Over 40 Fitness Hacks
559: Dr. Sam Shay - 10 Pillars of Health: Functional Testing & Biohacking for Over 40
Episode notes
10 Pillars of Health: Functional Testing & Biohacking for Over 40
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Dr. Sam Shay - Functional Testing & Biohacking
In this episode, Dr. Sam Shay breaks down his 10 Pillars of Health and the importance of functional testing for optimizing health and longevity. He critiques the biohacking community for lacking a clear roadmap and emphasizes a dual approach: analyzing lifestyle factors (sleep, diet, stress, toxins) from the outside-in and using functional lab tests from the inside-out to get a complete health picture.
Dr. Shay introduces five key categories of functional testing:
Hormone Testing – Covers adrenal health, sex hormones, and thyroid function. He highlights the Dutch Test for hormone balance and the Cortisol Awakening Response Test for stress resilience.
Gut Testing – Includes comprehensive stool analysis (GI Map, Genova GI Effects) to detect infections, inflammation, and gut flora imbalances, as well as SIBO and food intolerance testing.
Nutrient & Metabolic Testing – Assesses deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and mitochondrial function.
Toxin & Heavy Metal Testing – Identifies exposure to mold, chemicals, and environmental toxins.
Genetic Testing – Helps personalize nutrition and lifestyle choices based on DNA markers.
Dr. Shay stresses that testing saves time and money by eliminating guesswork with supplements and trendy health fads. He also shares insights on how to properly measure blood pressure at home and why gut healing should come before food sensitivity testing.
This episode provides a practical guide for navigating functional testing and understanding which tests may be most valuable for personal health optimization.
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