Ben Greenfield’s Comprehensive Guide to At-Home Lab Tests
May 23, 2024
Imagine you had a map that revealed a hidden landscape teeming with secrets about your body — decoding your gut health, your genetic predispositions, your oxidative stress levels, and even your biological age.
It’s a lot more accessible than you might think…
In this episode, you’ll get a breakdown of the intricate world of lab testing, mapping out the route to peak health and high performance. From comprehensive gut examinations and cutting-edge hormone analyses to the pivotal Omega-3 Index Report, you’re about to get a roadmap for interpreting your body’s data. I’ll also share my rigorous testing routine, including annual gut and blood tests, once-in-a-lifetime genetic tests, and various one-off samplings, to demonstrate how to tailor testing for your health needs.
Why is this so crucial? Because you can’t manage what you don’t measure. The intel gathered isn’t just fascinating — it’s pivotal for anyone serious about optimizing their health and wellness.
But here’s the kicker: while lab testing is necessary, it can often be unnecessarily expensive. That’s why I’ve created a one-stop-shop resource page featuring the best, most affordable at-home health tests from Rupa Health. Additionally, I’ve enlisted AI tools and an expert coaching team to help you decode your treasure trove of data after testing to help you minimize costs.
Throughout this show, you’ll hear about crucial markers like lipid peroxides and 8-OHdG that can tell you a lot about oxidative damage (how fast you’re aging on a cellular level). You’ll also get to dive into mold and mycotoxin testing you can do from the comfort of your home with Rupa Health, and I’ll explain why the Omega-3 Index Report is more than worth its $84 price tag if you’re keen on getting your fatty acid balance in check. There’s even the fascinating realm of biological age testing to see if your cells are younger or older than your chronological age.
Tune in to uncover the essential lab tests that can reveal everything from hidden food sensitivities and heavy metal toxicity to the intricacies of your gut’s microbiome. You won’t want to miss this deep dive into the nuances of oxidative stress, fatty acid profiles, hormone health, and more to get a clear picture of how to fine-tune every aspect of your well-being.
Ready to demystify the numbers and biomarkers that hold the key to unlocking your best health?
On this episode, you’ll discover:
-Ben’s recommended tests…00:37
- Ben has created a page with his gold-standard recommended tests
- Ben’s Rupa Health lab tests
- Tests that give actionable information that allows you to:
- Make targeted nutrition changes
- Supplementation choices
- Exercise modifications
- Lifestyle modifications
-Categorization of recommended tests…02:16
- Ben’s page contains a range of tests categorized under:
- Gut health
- Hormone health
- DNA
- General health and longevity
- Food intolerance and allergy testing
- Metals, molds, and toxins
- It can be confusing to understand the results of these tests
- Dr. Matt Dawson at Wild Health is working on AI for interpretation
- Ben regularly explains test results to his clients
- Reference ranges are useful but should be taken with a grain of salt
- Podcast with Dr. Matt Dawson:
-Basic blood panel test…05:00
- Most of them can be done at home
- Labcorp Advanced Health Panel
- Price: $540
- Should be run on a quarterly to an annual basis
- CardioMetabolic Profile
- Price: under $200
- Things that are most related to cardiovascular health or metabolism
- Stripped down baby version of the Advanced Health Panel
- Doesn’t test for Vitamin D
- Podcast with Dr. Ram Dandillaya:
- Podcasts with Dr. Stephen Hussey:
- Rupa Health
- Vitamin D Panel
- Metabolomix Test
- A urine test mixed with a blood spot mixed with a buccal swab
- Price: $399
- Podcast with the Genova Diagnostics Team:
- It looks at:
- Oxidative stress biomarkers
- Mitochondrial function
- Omega balance
- Toxic exposure, like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium
- Indications of a methylation imbalance
- Essential and metabolic fatty acids
- Neurotransmitter metabolites
- Bacterial and yeast markers
- Oxalates
- Genetic testing for 4 basic, important genetic markers
-Gut testing…13:13
- There are a lot of gut testing companies that look at the DNA of your gut
- Vitract (use code BEN10 to save 10%)
- Viome
- Thorne
- Assessing the genetic profile of the biome in your gut
- 3-Day Genova Diagnostic Stool Profile
- It looks at things like
- Blood in the stool
- Calprotectin
- Eosinophil protein
- Secretory IgA
- Pancreatic enzyme production
- Dysbiosis
- It ranks things on a 1 to 10 scale in terms of how much support you would need for different areas of your gut
- Many people have SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)
- A syndrome characterized by an increase in the number or the presence of atypical microbiota in the small intestine
- Typically have a sensitivity to fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs)
- SIBO Test
- Price: $260
- A breath test — you breathe into tubes every 20 minutes or so for a couple of hours
- It measures the rise of methane and hydrogen gases that occur over time
- This is an important test to take if you have gas or bloating
- Includes recommendations on which foods to eliminate and which foods you can keep eating
- UNLOCK Your Gut’s FULL Potential: Top Tests, Kid Probiotics & Poop Secrets!
