Office Hours: The Blood Tests That Actually Matter for Your Health — Episode 1118
Auto-extracted preview. These recommendations were transcribed and classified from the episode audio. Timestamps link to the source; classifications are not yet editorially verified.
What Mark Hyman recommended
In transcript order-
Sponsor read In a protocol
Hyman promotes Function Health, a membership service offering 160+ lab tests at $365/year to track biomarkers longitudinally and identify root causes.
“over 160 lab tests at just $365 a year
DosageComprehensive panel twice a year; use code mark2026 for $50 offCaveatsHyman is co-founder and CMO of Function HealthCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Endorsement In a protocol
Recommends advanced full-body MRI imaging through Ezra, offered as part of Function Health, for comprehensive screening.
“advanced full-body MRI imaging, which we now offer through Ezra
CaveatsOffered as add-on through Function HealthCertaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
Test vitamin D levels and aim for an optimal level above 50, not just the lab 'normal' of ~30.
“your vitamin D levels are not over 50
DosageOptimal blood level >50 ng/mLCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
In a protocol
Use homocysteine as a better marker for B12 and folate status than standard testing.
“homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, which are the better tests
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
Use methylmalonic acid as a better marker for B12 status.
“homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, which are the better tests
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
Check omega-3 fatty acid levels as low levels can contribute to depression and other issues.
“low omega-3 fats, which we check
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
Order a full thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4, thyroid antibodies, reverse T3) rather than only TSH.
“five important tests that you need to look at your thyroid
DosageTSH optimal 1-2 (not 0.5-5); check free T3, free T4, antibodies, reverse T3CaveatsMost doctors only check TSHCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
In a protocol
Test high-sensitivity CRP as a marker of systemic inflammation.
“HSCRP, which is a marker of systemic inflammation
Certaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
In a protocol
Track A1C even in non-diabetics, with concern above 5.
“anything from over five starting to increase can be a concern
DosageOptimal under 5Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
Measure fasting insulin because it rises before blood sugar/A1C; aim for <5.
“your insulin goes up fasting
DosageOptimal <5; >10 trouble; >20 seriousCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
In a protocol
Aim for fasting blood glucose in the 70-85 range, not just under 100.
“optimum range is probably 70 to 85
DosageOptimal fasting glucose 70-85 mg/dLCertaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
Check ferritin for iron storage and inflammation status.
“ferritin, which can be an iron storage marker
Certaintyexplicitrecommendation -
In a protocol
Get advanced cholesterol testing measuring particle size and number rather than just total cholesterol/LDL/HDL.
“the quality of those particles and cholesterol molecules
Certaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
In a protocol
Test Lp(a), a genetically determined cardiovascular risk marker that doctors often miss.
“lipoprotein little a, or LPA
CaveatsGenetically determined but other risks can be managed more aggressivelyCertaintyexplicitstrong endorsement -
Sponsor read
Hyman promotes his six-week program addressing brain health via gut, hormones, metabolism, and immune system.
“Brain Shaping Academy, a six-week program
DosageSix-week program at drhyman.com/brainshapingCaveatsHyman's own programCertaintyexplicitrecommendation -
Endorsement
Hyman invites listeners to seek functional medicine care at his clinic, the Ultra Wellness Center.
“visit my clinic, the Ultra Wellness Center
CaveatsHyman's own clinicCertaintyexplicitrecommendation