Ali Fitness Podcast

Naysayers often dismiss the Paleo lifestyle with the claim that it is simply a fad. But if you start at the beginning and explore what early humans were eating two million years ago, it becomes clear that the animal fat diet not only sustained our early ancestors but actually led to the development of our species. So if the Paleo movement is a fad, it’s a pretty persistent one! Today’s guest is no stranger to the pushback against the lifestyle, and he’s here to explain how the latest science and technology support his understanding of Paleo as the perfect human diet.

CJ Hunt dropped dead at the age of 24. He was a dirt bike racer training to come back from an injury when he suffered full cardiac arrest while jogging. Paramedics resuscitated CJ, and he spent ten days in the ICU at UCLA Medical Center. Doctors eventually determined that he suffers from a birth defect in which the center of his heart is twice as thick as normal, and his left chamber is smaller. He was told that if he continued to exercise, he would be lucky to live for another two years.

This experience inspired CJ’s curiosity in health and well-being, and ultimately led him to back to school at the age of 53 to earn a degree in Electronic Communications Arts from San Francisco State University so that he could produce the world’s first Paleo documentary, The Perfect Human Diet. The film reached #1 in the categories of Documentary Film and Independent Film on both iTunes USA and iTunes Canada when it was released in 2013. Together with its companion book, the movie introduces a system of optimal nutrition based on the latest science. Today CJ explains how nutrition has become so much like religion and politics, why public policy lags behind the best science, and the roots of the pushback against the Paleo/Primal movement. Listen in to understand the fundamentals of Paleo nutrition and why this two million-year-old ‘fad’ is making a comeback!

[2:47] How CJ developed an interest in studying nutrition

• ‘Dropped dead’ at 24, given just a few years to live
• Began to study health and well-being

[3:57] The evolution of CJ’s eating habits

• Sustained raw vegan diet for five years
• Mother killed by drunk driver, diet wasn’t helping recover from life trauma
• Gained muscle and recovered physically on animal protein

[8:18] CJ’s approach to the film

• Best way to deconstruct massive problem is go back to beginning
• Explore what humans ate, how healthy they were
• Conduct guided investigation in search of perfect human diet

[10:51] The ‘football field’ analogy of human evolution

• 70% of current diet only available since industrial revolution (a mere 91 years ago)
• As early ancestors continued to eat more animal foods, our brains developed (two million years ago)
• This is how we became human (160,000-200,000 years ago)

[13:18] Nutrition as a belief system (rather than based in facts)

• People who’ve invested in a particular way of life resist new info

[15:19] Nutrition and public policy

• Government not educating people with most current science
• First nutritional guidelines written by politicians’ staffers
• Food pyramid has become food plate, but not much change in basic information
• Grains and plants as foundation (though doesn’t hold up to rigorous science)
• Roadblocks in government due to vested interests
• Idea spread from ‘bottom up’

[19:47] The ‘feed lot pyramid’

• Ratio of elements of food pyramid same as pig chow used to fatten up swine

[21:04] How First Nations people respond to Paleo diet vs. westerners

• Instinctively found connections based on understanding of ancestors’ habits
• Namgis ancestors harvested fish, consumed very few fruits/vegetables
• Many becoming obese on standard American diet, recovered on Paleo
• Westerners disconnected from where food comes from (no spiritual connection)

[24:56] Why CJ developed a companion book to complement the film

• People were writing to ask, “Can I eat this?”
• True understanding of concepts leads to long-term change
• Film limited on time, book goes deeper into the why
• Book clearly delineates human vs. non-human foods
• Audience finds film through book and vice versa

[30:20] Why CJ is developing a sequel

• Much misinformation regarding health and sustainability
• Talk to world-class scientists to clarify understanding (i.e.: regenerative agriculture)

[34:01] The pushback against the Paleo/Primal movement

• Discounted as fad
• Some vegetarians attack
• ‘If they’re upset, you’re doing something right’

 CJ Hunt Reports

The Perfect Human Diet Documentary

The Perfect Human Diet Companion Book

Protein Power: The High-Protein/Low Carbohydrate Way to Lose Fat, Feel Fit, and Boost Your Health – in Just Weeks! by Michael R. Eads and Mary Dan Eads

The Paleo Solution: The Original Human Diet by Robb Wolf

Loren Cordain Books

We tend to associate biohacking with expensive gadgets. But the truth is, some of the best things you can do for your health cost nothing at all. On this episode of Ali Fitness, we hack the biohacker, picking the brain of a master to find out how to feel our best—without breaking the bank!

Thaddeus Owen is a master biohacker and blogger with Primal Hacker and Eris Fit. He is also a certified Bulletproof Coach with a Master’s degree in Holistic Nutrition as well as a certified personal trainer. Thaddeus began his career as a chemical engineer, working for a traditional pharmaceutical company. Eventually, he left the corporate lifestyle for a work-from-home job as Chief Sustainability Engineer and Product Stewardship Manager for Herman Miller, identifying non-toxic products to use in furniture construction. He continues to work full-time while studying biohacking and sharing his knowledge of health, longevity and cognitive enhancement with the Primal Hacker audience.

