There are a lot of nasty secrets about the ketogenic diet that too many people are completely unaware of. It can cause the buildup of a wide variety of nutritional deficits…   It can cause chronic inflammation…   It can create an imbalance in omega fatty acids…   It can exhaust your body's glycogen stores…   But in my podcast episode with four time repeat guest Thomas DeLauer,  you'll discover how to mitigate these issues and how to do a ketogenic diet the right way.   Thomas is one of the leading experts in the world of chronic inflammation as well as the response of the human body to a low-carb diet. He is noted for his personal transformation from a 280-pound overweight corporate executive to not only being on the cover of health and fitness magazines worldwide but pioneering some of the mainstream awareness of auto-immune diseases and inflammation in general!   Thomas has been highlighted in over 20 magazines showcasing his transformation and has been featured worldwide on the cover of Ironman Magazine, Muscle and Performance Magazine, Natural Muscle Magazine, ICON Magazine, Platform Magazine and Ironman Japan. His background is in Sports Psychology, although it is this passion for psychology coupled with a career in healthcare as a physician recruiter and owner of an ancillary lab services company that sparked his love for nutritional science and what makes the body tick.   I first interviewed Thomas DeLauer in the episode The Ultimate Guide To Quelling Inflammation: Why Your Curcumin May Not Work, Surprising Effects Of Ginger Oil, Vegan Fish Oil Options & Much More!   I then interviewed him again in the episode Does Alcohol Really Make You Fat, Which Alcohol Is Healthiest, Hidden Ingredients In Alcohol & Much More: The Ultimate Alcohol Damage Mitigation Guide.   Thomas's third appearance was in the podcast episode Magnesium Supplementation: Everything You Need To Know About Dosing Magnesium, Timing Magnesium, Forms Of Magnesium & More! In this discussion, you'll discover: -How the ketogenic diet can be used to build, or at least spare, muscle mass...9:12 Rather than losing muscle, you're most likely losing intercellular water Lower levels of insulin mean the kidneys expel more water You'll lose glycogen at the beginning of the keto diet, then regain as you adapt to the diet Can see the effects in a very short period of time (24 hours or less) When you have beta hydroxybutyrate, there's a decrease in urinary nitrogen excretion compared to carb-rich diet Leucine gets oxidized more slowly; promotes protein synthesis (muscle sparing) The stimulus of weight training is critical -Whether the metabolic rate decreases while on the keto diet...19:40 Metabolic rate decreases in a long-term calorie deficit (3+ weeks) Studies show a small decline in Triiodothyronine (T3) while on keto diet; no change at all in T4 The metabolism of glucose takes a significant amount of T3 Less glucose intake = less T3 Importance of "refeeding" while on calorie restriction -How ketosis affects glycogen storage...27:00 When you become "fat-adapted" (your mitochondria becomes efficient at utilizing the fat) your body preferentially uses ketones Your body reserves the glycogen to be used only when needed -Some of the most common mistakes people make while on the ketogenic diet...38:30 Being concerned with eating "too much protein" You'll always have a glucose demand; same with carbs Brain cannot run on pure ketones Body allocates specific sugars for brain activity If you overeat on protein, worst you can do is eat too many calories Once you get very fat-adapted, the skeletal muscle has the ability to shortcut the ketones production process MCT has been shown to trigger metabolic increase Fats people use to get into ketosis Heavy dairy Omega 6's "Keto Wall": 90 days good results, then hit a wall Pay attention to inflammatory level of fatty acids Pay attention to "grass finished" vs. "grass fed" The fish oil conundrum Algal oil  -Parting thoughts...1:08:05 How Thomas measures ketones: Keto Mojo meter Keyto Levl Resources from this episode: -Purathrive Keto Support Supplement designed by Thomas - 15% discount is automatically included at checkout.   -Study: Very-low-carbohydrate diets and preservation of muscle mass   -Study: Energy expenditure and body composition changes after an isocaloric ketogenic diet in overweight and obese men.   -Kion Essential Amino Acids (EAA's)   -My article on how to track ketones and glucose   -KetoMoJo    -Keyto   -Levl   Episode Sponsors: -Kion: Kion is your ultimate source for everything you need to achieve peak performance, look amazing, defy aging and live an adventurous, fulfilling, joyful and limitless life. Use discount code "bgf10" and receive 10% off your purchase! -Organifi Gold: A new take on an ancient secret: Pain-soothing herbs, incredible antioxidants, and phytonutrients all in one delicious, soothing “Golden Milk” nighttime tea. Use discount code "greenfield" and take 20% off your entire order! -Runga 2019: RUNGA is an opportunity to get away, find space, reflect on your overall health and wellness and invest in positive change in your life. -Vuori Clothing: Vuori is built to move and sweat in, yet designed with a West coast aesthetic that transitions effortlessly into everyday life. Use discount code "ben25" at checkout and get 25% off your order. -Halo Sport: Halo Sport is a brain stimulator that helps you develop muscle memory faster. Use discount code "greenfield" and get a $20 discount on the Halo 2 (more than half the price of the first version with the discount.) Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Thomas or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Q&A Episode 394 Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the button at the bottom of the page (or go to SpeakPipe), or use the Contact button in the free Ben Greenfield Fitness app. News Flashes [8:05] Good way to naturally increase your NAD levels: Interesting implications for recovery: The Effects of Quercetin Supplementation on Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage. Everybody seems to be into Exosomes these days, but fact is, you can consume them in the form of wild plants, and they help your biome and possibly other health markers too. Read more here. Is sunscreen the new margarine?  For goodness sake, don’t consume vegetable oil and then go out in the sun. *Here is the Thorne Quercetin Ben recommends **This is the EcoMeditation Ben talks about in the intro.  ***Book: Mind To Matter ****Book: The Kaufman Protocol You can receive these News Flashes (and more) every single day, if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Instagram.com/BenGreenfieldFitness, Facebook.com/BGFitness, BenGreenfieldFitness.com/Snapchat, and Google+. Special Announcements [38:40] This podcast is brought to you by: -Kion: The Kion Aminos provides building blocks for muscle recovery, reduced cravings, better cognition, immunity, and more. Now available in the delicious Berry flavor. Use discount code "BGF10" for a 10% discount on your order. -Clearlight Saunas: Advanced technology, for your good health. See why jacuzzi saunas by Clearlight Infrared are unsurpassed. Use discount code "bengreenfield" and receive $500 off your order along with some free gifts as a bonus! -Trusii: The Most Powerful H2 Tablets, Period. H2Now delivers over 15ppm H2-infused water in seconds to Neutralize Inflammation, Heal Your Cells, Boost Your Performance and Recovery, and Restore Optimal Health. Save 30% off your order when you use my link. -Click here to follow Ben on Snapchat , and get ready for some epic stories about his morning, day and evening routine!  Ben's Adventures: [42:37] – February 22-24, 2019: CalJam: The Rebel Yell Tour. California Jam combines a TED talk format with a rock n’ roll show in-between! The driving objective of the event is to get attendees up to date on chiropractic research, scientific studies, and useful practice management strategy. The hope is that attendees bring all they learn at Cal Jam back to their communities to implement real, rippling change. Get your tickets here before the prices go up! – April 3-7, 2019: The Kentucky Castle. Ben Greenfield will share his vast knowledge of nutrition and exercise science to help you figure out how to hack your biology and get the most out of the genetics you were born with. This will happen at the amazing Kentucky Castle. Interactive discussions and presentations will take place from 9am - 1pm on April 6th. – April 12-13, 2019: FitCon Summit, Salt Lake City, Utah. FitCon® encourages everyone to Find Their Fit. It does not matter whether it is powerlifting, Crossfit, bodybuilding, roller derby, or even axe throwing. Be sure to visit the Kion booth in the expo! Register here and use code BEN50 for $50 off! – April 26 – 28, 2019: Paleo f(x) Conference, Austin, Texas. Join me, staff from my company, Kion, and the rest of your tribe at Paleo f(x)™ 2019, the largest gathering of Paleo / ancestral health / keto / functional medicine / strength & conditioning experts in the world… see everything you'll get out of this enriching, enlightening event. Besides, April is a wonderful time of year to visit Austin, TX….Get your tickets here. – June 23 – July 7, 2019: European Detox Retreat, Paracelsus al Ronc, Switzerland. At this 2019 liver detox and R&R at the beautiful Swiss Mountain Clinic (formerly Paracelsus al Ronc) in the Italian quarter of Switzerland, you will stay on-site and receive diagnostics and treatments from the best doctors of biological medicine to detox your liver and your soul. Plus you're going to have a wonderful time hiking, sightseeing and enjoying one of the most beautiful places in the world. Here's the link to more info. *this event is sold out, waitlist is available -View the Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Calendar Here Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. 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! ------------------------------------------ Listener Q&A As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Armstrong, the Podcast Sidekick. How To Maintain Focus During Long Workouts [44:30] Tom says: "I'm preparing for an ultra marathon (264 miles) in Wales this May. I will most likely do it without a support crew. There will be sleep stations at miles 80, 140, and 200 and I plan to take advantage of these. What tips do you have to prepare myself for the inevitable cognitive decline that accompanies events of this nature?" In my response, I recommend: -Amino acids to stave off central nervous system fatigue -No-doze caffeine + L-theanine + TianChi + nicotine (what I did during the Kokoro event you can read about here) -My "How To Get Into Ketosis" podcast  -Kion Aminos Does Cholesterol Go Up On A Ketogenic Diet (& Is That Bad?) [56:55] Glenn says: I'm a 60 year old man. I went to a paleo diet about 5 years ago. I recently tried the keto diet and everything seems off. My cholesterol and LDL skyrocketed. My triglycerides are low, my blood sugar is low, my CRP is low. So was I better off on paleo? In my response, I recommend: -Dave Feldman's CholesterolCode.com -My podcast with Karim Dhanani on genetic testing Is Testosterone Bad For Your Prostate [1:10:20] Hi Ben, my husband and I are interested in red light therapy for enhancing the sexual experience. However, my husband read an article that linked increased testosterone with bph, or enlarged prostate. My husand has mild bph. What are your thoughts on that? In my response, I recommend: -Risks of testosterone replacement therapy in men -32 different ways to increase testosterone podcast 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! ----------------------------------------------------- See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS, is a doctor of natural medicine, chiropractic physician and clinical nutritionist with a passion to help people get healthy by empowering them to use nutrition to fuel their health. He operates one of the world’s largest health websites at DrAxe.com, which has over 17 million visitors a month looking for healthy recipes, herbal remedies, nutrition and fitness advice, and information on essential oils and natural supplements. He is also the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition, which provides protein powders, holistic supplements, vitamins, essential oils and more to the modern world. Dr. Axe is an expert in functional medicine, digestive health and herbal remedies and founded one of the largest functional medicine clinics in the world, in Nashville, TN, and served as a physician for many professional athletes. J osh just published his brand new book Keto Diet: Your 30-Day Plan to Lose Weight, Balance Hormones, Boost Brain Health, and Reverse Disease. During this episode, we dive into the book, and more, including... -The heartwarming story behind how Dr. Axe got into natural healing...7:50 Mother diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 Conventional treatments were not effective Antidepressants, thyroid drugs; chronic fatigue Ten years later, diagnosed with lung cancer Decided to treat it naturally for 6 months; if it doesn't work, so be it Did extensive research; sought validation from doctors "Keto meets Gerson therapy" Spoken affirmations Horseback riding After 4 months, cancer was nearly gone Article: How My Mother Survived Stage-4 Breast Cancer There's no one size fits all diet, but certain principles can apply to most people Chinese medicine: Certain emotions affect particular organs Chinese and Ayurveda are some of the oldest forms of medicine -How Dr. Axe's business partner treated his own cancer naturally...20:20 Book: The Maker's Diet by Jordan Rubin Book: Patient, Heal Thyself by Jordan Rubin Garden of Life, founded by Jordan Rubin Salmon Ceviche Vegetable juice, salads, avocados, turmeric Beat it naturally; no drugs, chemo, radiation Dr. Axe calls Jordan the best supplement formulator in the world Ancient