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The microbiome receives lots of attention, but what do we really know? In this episode, Dr. Bobby unpacks whether your gut bacteria are truly the key to preventing disease—or if the science still needs to catch up.

Microbiome buzz is everywhere—from promises of inflammation relief and weight loss to claims about mental health and longevity. But what does the research actually say? Dr. Bobby begins with four essential questions: Is the microbiome important? Does it change based on our habits? Do those changes cause disease? And can restoring it improve our health?

Using his open-minded skeptic lens, Dr. Bobby explains that while mouse studies offer compelling clues—like the famous “fat mouse, skinny poop” experiments showing weight gain linked to microbiome transplants—the same effects haven’t translated reliably in humans. A rare exception is C. difficile colitis. Here, fecal transplants have up to a 90% success rate, with medical societies endorsing this approach (source).

For other conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease, microbiome disruptions are well-documented. Still, whether these disruptions cause the illness—or are just innocent bystanders—is unclear. In diabetes, for instance, small studies and reviews show possible improvement in insulin sensitivity after fecal transplants (source) and mixed outcomes with probiotics (source), but nothing rivals the proven power of standard therapies like metformin.

Dr. Bobby also explores whether lifestyle choices—such as eating more fermented foods, fiber, and taking probiotics—can truly “reset” your microbiome and keep us healthy. The answer? These may enhance diversity and gut health, but current data doesn’t yet confirm long-term disease prevention. He references findings from the NIH Human Microbiome Project (source) and other studies showing how gut bacteria influence immune development, vitamin production, and digestion (source).

He also touches on terminology: probiotics are live bacteria (think yogurt and kombucha), prebiotics are their food (found in beans and whole grains), and postbiotics are beneficial byproducts. Each plays a role, but their direct impact on human disease remains uncertain.

Dr. Bobby closes with this: he enjoys homemade yogurt and sauerkraut, but doesn’t chase expensive probiotic supplements. “It can’t hurt and might help,” he says—but don’t expect probiotics to fully replace conventional treatment. As research evolves, he’ll continue to watch the space closely—and encourages listeners to let him know if this type of deep-dive, still-unsettled topic resonates.

Takeaways:

1. Fecal transplants are a proven, effective microbiome treatment—for C. difficile, not for general wellness.
2. Most microbiome buzz comes from animal studies, and evidence in humans is still preliminary and inconsistent.
3. Eating more fiber and fermented foods likely supports gut health, but won’t replace proven medical treatments.

Complete Dr. Bobby’s feedback survey here to help shape future episodes.

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Can a simple habit like flossing really reduce your risk of stroke? In this episode, Dr. Bobby unpacks the headlines sparked by a recent presentation at the American Stroke Association’s International Conference that claimed regular flossing could reduce stroke risk by 20–50%. 

Dr. Bobby begins with a refresher on the importance of stroke prevention. From there, he explores the biological plausibility of a connection between oral health and cardiovascular events. While Americans are fairly diligent about brushing (with 90% brushing once daily and 60% brushing twice a day per YouGov data), flossing habits lag significantly (NIH Oral Health Study—highlighting a clear opportunity if the flossing-stroke link is real.

Dr. Bobby dives into the study behind the headlines, a new analysis from the long-running Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which tracked over 6,000 individuals for 25 years. The preliminary finding: regular flossers had significantly lower risk of ischemic and cardioembolic strokes (Study Abstract). Surprisingly, brushing and dental visits showed no significant benefit in this analysis.

So why isn’t this flossing-stroke connection headline a "five-alarm fire" in medicine? Dr. Bobby explains the limitations: the results were shared via a conference abstract, not a peer-reviewed journal article. Without full access to the data or understanding how many other hypotheses were tested from this large dataset (which has already generated over 2,300 publications), we risk falling into the trap of correlation being mistaken for causation.

To further evaluate the credibility of this association, Dr. Bobby introduces the Bradford Hill criteria—nine principles to assess causality in observational studies. While the biological plausibility is strong and the effect size notable, the study fails on criteria like replication, dose-response, and publication rigor (Bradford Hill Overview).

