Episode #195: Can Coffee Really Make You Live Longer?

After being introduced to it by music mogul Rick Rubin, I've been practicing transcendental meditation (TM) for the past year. Why? More than 380 peer-reviewed research studies on the TM technique have been published in over 160 scientific journals. These studies were conducted at many US and international universities and research centers, including Harvard Medical School, Stanford Medical School, Yale Medical School, and UCLA Medical School...and they have shown irrefutable evidence that TM reduces insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, blood pressure, cholesterol, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis/stroke, free radicals, blood sugar, diabetes, pain, along with higher levels of brain functioning, longevity, sleep quality and much more. The guy who taught me everything I know about TM is named Philip Land. Philip has been practicing TM for the past 40 years. But he's no woo-woo, robe-clad, Eastern mysticist. I'd instead describe Philip as a bad-ass, hunting, redneck hippie family man. But he's taught TM all over the globe, worked with celebrities and high profile politicians, and also worked in medicine, computed tomography, radiation technology, craniosacral therapy, hunting instruction, shooting, wilderness survival, and much more. So he is one very interesting man. And during our discussion, you'll discover: -How Philip, a "redneck hunting instructor" got involved in TM... -A very easy-to-understand explanation of what TM is... -Why folks like Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Katy Perry, and Russell Brand practice transcendental meditation (TM) daily... -Whether you need to be religious to practice TM... -What a TM mantra is... -How I used TM during the Spartan Agoge... -The surprising changes that occur in blood or bio markers in response to TM... -The brain wave pattern and EEG response to TM... -How TM can change sleep patterns and sleep cycles, and even allow you to get by on less sleep... -The difference between TM and "biohacks" like PEMF, transcutaneous stimulation, meditation apps, etc... -Whether you really have to do TM every day... -The best way to learn TM... -And much more! Resources from this episode: -TM.org -A host of TM research Do you have questions, comments or feedback for Phil or I about transcendental meditation or anything else we discuss in this episode? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 Apr 20161h 8min

This is a special Premium audio episode. Click here to activate a Premium subscription to the BenGreenfieldFitness show and access this and over 300 additional hidden audios, videos, pdf's and more! I read plenty of books about gut health, immune system, and alternative medicine, but one of the best books I discovered in the past several months is entitled "The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Health". When authors David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé decide to restore life into their barren yard by creating a garden, dead, barren dirt threatens their dream. As a cure, they feed their soil a steady diet of organic matter. The results impress them. In short order, the much-maligned microbes transform their bleak yard into a flourishing Eden. Beneath their feet, beneficial microbes and plant roots continuously exchange a vast array of essential compounds. Dave and Anne soon learn that this miniaturized commerce is central to botanical life’s master strategy for defense and health. They are abruptly plunged further into investigating microbes when Biklé is diagnosed with cancer. Here, they discover an unsettling truth. An armada of bacteria (our microbiome) sails the seas of our gut, enabling our immune system to sort microbial friends from foes. But when our gut microbiome goes awry, our health can go with it. The authors also discover startling insights into the similarities between plant roots and the human gut. We are not what we eat. We are all―for better or worse―the product of what our microbes eat. This leads to a radical reconceptualization of our relationship to the natural world: by cultivating beneficial microbes, we can rebuild soil fertility and help turn back the modern plague of chronic diseases. The Hidden Half of Nature reveals how to transform agriculture and medicine―by merging the mind of an ecologist with the care of a gardener and the skill of a doctor. The book, in which they highlight this journey, is a riveting exploration of how microbes are transforming the way we see nature and ourselves―and could revolutionize agriculture and medicine. Prepare to set aside what you think you know about yourself and microbes. Good health―for people and for plants―depends on Earth’s smallest creatures. You're about to learn the story of our tangled relationship with microbes and their potential to revolutionize agriculture and medicine, from garden to gut. During our discussion, you'll discover: -What exactly a microbe is, and how it's far more complex than you'd actually think... -The strange "home-brew" Anne dumped into her garden to change the soil from dead to living... -How microbes tie into the ancient art of making wine... -How modern, conventional agriculture is completing changing how soil and microbes interact, and how this is affecting the quality of the food that we eat... -The ideal scenario for growing food, from a soil standpoint... -Why the colon so important when it comes to the immune system... -What to eat if you want to increase the microbial diversity of the colon... -The fascinating parallel between the root system of a plant and the gut of the human being…  -And much more! Be sure to check out Dave and Anne's websites, including: Website: http://www.dig2grow.com/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/@dig2grow   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehiddenhalfofnature Do you have questions, comments or feedback about microbes, Dave and Anne's book, or anything else we discussed during this podcast episode? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and one of us will reply, and click here to grab this fascinating book now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5 Apr 201659min

Meet Ray Maker (pictured above). Via his website "DC Rainmaker", and his podcast by the same name, Ray single-handedly tests, reviews and reports on nearly every self-quantification device that hits the market, including the latest devices from established players like Garmin and Polar, along with new companies like Strava, Zwift, Stages Cycling, 4iiii, and other brands that attract the attention of both the tech world, the bike market, the triathlon industry and beyond - often testing prototypes months before a product is brought to market. Ray often operates beneath the radar of the traditional, brick-and-mortar, ink-on-paper side of the bike world, but shockingly, his site, which he runs entirely by himself, is the sixth most popular bicycling website on the planet. He's even been listed in Runner's World as one of "The 50 Most Influential People In Running". Ray is an avid triathlete and runner, and despite operating DC Rainmaker still works full-time in the IT industry, in a position that requires him to travel the world constantly. He's an American, but now lives in Paris, France, with his wife. His far-flung trips are part of the appeal of his website, as he reports not just on technology, but also on his adventures running, biking and swimming around the globe. A true fitness geek, Ray puts the gadgets he tests through rigorous evaluations, reporting on the nitty gritty details, flaws, benefits, pros, cons, and even delivers the first-hand reports on the latest firmware updates for various devices. He does things like mount multiple power meters on his bike, or wears several heart monitors at once, and often delivers intricate multi-thousand word reports and reviews on every device he tests. During our discussion, you'll discover: -Ray's crazy story of testing the waterproof potential of an Apple watch... -How Ray makes money on his website by reviewing devices... -The coolest piece of self-quantification technology Ray has ever used... -Ray's most recommended piece of technology... -How much of racing and training technology is just the 'same ol', vs. truly groundbreaking technology... -What a device must do to break the mold and fit into that ground-breaking category... -How Ray keeps from being "biased" by products he receives and reviews... -What Ray uses to track sleep... -The effects of alcohol on training... -Ray's thoughts on the potential "biological danger" of bluetooth, wireless and wifi devices? -Whether Ray just "unplugs" and go by feel... -Ray's #1 recommended vacation and must-see spot for active people or athletes... -What Ray thinks is the next biggest trend in athlete quantification... Resources from this episode: -The Airdog drone that follows you as you train -Garmin Forerunner technology -Suunto Ambit3 Peak GPS Watch -Mio Heart Rate Monitoring via Optical Sensor -TrainingPeaks -Withings Aura sleep monitoring -EmFit for tracking sleep and HRV -Stryd power meter for running Do you have questions, comments or feedback for DC Rainmaker or I? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2 Apr 201651min

http://bengreenfieldfitness.com/349 March 30, 2016 Podcast: 349: Why Athletes Get Sick, How To Biohack Survival, How Often Do You Need To Workout & More! Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right (or go to SpeakPipe), use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, or use the “Ask Ben” form at the bottom of this page. ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: You can receive these News Flashes (and more) every single day, if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Instagram.com/BenGreenfieldFitness, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. Why athletes get sick. Good reason NOT to quantify every step, calorie and heartbeat... And this, my friends, is why ANY football player or MMA athlete needs to be “megadosing” on at least 6g of DHA from fish oil or algae/ day. Cold thermogenesis + CHILI PEPPERS for fat loss? Cool. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: This podcast is brought to you by: -Aloha.com - get a free trial of their amazing protein powder with 18g of clean real whole food plant based protein and only 150 calories when you go to Aloha.com/ben -KimeraKoffee.com - get nootropic infused coffee at KimeraKoffee.com and use 10% discount code BEN. No time for breakfast? Try this loaded smoothie for a quick on the go breakfast that will keep you running all morning long. 1 1/2 cups of brewed Kimera Koffee 1 scoop of raw organic protein powder 1 tablespoon of organic almond butter 1 small piece of raw organic cocoa butter 1 dash of cinnamon, cayenne, turmeric Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth; pour over ice or take in a thermos for a filling morning pick me up. -Onnit - Get 10% off ANYTHING, from functional foods to supplements and beyond, at onnit.com/bengreenfield -April 1-21: The Cold Shower Challenge - You take a 5 minute cold shower (no temperature rules, but as cold as your shower can truly go, scout's honor...) each morning for 21 days from April 1st - 21st. Then you post a (clothed or towel clad, no nudies!) photo on any social media outlet you have (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) as evidence. You *must* tag @BenGreenfield and you must use the following hashtag: #ColdShowerChallenge. The best part? All proceeds go towards The Brain Trauma Foundation, an organization that conducts innovative clinical research and develops evidence-based guidelines that improve the outcomes for millions of people who suffer from traumatic brain injuries every year. During this challenge you will learn everything you need to know about cold thermogenesis and cold showers, and even get access to a private Facebook community with all participants (including me), donate money to Brain Trauma Foundation, revitalize your life, body, brain and waistline to be ready for spring, and bask in the many cognitive and performance-enhancing benefits of cold thermogenesis! So...you in? Click here to join in now. -Click here to follow Ben on Snapchat, and get ready for some epic stories on his morning, daily and evening routine! -GreenfieldFitnessSystems "surprise gift box" - 50% discount on instant access to a box shipped to your front doorstep and full of the latest cutting-edge biohacking gear, nutrients, smart drugs and more, handpicked and curated by Ben. Only 4 left. Did you miss the weekend podcast episode with Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece? It was a must-listen - titled "Anti-Aging, Homeschooling, Underwater Workouts, Pooping & More." Click here to listen now or download for later! May 21-22, 2016: Ben is speaking at the Biohacker's Summit in London. The venue will be one of the most charming venues of London, Tabacco Dock, and features an Upgraded Dinner with wild forager Sami Tallberg and a great opportunity to bring together some fantastic UK based biohackers in the realms of digital health, wearables, supplements, biohacking, lifehacking, quantified self and much more. You'll discover digital health & wellness providers, nutrition & supplement companies, wearables & mobile applications and smart home appliances from infrared saunas to smart sensors. Click here to register and use 10% code "ben". May 27-29, 2016: Ben is speaking at PaleoFX 2016 in Austin, Texas. This is the The Who’s Who gathering of the Paleo movement, with world-class speakers including New York Times bestselling authors, leading physicians, scientists, health entrepreneurs, professional athletes, fitness professionals, activists, bloggers, biohackers, and more. And you DON’T need to be Paleo to be able to get a ton of benefit and fun out of this one! Also, one day prior, on May 26 is Health Entrepreneurs f(x) - a full day of deep discussion on marketing, business development, and entrepreneurship for health and wellness people, featuring Mark Sisson, Robb Wolf, Melissa Hartwig, Sarah Ballantyne, Mike Bledsoe, Abel James, and a bunch of other speakers in small group coaching sessions. Nov 17-18, 2016: Ben is speaking at the Biohacker's Summit in Helsinki, Finland. Discover the latest in wearables, internet of things, digital health, and mobile apps to increase performance, be healthier, stay fit, and get more done. Learn about taking food, preparation, cooking, and eating to the next level with the latest science and kitchen chemistry. Even delve into implanted chips, gene therapy, bionic arms, biometric shirts, robotic assistants, and virtual reality. Two days with an amazing crowd and a closing party with upgraded DJs to talk about. Click here to get in now at a 40% discount. -Dec 3-10, 2016: Runga in Costa Rica: 8 days, epic food, twice daily yoga, salt water pool and manual therapy and spa services galore, experts from around the world teaching running clinics, kettlebell seminars, lecturing on nutrition, etc. Also daily adventures ranging from zip lining to white water, along with a full digital detox. Code "BEN" gets you a free gift with your RUNGA registration valued at $75! Click here to get in now. Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle. And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - click here to leave your review for a chance to win some! ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Rachel Browne, the NEW Podcast Sidekick. How To Biohack Survival Sebastian says: He's from the Great White North and has an interest in bush craft and survival. He's wondering if you have any biohacks for survival, say you have nothing on your back but a backpack, what would some biohacks be? Ie. Creating a fire and using the charcoal to clean your system afterwards? It would be cool to hear what you have to say about this and would be great if you got a survivalist on the podcast in future! In my response, I recommend: -Kevin Carr's running tips -Tampon survival -Condom tricks -Ice fire -Spit fishing -Book: Emergency by Neil Strauss -Mention upcoming podcast with Aron Snyder How To Box Breathe Mark says: He's been experimenting with box breathing at work during stressful meetings etc and when he's doing Heart Math. Can you elaborate on the protocols for box breathing, when and how often can you use it etc? In my response, I recommend: -Pranayama app How Often Do You Need To Workout? Kyle says: He's a huge fan of the show and loves listening to it. He wants your opinion Ben on daily workouts. He's seen people who do 300 burpees/day, barbell squats every day, 30 min jump rope sessions every day. What's your opinion on doing these kinds of workouts? Are they really that good for you? In my response, I recommend: -How To Look Good Naked & Live A Long Time article Can You Eat A Kombucha Scoby? Rick says: He loves the podcast, his question is about SCOBY's. He's wondering if you can blend them or chop them up and put them in a salad? In my response, I recommend: -Kombucha podcast     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30 Mar 20161h 12min

I'll admit it: I'm a complete nerd when it comes to using a dizzying array of bodywork tools, massage and deep tissue manipulation, mobility methods and more. I wake up every morning and "hit" my body with everything from a Rumble Roller to mobility bands to vibrating massage devices and more. It's like some kind of medieval torture experiment. So I was pretty excited when I got a chance to read a brand new book about how to create a "map" of your own connective tissue and then erase pain and / or increase mobility in specific areas of your body using that map. The name of the book is "The MELT Method: A Breakthrough Self-Treatment System to Eliminate Chronic Pain, Erase the Signs of Aging, and Feel Fantastic in Just 10 Minutes a Day!". In The MELT Method, manual therapist and exercise physiologist Sue Hitzmann describes a self-treatment system to combat chronic pain and erase the effects of aging and active living, in as little as ten minutes a day, all using techniques that can be done in your own home and taking advantage of the body's natural restorative properties. Sue has personally trained more than 1,300 professionals worldwide and is a leading presenter for national organizations such as IDEA, ECA, and PMA, and a CEU provider for ACE, AFAA, NASM, PMA, and NCBTMB. She has appeared on The Dr. Oz Show, The Rachael Ray Show, and Live! with Regis and Kelly, and the internationally translated MELT Method book has been featured in magazines such as SELF, More, and Prevention. I've been trying the methods in her book on areas like my low back, my hands, my feet and my elbows and they work with surprising efficacy, so I had to get her on the show! During this episode, you'll discover... -Sue's fascinating story of how she began digging into fascia and connective tissue and its role in pain and movement... -What Sue discovered while dissecting cadavers and learning the truth about fascia that isn't taught in exercise science classes... -The concept of "fascial dehydration", and why it is much more than just a matter of drinking more water... -What most foam rolling and deep tissue work neglects... -Why you shouldn't necessarily use the hardest foam roller you can find... -How to "glide", "shear" and "rinse" specific areas of your body... -Why doing a "rest and assess" prior to doing the MELT method can enhance results... -And much more... Do you have questions, comments or feedback for Sue or I about the MELT method or anything else we discuss in this episode? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Mar 201654min

Several weeks ago, I published an article entitled "A Tiny, 1/2 Ounce Piece Of Game-Changing Sleep Technology (And How To Use PEMF For Sleep)". In that article, I introduced a brand new device called the SomniResonance® DeltaSleeper (affectionally known as the "SR1") that am now placing on my collarbone each night before I go to sleep and also using if I wake up in the night, and even using for naps and on airplanes. The results have been nothing less than astounding. My sleep "efficiency", as measured by the Oura sleep tracking device, has jumped from 81% up to 97%. I have gone from an average of 52 minutes of wake time during a night of sleep down to 28 minutes. My deep sleep has risen from 33 minutes per night to 2 hours and 22 minutes. My sleep latency (how long it takes to fall asleep) has gone from an average of 16 minutes down to a super-fast 7 minutes. My heart rate during a night of sleep has dropped from 39 beats per minute down to 36 beats per minute. The list goes on and on. I plan on a comprehensive article in the future that shows all of these sleep hacking results and delves more deeply into sleep quantification... ...but in the meantime, Michael Lares - the investor, diver, outdoor enthusiast and friend who introduced me to the SR1 - is my guest on today's podcast, and in this episode, you're going to discover: -How the SR1 works... -How to use the SR1 for migraines and headaches... -The difference between the SR1 and other PEMF devices (like the EarthPulse)... -Where you should place the SR1 during sleep... -Whether you can use the SR1 multiple times during the night... -Whether the SR1 is safe for children... -How it works for adrenal fatigue and anxiety... -Which meds should or should not be combined with the SR1... -Which countries the SR1 is legal in... -How to try an SR1 without any risk... -And much more! Resources from this episode: -The DeltaSleeper (use 5% discount code “Greenfit10) -The Oura Sleep tracking ring -The Earthpulse PEMF device -A Navy SEAL Physician Reveals How Hard-Charging, High-Achievers Can Fall Asleep Fast -The Man Behind The Advanced Sleep Hacking Tactics Used By The World’s Most Elite Athletes Do you have questions, comments or feedback about the DeltaSleeper SR1 device? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and either Michael or I will reply, and you want to try the SR1 for yourself, simply click here and use 5% discount code “Greenfit10”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Mar 20161h 18min

