The Labs You Need Your Doctor to Run to Know if Your Metabolically Healthy

This episode is brought to you by Square, Branch Basics, and Manukora Honey. When we’re told our labs are “normal,” that doesn’t always mean they’re optimal—especially considering that over one-third of Americans are prediabetic and 47 million have metabolic syndrome. Metabolic health is the foundation of true longevity. Without actively supporting it, the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes increases. The good news? Prioritizing metabolic health through simple lifestyle changes can lead to long-term vitality and meaningful transformation. Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, we’re bringing you a special compilation episode featuring Dhru’s conversations with top experts on the most underrated blood tests for metabolic health and how to decode optimal lab markers. Dr. Tyna Moore breaks down the science behind metabolic dysfunction and its connection to chronic disease. She shares the essential labs to order, how often to test, and what optimal results should look like. She also offers practical tips for beginners on getting started with resistance training. Dr. Ben Bikman dives into how elevated fasting insulin contributes to insulin resistance, fat storage, and challenges in sustainable weight loss. He also explores how genetics play a role in weight gain and why lowering insulin—not just counting calories—should be the first step in any effective weight-loss strategy. Dr. Tyna Moore is a board-certified naturopathic and chiropractic physician and the founder and owner of Core Wellness Clinic in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in non-surgical pain management, natural pain solutions, and regenerative injection therapies for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Ben Bikman is a metabolic research scientist and author of Why We Get Sick, which explores insulin resistance as a root cause of many chronic health issues. With a PhD in bioenergetics and postdoctoral work in metabolic disorders, he now serves as an associate professor at BYU, where he studies insulin’s role in obesity, diabetes, and mitochondrial health. In this episode, Dhru and his guests dive into: Metabolic health and disease pathways (2:10) Key lab tests and optimal levels (4:25) How and why to start resistance training (20:49) The most underrated blood test for metabolic health (33:57) Optimal reference ranges for fasting insulin (37:45) The two primary factors contributing to weight gain (44:22) The role of fat cells and ethnic differences (53:09) Final thoughts (1:01:34) Also mentioned: Full episode with Dr. Tyna Moore Full episode with Dr. Ben Bikman Want Dhru’s Lab Ranges Cheat Sheet? Sign up for the Try This Newsletter and we’ll send it straight to your inbox! This episode is brought to you by Square, Branch Basics, and Manukora Honey. Get everything you need to run and grow your business, without any long-term commitments with Square. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/DHRU Right now, Branch Basics is offering 15% off the Premium Starter Kit; just go to branchbasics.com and use coupon code DHRU. Make 2025 your cleanest, healthiest year yet with Branch Basics! Upgrade to the creamiest honey, packed with antioxidants and prebiotics. Just go to manukora.com/dhru to get $25 off the Starter Kit and boost your energy, immunity, and digestive health today! Sign up for Dhru’s Try This Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices