Bloodwork Review: April 2024

PS

Paul Saladino59m · 2024-04-13

Claims Made

143

Claims Supported

110

Support Rate

77%

Support rate

110 of 143 claims supported

110 supported33 partial / not

Claims from this content

119

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 SupportedCreatine monohydrate is a well-studied supplement for strength and performance, with 10 grams recommended as a baseline for brain benefits.Well SupportedIncreasing saturated fat and decreasing polyunsaturated fat intake is associated with lower plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) and oxLDL-EO6.Well SupportedPaul Saladino, weighing 165 pounds and exercising over 12 hours/week, consumes 250-300 grams of carbohydrates daily while maintaining insulin sensitivity.

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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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Well Supported

A basic lipid panel with apolipoprotein B (apoB) is sufficient for assessment when interpreted in the context of insulin sensitivity and fasting insulin levels.

Well SupportedPaul Saladino has a fasting blood sugar of 74mg/dl, low glycemic variability, and clear insulin sensitivity while consuming a few tablespoons of honey daily.

Well SupportedA cortisol to DHEA ratio below 1.5 was not observed in cancer patients, suggesting a correlation between high cortisol and cancer.

Partially SupportedIncreased creatinine levels due to creatine or high meat intake are not harmful and may warrant cystatin C testing for kidney function assessment.

Not SupportedFolic acid should be avoided in supplements and food due to poor conversion and potential issues with unmetabolized folic acid.

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.

Well SupportedStatins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, which is part of the mevalonate pathway involved in Coenzyme Q10 synthesis.

Well SupportedImproving dietary quality is a more effective long-term strategy for weight loss than simply reducing calorie intake.

Well SupportedThe @eatlineage meat stick is made from 100% grass-fed beef, liver, heart, sea salt, and vinegar.

Well SupportedCreatine functions as a high-energy phosphate donor, aiding in ATP regeneration for muscular contraction.

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

Well SupportedStress hormones like catecholamines, epinephrine, and cortisol can increase during fasting or carbohydrate restriction to help liberate stored glycogen.

Well SupportedConsuming red orange juice for seven days ameliorates endothelial function and reduces inflammation in non-diabetic subjects with increased cardiovascular risk.

Well SupportedCarbohydrates do not inherently cause insulin resistance, and fasting insulin levels can be low even with high carbohydrate intake.

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

Well SupportedIncluding carbohydrates can be helpful for individuals experiencing long-term issues with electrolyte balance.

Well SupportedThe cortisol to DHEA-S ratio is an objective marker of stress linked to mortality and longevity.

Well SupportedWhen limiting carbohydrates, the body may use LDL lipoprotein particles for energy, potentially leading to higher LDL cholesterol.

Well SupportedKetogenic or carnivore diets can lead to significantly lower T4 and T3 thyroid hormones, indicating a suboptimal metabolic thermostat.

Well SupportedConsuming carbohydrates from tolerated sources like fruit, honey, or tubers can positively impact thyroid and sex hormones.

Not SupportedExcessive sodium restriction can cause misery, orthostatic hypotension, potential erectile dysfunction, and activate the renin-aldosterone system.

Well SupportedSprouting or fermenting grains like oats does not eliminate saponins, and heating does not degrade saponins in oats or quinoa.

Well SupportedLack of sleep, including conditions like sleep apnea, can lead to higher cortisol levels.

Well SupportedWeight loss is achieved by consuming nutrient-rich, satiating foods that promote satiety and reduce hunger.

Well SupportedWithin the same species, individuals with higher metabolic rates tend to live longer and age slower.

Well SupportedTestosterone levels should be tested within two to three hours of waking, as they are highest in the morning.

Well SupportedConsuming approximately half an ounce of liver and three to six ounces of heart and grass-fed meat daily provides adequate riboflavin.

Not SupportedKetogenic and low-carb diets may negatively impact sex hormones by increasing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), thereby reducing free hormone levels.

Partially SupportedSaturated fats from sources like butter, milk, eggs, and meat may raise LDL cholesterol, but this rise may not be pathological and could be a regulatory response to maintain cell membrane fluidity.

Well SupportedExogenous androgens suppress pituitary LH and FSH production, reducing natural testosterone and sperm production.

Well SupportedRobust testosterone levels are achievable for a nearly 50-year-old male through good lifestyle practices.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino's visceral fat was extremely low (10.5% body fat at age 46) despite consuming fruit, honey, and carbohydrates, indicating this diet is not inflammatory.

Partially SupportedFasting insulin is a critical blood test that everyone should consider getting.

Partially SupportedA complete blood count (CBC) assesses white blood cells, red blood cells, and red blood cell size (MCV) to indicate infection, anemia, or specific types of anemia.

Partially SupportedThe optimal level of total cholesterol for longevity in adults is between 210-240 mg/dL.

Partially SupportedElevated AST and ALT levels in individuals on ketogenic and carnivore diets suggest the liver is working harder than optimal.

