How it Works

This TRIAD encompasses the relationship between 3 important hormones: cortisol, insulin, and thyroid. These hormones reflect the current state of your stress levels, blood sugar regulation and metabolic health. In their most basic function, each is responsible for energy production and circulation.

When TRIAD 1 is unbalanced, a person feels fatigued, constantly fights cravings and often struggles with weight management. When TRIAD 1 is balanced, energy stabilizes, appetite regulates, and metabolism improves.

The adrenal glands create more than thirty different steroids and hormones critical for regulating many other systems throughout the body. The adrenals are best known for helping to modulate stress response throughout the body.

CORTISOL Cortisol regulates stress, metabolism, blood pressure, and immune response. Cortisol levels help identify adrenal dysfunction or overactivation.

DHEA DHEA is a precursor to key sex hormones and supports energy, libido, and immune health. Low levels can indicate adrenal dysfunction, lower sex hormones or create age-related decline.

SODIUM Essential for hydration, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Imbalances can point to inadequate electrolyte intake, adrenal or kidney stress and affect blood pressure.

The thyroid gland releases thyroid hormones that are the driving force in your metabolic rate.

THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE (TSH) Produced by the brain to tell the thyroid how much T4 to create. High or low levels reflect under- or over-active thyroid function.

T4 FREE The storage form of thyroid hormone. It must convert to T3 to be effective - low levels may contribute to sluggish metabolism and brain fog.

T3 FREE The active form of thyroid hormone that drives metabolism and energy. Low free T3 may cause fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity.

THYROID PEROXIDASE (TPO) An antibody that, when elevated, signals autoimmune thyroid dysfunction (like Hashimoto’s). It's a key marker for thyroid-related fatigue and weight issues.

The pancreas is best known for its critical role in blood sugar regulation.

GLUCOSE Glucose measures blood sugar control. Elevated levels can increase metabolic inflammation, signal insulin resistance or increased risk for diabetes.

HEMOGLOBIN A1C A 3-month average of your blood sugar. It helps detect insulin resistance, prediabetes and diabetes even when fasting glucose appears normal.

INSULIN Insulin helps regulate blood sugar. High fasting insulin can signal early metabolic dysfunction and lead to weight gain - even before glucose rises.

POTASSIUM Vital for muscle function, hydration, and heart rhythm. Imbalances may stem from inadequate electrolyte intake, stress, or kidney/adrenal issues.

This TRIAD is comprised of the digestive tract, immune system, and the central nervous system. Together, these intelligent body systems make moment-to-moment decisions on absorption and assimilation, and setting critical boundaries physically, immunologically, and psychically.

When TRIAD 2 is out of balance, the person can suffer from consistent GI distress, experience frequent cold and flus and deal with brain fog. When balanced, digestion is optimized, immunity is strong and the brain is clear.

The gut is involved in the complex breakdown and absorption of food nutrients. The gut is also the primary creator of serotonin (your happy hormone) and the largest organ of the immune system.

EOSINOPHILS A type of white blood cell involved in immune response. Elevated levels can signal allergies, inflammation, or infection - often pointing to hidden stressors in the body.

CRP (C-REACTIVE PROTEIN) A powerful marker of systemic inflammation. Elevated CRP levels can signal increased risk for heart disease, chronic illness, or hidden inflammatory triggers affecting recovery and energy.

MONOCYTES Monocytes are immune cells that respond to infection and injury. Elevated percentages may indicate chronic inflammation or immune dysregulation.

VITAMIN D Crucial for mood, bone health, immune function, and hormone balance. Low Vitamin D is common - and often overlooked as a driver of fatigue, low mood, and poor immunity.

The immune system contains specialized organs and cells that are designed to defend the body against foreign invaders, including microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, even cancerous cells.

ALBUMIN A major liver-produced protein that helps maintain fluid balance and transport key nutrients. Low levels may signal inflammation, liver stress, or poor nutrition.

GLOBULIN Globulin proteins support immune function and transport hormones. Abnormal levels can reflect immune activation, chronic infections, or liver concerns

ALBUMIN/GLOBULIN RATIO This ratio reflects protein balance in the blood. A disrupted ratio may signal liver dysfunction, chronic inflammation, or immune system stress.

BASOPHILS A rare but important white blood cell type that plays a role in allergic reactions and immune system regulation. Abnormal levels may point to inflammation or histamine sensitivity. Zinc RBC (red blood cell): A cellular-level measure of zinc, crucial for immunity, hormones, and recovery. Low levels may drive fatigue, poor healing, or weak immune function.

The Brain is the central control center for all body processes. It controls cognition and memory, mood and emotions.

HOMOCYSTEINE A key marker for cardiovascular and brain health. Elevated levels may signal B-vitamin deficiencies or increased risk for heart disease, cognitive decline, and inflammation.

VITAMIN B12 Essential for brain function, red blood cell production, and energy metabolism. Low levels can cause fatigue, brain fog, and nerve issues.

This TRIAD connects the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and autonomic nervous system—working together to regulate oxygen delivery, circulation, and nervous system balance.

When TRIAD 3 is out of balance, symptoms may include shortness of breath, poor circulation, high blood pressure, or nervous system dysregulation. When in balance: energy improves, blood flow is optimized, and the body is more resilient under physical and emotional stress. 

Responsible for delivering oxygen, nutrients, and hormones through the heart and blood vessels. It also regulates blood pressure and cholesterol balance. Dysfunction can increase heart disease risk, impair circulation, and slow recovery.

CALCIUM Essential for bone strength, nerve signaling, and muscle contraction (specifically, within the heart). Abnormal levels may signal issues with hormones, kidney function, or vitamin D status.

CHOLESTEROL Total cholesterol gives an overview of fat levels in your blood. Elevated levels can increase cardiovascular risk - especially when paired with inflammation or insulin resistance.

HDL (HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN) Often called “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood. Higher levels are generally protective for heart health.

LDL (LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN) Known as “bad” cholesterol, LDL can contribute to arterial plaque. Higher levels can negatively impact heart health.

TRIGLYCERIDES A type of fat in the blood that rises with poor diet, alcohol, and insulin resistance. High levels often signal metabolic dysfunction or increased cardiovascular risk.

Drives oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal to support energy and pH balance. Pulmonary dysfunction can disrupt breathing efficiency, acid-base stability, and physical performance

CARBON DIOXIDE Reflects acid-base balance in your blood. Abnormal CO2 levels may point to breathing issues, kidney dysfunction, or underlying metabolic stress.

The brain and the heart are connected by the vagus nerve, which serves as the “highway” for transmitting and regulating nerve impulses from the brain to the heart.

DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE The pressure in your arteries between heartbeats. Elevated diastolic BP can signal vascular stiffness, stress, or adrenal dysfunction.

SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE The pressure during a heartbeat. High systolic BP increases cardiovascular risk and may reflect chronic stress, fluid imbalance, or kidney strain. Pulse: Your resting heart rate is a quick snapshot of cardiovascular and nervous system health. Chronically elevated pulse may reflect stress, overtraining, or poor recovery.