Boundless Life

Oct 25, 2018, Q&A Episode 391: How Skinny Guys Can Get Big Muscles, Is GHB Safe, and What To Do After High School?

My bio on Todd White is extremely short.

Fanatical biohacker. Wears the same uniform every day. Starts every morning with 40 minutes of meditation. Eats one meal a day. Drinks a bottle of wine each night.

And that's it.

But this guy runs incredibly deep and in today's podcast, filmed after I did a meditation session with the entire team at Todd's Dry Farm Wines office in Napa Valley, we have a rich and meaningful conversation about meditation, manifestation, gratitude, fasting, and, of course, everything you need to know about organic wine.

During our discussion, you'll discover:  -The morning ritual that Todd and his team do together every morning...6:13

• They start work at 10 am to allow team members to "protect their mornings."
• "Circle of love." Usually lasts 60-90 minutes.
  • Meditation
  • Breath work
  • Gratefulness therapy
• It's not a day of work; it's a day of creating.
• Todd sees himself in the "health" business, in addition to the taste business.
• The warehouse workers are the most poignant example of the efficacy of this practice.
  • Warehouse workers are typically treated as objects by leadership.
  • Todd sees them as the  center of love, energy and light.
  • It causes them to want to contribute and create.

-The stringent hiring practices Todd uses to ensure the right people are hired...12:54

• BTW, Dry Farm Wines is hiring! dryfarmwines.com/jobs
• The job descriptions include everything about the company, including the "Peace and Profit Manifesto".
• First rule: "We lead with love."
• Life, not business, questions; essay format.
• Designed to be self-selecting; they want people to "opt out" if they don't see themselves as a good fit.

-Some of the unconventional work practices that Dry Farm Wines uses to balance life and work....17:08

• Happiness is an internal mechanism of joy.
• Todd sees one of his role as a mentor and guide to his employees.
• The actual time of production or creation is around 6 hours.
• Very rare "emails to all"; no "reply all" at all.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• They don't sell any domestic wines; all grapes are from small organic farms in Europe.
• Sharing the culture of the company is as important as promoting the actual product at events, trade shows, etc.
• Communal meals; great parties.

-The process by which Todd came to create a company with such a unique culture...26:00

• Became an entrepreneur at the age of 17.
• Experienced a "grand failure" before founding DFW.
  • Senior health care; 40+ employees.
  • Good concept, but was in it for the wrong reasons.
  • The things we say "no" to are more important the things we say "yes" to.
• Led to discovering meditation.
• Developed a set of 18 business rules; from that became DFW.
• In constant ketosis due to a daily 22 hour fast.
• You see a difference between grapes grown on a small family farm and organic grapes at a market.

-Todd's tips for eating once per day...36:12

• It's more psychological than based on physical needs.
• Helps to be in ketosis.
• Adds a lot of time to the day for work.
• Reduces decision fatigue.
• It's important to be around likeminded people; creates accountability.

-Todd's definition of "biohacking" and how he applies it to his own life...45:24

• "The art and science of how our behavior influences our biological and neurological outcome."
• Proverb: "To feel is to understand"
• You can feel when someone is beneficial for your body.
• Meditation is a practice, and has an aggregate benefit over time.
  • Began meditating twice daily.
  • Minimum of 20 minutes.
  • Todd attributes the success of his business to meditation.
  • Meditation allows us to quiet the mind.
    • We live in traumatic thought.
    • 95% of thoughts we have are thoughts we had yesterday.
  • Teaches us to live in the present moment; stop the trauma of thought.
  • Attachment leads to suffering.
  • Meditation teaches us to look past the attachment to thoughts which block the abundance we were granted at our birth.
  • It's impossible to be grateful and fearful at the same time.
  • Before we can do, we must be.

-Thoughts on The Master Key by Charles Haanel...54:42

• We're all manifesting. The question is: what are you manifesting, and are you using the tools to manifest in the correct way?
• Also recommended: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.
  • Doesn't offer a "prescription": It offers an understanding.
• Was initially offered as a weekly correspondence course delivered via mail in 1912.
• Words become forms, which become vibrations. (self-fulfilling prophecies.)

-Why Todd started Dry Farm Wines, and what he has learned about wine since then...1:01:15

• Needed a better, healthier way to drink. (DFW is low alcohol.)
• Couldn't drink alcohol after becoming ketotic.
• Discovered "natural wines" by accident.
  • Around .1% of all wine makers are natural wine makers.
  • Wines are grown, not made.
  • DFW wines are sugar free.
  • Fermented with wild, native yeast. Most wines are fermented with GMO yeast.
  • "Organic" wine does not mean "natural" or "clean." It simply means that the grapes are grown organically.
  • In the U.S. the FDA approves 76 additives for wine. (Here's a list of the 76 additives.)
  • Natural wines are additive free; no modification in the cellar.
• The dangers of alcohol.
  • Addictive.
  • Dangerous neurotoxin; must be dealt with with care.
  • Healthy in small doses (2 glasses per day); toxic in large doses.
• Natural wine is "alive". It's like drinking from someone's heart and soul.
  • "They haven't been killed with sulfur dioxide." --David Perlmutter
• Irrigation practices.
  • An irrigated grape vine has a root ball 2-3' deep and 2-3' wide.
  • Unirrigated grape vine can go 50-60' deep.
  • Resistance is key to the advancement of life.
  • The vine is struggling for its life; brings character to the fruit.
  • Irrigated vines produce "lazy" fruit.
    • You irrigate for greed.
    • Has a higher yield.
    • Weighs more with more water; sold by the ton.

Resources from this episode:

-Click here to get a bottle of Dry Farm Wines for a penny 

-The Dry Farm Wines job posting

-The Master Key System by Charles Haanel -The Power Of Now

-The Fresh Pressed Olive Oil club Ben is a member of

Episode Sponsors:

-Get 10% off all Thorne products at my supplement website, Kion.

-Goshas Organics. ODNOVA, polish for renewal, revitalize and rejuvenate, is a unique blend of raw honey and botanicals, which air the body in organically reaching a balanced state. Get 10% off your order when you use discount code "ben10%"!

-Organifi I use Organifi Gold for the perfect golden milk before I go to bed. Use discount code "greenfield" and get 20% off your entire order!

-Zip Recruiter Need quality candidates fast? Zip Recruiter is the smartest way to hire. Use my link and try it out for free!

Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Todd or me? Leave your comments at http://bengreenfieldfitness.com/dryfarms and one of us will reply!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My bio on Todd White is extremely short.

Fanatical biohacker. Wears the same uniform every day. Starts every morning with 40 minutes of meditation. Eats one meal a day. Drinks a bottle of wine each night.

Todd and I have a rich and meaningful conversation about meditation, manifestation, gratitude, fasting, and, of course, everything you need to know about organic wine.

For robust show notes, including links to everything Todd and I talk about, visit http://bengreenfieldfitness.com/dryfarms.

Today's episode is - after the host of positive feedback I received from my last "solosode" deep dive into how to interpret your own bloodwork - another solosode.

Long story short is this... ...I recently tested my liver enzymes and they were shockingly high... ...so I decided to test whether this whole "liver detox" thing actually works... ...and I walk you through exactly what I did (and the relatively shocking results) in today's show.

Enjoy!

In this Solosode, you'll hear... -Why I got my liver tested in the first place...5:48

• When I got my blood panel done, my liver enzyme numbers were through the roof.
  • High liver stress.
  • Around the levels of non-alcoholic liver disease.
• My aspartate aminotransferase was 172. It's considered risky if it's above 40.
• My alinine aminotransferase was 83. Anything above 55 is considered risky.
• My alkaline phosphatase was also mildly elevated.
• High albumin levels.
• Inflammation was low, but had signs of significant liver stress.
• I wanted to test out the liver cleanses on the market.
  • Create a doable detox that I can do at home, I can still workout, and can accomplish in a fairly short period of time.

-About Liver Flushing...9:18

• A liver is a central processing mechanism that cleanses 1.5 liters of blood per minute.
• Around 500 different biochemical reactions that occur within the liver.
  • Division and breakdown of chemical substances: catabolism
  • Synthesis of protein molecules: anabolism
  • If any of the processes don't work properly, it will affect other processes' ability to work properly.
• Liver is more or less a purification plant for the blood.
• Plays a role in excreting both endogenous and exogenous compounds.
• Regrows rapidly, with around 10% of healthy liver tissue.
• Myth of Prometheus: Zeus punished him by chaining him to a rock and an eagle picks at his liver during the day. His liver would regenerate the same amount at night.
• Greek physician Hippocrates described "humors", one of which was yellow bile of the liver.
• According to traditional Chinese medicine, the liver holds your soul. Full of energy and power.
  • Your "ki" is unable to flow when the liver is not functioning properly.
• Cleansing the liver involves amplifying these processes to work properly.
  • Also assists with bile production; assists with the gallbladder.
  • Bile in the gallbladder can condense and become "stones."
  • If the bile isn't expelled, you can get congestion in the liver.

-Some more basic terms you should know...15:05

• Fatty liver: cells in the liver are saturated with fat.
  • Intrahepatic bile ducts are full of bile but have a high concentration of cholesterol in them.
  • The cholesterol in the liver accumulates, and you end up with excess.
• During a flush, the liver is encouraged to increase its excretory function to eliminate excess bile, and allow gallbladder to evacuate the bile.
• If you know what you're doing, you can regularly go to a liver clinic and maintain the health of your liver.
• Exercise can elevate liver enzymes to a certain extent, but high levels indicate more than just exercise is the problem.

-The actual results of my lab test, post liver cleanse...19:21

• In addition to elevated to elevated enzymes:
  • Hormones were pretty good: free testosterone = 78. Total testosterone = 880.
  • Sex hormone binding globulin = 84 (lower is better)
  • GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase) is a good proxy for gallbladder health.
• My alinine aminotransferase dropped from 83 to 33.
• My aspartate aminotransferase dropped from 172 to 37.
• GGT was 15. Extremely low risk.
• Free testosterone jumped from 78 to 115; Total testosterone went from 880 to 1154.

