Magazine | Top 10 supplements you can safely take without a lab test

Top 10 supplements you can safely take without a lab test

Antioxidants Glutathione Vitamin D Magnesium Selenium Coenzyme Q10 Mitochondrial Health Amino Acids Creatine Neurotransmitter Thyroid Vitamin A Vitamin C Micro Nutrients Collagen
Written by Heiko Bartlog 11 min read
Top 10 supplements you can safely take without a lab test

They do exist! These 10 supplements can usually be taken without any problems – no need for blood tests or other diagnostics.

You already understand that it generally makes sense to first check whether you actually have a deficiency before taking a supplement. The “watering can” principle ("I’ll just take whatever my favorite health influencers recommend") may be easy to follow but can go wrong. Because with some micronutrients (and other supplements), too much can do real harm. This mainly applies to fat-soluble vitamins and trace elements. More on that in one of the upcoming articles.

Today’s focus is on the exceptions to the “test first, then take” rule: Not every vital nutrient needs to be tested in the blood beforehand. For some, the benefits are clear even without numbers, the risks are manageable, and deficiency is not unlikely. But don't get me wrong: I don't say everybody has to supplement these compounds – it's a very individual decision and this article hopefully helps you a bit.

And: "just take it" doesn't mean "pour it in blindly". That’s why you’ll find here a nuanced list of ten micronutrients that you can usually start with even without lab results – sometimes with a note on when it might still make sense to take a closer look.

1. Magnesium – the underestimated all-rounder

Why should I consider to supplement?

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions – from muscle relaxation and energy production to stress regulation. The need increases with sports, stress, caffeine, or medication use (e.g. proton pump inhibitors).

Experts assume a widespread deficiency.

The different forms of magnesium are worth their own article, but with citrate, malate, and bisglycinate, you're very likely making a good choice. The NRV (Nutrient Reference Value – the amount a healthy person should consume daily to prevent deficiency symptoms) for magnesium is 375 mg.

Two notes: To get 375 mg of elemental magnesium, you often need more than 3 grams of the compound depending on the form. And if you exercise or are under stress, your need is probably much higher.

Either way: A supplement with 300 mg per day won’t hurt you.

What happens in case of overdose?

That’s the practical part: too much magnesium usually leads "only" to acute diarrhea – if so, try to switch to Bisglycinate (also see Glycine, below), Malate or Taurate (also see Taurine, below).

And if I want to test anyway?

Labs often measure serum values, but these are not very meaningful since most magnesium is stored inside cells. If you want to know more precisely, invest in a whole blood mineral analysis.

2. Vitamin C – the water-soluble classic

Why should I consider to supplement?

Vitamin C is essential for immune function, skin, connective tissue, and as an antioxidant. The need increases with physical stress, infections, injuries, inflammations – practically all the time.

For few micronutrients are the recommended amounts so widely debated: The NRV is 80 mg daily, while Linus Pauling took up to 18 g daily in old age – spread throughout the day. A daily supplementation of 200 mg up to 500 mg is probably quite reasonable; during acute infections or after injury/surgery, possibly even more.

Important: Do not take together with selenium!

Otherwise, the form doesn’t matter much. “Ester-C” (a buffered form) is often recommended, as it’s apparently better tolerated by sensitive stomachs and seems to keep blood levels elevated longer.

What happens in case of overdose?

High doses (several grams per day) can cause diarrhea and, in sensitive individuals or people with a history of kidney disease, kidney stones.

And if I want to test anyway?

Since the separated plasma must be immediately frozen and protected from light, it’s best to have the blood sample taken directly at the lab.

3. NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) – cell protection and mucus dissolver

Why should I consider to supplement?

NAC boosts the body’s own production of glutathione – one of the most important antioxidants in the body. Especially helpful in cases of oxidative stress, environmental pollution, or (chronic) inflammation.

NAC also acts directly on the lungs, as a classic mucus dissolver and as protection against fine dust and other air pollutants. More.

Usual dosage: 600 mg, once, twice or thrice daily.

What happens in case of overdose?

Very high doses (more than 2–3 g) may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
If you have asthma, histamine or sulfur intolerance, you should be cautious. Do not take during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

And if I want to test anyway?

Cysteine is measurable in the blood but rarely tested, even in labs that offer amino acid profiles. Glutathione can be measured as a target structure, but it is relatively expensive.

4. Glycine or Collagen – for joints, sleep, and structure

Why should I consider to supplement?

Glycine is the most common amino acid in connective tissue and has a calming effect on the nervous system. With glycine or in combination with collagen peptides, you support skin, joints, regeneration, and sleep.

You can use glycine as a mild sweetener and enjoy 3-5 grams or up to 10 grams per day or even more if you follow the protocol of Siim Land.

What happens in case of overdose?

Very high doses (over 15 g/day) can cause stomach discomfort, abdominal pain and nausea.

