
Boundless Life
Free fitness, nutrition, biohacking, fat loss, anti-aging and cutting-edge health advice from BenGreenfieldLife.com! Tune in to the latest research, interviews with exercise, diet and medical professionals, and an entertaining mash-up of ancestral wisdom and modern science, along with Q&A's and mind-body-spirit optimizing content from America's top personal trainer.
Latest episodes

Feb 28, 2019 • 1h 8min
How To Use Precision Medicine To Enhance Athletic Performance, Defy Aging, Balance Hormones, Fix The Heart & Much More.
"The good physician treats the disease. The great physician treats the patient." - Sir William Osler You deserve better than the broken, assembly-line medical system. The world deserves the optimized version of you. We can get you there. So claim my guests on today's show, Dr. Matt Dawson and Dr. Mike Mallin of Wild Health, with physical locations in Versailles, Kentucky and Bend, Oregon. Dr. Matt Dawson is a precision medicine physician in Lexington, KY and co-host of the Wild Health podcast. Dr. Dawson has been obsessed with performance optimization as long as he can remember. He received scholarships to play two sports in college even with "minimal talent" because of his voracious reading and implementation of any fitness or nutritional techniques that would give him an edge. He continued that obsession in medical school and, as a physician, he has won national awards for education, innovation, and leadership. He has lectured in over 20 countries and trained thousands of other physicians through live lecture, online education, two textbooks, and an educational app. He combines his training in genomics and functional medicine to give personalized, precise medical guidance. His obsession with performance optimization has morphed from initially athletic to now mental performance and longevity. Whether it's a professional athlete or a grandparent optimizing their mental clarity and mobility to keep up with their grandkids, Dr. Dawson is passionate about helping everyone perform at their absolute peak. Dr. Mike Mallin is a physician in Bend, Oregon who is obsessed with health performance and precision medicine and is co-founder of the Wild Health podcast. He completed medical school in South Carolina, and trained in Emergency Medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah where he competed in several ultramarathons and found his love for the mountains and performance. Mike currently practices in Bend, Oregon and Lexington, Kentucky in his precision medicine clinic. He is also co-founder of the Ultrasound Podcast, an educational podcast that has taught thousands of physicians all over the world how to use ultrasound, as well as Wild Health, his newest podcast focusing on health performance and longevity. During our discussion, you'll discover: -How Dr. Dawson played two sports in college despite possessing "minimal talent"...8:55 Received two scholarships: tennis and soccer Became obsessed with performance; auto-didact Focused on helping others optimize their fitness and performance goals Ben had to figure out ways to train to overcome physical limitations in college - first foray into biohacking -The story behind the founding of Wild Health...13:05 Met 12 years ago, residency in Salt Lake City Interested in personal health for performance; competed with each other Became interested in genomics trying to fix Dr. Mallin's cholesterol numbers, which were very high Extremely high LDL; over 300 Used epidemiology; lots of guess work. Frustrated with conventional methods Saw need for adding genomic and microbiome data into the treatment Began studying "precision medicine" Treat patients primarily in person, in their respective clinics Data is important, but focus on a relationship, know patient's lifestyle, etc. -What the heck is "precision medicine"...17:45 First and foremost: not treating a patient as a statistic What may be true for a "population" may not necessarily be true for an individual Two individuals with the same problem (ex. insufficient Vitamin D) may require completely different treatments -Machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence used in precision medicine...20:10 Closest we can come to that at the moment is the human brain Difficulty in obtaining accurate data is in lifestyle factors Great potential; Onegevity (listen to my podcast) has great potential but too many variables Is there a "gold standard" test that Drs. Mallin and Dawson use on their patients Varies with each individual according to their needs and specific situation/lifestyle -Strategies Drs. Mallin and Dawson recommend in terms of athletic performance optimization...24:15 Depends on the individual Some need more recovery time than others Genetic tests to determine power vs. endurance Focus on doing what people like to do Optimize sleep: oura ring, Elite athletes, exercise enthusiasts Won't change based on genetic data Focus on overtraining by using data to educate them appropriately Can better identify a power vs. endurance approach with someone who is more passive in their regimen What Matt's daily exercise regimen looks like: Sauna: near infrared light, meditation (20 minutes) 90 lb. kettlebell; short sets (20 minutes) Reading (20 minutes Short, compressed exercise much more efficacious than a long run, long sets of strenuous activity HRV, breath work, -How Drs. Mallin and Dawson approach cognitive performance, as well as dementia and Alzheimers...36:50 Start with genetic testing Alzheimers easier to treat before symptoms start If you have apoe4 gene, you're 3-15x more likely to have Alzheimers; earlier onset There are ways to treat Alzheimers with the right data at hand Healthy diet, sleep, detoxification Book: The End of Alzheimer's by Dr. Dale Bredesen P Gingivalis The Fortune magazine article on BMAA -How Drs. Mallin and Dawson approach longevity and anti-aging...43:30 Ultimate hack: find an ancient practice (like fasting) that simulates a modern day compound like rapamycin or metformin Spermidine Results from studies on athletes who take compounds like metformin? What about stem cells... Proceed with caution. Possible if a patient has major health issues. Educate them and let them make the decision they believe is best PulseCenter PEMF -Drs. Mallin and Dawson's personal nutrition regimen...50:15 TianChi for Ashwagandha Reduces blood sugar level Increasing testosterone and fertility KSM 66 How do you measure for testosterone? 5 days of taking a supplement to getting to a "steady state" Test once per month Joovv Light Multi-modal approach First step: test for imbalance; then adjust lifestyle before supplementation DUTCH test: Key for women, not as much for men So much fluctuation of estrogen during the cycle More efficacious than single-serum test Listen to my podcast on the DUTCH test -What about cardiovascular health...59:11 Primary interventions - diet, lifestyle - help with 80% of cure 3 areas to focus on: Inflammation Endothelial dysfunction High LDL particle count Treat based on the reason for the problem; not because there's a problem The Insulin Of The Heart: A Little-Known Seed Extract That May Be The Future Panacea For Heart Disease. -How Drs. Mallin and Dawson go about identifying the perfect diet for people... They're both on very different diets Use genomics to figure out predispositions Weston A. Price Start with what the person likes; the "perfect diet" is useless if people don't adhere to it. -About the Kentucky Castle, and upcoming event where Ben will be speaking...1:09:13 -And much more! Special Announcements: - Kentucky Castle Event: On April 6, 2019, Drs. Dawson and Mallin will show you the science of how to look at your genetics and personalize every life decision to what your body will respond best to. 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. Then everyone will take a field trip to Keeneland to watch the sport of kings, thoroughbred horse racing, at the most beautiful race track in the world. After the festivities we'll return to the castle for a feast in the evening and dinner with Ben Greenfield and Drs. Dawson and Mallin. There they'll answer your specific questions about genomics, personalized medicine, the microbiome, or any other questions you have. Registration is very limited, so click here to register now. -Retreat in the Swiss Alps: Join Ben Greenfield and Robyn Openshaw, aka The Green Smoothie Girl, for an immersive health retreat in the Swiss Alps! 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. Click here for more information. Spots are extremely limited! -Runga in Napa Valley: In September and October this year, people from all over the world will come together at a pristine property nestled on the ridge between Napa and Sonoma Valley, for one of the most immersive wellness experiences in the world. Guests spend four days connecting with each other and themselves, while learning and applying practices that are at the forefront of wellness and longevity. This is the RUNGA Immersion. Click here for more information. To keep up with all of Ben's upcoming public events, just visit the official Ben Greenfield Fitness Calendar. Resources from this episode: -Precision Medicine -My podcast on Onegevity Health -Book: End Of Alzheimer's by Dale Bredesen -The Fortune magazine article on BMAA -Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients -A1 vs. A2 protein -PulseCenter PEMF -TianChi for Ashwagandha -JOOVV light -Oura ring -My podcast on the DUTCH test -The Insulin Of The Heart: A Little-Known Seed Extract That May Be The Future Panacea For Heart Disease. Episode Sponsors: -Kion: The Daily Life Bundle contains Ben and Team Kion's go to, everyday essentials: Kion Bars, Coffee, Aminos and Kion Lean. Use discount code "bgf10" and receive 10% off your order. -Trusii: Boost energy; increase focus; upgrade immunity; enhance fitness. All with hydrogen-rich water from Trusii. Use discount code "ben" and receive 30% off your order. -Zip Recruiter: The smartest way to hire. Use my link and try Zip Recruiter for FREE! -Marc Pro: Helps you recover right and keep your body healthy, so you can do the things you love now without paying for it later. Use discount code "ben" to receive 10% off your order. Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Dr. Dawson, Dr. Mallin or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 23, 2019 • 47min
Altitude Training, Red Blood Cells & Shellfish: Are Clams The Next Big Performance Enhancing Supplement?
When it comes to nutrition benefits, clams are interesting creatures. For example, they are a well known as a source of iron. There are two types of iron - heme and non-heme iron. Heme-iron is more bioavailable, which means it is better absorbed and can be utilized by the body. Clams have both versions of iron, and a 3-ounce serving of clams can provide up to 24 mg of iron. But they are an excellent source of: - Omega-3 fatty acids - Protein - Vitamin A - Niacin - Potassium - Thiamin - Calcium - Thiamine - Folate - Choline - Magnesium - Sodium - Iron - Vitamin B12 - Selenium -Manganese -Vitamin C -Copper - Phosphorus -Riboflavin - Zinc - Vitamin E - Vitamin B6 - Vitamin K The list goes on and on...and my guest on today's show, Craig Dinkel - a supplement formulator, ultra-endurance athlete, altitude specialist and much more - has managed to study and harness the power of clams. On today's show we take a deep dive into clams, his new Altifuel supplement, and much, much more. During our discussion, you'll learn: -About Craig's adventure on the Hardest Hike in America (which we talked about his last time on the podcast)...4:30 Along the Sierra High route; At altitude (9-12k feet); 33 mountain passes Takes over 3 weeks to finish Pack ultra-light everything Big mistake: Bought ultra-light backpack Not designed to carry as much weight. Excess weight caused strain on lower back and glutes Get the weight higher up (mid-back or higher) Decided to pull out the 3rd day - potentially dangerous situation -Why Craig initially sought the health benefits of clams...19:20 Desiccated liver extract powder great for high-altitude events Clams have highest amount of iron and Vitamin B12 available Clams are a more potent version of the desiccated liver -Concerns about the level of contaminants found in clams...23:45 Use wild, farm-raised clams Small serving (3 oz.) of clams contain 1500% of daily iron intake Heme vs. non-heme iron Great source of minerals High amount of Omega 3 and Vitamin K2 -What Craig combines clams with to get the highest level of efficacy...30:30 Cordyceps, rhodiola, ginkgo biloba Rhodiola crenulata vs. Rosea Maintains sodium pulmonary transport in the body Helps reverse altitude sickness AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness Cordyceps - Oxygen producing capabilities with poly saccharides Why not add blue-green AFA to his ingredients... Strong nootropic effect Helps with muscle recovery Wanted most powerful source to work with blood development; clams superior. Have to pick and choose what you think is the best -Best practices for taking the capsules...43:00 Find lowest dose for highest impact -And much more... Resources from this episode: -Kifaru backpacks -Altifuel supplement with clam option and liver option -Biotropic Labs -My previous episodes with Craig Dinkel: Shattering World Swim Records On 25-Piece Fried Chicken Buckets, Climbing Mountains While Eating Defatted, Vegan, Grass-Fed, Argentinian Liver Anhydrate & Much More. Recovery For Aging Athletes, Cross-Patterning, A New Kind Of High Intensity Interval Training, An Oxygen Boosting Supplement Called “Oxcia” & More! A Potent Pre-Sauna Stack, How To Cleanse Your Blood Before Bed, 700%+ Endurance Increases, The Best Supplements For Altitude Performance & Much More With Craig Dinkel of Biotropic Labs. The Hardest Hike In America, How To Train & Eat For Altitude, Dangerous Ingredients In Supplements & More With Craig Dinkel of Biotropic Labs. Episode Sponsors: -Kion: The Recovery Bundle Contains Kion Flex, Kion Aminos Tablet, LivingFuel SuperEssentials® Omega 3EDA+. Use discount code "bgf10" and receive 10% off your order. -Organifi Red: A “Tart-Sweet” Custom Brew With The HOTTEST Fat Melting And “Skin-Firming” Superfoods In The World. Use code "greenfield" at checkout and receive 20% off your order. -Purathrive: Stay in ketosis, shred fat off your body, experience sustained energy throughout the day… and… break through plateaus to reach the next level that once felt out of reach. Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Craig or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 snips
Feb 21, 2019 • 1h 59min
Is Metformin Really Dangerous, Little-Known Peptides For Muscle Gain & Fat Loss, Testosterone Replacement Therapy & Much More!
In this podcast, Jay Campbell, a Champion Men’s Physique Competitor and best selling author of the Testosterone Optimization Bible, discusses topics such as the safety of metformin, the use of peptides for muscle gain and fat loss, and testosterone replacement therapy. They also touch on whey protein allergies, the effectiveness of tesimoralin for abdominal fat loss, and misconceptions about testosterone replacement therapy.

Feb 16, 2019 • 1h 7min
Building Muscle On A Ketogenic Diet, Little-Known Keto Mistakes, The Best Supplements For A Ketogenic Diet & Much More!
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.

Feb 14, 2019 • 1h 10min
394: Does Cholesterol Go Up On A Ketogenic Diet (& Is That Bad?), How To Maintain Focus During Long Workouts, Testosterone & Your Prostate & Much More.
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.

Feb 9, 2019 • 1h 7min
Can Plant-Rich Keto Cure Cancer, Clearing Up Collagen Confusion, Peanut Butter Flavored Bone Broth & Much More!
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.

Feb 7, 2019 • 52min
32 Natural Ways To Increase Testosterone (Without Getting Injections Or Hormone Replacement)
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.

Feb 2, 2019 • 1h 23min
12 Easy & Practical Ways To Upgrade Your Body & Brain (Ben Greenfield's Live Talk From NextHealth In LA!)
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.

Jan 31, 2019 • 54min
The Official Fasting Q&A With Ben Greenfield: Does Coffee Break Your Fast, Poor Sleep During Fasting, Amino Acids During Fasting & Much More!
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.

Jan 26, 2019 • 1h 10min
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).
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.