Digital Social Hour: The Blood Test That Predicts Heart Attacks Years Early | Darshan Shah Part 2 DSH #914

Release Date: November 23, 2024

In the second part of his insightful conversation with Darshan Shah, host Sean Kelly delves deep into the significance of early blood testing for preventing chronic diseases, particularly heart attacks. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable health advice, personal anecdotes, and expert insights aimed at empowering listeners to take control of their health through proactive measures.

1. The Critical Role of Vitamin D

Darshan Shah emphasizes the multifaceted role of Vitamin D, highlighting its hormonal functions and its impact on cellular processes.

• Key Points:

  • Vitamin D acts like a hormone affecting every cell and system in the body.
  • Deficiency in Vitamin D is linked to serious health issues such as Alzheimer's, heart attacks, and gut health problems.

• Notable Quote:

  "Vitamin D is not just a vitamin. It actually acts like a hormone. It affects every single cell, every single system of your body." (00:00)

Sean Kelly is taken aback by the information, underscoring the widespread lack of awareness about Vitamin D's importance.

• Notable Interaction:

  B: "Wow." (00:21)

2. Early Detection Through Advanced Biomarkers

Shah introduces the concept of advanced biomarkers tested at Next Health, which go beyond standard medical tests to identify potential health risks early on.

• Key Points:

  • These biomarkers are often not tested by conventional doctors, especially in younger individuals.
  • Early detection allows for lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of diseases.

• Notable Quote:

  "The key is you found it super early, and now you could change the direction of where you had simple things like your diet, your workout routine." (00:35)

Sean Kelly reflects on the misconception that being in one’s 20s equates to being entirely healthy, which Shah dispels by revealing that nearly 50% of young individuals show concerning biomarkers.

• Notable Quote:

  "This is not abnormal. We see this in almost 50% of the people that we measure these biomarkers even at your age." (01:19)

3. Addressing Metabolic Health

Shah breaks down metabolic health, focusing on mitochondrial function and sugar regulation.

• Key Points:

  • Metabolic health is essentially the health of your mitochondria, the energy producers in cells.
  • Poor metabolic health affects brain function, heart efficiency, and nutrient absorption in the gut.
  • High blood sugar levels, if unmanaged, can lead to toxic accumulations and diseases like diabetes.

• Notable Quote:

  "Metabolic health is being the health of your mitochondria. If your mitochondria are not healthy, you don't have enough energy being produced for every cell in your body to do the work it needs to do." (05:36)

4. Personalized Dietary Recommendations

Shah provides tailored advice on improving glucose metabolism through dietary adjustments.

• Key Points:

  • Sean’s Hemoglobin A1C level is slightly elevated, indicating a risk of pre-diabetes.
  • High fruit consumption, particularly through smoothies and juices, may contribute to elevated blood sugar due to the removal of fiber, which slows sugar absorption.
  • Recommendations include consuming proteins and vegetables before fruit to regulate the glucose curve.

• Notable Quotes:

  "One supplement I really believe everyone should be really considering taking is vitamin D3K2." (03:27)

  "When you're doing juices and smoothies, you're eliminating the fiber for the most part, which causes increased absorption of the fructose and the glucose from those fruits." (09:00)

Sean Kelly acknowledges implementing these changes, noting immediate improvements in his well-being.

• Notable Quote:

  "I feel way better. And I noticed on days I don't take it, I actually notice it now. Isn't that crazy?" (04:21)

5. Enhancing Exercise and Reducing Sedentary Behavior

Shah underscores the importance of regular movement to counteract the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

• Key Points:

  • Incorporating "exercise snacks" every 45 minutes can mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sitting.
  • High-Intensity Training (HIT) and heavy weight lifting are recommended to reduce visceral fat and improve overall metabolic health.

• Notable Quote:

  "Every 45 minutes, you can get up and move around, and even if you can do some jumping jacks, some air squats, that completely reverses the effect of being sedentary." (13:06)

Sean Kelly shares his personal challenge with increased visceral fat, affirming the necessity of these exercise recommendations.

• Notable Quote:

  "I did get an MRI and add a ton of fat, visceral fat, all over my organs." (15:00)

6. Cardiac Biomarkers: Predicting Heart Attacks

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around cardiac health and the biomarkers that can predict heart attacks years in advance.

• Key Points:

  • Elevated LDL and APOB levels are strong indicators of potential heart disease.
  • Shah warns that 50% of heart attacks go undiagnosed until they occur, often fatally.
  • Dietary habits, especially consumption of ultra-processed foods, are primary culprits in elevating these biomarkers.

• Notable Quote:

  "APOB is a protein that wraps around all the bad forms of cholesterol... These are called atherogenic means they can block your blood vessels going to your heart, leading to a heart attack." (16:02)

Sean Kelly expresses concern over his own elevated cardiac markers and seeks actionable steps.

• Notable Quote:

  "I love it. Simple fix." (11:39)

7. Managing Inflammation and Gut Health

Shah delves into the relationship between inflammation, gut health, and chronic diseases.

• Key Points:

  • Chronic inflammation is a precursor to many diseases, including Alzheimer's and heart disease.
  • The gut houses 90% of the immune system; poor gut health often results in elevated inflammation.
  • Dental health is intricately linked to gut health and overall inflammation levels.

• Notable Quote:

  "Inflammation increases your risk of all forms of chronic disease." (18:08)

Sean Kelly acknowledges the impact of poor dental health on overall inflammation, mentioning recent cavities as a concern.

• Notable Quote:

  "I just went to the dentist, and they found seven cavities." (21:27)

8. The Hidden Threat of Heavy Metals

Shah discusses the prevalence of heavy metals in modern environments and their health implications.

• Key Points:

  • Mercury is the most common heavy metal found at elevated levels, primarily from seafood consumption and environmental exposure.
  • Sean has taken measures like a parasite cleanse to manage his heavy metal levels.

• Notable Quote:

  "Mercury usually is Mercury... it's also in the water, it's also in other foods." (22:21)

Recommendations:

• Opt for wild-caught salmon over farmed to reduce mercury intake.
• Utilize resources like the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) to identify less toxic food options.

9. Future of Preventative Health and AI Integration

Shah envisions a future where advanced diagnostics and AI revolutionize preventative healthcare.

• Key Points:

  • Development of blood tests for early detection of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
  • AI integration in diagnostics can enhance accuracy, reduce misdiagnoses, and streamline the identification of potential health issues.
  • The potential for AI to assist in personalized treatment plans, especially in mental health.

• Notable Quote:

  "AI is going to be a game changer... it can find things that sometimes a doctor misses." (34:08)

Sean Kelly expresses enthusiasm about AI’s potential while pondering its impact on various professions.

• Notable Quote:

  "They might replace that job. I heard." (35:28)

10. Personal Health Journey and Medical System Critique

Darshan Shah shares his personal experiences with the shortcomings of the traditional medical system.

• Key Points:

  • Despite being a trained doctor, Shah faced multiple health issues in his 40s due to late detection.
  • Advocates for a shift in medical education towards early and frequent biomarker testing.
  • Highlights the transformation of Next Health’s clinics to create a welcoming and community-driven environment.

• Notable Quote:

  "I found out when I was already being diagnosed with diseases." (26:10)

Sean Kelly praises the Next Health centers for their positive and engaging atmosphere, contrasting them with conventional medical offices.

• Notable Quote:

  "When I walk into one of your wellness centers or like any wellness center, it's night and day compared to a doctor's office." (28:05)

11. Concluding Insights and Future Directions

In wrapping up, Shah and Kelly discuss the imperative of proactive health management and the evolving landscape of healthcare.

• Key Points:

  • Encouragement to prioritize regular and comprehensive health screenings.
  • The necessity of forming sustainable health habits to prevent chronic diseases.
  • Expansion plans for Next Health to make advanced health diagnostics accessible globally.

• Notable Quote:

  "The key right now is to stay alive and don't die." (37:31)

Call to Action:

• Shah invites listeners to visit Next Health centers located in New York, LA, with expansions to Vegas, Dubai, Australia, and Canada.
• Emphasizes the importance of investing in personal health to avoid exorbitant future healthcare costs.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Proactive Health Management: Regular biomarker testing can unveil hidden health risks early, allowing for timely interventions.
• Diet and Lifestyle: Simple dietary changes, such as adjusting the order of food intake and reducing sugar spikes, can significantly impact metabolic health.
• Importance of Vitamin D and B Vitamins: Ensuring adequate intake through sunlight exposure and supplementation is crucial for overall well-being.
• Role of AI in Healthcare: Embracing technological advancements can enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalize treatment plans.
• Holistic Approach: Addressing dental health, reducing heavy metal exposure, and maintaining gut health are integral components of preventing chronic diseases.

This episode serves as a compelling reminder that knowledge and early action are paramount in shaping a healthier future. Darshan Shah and Sean Kelly provide listeners with practical strategies and inspiring insights to become the CEOs of their own health journeys.

For more information on Next Health and the services discussed, visit their website or find their clinics in New York, LA, Vegas, Dubai, Australia, and Canada.