-What I ate for breakfast, lunch, dinner during my liver cleanse...25:10

• Kitchari recipe for 3-4 servings: Ingredients: ½ cup split yellow mung beans 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1-inch stick of kombu (optional - I used organic, non-GMO miso instead) 4 cups homemade Kettle & Fire bone broth 2 tablespoons coconut cream Spices: 1½ teaspoons cumin seeds 1½ teaspoons fennel seeds 1½ teaspoons coriander powder 1 tablespoon ginger root freshly minced ½ teaspoon turmeric powder ½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds ¼ teaspoon black mustard seeds Pinch of asafoetida Vegetables: 2 cups of any mixed vegetables. I used bok choy, cilantro and dinosaur kale. To serve: Fresh lime A dollop of GT's Living Foods coconut yogurt Sea salt to taste Instructions: -The night before (24 hours earlier), soak the mung beans in ample filtered water. -When you’re ready to cook, drain the mung beans and rinse under running water. Place rice in a sieve and rinse till the water runs clear. Prepare vegetables by peeling and chopping them up, then set all of this aside. -Heat coconut oil over medium heat, in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add cumin, fennel, fenugreek and black mustard seeds and cook for a few minutes to release aromatics, and until the mustard seeds have popped. Add the rest of the spices and stir to combine. -Add a cup of vegetable stock, followed by mung beans, kombu or miso, coconut cream, rice and vegetables, then add the rest of the stock (or water). -Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a low heat. Simmer for about 40 minutes. Check the pot periodically as the rice swells and may stick to the bottom. Add more water if you want a soupier consistency, and simmer longer to get a thicker stew. -Serve with fresh coriander chopped and folded through, a drizzle of fresh lime juice, spoon of coconut yogurt and sea salt to taste.
• Had a 16 oz. glass of celery juice with each meal. 
  • Put 2 scoops of Kion Aminos in for protein.
  • Occasionally add greens powder.
  • Organic malic acid powder
• I also tested my blood glucose levels.
  • Dropped from 90 to 50.
  • Full on ketosis while maintaining adequate energy to workout and engage in my business.

-Practices I incorporated throughout the cleanse...33:45

• Every night before bed, I used Triphala for GI cleansing.
  • Mix it with hot water and vanilla stevia to counter the horrible taste.
  • Epsom salts.
  • 2 tsp epsom salts, one heaping tsp of Triphala.
• Coffee enemas (3x throughout the cleanse)
• On final day, used a castor oil pack on wool pad.

Resources from this episode:

-7-day liver cleanse summary: No coffee, no alcohol, no meat for the entire week

Celery juice with one teaspoon organic malic acid powder and 2 scoops Kion Aminos prior to each of the three meals of the day: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Kitchari Ayurvedic cleansing stew (full recipe below) for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2 teaspoons Epsom salts dissolved in warm water each night

1 teaspoon Lost Empire Triphala herbs in hot tea with vanilla stevia each night

Three coffee enemas spread out throughout the course of the week Two sessions spread out during the week with

1 hour of castor oil pack placed on liver area, held on with the Hyperice Venom heat/vibration belt

-The WellnessFX liver blood test Ben recommends

-Article: The Kion Coffee Enema: Everything You've Always Wanted To Know About Coffee Enemas (But Were Afraid To Ask).

-Article: How to Detox Your Liver: A Complete Guide to Purifying the Body With Liver Flushing

-Podcast: A Deep Dive Into How To Interpret The Results Of Your Blood Testing – Ben Greenfield Reveals & Walks You Through His Laboratory Results From WellnessFX.

-Podcast: The Rain Barrel Effect: How a 6,000 Year Old Secret Holds the Answer to Getting Well, Losing Weight, and Feeling Alive Again.

-Podcast: Radical Metabolism: How To Cleanse Your Gallbladder, Increase Your Metabolism, Burn More Fat Without Exercise & Much More! 

Kitchari recipe for 3-4 servings: I

ngredients:

½ cup split yellow mung beans

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1-inch stick of kombu (optional - I used organic, non-GMO miso instead)

4 cups homemade Kettle & Fire bone broth

2 tablespoons coconut cream

Spices: 1½ teaspoons cumin seeds

1½ teaspoons fennel seeds

1½ teaspoons coriander powder

1 tablespoon ginger root freshly minced

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds

¼ teaspoon black mustard seeds

Pinch of asafoetida

Vegetables: 2 cups of any mixed vegetables.

I used bok choy, cilantro and dinosaur kale.

To serve: Fresh lime A dollop of GT's Living Foods coconut yogurt Sea salt to taste Instructions:

-The night before (24 hours earlier), soak the mung beans in ample filtered water.

-When you’re ready to cook, drain the mung beans and rinse under running water. Place rice in a sieve and rinse till the water runs clear. Prepare vegetables by peeling and chopping them up, then set all of this aside.

-Heat coconut oil over medium heat, in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add cumin, fennel, fenugreek and black mustard seeds and cook for a few minutes to release aromatics, and until the mustard seeds have popped. Add the rest of the spices and stir to combine.

-Add a cup of vegetable stock, followed by mung beans, kombu or miso, coconut cream, rice and vegetables, then add the rest of the stock (or water).

-Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a low heat. Simmer for about 40 minutes. Check the pot periodically as the rice swells and may stick to the bottom. Add more water if you want a soupier consistency, and simmer longer to get a thicker stew.

-Serve with fresh coriander chopped and folded through, a drizzle of fresh lime juice, spoon of coconut yogurt and sea salt to taste.

Episode Sponsors:

-Kion Lean Support for normal blood sugar levels and healthy energy metabolism, even after large, carb-rich meals. Get a 10% discount using discount code "benlean10".

-Joovv Next-Level Light Therapy. See how Joovv can help you reach—and surpass—your health and fitness goals. Get a special bonus when you buy your Joovv light with my link.

-Organifi Use code "greenfield" at checkout and get 20% off your entire order!

-Vuori is built to move and sweat in, yet designed with a West Coast aesthetic that transitions effortlessly into everyday life. Use code "ben25" at checkout and save 25% off your entire purchase.

Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for me about how to cleanse your liver? Leave your comments at http://bengreenfieldfitness.com/livercleanse and I will reply!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is - after the host of positive feedback I received from my last "solosode" deep dive into how to interpret your own bloodwork - another solosode.

Long story short is this... ...I recently tested my liver enzymes and they were shockingly high... ...so I decided to test whether this whole "liver detox" thing actually works... ...and I walk you through exactly what I did (and the relatively shocking results).

For detailed show notes, visit http://bengreenfieldfitness.com/livercleanse

Anne Louise Gittleman was one of my first podcast guests ever.

She first joined me in podcast episode #29: "How Many Critters Are Living In YOUR Gut, Making You Fat, Tired, Lazy, Bloated and Sick?"

Now, she's back on the show. Ann came to my house in Spokane, WA to talk about her new, amazing book "Radical Metabolism: A Powerful New Plan to Blast Fat and Reignite Your Energy in Just 21 Days".

This new book reveals the secrets to reviving a sluggish over-40 metabolism - secrets that work even faster if you're in your 20s and 30s, or you suffer from liver, gallbladder or thyroid issues. Inside the new book, you'll discover which "forbidden fats," forgotten flavors, and fat-busting beverages you can eat and drink in order to increase your metabolism, protect against autoimmunity, address gallbladder issues, type II diabetes, and other devastating health problems.

The Radical Metabolism program consists of:

-a 4-day Radical Intensive Cleanse designed to rest your digestive tract and detoxify your body -21-Day Radical Reboot where you'll learn exactly what combinations of foods to eat for results you can feel and see -a Maintenance Plan for a healthy life A Columbia University graduate, Ann Louise Gittleman is often called "The First Lady of Nutrition".

She is a nutritionist, and internationally recognized as a pioneer in dietary, environmental, and women's health issues. She is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of over 30 books on health and nutrition including diet, detox, women's health, men's health, perimenopause, menopause, beauty and the environment. As one of the world's foremost experts in functional and integrative medicine she holds an M.S. in Nutrition Education from Columbia University, has the title of Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.) from the American College of Nutrition and a Ph.D. in Holistic Nutrition.

Ann Louise has also served as the Chief Nutritionist of Pediatric Clinic at Bellevue Hospital and is the former Director of Nutrition at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Santa Monica, CA. She has won numerous awards, including The American Medical Writers Association Award for Excellence. In 2016 she was presented with the Humanitarian Award from the Cancer Control Society. She currently sits on the Advisory Board for the International Institute for Building-Biology & Ecology, the Nutritional Therapy Association, Inc. and Clear Passage, Inc.

During our discussion, you'll discover: -Why the gallbladder is such a crucial component of the Radical Metabolism program...8:40

• Women in the U.S. are FFF: Fat, Forty and Fatigued.
• Gallbladder removal is one of the most common procedures in this country.
  • It's not a "throw away" organ; we need to do everything we can to keep it.
• The "unholy alliance" between the gallbladder and the thyroid.
  • If people do not have free-flowing bile (which they don't if they don't have a gallbladder) they can't convert successfully convert T4 into T3.
  • Because the thyroid is so intimately connected to metabolism...
  • People with sluggish bile are 7 times more likely to suffer from hyper thyroidism.
• Ben struggled with decreased thyroid activity while training for triathlons.
• People who do keto or paleo diets with high intake of fat are at risk; you need to be able to digest the fat and essential fatty acids.

-Ann's thoughts on why the gallbladder and bile issues are so common among American women...13:00

• Lack of choline.
  • Study: 500 mg of choline 3x a day for 6 weeks will decongest a fatty liver.
• Choline is a lipotropic nutrient.
• We don't eat foods with natural lecithin; stigma surrounding soy products.
• Lack of bitter herbs in the diet.
• Natural sources of choline:
  • Lecithin
  • Eggs (if you're not allergic)
  • Walnuts
  • Sunflower lecithin supplement
• Bitter herbs Ann recommends:
  • Grapefruit Diet (very popular in the 70's, with a resurgence in the 90's)
  • Grapefruit extract influences mitochondria.
  • Bitter melon extract.
• Ben's favorite cocktail: Bitter herbs, on the rocks, with a splash of gin. "Ben and Jitters"

-How do we test for gallbladder function?...20:43

• GGT
• High liver enzymes
• If light colored stool, dizziness, hearing problems all part of gallbladder meridian.
• Glutathione doesn't affect gallbladder.
• A bitter and resentful personality indicates gallbladder issues.
  • Anger is associated with the liver; resentment is associated with the gallbladder.

-Is Ann a fan of any of the cleanses out there to increase their bile levels?...23:00

• No. Because of congested bile, they can get stuck in the gallbladder duct and create serious problems.
• The use of choline and bitters, then following Radical Metabolism...

-What is the "correct" way to do a coffee enema?...25:25

• Depends on the individual.
• Ensure the coffee is organic.
• Keep it inside you for 20 minutes; lay on your left side.
• Hazel Parcells: The grand dame of health.
• Black strap molasses.

-The balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats, and why there's such a thing as "too much fish oil"...27:45

• We need a 4:1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fats.
• Watch out for bad omega 6 fats. Parent oils.
• You'll get more omega 6 fats from parent oils.
• Toasted sesame oil - Has lots of Vitamin T.
• What is Vitamin T?
• "Sixes are Sexy."

-Ann's thoughts on Udos Oil...35:37

•  Uses unrefined, raw sunflower oil.
• Uses proper antioxidants.

-The role of Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) in formation of brown fat tissue...37:15

• It actually "activates" the tissue.
• Evening primrose oil;
• GLA helps people to lose weight without watching their calories or exercising.

-Why Ann is a fan of essential amino acids...39:15

• We need more protein, not less.
• Has more to do with metabolic rate than the gallbladder.
• The right kind of coffee can prevent you from losing lean muscle.
• It's a way to get more concentrated amounts of proteins.

-The best way to test for toxicity in your body...42:00

• Non-invasive: hair tests; tissue analysis.
• Urine provocation test can be very hard on the system.
• Lots of toxicity in cooking tools and utensils.

-Why Ann would rather have a poisonous serpent in her kitchen than aluminum foil.

• Use enamel covered iron as an alternative.
• Vita Clay. (Marge, Amazon link)

-Ann's 4 day and 21 day intensive cleanses...47:37

• Lots of watercress soup, which contains cancer fighting phytonutrients. (Buy it at Trader Joe's.)
  • Can also eat watercress as the green in a salad, as opposed to kale.
• Juices that are low-glycemic. No pulp.
• Not uncommon to lose 8-10 pounds during the cleanse. Water weight.
• You start with the 4 day, then take a week of maintenance and then the 21 day.
• Why A2 is far preferable to A1 (found in most milks).

Resources from this episode:

-Unikey Health Systems

-Book: Radical Metabolism: A Powerful New Plan to Blast Fat and Reignite Your Energy in Just 21 Days

-Book: The Gut Flush Plan: A Breakthrough Cleansing Program - Flushes Fattening Toxins - Boosts Metabolism - Fortifies Your Health

-Book: Zapped: Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn't Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,268 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution

-Podcast Episode #29: How Many Critters Are Living In YOUR Gut, Making You Fat, Tired, Lazy, Bloated and Sick? (hint: more than you think)

-Choline - 500mg of choline 3x/day for 4 weeks

-Soy lecithin

-Bitters #9

-Orthophosphoric acid

-Blackstrap molasses enema

-The fish oil Ben takes

-Udo's oil

-Hair test from Trace Elements

-Enamel covered iron

-Vitaclay pots

-Watercress (from Thrive Market)

Episode Sponsors:

-Kion Lean Support for normal blood sugar levels and healthy energy metabolism, even after large, carb-rich meals. Use discount code "benlean10" and get 10% off your order!

-Goshas Organics is a recognized leader in Innovative PHYTO Herbal Honey Infusions. Use discount code "ben10%" to get 10% off your order!

-Zip Recruiter takes the headache out of hiring the right people for your business! Use my link and get started with Zip Recruiter for free!

-Organifi Try their Gold juice: Pain-soothing herbs, antioxidants, & phyto-nutrients all in one delicious, soothing “Golden Milk”. Use code "greenfield" and get 20% off everything in your cart!

Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Anne or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anne Louise Gittleman was one of my first podcast guests ever. Over ten years later, she's back on the show. Ann came to my house in Spokane, WA to talk about her new, amazing book "Radical Metabolism: A Powerful New Plan to Blast Fat and Reignite Your Energy in Just 21 Days".

For detailed and robust show notes, including links to everything we talk about in this interview, head on over to http://bengreenfieldfitness.com/radical!

Magnesium deficiency is running rampant.

Many experts estimate that 80% of Americans are magnesium deficient. And, a major contributing factor is the presence of excess calcium in the body mainly coming from the extreme ratio difference in common foods such as: fortified orange juice (27:1), cheese (26:1), yogurt (11:1), dairy (7:1) and the very commonly used antacids (300:1). Other common contributing factors include: -Fluoride -Processed foods -Alcohol -Coffee -Sugar -Stress -Medications

When should you take magnesium? How do you test your magnesium levels or know if you have a deficiency?

It’s critical to get high enough doses of magnesium to compensate for the fact that our typical diet runs low on this vital mineral. But fact is, although magnesium is an incredibly important mineral, there are many unanswered questions and confusion around magnesium, so I though it was high time to have my friend and nutrition researcher Thomas DeLauer back on the show.

I first interviewed Thomas DeLauer in the episode The Ultimate Guide To Quelling Inflammation: Why Your Curcumin May Not Work, Surprising Effects Of Ginger Oil, Vegan Fish Oil Options & Much More!

I then interviewed him again in the episode Does Alcohol Really Make You Fat, Which Alcohol Is Healthiest, Hidden Ingredients In Alcohol & Much More: The Ultimate Alcohol Damage Mitigation Guide.

Thomas is one of the leading experts in the world of chronic inflammation as well as the response of the human body to a low-carb diet. He is noted for his personal transformation from a 280-pound overweight corporate executive to not only being on the cover of health and fitness magazines worldwide but pioneering some of the mainstream awareness of auto-immune diseases and inflammation in general!

Thomas has been highlighted in over 20 magazines showcasing his transformation and has been featured worldwide on the cover of Ironman Magazine, Muscle and Performance Magazine, Natural Muscle Magazine, ICON Magazine, Platform Magazine and Ironman Japan. His background is in Sports Psychology, although it is this passion for psychology coupled with a career in healthcare as a physician recruiter and owner of an ancillary lab services company that sparked his love for nutritional science and what makes the body tick.

He is currently working on a project in the 2nd phase of trials with Doctors at UCLA to identify a strain of bacteria that may help modulate inflammation within the body. Residing near Santa Barbara, California, with his wife, three dogs, two horses, and 11 month old son. Thomas promotes a lifestyle of living as close to the earth as possible to obtain the best possible results while still achieving maximum performance in every possible area of life.

What form of magnesium is best, and are different forms better for different needs, like sleep vs. brain vs. digestion?

In this episode, Thomas and I also discuss MagSRT®, a product Thomas is helping to develop, is the only time-release, high-potency magnesium supplement with peer-reviewed clinical trials to back up it's efficacy. MagSRT®  was evaluated in the Scottsdale Magnesium Study (SMS), a placebo-controlled, human clinical trial of 91 participants.

The study measured Serum Magnesium, Red Blood Cell (RBC) Magnesium, and Magnesium Deficiency symptoms. The results are published in the peer-reviewed Journal of American College of Nutrition (JACN). It is a Sustained Release Technology (SRT) magnesium in a super-absorbable, premium organic form called dimagnesium malate, along with an active form of Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) and Vitamin B6 (P5P)

During our discussion, you'll discover:

-Is there a way to supplement your magnesium levels without unpleasant side effects such as loose stool and "constarrhea"?...11:20

• Magnesium is "hydrophilic" meaning it attracts water. 
• It creates "passive diffusion" where it attracts water into the intestine.
• There's nothing to regulate how fast the water enters the small or large intestine.
• The type of magnesium (ex. epsom salt vs. magnesium citrate) one takes makes a big difference in how fast it will attract water.

-A few of the more popular forms of magnesium, and which one is optimal for the varying functions we might like to use it...13:40

• Magnesium citrate:
  • high bio availability;
  • creates a laxative effect.
• Magnesium chloride:
  • Typically contains only 10-15% magnesium.
  • It's used to chelate other minerals such as iron and other heavy metals.
  • These two factors are why magnesium chloride is recommended for detoxes.
• Topical magnesium (epsom salt, etc.):
  • Gets absorbed into the serum, but not red blood cells.
  • Doesn't have the same laxative qualities.
• Only 1% of magnesium is ever measured, and that's in the serum and blood levels.
  • Elevated magnesium levels in the serum means it's likely pulling it from blood and plasma, thus decreasing levels there.
  • A high reading in magnesium can actually mean you're low in magnesium if you're only measuring it in the serum.
• RBC (red blood cell) magnesium: 
  • This is the gold standard for when you want your magnesium tested.
• Magnesium Glycinate: (Marge amazon link)
  • Is often recommended by doctors. 
  • Transferred through the intestinal wall.
  • Very expensive option.
  • Calming on NMDA receptor. (Glutamate is excitatory)
• Magnesium Malate: 
  • Absorbs very slowly; sustained release.
  • More powerful on the energy cycle.
  • You'll see more of a difference in how you actually feel.
  • Thomas uses it to remain even keeled.
• How combining magnesium with malic acid contributes to ATP production.
  • Has to do with how it accompanies potassium.
  • When you have malate, magnesium can do its job better.
  • It aids the magnesium as well as potassium in producing ATP.

-More forms of magnesium...26:53

• Magnesium oxide:
  • Non-chelated; you'll take it throughout the day.
  • Used more for acid reflux treatment.
  • Very low bio-availability and very specific uses.
• Magnesium Oratate:
  • Same category as magnesium taurate.
  • Helps with delivery to the cell membrane.
  • Good for the DNA and RNA cycle.
  • Used in calming situations such as meditation.
  • Cardiac benefits.
• Magnesium sulfate:
  • Easy to overdose.
  • Epsom salt baths:
    • Hard to determine if it's absorbed via the skin or through the breath.

-How much magnesium actually gets absorbed with the lotions and sprays available on the market...38:40

• The form of magnesium changes when it enters your body.
• Flawed marketing; not enough research to determine its efficacy one way or the other.
• Magnesium carbonate...
  • Used as an alternative to a calcium form of chalk you find at the gym.

-Magnesium threonate...42:00

• Powerful effect on the blood brain barrier.
• Has been used in the treatment of PTSD.

-The supplement Ben uses to induce weird and amazing dreams...45:30 -Is there a way to elongate the time in which magnesium is absorbed in order to reduce the laxative and other unpleasant effects?...47:36

• Take into account what other minerals it's working with.
• Couple it with the right vitamins and minerals.
• P5P = Vitamin B6. 
  • Magnesium has over 300 enzymatic reactions.
  • B6 helps with ~30 of those reactions, including the manufacturing of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
  • Is involved in the absorption of magnesium.
• Hard to convert folic acid into folate.
• Vitamin B9, along with magnesium is a co-factor with Vitamin B6; allows you to better absorb the magnesium.
• Vitamins B6, B9 and B12 are the trifecta for working with magnesium.

-The relationship between magnesium and ceruloplasmin and iron.59:30

• Iron oxidizes, whether in your body or out. Too much of it will occupy oxygens that could be doing other good things.
• We have an abundance of iron, but it's "bound iron."
• We need the unbound iron; it allows other minerals to do their job.
• We need other minerals to counteract the overabundance of bound iron.
• Magnesium allows iron to enter into the unbound state and help red blood cell function.
• Ceruloplasmin helps with the utilization of iron; taking the iron in your body and turning it into a true storage form.

-What tests Thomas recommends to analyze these things...1:06:00

• The Root Cause protocol by Morley Robbins

-The study Thomas published on the effects of magnesium...1:08:10

• The Scottsdale Magnesium Study
• Sponsored by Jigsaw Health.
• 28% and 63% improvement over 30 and 60 days.
• Red blood cell magnesium increased 6% and 30% over 30 and 90 days.

Resources from this episode:

-Click here to buy MagSRT and use Greenfield10 for $10 off

-The Ancient Minerals magnesium bath flakes Ben uses

-The Ancient Minerals magnesium lotion Ben uses

-The longevity panel Ben performs that has an RBC magnesium evaluation

-The Facebook video in which Ben demonstrates how he uses an infrared light in a magnesium chloride bath

-The THC sex lube "Bond" that Ben uses -BioCBD topical CBD lotion

-Mugwort essential oil from Essential Oil Wizardry

-The Root Cause protocol by Morley Robbins

-The Magnesium Miracle book by Dr. Carolyn Dean

Episode Sponsors:

-Kion Lean Support for normal blood sugar levels and healthy energy metabolism, even after large, carb-rich meals. Use discount code "benlean10" and get 10% off your order!

