I am often asked what supplements I take, why I take them and if we really need supplements anyway. After all, if you, like me, follow a healthy lifestyle, I'll wager you probably eat plenty of plants, prioritize sleep, hydrate with filtered water (or, dare I say at the risk of revealing my tinfoil hat, structured water) and expose yourself to the sun as much as possible. So why even consider supplementation? Let's begin with this: our modern, post-industrial, polluted, toxin-laden lifestyle demands more nutrients than food can provide. That’s right. The chronic stressors of modern life—ranging from heavy metal and synthetic chemical exposure to sensory overload—have been proven to increase your body’s need for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to shuttle toxins through detox pathways and prevent the formation of DNA-damaging free radical. This means that even if you are eating clean, relatively nutrient-dense food, you are likely not getting the full array of nutrients from food that prior generations enjoyed. There are five factors that contribute to poor nutrient availability in most modern food. Nutritionally Depleted Soil Due to modern farming techniques and fertilizers, most soil is depleted of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in conventionally grown crops (4). You may think that eating organic is the ultimate solution. While some research suggests that organically grown food contains more nutrients than non-organic food, other research has concluded that there is no significant difference in nutritional content between the two (5, 6). In addition, for most of human history (and prehistory), our ancestors ate now-nearly-extinct, dense-cell-rich carbohydrates in the form of foods like wild tubers, which provided essential prebiotics so that probiotic bacteria could flourish (in contrast to the refined acellular grains and white rice that comprise modern carbohydrates) (7).In addition, the modern high intake of refined carbohydrates and processed foods creates significant blood sugar swings and glycemic variability that our ancestors did not encounter to as great an extent. A glance at a coffee shop display case or hotel breakfast bar that features bagels, muffins and sugary cereals explains why many people need a snack a couple hours after breakfast to make it through the inevitable mid-morning blood sugar crash. Blood sugar imbalances lead to chronic inflammation and may be responsible for up to 80% of modern diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (8). This is a rollercoaster you definitely want to hop off. Similarly, the meat, eggs and dairy products commonly found in grocery stores deliver fewer anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, than those from wild or pastured animals (9). Most Western diet munchers also consume an imbalanced ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids, further exacerbating chronic inflammation (10, 11). Age-Related Declines In Nutrient Absorption Your ability to absorb nutrients from food decreases as you age (19). While growing children should absolutely be taking a multivitamin to support healthy tissue and bone formation, supplementation becomes equally important for older generations. Many medications used to treat age-related diseases, such as acid reflux and hypertension, also interfere with proper nutrient absorption, further increasing the need to take supplements (16, 17). Then there are precious fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D. While the recommendations for sufficient vitamin D levels are controversial, it is safe to say that many Americans, especially aging Americans who spend more and more time indoors, do not get enough vitamin D (18). Even if we do our best to get sun exposure - whether it’s a morning walk or going outside for lunch - it is rare to get as much sunlight and vitamin D as our outdoor-dwelling ancestors did. Poor Food Handling Practices Modern harvesting, shipping, processing and storage techniques degrade the nutrient content of food (12). Plants grown with modern fertilizer can contain only 25% of the micronutrients of plants grown using more traditional farming methods, and nutrient content declines as they are shipped and sit on store shelves. It makes sense that a fresh-picked apple is more nutritious than the apples you buy at the supermarket in winter, which were likely treated with 1-methylcyclopropene and could be up to 10 months old (according to an FDA spokesperson) (13, 14). And the preservatives used to maintain freshness could impede the bioavailability of the food’s nutrients and even increase your body’s need for more nutrients to process these synthetic additives (15). Pesticides, Herbicides & Pollutants Pesticides, herbicides and chemicals found in the modern food supply are combined with low-quality water, environmental contaminants from elements like degraded plastic and airborne pollutants like carbon monoxide, lead and mercury. These synergistic factors vastly increase your need for extra vitamins, minerals and nutrients to combat the formation of free radicals and the attack on your metabolism and immune system. Exercise Are you an athlete or frequent exerciser? The amount of extra oxygen and energy used by active individuals requires far more than the nutritional RDA of the average population. Indeed, consuming only the stated RDA can actually limit your athletic performance. So if you engage in Crossfit WODs, Ironman triathlons, obstacle races or heavy weight-lifting, your nutritional requirements mean you need to take supplements. In addition to these five factors, there are scientifically demonstrated longevity benefits of caloric restriction (a concept you will discover more about in Chapter 25). Given these benefits, it seems silly to argue that you could ignore calories and simply eat more food to obtain nutrients. This is another crucial area where supplements come in - they are a helpful boost for those of us wanting to consume enough nutrients to function well but also wanting to live longer using strategies such as intermittent fasting, alternate-day fasting and caloric restriction. The assumption that previous generations didn’t take supplements is also not true. Ancient supplements include root, stem and leaf teas, medicinal powders ground by mortar and pestle and highly concentrated oil extracts (20, 21, 22). Just because these dietary supplements didn’t look like capsules and ridiculously-oversized tubs of powders doesn’t mean they weren’t supplements. In addition, our ancestors certainly consumed dirt, which we now know contains a wide range of beneficial probiotics (23, 24). Perhaps even more compelling is the fact that animals, ranging from insects to chimps, self-medicate and supplement by consuming specific compounds (25). For example, when some caterpillars get infected by parasitic flies, they’ll eat poisonous plants to kill the invasive larvae. Ants fight off microbes and bacteria by adding spruce resin to their nests. Several animal species consume mud to counteract stomach upset, and animals of all kinds use plant medicine as their own rough approximation of “supplements”. Ultimately, supplementation with vitamins, minerals and even nootropics and psychedelics is a natural, time-honored way to enhance the body and brain. In our modern era, while many would argue that your brain should work fine on its own, operating with flawless precision in the presence of clean food, pure water, sunshine and fresh air, I beg to differ and have benefited highly from a bit of ancestral wisdom combined with better living through science. -Why would you want to take supplements in the first place?...9:48 The post-industrial age creates a greater need for nutrition than previous generations Cell phones, air, water create toxicity for our systems Food that is farmed and produced does not contain the same level of nutrients as before Soil is depleted of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants No significant differences in organic produce in nutrient levels Ancestors ate nearly extinct foods: quinoa, tubers, cellular grains Modern food is acellular grains and white rice Abundance of refined carb and processed foods creates high blood sugar swings Meat, eggs and dairy products contain fewer Omega-3's and other anti-inflammatory nutrients Imbalanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio (as high as 40:1) Modern fertilizers deplete food of nutrients Preservatives have deleterious effects (the age of "fresh" produce is a bit shocking) Decreases bioavailability of nutrients and increases the body's need for nutrients Fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamin D) are deficient in most people Multiple examples of supplementation occurring in ancient generations Root, stem, leaf teas Powders extracted and compounded to aid the body's nutrient absorption Ate dirt, which contains  high amounts of probiotics Chimps and monkeys self-medicate by consuming specific plants (sometimes psychedelic compounds) Ben's personal supplementation regimen -Basic daily nutrient and micronutrient repletion...20:16 Key characteristics in a multivitamin: Vitamin D, Vitamin K1 and K2, Natural form of folate, Vitamin B12 Recommend taking it with food Ancestral Supplements PaleoValley organ meats complex Thorne AM/PM Multi Almsbio Glutathione Calton Nutrition -Energy...27:18 Thorne Creatine (or any other creatine that has CreaPure in it) TianChi Qualia Mind Book: Roger Drummer on tian chi (title unknown) Dr. Daniel Amen book (title not mentioned) Psychedelics: LSC, psilocybin (microdose every few days, not used with TianChi or Qualia Mind) -Fat Loss and blood sugar management...36:21 Kion Lean Use before most carb-rich meal of the day Use with cold thermogenesis -Recovery...38:27 Not to be taken immediately after exercising (wait at least 2 hours) Kion Flex BGF podcast 406 (on recovery) Kion Aminos Essential amino acids, not simply branched chain aminos 10-20 g pre- or post-workout Muscle maintenance and recovery Appetite suppression Superessentials Fish oil (other good brands are Nordic Naturals, Carlsons and Thorne) 8 g per day (with breakfast) 1:1 EPA to DHA ratio Vitamin E Contains Astaxanthin Keep refrigerated -Gut...44:48 Kion Colostrum Masszymes for protein digestion Kapex for fat digestion Gluten Guardian for gluten digestion Ion*Biome SEED Probiotic Kion Oregano -Sleep...54:51 CBD Thorne Hemp Oil Elemental Health CBD BioCBD Quicksilver Scientific Lipocalm Doc Parsley's Sleep Remedy MagSRT -"Experimental Supplements"...59:47 C60 BGF podcast w/ Ian Mitchell Peptides BPC 157 Tesamorelin International Peptide Society Summary So that's it! I trust this guide gave you ideas on how to enhance your health, performance, and recovery without needing to pop a dizzying array of pills. I get lots of inquiries about other supplements like greens powders, l-carnitine, high-dose Vitamin B, beta-alanine, sleep supplements and so on. I highly recommend specifically tailoring your supplement protocol to meet your specific goals, and also to use the comments section below to ask me your other specific questions. Ideally, you should choose supplements that address your own genetic results or blood biomarkers, and to learn more about personalizing nutrition and supplements to your genetics, listen to my recent podcast with Dr. Ben Lynch, author of "Dirty Genes", or read my article about customizing your diet to you. So what do you think? Which supplements have you found to be personally useful? Do you still think supplements are a waste of time and money? Do you have questions about other supplements folks have recommended to you? Leave your questions, comments, and feedback in the comments section below! Episode sponsors: -Kion Colostrum: Nature’s “first food” that supports immunity, GI function, athletic recovery, and more. BGF listeners, receive a 10% discount off your entire order at Kion when you use discount code: BGF10 -Organifi Green Juice: Now you can get all your healthy superfoods in one glass...with No Shopping, No Blending, No Juicing, and No Cleanup. Get a 20% discount on your entire order when you use discount code: BENG20 -Clearlight Saunas: You can be sure that I researched all the saunas before I bought mine and Clearlight was the one that stood out from all the rest because of their EMF and ELF Shielding and their Lifetime Warranty. 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Recently, my friend J.J. Virgin turned me onto Dr. William Li and his book “Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself” – a really great book that delves into the research-based healing powers of a variety of foods. Over two decades, Dr. Li’s leadership in the field of angiogenesis and its clinical translation has brought to the world 30 paradigm-shifting treatments for cancer, vision loss, and wound healing. His vision, expertise, and global multidisciplinary networks are focused on conquering disease, and improving quality of life and the human condition through diet, lifestyle, and judicious use of medicines that optimize health throughout aging. Dr. Li’s work engages the White House, the Clinton Global Initiative, National Institutes of Health, Fortune 500 companies, and leading universities and medical institutions across North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Dr. Li’s work has impacted more than 50 million people worldwide, and he is a TED Conference speaker. In 2010, U2 lead singer Bono identified Dr. Li in The New York Times as “one of the top 10 with the potential for changing the world in the next 10 years.” Dr. Li received his undergraduate degree with honors from Harvard College, his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and his clinical training in Internal Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed scientific and clinical articles, book chapters, and abstracts, including publications in leading journals such as Science, Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine, and Nature Reviews. Dr. Li has held faculty appointments at Harvard Medical School, Tufts University, and Dartmouth Medical School. He serves on the board of directors of the Angiogenesis Foundation, the American College of Wound Healing and Tissue Repair, and Wound Reach Foundation, as well as public and private companies focused on health and life sciences innovation. A few of my big takeaways from his book included: – Regarding stem cells: Some foods like dark chocolate, black tea, and beer can mobilize them and help us regenerate. Other foods, like purple potatoes, can kill deadly stem cells that spark cancer growth. – We all have cancer growing in our body. Every single one of us, even you. Over time, however, some tiny nests of cancer can overwhelm the defense system and overcome antiangiogenic countermeasures by releasing huge amounts of the same growth factor signals involved in wound healing. In lab experiments, once new blood vessels sprout into the small cluster of cancer cells, a tumor can grow exponentially, expanding up to sixteen thousand times in size in only two weeks after angiogenesis starts. – Even as little as thirty minutes of exposure to tobacco smoke exhaled by someone else is enough to stun your stem cells. – Not surprisingly, air pollution is similarly damaging. Researchers have found that in people living in communities with major air pollution problems, exposure to fine particulate matter during pollution flares lowers the number of endothelial progenitor cells in their blood. – Among the Malmo participants, researchers found that those with the highest levels of stem cell factor had a lower risk of heart failure by 50 percent, a lower risk of stroke by 34 percent, and a lower risk of death from any cause by 32 percent compared to those participants with the lowest levels of stem cell factor. – During the cholera epidemic of 1892 in France, Metchnikoff mixed bacteria together in a petri dish and found that some bacteria could stimulate cholera growth, but to his surprise found that other bacteria hindered it. This led him to speculate whether swallowing some types of helpful bacteria might be useful for preventing deadly diseases. He was also struck by the fact that some people lived to a ripe old age despite harsh rural conditions and poor hygiene associated with poverty. In Bulgaria, he noted, there were peasants in the Caucasus Mountains who lived beyond one hundred years. He observed that the oldest villagers were drinking fermented yogurt containing the bacteria Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Metchnikoff suggested that one secret to longevity is consuming healthy bacteria. – A study of 1,095 “ridiculously healthy people” who have no health issues or family history of serious disease across all age groups (from age three to more than one hundred years old) showed that a common denominator in both young and old is an almost identical microbiome. – The scientists concluded that some healthy bacteria are resilient and can bounce back from a dietary insult, while others cannot. They called the persistent defect a “scar” left on the microbiome due to diet. Here’s where it gets interesting in this study. The microbiome scar became larger over generations when the researchers began breeding the mice and exposing each generation of mice to the high-fat, low-fiber Western-style diet. With each generation, more and more of the original bacteria from the healthy human disappeared from their microbiome. By the fourth generation (great-grandchildren of the original), a sobering 72 percent of the microbes from the initial healthy mice were no longer detectable. Generations of eating the same unhealthy high-fat, low-fiber diet killed off healthy gut microbes permanently. – But wound healing was only the beginning. In the lab, L. reuteri also reduced abdominal fat and obesity in mice, even if they ate a junk food diet of potato chips. L. reuteri can stimulate the growth of thick, shiny, healthy hair; improve skin tone; boost the immune system; and prevent the growth of tumors in the colon and in the breast. And that’s not all. Experiments have shown that in male mice, L. reuteri in drinking water increases testicular size, testosterone production, and mating frequency. A truly fascinating finding was that L. reuteri stimulates the brain to release the hormone oxytocin, which is the social bonding neurochemical that is released from the brain during a hug or handshake, by close friendship, during kissing, breast feeding, and orgasm. The depth of research conducted with this one bacteria is so impressive it led to an article in The New York Times called “Microbes, a Love Story.” Needless to say, this is a probiotic worthy of taking because of the scientific evidence for its actions and potential benefits. – Do you wear sunscreen every time you get on a flight? You should. A 2015 study by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco published in the journal JAMA Dermatology showed that pilots flying for just one hour at thirty thousand feet altitude receive the same amount of UV radiation through the cockpit window as they would from a twenty-minute session in a tanning salon. – Solvents off-gassing from carpets, new cars, and chemicals in ordinary household products like nail polish remover, shampoo, and paint damage DNA, too. If you drive a car that uses gasoline, when you fill up the tank, you are breathing in fumes containing benzene, which damages DNA. It is wise to stand upwind of the vapor while you are at the gas station. – Other epigenetic changes from exercise can block harmful genes. These are seen after swimming, sprinting, interval training, and high-intensity walking. – A study by researchers at University of California, San Francisco showed that breastfeeding improved the length of telomeres in the child. In a group of 121 children, those who were exclusively breastfed when they were infants had longer telomeres by the time they were of preschool age (four to five years old) compared to children who were formula fed. This shows the durability of the telomere effect—that the benefits of breastfeeding remain years after a child is weaned and eating solid food.  – Scientists from the University of Southern California showed that fasting cycles can be used to build a fresh immune system. Remarkably, they showed that fasting two to four days in a row forces the human body to go into a recycling mode, which gets rid of the older, worn-out immune cells. Then, when food is started again, it jump-starts the hematopoietic stem cells in your bone marrow to start regenerating fresh immune cells thus rebuilding the immune system. – Soyfoods represent dozens of different kinds of foods made from soybeans, an ancient legume that originated in eastern China three thousand years ago. From fresh soy products, such as edamame, soymilk, and soy nuts, to soyfoods that are fermented, such as soy sauce, tofu, miso, natto, tempeh, and more, soy is encountered in many forms. Asian markets will often have fresh soybeans, but you can also often find them in the frozen section of the grocery store. Fresh tofu is versatile and is a common food in Asia. In Western countries, the best sources to find tofu varieties are Asian markets. Look at the menu of a Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, or Vietnamese restaurant, and you’ll find many soy offerings. Soy contains antiangiogenic bioactives known as isoflavones, specifically genistein, daidzein, equol, and glyceollins. Fermented soy products have higher concentrations of them. – Research has revealed that chicken thighs and drumsticks are especially healthy choices. Dark chicken meat contains vitamin K2, or menaquinone, a naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamin. – At the Angiogenesis Foundation, we began studying teas for their biological properties using lab testing systems originally designed to evaluate antiangiogenic cancer drugs. We found that tea extracts had really exceptionally potent angiogenesis inhibitory effects, ied comparable to that of drugs. What was interesting was that different varieties of tea exhibited different potencies. We found Chinese jasmine tea to be more potent than Japanese sencha tea, and Earl Grey tea was even more potent than jasmine tea. The most remarkable finding was that when we crossed cultures and mixed sencha (Japanendese) with jasmine (Chinese) tea, the resulting tea blend had a synergistic effect on blood vessel growth that was more than twice as potent against angiogenesis than either one alone. – At the Angiogenesis Foundation, we conducted research on the antiangiogenic activity of six different wines made by different grape varietals from the same winery (Vintage Wine Estates) and the same vintage, grown on the same terroir. Among the six, we identified the most potent antiangiogenic wines as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. – At the end of the study, the researchers compared bloodwork from before and after the experiment. Amazingly, participants who drank the high-flavanol hot cocoa had twice as many stem cells in their circulation compared to the people who drank the low-flavanol cocoa. – Scientists at the University of Montreal discovered that a diet rich in fish oil increases production of endothelial progenitor stem cells that can regenerate oxygen-deprived muscles. – Squid ink, which actually usually comes from cuttlefish, contains bioactives that not only inhibit angiogenesis, but also can protect stem cells. – Scientists at the University of Warsaw in Poland examined endothelial progenitor cells in the blood of healthy young individuals and found that exposing them to chokeberry extracts could protect the stem cells against stress. The exposure to chokeberry also improved the ability of the stem cells to migrate and participate in regenerating blood vessels. – Zeaxanthin is a bioactive known as a carotenoid. It is a pigment that gives corn and saffron their yellow-orange color, but it’s also common in leafy green vegetables, like kale, mustard greens, spinach, watercress, collard greens, Swiss chard, and fiddleheads. The results of this study suggest that eating zeaxanthin-containing foods may help the performance of our stem cells for organ regeneration. – The ellagic acid of the black raspberries activates stem cells. – The leaves, stalks, and seeds of Chinese celery are all edible and contain a number of health-promoting bioactives, including a tongue twister: 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP). NBP is important because it was approved as a pharmaceutical drug in 2002 by regulatory agencies in China for doctors to use as a neuroprotective treatment in patients who have suffered a stroke. NBP, also found in supplements containing celery seed extract, improves brain circulation, lowers brain inflammation, grows nerves, and limits brain damage from stroke. Researchers from Soochow University in China studied how NBP helps patients recover from a stroke. They recruited 170 individuals who had suffered an acute ischemic stroke, meaning a blood clot caused an interruption of blood flow and killed part of the brain. – While these results are from a drug form of NBP, it shows that a bioactive present in Chinese celery has stem cell–activating properties that may help heal and regenerate organs after a medical catastrophe like a stroke. – Green tea has many well researched health benefits, and now among them is activating the regenerative system. This has been studied in people who smoke. Cigarette smoking chemically scorches the blood vessel lining, which leads to increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Cigarette smoking is also damaging to stem cells, and reduces the number of circulating stem cells. People who smoke have 60 percent fewer stem cells in their bloodstream compared to nonsmokers—another reason not to smoke. Researchers from Chonnam National University Hospital in Korea and the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan examined the effects of drinking green tea on the stem cells of smokers. They enrolled twenty young men in their late twenties who had smoked for six years and gave them four cups of green tea to drink each day for two weeks (a total of 56 cups). Their blood was drawn at the beginning and at the end of the study to count the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells present. The results showed that drinking green tea increased the number of circulating stem cells by 43 percent over two weeks. The health of the smokers’ blood vessels was also improved by green tea over the study period. Their vascular dilation response was improved by 29 percent. In the lab, scientists have discovered that green tea and its catechins can stimulate regeneration of brain, muscle, bone, and nerves and can promote wound healing. – They found that one strain of L. reuteri in a sourdough starter that had been handed down from one baker to another since 1970 had actually evolved to live and thrive in bread dough. To dominate in their new turf, some L. reuteri strains in the starter actually developed the ability to produce a natural antibiotic called reutericyclin that kills other harmful bacteria growing around it. While the bacteria itself does not survive the high oven temperatures used for baking, scientists from Massachusetts Institute of Technology have shown that the benefits may not require live bacteria at all when it comes to L. reuteri. In the lab, scientists completely pulverized the bacteria so no live L. reuteri survived, but they found that substances coming from the particles of dead bacteria could create the same benefits as the live bacteria. This is a complete surprise, because it’s always been assumed that the benefits of gut bacteria require them to be alive. – The Lion’s mane mushroom, renowned for its culinary and medicinal properties, was the subject of a study by scientists at Jiangnan University in China to test its effects on the microbiome. In the lab, they fed mice with severe gut inflammation the human equivalent of one tablespoon of Lion’s mane mushroom. The results showed that Lion’s mane could decrease the symptoms and the proteins associated with gut inflammation by as much as 40 percent. The mushroom increased the healthy bacteria Akkermansia while decreasing the harmful sulfur toxin-producing Desulfovibrio. – In a study called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers documented coffee and caffeine consumption in 5,826 adults and showed that drinking more coffee was associated with longer telomeres. – Tea drinking was associated with increased telomere length, but only in elderly men, not women. When the amount of tea consumed by men was analyzed, those who drank three or more cups of tea per day had longer telomeres compared to those who drank less than a third of a cup of tea. The difference in telomere length was equivalent to a calculated difference of five years of additional life between high-and low-level tea drinkers. No other food group was associated with any telomere lengthening in this elderly population. The study did not specifically ask which type of tea, but green tea and oolong tea are the most commonly consumed teas in China. – At the end of six weeks of eating blueberries, the participants did a 2.5-hour treadmill run. First, researchers drew their blood before the run. Then, an hour before exercise, the blueberry eaters ate a larger than usual amount of blueberries (375 grams, or 2.7 cups worth of fresh blueberries). Immediately after the participants’ run, researchers took another blood sample. One hour later, blood was drawn one final time to see what happened to their immune cells and what the effect of eating blueberries was. The blood samples were analyzed for different immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. The results were eye opening. Blueberry eaters had almost double the number of NK cells before exercise compared to those who did not eat blueberries. Normally, NK cells would be expected to rapidly decline after intense exercise. But in the group that consumed blueberries, the NK cells remained elevated for at least one hour after exercise ceased. – Most cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish, octopus) squirt a black ink to escape predators. This ink is collected by fishermen from a sac in the creature’s body and is a flavorsome delicacy used to make rice and pasta dishes in the seaside cuisine of the Mediterranean. Some famous dishes featuring the ink include Spain’s black rice (arroz negra), Venice’s risotto di nero di seppia, and black spaghetti known as pasta al nero. Lab research on the ink has shown it can have antioxidant, antiangiogenic, stem cell–protecting, and immune-enhancing effects. Squid ink can even protect the gut microbiome against In my TED Talk, some of the biggest audience reactions came when I showed the results of a study where we did a head-to-head comparison of the potency of different foods versus drugs on angiogenesis. We examined four cancer drugs, seven other common medications (anti-inflammatory drugs, statins, a blood pressure medication, and an antibiotic), and sixteen dietary factors from foods associated with lowering the risk of various cancers. Remarkably, fifteen of the dietary factors were more potent than one of the cancer drugs in the experiment we did. As you can see, there's plenty to be gleaned from this book. So in today's podcast, I take a deep dive with author Dr. William Li on the nitty gritty details of how we truly can eat to beat disease. During our discussion, you'll discover: -What Dr. Li means when he says that "we all have cancer"...8:53 We need to be more aware of how an individual body responds to cancer, rather than the "weapon" used to fight it Microscopic cancers (genetic mutations) are bound to occur in our bodies, which contain over 39 trillion cells (like a factory makes a few mistakes when operating at full power) The body spots these errors and corrects them A study revealed that men, women of various ages had trace amounts of cancer in their bodies upon autopsy It takes just one mutation to not be killed off by the immune system to become problematic Angiogenesis: the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels, formed in the earlier stage of vasculogenesis. Difference between a harmless microscopic cancer and a harmful one is whether they can hijack blood vessels in order to feed themselves -How drugs stack up versus a diet targeted at cancer prevention...16:33 Cancer research isn't up to speed on how food affects microscopic cancers in us Many foods are equal to cancer to drugs in cutting off the blood supply; some are more powerful Soy extracts were particularly efficacious Soy is oft misunderstood Has a phytoestrogen Soy estrogen side by side with chemical structure of human estrogen is completely different It blocks estrogen against breast cancer Study on 5000 women w/ breast cancer who ate more soy had lower risk of mortality and higher rates of remission Fermentation destroys most of the anti-nutrients in soy The dose is the difference between the poison and the cure -Microbiome and ingesting healthy bacteria for longevity...31:25 It's not the food, it's how our body responds to the food Microbiome is more important than previously thought Elie Metchnikoff found that growing bacteria that contained cholera, some bacteria killed the cholera Human body contains over 39 trillion bacteria; more than there are cells Pomegranate juice contains ellagitannins, which prompt the colon to secrete mucus -Biochemical individuality: why one food may be good for one and bad for another...42:47 There's no "magic bullet" Ellagitannins are metabolized very differently from one person to another Lactobacillus reuteri  Communicated from mother to child in utero Boosts immune system Speeds healing Makes hair shinier Shown to prevent tumors from growing Can be taken as a supplement BGF Weekly Roundup features Dr. William Davis' reuteri yogurt recipe BGF podcast on Seed probiotic with Rajah Dhir -Foods that can control the growth of cancer within us...50:24 Berries - tartness is important Blackberries Blueberries Chokeberries (aronia) Indigenous, farmers markets are good resources Parsley has anti-angiogenic activity Add to a smoothie Beverages: Green tea (Chinese jasmine tea more powerful than Japanese) Black tea has more power than green tea All red wines are not created equal BGF article on wine production: organic, biodynamic BGF podcast with Todd White, founder of Dry Farm Wines Chocolate: 80%+ dark Anti-angiogenic Kills lymphoma cells Dutch chocolate had twice the anti-angiogenic as Swiss MiCacao tea Dr. Cowan's Vegetable Powders Nose to tail diet Collagen is found in the cartilage, not the meat Collagen powder and peptides Kettle and Fire bone broth -And much more... Resources from this episode: -Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself -Dr. Li's TED Talk -Good Bug, Bad Bug: Breaking through Microbial Stereotypes -L Reuteri Ben uses: BioGaia Gastrus Chewable Tablets, Adult Probiotic Supplement for Stomach Discomfort, Constipation, Gas, Bloating, Regularity, Non-GMO, 30 Tablets -How to make L. Reuteri yogurt -SEED Probiotic -Organic chokeberries/aronia berries -Sencha (Japanese) tea -Jasmine (Chinese) tea -Organic, biodynamic wine (Dry Farm Wines) -How To Microdose With Alcohol For A Better Brain & A Longer Life (& 3 Quick Hacks To Make Alcohol Healthier). -The MiCacao tea Ben drinks -Dr. Thomas Cowan's vegetable powders -Collagen peptides (code: BEN will save you 15%) -Kettle & Fire Bone Broth - Tealyra glass teapot - Omica Organics Liquid Stevia - Vanilla Episode sponsors: -The Forest: Ben Greenfield's new book is now released in both print and audio! This book makes an excellent Christmas gift for kids, and a great bedtime story for parents to read to their children. Order your copy at bengreenfieldbooks.com/theforest. -Kion Aminos: Building blocks for muscle recovery, reduced cravings, better cognition, immunity, and more. Get 10% off your order of Kion Aminos, and everything at the Kion site when you use discount code "bgf10" at checkout. -Pique Tea: Achieve your health goals easier and faster with Pique Tea. My mental clarity is through the roof and energy levels have never been better since I've been drinking Pique Tea. Get 15% off your entire order when you use code: GREENFIELD -Thrive Market: Organic brands you love, for less. Your favorite organic food and products. Fast and free shipping to your doorstep. Receive a gift card up to $20 when you begin a new membership using my link. -Fresh Books: It’s cloud accounting software that basically does your invoicing for you and on top of that gets you paid 2x faster. Try it out for a free 30-day trial of FreshBooks right now. Go to Freshbooks.com/Ben and enter "The Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast" in the how did you hear about us section. -Policy Genius: Whether you’re an insurance expert or a newbie, Policygenius created a website that makes it easy for you to compare quotes, get advice, and get covered. Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Dr. Li or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're into biohacking, or want to learn more about it, you'll be drooling over this episode, and everything you'll find in the shownotes below. Luke Storey is a former Hollywood Celebrity Fashion Stylist, motivational speaker, kundalini yoga and meditation teacher, world-class biohacker, and host of The Life Stylist Podcast. He’s spent the past twenty-two years developing and refining the ultimate lifestyle, based on the most powerful principles of health and spirituality, while at the same time embracing the technology and modern conveniences of urban living. Using himself as a human research lab, Luke has explored a broad and sometimes extreme variety of measures to obtain optimal health, performance, and well-being. From surviving being injected with poisonous Amazonian frog venom, to enduring weeks of neurofeedback meditation in an isolation chamber, Luke has scoured the earth for the most cutting edge as well as ancient technologies of healing and transformation. Luke has tenaciously applied the results of his field research and used them to not only completely transform his own life but also the lives of thousands of fans and followers through his various media channels and speaking engagements. As a transformational speaker and entrepreneur, Luke continues to share his strategies for healing and happiness through his innovative and highly effective Lifestyle Design teachings, his Youtube channel, and wildly popular podcast, The Life Stylist. Since 2008, Luke has also served as Founder at School of Style, the nation's most prominent fashion school for stylists. This episode is a tour of Luke's home, and includes: The Kitchen -Foods and supplements...6:10 Beef jerky Almonds Deuterium-depleted water (DDW) BGF podcasts on DDW - Que Collins and Robert Slovak Salmon and sardines Grass fed beef Premade paleo meals (Model Meals) Ben's diet: organ meats, wild-caught fish, underground veggies (Northern European) Four Sigmatic Lion's Mane Psilocybin (source unnamed for legal purposes) BGF podcast w/ Dr. Ted Achacoso  Troche w/ CBD, nicotine, caffeine, methylene blue (pharmaceutical grade) Limit ice baths to 10 minutes (affects blood glucose deleteriously) Blood glucose monitor Visoluten peptides for the eyes SKQ1 active ingredient Visomitin eye drops Reversed retinal damage and blindness in rodent models Vishen Lakhiani has publicly experimented with it Oxytocin (feel-good trust hormone released with breast-feeding, physical contact, sex, etc.) Pink Cloud LSD (1 drop is 1/20 of a hit of acid, 5 mcg) Kion Lean Assists w/ healthy blood sugar management Good supplement w/ cold thermogenesis -Peptides...31:45 BPC 157 Tailor Made Compounding BGF podcasts w/ Dr. Matt Cook What You Didn’t Know About CBD & THC, Fixing Lyme Disease, The Full Body Blood Change Reboot, Peptides 101, Hyperthermia & Much More! Killing Mold & Mycotoxins For Good, The Craziest IVs You Can Get For Energy, Fixing Knees & Back Without Surgery & Much More With Dr. Matt Cook. DSIP (Deep sleep inducing peptide) PT 141 (aphrodisiac) Nitroglycerine cream -Super foods...39:45 Pine pollen (reproductive benefits) Paracetam (cognitive benefits) Dyhexia Cerebrolysin Modafanil Exogenous ketones: Beta hydroxy butyrate -Kion Coffee...47:30 Ranks very high in "cupping" score Beans are hand-selected for symmetry (roasting quality) Organic beans (3% of beans in the world are organic) Nitrogen flushing packaging w/ roast date on the bag Coffee Gator Grind fresh right before you make it (oxidation) How to hack your own structured water Live Spring Water (lower deuterium content) Infrared light Spiralizer -Final thoughts...57:30 Find what works for you Try just one or two things at a time; don't be overwhelmed with the volume of info shared in this show Get really good, clean water Focus on the best sleep possible Light Earthing and grounding Kratom for pain relief Bedroom and Bathroom -Air quality...1:11:45 Ozone to the brain via the ears Ozone bagging for limbs Book: The Ozone Miracle by Frank Shallenberger HEPA Air purifier (Austin Air) Molekule air filter EMF kill switch -Spinal decompression...1:20:15 Pristine Hydro water filter Saunders Lumbar Home Track Dr. Ho's decompression belt BioMat Pro Vielight Power Medic giga laser Joovv Go -Sleep optimization...1:37:00 Ooler sleep system Take a cold shower before bed when in a warm place w/ no AC Geo Vital shielding mat (clears geopathic stress zones) BGF podcast w/ building biologist Brian Hoyer GetLambs clothing (shields EMF) BGF podcast w/ Clint Ober and his website PEMF grounding mat -The bathroom...1:45:30 Pristine Hydro double filter Somavedic shower filter BluShield cube Somavedic The Zen Den -Devices and gadgets... Joovv panel Biocharger NuCalm Dispenza Meditations Vital Reaction hydrogen inhaler Clearlight Sauna -Homemade ice bath... Link to plans in BGF and Luke Storey's site Breath work in tandem w/ the ice bath Muscle tone and strength is not synonymous w/ vagal nerve tone Resources from this episode: -Book: Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton Episode sponsors: -Kion Coffee Lover's Bundle: What's better than Kion Coffee? Keeping it piping hot at home, in the office, or on-the-go in a stylish Kion Tumbler! BGF listeners receive a 10% discount when you use discount code: BGF10 -JOOVV: After using the Joovv for close to 2 years, it's the only light therapy device I'd ever recommend. Give it a try: you won't be disappointed. Order using my link and receive a month's supply of Kion Berry Aminos absolutely free. -ButcherBox: Delivers healthy 100% grass-fed and finished beef, free-range organic chicken, and heritage breed pork directly to your door on a monthly basis. All their products are humanely raised and NEVER given antibiotics or hormones. For 2 lbs of 100% grass-fed beef and 2 lbs of pure bacon for FREE, PLUS $20 off your first box go to ButcherBox.com/BEN OR enter promo code BEN20 at checkout. -Harry's Razors: Try the shaving company that’s fixing shaving. Get a $13 value trial set that comes with everything you need for a close, comfortable shave when you go to harrys.com/greenfield Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Luke or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest on today's show is Sebastian Wasowski, who is the Co-Founder of Vasper Systems. I first interviewed Sebastian's father, and inventor of the Vasper, in the show "How To Get 2 Hours Of Exercise In Just 20 Minutes.", but plenty has happened since then... ...particularly the fact that I've been using the Vasper every morning for the past 3 months to experiment with just how good it actually is at building and maintaining fitness with a minimalist dose of exercise. So what exactly is this thing? Vasper is a complete exercise system based on three scientifically proven principles: compression technology, cooling and interval training. By combining all of these principles, the results are extraordinary. In 21-minutes, the Vasper enables you to get a complete workout. Utilizing compression, cooling, and interval training, the you are able to concentrate lactic acid and enhance growth hormone production. The “cooldown” session, which involves laying on a cooling mat, enables you to workout again later in the day (should you like) or head straight into the office. Vasper has a wide-range of use cases and users. The machine is used by medical professionals, people recovering from cardiac incidents, athletic teams, and the Special Forces. During our discussion, you'll discover: -The story of the Vasper machine...8:45 Sebastian's father invented it to address his own health needs; post-traumatic stress in the ankles Discovered research on blood flow restriction, intermittent cold exposure, interval training Prototype was popular among locals on Big Island of Hawaii Company formed in 2009; successful trial with San Jose Sharks hockey team -The efficacy of the Vasper for performance implications...12:20 Designed to stimulate body's production of anabolic hormones in lesser threshold of a normal workout Mimics physiology of much more intense workout In a controlled study, participants using the Vasper far outperformed counterparts not using it Far better for overall health than exogenously induced compounds such as steroids Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) -About the components of the machine...18:30 Compression cuffs around the wrist How blood flow restriction occurs Pressure filled up via cold water rather than air in a blood pressure monitor Similar to Kaatsu devices The seat and foot pads are also cooled; enables user to be more powerful throughout the workout Positive metabolic response to the cold exposure Cooling mat is used post-workout to reset heart and respiratory rate to baseline Bare feet touch metal pads which are cooled by same cold water; lowers overall body temp You're able to ground with the earth via the machine; it's plugged in with a 3-prong plug -About the exercise regimens programmed into the Vasper...35:15 30 are programmed into the machine They are customizable for each individual user New protocols added are accessed via software update -Why each session on the Vasper is 21 minutes in length...36:40 21 minutes is optimal time to initiate max response from the endocrine system, without stimulating cortisol (stress response) Not recommended to go longer than 21 minutes, nor to do multiple sessions per day -Whether the Vasper can be used in conjunction with strength training...40:10 Can be used as a recovery tool on an off day Ben reports amazing results for active recovery after traveling, or working out the day prior -The optimal time of day to use the Vasper...41:45 The earlier the better for sleep quality Some report an increase in energy following the workout, harder time falling asleep -People you may have heard of who use Vasper machines...43:15 Tony Robbins Prince of Dubai San Jose Sharks San Francisco 49ers Miami Dolphins Major League baseball team reported huge increases in testosterone levels after use -Where to use a Vasper if you can't afford one for your own home...44:20 Vasper locations -Use of other technology in conjunction with the Vasper...47:30 LIVO2 mask Most users report a greater synergy with strength training when using the machine -Research involving stem cells, TBI, and more with the Vasper...48:40 Research page on Vasper's website Andrews Institute study found that a single session, HSC stem cells increased in the blood Dr. Robert Cantu reported TBI patients are able to exercise without aggravating symptoms -And much more... Resources from this episode: -Click here to get a Vasper for yourself or find a local Vasper training facility near you -Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) -Research page on Vasper's website  Episode sponsors: -The Kion Daily Life Bundle: The ultimate Kion Bundle! Ben Greenfield and Team Kion’s go-to, everyday essentials. Includes Kion Coffee, Aminos, Lean, and the Clean Energy Bar. BGF listeners, receive a 10% discount off your order when you use discount code: BGF10 -JOOVV: After using the Joovv for close to 2 years, it's the only light therapy device I'd ever recommend. Give it a try: you won't be disappointed. Order using my link and receive a month's supply of Kion Berry Aminos absolutely free. -Magic Spoon: A brand new company that has reimagined all your favorite childhood breakfast cereals. Low carb, keto-friendly, ZERO sugar, and tastes just like you remember. For free shipping on your order at Magic Spoon, use discount code: BENGREENFIELD -Zip Recruiter: As your qualified candidates roll in, we make it easy to screen & rate them, allowing you to make the best hiring decisions for your business. Try it for free when you use my link. Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Sebastian or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have a question you'd like Ben to answer on the podcast? Click here, or use the 'contact' button in the free Ben Greenfield Fitness app. Prior to asking your question, do a search in the 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! News Flashes...8:00 Excellent overview of recovery method for achilles tendon issues: Achilles Tendinopathy: An Evidence-Based Overview for the Sports Medicine Professional If you go low carb, you better eat that extra steak (or, as I do, supplement with extra amino acids): Low-Carbohydrate Training Increases Protein Requirements of Endurance Athletes If you take any type of Ayurvedic herb supplements, you should make sure you know where these are manufactured and if they have been tested...scary stuff: Ayurvedic and herbal medicine-induced liver injury: It is time to wake up and take notice  Special Announcements... Click here to pre-order Ben Greenfield's new book “Boundless” now and to get in on the Boundless Sweepstakes! Check out Ben on Instagram for epic posts and photos about his morning, day and evening routines, recipes, and much more! Follow Ben on Twitter for daily news flashes and the latest health, fitness, and anti-aging research. Join Ben's Facebook page for conversations with listeners and even more useful information, posts, and support! Here's where Ben is speaking and traveling around the world coming soon: January 14, 2020: Bouley Test Kitchen - New York, NY. Join me and Chef David Bouley for a crucial discussion “21 Ways to Become Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize your Body, and Defy Aging.” My presentation will be followed by a wellness-inspired five-course dinner created by Chef David Bouley, accompanied with wine. Each guest will receive a promotional copy of my new book, Boundless. Space is limited, so get your tickets here now. April 24 - 26, 2020: Paleo f(x) - Austin, TX. Join me and dozens of health and fitness experts to discover the latest breakthroughs in epigenetics, biohacking, Keto, AIP, nootropics, blood testing, strength conditioning, sleep, stress and much more. Try out delicious new foods, discover new workouts, and even try new gadgets in the biohacking lab. Register here. View Ben's Calendar Here This podcast is brought to you by: -Kion Flex: The ultimate recovery formula, Kion Flex is a bioavailable blend to support joint comfort, mobility and flexibility, and bone health. Ben Greenfield Fitness listeners, receive a 10% discount off your entire order at Kion when you use discount code: BGF10. -Organifi Glow: A plant-based beverage that helps support the body’s natural ability to produce collagen, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and