LEVELS – A Whole New Level

Your annual labs can reveal far more than most people realize—if you know how to interpret them. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Rich Joseph walks through how to read basic blood work like the CBC, electrolytes, and urinalysis, and how to use those numbers as feedback loops, not pass/fail judgments. He explains which values matter most, what trends reveal over time, and how to connect lab data to sleep, training, nutrition, and stress. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Dr. Rich Joesph & Mike Haney discuss: [03:12] — Why basic labs still matter [07:58] — How to read the CBC: Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets [18:45] — MCV and what it tells us about iron vs. B-vitamin deficiency [24:40] — White blood cells as a window into stress and recovery [44:10] — Electrolytes and cellular energy [1:01:22] — Urinalysis: the overlooked lab with real value [1:09:55] — Using labs as feedback over time Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/cpwB4-_7o-w Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 📲 Connect with Dr. Rich Joseph on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-joseph-md-mba-61448b33a/

Your immune system isn’t just about fighting infections—it’s a mirror of your overall metabolic health. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Sharon Bergquist, physician and Director of Emory’s Healthy Aging and Resilient Aging Center, joins Mike Haney to unpack the science of immune resilience—how chronic inflammation, white blood cell patterns, and metabolism intertwine to shape long-term health. Dr. Bergquist explains why inflammation isn’t always bad, how the immune system ages, and what you can do daily to build resilience. They discuss: Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Dr. Sharon Bergquist & Mike Haney discuss: [3:24] — How inflammation protects—and harms—your body [10:11] — Why immune health depends on metabolism [17:42] — White blood cells as a window into immune function [24:38] — How the gut and liver shape immunity [32:27] — Why modern lifestyles fuel inflammation [40:55] — How to measure your own inflammation [48:33] — The science of immune aging (inflammaging) [56:22] — Building immune resilience through daily habits [1:03:44] — Why immune balance is better than immune ‘boosting’ [1:11:08] — The hopeful message: immunity is adaptable Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/k1XpdFGVx1o Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 📲 Connect with Dr. Sharon Bergquist on LinkedIn: Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist Dr. Sharon Bergquist: https://drsharonbergquist.com/

If you want to improve your energy and long-term health, start by understanding how your body uses glucose. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Benjamin Bikman, scientist and author of Why We Get Sick, joins Mike Haney to unpack the science of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance—and why blood sugar isn’t the whole story. Dr. Bikman explains how insulin regulates energy balance, why HbA1c is only part of the picture, and how chronic high insulin can silently drive weight gain, fatigue, and metabolic disease. He also shares practical ways to lower insulin naturally through diet, exercise, and daily habits. They discuss: Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Ben Bikman, PhD, & Mike Haney discuss: [3:42] — Why glucose isn’t the full story in metabolic health [7:58] — Insulin’s central role in energy and fat storage [13:10] — What HbA1c actually tells you—and what it misses [19:23] — The first signs of insulin resistance most people overlook [25:46] — Why muscle is a “glucose sink” that protects your metabolism [32:15] — How modern diets overload insulin, not just glucose [39:52] — The difference between being lean and being metabolically healthy [46:08] — Simple daily habits that lower insulin naturally [54:41] — Why “normal” lab ranges for insulin are misleading [1:02:17] — Practical steps to build metabolic flexibility and better energy Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/2PROANAQkwA Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 📲 Connect: Connect with Dr. Bikman on X: @BenBikmanPhD Dr. Benjamin Bikman: https://benbikman.com/

Alzheimer’s and dementia aren’t just a matter of age or genetics. Increasing evidence shows that metabolic health—particularly insulin resistance—plays a key role in cognitive decline. In this episode of A Whole New Level, neurologist and bestselling author Dr. David Perlmutter joins Mike Haney to explore the links between brain health and metabolism. They discuss the role of insulin resistance and inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease, the biomarkers that can reveal risk decades before symptoms, and how lifestyle interventions can dramatically change your trajectory. Topics include: Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Dr. David Perlmutter & Mike Haney discuss: 4:12 — Why Alzheimer’s is now called “Type 3 diabetes” 9:45 — The role of inflammation in brain health 15:22 — Biomarkers that predict dementia risk decades early 22:31 — Why mainstream Alzheimer’s drugs fall short 29:17 — GLP-1s and brain health 36:44 — Lifestyle changes vs. pharmaceuticals 44:19 — Why homocysteine matters 53:02 — Sleep, circadian rhythm, and brain resilience 1:02:38 — Early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore 1:15:07 — The hopeful message Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/MV_9nyAN1Vk Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 📲 Connect: Dr. David Perlmutter on X: @DavidPerlmutter David Perlmutter, MD: ⁠https://drperlmutter.com/⁠

