Medical difference between normal and optimal.

Normal and optimal in medical terms need to be defined semantically, as well as statistically to understand their differences.

“Normal” is defined as “the usual average, typical state or condition.” An example of normal would be to go to the local mall and weigh 1,000 males to find out the normal weight of this population, 195 lbs. In contrast, “optimal” is defined as “best or most favorable” which in medical terms would be 130-173 lbs. for a 5’10” male based on BMI scores.

Statistically, a normal distribution describes a symmetric bell-shaped (hence the name normal). Male weights are all roughly bell-shaped and symmetrical around the mean representing about 68% of the general male population. This means that the 195 lbs. normal weight for the 1,000 men in the mall is the result of their weight falling within 1 standard deviation from the mean encompassing 68% of the population. But we all know that 195 lbs. is not by any means the optimal weight for an American male.

The same concept applies when you go to your doctor and he reassures you that your lab results are “normal” based on standard reference lab values. Are these “normal values” (68% of what the large population has) what you really want for your health? Or do you rather work with a physician that will help you attain and maintain your “optimal” number?

In general, values at the top or lower end of the “normal” value ranges could represent the onset of a health problem that you should be prevented but is frequently overlooked by traditional medicine.

Here is a perfect analogy. If your car’s normal water temperature is between 120 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit, would it be optimal to have the temperature at a constant 215 degrees?  

Here at Bellissimo Medical, we do not accept “normal” lab values and rather focus only on targeting what the “optimal” values should be. Here are a few examples:

Normal Range                                                                    Bellissimo Optimal Range

Vitamin D 30.0 to 100.0 ng/mL.                                         60.0 to 80.0 ng/mL.

TSH3 0.350 to 5.60 uIU/mL.                                              <2.0 uIU/mL.

HGB A1C <5.7                                                                         <5.4

Homocysteine 6-15 umol/L.                                             <7.0 umol/L.

Now think hard about your current personal health situation. Do you want to be part of the normal or the optimal population to enjoy excellent health and quality of life?

Please call us to schedule your complimentary appointment to start working towards optimal health.

Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 954-384-8989. Dr. Jean- Claude Nerette is Board-Certified in both Internal Medicine and Functional Medicine. Stephanie Muñiz Nerette is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner and a Diplomate to the Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. Bellissimo Medical, LLC is located at 2665 Executive Park Drive, Suite #3, Weston FL 33331 (www.bellissimomedical.com)