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Am I on TRT? August 2022 bloodwork update

PS

Paul Saladino1h 10m · 2022-09-06

Support Rate

70%

123 of 175 claims supported

Support rate

123 of 175 claims supported

123 supported52 partial / not

Claims from this content

148

Well SupportedInsulin resistance makes LDL 'stickier,' increasing cardiac risk, while individuals who are insulin sensitive show no increase in cardiac risk with higher LDL levels.Well SupportedExcessive intake of linoleic acid arises from its concentration and abundance in processed seed oils.Well SupportedPaul Saladino, weighing 165 pounds and exercising over 12 hours/week, consumes 250-300 grams of carbohydrates daily while maintaining insulin sensitivity.Not SupportedMetabolic health context is crucial for understanding atherosclerosis, not just LDL's direct injury to the endothelium.Not SupportedPaul Saladino avoids pork fed corn, soy, and seed oils due to high linoleic acid accumulation.

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A. Volkovreader

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Bookmarking — the dossier-vs-overview split is the right call. Most of the time I want overview; sometimes I want receipts.

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N. Park

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Would love a "what would change this verdict" RSS feed. Sign me up if it exists.

Well SupportedLinoleic acid content varies significantly across foods, with seed oils containing 20-55% and tallow/butter containing 1-2%.

Partially SupportedApoB is a marker present on LDL particles and other lipoproteins like chylomicrons and VLDL.

Well SupportedHardened Soil's Histamine Immune supplement may help with allergies by addressing desiccated organs and DAO.

Well SupportedThe Heart & Soil histamine and immune supplement may improve allergies.

Well SupportedSaturated fat might be a normal adaptive response to maintain cell membrane fluidity, even if it raises LDL cholesterol.

Well SupportedAnimal fats like tallow and butter contain 2-3% linoleic acid, which is significantly lower than seed oils (20-60%) and olive/avocado oils (15-20%).

Well SupportedBoron supplementation can increase mean plasma free testosterone and decrease plasma estradiol, while also increasing dihydrotestosterone, cortisol, and vitamin D.

Well SupportedIncreasing saturated fat and decreasing monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in the diet leads to higher LDL cholesterol for approximately 70% of people.

Well SupportedAnimal fats, particularly tallow, are highly recommended sources of fat for performance.

Well SupportedOrgan meats like liver and brain are considered beneficial, although some thrive without them.

Well SupportedPaul Saladino's hemoglobin A1c has remained between 5.2 and 5.4.

Well SupportedPlacental health correlates with the consumption of animal foods in the diet.

Well SupportedHigh-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) below 3 mg/dL is considered low, and specific testing is required to measure levels below 3 mg/dL.

Well SupportedBoron supplementation may decrease SHBG, which can increase libido, especially when SHBG is elevated due to a ketogenic diet.

Not SupportedTMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) has not been shown to be causally problematic for humans regarding cardiovascular disease.

Well SupportedElevated GGT can indicate environmental toxins or oxidative stress and should be added to a comprehensive metabolic panel.

Well SupportedBoron beneficially impacts the body's use of estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D.

Well SupportedBlood work provides insight into the internal workings of the body's system, acting as a 'check-up' of internal mechanisms.

Partially SupportedBoron supplementation may temporarily decrease SHBG levels, but consistent intake might return SHBG to baseline.

Well SupportedPostprandial insulin signaling is valuable for humans, especially in the context of overall insulin sensitivity.

Well SupportedPostprandial insulin and glucose spikes after eating are normal physiological responses beneficial for electrolyte maintenance and other functions.

Well SupportedPaul Saladino's daily intake on this specific day totaled 3,791 calories, with 176 grams of protein, 285 grams of carbohydrates (247g net carbs), and 230 grams of fat.

Well SupportedA diet rich in meat, organs, and animal fats supports optimal hormone levels and higher testosterone.

Well SupportedHigher LDL levels, particularly in insulin-sensitive individuals, may be protective against infections.

Well SupportedLow dietary boron intake is associated with poorer performance on tasks of manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, attention, and short-term memory.

Well SupportedA 1990s Harvard study indicated a 16-fold risk difference in cardiovascular disease between the highest and lowest quartiles of the triglyceride/HDL ratio.

Well SupportedPaul Saladino feels his best at age 46, experiencing peak strength, resilience, and mental focus without pharmaceutical medications or hormone replacement.

Well SupportedTaking 3-6mg of boron daily may be an alternative to consuming dates, raisins, and plums for osteoarthritis.

