Bloodwork review: December 2022

PS

Paul Saladino53m · 2022-12-13

Claims Made

139

Claims Supported

95

Support Rate

68%

Support rate

95 of 139 claims supported

95 supported44 partial / not

Claims from this content

125

Well SupportedA fasting insulin level below 5 micro IU/mL is considered healthy.Well SupportedThe APOE4 genotype is the major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, with risk increasing in a dose-dependent manner.Well SupportedPaul Saladino, weighing 165 pounds and exercising over 12 hours/week, consumes 250-300 grams of carbohydrates daily while maintaining insulin sensitivity.Well SupportedPlasma or red blood cell magnesium tests are useful for ruling out severe deficiency but should not be used to determine optimal or sufficient magnesium levels.Well Supported

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An animal-based diet consisting of meat, organs, fruit, honey, and raw dairy may help with gut issues or autoimmune conditions.

Well SupportedPork fat from pigs fed corn and soy can contain 10-15% or more linoleic acid, compared to wild pigs with around 4-5%.

Well SupportedConsuming connective tissue provides glycine and helps maintain a healthy methionine-to-glycine ratio.

Well SupportedObtaining 2.6 grams of leucine from plant-based foods like lentils or beans requires consuming nearly half a pound of these foods.

Well SupportedIndividuals supplementing with creatine or consuming a high-meat diet should also measure cystatin C in addition to creatinine to accurately assess kidney function.

Not SupportedFish can contain heavy metals, PFAS, endocrine disruptors, and microplastics, making them a polluted food source.

Well SupportedConsuming organs like liver, heart, stomach, kidneys, and thymus is beneficial for human health due to their nutrient content and specific peptides.

Partially SupportedThe ApoE4 isoform is associated with a 2-3 fold increased risk of Alzheimer's disease for the 3-4 genotype and an 8-10 fold increased risk for the 4-4 genotype.

Well SupportedThe speaker's fasting insulin is less than 3 micro IU/mL and C-peptide is less than 0.43, indicating no evidence of insulin resistance, despite daily honey consumption.

Well SupportedA doctor may not identify a thyroid issue by checking only TSH, free T4, and free T3, as reverse T3 levels can indicate the problem.

Well SupportedFree testosterone, which is biologically active, represents only about 1-3% of total testosterone.

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 SupportedIndividuals with the APOE4 genotype had a lower risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer's, in a metabolically healthy Nigerian population.

Well SupportedRed meat from ruminant animals and organ meats are the best sources of nutrients for humans.

Well SupportedPaul Saladino's diet includes supplements, meat and organs, fruit, honey, and raw milk cheese.

Well SupportedPerform phlebotomy every three to four weeks, drawing approximately 200 cc of blood, or aim for 50-60 cc weekly.

Well SupportedA comprehensive blood work panel should include inflammatory markers, fasting insulin, lipids, thyroid hormones, sex hormones, PTH, cortisol, c-peptide, CBC, and CMP.

Well SupportedAnimal foods contain vitamin K2 (menaquinone), which is associated with improved longevity and cardiovascular health, unlike vitamin K1 found in plants.

Well SupportedHeart and Soil offers organ supplements from grass-fed, grass-finished, regeneratively raised cattle.

Well SupportedThe APOE4 gene variant may have conferred benefits under certain environmental conditions.

Well SupportedIn the Semai population, APOE4 is associated with improved cognitive function in metabolically healthy individuals facing high parasite and pathogen load.

Well SupportedLifestyle factors like diet, environment, and insulin resistance status can influence Alzheimer's risk in APOE44 carriers.

Well SupportedThe speaker eats an animal-based diet of organs, meat, fruit, honey, and raw dairy, which is considered the healthiest diet on the planet.

Well SupportedTrans fatty acids formed from heating and hydrogenation of vegetable oils inhibit prostacyclin and promote thromboxane, increasing the likelihood of blood clotting.

Well SupportedEstimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is calculated from blood creatinine concentration to estimate kidney function.

Not SupportedThe literature linking saturated fat with Alzheimer's is confounded by unhealthy user bias, where high saturated fat intake correlates with junk food and trans fat consumption.

Partially SupportedPhlebotomy may lower SHBG, ferritin, iron saturation, and transferrin saturation.

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

Partially SupportedConsuming excess linoleic acid from seed oils increases cardiovascular disease risk by increasing oxidized LDL and Lp(a).

Partially SupportedAn average blood sugar over 90 days of 108 mg/dL can correspond to post-meal glucose levels of 120-140 mg/dL without being a cause for concern.

Partially SupportedCoconut water is a good source of trace nutrients including manganese.

Partially SupportedLiver, fresh or desiccated, is a good source of copper and can help address potential copper deficiency.

