Digital Social Hour Podcast Summary Episode: The Blood Test That Predicts Heart Attacks Years Early | Darshan Shah Part 2 DSH #914
Release Date: November 23, 2024
Host: Sean Kelly

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in an in-depth conversation with Darshan Shah, exploring the significance of advanced blood tests that can predict heart attacks years before they occur. This discussion delves into the intricacies of biomarker testing, metabolic health, and preventive measures essential for maintaining optimal health from a young age.

The Importance of Early Biomarker Testing

Sean Kelly emphasizes the critical role of early biomarker testing in preventing future health issues. Unlike traditional medical practices that often delay testing until symptoms appear or individuals reach middle age, Next Health advocates for proactive measures.

Sean Kelly [02:03]: "We see this in almost 50% of the people that we measure these biomarkers are even at your age."

Darshan Shah acknowledges the surprise many feel upon discovering underlying health risks through such tests, highlighting the necessity of early intervention.

Vitamin D and Its Impact

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Vitamin D, its comprehensive role in the body, and the consequences of deficiency. Sean explains that Vitamin D acts like a hormone, influencing every cell and system.

Sean Kelly [02:12]: "Vitamin D is not just a vitamin. It actually acts like a hormone. It affects every single cell, every single system of your body."

Darshan's Vitamin D level was notably low at 22.4, prompting Sean to recommend increased sun exposure and supplementation with Vitamin D3K2 to optimize his levels.

Sean Kelly [04:51]: "One supplement I really believe everyone should be really considering taking is vitamin D3K2."

Metabolic Health and Blood Sugar Regulation

Sean delves into the concept of metabolic health, linking it to mitochondrial function and energy production within cells. He explains that proper sugar regulation is vital to prevent the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream.

Sean Kelly [07:15]: "Metabolic health as 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."

Darshan's hemoglobin A1C level was 5.5, slightly above optimal. Sean provides actionable advice on dietary adjustments, such as reordering meal components to regulate glucose absorption.

Sean Kelly [10:19]: "One simple change is to change the order in which you eat your food. Eat your protein first and then finish with fruits."

Additional recommendations include incorporating apple cider vinegar into daily routines and utilizing continuous glucose monitors for real-time blood sugar tracking.

Sean Kelly [13:53]: "Taking a shot of apple cider vinegar inside your water and drinking that also lowers your blood glucose levels for most people by about 20%."

Cardiac Biomarkers and Heart Health

The conversation shifts to cardiac biomarkers, particularly focusing on LDL and APOB levels, which are strong indicators of heart disease risk. Sean highlights the importance of understanding these markers to prevent heart attacks later in life.

Sean Kelly [18:14]: "By looking at your cardiac biomarkers, there's a really high chance you might have one in your 50s."

Darshan's elevated LDL levels indicate a potential risk, prompting Sean to advise a diet rich in steamed vegetables and lean proteins while avoiding processed foods.

Sean Kelly [19:20]: "A carb-heavy diet focused on a lot of ultra-processed restaurant food can cause this."

Inflammation and Gut Health

Inflammation, measured through C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, is discussed as a cornerstone of chronic diseases. Sean connects high inflammation to poor gut and oral health, stressing the need for a holistic approach to wellness.

Sean Kelly [21:23]: "Inflammation increases your risk of all forms of chronic disease."

Darshan shares his recent dental issues, illustrating the link between oral health and systemic inflammation.

Sean Kelly [22:12]: "Poor oral health is related to higher levels of Alzheimer's disease, higher levels of cancer, higher levels of heart disease as well."

Heavy Metals and Genetics

The episode touches on the importance of testing for heavy metals and understanding genetic predispositions. Darshan’s heavy metal levels were slightly elevated, but within manageable ranges thanks to a recent parasite cleanse.

Sean Kelly [24:01]: "Heavy metals are usually highest in mercury, which is found not just in seafood but also in water and other foods."

Genetic panels reveal Darshan's compromised ability to utilize B vitamins due to the MTHFR gene mutation, leading to recommendations for methylated B vitamin supplements.

Sean Kelly [27:01]: "You're not able to convert your B vitamins to the usable form of B vitamins called methylated B vitamins. So how do you correct for that? You take methylated B vitamin supplements."

Preventive Health Measures and Lifestyle Changes

Sean offers practical advice on integrating exercise into daily routines to combat the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle. He introduces the concept of "exercise snacks" to maintain metabolic health throughout the day.

Sean Kelly [16:09]: "Every 45 minutes, you can get up and move around, and even do some jumping jacks, some air squats, that completely reverses the effect of being sedentary."

Additionally, Sean recommends strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to reduce visceral fat and enhance overall metabolic function.

Sean Kelly [16:28]: "Lifting heavy weights and doing some high intensity training will take that visceral fat and burn it off for you."

AI in Diagnostics and the Future of Preventive Health

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical diagnostics is explored, highlighting its potential to enhance accuracy and reduce misdiagnosis rates. Sean anticipates AI-driven tools revolutionizing preventive healthcare by enabling early detection of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s through advanced blood tests.

Sean Kelly [36:29]: "AI is going to incredibly augment the diagnostic capabilities of all the tests that we already have."

This technological advancement promises to provide more precise and comprehensive health assessments, facilitating timely interventions.

Next Health Initiatives and Expansion

Sean discusses the expansion plans of Next Health, emphasizing their commitment to making advanced health diagnostics accessible nationwide and internationally. The establishment of a supportive community environment encourages individuals to take charge of their health proactively.

Sean Kelly [31:30]: "We're going to be all over the country and we're even opening in Dubai, in Australia and also in Canada."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a powerful message on the importance of proactive health management. Sean Kelly and Darshan Shah reinforce the idea that understanding and optimizing one’s biomarkers can lead to significant improvements in health and longevity. They advocate for routine testing, lifestyle modifications, and embracing technological advancements to prevent chronic diseases and enhance overall well-being.

Sean Kelly [35:18]: "The key right now is to stay alive and don't die."

Listeners are encouraged to take control of their health journey by utilizing resources like Next Health and implementing the actionable strategies discussed throughout the episode.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Kelly [02:03]: "We see this in almost 50% of the people that we measure these biomarkers are even at your age."
• Sean Kelly [04:51]: "One supplement I really believe everyone should be really considering taking is vitamin D3K2."
• Sean Kelly [07:15]: "Metabolic health as being the health of your mitochondria."
• Sean Kelly [10:19]: "One simple change is to change the order in which you eat your food. Eat your protein first and then finish with fruits."
• Sean Kelly [18:14]: "By looking at your cardiac biomarkers, there's a really high chance you might have one in your 50s."
• Sean Kelly [21:23]: "Inflammation increases your risk of all forms of chronic disease."
• Sean Kelly [27:01]: "You're not able to convert your B vitamins to the usable form of B vitamins called methylated B vitamins."
• Sean Kelly [36:29]: "AI is going to incredibly augment the diagnostic capabilities of all the tests that we already have."
• Sean Kelly [35:18]: "The key right now is to stay alive and don't die."

This episode of Digital Social Hour serves as an enlightening guide on leveraging advanced health diagnostics to preemptively address potential health crises. Sean Kelly and Darshan Shah provide valuable insights and practical advice, empowering listeners to take meaningful steps toward a healthier, more informed future.