protect the skin from sun exposure and toxins. Receive a 20% discount on your entire order when you use discount code: BENG20 -Vuori: Activewear and athletic clothing for ultimate performance. Vuori is built to move and sweat in, yet designed with a West Coast aesthetic that transitions effortlessly into everyday life. Receive 25% off your first order when you use discount code: BEN25 -MVMT Watches: Clean design, minimal and high-quality products. MVMT watches start at just $95 and have sold nearly 2 million watches in over 160 countries. Get 15% off your order PLUS free shipping and free returns when you order through my link. Listener Q&A: How To Know If Your Nervous System Is Recovered...33:00 Carmen from Germany asks: You've talked a lot recently about recovery, and it seems it's all about physical recovery. I want to know about nervous system recovery. My body recovers pretty well from training volume and intensity, but I want to know how would you measure nervous system recovery aside from overall well being and HRV? In my response, I recommend: NatureBeat Oura ring CNS Tap Test app Digital Hand Grip Dynamometer Fast Ways To Support Achilles Tendonitis...49:15 Dasha from Australia asks: Are there any supplements or peptides I can take that will improve my condition of Achilles Tendonitis I've developed because of running? In my response, I recommend: Kion Flex My podcasts about peptides Peptides Unveiled: The Best Peptide Stacks For Anti-Aging, Growth Hormone, Deep Sleep, Hair Loss, Enhanced Cognition The Dark Side Of Peptides: Why You Need To Proceed With Caution When Using These Powerful But Potentially Carcinogenic Molecule The Peptides Podcast: Everything You Need To Know About Anti-Aging, Muscle Gain, Fat Loss & Recovery Peptides Vital Proteins Collagen peptides Study: Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tenocytes growth. Dr. Seed's Oral BPC-157 (code: BEN) The Best Way To Combine Sauna & Cold...1:03:00 Matt asks: I hear you talk a lot about cold exposure and sauna use, and how both can be good in the mornings. I was wondering if there is a particular order that works best, or if you should even do them in the same day, and how long you should wait in-between each session. I'm a very active person, I train in Muay Thai jiu-jitsu 5-6 days per week, and am looking for the best possible recovery protocol. In my response, I recommend: Contrast Water Therapy and Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Clearlight Sauna Morozko Forge cold bath Giveaways & Goodies - 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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest on today's podcast - Dr. David Sinclair, an acclaimed Harvard Medical School scientist and named as one of Time’s most influential people - just wrote a paradigm-shifting book. It’s a seemingly undeniable truth that aging is inevitable. But what if everything we’ve been taught to believe about aging is wrong? What if we could choose our lifespan? In this groundbreaking new book Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To, Dr. Sinclair, leading world authority on genetics and longevity, reveals a bold new theory for why we age. As he writes: “Aging is a disease, and that disease is treatable.” This eye-opening and provocative work takes us to the frontlines of research that is pushing the boundaries on our perceived scientific limitations, revealing incredible breakthroughs—many from Dr. David Sinclair’s own lab at Harvard—that demonstrate how we can slow down, or even reverse, aging. The key is activating newly discovered vitality genes, the descendants of an ancient genetic survival circuit that is both the cause of aging and the key to reversing it. Recent experiments in genetic reprogramming suggest that in the near future we may not just be able to feel younger, but actually become younger. Through a page-turning narrative, Dr. Sinclair invites you into the process of scientific discovery and reveals the emerging technologies and simple lifestyle changes—such as intermittent fasting, cold exposure, exercising with the right intensity, and eating less meat—that have been shown to help us live younger and healthier for longer. At once a roadmap for taking charge of our own health destiny and a bold new vision for the future of humankind, Lifespan will forever change the way we think about why we age and what we can do about it. During our discussion in which we take a deep dive into "Lifespan", you'll discover: -What does a typical day look like for a scientist at Harvard?...5:45 -Dr. Sinclair's method of speeding up the aging process in mice...8:30 -Cellular Reprogramming 101...14:30-A device that determines a human genome via a USB connection...23:15 -Whether you can predict your lifespan with your current DNA data from 23andMe...25:15 -The correlation between protein consumption and longevity...29:30 -The importance of a proper methionine and glycine balance...38:00 -The effects of NMN on fertility...49:15 -Uncoupling proteins, and whether DMP supplements are a good idea...53:10 -Resveratrol, stressed wine and fruit, and longevity...58:00 -Cancer breakthroughs in which Dr. Sinclair is currently interested...1:03:15 -David's personal protocol...1:10:30 -And much more... Resources from this episode: -Dr. Sinclair's website and newsletter - Book:  Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To - Chris Masterjohn Methionine Glycine balance database - Exogenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide regulates energy metabolism via hypothalamic Connexin 43 (Roh, 2018) - Dr. William Davis yogurt recipe - Aging journal - Article on Nature about Steven Horvath's study on the "epigenetic clock" - Jump Start Fertility - Continuum Biosciences - Dry Farm Wines - BGF podcast w/ Todd White of Dry Farm Wines Episode sponsors: -Kion: My personal playground for new supplement formulations, Kion blends ancestral wisdom with modern science. Ben Greenfield Fitness listeners, receive a 10% discount off your entire order when you use discount code: BGF10. **Take advantage of the HUGE Black Friday deals thru December 2! -JOOVV: After using the Joovv for close to 2 years, it's the only light therapy device I'd ever recommend. Give it a try: you won't be disappointed. Order using my link and receive a month's supply of Kion Berry Aminos absolutely free. -Thrive Market: Organic brands you love, for less. Your favorite organic food and products. Fast and free shipping to your doorstep. Receive a gift card up to $20 when you begin a new membership using my link. -UNTUCKit: Whether you’re shopping for the perfect holiday gift or just trying to craft a smart, relaxed style of your own, UNTUCKit is the way to go. Receive 20% off your order when you use discount code: GREENFIELD. Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for David or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good folks from The Center For Deuterium Depletion in Los Angeles, where I traveled to record this podcast episode. The Center for Deuterium Depletion's mission is to promote deuterium depletion research and therapies to prevent or ameliorate disease, maximize quality of life and/or improve personal performance. Deuterium is a naturally occurring element. You acquire deuterium through the food you eat, the liquids you drink and the air you breathe.  Your body's ability to deplete deuterium decreases with weight gain, age, illness and lack of quality sleep. Deuterium is a rare type of hydrogen – only 155 out of every million hydrogens are deuterium. Its nucleus contains a proton and a neutron, which makes it twice the mass (weight/size) of regular hydrogen. My guests on this show believe deuterium in tissue should not exceed 130 ppm (parts per million) and they base this value on the deuterium levels found in a broad number of plants, animals that are grass fed and the food products of grass fed animals - butter, milk, tallow, etc. Unfortunately, many people are now saturated with deuterium and this affecting their mental and physical performance. On today's show, you'll learn exactly why that is, and what you can do about it. My guests on this show are Dr. Anne Cooper and Dr. Que Collins. A native of Australia, Dr. Anne Cooper, D.C., LAc. earned her Doctorate in Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College (Los Angeles), graduating with Honors in 1997, while on the Dean’s list and winning the Charles Gibson award for clinical excellence.   Her growing commitment to total health and innovative healing therapies led her to continue on with over 20 years post-doctoral experience in Functional Medicine and a Masters degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, graduating with highest honors in 2011. Early in her career, as a celebrity aesthetician, working with great beauties such as Ava Gabor, she realized that where there is beauty, there MUST be health and that health must be established on a very deep cellular level. Anne's credentials: Master’s in Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (Highest Honors) Doctorate of Chiropractic (Honors) Charles Gibson Clinic Entrance Award Licensed Aesthetician Certifications: Clinical Nutrition, Applied Kinesiology, Functional Medicine,  Energetic Medicine, Herbal Medicine Dr. Cooper manages Cignature Health's patients and guides their day-to-day therapy. She also is our healthcare professional liaison and helps them implement our protocols and services into their practices. Her expertise as both an experienced natural and functional medicine practitioner helps bridge any communication gap between our principal and chief scientists training in allopathic medicine and the training received by chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists, herbalists, nutritionists, etc.   