Longevity is a hot health topic, but what factors move the needle on not only how long you live but how long you experience relatively good health? Some lab and other tests can help assess how healthy you’re aging and provide context for what lifestyle and other changes to make. Dr. Matt Kaeberlein and Mike Haney discuss the tests that help assess healthy aging, how mental health and physical health are intricately connected, which lifestyle factors might expand your health span, and where the research stands on various longevity topics. Get a Free Guide to Understanding Your Lab Results: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Matt Kaeberlein, PhD, & Mike Haney discuss: 6:57 — Lifespan vs. health span vs. sick span 19:38 — Understanding sick span 27:44 — Biomarkers and other tests to assess health span 30:58 — The importance of emotional health for longevity 35:49 — Cellular tests may not have value for the consumer yet 42:24 — On mitochondrial function and telomere length 50:34 — Investing in your health 1:01:18 — Lifestyle changes can help make a big difference 1:09:50 — High vs. low protein 1:16:39 — When considering exercise, building muscle is crucial for longevity 1:27:37 — The prescription drug rapamycin is not FDA-approved for longevity Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/OPH5Nb2a69o Subscribe here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 Matt Kaeberlein, PhD: https://www.optispan.life/matt-kaeberlein Connect with Matt Kaeberlein, PhD, on X: https://x.com/mkaeberlein

Your thyroid test results explained: The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that affects many facets of health. When it doesn’t function optimally, symptoms can ensue. That’s where testing comes in, but the results can be tricky to interpret (and treat if necessary) without a knowledgeable clinician. Dr. Angela Mazza and Mike Haney discuss thyroid function, thyroid hormone and related tests and what they mean, treatment for thyroid conditions, the benefits of an integrative approach to thyroid care, and more. Get a Free Guide to Understanding Your Lab Results: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Angela Mazza, DO, & Mike Haney discuss: 2:44 — What is endocrinology? 4:31 — What does the thyroid do? 6:33 — Understanding hyperthyroidism 10:08 — The “triangle” of autoimmune disease 13:56 — Understanding hypothyroidism 16:29 — Thyroid-stimulating hormone 21:43 — Considering reverse T3 27:11 — Thyroid ultrasound 37:32 – The importance of individualized thyroid replacement therapy 40:53 — The thyroid gland and perimenopause 42:49 — Misinformation about the thyroid Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/HRNKRniVALk Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 Angela Mazza, DO: https://www.metaboliccenterforwellness.com/ Metabolic Center for Wellness: https://www.metaboliccenterforwellness.com/ “Thyroid Talk: An Integrative Guide to Optimal Thyroid Health”: https://www.amazon.com/Thyroid-Talk-Integrative-Optimal-Health/ Thyroid Talk community and training: https://www.thrivethyroid.com/ Thyroid Talk podcast: https://www.metaboliccenterforwellness.com/copy-of-protocols-1 Connect with Angela Mazza, DO, on Instagram: https:// https://www.instagram.com/metaboliccenterforwellness/

Greater accessibility to glucose biosensors has led to their use to improve metabolic health, prevent disease, and feel better. Historically, these biosensors for monitoring glucose were only available with a prescription, often reserved for people with diabetes, but now with brands like Stelo, they are available over the counter. Dom D’Agostino, PhD, and Ben Grynol discuss how biosensors can be a tool for anyone to improve overall health, reduce risk for chronic diseases, manage women’s health including menstrual cycles and the menopause transition, help with fueling strategies for workouts and performance, prevent energy crashes, and more. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Dom D’Agostino, PhD, & Ben Grynol discuss: 11:49 — Using technology to reduce your risk for health issues 14:13 — Metabolic health is a spectrum, and many people don’t know where they stand 25:25 — The importance of focusing on trends in your metabolic health 30:05 — Glucose spikes from workouts are normal and a good sign 34:13 — Glucose is one of the key biomarkers to track for longevity 41:34 — Understanding what a glucose biosensor is 56:17 — All calories are not created equal 1:01:25 — Using a glucose biosensor for exercise fueling strategies 1:04:00 — Using a glucose biosensor to monitor women’s health changes 1:23:11 — The rate of glucose absorption matters for metabolic health and how you feel 1:31:06 — Making healthy food the default, rather than ultra-processed foods Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/mrlnNhxKNgY Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 Dominic D’Agostino, PhD: https://drdominicdagostino.com/ Dominic D’Agostino, PhD, on X: https://x.com/DominicDAgosti2

