May 2, 2024
On a recent three-week tour of India, I had the pleasure of meeting a host of individuals making a huge impact on the country's health and wellness scene.
Today, I'm thrilled to have a guest on the show who I knew was a kindred spirit from the moment I met him. Ritesh Bawri, a successful Indian businessman, shares my dedication to health by walking 10,000 steps daily, adhering to an ancestral sleep schedule, and opting for ghee over vegetable oil at restaurants.
In this episode, you'll discover Ritesh's health journey, insights on managing India's air pollution, the value of Ayurveda, the impact of seed oils on health, spirituality's role in longevity, and much more.
So, who is Ritesh exactly?
Ritesh is a fourth-generation entrepreneur and the founder of Breathe Again, a global platform that helps successful people learn to live a long and healthy life. He has an impressive track record, having built and sold several businesses in the construction industry valued at over $1 billion.
Eight years ago, Ritesh underwent a remarkable transformation. He lost 60 pounds and reversed type 2 diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and hyperacidity. Since then, he has been on a mission to transform the lives of over 10,000 people from over 20 countries.
Ritesh's work has earned him recognition from the highest levels of government and the entertainment industry. He has worked with the Prime Minister of India and six Chief Ministers, as well as actors, actresses, and entrepreneurs. Ritesh is also the author of the book The Amazing Health Transformation, which launched at number two on Amazon's bestselling list, and the host of The Ritesh Bawri Show.
During this discussion, you'll discover:
-Ritesh Bawri…00:49
- Ben met Ritesh, a fourth-generation entrepreneur when he visited India
- Ritesh gave Ben a book he had written about his incredible transformation
- The Amazing Health Transformation by Ritesh Bawri
- Founder of Breathe Again, a global platform that helps people learn to live a long and healthy life
-Ritesh’s backstory and health transformation journey…03:12
- Ritesh attributes 70% of what he has learned over the last 10 years to reading Ben's books
- Ben mentions how America and India share the same health issues:
- Obesity
- Chronic disease like diabetes
- Early onset cancer
- Ritesh's 25-year health transformation journey from being an overweight and unhealthy 15-year-old to a model of vitality
- Gaining 30 kilos
- Diabetic and hypertensive
- Almost died 14 times
- He met a guy in the U.S. while visiting his unwell sister
- This guy explained to him what was going on in his body
- A 1-hour conversation that completely changed his life
- He started fixing himself and his family and saw a big transformation
- Several years later, he realized he had a business opportunity
- Founded Breath Again
-Managing high air pollution in India…08:02
- Air pollution is a massive problem in India
- Ben was hanging out in malls with giant HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters when he was there
- Ben has an AirDoctor in his office
- Ritesh used to get sick after 1-minute exposure to air pollution
- He does not get sick anymore because of his boosted immune system
- Eating balanced foods and ensuring he gets micro and macronutrients
- Indians eat a lot of helpful things:
- Kion Flex
- C60 podcast with Ken Swartz and Jessica MacNaughton:
- C60 Power (use code GREENFIELD15 to save 15%)
- Ben met a naturopathic physician in Bangalore
- A big fan of nebulizing hydrogen peroxide saline solution or glutathione (use code BEN10 to save 10%)
- Oil diffuser
- India has a health crisis — 50% to 60% of Indians are either pre-diabetic or diabetic
- Indians tend to be more traditional and choose turmeric over aerosol
- Ritesh believes that the future should be IV, nebulizers, etc.
-India’s tradition of naturopathy and Ayurveda…13:39
- A lot of people pretend they know Ayurveda
- There is science in Ayurveda, but the number of practitioners is not so widely available
- A good Ayurveda practitioner can cure you of almost anything using traditional herbs, spices, foods, and massages
- Ayurvedic practitioners need to communicate better
- Young practitioners are slowly bridging the gap by building apps, languages, and tools
- Expect an explosion of Ayurveda in the next 10 years
- Biochemical Individuality by Roger J. Williams
- Dr. Justin Marchegiani
-Ritesh’s daily routine…16:17
- Tracks almost 70 parameters every day
- Ritesh breaks his day into 6-hour windows
- Wakes up at 4:00 a.m.
