#59 - Understanding your cholesterol panel & metabolic health blood tests - The ultimate guide | Dr. Robert Lustig & Dr. Casey Means

Greater accessibility to glucose biosensors has led to their use to improve metabolic health, prevent disease, and feel better. Historically, these biosensors for monitoring glucose were only available with a prescription, often reserved for people with diabetes, but now with brands like Stelo, they are available over the counter. Dom D’Agostino, PhD, and Ben Grynol discuss how biosensors can be a tool for anyone to improve overall health, reduce risk for chronic diseases, manage women’s health including menstrual cycles and the menopause transition, help with fueling strategies for workouts and performance, prevent energy crashes, and more.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl🎙 What Dom D’Agostino, PhD, & Ben Grynol discuss:11:49 — Using technology to reduce your risk for health issues14:13 — Metabolic health is a spectrum, and many people don’t know where they stand25:25 — The importance of focusing on trends in your metabolic health30:05 —  Glucose spikes from workouts are normal and a good sign34:13 — Glucose is one of the key biomarkers to track for longevity41:34 — Understanding what a glucose biosensor is56:17 — All calories are not created equal1:01:25 — Using a glucose biosensor for exercise fueling strategies1:04:00 — Using a glucose biosensor to monitor women’s health changes1:23:11 — The rate of glucose absorption matters for metabolic health and how you feel1:31:06 — Making healthy food the default, rather than ultra-processed foodsLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/mrlnNhxKNgYFind us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1Dominic D’Agostino, PhD: https://drdominicdagostino.com/Dominic D’Agostino, PhD, on X: https://x.com/DominicDAgosti2

28 Aug 1h 44min

Our kidneys filter out waste while retaining substances the body needs, such as electrolytes. Kidney health, which can be assessed with blood and urine biomarker tests, is paramount to overall health. Yet lifestyle, such as the Western diet and other factors, can damage the kidneys, leading to either a slow progression of issues or acute injury. Dr. Rick Johnson and Mike Haney discuss the role of the kidneys, what lifestyle factors affect kidney health, ways to support the kidneys, and what your biomarker results tell you about the function of these crucial organs.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl🎙 What Rick Johnson, MD, & Mike Haney discuss:4:26 — Your kidneys are great regulators8:43 — Heat stress affects the kidneys12:04 — The most common causes of kidney disease include diabetes and high blood pressure19:46 — The Western diet is associated with age-related kidney decline 32:25 — The concerns of a high-protein diet in the presence of chronic kidney disease41:15 — Changes in urinary habits or color could indicate chronic kidney disease46:23 — Biomarkers can help assess kidney function53:18 — Serum creatinine as a biomarker of kidney health1:08:13 — Assessing patterns over time is crucial1:10:52 — High albumin in the urine is a sign of kidney disease1:21:26 — Lifestyle changes that support kidney healthLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/8_QSuYwo5wgSubscribe here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1Richard Johnson, MD: https://drrichardjohnson.comComprehensive Clinical Nephrology: https://drrichardjohnson.com/books/Connect with Richard Johnson, MD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrichardjjohnson/

7 Aug 1h 27min

Your gut microbiome affects everything from your mental health and cognitive function to your immune system and metabolic health. Gut health symptoms, such as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea, could be a sign that you have low species diversity. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and Mike Haney discuss how the gut and brain communicate, how the gut microbiome affects the gut barrier and therefore your immune system, what to eat to improve the gut microbiome, and what microbiome testing can tell you.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Will Bulsiewicz, MD, & Mike Haney discuss:9:14 — Gut health takes time to improve14:49 — Your gut microbiome informs your gut and overall health18:42 — Lifestyle choices help shape an individual’s gut microbiome24:20 — A compromised gut barrier affects the immune system30:51 — Nutritional strategies can improve the gut microbiome and reduce disease flares 32:46 — The gut and the brain communicate52:27 — A diverse gut microbiome is a sign of good health56:45 — Your gut microbiome informs your bowel movements1:01:46 — When to see a doctor for gastrointestinal symptoms1:05:32 — Increasing fiber helps the gut microbiome1:11:41 — The beneficial byproducts of gut microbes are postbiotics1:14:59 — Eat a wide variety of plant foods to get optimal fiberLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/iAHOycufGn8Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1Will Bulsieweicz, MD, https://theplantfedgut.com/about/Fiber Fueled: https://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Fueled-Plant-Based-Optimizing-Microbiome/dp/059308456XThe Plant Fed Gut: https://theplantfedgut.com/Connect with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd/?hl=en

24 Juli 1h 35min

The pancreas is a complex organ, but some key biomarkers can assess its health. The pancreas is both an exocrine organ (meaning it produces enzymes) and an exocrine organ (meaning it secretes hormones). It’s a key component of your metabolic health and therefore your overall health. Dr. Robert Lustig and Mike Haney discuss key pancreatic blood work to get checked, the differences between diabetes types and what causes them, what insulin resistance is, how to restore mitochondrial function through diet and lifestyle changes, and more.Get a Free Guide to Understanding Your Lab Results: ⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🎙 What Robert Lustig, MD, & Mike Haney discuss:(01:33) — The pancreas is a complex organ(13:20) — Three emergency mechanisms to prevent low blood sugar(18:28) — Why insulin is a crucial biomarker(19:57) — Understanding type 1 diabetes(27:11) — Understanding type 2 diabetes(30:03) — What mitochondrial dysfunction does to the pancreas(31:45) — The links between Alzheimer’s disease and type diabetes(33:07) — Obesity is about mitochondrial dysfunction(36:14) — Testing proinsulin and C-peptide(40:24) — Reversing mitochondrial dysfunction and type 2 diabetes(44:03) — Testing key pancreatic enzymes⁠⁠Transcripts & Show Notes⁠⁠⁠⁠🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/5RnEdiTRYfI?si=GXeqvaXtyDLaXjUHFind us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠

10 Juli 1h 5min

Lab testing for female reproductive hormones offers insight into menstrual cycle irregularities, fertility concerns, and understanding where you are on the perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause trajectory. Dr. Natalie Crawford and Mike Haney discuss how the brain and ovaries communicate during the different phases of the menstrual cycle, when to test female hormones, how oral contraception affects hormone levels, and how to advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office.Get a Free Guide to Understanding Your Lab Results: ⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🎙 What Natalie Crawford, MD, & Mike Haney discuss:(08:03) — Women’s reproductive health concerns sometimes get dismissed(09:08) — The intersection of fertility and functional medicine(14:17) — The reason to check anti-Mullerian hormone(24:19) — The brain communicates with the ovaries(26:17) — Inflammation can disrupt the menstrual cycle(30:44) — Data from biomarker testing can be motivating(32:05) — When to do baseline testing for female hormones(37:47) — Menstrual cycle history and the big picture are important(40:12) — Menstrual cycle irregularities should be investigated(42:55) — The role of hormonal birth control and how it affects hormone levels(55:14) — The importance of fiber for hormonal support(59:44) — The importance of eating whole foods and avoiding toxins⁠Transcripts & Show Notes⁠⁠⁠🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/Xeq4TxRJ5YkFind us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠

26 Juni 1h 5min

Proper nutrition supports healthy aging and longevity—that much is clear. But nutritional advice online can be confusing, so what does the science say about healthy eating? It’s less about your macronutrients—protein, fat, and carbohydrates—and more about your micronutrients, which are vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Mike Haney discuss micronutrient testing, supplements, plant-based diets, and what to eat to stave of disease, reverse disease processes, and live a longer, healthier life.Get a Free Guide to Understanding Your Lab Results: https://levels.link/wnlLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🎙 What Joel Fuhrman, MD, & Mike Haney discuss:(06:59) — Using food as medicine(15:00) —Gaining a better understanding of how to use nutrition for longevity(18:45) — Why we must look at nutrition science comprehensively(23:26) — The benefits of a plant-based diet(25:56) —  The importance of micronutrients(32:31) — The role of healthy fats(37:44) — Micronutrient testing can help guide decisions about diet and any needed supplements(40:33) — Vitamin D from sunshine takes time to penetrate(43:18) — Focus on the GBOMBS to up your micronutrient intake and support longevity(57:41) — Finding a doctor who is certified in lifestyle medicine(59:06) — Changing your health through diet takes time⁠⁠Transcripts & Show Notes⁠⁠🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/jWk55UxvX34⁠Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠

12 Juni 1h 11min

Levels offers biomarker testing to give you more insight into your health status so you can understand the root causes of your symptoms, take a preventive approach to disease, and see if your lifestyle changes or other interventions are reducing your risk factors and improving your health. Dr. Anjali Dsouza and Mike Haney discuss why biomarker testing can be beneficial, how to understand your levels, factors that affect your levels, and which biomarkers are no-brainers to get tested.Get a Free Guide to Understanding Your Lab Results: https://levels.link/wnlLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🎙 What Anjali Dsouza, MD, & Mike Haney discuss:(02:21) — Conventional medicine does not allow for enough time with patients(09:05) — Why test biomarkers beyond the basics?(12:10) — Lifestyle factors are about consistency, not perfection(16:48) — Biomarkers should be analyzed with additional context(24:24) — A normal biomarker range isn’t always optimal(28:06) — AI tools and internet searches generally don’t provide nuanced health information(32:01) — Potential reasons people get biomarker testing beyond the basics(33:45) — When is repeat testing important?(36:52) — Biomarker testing and understanding is complex, especially in preventive health(37:53) — Some biomarkers respond swiftly to lifestyle changes(38:47) — The importance of fasted insulin as a biomarker⁠⁠Transcripts & Show Notes⁠⁠🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/lN6TNn6jpTg⁠⁠Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠

30 Maj 46min

Not all calories are equal. Tracking your macronutrient intake, using AI capabilities, can help you improve your body composition, facilitate weight loss, and boost exercise performance. The three macronutrients are protein, fat, and carbohydrates, with fiber a subset of carbs. Josh Clemente & Dr. Dominic D'Agostino discuss the new macros-tracking feature in the Levels app, the purpose and importance of each macronutrient, how to use macros-tracking in conjunction with biomarker data to improve health and fitness, and how easy the app’s AI functionality is to use.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🎙 What Josh Clemente & Dominic D'Agostino, PhD, discuss:(00:00) — Intro(04:28) — The importance of prioritizing protein intake(11:59) — Why is tracking macros beneficial?(15:53) — Each macronutrient has a different role in the body(33:22) — The different functions of macros(41:48) — Is excess protein a concern?(47:20) — The problem with excess carbohydrates(52:49) — Tracking macros can help you improve metabolic flexibility(54:50) — The issue with overconsumption of carbohydrates(1:09:04) — Is fiber a macronutrient?(1:37:25) — Macros tracking in the Levels app(1:41:18) — Tracking macros can help improve body composition and performance⁠Transcripts & Show notes⁠🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/wg76Q25Ngd4⁠Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠

24 Apr 1h 43min