Boundless Life

In lieu of Ben's recent Thailand Poomergencies, which you'll learn all about in an upcoming post this Friday - and the fact that Ben is currently presenting LIVE at CreativeLIVE (click here to tune in now for free) we bring to you one of our most popular pooping episodes from the podcast archives. Enjoy! --------------------------------------------- I have a confession: I poop once per day. One smooth, silky, glorious morning movement, and then I'm done. And I don't really think about number 2 at all until the next day. It's quite convenient, actually - especially compared to my old days of hitting the head a handful of times during the day, occasionally straining, always feeling like I had something "still inside", and having to deal with a bit of bloating to boot. Not anymore, baby. One key to this pooping revolution is revealed in a popular article I wrote last year called "How I Ate A High Fat Diet, Pooped 8 Pounds, And Then Won A Sprint Triathlon". In that article, I tell you about the shocking results of my switch to proper pooping mechanics (squatting to poop instead of sitting to poop), using something called a "Squatty Potty". As a matter of fact, one of these Squatty Potty devices now resides in every bathroom in my house - I own a white wooden model, a white plastic model and a quite fashionable bamboo model. The gist of that whole squatting discussion was that your body is meant to be in a squatting position to properly eliminate stuff from your colon, and when you’re sitting (as most Westerners mistakenly do), you put upward pressure on your rectum, creating a "kink" that keeps much of your poop inside (or at least makes you strain a lot harder as you try to push it out). But when it comes to learning how to poop the right way, there are some tricks that go way above and beyond simply squatting to poop. So today, in my discussion with certified health nut and former male model Troy Casey, you're going to learn exactly what those tricks are, and ensure smooth bowel movements and banished constipation forever (and I have a hilarious video for you at the end of this post)... During my discussion with Troy (pictured right), I ask him: -What is the best way to take a poop? -How do minerals and hydration play a role in healthy pooping action? -What are some ways to get you pooping if you're constipated? -How do you "clean the poop shoot"? -Are colonics good? -How does what you eat affect your poop? -What does a healthy poop look like? -How does an impacted colon affect the whole system? -Why is pooping properly so important for overall performance? -Why is pooping properly so important for overall health? It turns out even though we both squat to poop, and we both avoid intestinal irritants like wheat, soy and commercial dairy, it turns out that Troy and I actually have two different approaches when it comes to supplements or herbs for taking a good poop.Here's a synopsis of our two different approaches: Troy's Better Pooping Regimen 1. Dr. Schultz's Intestinal Formula - Troy refers to this as "drain-o for your digestive tract". It apparently stimulates and strengthens the muscular movement of the colon. The ingredients include aloe, senna and cascara sagrada. I've personally never used it. 2. Clay - yes, literally edible earth. It is supposed to have a detoxifying effect, and is also a rich sources of minerals. And you just eat the stuff. Once again, something I haven't personally used, but Troy swears by it. 3. Fiberzon Herbal Colon Cleansers from the rainforest - OK, this one is a high fiber supplement. I tend to side with Dr. Konstantin Monastyrsky when it comes to high fiber (he wrote this article on BenGreenfieldFitness about why too much fiber is bad), and I feel the long term health effects may outweigh the short term pooping benefits. But Troy mentioned it, so I wanted to give you a link in case you want to try it! Ben's Better Pooping Regimen 1. Colorectal Recovery Program - In the article I wrote about how to limit the damage from antibiotics, you learn how use of antibiotics can completely nuke the healthy bacterial terroir in your digestive tract. It turns out that in my fight with MRSA last year, during which I was forced into a high antibiotic dosing regimen, I did some pretty good damage to the good bacteria in my colon - to the point where I could barely even fart because there was really no bacteria "down there". I was severely constipated for weeks and I searched desperately for a solution. With just 30 days of this Colorectal Recovery Program (designed by Dr. Konstantin Monastyrsky, who wrote the article about why too much fiber is bad) I was right as rain. I don't use this stuff any more, but successfully "jump-started" my pooping system with a month of it. 2. MagO7 - This is a blend of elemental magnesium