And if I want to test anyway?

Labs that offer blood tests for amino acids usually include glycine. However, it seems to be rare for glycine deficiency to occur in isolation.

5. MAP (Master Amino Pattern) – efficient protein source

Why should I consider to supplement?

MAP (also called EAA – Essential Amino Acids) provides the eight essential amino acids in the optimal ratio – almost completely bioavailable. Ideal for sports, aging, regeneration, or low-protein diets.

With MAP, nearly all the contained protein is actually utilized by the body – about two to three times more efficiently than conventional whey protein – source: manufacturer information and studies by Lucà-Moretti. 

Common intake: 5 to 10 grams daily – or calculate your daily protein need, subtract your dietary protein, and take about the half of the gap as MAP.

One hint: If you try a MAP/EAA powder, you should be aware that especially the amino acid L-Methionine does not taste too well if it gets in contact with water – I prefer to take capsules or tablets.

What happens in case of overdose?

The amino acids are either fully utilized or excreted. Virtually risk-free – except maybe for your wallet.

And if I want to test anyway?

Amino acid profiles are available in many labs, but relatively expensive. For a first look, the standard lab value “total protein” is a good start.

6. Vitamin B-Complex – the underrated energy source

Why should I consider to supplement?

B vitamins are crucial for energy, nerves, detoxification, and mental performance. Particularly useful during stress, physical activity, alcohol consumption, medication use, vegan diets, chronic inflammation, or pregnancy. Many experts report widespread deficiencies.

It’s important to choose products with bioactive forms (e.g. P5P for vitamin B6). Even high-dose B-complex supplements are usually still within a safe range.

What happens in case of overdose?

B vitamins are water-soluble and excess amounts are excreted.

Exception: B6 – consistently high doses can lead to nerve damage. So when in doubt, go for a product with a “not too high” dose (up to 25 mg) of vitamin B6.

One note: if you observe your urine to become shiny yellow, sometimes appearing almost fluorescent, it’s usually a harmless sign of excess Vitamin B2, being excreted through the kidneys. You don’t like yellow? Ever thought about taking beetroot or Methylene Blue? ;)

And if I want to test anyway?

If you want to check your vitamin B levels, make sure the lab measures the bioactive forms.

7. Choline – Brain Nutrient with Liver Function

Why should I consider to supplement?

Choline is a precursor of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter responsible for attention, concentration, and learning), supports the liver, and is essential for cell membranes. Particularly relevant for vegan diets, pregnancy, or high mental demands.

Chris Masterjohn states that a Choline deficiency might be one cause of the “non alcoholic fatty liver” pandemic.

Once again, it depends on the form: Avoid Choline Bitartrate – it’s cheap but poorly bioavailable and leads to high TMA/TMAO levels. Recommended are phosphatidylcholine (e.g., in lecithin), Alpha-GPC, and CDP Choline (Citicoline), with the latter two having a stronger effect on neurotransmitters in the brain.

The assumed daily need is about 500 mg of pure choline (equivalent to about 4 eggs or ~15 g of lecithin powder), or twice as much for people with genetic polymorphisms (especially PEMT or MTHFR).

What happens in case of overdose?

Very high doses (more than 3.5 g/day) can cause fishy body odor (a sign of excessive TMA production), slight blood pressure drops, sweating, and even diarrhea or vomiting.

One recent study found a correlation of Choline intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes. So the “more helps more” principle does not apply here either.

And if I want to test anyway?

Direct choline tests are rarely offered. There are some secondary biomarkers but they need to be interpreted correctly taking some factors into account. In this case, a genetic test especially for PEMT would be more insightful than blood work.

8. Coenzyme Q10 – Mitochondrial Catalyst

Why should I consider to supplement?

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like compound essential for mitochondrial function, energy (ATP) production, lipid profile regulation, and cellular protection (as a fat-soluble antioxidant). The body’s own production declines with age – often along with energy levels.

Note: If you take statins to lower cholesterol, you should strongly consider to supplement with Q10!

There are two forms of Q10: Ubiquinone is cheaper, Ubiquinol possibly more effective. Some studies show better absorption with Ubiquinol, others no difference. Experts usually suggest using Ubiquinol with age to reduce the conversion burden.

A usual dose is 100 to 200 mg daily – potentially more the older you get and short term after infections, injuries, or toxin exposure.

What happens in case of overdose?

Higher doses (above 300 mg) may occasionally cause sleep issues or stomach irritation.

And if I want to test anyway?

Not crucial, but nothing speaks against checking – except perhaps cost and effort. Personally, my Q10 level was surprisingly low after COVID-19, and I significantly increased my dose.

9. Creatine – For Muscle Power and Brain Performance

Why should I consider to supplement?

Creatine improves muscle strength, supports recovery, and boosts mental performance – especially in older adults or those on vegetarian diets.

Usually, 5 grams per day are recommended. Recently, higher doses are being tested, e.g., to support cognitive function during sleep deprivation.

What happens in case of overdose?

Generally well tolerated. Very high doses can cause water retention or mild gastrointestinal discomfort. And: Creatine does not cause hair loss (for most people), as far as we currently know.

And if I want to test anyway?

Rare and not very meaningful.

10. Taurine – Cell Protector for Heart and Brain

Why should I consider to supplement?

Taurine regulates cell volume, calcium flow, and protects the heart and nervous system. Particularly beneficial in stress, sport performance, high blood pressure, blood sugar issues, or vegetarian diets – as it is almost absent from plant foods.

In recent years, taurine has become a focus of longevity research, showing many benefits and virtually no side effects.

Recommended dosages range from 500 mg up to 10 g daily.

What happens in case of overdose?

Taurine is considered very safe – even high doses are well tolerated in the long term. In sensitive individuals, very high doses may cause fatigue or blood pressure drops.

And if I want to test anyway?

Rarely done, but sometimes included in amino acid panels.

Bonus: Micronutrients You Probably Need More Of – But Should Test First

The following nutrients are important and deficiencies are common, especially without supplementation. However, they also carry risks if overdosed. So here, more is not always better – testing or deeper consultation is worthwhile:

  • Vitamin D – To reach toxic levels usually requires very high doses for a long time. But from values above 50 ng/ml, your calcium levels should be monitored, according to chinese government. Vitamin D tests are common and easy.
  • Omega-3 – The optimal omega-3 index (blood test!) is 8–11%, so not unlimited. Too high levels may be linked to arrhythmias. Expert recommendations around 1.5 g DHA/EPA daily are likely safe and effective, but occasional testing of your index is advised.
  • Selenium – A narrow margin: German soils are low in selenium, so deficiency is likely. The US is the opposite. Selenium is crucial not only for thyroid hormone conversion (T4 to T3), but also for a balanced immune response and protection against oxidative stress. Both deficiency and excess can be harmful – better test before supplementing!
  • Iodine – Like selenium: deficiency is common in Germany, while Japan has very high dietary intake. The thyroid depends on iodine to produce hormones. But if your thyroid function is already out of balance (e.g. Hashimoto’s or hyperthyroidism), high-dose iodine could trigger flare-ups or worsen symptoms. Better test first and/or consult an expert!

Conclusion:

You don’t need to do a blood test for every supplement. But you should know what you’re doing – and why. With the ten micronutrients listed above, you can start with confidence. And if you're unsure about the "bonus" nutrients: a drop of blood or saliva can often bring more clarity than the fourth health podcast ;)

Published: May 15th, 2025 · Updated: May 15th, 2025

References

1. Dr. Helena Orfanos-Boeckel on Magnesium Deficiency: Over 80% of Patients Affected – Instagram Post
2. Linus Pauling’s Vitamin C Intake Recommendations – Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University
3. Top 9 Benefits of NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) – Healthline
4. Siim Land on Why I MEGADOSE Glycine for Longevity - Benefits and How Much – YouTube
5. MAP vs. Dietary Proteins & Protein Supplements – Master Amino Acid Pattern Comparison
6. Chris Masterjohn, Ph.D.: Navigating the many pathways to health and disease – NAD and sirtuins, methylation, MTHFR and C...
7. Dietary Intakes of Choline and Betaine and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study – PubMed
8. Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Statin-Induced Myopathy: An Updated Meta-Analysis – Journal of the American Heart Association
9. Does the Form of CoQ10 Affect Its Efficacy? – Examine.com
10. Why Even My Grandma Is Taking Creatine Daily! – Dr. Brad Stanfield – YouTube
11. Does Creatine cause Hair Loss? Finally, we have an answer. – Physionic – YouTube
12. Taurine: The Nutrient of Youth [Science Explained] – Physionic – YouTube
13. Monitoring Serum 25(OH)D Levels During Vitamin D Therapy – MedTrib.cn
14. Why Omega-3 Supplements Cause Heart Problems (Unless You Pay Attention to THIS) – Physionic – YouTube
Heiko Bartlog

Author: Heiko Bartlog

Mentor for Vitality with special expertise in Essential Micronutrients: Measure – Plan – Optimize – repeat! With years of experience as a Project Management Consultant, Coach for Leadership and Agility, Facilitator for Co-Creation and Effectuation Expert. https://vital.bartlog.de/ (beta)

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When the Doctor Becomes the Patient — A personal story about circulating tumor cells, radical cancer screening and learning to live with uncertainty.
Cancer
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13 min read

When the Doctor Becomes the Patient — A personal story about circulating tumor cells, radical cancer screening and learning to live with uncertainty.

I’m about to do something I’ve never done in writing before. Share something deeply personal.What you are about to read is my experience with aggressive cancer screening. My rational strategies. My emotional roller coaster ride. My story. But first a bit of background.Hi there.You might not know me yet. My name is Johan Hedevåg. I’m a longevity physician and health tech entrepreneur based in Stockholm, where I run Revi Health. Our clinic focuses on stemcells, metabolic & hormonal health and the art of longevity. Why is this relevant?You’re about to find out.Just another day?This story starts on a normal day in April. Ever-changing weather, not unlike most other April days. Little did I know, it would be the beginning of a very special journey. One of hope and despair. Of beauty and cancer.I was evaluating different offerings to include in our ultra high end health check.I had already settled on:Extensive blood workDexa scanFull-body MRIPerformance tests including grip strength and VO²maxUltrasound of all jointsColonoscopyCT-angiogramFull physical with doctorNext on the list of things to evaluate? Liquid biopsy.For those unfamiliar, let’s take a quick detour.What are liquid biopsies?A liquid biopsy is a simple blood draw, aiming to detect signs of early stage cancer.These tests don’t diagnose cancer. But they may detect signs that warrant further investigation — sometimes years before a tumor becomes visible.There are a few technologies available in this space. The main ones look for:Circulating Tumor Cells, CTC.Most tissue release cells into the blood stream, called circulating cells.This technology identifies circulating cells that resist apoptosis — our body’s way of clearing abnormal cells. That resistance is a red flag. These are very likely circulating tumor cells.Next, it dyes the cell surface and looks for specific markers (e.g. EpCAM, PanCK or CD45-) to identify the type of cell and its origin. Is it perhaps an epithelial cell or a mesenchymal cell?Circulating Tumor DNA, ctDNA.Stressed or dying cells release DNA into the blood stream. This is called cell free DNA, cfDNA.This technology detects cfDNA with mutated genes, known to be associated with cancer tumours. These snippets of DNA are called ctDNA.If DNA with a specific mutation is found, its origin can then be determined based on a large database of known mutations. Does it come from the Lungs or from the Pancreas?Moral of the quick detour? Neither technology is perfect but both are very promising.Back to the story.I had decided to evaluate one CTC test, called Trucheck, and one combined CTC and ctDNA test called Trublood. Both tests provided by Datar Cancer Genetics.A patient of mine, who had previously undergone Prostate cancer, asked me to take the Trublood test to see if ctDNA was present (can indicate a higher risk of cancer recurrence). I said yes.The Trucheck test, I took on myself.The process was smooth, both tests were sent to the UK for analysis and I went on to focus on other things.A couple of weeks passed by.A mixed bag of unpleasant feelings. May 12th, 9.53 pm.I was sitting in my living room couch, finishing up some work. I was tired. Bed time was imminent. Just one more email to go through…“Ah, from Datar Cancer Genetics, great.”I clicked on the attached PDF with my name on it, unlocked with the encryption key and started reading. Something caught my eye right away.☑ Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) detected, indicating higher risk of presence of cancer.“Wait a minute. That can’t be right.”My head started spinning. It was my first time reading a report like this, was I missing something. I continued to read.☑ Probability of Carcinoma.☑ Organ of origin could not be determined.“What the hell is going on? Clearly this must be a mistake.”My rational mind kicked in. Deep breath. Double and triple check!“Okay. It does say CTCs detected. What’s the plan?”Is it possible that the results got mixed up somehow?Can it be a false positive?Another deep breath. Let’s think this through.“My blood was shipped in the same cooling box as my patient’s. Room for error! Although, I did attach the labels on the test tubes myself and I’m 100% sure I didn’t mess that up. Still, I need to speak to the lab about it.”Keep breathing. Keep thinking.“Trucheck covers 80% of all solid tumours with a specificity of 96-99%. What hides in the missing percentages? What about the specificity for cells with the same markers as mine?”Immunocytochemistry AnalysisI turned to my personally trained chatGPT sparring partner.I'm analysing the results of a liquid biopsy. What's EpCAM and PanCK?Long answer. I focused. Keep reading. Keep processing.“They are surface proteins of epithelial cells. Got it. Remember to breathe.”Does this specific staining impact the overall specificity in any direction?Short answer.“If anything, it means that the specificity is higher.”I stopped breathing.🧠 Realisation 1: It’s very, very likely that I have a cancer tumour.I started breathing again. It was time to become a rational agent.“What’s the plan Johan? What’s the plan?”This is the plan.I held my breath for most of the time when coming up with it.Phase 1: Understand possible tumour origins.Phase 2: Set up a diagnostic protocol.Phase 3: Identify and implement strategies to:Do things that surpress tumour growthAvoid things that promote tumour growthDo things that promote general healthAvoid things harmful to general healthPhase 1: Possible tumour origins.I continued my chatGPT dialogue.If these markers are positive, what are the likely origins of the tumor?A structured answer.Tumor origins by markersGreat, thank you.I then went through my cancer heredity.Father: Malignant melanoma in his 60s. Survived.Mother: No known cancer.Grandfather on father's side: Prostate cancer at the time of death in his early 70s.Grandmother on father's side: Died of Pancreas cancer in her 50s.Uncle on father's side: No known cancer.Grandfather on mother's side: Died of lung cancer in his late 60s.Grandmother on mother's side: Breast cancer in her 60s. 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Plenty of room to iterate along the way.“I can do this. In fact, I’m in a unique position to do this. One of very few who can act on this information.”Time to take action.But first sleep.I went to bed. It was late and my brain was fried. Didn’t think I would be able to sleep but I passed out within minutes.Next morning.“I slept better than expected. Good. Now execute.”☑️ Action 1: Set up a call with the medical director of Datar Cancer Genetics.☑️ Action 2: Send referral for extensive blood work.☑️ Action 3: Book a dermatology exam.☑️ Action 4: Schedule a colonoscopy.☑️ Action 5: Send referrals for: Full-body MRI, Prostate MRI, Pancreas MRCP, CT Thorax, Testicular ultrasound.All done before lunch. Now what?“Do I just go on with life as normal? What about telling people? My wife? My parents? Surely I can’t tell my kids at this stage?”Wait! Had forgotten about phase 3 of the plan? It was time to implement survival strategies.I pushed away the difficult thoughts of communication and moved on.Phase 3: Strategies to surpress tumour growth and optimise general health.I was already living a very health life but it was time to optimise. I went high and low. Grasping for any straw with a limited downside and at least a theoretical upside.StrategiesDown regulate tumor growth (↓ proliferation, ↓ angiogenesis, ↓ mTOR, ↓ IGF-1)Starve tumor-supporting inputs (↓ glucose, ↓ growth factors, ↓ inflammation)Enhance immune function (↑ innate & adaptive response, ↑ NK cells, ↑ T cells)Boost systemic resilience (↑ mitochondria, ↓ inflammation, ↑ detox)TacticsDietTime-restricted eating (↓ insulin, ↓ IGF-1)3 days of water fasting (↑ autophagy)Low-glycemic diet (↓ glucose, ↓ insulin/IGF-1)<100g carbs/day (starves glycolytic tumors)1.5 - 2g protein (eggs, soybeans, chicken, whey, collagen, lentils) / kg / day.No alcohol (ethanol is carcinogenic and immunosuppressive)Avoid processed meat, charred foods, excess dairy (↓ IGF-1, ↓ inflammation)Broccoli sprouts, kale, arugula, cauliflower, cabbage (↑ detox)Garlic, onions, leeks, shallots (↓ inflammation, ↓ angiogenesis, immune-modulating)Polyphenol-rich berries & fruits (DNA-protective, ↓ oxidation, ↓ angiogenesisFermented foods like kombucha & kimchi (↑ gut-immune axis)Pomegranate (↓ tumor growth and angiogenesis, ↑ apoptosis in cancer cells in vitro)Ginger (↓ inflammation)Exercise & RecoveryZone 2 + VO²max intervals (↑ NK cells, ↑ T-cells)Resistance training (↑ metabolic health, ↓ inflammation)Sleep optimisation (↑ T-cells, cytokine balance)Sauna (heat shock proteins, ↑ detox, immune modulation)Cold exposure (mitochondrial biogenesis, immune priming)SupplementsOmega-3 (↓ pro-inflammatory omega-6, ↓ COX-2)Green tea extract (↓ VEGF, ↓ mTOR)Curcumin (↓ proliferation)Vitamin D3 (↑ immune regulation)Zinc (↑ T-cells)Magnesium glycinate (↓ inflammation, ↑ sleep, mitochondrial support)Creatine monohydrate (↑ muscle mass, ↑ cellular energy)Quercetin phytosome (senolytic, ↓ inflammation)Oral vitamin C (↓ oxidation)CoQ10 (↑ mitochondrial function)GlyNAC (↓ oxidation, redox balance, mitochondrial repairTaurine (↓ oxidation, ↑ mitochondrial function)Whey protein powder & collagen (support muscle mass)Psyllium husk (↑ gut-immune axis)1-MNA (↓ inflammation, endothelial protective effects)TMG (may normalise DNA methylation)PharmaceuticalsLow dose Aspirin (↓ COX-1/2, ↓ platelet aggregation,↓ metastasis)Low dose Mounjaro (↑ insulin sensitivity, ↓ inflammation)Colchicine (↓ inflammation, may reduce metastasis and tumor growth)Future candidatesIntravenous Vitamin C (pro-oxidant in tumor cells, generating hydrogen peroxide that selectively damages cancer cells)This might seem like a very extensive protocol. Thankfully I didn’t have to change basically anything regarding diet, exercise and recovery. Just adding some supplements and pharmaceuticals.24 hours had passed since I first read the results. My survival framework was done. It was time to think about communication.Balancing transparency and protection of others.“I don’t want to tell my wife yet. She’s already dealing with a lot, I don’t want her to have to live with the uncertainty. I’ll tell after the diagnostics are done. But, I need to tell someone or it might be too heavy of a burden.”So, I decided to call a friend. A good friend who happens to be both rational and compassionate. He’s also a fellow physician.Having someone to talk to was incredibly helpful and I’m very grateful for the unconditional support he gave me.Ticking one box after another.Things moved quickly from here.✅ I had a call with the medical director of Datar Cancer Genetics. He basically confirmed my fears. 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I want to experience new things, generate new memories, learn new skills.”The next minute.“The world is so beautiful. I have lived an amazing life. More fortunate than most. As the wind is blowing in my hair, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”I don’t think anyone noticed.The reveal.Lunch time Monday June 2nd.I was standing by the computer in my home office. An email notification. The new test results had arrived. I once again stopped breathing.I logged into the referral system.“Breathe Johan. You gotta remember to breathe.”I clicked on the result from the full-body MRI and Pancreas MRCP.There are no suspicious findings for cancer or any other structural pathology.I could breathe again. Feelings of relief. The confusion.“So what's the verdict? What's the result? Do I have cancer or not?”The honest answer?I don't know.A false positive can’t be ruled out.The more likely explanation is that I have an extremely early tumour that may or may not materialise into active cancer.Living with uncertainty.Ironically, I have a lot more information now than prior to this situation. I know tons of things that I didn't know before.Yet, my brain tells me that my life is more uncertain.“I don’t know if I have cancer. I just know I have to live like I might. But wasn’t that always true?”Where to go from here?Well, the rational agent in me has created another screening protocol for the foreseeable future.Ongoing cancer screening planUntil that future reveals itself, I'm just gonna have to live in uncertainty.That’s as true for me as it is for you. As it is for everyone.As certainly as constant is the only change, uncertainty is the only certainty.

Founder Interview: Dr. Gil Blander, Founder of InsideTracker
Biomarkers
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9 min read

Founder Interview: Dr. Gil Blander, Founder of InsideTracker

In our Founder Interview series, we highlight the brightest minds in preventive health, wellness, and longevity. In Episode 7, we’re honored to feature Dr. Gil Blander, founder of InsideTracker—a leader in personalized health and longevity through biomarker-based insights.Tell us a little about yourself and your current ventureI am a scientist and entrepreneur with a lifelong passion for understanding the biology of aging and extending human healthspan. After earning my Ph.D. in biology from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, I completed postdoctoral research on aging at MIT. My career has been dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical health solutions that people can use in their daily lives to optimize longevity, performance, and well-being.I founded InsideTracker with a team of scientists from MIT, Harvard, and Tufts with one clear mission: to help people live healthier, longer lives. InsideTracker is a personalized health platform that uses blood biomarkers, DNA, physiological data, food and supplement consumption, and daily habits to provide science-backed recommendations tailored to each individual. Our goal is to transform cutting-edge scientific research into actionable guidance that empowers people to make smarter, data-driven decisions about their nutrition, exercise, sleep, and overall lifestyle.As the host of the Longevity by Design podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with the world’s leading researchers, clinicians, and thought leaders in the fields of aging, health, and performance. Each episode is an opportunity to explore the latest scientific breakthroughs and practical strategies for improving healthspan. My goal with this podcast is to make longevity science accessible, insightful, and actionable for anyone who wants to live a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life.How do you balance the demands of running a business while maintaining your own health and longevity?Balancing the demands of running a business with maintaining my own health and longevity is both a personal commitment and a daily practice. As a scientist and the founder of InsideTracker, I deeply believe that you can’t just talk about health, you have to live it. I make it a priority to regularly measure my own biomarkers, track my sleep using Oura ring, stay active, and follow personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations based on real data (the same approach we offer our customers). Of course, like any entrepreneur, there are intense work periods, travel, and stress, but I’ve learned that small, consistent habits, like taking breaks to walk, and protecting time for exercise (I exercise every day, even when traveling) help me stay energized, focused, and resilient. My personal health is not separate from my work; it fuels it. By living what I preach, I aim to be an example of how science-based decisions can truly optimize longevity, even in the middle of building and leading a fast-growing company.Do you have a personal health goal? What is it? My personal health goal has always been clear: to stay as healthy and vibrant as possible for as long as I can. For me, it’s not just about lifespan—it’s about healthspan. I want to remain strong, energetic, and capable well into my 80s and 90s. I imagine myself in the future, climbing mountains and riding my mountain bike alongside my grandchildren, fully engaged and enjoying life without limitations. This vision motivates the daily choices I make, from the food I eat, the sleep I protect, to the biomarkers I track and optimize. It’s also the deeper reason why I founded InsideTracker, to help others achieve the same kind of long, active, fulfilling life.Before launching InsideTracker, can you walk us through the “aha” moment that inspired the creation of your service?The “aha” moment that inspired me to create InsideTracker came from a deep frustration I felt while working in the world of academic science and biotechnology. Despite all the amazing breakthroughs in aging, genetics, and nutrition happening in research labs, none of this knowledge was reaching the people who needed it most—everyday individuals trying to live healthier, longer lives. I realized that while we were making incredible progress in understanding the biology of aging and performance, there was a massive gap between the science and practical, personalized guidance. That’s when the idea for InsideTracker was born: to bridge this gap by using science and data—real blood and physiological markers—to give people actionable, personalized recommendations to optimize their healthspan. It was the moment I understood that helping others live longer, better lives could be both my purpose and my life’s work.What sets InsideTracker apart in the health and wellness industry?InsideTracker’s “secret sauce” lies in its unique ability to combine cutting-edge science, personalized data, and actionable recommendations into a simple, user-friendly platform. What sets us apart is the integration of multiple data streams—blood