Degrees of Health

We’ve been told for decades that cancer is a genetic disease - a matter of unlucky mutations. But what if we’ve been starting in the wrong place?In this two-part episode, medical doctor and cancer metabolism researcher Dr. Tomás Duraj takes us through a paradigm-shifting look at cancer - exploring the metabolic theory, how it contrasts with the prevailing somatic mutation theory, and why mitochondrial dysfunction may hold the key to both treatment and prevention.This episode covers the history of cancer theory, the evolutionary biology behind it, and why current models might be missing the mark by focusing on downstream symptoms instead of upstream causes.In Part 1, we cover:🧬 The somatic mutation theory vs. the metabolic theory of cancer🧠 Why mitochondria may be the origin, not a side-effect📚 The history of cancer theory - and why we got stuck on genetics🧪 Redefining the Warburg effect and oxidative phosphorylation🧬 BRCA mutations, mitochondrial signalling & inherited risk⚡ Energy before all else - how bioenergetics impacts everything🍽️ Why dietary interventions (like ketogenic therapy) are still so misunderstood This conversation is foundational - if you want to understand why cancer research has been stalling (and where the future might be), this is where to start and end.🎙️ Stay tuned for Part 2, where Dr Tomás dives into the potential of metabolic therapies in real-life application and treatment frameworks.Mentioned in this episode:PublicationsBook - Tripping Over The Truth by Travis Christofferson Paper The Warburg hypothesis and the emergence of the mitochondrial metabolic theory of cancerPaper - Successful application of dietary ketogenic metabolic therapy in patients with glioblastomaFind Dr Duraj:Website Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy ForumDr Seyfried’s lab at Boston CollegeDonate to the labWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hormones are often misunderstood or oversimplified (because they are quite complicated). But according to Dr. Rob Kominiarek, they are one of the most powerful (and most overlooked) levers we have for health, vitality, and aging well. So it's worth knowing what we can do to improve them and feel better, right?In his practice, Dr Rob Kominiarek focuses on individualised, root-cause approaches towards hormone balance, metabolic health, and long-term wellness. Yes he uses all the tools in the box, but only when they're necessary and fit the client. Here, Dr Rob and Ben are exploring the role of testosterone in men and women, how hormone imbalances manifest differently in men and women, and why lab results alone aren’t the full picture.We cover:💥 Symptom over numbers - why how you feel matters more than your lab results💊 Cellular resistance and over-prescribed TRT - when your body makes hormones, but they don’t do what they’re supposed to🧘‍♀️ Women’s hormones - why birth control and low protein intake create a "perfect metabolic storm"💥 Peptides & personalised protocols - tools for healing and hormone regulation without cookie-cutter plans🥗 How lifestyle affects hormones - under-eating, overtraining, birth control, and stress⚡ Symptoms vs. Lab Results - why chasing "optimal T levels" is a distraction if you’re not solving the root issue🚫 The real danger? Focusing on visible muscle while ignoring bone loss, energy decline, and mood shiftsThis episode also endeavours to bring more information to the fore on female hormones, and where there are distinct differences between the two sexes that are critical to our understanding and optimisation of sex hormones. More to come on this!Find Dr. Rob:Renue HealthInstagramWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We hear about toxins in our food all the time - but what if one chemical was quietly linked to the rise of so many chronic conditions and diseases? Autism, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, fatty liver disease, Parkinson’s, ADHD, even certain cancers?Meet Dr. Stephanie Seneff, an MIT scientist who has spent years uncovering the shocking effects of glyphosate - the active ingredient in the world’s most commonly used weedkiller. Stephanie explains how this one component could be the root behind the biggest health crises of our time - and in this episode, she breaks down exactly how.We cover:🔥 The rise of glyphosate - where it came from & how it took over our food supply🦠 How it disrupts your gut, microbiome, and nutrient absorption💧 Deuterium - the “heavy hydrogen” affecting mitochondria & metabolism🥑 How a low-deuterium diet (ketogenic, high-fat) may help reverse damage❌ Why Ozempic ultimately won't work full cycle💉 Glyphosate in vaccines🌍 AI & the future of medicineDr. Seneff’s research is controversial but the evidence is mounting. Could glyphosate be the silent spring of our time?Find Stephanie:WebsiteResearch Papers Mentioned in this episode:Book: Toxic LegacyBlocking the Increase of Intracellular Deuterium Concentration Prevents the Expression of Cancer-Related Genes, Tumor Development, and Tumor Recurrence in Cancer PatientsThe Effect of Glyphosate on Human Sperm Motility and Sperm DNA FragmentationWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 2.We all know the headlines: billionaire-funded biohacking, flashy protocols, impossible routines. But what if longevity could be simpler - accessible, structured, and something you can actually integrate into real life?Meet Daniel Lewis: lawyer by day, longevity guinea pig by night, and formerly #1 in the Rejuvenation Olympics. Daniel isn’t chasing immortality with an unlimited budget - he’s focused on what works, what’s measurable, and what fits into a normal life.In this episode, Daniel shares exactly how he’s slowed his rate of ageing to just 0.62 - and dropped his telomere age from 27 to 18 (he's 35) - all while working full time.We cover:🧬 What really ages us - telomeres, epigenetics, and the hallmarks of aging explained🏋️ Exercise without overcomplication - strength training, Zone 2 cardio, and chasing a 6-minute mile💤 Sleep & recovery - micro-dosing melatonin, glycine and white noise💊 Supplements based on research - spermidine, NAD precursors, alpha-ketoglutarate, and green tea extract (ECGC)⚖️ Balance, not obsession - treats, travelling, and a cocktails✨ The future of aging - cellular reprogramming, genetic testing, and what’s next in the longevity spaceDaniel’s approach is refreshingly doable - it’s science-backed, data-informed, and built to work around real life. No extremes. Just process.🔗 Find Daniel:Instagram: @daniellewis4lifeRejuvenation OlympicsMentioned in this episode:Animal study - Long-term treatment with spermidine increases health span of middle-aged Sprague-Dawley male ratsThe NAD+/PARP1/SIRT1 Axis in Agingloncevity.org - protocol updates & insightsWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 1.We all know the headlines: billionaire-funded biohacking, flashy protocols, impossible routines. But what if longevity could be simpler - accessible, structured, and something you can actually integrate into real life?Meet Daniel Lewis: lawyer by day, longevity guinea pig by night, and formerly #1 in the Rejuvenation Olympics. Daniel isn’t chasing immortality with an unlimited budget - he’s focused on what works, what’s measurable, and what fits into a normal life.In this episode, Daniel shares exactly how he’s slowed his rate of ageing to just 0.62 - and dropped his telomere age from 27 to 18 (he's 35) - all while working full time.We cover:🧬 What really ages us - telomeres, epigenetics, and the hallmarks of aging explained🏋️ Exercise without overcomplication - strength training, Zone 2 cardio, and chasing a 6-minute mile💤 Sleep & recovery - micro-dosing melatonin, glycine and white noise💊 Supplements based on research - spermidine, NAD precursors, alpha-ketoglutarate, and green tea extract (ECGC)⚖️ Balance, not obsession - treats, travelling, and a cocktails✨ The future of aging - cellular reprogramming, genetic testing, and what’s next in the longevity spaceDaniel’s approach is refreshingly doable - it’s science-backed, data-informed, and built to work around real life. No extremes. Just process.🔗 Find Daniel:Instagram: @daniellewis4lifeRejuvenation OlympicsMentioned in this episode:Animal study - Long-term treatment with spermidine increases health span of middle-aged Sprague-Dawley male ratsThe NAD+/PARP1/SIRT1 Axis in Agingloncevity.org - protocol updates & insightsWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can it be this simple?Simply? Yes.Dr. Melissa Sundermann ('Doctor Outdoors') - lifestyle medicine physician - shares how six pillars (plus one extra weapon) can prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic disease - no fancy gadgets or prescriptions needed. Melissa's message is pivoted on the fact that our genes are not our destiny - if you disagree, read on. If you agree, hi, we like you, agent of your own health 👋We cover:🥗 Food as Medicine - your gut, brain, and mood are all connected🏋️‍♀️ Movement That Matters - walking 10,000 steps cuts dementia risk by 50%💤 Sleep & Brain Health - how sleep "cleans" the brain and supports creativity & memory🚫 Risky Substances - why there’s no safe threshold for alcohol (and other habits to rethink)🧘 Stress Management - the power of easy, accessible mindfulness tools👥 The Power of Social Connection - loneliness and isolation: just as risky as smoking🌳 Nature as Medicine - the science of forest bathing, phytoncides, and why trees may outperform pharmaceuticals🎯 Her message? The simple ideas, pursued with consistency, are the real “cheat codes” to lifelong vitality.Find Dr Melissa:Instragam - @thedoctoroutdoors @motivatormelissaLinktreeMentioned in this episode:Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune functionEffects of forest environment (Forest bathing) on health promotion and disease preventionAge-associated chronic diseases require age-old medicineMore on Forest BathingWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚨 Testosterone is Dropping – Should We Be Worried? 🚨Testosterone levels have been plummeting for decades with studies showing a 40-50% drop in free testosterone over the last 20-30 years. But why is this happening? And more importantly - what can men do about it?Dr. Tracy Gapin, urologist and leading expert in men’s health and performance, unpacks the modern testosterone crisis, the role of environmental toxins, lifestyle, and nutrition, and how small daily decisions may be the key to reclaiming long-term health.We cover:⚠️ Hidden Symptoms of low T - do any sound familiar to you?🧪 Endocrine Disruptors - how plastics, chemicals, and even deodorant may be affecting hormones🏋️ Strength Training & Hormones - boosting T naturally🥩 Diet & Hormones - the impact of (stressful) low-carb diets, fasting, and caloric restriction on T levels💉 Peptides - the growing interest in hormone-supporting peptides for recovery, energy & longevity🧬 Aging as optional? - how to maintain healthspan & vitality for decadesDr. Gapin emphasises that tiny daily choices - from what we eat to what we put on our skin - can either support or sabotage our hormones. It’s not about perfection, but about building momentum with the right tiny habits.Find Dr Tracy Gapin:Website - get a copy of his book for free, the high performance handbook, and a science-based peptide guide.YouTubeMentioned in this episode:Atrazine induces complete feminization and chemical castration in male African clawed frogsAge, Disease, and Changing Sex Hormone Levels in Middle-Aged MenTemporal trends in sperm countTestosterone deficiency and cardiovascular mortalityThe Effect of Testosterone on CV Disease and CV Risk Factors in MenRole of Testosterone in the Treatment of CV DiseaseWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lads, is your: energy low? sex drive fading? motivation struggling? You’re not alone.Testosterone levels are dropping at an alarming rate worldwide - but it’s not just about age. Factors like microplastics, stress, poor sleep, and diet are wreaking havoc on our hormones.But before jumping on TRT, there are powerful lifestyle and supplement-based interventions that can naturally optimise your testosterone and send it sky rocketing once again. We're chatting here with Lucas Aoun, Australia’s leading biohacker and founder of Boost Your Biology, to unpack:💡 The real reasons mens T levels are crashing❌ Why many jump on TRT too soon (and the smarter alternatives)🧊 The wild science of testicle icing (yes, take that pack of peas on the road)🌿 The ultimate natural testosterone stacks🧠 Cutting-edge nootropics, brain hacks, confidence and libidoWe talk tons of supplements too including catuaba, pine pollen, shilajit, boron, methylene blue, taurine, cistanche, magnesium, zinc, tonkat ali, stinging nettle root. Plenty to get stuck into if you're looking to up your T!(Plus a gruelling assault bike challenge to test your limits).Find Lucas:Boost Your BiologyInstagramMentioned in this episode:https://nisupplements.com/Catuapure Supplementhttps://trtfree.com/ - where to find protocols and the supplements Lucas mentions hereWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 2 of 2. For years, fat has been the villain of the food world. We’ve been told it clogs arteries, sends cholesterol through the roof, and leads to heart disease. But is that actually true? It's about time to give fat a fair trial.Enter Dr Mary Newport. Here, we're discussing Mary's new article (released this month - Feb 2025) analysing 26 studies conducted from 1985 to 2024 with 984 complete datasets - looking specifically at the coconut oil on lipid parameters (total, LDL, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides).Mary helps us to break down the history of the lipid-heart hypothesis (aka: the idea that fat = heart disease), the fact this remains what it states (a hypothesis) and yet our entire food belief system is built from it, what the research actually says, and why things are not be as black and white as fat=bad=avoid.🔍 We cover:✅ The Fat Fear Factor - where did the idea that fat is bad even come from?✅ Coconut Oil & Cholesterol - should we be worried to incorporate more coconut/MCT/olive oil on a keto diet? 🥥✅ Cholesterol 101 - is LDL really the “bad guy,” or is there more to the story?✅ Metabolism & Health - how things like inflammation and blood sugar fit into the picture✅ Fuel for Thought - why Mary is a big proponent of MCT oil for brain healthTune in for a research-backed conversation about fat, cholesterol, keto, and heart health and whether we really have any reason to be side-eyeing that extra few servings of olive oil.The article in discussion:Analysis of 26 Studies of the Impact of Coconut Oil on Lipid Parameters: Beyond Total and LDL CholesterolFind Mary:Website (also find here how to get started with a ketogenic diet)Books by Mary:Clearly KetoAlzheimer’s Disease - What If There Was A Cure? The Complete Book of KetonesThe Coconut Oil & Low-Carb SolutionFind our previous episode with Mary specifically on use of Coconut Oil for Cognitive Function/Decline Prevention - Mary Newport, M.D. | Brain Fuel: How Coconut Oil and MCTs Can Transform the Alzheimer's BrainWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 1 of 2. For years, fat has been the villain of the food world. We’ve been told it clogs arteries, sends cholesterol through the roof, and leads to heart disease. But is that actually true? It's about time to give fat a fair trial.Enter Dr Mary Newport. Here, we're discussing Mary's new article (released this month - Feb 2025) analysing 26 studies conducted from 1985 to 2024 with 984 complete datasets - looking specifically at the coconut oil on lipid parameters (total, LDL, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides).Mary helps us to break down the history of the lipid-heart hypothesis (aka: the idea that fat = heart disease), the fact this remains what it states (a hypothesis) and yet our entire food belief system is built from it, what the research actually says, and why things are not be as black and white as fat=bad=avoid.🔍 We cover:✅ The Fat Fear Factor - where did the idea that fat is bad even come from?✅ Coconut Oil & Cholesterol - should we be worried to incorporate more coconut/MCT/olive oil on a keto diet? 🥥✅ Cholesterol 101 - is LDL really the “bad guy,” or is there more to the story?✅ Metabolism & Health - how things like inflammation and blood sugar fit into the picture✅ Fuel for Thought - why Mary is a big proponent of MCT oil for brain healthTune in for a research-backed conversation about fat, cholesterol, keto, and heart health and whether we really have any reason to be side-eyeing that extra few servings of olive oil.The article in discussion:Analysis of 26 Studies of the Impact of Coconut Oil on Lipid Parameters: Beyond Total and LDL CholesterolFind Mary:Website (also find here how to get started with a ketogenic diet)Books by Mary:Clearly KetoAlzheimer’s Disease - What If There Was A Cure? The Complete Book of KetonesThe Coconut Oil & Low-Carb SolutionFind our previous episode with Mary specifically on use of Coconut Oil for Cognitive Function/Decline Prevention - Mary Newport, M.D. | Brain Fuel: How Coconut Oil and MCTs Can Transform the Alzheimer's BrainWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.