I once had chicken wings and potatoes, everything baked, 12 hours before labwork. Insulin crazy - doc said because of wings. Then I did it again, once with just potatoes, one with just wings, both 12 hours prior. Insulin skyrocketing again after potatoes, and no insulin raise when just wings. It's crazy how fatty meats are demonized these days. I will literally never stop eating meat until the end of my life.
@paolamolinari364 it might not be sheer ignorance as much as inexperience. When I started as an FNP 14 years ago, I was repeating the same lies... that is until I got a few years of practice under my belt, truly looked into the studies and started to question the science. Since then I'll never recommend much of the BS they claim as "science" until I get a good look at it, read the articles, and observe for a few years.
Only last month, my doctor said to me, you don't have to fast to get your blood work drawn any longer; that's a thing of the past! I said ok doc. I ignored him and fasted as usual for 13 hours.
My husband is soon to be 70 years old. His blood sugar was over 200. I eat totally different so I'd had enough!🤣 I took all carbs sugar fruit and processed foods out of his diet and fed him grass fed beefs bacon eggs butter very low carb vegetables extra virgin olive oil flax seeds chia seeds and other seeds and nuts as well as organic no carb no sugar smoothies. He dropped over 20 lbs and blood sugar is at 109 in 60 days-
I tried this with my hubby, very slowly. After 4 weeks without potatoes he wanted to know why the heck we had no potatoes in the house. He was not happy. He still believes potatos and salads are the best way to lose weight even though he's still gaining and I've lost 60 lbs.
Big Pharma know exactly which "numbers" are needed by lab results, to get the doctors to inform their patients what meds to take. They are the ones who define what parameters the results have to be in. No one else could determine what the numbers need to be, to be "within range", or "Low - Normal -High". During the creation of the thousands of meds out there, only the ones who do the development and testing know the truth. So when the same companies do both, (develop the drugs AND the determination of the ranges set for the lab results), they are the only ones that have the supposedly correct info to give the labs and doctors to follow. They would also be the ones informing the doctors whether the patient needs to fast before a lab test, and for how long. So it is their (Big Pharms's) best interest to set it all up so that the most people fall into the unhealthy range as much as possible. Then the doctors are required to suggest those drugs to patients as their saving grace to lower or raise the numbers some months down-the-road AFTER taking their new prescription all that time. To be fair, Doctors have to follow guidelines of the organization they belong to, or to meet criteria of the hospital or clinic the work for, or insurance the patient has. So there is a paper trail and if the doctor has the lab results and it shows you have some tests with the "numbers" pointing to a condition that requires drug intervention, and they don't follow-through and prescribe treatment, they could get in trouble. That's why many patients get dropped by their doctor if they refuse to take prescribed (big money-making) meds like for statins, depression, anxiety, etc. Those meds make Big Pharma BILLIONS fer drug per year.
Corporate medicine is destroying medicine at every level. No one trust it any longer. Big pharma medicine for everything. Don’t cure it, medicate it. Profits, not people. Beyond sad…
Another CLS here. Doing my own lipids after going carnivore I can attest that it makes a HUGE difference if your not fasting!! If your on a carnivore life style you should be fasting AT LEAST 12 hours, 16 is even better!
@@scottsellers9039 Ok perhaps one of you can enlighten us a bit here... Other doctors, I don't recall who atm, have stated that levels can vary so much that the difference between fasted and unfasted is less important than follow-up tests for variance week-to-week and so on... which makes the steps of the process perhaps different for the psychology aspect of adhering to fasting etc. in follow-ups? Anyway that's not a question you can answer but where I believe their opinions lead. So the question, really, is whether or not it's true that both fasted and unfasted numbers fluctuate significantly enough that focus should be on more testing, rather than immediate manipulation of variables? I am sure those doctors were not the types to suggest that the first high unfasted LDL result, for example, lead to immediate statin prescription. I think many here as well as Dr. Berry are concerned that some doctors are doing this. I don't want concern for these bad practices to get in the way of the actual scientific answers.
Indeed! Another CLS here. I always fast at least 12 hours. I tell my friends to do the same. My friend was concerned about her high triglycerides. The doctor had not told her to fast. Amazing!
I had labs done without fasting because doctor said no need.. came back that i had stage 3 kidney disease. Had them redone. Couldn't get into labs until afternoon. Fasting for 24 hours. Everything perfectly normal!
I have stage 3 CKD and border line A1C. I 8:24 have been taking a supplement called Berberine. One tablespoon extra virgin olive oil twice a day. And 5,000 mg methyl B12 and vitamin D 2,000mcg every day. Plus low carbs and no sugar. I go for my blood work May 8th .
Had recent bloodwork check in UK - annual review. Blood pressure excellent, LDL just within range. Triglycerides to HDL ratio 0.65. Slim. fit and healthy - have never needed to go to the doctor, my record is blank. Got a print out of results and recommendations, by email. "You might benefit by taking a statin!" Dietary advice was the Eatwell guide - heavily carb based , cut down on red meat, Just a joke - I look at the overweight nurse reading from a script - she says do you do any walking - I say no, I run 25 to 30 miles every week. Oh she says, you should try to do more walking. When she asked how much alcohol I consumed I said I try to drink less than my doctor.
I am a medic in the UK and I cringe at the nonsense that goes on here. I feel pain because I realise that if I didn't develop diabetes, I may never have known what I know now. The ignorance amongst doctors, nurses, and patients, is criminal. I know this sounds harsh, but my sentiments dicate the depth of the problem.
This is so funny because I just went to the doctor for my physical and my lab work this morning. The doctor told me there’s no need to fast anymore. I have been fasting. I didn’t think it was right that you didn’t have to fast. It seems to me like it would affect a lot of stuff. Thanks for this video Dr. Barry. You proved me right🙋🏼♀️💕
Been listening to Doctor Barry and using common sense, figured out that they don't want you to fast anymore because it'll drive your numbers up. Then they can insist that you go on some sort of medication to bring it is that's elevated down. Not fasting and redoing the labs will show the numbers are still up and you need to stay on this medication forever. It's all about their bottom line. $$$
They are saying no need to wear the protective apron at the dentist when you get xrays done now... healthcare is legit trying to mess us up at this point. It's nonsense.
They can put you on more medication if your labs are off-which they will be if you don’t fast beforehand. I’ve heard that pharmaceutical companies donate a lot of $ to medical colleges. 🤔I wonder why?
I am a BMT (Biomedical technologist) and specialised in biological chemistry. I always gets suspicious when a doctor neglect the fact that Testosterone tests and some other hormon tests needs to be done 7-10 am and fasting.
My mom in her lat 70s told me her cholesterol was high, no issues in the past. I said what did you eat the night before? How long did you fast...her reply, I didn't. I was like, go retake the test.....
I started the carnivore Diet because of you because I needed to do something to get this weight off so jan1st was 460.4LBS and as of today 2/13/24 I'm down to 420.1LBS just wanted to say thank you for all the advice I've learned and still learning
I follow up labs from other docs and lately have been receiving a flurry of raised lipids results. On questioning most of the patients I have discovered a large proprtion of them were not fasted. Have had to apologise to the patient and advise them that the results are inaccurate and will need to be repeated in a 12 hour fasting state (water only). Have followed this up with stern letters to the doctors involved. In a good few of these results a recommedation for statin has been made - which makes me wonder how many prescriptions are being given based on false data.
I have not had good experiences with doctors or doctors offices. They don't listen to me and they try to give me prescriptions that i dont need. If I took all the crap that they wanted to prescribe to me over the years i would be dead. I sure wished I could find a doctor that I felt comfortable talking to. There is a pharmacist in my area who is very knowledgeable and explains alot to me if I have questions. I don't take meds but it does concern me when doctors try and get you to take meds you don't need. Going in for just a check up is sooo stressful for me. I havent been to a doctor in 4 years because I don't know who to go to.
I have the same problem every different medical professional I go to trys to change and add to my medications. I had good numbers untill all the experimenting
My sister, who is a 40 year+ nurse, tells me when she has her Labs done "no one told me I needed to Fast." I was floored. She is tired of me telling her of the importance of an LCHF type lifestyle.
I’m a nurse too. We are some of the sickest folks and we take care of sick folks. Carnivore is the best thing I’ve done. Nurses should be leading the way….
At my local hospital which has excellent care... But some (a lot) of the nurses are dreadfully overweight. It's definitely not a good look.. My keto and now low carb + IF life is thought a joke by many. And always pushing the carbs on me... Plus the *you're too skinny* I wonder how it would go down if I replied *you're too fat*.
Fun story. I've known the world of fasting and keto for decades. My habit for breakfast was dandelion tea with butter and cream to mimic coffee; sort of fat fast to extend my low insulin as long as possible. When I went to my new doc last year I wasn't thinking clearly and I drank my usual "coffee" on the way to lab work. My lab readings were mostly fine, except ta-da triglycerides. As a testament to my new doc, she didn't flip out but said we should work on that. I was upset by that number and went on a search about it. To my surprise and shame, fat right before lab work jacks up your triglycerides. LOL We both had a laugh the next time I saw her and my triglycerides had dropped almost 100 points. When I told her what I had done and what I had learned she told me I am a rare patient that on their own goes searching for answers and does something about it. I love visiting her, she's the best.
I agree that you have found a good doctor because many of us have been absolutely chastised for looking for information on our own by healthcare professionals. It's part of the reason I can't trust them.
Watched one of your videos 11-30-19, started keto 12-01-19. Asked the NP for an HbA1c and a CAC 07-15-21. These were refused. A CBC and a comprehensive metabolic panel were done instead. In December of 2020 my chart indicated that l received smoking cessation education. I am a non-smoker. This was finally corrected 09-02-21. I no longer go for medical care.
VA employee gratuitously said my hand Xray showed an old fracture consistant with punching somebody. Must have slipped my mind, what I remember was falling off a platform at work and landing on an asphalt road.
Thanks. Going to the doctor tomorrow at 1pm. I will be fasted. This is bullshit she always tells me I don't need to be fasted and my LDL runs at 241. She wants me on statins. Even said to me last time why should we check for things if you won't take the medicine for it! Im about done with her.
I have often said that fasting is not some weird break from your regular pattern of eating. Instead, fasting is your normal resting metabolic state and eating creates a brief period of crisis while your body deals with the assault of all that food. You shouldn't think of it as though you have to schedule a fast for your tests. Just postpone your eating until they are done. Of course you would take your blood tests when your body is in its normal resting state and not when it is dealing with the temporary feeding-related crisis.
I wanted a full Thyroid Panel done. I got TSH, Ft3 & Ft4. That's it. No antibodies, no Reverse T3. My Dr. Insisted they did a full panel. Plus, I forgot to withhold Biotin and she also told me that wouldn't make a difference. It stated right on the bloodwork panel that taking Biotin would skew the results. Pretty sad when you know more than the Primary. She told me my weight gain and fatigue was due to my age & hormones.
Not sure if you’ve seen Dr. B’s videos on STOP THE THYROID MADNESS website and book as a resource but it truly saved my life. They have great resources on the website to get your own testing as well.
@@April4YHWH She's not even a doctor, just a NP. Of course she had to push me to go on statins. I declined. I told her I wasn't worried about my cholesterol. My Tri/Hdl ratio is 1.25 and anything under 2 or 1.5 is good. She didn't even know what I was talking about. A real idiot!
I've been told once in recent years that I didn't need to fast for blood labs. But, I've been getting labs for a long time, and I always fasted, and that is what I will continue to do. And I always try to schedule my lab appointments first thing in the morning, so I don't end up fasting too long.
I went out of my way to get blood test while fasting, to get baseline, just in case. good to know that's actually how it's Meant to be done. keto and fasting community Win
Any doctor worth their salt should have their patients have labs drawn in the early am several days before the doctor appointment so that fasting and having results in hand for discussion are not of concern.
Husband just had labs.....cbc, cmet, lipids, glucose, a1c, psa and tsh.....he ate huge carnivore breakfast just 2 hours before his appt with doc and she had him get blood drawn during that visit. After stating concerns about him not fasting she said it was fine not to fast.....this was two weeks ago. All his cholesterol numbers were off...highest he's ever had. She also tried to put him on a new med for triglycerides and he refused to pick up the meds until he got the labs redrawn with fasting. he is getting them redrawn. I will not be surprised if his levels come back "normal".
@AnnaSusannaFinkelstein-bd7ul I don't know if the doctors are even aware of it though. I think this is simply how they are trained and educated. The pharmaceutical and insurance companies fund most of the medical academia, and Pepsico and General Mills fund most of the nutritional academia. At the lowest levels of education, children are being taught that their parents are liars, the USA is evil, and their gender is a social construct; at the highest levels of academia, they are taught only how to ensure more people end up dependent on medicine and doctors forever.
I turned a lady onto your site today at a service station. She seemed very interested in Carnivore for weight loss and some situations she had going on metabolically. I hope see looks you up!! Thanks so much for caring so much to post these health benefits!!
Do you know how discouraging it is to have an endocrinologist that has you have all kinds of lab work the lipid panel, the thyroid and no instructions about fasting… Dr. Berry I’m glad that I’ve listened to you in the past. I’m thankful that I have enough sense the fast before blood test. I’ve been eating the proper human diet and I can almost go all day. I can go all day without eating and actually feel pretty good.
Me too mostly sometimes not but that is when I forget to drink my electrolyte water or any water at all like the last couple days before yesterday I was on a ice coffee kick not good. Luckily most of my ice coffee was gone but another pot was made but I didn't drink it yet anyway good in fridge for awhile what my son and stepson didn't drink of the hot coffee. I need to replenish my electrolytes I think.
I am so glad I found this. I've had my labs done every 3 months for about 3 years due to B12, D3, Iron, and Ferritin deficiency, and to check A1C and autoimmune blood work. I've never once been told to fast for anything. I still feel like some of my numbers aren't accurate due to some lingering symptoms. I really wish I were your patient.
You can also not fast for the iron panel if you supplement iron about 2 hrs prior, then you can see how effective your supplementing is by looking at the tsat%. This is so you don't take too much iron, safety reasons.
blood iron test only report blood iron levels not body level. unless you lost lots of blood 99% of ppl have too much iron and need no give blood not plasma, only way to reduce iron overload and take copper. read the book CUre your fatigue.@@therealjenniferrr
Right before she went on maternity leave, my PCP said she wanted yearly labs and I should fast before the draw. I put it off and didn't get the labs done, but 3 months later another doc in same center sent me for a specific blood test for something he saw me for. I didn't know it, but the lab also drew blood for the order that my PCP had put in earlier. Then her MA sends me a message and says my cholesterol is high and the new temporary doc wants me on statins. I just wanted to write back, "tell the doc to go piss into a strong, oncoming wind."
The Veterans Administration Clinic I go to has now stated that fasting isn't necessary for routine yearly lab work. The lab tech told me now the doctors just order an A1C, they don't seem to realize the rest of this information you have stated. If the doctors can't realize the information, you just stated, it makes one wonder how well they can diagnose any issue. I already know, having been going to these clinics for some time.C
@someoneyoudontknow7705 they asked how many guns I own.. prior to by blood draw.. I asked.. what???😢 does that have anything to do with my blood draw results?
You just saved me a big problem. Almost had my labs drawn by a new physician, but I didn’t let them,( long story) I’ll be fasting before the next appointment.
Nurse went to draw my bloods but refused because I had fasted. I think it maybe to give incorrect readings so can therefore prescribe more meds. Went away had some food got tests done and yeah high readings I didnt get scripts filled just carried on.Havent been back to drs since.
I always fast but no more than 10 hours when I was still on the SAD. I will up that to 14 hours now that I have been low carb/ low sugar for two years. Thanks Dr Berry!
I am currently going to a Physician who has never asked me to 'fast' before any lab work. I asked the office staff about fasting before blood is drawn. They told me that fasting does not affect the results. And they want to start me on a statin. I am looking for another Physician.
@@trail.blazerso please tell us what the sweet spot would be for fasting if one needed to get a triglycerides lab test? I has to get the "usual" small group of tests: cholesterol, Lipids, TSH, liver enzymes, and my Doc added B12 and calcium.
@@pat4005 Probably consistency for different tests is important. I would suggest around 12 to 14 hours fasted and ensure you are well hydrated with water before the test. I once fasted for 24 hours before a lab test thinking my triglycerides would be lower. They actually increased due to the longer fast. I subsequently got a CardioChek meter and confirmed that happens, at least for me. For a B12 test ensure you do not take folate supplements for a few days prior.
@@GoldenNugget. My doctor has always told me to fast for 12 hours but only last month he said that I don't have to fast any longer so it's a recent thing!
@wonderwoman6232, My doctor has always told me to fast for 12 hours but only last month he said that I don't have to fast any longer so it's a recent thing!
Dr, Berry, I just left my long time doctor because of her lab technician. She has a God complex where she thinks she is right on everything because she draws blood. I kept telling her I only have done fasting blood tests because if I eat it messes up my readings. She yelled at me in front of the whole office , saying , “you don’t have to be fasting for these three tests. My doctor is the one who orders fasting labs. As I walked out the door of the backwoods thinking lab tech yelling, I said, “I’m done”.And I never looked back. That’s when I came online and found you! You have done more for me in two months than my doctor of 15 years has. Blessings can be found if you look for them. Thank you from my heart for being here for those of us that were about to give up. I’m now detoxed off all grains, almost done with sugar, as I still have one teaspoon in my morning cup of coffee. I love eating carnivore, I feel so much better, and I am finally losing weight. I am almost 67, and a great grandma. ❤
@@lelandsmith2320 nope, I sent a letter to Medicare telling them that doctor has been charging them for services I have not received. I sent them proof of her fraud charges and she is getting just what she deserves. I held my tongue for way too long as it was giving that doctor a chance to correct her billing. That lab tech was the straw that broke the camels back for me.
I get a yearly check up every year with bloodwork done and the doctor never told me to get it done fasted. Last year the lab tech looked at me and said did you fast? I told them I didn’t know I needed to fast and they just shook their head.
Here in the Philippines, everytime we go for lab tests, we are always told to fast for at least 8 to 10 hours. The people at the lab would always ask questions to ensure that we fasted. No lab test would be done if it would be found out that we did not fast or if the fast is longer than 10 hours.
Been a RN >30yrs, and have noticed whenever I have labs drawn, phlebotomist NEVER asks anymore if I'm fasting!🤔 Well, I noticed lab results no longer have any indication of fasting or non-fasting on the reports!!!!!
Yes, you hear that (fasting not necessary) more often now…my wife and I are of a certain age and both RNs…Fast for labs people. Ps. Make it a “fun thing” by having your favorite food after.
Whay about when to get your blood pressure tested? Before a meal or after? Before or after a workout? Early morning or late afternoon? Etc. I would like Dr. Ken Berry to do a video on this. I’ve learned a bit about getting your blood pressure taken and I’ve noticed many clinical staff don’t do it properly: most ask me a barrage of questions just prior and sometimes even during the test on order to fill out the chart requirements in the shortest amount of time. If the patient is speaking it raises the BP. Also, the cuff isn’t placed at the level of my heart because I am tall (6’4”). There are more issues that I have noticed, but I want to keep this short.
I always thought it was weird that doctors would say you don't have to fast. I will always fast at least 12 hours. Thanks Dr. Berry for bringing this up! I think its really important for people to know.
@@saints82 They want to know if you fasted or not. If the doctor orders a non fasting test, and then you fasted, you can put that you fasted. You will always get a more accurate test result if you fast. If the doctor orders a fasted test, and you did not fast, then the lab will want you to come back another day.
@@saints82 If it is for cholesterol or A1c, then always fast. No matter what. 12 hours at least. Otherwise, it will not be accurate. It makes no logical sense why it would be a non fasting situation, unless they are trying to get more patients on pharmaceuticals.
I have always fasted before blood tests. I did not even sure why, it just seemed like the right thing to do. And now that I don't eat breakfast anyway it's very easy I just get my blood test done in the morning sometime.
Definition of fasting before blood work...only plain water. Influencers confuse people when they say things like "I did an egg fast" or "cream in your coffee won't break your fast". Confuses the meaning of true medical fasting. Normal reference ranges are based on the fasting state. Go to a separate outside lab for blood tests if possible instead of being drawn in a Dr office where the specimen handling might be poor.
So now that doctors do require fasting the results are going to further skew the “normal” range for everyone. Of course they don’t ever share optimal range like you do in your common sense labs book. Thank you for this video!
The only lab I have been getting is for Testosterone Level, and I always fast. But not like 12 hours before but 48 hours before, and I do this because this would be a state I always strive for anyway. I find when I am fasting, I feel better; eating for me, even in Keto or Carnivore, can result in a lot of pain, so I do it sparingly. But I am in Canada, and it became pretty apparent that Canadian Medical does not buy the best instruments; I found this with my testosterone tests, which they do calculations and do not actually know all the components. It was suggested I go to the US and buy a Testosterone test at an independent lab actually to find my testosterone levels. Still, my doctors both strongly opposed me learning the actual values. I always think in Canada, the medical system isn't about making you well but fattening their own pockets, getting paid to promote suffering. My mother had a fluids test done years ago, and the number that was returned to the doctor indicated she would only live for 6 weeks, so we all flew in to sit with her at the bedside under the understanding she was dying. As it turned out, a second test was ordered, and the previous test number was out by a decimal point; someone had written down the value wrong prior to entering it into the computer. This is just how archaic the Canadian "Free" health care system is that is paid through your taxes.
You should be thankful that a serious illness like cancer doesn't mean that you will lose your house and go bankrupt while you are sick. No greedy insurance company will decide for you which doctor you can see and what treatment you can get. Be thankful for what you have. The grass always looks greener in the neighbor's yard....
For the last 6 months, I ate 4 over easy eggs with fatty meat for breakfast (6 strips of bacon or two sausage patties, steak, or pork chops). I averaged this at least 6 days per week and the random off day I skipped breakfast entirely. I got my bloodwork done last week, and my LDL went from 105 mg/dL to 94 mg/dL and my HDL went from 46 mg/dL to 79 mg/dL. This was comparing February 2023 bloodwork to the recent February 2024 bloodwork. Keto did not skyrocket my LDL like I thought it would, but instead it decreased. My triglycerides went from 66 mg/dL to 63 mg/dL, so a very slight decrease. I am very lean, 5'7" 125 lbs. and fortunately didn't fall into the Lean Mass Hyper-Responder phenotype where LDL skyrockets on a very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet.
My doctor tried to pronounce me as diabetic based on my non-fasting glucose test, even though my A1C was 5.2 and then 4.7. 🙄 I had no idea she was going to run labs on me (she was a brand new doctor to me). I spent 2023 making sure she didn't sneak that diagnosis on my chart. I do have peripheral neuropathy, but that was brought on by chemotherapy almost 15 years ago. NOT diabetes.
I had a doctor late 90's early 2000 that used to write random on the glucose test (I think) so no fasting.. I thought it was wonderful, 🤣 also same Dr diagnosed a blood clot in my leg without a dobbler. and sent me to the emergency. Well emergency sent me home twice before I had emergency surgery, so I really trusted my GP after that! Thanks so much for this info! BTW you may want to pin this post as it is getting lost in all the wonderful comments.
I an so sick of my doctors, they insisted on doing my labs in a non-fasted state, and my numbers were so different from last years, I was so upset, now I know why and I will INSIST on fasting next time !
@tinabeckett2607, It seems like not fasting is a recent thing because I've always fasted for 13 hours before I get my blood drawn. Only last month my doctor told me that I didn't have to fast any longer as it's a thing of the past! I didn't listen to him and fasted as usual for 13 hours.
I'm so glad I'm a life long learner, my triglycerides have been high and my doctor said if they don't come down then he's prescribing a statin, and the last few tests have not been fasted. So while I am working on changing my diet, I am gonna make sure I am fasted.
That’s great that you’re working on getting your triglycerides down. When I think of high triglycerides, I think of high sugar and refined carbs. Good luck!!
@@crh251 yes! My doctor never mentioned it and I've been complaining my bs have been off for years! It was well you can have a year or statins. So frustrated with the healthcare system. While I'm grateful for everything I'm learning, as much as I pay for issueance, I shouldn't have to go to TH-cam doctors to find this out.
@@Romans12.2, exactly! I know how you feel. We learn more on TH-cam and educating ourselves than going to doctors who’ve had years of schooling where medical schools only push drugs. I will refuse to go on a statin too if my doctor ever recommends it. There are definitely other ways.
I'm about to do labs for autoimmune liver disease. I was looking over paperwork, and it clearly stated that fasting was not required. I'm so glad I watched your video.
My doctor and suggested I get lab work done immediately and asked if I was fasted. I said I wasn’t fasted in that I just consumed a 1 pound bag of M&Ms. My triglycerides we’re close to 500. 😐 I have since given up sugar, fiber, processed foods and I only drink my carbs.
I absolutely fast now before Liver and Kidney testing. I noticed that food affected the results. Even though my doctor says it won't... she is wrong. I need to be able to compare the results without something interfering.
I did the fasting from 10 pm to 10 am, but my glucose was 100~113 . I bought a glucometer and started checking to discover this strange dawn phenomenon! My glucose before dinner is always
I have never been told I didn't need to fast. The doctor will tell me she needs blood drawn, but did I fast that morning. And if I ate anything, I have to come in on another day when I didn't eat anything.
Wow! This was good information. I've taken vitamins, had breakfast, and drank coffee then went to get many of the tests you mentioned. I will know better next time.
Thanks for bringing this up! I can't tell you how many times patients are treated on "false" results because patients and physicians are either ignoring, or are unaware of the way fasting affects lab results!
Having undergone tests recently for suspected reoccurrence of throat Cancer ( results show clear ) I can confirm that fasting is imperative prior to bloodwork as I received a tx from my medical centre requesting that I meet a Nurse to discuss my Apparent [ Hyperglycemia]! I can tell you Categorically I DO NOT have Hyperglycemia DO NOT have symptoms AT AL, what I do have is a rare form of Diabetes that only occurs in 16000 people in the UK and rarely effects me. The blood sample was taken early morning apx 8:30 so there was no opportunity for my body to have processed all food by the time the blood was drawn so it probably indicated a false negative. I can also confirm there was no 12-14 fasting prior, nor was it requested of me to to do so which, I might add I suffer from insomnia and have done for many years! Oh, and for those who query the Oreo cholesterol dive, I recently started eating x12 per day in the last 14 days and noticed something incredible, prior to consuming I would regularly wake-up with pins and needles in my left hand ( sleep on right-side) even holding a phone with my left arm would get weaker minute by minute, GONE, no more pins and needles and can hold the phone MUCH longer. I am currently changing to Carnivore and noticing improvements, small but none the less better, so check out the Oreo debate, 😊👍
I once didn’t fast for a full blood panel because I didn’t know I was supposed to. I rarely went to doctor and never got tested before. When he read the tests anyway… he said my numbers were good anyway and that I must be one of those people that’s never going to have to worry. I haven’t bothered testing since and now I’m full carnivore. I just ate normal sad before.
I fasted for at least 18 hours before my last blood tests around September 2023. The results were very favourable indeed. From now on I will always fast before I get any lab work done. So glad to hear Ken confirming that fasting before lab tests is a good thing. I will not get any lab tests in future without fasting. In fact I’m seriously thinking about a full 24 hour fast the next they post me out an appointment letter to come for blood tests. I’m wondering though, how would a 3 day fast work out before getting these labs done? Could be interesting and I most certainly wouldn’t rule that out either.
I my country the referral for the tests has instructions written on the buttom, including how long to fast. It's automatic. Then the technicians ask if you've fasted before taking the samples.
Great video! Thank you. One thing I would like to point out is concerning liver functions ALT and AST. Weight training can increase those valvues. That's why I always stop working out several days before a fasting blood test. Resistance weight training can effect certain blood test. That's from my experience.
I got labs done midday after a dentist appt. I was starving & numb from getting a tooth prepped for a crown..got a protein shake on the way to docs office & took a couple of slurps before I went it. Told tech I'd eaten breakfast, forgot to mention the shake slurps. Doc calls me all freaked out about my A1C, wants me to come right back for more labs. I'm in Alaska & over 60 miles from his office. I knew why my number was high & told them I'd be in next time I went to "town", he was a little mad. Stopped by 2 weeks later, had eaten breakfast, A1C was "normal". I'm going to a different doctors office now...making a list of all the tests I want done so I'll have a baseline before going Keto/Carnivore. Don't think I've had fasting blood work done in several years.
OH, I've had several of the listed panels taken, AFTER eating, because I was told to "go ahead, its fine" honestly I'm surprised she still says to fast for glucose and lipid
I realized this all to be true when I needed labs to check for markers of marginal zone lymphoma after treatment. They would tell me to come in any time on a certain day and i went around noon or so. Of course I had eaten breakfast and had a lot of coffee. And then, one day, three months later, I had it scheduled first thing in the morning and I didn't have time to eat or even have my coffee and boy were the numbers different! And then three months later, I was eating again, and they were totally different so when I was looking at my scale for the last nine months, it proves that fasting really makes the numbers different.
How about doctor's offices starting labs much earlier (like 7am) having the entire staff jumping on labs, labs, labs till 9-10am and get on with usual business after labs. Your welcome.
I would rather drive 4 hours to Nashville to be a patient of Dr. Berry's than go to a doctor threatening me with heart attack risk if I don't take a statin! I'm going to continue a mostly carnivore diet because after 2 months it's working for me and I won't stop!!!
So, my husband has been struggling to keep his TSH levels in the normal since his aortic valve replacement surgery in February, 2022. His primary care is a NP (almost impossible to get appointments with a PCP nowadays) and keeps wanting him to come back every 8 weeks for TSH levels as she says he has hypothyroidism. This office doesn’t seem to be able to keep his TSH levels in the normal range. My husband is very irritated and doesn’t think he has hypothyroidism and I’m tending to agree after seeing this video. He has a history or elevated kidney and liver function as well as the aforementioned TSH problems. However, just about every time his blood has been drawn without fasting. Also, anytime they want fasting they say nothing to eat or drink after midnight and schedule labs for 8am. SMH…definitely not 12 - 14 hours fasting!
Please speak to drinking black coffee prior to blood labs. I've been told by medical professionals both I need to avoid coffee and that drinking a couple cups before labs doesn't matter. Please clear this up. How does drinking black coffee affect labs?
@@cleancutguy1892 You tube has changed the way they do ads. For now you can refresh or skip, but they have said they will end that. They also throttle those with blockers, making live shows almost impossible to watch sometimes. All basic stuff out there...I do SEO, so I'm om top of it.
My nurse practitioner has told me that I don't need to fast for labs. I had doubts about that. I'm due for my annual, you can bet that I'll be fasting this time. 😊
My doctor always tells me that I do NOT have to fast for my TSH and other thyroid tests, I nod my head and then I always come in 16 hours fasted. In fact, when getting any labs done, -I always err on the side of caution and fast for 16 hours. Thank you, Dr. Berry
no-one from my HMO has recommended fasting before taking my labs. I have been with this HMO since the early 80's . no breakfast plus sleeping should give me about 12-14 hrs fasting. Thx for the tip.
@@BeNice524 My VA notice tells me if I am not sure if I need to fast to contact my care team that ordered my lab work. I always get my labs done three days to a week before my appointment and fast every time.
I once had chicken wings and potatoes, everything baked, 12 hours before labwork. Insulin crazy - doc said because of wings. Then I did it again, once with just potatoes, one with just wings, both 12 hours prior. Insulin skyrocketing again after potatoes, and no insulin raise when just wings. It's crazy how fatty meats are demonized these days. I will literally never stop eating meat until the end of my life.
I know, they totally speak out of sheer ignorance!
Because of the no carb portion!?
Cool experiment!
@paolamolinari364 it might not be sheer ignorance as much as inexperience. When I started as an FNP 14 years ago, I was repeating the same lies... that is until I got a few years of practice under my belt, truly looked into the studies and started to question the science. Since then I'll never recommend much of the BS they claim as "science" until I get a good look at it, read the articles, and observe for a few years.
Am I misremembering or did one of the low carb researchers note that triglycerides tend to rise again after 12 hours?
Only last month, my doctor said to me, you don't have to fast to get your blood work drawn any longer; that's a thing of the past! I said ok doc. I ignored him and fasted as usual for 13 hours.
My husband is soon to be 70 years old. His blood sugar was over 200. I eat totally different so I'd had enough!🤣 I took all carbs sugar fruit and processed foods out of his diet and fed him grass fed beefs bacon eggs butter very low carb vegetables extra virgin olive oil flax seeds chia seeds and other seeds and nuts as well as organic no carb no sugar smoothies. He dropped over 20 lbs and blood sugar is at 109 in 60 days-
👏👏👏 Amazing!!
Absolutely. Same.
Take the nuts and seeds out next.
I tried this with my hubby, very slowly. After 4 weeks without potatoes he wanted to know why the heck we had no potatoes in the house. He was not happy. He still believes potatos and salads are the best way to lose weight even though he's still gaining and I've lost 60 lbs.
😮@@leaannebrummett9159
I'm an old doc and i was taught all this. Where have we gone wrong with medical education?
Big Pharma know exactly which "numbers" are needed by lab results, to get the doctors to inform their patients what meds to take.
They are the ones who define what parameters the results have to be in.
No one else could determine what the numbers need to be, to be "within range", or "Low - Normal -High".
During the creation of the thousands of meds out there, only the ones who do the development and testing know the truth.
So when the same companies do both, (develop the drugs AND the determination of the ranges set for the lab results), they are the only ones that have the supposedly correct info to give the labs and doctors to follow.
They would also be the ones informing the doctors whether the patient needs to fast before a lab test, and for how long.
So it is their (Big Pharms's) best interest to set it all up so that the most people fall into the unhealthy range as much as possible.
Then the doctors are required to suggest those drugs to patients as their saving grace to lower or raise the numbers some months down-the-road AFTER taking their new prescription all that time.
To be fair, Doctors have to follow guidelines of the organization they belong to, or to meet criteria of the hospital or clinic the work for, or insurance the patient has.
So there is a paper trail and if the doctor has the lab results and it shows you have some tests with the "numbers" pointing to a condition that requires drug intervention, and they don't follow-through and prescribe treatment, they could get in trouble.
That's why many patients get dropped by their doctor if they refuse to take prescribed (big money-making) meds like for statins, depression, anxiety, etc.
Those meds make Big Pharma BILLIONS fer drug per year.
Corporate medicine is destroying medicine at every level. No one trust it any longer. Big pharma medicine for everything. Don’t cure it, medicate it. Profits, not people. Beyond sad…
Big Pharma
See "pharma"
Simple, we don’t really have clear, sensible nutrition strategies. We need to go to TH-cam hacks for that.
As a clinical laboratory scientist, Dr Ken Berry is absolutely correct.
Thank you
Another CLS here. Doing my own lipids after going carnivore I can attest that it makes a HUGE difference if your not fasting!! If your on a carnivore life style you should be fasting AT LEAST 12 hours, 16 is even better!
@@scottsellers9039 Ok perhaps one of you can enlighten us a bit here... Other doctors, I don't recall who atm, have stated that levels can vary so much that the difference between fasted and unfasted is less important than follow-up tests for variance week-to-week and so on... which makes the steps of the process perhaps different for the psychology aspect of adhering to fasting etc. in follow-ups? Anyway that's not a question you can answer but where I believe their opinions lead.
So the question, really, is whether or not it's true that both fasted and unfasted numbers fluctuate significantly enough that focus should be on more testing, rather than immediate manipulation of variables?
I am sure those doctors were not the types to suggest that the first high unfasted LDL result, for example, lead to immediate statin prescription. I think many here as well as Dr. Berry are concerned that some doctors are doing this. I don't want concern for these bad practices to get in the way of the actual scientific answers.
@@scottsellers9039I agree!
Indeed! Another CLS here. I always fast at least 12 hours. I tell my friends to do the same. My friend was concerned about her high triglycerides. The doctor had not told her to fast. Amazing!
I had labs done without fasting because doctor said no need.. came back that i had stage 3 kidney disease. Had them redone. Couldn't get into labs until afternoon. Fasting for 24 hours. Everything perfectly normal!
I have stage 3 CKD and border line A1C. I 8:24 have been taking a supplement called Berberine. One tablespoon extra virgin olive oil twice a day. And 5,000 mg methyl B12 and vitamin D 2,000mcg every day. Plus low carbs and no sugar. I go for my blood work May 8th .
@@GinaSpector-mz2uq How did it go?
@@scottg5588 kidney disease now stage 1. A1 c went from 6.2 to 5.6
Had recent bloodwork check in UK - annual review. Blood pressure excellent, LDL just within range. Triglycerides to HDL ratio 0.65. Slim. fit and healthy - have never needed to go to the doctor, my record is blank. Got a print out of results and recommendations, by email. "You might benefit by taking a statin!" Dietary advice was the Eatwell guide - heavily carb based , cut down on red meat, Just a joke - I look at the overweight nurse reading from a script - she says do you do any walking - I say no, I run 25 to 30 miles every week. Oh she says, you should try to do more walking. When she asked how much alcohol I consumed I said I try to drink less than my doctor.
🤣🤣🤣
There are stupid people in all walks of life
Yep - this how truly crazy it all is.
I am a medic in the UK and I cringe at the nonsense that goes on here. I feel pain because I realise that if I didn't develop diabetes, I may never have known what I know now. The ignorance amongst doctors, nurses, and patients, is criminal. I know this sounds harsh, but my sentiments dicate the depth of the problem.
😂😂👍👍
This is so funny because I just went to the doctor for my physical and my lab work this morning. The doctor told me there’s no need to fast anymore. I have been fasting. I didn’t think it was right that you didn’t have to fast. It seems to me like it would affect a lot of stuff. Thanks for this video Dr. Barry. You proved me right🙋🏼♀️💕
They want your labs messed up so they can falsely medicate you.
Been listening to Doctor Barry and using common sense, figured out that they don't want you to fast anymore because it'll drive your numbers up. Then they can insist that you go on some sort of medication to bring it is that's elevated down. Not fasting and redoing the labs will show the numbers are still up and you need to stay on this medication forever. It's all about their bottom line. $$$
Fasting is racist now. lol!
They are saying no need to wear the protective apron at the dentist when you get xrays done now... healthcare is legit trying to mess us up at this point. It's nonsense.
They can put you on more medication if your labs are off-which they will be if you don’t fast beforehand.
I’ve heard that pharmaceutical companies donate a lot of $ to medical colleges.
🤔I wonder why?
I am a BMT (Biomedical technologist) and specialised in biological chemistry.
I always gets suspicious when a doctor neglect the fact that Testosterone tests and some other hormon tests needs to be done 7-10 am and fasting.
You might want to know what those levels are in the middle of the day instead of at peak output
My mom in her lat 70s told me her cholesterol was high, no issues in the past. I said what did you eat the night before? How long did you fast...her reply, I didn't. I was like, go retake the test.....
I started the carnivore Diet because of you because I needed to do something to get this weight off so jan1st was 460.4LBS and as of today 2/13/24 I'm down to 420.1LBS just wanted to say thank you for all the advice I've learned and still learning
Tremendous. Well done and keep up the good work, your body will thank you. Maybe you'll have to soon change your name to smallkntry6251 😉🙏👍
You are knocking it out of the park!
Love yourself 💙walk💙stretch💙nap💙 how wonderful you are changing your life 💙
Keep up the good work!!😊
Fasting KETO and OMAD did wonders for me. I started walking for an hour after my meal and the benefits were eye opening! Keep it up. Cheers.
@@stuartgregory6848 what is OMAD?
I follow up labs from other docs and lately have been receiving a flurry of raised lipids results. On questioning most of the patients I have discovered a large proprtion of them were not fasted. Have had to apologise to the patient and advise them that the results are inaccurate and will need to be repeated in a 12 hour fasting state (water only). Have followed this up with stern letters to the doctors involved. In a good few of these results a recommedation for statin has been made - which makes me wonder how many prescriptions are being given based on false data.
I have not had good experiences with doctors or doctors offices. They don't listen to me and they try to give me prescriptions that i dont need. If I took all the crap that they wanted to prescribe to me over the years i would be dead. I sure wished I could find a doctor that I felt comfortable talking to. There is a pharmacist in my area who is very knowledgeable and explains alot to me if I have questions. I don't take meds but it does concern me when doctors try and get you to take meds you don't need. Going in for just a check up is sooo stressful for me. I havent been to a doctor in 4 years because I don't know who to go to.
I say this respectfully...if you eat right, and feel good, avoid doctors at all cost. They are not what they used to be.
I have the same problem every different medical professional I go to trys to change and add to my medications. I had good numbers untill all the experimenting
My sister, who is a 40 year+ nurse, tells me when she has her Labs done "no one told me I needed to Fast." I was floored. She is tired of me telling her of the importance of an LCHF type lifestyle.
I'm a nurse, you can tell me anytime!
I understand your frustrations, I have the same problems, I hardly say anything unless I'm asked.😊
I’m a nurse too. We are some of the sickest folks and we take care of sick folks. Carnivore is the best thing I’ve done. Nurses should be leading the way….
At my local hospital which has excellent care... But some (a lot) of the nurses are dreadfully overweight. It's definitely not a good look.. My keto and now low carb + IF life is thought a joke by many. And always pushing the carbs on me... Plus the *you're too skinny*
I wonder how it would go down if I replied *you're too fat*.
Whenever I see a fat nurse I cringe. And it's very commen
Fun story. I've known the world of fasting and keto for decades. My habit for breakfast was dandelion tea with butter and cream to mimic coffee; sort of fat fast to extend my low insulin as long as possible. When I went to my new doc last year I wasn't thinking clearly and I drank my usual "coffee" on the way to lab work. My lab readings were mostly fine, except ta-da triglycerides. As a testament to my new doc, she didn't flip out but said we should work on that. I was upset by that number and went on a search about it. To my surprise and shame, fat right before lab work jacks up your triglycerides. LOL We both had a laugh the next time I saw her and my triglycerides had dropped almost 100 points. When I told her what I had done and what I had learned she told me I am a rare patient that on their own goes searching for answers and does something about it. I love visiting her, she's the best.
I agree that you have found a good doctor because many of us have been absolutely chastised for looking for information on our own by healthcare professionals. It's part of the reason I can't trust them.
A lot of doctors don’t like it if you go looking for answers yourself!
We need more Drs like that!
I have always fasted for all blood work and will continue too!
Watched one of your videos 11-30-19, started keto 12-01-19. Asked the NP for an HbA1c and a CAC 07-15-21. These were refused. A CBC and a comprehensive metabolic panel were done instead. In December of 2020 my chart indicated that l received smoking cessation education. I am a non-smoker. This was finally corrected 09-02-21. I no longer go for medical care.
Just find a good doctor instead of giving up medical care.
VA employee gratuitously said my hand Xray showed an old fracture consistant with punching somebody. Must have slipped my mind, what I remember was falling off a platform at work and landing on an asphalt road.
Thanks. Going to the doctor tomorrow at 1pm. I will be fasted. This is bullshit she always tells me I don't need to be fasted and my LDL runs at 241. She wants me on statins. Even said to me last time why should we check for things if you won't take the medicine for it! Im about done with her.
Doctor$ make $$$$$ pre$cribing brands of big pharma.
They get perks as a form of kick-backs when they write "lifetime" type prescriptions for certain medications.
I have often said that fasting is not some weird break from your regular pattern of eating. Instead, fasting is your normal resting metabolic state and eating creates a brief period of crisis while your body deals with the assault of all that food. You shouldn't think of it as though you have to schedule a fast for your tests. Just postpone your eating until they are done. Of course you would take your blood tests when your body is in its normal resting state and not when it is dealing with the temporary feeding-related crisis.
