, wide range.

But “normal” doesn’t always mean healthy — or that you feel your best.

Let’s take iron as an example. Maybe your ferritin levels (your iron storage) are 20, which is technically within the “normal” lab range of about 15–150. But for many women, energy and hair growth feel best when ferritin is closer to 70–100. So yes, you’re “normal,” but far from optimal for feeling good every day.

What Does “Optimal” Look Like?

Optimal is your sweet spot — the place where your body functions its best, not just okay.

When your levels are optimal for you, you’re more likely to have:

✔️ Better energy

✔️ Clearer thinking

✔️ Balanced hormones

✔️ Stronger immunity

✔️ Less inflammation

Optimal isn’t the same for everyone. It’s about your body’s unique needs, your stress levels, your gut health, your sleep, and your lifestyle. That’s what makes a root-cause approach different from standard care.

How I Help You Find Your Optimal

Here’s what I do differently in my functional health practice. I don’t just look at one lab result and send you on your way. I look for patterns. I connect the dots. I check if you’re absorbing nutrients properly — not just eating them. I think about how your gut, stress, and daily habits might be pulling you away from your sweet spot.

I also believe that small, simple things can get you back to optimal. Sometimes it’s swapping out processed foods for fresh, organic ones you can grow right in your backyard. Or adding mindful movement and stress support. Or using a quality supplement, if your body needs it.

A Real-Life Example

I had a client who was exhausted every day, even though her doctor said her iron was “fine.” When we dug deeper with a functional lab test, we found her ferritin was barely hanging on at the low end of normal. We focused on food first — iron-rich meals paired with better nutrient absorption — and supported her stress and sleep. A few months later, her ferritin moved into her optimal range, and her energy finally matched her labs.

Here’s the Takeaway

If you’ve ever felt dismissed or confused because your labs say “normal” but you know your body feels anything but — trust that inner voice. You’re not broken, and you’re not crazy. You just might need a deeper look at what’s optimal for you.

🌱 Want to See What Your Optimal Looks Like?

You deserve to feel good — not just “okay.” If you’re ready to get curious about what your body really needs, I’d love to help you with root-cause lab testing and a personalized plan.

👉 Book a free discovery call orJoin the Waitlist  to get started.

Your body knows. Let’s listen — and help it thrive together.