Nutrition  Permaculture courses at Jordan's farm in Missouri "Food Foresting" -What Dr. Axe set out to accomplish in writing his book...32:05 Go back to Chinese medicine: Holy basil Cinnamon Hot peppers Turmeric Turmeric Golden Milk Turmeric Trikatu Ghee Clary Sage essential oil - good for balancing estrogen Have lots of color in your diet: purple, red, green -How do you tackle the paradox of a ketogenic, thyroid-friendly diet...42:00 Do a keto diet for 30-90 days, then move into keto cycling; Watch carb-intake Utilize fasting Rice is thyroid-friendly "Keto Forever Cycling" Intended for more than 90 day Keto dieting Carb days, Keto days, alternating -What does a ketogenic diet look like for a plant-based eater...51:30 Keto-Vegan Plan (example meals) Avocado, coconut milk, fruit smoothie for breakfast Avocado, nuts and seeds, for lunch Cauliflower steak, tahini for dinner Vegans overdo carbs Pancreas is often the most stressed organ Food doesn't heal you; the body heals itself Book: Keto Diet: Your 30-Day Plan to Lose Weight, Balance Hormones, Boost Brain Health, and Reverse Disease -Rapid fire questions...55:10 What's the difference between bone broth protein powder and actual bone broth? Ben's favorite: Organic bone broth protein, peanut butter flavor What to make of all the different types of collagen available at Ancient Nutrition? What is "Keto Fire"? -And much more! Resources from this episode: -Ancient Nutrition (use 15% discount code "BEN" on any order) -Book: Keto Diet: Your 30-Day Plan to Lose Weight, Balance Hormones, Boost Brain Health, and Reverse Disease -How My Mother Survived Stage-4 Breast Cancer -The strange connection between your emotions and your organs -Book: The Maker's Diet by Jordan Rubin -Midwest Permaculture Episode Sponsors: -Kion: My personal playground. It scratches my own itch. It's designed to help you live a joyous, fulfilling and adventurous life! Try the incredible new Berry Aminos. You'll love it. Use discount code "bgf10" and get 10% off your order. -Organifi Chocolate Gold: Sleep Better, Live Better With A Relaxing Cup Of Superfood Cocoa. Use discount code "greenfield" to save 20% off your order site wide! -Pura Thrive Keto Balance: Combines pure ingredients in targeted dosages through a superior delivery mechanism that is unrivaled by any other supplement on the market today. Save 15% off your order when you use my link. -Policy Genius: Handles all the red tape, negotiates your rate. No agents, just friendly, helpful advice. Find the right policy in just minutes. Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Josh Axe or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exploring natural ways to boost testosterone levels without injections or hormone replacement therapy. Topics include exercise, supplements, diet, biohacks, and testing methods. Touching on fitness improvements, sexual performance, and key nutrients like magnesium and zinc for hormonal balance. Discussing lifestyle influences on hormone levels and little-known biohacks for enhancing testosterone and libido.

At NextHealth in LA, Ben Greenfield recently gave a talk on 12 different ways to optimize your body and brain, and in this recording, which includes his comprehensive overview of the "Wellness Wheel". In it, you'll learn about... -Diet and Micronutrients...6:30 Every person should be on the diet that is unique to them Genetic variants Familial hypercholesterolemia Gallbladder, liver issues prevent proper digestion Common similarities in blue zones Plant intake Glycemic variability Parasympathetically driven state Choose meals that are digestible and nutrient-dense Weston A. Price diet Question: How far back in your lineage do you go to determine what diet is appropriate for you? Book: The Jungle Effect by Dr. Daphne Miller Question: How do you test for a leaky gut, and how do you go about fixing it? Genova Diagnostics, Direct Labs Bone broth, colostrum, chia seeds help restore lining of the gut Kion Flex -Exercise and movement...18:25 Physiological triggers that make up the ideal exercise protocol Max oxygen utilization: vo2 max Mitochondria Lactic acid tolerance Stamina Strength Question: What's the best way to recover from your workout while in a fasted state? Question: What about the super slow approach to working out? Book: Body by Science by Doug McGuff -Sleep...31:00 Common rules Keep room cold Wear as few clothes as possible Wear socks Silence or white noise Keep room dark Bluelight blocking glasses Use red light Uncommon rules Exposure to natural blue light early in the day Question: How do you increase your REM sleep if it's on the low side? Question: What are the benefits of waking up when the sun rises for your circadian rhythm? -Cardiovascular Health...39:05 Health of your vagus nerve is paramount Heart rate variability How increase vagus nerve health? Breath work Gratitude Chanting Humming Relaxator Book: The Power of Your Breath by Anders Olson Question: Is there correlation between singing and fat loss? Question: How do you address a consistently low LF? -Brain Health...46:58 Things like nootropics, psilocybin, etc. can decrease your sensitivity to dopamine and serotonin Constant stimulation is like robbing Peter to pay Paul A dependence on "smart drugs" is harmful in the long run Question: What "brain hacks" exist to help in a hyper-stressful environment like living in a big city? Proper breath work Brain FM David Delight Mind Alive -Hormone Health...53:30 FOMO (fear of missing out) can cause you to overtrain and hormonally deplete yourself Equip yourself with the ability to make your body better with the absence of food or exercise Spirituality Gratitude Meditation Breath work Time with family A "cheat day" becomes a "cheat month" Christian Gratitude Journal Question: What did you do to repair your thyroid? -Stress and Inflammation...1:02:35 Breath work (already mentioned) Vegetable oils are deleterious; ingest with caution Oils with high heat lose their efficacy Question: What do you think of deuterium content in foods and waters? Cignature Health deuterium level test -Immunity and Cancer...1:08:51 Be aware of lymphatic flow and lymph fluid Rebounding Kundalini breathwork Vibration Standing at work Dr. John Douillard Concoction Tea Light bulb moment for me: Former basketball player who now has cancer Cancer tied to emotions Anger, Fear, Shame Peace, Love, Joy Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from my life Gratitude Laughter Question: What do you think of exposure to dirt as it pertains to immunity? -Detoxification...1:16:00 Three things you should do every day: Breathing Pooping (and enemas) Sweating -Aesthetics, symmetry, beauty...1:18:35 Affects your longevity and health Weston A. Price discovered Activation X -Longevity...1:21:28 5 characteristics that overlap "blue zones" No smoking Low level physical activity throughout the day Community, social relationships, time with family High wild plant intake High legume intake -And much more... Resources mentioned: -Click here to save $500 off the MRI/Whole Genome Sequencing from Next Health -Ben's previous podcast episode with Dr. Darshan Shah Episode Sponsors: -Kion Berry Aminos Building blocks for muscle recovery, reduced cravings, better cognition, immunity, and more. New berry flavor. Same proven formula. -Organifi Pain-soothing herbs, antioxidants, & phyto-nutrients all in one delicious, soothing “Golden Milk”. Use discount code "greenfield" and get 20% off your entire order! -Butcher Box By ordering from ButcherBox you'll get 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, free range organic chicken, and heritage breed pork, raised free from antibiotic and hormones—it's truly a mouth-altering experience. You’ll also get our uncured bacon that’s free from added sugar and nitrates. Plus $20 Off and FREE shipping! -Policy Genius The easy, stress-free way to compare and buy insurance. Got a question for me about anything I talked about in this episode? Leave your comment below and I'll reply!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whew!  The recent Kion 5 Day Fast has now come to a close - and we had over 10,000 people participate (that's a whole lot of food that wasn't eaten). During the fast, I received plenty of questions about fasting, such as: Does coffee help or harm your fast?  What can I do to improve my sleep during - and after - a fast? What is the hormonal effect of fasting on males? And what about for women? What is the best kind of fasting if your goal is body composition (fat loss, muscle gain/maintenance)? Does fasting - especially 3-5 day extended fasts - slow down your metabolism? What type of training is best while fasting, and what type of training should be avoided? What other things can you do to enhance the benefits of a fast? (e.g. cryotherapy, enemas, etc.) How should you prepare for - and break - an extended fast? Is it OK to fast while breastfeeding or pregnant? Does your ability to absorb food and supplements increase after a fast? What are your thoughts on EAAs while fasting? Do they break a fast? And what about BCAAs? And many more! So in today's episode, I dive into an official fasting Q&A solosode. Enjoy! Here are the questions I'll be answering: -How does fasting for longevity differ from fasting for things like fat loss or circadian rhythm...7:45 Decreasing calorie intake 20-40% is most optimal way to regulate aging and increase life span Inhibit mTOR pathway, stimulate autophagy, induce ketogenesis Autophagy: "self eating" - not to be confused with apoptosis, which is cell death Autophagosomes to lysosomes "spring cleaning in your cells" Eating shuts down autophagy; fasting increases autophagy mTOR: mammalian target of rapamycin Energy enzyme ATP becomes ADP Every time you eat, you activate mTOR and suppress autophagy Ketosis: using fat as the primary source of fuel Less oxidative stress; slows the aging process My personal protocol: 12-16 hour intermittent fast daily 24 hour fast (dinner to dinner) twice a month Fasting mimicking diet (FMD) 4x/year -Does coffee help or harm your fast...16:50 Black coffee can enhance fatty acid mobilization from adipose tissue, alertness, metabolism, Coffee without any calories added (coconut oil, butter, etc.) will help the fast -I don't sleep well when I fast...20:05 Carb intake at night (dinner time) assists with sleep Shut down the sympathetic nervous system to get to sleep while fasting CBD (large amounts) Sleep Remedy Valerian Passion Flower Kava Kava Chinese skull cap You  can get by on less sleep when you're fasting Don't forget the efficacy of breath work and meditation -What is the hormonal effect of fasting on males vs. females?...23:40 Lean and fit females do better with shorter fasts (12 hours); men are more versatile Insulin, growth hormone, responds favorably to a fast Noradrenaline increases with fasting Level of testosterone increase while fasting is unknown Podcast on kisspeptin -Does fasting slow down your metabolism?...30:45 -What other things can you do to enhance the benefits of a fast?...33:20 Berberine Bitter melon extract Rock lotus extract Kion Lean Sauna sessions Cold thermogenesis Podcast on liver cleanse -What type of training is best while fasting?...36:25 Anything that rapidly depletes glycogen or carb levels will have deleterious effects HIIT High weight, low reps; body building vs. weight lifting Walking, swimming, yoga; something you can do and have a conversation -How should you prepare for, and break, an extended fast?...38:55 When finished with a fast, you'll be less equipped to digest complex meals Go low and slow when reintroducing foods Soft cook veggies; Avocados, grass feed cottage cheese, eggs, No steaks; anything you need to chew for a long time Peter Attia's "nothing burger" -Is it okay to fast while breastfeeding or pregnant?...42:18 Religions encourage women to refrain from fasting while pregnant or breastfeeding Biochemical changes in milk in response to fasting Think "feast" not "famine" -Does your ability to absorb food and supplements increase after a fast?...45:38 Kion Flex Masszymes -Should I use amino acids to aid my fast?...48:15 Don't use them if your goal is cellular autophagy Can be very useful for resetting circadian rhythm, gut cleanup, spiritual benefits, etc. Can be a good mTOR activator Dry mouth, from amino acids: Spilanthes, electric berries Ginger, cayenne powder increases salivary production GI effects: Histamine Block Histamine X -And much more! Resources from this episode: -Kion's Free Fasting Guide -Kion Aminos -Kion Flex -Histamine X -Histamine Block Episode Sponsors: -Kion Berry Aminos Building blocks for muscle recovery, reduced cravings, better cognition, immunity, and more. Now in a DELICIOUS berry flavor! -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. Use my link when you order and get a FREE bonus gift! -The Christian Gratitude Journal When you introduce conscious, mindful gratitude into your day, positivity will begin to pour into your life – along with all the other scientifically proven physical, mental and spiritual benefits that go along with it. Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for me? Leave your comments below and I'll reply!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine an all-encompassing platform that allows you to keep track of all your blood, stool, saliva, and urine testing results, along with self-quantified data from wearables, and even pulls in all health testing you've done in the past as part of a single dashboard. And imagine that platform could then use highly advanced artificial intelligence to tell you exactly how to eat, how to supplement, how to exercise and much more. All from the comfort of your home, without needing to drive to an expensive lab for multiple blood draws or fill out confusing paperwork. That's exactly what the brand new company Onegevity Health has the money, technology and data to do, and so I decided it was high time I sat down with their two chief scientists to learn exactly how this process works. I've already sent in my own stool using their Gut/bio shotgun stool sequencing test that we discuss in this episode. My guests are Dr. Joel Dudley and Dr. Chris Mason.  