In closing, Dr. Bobby affirms the benefits of flossing—not necessarily for stroke prevention, but for better oral health, which is valuable in its own right. He shares his personal oral care routine, including flossing nightly and using a water jet, while reminding listeners to stay evidence-informed in their health decisions.

Takeaways
Flossing likely improves oral health, but its role in stroke prevention remains unproven.

Be cautious with headlines drawn from unpublished conference abstracts—they’re a starting point for inquiry, not a reason to change behavior just yet.

"How to Live Long and Well" at DrBobbyLiveLongAndWell.com.

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Resilience is crucial as we age, especially when it comes to maintaining muscle, joint, and bone health. In this episode, Dr. Bobby DuBois discusses how building physical reserves early on can help withstand inevitable changes and setbacks as we get older. Just like investing in an IRA, the earlier you start building your physical resilience, the better prepared you’ll be for the challenges of aging.

Dr. Bobby shares insights from his interview with Karen, who experienced a rapid decline in strength after a period of inactivity. Despite previous success with weight loss and fitness, Karen found herself struggling to lift groceries after weeks of illness and time away from the gym. Her story highlights the importance of maintaining muscle mass and staying active, even after setbacks.

Key Points:

1. The Impact of Inactivity: As we age, muscle loss accelerates. We can lose 1–2% of muscle mass per year after age 30, and inactivity can drastically speed up this decline. Strength exercises, even when started later in life, can still yield significant gains (study).
2. Muscle Memory and Recovery: Muscle memory helps regain lost strength more rapidly than building it from scratch, but the recovery time lengthens with age. Karen’s experience reinforces the importance of staying consistent, even when life gets in the way.
3. Protecting Joints: Joint cartilage thins with age, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Contrary to popular belief, regular running does not inherently damage joints. However, previous injuries significantly raise the risk of osteoarthritis (study).
4. Bone Health Maintenance: Bone density peaks around age 25 and gradually declines, especially after age 50. Engaging in weight-bearing and high-impact exercises can help preserve bone density. Heavy resistance training is especially beneficial for maintaining bone strength (study).
5. Supplementing won't solve the problem:  Calcium/Vitamin D supplements don't seem to solve the problem. 
6. Practical Tips for Resilience:
   • Keep your protein intake between 0.5 to 0.75 grams per pound of body weight to support muscle maintenance.
   • Incorporate cross-training activities during periods of injury or illness to maintain fitness.
   • Focus on exercises that build both muscle and bone density, such as resistance training and weight-bearing movements.

Takeaways:

• Aging is inevitable, but weakness isn’t. Building resilience through consistent exercise and strength training is crucial to maintaining independence and quality of life.
• Don’t give up after setbacks—muscle memory and consistent effort can help you regain lost strength.
• Prioritize activities that strengthen both muscles and bones to minimize the impact of inactivity and age-related decline.

Live long and well by staying resilient and proactive. Remember to keep moving, invest in your muscle and bone health, and stay committed to your fitness journey. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others and rate the show!

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Summary:
What happens when you need a brain MRI—but the results leave you with more questions than answers? In this episode, I take you through my personal journey of facing unexpected MRI findings, the emotional and medical challenges that followed, and the valuable lessons I learned along the way. If you've ever dealt with medical uncertainty, this episode is for you.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

• The Decision to Get an MRI – Why my persistent vertigo symptoms led me to pursue brain imaging.
• The MRI Experience – What to expect, including the impact of claustrophobia and tips for managing anxiety during the scan.
• The Immediate Shock of Results – Understanding what “chronic microhemorrhage” means and how I navigated the initial fear.
• Seeking Answers – The process of finding a neurologist quickly versus waiting for a super-specialist.
• The Power of Medical Conversations – How reviewing my MRI images in detail helped clarify what was truly concerning (and what wasn’t).
• Lessons for Everyone – How to approach unexpected medical findings, manage anxiety, and make informed decisions about your health.
• Practical Next Steps – From tracking symptoms to preparing questions for doctors, how to take control of your health journey.

🔹 Take Action:

• If you've ever faced an unexpected medical result, take a step back, ask the right questions, and seek out the right specialists.
• Interested in the six pillars of longevity and wellness? Download my free eBook "How to Live Long and Well" at DrBobbyLiveLongAndWell.com.