Partially SupportedPressure-cooked white potatoes without the skin are tolerable for some individuals.

Partially SupportedAn animal-based diet typically prevents vitamin B12 deficiency, but insufficient intake of egg yolks, heart, or liver may lead to folate deficiency.

Partially SupportedGrains require soaking, sprouting, and fermentation to detoxify and break down for safe human consumption.

Well SupportedResources are available to obtain blood work without physician involvement.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino's hemoglobin A1c is 5.3, indicating an average blood glucose of approximately 106.

Partially SupportedInsulin resistance, not carbohydrate intake itself, is the primary driver of gout.

Partially SupportedMonitoring thyroid function and body temperature is important when implementing fasting or carbohydrate restriction, as these can indicate a slowing metabolism.

Partially SupportedImproving food quality by eliminating processed sugar and seed oils and consuming single-ingredient foods can fix metabolism.

Partially SupportedA dihydrotestosterone level of 430 is normal for a 46-year-old male not undergoing testosterone replacement therapy.

Partially SupportedTransitioning from strict carnivore diets to an animal-based diet improves electrolyte balance due to normal insulin spikes.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino reported an LDL cholesterol level of 533 mg/dL and extremely high LDL particle count on a carnivore diet.

Partially SupportedThe speaker's total testosterone levels were below 500 on a strict carnivore diet but are now around 800 depending on sleep.

Not SupportedCalorie counting, fasting, and excessive physical stress elevate stress hormones, leading to long-term health problems.

Well SupportedMorning body temperature is a valuable test to assess basal metabolic rate and overall metabolism.

Partially SupportedA bioavailable testosterone level of 320 is normal for a 46-year-old male.

Partially SupportedGenetic analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms related to methylation is valuable for understanding individual physiology.

Well SupportedIn metabolically healthy individuals, LDL particles rich in saturated fats may be less harmful to the endothelium compared to LDL in insulin-resistant individuals.

Partially SupportedThe optimal healthy level of ferritin for humans is not definitively known, but some recommend lower levels due to potential issues with excess iron.

Partially SupportedMethylated B vitamin supplements may not be necessary for individuals without MTHFR gene polymorphisms.

Not SupportedBlood glucose spikes are a normal physiological response and not inherently the cause of negative health outcomes like depression or feeling unwell.

Partially SupportedThe speaker estimates their daily salt intake to be between 5 and 8 grams of sodium chloride.

Partially SupportedTSH levels above 2.5 are generally considered too high by medical providers.

Partially SupportedAn animal-based diet including raw dairy, grass-fed beef, organs, fruit, and honey or maple syrup supports the speaker's current health status.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino feels better taking a methylated B vitamin supplement due to MTHFR and other methylation polymorphisms, even with daily liver consumption.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino switched to eating carbohydrates around age 42, at which point his LDL cholesterol was over 350 mg/dL, but his CAC score was zero.

Not SupportedStatins and PCSK9 inhibitors can cause side effects including muscle aches, erectile dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and memory problems.

Partially SupportedTokelauan populations consuming high saturated fat do not have higher rates of heart disease compared to Pukapukans, suggesting LDL cholesterol may not be a primary driver of cardiovascular disease.

Partially SupportedInsulin is a vital hormone for humans and is not the 'bad guy' in metabolic health.

Partially SupportedA creatinine level between 0.7 and 1.2 is generally considered indicative of good kidney function in normal individuals not supplementing with creatine, eating a lot of meat, or being overly muscular.

Partially SupportedConsuming glucose spikes from foods like orange juice or honey in raw milk is not pathological for most humans and does not lead to endothelial glycation.

Partially SupportedA taste for salt could indicate an adrenal issue or a need for more salt.

Partially SupportedFew individuals in the keto or low-carb space share blood work that could reveal potential issues like thyroid or testosterone levels.

Partially SupportedA total testosterone level above 800 is normal for a 46-year-old male who is living well, sleeping adequately, and managing stress.

Partially SupportedFasting blood work collected at 8:30 AM is important for accurate testosterone, hormone, and cholesterol levels.

Partially SupportedHigh prolactin levels can indicate brain issues like an adenoma or excess estrogen.

Partially SupportedApolipoprotein B (apoB) of 129 is a relevant biomarker for cardiovascular health.

Partially SupportedHigh B12 levels are associated with longevity and are typically achieved through the consumption of animal foods.

Partially SupportedMacrocytic anemia, indicated by large red blood cells, may be related to folate or B12 deficiency.

Partially SupportedTherapeutic phlebotomy can improve well-being and is a useful practice for managing iron levels, particularly for males.

Not SupportedConsuming seed oils or excess polyunsaturated fats can lower apoB and LDL-C but increase LP(a) and oxidized LDL, thereby increasing cardiovascular risk.

Partially SupportedCommercial oat products contain significant levels of triterpenoid saponins, with oat bran and oatmeal having higher levels than cold oats cereal.