These guys are highly qualified and wicked smart. Dr. Dudley is currently Associate Professor of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Endowed Chair of Biomedical Data Science, and founding Director of the Institute for Next Generation Healthcare at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Prior to Mount Sinai, he held positions as Co-founder and Director of Informatics at NuMedii, Inc. and Consulting Professor of Systems Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine. His work, published in >120 peer-review publications, is focused at the nexus digital health, artificial intelligence (AI), scientific wellness, and healthcare delivery. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Scientific American, MIT Technology Review, CNBC, and other popular media outlets. He was named in 2014 as one of the 100 most creative people in business by Fast Company magazine. He is co-author of the book Exploring Personal Genomics from Oxford University Press. Dr. Dudley received a BS in Microbiology from Arizona State University and an MS and PhD in Biomedical Informatics from Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Christopher Mason is currently an Associate Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, with appointments at the Tri-Institutional Program in Computational Biology and Medicine between Cornell, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, and the Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute. He is also Director of the WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, which bridges prediction methods in finance with genomics. His work spanning >140 peer-reviewed publications has been featured on the cover of Science, Nature, and Cell journals as well as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Forbes, and other major media outlets. Dr. Mason was featured as a speaker at TEDMED and he was recognized in 2014 as one of the “Brilliant Ten” by Popular Science magazine. He completed his dual B.S. in Genetics and Biochemistry (2001) from University of Wisconsin-Madison, his Ph.D. in Genetics (2006) from Yale University, and then completed post-doctoral training in clinical genetics (2009) at Yale Medical School while jointly a post-doctoral Fellow of Genomics, Ethics, and Law at Yale Law School (2009). During the show, you'll discover: -What Onegevity is, and what it does...9:45 "Health intelligence" company History of the company Frustration with how long it takes research to reach the consumer 17 years to reach just the clinic; many years after that to reach the consumer How is it different from other biome testing companies Shotgun sequencing vs. 16S Translate the results along with actionable steps to take Recreational health information vs. health management companies Vertically integrated with Thorne, who develops the actual solutions Starting over in some ways in the realm of microbiome testing -What is metatranscriptome analysis?...18:00 "Meta" = Across all species DNA + RNA analysis Challenges with RNA analysis - some clinicians consider it useless Only top few % of species generate RNA in the sample Comparable in price to shotgun sequencing -The actual testing process at Onegevity...20:45 Very small stool sample required, as compared to other tests 6 gigabytes of data after sequencing DNA Each fragment compared to all known species on earth Interactive report on the web; suggestions on what food and supplements to order Network modeling: How are changes in the microbiome propagating to the blood More comprehensive than guessing based on correlations What is measured in the blood? TBD based on the individual's health -How Joel and Chris overcome challenges and skepticism in their testing processes...28:20 How can you measure the whole gut with a stool sample? (Spatial microbiome testing) Not necessary, even harmful, to sample from other areas of the gut -The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the testing process at Onegevity...36:40 Predicts diseases/conditions based on the shotgun sequencing Recommend foods and supplements to consume Each company has its own variables, testing protocols, etc.; results in differing test results Database continues to grow with each test; data becomes more reliable Data is not for sale to outside parties; will partner under the right conditions -How do you go from stool, to shotgun sequencing, to "don't eat green beans?"...40:35 Internal trial; shocking results Can determine the efficacy of the test at certain benchmarks; 15 day, 30 day, etc. Very positive feedback from those who were tested Does Thorne produce a special probiotic that seeds the gut? -How comprehensive are the dietary recommendations after a Onegevity test?...48:52 Not simply a particular diet, i.e. Mediterranean, Ketogenic, etc. Can make specific food, meal recommendations Possibly partner with food delivery services to provide customized options Very close to being perfectly genetically tailored in both microbiome and saliva tests -How customer data is protected if Joel and Chris choose to partner with a pharmaceutical company...55:20 Customers are opted out by default; can choose to opt in. Potential to benefit monetarily by opting in -What the Onegevity platform looks like from a user standpoint...1:01:55 -And much more! Resources from this episode: -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. -Book: Exploring Personal Genomics by Joel Dudley Episode Sponsors: -Kion My own company where I develop coffees, energy bars and supplements. I'm also proud to endorse the Thorne line of supplements, including the multi-vitamin, which I take every day. -Organifi Gold Wake up each day feeling rested. Relax your body after a long day. Help stiff joints feel young again. Use discount code “greenfield” and get 20% off your entire order! -Thrive Market Your Favorite Organic Foods and Products. Up to 50% Off. Delivered to Your Door. Use my link and get an extra 25% off your first order. -PuraThrive Keto Balance Gently push your body into Ketosis in a healthy manner so your body turns into a fat-burning machine (and stays in fat-burning mode). Get 15% off your order when you use my link. Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Joel, Chris or me? Leave your comments at http://bengreenfieldfitness.com/onegevity and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's plenty of controversy these days around telomere testing. Is it accurate? Does it really show your so-called "biological vs. chronological" age? And once you do get your results, how can you lengthen your telomeres? In today's episode, I interview one of the world's leading experts on telomeres: Dr. Bill Andrews. Dr. Andrews is the Founder and CEO of Sierra Sciences, a company focused on finding ways to extend the human lifespan and health span through telomere maintenance. As a scientist, athlete and executive, he continually pushes the envelope and challenges convention. He has been featured in Popular Science, The Today Show and numerous documentaries on the topic of life extension including, most recently, the movie The Immortalists in which he co-stars with Aubrey de Grey. Bill has been a researcher in biotech since 1981, focusing on cancer, heart disease, and inflammation research; though his passion has always been aging. In the early to mid 1990’s, while at Geron Corporation, Bill led the research to discover both the RNA and protein components of human telomerase. He was awarded 2nd place as "National Inventor of the Year" in 1997. Bill earned his Ph.D. in Molecular and Population Genetics at the University of Georgia in 1981. And then served as Senior Scientist at Armos Corporation and Codon Corporation, Director of Molecular Biology at Berlex Biosciences and at Geron Corporation, and Director of Technology Development at EOS Biosciences, before starting Sierra Sciences in 1999. Bill is also a named inventor on over 50+ US issued patents on telomerase and author of numerous scientific research studies published in peer reviewed scientific journals. Bill is also an avid ultra-marathon runner. He regularly competes in 50 and 100+ mile races often finishing at the top of his age group. These grueling races have taken him all over the world to race in some of the most extreme environments, from Death Valley to the Himalayas. His running is presently featured in the movie The High. During our discussion, you'll discover: -The differing effects of short vs. long distance running on telomere lengths...9:25 Not the length per se, but how you do it. If it quits being fun, it's time to quit. Consistent running actually decreases inflammation; inconsistent or sporadic running is problematic -What are telomeres, and their role in our physical mortality...13:15 Think of each chromosome in the body as a "shoelace"; the little caps on the end of the laces are the telomeres Telomere shortening results in declining health with aging Each time our cells divide, our telomeres get a bit shorter DNA and cell replication Cells can't replicate DNA all the way to the end Cells eventually "crash"; lose the ability to function It's possible to calculate the maximum lifespan of a human based on telomere shortening rates Attention anti-agers: you can't do it unless you can figure out how to prevent telomere shortening Book by Jim Mellon: Juvenescence: Investing in the age of longevity -How telomeres can be lengthened, and how to lower the rate by which they shorten...19:30 Telomeres are not shortened when reproductive cells replicate Telomerase prevents the shortening of telomeres Telomerase is too big to get into cells Senescent cell: a cell that has lost the ability to divide Shutting down senescent cells actually inhibits cancer cells "Chromosome rearrangement": a precursor to cancer Shortened telomeres hinders cancer treatments such as chemotherapy Keeping telomeres long is the best way to treat cancer should it enter the body -Telomere tests: do they work, and how accurate are they...35:10 Accuracy is extremely low in measuring biological age Best available is fluorescence in situ hybridization Life Length; Repeat Diagnostics PCR, a popular means of testing, is "manipulatable"- uncontrollable changes Test yourself multiple times; use different names Telomere Restriction Fragment is Dr. Andrews favorite test Difference in costs: More accurate = more expensive Range: $100-300 -The research Dr. Andrews is conducting on increasing telomerase activity...44:20 Two ways to produce telomerase inside the cells Find a way to turn the gene "on" in preexisting cells Deliver a brand new gene to the cell; turned on more than a regular gene Decreasing the rate of shortening the telomeres "Tug of War" analogy Not currently possible to reverse the aging process 1-3 years away from having the tug of war a "tie"; meaning the aging process comes to a halt, then possibly we'll see aging process reversed Real life products in the marketplace based on Dr. Andrews' research at Sierra Science...50:30 Dr. Andrews focuses solely on research; partners with pharmaceutical companies for marketing, distribution, etc. TAM-818: a supplement that increases telomerase levels Dr. Andrews takes every supplement that's been shown to increase telomerase levels -Dr. Andrews' personal anti-aging protocol...53:45 TA65 Isagenesis TAM-818 You can't design natural products to be better; they would cease to be natural products Elements of his protocol that may fly under the radar: Vitamin D/K Blend Omega 3 fatty acids (Superessentials Fish Oil) Barlean's Flax Seed Oil Vitamin C from American Nutraceuticals Yellow bell peppers: highest amount of Vitamin C and lowest amount of sugars Book: The Kaufman Protocol Yoga, meditation, running, don't increase telomerase, but limit shortening of telomeres -Precautions to take before diving headlong into an anti-aging protocol...1:07:35 No known negative effects of long telomeres Gene delivery/therapy Libella Gene Therapeutics -About the "telomere clock"...1:16:15 -And much more! Resources from this episode: -Isagenesis -TA65 -Tam818 -Vitamin D/K Blend -Vitamin C from American Nutraceuticals -Superessentials Fish Oil -Barlean's Flax Seed Oil -Bill Andrew's books on curing aging and telomeres -Book: The Kaufman Protocol -Book by Jim Mellon: Juvenescence: Investing in the age of longevity -Cyrex Labs -LifeLength telomere testing -Repeat Diagnostics telomere testing -Sierra Sciences website (Dr. Bill Andrew's website) -Libella Gene Therapeutics Episode sponsors: -Kion Lean  Support for normal blood sugar levels and healthy energy metabolism, even after large, carb-rich meals. -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. Use my link for your purchase and score a sweet bonus gift! -Thrive Market Your Favorite Organic Foods and Products. Up to 50% Off. Delivered to Your Door. Use my link and get an extra 25% off your first order. -Organifi Gold Wake up each day feeling rested. Relax your body after a long day. Help stiff joints feel young again. Use discount code "greenfield" and get 20% off your entire order!   Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Dr. Andrews or me? Leave your comments at http://bengreenfieldfitness.com/telomeres and one of us will reply!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niraj Naik, my guest on today's show (and the same guy who invented the crazy holotropic-style breathwork protocol I do in my sauna) is a qualified pharmacist who comes from a background of working long hours for several years as a community pharmacist.   