http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/336 Oct 28, 2015 Podcast: How Low Can Your Body Fat Go, The New "Red Meat Causes Cancer" Study, Five Ways To Know If Your Heart Is Healthy Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right (or go to SpeakPipe), use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, or use the “Ask Ben” form at the bottom of this page. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: The truth about the brand new "red meat causes cancer" craze. In runners running 4x/wk for 3 months, 11% lost weight, 11% GAINED weight, and 78% lost NO weight. Hooray…catch up sleep actually ‘works’. Finally, Kevin Carr (who we discussed in episode 334) wrote in to say: "Hi Ben - Kevin Carr here, I've been a listener of your podcast for the last 6 months - following the completion of my world run, and enjoy the show a lot. Thank you for mentioning my unusual fluid-recycling techniques for extreme long running! I enjoy the show as although I run extreme distances I train very efficiently - for instance throughout the last 5 weeks of the world run I averaged 75km a day, however in training before the run I was running only 4-5 hours a week. I spend more time strength training - both 'maximal strength' and prehab style movement patterns than running - and the proof is in the pudding I ran 16,300 miles in 621 days with zero 'overuse' injuries. I also work at a standing desk - sit as little as possible and wear weights the whole time - essentially live under 'hyper gravity' these techniques amongst others are an incredibly efficient way for runners to train whilst dramatically reducing injury risk - both through over training and through being stronger in the events. I was heavily inspired by William Sichel - a Scottish Ultra Marathon runner who turned his back on 'high mileage' training to develop more efficient/intense ways of training - William is also a ketogenic athlete. Myself I've been training fasted for almost a decade now and recently moved to a cyclical-ketogenic diet. Best of luck in your upcoming 24 hour tough mudder, Kevin." You can receive these News Flashes (and more) every single day, if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Instagram.com/BenGreenfieldFitness, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Did you miss the weekend podcast episode with Denise Minger? It was a must-listen - titled "278 Pounds Of Fat Magically Disappears In Just One Year... On A High-Carb, Low-Fat, Sugar-Laden Diet" Click here to listen now or download for later! This podcast is brought to you by Texas Superfood, which has 55 fruits and vegetables in one serving (a capsule, powder or stick-pak). It is the only product on the planet with 55 fresh, raw, vine-ripened fruits and vegetables, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Beat food cravings, get better sleep, and get convenient mega-dosing of nutrients without having to eat pounds and pounds of food. Go to TexasSuperFood.com and use promo code "BEN" at checkout to get 10% off your first order. This podcast is brought to you by Onnit. Visit Onnit.com to instantly save 10% on any of their tasty superfoods like nut butter or their Warrior bar, made with real prairie-fed buffalo, cranberries, and a spicy pepper blend. You can also awaken your primal nature and produce a savage workout. Made from high-quality, extremely rust and chip-resistant coated iron, the Primal Bells have been 3D scanned to ensure perfect balance for a professional quality workout. Now Available - Ben Greenfield’s “REV Yourself Conference” – 25 Packaged Interviews With The World’s Leading Experts In Physical & Mental Performance Enhancement Strategies. In this package, you’ll get to watch and listen as Ben Greenfield sits down with the world’s leading experts in biohacking, physical performance, mental performance, cognitive enhancement, personal productivity, muscle gain, fat loss and more. In a frank, easy-to-understand, fireside chat format, these experts reveal all their most cutting-edge secrets, and your access to the videos and audios also includes helpful notes, summaries and more. From Dr. Mercola to Mark Sisson to Nora Gedgaudas, you can check out the lineup and get access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, forever (no expiration!) once you click here to get lifetime access for $47. Dec 4-6, 2015: Ben is speaking at the Unbeatable Mind Retreat in Carlsbad, California. This is where SEALFit and Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine will be assembling the best of the best in everything from performance to cutting-edge mental training to advanced sleep tactics and more. Includes amazing ancestral meals, morning WOD's at SEALFit HQ (the site of the world famous Kokoro camp), Warrior Yoga instruction and workouts, and speakers such as Robb Wolf, Dr. Kirk Parsley, Dominic D'Agostino, and more. Click here to get in now. Nov 14, 2015: Ben will be competing at the World's Toughest Mudder. If you live near Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada, be sure to come watch the action! Nov 17-18, 2016: Ben is speaking at the Biohacker's Summit in Helsinki, Finland. Discover the latest in wearables, internet of things, digital health, and mobile apps to increase performance, be healthier, stay fit, and get more done. Learn about taking food, preparation, cooking, and eating to the next level with the latest science and kitchen chemistry. Even delve into implanted chips, gene therapy, bionic arms, biometric shirts, robotic assistants, and virtual reality. Two days with an amazing crowd and a closing party with upgraded DJs to talk about. Click here to get in now. Ben Greenfield's New York Times Bestselling book Beyond Training is now available on Audible! After spending over 43 hours in front of a microphone, Ben has finished recording a 100% (fully updated) audio recording of this quintessential guide to performance, recovery, fat loss, digestion, brain, sleep, hormones and more. If you're new to Audible, you can get it now for free by clicking here. Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle. And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - click here to leave your review for a chance to win some! ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Rachel Browne, the NEW Podcast Sidekick. How Low Can Your Body Fat Go? Ana says: She wants to lift heavy to get bulky. What's the lowest body fat she can go without risking hormonal problems? What diet and exercise do you recommend and can you add in the age issue, she's 43. In my response, I recommend: -This Body Fat Calculator -These body fat percentage photos Five Ways To Know If Your Heart Is Healthy David says: He has a heart murmur. But every check up he has his heart is healthy. What kinds of things can he do to increase the healthiness of this heart and what kind of things should he avoid. In my response, I recommend: -Emerging Risk Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Diseases and Disorders -NatureBEAT HRV app What To Do About High Heart Rate During Exercise Anonymous says: When training on his bike recently, his heart rate got up to 233, and that's the highest it been. He's noticed over the last 6 weeks, every 3 or 4 training sessions it's been getting up over the 200 mark. He's not feeling pain, but should he be worried? Is Reverse Osmosis Water Healthy? Cathy says: She's curious about drinking reverse osmosis water or distilled water. A lot of people say its fine and a lot say it's dangerous because it doesn't have the minerals in it and can strip the minerals from your body. She knows you can put mineral drops back into the water but she's also heard that's bad because trace mineral drops have mercury and lead, etc. What are your thoughts? In my response, I recommend: -Reverse Osmosis with remineralization added -Trace liquid minerals -High mineral sea salt -Structured water filter GreenfieldNaturals.com code BEN15 for 15% discount  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a protected Premium podcast episode! Click here to get this - and over 300 additional hidden episodes, .pdf's, videos - for just $9.99/year inside the BenGreenfieldFitness Premium channel. Here is the extremely entertaining bio from the website of today's guest, Dr. Mark Cucuzzella (written by Bill Katovsky) "In the beginning there was darkness, and runners seemed lost, confused, chronically injured, always experimenting with “bigger is better” footwear as a potential remedy. Then a new “less is more” approach emerged, a radical way of thinking led by a handful of scientists, athletes, coaches, and charismatic best-selling author. They looked backward to the past for inspiration. Soon, a healer and educator came forth. Collectively, they would become the shepherds to a flock of broken-down, often-sidelined runners accustomed to wearing conventional running shoes. As it were, this health-conscious individual lived in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, the oldest town in the state and just up the road (and river) from Harpers Ferry. His name is Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, a family physician and an elite runner, who, in his early 40s, can still reel off sub 2:40s at the Boston Marathon. Mark had a singular vision regarding the need to spread the gospel of natural and minimalist running to the masses. In early summer 2010, he opened the first minimalist running store in the nation. He called it Two Rivers Treads because culturally and historically vibrant Shepherdstown is located near the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Mark and his tiny store became a fixture in the natural running community. Coaches, athletes, trainers, physical therapists, bloggers, and runners from near and far became connected to one another through Two Rivers Treads..." As a professor of family medicine at West Virginia University, Lt Col in the US Air Force Reserves, and Chief Medical Consultant for the Air Force Marathon, Dr. Mark describes popular run training, eating and recovery methods as "mind-draining dogma and reckless bias", and is trying to spark a new “re-evolution” in running. During our discussion, you'll discover: -The #1 blood marker to track if you want to make sure you're not one of those "healthy on the outside, dying on the inside" exercise enthusiast... -How to effectively transition from built-up footwear to a minimalist running shoe approach... -The most cutting-edge technology that currently exists to analyze your symmetries and gait patterns during and after running... -Why Dr. Mark finishes every workout with what he calls an "alactic sprint"... -Why you must earn the right to do intervals and sprints... -Dr. Mark's personal method of tapering for a marathon, and why one of the top weapons in his running arsenal is a hot tub... -Why Mark doesn't use Pose method, Chi method, or other popular running methods... -And much more! Resources from this episode: -Home blood glucose monitor -Optogait biomechanical analysis -TrueForm running treadmill -Natural spa enzymes as an alternative to chlorine Do you have questions, comments or feedback about Dr. Mark's barefoot, minimalist running approach? Your own thoughts to add? Pipe in at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and one of us will reply.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Denise Minger. Wait, no. That's not Denise.  This is Denise. The woman above Denise is a woman from a dietary study who lost 123 pounds in just shy of a year. She's not to be confused with the woman above her, who obliterated 278 pounds in a bit over a year. All on a 90-95% carbohydrate based, high-sugar, high-starch, low-fat diet. And that's just a peek into the contents of today's podcast. But back to Denise. Denise blogs at RawFoodSOS.com, where she just released the controversial article "IN DEFENSE OF LOW FAT: A CALL FOR SOME EVOLUTION OF THOUGHT." That particular article is exactly what we're going to be digging into this podcast... ...but Denise is no stranger to BenGreenfieldFitness.com. Last year, I published the article "How To Figure Out What Diet Is Right For You", which contains many anecdotes from Denise's book "Death By Food Pyramid". As a self-described health blogger, Denise typically spends about five hours a day reading and writing about nutrition. In both her writings and lectures she has a reputation for aggressively challenging today's leading voices of conventional wisdom, and is perhaps most famous for her thorough refutation of "The China Study" book. Denise is considered to be a major thorn in the side of both mainstream nutritionists and other health figures who adhere to standard dietary dogma. During my discussion with Denise, you'll discover: -Why Denise doesn't drink coffee and eats lots of sushi and sashimi... -How in the process of redeeming fat, we traded one form of oversimplified blame for another... -What carbosis is, and why you need to be very careful mixing carbohydrates with fats... -Why our current definition of low fat is very flawed, and the more appropriate definition of what low fat actually is... -The low fat history you've probably never heard... -The shocking evidence that sugar and white rice can actually cure diabetes and melt fat off the body... -How decreasing "healthy" saturated fat and increasing intake of vegetable oils has been shown in baffling research to actually benefit conditions such as multiple sclerosis... -Why it's a myth that a low-fat, high-carb vegetable diet is what eventually killed researcher Nathan Pritikin.... -Why Denise has changed her mind about some issues she had with the documentary "Forks Over Knives", and why she apologizes to vegans and vegetarians... -And much more! Do you have questions, comments or feedback about high carb vs. high fat, and Denise's new take on a high carb, low fat diet? Your own thoughts to share? Leave it all BenGreenfieldFitness.com and either Denise or I will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/335 Oct 21, 2015 Podcast: Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right (or go to SpeakPipe), use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, or use the “Ask Ben” form at the bottom of this page. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: Excellent article on what makes you happy. I’m not a big fan of woo-woo but this is worth a quick read. Next time your spouse or roommate tells you to turn up the A/C or heat, show them this. Curcumin + cold thermogenesis=a fat cell killing death match made in heaven. This may explain why one person stays lean on a high carb diet and another person doesn’t. Are you “married” to a high fat diet being the only approach to health? Prepare to have your mind blown by Denise Minger. You can receive these News Flashes (and more) every single day, if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Instagram.com/BenGreenfieldFitness, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Did you miss the weekend podcast episode with Roger Drummer? It was a must-listen - titled "The Zen Of Chinese Adaptogenic Herbs: An Interview With The Inventor Of World’s Most Potent Adaptogens." Click here to listen now or download for later! This podcast is brought to you by Inquiry, which makes amazing men's clothing that is cool, comfortable and clean. You can use 10% discount code BEN10 at ShopInquiry.com. This podcast is brought to you by Harrys shaving. Visit Harrys.com and use $5 discount code "ben" on a Winston set, a Truman set, or any other mighty fine shaving equipment, at a fraction of the cost of drugstore razors. This podcast is brought to you by Onnit. Visit Onnit.com to instantly save 10% on any of their tasty superfoods like nut butter or their Warrior bar, made with real prairie-fed buffalo, cranberries, and a spicy pepper blend. Now Available - Ben Greenfield’s “REV Yourself Conference” – 25 Packaged Interviews With The World’s Leading Experts In Physical & Mental Performance Enhancement Strategies. In this package, you’ll get to watch and listen as Ben Greenfield sits down with the world’s leading experts in biohacking, physical performance, mental performance, cognitive enhancement, personal productivity, muscle gain, fat loss and more. In a frank, easy-to-understand, fireside chat format, these experts reveal all their most cutting-edge secrets, and your access to the videos and audios also includes helpful notes, summaries and more. From Dr. Mercola to Mark Sisson to Nora Gedgaudas, you can check out the lineup and get access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, forever (no expiration!) once you click here to get lifetime access for $47. Dec 4-6, 2015: Ben is speaking at the Unbeatable Mind Retreat in Carlsbad, California. This is where SEALFit and Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine will be assembling the best of the best in everything from performance to cutting-edge mental training to advanced sleep tactics and more. Includes amazing ancestral meals, morning WOD's at SEALFit HQ (the site of the world famous Kokoro camp), Warrior Yoga instruction and workouts, and speakers such as Robb Wolf, Dr. Kirk Parsley, Dominic D'Agostino, and more. Click here to get in now. Nov 14, 2015: Ben will be competing at the World's Toughest Mudder. If you live near Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada, be sure to come watch the action! Nov 17-18, 2016: Ben is speaking at the Biohacker's Summit in Helsinki, Finland. Discover the latest in wearables, internet of things, digital health, and mobile apps to increase performance, be healthier, stay fit, and get more done. Learn about taking food, preparation, cooking, and eating to the next level with the latest science and kitchen chemistry. Even delve into implanted chips, gene therapy, bionic arms, biometric shirts, robotic assistants, and virtual reality. Two days with an amazing crowd and a closing party with upgraded DJs to talk about. Click here to get in now. Ben Greenfield's New York Times Bestselling book Beyond Training is now available on Audible! After spending over 43 hours in front of a microphone, Ben has finished recording a 100% (fully updated) audio recording of this quintessential guide to performance, recovery, fat loss, digestion, brain, sleep, hormones and more. If you're new to Audible, you can get it now for free by clicking here. Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle. And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - click here to leave your review for a chance to win some! ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Rachel Browne, the NEW Podcast Sidekick. 5 Ways To Burn More Calories After A Cheat Day Anna says: She wants to know the best way to rebound after a cheat day? How do you get yourself back to operating optimally as quickly as possible? In my response, I recommend: -CoolFatBurner.com + Curcumin + Bitter Melon Extract -Fasted Exercise + Caffeine -HIIT and/or Weight Training -Low carb -Infrared Sauna & Niacin -Get Fit Guy Detox article Health Effects of Ritalin James says: He took Ritalin from age 10-23, what can he do to get health back into his liver and other filtration systems that may have been damaged by the long use of that drug? In my response, I recommend: -Family Guy & Ritalin -Fish oil -Inner Peace -Acetyl-L-carnitine -5-HTP and GABA (e.g. CBD or New Mood) The Best Way To Eat Wild Game Patrick says: He's a hunter and this year he wants to harvest deer organ meat. Do you have suggestions on specific organs he should retrieve and why they are important, he's already going to save the heart and liver. In my response, I recommend: -The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game: Volume 1: Big Game What To Do About Cracking Knees Judith says: She's recently increased significantly her running mileage from half marathons to ultra marathons, and as a result her knees are starting to crack very loudly, especially when she climbs stairs. What are your suggestions for how to fix this? In my response, I recommend: -Episode 314 on Why Joints Pop -This new study on joint cavitationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest on today's podcast is Roger Drummer. Roger is kinda like Raiden from Mortal Kombat (pictured above) - you know, the guy that wears the conical, straw Chinese harvester and can generate magical orbs of electricity from his hands. Except, in this case, Roger plays with adaptogenic herbs. He's a Chinese herbal adaptogen formulator, a Certified Nutritionist and NCCAOM Diplomate of Chinese Herbology, holds a U.S. patent for developing a process to grow biologically active, anthocyanin-enriched medicinal mushrooms, and is in my opinion, one of the best-kept secrets in natural medicine and health enhancement. Roger even formulates personalized tonic herbs for thousands of clients, including many notable celebrities (which I ask him about in this podcast episode), and has trained in Shiatsu, Jin Shin Do, Reiki and Kriya Yoga, along with being a former triathlete, runner, cycling enthusiast, husband and father of three girls. I've personally known Roger for over five years, and it's been about three years since I've had him on a podcast (see "Chinese Medicine & Why Sugars Don’t Add Up Right on Food Labels."), so I figured that it was high time I had him back, especially since he just released a sugar-free version of my favorite adaptogenic herb complex: Tian Chi. So what is an adaptogen? Adaptogens are a unique category of herbs that facilitate your body’s “adaptation” to stress. They help your body maintain, build or fix its own natural healthy processes, even if you’re exposed to a wide range of external and internal stressors. This means, that, for example, adaptogens can help increase cortisol if cortisol is low, or decrease cortisol if cortisol is high. They can also be used for anything from cognitive performance to enhanced endurance at altitude. Roger is actually the inventor of the exact Chinese adaptogenic blend that holds a special place in my refrigerator: the one I mentioned above called Tian Chi . Here's the label: Tian Chi is a tiny packet that contains an herbal tonic blend of the most renowned adaptogens in the Orient.  Every herb used in TianChi is far more pure and potent than typical old, ineffective and often dangerous or nasty-ingredient laced herbs on the market. Very few products contain 100% whole herb extracts. On average the herbal extracts are at least 10:1 yields, meaning it takes 10 pounds of raw herb to produce 1 pound of pure extract. Most manufacturers start with pure yield and cut them to concentrations of 4:1 or 5:1 by adding filler. This produces a cheaper, but less effective extract. Imagine buying a 5:1 extract that originally was 45:1! In stark contrast, the herbal extracts used in TianChi yield 12:1 or greater, and there is even one herb in TianChi that is a 45:1 yield. In other words, you would have to take 9x as much herb from any other source to equal the potency in TianChi. And you would be getting mostly filler, harmful ingredients, and very few results. All of the herbs in TianChi are Non-GMO, Kosher Certified and non-irradiated. They are extracted in purified water and test free of heavy metals. And the creator uses only wild crafted herbs – herbs found in their natural state, free from pesticides and exposure to pollution. You will feel this stuff instantly, guaranteed. Below is a complete list of the pure and potent herbs you’ll find inside each pack of TianChi, with a guarantee of extreme freshness. -Schizandra – the “Five flavor berry” is known as a beauty enhancing herb, one of the main herbs pictured with Lady Maku the Goddess of Beauty. It helps restores proper water metabolism to the cells, detoxifies the liver and lungs, and is an important herb for building lung energy. It tonifies the reproductive system, builds sexual fluids and moistens the skin. Schizandra has been successfully used in China to treat hepatitis. It contains over 20 lignans that bind to carcinogenic substances and safely removes them from the body. A mild adaptogen and powerful anti-oxidant, schizandra is the Chinese equivalent to milk thistle. -Reishi Mushroom – Reishi is known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” and “Herb of Good Fortune”. It is the most highly revered herb in China for its ability to brighten the mind and spirit. Historically used for boosting immunity, liver detoxing, blood purifying and building, and is known as a potent stress reliever. -   -Ashwagandha– Ashwagandha is known as Indian ginseng and one of the most famous of all Ayurvedic herbs. It is a premier adaptogen and has a profound effect on regulating the HPA Axis (hypothalamus/pituitary/adrenal axis) which is the basis of stress response. Although many herbs have been crowded into this category I still maintain that the “Gang of Four”, ashwagandha, rhodiola, reishi and eleuthero, are truly substances that can effectively regulate stress response.   -Rhodiola – Rhodiola is known as the “Rose of Heaven” and “Plateau Ginseng.” It is one of the premier adaptogens in the entire world and one of my personal favorites. Regarded as life-prolonging and wisdom enhancing, it can reduce stress response, is blood purifying and is said to balance both creative and cognitive functions of the brain. One of the best herbs for blood oxygenation, it is useful for all endurance sports. Used to treat depression and chronic fatigue and protects against radiation. It is a favorite herb for cosmonauts and mountain climbers. Rhodiola is a “Three Treasure” tonic, it builds Jing, Chi and Shen.   -Ecklonia Cava – Ecklonia Cava is a seaweed extract that is the most potent plant based antioxidant known. Because it is partially fat-soluble it crosses the blood brain barrier and is particularly useful in controlling inflammation in the brain. Ecklonia Cava lasts for 12 hours in the body, much more than any other antioxidant.   -Eleuthero – This is the herb that launched all of the studies on adaptogenic herbs. Commonly used as an adaptogen in regulating stress response and strengthening adrenal function. It’s famous as a physical endurance and mental enhancing herb used by cosmonauts for its blood oxygen enriching properties. Eleuthero is a great herb for anyone who’s involved in sports or work that demands strength and endurance. It’s more Chi building than Jing, even though I use it primarily for its effect on the kidney-adrenal energy. Eleuthero is seldom sold as a bulk herb as it’s not very nutrient dense. It takes over 40 lbs of good root to make one pound of powdered extract.   -Epimedium – Fepimediumamous as “goat sex tea”, epimedium is known throughout the world as herbal aphrodisiac. Lost in its reputation is that it’s also a great herb for increasing circulation in the brain and improving general immunity. Epimedium adds a spark of Yang or fire to the adrenals and has been shown to increase fertility. It is a Jing tonic.   -Cistanches – Its Chinese neucommia barkame is “Duzhong” having been named after a doctor who took it and achieved great intellectual success. Eucommia is a premier Jing tonic as it contains a perfect balance of Yin and Yang energy. Its main use is in bone strengthening formulas and can be used for increasing fertility and regulating blood pressure.   -Gotu Kola – Gotu Kola is one of the most important rejuvenating herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It’s used to help revitalize the brain and nerve cells. Gotu Kola is historically used to increase intelligence, memory, longevity and decrease senility. It has been known to support normal immune function and adrenal energy. It is also a powerful blood purifier and is commonly used in Ayurveda to treat chronic skin diseases. Gotu Kola is commonly used by monks and yogis in the Himalayas as an aid to meditation; similar to how Reishi is used in China by the Taoist monks.   -Albizzia Flower – This flower is known as the herb for “forgetting cares and sorrows” and “collective happiness flower”. It is an ultimate Shen tonic and is often used improving memory, circulation, and has mood elevating properties.   -Astragalus – Astragalus is one of the greatest Chi tonics in all of Chinese Herbology. It’s often used as a ginseng replacement in younger people. Recently it has gain great popularity as an immune building herb. It’s used to help strengthen digestion and lung function, for recovery from illness and as an energy building herb. It is said to build Upright Chi, meaning when the lungs are strong and the breath is deep, it promotes good posture and holds the organs in place. Astragalus is an excellent herb for maintaining the Protective Chi circulating on the surface of the skin helping to ward off seasonal illness. If the cold wind seems to bother your neck it’s often a sign you’re Protective Chi is weak.   -Green Tea – One green tea of the most powerful plant-based antioxidants, green tea builds immunity, increases circulation and is a best known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown it to be valuable for memory enhancement. Most of green tea’s antioxidant polyphenols are from a class called catechins of which EGCG seems to dominate. It has been described as natures most potent anticancer agent.   -Polygonum (Ho Shou Wu) – translates as “Ho’s black hair” one of the main kidney restoratives in Chinese herbology. Legend has it that Ho, an aging lonely hermit living on the edge of town saw a vine intertwined on his walk through the forest. The vines resembled a couple embracing and so he harvested the root, cooked it and consumed the tea. His hair turned back to black from snow white (hence the name) and he actually married and had a son. They both lived to over 100 years old and the herb has since been called Ho’s black hair.   -Lycium (Goji) – LyciGojium is a restorative for the liver and kidneys, popular these days as Goji, and one of the 5 most famous herbs in China. Reputed to be the main food of Li Chen Yuang for the first 125 years of his life (he added some ginseng root for the next half of his life). Li died at a banquet in his honor after consuming a heavy dinner (he was a Taoist hermit who lived on herbs and vegetables) causing a national uproar and disgrace for the public official who hosted the event.   -Other herbs: Anemarrhena, Licorice, Polygala, Clubmoss, Cocoa Bean Extract, Stevia Leaf, Acerola Cherry, and Raspberry.   During my discussion with Roger, you'll discover: -The delicate process via which wildcrafted herbs are actually extracted in China, and exactly how they find their way to the USA... -The important difference between wild and cultivated herbs... -Roger's top herb recommendation for regulating cortisol levels and eliminating adrenal fatigue issues... -The truth about whether resveratrol really does have an anti-aging effect... -How D-Ribose rebuilds your energy stores and ATP levels, and exactly how much you need... -Why so many smart drugs and nootropic compounds use the substance "choline" in their formulations, the form of choline that contains the highest concentrations of actual choline... -Why Roger isn't a fan of using regular stevia mixed with adaptogenic herb extracts, and instead uses a specialized form of stevia root... -The main differences between Tian Chi and Inner Peace...   Resources from this episode: -Tian Chi Chinese Adaptogenic Herb Complex -Inner Peace Chinese Adaptogenic Herb Complex -My previous podcast with Roger "Chinese Medicine & Why Sugars Don’t Add Up Right on Food Labels." -Roger's Herbworks website Do you have questions, comments or feedback for me or Roger about Chinese adaptogenic herbs, Tian Chi, or anything else we discuss in this podcast. Leave your thoughts at BenGreefieldFitness.com and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/334 Oct 14, 2015 Podcast: Is High-Dose Vitamin C A Scam, The Complete Guide To Hypoxic Training, Best Long Running Tips Ever & More! Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right (or go to SpeakPipe), use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form at the bottom of this page. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: You can receive these News Flashes (and more) every single day, if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Instagram.com/BenGreenfieldFitness, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. Best. Long. Running. Tips. Ever.  When they’re drunk, a third of vegetarians eat meat. Bosu ball vs. foam mat for challenging your balance? Bosu ball wins. (I also mention the FluidStance in this part) ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Did you miss the weekend podcast episode with former Dr. Lew Lim? It was a must-listen - titled "How to Use Low Level Light Therapy And Intranasal Light Therapy For Athletic Performance, Cognitive Enhancement & More." Click here to listen now or download for later! This podcast is brought to you by Harrys shaving. Visit Harrys.com and use $5 discount code "ben" on a Winston set, a Truman set, or any other mighty fine shaving equipment, at a fraction of the cost of drugstore razors. This podcast is brought to you by Caspers. Get $50 toward any mattress purchase by visiting casper.com/BEN and using Promo code ben. This podcast is brought to you by Kimera Koffee. Visit KimeraKoffee.com and use code BEN10 to save 10% on any of their tasty, nootropic-infused coffees. Now Available - Ben Greenfield’s “REV Yourself Conference” – 25 Packaged Interviews With The World’s Leading Experts In Physical & Mental Performance Enhancement Strategies. In this package, you’ll get to watch and listen as Ben Greenfield sits down with the world’s leading experts in biohacking, physical performance, mental performance, cognitive enhancement, personal productivity, muscle gain, fat loss and more. In a frank, easy-to-understand, fireside chat format, these experts reveal all their most cutting-edge secrets, and your access to the videos and audios also includes helpful notes, summaries and more. From Dr. Mercola to Mark Sisson to Nora Gedgaudas, you can check out the lineup and get access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, forever (no expiration!) once you click here to get lifetime access for $47. Dec 4-6, 2015: Ben is speaking at the Unbeatable Mind Retreat in Carlsbad, California. This is where SEALFit and Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine will be assembling the best of the best in everything from performance to cutting-edge mental training to advanced sleep tactics and more. Includes amazing ancestral meals, morning WOD's at