The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance

Welcome to Your Upgraded Summer!This new series revisits the Top 10 Bulletproof Radio episodes of all time. The topics cover essentials like nutrition, energy, hormones, sleep and autophagy, as well as gut, brain, autoimmune and women's health.You'll get the main points in a shortened version so you can get the good stuff and get on with your summer plans. And if you want to listen to more, tune in to the original episode. The BiOptimizers guys take the No. 6 spot with: How to BiOptimize Your Gut & Digestion – #515In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, we’re revisiting an episode with Wade Lightheart and Matt Gallant, founders of BiOptimizers. They aim to optimize digestion, leading into better health and greater performance. Just like me, they believe holistic health, with a focus on body and brain, makes us higher functioning humans.Wade is a former three-time Canadian, natural bodybuilding champion. Matt’s a kinesiologist who’s trained pro athletes and has been developing supplements for more than a decade. Together at BiOptimizers, they’ve tackled gut, body and brain health with an emphasis on enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics, magnesium, and blood sugar.“We all have an enzyme bank account in our bodies and they do about 25,000 different functions in the body,” Matt says. “Everything from thinking to blinking, enzymes are involved. They’re the catalyst that kickstarts chemical biochemical reactions in the body. And when we eat food, we need to break that food down. So our body's going to use our enzymatic bank account to break that food down.”Certain kinds of enzymes help with carbohydrate digestion, protein and fiber breakdown, losing body fat, improving skin conditions, clearing brain fog and speeding up recovery.“Depending on what you're eating,” Matt says, “your brain is going to recognize what enzymes it needs to produce and then start breaking that down in the mouth and then continuing to excrete enzymes inside your stomach.”And when you do your own biofeedback (paying attention to how your body respond to different stimuli) you’ll find what works for you, and what enzymes can help make your body work more efficiently.“I got so into enzymes and their usage because I knew that I really couldn't perform at a high level on that diet [vegetarian] if I didn't have really superior digestion. And then that inadvertently trying to solve that problem as an athlete translated over to all sorts of people who I discovered had digestive-related illnesses and we could actually solve those, and that led to a whole cascade of things and eventually a company and all that sort of stuff. So, you scratch your own head, and you start up with a toaster and end up with a rocket ship.”Enjoy! And get more resources at Dave.Asprey/podcasts.Got a comment, idea or question for the podcast? Submit via this form.CHECK OUT OUR EPISODE PARTNER!BiOptimizers: Go to https://bioptimizers.com and use code DAVE107TH ANNUAL BIOHACKING CONFERENCE: SEPTEMBER 17-19, 2021: https://www.biohackingconference.comDAVE ASPREY BOX: https://daveaspreybox.com/UPGRADE YOURSELF WITH DAVE ASPREY: https://ourupgradecollective.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

7 Aug 202129min

Welcome to Your Upgraded Summer! This new series revisits the Top 10 Bulletproof Radio episodes of all time. The topics cover essentials like nutrition, energy, hormones, sleep and autophagy, as well as gut, brain, autoimmune and women's health. You'll get the main points in a shortened version so you can get the good stuff and get on with your summer plans. And if you want to listen to more, tune in to the original episode.Dr. Thomas O’Bryan takes the No. 7 spot with: The Autoimmune Fix – Dr. Thomas O’Bryan – #478In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, Dr. Thomas O’Bryan says seven out of every 10 patients he treats have autoimmune issues. He’s a physician internationally renowned for his work with autoimmune diseases and inflammation, and the nutrition and lifestyle choices that can help.With a healthy immune system, your antibodies have the power to get rid of old and damaged cells and make room for new cells to grow and develop. But with any kind of autoimmunity issue, your antibodies end up killing off more cells than you make. Autoimmunity can be triggered for a long time before you feel the impacts. It tends to hit your body at some point, so the sooner you can find a way to prevent it, the better. Dr. O’Bryan talks about the causes, the signs and what you can do about it, to prevent things like leaky gut and encourage things like healthy enzymes. He says it’s most often about what you eat, what’s going up your nostrils and what’s happening inside your gut. More from Dr. Thomas O’Bryan:“This topic of autoimmunity really becomes a primary concern for all of us, but we've never looked at it that way. So once we understand this, that this is prevalent in almost all of us, that it's an autoimmune mechanism, meaning your immune system attacking your own tissue, whether it's your blood vessels, or components in your blood vessels, the fatty membranes of the blood vessels, or it's your brain, or your joints, or whatever it is, when your immune system is attacking your own tissue, that goes on for years. It's called the spectrum of autoimmunity.” “Celiac disease is when your gut's being chewed up from a sensitivity to wheat. The third category is non celiac wheat sensitivity, and that's the big kahuna picture. Non-celiac wheat sensitivity can manifest as brain dysfunction, autoimmune brain disease, skin disease, joint disease. There's no tissue in the body that might notbe affected by a sensitivity to wheat. Look at the immune system to see. Is my immune system telling me I've got a problem with this food? Because body language never lies. If your immune system is activated to protect you against a particular food, stop eating that food.” “If you treat your body like a Lamborghini, it's going to run like a Lamborghini. If you treat your body like a Rambler and expect it to run like a Lamborghini, you're going to be in trouble.” Enjoy! And get more resources at Dave.Asprey/podcasts.Got a comment, idea or question for the podcast? Submit via this form.CHECK OUT OUR EPISODE PARTNER!Control your health with custom lab testing and your own data: Go to https://get-base.com/home and use codeDAVE to get 20% off your first month of membership.7TH ANNUAL BIOHACKING CONFERENCE: SEPTEMBER 17-19, 2021: https://www.biohackingconference.comDAVE ASPREY BOX: https://daveaspreybox.com/UPGRADE YOURSELF WITH DAVE ASPREY: https://ourupgradecollective.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6 Aug 202129min

When Jamie Wheal comes on Bulletproof Radio we always dig into mind-bending topics. This time, our conversation spans a special four-part mini-series to discuss his new book: “Recapture the Rapture: Rethinking God, Sex and Death in a World That’s Lost its Mind.” In this Part 2 episode, we talk about how you can biohack sex and the impacts of a post-orgasmic state.Jamie studies neuroanthropology, which brings together culture, biology, and psychology. He’s the founder of the international Flow Genome Project, an organization that helps people reach their peak human performance. He’s currently focusing on Hedonic Engineering, a combination of neuroscience and optimal psychology. His book looks at the world’s collapse of meaning, the embracing of nihilism, and how you can shift your stories to tackle the world by connecting to others and revitalizing yourself. In Part 1, The Neuroscience of Sex – Jamie Wheal, Part 1 with Dave Asprey – #845, you learn about Jamie’s research on sex and the power sex has to improve our lives. Now, we get into “taking the kink out of kinky,” and suggest ways you can engage with your partner (or partners) that maximize pleasure. Things like timed breathwork, music with a strong beat, and other techniques load up your nervous system and create a balance in your body, leading to great sex. “We're reclaiming the full spectrum of human physiology and psychology,” he says, “because no man is an island. No woman is either. Our sociology is about us doing all these things together.”Our conversation includes the powerful states women can access during sex. Specifically, an incredible post-orgasmic state that can offer major healing.“Once again, really much more accessible, cheap, free, like this is everybody, all you got to do is just shut your front door and schedule a playdate with a friend with benefits,” Jamie says. “And you can have access to the things that are getting touted in the new cycles, kind of incessantly over the last three years as these miracle cures and breakthroughs of psychedelic therapies.”He says that PornHub as a baseline for sexuality and inspiration isn’t a great idea, yet Americans struggle to rethink approaches to sex in broader terms and prioritize sexual well-being and connection. “We've got such deep conflicted, puritanical coding overlaid with hypersexuality and commodification that it can be really difficult,” Jamie says. Touching on a range of topics, we’ll also talk about the power of the feminine, the Council of Grandmothers, cults (and how to spot them) and authoritarianism. Be sure to follow the conversation in Part 3 when Jamie and I talk more about death and God. And, of course, a lot more. Enjoy! And get more resources at Dave.Asprey/podcasts.Got a comment, idea or question for the podcast? Submit via this form.WE APPRECIATE OUR PARTNERS. CHECK THEM OUT!Infrared Benefits: https://www.sunlighten.com/DAVE. Call the number on the website and mention “Dave Asprey” to get $200 off a cabin sauna, $100 off a Solo system, and free shippingControl Blood Glucose: https://pendulumlife.com, sign up for membership to get monthly supply delivery, use code DAVE20 to save $20 on your first shipmentModern Nirvana Conference: https://www.modernnirvana.com/conference7TH ANNUAL BIOHACKING CONFERENCE: SEPTEMBER 17-19, 2021: https://www.biohackingconference.comDAVE ASPREY BOX: https://daveaspreybox.com/UPGRADE YOURSELF WITH Dave Asprey: https://ourupgradecollective.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5 Aug 202143min