Today, Thaddeus shares his top three no-brainer biohacks: morning sunlight, sleep and clean water. He explains the impact of blue LED light on sleep and offers advice around the best lights for the bedroom and proven brands of blue light blocking glasses. Thaddeus walks us through the pros and cons of SARMs, smart drugs and nootropics, describing his experience testing Qualia for the Neurohacker Collective. Listen in for Thaddeus’ insight on how to research psychedelics and get his top advice for aspiring biohackers!

[0:58] Thaddeus’ shift from pharmaceuticals to biohacking

• Studied chemical engineering, worked in traditional setting
• Shift to run sustainability group (nontoxic products in furniture)
• Works from home as corporate manager + biohacking business

[5:00] Thaddeus’ top three free no-brainer biohacks

1. Morning sunlight
2. Optimal sleep
3. Clean water

[8:02] Where to find filtered water

• Free at Find a Spring
• Countertop or under-sink reverse osmosis water filter

[10:52] How to store spring water

• Glass leaches least but no UV
• Plastic allows UV but can be toxic
• Look for HDPE or polypropylene
• Avoid BPA, BPS and BPC

[13:21] The impact of blue LED light on sleep

• Signals body to stop melatonin production
• Melatonin hormone rejuvenates during sleep

[16:47] The lights Thaddeus recommends for the bedroom

• No lights in bedroom after sunset, use red flashlight/headlamp
• Incandescent light inside piece of salt (i.e.: salt rock lamps)
• Replace bulbs with red-coated incandescent or LED bulbs

[20:38] Thaddeus’ insight on the best lights for a gym or studio

• LED lights at 2600 Kelvin (lowest amount of blue)
• Mix energy-efficient halogen lights to mimic sun
• Add red and infrared bulbs to balance

[22:59] Thaddeus’ advice for protecting yourself from blue light

• Utilize blue light blocking glasses, work out near window
• Protect skin with baseball cap, long sleeves and pants

[25:37] Thaddeus’ picks for blue light blocking glasses

• DEWAULT and Uvex Skypers are most affordable
• Ra Optics and TrueDark = more expensive, stylish

[30:00] The fundamentals of SARMs

• Mimic testosterone without downside (gain muscle, lose fat)
• Few long-term studies, may slow down natural T production

[33:31] The fundamentals of true nootropics

• Natural, little to no side effects
• Help brain work faster and more efficiently

[35:14] Thaddeus’ insight around Qualia

• Benefits for mental and physical enhancement
• Recommends for targeted use (i.e.: before presentations)
• Side effects—headaches, jittery or no effect

[40:26] Thaddeus’ take on psychedelics

• Help overcome long-term emotional issues
• Examples—PTSD, anxiety or depression
• Micro-doses have no hallucinogenic effect

[43:03] The best way to approach research on psychedelics

• Local meetup groups, university professors
• Resources by Dennis McKenna
• Private conversations at retreats, conferences

[46:07] Thaddeus’ top advice for aspiring biohackers

• Willing to learn, change opinion based on new info
• Experiment to find what works for you

Primal Hacker

Primal Hacker on Instagram

Thaddeus on Eris Fit

Find a Spring

DEWALT Laser Glasses

Uvex Skyper Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Ra Optics

TrueDark

Swannies Glasses

‘Potent Muscle Building with SARMs, Qualia, and ARX’ by Thaddeus Owen

‘My Experience with a Performance Enhancing Drug (SARMs)’ by Thaddeus Owen

New York Times Article on SARMs

‘Nootropics for Noobs’ by Thaddeus Owen

Qualia by Neurohacker Collective

Tim Ferriss Psychedelics Research

Dennis McKenna Books, Articles & Interviews

‘Men, Protect Your Legacy from the Coming 5G’ by Thaddeus Owen

Wish you could wake up without a cup of coffee? Or wind down at night without a glass of wine? Most of us spend the day self-medicating to manage our energy, using stimulants and sedatives to adjust our body’s rhythms. Rhythms thrown off by the activity-driven stress of modern life. But what if there was a wearable that could replicate the states of calm and balance we’re chasing and ultimately restore our body’s natural rhythms?

Dr. David Rabin is the Cofounder and CIO at Apollo Neuroscience, a technology company developing the first scientifically-validated wearable to improve focus, sleep and meditative states by delivering layered vibrations to the skin. A board-certified psychiatrist and translational neuroscientist, Dr. Rabin spent the last decade studying the impact of chronic stress in humans and researching non-invasive therapies designed to improve quality of life in patients with treatment-resistant illnesses. He also led the world’s largest controlled study around the benefits of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in mental disorders.

On this episode of Ali Fitness, David joins us to explain how his work treating patients with PTSD, anxiety and substance abuse disorders led to the creation of the Apollo wearable. He walks us through what it looks and feels like to use the device on a given day, selecting from among its seven functional frequencies to wake up or wind down naturally. David also describes the science behind Apollo, discussing how it changes our biological rhythms, redirecting energy away from the body’s stress response system. Listen in to understand how elite athletes are using Apollo to adapt to stress and learn how the wearable could help you realize your true potential and feel your absolute best!

[1:00] How Dr. Rabin came to develop the Apollo wearable

• Treat patients with PTSD, depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders
• MDMA trial for PTSD led to focus on options that don’t require daily meds
• Develop understanding of what body does physiologically in different states
• Create Apollo to deliver vibration to skin based on how touch affects body

[6:39] What it might look like to use Apollo on a given day

• Set to wakeful frequency first thing in morning
• Use to increase focus during afternoon slump
• Schedule to wind down energy gradually at night

[10:44] What biometrics the Apollo device tracks

• Basic tracking of activity level and circadian rhythms
• Transfer data from other wearables to Apollo screen

[14:00] The 7 functional frequencies available on Apollo

1. Wake up and energize
2. Clear and focused
3. Social and open
4. Recover from stress
5. Enhance meditation
6. Enhance relaxation
7. Enhance sleep

[15:50] What users feel physically when Apollo is on

• Barely noticeable gentle vibration (similar to ocean wave)
• Replicates effects of coffee, amphetamines, etc. naturally

[18:41] Why Apollo can’t force your body to enter a particular state

• Accelerates recovery but can’t energize artificially if exhausted/injured
• Elite athletes use to adapt to stress (e.g.: fight with partner, poor sleep)

[21:39] Where users wear the Apollo device

• Works anywhere on body
• First version designed for ankle or wrist

[22:36] When users wear the Apollo device

• During day, at night or both
• Turn on for 5 to 10 minutes (effects last 30 to 120 minutes)

[24:30] How the Apollo works independently of your phone

• Turn on/off without phone, low EMF
• Bluetooth only active when app open

[25:54] The benefits of the Apollo subscription model

• Automatic software upgrades based on usership
• Automatically import info from other devices

[27:30] The science behind the Apollo’s effectiveness

• Rhythms in music impact heartrate, HRV and respiration
• Research team explored what happens if apply to skin
• Soothing, gentle touch signals safety, brain calms down
• Apollo activates skin receptors in same way (reduce threat response)

[33:45] The findings of the EEG pattern study

• Apollo reliably improves HRV + performance under stress
• Inexperienced meditators show same brain wave patterns as experts
• Experienced meditators achieve deeper state more quickly

[37:58] The potential for Apollo to develop an automatic mode

• Able to detect when body shows signs of stress in preliminary trials
• Turn on frequencies automatically based on how you use device
• Rely on Apollo less and less as restore body’s natural balance

[40:44] How to get the Apollo device

• Buy online at https://shop.apolloneuro.com/
• Ships anywhere in world

[42:26] How psychedelic studies informed the invention of Apollo

• Psychedelics work in clinical setting due to safety experience
• Feeling safe helps us realize true potential, feel our best

Apollo Neuroscience

Oura Ring

WHOOP

Apple Watch

Oura Ring on Ali Fitness EP050

WHOOP on Ali Fitness EP115

Apple HealthKit

Headspace

Calm

Health Optimisation Summit

Modern Spirit

Imperial College London Centre for Psychedelic Research

MAPS MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Studies

The Apollo EEG Meditation Study

The Apollo PTSD Study

Apollo Science & Research

Might as well face it, you’re addicted to carbs.

The conventional approach to endurance training promotes ‘chronic cardio’ and carbohydrate dependency. But there is a way to reset your metabolic clock with the keto diet, and today’s guest wrote the book on it – well, he co-authored it anyway!

Brad Kearns has been a well-known coach, speaker and author in the health and fitness realm for 20-plus years. During his nine-year career as a triathlete, he was one of the world’s top ranked professionals, amassing 30 wins worldwide on the pro circuit, and he still holds the Hawaii Ironman 18-24 age division American record at 8:57.

Brad has partnered with his former coach and fellow health and fitness authority Mark Sisson to lead the Primal Blueprint, a comprehensive ancestral health movement. Together they co-authored the 2016 release Primal Endurance, a guidebook that teaches athletes how to employ a stress-balanced, fat-adapted Primal approach to training. The duo has another book coming out this fall, The Keto Reset Diet. Today Brad joins Ali to discuss the basics of MAF training and his take on the relationship between peak performance and long-term health. Listen and learn how to leverage the keto diet to become a fat-burning machine and get free from carbohydrate dependency!

[1:17] Brad’s partnership with Mark Sisson

• Mark served as Brad’s coach 30 years ago
• Introduced Brad to idea of balancing stress and rest
• Developed Primal Blueprint together
• Co-authored Primal Endurance
• Releasing keto diet book this fall

[3:23] How Brad’s training evolved during his professional career

• Overly competitive, Type A training early on led to injury, burnout
• Learned from failures and good coaching
• Eventually understood that health and fitness could be complementary

[5:09] The nuts and bolts of MAF training

• 180 – age = training heartrate
• Emphasizes development of aerobic base
• Prevents injury, illness and abuse of cardiovascular system
• Improves health long-term
• Training slow helps you go fast
• Proven true by endurance athletes for past 60 years (i.e.: Peter Snell)

[10:12] How taking ego out of the equation was the gateway to success for Brad

• Developing the discipline to slow down led to national championship
• MAF training gave him a new appreciation for what endurance sports are about (i.e.: connection with nature, energy, health and longevity)

[15:17] How to track your improvement with MAF training

• Test on same course, conditions using 180 – age formula
• Log mile times
• As you get more efficient at same heart rate, mile time will improve
• If you’re regressing, examine other factors (e.g.: stress, poor diet, lack of sleep)

[21:38] The fundamentals of keto

• Ultra-low carb diet (less than 50 g/day)
• Altered metabolic state burns fat
• Free from carbohydrate dependency
• Don’t rely on regular meals for energy
• Cellular repair via intermittent fasting

[24:39] Brad’s experience with going keto

• Maintained for 140 days
• Not convenient or practical to maintain forever
• Tool to bust out for metabolic reset

[31:50] The case for keto as a lifestyle

• Human default position
• Ensured survival for 2.5 million years
• Records of people thriving for long periods and achieving athletic success

[35:29] Who should not do keto

• Carb dependent for long period
• Show signs of metabolic damage
• But morbidly obese could benefit most from keto

[38:35] Brad’s health now compared to his years as a professional athlete

• Peak performance came at significant cost to health
• At 30, he got out of bed exhausted
• Recalibrated goals to encompass wellness and longevity
• Now has broader base fitness, healthier diet and higher testosterone levels

[41:48] Why fit endurance athletes develop heart issues

• Overstress heart during workout
• Sustain small scarring on delicate ventricles, inflammation
• Leads to AFib

[44:56] Brad’s take on the relationship between peak performance and health

• Humans built to push limits (‘Body follows the mind’)
• Benefits include enhanced cognitive function and anti-aging
• Only mutually exclusive if you ignore health and over-train

bradkearns.com

primalblueprint.com

Primal Endurance by Mark Sisson and Brad Kearns

MAF Training

Dr. Maffetone’s MAF Methodology

The Joe Rogan Experience Episode 935 with Robb Wolf

The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living by Stephen D. Phinney and Jeff S. Volek

The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance by Jeff S. Volek and Stephen D. Phinney

Mark’s Daily Apple Blog

Books by Katy Bowman

Pre-Order The Keto Reset Diet by Mark Sisson with Brad Kearns

For thousands and thousands of years, humans have consumed cannabis, leveraging its micronutrients to adapt to technological shifts. And then we abruptly pulled it out of our diets, just as our oxidative stress levels shot up. So, what can we do to counter this one-two punch to our collective health? How, exactly, do CBD and other compounds produced by the cannabis plant work to benefit our body systems? And what can we do to choose quality CBD products that actually work?

Will Kleidon is the Founder and CEO of Ojai Energetics, an ethics-driven health and wellness company based in California. Ojai Energetics seeks to bring ancient healing products to life by way of modern innovation, and it leads the world in producing vital natural organic supplements with water-soluble CBD to promote everyday health and healing. Will is a subject matter expert in the art, science and technology of the cannabis business, and his work has been featured in Forbes, Money and Entrepreneur Magazine, among many other media outlets.

On this episode of Ali Fitness, Will joins us to define CBD and explain the benefit of CBD-rich full spectrum complex over CBD in isolate. He speaks to the CBD product fillers we should avoid, describing what to look for in terms of third-party batch testing and certified organic ingredients. Will also shares how bioavailability differentiates Ojai Energetics products from others on the market and walks us through the laws around CBD in the US and abroad. Listen in for insight into how CBD fuels the endocannabinoid system and learn how it can support athletes in recovery!

[2:05] The fundamentals of CBD

• Compound produced by cannabis plant
• Cannabis = super-vegetable fuels endocannabinoid system

[8:37] Why we focus on CBD over other known cannabinoids

• Broadest profile of documented benefits
• CBD-rich full spectrum complex better than CBD in isolate

[11:52] How to identify if a CBD product is full spectrum

• Look at third-party analytics
• More cannabinoids than CBD alone

[13:56] The CBD product fillers to avoid

• MCT derived from hexane
• Synthetic agents used to create encapsulation
• TPGS (may be listed as vitamin E)

[16:01] What to look for in choosing CBD products

• Lot # on bottle linked to third-party batch test
• Certified organic label

[23:06] How cannabis impacts the body

• Every system has endocannabinoid receptors
• Fire at optimal levels, systems in harmony

[30:31] Choosing CBD products with the highest bioavailability

• Effective dose = 500 mg daily
• Encapsulation allows immediate uptake (only need 5 mg)

[31:59] How to test for bioavailability

• Put in water, should go straight through vs. float
• Avoid liposomal encapsulation

[37:19] What differentiates Ojai Energetics products

• Feel effects of CBD in under minute
• Body absorbs majority of CBD (not flushed out)

[40:35] Who would benefit from taking CBD

• Humans evolved for millennia eating compound regularly
• No one wouldn’t benefit from vital micronutrients

[42:52] The benefits of CBD for athletes

• Sleep cycles regulated by endocannabinoid system
• Decrease recovery time, inflammation

