What does it actually mean to be fit and healthy?
Finding one particular definition of fitness or health is challenging. According to several dictionaries, fitness means – the state or quality of being fit. Well, fitness can mean different things for different people. But, one thing is certain for many, overall fitness is all about being healthier and feeling better.
Let’s understand why it is so…
There is no wonder that if there is an industry that continues to grow without any kind of hindrances, it’s the fitness and wellness industry. This is only because of the increasing number of people getting conscious about their health worldwide. Weight gain & obesity are considered to be one of the most common health conditions all over the world.
Unfortunately, not many people understand that suitable fitness plans should be started after undertaking lab tests for health. Many people might not prefer blood tests before starting a new fitness program. But, believe it or not…lab testing is an integral part of your overall fitness & health program.
The Significance of Lab Tests (Blood Tests) for Fitness
Well, it is well-known that blood tests are utilized to diagnose disease. But, blood work can also be utilized to monitor health. Comprehending your blood biomarkers will help you in making more informed decisions about your fitness, diet, supplement choices and lifestyle.
Blood work data can be utilized similarly to how you would utilize the info in your fitness or diet plans or provide information on your organs or bodily functions as to whether or not they are functioning properly or failing. The result is always in the numbers. The true potential of utilizing blood tests relies on viewing and monitoring the metabolic trends of your long-term health.
Most of us wait until it is so late to begin monitoring our health. Waiting until you are very sick is similar to changing the oil in your vehicle when the check engine light turns on. This lack of awareness in keeping the function of your “vehicle” creates costly future problems like engine failure. Considering a regular health monitoring approach to remain healthy or fit will always cost less and consume less time than it would to handle a chronic illness.
Most chronic health conditions are preventable. And lab tests and blood work provide an insight into the future of your overall health.
Consider Lab Tests for Health before Commencing a New Fitness Program
Knowing your blood work can help you make the right decisions about your health.
The following are major reasons why it’s important to know your blood work by lab testing before/during/after the fitness regime.
The blood test will help you with –
- If you have any kind of nutrient deficiencies boosting your chronic disease risk. Do you have vitamin D deficiency that is boosting your chance of osteoporosis and cancer?
- The dietary changes to make in order to prevent disease and boost your mental clarity. Do you need to consume more healthy sources of protein or fat for optional brain health?
- It will help you conclude what type of fitness plan is suitable for you. Do you truly need to undertake high-intensity exercise or low- intensity exercise?
- It will help you determine what supplements will be necessary to help you reach your fitness goals.
On top of all, knowing your blood work eradicates the uncertainty surrounding the present state of your health and will provide you the great peace of mind that you are amazingly taking control of your future wellbeing.
The Most Common Blood or Lab Tests for Wellness
When your doctor recommends regular blood tests, it may appear a bit like secret codes: – a CMP, a CBC and a lipid panel. Here are the fundamentals of each test-
- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
The CBC determines the types of cells in the blood, for instance, white blood cells, the red blood cells and platelets, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and the shape and size of blood cells. Well, results can signify numerous conditions, for instance, different types of infection, dehydration, anemia, blood cancers, and kidney disease. - CMP (Comprehensive metabolic panel)
A CMP determines numerous chemicals in your blood, for instance, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen to test kidney function, blood sugar for diabetes, AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ATL (alanine aminotransferase) for liver and calcium that can signify an overactive parathyroid gland or cancer spreading to the bones. It also determines other aspects of your health, for instance, blood levels of potassium, protein, sodium, chloride, and calcium. - Lipid Panel
The Lipid Panel determines each of numerous types of fat in the blood, which includes “bad” LDL cholesterol, “good” HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol as well as triglycerides. All these things help your doctor determine your chance for heart disease.
Hope for a total cholesterol of <20 mg/dL, HDL of >60 mg/dL, LDL of <130 mg/dL and the triglycerides of <150 mg/dL.
How Do You Accomplish the Most Accurate Blood Test?
Well, lab testing for health takes a sample of your blood from one spot in the circulatory system and signifies how the rest of your body is operating. With a small sample, there are several ways to hinder the accuracy of the results. For lab testing best practices, keep the following tips in mind to attain the most accurate result.
- Stick to your usual schedule the day before testing.
- Don’t go for a test on a day you feel sick unless the lab test is to figure out why you have that particular illness.
- Don’t go for a test after a quite big change in your diet, for instance, after a party.
- Make sure that you are following your fasting recommendations.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water before going for the test.
- Avoid consuming alcohol before your testing date.
- Don’t do an exercise before your test.
Lastly, it is fair to say that getting a comprehensive assessment of your blood work will certainly today help you to stay on top of your health.
We are here to help! Please contact Test Smartly Labs for assistance…