Did Lindsey Lohan really get drunk on kombucha? How much caffeine and sugar is in kombucha? Can you eat that slimy scoby thing that floats to the top? How can you make kombucha more "bubbly" if you're making it yourself? Can kombucha be used for things other than just drinking? Is it safe to mix kombucha with cocktails or (as I do) to top it off with a bit of vodka now and then? We're going to tackle all these topics and much more in today's interview with Hannah Crum, author of the brand new title "The Big Book of Kombucha: Brewing, Flavoring, and Enjoying the Health Benefits of Fermented Tea" Hannah joined me last year for the podcast episode "Kombucha: Everything You’ve Always Wanted To Know But Were Afraid To Ask.", but since then, she's written the quintessential guide to all things kombucha, and what I would consider to be the #1 resource for anybody who wants to know everything there is to know about kombucha. With more than 400 recipes, including 268 unique flavor combinations, you can get exactly the taste you want — for a fraction of the store-bought price. This complete guide shows you how to do it from start to finish, with illustrated step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips. The book also includes information on the many health benefits of kombucha, fascinating details of the drink’s history, and recipes for delicious foods and drinks you can make with kombucha (including some irresistible cocktails!). Hannah Crum is known as The Kombucha Mamma, and is founder of Kombucha Kamp, the most visited website in the world for Kombucha information, recipes and advice. Hannah is also an industry journalist & Master Brewer, directly mentoring thousands of new and experienced Kombucha brewers and providing consultation services for Kombucha start-ups since 2007. Hannah is also a leader and featured speaker in the Southern California Real Food movement, using the "Kombucha Lifestyle" as an introduction to other fermented foods, gut health, the human microbiome, "bacteriosapiens" and more. She ships freshly grown, full-size Kombucha starter cultures to more than 10,000 people worldwide and offers kits and Continuous Brew Packages, the ultimate in convenient homebrewed Kombucha, via her webstore. During our discussion, you'll discover: -A quick review of what kombucha actually is...   -How kombucha affects your liver (and why you should have trace amounts of alcohol in your kombucha)...   -Why nearly all our ancestors drank some form of kombucha...   -How much caffeine is in kombucha, and which chemicals in kombucha balance out any caffeine...   -The true facts about kombucha and sugar...   -What kind of water to use if you make your own kombucha...   -Whether you can or should eat the "scoby" part of kombucha (and one suprising use for the scoby)...   -How to get more bubbles and carbonation in your kombucha...   -How you can you know if you have mold or could be making "bad" kombucha...   -Hannah's #1, most recommended kombucha recipe (that you're guaranteed to have never heard of!)...   -The surprising, some non-drinking ways you can use kombucha...   -How to make an amazing "pork-tini" with your kombucha...   -And much more! Resources from this episode: Get Your Free Kombucha DIY Guide & E-book Here Link to Hannah's kombucha book tour & dates Do you have questions, comments or feedback for Hanna or I about the Big Book of Kombucha or anything else we discuss in this episode? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Mar 201654min

BenGreenfieldFitness.com/breadhead Confession: I eat bread a few times a week. Mostly, it's my wife Jessa's mouth-watering, homemade sourdough bread. But lately, I saw a documentary got me thinking a bit more about bread, how much you can "get away" with eating, how often you can or should eat it, and whether it affects parts of your body other than your gut, even if you don't have something like celiac disease or gluten intolerance. The documentary is called "Bread Head", and in it, 33 year old director Max Lugavere explores the impact of our diets and lifestyles on brain health. Max's "vlogs" have garnered thousands of fans, and in each of these, he delivers bite-sized blasts of easily digestible information on health science topics ranging from intermittent fasting to the microbiome. You can check them out here. He has spoken at both the NY Academy of Sciences and the United Nations, has appeared on multiple top health podcasts and TV shows including NBC Nightly News, and is a Yahoo Health contributor and regular guest expert on The Dr. Oz Show. During this podcast, you'll discover: -What bread has to do with your head... -Why bread affects a lot of people who don't have celiac disease and have no gluten-related gut issues... -How long bread can have a deleterious effect on your body after you eat it... -How much bread you can "get away" with eating... -Whether you can eat bread if the bread has been fermented, like traditionally made sourdough bread... -What if you use a gluten digesting enzyme like gluten peptidase... -Hidden sources of the same type of dangerous compounds you can find in commercial bread... -And much more! Resources from this episode: -Aztec sea salt -MCT oil -Max's Dr. Oz Explanation of Bread & The Brain video -The BreadHead Teaser (below) and BreadHead movie Do you have questions, comments or feedback for Max or I about bread and what it can do to your brain? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and one of us will reply!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Mar 201648min