112: Understanding Blood Work, Nutrition Myths, and Fertility with Dr. Kyle Gillett
Mar 17, 2025
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Dr. Kyle Gillett, a board-certified family and obesity medicine physician, discusses pressing health topics. He delves into the impact of microplastics on fertility and the complexities of lab testing. Gillett debunks nutrition myths like orthorexia, focusing on a balanced diet. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding lab results through innovative approaches, including AI. The conversation highlights how lifestyle choices can affect reproductive health and addresses the challenges parents face in maintaining wellness.
Dr. Kyle Gillett emphasizes the critical role of primary care physicians in guiding patients through their healthcare journey effectively.
He highlights the importance of comprehensive lab testing for hormones and vitamins, advocating for patients to actively seek thorough evaluations.
Gillett discusses the influence of microplastics on health, recommending strategies to reduce exposure for improved overall well-being.
The podcast stresses the rising fertility challenges due to lifestyle factors, urging couples to be proactive about their reproductive health.
Deep dives
Dr. Kyle Gillette's Background
Dr. Kyle Gillette is a board-certified family medicine and obesity medicine physician based in Kansas. He was inspired to pursue health optimization after witnessing the health challenges faced by patients in his father's large faith-based medical practice. His experience led him to focus on family medicine, where he enjoys a diverse scope of practice, including delivering babies and performing procedures. Dr. Gillette’s commitment is driven by a desire to improve the health of a population that is largely struggling with obesity and related chronic diseases.
Importance of Primary Care Physicians
Many individuals lack a primary care physician, often relying on urgent care facilities instead. This lack of a consistent healthcare provider can lead to suboptimal healthcare experiences, as patients may find themselves uncertain about where to go for routine checkups or blood work. Dr. Gillette emphasizes the role of a primary care doctor as a valuable resource for patients, serving much like a coach who provides guidance and addresses health concerns collaboratively. He advocates for shared decision-making in healthcare, highlighting the need for patients to actively participate in their treatment plans.
Understanding Routine Blood Work
Patients often struggle to access appropriate blood work through their primary care physicians, leading to confusion about which tests should be ordered. Dr. Gillette suggests that comprehensive labs focusing on hormones, vitamins, and organ function should be evaluated regularly, independent of age. He highlights the significant markup on lab tests when run through insurance and encourages patients to be aware of potential costs. Patients should advocate for thorough testing to ensure a complete picture of their health status, rather than accepting minimal standard panels.
The Role of L.Carnitine in Male Fertility
An essential discussion in fertility revolves around male sperm motility, which may be improved through supplements like L-carnitine. Dr. Gillette notes the possibility of hormonal treatments such as HCG and selective estrogen receptor modulators to enhance male fertility in cases of low sperm motility. Moreover, he stresses the importance of understanding factors such as lifestyle, diet, and hormonal levels as they greatly impact the reproductive health of couples. Each individual they treat may require tailored recommendations based on their unique medical history and conditions.
Microplastics and Health
Microplastics are increasingly recognized as a concern for human health, potentially impacting fertility and overall well-being. Dr. Gillette explains how plastics leach into the body from common food and beverage containers, contributing to a range of health issues. Strategies to minimize exposure include using glass containers, avoiding reheating food in plastic, and filtering tap water. These measures may help mitigate the negative effects on health, although the precise correlation between microplastics and health outcomes is still being studied.
Orthorexia and Dietary Restrictions
Orthorexia, the obsession with eating healthy foods, is becoming a significant concern, as it can lead to unnecessary restrictions and disordered eating. Dr. Gillette points out that many individuals may avoid certain food groups like dairy and gluten without clinical justification, harming their health and potential nutrient intake. He encourages a balanced approach to nutrition, emphasizing the benefits of a whole-food diet without succumbing to excessive dietary restrictions. Understanding that it's okay to enjoy various foods, including those deemed 'unhealthy,' is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with food.
Fertility Trends and Influencing Factors
Fertility issues are reportedly on the rise, driven by factors such as metabolic health and lifestyle habits. Both men and women are experiencing longer times to conceive, primarily due to lower sperm counts in men and hormonal issues in women. Awareness of this trend can help couples become proactive regarding their reproductive health. There is also a noted decrease in fertility due to environmental factors and lifestyle choices, further emphasizing the need for education, particularly among younger generations on maintaining reproductive health.
Dr. Kyle Gillett returns to discuss a variety of health topics, including the impact of plastics on health, lab testing for athletes, and the rising concerns around fertility. We spend time in the real issues behind common health narratives, offering practical advice for optimizing lab results and exploring effective treatments for infertility.
The episode also highlights the importance of diet, exercise, and sleep, particularly for parents managing busy lives.
CHAPTERS: 01:51 Dr. Gillette's Background and Motivation 04:33 Importance of Primary Care Physicians 07:50 Challenges with Blood Work and Lab Tests 18:18 Mobile Blood Draws and Lab Testing Insights 25:26 Interpreting Lab Results and AI in Healthcare 34:23 Overhyped Health and Fitness Narratives 41:17 Understanding Orthorexia 49:22 Overhyped Health Narratives 01:12:12 Nutrient Deficiencies in Athletes 01:18:49 Iron Deficiency in Female Athletes 01:27:03 Impact of Microplastics on Health 01:29:09 Chelation Therapy and Detoxification 01:48:39 Fertility Treatments for Men and Women 01:58:02 Balancing Health and Family Life 02:02:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