[45:24] Additional benefits of CBD

• Increases neuroplasticity in brain
• Support healthy digestive + cardiovascular system
• Enhance skeletal, nervous and respiratory systems

[46:45] Ojai Energetics Full Spectrum CBD Sports Gel

• Good for massage or use after workout
• Versatile product with botanicals

[48:10] Will’s insight around CBD terpenes

• Serve as tugboats, direct cannabinoids to payload sites
• Bioactive through inhalation (wide variety of smells)

[54:34] The laws around CBD in the US and abroad

• Hemp-derived cannabinoids below 0.3% legal in US
• Bans in some states (South Dakota, Idaho and Iowa)
• Australia only allows for medical use
• In process in Singapore to allow in supplements

Ojai Energetics

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam

CGMP Regulations

CBD & Nicotine Study

Ojai Energetics CBD Sports Gel

Dave Asprey—Bulletproof

2018 Farm Bill

California Hemp Council

FDA Opinion on CBD in Supplements

‘The best athletes on the teams I’ve worked with have always been the best sleepers. The bottom third of the sleepers are usually gone within a few years.’

We live in a world where functioning on less and less sleep has become ‘the new normal,’ so we may not realize just how much insufficient sleep impacts our performance. Of course, there are elements of this that are out of our control, like the travel schedule associated with competition. But if you are struggling to get close to the recommended 7½-9 hours, it is likely that your reaction time and your ability to focus are suffering. What is the best way to monitor how much sleep you’re actually getting? And how do you determine what’s causing the problem if you’re falling short?

Pat Byrne is an authority in the field of sleep science with 30-plus years of experience in health and safety, risk management, and performance optimization. Pat’s fatigue management systems utilize state-of-the-art technology to revolutionize the way professional sports teams and 24/7 workplaces manage sleep schedules to enhance performance and mitigate risk. Pat’s elite client roster includes the US Department of Defense, Harvard Medical School, major mining and transportation companies, and leading sports teams in the NHL, NFL, NBA, MLS, MLB and AFL.

Today Pat gives us the run down on the importance of sleep, explaining the influence of age and biological variation on the amount an individual needs. He shares the short- and long-term consequences of sleep deprivation, his experience around the causes of sleep issues, and why sleep quality is more important than duration. Pat cautions us against using consumer-grade technology to monitor sleep and relying on sleeping pills to get the rest we need. Listen in as Pat speaks to the sleep challenges particular to athletes, discussing his approach to consulting with individuals and teams to improve performance.

[1:04] Pat’s take on the importance of sleep

• Critical brain function
• 7½ to 9 hours per night
• Quality more important than duration

[3:04] Sleep research as a very new science

• Began in 1953
• Study of how sleep affects human performance in last decade

[4:06] How age influences the amount of sleep necessary

• Human brain not fully developed until 25
• Adolescent brain requires 9-10 hours per night
• Harder to sleep in one block as we get older

[6:04] The consequences associated with sleep deprivation

• Measurable change in reaction time
• Inability to concentrate
• Obesity, diabetes
• Inability to learn, retain information

[7:58] Pat’s insight on napping

• Should take strategically
• 1-2pm = best time

[9:48] Pat’s advice around sleep technology

• Impossible to measure sleep from wrist
• Consumer-grade wristwatches unproven
• Medical-grade tech 90-95% accurate (only measures when awake, asleep)

[12:52] Why athletes don’t sleep well

• Natural biology
• Lifestyle issues
• Work/travel schedule

[14:48] Pat’s approach to sleep monitoring with athletes

• Medical-grade ActiGraph
• Sync to phone, send data to computer
• Determine cause via data, questionnaire

[16:52] Pat’s warnings about consumer-grade technology

• Ask for validation papers
• Sleep quality can’t be measured

[18:34] Pat’s experience around the causes of sleep issues

• Biology bigger problem than might think
• Lifestyle only 10%
• Scheduling has improved in recent years
• Best athletes are best sleepers

[20:30] Pat’s work with the Vancouver Canucks

• Ended road trips on east coast, home at 5am
• Three nights to catch up on sleep
• Often lost games in that window
• Recommended flying back next day, changes in sleep environment
• Went from worst road record to best (two years running)

[24:51] The most common sleep disorders

• Restless leg syndrome
• Sleep apnea

[27:09] Pat’s take on supplements and drugs

• Can be addictive
• Quality of sleep not same with sleeping pills

[28:23] The ideal sleep for health, safety and performance

• Five cycles (about 1½ hours each)
• Includes REM sleep
• Brain decides what stage needed

[31:40] Pat’s advice for athletes using melatonin, sleeping pills

• Ask yourself WHY (identify cause)
• Look for alternative solutions
• Prioritize sleep, adjust sleep environment

[35:43] How the amount of time spent in bed relates to sleep duration

• Cheri Mah study of Stanford basketball team
• Overestimate amount of sleep by 70 minutes
• 10 hours in bed, only 8 hours of sleep

[36:37] Pat’s insight around screens

• Blue light of computers, smartphones limits melatonin production
• Turn off at least one hour before bed

 Pat’s Website

Pat on Twitter

Daily Mail Article

Fatigue Science

ActiGraph

Cheri Mah Research

There’s a direct correlation between health and happiness. Any yet, traditional medicine treats our unhappiness with antidepressants. The medical community manages symptoms of anxiety and depression with drugs—rather than taking the time to find the root cause of our health issues. So, what can we do to stop poor health from hijacking our happiness?

