In this insightful episode of The Shift with CJ, CJ takes listeners on a journey to better bone health. Broadcasting from Dubai, CJ highlights the importance of maintaining strong bones as we age and explores practical ways to prevent osteoporosis—a condition where bones become brittle and weak. Through engaging examples and actionable advice, CJ emphasizes the critical role of nutrition, exercise, and innovative health practices in supporting bone health.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Osteoporosis: As we age, bone density decreases, making us more susceptible to fractures. CJ explains how calcium and other nutrients are essential for maintaining bone strength and preventing osteoporosis.
2. Nutritional Powerhouses for Bones:
   • Calcium: Dairy products, leafy greens, and fish like sardines are rich in calcium, the foundational building block of bones.
   • Vitamin D: Known as the "sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption. Safe sun exposure or dietary supplements are recommended.
   • Vitamin K2: This nutrient directs calcium to bones. Eggs and aged cheeses are excellent sources.
   • Magnesium: Found in nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate, magnesium works with calcium and Vitamin D to promote bone health.
3. Exercise for Bone Strength: Weight-bearing exercises like walking, dancing, and resistance training are vital to maintaining and strengthening bone density.
4. Innovative Health Hacks: CJ discusses advanced techniques like infrared saunas, red light therapy, and molecular hydrogen to further support bone health and overall wellness.
5. Regular Health Monitoring: Bone density tests and routine checkups help ensure optimal bone health as we age, allowing for timely intervention if needed.

5 Actionable Tips to Improve Your Bone Health Today:

1. Increase Calcium Intake: Incorporate more dairy, leafy greens, and calcium-rich fish into your meals.
2. Get Safe Sun Exposure: Aim for 15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week to boost Vitamin D production.
3. Exercise Regularly: Focus on weight-bearing exercises like walking or resistance training to keep bones strong.
4. Try Bone Broth: This collagen-rich food supports bone and joint health while being nourishing and delicious.
5. Explore Infrared Saunas: Try using an infrared sauna to support bone health, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.

By making small adjustments to your daily routine, such as adding calcium-rich foods or trying infrared saunas, you can significantly improve your bone health and overall well-being.

In this insightful episode, CJ welcomes Erika De Pellegrin, the host of The Balance Theory podcast, who shares her journey from a corporate lawyer to a successful podcast host. Erika dives deep into the essence of balance and how it means different things to different people. Through her personal experiences and the creation of her podcast, she highlights the importance of health, relationships, and fulfillment as the core pillars of creating a balanced life.

Erika discusses how essential it is to step out of your comfort zone, especially when starting something new, like a podcast or a business. She emphasizes the need to accept discomfort as part of the process and suggests that fear is a natural companion when moving beyond what feels comfortable.

This episode touches on dealing with rapid personal change, uncertainty, and the fears that arise from growth. Erika also shares strategies for managing life’s busy schedule by focusing on "bare essentials" and non-negotiables—basic elements you need to balance life's different aspects.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Gift of Communication: If you have the talent for communication, use it through various platforms such as podcasts, YouTube, or other creative outlets.
2. Balance as a Personal Concept: Balance doesn’t mean evenly dividing time between all life areas, but rather identifying the essentials in health, relationships, and work that make sense for you.
3. Fear and Uncertainty Are Normal: Fear doesn’t mean you're not ready. It’s a sign that you're moving out of your comfort zone, which is essential for growth.
4. Dealing with Rapid Changes: Understand that personal growth and change may make you feel out of place with certain people or environments, but this is a natural part of evolving.
5. Create Your Own Non-Negotiables: Build personal boundaries in your health, relationships, and work that define your well-being, and adjust them as life changes.

