The Primal Shift

In this episode, Kathy and I unpack how we reduced our exposure to environmental toxins—from improving tap water safety and installing water filtration systems, to replacing plastic containers and upgrading to non-toxic cookware. We talk about chlorine exposure in showers and pools, how we built a more toxin-free home, and why choosing organic food and chemical-free living matters more than you think. Got questions or already making changes at home? Drop a comment—we'd love to hear from you. Learn more: Download for FREE the Ultimate Non-Toxic Essentials Guide: https://michaelkummer.com/non-toxic-products/ Top NON-TOXIC Household and Personal Care Products (We Use at Home): https://youtu.be/dNiaE0xP2a8 Top 6 Non-Toxic Skincare Brands for Healthier Skin (Switch to Clean Products): https://youtu.be/F3hxgd8JzAo Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury. To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/ And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to environmental toxins 01:00 Breaking down environmental toxins 01:51 Drinking water concerns 03:30 Water filtration solutions 10:10 Food and pesticides 14:26 Plastic and food storage 15:38 Switching to glass and silicone containers 16:50 Reusing jars and avoiding aluminum foil 18:18 The dangers of BPA and BPS in plastics 19:47 Bamboo and stainless steel alternatives 22:10 Choosing natural fibers for clothing and bedding 25:07 Household cleaners and appliances 29:40 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #NonToxicProducts #WellnessOptimization

When most people think about saving the planet, they picture cutting back on meat and eating more plants. But what if the story we've been told about how plant-based diets equate to sustainability is missing half the truth (and hiding a massive environmental cost)? In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I pull back the curtain on the industrial food system most people never see. From the 90 billion honeybees trucked across the country each spring to pollinate almond trees to the 7.3 billion wild animals killed each year by harvest machinery, the data tells a very different story than the slogans. This isn't about pitting vegans against meat-eaters. It's about showing how industrial monoculture destroys soil, collapses insect populations, drains water tables, and kills countless small mammals and pollinators in the name of "clean" eating. If you're ready to rethink food systems from the soil up, this episode is for you. 🎉 Special Announcement: Ep. 100 GIVEAWAY! 🎉 We're celebrating 100 episodes of the Primal Shift Podcast by giving away our entire MK Supps product line (yes, even the measuring scoop!) to ONE lucky winner. Here's how to enter: 1. Follow @mksupps and @primalshiftpodcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mksupps?igsh=Y2wwbWcyanFibDJl https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast?igsh=MTVneDIyY3N2MHhseA== 2. Like and tag 3 friends in the comments of our giveaway post 📌 That's it! The winner will be selected July 21. Good luck! Disclaimer: This giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by YouTube or Google. Learn more: Part 1 Episode 99: Plants vs Animals: Why Meat Beats Plants for Nutrition: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/99-plants-vs-animals-why-meat-beats-plants-for-nutrition/ Plants vs. Meat: Why I Stopped Eating Veggies: https://michaelkummer.com/plants-vs-meat/ 49: From Almonds to Spinach: Dr. Schindler on Avoiding Common Dietary Traps: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/49-from-almonds-to-spinach-dr-schindler-on-avoiding-common-dietary-traps/ In this episode: 00:00 The hidden cost of food production 00:56 100th episode GIVEAWAY 01:38 The environmental impact of plant-based diets 02:26 The true cost of almonds and monocultures 03:17 The hidden toll of modern harvesting 04:57 Regenerative grazing: A sustainable solution 05:22 Water usage: Plants vs. Animals 06:50 Methane and the carbon cycle 08:44 Practical tips for sustainable living 10:34 Conclusion: reflecting on food systems Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #Vegan #Plants #Animals #Diet

For most of human history, survival depended on eating the foods that gave us the most nutrients with the least effort. That usually meant animals, which are dense in protein, fat, and bioavailable vitamins and minerals. But in recent years, we've been told that plants are the true superfoods. Raw kale in your smoothie? Spinach salads every day? The darker and leafier, the better, right? Not quite. In this episode, I dive into the real story behind plant-based foods and the antinutrients they contain, as well as how they compare to animal-based sources of nutrition. We'll talk about why humans evolved to thrive on meat, how plants defend themselves with chemical compounds like oxalates, lectins and goitrogens, and what all that means for your health. And I'll share practical tips for how to prepare the least toxic plants safely — when and if you choose to include them in your diet. After struggling with IBS for over 30 years, I fixed my gut issues through a radical shift in how I approached food. It wasn't about chasing superfoods or stacking more supplements. It was about eliminating the things that were holding me back, and embracing the nutrient-dense, low-toxin foods that our ancestors relied on for thousands of years. If you're eating spinach every day or downing kale smoothies because they're "healthy," you might want to take a closer look at what those foods are actually doing to your body. And if you've avoided organ meats because of the taste, I'll share a simple way to get their benefits without having to touch a skillet. This episode isn't about fearmongering or food dogma. It's about reclaiming clarity, understanding what's actually nourishing, what's neutral, and what might be slowly working against you. Learn more: Plants vs. Meat: Why I Stopped Eating Veggies: https://michaelkummer.com/plants-vs-meat/ 49: From Almonds to Spinach: Dr. Schindler on Avoiding Common Dietary Traps: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/49-from-almonds-to-spinach-dr-schindler-on-avoiding-common-dietary-traps/ 6 Benefits of Beef Liver I Wish I Had Known About Sooner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuoJaIXdAYI In this episode: 00:00 Intro 00:36 Debunking common food myths 00:53 Overview of today's topics 01:34 The benefits of animal-based diets 03:15 Introduction to plant-based diets 05:44 Mitigating plant toxins 07:59 Best and worst plant foods 10:36 Final recommendations and conclusion Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #Carnivore #Vegan #Plants #Animals

It's easy to assume that food affects everyone the same way. But when my wife Kathy and I wore continuous glucose monitors for two weeks, we learned just how different our responses actually are. For example, a bowl of curry or a few slices of sourdough bread would send her blood sugar soaring while barely impacting mine, and vice versa. We weren't just tracking data: we were uncovering real-time insight into how our individual metabolisms, hormones, stress, and even muscle mass shape our daily health outcomes. The experiment revealed a few surprising truths. For Kathy, sourdough and rice were consistent triggers, even when paired with protein and fat. Her blood sugar spiked above 200 mg/dL and stayed elevated for hours — a clear sign that not all "healthy carbs" are created equal. For me, the biggest spike didn't come from food at all. It came from intense physical activity — proof that exercise-induced glucose changes are an entirely different metabolic story than post-meal crashes. The differences went deeper than food. Kathy's menstrual cycle impacted her insulin sensitivity, and my lean muscle mass gave me an edge when it came to buffering glucose. We also saw how stress, sleep and cold plunging could subtly (and sometimes dramatically) influence blood sugar trends, even in the absence of a single bite of food. None of this was about fearmongering over carbs or obsessing over numbers. Wearing a CGM isn't a lifestyle; it's a short-term lens into how your body actually works. And once you connect the data to how you feel — sluggish after rice, energized after steak, restless after a late-night spike — that's when you unlock real change. If you're serious about optimizing your health, I highly recommend trying a CGM for just a few weeks. Learn what your body thrives on. Understand what derails you. And then build your habits accordingly. Because personalized data beats generic diet advice every time. Learn more: Try the Levels Health app and get 2 months free when you sign up for an annual membership with my affiliate link: levels.link/MK How Continuous Glucose Monitoring Can Improve Your Health and Fitness:https://michaelkummer.com/continuous-glucose-monitoring/ 44: Why You Should Wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/44-why-you-should-wear-a-continuous-glucose-monitor-cgm/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, OneSkin! OneSkin's lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company's proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/oneskin-review/ Get 15% off with my discount code MKUMMER: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop In this episode: 00:00 - Introduction: Blood Sugar Spikes 00:48 - Experiment Setup and Initial Findings 02:15 - Sourdough Experiment: A Surprising Spike 04:53 - Top Blood Sugar Triggers 07:17 - Personal Blood Sugar Responses 10:31 - Factors Influencing Blood Sugar 13:41 - Managing Blood Sugar Spikes 21:53 - Conclusion: Is a CGM Worth It? Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #LevelsHealth #CGM

