Issue #216: The 8 Tests for Your Metabolic Health
Good morning. It’s Saturday, July 22nd.
Today’s Quick Win
From the Lab (literally): The 8 Tests for Metabolic Health
What We’re Watching: Cosmic Time Machine
Bucket List: Tatra Mountains in Slovakia
Brain Games: Cartographer
“To keep the body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep the mind strong and clear.”
The number of Americans with Prediabetes (38% of adult population). The craziest part - 80% of them don’t even know it. (Source)
This Week
This week we focused on the importance of your metabolic health.
Issue #214 - discover the link between metabolic health and the top 10 causes of death. Learn what's real and not real about your metabolism, how to take control and prioritize your overall wellbeing
Issue #215 - 6.8% of Americans are metabolically healthy…yikes.* To help simplify your health with a single number, researchers are advancing tests on a “biological age” which measures DNA methylation. But these tests aren’t ready for primetime. Consider “functional age” (see below) as a better alternative
Click HERE to check out previous issues in the Thrive25 archive.
*Researchers at Tufts determined this based on passing 5 different biomarkers of BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol and no history of heart disease
From the Lab
On Thursday (Issue #215), we talked about “functional age” and that what really matters is 1) What We Can Do; and 2) How We Feel.
But there’s definitely still a reason to track the right KPI’s. These metrics predict future health issues and it’s absolutely essential to prevent metabolic problems - it’s way harder to fix them later.
Make sure you get your metabolic blood panel done and request your doctor include these 8 measurements/tests that matter:
Waist Circumference - unlike BMI, this is a more direct at identifying that visceral fat issue we talked about in Issue #214.
Blood Pressure - there are few metrics that matter more! Don’t think it’s enough to be “close” to the goal here - get it below 120/80!
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) - glucose binds to our hemoglobin in red blood cells (each live for about 3 months). So basically this is a 90-day average of our blood sugar level.
Fasting Glucose - this is a better measure of blood glucose and can identify the potential for future diabetes or metabolic problems. Note: you can't eat for at least 12 hours before the blood is drawn.
Fasting Insulin - insulin is the hormone that moves glucose into cells. Your body wants low glucose, but while that might be in the normal range, high insulin shows your pancreas is working too hard, leading to potential metabolic problems in the future.
Triglycerides - most fats we eat are triglycerides and they give us energy, but extra calories, alcohol, and sugar turn into triglycerides and are stored in fat cells. High triglycerides lead to metabolic problems and potentially fatty liver disease.
High sensitivity C-reative protein (hsCRP) - sounds complicated. It's a protein made in the liver that increases with inflammation in the body.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) - best lab test for risk of heart disease. It’s not about the cholesterol - it’s the carriers of the small cholesterol (VLDL and LDL) that get stuck in our veins and arteries that cause future problems. This is not yet a completely common test for all physicians to recommend - make sure to push your doctor and add this to the list! According to Peter Attia, it should only cost $20-30 out of pocket.
Here’s a graphic you can download and have handy for the next time you get your annual physical and request bloodwork - with the desired results:
Want more info on these tests? Reach out to us at team@thrive25.com and we can work together to support you in requesting the right tests and understanding how to interpret the results.
Thrive25 Partner Spotlight
We hope you had a chance to join us this week for a breathing session with Hannes Bend (CEO of breathing.ai).
Check out breathing.ai - a free browser extension that reminds you to take breaks, personalizes the color of your screen, and offers relaxing music to help you stay focused.
Not only does each break help with breathing or relaxation, it enables me to stack other habits on top - drink water, stand, get a quick exercise snack in, etc. - don't sit and work all day without taking care of yourself!
IT’S FREE! Download now and feel the difference!
What We’re Watching | UNKNOWN: Cosmic Time Machine
No doubt you’ve seen images from the James Webb telescope over the last year (Issues #96, #214). This documentary provides you an all access view to how the telescope came to be - from concept to launch, accompanied by stunning images of the universe.
Now available on Netflix…
Bucket List | Tatra Mountains
Great submission from a Thrive25 Reader - Brian D. He just spent time in Slovakia. Not a country that’s made it to the top of my list, but the hiking in the Tatra Mountains looks absolutely spectacular.
Whether you want a retreat that combines hiking and yoga (Responsible Travel) or a high-end resort (Kempinski) you can’t go wrong and should add this to your must-experience list.
Brain Games | Cartographer
Feel like you can navigate the streets of your neighborhood with your eyes closed?
Then try this challenge: draw a map of your neighborhood from memory.
Try to include major streets, and as many side streets and local landmarks as possible. The area of your map can be as large or small as you want.
Compare your memory map to a real map of the area. How’d you do?
Navigating to work or Whole Foods might seem simple and almost automatic when in your car. But challenging yourself to recall the layout of your neighborhood as well as draw and label it helps activate a so many areas of your brain.
Product Recs
💊 Momentous - unlock your peak performance with Momentous supplements: scientifically proven, clinically backed, and patented formulas. Exclusive offer for Thrive25 subscribers: enjoy a 15% discount off the entire product portfolio. Use Code Thrive at checkout. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your performance journey - shop now!
💪 TMAC Fitness - say goodbye to equipment and hello to an invigorating routine that combines fitness and meditation in the comfort of your own home. Transform your body and mind with TMAC's exclusive program. Take the first step towards a fitter, more balanced you. Get started with TMAC today!
Thanks for another great week! Get your sweat on - straight outta 1990…
Check out the latest workout videos on our YouTube channel
Got feedback, recommendations or stories to share? Tell us what’s on your mind here
Want this direct to your inbox? Sign up here
Why Thrive25
We’re 40-something dads that felt our bodies and minds start to slow down and we’re not ready for that. We found too much information on every subject. So we started Thrive25 to transform what we’ve learned into something useful for the rest of us to spend just 3-5 min a day to optimize our health & longevity.
This newsletter is for you and we truly value your feedback. Never hesitate to reach out to us at team@thrive25.com.
To health!
Sign up for free:
The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and may not be appropriate or applicable based on your individual circumstances. Thrive25 Labs LLC does not provide medical, professional, or licensed advice. Please connect with your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to your health needs.