Essential Bloods Tests For Carnivore

Essential Blood Tests Before Starting the Carnivore Diet: A Doctor’s Guide

As the carnivore diet continues to gain popularity for its potential health benefits, it’s crucial to approach this lifestyle change with a clear understanding of how it may impact your body. In a recent episode of the Meat Medic Podcast, Dr. Suresh Khirwadkar outlines the top 10 blood tests you should consider before transitioning to the carnivore diet. These tests are not only vital for tracking your health but also for identifying any potential issues that could arise while on this diet.

1. Cholesterol Levels: Understanding LDL and Total Cholesterol

Cholesterol is often at the forefront of any dietary discussion, and for good reason. Dr. Khirwadkar stresses the importance of monitoring your cholesterol levels, particularly LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and total cholesterol, before starting the carnivore diet. While LDL cholesterol hasn’t been definitively shown to cause heart disease, excessively high levels can be concerning. Dr. Khirwadkar has seen patients with alarmingly high LDL levels after switching to a carnivore diet, and he advises regular testing to ensure these levels remain within a safe range.

2. Fasting Insulin: A Marker for Insulin Resistance

Fasting insulin is a critical marker for assessing insulin resistance and overall metabolic health. Dr. Khirwadkar recommends pairing this test with fasting glucose for a more comprehensive view. Most people on the carnivore diet will see improvements in their fasting insulin levels, but it’s important to keep an eye on this marker over time, as it can sometimes worsen with prolonged adherence to a strict low-carb diet.

3. Full Thyroid Panel: Monitoring Thyroid Function

Thyroid health is intricately linked with diet and metabolism. Dr. Khirwadkar advises getting a full thyroid panel, including TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), T3, and T4 levels. He notes that while TSH levels often decrease on a carnivore or ketogenic diet, extremely low levels could indicate an underlying issue. Regular testing is recommended, especially if you plan to follow the diet long-term.

4. Iron Levels: The Importance of Monitoring Iron

Iron levels are another crucial aspect to monitor, particularly because the carnivore diet is heavily meat-based. While most people maintain normal iron levels on this diet, some may experience elevated levels, which can be harmful. Dr. Khirwadkar emphasizes the importance of regular iron studies, including ferritin and total iron-binding capacity, to ensure your levels stay within a healthy range.

5. Folate and Homocysteine: Linked Indicators of Cardiovascular Health

Folate and homocysteine levels are closely related, and both are important markers of cardiovascular health. Dr. Khirwadkar has observed that many patients on the carnivore diet tend to have low folate levels, leading to elevated homocysteine—a risk factor for heart disease. Regular supplementation or dietary adjustments may be necessary to maintain healthy levels.

6. Chronic Stress Markers: DHEAS and Cortisol

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on your health, and Dr. Khirwadkar recommends monitoring DHEAS and cortisol levels as indicators of your body’s stress response. These hormones can provide insights into how your body is coping with the carnivore diet and whether adjustments are needed to manage stress more effectively.

7. HbA1c: Long-Term Blood Sugar Control

HbA1c is a marker for long-term blood sugar control and is crucial for detecting early signs of diabetes or pre-diabetes. Dr. Khirwadkar cautions that while some claim the carnivore diet may artificially elevate HbA1c, more evidence is needed to support this theory. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure your blood sugar levels remain stable.

8. Liver Function Tests: ALT and Gamma GT

Liver function is a key area to monitor, especially when following a high-fat diet like carnivore. Dr. Khirwadkar highlights ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and Gamma GT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) as important markers of liver health. While liver function often improves on the carnivore diet, it’s important to track these levels regularly to catch any potential issues early.

9. Sex Hormones: Testosterone, Estrogen, and SHBG

Sex hormone levels, including testosterone, estrogen, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), are important for overall health and well-being. Dr. Khirwadkar stresses the importance of testing not just total testosterone, but also free and active forms, to get a complete picture of your hormonal health.

10. High-Sensitivity CRP: Inflammation Marker

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS-CRP) is a sensitive marker for inflammation and can indicate underlying chronic disease. Dr. Khirwadkar recommends testing HS-CRP levels regularly, as the carnivore diet is typically anti-inflammatory, but changes over time could signal the need for dietary adjustments.

Conclusion: The Importance of Regular Monitoring

Dr. Suresh Khirwadkar’s expert advice highlights the importance of regular blood testing before and during your transition to the carnivore diet. These tests provide crucial insights into your health and can help you make informed decisions about your diet. By monitoring these key markers, you can ensure that the carnivore diet is working for you and make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal health.