Dr. Brian Brown is the peak longevity strategist behind The Optimal CEO, a functional medicine practice that helps high-level entrepreneurs, influencers and CEOs achieve optimal health. He works with clients to develop a custom wellness plan, supporting them in resolving hidden imbalances and achieving peak performance.

On this episode of Ali Fitness, Dr. Brown joins us to discuss his transition from psychiatry to functional medicine, walking us through his personal wellness journey and exploring the connection between poor health and depression. He describes the differences between traditional and functional medicine, sharing his approach to finding root causes and discussing who is a good candidate to work with his clinic. Dr. Brown also weighs in on weight loss, hydration, and the controversy around hypothyroidism. Listen in for insight into how health is hijacking our happiness and learn what you can do TODAY to optimize for longevity!

[1:03] Dr. Brown’s transition from psychiatry to functional medicine

• 16-year struggle with depression (9 different antidepressants)
• Professional training treated symptoms, not root cause

[4:20] Dr. Brown’s approach to finding the root cause

• 2-hour initial consult and hour-long follow-up visit
• Review medical history, diagnostic test results

[6:47] Dr. Brown’s personal process for improving his health

• Deal with Hashimoto’s and hormonal imbalance first
• Address gut health and adrenals, NeuroGenomic testing
• Mood improved as other health issues resolved

[12:15] The direct correlation between health and depression

• Cut back on antidepressants as health improved
• Eliminated need for antidepressants in 3 years

[15:51] The root cause of Dr. Brown’s health issues

• Endured night terrors since electrocution at age 5
• Monitor revealed damage, heart stopping 3X/night
• Body dumping adrenaline to jumpstart heart

[19:26] Dr. Brown’s insight around the value of hydration

• 3L for women, 4L for men every day
• Improves depression, anxiety and sleep

[22:31] How Dr. Brown lost 150 pounds

• Patience in process (slow, gradual steps down)
• Insulin regulation = root of weight management

[25:00] Who is a good fit for Dr. Brown’s clinic

• Autoimmune conditions, thyroid or hormone imbalances
• High performers with brain fog and/or fatigue
• Patients who want to transition off antidepressants

[29:00] The controversy around the thyroid

• Standards for hypothyroidism raised in 2002
• TSH from 3.5 to 5.0 (only market used to diagnose)

[35:49] How health is hijacking our happiness

• Traditional approach leaves symptoms untreated (normal range)
• Prescribed antidepressants because ‘all in your head’

[38:32] Dr. Brown’s top tip for Ali Fitness listeners

• Take time to breathe

Dr. Brown’s Website

The Optimal CEO on Instagram

Work with Dr. Brown

Happiness Hijackers by Dr. Brian G. Brown

Healthy Gut, Healthy You by Dr. Michael Ruscio

Dr. Jason Fung

EMDR Trauma Therapy

Dr. Michael Ruscio

Dr. Ernst J. Schaefer

We are suffering from the worst chronic disease problem the world has ever seen, and traditional medicine is not set up to address the issue. In fact, a full 50% of Americans are dealing with at least one chronic disease right now, and by 2030, healthcare spending to treat chronic disease is projected to hit a mind-bending $47 trillion. Chris Kresser is on a mission to address chronic disease by way of a collaborative practice model that affords patients a healthcare team consisting of a general practitioner as well as a health coach, personal trainer, counselor, etc.—all working together to prevent chronic disease before it starts.

Chris is a global authority in the realm of ancestral health, Paleo nutrition and functional medicine. His website is among the top 25 natural health sites in the world, and he was recently named one of the 100 most influential people in health and fitness by Greatlist. Chris is also the founder of the Kresser Institute, a functional medicine training platform that offers practitioners the best tools for preventing and reversing modern chronic illness. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Paleo Cure, and his new book, Unconventional Medicine, presents a three-step plan to reinvent healthcare and reverse chronic disease.

Today, Chris shares the collaborative practice model and offers insight around how the healthcare paradigm is already shifting. He explains how to identify a qualified health coach, who else might be involved in a healthcare team, and how the Kresser Institute is promoting the collaborative model. Listen in for Chris’ insight on managing your stress to prevent elevated blood sugar and learn how technology addiction impacts health outcomes!