-Gainswave Acoustic sound wave therapy for men to enhance sexual performance. If you use my link, you'll get a free treatment "on the house."

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Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Thomas or me? Leave your comments at http://bengreenfieldfitness.com/mag and one of us will reply!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When should you take magnesium? How do you test your magnesium levels or know if you have a deficiency?

What form of magnesium is best, and are different forms better for different needs, like sleep vs. brain vs. digestion?

Those questions and much, MUCH more will be answered in this podcast episode.

For detailed and robust show notes on this episode, visit http://bengreenfieldfitness.com/mag!

Three months ago, I and my twin ten-year-old boys sent our saliva off to a lab in Canada for one of the most advanced genetic tests available.

And I was blown away by what I learned.

In today's podcast, I reveal the test that we took, exactly what we learned and how you can take the same test as we did. My guest is Dr. Karim Dhanani, who is the founder and Chief Medical Director at Toronto’s Centre for Biological Medicine, a clinic that is redefining North American naturopathic medicine for the 21st century.

Dr. Dhanani’s clinic – a specially designed, ecologically sound facility set in pristine Canadian woodland – has become a global mecca for those seeking to live their lives at 100%. For Dr. Dhanani, the appeal of medicine was always the investigative aspect. He loves breaking down a tough problem, and systematically uncovering the root causes with diligence, discipline, and precision.

After completing his education in biology, chemistry, and naturopathic medicine, he found his calling in German biological medicine, a branch of naturopathy that integrates cutting-edge science and precision with the millennia-old wisdom of natural healing techniques. But just learning in a laboratory setting wasn’t enough. Dr. Dhanani set off on a journey that took him from Canada to Europe to Africa and beyond, to understand what lies at the most advanced frontiers of Biological Medicine.

Since establishing the Centre for Biological Medicine in 2002, he has transformed the lives of thousands of individuals, including athletes, scientists, and other doctors at the highest levels of their professions. His internationally renowned reputation – particularly in the naturopathic treatment of chronic degenerative disease – has led to research collaborations with Nobel Prize winners, and turned Dr. Dhanani into one of naturopathic medicine’s most sought-after speakers.

During our discussion, you'll discover:

-The fascinating history and world of biological medicine, and a German pioneer of medicine that Dr. Dhanani learned from...9:15

• The goal is to identify the "root cause" of a symptom or problem.
• It's a combination of diagnostic tools and innovative thought processes. "We look to see what 'outside the box' is influencing what is 'inside the box.'"
• What is the relationship between biological medicine and bioregulatory medicine?
  • Only substantive difference is that of vernacular.
  • Both are looking at the body's capacity to heal; responses to symptoms, or "punches" to your body.
• Cell communication: we believe cells speak via biochemistry.
• Dr. Fritz Albert Popp: pioneer of biophotonic signaling of cells.
• The Baden Baden Biological Medicine conference in Germany.
• Energy medicine has a larger role to play than physical medicine.

-The most interesting biohacks coming out of Europe, including the Mora machine for detoxification and new types of laser treatments for red blood cells...21:55

• Just like we use words to communicate, certain bodies require light and sound to communicate.
• The Mora machine uses electronics and sound to drive specific frequencies into the system.
• We can increase the amount of glutathione in your body by simply giving the frequency of glutathione without injecting it.
• You're providing a mechanism to carry the molecule into the body energetically.
• Weber Intravenous Laser Therapy
  • Different color lights (not LED) affects communication between cells.
  • Depth of penetration of LED lights isn't as efficacious as lasers.

-Where 23andme genetic testing falls short, and what Dr. Dhanani has discovered when it comes to the truth about genetic testing and genomics...29:18

• You're only as good as the technology available.
•  Tests must be 1) Accurate, 2) Reproducible and 3) Functionally relevant.
• 23andme uses "SNIPS" which are not functionally relevant; they're good for data collection and perhaps ancestry.
• For illustration: You don't assume the forest is unwell because one tree in it is unwell.
• Look at associations of SNIPS.
• MTHFR is one of many we can examine.
• Anywhere between 15-40% error rate with consumer tests like 23andme.
• CNV (copy number variance)
  • D2C tests don't tell you whether you have one or two copies of a particular gene.
  • You get a distorted view of your level of detox.
• The type of genetic testing is applicable for testing for illegal substances.
• 23andme also doesn't test for insertion/deletion genes.

-Why Ben can't absorb Vitamin D from sunlight, and why he must supplement with Vitamin D instead...52:00

• Vitamin D is actually a pro-hormone, more than an actual vitamin.
• 125 hydroxy vitamin D is the actual component.
• Some people are not genetically predisposed to absorb the 125 hydroxy from sunlight; it's necessary to transport it via supplements.
• Thorne Vitamin D and Vitamin K.

-Why Ben and his twin boys now take glutathione every day (and why you must be very careful if you use any form of injectable glutathione)...57:30

• Modern technology causes pollutants and stressors on the body that didn't exist 100 years ago.
• We're referring to utilization and recycling of glutathione, rather than the production.
• Many diseases can be traced to low levels of glutathione and the inability to detoxify the body.

-How to increase your body's own glutathione with nutrients such as N-Acetyl Cysteine, Alpha, Lipoic Acid, Selenium and Milk Thistle...1:03:35

• The best scenario is your body generating glutathione on its own; when the gene is deleted, then you seek injections.
• Dr. Dhanani's lab will create a customized formula, rather than trying to ingest them individually.
• What is preferable: a liquid or powdered injection.
  • Parkinson's patients have been known to have their symptoms stabilized within seconds of a glutathione IV.
  • You get optimal results beginning with a powder, then mixing it with saline before injecting.
• The objection of the injection is to train your body to generate glutathione on its own.