-Thyroid panel…19:28
- Thyroid Health Panel
- Price: $175
- Measures TSH, T3, T4, thyroid antibodies
- Elevated thyroid antibodies show your thyroid to be dysregulated by something you’re eating
- Food allergy panel to see if or what foods are aggravating the thyroid
- Podcast with Dr. Amie Hornaman:
-Blood test for hormones…21:34
-Oxidative Stress 2.0 test…24:50
- Oxidative Stress 2.0 Urine
- Price: $360
- Gives insight into your mitochondrial function and mitochondrial health
- It measures:
- Lipid peroxides — reflective of oxidative damage to fatty acids
- 8-OHdG — reflective of oxidative damage to the DNA
- Shows if there is inflammation in the body
- Gives information about your antioxidant reserve
-Omega-3 Index Report…26:41
- Omega-3 Index Complete — fatty acid count
- Price: $84
- Podcast with Dr. Bill Harris and Dr. Kristina Jackson:
- Omega-3 Index report looks at:
- The amount of EPA and DHA
- Omega-3 to omega-6 ratio
- Trans fatty acids
- Monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids
- A good way to see if you’re getting the right type of fats
- And if those fats that you’re eating are in the right balance
-Cyrex Panel food allergy test and 88-food dried blood spot test…29:10
- Food allergy tests tend to give false positives
- You can have elevated antibodies because you eat a certain food a lot
- 3 Cyrex Panel food allergy tests Ben uses:
- Price: $1165
- 88-food dried blood spot test
- It identifies food sensitivities, intolerances, and allergies
- Price: $420
-Ben’s ad for his house…32:50
-Mold and mycotoxins tests…34:30
- MycoTOX — profile urine at home mold and mycotoxin test
- Price: $335
- Test for 11 of the most common molds and mycotoxins
- Gives you clinical insights and recommendations
- Mercury Tri-Test
- Podcast with Dr. Matt Cook:
-DNA and genetic testing…38:23
- Dr. Matt Dawson
- TruAge Complete Collection
- Price: $500
- TruDiagnostic
- Gives everything from immune system age, overall biological age, diabetes, fitness age, alcohol consumption risk, and methylation status
- Very insightful report, based on large predictive data models — complex systems or algorithms that analyze vast amounts of data to make predictions about future outcomes or trends
- Rejuvenation Olympics uses it
- 3 x 4 Genetics Test
- Price: $375
- Salivary test
- Super simple to read
- It tells you all about:
- Your inflammation risk and your methylation status
- The beneficial genes that you have and the genes that you should pay a lot of attention to, like methylation or inflammation
- Genes for which you might not be at as much risk, such as those related to glucose, insulin, or blood clotting
- More of the expenses are interpretation than the actual testing
- Boundless by Ben Greenfield
-And much more…
Upcoming Events:
- Hack Your Health — Austin, Texas: May 31–June 2, 2024
Get ready to level up your wellness game at the ultimate event for optimizing your health — Hack Your Health. 70 world-class speakers (and counting) are ready to drop their knowledge and share cutting-edge health hacks to help you crush your goals. From the legendary Kris Gethin to the renowned nutritionist JJ Virgin, Hack Your Health’s lineup is stacked with experts dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential. Whether you’re just starting your health journey or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone at this event. Join me as I dive into “The Energy Formula — Unlocking The Secrets of Vitality.” You’ll also learn from other experts how minerals drive every function in your body, the secrets to metabolic health, all about the carnivore lifestyle, and much more. Grab your tickets here and use code BEN50 to save $50.
- Health Optimization Summit — London: June 15–16, 2024
The Health Optimization Summit is the ultimate gathering for anyone passionate about biohacking, wellness, and living their best life. Dubbed a must-do event, it promises a transformative weekend filled with the opportunity to meet and learn from over 35 world-class speakers (including yours truly) in nutrition, longevity, mental health, relationships, and more. Learn best-kept secrets, try out the latest high-tech health gadgets, and discover the cleanest supplements and foods on the market. Don’t miss this life-changing weekend — grab your tickets before they’re gone here.
