I've spent time understanding what blood tests I wanted to see and what I should ask for from the doctor. I have noticed they don't always order the same set of tests, so don't assume that the GP will automatically order everything relevant if you ask for a checkup. Having said that, this is not a comprehensive list and I would expect there to be a bunch of other stuff on your test panel that's not covered here. This is just a set of things that I would want to make sure is included in a blood test based on my needs (male, mid-40s).
This is not medical advice. For that, ask your doctor.
Blood cell count
White blood cell count - if you're doing primal/paleo then expect your white blood cell count to be on the low end. This is good - it means your immune system is not in overdrive because of the crappy food you're eating.Red blood cell count - I'm not so familiar with this but I believe (from Robb Wolf podcasts particularly) that it is preferable to have red blood cell count, haemoglobin, ferritin, iron levels on the lower end of the spectrum to reduce oxidative stress from iron overload. You may want to do your own research here but blood donation is considered a good thing. Unless you live in Australia and lived in the UK during the Mad Cow episode in which case you can't give blood.
Blood lipid panel
Tests - standard 'cholesterol' test - total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, fasting glucose.Results - the LDL is just for laughs. If you're eating low glycemic index then your triglycerides should be low (below 100 mmol/L). If so, you can calculate your own, more accurate, LDL number using the 'Iranian' formula which is a better curve-fit at low triglyceride levels. An online calculator is here.
HDL to total cholesterol - desired ratio < 4.0.
Trigs to HDL - desired ratio < 2.0. This one is particularly important.
Note: the standard GP will freak out about high total cholesterol. Make your own mind up about this but I concluded this was the wrong thing to be worried about.
Cholesterol is involved in many healthy body functions, so in my opinion, it is more important to have healthy cholesterol than to worry about cholesterol levels. Which means unoxidized, light and fluffy LDL particles which come about by minimising oxidative stress, consuming enough saturated fats that there is good availability of raw materials for the body to produce fresh cholesterol as needed and maintaining a healthy liver that is able to maintain good cholesterol supply (both HDL and LDL).
Eat plenty of high quality, pasture raised ruminant animal fat (butter, cheese, fatty cuts). Eat plenty of avocado, olive oil, macadamia nuts. Eat plenty of high quality free range eggs. Eat plenty of fish, or fish oil.
Don't over-do it on poultry (high omega 6), other nuts.
Avoid vegetable oils and seeds.
Inflammatory markers
HBA1C and C-reactive protein. These really tell you about how well you're managing your blood sugar levels over time and your body's system inflammation.Androgens
Total testosterone, free testosterone.Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Oestrogen, Progesterone.
Vitamin D
Although it's called a vitamin, it's really a hormone. It's involved in many body functions including strong bone formation.The best source of vitamin D is by getting plenty of sunlight, supported by plenty of high quality animal fats (vitamin D is synthesized from cholesterol). Avoid getting sun-burn by avoiding vegetable fats (no more fish and chips or donuts). Cod liver oil is also another good source.
Thyroid
If you're feeling like your energy is low, if you're usually cold, then you may want to get your thyroid levels checked. You need all of the following: TSH, T4, T3, rT3.In Australia, they'll tell you that rT3 is not available on Medicare and wont' offer it as standard but ask for it anyway. I haven't been charged for it yet! Without this, you can't tell anything about your thyroid function.
Mineral levels
Iron levels - Ferritin. There is evidence that high iron levels can lead to oxidative stress (remember iron rusts easily!) so preferable to be on the lower end of the 'normal' range for iron levels. For men, if you can, consider giving blood regularly.Magnesium. We don't get magnesium from the water supply like our ancestors did, so you may well consider supplementing magnesium.
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