Partially SupportedHypothyroidism can negatively impact LDL metabolism, particularly in individuals on a ketogenic diet.

Partially SupportedMortality risk increases when total cholesterol is less than 210 mg/dL.

Partially SupportedProviding the body with signals of abundance such as meat, carbohydrates, sleep, and sunlight, and avoiding fasting and calorie restriction, can lower the cortisol to DHEAS ratio.

Partially SupportedA Luteinizing Hormone (LH) level of 7.33 is normal.

Partially SupportedA comprehensive blood work panel should include CBC with differential, comprehensive metabolic panel, fasting insulin, homocysteine, folate, B12, full thyroid panel (free T3, free T4, reverse T3), full hormonal panel (testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, LH, FSH, SHBG), HS-CRP, full iron panel, cortisol, DHEAS, vitamin D (25-hydroxy), uric acid, hemoglobin A1C, and potentially creatinine and creatine kinase if taking creatine.

Partially SupportedMeat consumption is not harmful to kidney function.

Partially SupportedVitamin D levels of 880 are achievable without supplementation by living near the equator in Costa Rica.

Partially SupportedTo achieve a low cortisol to DHEAS ratio, keep cortisol low and DHEAS high, supported by consuming carbohydrates, nutrients from meat and organs, adequate sleep, sun exposure, and a low-stress lifestyle.

Partially SupportedExperiencing a flat blood glucose with a high fasting glucose and no insulin spikes can lead to difficulty holding electrolytes, muscle cramping, heart palpitations, and general misery.

Partially SupportedConsuming around 100 grams of carbohydrates daily can lower stress hormones like cortisol, catecholamines, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Partially SupportedThe supplement 'Mood Memory and Brain' from Heart & Soil is recommended for improving memory, mood, and sharpness.

Partially SupportedSome individuals experience brain fog from rice, regardless of preparation.

Partially SupportedFolic acid supplementation is recommended for individuals with the MTHFR gene mutation.

Partially SupportedHigher thyroid hormone levels are associated with increased metabolic rate and longevity.

Partially SupportedLipoprotein(a) [LP(a)] levels of 13.1 require attention due to increased cardiovascular risk.

Partially SupportedHigh sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) can be associated with higher iron levels and carbohydrate restriction, and lowering SHBG allows more free testosterone to circulate.

Partially SupportedPaul Saladino's relatively high hematocrit may be due to athletic activity and iron levels, contributing to robust oxygen-carrying capacity.

Partially SupportedIn patients with a zero coronary artery calcium score, LDL cholesterol levels are not related to future cardiovascular disease risk.

Partially SupportedThe speaker experiences brain fog with rice but tolerates pressure-cooked white potatoes better, generally preferring simple carbohydrates.

Partially SupportedA uric acid level of 4.3 is normal and not indicative of issues from consuming carbohydrates like fructose, honey, or fruit juice.

Partially SupportedFermenting grains like sourdough can make them more digestible for humans.

Partially SupportedFolate levels above 20 are desirable and can be maintained through a diet rich in liver, heart, and methylated B vitamins.

Not SupportedOlive oil is considered inferior to animal fats due to potential contamination with seed oils and oxidation, although it is better than refined seed oils.

Partially SupportedMicrocytic anemia is characterized by small red blood cells and can be caused by iron deficiency.

Partially SupportedUlta.com is a recommended service for ordering personal blood work, offering an alternative to relying on a doctor.

Partially SupportedHigh-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) of 6 indicates that a diet including meat, fruit, honey, and fruit juice is not inflammatory.

Partially SupportedIron saturation levels of 62% can be high, potentially indicating avid iron storage, especially in males.

Partially SupportedA high basal metabolism is an indicator of health.

Partially SupportedMales should monitor iron levels, as feeling better may be associated with ferritin levels below 100.

Partially SupportedA 2007 study showed cholesterol levels in healthy term infants between 14 weeks and six months were around 205 mg/dL.

Partially SupportedBovine cortex-derived phosphatidylserine is effective for cognitive decline and dementia, while plant-derived phosphatidylserine is not.

Partially SupportedFasting glucose can be low on high-carbohydrate diets (fruit, honey) but elevated above 100 on keto or carnivore diets due to physiological insulin resistance and gluconeogenesis.

Partially SupportedHomocysteine levels below 10, and ideally below 8, are desirable.

Partially SupportedFor individuals on ketogenic or carnivore diets experiencing electrolyte issues, adding a moderate amount of carbohydrates based on activity level, rather than just more salt, can resolve the problem.

Partially SupportedSodium chloride (salt) is essential for human function.

Partially SupportedNormal human physiology includes daily blood glucose levels reaching 130-150 mg/dL after consuming carbohydrates for individuals without diabetes.

Partially SupportedOrdering blood work with a greater level of detail than typically provided by physicians could help identify many health issues that are often missed.

Not SupportedStatins may negatively impact cognition, as evidenced by improved cognition upon withdrawal and worsened cognition upon reintroduction of statins in a 2012 trial.