What example illustrates an individual being factually unhealthy without meeting the criteria for pathology?
A blood test marker slightly elevated due to strain from poor diet or stress
The concept is best illustrated by looking at subclinical markers. If a blood test shows one marker is slightly elevated, this signals that the body is currently under strain, perhaps resulting from sustained poor diet or psychological stress. This condition means the individual is factually unhealthy because their system is not functioning optimally and is moving toward a potentially harmful state. However, because this elevation does not meet the established clinical threshold for a named, recognized disease, the individual does not yet carry a formal pathology. This suboptimal state warrants intervention much sooner than waiting for a specific disease marker to strike.
