What actually changes when you track your health over time

Understanding your health isn’t just about collecting results - it’s about knowing which insights are worth acting on.

In this video, Stride’s CEO and Co-Founder Andrew checks in with Marketing Lead Simon about his latest Stride results and what, if anything, they changed.

Simon talks through seeing strong gut diversity and generally healthy blood markers, alongside one result that stood out more than the rest: cholesterol-related biomarkers feeding into his biological age. That insight prompted specific changes - cutting back on butter and cheese, swapping red meat for salmon - while DNA results helped explain why focusing on antioxidants made sense for him.

The takeaway

Health data works best when it narrows your focus rather than expanding it. Seeing some systems working well makes it easier to respond calmly when one result stands out.

When DNA, gut, and blood data are viewed together and tracked over time, decisions tend to be smaller, more specific, and easier to stick with.

Why markers like ApoB can drive change

Cholesterol is often discussed in broad terms, but ApoB offers a more specific view. It reflects the number of cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein particles in the blood, which is closely linked to cardiovascular risk.

When ApoB feeds into a biological age calculation, it places cholesterol in a longer-term health context rather than treating it as an isolated number. For many people, that framing makes risk easier to understand and easier to act on.

Why combining DNA, gut, and blood testing matters

Each type of health data answers a different question.

DNA testing highlights long-term tendencies and higher-than-average nutrient needs. Gut microbiome testing reflects how diet and lifestyle are shaping digestion, inflammation, and resilience in the short term. Blood biomarkers show what is happening in the body right now.

Viewed together and tracked over time, these data layers help distinguish between areas that need attention and those that are already well supported.

Frequently asked questions

What is biological age and how is it calculated?

Biological age estimates how the body is functioning relative to chronological age using biomarkers linked to long-term health outcomes. These may include cholesterol markers, inflammation markers, metabolic indicators, and other blood-based signals. It is a directional tool rather than a diagnosis.

What is ApoB and why is it important for heart health?

ApoB (apolipoprotein B) is a cholesterol-related biomarker that reflects the number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles in the blood. It is considered a strong indicator of cardiovascular risk and can provide more specific insight than total cholesterol alone.

How is ApoB different from LDL cholesterol?

LDL cholesterol measures how much cholesterol is carried in LDL particles, while ApoB measures how many cholesterol-carrying particles are present. A high ApoB level can indicate increased cardiovascular risk even when LDL cholesterol appears normal.

Can cholesterol affect biological age?

Yes. Cholesterol-related biomarkers such as ApoB can influence biological age calculations because they are associated with long-term cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Elevated levels may contribute to a biological age that is higher than chronological age.

How can diet affect ApoB and cholesterol levels?

Dietary changes such as reducing saturated fats, increasing omega-3 intake, and prioritising fibre-rich foods can influence cholesterol markers, including ApoB. Food substitutions are often more sustainable than restrictive approaches.

What does gut microbiome diversity indicate?

Gut microbiome diversity reflects the range of different microbes present in the gut. Higher diversity is generally associated with better digestive resilience, immune regulation, and metabolic health, and is influenced by dietary variety.

Can gut health influence cholesterol and inflammation?

Yes. The gut microbiome plays a role in lipid metabolism, inflammation regulation, and nutrient absorption. Changes in gut composition can indirectly affect cholesterol levels and inflammatory markers.

Why combine DNA testing with blood and gut testing?

DNA testing shows genetic predispositions, while blood and gut tests reflect current biological state. Combining these data sources helps explain whether genetic tendencies are actively influencing health and supports more contextual decision-making.

How often should gut and blood markers be tested?

Blood and gut markers can change over weeks to months in response to lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and stress. Regular retesting allows trends to be tracked and helps distinguish short-term fluctuation from meaningful change.

Do cholesterol changes always require medication?

Not always. In many cases, dietary changes, physical activity, and other lifestyle adjustments can meaningfully influence cholesterol-related markers. Clinical decisions should always be made with appropriate healthcare guidance.

Conclusion

Health data is most useful when it helps people decide what to change and what to leave alone.

By combining multiple data sources and tracking them over time, insights become clearer, decisions feel more grounded, and lifestyle changes are more likely to stick. That’s when testing moves beyond information and becomes understanding.