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.

Sponsors:

• Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%
• LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com

Available now:

• Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz 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 

Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:

• Episode 201: Coaching clients to look and feel their best: An interview with Lacey Dunn, RD
• Episode 144: Peptides – Bleeding Edge Performance, Muscle, and Recovery with Dr. Andy Galpin & Dr. Ryan Greene

Connect with Michael:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mawsome_
• Website: https://marekhealth.com/

Get In Touch with Dr Mike:

• Instagram: Drmiketnelson
• YouTube: @flexdietcert
• Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us