Do You Need Blood Tests Before Making A Diet Plan?

Curating a diet plan from a professional is definitely an interesting, and sometimes exciting, process. But did you know that you also need to do certain blood tests before stepping into a new diet regime? Though it’s not mandatory, many professionals highly recommend it. Want to know why? Read ahead.

In an exclusive conversation with the editorial team of Only My Health, Dr Brunda MS, Sr Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, shares her insights on this topic.

Why We Need Blood Tests Before Making a Diet Plan

Firstly, we need to know why we need blood tests before embarking on a new diet plan. “Before curating a diet plan, doctors often suggest a few blood tests to understand your health and body needs. A complete blood count (CBC) checks for anemia or infection. Thyroid tests (TSH, T3, T4) help know if your metabolism is normal. Blood sugar tests (fasting glucose, HbA1c) check for diabetes or insulin resistance. Lipid profile measures cholesterol and triglycerides to assess heart health. Liver and kidney function tests ensure these organs are healthy before making diet changes,” says Dr Brunda MS.

She adds that some people may also need tests for vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, and iron levels. “These tests help nutritionists or doctors design a safe, balanced diet plan suited to your body’s needs and prevent possible health risks,” shares Dr Brunda MS.

Can Blood Tests Assess Your Nutritional Requirement?

Dr Brunda MS mentions that blood tests which assess your nutritional requirements help find out if your body is getting the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. “CBC checks for anemia and overall health. Iron studies measure iron and ferritin levels to detect iron deficiency. Vitamin D and vitamin B12 tests check for common deficiencies that affect energy and bones. Calcium and magnesium tests show how strong your bones and muscles are. Protein and albumin tests help understand your nutrition and liver function. Lipid profile and blood sugar tests give information about fat and carbohydrate metabolism. These tests help doctors and nutritionists plan a balanced diet that meets your body’s unique nutritional needs,” the expert explains.

Blood Tests for Weight Loss

Before starting a weight loss plan, doctors may suggest several blood tests to understand your body’s condition and metabolism.

“A thyroid test (TSH, T3, T4) checks if your thyroid is underactive or overactive, which affects weight. A blood sugar test (fasting glucose, HbA1c) helps detect diabetes or insulin resistance. A lipid profile measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels to assess heart health. Liver and kidney function tests ensure these organs can handle dietary changes,” shares Dr Brunda MS.

She adds that tests for vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, and iron check for nutritional deficiencies that can affect energy and metabolism. “A hormone test is sometimes also done to check cortisol or reproductive hormones. These tests help doctors design a safe and effective weight loss plan,” says the expert.

Blood Tests for Metabolism

Can a blood test measure your metabolism? “There is no single blood test that directly measures your metabolism, but some tests can help understand how well your body is working,” answers Dr Brunda MS.

Further explaining this, she shares, “A thyroid function test (TSH, T3, T4) is the most common one, as the thyroid gland controls how fast or slow your body burns energy. Blood sugar and insulin tests show how your body processes glucose, which is a key part of metabolism. Cholesterol and lipid profile tests reveal how fats are used in your body. Liver and kidney function tests check organs that play a role in breaking down and removing waste from food. Together, these tests help doctors understand your metabolic rate and suggest lifestyle or diet changes to improve it.”

Also Read: https://www.onlymyhealth.com/can-blood-test-predict-your-lifespan-study-answers-12977833222

Can Blood Tests Show Which Foods Are Good For You?

There is no single blood test that can exactly tell which foods are good for you, but some tests can give useful clues. Emphasising on this, Dr Brunda MS shares how food sensitivity or intolerance tests check how your body reacts to certain foods that may cause bloating, tiredness, or skin issues.

“Blood sugar and insulin tests show how your body handles carbohydrates and sugar, helping decide the right type of diet. Lipid profile can guide how much fat you should eat by showing your cholesterol levels. Tests for vitamin D, B12, iron, and calcium show if you need more of certain nutrients. These tests, along with advice from a doctor or nutritionist, can help you choose foods that match your body’s needs and improve overall health,” explainsDr Brunda MS.

The Final Word

Before starting a weight loss plan, doctors may suggest several blood tests to understand your body’s condition and metabolism. There is no single blood test that can exactly tell which foods are good for you, but some tests can give useful clues.