SEALFit HQ (the site of the world famous Kokoro camp), Warrior Yoga instruction and workouts, and speakers such as Robb Wolf, Dr. Kirk Parsley, Dominic D'Agostino, and more. Click here to get in now. Nov 14, 2015: Ben will be competing at the World's Toughest Mudder. If you live near Las Vegas or Henderson, Nevada, be sure to come watch the action! Nov 17-18, 2016: Ben is speaking at the Biohacker's Summit in Helsinki, Finland. Discover the latest in wearables, internet of things, digital health, and mobile apps to increase performance, be healthier, stay fit, and get more done. Learn about taking food, preparation, cooking, and eating to the next level with the latest science and kitchen chemistry. Even delve into implanted chips, gene therapy, bionic arms, biometric shirts, robotic assistants, and virtual reality. Two days with an amazing crowd and a closing party with upgraded DJs to talk about. Click here to get in now. Ben Greenfield's New York Times Bestselling book Beyond Training is now available on Audible! After spending over 43 hours in front of a microphone, Ben has finished recording a 100% (fully updated) audio recording of this quintessential guide to performance, recovery, fat loss, digestion, brain, sleep, hormones and more. If you're new to Audible, you can get it now for free by clicking here. Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle. And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - click here to leave your review for a chance to win some! ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Rachel Browne, the NEW Podcast Sidekick. Is High-Dose Vitamin C A Scam? Meghan says: She was recently listening to Abel James Podcast who was interviewing Dr Andrew Saul who said Vitamin C is the cure-all for everything. What are your thoughts on this? If it is as effective as he says, would it help with injuries? In my response, I recommend: -This Vitamin C myth podcast -This study on Vitamin C and lifespan Natural Remedies For Cold Hands & Feet Tyler says: With the change in weather, he realized how cold his hands and feet are getting and how long they take to warm up after being outside. What's your advice for helping to promote distal circulation to the feet and hands? In my response, I recommend: -Episode #314 on why you get cold hands and feet and what to do about Raynaud's syndrome. -Wim Hof style breathing -Niasafe -Ginkgo Biloba How To Fix A Hunched Back Ratasha says: What kind of strength training protocol would you give someone with hyperkyphosis. She has a client with a 70 degree curvature to the spine who wants to build strength. In my response, I recommend: -Taping for kyphosis -Eric Goodman's Core Foundation book The Complete Guide To Hypoxic Training Alma says: What are the physiological benefits of oxygen restriction and how and why can it improve training performance? In my response, I recommend: -This recent study on hypoxia. -This study on the elevation training mask. -This study on hypoxia and resistance training. -This study on swimming with breath restriction and running economy. -Sprint training with hypoxia. -Hypoxico. -TrainingMask.com (use 20% discount code GREEN1)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several weeks ago, in the article, The Ultimate Guide To Using Light To Biohack Your Circadian Rhythms, Sleep Better & Beat Jet Lag Forever, I told you about an in-ear light phototherapy device called "The Human Charger", which I've been experimenting with for everything from jet lag to a burst of pre-workout wakefulness. Then, in the article, Pink Makes You Docile, Orange Makes You Buy Stuff, Red Makes You Mad: How To Use Color Light Therapy For Mood, Cognition, Healing & More, I taught you how to use something called chromotherapy to change your mood, deal with insomnia, or even treat a variety of health issues. Finally, several days ago (probably because it appears I've lately been obsessed with light biohacks) one of my friends mentioned the word "photomedicine" to me. This word photomedicine was a new term in my vernacular, but when I looked into it, I found that intranasal light therapy, which is literally light stimulation of blood capillaries in the nasal cavity, has been used for the past couple decades as a very non-invasive method to introduce therapeutic light energy into the human body, and there's actually a surprising amount of research on this form of nonionizing radiation on biological systems, including effects on cognitive performance, fighting free radicals, combatting Alzheimer's symptoms and more. So for today's podcast, I hunted down an expert in photomedicine, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), or low level light therapy. His name is Dr. Lew Lim, and Dr. Lim is the co-inventor of a wearable, intranasal light therapy device designed for home-use called the "Vielight". Dr. Lim is a Doctor of Naturopathy, has a Graduate Engineering Diploma, a MBA, and is a Chartered Accountant. He is also certified in Medical Neuroscience, Neurobiology and Human Physiology. He has obtained qualifications from University of California at Berkeley, Duke University, University of Chicago and University of Sheffield, UK and collaborates with Harvard Medical School and Boston University in research relating to the field of photobiomodulation. During our discussion, you'll discover: -Why any athlete should pay close attention to the emerging field of photomedicine, particularly low level light therapy... -Why the FDA has approved infrared therapy for everything from eliminating microbes and fungus in the human body to killing cancer cells... -What happens to your cells (and specifically to your nitric oxide production) when your cells get exposed to low level light therapy... -How to use intranasal light therapy as a way to "charge up your brain" prior to mentally demanding tasks... -A biohack that combines red light therapy and infrared light therapy... -Exactly when, how and how long to use low level light therapy and intranasal light therapy for everything from brain stimulation to sleep... -And much more! Resources from this episode: -The HumanCharger (10% discount code is “BENG10HC”) -Vielight (10% discount code is "GREENFIELD") -Lew's free, upcoming "World Summit of Integrative Medicine" -Applications of Intranasal Low Intensity Laser Therapy in Sports Medicine -Superpulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy Protects Skeletal Muscle of mdx Mice Against Damage, Inflammation and Morphological Changes Delaying Dystrophy Progression -Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Development of Exercise-Induced Skeletal Muscle Fatigue and Changes in Biochemical Markers Related to Postexercise Recovery Do you have questions, comments or feedback about Vielight, intranasal light therapy or anything else we discuss on this episode? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/333 Oct 7, 2015 Podcast: Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right (or go to SpeakPipe), use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form at the bottom of this page. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: You can receive these News Flashes (and more) every single day, if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Instagram.com/BenGreenfieldFitness, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. Can you build muscle on a ketogenic diet? Here’s the answer. In my opinion, this is one of *the* top reasons Americans are fat. How to “biohack” a vegetable based protein like rice, pea or hemp to make it more efficacious. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Did you miss the weekend podcast episode with former FDA Special Agent Gary Collins? It was a must-listen - titled "Why Are So Many Fitness Industry Experts Fat, Sick and Unhealthy?". Click here to listen now or download for later! This podcast is also brought to you by Harrys shaving. Visit Harrys and use $5 discount code "ben" on a Winston set, a Truman set, or any other mighty fine shaving equipment, at a fraction of the cost of drugstore razors. Onnit is having a huge, blowout sale on all their fitness gear, including clubs, battle balls and kettlebells. Click here to get 40% off all Onnit fitness gear. Now Available - Ben Greenfield’s “REV Yourself Conference” – 25 Packaged Interviews With The World’s Leading Experts In Physical & Mental Performance Enhancement Strategies. In this package, you’ll get to watch and listen as Ben Greenfield sits down with the world’s leading experts in biohacking, physical performance, mental performance, cognitive enhancement, personal productivity, muscle gain, fat loss and more. In a frank, easy-to-understand, fireside chat format, these experts reveal all their most cutting-edge secrets, and your access to the videos and audios also includes helpful notes, summaries and more. From Dr. Mercola to Mark Sisson to Nora Gedgaudas, you can check out the lineup and get access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, forever (no expiration!) once you click here to get lifetime access for $47. Dec 4-6, 2015: Ben is speaking at the Unbeatable Mind Retreat in Carlsbad, California. This is where SEALFit and Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine will be assembling the best of the best in everything from performance to cutting-edge mental training to advanced sleep tactics and more. Includes amazing ancestral meals, morning WOD's at SEALFit HQ (the site of the world famous Kokoro camp), Warrior Yoga instruction and workouts, and speakers such as Robb Wolf, Dr. Kirk Parsley, Dominic D'Agostino, and more. Click here to get in now. Nov 17-18, 2016: Ben is speaking at the Biohacker's Summit in Helsinki, Finland. Discover the latest in wearables, internet of things, digital health, and mobile apps to increase performance, be healthier, stay fit, and get more done. Learn about taking food, preparation, cooking, and eating to the next level with the latest science and kitchen chemistry. Even delve into implanted chips, gene therapy, bionic arms, biometric shirts, robotic assistants, and virtual reality. Two days with an amazing crowd and a closing party with upgraded DJs to talk about. Click here to get in now. Ben Greenfield's New York Times Bestselling book Beyond Training is now available on Audible! After spending over 43 hours in front of a microphone, Ben has finished recording a 100% (fully updated) audio recording of this quintessential guide to performance, recovery, fat loss, digestion, brain, sleep, hormones and more. If you're new to Audible, you can get it now for free by clicking here. Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle. And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - click here to leave your review for a chance to win some!   ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Rachel Browne, the NEW Podcast Sidekick. How To Get Beautiful Skin Sonia says: She recently started eating a lot more eggs and her eczema flared up. Her Naturopath advised her to start supplementing with Evening Primrose Oil, as she said there was excellent research to suggest efficacy of Evening Primrose Oil and eczema or skin conditions in general. Sonia was apprehensive because of the Omega 6 content. What are your thoughts? In my response, I recommend: -Trace Liquid Minerals -Vitamin D + Vitamin K blend -Probiotics -SuperEssentials Fish Oil -Paleo Autoimmune Protocol The 5 Worst Exercises Tyler says: He recently watched a video from Jeff Cavilliar where he outlined the 5 Worst Exercises. He said these were chest flys, behind the neck shoulder presses, upright rows, good mornings and leg extensions. What are your thoughts on this? If you don't agree, what do you think the five worst exercises are?  In my response, I recommend: -My GetFitGuy article on the top 7 exercises to avoid Does Cycling Make You A Faster Runner? Michelle says: She's heard that bike training translates into run training when it comes to Ironman training. She wants to know your thoughts on if this is true and how it works? In my response, I recommend: -My BenGreenfieldFitness article on the elliptical trainer What Food Allergy Testing Is Best? Allie says: She used NatureBeat to discover she had a food sensitivity to tomatoes because after she ate one it raised her pulse.  She wants to know the steps a person should take when they find out they have a food allergy?  In my response, I recommend: -NatureBeat -Cyrex Labs  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary Collins, pictured above, is a former FDA special agent. He was was born in Southern California, raised in the High Desert at the basin of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and has been involved in organized sports, nutrition and fitness for over 30 years. After a career in military intelligence, Gary worked for the U.S. State Department, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a Special Agent. His career took him around the world and gave him a unique perspective on not only how the United States, but the world is affected by our food, drug and healthcare policies. This took him from protecting some of the most powerful people in the world to investigations involving the biggest tainted pet food death case in the U.S. to the intricate dealings of one of the largest counterfeit prescription drug rings in the world. He has often said, “If American’s really knew what was going on in the area of healthcare and nutrition in this country, they would be appalled.” So basically, Gary is a hybrid of a seasoned health expert and an investigator rolled into one. In addition to his published articles and Primal Power Method Series, (his total lifestyle reboot), Gary is also a contributor to the Brink of Freedom online magazine, Paleo Magazine and The Primal Show.  