451: Blood Work Is the New Fitness Trend — And It’s Being Misused

Blood work is trending — but most people are reading it wrong.“Normal” labs don’t mean optimal, and context is what everyone is missing.In this episode, we break down why blood work has become a trend instead of a tool, how people are misinterpreting their labs, and why “normal” results often create false confidence instead of real clarity. Everyone wants answers from a single panel, but very few understand how to read blood markers in context.Joined by Lindsay Perry, the conversation dives into what blood work can and cannot tell you, why markers like insulin, glucose, and A1C must be viewed together, and why relying on isolated numbers leads to poor decisions. We also discuss the limitations of cortisol testing, why blood work alone doesn’t capture nervous system stress, and where additional tools like genetics and functional testing actually fit.This episode isn’t anti–blood work — it’s anti-misuse.You’ll hear a grounded, coaching-driven perspective on:Why blood work became popular — and how it’s being misunderstoodThe danger of reading labs without lifestyle, behavior, and symptom contextInsulin as a missing piece in most standard blood panelsWhy cortisol is difficult to assess accurately through blood work aloneHow genetics, gut health, and deeper testing inform smarter decisionsWhy data without interpretation creates confusion, not solutionsLindsay Perry brings real-world coaching insight into how health data should guide action, not anxiety, and why context matters more than any single number on a report.If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but still don’t feel right — this conversation explains why.00:00 – Why Blood Work Is Trending Right NowBlood work has become the latest health trend and why everyone wants answers from labs.01:18 – Everyone Wants to Be a Blood Work ExpertHow access to data without education creates confusion and false authority.03:05 – Why “Normal” Blood Work Can Be MisleadingUnderstanding reference ranges vs optimal health and why people feel stuck.05:12 – The Missing Marker: InsulinWhy insulin is often ignored, how it connects to glucose and A1C, and why it matters.08:04 – Looking at Markers Together, Not in IsolationWhy single lab values don’t tell the full story.10:36 – Cortisol and the Limits of Blood TestingWhy cortisol is difficult to assess through blood work alone.13:02 – Stress, the Nervous System, and What Labs MissWhy lifestyle and nervous system regulation don’t show up clearly on labs.15:48 – Genetics as a Coaching ToolHow genetic testing is used to guide smarter decisions, not labels.18:22 – Detox, Methylation, and Mitochondrial Pathways ExplainedBreaking down common genetic categories and what they influence.21:10 – Gut Health, Sensitivities, and Deeper TestingWhen blood work isn’t enough and additional testing becomes relevant.24:05 – Why Context Matters More Than Any NumberHow symptoms, behavior, and lifestyle complete the picture.26:42 – Coaching vs Data ObsessionWhy data should guide action, not anxiety.29:30 – Using Blood Work the Right WayHow to treat labs as a tool, not a diagnosis.32:10 – Final Thoughts: Blood Work Isn’t the EnemyWhy blood work is valuable when used correctly and responsibly.⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health and lab results.