When Jamie Wheal comes on Bulletproof Radio we always dig into mind-bending topics. This time, our conversation spans a special four-part mini-series to discuss his new book: “Recapture the Rapture: Rethinking God, Sex and Death in a World That’s Lost its Mind.” In this Part 1 episode, we talk about the neuroscience of sex and how it can change our minds over time and truly better our lives.Jamie studies neuroanthropology, which brings together culture, biology, and psychology. He’s the founder of the international Flow Genome Project, an organization that helps people reach their peak human performance. He’s currently focusing on Hedonic Engineering, a combination of neuroscience and optimal psychology. His book looks at the world’s collapse of meaning, the embracing of nihilism, and how you can shift your stories to tackle the world by connecting to others and revitalizing yourself. “We need to reclaim the story of what's happening and where do we all go now together. Because one percent solutions, no matter how you slice that,, one percent are fundamentally sociopathic, right?” Jamie says. “It's the elect, and it could be the elect that's moral and ethical or spiritual, the true believers. It could be the marriage of the best, and the brightest. It could be the ones with financial resources, but however you cut it, the rest of us need a story for us to live into. And that seemed really important [to include in his book].”The results of a sex survey Jamie conducted with couples for the book showed the profound impacts sex can have on holistic well-being. If you talk about sex like you do other activities with long-term benefits (like flossing or going to the gym) you may be able to understand the ways it can and has changed the human brain over time.“Prolonged partnership coupling and extended sexuality – that results in brain change,” Jamie says. “The results in the cascade of neurochemistry, including prolactin, vasopressin, serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and anandamide (all the big swingers for peak state experiences) all arise during sex, coitus, and orgasm. So you're like, "Holy moly", that seems like a very strong candidate for persistent and shifted brain state and cognitive change over time.”Be sure to follow the conversation in Part 2 when Jamie and I talk more about the ways you can create the best sex environment with your partner. And, of course, a lot more.Enjoy! And get more resources at Dave.Asprey/podcasts.Got a comment, idea or question for the podcast? Submit via this form.WE APPRECIATE OUR PARTNERS. CHECK THEM OUT!Control Blood Glucose: https://pendulumlife.com, sign up for membership to get monthly supply delivery, use code DAVE20 to save $20 on your first shipmentLight Therapy: https://joovv.com/dave, use code DAVE7TH ANNUAL BIOHACKING CONFERENCE: SEPTEMBER 17-19, 2021: https://www.biohackingconference.comDAVE ASPREY BOX: https://daveaspreybox.com/ UPGRADE YOURSELF WITH Dave Asprey: https://ourupgradecollective.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

3 Aug 202139min

Cool Facts are quick hits of new human and world science curated into short bursts of information just for you. This fun compilation publishes one Friday a month. Enjoy!Here’s the current lineup for episode #13:Fireflies: Nature's synchronization in actionEarworms: Sleep quality declinesIntermittent Fasting: Improves cognitive function and memoryAlzheimer's: Disease signature found in the bloodTech: Hacking vacuums7TH ANNUAL BIOHACKING CONFERENCE: SEPTEMBER 17-19, 2021Dave Asprey and Upgrade Labs host a transformative 3-day event featuring thought-provoking keynotes and fully immersive experiences that push the limits of human advancement, performance and longevity. You will connect with the world’s most innovative minds in the field of human optimization and biohacking. Join the community, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, Florida. https://www.biohackingconference.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

30 Jul 20218min

If you’re losing your hair, you’re not alone. Hair loss is more common than you might think: 18 percent of men under 29 have moderate to advanced hair loss, and that number jumps to 53 percent for men in their 40s. Hair loss affects at least 50 percent of women by age 50. From your scalp to your stress load to the state of your hormones, your hair reflects what’s going on inside of you.“Scalp health is a big problem,” says hair transplant surgeon Dr. Alan J. Bauman, “and we know now that there’s a direct link between scalp health and the inflammation (in the body) that’s going on. The hair fiber is dead but the follicle is alive, and when there’s inflammation going on in and around that area the follicle just doesn’t perform as well. So, scalp health is really important.”And say bye-bye to the painful “plugs” you may have heard about before. Dr. Bauman’s sophisticated procedures can be undetectably natural with minimal downtime.Dr. Sophia Kogan conducts research and develops nutraceutical solutions for hair thinning and loss. “Women go through a tremendous amount of stress in relationship to their hair, even more so than men because men sort of expect to thin,” Dr. Kogan says. She explains that the experience of hair loss for women often has a specific shame and guilt associated with it, too.Stress effects your hair throughout your entire lifetime, but during prolonged periods of high stress it’s even worse. When you’re suffering from physical and/or emotional stress, the body pulls its resources to preserve its life internally, not hair growth. Since everyone experiences stress differently, it’s generally important to take time in your day for something that brings you into a flow state, Dr. Kogan suggests. Calming your nervous system plays an important role in stress management.If you enjoy this special episode with Dr. Bauman and Dr. Kogan, listen to their full Bulletproof Radio podcasts about how to improve your hair health:Biohacking Baldness: The Hair Episode for Everyone – Dr. Alan Bauman with Dave Asprey – #727Dr. Bauman treats hair loss, thinning and restoration. He founded Bauman Medical nearly 25 years ago. He’s a board-certified hair restoration physician and hair transplant surgeon who has treated more than 30,000 patients and performed more than 10,000 hair transplant procedures. He’s one of a select group of physicians worldwide who’s achieved certification from the American and International Board of Hair Restoration Surgery.Learn more about Dr. Bauman’s treatments for better hair: baumanmedical.comMenopause, Stress and Female Hair Loss – Dr. Sophia Kogan with Dave Asprey – #793Dr. Kogan co-founded and serves as Chief Medical Advisor at Nutrafol. She’s conducted multiple research studies on women’s hair loss and thinning. The company creates supplements for women and men to decrease shedding and increase hair growth. Several of the products are designed specifically for women’s physiology.Learn more about Dr. Kogan’s hair wellness solutions: nutrafol.comEnjoy! And get find more meditation resources below.Got a comment, idea or question for the podcast? Submit via this form.WE APPRECIATE OUR PARTNERS. CHECK THEM OUT!Mattress Temperature Tech: https://www.eightsleep.com/dave, use code DAVE to save $250 on the Pod ProSupplement Bioavailability: https://www.quicksilverscientific.com, use code DAVE15 to save 15% on your first orderGet Salty AF: https://drinklmnt.com/dave, try the new watermelon and grapefruit flavors for summerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

29 Jul 202131min

In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, Bill Moses joins the show to introduce you to Flying Embers, an innovation lab that makes hard kombucha, hard seltzers and other fermented botanical brews.Bill founded Flying Embers with the idea of transforming the alcohol industry with what he calls “better-for-you” products. He’s a seasoned expert in the natural beverage industry who helped build the first certified organic winery in Southern California, Casa Barranca. He’s now blended his experience in organic winemaking with the ancient fermentation practices to create modern drinks rooted in ancient botanical traditions.“​​I know that I want to have a little bit of fun,” Bill says. “I want to have a drink. I want to relax, whatever it might be. And we know that the alcohol could cause some inflammation. Well, is there an offset? Is there something that may offset some of it? That's the way I rationalize this as better-for-you alcohol.”He also wants to change the existing alcohol paradigm. No small goal there.I don’t talk about alcohol much on the show, but there’s all sorts of good live bacteria in Flying Embers products made from natural, organic, plant-based sources. You’ll find innovative ingredients, some pretty bold flavors and functional benefits you wouldn’t expect to find in alcohol.Flying Embers also diligently manages what goes in and the fermentation process. They have a staff microbiologist who lab tests all products to ensure quality. Our conversation dives into the science behind drink development.“We really want to know what's in there,” Bill says. “We really want to test it. We really want to continue to maintain the integrity of the bacteria and the yeast that is fully clean and tested for mycotoxins and all sorts of impurities.”Flying Embers drinks contain no residual sugar, reminding us that sugar is not our friend. Instead, turmeric, ginseng and astragalus gets added the fermentation process, which act as adaptogens. These herbs turn our stress responses on and off more effectively.Hard kombucha is becoming a mainstream item you can find in bars, restaurants, and retailers across the country, so this is an exciting time to be hearing about a brand that has in mind what’s best for our bodies. This is kombucha that I can get behind.Flying Embers also has an interesting backstory. The company Launched in the midst of the 2017 Thomas Fires in Ojai, California. Literally among flying embers. The company donates a portion of proceeds to first responders.Enjoy! And get more resources at Dave.Asprey/podcasts.Got a comment, idea or question for the podcast? Submit via this form.SPECIAL OFFER FOR BULLETPROOF LISTENERS! Better-for-You Alcohol Alternatives: https://www.flyingembers.com/dave, use code DAVE at checkout. WE APPRECIATE OUR PARTNERS. CHECK THEM OUT!Cleaner Nicotine Alternative: https://lucy.co, use code DAVE20 to get 20% off gums and lozengesCardiovascular Conditioning: https://www.zona.com, use code DAVE2021 to save $150Oral Ozone: https://biocharged.co, use code ASPREY20 to save 20%7TH ANNUAL BIOHACKING CONFERENCE: SEPTEMBER 17-19, 2021 https://www.biohackingconference.comDAVE ASPREY BOX https://daveaspreybox.com/UPGRADE YOURSELF EVEN MORE https://ourupgradecollective.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

