Powerlifter Matt Wenning shares details of his kidney health issues caused by high blood pressure, high sodium, and heavy lifting
The latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, hosted by Mike O’Hearn with special guest co-host John Tsikouris, owner of Titan Medical hormone clinic, featured a compelling discussion with champion powerlifter Matt Wenning. The episode delved into the intersection of kidney health and high-level strength sports, providing valuable insights for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.
For those who lift at extreme levels for competitive sport, such as bodybuilders, powerlifters, and strongmen – it’s important to consider the health of your liver and kidneys. This is especially true for those who may engage with PEDs such as steroids. But just because there is a risk does not mean there isn’t a way to mitigate those risks. It simply involved taking a more engaged approach towards preventative health.
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Matt Wenning is a renowned name in the world of powerlifting. His impressive career is marked by numerous records and championships, including multiple all-time world records in the squat, bench press, and total categories. Wenning is also known for his contributions as a strength coach and his innovative training methodologies, which have helped countless athletes achieve peak performance. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to promoting health and longevity within the strength community make him a respected figure in fitness.
Health in High-Level Strength Sports
In this episode, Matt Wenning shared his personal journey of balancing health with the demands of powerlifting. Wenning, who has recently lost weight to improve his overall health, highlighted the challenges that come with being a large athlete in a sport that demands massive strength.
Typically, powerlifters need to maintain significant body mass to lift extraordinary weights in competitions. However, this lifestyle can have long-term health consequences, a reality Wenning has faced and addressed.
Mike O’Hearn and Matt Wenning both emphasized the critical role of regular bloodwork in maintaining health, especially as athletes age. O’Hearn, now in middle age, shared how seriously he takes blood tests to monitor his internal health, even when he feels fit. Wenning agreed, revealing that he now has bloodwork done every 12 weeks to stay on top of his health markers.
Early Signs of Kidney Complications – The Silent Killer
In 2023, during a routine medical check-up, Matt Wenning received some concerning news regarding his kidneys. His doctor recommended a visit to a specialist due to early warning signs of kidney complications.
This revelation was surprising given Wenning’s overall fitness and health. Typically, those who visit kidney specialists are not athletes but individuals with severe health issues. Wenning’s use of anabolic steroids was also discussed, but his testosterone levels were within the high normal range, unlike many users who abuse steroids.
John Tsikouris, the co-host and owner of Titan Medical, provided additional insights into kidney health. He noted that many adults unknowingly live with stage one kidney disease. Tsikouris believes a significant portion of the population may be affected without realizing it, highlighting the importance of regular health screenings.
Stem Cell Therapy and Lifestyle Changes
Matt Wenning shared his experience with a second medical consultation, where a doctor recommended injecting stem cells directly into his kidneys to aid in healing. This procedure, similar to one undergone by champion bodybuilder Chris Bumstead, aims to repair and rejuvenate kidney function.
Reflecting on his earlier years, Wenning acknowledged that his borderline high blood pressure was exacerbated by the intense physical demands of powerlifting. Heavy lifts would cause his already high blood pressure to spike to dangerous levels, contributing to his kidney damage over time. John Tsikouris pointed out that high blood pressure is a silent killer of the kidneys, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and management.
Steps for Athletes to Maintain Kidney Health
Mike O’Hearn asked Matt Wenning and John Tsikouris about the recommended steps for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to take if they find themselves in similar situations. Both agreed that regular bloodwork is the first crucial step. Early detection of markers indicating potential kidney damage or disease can be life-saving.
For Matt Wenning, the next step involved reducing his sodium intake. High sodium levels, common among athletes due to electrolyte consumption during physical activity, can stress the kidneys. By adjusting his diet to lower sodium levels, Wenning experienced significant health benefits, including weight loss.
The Path to Improved Health
Matt Wenning’s journey towards better health has been transformative. He recounted how, as a young athlete, he struggled to gain weight and resorted to eating unhealthy foods to bulk up for powerlifting. This dietary approach likely contributed to his current kidney health issues. However, by making conscious changes to his diet and lifestyle, Wenning has seen remarkable improvements.
As of 2024, Matt Wenning is leaner, with stabilized sodium levels and encouraging bloodwork results. The next goal is to see these markers drop to even healthier levels, a process expected to be aided by stem cell therapy over the next six months.
Wrap Up
The episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show featuring Matt Wenning was an enlightening discussion on the importance of health in high-level strength sports. Wenning’s experiences and insights, combined with expert commentary from John Tsikouris, offered valuable lessons for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Regular bloodwork, careful monitoring of blood pressure and sodium levels, and making informed lifestyle choices are essential steps to ensure long-term health and performance.
By sharing his journey, Matt Wenning has highlighted the importance of balancing athletic ambition with health, providing a roadmap for others in the strength sports community to follow. This episode underscores the vital message that maintaining health is as crucial as achieving physical prowess in the world of competitive sports.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
