Why Blood Work is Your Best Tool for Longevity

About this episode

This episode explores the importance of regular blood work in monitoring health and detecting potential issues early.

This podcast is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. When we think about staying healthy, we naturally focus on daily habits like a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management. But there is a critical, often overlooked window into our body’s internal workings that tells us exactly how those efforts are paying off: regular blood work. In this episode, I dive deep into the world of biomarkers and explore why tracking these numbers is the most powerful tool we have for detecting potential health issues before they ever show physical symptoms. I break down what is actually being measured in standard lipid and metabolic panels, debunk common misconceptions about “optimal” cholesterol levels, and look at the real-life numbers from my own recent blood work for reference. Whether you are curious about how a plant-based diet impacts your numbers or want to know which hidden tests you need to request at your next checkup, this episode serves as your comprehensive guide to owning your health. CAMBODIA 2027: Join me on an unforgettable journey from the breathtaking temples of Angkor to the vibrant streets of Phnom Penh…

People in this episode

Host: Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

Topics covered

• blood work
• health
• biomarkers
• longevity
• plant-based diet
• cardiovascular health

Keywords

• blood work
• biomarkers
• cholesterol levels
• health screening
• plant-based diet
• metabolic panels

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Cambodia, Angkor, Phnom Penh

More episodes of Food for Thought with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

• We Bought Our Gravestone · May 9, 2026 · 51 min
• Northern Italian Cuisine (Part 4): Polenta, Focaccia, and Tiramisu · April 25, 2026 · 1h 37m
• Italian Cuisine (Part 3): Beans, Biscotti, Bread… and Olive Oil of Tuscany · April 18, 2026 · 1h 12m
• Italian Cuisine (Part 2): Forests, Farms, and Funghi of Central Italy · April 10, 2026 · 1h 21m
• Italian Cuisine (Part 1): Pizza, Pasta, and Produce of Southern Italy · April 4, 2026 · 1h 11m
• How to Create a Pollinator Sanctuary in Your Own Backyard · March 27, 2026 · 1h 8m