Blood Tests & You
My ideal situation for when I see a client for the first time, is that they show me their blood results that they have just had!It may be just the geek in me, but it has a lot to do with getting an insight of where you are at. I guess more of a 'baseline' of where you first start in your health journey.It surprises me how many people haven't had a blood test in years! I suppose my typical client does not like going to the doctors, but blood tests sure do give you a lot of information!I get my bloods done once a year, just for a general sticky beak. See if things have changed...I have a file dedicated to blood (and other tests) results.
What....... you don't??
It is your right to have a copy of your results. It's your information, and your entitled to be given a copy. Next time you do have some tests done- ask for a copy.I have been receiving a lot of mentoring in the last 18 months on interpreting blood results. And I have been loving it!As a simple baseline these are the general blood tests that you should request (after fasting the night before):
- Cholesterol panel
- Full Blood Count
- General chemistry
- Iron studies
- Glucose
- Renal studies
- Liver Function Test
- TSH + T4 + T3
- Vitamin D
- CRP
If I had my way..............
- All of the above
- Active B12
- Homocysteine
- Serum folate
- Serum zinc
- Cortisol
- Serum copper
- Selenium
The first list is covered by Medicare (T4 + T3 are sometimes not). The rest can be covered by Medicare, it just depends on your doctor and how flexible they are. If you can give them a good enough reason, they generally are happy to request a blood test for you.I often get a funny look when I suggest to people that they should go and get a blood test done. This is because my clients see me for gut issues, and they can't connect the two together. As a naturopath, we treat the WHOLE person. And yes, your body works synergistically and if one area is under stress, it will put another area under stress too.Below is a Facebook Live I put together on the topic.Have a watch below!