5 Actionable Steps to Improve Your Life:

1. Identify Your Essentials: Write down the non-negotiables for your health, relationships, and fulfillment. These are the activities that give you energy and maintain your well-being.
2. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Start that project or hobby you’ve been avoiding. Accept fear as part of the process and start taking small steps toward it.
3. Create a Routine Around Balance: Time-block your day to ensure you’re dedicating effort to your non-negotiables, but remain flexible. Adjust as needed based on the season of life.
4. Deal with Change Gracefully: As you grow and change, communicate with people in your life about your personal development and adjust your social circle as needed.
5. Utilize Tools to Manage Distractions: Practice using "Do Not Disturb" modes, limiting social media, and creating time for intentional focus to improve productivity and mental clarity.Erika De Pellegrin: Website: https://thebalancetheorypodcast.com/

n this episode, CJ dives deep into the powerful concept of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to rewire itself and adapt through learning and experience. Neuroplasticity is not just a buzzword; it's a fundamental aspect of how we can improve cognitive performance, longevity, and overall health. CJ ties together biohacking, natural methods, and cutting-edge scientific discoveries to show how we can boost brain function, stave off aging, and optimize our physical health.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Cognitive Hacking: Improving focus, memory, creativity, and decision-making are all linked to keeping our brains flexible and sharp. CJ emphasizes that cognitive function directly impacts longevity, and brain health is a gateway to a longer, healthier life.
2. Nootropics: CJ explores nootropics like Modafinil and its refined version, Armodafinil, as smart drugs that boost brain performance, alongside natural alternatives like cold exposure and breathing techniques, such as the Wim Hof Method.
3. Natural Cognitive Boosters: From blueberries and dark leafy greens to mindfulness meditation, CJ offers accessible ways to keep your brain sharp without relying on synthetic compounds.
4. Stem Cells and Aging: CJ breaks down the types of stem cells (e.g., Mesenchymal and Hematopoietic) and how they play a key role in repairing tissue and boosting the immune system. He suggests simple lifestyle changes like resistance training and intermittent fasting to naturally promote stem cell health.
5. Muscle Growth and Anti-Aging: Maintaining muscle mass is crucial as we age. Strength training and anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3s can help slow down muscle degradation, while exploring the potential of follistatin for future anti-aging breakthroughs.
6. Telomeres and Longevity: Stress management is essential for protecting telomeres, the protective caps on our DNA that shorten as we age. Practices like meditation, yoga, and spending time in nature can reduce stress and support longevity.

Key Takeaways:

• Neuroplasticity is vital for keeping our brains flexible, and by learning new skills and habits, we keep our cognitive function sharp as we age.
• Natural cognitive enhancers like sleep, cold exposure, and mindfulness can be as effective as nootropics in boosting brain performance.
• Stem cell health can be maintained through regular exercise and intermittent fasting, which helps to boost immune function and tissue repair.
• Muscle maintenance is crucial for longevity; resistance training and anti-inflammatory foods can slow muscle loss and reduce inflammation.
• Telomere health is directly linked to stress. Reducing chronic stress through mindful practices helps protect your DNA and slow aging.

5 Things You Can Start Doing Today:

1. Practice mindfulness meditation to boost creativity, reduce stress, and support brain function.
2. Incorporate berries and leafy greens into your diet to enhance memory and brain health.
3. Start intermittent fasting to regenerate stem cells and improve longevity.
4. Do strength training to maintain muscle mass and slow down the aging process.
5. Prioritize sleep to enhance cognitive function and protect your overall health.

Stay curious, and embrace a balanced approach to biohacking for a healthier, longer life!

In this episode of Shift with CJ, the discussion dives deep into brain nutrients—key compounds that enhance cognitive function, brain health, and longevity. The host highlights various nutrients, explaining their roles and how they impact our brain's performance.

Show Notes:

The brain is a complex organ that requires a variety of nutrients to function optimally. Here, CJ outlines some of the most powerful brain-boosting nutrients:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA): These are found in fish oil and are crucial for brain cell membrane structure and function. DHA is essential for brain longevity, while EPA has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.
2. Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): A plant-based omega-3 found in walnuts, avocados, and extra virgin olive oil. It increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain cell growth and survival, improving learning and memory.
3. Beetroot Juice: Rich in nitrates, beetroot juice boosts blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, enhancing cognitive function and overall brain health.
4. Bone Broth: Packed with collagen, glycine, and minerals like calcium and magnesium, bone broth helps with memory consolidation, joint health, and anti-aging.
5. Berries: Full of antioxidants like flavonoids, berries reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, while improving memory and cognitive function.
6. Cacao: Contains flavonoids and magnesium, which help with cognitive function, neuron growth, and reducing inflammation.
7. Choline: Found in eggs and broccoli, choline supports memory and learning by producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
8. Turmeric (Curcumin): This spice contains anti-inflammatory properties and boosts BDNF levels, protecting against brain-related decline and potentially reversing cognitive issues in Alzheimer’s patients.
9. Glutathione: Known as the "master antioxidant," glutathione helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. It can be found in foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and liver.

Key Takeaways:

1. Omega-3s are essential for brain health—whether from fish oil or plant-based sources.
2. Antioxidants are powerful defenders against brain damage caused by free radicals, so berries and cacao should be regulars in your diet.
3. Nitrate-rich foods like beetroot juice can significantly improve cognitive performance.
4. Mineral-rich foods like bone broth can aid memory and support overall brain longevity.
5. Spices like turmeric and supplements such as glutathione can protect your brain from aging and oxidative stress.

5 Actionable Steps for Better Brain Health:

1. Incorporate Omega-3s: Add fatty fish like salmon or plant-based ALA from avocados and walnuts to your meals to enhance brain function.
2. Start your day with berries: Make a habit of adding a handful of berries to your breakfast for an antioxidant boost.
3. Drink Beetroot Juice: Try adding beetroot juice to your routine for improved blood flow and cognitive function.
4. Boost Choline Intake: Eat eggs or broccoli regularly to support memory and learning.
5. Use Turmeric in Cooking: Add turmeric to your meals or consider a curcumin supplement to reduce inflammation and protect your brain.

In this episode of the Shift with CJ podcast, CJ reconnects with Spencer Feldman, founder of Remedy, to explore innovative health strategies and biohacking tips. Spencer dives into the concept of "feral tissue," the role of lactic acid, and the importance of maintaining a balanced pH in the body. This episode is a treasure trove of insights on holistic health, longevity, and practical hacks for improving your overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

1. Lactic Acid for Health: Contrary to popular belief, lactic acid is beneficial for the body, especially in maintaining capillary structure and promoting healthy blood flow. Spencer suggests using lactic acid supplements to mimic the benefits of exercise, particularly for those who cannot engage in regular physical activity.
2. The Importance of Alkalinity: Spencer emphasizes maintaining a balanced pH in the body. He suggests consuming more alkaline-forming foods (like fruits and vegetables) and using hacks like vegetable juices or bicarbonate baths to keep the body’s pH levels in check.
3. Understanding Feral Tissue: Spencer introduces the concept of "feral tissue," which he describes as cells that have lost their way due to various insults like acidity, lack of short-chain fatty acids, and toxin build-up. He suggests detox protocols and natural interventions to bring these cells back to a state of normalcy.
4. Health Hacks and Biohacks: Spencer discusses numerous hacks for improving health, such as using prebiotics to promote gut health, maintaining adequate levels of bicarbonate for digestive health, and incorporating lung surfactants to combat air pollution and respiratory infections.
5. Mind-Body Connection: Chronic stress and acidity in the connective tissue can lead to a constant state of tension and irritability. Spencer shares that by addressing these underlying physiological conditions, one can reduce stress and promote overall calmness.

5 Actions to Start Improving Your Life Today:

1. Include Lactic Acid Supplements: Consider using lactic acid supplements if you can't get enough physical exercise. They help maintain capillary health and can offer some benefits of exercise without the need for strenuous activity.
2. Balance Your Diet: Aim to eat more alkaline-forming foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Limit your intake of acidic foods like meats and processed grains to maintain a balanced pH.
3. Check Your pH Levels: Regularly monitor your saliva and urine pH levels to ensure they are within the healthy range (around 6.8). This can help you detect early signs of metabolic imbalance.
4. Detoxify Regularly: Use natural detox methods to remove toxins from your body. Methods include using baking soda baths, maintaining adequate hydration, and consuming prebiotics to support gut health.
5. Enhance Respiratory Health: Consider using lung surfactant supplements if you live in a polluted city or are frequently exposed to respiratory pathogens. These supplements can help maintain lung health and prevent infections.

