The 5-Minute Reality Check: Understanding Your Blood Health
- Shruti Maheshwari

- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Our blood is the body's status report, containing nutrients, hormones, toxins, and immune responses, all in one vial. Ignoring it can lead to small imbalances snowballing into chronic diseases. Just because you are not experiencing any symptoms does not mean everything is working perfectly inside.
Most of us book a blood test only when something hurts or when the doctor requires it to screen for an infection. Yet, 80% of chronic diseases—from heart attacks to diabetes complications—can be prevented or reversed when caught early through simple screenings. The biggest problem with only having your blood tested when the doctor asks for it is that the results can be skewed. That's why, in this blog, I delve into the essential screenings you can't afford to skip. Below is the exact blood-work panel I recommend every client schedule at least once a year, even when they are not sick.

Essential Tests for Your Health
Start with the basic version if you're trying to get a basic picture of your health and are under 40.
Tests to Include:
CBC with ESR – checks anemia, immunity, and inflammation
Fasting Glucose
HbA1c – long-term blood sugar
Fasting Insulin – early metabolic dysfunction
Lipid Profile – heart risk markers
Liver Function Test (LFT)
Kidney Function Test (KFT) – includes creatinine, BUN, eGFR
Vitamin D (25-OH)
Vitamin B12
Thyroid Function Test – TSH, Free T3, Free T4

Advanced Testing for Specific Conditions
Do the advanced panel if you currently have diabetes, cholesterol issues, high blood pressure, an autoimmune disorder, weigh over 70 kg, or are above the age of 50.
Core Metabolism
Fasting Glucose (70–90 mg/dL)
HbA1c (≤ 5.5 %)
Fasting Insulin (< 8 µIU/mL)
Inflammation & Cardiovascular Health
High-Sensitivity CRP (< 0.25 mg/L)
Homocysteine (< 10 µmol/L)
Complete Lipid Profile (HDL, LDL-P, triglycerides)
Complete Blood Count & Iron Levels
CBC with ESR (RBC, WBC, platelets)
Iron Panel (serum iron, ferritin, TIBC, UIBC)
Transferrin Saturation (30–40 %)
Liver & Kidney Function
CMP (ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, ALP, bilirubin)
GGT & LDH
Serum Creatinine + eGFR
Hormones & Thyroid Function
TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3
Fasting Cortisol (AM)
For women: Estradiol, Progesterone
For men: Total & Free Testosterone
Nutrient Status
Vitamin D3 (60–80 ng/mL)
Vitamin B12 & Folate
How to Prepare for the Blood Test & What to Ask Your Doctor
Fast for 8–12 hours (water is fine).
Skip supplements that morning to avoid skewed levels.
Bring this list and say: "I'd like a preventative panel covering metabolic, inflammatory, and nutrient markers."
Discuss results by optimal—not just 'normal'—ranges. Ask:
"How can I get HbA1c < 5.5 %?"
"What lifestyle shifts will lower hs-CRP?"
"Should I re-test in 3 months or 6 months?"
Next Step: Turn Blood Test Numbers into Action
Lab slips don't heal you—strategy does. Book a Deep Health Session or an OligoScan consultation with me to translate your results into a personalized food, supplement, and lifestyle roadmap tailored to you.
Ready to see the whole picture?
Share & Save
Do you know someone who keeps postponing their check-ups? Share this blog with them and schedule your blood test together—accountability makes prevention more effective.
References
WHO Non-communicable Disease Fact Sheet (2024); American Cancer Society Survival Stats;
Dr. Mark Hyman, Food Fix (2020).
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.