- 5-minute mediation
- Breaking the 6-hour window with meditation
- Breathing exercise similar to box breathing, paired with a song
- He has trained his body to positively react to a song (Clair de Lune) while slowly breathing
-The impact of seed oils on the rise of chronic disease…20:28
- Replacement of traditional oils like ghee, coconut oil, and olive oil with canola oil or safflower oil is more responsible for the onset of insulin resistance than carbohydrate consumption
- Ritesh’s father decided to switch from ghee to industrial oils 30 years ago
- India went through the same change
- Consumption of carbohydrates has decreased due to gluten intolerance, yet many people are overweight, insulin resistant, and type 2 diabetic
- Lifestyle is also an important factor — people are less active
- Mustard oil is a good option
- Ghee is by far the best — only 10% of Indians use ghee
- Bilona ghee
- Hand churned over 48 hours by combining yogurt and fat
- Yogurt gives it a bit of probiotic
- Commercial ghee is usually blended with other things, just like olive oil in most countries
- In restaurants, ask for coconut or mustard oil
- Gut Zoomer Test
- Cyrex panel
- Most people are not truly gluten intolerant but FODMAP intolerant
- FODMAP intolerance as a response to stress and low stomach acid production
- Q&A 468: Can Cardio Grow Muscle, The Dark Side Of Microdosing Psychedelics, Gluten Free Vs. Low-FODMAP & More!
-A plant-based diet and adequate protein intake…29:09
- Ritesh follows a vegan, plant-based diet
- Doesn’t eat eggs
- Protein sources:
- Milk
- Cottage cheese, paneer
- Lentils and beans, especially when sprouted
- Nuts and seeds
- Whey protein to supplement protein when working out
- A study about plant based-diets showed that:
- Consuming a digestive enzyme breaks down protein
- Increases the bioavailability of plant-based protein
- Kion Aminos is plant-based and vegan
- Indians today are not very active
- COVID brought a shift in mindset, an awareness about health
-The benefits of yoga…32:59
- Yoga is commonly misunderstood
- Globally, it's mainly down to breathing and a little bit of stretching but it is a much deeper science than that
- Suryanamaskar — a complete exercise by itself
- A blend of different exercises is the best
- Yoga Fitness for Men by Dean Pohlman
- Yoga can be very demanding
- Tibetan longevity exercises Ben practices
-Spirituality versus longevity…35:40
- There is an inherent conflict between longevity and spirituality
- Longevity, in itself, is a noble goal
- Lots of people are dying for reasons that you know could be prevented
- The goal of spirituality in India is to attain salvation — escape the cycle of life and death
- Ritesh went from being an atheist to spiritual to believing in God
- Believes in a divine power that guides his life in a certain direction — salvation
- The Buddha lived until he was 82 and was spreading his work till his last breath
- Ben believes immortality is achieved through having offspring who live after you and continue your legacy
-The pillars of good health…40:37
- Ritesh’s pillars of good health:
- Nutrition
- Exercise and movement
- Sleep
- Breath
- Meditation
- Toxicity
- Detoxification protocols:
- Sauna and ozone
- Washing and scrubbing fruits and vegetables with vinegar
- Lots of herbs and spices
- Using ghee
- Avoiding plastics
- Sleep had never been a problem for Ritesh
- Sensate for stress relief (use code BGL to save $30)
- Apollo (use code BGL to save 15%)
- Devices Ritesh is using
- Breath Again app
- He tried a bunch of others but ended up using Garmin
-Ritesh’s food products…47:10
- Ritesh's Breath Again food products do not yet ship to the U.S.
- 5PM Snack — a snack Ritesh sent to Ben
- Nuts, dates, seeds, and a little bit of ghee
- Breath Again products on the market:
- Mongra saffron
- Banana tea
- Jaggery
- Coffee
- Saffron, a spice, is amazing for the nervous system — has a calming effect
- Nootopia (use code BEN10 to save 10%)
- Stress Guardian
- Qualia Mind
- Qualia Resilience
- Ritesh adds saffron to his coffee
- Ritesh developed a relationship with the villages where he sources his ingredients
-Ritesh’s most recent health discoveries…51:25
- The biggest evolution has been in the field of exercise
- From no exercise to a hard-charging workout every single day
- Homeostasis or balance applied to exercise — the balance between what you can do and what you need to do
- Recovery days can include:
- Sauna, hot and cold contrast, PEMF, oxygenation, breathwork, walking, and yoga
- Number one reason people quit going to the gym is they don’t know what to do there
- The first step is to find an app or website that will help you
- Ritesh wants to build a retreat, a blend of neuroscience, biohacking, how to build better habits, nutrition, etc.