I wanted a full Thyroid Panel done. I got TSH, Ft3 & Ft4. That's it. No antibodies, no Reverse T3. My Dr. Insisted they did a full panel. Plus, I forgot to withhold Biotin and she also told me that wouldn't make a difference. It stated right on the bloodwork panel that taking Biotin would skew the results. Pretty sad when you know more than the Primary. She told me my weight gain and fatigue was due to my age & hormones.
Biotin supplements can affect a lot of test results. Many people are unaware of this. Glad you are.
Not sure if you’ve seen Dr. B’s videos on STOP THE THYROID MADNESS website and book as a resource but it truly saved my life. They have great resources on the website to get your own testing as well.
Did you kick your doctor in the stethoscope?
@@April4YHWH😂😂😂
@@April4YHWH She's not even a doctor, just a NP. Of course she had to push me to go on statins. I declined. I told her I wasn't worried about my cholesterol. My Tri/Hdl ratio is 1.25 and anything under 2 or 1.5 is good. She didn't even know what I was talking about. A real idiot!
I've been told once in recent years that I didn't need to fast for blood labs. But, I've been getting labs for a long time, and I always fasted, and that is what I will continue to do.
And I always try to schedule my lab appointments first thing in the morning, so I don't end up fasting too long.
If I fast before blood work i'm going to pass out on the floor
I went out of my way to get blood test while fasting, to get baseline, just in case.
good to know that's actually how it's Meant to be done.
keto and fasting community Win
Any doctor worth their salt should have their patients have labs drawn in the early am several days before the doctor appointment so that fasting and having results in hand for discussion are not of concern.
Husband just had labs.....cbc, cmet, lipids, glucose, a1c, psa and tsh.....he ate huge carnivore breakfast just 2 hours before his appt with doc and she had him get blood drawn during that visit. After stating concerns about him not fasting she said it was fine not to fast.....this was two weeks ago. All his cholesterol numbers were off...highest he's ever had. She also tried to put him on a new med for triglycerides and he refused to pick up the meds until he got the labs redrawn with fasting. he is getting them redrawn. I will not be surprised if his levels come back "normal".
@AnnaSusannaFinkelstein-bd7ul I don't know if the doctors are even aware of it though. I think this is simply how they are trained and educated. The pharmaceutical and insurance companies fund most of the medical academia, and Pepsico and General Mills fund most of the nutritional academia. At the lowest levels of education, children are being taught that their parents are liars, the USA is evil, and their gender is a social construct; at the highest levels of academia, they are taught only how to ensure more people end up dependent on medicine and doctors forever.
Wow, I didn't know they have triglyceride med
@brendahunter9134 new to me also. I wish asked the name of it. The pharmacist said it was specifically for triglycerides.
So many people come.for labs unaware. Docs aren't telling patients to fast. It's amazing
I turned a lady onto your site today at a service station. She seemed very interested in Carnivore for weight loss and some situations she had going on metabolically. I hope see looks you up!!
Thanks so much for caring so much to post these health benefits!!
Do you know how discouraging it is to have an endocrinologist that has you have all kinds of lab work the lipid panel, the thyroid and no instructions about fasting… Dr. Berry I’m glad that I’ve listened to you in the past. I’m thankful that I have enough sense the fast before blood test. I’ve been eating the proper human diet and I can almost go all day. I can go all day without eating and actually feel pretty good.
Me too mostly sometimes not but that is when I forget to drink my electrolyte water or any water at all like the last couple days before yesterday I was on a ice coffee kick not good. Luckily most of my ice coffee was gone but another pot was made but I didn't drink it yet anyway good in fridge for awhile what my son and stepson didn't drink of the hot coffee. I need to replenish my electrolytes I think.
I am so glad I found this. I've had my labs done every 3 months for about 3 years due to B12, D3, Iron, and Ferritin deficiency, and to check A1C and autoimmune blood work. I've never once been told to fast for anything. I still feel like some of my numbers aren't accurate due to some lingering symptoms. I really wish I were your patient.
Now you know, and maybe your tests will be more accurate next time after you’ve fasted for them. 🙏
You can also not fast for the iron panel if you supplement iron about 2 hrs prior, then you can see how effective your supplementing is by looking at the tsat%. This is so you don't take too much iron, safety reasons.
blood iron test only report blood iron levels not body level. unless you lost lots of blood 99% of ppl have too much iron and need no give blood not plasma, only way to reduce iron overload and take copper. read the book CUre your fatigue.@@therealjenniferrr
@@therealjenniferrr VA had me on iron pills for 7 years for a b12 deficiency...
Right before she went on maternity leave, my PCP said she wanted yearly labs and I should fast before the draw. I put it off and didn't get the labs done, but 3 months later another doc in same center sent me for a specific blood test for something he saw me for. I didn't know it, but the lab also drew blood for the order that my PCP had put in earlier. Then her MA sends me a message and says my cholesterol is high and the new temporary doc wants me on statins. I just wanted to write back, "tell the doc to go piss into a strong, oncoming wind."
Same here! I made them look at ALL the numbers, and the doctor backed down.
@@jillmcclintock1717 good for you!
Thank you, for the chuckle 😂
Can fasting 24 hours before blood draw labs negatively affect results?
The Veterans Administration Clinic I go to has now stated that fasting isn't necessary for routine yearly lab work. The lab tech told me now the doctors just order an A1C, they don't seem to realize the rest of this information you have stated. If the doctors can't realize the information, you just stated, it makes one wonder how well they can diagnose any issue. I already know, having been going to these clinics for some time.C
@@AnnaSusannaFinkelstein-bd7ulExactly. And they really hate when you ask questions, especially the VA doctors.
Everything is a complete mass out there, but there are true professionals
@@someoneyoudontknow7705true..
@someoneyoudontknow7705 they asked how many guns I own.. prior to by blood draw.. I asked.. what???😢 does that have anything to do with my blood draw results?
VA doctors don't have to diagnose anything, they just kick it down the road to your "new doctor" next year.
You just saved me a big problem. Almost had my labs drawn by a new physician, but I didn’t let them,( long story) I’ll be fasting before the next appointment.
Nurse went to draw my bloods but refused because I had fasted. I think it maybe to give incorrect readings so can therefore prescribe more meds. Went away had some food got tests done and yeah high readings I didnt get scripts filled just carried on.Havent been back to drs since.
Yeah that was my thinking as well! So they can write some more prescriptions and get those kickbacks from the pharmaceutical companies…
I think you're right... they get kickbacks for their Rx writing. Docs these days are just the distribution arm of Big Pharma.
I always fast but no more than 10 hours when I was still on the SAD.
I will up that to 14 hours now that I have been low carb/ low sugar for two years.
Thanks Dr Berry!
I've always fasted before all blood tests.
I am currently going to a Physician who has never asked me to 'fast' before any lab work. I asked the office staff about fasting before blood is drawn. They told me that fasting does not affect the results. And they want to start me on a statin. I am looking for another Physician.
Kinda sounds like they want the results distorted so they can prescribe you something, doesn't it?
@@kathysmathers512 I agree.
Absolutely, not fasting really affects your triglyceride readings and your full lipid panel for sure.
Fasting is IMO essential for lipid tests but fasting too long is probably not a good idea.
@@trail.blazerso please tell us what the sweet spot would be for fasting if one needed to get a triglycerides lab test?
I has to get the "usual" small group of tests: cholesterol, Lipids, TSH, liver enzymes, and my Doc added B12 and calcium.
@@pat4005 Probably consistency for different tests is important. I would suggest around 12 to 14 hours fasted and ensure you are well hydrated with water before the test.
I once fasted for 24 hours before a lab test thinking my triglycerides would be lower. They actually increased due to the longer fast. I subsequently got a CardioChek meter and confirmed that happens, at least for me.
For a B12 test ensure you do not take folate supplements for a few days prior.
Thanks Dr.Berry I appreciate the information.
My Wife is a Nurse Practitioner, FMP.
I am going to share this with her.
Have a great day.
Wow. I must be lucky. I've never had a doctor tell me not to fast before lab work.
Yes same for me! My Doctor always told me to fast for 12 hours. Always.. 😉
Hold on to that doc
@@GoldenNugget.
My doctor has always told me to fast for 12 hours but only last month he said that I don't have to fast any longer so it's a recent thing!
@wonderwoman6232,
My doctor has always told me to fast for 12 hours but only last month he said that I don't have to fast any longer so it's a recent thing!
I haven't had a VA doctor talk to me for anything for years... their robot does it all.
Dr, Berry, I just left my long time doctor because of her lab technician. She has a God complex where she thinks she is right on everything because she draws blood. I kept telling her I only have done fasting blood tests because if I eat it messes up my readings. She yelled at me in front of the whole office , saying , “you don’t have to be fasting for these three tests. My doctor is the one who orders fasting labs. As I walked out the door of the backwoods thinking lab tech yelling, I said, “I’m done”.And I never looked back. That’s when I came online and found you! You have done more for me in two months than my doctor of 15 years has. Blessings can be found if you look for them. Thank you from my heart for being here for those of us that were about to give up. I’m now detoxed off all grains, almost done with sugar, as I still have one teaspoon in my morning cup of coffee. I love eating carnivore, I feel so much better, and I am finally losing weight. I am almost 67, and a great grandma. ❤
Make sure you send your doctor a letter explaining your reason.