Becoming a certified “legal drug dealer” at the ripe age of 24, he got to witness first-hand, many clients going home with shopping bags full of drugs each month, rarely getting better and usually going on to suffer from other diseases. He also learnt of the debilitating side effects of the prescription medication which drove many of the patients to have to take more and more drugs to ease the side effects. Curious to find ways to improve his own health he attended several health seminars and discovered an in-depth approach on how to reach optimum health and vitality by understanding the true origin of disease and how to prevent it. After experiencing great benefits with his own health, Niraj was motivated to devise a scheme to see if he could also help his suffering patients. He incorporate a lifestyle plan called his "healthy shopping lists' that includes simple food swaps, tools and websites to support their specific condition. Within two weeks he received testimonials from patients who were starting to get better and within a few months some being able to lower the dose or complete come off their medication. After an arduous battle trying to get his novel approach accepted into the mainstream that resulted in a lot of stress and disillusionment, in 2010 he was diagnosed with a stress related illness, ulcerative colitis, that left him housebound for over 10 months. He was told by doctors and nurses there existed no cure and he would need to be on medication for the rest of his life. Like his patients, Niraj suffered from side effects of his medication to the point he felt completely hopeless and even suicidal. He was then left with a choice that would be a major turning point in his life. Test out a new drug or have his colon removed. He decided to choose option 3, a path not yet known by conventional medicine. So began his search to learn from people who had great success with either curing themselves or others from chronic illness. He learned a combination of natural treatments including Ayurvedic practices, and dietary recommendations from Paleo and SCD. He studied healing methods through meditation, yoga and mind power techniques like self hypnosis and NLP. He even discovered the powerful techniques of sound and music therapy as tools for reducing stress and promoting self healing. Niraj finally broke free from the burdens of his illness, without medication. The experience of illness has allowed him to completely reinvent his life and discover a new passion for helping others to do the same. His speciality is helping people recover, prevent or reduce the dependency for longterm medication for the metabolic diseases of diabetes, heart disease and obesity and auto-immune disease where stress is an underlining factor in the cause. Niraj is now a professional musician, holistic health expert and entrepreneur. He runs several successful websites that help others who suffer from stress-related, chronic diseases through his self-composed, captivating meditation music and online courses. Niraj has composed music for healing centres, spas and therapists worldwide. During our discussion, you'll discover: -The story behind Niraj's famous infographic on how a can of Coke affects the human body...7:10 Was friends with a world-famous psychic "Only one thing worse than bad publicity, and that's no publicity." Saw a conspicuous link between sugary drinks and metabolic diseases; doctors weren't aware of it (in 2005 timeframe) Frustrated with the "dumbed-down" state of the healthcare industry First published by truththeory.com; Became #1 trending article on Facebook within a few weeks Firms literally pay millions of dollars for the type of authority the infographic gave Niraj Follow up infographic on Diet Coke was equally successful -How Niraj used alternative medicine to heal himself of some serious health issues...16:45 Very little awareness of the effects of diet to overall health (2009 timeframe) Created "Healthy shopping lists" as a pharmacist in the U.K. (employed by a major pharmacy chain) Niraj's boss and biggest supporter left for another job, was left to fend for himself; his practices were deemed by corporate as "too controversial" - they watered down everything he said Negative emotions/thoughts manifested as physical symptoms; became very ill (ulcerative colitis) Severely depressed; considered suicide (31 years old) G.O.D. "Gift of Desperation" Met a mentor who encouraged him "You'll get over this and change the lives of many people" Combination of colostrum, breath work, and a change in perception -Examples of ayurvedic principles used to heal the gut...25:22 Colostrum Efficacious for improving digestive health Health of the mother (including mental health) affects the quality of the colostrum Cow colostrum translates perfectly to humans (produces 4x the amount a calf needs) Proper dosages: You need whole fat colostrum Big doses in the beginning (2-3 heaping tablespoons) Take it raw Use powder (a lot of it is absorbed by the gums) Suck it for 5-10 minutes and then swallow it Regain emotional balance Yoga Diet protocols Ayurvedic means "balanced" Modern medicine not aligned with human nature (scientific approach, averages) Ask Lots of questions, "Know thyself..." There is no pill for every ill; but there is an ill that follows every pill Most important question: "Do I wake up every day enthusiastic about a hard day's work?" Prof. B. M. Hegde -A unique breath protocol Naij specializes in called SOMA...51:00 SOMA is referenced over 50,000 times in the Rig Veda, the oldest known religious manuscript Physical elements: amanita muscaria mushrooms kush cannabis blue lotus (full of DNT) Tantra has its roots in SOMA Use it purposefully, for therapeutic purposes; don't use it recreationally or habitually Hatha yoga incorporates breath work We can "wake up" the internal pharmacy. We have everything that might be prescribed to us with in us; breath work releases it -Why the medical industry doesn't advocate for SOMA therapy...1:02:34 "Unconscious capitalism" "Cholesterol myth" is good for big business -A practical example of using breathing to chance one's physiology...1:04:30 -The true intent of yoga and how the "yoga industrial complex" has twisted it out of context...1:10:40 Turned it into a fitness or aerobic routine Meant as a "route to the divine" SOMA Awakening: Rhythmic breathing kumbhaka breathing (breath retention) -What it's like to go through Niraj's SOMA protocol...1:13:30 Bhastrikā, followed by kumbhaka rechaka Rhythmic breathing Fallacy of a scarcity of oxygen; the opposite is true Pranayama means "energy control" Body adapts to having less than normal oxygen Stimulates production of red blood cells Better blood flow to the heart -The 21 day protocol and webinar Niraj has developed...1:25:26 Click here for more info. -And MUCH more... Resources from this episode: -What Happens After Drinking One Can Of Coke (and here's the one for Diet Coke) -Feeding You Lies: How to Unravel the Food Industry's Playbook and Reclaim Your Health -The Renegade Colostrum that Niraj uses and discusses in podcast -The Age Of Aging Documentary Ben mentions -Ayurveda Over Western Medicines | Dr. B.M HEGDE | TEDxMITE -Essential Oil Wizardy for Blue Lotus -Study: Effects of Cold Exposure and Breathing Techniques on Immune Response -My interview with Patrick McKeown on breathwork -Soma Breathwork 21 Day Protocol - use code BEN for 20% off -SOMA Awakening Breathwork Meditation Webinar - this is completely free -SOMA Breathwork Instructor Training - use code BEN for 20% off -Prof. B. M. Hegde Episode Sponsors: -Kion Tian Chi Extra nourishment to help you navigate the storm of stress, work, and life. Mix it with Kion Aminos, and you're literally in heaven. Well, not literally, but it's a good combo ;) -Trusii  Groundbreaking. Potent. Comprehensive. The next revolution in health is here. Use my link and get 30% off your order . Get an additional 10% off a subscription when you use discount code "ben" at checkout. -Organifi delivers quality nutrition to the world with delicious, easy-to-mix superfood drinks. Use discount code "greenfield" at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase! -Clearlight Saunas Advanced technology. For your good health. See why Clearlight jacuzzi saunas are unsurpassed. Use discount code "bengreenfield" to save $500 off your order AND get free shipping! Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Niraj or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My life is a little bit...strange. As an immersive journalist, self-experimenter and self-professed “biohacker”, I do relatively unconventional things to upgrade my body and brain. For example, I have this blood glucose monitor installed in my arm. It monitors my blood sugar 24-7. I wear a cognition-enhancing laser light helmet at work during the day, and stand naked in front of a giant red light panel while I’m replying to emails. I give myself weekly IV’s full of a cocktail of special vitamins. I’ve also had the fat sucked from my back and the marrow from my bones to concentrate my own stem cells, and had surgery to have these cells placed into every joint of my body and mainlined into my bloodstream. I have tens of thousands of dollars of advanced medical technologies housed in my basement. You get the idea. I’m not normal. But as a man who spends much of my life immersed in the modern health and longevity movement, attending anti-aging conferences and researching all the newfangled things people are doing these days to upgrade their bodies, I often survey the landscape of fringe supplements, biohacks, and anti-aging technologies and wonder… ...would our ancestors laugh at us? When it comes to living a long and healthy life, would their ancestral wisdom beat our modern science, hands down? After all, despite our modern infatuation with longevity and optimized bodies and brains, we are not strikingly healthier or longer-living than previous generations. In today's podcast, adapted from my recent TedX Coeur D' Alene Talk, I'll tackle this topic in detail. You'll discover: -Why modern medicine, for all its marvels, may not be all it's cracked up to be...4:10 CDC reports life expectancy has dropped 3 consecutive years. It's a false assertion to assume we'll live significantly longer than previous generations "Life expectancy" is calculated by insurance, mutual fund companies as number of years after retirement, not after birth. We would be seeing many more 100+ year olds; not the case We have a better chance of surviving childhood (disease, etc.) but not necessarily living longer. Our ancestors didn't always live nasty, brutish, short lives -Popular current fads to extend human lifespan...7:43  Vampire therapy, parabiosis (young blood) Ancient Greeks considered to blood a magic elixir Pliny the Elder, Homer, wrote about the healing efficacy of others' blood GDF11, a primary anti-aging proteins activated by young blood transfusion, is increased by oxytocin Stem cells More accessible than in years past My "biological age" dropped from 37 to 20 after my first stem cell transfusion Men's Health article on stem cells featuring Ben Outside Magazine article featuring Ben Dietary adjustments to increase/enhance stem cells Food compounds, superfoods: colostrum, aloe vera, etc. Cryopreservation Modern day mummification  Metformin slightly modified version of a compound that was discovered in the French lilac plant (goat's rue) Wired Magazine: Forget the Blood of Teens Adverse side effects: Lactic acidosis Mitochondrial disruption Vitamin B12 deficiency Increase risk for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Natural alternatives: Bitters, herbs, wild plants, bitter melon Rapamycin Inhibits excessive activation of immune cells via MTOR Upregulation of cellular cleanup mechanisms called autophagy Increases risk of infectious diseases and diabetes Natural alternatives: spermidine Intermittent fasting Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) Levels markedly decrease with age Natural alternatives: Raw honey Fermented foods Sauna sessions Pau d Arco tea  -Supplements and medicines used by our ancestors...19:25 -Natural ways to enhance our vision...22:45 Ancestors trained their vision; they didn't look at screens all day Plant compounds known to enhance vision: Zeaxanthin Carotenoids (kale, spinach, bell peppers) Innate ability to "see" in the absence of light or even sight -Natural hearing enhancement...24:45 Hunter gatherers were better equipped, physically, with their ears; perhaps because of time spent outdoors attuned to the frequencies of nature Turnip greens, collard greens, parsley, mustard greens, broccoli, etc. shown to decrease risk of hearing loss Adjusting your diet would be far cheaper and less convenient than what some self-experimenting types are doing (ear implants) -The natural "sixth sense" within us to navigate to True North...26:42 We possess a tiny amount of magnetite in our ethmoid bone (located between the eyes in the nasal cavity) Researchers suggest this built-in compass made hunting, migration, etc. possible We have perhaps lost this ancestral skill with the advent of road maps, GPS navigation -Natural ways to enhance our brains...27:30 Walnuts are rich in omega fatty acids, melatonin Lion's mane mushroom Bacopa flower (memory) Green tea (cognition) Psilocybin All of the above have been used for centuries, if not millennia -Natural alternatives to things like photobiomodulation, light therapy, PEMF, etc...29:15 Greeks engaged in "heliotherapy"; sunbathing akin to what we know as photobiomodulation St. John's Wort, chamomile, etc. can be used to ward off seasonal affective disorder -And Much More! Episode Sponsors: -Kion is your ultimate source for everything you need to achieve peak performance, look amazing, defy aging and live an adventurous, fulfilling, joyful and limitless life. -Organifi Gold Sleep Better, Live Better With A Relaxing Cup Of Golden Tea. Use discount code "greenfield" at checkout and save 20% off your entire purchase! Got a question for me? Just leave a comment below, and I'll get back to you!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.