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About the Episode

Discover what you can do against muscle loss, collagen breakdown, and more.

Join Clinical Nutritionist, author, and educator Michele Drielick as she breaks down supplements and the science behind healthy aging.

If you haven’t yet started an age-prevention regimen, this is the episode for you!

What We Discuss

Knowing What Supplements to Take

Consumers often buy products from their trusted stores without understanding that manufacturers don’t always use the best ingredients in their products. That’s why many practitioners hand-pick supplement brands in their practices because they know the results they expect when recommending it to their patients.

The FDA doesn’t regulate supplement manufacturing, which makes it difficult to know exactly what’s in them. So even if the active ingredients are high quality, if the filler is cheap you might not get the best results. It’s a double-edged sword, though, because prices would skyrocket if the FDA monitored supplement manufacturers, similar to what we see in pharmaceuticals. But while their lack of involvement keeps costs low, it’s really “let the buyer beware.”

Each practitioner has its pillars on what they recommend depending on their areas of expertise, but some themes overlap. For example, it’s rarely a bad idea to take a multivitamin to make up the difference in what you’re not getting through food. The quality of our soil isn’t what it used to be, and people aren’t eating as many fruits and vegetables as they did in the past. Some green drinks and powders are whole-food-based and act as a great add-on to your daily health regimen. In addition, probiotics and fish oil are also great supplements to add to any diet.

The Causes of Aging and Aging Gracefully

Many people believe wrinkles are a sign of aging, but they are a symptom of muscle loss and collagen breakdown that started long ago. When we lose too much of that elasticity and fullness in our skin, we notice it begins to sag.

Clinically speaking, men have higher testosterone levels and maintain a more significant amount of muscle mass up into their 50s. Comparatively, women’s muscle mass starts to decrease around the time they’re 35.

Our stress levels strongly impact a cascade of hormones that speed up aging. This phenomenon is seen even more often in women due to natural hormonal cycles. Studies show women should be lifting heavyweights in their workouts as opposed to focusing so much on cardio. And if you’re worried about becoming too bulky and already have a bit of body fat, know that you might look a little thicker at first as you gain muscle, but that it won’t be for long.

The Role of Supplements in Aging

Supplements have a critical space in health and wellness, and we’re seeing this explosion of the collagen and beauty supplement industry. Many are under the impression that when you drink collagen from another animal, it becomes collagen for you, but collagen is no different from any other protein. Your body first has to break it down into its fundamental parts, which stimulates your body to make its own protein.

Michele and her colleagues found a remarkable ingredient to prevent muscle loss and increase protein synthesis through her research. When paired with regular exercise, biotin, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K, it combats aging and improves hair, skin, and nails. The world is different than it used to be, and we’re all wired to age faster now if we don’t take steps to prevent it.

The Risks of Taking Supplements

There are plenty of supplements on the market working in their intended way. However, many buyers don’t realize they should be using them in specific ways or avoid pairing them with other medications. And you’d have no way of knowing that unless you consult a medical professional.

For example, many people take calcium tablets, especially older generations. But taking calcium by itself is not necessarily good, especially in combination with inflammatory foods or without having enough Vitamin D.

Learn how supplements can help you take control of your longevity and age more gracefully!

Guest Bio

Michele Drielick is a Clinical Nutritionist, author, and educator with over 25 years in functional medicine and healthcare innovation. She is a healthy aging expert and the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AgelessLX.

Links

https://twitter.com/mdrielick
https://www.instagram.com/michelelivingageless/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheledrielick/
https://agelesslx.com/

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless
Use the Right Supplements to Start Living Ageless

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted