Labs We May Check for Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Bloating

What Testing Can Reveal About Low Energy, Digestive Issues, and Mental Fog

Labs We May Check for Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Bloating

What Testing Can Reveal About Low Energy, Digestive Issues, and Mental Fog

Labs We May Check for Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Bloating

What Testing Can Reveal About Low Energy, Digestive Issues, and Mental Fog

Fatigue, bloating, and brain fog are common symptoms that often point to internal imbalances. With the right lab tests, it's possible to uncover the root causes and build a plan that leads to lasting relief.

Below is a list of some of the most commonly ordered labs for evaluating these concerns, along with what each one helps reveal.

1. 🍬 Insulin and Blood Sugar (Fasting Insulin, Glucose, A1c)

Issues with blood sugar regulation often show up as:

  • Fatigue after meals

  • Brain fog, especially mid-morning or mid-afternoon

  • Bloating, sugar cravings, or increased abdominal fat

Fasting insulin helps assess insulin resistance before glucose becomes elevated. A1c shows average blood sugar levels over three months.

2. 🧪 Testosterone

Low testosterone can contribute to:

  • Persistent fatigue and low motivation

  • Brain fog and slow thinking

  • Abdominal weight gain or reduced muscle tone

This test can be important for both men and women, especially if energy is low despite good lifestyle habits.

3. 🩸 Complete Blood Count (CBC)

This foundational panel looks at blood cells, helping to detect:

  • Anemia, which can cause fatigue, cold hands and feet, or lightheadedness

  • Infection, which may drain energy even without obvious symptoms

  • Inflammation, which can affect energy and recovery

4. 🦋 Thyroid Panel

The thyroid regulates metabolism, digestion, and energy.

  • Imbalances may cause bloating, constipation, fatigue, or mood swings

  • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates production of thyroid hormones

  • Testing actual thyroid hormones provide a more complete picture than TSH alone

5. 💊 Vitamin B12 and Folate

Both nutrients support red blood cell production and brain function.

  • Deficiencies are linked to fatigue, memory issues, numbness, and tingling

  • Low levels may occur even with a balanced diet due to absorption issues or medications

6. ☀️ Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps regulate energy, immune function, and hormonal balance. It also allows for calcium absorption.

  • Low levels are extremely common and may contribute to fatigue, low mood, or foggy thinking

  • Suboptimal Vitamin D can also contribute to poor calcium absorption, which can contribute to vertigo or renal stones

  • Proper levels support resilience, sleep, and immune response

7. 🔍 Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)

This test evaluates hydration, kidney health, liver health, and electrolyte balance.

  • Imbalances can lead to headaches, fog, muscle weakness, or bloating

  • Can be useful for monitoring medications, diet, and hydration status

  • The liver plays a key role in digestion, detoxification, and hormone processing

  • Elevated liver enzymes can signal liver inflammation, fatty liver, or side effects from medications

  • Sluggish liver function may result in fatigue, poor digestion, or fullness after meals

8. 🔥 Inflammatory Markers (CRP, ESR)

These tests help identify chronic low-grade inflammation that may be contributing to:

  • Slowed thinking or reduced mental clarity

  • Persistent tiredness or poor recovery

  • Subtle digestive symptoms and bloating

🧭 What Happens Next?

These lab results give insight into what's happening beneath the surface. With proper interpretation, they form the foundation of a personalized plan that can include nutrition, movement, and medications.

✅ Ready to Get Tested?

📅 Reach7 members get access to on-site lab testing plus personalized reviews of every result.
Whether you're dealing with fatigue, bloating, or brain fog, your care team will walk you through what your labs mean and what to do next. 

Join today and take the guesswork out of feeling better.

Author

Leanna Andrews, NP

Medical specialist passionate about evidence-based medicine, nutrition, and healthy living. I cut through the noise to bring clear, reliable insights that empower everyday readers to help them Live Better & Thrive Longer.

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Start #reaching7 today.

Green counter top with some healthy food

Let’s get in touch.

Start #reaching7 today.

Green counter top with some healthy food

Let’s get in touch.

Start #reaching7 today.