Why and How I Check My Blood Biomarkers for Optimal Health

Tracking my blood biomarkers has been one of the most valuable things I do for my health. Every six months, I go to Volvat for a comprehensive blood test, analysing 40+ biomarkers (which I get from Inside Tracker) that give me a clear picture of my internal health - then I upload to ChatGPT for analysis! This data has allowed me to identify problems early, make adjustments, and optimise my body based on real numbers rather than guesswork - it also allows me to see if supplements are working or not. 

What My Blood Tests Have Taught Me

Over the years, this process has given me key insights into my health:

• Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Health – A while back, my LDL and ApoB were high, putting me at greater risk for heart disease. By identifying this early, I made a radical change using statins, which quickly brought my levels down to a safer range.

See graph from Inside Tracker: 

• Iron Levels – From Too High to Too Low – Three years ago, I had excessively high iron levels, which can lead to oxidative stress and long-term damage. To counteract this, I started donating blood (at Blødbanken in Oslo) every three months. However, I recently discovered my ferritin levels are now too low, meaning I over-corrected. As a result, I’ve paused blood donations and started supplementing iron to restore balance.

The Most Important Biomarkers to Track in my opinion

While I track a broad range of markers, these are the ones I consider the most essential for longevity and health

Hb1ac:  

• (Glycated Hemoglobin) – Averages blood sugar levels over 3 months; key for diabetes risk.

Inflammation marker's:

• CRP (C-reactive protein) & hsCRP (high-sensitivity CRP) – Chronic inflammation is linked to nearly all major diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and neurone generation. Keeping these markers low is critical.

Stress & Recovery:

• Cortisol – The body’s stress hormone. High cortisol levels can lead to burnout, poor sleep, and metabolic dysfunction.

Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Risk:

1. • LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – The "bad" cholesterol.
   • ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) – The best predictor of heart disease risk.
   • HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – The "good" cholesterol, which helps remove LDL.
   • Triglycerides – High levels indicate poor metabolic health and increased disease risk.

Vitamin & Nutrient Status:

• • Magnesium – Essential for over 300 bodily functions.
  • Omega-3 Index – Helps reduce inflammation and supports brain and heart health.
  • Vitamin B12 – Critical for energy, nerve function, and red blood cell production.
  • Vitamin D – Regulates immune function, bone health, and overall longevity.

ALT & AST:

• (Liver Enzymes) – Indicators of liver function & potential fatty liver.

Homocysteine: 

• High levels are linked to heart disease, dementia, and poor methylation.

Neutrophil-to-Leukocyte Ratio (NLR): 

• The neutrophil-to-leukocyte ratio (NLR) is a useful biomarker for immune function, inflammation, and overall health. It’s calculated by dividing the number of neutrophils by the total white blood cells (leukocytes).

Ps, if you are a real nerd like me you can take it to the next level and get your full genome sequenced! I got mine done by Nebula Genomics, a prestigious company founded by the famous geneticist George Church. 

The Future of Health Monitoring

While blood testing is crucial, I believe the future of preventative medicine will include more advanced, accessible diagnostics:

• Full-body MRI scans – Identifying tumors, aneurysms, and other issues before symptoms arise.
• Wearable tech – Oura Ring, Whoop Strap, or continuous glucose monitors to track real-time data.
• Digestive health screening – Swallowing a camera pill to check for polyps and gut health concerns.

Hopefully, these tools will become affordable and mainstream so we can proactively prevent disease rather than reactively treat it.

Final Thoughts – Master the Basics First

Before getting deep into biometrics, optimization, and cutting-edge treatments, remember that the foundation of health is simple:

1. Sleep – Prioritize high-quality, consistent rest.
2. Diet – Eat nutrient-dense, whole foods.
3. Exercise – Move daily, build muscle, and maintain cardiovascular fitness.
4. Community & Meaning – A strong sense of purpose and connection is just as important as physical health.

You can read our more about this on our blog post “3 Tiers of longevity” here. 

Note: I take these prescription medications to reduce LDL, Apob, Hb1ac and reduce systemic inflammation: metformin, statin, finasteride, and baby statins. 

Once you nail these basics, you can take it to the next level with supplements, red light therapy, regenerative treatments, HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy), and routine health check-ups.

Ps, if you want to visit us at Mad Goats Sjoa, you will be able to try out our hyperbaric oxygen tank up there! 

Stay optimized! 🚀