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Swearing might not just be an emotional release—it could actually boost athletic performance and increase pain tolerance. In this episode, we dive into fascinating research showing that strategically dropping swear words could make you stronger, push your endurance further, and even help you tolerate pain more effectively. But is it the words themselves or their taboo nature that makes the difference? We explore the science, the theories behind it, and how this connects to the mind-body relationship we discussed back in Episode #5.

Dr. Bobby shares studies showing how grunting enhances performance in tennis and weightlifting, with grunting increasing ball speed by 5% and muscle force by 20% (study). But swearing takes things up a notch: in anaerobic performance tests, swearing every three seconds led to a 4.5% increase in power output, an 8% boost in grip strength, and a staggering 22% improvement in wall sit endurance (study). The research also links swearing to increased pain tolerance, with one study showing a 20% improvement in cold endurance when participants submerged their hands in ice water while swearing (study).

So why does this work? We examine three key theories:

1. Physiological response: Does swearing trigger a fight-or-flight response? The evidence says no—heart rate and blood pressure remain unchanged.
2. Psychological arousal: Some researchers believe swearing might activate the brain’s amygdala, increasing confidence and reducing self-imposed limits.
3. Pain tolerance theory: Swearing may act as a mental distraction, shifting focus away from discomfort and allowing for greater exertion.

Dr. Bobby even put this to the test in his own “N of 1” experiment during a run—grunting didn’t help, fake swear words did nothing, but real swearing momentarily reduced his perception of fatigue.

Takeaways:

• Swearing during high-intensity effort can significantly boost strength and endurance, but the effect is diminished if you swear regularly.
• The power of swearing may come from its taboo nature, making it an unexpected distraction that reduces pain perception.
• You might not want to try this loudly in a public gym, but experimenting with your own N of 1 study (perhaps at home) could be revealing.

Want to push past perceived limits? Maybe it’s time to embrace a well-placed expletive. Try it for yourself and let me know—just don’t tell my grandson.

Live long, well, and powerful—maybe even a little more powerful with a swear word or two

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Does red light therapy actually work? Can morning sun improve your health? Do blue light blocking glasses really help with sleep? In this episode, Dr. Bobby takes a deep dive into the science behind light therapy—what’s backed by evidence and what’s just hype.

Dr. Bobby shares personal experiences, from childhood eczema treated with sunlight to his daughter’s improved sleep from morning walks, and unpacks the latest research on red, white, and blue light exposure. With thousands of red light therapy devices on the market and endless claims about their benefits, it’s time to separate fact from fiction.

Starting with the strongest evidence, Dr. Bobby explores how light affects skin conditions, depression, and sleep. While white light (and UV) therapy  has long been used for conditions like psoriasis and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) 【AAD guidelines】, red light therapy is a mixed bag. Studies suggest it can improve wound healing 【Study】, aid hair regrowth 【RCT Review】, and even reduce wrinkles—but much of the research is small-scale and often funded by device manufacturers.

Deeper effects of red light therapy, such as pain relief for arthritis and fibromyalgia, remain controversial. Some studies show moderate pain reduction 【Meta-analysis on osteoarthritis】, while others suggest a placebo effect. And when it comes to weight loss or cognitive enhancement, the evidence is weak at best.

Finally, Dr. Bobby revisits the hype around blue light blocking glasses. While early studies suggested blue light exposure/protection might affect sleep, newer research, and expert opinion indicates that it’s not the light itself but rather the mental stimulation from screens that affects sleep 【Study】. The best solution? Reduce screen exposure and engage in relaxing activities before bed.

Takeaways:

1. Sunlight/UV exposure has well-documented benefits for skin conditions, depression, and sleep regulation. Morning light can help set your biological clock and improve sleep quality 【Study】.
2. Red light therapy shows some promise for surface-level treatments like wound healing, hair growth, and wrinkles, but claims about deeper effects, like pain relief or cognitive improvement, lack strong evidence.
3. Blue light blocking glasses may not be the key to better sleep—instead, reducing screen time and mental stimulation before bed is more effective.

Is light therapy worth the investment? Maybe. If you are thinking of  spending hundreds of dollars, consider trying an N-of-1 experiment—track your own results and see if it actually makes a difference. And, as always, focus on evidence-based approaches to living long and well.

Until next time, get outside, soak up some sun, and take the Health Type Quiz to better understand your health type!

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In this episode, Michael Easter and I dissect the fascinating blend of scientific evidence and narrative storytelling, and learn how to navigate the sometimes conflicting realms of expert opinion and personal experience. Michael is the acclaimed author of "The Comfort Crisis" and "Scarcity Brain." 

Michael's storytelling prowess paired with my evidence-based approach aims to empower you to step confidently into discomfort and reap the rewards.From the allure of digital distractions to the silent power of solitude, our discussion covers the spectrum of challenges faced when interpreting scientific evidence and applying it to real life. 

Discover how venturing beyond the boundaries of comfort can unlock transformative growth in our latest conversation with 

Picture this: I'm in Costa Rica, pushing my limits in a Misogi challenge led by Michael, finding new depths of resilience that even my experience with Ironman triathlons hadn't revealed. Michael's journey from a magazine editor to a full-time writer and lecturer is a testament to the power of embracing discomfort for personal evolution and health. 

Together, we explore how modern life's conveniences might actually be roadblocks to growth, and how stepping into discomfort can offer profound benefits.

Time Stamps:

(3:03) Let Me Know Your Thoughts

(4:16) Michael’s Accolades and Newsletter

(7:13) Michael’s Background Starting At Men’s Health

(8:58) Short Synopsis of Michael’s Books

(14:37) Pushing Ourselves Outside of Our Comfort Zone

(17:23) Brain Gains

(19:30) Finding Your Sweet Spot

(22:21) The Scientist vs The Storyteller

(26:58) Integrating Expert Opinions

(32:33) The Misogi in Costa Rica

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Episode Summary:
Detox programs promise to rid your body of toxins, boost your energy, and restore balance—but is there any credible science behind them? In this episode, we break down the claims, explore the evidence (or lack thereof), and discuss why detox diets and supplements may be more about profit than actual health benefits.

Key Topics Covered:

🔹 The Detox Hype & Marketing Pitch

• Detox cleanses claim to remove toxins like heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics.
• Programs promise benefits like increased energy, improved digestion, and reduced inflammation.
• Many naturopathic practitioners promote detox therapies, despite limited scientific backing (study on detox therapies).

🔹 How Detoxes Are Supposed to Work

• Short-term fasting, juice cleanses, or restrictive diets.
• Addition of "cleansing" foods like coriander and supplements.
• Methods like saunas, enemas, diuretics, and laxatives to "flush out" toxins.

🔹 Does Detoxing Actually Work?

• Your kidneys and liver already detox your body—detox programs claim to enhance this process but lack scientific proof.
• Studies on coriander and citric acid showed toxin reduction—in mice and fish (study on toxin reduction).
• A systematic review found no reliable human trials showing benefits (NIH detox overview).
• A randomized control trial of detox supplements (papaya, peppermint, ginger) showed no difference in GI symptoms or health markers (RCT on detox supplements).

🔹 Can You Sweat Out Toxins?

• A systematic review of 24 studies found metals in sweat—but in minuscule amounts (sweating and detox study).
• Most toxins are removed via the liver and kidneys, not sweat.

🔹 Why Do People Feel Better After a Detox?

• Placebo effect: Expecting to feel better often leads to feeling better.
• Water weight loss: Temporary weight loss can create a sense of improvement.
• Psychological agency: Taking action makes people feel empowered.

🔹 Is Detoxing Safe?

• Short-term detoxing may be harmless, but long-term detoxes can cause nutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, and risks for diabetics or kidney patients.
• The supplement industry is unregulated, making detox products a potential safety concern.

🔹 What Should You Do Instead?

• No strong evidence supports detox cleanses, but if you’re determined to try one, consider an N of 1 trial (self-experimentation). Discuss with your doctor first.
• Measure baseline health markers before and after, and consult your doctor.
• For guidance, check out Episode 27 on how to conduct an N of 1 trial.

