--- title: How To Know You're In The Zone description: You think you're in the Zone but do you know for sure? Your blood is the best way to tell. Here are the three blood markers to know if you're in the Zone. image: https://blog.zoneliving.com/hubfs/102521-Blood-Markers-Blog-.png --- ##### Shop By Category - [ Best Seller ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/best-sellers) - [ Omega-3s ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/omega-3-fish-oil) - [ Polyphenols ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/polyphenols) - [ Zone Foods ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/zone-foods) - [ Blood Tests ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/blood-tests) - [ Supplements ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/supplements) - [ Books ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/books) - [ Skin Care ](https://zoneliving.com/collections/skin-care-1) - [ Metabolic Engineering ](https://zoneliving.com/collections/metabolic-engineering) - Best Seller [ Shop All ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/all) ##### Shop By Zone Food - [ Zone Muffins ](https://zoneliving.com/collections/zone-muffins) - [ Zone Pasta ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/zone-pasta) - [ Zone Shakes ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/zone-shakes) - [ Zone Bars ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/zone-nutrition-bars) - [ Olive Oil ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/olive-oil) [ Shop All ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/collections/all) [![easy-to-make](https://blog.zoneliving.com/hubfs/Global_2023/easy-to-make.webp) ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/blogs/recipes) Easy-to-make recipes just for you. [ Browse Our Recipes ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/blogs/recipes) [![insulin-resistance](https://blog.zoneliving.com/hubfs/Global_2023/insulin-resistance.webp) ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/insulin-resistance-quiz) What's your insulin resistance? [ Take The Quiz ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/insulin-resistance-quiz) ##### Zone Tools - [ Insulin Resistance Quiz ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/insulin-resistance-quiz) - [ Protein / Body Fat Calculator ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/zone-body-fat-calculator) - [ Blogs ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/zone-blogs) - [ Zone Food Blocks ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/food-blocks) - [ Recipes ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/blogs/recipes) - [ Ebooks ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/free-zone-diet-e-books) - [ Omega Purity Reports ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/omega-fish-oil) - [ Polyphenol Purity Report ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/polyphenol-purity-reports) [![zone-body-fat-calculator-nav](https://blog.zoneliving.com/hubfs/Global_2023/zone-body-fat-calculator-nav.webp) ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/zone-body-fat-calculator) The Zone Body Fat Calculator [ Calculate Now ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/zone-body-fat-calculator) [![zone-food-block-guide](https://blog.zoneliving.com/hubfs/Global_2023/zone-food-block-guide.webp) ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/food-blocks) The Zone Food Block Guide [ Learn More ](https://zoneliving.myshopify.com/pages/food-blocks) ![Zone-Diet-Blog-Banner-drsears](https://blog.zoneliving.com/hubfs/Zone-Diet-Blog-Banner-drsears.png "Zone-Diet-Blog-Banner-drsears") # Dr. Sears' Blog Breaking down the latest research on Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Written By: Dr. Barry Sears, Ph. D | Creator of the Zone Diet # [How To Know You're In The Zone](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/how-to-know-youre-in-the-zone) - ** - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.zoneliving.com%2Fdrsears%2Fhow-to-know-youre-in-the-zone) - [**](https://www.twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.zoneliving.com%2Fdrsears%2Fhow-to-know-youre-in-the-zone) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/how-to-know-youre-in-the-zone) - [**](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.zoneliving.com%2Fdrsears%2Fhow-to-know-youre-in-the-zone) Written by Dr. Barry Sears on October 26, 2021 The Zone can best be understood as the physiological state in your body where you slow down aging. If you want to know whether you’re in the Zone, these blood markers are the best way to tell. Here is a quick summary of what those blood markers are and what they indicate. **[![AT-RISK-CHART-002](https://blog.zoneliving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AT-RISK-CHART-002.png?width=803&name=AT-RISK-CHART-002.png)The Cellular Inflammation Test:](https://zonediet.com/product/omega-3-fish-oil/cellular-inflammation/)** This test measures the level of two vital fatty acids in the blood, Arachidonic Acid (AA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA). Arachidonic acid (AA) is produced from omega-6 fats in the body and can turn on the inflammatory response. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fat that comes from fish and fish oils and helps turn off the inflammatory response.  When these two fatty acids are balanced in your blood, as indicated by your AA/EPA ratio, your ability to control hormones (eicosanoids and resolvins) that modulate cellular inflammation is optimal.  