Clinical tests more valuable than scale to gauge health

Health is much more than the number you see on a scale or your dress size. At Superior Sustenance (www.superiorsustenance.com), the goal of improving your health requires use beyond the typical tools of the dietitian trade. Changes in blood pressure, cholesterol and body measurements all motivate you to continue dietary and lifestyle changes even if the scale refuses to budge. Remember, you can be unhealthy internally even if you are at a healthy weight. 

Here is a list of recommended tests or vitals to obtain from your primary care doctor. It is recommended to get a baseline of these prior to making any diet or lifestyle changes and then monitor the values every 3-6 months. If you are taking medication for blood pressure or cholesterol, you may need to have your doctor follow up on these more regularly to make medication adjustments.

Please note that blood tests should be done fasting (no food or drinks besides plain water) for 10-12 hours.

• Blood pressure - while stress and genetics play a role in blood pressure there are dietary and lifestyle changes that will dramatically decrease levels. A few changes can prevent high blood pressure or lower your levels if already elevated. 
• Serum Cholesterol (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL cholesterol) - Cholesterol levels are very sensitive to recent meals so accurate results are obtained only when fasting for a minimum of 10-12 hours. Again, dietary changes can significantly reduce risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol. And contrary to popular belief, cholesterol in food that is consumed has actually very little to do with the cholesterol found in your blood. 
• Fasting insulin and glucose levels - whether diabetic or not, these levels can shed light on what the composition of your meals should be. Insulin resistance can cause intense food cravings and make it difficult to lose weight (as insulin promotes fat storage). Even normal weight individuals can have insulin resistance but diet, exercise and certain supplements (if needed) can improve insulin sensitivity. 
• Complete Blood Count - Can unveil anemia or risk for anemia. 
• Complete Metabolic Profile - Shows protein level in the blood which is a sensitive marker of inflammation as well as electrolyte levels. 
• Ferritin - Ferritin is the storage form of iron. If the body is depleting stores, you can make dietary changes to increase iron and prevent anemia. 
• Vitamin D - This 'vitamin' is actually a hormone and research is exploding in linking deficiency to various health ailments. Ask for 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to be checked as this form is the most accurate indicator of vitamin D status in the body. 

Depending on your current health history, medications or personal concerns, this list may change, but this is a good starting point for the average person. A dietitian or other health professional can give you specific recommendations based on your individual needs.