Our kidneys filter out waste while retaining substances the body needs, such as electrolytes. Kidney health, which can be assessed with blood and urine biomarker tests, is paramount to overall health. Yet lifestyle, such as the Western diet and other factors, can damage the kidneys, leading to either a slow progression of issues or acute injury. Dr. Rick Johnson and Mike Haney discuss the role of the kidneys, what lifestyle factors affect kidney health, ways to support the kidneys, and what your biomarker results tell you about the function of these crucial organs. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Rick Johnson, MD, & Mike Haney discuss: 4:26 — Your kidneys are great regulators 8:43 — Heat stress affects the kidneys 12:04 — The most common causes of kidney disease include diabetes and high blood pressure 19:46 — The Western diet is associated with age-related kidney decline 32:25 — The concerns of a high-protein diet in the presence of chronic kidney disease 41:15 — Changes in urinary habits or color could indicate chronic kidney disease 46:23 — Biomarkers can help assess kidney function 53:18 — Serum creatinine as a biomarker of kidney health 1:08:13 — Assessing patterns over time is crucial 1:10:52 — High albumin in the urine is a sign of kidney disease 1:21:26 — Lifestyle changes that support kidney health Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/8_QSuYwo5wg Subscribe here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 Richard Johnson, MD: https://drrichardjohnson.com Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology: https://drrichardjohnson.com/books/ Connect with Richard Johnson, MD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrichardjjohnson/

Your gut microbiome affects everything from your mental health and cognitive function to your immune system and metabolic health. Gut health symptoms, such as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea, could be a sign that you have low species diversity. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and Mike Haney discuss how the gut and brain communicate, how the gut microbiome affects the gut barrier and therefore your immune system, what to eat to improve the gut microbiome, and what microbiome testing can tell you. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Will Bulsiewicz, MD, & Mike Haney discuss: 9:14 — Gut health takes time to improve 14:49 — Your gut microbiome informs your gut and overall health 18:42 — Lifestyle choices help shape an individual’s gut microbiome 24:20 — A compromised gut barrier affects the immune system 30:51 — Nutritional strategies can improve the gut microbiome and reduce disease flares 32:46 — The gut and the brain communicate 52:27 — A diverse gut microbiome is a sign of good health 56:45 — Your gut microbiome informs your bowel movements 1:01:46 — When to see a doctor for gastrointestinal symptoms 1:05:32 — Increasing fiber helps the gut microbiome 1:11:41 — The beneficial byproducts of gut microbes are postbiotics 1:14:59 — Eat a wide variety of plant foods to get optimal fiber Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/iAHOycufGn8 Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 Will Bulsieweicz, MD, https://theplantfedgut.com/about/ Fiber Fueled: https://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Fueled-Plant-Based-Optimizing-Microbiome/dp/059308456X The Plant Fed Gut: https://theplantfedgut.com/ Connect with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd/?hl=en

