In this episode of A Wilder Life, Eric speaks with Barton Scott, a biochemist, chemical engineer, and founder of Upgraded Formulas. Together, they explore how mineral deficiencies affect everything from cravings and mental health to personality development and aging. With a shared passion for ancestral health and a mutual curiosity around high-performance living, Eric and Barton dive into practical insights about testing vs. guessing, the importance of magnesium, and how our evolutionary blueprint collides with modern toxic exposure. Drawing from Barton's scientific expertise and Eric’s anthropological lens—including his time with the Hadza—this episode bridges biohacking with deep ancestral wisdom. Barton also previews his upcoming book and shares behind-the-scenes details of his personal wellness challenges and successes.
Key Takeaways:
→ Mineral deficiencies often masquerade as emotional or personality traits—such as irritability, aggression, or low energy.
→ "Testing not guessing" is essential for true health transformation—especially using tissue-based testing like hair analysis.
→ Nutritional needs evolve over time; what worked at 25 may fail you at 35.
→ True health isn't about eliminating every toxin but strengthening the body’s detox systems through optimal nutrition.
→ Sleep, hormone balance, and mental clarity often come down to correcting a few key elemental imbalances like magnesium and potassium.
More from Barton Scott:
Barton Scott is the founder of Upgraded Formulas, a cutting-edge mineral supplement and hair analysis testing company. A former athlete and chemical engineer, Barton became a health optimization pioneer after trying to solve his own family's health crises. His work focuses on solving mineral deficiencies with superior absorption technology and empowering people to take control of their biochemistry.

Website: https://www.upgradedformulas.com
Instagram: @askbarton | @upgradedformulas

Episode 8: The Hidden Deficiencies Destroying Your Health (And How to Fix Them)