from ozonated magnesium oxides, mixed with elemental potassium. Two months ago, my friend Drew Canole told me about it, I ordered some, and it's turned out to be quite successful for my pooping experience. This stuff has a potent stool softening effect, and I've been taking 5 capsules a night with a glass of water. So that I'm no overdoing the magnesium, I have switched my normal nightly dose of Natural Calm magnesium to about half as much, only taken as pre-afternoon nap relaxation dose. 3. CapraCleanse - Even though I'm not a huge fan of the high amounts of fiber in CapraCleanse, and hence do not use it on a daily basis (click here to see why I limit high fiber supplements), this is the one supplement that I've found to make a big difference if I happen to be consuming moderately high amounts of alcohol - which typically happens to me in party situations about once every month or so. I just pop 3-4 before drinking and 3-4 after drinking, and it not only has a good liver cleansing effect, but also eliminates the inevitable constipation that can occur with high alcohol consumption (click here for more of my natural hangover cures). Summary Well, there you have it. Those are quite obviously two different approaches to getting stuff moving smoothly - and I'll bet both would work for you (but with all due respect to Troy, I happen to be partial to my own personal pooping approach). Ultimately, nothing beats combining "squatting to poop" with a healthy diet that eliminates common digestive irritants and unhealthy processed foods. But I'm all about better living through science too, and if you struggle with constipation, bloating, or many, many toilet trips, you may want to consider implementing the supplement advice in this article and the practical stuff in the audio too. Questions, comments or feedback about how to poop the right way? Leave them at BenGreenfielfFitness.com. Finally, remember to check out AudiblePodcast.com/Ben to get an audiobook of your choice, free, with a 30-day trial. In the spirit of today's topic, I recommend picking up Clean Gut: The Breakthrough Plan for Eliminating the Root Cause of Disease and Revolutionizing Your Health by Alejandro Junger.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wanted to be able to truly know if you're getting stronger when you train? How about how much force and power you're producing when you lift weights? You're about to discover how. In today's podcast, Brock(filling in for Ben Greenfield, who is off gallivanting about Thailand) interviews Matt Kuzdub, MSc CSCS and Lead Sport Scientist at "PUSH" about a product he and his team are developing, why it is an important advance in strength training methodology and the journey that got PUSH to where it is today. In the interview, Brock and Matt talk about PUSH, how to get stronger, and important considerations including: -If your nervous system becomes overtrained or overworked, force production at high velocity is going to decrease and you will begin to lose power. Until now, there was no way to effectively measure that. -When Ben is training himself or working with a client, there’s currently no done-for-you, simple way to get a quick glance at true force production and strength metrics in a quantified way. But now there is. -When you’re doing a tough strength workout, it can be very easy to hold back on strength - often because you don’t have a goal in mind or can’t measure your force production in real time. This allows you to overcome that obstacle. -Strength, speed and power are three essential elements that Ben describes in “Beyond Training” as some of the most neglected components of many training programs. This device allows you to set goals and measure all three. -This device has huge applications for coaches, trainers and even parents. During the workouts Ben does with his clients or kids, he could use this to track their development as they train for powerful, explosive sports like tennis, soccer, basketball, etc. Check out the PUSH page at Indiegogo, their youtube channel and of course their own website www.pushstrength.com. And, of course, if you have any questions or comments, leave them at BenGreenfieldFitness.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Straight from the Thanyapura triathlon camp in Thailand, Ben Greenfield tells you the top 5 reasons triathletes and endurance athletes get fat, and what you can do about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special podcast episode, I interview Amy and Deveren from PreNatal365.com. During our discussion we answer important questions like:  -How hard can you exercise when you're pregnant? -How can you get your body back after you've had your baby? -Are there exercises or quick fixes for morning sickness? -Can you do things like running and Crossfit when you're pregnant? -Are Kegel exercises the best way to get good abs after you've given birth? -And much more! Additional Resources Mentioned in This Episode: -Previous BenGreenfieldFitness podcast: "Can You Exercise Hard If You're Pregnant?" -Controversial article on a Crossfit pregnant mom -14 core exercises for pregnancy -Podcast on pregnancy with Cassandra Forsythe -Better Baby Book by Dave Asprey -Chris Kresser’s Healthy Baby Code -The FREE book "Business of Baby" at AudiblePodcast.com/Ben Do you have questions, comments or feedback about how hard you can exercise when you're pregnant, or anything else from this episode? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Damien Blenkinsopp (pictured above), from Biohacked.net. Damien is a digital nomad who changes the country he lives in every 3 to 6 months. So he doesn't really live anywhere and certainly doesn't have easy access to the latest tech or modern amenities of life. Nonetheless, he's hacking and optimizing health and fitness at an extreme level and making it work. He even does things like test his blood, stay ripped, and eat Paleo in places you'd never think possible. In today's podcast interview with Damien, you're to learn exactly how he pulls all this off. Topics we discuss include: -How you can live a nomadic lifestyle... -When you travel, what kind of things should go on the airplane with you... -How to shop at the grocery store and eat at restaurants when you want to stay healthy... -A healthy traveler grocery shopping list... -How to know which restaurants to go to and what to order off the menu... -What nutrition supplements are best for travel... -How to get blood tests around the world... -The biggest mistakes people make when it comes to eating healthy and staying fit while traveling... -And much more! ----------------------------------------- Resources from this episode: -Audiobook: Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel -Biohacked.net -Online Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test -Superessentials -Activated Charcoal -Chlorella from EnergyBits.com (Use 10% discount GREENFIELD) -Grapeseed Extract -Wild Oregano Oil -Nascent Iodine -Caprylic Acid Capsules -Paleo Fitness book -SafariFit phone app Do you have questions, comments or feedback about how to stay healthy while traveling the world? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'll begin with a quick story - and a warning that we're about to venture into the realm of "adult" oriented topics... ...a few months ago, I sat in on an online presentation given by one of my friends, Jordan Gray. That night, and for the week following this online presentation, I took massive action - as I usually do when I am exposed to new and exciting ideas. I began implementing Jordan's tips - and immediately my sexual performance went through the roof. My sex drive was amplified ten-fold. I became, as Jordan might put it, a "beast" in the bedroom. It even got to the point at which my wife asked me "What happened to you?" (and this was meant in a very, very good way). You're in luck, because today Jordan is going to share those same tips with you. I'll warn you that we really get down to brass tacks, and this is an explicit episode. Jordan's information is probably most applicable to males - but whether you're a guy or a girl, you're going to benefit bigtime from this episode (and women - trust me - you want to send your significant others over to this episode!). Jordan is a #1 Amazon best-selling author and relationship coach who helps people remove their emotional blocks, and get into (and maintain) thriving intimate relationships. He has worked with over a thousand students over the past five years, including married couples, dating couples and single men and women... ...and as you can probably imagine, has more wedding invitations from his former clients than he can keep up with! Jordan's books include: -How To Be The Most Engaging Person In The Room...Every Time -50 Powerful Date Ideas: Brag-Worthy, Cost Effective Dates From A Professional Dating Coach -The Introvert's Guide To Dating -Keep Her Captivated During my chat with Jordan, we discuss: -How to overcome the fear or nervousness of leading your partner into sex or being more "aggressive"... -How to ensure that communication channels are 100% open in your relationship... -Whether or not pornography can be used to enhance your sexual health... -How to breathe the right way during sex... -Whether you should go long periods of time without orgasm or ejaculation... -Which time of year you have the most sexual energy... -Special exercises you can do maximize your pelvic strength... -What kind of workouts, stretches and exercises to do before sex... -Relationship tips for introverted or shy people... -And much more! Do you have questions about how to get fit for sex? If so, leave your comments, questions and feedback at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This recording is from Ben Greenfield’s Thanyapura triathlon camp in Thailand, and includes tons of important information about how to optimize your recovery and optimize your diet as a triathlete and endurance athlete.