The Life Plan (72 page)

Negative

LPA Gene Variant

Predicts CAD.

Negative

9P21

Predicts CAD.

Negative

Thyroid Panel

The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that are essential for the body’s metabolism. Thyroid hormones are analyzed through a blood sample. Symptoms such as fatigue, depression, cold intolerance, hair loss, headaches, fluid retention, unexplained weight gain or loss, anxiety, and panic attacks can be caused by thyroid abnormalities.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

TSH screening is used to diagnose and monitor treatment of thyroid disorders. TSH is released by the pituitary gland and stimulates the production of thyroid hormone. If there is an excessive amount of thyroid hormone, very little TSH is released and TSH levels fall. TSH levels help determine if you have hypothyroidism (production below normal) or hyperthyroidism (production above normal).

0.4–2.0 mu/l

Free T3

Used to help diagnose thyroid abnormalities. Free T3 is the unbound portion of T3 (triiodothyronine) that is responsible for its action in our bodies. Free T3 correlates most reliably with the clinical status of your thyroid and is responsible for controlling metabolism.

300–420 pg/dl 3.0–4.2 pg/ml

Free T4

Used to help diagnose thyroid abnormalities.

0.8–1.8 ng/dl

Total Testosterone

This test is used to measure the total amount of testosterone in the bloodstream.

700–1000 ng/dl

Free Testosterone

Free testosterone is the amount of unbound testosterone found in the blood. This is the form of testosterone that is available to all testosterone receptor sites located on cells throughout the body.

130–190 pg/ml

Dihydrotesterone (DHT)

Elevated DHT levels can cause hair loss and prostate enlargement. It is a breakdown product of testosterone metabolism.

25–75 ng/dl

Estradiol, High-Sensitivity

Produced by the adrenal glands and testes. Also another breakdown product of testosterone metabolism. Elevated estradiol can increase risk for stroke, breast enlargement, and prostate cancer. Men who are on testosterone replacement therapy should have their estradiol levels checked every 3 to 6 months.

10–40 pg/ml

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. At age 30, DHEA levels begin to decrease naturally. Low DHEA levels are correlated to adrenal insufficiency, depression, obesity, lupus, Alzheimer’s disease, bone density, cardiovascular disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

350–500 mcg/dl

Cortisol (Morning Level)

Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal gland and is known as the “stress” hormone because it is critical for survival. Excessive levels lead to increased storage of abdominal fat and heart disease.

<18 mcg/dl

Insulinlike Growth Factor 1, Somatomedin-CIGF-1 (indirect assay of growth hormone)

IGF-1 levels are directly related to growth hormone secretion from the pituitary gland. It is responsible for most of the physiological actions attributed to growth hormone.

200–320 ng/ml

Once you and your doctor have a clear understanding of your current health, you can follow the Life Plan knowing that you are taking care of yourself the best way possible. By adhering to the diet and exercise programs, you are ensuring that not only will you lose weight and gain muscle mass, but you will improve your heart health. If you follow the supplement program, you’ll find that your energy levels will return. And if you carefully monitor your hormone levels, you’ll find that in no time at all, you’ll be looking and feeling younger. This extra vitality will carry over into every aspect of your life, from the bedroom to the boardroom. And you’ll join me and the thousands of men just like you who have been enjoying a life full of great health and better sex by creating a stronger, leaner body.

I would first like to thank my wife, Annie, for all of her encouragement and support throughout this journey. Her contributions to this book have been nothing short of outstanding. I consider myself incredibly fortunate that she entered my life when she did, and she continues to provide me with the incentives I need to achieve optimal health.

Sarah Durand, Judith Curr, and the staff at Atria Books were tremendous to work with. They guided me, a first-time author, through the publishing maze in grand style, making it seem fun and exciting. My agent, Carol Mann, put together a phenomenal team with the folks at Atria and my publicist, Sandi Mendelson. I’d also like to thank Greta Blackburn for her support in this project and for introducing me to my writer, Pam Liflander.

Pam is not only a great person but a truly gifted writer who was able to help me tap into the essence of what I am all about, get my thoughts and beliefs on paper, and then organize and craft all of it into words that describe perfectly what men need to know to stay healthy and avoid getting old. She is not only my writer; she has become a dear friend.

Ever since I won the Body-
for
-LIFE Contest in 1998, I have wanted to write this book. Try as I might, I just couldn’t find the words to make it happen. In 2006, I met Ann Castro and she became my voice, putting my thoughts to paper and outlining my ideas. Her creativity on the initial draft is reflected throughout my book. This book would have never happened without her help. I am honored to have her as a friend and consultant.

I also want to thank the many people who have been integral to my success and the success of my book. Ernie Baul, my previous trainer, was instrumental in helping me become a Grand Champion in the Body-
for
-LIFE contest. Rod Stanley, my current trainer and friend, has helped me reach a whole new level of fitness and physique; he also helped me craft the exercise and nutrition chapters of my book. Lauren Tancredi, my executive assistant, has played a huge role keeping me on task and sharing her honest opinions. Cicely Valenti helped to organize my research. Terry Goodlad, my photographer, did a fantastic job capturing me at my very best. Shane Gagne, my Pilates instructor, has turned a stiff old guy into a flexible youthful guy. Justin Won, my Tae Kwon Do instructor, has continued to help me become a true martial artist. John Adams and the Cenegenics staff have been supportive from the very beginning. Last, I want to thank Dr. Brad Bale and Amy Doneen of the Bale/Doneen Method for all of their valuable information on preventing heart attacks and strokes.

The DrLife.com website has up-to-date information to supplement this book. You’ll find all of the forms necessary to create a journal recording your weight loss and exercise program. You’ll also find the latest information and research on a variety of topics addressed in this book, including testosterone and growth hormone therapies to address deficiencies and the latest information on the telomere revolution. You will also find all of the supplement resources so that you can order the exact brands that I recommend.

You’ll also find:

One rep max calculator

Skin fold testing for body composition

Recommendations for protein bars and shakes

Best water sources

Calorie calculator and database

Glycemic index