As the AA/EPA ratio in blood increases, cellular inflammation increases, and so does the likelihood of developing chronic disease in the future. This increased inflammation will make you age faster. [![102521-Blood-Markers-blog02](https://blog.zoneliving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/102521-Blood-Markers-blog02.png?width=803&name=102521-Blood-Markers-blog02.png)](https://zonediet.com/product/omega-3-fish-oil/cellular-inflammation/)**Best Way to Get in Range: **The quickest way to lower your AA/EPA ratio is to supplement your diet with high purity omega-3 fatty acids. The more closely you follow the Zone Diet, the fewer omega-3 fatty acids you’ll need since the Zone Diet dramatically reduces the intake of omega-6 fatty acids and moderates insulin levels, both of which can increase AA levels in the body. *This test is not routinely performed, but it can be done at home using our [Cellular Inflammation Test Kit](https://zonediet.com/product/omega-3-fish-oil/cellular-inflammation/). **HbA1c: **Hemoglobin A1c or glycosylated hemoglobin measures circulating glucose levels in the blood over the previous three months. HbA1c is used primarily as a marker of blood sugar control, but it can also be used as a marker of the activation of [AMPK](https://blog.zoneliving.com/lifestyletips/ampk-explained). AMPK is the master switch of metabolism that controls your ability to repair damaged tissue. Hyperglycemia, or high levels of circulating blood glucose, is a primary inhibitor of [AMPK](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/ampk-and-inflammation) activity. Therefore, increasing your intake of [polyphenols](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/why-maquirx-is-the-best) will have the most significant impact in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin levels. [![AT-RISK-CHART-090](https://blog.zoneliving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AT-RISK-CHART-090.png?width=803&name=AT-RISK-CHART-090.png)](https://zonediet.com/product/omega-3-fish-oil/cellular-inflammation/)*This test may not be routinely performed. Check with your physician’s office and insurance provider before your next checkup to verify whether you’ll incur any additional fees if this is run. **TG/HDL: **The triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) ratio can be used as a marker of insulin resistance. The three organs most responsive to insulin are the adipose, liver, and muscle tissues. Insulin resistance is typically associated with an increase in body fat, but the first place you’ll be able to begin to measure its start is in the liver. The reason is that the liver is where dietary fats are repackaged into lipoproteins which transport triglycerides and cholesterol to cells. When insulin resistance develops, triglyceride levels rise, HDL levels decrease, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) becomes smaller and denser and more likely to oxidize, leading to heart disease. [![AT-RISK-CHART2](https://blog.zoneliving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AT-RISK-CHART2.png?width=803&name=AT-RISK-CHART2.png)](https://zonediet.com/product/omega-3-fish-oil/cellular-inflammation/)**Best Way to Get in Range: **The best way to reduce insulin resistance is following the [Zone diet](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/anti-inflammatory-diets-past-present-and-future). The Zone diet is a clinically proven anti-inflammatory diet. It is a calorie-restricted diet but without hunger or fatigue. The reason is that the Zone diet contains adequate protein, moderate amounts of carbohydrates, and is low in fat (primarily monounsaturated fat), which is the key to lowering insulin resistance. *These markers (TG and HDL) are part of your complete blood count (CBC) routinely done in your physician’s office. **Summary** Being in the Zone is based on science. Your blood will tell you. Each of these three blood markers has to be their ideal ranges before you are in the Zone. In the Zone, you can help slow down your rate of aging. Getting all the necessary blood markers within their appropriate ranges will take about three months, although you can subjectively feel the benefits within a few days. The key to slowing down aging is staying in the Zone.  Within 30 days of starting the [Zone Diet](https://zonediet.com/the-zone-diet/) and supplementing with the appropriate levels of [omega-3 fatty acids](https://zonediet.com/products/omega-3-fish-oil/) and [polyphenols](https://zonediet.com/products/polyphenols/), you will find these blood markers beginning to move you closer to the Zone and helping to improve your overall wellness by slowing down your rate of aging in every cell in your body. --- [![102521-Blood-Markers-CTA](https://blog.zoneliving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/102521-Blood-Markers-CTA.png?width=850&name=102521-Blood-Markers-CTA.png)](https://zonediet.com/product/omega-3-fish-oil/cellular-inflammation/) [Zone Diet ](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/topic/zone-diet), [Zone Diet Basics ](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/topic/zone-diet-basics), [blood markers ](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/topic/blood-markers) ### Popular stories [Injectable Weight Loss Drugs: The Truth About Ozempic and Wegovy](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/ozempic-vs.