- The Longevity Circle Retreat in Croatia — Superyacht Wellness Adventure: Sept 4–10, 2024
Step aboard the ultimate luxury wellness journey: the longevity-focused Superyacht Wellness Adventure, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Croatia from September 4–10, 2024. This exclusive, invite-only event offers an unparalleled experience that blends opulence with the pursuit of wellness, disease prevention, and a long, happy life. With only 10 cabins available, this intimate retreat promises personalized attention and an atmosphere of elite exclusivity. Each day, I will lead 5–6 invigorating workouts, share insights through 1–2 enlightening talks, and engage in organic discussions and Q&A sessions, ensuring a transformative experience. Secure your spot here on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and be part of a select group dedicated to elevating their health.
- Biohacking Retreat with Ben Greenfield — Costa Rica: Oct 28–31, 2024
Join me this October for an unparalleled biohacking retreat set in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica. This is an exclusive opportunity to dive deep into the world of biohacking, wellness, and personal optimization at Kinkára, a sanctuary of rejuvenation and adventure. Over three nights, you’ll get to explore cutting-edge strategies for enhancing your health and performance, from engaging lectures to hands-on meditation and breathwork sessions. We’ll bond over group hikes, savor three meticulously prepared meals daily, unwind with live music, and experience the transformative Temezcal ceremony. Plus, you’ll enjoy luxury amenities and quality time with me and a community of like-minded individuals. Space is intentionally limited to 50 guests to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your well-being and connect with the essence of biohacking amidst Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Secure your spot here to ensure you don’t miss out!
- Wim Hof Method Travel — Seminarzentrum Riederalp, Germany: December 11–15, 2024
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Wim Hof Method Travel event in Germany. This four-day event features immersive activities designed to push the limits of your body and mind. Led by experienced Wim Hof Method instructors and me, participants will engage in breathwork, ice bathing, meditation, cold hikes, theory sessions, body awareness exercises, and a sweat lodge ceremony. WHM Travel offers the most comprehensive Wim Hof Method experience, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the practice (away from all distractions). This extended immersion in a stunning, natural environment will provide you with the opportunity for progressive WHM training. Join the attendees who come from all over the world, seeking to push themselves to new heights, process hardships or trauma, and simply enrich their lives with new experiences and friendships. You can discover more and book your spot here!
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
Resources from this episode:
– Rupa Health:
– Podcasts:
- Using AI To Interpret Bloodwork, Creating Genetic Freak Of Nature Athletes, The Most Fancy & Comprehensive Executive Health Program Ever Created, Reversing Disease With Precision Medicine & Much More With Wild Health’s Dr. Matt Dawson.
- The Giant Fish Oil Episode: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Omega 3 Fatty Acids, EPA, DHA, Dosing, Sourcing & Much More!
- The Best Way To Test How Healthy Your Heart Is: Ben Greenfield Undergoes A Complete Advanced Cardiac Evaluation & Reports The Surprising Results!
- The Most Mind-Blowing Information On Heart Disease You’ll Ever Hear: Understanding The Heart (Uncommon Insights Into Our Most Commonly Diseased Organ) – Part 2 With Stephen Hussey.
- The Most Mind-Blowing Information On Heart Disease You’ll Ever Hear: Understanding The Heart (Uncommon Insights Into Our Most Commonly Diseased Organ) — Part 1 With Dr. Stephen Hussey.
- Cutting Through The Confusion Of Blood, Urine, & Stool Testing To Measure Gut Health, Toxins, Amino Acids, Fatty Acids, & Much More With The Genova Diagnostics Team.
– Other Resources:
Episode Sponsors:
Jigsaw Health: Support a balanced response to stress and steady energy production by trying Jigsaw’s Adrenal Cocktail + Wholefood Vitamin C. Visit JigsawAC.com and use Greenfield10 to get 10% off on your order.
LVLUP Health: I trust and recommend LVLUP Health for your peptide needs, as they third-party test every single batch of their peptides to ensure you’re getting exactly what you pay for and the results you’re after! Head over to lvluphealth.com/BGL for a special discount on their game-changing range of products.
BioStack Labs: NAD Regen increases your energy, enhances your cognitive function, and slows aging. Get 15% off your purchase of $100 or more by going to biostack.com/ben15.
Ketone-IQ: Save 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at Ketone.com/BENG.
Timeline Nutrition: Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timelinenutrition.com/BEN and use code BEN to get 10% off your order.
Do you have questions, thoughts, or feedback for me? Leave your comments below and I will reply!
Discover more from reviewer4you.com
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
