The last seven months of my DNA diet plan have been a very interesting experience, with some major changes going on in terms of my lifestyle, diet, and fitness. Overall, I’m feeling more energized, sleeping better and my skin looks clearer.
To learn more about this experiment, check out my earlier entries. For month one click here, for month three click here, for month five click here, and for month six click here.
But I’m aware how subjective all of these statements are. What I really care about is the data and that’s why I’m happy I got to see an update on how all these changes have been physically affecting me. At around the halfway mark on the Arivale plan, they send people in for another round of blood tests. I think that's a really helpful way to measure progress overall.
Here are some of the major changes. The full blood report is more comprehensive, but I’m sharing the stats that I feel are most relevant. Also, y'know, privacy.
My Blood Test updates 2
Arivale
My Blood Test updates 3
Arivale
My Blood Test updates 4
Arivale
I’m particularly pleased about the changes in my LDL particle numbers, as is my coach. “You had some excellent downward shifts in your LDL cholesterol (the unhealthy cholesterol) numbers, and your HDL (the healthy cholesterol) increased as did the HDL particle number,” my Arivale nutritionist Erica said. “Your insulin and hemoglobin A1c decreased as well.” That means blood sugar levels for the nonscientists. With diabetes a concern in my family, that's good to know.
My Blood Test updates
Arivale
Another big shift has been in my Omega-3 numbers, which have risen. The improvement is a good start, but my numbers still aren't ideal, so she suggested increasing the amount of the fish oil supplements I’ve been taking. Interesting note: all supplements are considered equal. I’ve been using ones from Nordic Naturals and Carlson, both rated highly on Labdoor — many vitamin supplements don't contain the amount stated on the bottle or can get destroyed by gastric acids before doing their job.
As a vegetarian, it’s pretty normal I’m lacking in this regard— Omega-3’s are normally ingested through fatty fish. But I don’t want to be in deficit, as they play a large role in brain function and inflammation. Bear in mind that recent studies have compared fish oil with snake oil, saying many of its purported heart health benefits are untrue.
Microbiome results
At the halfway point in this program, Arivale issues a microbiome kit for users to take. The process is about as much fun as you would expect — I think the best description I’ve read of it is in Richard Sprague’s piece, “So Should I Eat Apples, or Not?”
“It’s a little gross if you’re not used to it,