By implementing these tips and strategies, you can make significant strides toward a healthier, more balanced life. Stay curious, stay healthy, and remember that even small changes can have profound impacts on your overall well-being.

Website: https://remedylink.com/

In this episode of "Shift with CJ," CJ dives deep into the topic of collagen, a vital protein that plays a critical role in our body's structure and function. Collagen is like the building blocks or "Lego pieces" for the body, providing strength and flexibility to the skin, bones, muscles, hair, and nails. As we age, collagen production decreases, which can lead to wrinkles, weaker bones, and less flexible joints. However, we can support our body's collagen production through diet and lifestyle.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Collagen's Role: Collagen makes up about 30% of the body's protein, acting like the glue that holds everything together. It's vital for skin elasticity, joint flexibility, bone strength, and overall bodily structure.
2. Collagen and Aging: As we age, the body produces less collagen, leading to visible signs of aging like wrinkles and weaker bones. Consuming collagen-rich foods and supplements can help mitigate these effects.
3. Foods that Boost Collagen Production: Consuming foods rich in Vitamin C (oranges, strawberries, broccoli) and amino acids (chicken, fish, eggs) supports collagen production. Vitamin C acts like "cement," while amino acids are the "bricks" that build collagen.
4. Health Benefits of Collagen: Collagen helps improve sleep quality, supports joint health, maintains gut health, and keeps the skin youthful. It's also helpful in managing degenerative diseases by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
5. Incorporating Collagen into Your Diet: Bone broth, gelatin-rich foods (like jelly and gummies), and collagen supplements are excellent sources to increase collagen intake.

5 Actions to Improve Your Life with Collagen:

1. Eat Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Include more fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, and broccoli in your diet to enhance collagen production.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support skin hydration and collagen function.
3. Exercise Regularly: Maintain an active lifestyle to promote overall health, joint flexibility, and bone strength.
4. Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen to shield your skin from UV damage, which can break down collagen.
5. Consider Collagen Supplements: Explore collagen supplements or foods like bone broth and gelatin to directly increase your collagen intake.

By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can help maintain your body's collagen levels, leading to improved skin health, stronger bones, better sleep, and a healthier digestive system.

In this episode of "Shift with CJ," CJ takes a deep dive into the world of health and wellness, sharing personal insights and debunking common myths. Growing up, CJ faced struggles with weight and health, finding the path to wellness confusing due to conflicting information. Today, CJ helps listeners navigate the maze of health claims, marketing jargon, and societal pressures by encouraging a more mindful and informed approach to living.

Key Takeaways:

1. Educate Yourself on Health: Knowledge is power when it comes to health and wellness. Labels like "all-natural" and "fragrance-free" can be misleading, so it's essential to look beyond the marketing to understand what truly supports clean living.
2. Embrace Simplicity and Nature: Simple, natural practices like "earthing" — walking barefoot to connect with the earth's energies — can have significant health benefits. Embrace basic, nature-oriented activities for improved well-being.
3. Understand and Manage Toxins: Modern life exposes us to various environmental toxins, from air pollution to chemicals in personal care products. While you can't eliminate all toxins, becoming aware of them and making informed choices can help minimize their impact.
4. Focus on Whole, Natural Foods: Avoid processed foods and opt for whole, natural foods whenever possible. Be mindful of labels and ingredients, and remember that "natural" does not always mean safe or healthy.
5. Adopt a Holistic Approach: Health is not just about diet; it involves understanding the air we breathe, the products we use, and our daily habits. Every small, mindful change contributes to a healthier lifestyle.