Biohacking wasn't always about gadgets. It used to be about building a better lifestyle by fixing root causes with movement, light, food and sleep. But somewhere along the way, optimization gave way to outsourcing. Today, it's easy to mistake a tech solution for progress when it's really just a more expensive version of the same mistake: treating symptoms instead of addressing causes. That shift was on full display at a recent biohacking conference I attended, where nearly every product promised better sleep, more energy or deeper calm — without requiring any meaningful change. The sales pitch has become eerily similar to Big Pharma: just take this "drug" and feel better… no behavior change required. But health doesn't work like that. Wearing blue light blocking glasses while scrolling TikTok in bed misses the point. Slapping a mood gadget around your neck doesn't solve emotional imbalance. And leaning on sleep tech while ignoring your circadian rhythm or pounding caffeine at 4 p.m. won't fix recovery. Tools can support change, but too often, they delay it. I use plenty of tech myself: cold plunges, saunas and wearables to name a few. But I use them with intention. If I lived near a freezing lake, I'd ditch the plunge. If tracking sleep started creating stress, I'd take the ring off. Tools are valuable only when they move us toward better habits — not when they distract us from them. Ask yourself: is this device helping you build something real, or is it letting you avoid what needs to change? That's the litmus test. If you're micromanaging every glucose spike or feeling anxious about your recovery score, it might be time to simplify. You can't outsource health. You can only build it, one habit at a time. Learn more: Pulsetto Review: Doctored Research and No Results: https://michaelkummer.com/pulsetto-review/ 92: Healthy Living Hacks That Save You Money Daily: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/92-healthy-living-hacks-that-save-you-money-daily/ 94: Stop Wasting Your Money on These 9 Biohack Devices!: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/94-stop-wasting-your-money-on-these-9-biohack-devices/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury. To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/ And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva In this episode: 00:00 – Intro 00:15 – Biohacking defined 01:21 – Gadgets vs. habits 03:19 - My personal take 03:51 – Sauna & cold plunge 05:57 – Foundations of health 06:56 - I challenge you… 08:43 – Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #Biohacking #WellnessOptimization

Have you noticed how everyone seems obsessed with sourdough bread lately? Well, my wife and I have been experimenting with sourdough baking for a couple of years now, and in this episode, I'm breaking down the real story behind sourdough. Is it truly healthier, or is that just hype? I'll walk you through why sourdough might digest easier, how it impacts nutrient absorption, and what types of flour you should (and shouldn't!) use. Plus, I'll share our personal experiences, what works for us and how much sourdough is really too much. Tune in to discover if sourdough deserves a spot in your diet or if it's best left for occasional indulgences. Learn more: Why Pizza Is Unhealthy (And How to Make It Healthier): https://michaelkummer.com/why-pizza-is-unhealthy/ Pros & Cons of Animal-Based Diet (And Why I Switched From Paleo): https://michaelkummer.com/animal-based-diet/ 91: How to Know If Food Is Good for You!: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/91-how-to-know-if-food-is-good-for-you/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, OneSkin! OneSkin's lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company's proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/oneskin-review/ Get 15% off with my discount code MKUMMER: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop In this episode: 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - What makes sourdough different from bread 01:27 - Why sourdough might be easier to digest 04:00 - The truth: you don't need bread 04:48 - How much sourdough we actually eat 05:43 - Best flour choices for sourdough 07:57 - Getting started with sourdough at home 09:31 - Our personal experience with sourdough 10:48 - Common misconceptions about sourdough 12:25 - Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #SourdoughBread #HealthyLifestyle #AnimalBasedDiet

​​In this episode, I break down exactly what I do before a CrossFit workout. No powders, no hype—just the simple stuff that works. Hydration, black coffee, a walk with the dog, some sunlight, and a cold plunge to boost performance and focus. This is the exact routine I follow to feel ready—physically and mentally—before I step into the box. Learn more: Use code MICHAELKUMMER to get 10% off your DeltaG order: https://michaelkummer.com/go/deltagketones Use code YOUTUBE to get 20% OFF our newest product — American Beast, a freeze-dried, grass-fed bison supplement — at shop.michaelkummer.com What to Eat Before a Workout: https://youtu.be/46bpaj8WZGE 58: How I Stay Fit and Healthy with Simple Daily Habits: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/58-how-i-stay-fit-and-healthy-with-simple-daily-habits/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury. To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/ And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva In this episode: 00:00 - Intro 00:40 - What people really mean by "pre-workout" 03:12 - Rehydration: water, minerals & electrolytes 04:29 - My morning coffee ritual (not for the caffeine) 05:07 - Morning walk: warming up, mindset, and sunlight 06:12 - Why I cold plunge *before* working out 08:00 - Creatine 10:04 - Beef or bison organ supplements 11:15 - Exogenous ketones 12:31 - My real secret to perform 14:31 - Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #Preworkout #Supplements #WorkoutRoutine

I've reviewed a ton of health and wellness gear over the years — some of it genuinely helpful, and some of it so absurd that I don't know whether to laugh or cry. So in this episode, I'm doing something a little different: I'm walking you through the most useless health gadgets I've come across lately. Not just things I wouldn't recommend, but things I think you should actively avoid. We're talking Bluetooth forks that vibrate when you eat too fast. AI smoothie machines with subscription pods. Mood-tracking wearables that flash colors. And yes, cold plunge shorts… designed to make the cold plunge feel less cold. Because apparently the problem with cold therapy is that it's uncomfortable. These devices don't just waste your money, they also waste your intuition. They pull you further away from your own body's feedback by outsourcing basic instincts to tech: when to eat, when to drink, how fast to chew, even how you feel. And to be honest, the idea that we need electronics to tell us these things is just… sad. We've gotten so out of touch that we now rely on apps to remind us to drink water and gadgets to track how salty something tastes. Health doesn't require tech to micromanage every moment of your day. In fact, most of these gadgets just add EMFs, microplastics and confusion to your life. So in this episode, I'm calling out the worst offenders — not to shame anyone who's tried them, but to remind you that the best solutions are usually simple, grounded, and entirely free. Let me know which ones you've seen (or bought!) that made you raise an eyebrow. I'd love to hear what's on your list. Learn more: 92: Healthy Living Hacks That Save You Money Daily: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/92-healthy-living-hacks-that-save-you-money-daily/ 88: Why Calorie Counting Fails Every Time: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/88-why-calorie-counting-fails-every-time/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, OneSkin! OneSkin's lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company's proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/oneskin-review/ Get 15% off with my discount code PRIMALSHIFT: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop In this episode: 00:00 - Intro 00:35 - Electric spoon that fakes salty flavor 01:30 - Smart straw for water tracking 03:24 - Bluetooth fork that vibrates when you eat too fast 04:25 - AI-powered smoothie maker with pods 05:35 - Mood-tracking wearables and flashing lights 07:14 - Smart water bottles (including kids' EMF bottles) 08:00 - $15,000 meditation pod vs. nature 09:00 - Neoprene cold plunge shorts 10:19 - AI app that tracks calories with food photos 11:24 - Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #Biohacking #HealthyLifestyle #UselessDevices

Someone recently told me about a Mayo Clinic researcher who claimed that cold plunging triggers the same chemical response in the body as dying — and that, basically, you die a little every time you do it. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Apparently, cold plunging is now a near-death experience, and there's "no credible evidence" it offers any benefits. Right. Look, I'm the first to say cold plunging isn't a miracle cure. But this take is just flat-out absurd. So in this episode, I unpack exactly why that claim doesn't hold water, as well as what's really happening when you expose your body to the cold. The first time I ever stepped into near-freezing water, it was intense. But now? It's mildly uncomfortable at worst. And the benefits I've seen firsthand are impossible to ignore. The reality is that like any hormetic stressor, cold exposure gets easier over time. You adapt. You become more resilient (mentally and physically). Your tolerance increases, your stress response improves, and you start to notice things like better energy, stronger immunity, and more emotional stability. That's not dying. That's growth. Could you overdo it? Sure. But that's true of anything. Done intelligently, cold plunging is one of the simplest, most accessible tools for building resilience and reclaiming your edge. You don't need a double-blind trial to tell you what your body already knows. So if someone tries to scare you off with talk of "chemical cocktails of death," ignore the noise. Try it yourself. Start slow. Listen to your body. And maybe — just maybe — don't take cold plunging advice from someone who's never taken a cold shower in their life. Learn more: 11 Cold Plunge Benefits [Stop Ignoring This Tool]: https://youtu.be/kOH6TpNDUfw Cold Plunges Saved My Mental Health—Here's How [David Maus Jr]: https://youtu.be/E8o6H0h40XI 50: Are Cold Exposure, Saunas, and Fasting Dangerous?: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/50-are-cold-exposure-saunas-and-fasting-dangerous-myths-debunked/ Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury. To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/ And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva In this episode: 00:00 - Intro 00:28 - The Mayo Clinic near-death claim 02:15 - Why that claim is ridiculous 02:54 - What cold plunging really feels like 04:07 - How to start cold plunging safely 05:51 - Hormesis: Getting stronger from cold 06:16 - Main benefits of cold plunging 08:57 - Final thoughts and what to ignore Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #ColdPlunge #ColdTherapy #IceTherapy #ColdShower

Living healthy doesn't have to mean going broke. Yes, pasture-raised eggs, non-toxic furniture, and sauna setups can get ridiculously expensive — but that doesn't mean you have to compromise your health just because you're on a budget. In this episode, I walk through a number of practical swaps and cost-saving strategies you can leverage to live healthy without overspending. From cold plunging in natural bodies of water instead of buying a $5,000 tub (no, it's not the same, but it's close enough if you need to save money), to skipping overpriced olive oil and cooking with butter, there are tradeoffs that make sense without sacrificing your well-being. I also talk about how we've drastically cut down on laundry costs using an ozone system, and why buying secondhand furniture might be better for your health than brand-new. A lot of this comes down to avoiding the trap of "health through consumerism." You don't need a high-end gadget to reduce EMFs — just turn off your Wi-Fi. You don't need to subscribe to every wellness app — just go outside and breathe. It's not about being cheap. It's about spending where it matters, skipping what doesn't, and remembering that the simplest solutions are often the most powerful. Learn more: The Health Benefits of Barefoot Shoes: https://michaelkummer.com/barefoot-shoes-benefits/ Radiant Life Whole House Water Filtration System Review: https://michaelkummer.com/radiant-life-whole-house-review/ Best 5 Cold Plunge Tubs (Coldest to Most Budget Friendly): https://youtu.be/BLdbn6HX-2Q Thank you to this episode's sponsor, OneSkin! OneSkin's lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company's proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/oneskin-review/ Get 15% off with my discount code PRIMALSHIFT: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop In this episode: 00:00 - Intro 01:35 - Cold plunging for free 02:45 - Budget grass-fed meat & bulk beef 04:25 - Minimal non-toxic wardrobe 06:10 - Diy detergents & ozone laundry 07:20 - Seasonal, local produce timing 08:25 - Barefoot shoes, fewer pairs 09:15 - Buy used furniture to cut VOCs 09:55 - Filter tap water & diy sparkling 11:00 - Build a simple "Pretty Good House" 12:27 - Fold-up sauna alternatives 13:29 - Cook with butter & saved animal fat 14:41 - Buy the best eggs you can afford 15:37 - Free bodyweight & micro-workouts 17:10 - Sunlight over tanning salons 17:45 - Lifestyle beats immune supplements 18:01 - Nature walks vs meditation apps 18:20 - Unplug devices to cut EMF 19:01 - Library books over streaming 19:36 - Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #Biohacking #BudgetBiohacks #FreeHealthyLifestyle