You can check out all Gray's products and his Primal Power Method on Amazon by clicking here. During our discussion, you'll discover: -What it's like to be a special agent with access to the inner workings of the FDA... -Why Gary says "If American’s really knew what was going on in the area of healthcare and nutrition in this country, they would be appalled"... -Why the supplements you're buying may be counterfeit and may not even be made by the manufacturer you think it's made by... -Why so many so-called "experts" in the fitness industry are fat, sick or unhealthy or not practicing what they preach... -Why Gary doesn't track blood, biomarkers, saliva, etc... -And much more... Do you have questions, comments or feedback for Gary Collins, or your thoughts about why so many fitness industry experts are fat, sick or unhealthy? Leave your comments at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and either Gary or I will reply. You can check out all Gray's products and his Primal Power Method on Amazon by clicking here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/332 Sep 30, 2015 Podcast: How To Recover From Lost Sleep, Is Your Smoothie Killing You, How Household Dust Makes You Fat & More! Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right (or go to SpeakPipe), use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form at the bottom of this page. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: You can receive these News Flashes (and more) every single day, if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Instagram.com/BenGreenfieldFitness, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. Health concerns aside, it doesn’t appear energy drinks help exercise one bit. For those of you who feel bad your kid doesn’t get to use an iPad or iPhone enough (my kids use neither). How household dust makes you fat. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Did you miss the weekend podcast episode with Dr. Anthony Beck? It was a must-listen - titled "The Physician Who Personally Advises The World's Leading Health Authorities, And His Tiny Invention That Pro Athletes Swear By". Click here to listen now or download for later! This podcast is brought to you by Kimera Koffee. Go to KimeraKoffee.com and use code BEN10 to instantly get 10% off premium coffee infused with cognitive enhancing nootropics. This podcast is also brought to you by Harrys shaving. Visit Harrys and use $5 discount code Ben on a Winston set, a Truman set, or any other mighty fine shaving equipment, at a fraction of the cost of drugstore razors. Our final sponsor for today's show is NaturalForce supplements, where you can use code "BEN10" to save 10% on any supplements, including Iskiate endurance formula, which is exactly what Ben Greenfield will be using during the Spartan World Championships this weekend. Onnit is having a huge, blowout sale on all their fitness gear, including clubs, battle balls and kettlebells. Click here to get 40% off all Onnit fitness gear. Now Available - Ben Greenfield’s “REV Yourself Conference” – 25 Packaged Interviews With The World’s Leading Experts In Physical & Mental Performance Enhancement Strategies. In this package, you’ll get to watch and listen as Ben Greenfield sits down with the world’s leading experts in biohacking, physical performance, mental performance, cognitive enhancement, personal productivity, muscle gain, fat loss and more. In a frank, easy-to-understand, fireside chat format, these experts reveal all their most cutting-edge secrets, and your access to the videos and audios also includes helpful notes, summaries and more. From Dr. Mercola to Mark Sisson to Nora Gedgaudas, you can check out the lineup and get access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, forever (no expiration!) once you click here to get lifetime access for $47. Dec 4-6, 2015: Ben is speaking at the Unbeatable Mind Retreat in Carlsbad, California. This is where SEALFit and Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine will be assembling the best of the best in everything from performance to cutting-edge mental training to advanced sleep tactics and more. Includes amazing ancestral meals, morning WOD's at SEALFit HQ (the site of the world famous Kokoro camp), Warrior Yoga instruction and workouts, and speakers such as Robb Wolf, Dr. Kirk Parsley, Dominic D'Agostino, and more. Click here to get in now. Nov 17-18, 2016: Ben is speaking at the Biohacker's Summit in Helsinki, Finland. Discover the latest in wearables, internet of things, digital health, and mobile apps to increase performance, be healthier, stay fit, and get more done. Learn about taking food, preparation, cooking, and eating to the next level with the latest science and kitchen chemistry. Even delve into implanted chips, gene therapy, bionic arms, biometric shirts, robotic assistants, and virtual reality. Two days with an amazing crowd and a closing party with upgraded DJs to talk about. Click here to get in now. Ben Greenfield's New York Times Bestselling book Beyond Training is now available on Audible! After spending over 43 hours in front of a microphone, Ben has finished recording a 100% (fully updated) audio recording of this quintessential guide to performance, recovery, fat loss, digestion, brain, sleep, hormones and more. If you're new to Audible, you can get it now for free by clicking here. Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle. And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - click here to leave your review for a chance to win some! ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Rachel Browne, the NEW Podcast Sidekick. How To Recover From Lost Sleep Nate says: He's a paramedic/firefighter who works odd shifts and has an extremely odd sleep schedule ranging from no sleep to 1-2 hours/night. What are your tips for recovering the next day or lessening the impact of erratic sleep? In my response, I recommend: -Human Charger article -Acetyl-L-Carnitine -Fish oil -Coffee (with cafestrol and kawehol, so use French Press or Turkish Coffee), blend with curcumin. -Nexus by AxonLabs -Huperzine (e.g. TianChi) -Creatine -Limit blood sugar fluctuations, use ketosis. Do Barre Workouts Work? Adzua says: She's wondering about the effectiveness of barre exercises? She would love to know your thoughts on whether Barre exercises are effective. In my response, I recommend: Can Vitamin D Supplements Cause Heart Disease? Bill says: He recently read an article on yahoo that said anything more than 4000 IU of Vitamin D3 could cause heart disease. What are your thoughts? In my response, I recommend: -Vitamin D/Vitamin K blend Is Your Smoothie Killing You? Natalie says: Her holistic doctor told her that if she didn't put every different colored vegetable in her smoothie, she could be creating more oxidation at the cellular level than if she used every color. What are your thoughts ? In my response, I recommend: -  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.