The pancreas is a complex organ, but some key biomarkers can assess its health. The pancreas is both an exocrine organ (meaning it produces enzymes) and an exocrine organ (meaning it secretes hormones). It’s a key component of your metabolic health and therefore your overall health. Dr. Robert Lustig and Mike Haney discuss key pancreatic blood work to get checked, the differences between diabetes types and what causes them, what insulin resistance is, how to restore mitochondrial function through diet and lifestyle changes, and more. Get a Free Guide to Understanding Your Lab Results: ⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🎙 What Robert Lustig, MD, & Mike Haney discuss: (01:33) — The pancreas is a complex organ (13:20) — Three emergency mechanisms to prevent low blood sugar (18:28) — Why insulin is a crucial biomarker (19:57) — Understanding type 1 diabetes (27:11) — Understanding type 2 diabetes (30:03) — What mitochondrial dysfunction does to the pancreas (31:45) — The links between Alzheimer’s disease and type diabetes (33:07) — Obesity is about mitochondrial dysfunction (36:14) — Testing proinsulin and C-peptide (40:24) — Reversing mitochondrial dysfunction and type 2 diabetes (44:03) — Testing key pancreatic enzymes ⁠⁠Transcripts & Show Notes⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/5RnEdiTRYfI?si=GXeqvaXtyDLaXjUH Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠

Lab testing for female reproductive hormones offers insight into menstrual cycle irregularities, fertility concerns, and understanding where you are on the perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause trajectory. Dr. Natalie Crawford and Mike Haney discuss how the brain and ovaries communicate during the different phases of the menstrual cycle, when to test female hormones, how oral contraception affects hormone levels, and how to advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office. Get a Free Guide to Understanding Your Lab Results: ⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🎙 What Natalie Crawford, MD, & Mike Haney discuss: (08:03) — Women’s reproductive health concerns sometimes get dismissed (09:08) — The intersection of fertility and functional medicine (14:17) — The reason to check anti-Mullerian hormone (24:19) — The brain communicates with the ovaries (26:17) — Inflammation can disrupt the menstrual cycle (30:44) — Data from biomarker testing can be motivating (32:05) — When to do baseline testing for female hormones (37:47) — Menstrual cycle history and the big picture are important (40:12) — Menstrual cycle irregularities should be investigated (42:55) — The role of hormonal birth control and how it affects hormone levels (55:14) — The importance of fiber for hormonal support (59:44) — The importance of eating whole foods and avoiding toxins ⁠Transcripts & Show Notes⁠⁠⁠ 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/Xeq4TxRJ5Yk Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠

Proper nutrition supports healthy aging and longevity—that much is clear. But nutritional advice online can be confusing, so what does the science say about healthy eating? It’s less about your macronutrients—protein, fat, and carbohydrates—and more about your micronutrients, which are vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Mike Haney discuss micronutrient testing, supplements, plant-based diets, and what to eat to stave of disease, reverse disease processes, and live a longer, healthier life. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🎙 What Joel Fuhrman, MD, & Mike Haney discuss: (06:59) — Using food as medicine (15:00) —Gaining a better understanding of how to use nutrition for longevity (18:45) — Why we must look at nutrition science comprehensively (23:26) — The benefits of a plant-based diet (25:56) — The importance of micronutrients (32:31) — The role of healthy fats (37:44) — Micronutrient testing can help guide decisions about diet and any needed supplements (40:33) — Vitamin D from sunshine takes time to penetrate (43:18) — Focus on the GBOMBS to up your micronutrient intake and support longevity (57:41) — Finding a doctor who is certified in lifestyle medicine (59:06) — Changing your health through diet takes time ⁠⁠Transcripts & Show notes⁠⁠ 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/jWk55UxvX34⁠ Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠

Levels offers biomarker testing to give you more insight into your health status so you can understand the root causes of your symptoms, take a preventive approach to disease, and see if your lifestyle changes or other interventions are reducing your risk factors and improving your health. Dr. Anjali Dsouza and Mike Haney discuss why biomarker testing can be beneficial, how to understand your levels, factors that affect your levels, and which biomarkers are no-brainers to get tested. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🎙 What Anjali Dsouza, MD, & Mike Haney discuss: (02:21) — Conventional medicine does not allow for enough time with patients (09:05) — Why test biomarkers beyond the basics? (12:10) — Lifestyle factors are about consistency, not perfection (16:48) — Biomarkers should be analyzed with additional context (24:24) — A normal biomarker range isn’t always optimal (28:06) — AI tools and internet searches generally don’t provide nuanced health information (32:01) — Potential reasons people get biomarker testing beyond the basics (33:45) — When is repeat testing important? (36: 52) — Biomarker testing and understanding is complex, especially in preventive health (37:53) — Some biomarkers respond swiftly to lifestyle changes (38:47) — The importance of fasted insulin as a biomarker ⁠⁠Transcripts & Show notes⁠⁠ 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/lN6TNn6jpTg⁠⁠ Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠

Not all calories are equal. Tracking your macronutrient intake, using AI capabilities, can help you improve your body composition, facilitate weight loss, and boost exercise performance. The three macronutrients are protein, fat, and carbohydrates, with fiber a subset of carbs. Josh Clemente & Dr. Dominic D'Agostino discuss the new macros-tracking feature in the Levels app, the purpose and importance of each macronutrient, how to use macros-tracking in conjunction with biomarker data to improve health and fitness, and how easy the app’s AI functionality is to use. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🎙 What Josh Clemente & Dominic D'Agostino, PhD, discuss: (00:00) — Intro (04:28) — The importance of prioritizing protein intake (11:59) — Why is tracking macros beneficial? (15:53) — Each macronutrient has a different role in the body (33:22) — The different functions of macros (41:48) — Is excess protein a concern? (47:20) — The problem with excess carbohydrates (52:49) — Tracking macros can help you improve metabolic flexibility (54:50) — The issue with overconsumption of carbohydrates (1:09:04) — Is fiber a macronutrient? (1:37:25) — Macros tracking in the Levels app (1:41:18) — Tracking macros can help improve body composition and performance ⁠Transcripts & Show notes⁠ 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/wg76Q25Ngd4⁠ Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠

What diet should you follow? Metabolic health experts say it doesn’t matter whether you’re keto, vegan, or otherwise if you focus on three simple principles, which will help reduce your risk for cancer and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Dr. Swaranjit Bhasin and Dr. Casey Means discuss the biomarkers to ask your doctor about, why they matter, how to improve those biomarkers with accessible tips, and why liver health is a big key to overall health. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠ 🎙 What Swaranjit Bhasin, MD, & Casey Means, MD, discuss: (00:00) — Intro (03:45) — A radiologist raises a red flag about increased diagnoses in younger patients (11:03) — Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a silent but serious problem (15:01) — The importance of the liver (18:38) — What are your most important biomarkers? (32:30) — Casey Means, MD, summarizes Dr. Bhasin’s three rules for diet (34:18) — Processed vegetable and seed oils are toxic to the body (42:20) — Insulin resistance can drive cancer (52:26) — The importance of autophagy in helping to prevent cancer (55:14) — Who should not engage in intermittent fasting? ⁠⁠⁠Transcripts & Show notes⁠⁠⁠ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/1pkhDOPsXb4⁠ Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1

Stable glucose levels are a foundation of feeling and looking your best at any age. When glucose levels are more erratic—with spikes and crashes—cravings, weight gain, low energy, health issues, and more can ensue. Jessie Inchauspé and Dr. Casey Means, thought leaders on the topic of blood sugar, discuss simple hacks for keeping glucose levels more stable without resorting to restrictive diets, and they share why stable levels inform health. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠⁠ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🎙 What Jessie Inchauspé & Casey Means, MD, discuss: (12:59) — Are type 2 diabetes and obesity genetic, dictated by lifestyle factors, or both? (15:53) — Hacks for keeping blood sugar more stable (24:22) — People want to be healthy, but the food industry complicates matters (28:29) — Nutritional choices can impact mental health (35:56) — The premise behind Inchauspé’s ‘Glucose Goddess Method’ (39:59) — Tracking biomarkers provides insight to your metabolic health (42:08) — A siloed approach to healthcare misses the big picture (45:06) — Can supplements really help with metabolic health? (57:37) — We need systemic change in the food industry (1:05:52) — The science behind food cravings ⁠⁠⁠Transcripts & Show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔗 Helpful links: Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠ Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NfmRORU1HIA?si=PecFHUL6ZTC8bu1N

