UNTAPPED with Spencer Matthews UNTAPPED with Spencer Matthews

Should I Get My Blood Tested? Benefits & Drawbacks | Extra Mile

Aug 20, 2026 · 31m

Summary

Spencer Matthews and Ollie Patrick discuss the value of direct-to-consumer blood testing for proactive health management. They emphasize that blood work reveals silent physiological issues like high cholesterol, elevated glucose, and low testosterone that are not visible without testing. The hosts explain the importance of tracking trends over time to predict future health risks rather than just diagnosing existing diseases. They also address common misconceptions, such as the difference between fruit sugar and processed sugars, and the risks of false positives and negatives.

Topics discussed

Introduction: Why and how to get blood tests Defining the specific question behind blood testing The value of tracking trends and preventative health Sponsor: Mod Com for fatigue and focus Sponsor: Midas tire guarantee Sponsor: Acast podcast advertising Key markers: Lipids, cholesterol, and glucose Processed sugar vs fruit: The role of fiber Glucose tolerance and metabolic disease risks Fueling for exercise: Timing glucose intake HbA1c, Vitamin D, and skin tone Sponsors: Mod Com, Agency Skin, Midas Hidden health issues and the limits of appearance Predictorics: Using data to predict future health Optimization vs absence of disease Testosterone decline and replacement therapy Case study: Steve Redgrave and TRT The complexity of testing hormones like cortisol Tracking vitamins and omega ratios over time Addressing false positives and negatives in testing Conclusion and final sponsor reads
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