Five Actions to Improve Your Life Today:

1. Start a Health Journal: Track your food intake, product use, and lifestyle habits to identify patterns and make more informed health decisions.
2. Read Labels Carefully: When shopping, take time to understand the ingredients and claims on product labels. Research anything unfamiliar to make healthier choices.
3. Incorporate Earthing: Spend a few minutes daily walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass or sand to ground yourself and connect with nature.
4. Detox Your Environment: Identify and replace products containing harmful chemicals, such as cleaning supplies or personal care items, with natural alternatives.
5. Practice Intermittent Fasting: Explore intermittent fasting to support metabolism, cellular repair, and overall health. Start with a simple schedule, like 16 hours of fasting and an 8-hour eating window.

By taking these steps, you can start your journey towards a healthier, more mindful life today.

Episode Overview: In this episode of "The Shift with CJ," CJ dives into the pervasive issue of harmful chemicals like BPA and PFAS that infiltrate our everyday lives through items like food packaging, water bottles, and household products. These chemicals, often invisible and overlooked, can have serious impacts on our health, disrupting hormones and contributing to conditions like heart disease, infertility, and even cancer. CJ emphasizes the importance of awareness and proactive steps to protect ourselves and our environment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Widespread Exposure: BPA and PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are found in a wide range of everyday products, from plastic containers and canned foods to nonstick cookware and even store receipts. Nearly everyone has these chemicals in their bodies, with exposure beginning even before birth.
2. Health Impacts: BPA is an endocrine disruptor that mimics hormones, potentially leading to mood swings, sleep disorders, weight gain, and more severe health issues. PFAS are particularly harmful because they do not break down in the body, leading to long-term health risks, including cancer, high blood pressure, and developmental issues in children.
3. Environmental Concerns: These chemicals contaminate our water, soil, and air, affecting wildlife and ecosystems. PFAS, in particular, have been found in remote environments, highlighting their persistence and global spread.
4. Ancient Wisdom: CJ draws on principles from ancient Eastern philosophies that emphasize purity and avoidance of toxins, suggesting that modern threats like BPA and PFAS demand a renewed focus on mindful, clean living.
5. Small Changes Matter: By making intentional choices about the products we use and consume, we can reduce our exposure to these harmful substances, contributing to better personal and environmental health.

5 Actions to Improve Your Life:

1. Ditch Plastics: Replace plastic containers with glass or stainless steel, especially when heating food. Avoid microwaving in plastic to reduce chemical leaching.
2. Filter Your Water: Invest in a high-quality water filter that removes PFAS and other contaminants. Not all filters are effective, so research thoroughly to find the best option.
3. Switch Your Cookware: Nonstick pans often contain PFAS. Opt for safer alternatives like cast iron or stainless steel, which are durable and free of harmful coatings.
4. Read Labels: Get in the habit of checking labels not just on food but on household items as well. Avoid products with ingredients like “fluoro” or “perfluoro,” which indicate the presence of PFAS.
5. Choose Whole Foods: Limit processed and packaged foods, which are more likely to contain harmful chemicals. Focus on fresh, whole foods to support overall health and reduce exposure to toxins.

By integrating these small, manageable changes into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and protect both your health and the environment. Remember, every small step counts toward a healthier life and a cleaner planet.

In this engaging episode, CJ discusses with Dr. Stephanie Rimka the common misconceptions surrounding fat loss and brain health. Dr. Rimka, a holistic brain performance specialist, shares her wealth of experience in neurotherapy and functional medicine to reveal why mainstream approaches to fat and dieting are often counterproductive. This conversation dives into the connection between fat, brain function, and overall health, offering practical steps for listeners who want to break away from harmful dieting trends and optimize their well-being.

Key Takeaways:

1. Fat is Essential, Not Evil: Contrary to popular belief, fat is not the enemy. Dr. Rimka explains how healthy fats are crucial for brain health, hormone production, and overall body function. She emphasizes that natural animal fats are vital, while processed fats like seed oils are damaging.
2. Avoiding Nature Disconnects You from Health: One of the biggest mistakes modern society makes is distancing itself from nature. Living according to natural rhythms—like sunlight exposure and consuming seasonal foods—keeps your body in optimal balance.
3. Calories Aren’t Everything: The obsession with counting calories or focusing solely on macros like low-fat diets can lead to poor health outcomes. The body needs protein and fat more than carbohydrates, and high-protein diets naturally support fat loss without the need for strict caloric control.
4. Yo-Yo Dieting Damages Health: Constantly switching diets can confuse your body and disrupt your metabolism. Dr. Rimka highlights that healthy variation aligned with seasonal changes is beneficial, but extreme diet changes driven by weight loss goals can lead to long-term damage.
5. Brain Health Starts with Fat: Your brain is primarily made of fat, and low-fat diets starve it of essential nutrients. This can lead to cognitive decline, learning disorders, and other mental health issues.