- Ben does at least four each year
-And much more…
Upcoming Events:
- Health Optimization Summit — London: June 15–16, 2024
The Health Optimization Summit is the ultimate gathering for anyone passionate about biohacking, wellness, and living their best life. Dubbed a must-do event, it promises a transformative weekend filled with the opportunity to meet and learn from over 35 world-class speakers (including yours truly) in nutrition, longevity, mental health, relationships, and more. Learn best-kept secrets, try out the latest high-tech health gadgets, and discover the cleanest supplements and foods on the market. Don't miss this life-changing weekend — grab your tickets before they're gone here.
- The Longevity Circle Retreat in Croatia — Superyacht Wellness Adventure: Sept 4–10, 2024
Step aboard the ultimate luxury wellness journey: the longevity-focused Superyacht Wellness Adventure, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Croatia from September 4–10, 2024. This exclusive, invite-only event offers an unparalleled experience that blends opulence with the pursuit of wellness, disease prevention, and a long, happy life. With only 10 cabins available, this intimate retreat promises personalized attention and an atmosphere of elite exclusivity. Each day, I will lead 5–6 invigorating workouts, share insights through 1–2 enlightening talks, and engage in organic discussions and Q&A sessions, ensuring a transformative experience. Secure your spot here on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and be part of a select group dedicated to elevating their health.
- Biohacking Retreat with Ben Greenfield — Costa Rica: Oct 28–31, 2024
Join me this October for an unparalleled biohacking retreat set in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica. This is an exclusive opportunity to dive deep into the world of biohacking, wellness, and personal optimization at Kinkára, a sanctuary of rejuvenation and adventure. Over three nights, you'll get to explore cutting-edge strategies for enhancing your health and performance, from engaging lectures to hands-on meditation and breathwork sessions. We'll bond over group hikes, savor three meticulously prepared meals daily, unwind with live music, and experience the transformative Temezcal ceremony. Plus, you'll enjoy luxury amenities and quality time with me and a community of like-minded individuals. Space is intentionally limited to 50 guests to ensure a personalized and impactful experience. Don't miss this chance to elevate your well-being and connect with the essence of biohacking amidst Costa Rica's natural beauty. Secure your spot here to ensure you don't miss out!
- Keep up on Ben's LIVE appearances by following bengreenfieldfitness.com/calendar!
Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.
Resources from this episode:
– Ritesh Bawri:
– Podcasts and Articles:
- Can One Tiny Molecule Support Hair Growth, Address Allergies, Fight Inflammation & Increase Longevity? The Truth About C60 With Ken Swartz & Jessica MacNaughton.
- Q&A 468: Can Cardio Grow Muscle, The Dark Side Of Microdosing Psychedelics, Gluten Free Vs. Low-FODMAP & More!
- Fire & Ice: Tips, Tricks & Biohacks To Maximize The Benefits Of Sauna, Hyperthermia, Cryotherapy & Cold Thermogenesis.
- 7 Easy Ways to Incorporate Breathwork Into Your Life, Plus My Top Recommendation for Making It a Daily Habit.
- A Surgeon’s Little-Known Secret to Biohacking Your Body With Oxygen Therapy
- Biohacking Recovery: The Big Problem With Curcumin, What To Use Instead, & A Brand New Formula For Blasting Your Recovery Through The Roof.
– Books:
– Other Resources:
- Kion Flex
- Ghee
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Kion Clean Protein
- Kion Aminos
- Nootopia (use code BEN10 to save 10%)
- BIOptimizers Stress Guardian
- Qualia Mind
- Qualia Resilience
- Mustard Oil
- Raw Honey
- Glutathione (use code BEN10 to save 10%)
- AirDoctor
- Sensate (use code BGL to save $30)
- Apollo (use code BGL to save 15%)
- Garmin
- Sauna
- PEMF
- Gut Zoomer Test
- Cyrex Panel
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Do you have questions, thoughts, or feedback for Ritesh Bawri or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!
WHO the hell is ‘throwing back 30 or 40’ GRAMS of Kion aminos per day?!
That’d be roughly SIX bottles a month and somewhere around $300 at the bloated cost they run on Kion’s website or Amazon! Not to mention getting 5-6 scoops per day in as sweet as it is would be rougher than eating a cow for a vegetarian.