Partially SupportedCycling boron may decrease SHBG, and consistent use without sustained reduction may indicate it is not a boron deficiency.

Partially SupportedChildren's diets in the study were balanced in acidity and alkalinity, with most eating a preponderance of alkaline foods over animal foods.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino's recent testosterone level was 814 ng/dl, with LH 7.33 mIU/mL, FSH 4.27 mIU/ml, and undetectable hCG, without using androgen enhancement.

Partially SupportedThe calcium-phosphorus ratio is important for health, and insufficient calcium relative to phosphorus negatively affects individuals.

Well SupportedIndividuals should get bloodwork interpreted by a qualified physician as early as possible.

Partially SupportedWeekly phlebotomy of 50-60 cc of blood decreased sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) from 69.5 to 50.2 and ferritin from 252 to 87.

Partially SupportedAn animal-based diet provides sufficient calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium.

Partially SupportedThe speaker's ferritin levels decreased from 332 to 252 after multiple phlebotomies.

Partially SupportedHemoglobin A1c of 5.4% indicates an average blood sugar of approximately 108 mg/dL over 90 days.

Partially SupportedThe speaker's GGT levels are consistently between 12 and 13, indicating low levels.

Partially SupportedElevated prolactin levels require further investigation.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino uses his blood work to corroborate his beliefs about a good human diet and to educate others on interpreting their own blood work.

Partially SupportedThe speaker consumes around 7-8 grams of salt per day, equating to approximately 4000 milligrams of sodium, and feels best at this intake level.

Partially SupportedAdding citric acid and alkalizing minerals from fruit may benefit an animal-based diet.

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

Partially SupportedIndividuals advocating for long-term low-carb or ketogenic diets should present data on their testosterone, SHBG, and cortisol levels.

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

Partially SupportedThe speaker checks sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), total testosterone, free testosterone, estrogen, and estrone.

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

Partially SupportedIron deficiency anemia can cause microcytic red blood cells, while large red blood cells in an anemic individual may indicate folate or B12 deficiency.

Not SupportedChronometer may miscalculate vitamin E levels because it does not account for vitamin E being an animal fat.

Partially SupportedConsuming about one ounce of raw liver daily can maintain homocysteine levels at 7 without supplemental almethofolate.

Well SupportedAn IGF-1 level of 129 ng/mL is not a concern and is considered valuable.

Partially SupportedAvoiding seed oils in the diet is beneficial.

Partially SupportedInsulin sensitivity is a crucial factor in how an individual's body handles their genetics.

Partially SupportedB4Against from Heart & Soil supplements, combined with an animal-based diet, significantly improved the speaker's SIBO symptoms, bloating, and heart palpitations.

Partially SupportedLow morning body temperature, low morning heart rate, and poor reflexes during a keto/low-carb diet can indicate an underperforming thyroid.

Partially SupportedEating animal-based foods like chicken, fish, or pork is preferable to plant-based burgers.

Partially SupportedSeed oils, not carbohydrates, honey, maple syrup, or fruit, are believed to cause insulin resistance by damaging mitochondria and cardiolipin.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino plans to review blood work including hormones, thyroid hormones, inflammation markers, kidney function, liver function, insulin sensitivity, and iron indices.

Partially SupportedCoconut water contains a good amount of magnesium, which can help with sleep.

Partially SupportedA diet including heart and ground beef provides sufficient leucine for optimal muscle protein synthesis.

Partially SupportedLow free T3 or free T4 levels, even with normal TSH, can indicate an underperforming thyroid and negatively impact metabolism, body temperature, and reflexes.

Partially SupportedClinical assessments for metabolic health include Achilles tendon reflex checks, morning underarm temperature, and morning pulse rate.

Partially SupportedAPOE44 genetics does not guarantee Alzheimer's disease development.

Partially SupportedThe speaker checks liver and kidney function to ensure they are healthy.

Partially SupportedA diet of approximately 3297 calories, 173g protein, 235g carbs, 180g fat, with 2.3% omega-6 fats and no seed oils is considered reasonable.

Partially SupportedConfirmation bias within low-carb and keto communities may be harming people.

Not SupportedLow white blood cell count, potentially seen in individuals on low-carb diets, may not be a positive indicator.

Partially SupportedA diet rich in animal products and dairy provides sufficient thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), B12, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin D.

Partially SupportedVitamin D levels in the 70s (ng/mL) can be maintained through sun exposure without supplementation, provided linoleic acid intake is limited and seed oils are avoided.

Partially SupportedTotal cholesterol of 200 mg/dL, triglycerides of 67 mg/dL, HDL of 58 mg/dL, and LDL of 130 mg/dL are considered normal or improved.

Partially Supported23andMe genetic testing analyzed with Promethease can be used to assess for hemochromatosis.

Partially SupportedSerum calcium levels are not a reliable indicator of total body calcium stores.