Not SupportedStudies linking meat to negative cardiovascular outcomes should be carefully examined for confounding and bias.

Well SupportedConsuming approximately three milligrams of Boron per day through foods like dates, raisins, dried plums, and apples is achievable.

Well SupportedMaintaining insulin sensitivity can mitigate artery damage, and LDL may be involved in the atherosclerotic process in damaged arteries but does not initiate it.

Partially SupportedSHBG was in the 120s when following a ketogenic diet and in the 70s when measured non-fasting between July and August.

Well SupportedInsulin-sensitive individuals should know their fasting insulin to confirm sensitivity.

Well SupportedPaul Saladino's plan includes sun exposure, ocean swimming, consuming liver, heart, and raw testicle.

Partially SupportedThe 'homeobiscus model' suggests that increased dietary saturated fat may necessitate higher LDL levels to maintain cell membrane fluidity.

Well SupportedBoron is essential for healthy bones and joints, with lower boron concentrations found in individuals with arthritis.

Well SupportedPathologic insulin resistance originates in broken fat cells that signal tissues to resist insulin, leading to rising glucose levels.

Well SupportedMeat and organs are key for nutrient intake, and desiccated organ supplements are an alternative if fresh organs are unavailable.

Partially SupportedIncreased monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat intake can make cell membranes more fluid, prompting the body to lower cholesterol levels.

Partially SupportedOxalates and phytic acid in foods can significantly attenuate or completely abrogate the bioavailability of divalent cations like zinc.

Partially SupportedBoron, found in foods like dates, raisins, plums, and avocados, is important in the human diet.

Partially SupportedIron saturation levels can fluctuate significantly from month to month.

Partially SupportedSubstances like carnitine and choline, precursors to TMAO, are essential for brain function, hormones, libido, energy, and testosterone.

Well SupportedApolipoprotein B (ApoB) containing particles like LDL and VLDL are important for carrying fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants, and for cell membrane components, hormone building blocks, and immune response.

Partially SupportedIndividuals boasting testosterone scores without also showing LH and FSH levels are very likely on T augmentation.

Well SupportedTraining legs multiple times per week with 8-10 reps at 75-80% of 1 rep max may increase androgen receptor density.

Partially SupportedResistance training increases testosterone levels and androgen receptor density in men.

Partially SupportedTanning beds can be a reasonable strategy for obtaining ultraviolet wavelengths when natural sunlight is limited.

Well SupportedCystatin C is a marker of kidney function less influenced by muscle mass than creatinine.

Partially SupportedAnimal products are not inflammatory and do not cause inflammation in the human body.

Partially SupportedBoron is found in long bones and is important for bone and joint health.

Partially SupportedBoron adequacy may influence vitamin D levels, and boron supplementation could be beneficial for individuals who do not respond well to vitamin D supplementation.

Well SupportedA standard lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol.

Well SupportedObtaining multiple sets of blood work data provides a more accurate assessment of health indices.

Partially SupportedHigh levels of TMAO in cohorts eating fish are likely not due to fish itself, but potentially other dietary factors.

Partially SupportedA one-week fast decreased IGF, hematocrit, and hemoglobin.

Partially SupportedA T3 level of 2.9 is within the reference range and associated with solid morning body temperature.

Partially SupportedElevated ferritin above 400-500 should be investigated with a GGT test to assess liver oxidative stress.

Partially SupportedThe increase in free testosterone after boron consumption may be under-reported in human research due to lack of pharmaceutical funding.

Partially SupportedAvoiding seed oils, which are evolutionarily inconsistent in omega-6 fatty acid content (specifically linoleic acid), is crucial for improving insulin sensitivity.

Well SupportedA fibrinogen level of 495 is slightly outside the normal range and indicates inflammation.

Partially SupportedPolymorphisms predisposing to hemochromatosis can be identified through genetic testing like 23andMe or by analyzing SNPs in genes such as HFE.

Partially SupportedEliminating seed oils, processed sugars, and refined grains improves health by removing most processed foods.

Partially SupportedBoron supplementation may increase testosterone levels and decrease estrogen in males, though results are mixed.

Partially SupportedMost physicians would recommend a statin for a total cholesterol of 254 mg/dL, triglycerides of 68 mg/dL, HDL of 64 mg/dL, and LDL of 179 mg/dL.

Partially SupportedBoron is a vital nutrient for humans, with epidemiological evidence suggesting benefits for arthritis and potentially cognition.