[1:09] The impetus for Unconventional Medicine

• Experiencing worst chronic disease epidemic world has ever seen
• Traditional medicine not set up to address chronic disease

[2:26] The collaborative practice model

• Leverage team for the prevention of chronic disease
• Health coach, personal trainer covered by insurance

[5:36] How the healthcare paradigm is already shifting

• Cost of treating chronic disease will bankrupt system
• People providing care financially responsible for results

[9:50] How to become a Citizen Activist

• Share practitioner training program info with doctor
• Get involved through resources at Share Your Story

[11:55] How to identify a qualified health coach

• Lack of clearly defined standards
• Look for top training program certifications
• Utilize ICHWC criteria

[15:04] How Chris is promoting the collaborative practice model

• Train practitioners with same framework
• Provides continuity of care, consistent messaging
• Networking events and ADAPT Academy forum

[18:31] Who might be involved in a healthcare team

• Physical therapist and body workers
• Psychologist, counselor or therapist

[20:00] The ADAPT approach to health coach training

• Trust, rapport and communication
• Serve as guide or facilitator (client as change agent)
• Positive psychology, motivational interviewing

[21:42] The potential reasons for elevated fasting insulin

• High cortisol levels due to chronic stress
• Gut infections, heavy metal toxicity or overweight
• ‘Dawn effect’ (may go down later in day)

[29:06] Chris’ advice around managing your stress

• Break into small, actionable steps (shrinking the change)
• 8 hours of sleep, track HRV and say ‘no’ more often
• Practice mindfulness for improved quality of life

[32:12] Why perimenopausal women gain weight

• Hormone production shifts from ovaries to adrenal glands
• HPA axis and adrenals determine ease of transition
• Cortisol production, declining levels of estrogen/progesterone
• Try herbs first, bioidentical hormone replacement as last resort

[36:06] Why low carb diets may not be the best option for women

• Key physiological differences between men and women
• Keto, low carb and IF may act on body as stressor
• HPA axis dysfunction may lead to rebound weight gain

[42:40] Chris’ insight on technology addiction

• Real, significant health impacts
• More intentional with decisions on tech use

Chris’ Website

Revolution Health Radio

The Paleo Cure by Chris Kresser

Unconventional Medicine by Chris Kresser

Pat Charnel on Revolution Health Radio

ADAPT Practitioner Training Program

Become a Citizen Activist

The Institute for Functional Medicine

The International Coaching Federation

ADAPT Health Coach Training Program

International Consortium for Health & Wellness Coaching

National Board of Medical Examiners

Motivational Interviewing on Revolution Health Radio

Chris’ Article on A1c

HeartMath

Muse

Headspace

The Mindfulness App on the App Store

The Mindfulness App on Google Play

Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence by Rick Hanson

Dr. Sarah Ballantyne on Livin’ La Vida Low Carb

Paleo f(x)

How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine Price

Unplugged: Evolve from Technology to Upgrade Your Fitness, Performance & Consciousness by Brian MacKenzie, Dr. Andy Galpin and Phil White

Home health testing is all the rage. But which one of the many services available provides the most accurate results? And is there a platform with more to offer than information? A platform that delivers actionable advice for solving your health challenges or improving your performance?

Dr. Christopher Mason is an Associate Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cofounder of Onegevity Health, a platform designed to empower individuals to maintain optimal health by democratizing access to actionable information from leading-edge biomedical research. Dr. Chris earned his BS in Genetics and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his PhD in Genetics from Yale.

On this episode of Ali Fitness, Dr. Chris joins us to discuss what differentiates Onegevity from other genetic testing services. He explains why the team started with Gutbio and walks us through the process of testing your gut microbiome with a Onegevity kit. Dr. Chris also offers insight around Onegevity’s products in development, including Performbio for athletes and Fembio for women. Listen in to understand who can benefit from using their health intelligence platform and learn what Onegevity has to offer in terms of genetically tailored products and actionable results!

[1:13] The fundamentals of Onegevity Health

• Health intelligence platform
• Measure, monitor and act on info re: molecular profile
• Microbiome, genetics/DNA + blood

[3:07] What differentiates Onegevity from other genetic testing

• Actionable and specific, customized plan for individual
• Uses more precise shotgun sequencing (vs. 16S) and AI

[9:22] Why Onegevity Health started with Gutbio

• Easy to collect sample, know system well
• Plastic part of biology (modify + improve)

[10:22] Who should use Onegevity Health testing

• Healthy and curious, want to improve performance
• Suffer from dysbiosis, IBS or IBD
• Recovering from recent traumatic condition

[12:10] The Onegevity Health results report

• Reviewed by physician but anyone can understand
• Suggests genetically tailored products to resolve issues

[13:13] Onegevity Health’s partnership with Thorne supplements

• Trusted by physicians, professional athletes
• Systematic research to quantify what works

[17:30] Onegevity’s forthcoming Performbio for athletes

• Look at nutrition, training load, stress and sleep
• Incorporate data from wearables (e.g.: Fitbit)

[20:22] Where Onegevity Health is available

• Expanding network of physicians in 42 states
• Partnership with Kirin for Japanese market

[22:04] Onegevity’s OneDraw blood collection device

• Must be supervised by healthcare professional

[22:30] What’s next for Onegevity Health

• Fembio for issues specific to women’s health

[25:23] How to test your gut microbiome with Onegevity

• Order kit online (routed through physician)
• Collect and send stool sample
• Receive report via email or app

[29:46] Dr. Chris’ insight around food sensitivities

• Low-level exposure reduces risk of allergy later
• In early days of predicting and understanding

[32:19] How to measure quality in at-home health testing

• ‘Proof is in the phenotype’ (how people feel)
• Use tool like Lab100 to quantify what works

