Why Did My Doctor Recommend a CBC Blood Test, and What Can It Detect?

Question

I recently went to the doctor for a routine checkup, and they suggested that I get a CBC blood test. I wasn’t feeling sick, but I had been feeling a little more tired than usual. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now I’m wondering—what exactly does a CBC blood test check for?

From what I understand, a CBC blood test measures different components of the blood, like red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. But what do these numbers actually tell you? For example, if my white blood cell count is high, does that mean I have an infection? And if my red blood cell count is low, does that mean I have anemia?

I also read that a CBC blood test can sometimes detect early signs of serious conditions like autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, or even leukemia. Now I’m nervous—should I be worried about my results? What are the signs that something is wrong in a CBC blood test?

I also want to know if there are Ayurvedic remedies that help maintain healthy blood levels. If my iron or hemoglobin is low, should I be eating more specific foods like dates, beetroot, or sesame seeds? And if my white blood cell count is low, does Ayurveda recommend any herbs to boost immunity?

If anyone has had a CBC blood test and learned something important from their results, I’d love to hear about it. Should I be getting this test regularly, or is it only necessary if I’m feeling sick?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) test is a comprehensive blood test that measures various components of your blood to help identify a wide range of potential health issues. It checks for red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in blood), hematocrit (the percentage of blood made up of red blood cells), and platelets (which help with blood clotting). For example, if your white blood cell count is high, it could indicate an infection or inflammation, whereas a low red blood cell count may suggest anemia, which could be due to iron deficiency or other causes. Low hemoglobin levels, for instance, may also point to a potential deficiency in iron or B12. While a CBC can detect some early signs of more serious conditions like autoimmune diseases or leukemia, it’s important not to jump to conclusions just based on a few numbers. If any abnormalities are found, your doctor may suggest further testing.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, if your iron or hemoglobin levels are low, incorporating iron-rich foods such as dates, beetroot, sesame seeds, and spinach can be helpful. Herbs like ashwagandha and shatavari are known to support energy levels and immunity, while amla and ginger can boost your white blood cell count and help with overall vitality. Maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role in keeping your blood healthy. Regular CBC tests are usually recommended as part of routine checkups, but if you're feeling off or if you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, it's definitely a good idea to keep track of your results.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Namaste,
A CBC (Complete Blood Count) measures various components of your blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. It’s commonly used to assess overall health, detect infections, anemia, inflammation, or other underlying issues. High WBC counts may indicate an infection or inflammation, while low RBC counts can suggest anemia. Platelet counts help assess clotting ability, and abnormal levels may point to bleeding disorders or other conditions.

If abnormalities are found, your doctor will interpret the results based on your symptoms and medical history, so try not to worry too much without seeing the full picture. In Ayurveda, foods like dates, beetroot, pomegranate, and sesame seeds are traditionally recommended to support hemoglobin and iron levels. Herbs like Ashwagandha and Guduchi are also believed to help boost immunity if WBC counts are low.

If you’ve been feeling fatigued or run down, a CBC can be helpful to monitor health even when you aren’t experiencing serious symptoms. It’s a good idea to have it done regularly, especially if you’re noticing changes in energy levels or overall well-being.

Why Did My Doctor Recommend a CBC Blood Test, and What Can It Detect? - #15160

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions

Popular questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews