Latest news with #FunctionHealth
New York Post
30-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
The watermelon diet has gone viral — here's what experts say about this weight-loss trend
Watermelon for weight loss is a new trend that's taking off on TikTok. The watermelon diet is billed as a weight-loss and detox method that is attempted for several days in a row – some people commit to it for three, five or even seven days. On TikTok, multiple creators have documented their experiences with this technique, marking several pounds of weight loss at the end of their 'fast.' While watermelon is great for hydration and can be a healthy snack option, some warn that limiting the body to low-calorie fruit can pose risks. Dr. Mark Hyman, a Texas-based physician and co-founder at Function Health, commented on this trend in an interview with Fox News Digital. 'The watermelon diet is the latest in a long line of trendy quick fixes — and while watermelon is a delicious and hydrating fruit, turning it into the centerpiece of a restrictive diet is not only unsustainable, but it can actually backfire on your health,' he warned. 5 On TikTok, multiple creators have documented their experiences with this technique, marking several pounds of weight loss at the end of their 'fast.' Creative Cat Studio – While watermelon can be a great addition to a diverse and nutrient-dense diet, eating only that fruit for days at a time can 'become a problem,' as it lacks balanced, necessary nutrients, according to the doctor. 'There is no one-size-fits-all diet or advice, especially not when it's driven by social media algorithms instead of actual science,' Hyman said. 'Watermelon is mostly water and sugar, which means you're missing out on critical nutrients like protein, healthy fats and fiber that your body needs to function,' he went on. 'It may lead to temporary weight loss, but it's not fat loss — it's water and muscle.' The goal in losing weight shouldn't be about a 'quick drop on the scale,' Hyman said, but a focus on lifestyle changes for a longer, healthier life. As the human body is designed to detox on its own, Hyman noted that eating 'real food' will offer the right kind of support for weight loss and overall wellness. 'Whole vegetables, clean protein, healthy fats and plenty of fiber,' he listed. 'Add in quality sleep, stress management and movement, and you've got a sustainable plan for lifelong health, not just short-term weight loss based on trendy internet fads.' Hyman added that social media is a 'powerful tool,' but can be a 'double-edged sword' when it comes to health. 'What's popular online isn't always what's right for your body,' he said. 'Health is personal, and your body isn't an experiment. I encourage people to be curious, but also cautious.' 5 The goal in losing weight shouldn't be about a 'quick drop on the scale,' Hyman said, but a focus on lifestyle changes for a longer, healthier life. maxbelchenko – 5 As the human body is designed to detox on its own, Hyman noted that eating 'real food' will offer the right kind of support for weight loss and overall wellness. Milen – Los Angeles-based dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein noted in an interview with Fox News Digital that the water, l-citrulline and potassium found in watermelon could help detox the body. 'Just one cup of diced watermelon contains about half a cup of water,' she said. 'From what I've seen on TikTok, people doing a 'watermelon detox' often consume 12 to 14 cups a day or more, which means they're taking in the equivalent of six to seven cups of water just from the fruit alone.' 'It may lead to temporary weight loss, but it's not fat loss — it's water and muscle.' This amount of hydration can help stimulate bowel movements and urination, the body's 'natural detoxification pathways.' L- citrulline, an amino acid found in the rind and flesh of watermelon, eventually converts to nitric oxide production, which Muhlstein said is essential for blood flow, circulation and lymphatic drainage. 'That's why athletes sometimes like to consume watermelon to help boost muscle recovery, and why watermelon may help reduce puffiness and bloat,' she added. Watermelon is also high in potassium, which helps to flush out excess sodium through urine and reduce water retention, the expert said. For someone coming off of a high-salt diet of fast food and processed snacks, the watermelon diet could trigger a 'strong de-bloating.' 'However, they need to be careful that their sodium levels don't drop too low,' Muhlstein cautioned. She recommends adding a sprinkle of good mineral salt to watermelon, 'especially if they feel weak, tired or dizzy.' 5 This amount of hydration can help stimulate bowel movements and urination, the body's 'natural detoxification pathways.' Mediteraneo – 5 For someone coming off of a high-salt diet of fast food and processed snacks, the watermelon diet could trigger a 'strong de-bloating.' – Despite the fruit's detoxifying effects, Muhlstein agrees that a strict watermelon diet is not recommended. Eating only watermelon can cause muscle loss within the first 24 to 72 hours, as the fruit contains 'almost no protein.' 'Your body will eventually start pulling essential amino acids from your muscle tissue to support your organ functions and systems,' she said. 'Watermelon is very high in potassium but very low in sodium, which can lead to an electrolyte imbalance and potential headaches and dizziness.' As watermelon is mostly sugar and water, this can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, negatively impacting mood, focus and sleep. The nutritionist instead recommends eating watermelon as part of a balanced diet, which can include a cup or two of the fruit with a healthy meal.
Fox News
30-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
The watermelon diet has gone viral — here's what experts say about the weight-loss trend
Watermelon for weight loss is a new trend that's taking off on TikTok. The watermelon diet is billed as a weight-loss and detox method that is attempted for several days in a row – some people commit to it for three, five or even seven days. On TikTok, multiple creators have documented their experiences with this technique, marking several pounds of weight loss at the end of their "fast." While watermelon is great for hydration and can be a healthy snack option, some warn that limiting the body to low-calorie fruit can pose risks. Dr. Mark Hyman, a Texas-based physician and co-founder at Function Health, commented on this trend in an interview with Fox News Digital. "The watermelon diet is the latest in a long line of trendy quick fixes — and while watermelon is a delicious and hydrating fruit, turning it into the centerpiece of a restrictive diet is not only unsustainable, but it can actually backfire on your health," he warned. While watermelon can be a great addition to a diverse and nutrient-dense diet, eating only that fruit for days at a time can "become a problem," as it lacks balanced, necessary nutrients, according to the doctor. "There is no one-size-fits-all diet or advice, especially not when it's driven by social media algorithms instead of actual science," Hyman said. "Watermelon is mostly water and sugar, which means you're missing out on critical nutrients like protein, healthy fats and fiber that your body needs to function," he went on. "It may lead to temporary weight loss, but it's not fat loss — it's water and muscle." The goal in losing weight shouldn't be about a "quick drop on the scale," Hyman said, but a focus on lifestyle changes for a longer, healthier life. As the human body is designed to detox on its own, Hyman noted that eating "real food" will offer the right kind of support for weight loss and overall wellness. "Whole vegetables, clean protein, healthy fats and plenty of fiber," he listed. "Add in quality sleep, stress management and movement, and you've got a sustainable plan for lifelong health, not just short-term weight loss based on trendy internet fads." Hyman added that social media is a "powerful tool," but can be a "double-edged sword" when it comes to health. "What's popular online isn't always what's right for your body," he said. "Health is personal, and your body isn't an experiment. I encourage people to be curious, but also cautious." Los Angeles-based dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein noted in an interview with Fox News Digital that the water, l-citrulline and potassium found in watermelon could help detox the body. "Just one cup of diced watermelon contains about half a cup of water," she said. "From what I've seen on TikTok, people doing a 'watermelon detox' often consume 12 to 14 cups a day or more, which means they're taking in the equivalent of six to seven cups of water just from the fruit alone." "It may lead to temporary weight loss, but it's not fat loss — it's water and muscle." This amount of hydration can help stimulate bowel movements and urination, the body's "natural detoxification pathways." L- citruline, an amino acid found in the rind and flesh of watermelon, eventually converts to nitric oxide production, which Muhlstein said is essential for blood flow, circulation and lymphatic drainage. "That's why athletes sometimes like to consume watermelon to help boost muscle recovery, and why watermelon may help reduce puffiness and bloat," she added. Watermelon is also high in potassium, which helps to flush out excess sodium through urine and reduce water retention, the expert said. For someone coming off of a high-salt diet of fast food and processed snacks, the watermelon diet could trigger a "strong de-bloating." "However, they need to be careful that their sodium levels don't drop too low," Muhlstein cautioned. She recommends adding a sprinkle of good mineral salt to watermelon, "especially if they feel weak, tired or dizzy." Despite the fruit's detoxifying effects, Muhlstein agrees that a strict watermelon diet is not recommended. Eating only watermelon can cause muscle loss within the first 24 to 72 hours, as the fruit contains "almost no protein." "Your body will eventually start pulling essential amino acids from your muscle tissue to support your organ functions and systems," she said. "Watermelon is very high in potassium but very low in sodium, which can lead to an electrolyte imbalance and potential headaches and dizziness." As watermelon is mostly sugar and water, this can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, negatively impacting mood, focus and sleep. The nutritionist instead recommends eating watermelon as part of a balanced diet, which can include a cup or two of the fruit with a healthy meal.
CNET
17-07-2025
- Health
- CNET
Cortisol Imbalance: High Cortisol Symptoms and How to Fix Stress Levels
Cortisol is a hot topic these days, especially as many struggle to manage their stress. You may also have heard of the term "cortisol face" or "moon face," which can be attributed to high cortisol levels. "Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate your metabolism, blood sugar, inflammation, blood pressure and sleep-wake cycle," explains Dr. Mark Hyman, co-founder and CMO of Function Health, which offers a cortisol lab test. "It's most known for managing the body's response to stress." But what exactly does a cortisol imbalance look like, and how does it affect the body? To find out, we consulted doctors for symptoms, causes, when to see a doctor for cortisol testing and how to regulate cortisol. What is cortisol? "Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands in response to stress," says Dr. Fady Hannah Shmouni, medical director at Eli Health, which sells an instant cortisol test. "When a stressful situation arises, cortisol can help your body prepare to respond by increasing energy, focus or alertness." Shmouni states that in the short term, your body's cortisol response is necessary and helpful. However, chronic stress can cause cortisol to remain elevated, which can negatively affect your organs, including your brain. For instance, elevated cortisol can disrupt sleep, increase inflammation or impair memory. Dr. Andy Franklyn-Miller, a dual board-certified sports and exercise medicine physician, adds that cortisol is like your body's built-in alarm system and is often called the "stress hormone." "Cortisol is part of the glucocorticoid family, and it's released as part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, your body's stress response headquarters," Franklyn-Miller says. In the morning, your cortisol spikes to help you get moving. At night, it dips to help you rest. Where the adrenal glands are located. SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI/SCIENCESymptoms of cortisol imbalance "Cortisol imbalances often go unnoticed until symptoms become disruptive," explains Hyman. "If you feel wired at night, crash mid-afternoon or struggle to get restful sleep, your cortisol could be out of sync." Franklyn-Miller adds that it can be difficult to spot a cortisol imbalance, since it can mimic other conditions. However, telltale signs include persistent fatigue, trouble sleeping or unexplained weight changes. "Home wearables tracking heart-rate variability, such as Whoop, Oura or Apple Watch, can also give indirect clues, as low HRV often correlates with cortisol dysregulation due to stress and a reduction in HRV," he says. Symptoms of high cortisol "Under normal conditions, your cortisol levels peak in the morning to help you wake up and then gradually decrease throughout the day," Shmouni explains. "But if you experience chronic stress, your body may make excess cortisol, and one of the most common ways this shows up is in disruptions to energy patterns." Some common symptoms of high cortisol, according to Shmouni, include nighttime sleep disturbances, energy dips caused by blood sugar spikes and crashes, and feeling constantly tired. Hyman adds that chronically high cortisol can also lead to: Anxiety and irritability Weight gain Sleep disruptions, fatigue High blood pressure Frequent illnesses due to a weakened immune system Over time, Hyman states that elevated cortisol can cause more serious problems, like cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and cognitive decline. High cortisol is often connected to conditions like Cushing's syndrome or chronic stress, according to Franklyn-Miller, who adds that weight gain can be especially noticeable in the midsection and face (also known as "moon face"). You can experience osteoporosis and muscle loss, since cortisol can break down tissue over time, or skin changes, like thinning skin, bruising easily or stretch marks. Symptoms of low cortisol Hyman states that low cortisol symptoms often include: Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest Low blood pressure Cravings for salt or sugar Dizziness upon standing Mood swings or depression "Low blood pressure, fogginess, weight loss and muscle weakness can occur; any serious symptoms are a sign that you should consult your doctor, as they could mean a more serious adrenal issue (like adrenal insufficiency) is at play," advises Shmouni. According to Franklyn-Miller, low cortisol is often seen in Addison's disease. People with Addison's disease may notice a darkening of the causes a cortisol imbalance? "There's no single cause of cortisol imbalance -- it's a result of multiple stressors piling up," says Hyman. "This can include: chronic psychological stress (work, relationships, trauma), poor sleep habits, blood sugar imbalances, overtraining without recovery, inflammation, infections and nutrient deficiencies, especially B vitamins and magnesium." Franklyn-Miller explains that the HPA axis is designed for short-term stress, so constant, long-term activation or suppression can lead to an imbalance. Stress If you deal with long periods of stress -- caused by factors like a high-pressure job, financial struggles or family responsibilities -- Shmouni says that cortisol can stay elevated in the body instead of fluctuating normally throughout the day. "This can create a cycle whereby elevated cortisol is not appropriately managed, resulting in prolonged cortisol release," he states. "If we don't see that someone's cortisol levels decline throughout the day, with a normal awakening response in the morning, it can be a sign that cortisol is dysregulated." Certain medications or medical conditions If you deal with chronically elevated cortisol levels, Shmouni says that this may be a side effect of medications like steroid inhalers, as one example. On the other hand, Franklyn-Miller reports that long-term use of corticosteroid drugs (e.g., prednisone) can shut down natural cortisol production, causing low cortisol. As Franklyn-Miller mentioned earlier, certain medical conditions, like Cushing's syndrome, can also cause high cortisol. "Cushing's syndrome, caused by tumors or excessive steroid use, floods the body with cortisol," he reports. When it comes to low cortisol, it may be caused by adrenal insufficiency. "Conditions like Addison's disease damage the adrenal glands, slashing cortisol production," Franklyn-Miller explains. Autoimmune disorders can also cause low cortisol, as the body attacks its own adrenal glands and reduces cortisol output. Your lifestyle: Sleep, exercise and nutrition "Poor sleep, overexercising or a high-sugar diet can spike cortisol by stressing the body," says Franklyn-Miller. When planning your workout, consider your stress and sleep. If you had trouble sleeping last night and are dealing with high stress at work, it may not be the best time for an intense workout. If you find that a workout leaves you feeling fatigued or sick, you may be going too hard. In addition to a high-sugar diet, alcohol and caffeine can also affect cortisol levels. For most adults, the FDA recommends 400 milligrams of caffeine or two to three 12-fluid-ounce cups of coffee. However, certain medications or conditions can make someone more sensitive to caffeine, so make sure to consult your doctor if you're unsure. According to the American Heart Association, it's advised to limit alcohol to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that in the US, a standard drink contains 14 grams or about 0.6 fluid ounces of "pure" ethanol. For sugar, the AHA states that men shouldn't consume more than nine teaspoons of added sugar daily. For women, consumption should be no more than six teaspoons of sugar per day. Ensure you're eating a balanced diet filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains and protein. And of course, make sure you're drinking enough to regulate cortisol "Regulating cortisol is like tuning an instrument -- it takes mindful adjustments to your lifestyle," says Franklyn-Miller, who recommends the follow strategies: Prioritize sunlight exposure after waking up: "Only 20 minutes can stimulate your circadian release of cortisol, helping with body balance." "Only 20 minutes can stimulate your circadian release of cortisol, helping with body balance." Focus on sleep: "Stick to a consistent sleep schedule." In general, 7 to 9 hours of sleep is recommended, but it depends on your age. "Stick to a consistent sleep schedule." In general, 7 to 9 hours of sleep is recommended, but it depends on your age. Manage stress: "Practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga or diaphragmatic breathing can calm the HPA axis." "Practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga or diaphragmatic breathing can calm the HPA axis." Exercise smart: "Moderate exercise, like walking or yoga, balances cortisol, but overtraining can spike it. Aim for 30 minutes most days." "Moderate exercise, like walking or yoga, balances cortisol, but overtraining can spike it. Aim for 30 minutes most days." Eat balanced meals: "Avoid high-sugar diets, which can elevate cortisol. Focus on whole foods, like vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. Omega-3s, found in fish, may lower cortisol." Hyman also recommends prioritizing fiber. "Avoid high-sugar diets, which can elevate cortisol. Focus on whole foods, like vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. Omega-3s, found in fish, may lower cortisol." Hyman also recommends prioritizing fiber. Limit caffeine: "Too much coffee can mimic stress, raising cortisol. Try cutting back after noon." When should you see a doctor about cortisol levels? "If you experience significant symptoms that interrupt your ability to participate in daily activities, or if you experience extreme changes in appetite, energy, mood or sleep, bring this up with your medical provider so that they can work with you to manage symptoms and make lifestyle adaptations," advises Shmouni. Franklyn-Miller adds, "Also, if lifestyle changes (better sleep, stress management) don't improve symptoms after a few months, or if you're on long-term steroids, get checked." He explains that the gold standard for checking cortisol is through lab tests for blood, saliva or urine samples. For these, consult your doctor.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I thought I had great cholesterol, but a trendy new blood test said the opposite — sending me down a mind-boggling rabbit hole
A new $500 membership service allows patients to skip the doctor's office and get their own labs. Function Health then gives people nutrition and supplement advice, and encourages retesting. I found the extra data interesting, but ultimately needed a doctor to properly interpret it. The Rock loves it, Zac Efron invests in it, and Equinox gym members are signing up for it in droves. Function Health is the latest hot commodity for longevity seekers looking to optimize their health. The promise is simple: skip the waiting room at the doctor's office and head straight to the lab, for comprehensive medical testing that evaluates the health of key organs, like your heart and kidneys. Function also measures some things that "regular" doctors typically don't, like electrolyte levels as well as the so-called "heavy metals" — lead, mercury — potentially poisonous substances that can sometimes lurk in our air, water, and food. It might even find cancer. I wanted to see what all the big buzz was about with this $500 annual blood-and-pee testing service, so I tried it out. Disclaimer: I didn't have to pay for it, because Function Health gave out free trials to journalists as the company is still in beta testing mode. In the end, my Function results led me to seek out more advice from doctors than I usually would, to help me separate the signal from the noise in all the data. The good news is that Function is not a huge time suck. It takes about 15 minutes to get the initial testing done and you can roll up to just about any Quest Diagnostics lab location nationwide (except in Hawaii and Rhode Island). Their tests measure over 90 different biomarkers in your blood and urine, including almost all the typical stuff you'd find in a doctor's office (except STD testing). Function performed roughly three times the number of tests I had done the last time I went to the doctor's office for routine bloodwork. There were more measurements related to hormones, key nutrients, my metabolism, and heart health. Function Health also measured my "biological age," a scientifically squishy indicator of health and fitness. With so many tests being run, there's a good chance that something you measure when you do Function will come back abnormal. That doesn't always mean there's something wrong with you; sometimes your own "normal" doesn't fit neatly into a given reference range. Function is OK with having a few errant flags in the data, and encourages re-testing any out of range labs. Their ethos is the more information, the better. It's about creating a more detailed picture of your overall health, not making sure each test is perfect every time. People are "wanting to know more about their biology, and to be advocates for their own health," Dr. Mark Hyman, one of the founders of Function Health, told Business Insider. Hyman, a longtime friend of US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., chalks it up "to disillusionment with healthcare in general" in the US. Hyman says many people who use Function's tests may be able to resolve their own health concerns without ever seeing a doctor afterwards. "While you'll need to see a doctor for certain things, the beauty of Function is you come in, follow up, order follow up tests on yourself, and then you can follow the guidance," Hyman said. His venture dovetails with the rise of new tech promising to put you in the driver's seat of your own health. Think wearables (rings, watches, glucose monitors) and concierge medicine (full body MRIs, anti-aging IV drips). As the personalized medicine industry booms, Function is taking off. The company says its membership has more than doubled since December, to more than 200,000 customers. The very first "out of range" marker that was mentioned in my Function report was a cholesterol measurement. While my regular LDL, or "bad" cholesterol number — the one you'd get measured in a doctor's office — looked fine, Function also measured the size of my LDL cholesterol particles. Apparently, I had slightly elevated numbers of small and medium sized LDL cholesterol particles, which are more dangerous than larger LDL particles. This "could indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular disease despite normal LDL cholesterol levels," my results said, adding "it is vital to address the out-of-range results." This was a surprise. I had always been told I have "good" cholesterol. I started imagining all those tiny, sticky cholesterol particles racing towards my aging heart. Knowing how important heart health is for healthy aging, and that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, I started to worry. Should I quit my beloved mayonnaise? Maybe I should at least cut back. After my initial shock, I reached out to independent cardiologists and longevity doctors for this story. I also spoke directly to Hyman about my results. All of those physicians refocused my attention, helping me interpret the results, and zoom in on the more meaningful ways to adjust my lifestyle. Frankly, they reminded me why this kind of testing isn't widely recommended, and why we go to the doctor in the first place. Even for me, a seasoned health journalist who isn't generally freaked out by medical test results, this felt like a lot to take in. In addition to the supposedly off-balance cholesterol numbers, there was also low vitamin D, and a few other items that could impact everything from my immunity to metabolism and fertility. Without a doctor's advice, I found it was easy to get lost in the noise of all the results. "I think if you showed any cardiologist or lipidologist your panel, they wouldn't be worrying about you," Dr. Ken Feingold, an emeritus professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, who is an expert on lipids and lipoprotein metabolism, told BI. The cholesterol numbers that really matter were fine, including the basics (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL) but also some of the more niche measurements that doctors are now factoring into clinical decision-making, like lipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B (APOB), Feingold said. "I think it would be very unfair to expect a consumer, the person that had the lab work done to try and figure it out on their own," Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Ohio who is also not involved with Function Health, told BI. In theory, Function is designed to help consumers make simple nutrition tweaks they hadn't thought to make — perhaps adding fatty fish for omega-3, vitamin D, or fiber supplements. "80% of people's health issues will never need a doctor," Hyman said. "They're really lifestyle-driven and they can be modified through modifying your diet and your lifestyle." However, as a consumer, I found the barrage of information confusing, making it harder to feel in control of good decision-making. Plus, while Function gave me diet and supplement recommendations (vitamin D, fiber, berberine, omega-3, and coQ10, along with more fish and eggs), it buried the most important piece of nutrition advice that every doctor I spoke to was quickly able to point out. In a follow-up interview with Hyman — which is not standard procedure for Function patients — he told me I could improve my particle numbers by cutting down on, or ideally eliminating, refined starches and sugars. This was advice that was not highlighted in my Function dashboard, but other doctors wholeheartedly agreed. It was the first thing they said. Miora longevity clinic director Dr. Gregory Pippert uses advanced blood testing that's similar to Function's, often catering to patients who are trying to optimize their health and gains in the gym. "I look at so much green on that," he said of my cholesterol panel. "Then I see particle numbers that are not massively high." For Pippert, the headline was simple: just skip the refined grains more often. "Do I really, really need the big extra thick slice of white bread? Maybe not," Pippert said. "It's making the good choices more than the bad choices, but not obsessing." Seeing more granular data may help some patients take general pieces of health advice — to hit the gym five days a week, incorporate more strength training, or adhere to heart healthy diets, like the Mediterranean diet, more seriously. "The anxiety associated with the results may trigger more compliance with lifestyle modification," Sabgir said. But how can we be sure we'll pick out the right tweaks on our own? If I'm skipping mayo but not switching to whole grains or cutting back on sugar, I'm probably not going to have a huge impact on my test results. "I don't know why people are offering this," Feingold said. "It's a way to make a lot of money because sure, they're charging a significant amount of money for this, but you don't really need it to make decisions about who you're going to treat, most of the time." Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
05-07-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
I thought I had great cholesterol, but a trendy new blood test said the opposite — sending me down a mind-boggling rabbit hole
The Rock loves it, Zac Efron invests in it, and Equinox gym members are signing up for it in droves. Function Health is the latest hot commodity for longevity seekers looking to optimize their health. The promise is simple: skip the waiting room at the doctor's office and head straight to the lab, for comprehensive medical testing that evaluates the health of key organs, like your heart and kidneys. Function also measures some things that "regular" doctors typically don't, like electrolyte levels as well as the so-called "heavy metals" — lead, mercury — potentially poisonous substances that can sometimes lurk in our air, water, and food. It might even find cancer. I wanted to see what all the big buzz was about with this $500 annual blood-and-pee testing service, so I tried it out. Disclaimer: I didn't have to pay for it, because Function Health gave out free trials to journalists as the company is still in beta testing mode. In the end, my Function results led me to seek out more advice from doctors than I usually would, to help me separate the signal from the noise in all the data. I freaked out about all the little cholesterol particles hiding out in my blood The good news is that Function is not a huge time suck. It takes about 15 minutes to get the initial testing done and you can roll up to just about any Quest Diagnostics lab location nationwide (except in Hawaii and Rhode Island). Their tests measure over 90 different biomarkers in your blood and urine, including almost all the typical stuff you'd find in a doctor's office (except STD testing). Function performed roughly three times the number of tests I had done the last time I went to the doctor's office for routine bloodwork. There were more measurements related to hormones, key nutrients, my metabolism, and heart health. Function Health also measured my " biological age," a scientifically squishy indicator of health and fitness. With so many tests being run, there's a good chance that something you measure when you do Function will come back abnormal. That doesn't always mean there's something wrong with you; sometimes your own "normal" doesn't fit neatly into a given reference range. Function is OK with having a few errant flags in the data, and encourages re-testing any out of range labs. Their ethos is the more information, the better. It's about creating a more detailed picture of your overall health, not making sure each test is perfect every time. People are "wanting to know more about their biology, and to be advocates for their own health," Dr. Mark Hyman, one of the founders of Function Health, told Business Insider. Hyman, a longtime friend of US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., chalks it up "to disillusionment with healthcare in general" in the US. Hyman says many people who use Function's tests may be able to resolve their own health concerns without ever seeing a doctor afterwards. "While you'll need to see a doctor for certain things, the beauty of Function is you come in, follow up, order follow up tests on yourself, and then you can follow the guidance," Hyman said. His venture dovetails with the rise of new tech promising to put you in the driver's seat of your own health. Think wearables (rings, watches, glucose monitors) and concierge medicine (full body MRIs, anti-aging IV drips). As the personalized medicine industry booms, Function is taking off. The company says its membership has more than doubled since December, to more than 200,000 customers. I ended up overanalyzing my results, and coming to some pretty silly conclusions The very first "out of range" marker that was mentioned in my Function report was a cholesterol measurement. While my regular LDL, or "bad" cholesterol number — the one you'd get measured in a doctor's office — looked fine, Function also measured the size of my LDL cholesterol particles. Apparently, I had slightly elevated numbers of small and medium sized LDL cholesterol particles, which are more dangerous than larger LDL particles. This "could indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular disease despite normal LDL cholesterol levels," my results said, adding "it is vital to address the out-of-range results." This was a surprise. I had always been told I have "good" cholesterol. I started imagining all those tiny, sticky cholesterol particles racing towards my aging heart. Knowing how important heart health is for healthy aging, and that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, I started to worry. Should I quit my beloved mayonnaise? Maybe I should at least cut back. After my initial shock, I reached out to independent cardiologists and longevity doctors for this story. I also spoke directly to Hyman about my results. All of those physicians refocused my attention, helping me interpret the results, and zoom in on the more meaningful ways to adjust my lifestyle. Frankly, they reminded me why this kind of testing isn't widely recommended, and why we go to the doctor in the first place. Without help from doctors, I was stressing about the wrong things in my labs and on my plate Even for me, a seasoned health journalist who isn't generally freaked out by medical test results, this felt like a lot to take in. In addition to the supposedly off-balance cholesterol numbers, there was also low vitamin D, and a few other items that could impact everything from my immunity to metabolism and fertility. Without a doctor's advice, I found it was easy to get lost in the noise of all the results. "I think if you showed any cardiologist or lipidologist your panel, they wouldn't be worrying about you," Dr. Ken Feingold, an emeritus professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, who is an expert on lipids and lipoprotein metabolism, told BI. The cholesterol numbers that really matter were fine, including the basics (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL) but also some of the more niche measurements that doctors are now factoring into clinical decision-making, like lipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B (APOB), Feingold said. "I think it would be very unfair to expect a consumer, the person that had the lab work done to try and figure it out on their own," Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Ohio who is also not involved with Function Health, told BI. In theory, Function is designed to help consumers make simple nutrition tweaks they hadn't thought to make — perhaps adding fatty fish for omega-3, vitamin D, or fiber supplements. "80% of people's health issues will never need a doctor," Hyman said. "They're really lifestyle-driven and they can be modified through modifying your diet and your lifestyle." However, as a consumer, I found the barrage of information confusing, making it harder to feel in control of good decision-making. Plus, while Function gave me diet and supplement recommendations (vitamin D, fiber, berberine, omega-3, and coQ10, along with more fish and eggs), it buried the most important piece of nutrition advice that every doctor I spoke to was quickly able to point out. Doctors told me to cut back on white bread and enjoy avocados In a follow-up interview with Hyman — which is not standard procedure for Function patients — he told me I could improve my particle numbers by cutting down on, or ideally eliminating, refined starches and sugars. This was advice that was not highlighted in my Function dashboard, but other doctors wholeheartedly agreed. It was the first thing they said. Miora longevity clinic director Dr. Gregory Pippert uses advanced blood testing that's similar to Function's, often catering to patients who are trying to optimize their health and gains in the gym. "I look at so much green on that," he said of my cholesterol panel. "Then I see particle numbers that are not massively high." For Pippert, the headline was simple: just skip the refined grains more often. "Do I really, really need the big extra thick slice of white bread? Maybe not," Pippert said. "It's making the good choices more than the bad choices, but not obsessing." Seeing more granular data may help some patients take general pieces of health advice — to hit the gym five days a week, incorporate more strength training, or adhere to heart healthy diets, like the Mediterranean diet, more seriously. "The anxiety associated with the results may trigger more compliance with lifestyle modification," Sabgir said. But how can we be sure we'll pick out the right tweaks on our own? If I'm skipping mayo but not switching to whole grains or cutting back on sugar, I'm probably not going to have a huge impact on my test results. "I don't know why people are offering this," Feingold said. "It's a way to make a lot of money because sure, they're charging a significant amount of money for this, but you don't really need it to make decisions about who you're going to treat, most of the time."
