Men’s health and aging gracefully have gained significant attention in recent years, with a growing emphasis on holistic approaches to wellness. One such approach is the Blood Detective method developed by Dr. Michael Wald, DC, a renowned nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner who is in private practice in Chappaqua. This innovative approach focuses on interpreting blood work results beyond clinical ranges to optimize health and longevity. 

We spoke with Wald to discuss how men can use the Blood Detective approach to maintain their strength, flexibility, healthy weight, mental acuity, balance and flexibility.

How does your Blood Detective approach compare clinical versus optimal blood ranges?

The Blood Detective approach compares a person’s blood work results to optimal ranges rather than just average or clinical ranges used by regular doctors. By doing so, it allows for the identification of potential health issues before they become problematic. 

Can you share some examples of healthy versus clinical ranges in someone’s blood work?

For cholesterol, optimal HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels are above 40 milligrams (mg)/per deciliter (dL) for men (ideally above 60 mg/dL), while LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels should be below 100 mg/dL (ideally below 70 mg/dL). Clinical ranges may consider HDL below 40 mg/dL as borderline low and LDL below 130 mg/dL as borderline high.

For vitamin D3, optimal levels are between 50 to 80 nanograms (ng)/mL, while clinical ranges may consider levels between 25 to 50 ng/mL as insufficient and less than 25 ng/mL as deficient.

For thyroid testing, optimal TSH (thyroid stimulating hormones) levels are between 1 to 2 mIU/L, while clinical ranges may consider levels between 0.5 to 5 mIU/L as normal.

Optimal blood pH is slightly alkaline at around 7.36 to 7.45, while hemoglobin A1c should ideally be below 5 percent. Clinical ranges may consider pH between 7.35 to 7.45 as normal and hemoglobin A1c between 5 to 6 percent as prediabetic or borderline diabetes.

Based on the abnormal blood test results identified using the Blood Detective approach, what specific foods, herbal supplements, vitamins and minerals can be recommended to help correct these imbalances?

For cholesterol imbalance, consume foods rich in soluble fiber like oats, flaxseeds, apples, barley; include omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flaxseeds (up to 3g EPA and DHA per day); supplement with niacin (up to 3 grams (g) daily) or red yeast rice (up to 6 g daily); avoid trans fats and saturated fats. Consider statin therapy by prescription under medical supervision, if necessary.

For vitamin D deficiency, incorporate vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish or fortified milk products into your diet; spend time in sunlight during peak hours; supplement with vitamin D3—up to 400 IU per pound of body weight per day. Consult your healthcare provider before starting supplementation if you take certain medications or have kidney disease.

For thyroid issues, consume iodine-rich foods like seaweed or dairy products; include selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts or sunflower seeds; supplement with selenium, based on your individual needs. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any thyroid medication or supplementation if you have a history of heart disease or Graves’ disease.

With regards to an acid-alkaline imbalance, should someone actually be alkaline?

Being alkaline is a meaningless and potentially dangerous statement, simply because it is wrong. Why? Because you should be alkaline in your mouth to begin starch digestion, acid in your stomach for absorption and activation of nutrients, on the acid-side in your urine and to the left of neutral for blood pH. And, a person might need to eat an acid food like animal protein to improve the health of the pancreas that helps to establish an alkaline environment in the small intestine. 

Can this type of testing really help men optimize their health and longevity?

It’s complicated, but with a personalized choice of testing aimed at the specific health issues and goals of a man, it is possible to determine the best way of choosing foods and the biochemicallycorrect nutritional supplements to move a person’s chemistry out of the “abnormal” or “clinical” range and into the “healthy” range. Why? So that there is a greater potential for a person to live longer and with fewer disabilities or comorbidities. 

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Michael Wald, call 914-552-1442, email [email protected] or visit DrMichaelWald.com. See ad, page 15.

The office of Dr. Michael Wald - 29 King St, 2nd Floor, Chappaqua, NY

Dr Wald is a holistic DC, Nutritionist, and Dietician who’s Blood Detective software, labs and detailed consult help get to the cause(s) of persistent health issues. Conditions include au... Read More »