Partially SupportedThe speaker's current total testosterone is 776 ng/dL, an increase from a baseline of around 700 ng/dL.

Partially SupportedSupplementation with 6mg of boron per day for adults with osteoarthritis resulted in 50% reporting improvement compared to 10% in the placebo group.

Partially SupportedA sauna protocol of 195 degrees F for 15 minutes, followed by a 30-second cold dunk at 50 degrees F, can be used.

Partially SupportedFerritin levels between 100-200 are not concerning for iron overload in the absence of oxidative stress markers like GGT.

Partially SupportedThe optimal healthy level of ferritin for humans is not definitively known.

Partially SupportedEating an animal-based diet resulted in a 10-pound weight loss and resolution of extreme wrist and knee pain attributed to inflammation.

Not SupportedSoy protein isolate suppresses androgen receptor expression.

Not SupportedGenistein in soy can reduce male fertility by decreasing testosterone and sperm counts.

Not SupportedSoy consumption negatively impacts thyroid function and is detrimental for men's health, potentially affecting testosterone levels.

Well SupportedThere is a proportional rise in cancer detection with rising PSA numbers, though no single PSA number guarantees the absence of cancer.

Partially SupportedHigh sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) can be associated with hypothyroidism or insulin sensitivity, while low SHBG may indicate hyperthyroidism or insulin resistance.

Partially SupportedCreatinine is an imperfect measure of kidney function because it is a breakdown product of creatine from muscles.

Partially SupportedMen with low triglycerides and high HDL cholesterol have a low risk of ischemic heart disease, even with elevated LDL.

Well SupportedFocus should be on insulin sensitivity and reversing insulin resistance, rather than solely on apob particles, if LDL is not directly injurious to the endothelium.

Partially SupportedA coronary artery calcium scan or CT coronary angiogram can substantiate the absence of atherosclerosis.

Partially SupportedMetrics of insulin sensitivity, when added to an analysis of lipids (LDL or apob particles), significantly alter the cardiovascular risk assessment.

Partially SupportedHDL, triglycerides, and fasting insulin are the best metrics to assess insulin sensitivity.

Partially SupportedLp(a) levels are approximately 90% genetic.

Partially SupportedElevated reverse T3 may indicate stress or poor sleep.

Partially SupportedOptimizing testosterone in men also positively affects women's hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.

Partially SupportedIncluding a significant amount of fruit in the diet provides necessary carbohydrates and contributes to a balanced intake of acidic and alkaline elements.

Partially SupportedFasting insulin levels are a strong predictor of cardiovascular incidence and mortality.

Partially SupportedThyroid hormone levels (free T3, free T4) were lower on a ketogenic diet, while TSH remained normal.

Partially SupportedA urinary pH between 5 and 5.5 during keto or carnivore diets may be associated with mineral loss.

Partially SupportedIncreased androgen receptor density and sensitivity are likely beneficial for individuals without prostate cancer.

Partially SupportedBoron, testosterone, and optimization were discussed in a recent podcast, with the comparison of July and August bloodwork being helpful.

Partially SupportedIron deficiency anemia is more common than iron overload in the general population.

Partially SupportedThe speaker's CAC score was zero in 2020.

Partially SupportedIndividuals who are insulin sensitive have significantly reduced ischemic heart disease risk compared to those with similar LDL levels but evidence of insulin resistance.

Partially SupportedOptimizing testosterone requires adequate testosterone levels, free testosterone, low inflammation, absence of insulin resistance, and sufficient androgen receptor sensitivity/density.

Partially SupportedThere is no evidence that high meat consumption harms the liver.

Not SupportedThe bioavailability of boron from foods like beans, lentils, almonds, nuts, seeds, grains, and fruits may be poor.

Partially SupportedNutrients in meat, such as L-Carnitine, are beneficial for optimizing sex hormones and lean muscle mass in both men and women.

Partially SupportedComprehensive blood work can provide insights into inflammation, kidney function, uric acid levels, and testosterone.

Partially SupportedHeme iron is significantly more bioavailable than non-heme iron because it is encased in a porphyrin ring.

Partially SupportedBoron may play a role in human brain function and cognitive performance, suggesting it is an essential nutrient.

Partially SupportedMany blood metrics, such as iron saturation and ferritin, can change significantly without substantial dietary changes.

Partially SupportedIron saturation decreased from over 50% to 42% in August without a genetic predisposition to hemochromatosis.

Partially SupportedIron deficiency anemia is diagnosed via CBC showing low hemoglobin or red blood cell count, and potentially low MCV (<85 or <80).