Diet and exercise culture tends to prioritize calorie restriction and calorie burning via cardio workouts. While fat loss is beneficial, building and maintaining healthy muscle mass is also crucial for metabolic health and longevity. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and Dr. Casey Means discuss Lyon’s book “Forever Strong,” why strength-training should be a priority for workout routines, how muscle is the body’s metabolic currency, and why boosting protein intake aids in adding and preserving muscle mass. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🎙 What Gabrielle Lyon, DO, & Casey Means, MD, discuss: (03:43) — Dr. Casey Means shares her enthusiasm for Dr. Gabrielle Lyon’s book (09:03) — Muscle is our metabolic currency (19:38) — According to Dr. Lyon, gaining muscle is more important than losing fat (23:56) — Muscle mass is protective against sarcopenia (31:08) — Dr. Means raises the question about menopause (31:59) — The benefits of focusing on metabolic health in the menopause transition (36:39) — Dr. Lyon encourages people to reevaluate the type of exercise they are doing (39:14) — Dr. Lyon discusses the importance of getting enough protein (43:15) — Dr. Lyon discusses the timing of protein intake (51:13) — Dr. Lyon discusses supplementation with creatine ⁠⁠Transcripts & Show notes⁠⁠ 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LAF2o2zv7Q4?si=vXoV1hxQVCpfYOpQ Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1

Levels, aiming to fix the metabolic health crisis with the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) paired with an intuitive and educational app, was founded in 2019 by Josh Clemente, who eventually brought on several co-founders to help steer the startup’s ship. Josh Clemente and Ben Grynol discuss Clemente’s lightbulb moment for the concept, the networking process for gaining investor buy-in and taking the company to the next level, and the hiccups and triumphs along the way. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🎙 What Josh Clemente & Ben Grynol discuss: (01:51) — The Levels origin story (41:27) — Clemente realizes that altering nutrition can provide a “superpower” (46:46) — The mainstream medical system doesn’t treat type 2 diabetes until it’s advanced (50:30) — Even seemingly healthy foods can spike glucose and lead to an energy crash (59:40) — The next step in the Levels story was creating the product (01:25:27) — Clemente uses pressed juice to illustrate a glucose rise (01:41:30) — How the Levels name was born (02:03:35) — Levels needed representation in the medical field (02:43:33) — Levels co-founders get the opportunity to try CGM ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript & Show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The obesity epidemic isn’t about calories-in-calories-out. Instead, chronic stress and high insulin levels from refined carbs and sugar are drivers of fat storage. And the type of fat stored matters, since visceral fat accumulation leads to worsening metabolic health. Dr. Robert Lustig and Mike Haney discuss the different types of fat and how they are stored and burned; what thin on the outside, fat on the inside means; whether people can be healthy at any size; environmental factors that contribute to obesity; and what people can do to manage weight. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🎙 What Robert Lustig, MD, & Mike Haney discuss: (09:40) — Three things are required for fat storage to occur (21:54) — The key to fat loss is reducing insulin (23:39) — Refined carbohydrates lead to fat storage (32:41) — What is metabolically healthy obesity? (42:05) — Visceral fat causes “metabolic mayhem” (45:40) — What is thin on the outside fat on the inside? (50:27) — Stress causes the accumulation of visceral fat (58:06) — Exercise helps burn visceral fat (01:00:58) — The key to being healthy (1:06:12) — Endocrine-disrupting chemicals also play a role in obesity (1:26:46) — Is there such a thing as “health at any size”? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript & Show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔗 LINKS: Watch the conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/sxJvfqTFttY

Trauma causes physiological changes to the nervous system. Over time, these impacts may place someone on a trajectory from health to a pre-disease state to a disease state, leading to autoimmunity or autoimmune disorders. Dr. Sara (Gottfried) Szal and Mike Haney discuss Szal’s new book “The Autoimmune Cure,” trauma and how it can contribute to autoimmunity, how personalized precision medicine may help individuals reverse autoimmunity and return to a state of health, and how psychedelic therapies can help with addressing trauma. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🎙 What Sara (Gottfried) Szal, MD, & Mike Haney discuss: (07:36) — What is precision medicine? (13:17) — How tools that give you a “window” into your physiology can help (17:24) — Why catching autoimmunity in a pre-disease state is important (34:22) — A person’s life history, especially their trauma, matters for their overall health (38:17) — The three components that lead to autoimmunity (42:42) — More people are living in fight-or-flight mode all the time (49:53) — A food-based approach is a great place to start for reversing autoimmunity (51:34) — How do you find someone who practices precision medicine? (1:02:56) — How psychedelic therapies may help with trauma (1:06:05) — The difference between recreational and therapeutic use of psychedelics ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Transcript & Show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🔗 LINKS: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/R0BbP4_xEfo