-Why Ben has high natural amounts of vascular inflammation and what that has to do with high intensity exercise and HIIT training...1:05:40

• 9P21 gene is a pre-ordained inflammatory level that is higher than normal.
  • Occurs independent of diet, activity, etc.
• High intensity exercise creates massive amounts of blood flow, then it stops; this exacerbates the issue.
• Folks who are uber healthy, then die suddenly have the 9P21 gene; they've actually been tested for it.
• People who die from chemotherapy, have the 9P21.
• My podcast episode with Thomas Ingoglia in which we discuss GDF11 mRNA

-How to know if your pancreas is producing the proper amount of insulin in response to the diet you are eating...1:17:30

• tcf7l2 gene
• If I was not tracking my levels and activity, I'd be at serious risk of a heart attack given my genetics.

-The DMPS/EDTA Chelation Challenge for heavy metals and how it works...1:22:15

• You want to look for a spike in your aluminum; it tends to be stored in the brain.
• If you see that spike, you're at the deepest storage level.
• DMSA doesn't pull lead or cadmium out of your system.

-The best way to measure your endothelial health and vascular function (using a protocol called "Endo-PAT")...1:25:30

• PAT = Peripheral Arterial Tone.
• They measure endothelial lining, the level of inflammation.
• They can change over time, or with changes in your diet.
• Always be comparing apples to apples.

-The extreme importance for Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) of sauna, intermittent fasting, Lion's Mane mushroom extract, and low intensity (not HIIT) cardio...1:28:45

• We associate this with TBI.
• Reprogram neural inputs to offset the damaged pattern.
• Those with 9P21 gene are more susceptible to endothelial inflammation.
• Limit extreme activity.
• The 9P21 gene limits the amount of dopamine you're naturally able to produce.

-Why having a "low serotonin reabsorption" issue can cause you to ruminate and dwell upon items...1:33:15

• Serotonin is the "seat" of executive function: how does your body eliminate peripheral nagging in your system?
• Peripheral/secondary things become your focus.
• Mental echo: "did I actually close the garage door???"

-How Ben takes notes at night without keeping himself awake for too long...1:36:45

• Evernote or similar tools that sync among devices.
• People with low BDNF and serotonin can actually connect things like conversations and tasks better - because you're ruminating on them.
• I keep a pilot pen light and piece of paper so I can take notes as they come into my mind.
• Low BDNF also affects circadian rhythm; difficulty falling and maintaining sleep.
• Lion's Mane mushroom extract helps supplement BDNF.

-The single most important reason Ben needs to limit his intake of saturated fats...1:44:00

• 7-10% of fat should be saturated.
• You can have avocados, but not coconut or MCT oils.
• 9P21 gene increases inflammation; which goes to your vasculature and affects your focus and concentration.
• Going beyond supplements: lifestyle activities such as meditation, intermittent fasting are efficacious in increasing serotonin.

-Why Dr. Dhanani says: "Epigenetics can disqualify genetics - and I’ve done just that"...1:49:40 -And much more!

Resources from this episode:

-Click here to get $50 off a consult with Dr. Dhanani, along with $400 (instead of $920) for the test and $199/month (instead of $229/month) for the customized supplements.

-My DNA testing results

-My son River's DNA testing results

-My son Terran's DNA testing results

-The Carillon resort in Miami

-Book: Bioregulatory Medicine: An Innovative Holistic Approach to Self Healing 

-Dr. Fritz Albert Popp

-Book: Integrative Biophysics: Biophotonics

-The Baden Baden medical week conference in Germany

-The Biological Medicine/Swiss Healing Retreat Ben is leading in Europe in July

-The Mora machine Dr. Dhanani describes

-Weber intravenous laser treatments

-My podcast episode with Thomas Ingoglia in which we discuss GDF11 mRNA

-The Thorne Vitamin D/Vitamin K blend

-The Almsbio glutathione Ben and his boys use

-The True Cellular Detox heavy metal detox Ben does every year

-Book: Less Doing, More Living: Make Everything in Life Easier

-Four Sigmatic Lion's Mane Mushroom Extract

-The Pilot Pen Night Writing pen that Ben uses

Centre for Biological Medicine is offering podcast listeners an opportunity to take charge of their health by offering Youtrients testing and supplements at over 50% discount. Regular testing price is US$920.00, now you can take advantage of the same testing for US$400.00 Along with this, the Centre for Biological Medicine will support your ongoing health by offering consultations to detail the results of the genomic tests to tailor your food intake, lifestyle and supplements to optimum health and wellness. With the genomic test, there is a $50 discount for this consultation, should you choose to proceed. To complete and ensure your optimal on going health, we are also offering monthly supplement subscriptions to all at a $30 discount; regular monthly fee of US$229, now only US$199 per month. These supplements are tailored to your needs, based on the showings of your Youtrients test and are fully discussed during your consultation by our doctors; however, there is no obligation to opt-in for this feature.

Episode Sponsors:

-Kion The best supplement line on the Internet. Don't believe me? Just ask me, and I'll tell you! Use Kion Lean for support for normal blood sugar levels and healthy energy metabolism, even after large, carb-rich meals.

-Organifi The Organifi Green is like a salad in your glass. Use discount code "greenfield" and get 20% off your order!

-Joovv Next-Level Light Therapy. See how Joovv can help you reach—and surpass—your health and fitness goals. Order with my link and get a special gift with your order!

-Gluten Guardian is what I use to eat gluten without all the negative side effects. Get 10% off your order using my link.

Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Dr. Karim or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.