Huberman Lab avatar

Dexa/Huberman Lab

Supported byHuberman Lab
Learn more
Published Sep 3, 2019

10. The ULTIMATE bloodwork podcast!

Dr. Paul Saladino and Nathan Owens delve deep into the complexities of bloodwork, discussing how genetic testing, micronutrients, lipid panels, testosterone, and comprehensive blood cell analysis can provide insights into health optimization, particularly for specialized diets like the carnivore diet.
Episode Highlights
Paul Saladino MD podcast logo

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Questions from this episode

Episode Highlights

  • Blood Cells

    Blood cell analysis reveals crucial insights into overall health. Paul Saladino explains that white blood cells are fractionated into multiple lineages, with neutrophils responding to bacterial infections and lymphocytes to viral ones. shares his experience with low eosinophils and basophils, indicating a calm immune system 1. Paul highlights the importance of red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit in assessing oxygen-carrying capacity and potential anemia 2. Elevated hematocrit can lead to hypercoagulability, posing risks like blood clots 2.

    If there is anemia, which is a low red blood cell count, then we have to look at the further markers to get a sense of what might be causing the anemia.

    --- Paul Saladino

    Nathan's blood tests show normal ranges, except for a slight anemia due to recent blood donation 2.

       

    Liver Enzymes

    Liver enzyme markers are essential for understanding liver health. Paul explains that while ALT is specific to the liver, AST can be elevated by muscular injury 3. He also discusses the significance of GGT, which is involved in glutathione formation and can indicate oxidative stress when elevated 4. Elevated liver enzymes should prompt further investigation into protein intake and potential liver stress.

    If I do see an elevated or even high normal ALT or AST, I look into it more. Liver enzymes should not be elevated.

    --- Paul Saladino

    Nathan's liver enzyme levels are within normal ranges, providing reassurance about his liver function 4.

       

    Kidney Function

    Kidney function markers offer insights into renal health. Nathan's creatinine levels are consistently 0.84, slightly elevating his BUN/creatinine ratio 5. Paul notes that creatinine, a breakdown product of muscle creatine, can be falsely elevated in muscular individuals or those consuming high protein diets 5. He also mentions the importance of cystatin C as an additional marker for kidney function 6.

    Creatinine is a measure of kidney function, but it's not a perfect measure of kidney function.

    --- Paul Saladino

    Nathan's eGFR is high, indicating efficient kidney filtration, which is a positive sign of renal health 6.

Related Episodes