Dr. Que Collins is a leading scientist when it comes to developing and applying nutrition and metabolic therapies to treat cancer in people and pets. Ph.D., Clinical Immunology M.S., Oncotherapeutics M.A., Experimental Pathology B.S., Poverty Health Care and Cancer Epidemiology   He is Co-Founder and Principal Investigator at Cignature Health Metabolic Clinic – the first clinic in the world to use deuterium and tracer technologies to describe and follow the health status of patients with metabolic disorders such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Principal Investigator, Epigenix Foundation – this not-for-profit organization created by the founders of Quest Nutrition promotes research to prevent and ameliorate disease, maximize quality of life and/or improve personal performance. He is also Co-Founder and Principal Investigator of Ketopet Sanctuary – a 53-acre ranch outside Austin, Texas that uses the ketogenic diet and other metabolic therapies with and without standard of care to treat dogs with naturally occurring cancers. During our discussion, you'll discover: -What exactly is deuterium anyway?...7:30 A form of hydrogen Deuterium has an extra which makes it twice as big and twice as heavy Deleterious effects on our mitochondria when present in water Produces ATP; depending on hydrogen ions Deuterium "gums up the machine" due to its size Hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium when deuterium is present We actually make deuterium depleted metabolic water inside our mitochondria -Deleterious effects of deuterium on the mitochondria and cells...10:30 Clinical tests showing its effects on the mitochondria/metabolism are fairly recent Deuterium stops up the electrode transport chain; results in excessive energy within the cells Affects cell integrity Changes electromotive constant of cells Bottom line: Hydrogen holds us together; the size and density of deuterium changes the whole structure inside our cells -Why present levels of deuterium in the modernized environment are problematic...14:15 While deuterium is a natural and essential element, its presence has increased in the modernized environment: foods, atmosphere, water Climate change has released deuterium previously stored in ice caps Ice is dated by measuring the deuterium level (deuterium dating) Processed, synthetically made foods increase glyphosate GMO foods possess high amounts of deuterium Deuterium levels in food will vary based on where it's grown (highest in the equator and in low elevations) -Lifestyle practices that have led to increased deuterium levels...19:45 Lack of sleep, particularly deep REM sleep REM sleep we burn up carbs, go into ketosis Someone on a ketogenic diet doesn't need as much REM sleep as someone who isn't Breathing: fast, through the chest vs. diaphragm -The best way to test one's deuterium levels...28:00 D-Terminator test (condensation from lungs) Saliva and urine Water sources: well or municipal Major water brands typically have high deuterium levels Animals that are fed corn and soy will have high deuterium in their meat Grains in general are high in deuterium -Why companies sell deuterium-depleted water when we possess the ability to make it ourselves...33:30 It's a short-term biohacking tool DDW was originally formulated for cancer patients A cancerous cell is simply a normal cell with a different metabolism Deuterium gets into the DNA and is not allowed to fold Cancer cells can't use the TCA cycle Bottom line: DDW makes cancerous cells dysfunctional and supports healthy cells Primary therapies: Air, food, water, sunshine, natural therapies, appropriate exercise, thought processes, support from family and friends -The mask that Hollywood stars use to increase their tolerance to Co2 while exercising...39:45 We breathe in .5 to 1 liter of water while we sleep (especially in humid or tropical climates) Mask allows you to drink DDW while you sleep -Other blood biomarkers that correlate to deuterium levels...42:10 Mitochondrial health markers: CRP, HRV, iron, and more Modern medicine views it as a sign of disease; it's actually a sign of high deuterium levels -Why the Center for Deuterium Depletion doesn't advocate drinking DDW as a permanent solution...44:15 DDW shouldn't be used as a "crutch" It's a holistic approach, of which water is merely a component The amount of DDW a person should consume is protocol-specific (cancer patient vs. a wellness warrior) DDU: deuterium depletion unit Deuterium levels can be dropped in 2 weeks with water alone; takes longer for more comprehensive results -How DDW is made and manufactured...48:45 Distillation tower (capturing steam, freezing, extracting deuterium) Became necessary in communist countries where deuterium rich water was used to make bombs -Dietary adjustments to decrease deuterium levels...50:30 Green plants are lower in deuterium than fruits Algae and spirulina contain high chlorafil amounts Roots and underground veggies are very starchy Your metabolic response will help determine your needs No diet is better than the other, so long as you understand the deuterium load in it and adjust appropriately Think "lifestyle" vs. diet, water consumption, etc. -And much more... Resources from this episode: - Center for Deuterium Depletion website - Click here to purchase a D-Terminator DDW test to test your own deuterium levels - Click here to buy D-Water Test Episode sponsors: -The Kion Recovery Bundle: The Recovery Bundle at Kion includes all the things I take when I'm training super hard, or really sore, or battling a nagging injury. It includes Kion Flex, Kion Aminos, and LivingFuel SuperEssentials Fish Oil. BGF listeners, get a 10% discount off your order when you use discount code: "BGF10" -Organifi Glow: A plant-based beverage that helps support the body’s natural ability to produce collagen, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and protect the skin from sun exposure and toxins. Receive a 20% discount on your entire order when you use discount code: "BENG20" -Vuori: Activewear and athletic clothing for ultimate performance. Vuori is built to move and sweat in, yet designed with a West Coast aesthetic that transitions effortlessly into everyday life. Receive 25% off your first order when you use discount code: "BEN25" -MVMT Watches: Clean design, minimal and high quality products. MVMT watches start at just $95 and have sold nearly 2 million watches in over 160 countries. Get 15% off your order PLUS free shipping and free returns when you order through my link. Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Dr. Cooper,  Dr. Que or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

But since then, plenty has happened, especially based on Mira's advanced osteoporosis diagnosis that she went through when she was 30. Mira and Jayson decided to write a book on this (more details here: 7 Ways To Stop Bone Loss In Its Tracks & Build Unbreakable Bone Density). An osteoporosis diagnosis can feel like a debilitating life sentence—one that leaves you feeling stuck with a future of prescription drugs that only might keep the condition from worsening. Mira Calton, CN and Jayson Calton, PhD have discovered a better way to prevent and even reverse the disease through the power of micronutrient therapy. The secret to building strong bones lies in the right combination of micronutrients— the vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids in the foods we eat and supplements we take. In their new book Rebuild Your Bones, the Caltons reveal how our dietary, lifestyle, and even supplementation routines may be depleting these essential micronutrients, and share the 40 healing habits scientifically proven to build stronger bones. They also provide an easy-to-follow plan to reverse these effects, including recipes and meal plans, exercise advice, and supplement recommendations. If you’re looking for a pharmaceutical-free way to restore your bone health, look no further—this is the definitive guide to safely and naturally stave off osteoporosis and reclaim your health. During our discussion, you'll discover: -How Mira's bout with osteoporosis led her to Jayson and their current body of work...6:30 Diagnosed w/ advanced osteoporosis at age 30; had bone density of an 80 year old person Working from couch, delegating tasks to staff Met Jayson; had reversed osteoporosis within 2 years 40 "healing habits", all clinically proven in their own right, involving diet, lifestyle and supplementation -The ineffectiveness and sometimes counterproductive nature of current osteoporosis treatments...9:30 Osteoporosis and osteopenia are viewed as "irreversible" diseases They are lifestyle diseases Bisphosphonates: drugs used to treat bone density issues 10 year window max for being on these drugs Many are 18-24 months (black box restriction) Many have not even been tested on animals, yet are prescribed to humans Implications include: cancer, punishing effects on the body Quantity over quality: denser bones, but of poor quality; ineffective in preventing fractures They deplete calcium, CoQ10, Vitamin C levels Unintended negative consequences of RANK-Ligand inhibitors (RANK-L): Work similarly to how Omega 3 work in the body (reverse-engineered) They bind to receptors in the immune system Cause low levels of magnesium -The interplay between wheat and bone density...21:40 Wheat contains oxalic acid, phytic acid, Contains lectins and trypsin inhibitors Gluten contributes to leaky gut Amylopectin A: Causes the body to over-secrete lectin (lets us know when we're full) Inhibits bone density as a result -Ancestral approaches to preparing food to increase bone density...25:00 Soak, sprout, ferment are good approaches Lectins are difficult to eradicate Steer clear of wheat and lectins while rebuilding your bones; occasional consumption Slowly reintroduce them, using aforementioned methods (soak, sprout, ferment) -Effects of coffee on bone density...27:45 Caffeine has been shown to deplete micronutrients such as calcium and iron (but can be offset w/ dairy) Copious amounts must be consumed in order to have any negative effects The benefits outweigh the negatives Antioxidants are a plus Turns off body's ability to produce osteoblasts, which creates osteocalcin Organic coffee is recommended -How an acidic or alkaline diet affects bone density...32:15 The notion that acid will "leak" calcium from your bones is a myth Antacids create more stomach acid Beware of info you find on the Internet Acid based foods help the body absorb more calcium Bone is 50% protein-body volume; you need protein to rebuild bones -The importance of Omega 3&6 and Omega fatty acids pertaining to bone health...40:15 Omega 6 is essential fat; causes inflammation in the body (which isn't a bad thing) Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory "It's what our ancestors would have eaten in their diet. However..." Omega 6 and 3 do not offset each other; they're