-zone-diet-a-comparative-analysis-for-weight-loss-0) Jul 25, 2023 [Your Guide to Simple Zone Meals](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/your-guide-to-simple-zone-meals) Apr 21, 2023 [The Zone Diet After 20 Years – What's New?](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/blog/whats-new-about-the-zone-diet-after-20-years) Nov 17, 2015 ### Posts by Tags - [Evidence-Based Wellness (108)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/evidence-based-wellness) - [Zone Diet (93)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/zone-diet) - [Omega-3 Fish Oil (75)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/omega-3-fish-oil) - [Weight Loss (60)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/weight-loss) - [Healthy Aging (49)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/healthy-aging) - [Polyphenols (38)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/polyphenols) - [Heart Health (29)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/heart-health) - [Brain Health (23)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/brain-health) - [Childhood Nutrition (21)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/childhood-nutrition) - [Zone Foods (19)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/zone-foods) - [Athletic Performance (18)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/athletic-performance) - [Genetics (15)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/genetics) - [Q&A (11)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/qa) - [Insulin Resistance (10)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/insulin-resistance) - [Pro-Resolution Nutrition (6)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/pro-resolution-nutrition) - [Gut Health (5)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/gut-health) - [Dr. Barry Sears (3)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/dr-barry-sears) - [Fish Oil (3)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/fish-oil) - [Nutrition (3)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/nutrition) - [Protein (3)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/protein) - [Covid-19 (2)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/covid-19) - [Zone Diet Basics (2)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/zone-diet-basics) - [Zone food (2)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/zone-food) - [AMPK (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/ampk) - [Delphinidins (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/delphinidins) - [Diabetes (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/diabetes) - [Diet (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/diet) - [HbA1c (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/hba1c) - [Infant Health (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/infant-health) - [Inflammation (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/inflammation) - [Ketogenic Diet (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/ketogenic-diet) - [Lean Body Mass (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/lean-body-mass) - [MaquiRx (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/maquirx) - [Metabolic Engineering (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/metabolic-engineering) - [Metabolism (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/metabolism) - [Olive Oil (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/olive-oil) - [Pregnancy (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/pregnancy) - [Supplements (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/supplements) - [Vegan & Vegetarian (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/vegan-vegetarian) - [anti-inflammatory diet (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/anti-inflammatory-diet) - [blood markers (1)](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/tag/blood-markers) [See all](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/how-to-know-youre-in-the-zone#) ### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. ### You may also like: [Zone Diet](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/topic/zone-diet) [Ketogenic Diet](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/topic/ketogenic-diet) ## [Ketogenic Diets and Aging](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/ketogenic_diet_and_aging) Chances are, you or someone you know has tried the keto diet at some point in time. This high-fat, very low-carbohydrate... [Read More for Post](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/ketogenic_diet_and_aging) [Zone Diet](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/topic/zone-diet) [AMPK](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/topic/ampk) [anti-inflammatory diet](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/topic/anti-inflammatory-diet) ## [Q&A with Dr. Sears: Anti-Inflammatory Diets](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/dr-sears-q-a-anti-inflammatory-diets) Learning more about anti-inflammatory diets and AMPK can be a bit confusing. Luckily, Dr. Sears is here to provide valua... [Read More for Post](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/dr-sears-q-a-anti-inflammatory-diets) [Supplements](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/topic/supplements) [Zone Diet](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/topic/zone-diet) ## [Dr. Sears Answers Your Questions On Protein and Protein Powder](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/protein-powder-q-a) The global market for protein supplements is anticipated to rise 8.5% by 2030. This increased demand is widely due healt... [Read More for Post](https://blog.zoneliving.com/drsears/protein-powder-q-a) ![](https://blog.zoneliving.com/hs-fs/hubfs/99%20Template%20Pack/newsletter_bg.jpeg?width=2000&name=newsletter_bg.jpeg) ## Get all News Updates to your inbox. Easy email reminders who count on the weekly recap. ### Subscribe to Email Updates