Partially SupportedKidney function is normal with a creatinine level of 1.13.

Not SupportedWestern medicine may consider ferritin levels fine if they do not indicate hemochromatosis, despite potential issues with excess iron.

Not SupportedRegularly checking lipids and performing NMR profiles to assess particle counts is not considered critically important.

Partially SupportedThe speaker monitors iron status including total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and iron stores.

Partially SupportedImproved thyroid function or phlebotomy may decrease LDL cholesterol.

Partially SupportedThe speaker aims to lower ferritin below 150, potentially under 100, to observe the effect on sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

Partially SupportedThe speaker's free testosterone is 25.46 ng/dL (3.28% of total), an improvement from 14.37 ng/dL (1.59%) when total testosterone was 903 ng/dL.

Not SupportedPrevious treatments for SIBO, including Xifaxan, supplements, an elemental diet, and low-FODMAP, were ineffective for the speaker.

Not SupportedFructose does not significantly glycate proteins in the human body because it is only in the bloodstream for a short time, unlike glucose.

Partially SupportedElevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT) 2x normal can indicate anabolic steroid abuse.

Partially SupportedElevated Lp(a) is a significant cardiovascular risk factor.

Partially SupportedElevated ferritin, iron saturation, and transferrin saturation may indicate iron overload, even if below hemochromatosis thresholds.

Partially SupportedPeople with hemochromatosis typically have very high ferritin levels (800-900+) and may develop liver damage.

Partially SupportedMaintaining a calcium to phosphorus ratio where calcium is higher than phosphorus, ideally around 1.5:1, is important.

Partially SupportedMeat is more acidic than plants due to mineral and amino acid composition.

Partially SupportedA high urinary pH is associated with a high intake of fruit.

Partially SupportedInsulin sensitivity can be assessed by checking fasting insulin, Vitamin D, sleep, and nutrition levels.

Partially SupportedFerritin levels of 250-300 ng/mL may be problematic for some individuals.

Partially SupportedPostprandial insulin is valuable for conserving minerals and electrolytes at the kidney level, indicating proper electrolyte balance and preventing muscle cramps when eating carbohydrates.

Partially SupportedLuteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of 5.5 and 5.8 indicate proper pituitary signaling for sex hormone production.

Partially SupportedThe speaker suspects iron overload, not boron intake, is the primary cause of their elevated ferritin and related markers.

Partially SupportedThe speaker checks thyroid hormones, including TSH, free T3, free T4, and aims to check reverse T3.

Partially SupportedA near one-to-one ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol is consistently observed by the speaker.

Partially SupportedAbnormalities in triglycerides and HDL can be seen in individuals abusing anabolic agents.

Partially SupportedLow alkaline phosphatase levels can indicate excessively high estrogen.

Partially SupportedElevated DHEA sulfate levels are considered a benefit.

Partially SupportedLowered cortisol levels are considered a health benefit.

Partially SupportedA high LDL cholesterol level might indicate thyroid hypofunction.

Partially SupportedElevated homocysteine levels may indicate insufficient folate or riboflavin intake.

Partially SupportedExcess estrogens, not androgens, are likely responsible for driving PSA abnormalities.

Partially SupportedThyroid function, reverse T3 levels, TSH, free T3, free T4, and insulin sensitivity are critical factors for health assessment.

Partially SupportedA diet including ground beef, raw milk with sweetener, beef liver, heart, coconuts, Parmesan cheese, butter, sea salt, papaya, and mango provides adequate magnesium.

Partially SupportedThe speaker does not have hemochromatosis genes but has high ferritin levels, likely due to dietary iron intake.

Partially SupportedThe speaker monitors fasting insulin and lipids for fluctuations.

Partially SupportedIron deficiency can indicate a hidden copper deficiency impacting iron utilization.

Not SupportedKale provides no benefit.

Partially SupportedIndividuals without hemochromatosis genes may benefit from monitoring iron levels.

Partially SupportedThe speaker's SHBG is currently 69.5, down from 97.5 in August.

Partially SupportedEstradiol levels decreased from 26 to 17.4 pg/mL following phlebotomy, while free testosterone increased.

Partially SupportedTSH levels above 1.5 are undesirable for optimal thyroid function and energy balance.

Partially SupportedFasting glucose levels of 87 mg/dL are considered normal.

Partially SupportedThe speaker's current ferritin level is 252, down from 332 in August.

Partially SupportedThe speaker's LDL cholesterol is 130 despite a high intake of meat, saturated fat, butter, and cheese, which is lower than it was on a ketogenic diet.

Partially SupportedPhlebotomy can be used to manage high red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.

Partially SupportedIndividuals with APOE4 variants do not need to avoid saturated fat, as animal foods rich in saturated fat offer numerous benefits.