@@lelandsmith2320 nope, I sent a letter to Medicare telling them that doctor has been charging them for services I have not received. I sent them proof of her fraud charges and she is getting just what she deserves. I held my tongue for way too long as it was giving that doctor a chance to correct her billing. That lab tech was the straw that broke the camels back for me.
I get a yearly check up every year with bloodwork done and the doctor never told me to get it done fasted. Last year the lab tech looked at me and said did you fast? I told them I didn’t know I needed to fast and they just shook their head.
Here in the Philippines, everytime we go for lab tests, we are always told to fast for at least 8 to 10 hours. The people at the lab would always ask questions to ensure that we fasted. No lab test would be done if it would be found out that we did not fast or if the fast is longer than 10 hours.
Been a RN >30yrs, and have noticed whenever I have labs drawn, phlebotomist NEVER asks anymore if I'm fasting!🤔
Well, I noticed lab results no longer have any indication of fasting or non-fasting on the reports!!!!!
Each video I watch of Dr. Berry's makes me realize how much I have been lied to! Thank you for telling the truth, Dr. Berry!
Yes, you hear that (fasting not necessary) more often now…my wife and I are of a certain age and both RNs…Fast for labs people.
Ps. Make it a “fun thing” by having your favorite food after.
Exactly what I do!
Whay about when to get your blood pressure tested? Before a meal or after? Before or after a workout? Early morning or late afternoon? Etc. I would like Dr. Ken Berry to do a video on this. I’ve learned a bit about getting your blood pressure taken and I’ve noticed many clinical staff don’t do it properly: most ask me a barrage of questions just prior and sometimes even during the test on order to fill out the chart requirements in the shortest amount of time. If the patient is speaking it raises the BP. Also, the cuff isn’t placed at the level of my heart because I am tall (6’4”). There are more issues that I have noticed, but I want to keep this short.
I always thought it was weird that doctors would say you don't have to fast. I will always fast at least 12 hours. Thanks Dr. Berry for bringing this up! I think its really important for people to know.
When making appt for bloods form says Fasting or non fasting. Are the tests different?
Asking as l can choose but Dr says get non fasting.
@@saints82 They want to know if you fasted or not. If the doctor orders a non fasting test, and then you fasted, you can put that you fasted. You will always get a more accurate test result if you fast. If the doctor orders a fasted test, and you did not fast, then the lab will want you to come back another day.
@@saints82 If it is for cholesterol or A1c, then always fast. No matter what. 12 hours at least. Otherwise, it will not be accurate. It makes no logical sense why it would be a non fasting situation, unless they are trying to get more patients on pharmaceuticals.
I have always fasted before blood tests. I did not even sure why, it just seemed like the right thing to do. And now that I don't eat breakfast anyway it's very easy I just get my blood test done in the morning sometime.
Definition of fasting before blood work...only plain water. Influencers confuse people when they say things like "I did an egg fast" or "cream in your coffee won't break your fast". Confuses the meaning of true medical fasting.
Normal reference ranges are based on the fasting state.
Go to a separate outside lab for blood tests if possible instead of being drawn in a Dr office where the specimen handling might be poor.
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I thought my headphones were messed up, thanks for commenting 😂
LOL!
SteveEricJordan wins TH-cam comment of the day 😂.
My right ear doesn't work, not even a tiny bit, so I'm cool.👂🏻😅
Correct 😂
So now that doctors do require fasting the results are going to further skew the “normal” range for everyone. Of course they don’t ever share optimal range like you do in your common sense labs book. Thank you for this video!
The only lab I have been getting is for Testosterone Level, and I always fast. But not like 12 hours before but 48 hours before, and I do this because this would be a state I always strive for anyway. I find when I am fasting, I feel better; eating for me, even in Keto or Carnivore, can result in a lot of pain, so I do it sparingly.
But I am in Canada, and it became pretty apparent that Canadian Medical does not buy the best instruments; I found this with my testosterone tests, which they do calculations and do not actually know all the components. It was suggested I go to the US and buy a Testosterone test at an independent lab actually to find my testosterone levels. Still, my doctors both strongly opposed me learning the actual values. I always think in Canada, the medical system isn't about making you well but fattening their own pockets, getting paid to promote suffering.
My mother had a fluids test done years ago, and the number that was returned to the doctor indicated she would only live for 6 weeks, so we all flew in to sit with her at the bedside under the understanding she was dying. As it turned out, a second test was ordered, and the previous test number was out by a decimal point; someone had written down the value wrong prior to entering it into the computer. This is just how archaic the Canadian "Free" health care system is that is paid through your taxes.
I'm in canada. Never experienced anything like you have.
You should be thankful that a serious illness like cancer doesn't mean that you will lose your house and go bankrupt while you are sick. No greedy insurance company will decide for you which doctor you can see and what treatment you can get. Be thankful for what you have. The grass always looks greener in the neighbor's yard....
For the last 6 months, I ate 4 over easy eggs with fatty meat for breakfast (6 strips of bacon or two sausage patties, steak, or pork chops). I averaged this at least 6 days per week and the random off day I skipped breakfast entirely. I got my bloodwork done last week, and my LDL went from 105 mg/dL to 94 mg/dL and my HDL went from 46 mg/dL to 79 mg/dL. This was comparing February 2023 bloodwork to the recent February 2024 bloodwork. Keto did not skyrocket my LDL like I thought it would, but instead it decreased. My triglycerides went from 66 mg/dL to 63 mg/dL, so a very slight decrease. I am very lean, 5'7" 125 lbs. and fortunately didn't fall into the Lean Mass Hyper-Responder phenotype where LDL skyrockets on a very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet.
People with the highest LDL live the longest.
My doctor tried to pronounce me as diabetic based on my non-fasting glucose test, even though my A1C was 5.2 and then 4.7. 🙄 I had no idea she was going to run labs on me (she was a brand new doctor to me). I spent 2023 making sure she didn't sneak that diagnosis on my chart. I do have peripheral neuropathy, but that was brought on by chemotherapy almost 15 years ago. NOT diabetes.
@@AnnaSusannaFinkelstein-bd7ul Thanks! These automatic features aren't always our friend.
Here's a list of all the labs you need to ask for: th-cam.com/video/ddT-eXz66SY/w-d-xo.html
Cool Video Mr. Berry 😊
I wonder what happens if you fast from 36 to 72 hours on ketosis and then take your labs.
I've been taking my vitamin P daily as I wait for your lab work video. Are you still planning to release that on TH-cam?
I had a doctor late 90's early 2000 that used to write random on the glucose test (I think) so no fasting.. I thought it was wonderful, 🤣 also same Dr diagnosed a blood clot in my leg without a dobbler. and sent me to the emergency. Well emergency sent me home twice before I had emergency surgery, so I really trusted my GP after that! Thanks so much for this info! BTW you may want to pin this post as it is getting lost in all the wonderful comments.
What about water before a fast? If so how much? If none thst seem would effect blood levels?
My doctor has always told me to fast 12 to 14 hours before blood draw. So glad I am doing it right. Thanks Dr. Ken.
I'm surprised there s no mention here that you shouldn't fast too long either ... it's literally 12-14 hrs. No more, no less.
1:48
I assume 12 hrs is the minimal and 14 hrs would be optimal. I don't think fasting 16 hrs would make your test results incorrect.
Why? What's the problem with fasting longer?
My doctor never tells me when I should fast or when I don’t, so whenever I have labs, I just fasted to be on the safe side.
I an so sick of my doctors, they insisted on doing my labs in a non-fasted state, and my numbers were so different from last years, I was so upset, now I know why and I will INSIST on fasting next time !
@tinabeckett2607,
It seems like not fasting is a recent thing because I've always fasted for 13 hours before I get my blood drawn.
Only last month my doctor told me that I didn't have to fast any longer as it's a thing of the past!
I didn't listen to him and fasted as usual for 13 hours.
I'm so glad I'm a life long learner, my triglycerides have been high and my doctor said if they don't come down then he's prescribing a statin, and the last few tests have not been fasted. So while I am working on changing my diet, I am gonna make sure I am fasted.
That’s great that you’re working on getting your triglycerides down. When I think of high triglycerides, I think of high sugar and refined carbs. Good luck!!
@@crh251 yes! My doctor never mentioned it and I've been complaining my bs have been off for years! It was well you can have a year or statins. So frustrated with the healthcare system. While I'm grateful for everything I'm learning, as much as I pay for issueance, I shouldn't have to go to TH-cam doctors to find this out.
@@Romans12.2, exactly! I know how you feel. We learn more on TH-cam and educating ourselves than going to doctors who’ve had years of schooling where medical schools only push drugs. I will refuse to go on a statin too if my doctor ever recommends it. There are definitely other ways.
I'm about to do labs for autoimmune liver disease. I was looking over paperwork, and it clearly stated that fasting was not required. I'm so glad I watched your video.
My doctor and suggested I get lab work done immediately and asked if I was fasted. I said I wasn’t fasted in that I just consumed a 1 pound bag of M&Ms. My triglycerides we’re close to 500. 😐 I have since given up sugar, fiber, processed foods and I only drink my carbs.
I absolutely fast now before Liver and Kidney testing. I noticed that food affected the results. Even though my doctor says it won't... she is wrong. I need to be able to compare the results without something interfering.
I did the fasting from 10 pm to 10 am, but my glucose was 100~113 . I bought a glucometer and started checking to discover this strange dawn phenomenon! My glucose before dinner is always
I have never been told I didn't need to fast. The doctor will tell me she needs blood drawn, but did I fast that morning. And if I ate anything, I have to come in on another day when I didn't eat anything.
Wow! This was good information. I've taken vitamins, had breakfast, and drank coffee then went to get many of the tests you mentioned. I will know better next time.
Thanks for bringing this up! I can't tell you how many times patients are treated on "false" results because patients and physicians are either ignoring, or are unaware of the way fasting affects lab results!
Having undergone tests recently for suspected reoccurrence of throat Cancer ( results show clear ) I can confirm that fasting is imperative prior to bloodwork as I received a tx from my medical centre requesting that I meet a Nurse to discuss my Apparent [ Hyperglycemia]!
I can tell you Categorically I DO NOT have Hyperglycemia DO NOT have symptoms AT AL, what I do have is a rare form of Diabetes that only occurs in 16000 people in the UK and rarely effects me.
The blood sample was taken early morning apx 8:30 so there was no opportunity for my body to have processed all food by the time the blood was drawn so it probably indicated a false negative.
I can also confirm there was no 12-14 fasting prior, nor was it requested of me to to do so which, I might add I suffer from insomnia and have done for many years!
Oh, and for those who query the Oreo cholesterol dive, I recently started eating x12 per day in the last 14 days and noticed something incredible, prior to consuming I would regularly wake-up with pins and needles in my left hand ( sleep on right-side) even holding a phone with my left arm would get weaker minute by minute, GONE, no more pins and needles and can hold the phone MUCH longer. I am currently changing to Carnivore and noticing improvements, small but none the less better, so check out the Oreo debate, 😊👍
I once didn’t fast for a full blood panel because I didn’t know I was supposed to. I rarely went to doctor and never got tested before. When he read the tests anyway… he said my numbers were good anyway and that I must be one of those people that’s never going to have to worry. I haven’t bothered testing since and now I’m full carnivore. I just ate normal sad before.
I fasted for at least 18 hours before my last blood tests around September 2023. The results were very favourable indeed. From now on I will always fast before I get any lab work done. So glad to hear Ken confirming that fasting before lab tests is a good thing. I will not get any lab tests in future without fasting. In fact I’m seriously thinking about a full 24 hour fast the next they post me out an appointment letter to come for blood tests. I’m wondering though, how would a 3 day fast work out before getting these labs done? Could be interesting and I most certainly wouldn’t rule that out either.
Dr Berry says 12 to 14 hours. No shorter or longer and actually either direction could skew your results.
I my country the referral for the tests has instructions written on the buttom, including how long to fast. It's automatic. Then the technicians ask if you've fasted before taking the samples.
I listen to the sound through my hearing aids, and you have no right channel on this video.
Thanks for the 12 - 14 hours info, Dr. Berry. Some of my tests were marked fasting and some weren't. I'll do the 14 hours. ❤🇨🇦
Great video! Thank you. One thing I would like to point out is concerning liver functions ALT and AST. Weight training can increase those valvues. That's why I always stop working out several days before a fasting blood test. Resistance weight training can effect certain blood test. That's from my experience.
The VA is notorious for saying you don't need to fast...I've always known they were wrong.
Aha! I just got a sheet for blood work and was surprised it didn’t indicate to fast. Thought I might anyway. Thank you!
I got labs done midday after a dentist appt. I was starving & numb from getting a tooth prepped for a crown..got a protein shake on the way to docs office & took a couple of slurps before I went it. Told tech I'd eaten breakfast, forgot to mention the shake slurps. Doc calls me all freaked out about my A1C, wants me to come right back for more labs. I'm in Alaska & over 60 miles from his office. I knew why my number was high & told them I'd be in next time I went to "town", he was a little mad. Stopped by 2 weeks later, had eaten breakfast, A1C was "normal". I'm going to a different doctors office now...making a list of all the tests I want done so I'll have a baseline before going Keto/Carnivore. Don't think I've had fasting blood work done in several years.
Well crap.. here I was thinking, after reading the title, my doctors have always said to fast before labs.. I was hoping that was wrong. ~sulk~
Me too!😕
OH, I've had several of the listed panels taken, AFTER eating, because I was told to "go ahead, its fine"
honestly I'm surprised she still says to fast for glucose and lipid
I realized this all to be true when I needed labs to check for markers of marginal zone lymphoma after treatment. They would tell me to come in any time on a certain day and i went around noon or so. Of course I had eaten breakfast and had a lot of coffee. And then, one day, three months later, I had it scheduled first thing in the morning and I didn't have time to eat or even have my coffee and boy were the numbers different! And then three months later, I was eating again, and they were totally different so when I was looking at my scale for the last nine months, it proves that fasting really makes the numbers different.
OK!!! I will do this. Blood panels are due ASAP for me.
How about doctor's offices starting labs much earlier (like 7am) having the entire staff jumping on labs, labs, labs till 9-10am and get on with usual business after labs. Your welcome.
Even if the doctor says it’s not necessary to fast I still do it.
Thx for doing this, filming it and sharing it with us. 👍👍👍👍👍
I would rather drive 4 hours to Nashville to be a patient of Dr. Berry's than go to a doctor threatening me with heart attack risk if I don't take a statin! I'm going to continue a mostly carnivore diet because after 2 months it's working for me and I won't stop!!!
Thank you so much. I will fast before any blood draw and not a problem because I rarely eat before 3pm anyway.
My theory is when lab being drawn FAST
So, my husband has been struggling to keep his TSH levels in the normal since his aortic valve replacement surgery in February, 2022. His primary care is a NP (almost impossible to get appointments with a PCP nowadays) and keeps wanting him to come back every 8 weeks for TSH levels as she says he has hypothyroidism. This office doesn’t seem to be able to keep his TSH levels in the normal range. My husband is very irritated and doesn’t think he has hypothyroidism and I’m tending to agree after seeing this video. He has a history or elevated kidney and liver function as well as the aforementioned TSH problems. However, just about every time his blood has been drawn without fasting. Also, anytime they want fasting they say nothing to eat or drink after midnight and schedule labs for 8am. SMH…definitely not 12 - 14 hours fasting!
Thank you Dr Berry
Very very informative
Please speak to drinking black coffee prior to blood labs. I've been told by medical professionals both I need to avoid coffee and that drinking a couple cups before labs doesn't matter.
Please clear this up. How does drinking black coffee affect labs?
In the UK the Doctors just seem to tick boxes now and even quite sick patients will never even get to see their NHS GP for years!
Thanks for sharing this vital information, Dr Berry.
I've never had a doctor tell me NOT to fast. I had no idea some would do that.
My left ear loved this one
Why does TH-cam always run a Burger King add before your vids? LMAO!
They don't for me, perhaps it's telling you something about your eating habits 😀
I usually get the Ozempic ones.
I get Stuck Poop, Imma Gonna Jump in this Pool, and the buff lady who has a pizza delivered.😂
you gotta get a youtube ad blocker! Or just pay premium youtube so you don't get those pesky ads
@@cleancutguy1892 You tube has changed the way they do ads. For now you can refresh or skip, but they have said they will end that. They also throttle those with blockers, making live shows almost impossible to watch sometimes. All basic stuff out there...I do SEO, so I'm om top of it.
My nurse practitioner has told me that I don't need to fast for labs. I had doubts about that. I'm due for my annual, you can bet that I'll be fasting this time. 😊
My doctor always tells me that I do NOT have to fast for my TSH and other thyroid tests, I nod my head and then I always come in 16 hours fasted. In fact, when getting any labs done, -I always err on the side of caution and fast for 16 hours. Thank you, Dr. Berry
What's up with the muted sound on this? Will read captions. Can usually hear you very well on this cheap android phone.❤
no-one from my HMO has recommended fasting before taking my labs. I have been with this HMO since the early 80's .
no breakfast plus sleeping should give me about 12-14 hrs fasting. Thx for the tip.
The VA put a memo out that veterans don’t have to fast before labs
@@BeNice524 My VA notice tells me if I am not sure if I need to fast to contact my care team that ordered my lab work. I always get my labs done three days to a week before my appointment and fast every time.
My Dr. allay has me fast and a big thank you since been watching I have lost 25 lbs and lower my A1C 6.8 since September 2023