competing to absorb in the body First step to reducing inflammation: drive down Omega 6 to 4:1 ratio to Omega 3 Many foods we regard as "healthy" are disproportionate in Omega 6 content First step: cut down on Omega 6 consumption EPA and DHA compete for absorption similar to Omega 3/6 Ideal time to take calcium: right before exercise -Things to consider when taking a multi-vitamin (MV) pertaining to bone health...51:30 93% of Americans are deficient in at least one micronutrient Most conditions are "long-latency condition" diseases Focus on diet and lifestyle before supplementation; but you can't fulfill micronutrient needs through diet alone MV is a "shotgun" approach to supplementation MV's are not effective because they compete w/ minerals for receptor sites in the GI tract ABC'S of optimal supplementation: Absorption Beneficial quantities and forms Competition between micronutrients Synergy between micronutrients Research study on commercial MV's: More than half did not disintegrate within set time limit "Bed pan pills" Known to stop up septic systems Powdered MV's are best consumed when washed down w/ water AM and PM version of MV -Precautions to take when choosing a multivitamin...1:01:15 Most MV's do not contain Vitamin K2 Many MV's have lost their potency by the time they reach the store shelf DL tocopherol is used in many MV's Each form of a vitamin is equally important Best form of calcium: Calcium potassium phosphate form (closest to bone structure) Most forms of Vitamin K2 is incompatible w/ calcium -How a cell phone in your pocket affects hip bone density...1:08:30 -And much more... Resources from this episode: - Book: Rebuild Your Bones: The 12-Week Osteoporosis Protocol  - Calton Nutrition website - Spectracell Micronutrient Analysis -Book: Rich Food, Poor Food Episode sponsors: -Kion Flex: The ultimate recovery formula, Kion Flex is a bioavailable blend to support joint comfort, mobility and flexibility, and bone health. Ben Greenfield Fitness listeners, receive a 10% discount off your entire order at Kion when you use discount code: BGF10. -Powerdot: Relieve your pain, Recover faster from workouts, build muscle and endurance to help you accelerate past those training plateaus and feel great doing it. Get 20% off your order when you use discount code: BEN -Four Sigmatic: I’ve been using Four Sigmatic products for awhile now and I’m impressed by the efficacies of their mushroom products. I use them. I like them. I support the mission! Receive 15% off your Four Sigmatic purchase when you use discount code: BENGREENFIELD -Zip Recruiter: As your qualified candidates roll in, we make it easy to screen & rate them, allowing you to make the best hiring decisions for your business. Try it for free when you use my link. Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Mira, Jayson or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest on today's show, Dr. Patrick Hanaway is one of the world's top authorities in the realm of functional medicine. He is a board-certified family physician with a medical degree from Washington University and residency training at the University of New Mexico. He is a past President of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine and co-founded Family to Family: Your Home for Whole Family Health with his wife in Asheville, NC. As an initiated Marakame (Shaman) by the Huichol people in the Sierra Madres of central Mexico, he incorporates these healing approaches in his clinical practice. From 2002-2012, he was the Chief Medical Officer at Genova Diagnostics, followed by the Director of Medical Education for the Institute for Functional Medicine as well as the Medical Director at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine. He just last week published a keystone JAMA article on the improved outcomes of patient care with an integrative functional medicine approach, and in 2017, he won the Linus Pauling Award. Teaching around the world on ‘Good Medicine,’ he brings his full presence to teaching clinicians about healing, with an emphasis on therapeutic relationships, connection, community, and wholeness. During our discussion, you'll discover: -Dr. Hanaway's background in functional medicine...6:40 Disillusioned with medical practice in early 1980's Books by Jeffrey Bland Focus on root cause of disease and why disease occurs Other ancestral means of treating disease (Ayurveda, Chinese, Tibetan, etc.) Understand the synthesis between various methods of healing/treating disease; incorporate outside means as necessary Understand the story, gather information on the patient; emotional shifts are key -Why Dr. Hanaway is a shaman and how it synchronizes with his practice...11:30 Huichol people in the Sierra Madre region never indoctrinated with the practices of the church Living tradition thousands of years old Had series of dreams after connecting with Huichol; went to sacred spot to make offerings Began working with Huichol people intermittently; initiated as a healer 8 years into the practice "The way of listening" and perceiving emotional/spiritual issues is used for understanding the big picture of a patient's condition -What makes functional medicine unique...14:45 Functional medicine is an "operating system" Listen to the person's story: precursors, genetics, heritage, emotional triggers, etc. Focus on diet and lifestyle Initial visit is 2 hrs. to gather info Insurance pays for quantity, not quality; not always conducive to functional medicine -JAMA Network Article on Functional Health -Tools and resources Dr. Hanaway often uses in his practice...22:40 Understand a patient's nutrition: B vitamins, antioxidants GiEffects 3 Day Stool Panel by Genova Diagnostics Onegevity (Use discount code: BEN20 to receive $20 off your own test.) Metagenomics -Which test is best to get the most accurate results...34:15 The jury is still out as to which is the best test It's not possible to get comprehensive results with just one test. Onegevity is the best on the market, according to Dr. Hanaway -What a test result will reveal, and what steps to take from a functional medicine standpoint to address it...39:00 Microbiome and inflammation score is high: fish oils, turmeric Comprehensive analysis; how does the problematic area fit in with the rest of the body Psychobiotics Psychobiotics and the Manipulation of Bacteria–Gut–Brain Signals -Why Dr. Hanaway doesn't begin a diagnosis with the brain...44:15 Relationship between permeability in the gut and brain permeability TBI changes intestinal permeability - increased risk of infection Address gut permeability first and foremost Gut blood barrier and blood brain barrier can be addressed simultaneously Look at prebiotics and foods rather than probiotics (which are tourists) Diet changes the gut microbiome within only 1-2 days Fecal microbial transplant is a powerful tool, when used with caution -Foods that Dr. Hanaway finds to be the most efficacious in his practice...51:30 Focus on fermented foods (work within people's tastes) Acacia root Bioflavinoids Allow beneficial bacteria to grow in the gut Pomegranate peel extract (produces urolithin A in the gut) Urolithin A Is a Dietary Microbiota-Derived Human Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Antagonist (PubMed) -Tests other than Onegevity Dr. Hanaway finds particularly informative...57:15 Nutreval Test 23andMe Intellix DNA Look for tools that are validated, not those that are created just to sell a product Heavy metal tests MyHeritage DNA Panel FoundMyFitness genetic tools Health Nucleus genome sequencing DUTCH Test -Hot topics currently being discussed in the functional medicine community...1:02:30 Autoimmune disease and cognitive impairment are hot button issues (Dale Bredesen) Focus on the community of the microbiome, not the individual microbes in the gut -And much more... Resources from this episode: -The Jordan Harbinger Show - Click here to visit OnegevityHealth.com for the testing we discuss in this episode. Use discount code: BEN20 to receive $20 off your own test. - JAMA Network Article on Functional Health - How To Get 6 Gigabytes Of Data From Your Gut: The Fascinating Future Of Stool, Blood, Saliva & Urine Testing (From The Comfort Of Your Own Home). - Psychobiotics and the Manipulation of Bacteria–Gut–Brain Signals - A Review of Traumatic Brain Injury and the Gut Microbiome: Insights into Novel Mechanisms of Secondary Brain Injury and Promising Targets for Neuroprotection - My article about Dr. William Davis's coconut yogurt recipe - Beneficial Effects of Pomegranate Peel Extract and Probiotics on Pre-adipocyte Differentiation - Urolithin A Is a Dietary Microbiota-Derived Human Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Antagonist - Nutreval Test - GiEffects 3 Day Stool Panel - DUTCH Test - MyHeritage DNA Panel - FoundMyFitness genetic tools - BiscuitHead Biscuits & Gravy In Asheville - Kettle & Fire Bone Broth - Thomas Cowan's Vegetable Powders - Gutbio by Onegevity Health - Pomegranate peel extract Episode sponsors: -Kion Flex: The ultimate recovery formula, Kion Flex is a bioavailable blend to support joint comfort, mobility and flexibility, and bone health. Ben Greenfield Fitness listeners, receive a 10% discount off your entire order at Kion when you use discount code: BGF10. -JOOVV: After using the Joovv for close to 2 years, it's the only light therapy device I'd ever recommend. Give it a try: you won't be disappointed. Order using my link and receive a month's supply of Kion Berry Aminos absolutely free. -Thrive Market: Organic brands you love, for less. Your favorite organic food and products. Fast and free shipping to your doorstep. Receive 25% off your order when you use my link! -MVMT Watches: Clean design, minimal and high quality products. MVMT watches start at just $95 and have sold nearly 2 million watches in over 160 countries. Get 15% off your order PLUS free shipping and free returns when you order through my link. Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Dr. Hanaway or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Lee, an online marketing expert, shares his journey with autoimmune disease, opting for naturopathic approaches over chemo. Topics include managing stress, workout routines, parenting philosophies, creating healthier nutrition bars, and discussing the impact of whey protein on bodybuilders' health.