Takeaways:

✅ Your liver and kidneys already detox your body—no supplement or cleanse is necessary.
✅ If detoxing makes you feel better, it’s likely due to a placebo effect, temporary water loss, or increased self-awareness of diet.

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Fascinating interplay between placebos and nocebos: what they are, why they matter, and how they shape your health decisions. Understanding these effects can help you save money, avoid disappointment, and make better-informed choices.

Key Points:

• Placebos and Nocebos Defined:
  • A placebo is an inert treatment leading to perceived improvement.
  • A nocebo occurs when negative expectations cause symptoms, even without an active trigger.
• Personal Stories:
  • My N-of-1 trial with creatine showed measurable improvements in muscle mass, confirming results beyond placebo effects.
  • A friend’s experience with plantar fasciitis improvement through chiropractic care raised questions about the placebo effect.
  • Taking a "statin holiday" revealed potential nocebo-related muscle soreness, which I’m further testing.
• Historical Context:
  • Early mentions of placebos include 16th-century sham exorcisms, where false holy relics exposed imagined reactions​.
  • The first placebo-controlled trial in 1863 tested rheumatism treatments, showing equal results between opium creams and inert plant-based ointments​.
• Scientific Insights:
  • Pain Relief: A study using laser pain tests demonstrated reduced pain with a placebo cream compared to control groups (study link).
  • Depression: Research on placebo antidepressants revealed that labeled placebos activated opioid receptors in the brain, mimicking real treatments (study link).
  • Sham Surgeries: A study on knee arthroscopy found no difference between real and placebo procedures over two years, reshaping how such surgeries are viewed (study link).
  • Sports Performance: Athletes showed enhanced cycling performance when they believed they received enriched oxygen, demonstrating the power of belief in physical exertion (study link).
• Everyday Medicine:
  • A UK survey found that 77% of doctors regularly use “impure placebos” such as unnecessary supplements or low-dose prescriptions to reassure patients (study link).

Takeaways:

1. Question Health Claims: Evaluate whether improvements from treatments or products might stem from placebo effects, not actual efficacy.
2. Test for Yourself: Apply N-of-1 experiments to discern the true impact of treatments, incorporating blind tests where possible.
3. Stay Skeptical: Avoid falling for placebo-driven marketing claims and expensive remedies that may lack scientific backing.

Let me know your thoughts or questions by visiting drbobbylivelongandwell.com. Let’s keep exploring how to live long and well!

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Ever wondered how a simple experiment could change your health forever? In today's episode, I reveal the transformative power of N of 1 trials—a method for crafting personalized health strategies that cater to your unique needs. 

Discover how my own trials with salt, apple cider vinegar, creatine, and magnesium have led to significant health revelations, and how you too can harness this method to go beyond generalized study results. Whether you're a holistic health enthusiast, a methodical planner, or just looking to enhance your well-being, our tailored approach will equip you with the knowledge to make informed health decisions.

We'll embark on a journey to revolutionize personal health insights through N of 1 trials, highlighting when this method is most beneficial—like when current data doesn't tell the full story. 

Understand the step-by-step process of conducting your own trial, from choosing the right intervention to measuring outcomes using everyday tools like blood pressure monitors or wearable technology. 

I also want to celebrate a key milestone with you as we reach 100,000 downloads and that is all because of you so thank you for your listenership and I can't wait for more episodes to come!



Time Stamps:


(1:30) N Of 1 Trials

(2:43) My Health Type Quiz

(3:53) 100,000 Downloads

(5:32) My N of 1 Trial Example

(8:46) The Genesis of N of 1 Trials

(10:42) New England Journal of Medicine Study

(13:03) What Are N of 1 Trials?*

(15:31) N of 1 Trials in Non-Health Scenarios

(16:10) When To Use N of 1 Trials

(19:35) When N of 1 Isn’t An Option

(20:29) N of 1 Trial Steps

(25:25) What To Do About The Placebo Effect

(28:28) Let Me Know What You Think!

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Research Mentioned In This Episode:

1. History of N of 1

2. 1986 New England Study on Randomized Trials for Individual Patients

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Work with Dr. Bobby: https://drbobbylivelongandwell.com/mastermind-waitlist