biomarkers, DNA, fitness tracker data, and lifestyle information—into a comprehensive, science-backed algorithm that generates highly personalized health and longevity guidance.We don’t offer generic advice. Instead, we tap into peer-reviewed research and an ever-growing database of human biomarker data to deliver precise, prioritized recommendations based on an individual’s actual biology. This means that every InsideTracker plan is truly tailored, whether the goal is improving energy, optimizing sleep, building strength, or extending healthspan. Our science-first, data-driven approach, backed by a world-class team of scientists, dietitians, and aging experts, is what makes InsideTracker so effective—and so different from the noise of one-size-fits-all health solutions on the market.What’s the most surprising lesson you’ve learned from your customers or users?One of the most surprising and valuable lessons I’ve learned from our customers is how much they value simplicity. While we built InsideTracker on a foundation of deep science and complex data analysis, what our users really want is clear, straightforward guidance—they want to be told exactly what to do in order to improve their health. At the same time, they appreciate having the option to dive deeper and learn more if they’re curious, but simplicity always comes first.Another important insight is that people are very motivated by seeing progress—and seeing it fast. This is where wearable data becomes so powerful, because it gives them real-time feedback and a sense of momentum between blood tests or DNA insights. Our users have shown that they are absolutely willing to put in the effort—whether it’s changing their diet, improving their sleep, or adjusting their exercise routine—but only if they can see and feel that these changes are making a positive difference. Progress, simplicity, and actionable clarity are the keys they value most.What is the most groundbreaking or unexpected finding in the field of longevity research that you’ve come across recently, and why do you find it so compelling?One of the most groundbreaking and exciting developments I’ve come across in longevity research recently is the concept of cellular reprogramming. The idea that we can potentially reset the biological age of cells, essentially turning back the clock without fully reverting them to a pluripotent, embryonic state, is truly remarkable. This process, sometimes called partial reprogramming, holds the promise of rejuvenating tissues and organs while preserving their identity and function.What makes this so compelling is that, unlike traditional approaches that try to slow aging or manage age-related diseases, reprogramming addresses the root causes of aging at the cellular level. It suggests that aging is not an irreversible decline, but rather a process that can be modified or even reversed under the right conditions. Early studies in animals have shown improvements in tissue function, resilience, and even lifespan extension, which could eventually translate to human health and longevity.If this technology can be safely and precisely controlled, it may fundamentally change how we think about aging, not as something inevitable, but as a modifiable biological program. The potential impact on healthspan and disease prevention is enormous, and that’s why I find this area of research so exciting.In your opinion, which emerging longevity trend or product will have the most transformative impact on our health over the next five years, and why?I believe personalized healthspan optimization—like what we do at InsideTracker—will have the most transformative impact, as it empowers individuals with tailored, data-driven insights to make meaningful, sustainable changes that improve both lifespan and quality of life.One thing you wish more people knew about health and longevity?Wish more people knew that health and longevity are driven 80% by behavior and only 20% by genetics, meaning your daily choices matter far more than your DNA.What is the biggest longevity myth you’d like to debunk?The biggest health and longevity myth I’d like to debunk is that there’s one “best” diet—like paleo—that works for everyone, or that your genetics significantly limit what you can achieve, and also the misconception that strength training is bad for women; in reality, personalized approaches and strength training are key to lasting health regardless of genetics.If you could recommend only one supplement for a longer, healthier life, which would it be, and what makes it indispensable?I’d recommend personalized supplementation based on your unique biomarkers, as targeting your specific nutritional needs is the most effective way to support a longer, healthier life.How old can we potentially become at maximum?Without cellular reprogramming, the maximum human lifespan appears to be around 120 to 122 years, as exemplified by the longest-lived person on record.If there’s one message or insight you’d like readers to take away from your journey, what would it be?Your health is your greatest investment — take control of it early, make decisions based on data and personalization, and small, consistent actions today will shape a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life tomorrow.

Breathwork isn’t just a wellness trend. It’s the language of your nervous system.
Mindfulness
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5 min read

Breathwork isn’t just a wellness trend. It’s the language of your nervous system.

Most people think of breathwork as a way to calm down. A yoga add-on. Something gentle, a bit mystical, maybe even hard to take seriously.But what if I told you that breath isn’t just a relaxing tool? It’s how your nervous system speaks.I learned this the hard way. Years ago, when I was burned out and stuck in survival mode, someone told me to “just breathe.” I remember wanting to scream. Not because it was wrong, but because no one had ever explained how breath actually works. Or why it matters. Or what kind of breathing does what.Today, I teach women how to connect to their bodies and minds through movement, breath, and neurotraining. And the more I see it in practice, the more I know: your breath is not a soft skill. It’s a power tool.Let’s break it down.Your breath is a messageYour nervous system is always scanning your environment. It’s constantly asking: „Am I safe? Can I rest? Do I need to protect myself?“But it doesn’t get answers from your thoughts. It reads your posture, your muscle tension, and most importantly, your breath.Shallow, fast breathing tells your system there’s danger. Long, slow exhales tell it you’re safe. That’s not a metaphor. It’s neurobiology.Research from Stanford University shows that even a few minutes of deliberate, controlled breathing can reduce anxiety more effectively than mindfulness meditation. Why? Because it directly regulates the autonomic nervous system. You’re not trying to think yourself into calm. You’re breathing your body into it.Dr. Stephen Porges’ work on Polyvagal Theory supports this understanding. He shows how slow, rhythmic breath tones the vagus nerve, the main communicator between body and brain. Breath becomes a two-way signal. It is not just a symptom of how we feel but a way to change how we feel.And once you begin to understand this, you start realizing how often you’ve been holding your breath. Not just physically, but emotionally too.Different breaths, different resultsHere’s where most people get stuck. They try one style of breathwork, usually the classic deep belly breath, and expect it to fix everything.But not all breathing is the same. Different techniques do different things:Breath for energy: UpregulationThis one is great when you’re feeling frozen, sluggish, or mentally foggy. It’s the nervous system’s wake up button.Try short, sharp inhales through the nose and passive exhales like a soft sigh. Do 30 seconds and pause. Repeat if needed.This activates the sympathetic system in a healthy way. It energizes without overwhelming.Use it before a workout, a morning meeting, or when you’re stuck in a procrastination spiral.Breath for calm: DownregulationThis is what most people associate with breathwork. Long exhales, nasal breathing, and slowing the rhythm. It tells the body, “We’re safe now.”Try inhaling for 4 counts, exhaling for 6. Or even better, double the exhale length.You can also hum softly on the exhale. This vibration stimulates the vagus nerve and adds a grounding cue that the body reads as safety.It is ideal for anxious moments, bedtime, or emotional overwhelm.Breath for balance: Re-centeringSometimes we don’t want to energize or calm down. We want to return to our center.Try box breathing. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold again for 4. Repeat 3 to 5 rounds.This technique is used by elite performers under pressure, not because it’s fancy, but because it works.In your daily life, this is the perfect breath to use before a difficult conversation, while waiting for test results, or when you’re about to say yes to something you don’t really want.Breathwork isn’t escapism. It’s self-leadership.Here’s the thing. We’re not breathing to escape discomfort. We’re breathing to build capacity for it.One of my clients, a young woman juggling a demanding job and constant inner pressure to be perfect, once told me, “I feel like I’m always running, and my breath is chasing me.”Through consistent practice, she learned how to meet herself in that breathless moment. To pause. To exhale. To stay.That’s what breathwork gives us. The ability to stay. To respond instead of react. To feel without falling apart.And when you combine breath with movement, especially intuitive and non-linear movement, it becomes even more powerful. It becomes your return path to the body. To yourself.In my own sessions, I often begin strength or flow practices with just one minute of rhythmic breath. It’s a ritual. Not to prepare the body, but to invite it in.There’s a difference between pushing through a workout and inhabiting it.And that difference starts with your breath.One breath can change your stateYou don’t need a fancy studio. You don’t need a 60-minute session. You need one breath. One conscious inhale. One soft exhale.The next time you’re overwhelmed, frozen, spiraling in your head, stop.Feel your feet on the ground. Place a hand on your belly. Breathe in. Then breathe out a little longer.You are not behind. You are not broken. You are just one breath away from coming back to yourself.That is not some vague wellness trick. That is your body’s wisdom.That is how you lead yourself back.