Built by Bloodwork 🩸 💪


In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m diving into the nitty-gritty of blood work and why it matters for your health, performance, and longevity, especially if you’re an athlete, bodybuilder, or serious about your training.

Fresh off the ISSN (International Society of Sports Nutrition) conference, I’m joined by Michael Warner, a sharp coach at Marek Health and the owner of Set the Standard. Together, we unpack some of the most important markers in blood work, how training and nutrition can influence your results, and how to actually interpret those lab numbers in the real world.

We also discuss the importance of hydration, the context behind the numbers, and why proactive health monitoring should be an integral part of every performance plan. And yes, we touch on the impact of PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs) and what they can do to your blood markers.

Whether you’re optimizing for gains or longevity, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to truly understand what’s going on under the hood.

​Built by Bloodwork: Michael Warner on Optimizing Performance from the Inside Out << details here

Episode Chapters:

  • 00:16 Recap of the ISSN Meeting
  • 00:40 Guest Introduction: Michael Warner
  • 00:59 Importance of Blood Work for Health and Performance
  • 01:28 Personal Experience with Blood Work
  • 02:15 Basic Blood Tests and Their Accessibility
  • 03:19 Interpreting Blood Work Results
  • 03:37 Vitamin D and Lifestyle Factors
  • 04:08 Focus on Exogenous Compounds
  • 04:31 Sponsor Shoutouts
  • 06:48 Interview with Michael Warner Begins
  • 08:04 Blood Work in Physique Athletes
  • 08:57 Variability in Blood Work Results
  • 13:21 Blood Pressure and Easy Checks
  • 15:01 Proactive Health Monitoring
  • 15:48 Whack-a-Mole Lab Work
  • 19:11 Preparing for Lab Work
  • 26:33 Frequency of Blood Work
  • 29:45 Enhanced Athletes and Blood Work
  • 33:08 Risks and Rewards of Enhancement
  • 35:57 TRT and Personal Experiences
  • 38:18 Fertility and Performance Enhancing Drugs
  • 39:03 Introduction to Fertility Clinics and At-Home Sperm Tests
  • 40:27 Misconceptions About Testosterone and Fertility
  • 41:26 Essential Blood Work for Health and Performance
  • 44:26 Advanced Markers and Kidney Function
  • 46:25 Importance of Iron Panels and Sex Hormones
  • 50:16 Thyroid Panels and Additional Health Markers
  • 54:56 Merrick Health and Telemedicine Services
  • 01:04:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out the YouTube link below if you prefer to watch the podcast.

​Built by Bloodwork: Michael Warner on Optimizing Performance from the Inside Out << YouTube

Much love,
Dr Mike

_____________________

Mike T Nelson CISSN, CSCS, MSME, PhD
Associate Professor, Carrick Institute
Owner, Extreme Human Performance, LLC
Editorial Board Member, STRONG Fitness Mag

Mike T Nelson is a PhD and not a physician or registered dietitian. The contents of this email should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

..

Dr Mike T Nelson

Creator of the Flex Diet Cert & Phys Flex Cert, CSCS, CISSN, Assoc Professor, kiteboarder, lifter of odd objects, metal music lover. >>>>Sign up to my daily FREE Fitness Insider newsletter below

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