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
