Episode #214: A Deep Dive into Stem Cells and Exosomes (+ How to Stimulate Them without Therapy) with Dr. Amy Killen

In this episode of Biohacking Superhuman Performance with guest Dr. Amy Killen, we explore the world of stem cells - what they are, how they perform in the body, and how they work to increase longevity. Stem cell therapy is still being researched and regulated, but there is an amazing amount of potential for healing and increasing longevity with these powerful cells. We also dive into exosomes - the small molecules that can penetrate places that stem cells can't. Aesthetic procedures are popular with exosomes- they have the power to restore hair and rejuvenate skin, and are used in many skincare products. We even go over ovarian rejuvenation and Rapamycin, a potential prescription drug for delaying menopause. Overall, this episode offers guidance on stimulating stem cells right in your own home. We talk through different tips such as supplements, fasting, and getting sun in a healthy way for those who aren't in a place to budget for stem cell therapy. Dr. Amy Killen is an outspoken advocate for empowering people to look and feel their best by merging lifestyle modification, integrative medicine, body-identical hormones, energy modalities, and stem cell therapies. She is the founder and CEO of the Human Optimization Project (HOP), a longevity-based subscription supplement company that stays on top of the science and constantly updates its ingredients for customers who can't devote their lives to reading the latest research sourcing the best therapies. I absolutely love her Instagram. You guys need to go follow her @dr.amybkillen. Get Rapid Rebound oral BPC157 with PEA and AOD9604. Visit https://lelabs.co/ and use code NAT20 Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible: Sensate: Use code NAT at www.getsensate.com/Nat BEAM Minerals: Go to https://www.beamminerals.com code Nathalie to get 20% off your order Profound Health: Use code longevity15 to save 15% off your first order at https://profound-health.com/ Find more from Dr. Amy B. Killen: Website: https://dramykillen.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLk8xTa4qzE7J8bID7KIKg Instagram: @dr.amybkillen Human Optimization Project (HOP box): https://hopbox.life/ Find more from Nathalie: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/ Website: https://www.NatNiddam.com Join Nat's Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community Work with Nat: Book Your 20 Minute Optimization Consult: https://calendly.com/nniddam/intro-call?month=2021-08 What We Discuss: (1:30) Women's unfounded fear around Hormone Replacement Therapy (5:38) When you start hormones early you reduce the risk of major women-killing diseases such as heart disease and obesity. (7:20) The world of stem cells and exosomes- what they are, and why they are important. (11:20) MSC cells are very safe, don't cause cancer, and they're not embryonic cells (no fetus is harmed!) (13:50) The Pros of using birth product stem cells (from the placenta and umbilical cord) (18:08) The environment where the stem cells are placed matters. (22:50) Helpful therapies to stack with stem cell therapy. (30:50) What the research shows about stem cell therapy and diseases like MS. (34:15) Exosomes - one of the signaling molecules of stem cells. i (41:37) Fat transfers are a great natural filler, but adding stem cells creates better results. (44:50) How to stimulate stem cells naturally if you don't have the budget for stem cell therapy. (58:30) The overuse of supplements and HOP box. (1:04:00) Rapamycin and ovarian rejuvenation using stem cells. (1:10:38) Where to find more from Dr. Amy B Killen. Key Takeaways: 1. Stem cells do two main things. They can replicate themselves and they can turn into other types of cells. Stem cells send out signals so that an injured area heals itself. When we age, we have fewer, less active stem cells. They aren't able to signal repair as well, so recovery takes much longer. Stem cell therapy gives you back signaling molecules so that you're able to heal yourself faster. Autologous stem cells are your own cells from fat tissue or bone marrow. Allogeneic stem cells come from somewhere else - like birth tissue products (placenta/umbilical cord). The environment affects the stem cells. The area where you put stem cells matters, and if your body is not healthy, is inflamed, or has uncontrolled blood sugar issues, the cells cannot work as well. For example: a smoker or poorly controlled diabetic won't have the best results. Take the time to get in the best shape that you can before a costly procedure like stem cell therapy. Exosomes are powerful signaling molecules that can be transported into cells to change the behavior of that cell. These small molecules can pass through the skin- they can be applied topically - and they can cross the blood brain barrier to decrease inflammation. They're great for aesthetic purposes like hair restoration and skin rejuvenation. The FDA regulates the application - they can only be applied topically. Bonus takeaway: No drug can do what hormones do when used properly at the right time in the right way. If you want to be healthy for longer, especially after menopause, you need to be looking into HRT.