Blood Tests and Fitness: Why You Should Get Regular Blood Tests #20

Blood test

Blood tests and fitness: As fitness enthusiasts, we invest a lot of time and energy in training and optimising our diet to improve our performance and achieve our health goals. But how many of us actively monitor our internal health through regular blood testing? In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of blood testing for fitness enthusiasts, which values to pay particular attention to and how to optimise your blood values.

1 Why are regular blood tests important?

Blood tests can give us a detailed insight into our state of health and provide us with important information that can help us to achieve our fitness goals more effectively. They can show us whether we have deficiencies that could affect our performance or whether we are at risk of certain health problems. Regular blood tests allow us to recognise these problems at an early stage and take appropriate measures to correct them.

2. which values should you pay particular attention to as a fitness athlete?

There are a number of blood values that may be of particular interest to fitness enthusiasts:

  1. Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health and muscle function. A deficiency can lead to bone weakness and muscle weakness and can increase the risk of injury.
  2. Iron: Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin, which supports the transport of oxygen in the blood cells. Low iron levels can lead to tiredness and reduced performance.
  3. Blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides): These values are important for heart health. High levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  4. Glucose: A stable blood glucose level is important for energy supply during training. Excessively high levels can indicate a risk of diabetes.
  5. Electrolytes: Values such as potassium, sodium and magnesium are important for muscle function and fluid balance in the body.

3. how can you optimise your blood values?

There are several strategies you can use to improve your blood values:

  1. Nutrition: A balanced diet is the key to maintaining optimal blood values. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, wholemeal products, lean protein and healthy fats. Make sure you get enough iron and vitamin D. Supplements can be helpful if needed, but it's always better to get nutrients from food.
  2. Movement: Regular exercise can help to improve many blood values. It can help to lower cholesterol levels, improve glucose tolerance and regulate blood pressure. Exercise also helps to maintain a healthy body composition, which can have a positive effect on many blood values.
  3. Sufficient sleep: Sleep is an important time for the body to regenerate and heal. A lack of sleep can lead to changes in various blood values, including increased inflammatory markers and changes in glucose metabolism.
  4. Stress management: Chronic stress can have a negative impact on a variety of blood levels, including the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga, can help to reduce stress levels and thus improve blood values.
  5. Regular preventive medical check-ups: In addition to self-monitoring your health, it is important to have regular medical check-ups. A doctor can make specific recommendations to improve your blood values and recognise potential health problems at an early stage.

Conclusion:

Blood tests are a valuable tool for monitoring your health and fitness. By knowing your blood values, you can better adapt your training and nutrition strategies to your individual needs, optimising your performance and achieving your health goals. It is important to remember that values are influenced by many factors and that there is no "one size fits all". What works for one person may not work for another. 

Fortunately, there are numerous small laboratories offering this service nowadays.

It really is as easy as it sounds. Just type 'blood test lab' into your Google search and you'll quickly come across a variety of providers that are in your area. Each laboratory has its own range of services and specialisations, so you're sure to find what you're looking for.

Understanding your blood values and monitoring your health is an important part of your fitness regime. It's another way to empower yourself and take control of your health and well-being. So, get tested regularly and stay healthy and fit!

Work with your doctor or with us to create a plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.