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This recording is from Ben Greenfield’s Thanyapura triathlon camp in Thailand, and features lots of important information on fueling and physiology for racing triathlon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allow me to introduce you to Katy Bowman from KatySays.com - one of the smartest cookies I know when it comes to all things related to human movement, posture and biomechanics. She rarely uses furniture. She has a very controversial opinion on Kegel exercises. She is in love with something called the "psoas". And she really, really hates high heels. She's kind of like a female version of the Supple Leopard guy (Kelly Starrett), and her book Alignment Matters is - in my opinion - a must-read for anyone who wants to learn how to troubleshoot the human machine and resolve the deeper alignment issues affecting your health. You're going to be floored at the kind of things that can drastically affect your health - such as wax in your ears, looking at a computer screen for too long, and of course, high heels. Through her blog, Katy Says, Katy has been educating hundreds of thousands of people about optimal alignment and natural movement since 2007. She has written several excellent and easy-to-understand books on biomechanics, including the one I just mentioned "Alignment Matters", and also "Every Woman's Guide To Foot Pain Relief". In addition to directing the Restorative Exercise Institute in Ventura, California, Katy is also the producer and talent of the Aligned and Well DVD line, a consultant for Gaiam's Restorative Exercise series, and sits on the science advisory board for various product lines. I personally just finished Katy's newest book "Alignment Matters". It starts with the feet and works all the way up to the head in a clear, engaging writing style that lays out a veritable user's manual for the human body, including stretches, habit modifications, spiritual insights, and enough laughs to soften even the tightest psoas.In today's podcast, you're going to discover: -Why your alignment matters... -The extreme importance of your "psoas"... -Why high heels are destroying you... -Why Katy doesn't use furniture... -Why standing can sometimes be a bad thing... -Special socks you can wear at night to fix your feet... -Why Kegel exercises may not be all that good after all... -Why you shouldn't suck in your stomach... -How your boobs can be a biofeedback device (yes, I said boobs)... -Why you should care about your earwax... -What the best stretching and sleeping positions are... -How we can get our kids stronger... -And much more! Whether you're a couch potato or a professional athlete, you need to read "Alignment Matters". If you have questions, comments or feedback about how to fix your body, align your posture and look and feel like a million bucks from head to toe. And by the way, here's a link to The Happy Feet socks that Katy talks about!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/263 Nov 13, 2013 Podcast: How to build extreme speed, why sugar causes heart disease, 5 ways to stay awake without coffee, is high potassium bad, stomach problems during long runs, what are the best blood sugar controllers, how to gain body fat in a healthy way, what is the best kind of electrotherapy, and is DNA testing worth it? Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right, use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form... but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. Secrets of the extremely fit - great article and I agree. Excellent article on the TRUTH about coffee and caffeine. Worth a look. For the ultimate cognitive performance, combine coffee and tea. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: The Podcast Awards are here! Vote for the Get-Fit Guy podcast anytime before November 15. December 11-14, 2013: "Achieve Ultimate Human Performance" three day online class with Ben Greenfield. Want to achieve "ultimate human performance"? Check out Ben's brand new CreativeLIVE course by clicking here. If you're interested in being a member of our live audience, simply click here to fill out the form! Want a done-for-you coaching package with Ben? Check out the new Black Box Coaching Package. Ben's new book has been released. Order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com. If you want to grab Vinnie Tortorich's new audiobook Fitness Confidential: you can get it on Audible, grab it on iTunes, or buy it on Amazon. And by the way, AudiblePodcast.com/Ben is the place to go to get an audiobook of your choice - FREE - with a 30-day trial. February 6 to March 6, 2014: Want to get into the Perfect Health Diet retreat in Austin, Texas? Click here for all details. Ben Greenfield will be presenting at the Feb 6-Mar 6 retreat. And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - leave your review for a chance to win some! ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". How To Build Extreme Speed Alex says:He is currently in the military and hoping to become a police officer. Both professions require being able to go from 0 to 100 in a split second without a warmup. Is there anything he can do to prepare his body, improve his performance doing this and reduce the potential for injury? -In my response I recommend: This article on increasing power and speed, HRV testing for deciding which days to do speed workouts, and CNS Tap Test phone app. Why Sugar Causes Heart Disease Archie says:He has heard Ben talk about avoiding sugar if you are eating a high fat diet. Do you need to avoid eating sugar all the time or just at the same time as eating fat (eg. apples + bananas in a high fat smoothie) or is there a timing aspect to it? Can you clarify how this effects heart health? -In my response I mention a blood glucose monitor. 5 Ways To Stay Awake Without Coffee Becca says:She needs help staying awake. She is a 22-year-old personal trainer with an active lifestyle who struggles to stay awake while sitting still and paying attention (ie. in class, in church, driving). The rest of the day, when she is up and moving, she is fine. She sleeps well, falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow and sleeps through the night. She doesn't like coffee and avoids energy drinks. -In my response I mention inverted positions, TianChi, delta-E or edible green tea, curcumin and cold showers. Is High Potassium Bad? David says:In January he started eating Paleo/Primal and increased his fat intake. He has been testing his electrolytes since then, and has noticed his potassium levels are increasing steadily. In Jan it was 4.7, in May it was 5.6, and in Sep it was 5.8. His CO2 levels are steady at 21. He only exercises once a week (body weight work). His blood panel showed that his kidney and liver function is all ok. Should he be worried about his potassium levels? Why are they on the rise? -In my response I mention my article on reducing stress and also Himalayan salt from Onnit. Stomach Problems During Long Runs Derrick says: He has done some serious ultra running and using your advice from the podcast his recovery and performance has been increasing exponentially... but has noticed that during long runs (over 8 hours) his ability to ingest sugar decreases dramatically to the point that he is unable to run (ends up in a drunken waddle). He has been trying out Feed Zone Portables and chewing MAPevery 20 minutes, which has helped, but his stomach still sours. How can he increase his ability to ingest sugars and is there anything he can take to help settle his stomach during the race? -In my response I mention: Digestive enzymes and The Endurance Pack What Are The Best Blood Sugar Controllers? Eric says: We all know you prefer Bitter melon for blood sugar control but how do you feel about Glycosolve(Berberine HCL and Banaba Leaf Extract) that Jimmy Moore is always talking about? -In my response I mention MPX100. How To Gain Body Fat In A Healthy Way Greg says:He is looking for a way to increase his body fat (not necessarily his weight) in a healthy way. He is over 6 feet tall but only 53kg and 5% body fat. Is there a specific amount of calories he should eat and, perhaps more importantly, what should the percentage of fat, carbs and protein be? There are a lot of opinions out there around what percentage is appropriate especially for someone trying to gain fat. -In my response I mention The Perfect Health Diet by Paul Jaminet. What Is The Best Kind of Electrotherapy? Paul says:How does the ARPwave compare to the Compex Electrostim Unit? He has been using the ARPwave to cure a very tight calf muscle at a local sport clinic and it worked very quickly. Can he switch to a Compex? -In my response I mention the Compex Sport Elite. Is DNA Testing Worth It? Roberto (alldamnday28) says:He is wondering about the DNA testing he has been seeing commercials for on the TV (which he knows he shouldn't be watching). Is this effective? Is it worth looking into? How could this help him in the long run? -In my response I mention 23andme.com genetic testing. ----------------------------------------------------- -- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love! -- Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness! Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.