Partially SupportedBoron deficiency may affect an enzyme, leading to non-responsive vitamin D supplementation.

Partially SupportedFoods rich in magnesium, potassium, and bicarbonate, such as fruits and vegetables, can contribute an alkaline component to balance dietary acid load.

Partially SupportedResistance exercise is recommended for maintaining good testosterone and sperm counts in adult men.

Partially SupportedPeople who take boron supplements appear to have harder bones.

Partially SupportedThe speaker has no inflammation, good kidney function, normal uric acid, and high testosterone without supplements or undisclosed interventions.

Partially SupportedThe speaker's insulin level of 3.3 is slightly higher than usual.

Not SupportedA ketogenic diet lacks postprandial insulin signaling, which is considered a disadvantage.

Partially SupportedPostprandial blood sugar rises are connected to hormones, sex hormone binding globulin, electrolytes, sleep, tryptophan, and melatonin.

Partially SupportedStudies from the 1930s and 1940s suggest that children, when given a choice, tend to balance acidic and alkaline foods by selecting both fruit and meat, with less frequent selection of tubers or vegetables.

Partially SupportedComparing blood work from July and August, approximately one month apart, can reveal similarities and differences in physiological markers.

Partially SupportedA hematocrit of 47, representing 47% of blood volume as red blood cells, is considered an accurate representation of true hematocrit, potentially influenced by hydration levels.

Partially SupportedAn elevated BUN level can indicate dehydration rather than a kidney problem.

Partially SupportedA mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 85 is not indicative of microcytic anemia or iron deficiency.

Partially SupportedUrine pH can vary based on diet, and humans may benefit from consuming both acidic and alkaline-forming foods.

Partially SupportedIndividuals predisposed to excess iron absorption (hemochromatosis) may need phlebotomy or medical management to handle iron overload.

Partially SupportedBoron supplementation may offer cognitive, anti-inflammatory, and potentially vitamin D-like benefits for humans.

Partially SupportedA plasma ammonia level of 55 micrograms per deciliter does not indicate an overwhelmed urea cycle.

Partially SupportedFasting for long periods or following a ketogenic diet can elevate sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).

Partially SupportedLow phosphorus at 2.3 is likely due to fasting.

Partially SupportedAn anemic placenta is not a healthy sign for a human pregnancy.

Partially SupportedElevated iron levels from high meat consumption are generally not problematic for individuals without hemochromatosis, elevated ferritin (>400-500), elevated GGT, or elevated liver enzymes.

Partially SupportedCutting out fish is a potential dietary consideration for individuals experiencing persistent health issues without a clear cause.

Partially SupportedRaw milk can be used to make kefir for calcium and healthy fats.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino's hemoglobin A1c was 5.4 on a strict carnivore diet, similar to his current levels.

Partially SupportedSerum iron at 114, iron saturation at 42%, ferritin at 332, vitamin B12 at 1083, and folic acid at 15.7 are within normal ranges.

Partially SupportedFish can contain toxins, and monogastric animals fed corn and soy can accumulate linoleic acid.

Partially SupportedThe speaker's free testosterone is 14.37 ng/dL, with a preferred higher level, attributed to an SHBG of 97.5 nmol/L.

Partially SupportedThe correction for iron deficiency anemia involves increasing intake of red meat, particularly organ meats like spleen and liver, or consuming desiccated blood products.

Partially SupportedIf the speaker were taking HCG, lipid numbers would appear abnormal with elevated triglycerides, abnormal estrogen, and very low HDL.

Partially SupportedSleep deprivation or excessive stress can alter blood work results, making multiple data sets advisable.

Partially SupportedMorning cortisol of 12.6 and DHEA of 109 may be low due to sleep deprivation.

Partially SupportedReverse T3 of 18.6 is likely elevated due to poor sleep the night before.

Partially SupportedHigh meat and organ intake leads to ferritin levels of 200-300, which then levels off due to the body's ability to shed excess iron, for most individuals without hemochromatosis.

Partially SupportedA white blood cell count of 4.8 is normal and was lower during ketogenic phases.

Partially SupportedA hemoglobin A1c of 5.2 corresponds to an average blood sugar of approximately 108 mg/dL over 90 days.

Partially SupportedEating more heart and liver may help lower homocysteine levels.

Partially SupportedAdequate estradiol levels are important for men to maintain normal lipid profiles.

Partially SupportedPregnant individuals should consider iron sources, potentially supplementing with meat or organs.