27 Jul 202153min

Welcome to Your Upgraded Summer!This new series revisits the Top 10 Bulletproof Radio episodes of all time. The topics cover essentials like nutrition, energy, hormones, sleep and autophagy, as well as gut, brain, autoimmune and women's health.You'll get the main points in a shortened version so you can get the good stuff and get on with your summer plans. And if you want to listen to more, tune in to the original episode.Dr. Jolene Brighten takes the No. 9 spot with: On Women’s Health, Post-Birth Control Syndrome, and Brain Injuries – Dr. Jolene Brighten – #415In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, Dr. Jolene Brighten, a functional medicine naturopathic doctor, talks about the birth control pill, states of giving birth and recovery, and even traumatic brain injuries.Specializing in women’s health, Dr. Brighten focuses on how gender bias in medicine often undermines women’s ability to work through health difficulties. The conversation covers the experiences women often have after giving birth, such as hypothyroidism, brain fog, and larger mental health issues due to major hormonal changes. She takes a strong stance on the birth control pill. She shares the ways it causes leaky gut, disrupts thyroid hormones, increases risk of depression, and more. By being off the pill, she says, you can be more aligned with your body. She advocates for fertility awareness, a process in which (with the help of technology) you can track your cycle and the way your hormones manifest themselves in your life, month-to-month. Dr. Brighten first works on healing the body, then the mind, and then on a bigger level, like healing family lineage. In an interesting aside, we also veer in discussion about traumatic brain injuries (we’ve both had one!) and our immediate and long-term approaches for healing. Our discussion is highly informed and even more encouraging. I think you’ll find it really helpful! Here’s what Dr. Brighten has to say:On The Pill: “Unfortunately, what we’re seeing of the 100 million women worldwide, who have taken the pill, about 60 percent of them are only taking it for symptoms, which is a huge red flag to me. If only 40 percent are taking the pill to prevent pregnancy, then what’s up with this other 60 percent? And why are we not practicing root-cause resolution, which we could absolutely do, and just giving women a pill?”On Birth: “For some reason, somewhere along the line, we got it in our head that women should be able to pop out a baby and then just go along their merry way. And at six weeks, everything's recovered and fine. Reality is, is it takes a whole year to really rebuild the nutrients and recover your body.”On Orgasm: “It’s a big thing that gets dismissed in women’s medicine. Having an orgasm is this mythical unicorn and women aren’t that interested in sex. But when you look at the research, there are so many benefits.”Enjoy! And get more resources at Dave.Asprey/podcasts.Got a comment, idea or question for the podcast? Submit via this form.CHECK OUT OUR EPISODE PARTNER!Natural First-Aid Healing: https://3rdrockessentials.com, use code DAVE to save 20%7TH ANNUAL BIOHACKING CONFERENCE: SEPTEMBER 17-19, 2021https://www.biohackingconference.comDAVE ASPREY BOXhttps://daveaspreybox.com/UPGRADE YOURSELF WITH DAVE ASPREYhttps://ourupgradecollective.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

24 Jul 202128min