5 Actions You Can Take Today to Improve Your Life:

1. Incorporate Healthy Fats: Begin including natural fats in your diet, such as those from animal sources, avocados, and fatty fish. Avoid processed seed oils and replace them with healthier options like butter and olive oil.
2. Get Back to Nature: Reconnect with nature by spending time outdoors, grounding (walking barefoot on natural surfaces), and exposing yourself to natural light daily. This helps align your body’s natural rhythms.
3. Focus on Protein First: Prioritize protein in your meals. Eating enough high-quality protein naturally includes the fats your body needs, helping you feel full and energized without overeating.
4. Limit Processed Foods: Stay away from foods with labels and focus on whole, unprocessed foods. If it requires a label, it’s likely not what your body truly needs.
5. Embrace a Seasonal Approach: Adapt your diet and lifestyle to the seasons. Vary your food intake according to what is naturally available and adjust your routines to the natural light and temperature changes around you.

This episode serves as a reminder that health is not just about diet trends or quick fixes. Real, lasting health comes from aligning with nature, nourishing your body with what it truly needs, and respecting the natural balance within.

In this episode of the Shift with CJ podcast, CJ sits down with the CEO of Miduty to discuss advanced biohacking strategies, nutrition, fitness, and holistic health practices rooted in ancient wisdom combined with cutting-edge science. The conversation dives deep into actionable tips for optimizing longevity, managing stress, improving physical and mental health, and achieving peak performance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Biohacking Origins:
   • Ancient Indian traditions, especially practices like yoga and meditation, are seen as the earliest forms of biohacking.
   • Modern biohacking combines these traditional methods with technological advancements to enhance life quality and longevity.
2. Nutrition & Protein Insights:
   • Plant-based proteins can be less bioavailable than animal proteins, but combining plant-based sources with digestive enzymes and essential amino acids can bridge the gap.
   • Balance between carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is key; however, bioindividuality means dietary needs can differ greatly.
3. Importance of Fasting:
   • Incorporating fasting into your routine, such as 24-hour fasts twice a week or longer monthly fasts, can significantly boost metabolic health and longevity.
4. Gut Health and Detoxification:
   • Gut health and liver detox are critical for overall well-being. Include foods like broccoli, which activate detox pathways, and supplements like milk thistle, activated charcoal, and green tea for enhanced detoxification.
5. Lifestyle and Mindset:
   • A holistic approach to health should include movement, quality sleep, and stress management. Biohacking is about controlling your environment—both internally and externally.

5 Things You Can Start Doing Today:

1. Incorporate Fasting:
   • Start with a simple intermittent fasting routine. A 16-hour fast with an 8-hour eating window can boost fat loss, improve mental clarity, and promote longevity.
2. Optimize Protein Intake:
   • Ensure you’re getting sufficient protein, especially if you’re over 30, to combat muscle loss (sarcopenia). Consider plant-based protein sources like chickpeas and paneer, and supplement with digestive enzymes for better absorption.
3. Enhance Gut and Liver Health:
   • Add cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower to your meals for detox support. Try incorporating daily supplements like selenium (from Brazil nuts) and consider periodic liver detoxes.
4. Prioritize Movement and Exercise:
   • Aim for a mix of cardio (especially zone 2 training), strength training, and flexibility exercises like yoga. Movement not only strengthens muscles but also enhances overall mood and energy levels.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management:
   • Make time for daily mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. Lowering stress improves sleep quality, emotional resilience, and overall health.