The Peter Attia Drive

Chris Masterjohn, Ph.D., an expert in nutrition science and biochemistry, dives into the nuances of health in a fascinating discussion. He sheds light on the role of choline deficiency in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and shares insights about how methylation affects overall well-being. The conversation also covers the potential benefits of NAD supplements for aging and health, alongside the significance of the MTHFR and COMT genes. With engaging anecdotes, Chris emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of nutrition and health.

In this engaging Q&A session, listeners learn about the benefits of blue light blockers for sleep improvement. Strategies to minimize jet lag while traveling are explored, along with insights into hormonal health, including PMS treatment and testosterone levels in women. The concept of autophagy is demystified, highlighting its significance for health. There's also a light-hearted digression on sports, and tips on finding up-to-date doctors in the medical field, all wrapped in a subscriber-centric approach to content.

Jeremy Schaap, a renowned ESPN journalist and author of "Cinderella Man," dives into boxing's most remarkable upsets, including Buster Douglas's historic win over Mike Tyson. He shares anecdotes from his infamous Bobby Knight interview and discusses the impact of doping scandals in sports. Highlighting the lessons sports impart and the societal issues they reflect, Schaap articulates how following in his father's journalistic footsteps shaped his values. Expect a captivating blend of sports history, ethical dilemmas, and personal reflections.

In this episode, Alan Bauman, certified hair transplantation surgeon and hair restoration expert, discusses both male and female pattern hair loss, the science behind what drives it, and what that tells us about prevention and restoration. Having treated over 20,000 patients, Alan shares his invaluable insights into what works and what doesn’t in terms of the non-surgical treatment options. We also go into great detail about the more invasive approaches like PRP, and of course, hair transplantation, a procedure which Alan has refined over the years into a proprietary method that seems to produce unbelievable results. Additionally, Alan provides tips for maintaining scalp health, which is vital for hair growth, as well as the importance of choosing a hair specialist who has the tools, expertise, and patience to develop a compassionate and encompassing approach to hair restoration.    We discuss: Alan’s unique path, and how he became interested in hair transplantation [7:15]; The prevalence of hair loss, types of hair loss, and the different patterns in men vs. women [15:45]; The role of genetics in hair loss, and when does it start [19:00]; Female hair loss: the role of hormones, pregnancy related hair loss, and what it means to have thinning and shedding [22:30]; Primary drivers of male hair loss, finasteride as a treatment, and the potential side effects [26:15]; Common treatments - Proscar, Propecia, Rogaine, and more - how they all came about and what you need to know [29:45]; Primary drivers of female hair loss, potential treatments, and the different types of hair follicles [33:15]; What are some of the unproven/snake oil methods of hair treatments being pushed to the public? [37:15]; Preventative steps to take if you’re worried about future hair loss [42:00]; Medications that may negatively affect hair quality [45:30]; The importance of seeing a hair specialist [47:15]; Impact of scalp health and inflammation on hair growth, how to pick and apply shampoo and conditioner, and how to avoid and treat hair breakage [50:15]; Treatment options - finasteride, minoxidil, laser caps - how they work and what you need to know [57:15]; PRP treatment: How it works, details of the procedure, and Alan’s proprietary protocol [1:11:45]; The hair transplant procedure [1:29:30]; Risks involved with a hair transplant procedure [1:44:00]; Is a donor hair susceptible to the forces of the implant site that caused the hair loss? Can a hair follicle grow anywhere on the body? [1:47:45]; Age appropriate procedures, how far the field has come, and why Alan loves his work [1:51:45]; and More. Learn more at www.PeterAttiaMD.com Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

In this episode, Avrum Bluming, hematologist, medical oncologist, and emeritus clinical professor at USC and Carol Tavris, social psychologist and author of Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me), discuss their collaboration on their recent book, Estrogen Matters. Their book takes on the very polarizing and confusing topic of hormone replacement therapy for women suffering with symptoms of menopause. In many ways, the story and history of HRT is in striking parallel to the bad science that led up to the dietary guidelines being set forth in 1980. Carol and Avrum make a compelling case that most women benefit greatly from being on postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, and can do so without increasing their risk of breast cancer. We also cover the history of HRT, the impact of the Women's Health Initiative, and take a deep dive into each of the clinical conditions for which HRT should be considered, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and osteoporosis, to name a few. We discuss: The background of Carol and Avrum, and the impetus for writing Estrogen Matters [8:45]; The sad early history of hormone replacement therapy, treatments for prostate and breast cancer, and the difference between the treatment of women vs. men [14:00]; What hormones do, and why they drop off rapidly in women compared to gradually in men [20:15]; Mistreatment of women leading to great skepticism [23:45]; Breast cancer vs heart disease: Comparing the incidence and mortality in women [27:00]; Case studies of women suffering symptoms of menopause [30:00]; What are Carol and Avrum’s true motivations in this endeavor? [32:45]; The changing perceptions of HRT, the impact of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), and the problems with the WHI [37:45]; Is this one big conspiracy? The uncanny resemblance of the story of HRT and how the dietary guidelines were created [46:00]; Why people (falsely) think estrogen causes a 25% increase in breast cancer, and a lesson in absolute vs. relative risk [57:15]; The truth about progesterone and cancer risk, and the best types of estrogen and progesterone to be taking [1:09:00]; The Women’s Health Initiative: the reported findings, walking back their bold claims, and their hesitance to admit they were wrong [1:17:45]; Brain benefits of HRT, Alzheimer’s disease in women, and estrogen as a preventative treatment for AD [1:22:45]; The impact of HRT on heart disease, the ideal time to start HRT, and the risks associated with HRT [1:26:45]; The benefits of estrogen on bone health, and the incidence and mortality of hip fractures [1:33:15]; Colon cancer: Can HRT reduce the risk of colon cancer? [1:38:15]; Diabetes: Can HRT reduce the risk of developing diabetes? [1:40:30]; The downsides of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) [1:41:30]; How to approach your doctor who may already have a very strong point of view about HRT [1:42:15]; What kind of research needs to be done to answer the remaining questions about the benefits and risks of HRT? [1:48:30]; Cancer: Our evolving understanding and the future of treatment [1:59:15]; Welcoming the critics: Avrum and Carol want to start a conversation [2:02:00]; Are there racial differences in benefits and risks with HRT? [2:04:15]; The reactions to Estrogen Matters, and why it is a must read [2:09:15]; HRT after a diagnosis of breast cancer [2:13:45]; and More. Learn more at www.PeterAttiaMD.com Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

In this episode, Jake Kushner, pediatric endocrinologist specializing in helping people with type 1 diabetes, discusses the best strategies to live and thrive with T1D, especially as it relates to diet and exercise. We also discuss why many patients who control their blood sugar with high amounts of exogenous insulin are at a substantially higher risk than people who can control their blood sugar at lower levels of insulin. This concept has great implications for non-diabetics as well considering the increasing prevalence of diseases related to insulin resistance. We also cover some of the basics, the history, the increasing prevalence of type 1 diabetes, and more importantly, what we can do to help kids with this disease, and their families.   We discuss: How Jake became interested in type 1 diabetes [5:30]; The pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes, the increase in prevalence, and the role of beta cells [17:00]; The role of body weight and BMI in the risk of developing T1D [27:00]; Genetics of T1D and the risk of inheritance [32:00]; Hemoglobin A1c [36:15]; Insulin: the amazing story of its discovery, its effect on cellular metabolism and IGF-1, and why the hell it’s so expensive [39:15]; Diabetes Control and Complication Trial: blood glucose and the complications associated with diabetes [54:45]; Cognitive impairment, epigenetic changes, and other dangers associated with high, peak blood glucose, and big swings in blood glucose levels [1:09:15]; Depression, anxiety, and other challenges of living with T1D [1:15:30]; Jake’s realization that the current standard of care of T1D is inadequate [1:26:15]; Managing diabetes with exercise [1:30:15]; The Bernstein method, and protein’s impact on glucose and insulin [1:36:15]; Jake radically changes his approach to treating patients [1:45:00]; What other tools are there for controlling T1D? [1:49:45]; Is the ketogenic diet appropriate for those with T1D? [1:52:45]; The most important lessons that can be applied by the non-diabetic population [1:59:00]; The two dream measurements Peter wishes were available [2:04:00]; and More. Learn more at www.PeterAttiaMD.com Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

In this episode, Tom Catena, a missionary physician who runs Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains in Sudan, describes some of his extraordinary work as the only doctor in a remote, war-torn region of Africa. In terms of individual lives saved, you could argue that there is no other person on the front lines doing more than Tom. Additionally, we explore the manner in which the Nuba people die, which is in striking contrast the ubiquity of chronic disease and self-harm in the west, despite the extreme poverty and unimaginable suffering experienced by the Nuba people. Lastly, we discuss the lessons to be gleaned from the Nuba people, who despite their suffering, live so harmoniously, happily, and resiliently. To support Tom’s mission please visit www.amhf.us. We discuss: Background, medical training, and early days of missionary work in Africa [9:00]; Tom arrives at Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, civil war breaks out, and his staff evacuates [15:45]; Learning surgery on the job and earning the trust of the community [40:45]; The amazing people of Nuba, and why Nuba feels like home to Tom [51:30]; NY Times article about Tom’s work, and Tom’s new venture on the board of Aurora Prize Foundation bringing awareness and funding to other missionaries doing great work [1:03:30]; Tom’s mind-blowing ability to deal with chaos while seeing hundreds of patients per day [1:15:45]; The most afraid Tom has ever been, and how he copes with the emotional trauma of his daily experiences [1:23:30]; The basic tools, technologies, and medicines that Tom is lacking that could save many lives [1:33:30]; The logistical challenge of helping Tom’s hospital, and what Tom really needs [1:39:15]; Diseases in the adult population [1:42:30]; Living without possessions, finding meaning, and being a missionary [1:59:30]; Sense of purpose, happiness, and suicide: Contrasting the US with Nuba [2:11:00]; Other than donations, is there a way people can help Tom and other similar causes? [2:19:15]; The food in Nuba [2:22:30]; Tom’s annual bout of malaria [2:27:30]; Patients that Tom will never forget [2:29:45]; Resources for people wanting to get involved in helping Tom’s work [2:34:45]; Peter tells a story that defines Tom [2:36:00]; and More. Learn more at www.PeterAttiaMD.com Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

In this episode, Ted Schaeffer, Professor and Chair of the Department of Urology at Northwestern (youngest chairman in the country), presents the roadmap for the best way to screen for, and treat, prostate cancer. We also get into the “mass screening” controversy and all the risks involved with treatment. In addition, we discuss our evolving understanding of cancer and the most exciting areas of research to come.  We discuss: Ted’s unique path to get his PhD [5:15]; The exciting transition in science during Ted’s PhD in the 1990s [15:30]; Ted’s advice to MD-PhD students, and why he choose urology and Johns Hopkins [23:45]; History of prostate surgery, and Pat Walsh’s legendary work in prostate cancer [36:15]; Prostate surgery and the risks involved with treatment [53:00]; Screening for prostate cancer [58:00]; The “mass screening” controversy [1:12:45]; Biopsies and MRI: important things to know [1:25:30]; Why urology such a great field of medicine, and why Peter wants a goat [1:34:45]; Ted’s work with Ben Stiller [1:39:00]; Gleason grading system [1:43:45]; Testosterone, DHT and the prostate cancer controversy [1:53:15]; The metabolism of the prostate [2:03:00]; The most exciting areas of research in prostate cancer [2:08:00]; Benign issues involving the prostate: pelvic pain, infections and treatments [2:11:15]; Video of Ted’s surgeries, the latest technology, and males contraceptive options [2:18:00]; Watches and cars [2:23:30]; and More. Learn more at www.PeterAttiaMD.com Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

In this episode, Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, a Professor of Neuroscience and Pharmacology & Toxicology, explains the vascular hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease which says the central problem is a progressive neuronal energy crisis of impaired blood flow to the brain and impaired mitochondrial respiration. He walks us through the ways we can intervene in this process and also shares details of the exciting future of Alzheimer’s treatment and prevention. We discuss: Background and interest in the brain [5:15]; The unique nature of the human brain [9:15]; Why we’ve made so little progress in Alzheimer’s research [23:00]; The amyloid beta hypothesis [28:30]; Hypometabolism in the brain leading to cognitive decline [39:30]; Early signs of AD, and deciphering between age-related decline versus something pathologic [47:45]; The vascular hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease [54:00]; The relationship between mitochondria, cytochrome c oxidase, and Alzheimer’s disease [1:08:00]; Chronic inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase leads to chronic neurodegenerative disease [1:22:45]; Major risk factors for AD, head trauma, and other forms of dementia [1:33:45]; Methylene blue for treating and preventing neurodegeneration [1:38:15]; Current standard of care for AD, and the reasons for a lack of advancement [2:01:45]; Near infrared light as a targeted treatment for cognitive decline [2:05:30]; The ketogenic diet as a treatment and preventative measure [2:13:15]; Exciting future research coming from Francisco [2:23:00]; Methylene blue for traumatic brain injuries [2:25:15]; and More. Learn more at www.PeterAttiaMD.com Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

In this episode, Zubin Damania, a.k.a. Zdogg MD, a Stanford trained physician and founder of Turntable Health, discusses his evolution from disillusioned doctor suffering burnout to leading the charge for a radical shift in how we practice medicine. We also go down the rabbit hole on all sorts of juicy topics from meditation to nutrition to the nature of consciousness itself. We discuss: Med school antics [7:00]; Hierarchies in healthcare, physician burnout, and a broken system [20:15]; Why Zubin left medicine, and what lead to the ZdoggMD persona [31:30]; Peter’s tough decision to leave medicine [44:00]; Benefits and challenges of meditation [54:15]; Zdogg’s theory of consciousness [1:11:30]; Nutrition: Peter’s current strategy with patients [1:31:00]; The anti-vaccine dispute [1:38:15] The common thread of all “diets”, the obesity epidemic, and Peter’s dream experiment [1:44:30]; Do we have free will? And how do we make better decisions and learn from our mistakes? [1:55:15]; Peter’s current obsessions: fasting and rapamycin, measuring autophagy, and becoming a kickass 100-year-old [2:03:15]; Reforming the healthcare payment model [2:14:45]; How to find doctors like Peter and Zubin in your area [2:28:15]; Zdogg’s amazing videos [2:31:15]; and More. Learn more at www.PeterAttiaMD.com Connect with Peter on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.