[34:22] Why Dr. Chris believes Onegevity is the best

• Use cutting-edge, modern methods
• Most extensive phenotyping platform that exists

Onegevity Health

Dr. Chris on LinkedIn

Dr. Joel Dudley

Thorne Supplements

Oura Ring

Fitbit

Kirin

Onegevity + Kirin Press Release

Dr. Theresa Hardy

Onegevity on the App Store

Onegevity on Google Play

‘Randomized Trial of Peanut Consumption in Infants at Risk for Peanut Allergy’ in The New England Journal of Medicine

‘The Rise of Food Allergy: Environmental Factors and Emerging Treatments’ in EBioMedicine

EverlyWell

Lab100

“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Joseph De Sena truly lives by this unique philosophy, having moved his family from Japan to New York because things were getting too easy. His belief that life is more fruitful when you’ve struggled extends to his work as well.

Joe is the CEO and co-founder of Spartan Race, Inc, the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand. The Spartan lifestyle spans 35 countries and encompasses a global championship series as well as training and nutrition programs.

Joe had a lucrative career on Wall Street, but he wasn’t inspired by the work. In 2000, he got the idea to change people’s lives through endurance racing, but the events were too difficult for most and Peak was losing money. In 2010, he changed the race format and Spartan was born. Today Joe addresses the difference between Spartan and other obstacle races, how to train for a TRIFECTA, and the healthy addiction associated with Spartan racing. Learn more about Joe’s hope for the future of Spartan racing and how he seeks to help people push themselves in order to grow.

Topics Covered

[1:01] How Joe came to start Spartan racing

• Grew up in Queens
• Mom became interested in yoga, meditation
• Introduced to 3100-mile race (mind stronger than body)
• Initially did other jobs to chase money
• In 2000, decided to start race business to change lives
• com lost money for ten years (300-plus mile races too difficult for most)
• Changed format, name in 2010
• Now 1M participants in 35 countries

[4:55] The difference between Spartan race and other obstacle races

• Authentic, athletic (nothing silly)
• Spartan seeks to be Olympic sport
• Consistency, competition

[6:34] The growing interest in Spartan racing

• Feels good to be healthy, push yourself
• Human brain changes in positive way
• Reconnect with friends, the earth
• Chance to feel alive
• Triathlon is linear, ‘boring’
• Spartan has lower bar to enter

[8:30] How to train for a TRIFECTA

• One hour per day (for respectable time)
• Do yoga to help prevent injury
• Burpees, pull-ups and running

[10:17] The ideal facilities to train for Spartan

• Any gym
• Coach or trainer can help with motivation
• 1,000 certified SGX coaches around the world

[12:24] The risk of injury in Spartan racing

• Injury rates lowest in industry
• Imagery and narrative is intimidating, so people train
• Dangerous to go cold

[13:56] Who participates in Spartan racing

• 71-year-old mother-in-law did Tokyo race
• 11-year-old son did Fort Knox, 8-year-old daughter did Beast
• All sizes and shapes of people
• Go at own pace, do what you can
• Can’t get through obstacle, do burpees as punishment

[14:43] How long you should train for your first Spartan race

• At least 60 days
• Include yoga to prevent injury
• Run five days a week
• Give Ali Fitness podcast a 5-star review on iTunes then email [email protected] for a free copy of Spartan Fit!

[15:45] The prize money associated with Spartan racing

• $100,000 total
• Substantial if good, follow circuit

[16:04] The addictive nature of Spartan racing

• Very unlikely to stop after one race
• Average is just shy of three events
• Most want to earn TRIFECTA
• Healthy addiction

[16:36] Joe’s hope for the future of Spartan racing

• Change 100M lives
• Olympic sport

[16:58] The upcoming Spartan event in Iceland

• Epic, 24-hour race
• 1,000 entries (short 350 participants)
• Email [email protected] for chance at free entry
• Will be one of hardest races (relay division alternative)
• Most laps on five-mile course will win

[18:37] Joe’s ‘comfortable being uncomfortable’ philosophy

• Don’t want life to be too easy
• Moved family from Japan to New York
• Life too easy, nothing to strive for
• No ability to deal with adversity
• Life more fruitful when you’ve struggled

[20:07] Joe’s unique parenting style

• Lived on farm in Vermont
• Hired Kung Fu master for kids who only spoke Mandarin
• Only allowed kids to watch Mandarin-language TV
• Moved to Singapore, enrolled in Mandarin-English school

[22:37] Joe’s tattoos

• Mother’s name (Chinese characters) on arm
• ‘Love’ on hip (after second date with wife)
• About to get third, Oscar Mike Foundation

[25:20] Joe’s advice around teamwork

• If new person doesn’t click, leader must resolve
• Navigator is key team member

Learn More About Joseph De Sena

Spartan Website

Email [email protected]

Spartan Fit!: 30 Days. Transform Your Mind. Transform Your Body. Commit to Grit.  by Joe De Sena and John Durant

Resources Mentioned

SGX Certified Coaching

Rise of the Sufferfests Documentary

Oscar Mike Foundation