How to optimize nutrition efficiently?

[stinkyDrunk]

Since my age starts with a 4 I'm certainly not feeling as spry as 20 years ago. Reading through many of the posts in this forum, it's a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Is there some kind of "standard" test/screen I can approach my doctor and ask for? The thing about that is, my doctor is mid/late 50s and more interested in throwing drugs at issues...he has never talked about nutrition or supplements. How do I find out if I'm deficient in vitamin D or testosterone or anything else in an efficient manner?

Question is sort of directed at Mr. Brink but would not mind opinions from others.

[WillBrink]

Since my age starts with a 4 I'm certainly not feeling as spry as 20 years ago. Reading through many of the posts in this forum, it's a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Is there some kind of "standard" test/screen I can approach my doctor and ask for?

A general physical by your doc is a good idea if you have not had one in a while, and would usually include metabolic panels, and general indicators of overall health status such a lipids, chems, etc.

But, it will also lack many things you may want to looked at. As a rule, you do your research as to what you want looked at, and tell the doc what your concerns are and your interest to have X,Y, Z checked while getting blood drawn for physical anyway.

They may or may not be covered by insurance BTW.

The thing about that is, my doctor is mid/late 50s and more interested in throwing drugs at issues...he has never talked about nutrition or supplements. How do I find out if I'm deficient in vitamin D or testosterone or anything else in an efficient manner?

Specific to those two, blood tests. Doctors are not nutrition experts, it's not their area of study or expertise unless they have had a specific focus on the topic at some point.

This is old info, but of the approx 130 med schools in the US, 12 required a single course in nutrition.

I suspect that has improved since that figure was published some years ago, but point being, they have a lot of stuff to learn and focus on, and nutrition is a focus onto itself that takes years of research and study to really understand.

Question is sort of directed at Mr. Brink but would not mind opinions from others.

You'll need to narrow down the question to specifics really to get specific answers. Goals, status, background, etc, etc are all factors.

Maybe this article will help:

KISS System For Success

[stinkyDrunk]

Specific to those two, blood tests. Doctors are not nutrition experts, it's not their area of study or expertise unless they have had a specific focus on the topic at some point.[/URL]

Are there medical professional/nutritionists that specialize in focusing on patient-specific nutrition/health/training? What are they called? How would I find them in a phone book? I appreciate you responding to my questions, but I'd like to find someone local.

[WillBrink]

Are there medical professional/nutritionists that specialize in focusing on patient-specific nutrition/health/training? What are they called? How would I find them in a phone book? I appreciate you responding to my questions, but I'd like to find someone local.

I really don't have a great answer for this. They come in various forms and backgrounds. There are some excellent medical doctors who give solid advice on those topics, to wise guy writer types like me, to nutritionists, exercise physiologists, etc, etc. Plenty of crappy ones with the same titles too...

No one person knows it all (and anyone who claims otherwise should be ignored) and some times a referral from someone you trust, like your GP, is a good staring place and doing some research on the topic a must.

[stinkyDrunk]

Rgr, thanks for taking the time to respond.

BTW, like the podcast, lots of good info.