April 11, 2024
To kick off the show, I discuss one of the biggest areas where I've updated my thinking — the ketogenic diet. While I was previously gung-ho about strict therapeutic ketosis for all sorts of applications, I now have a more nuanced view that involves limiting carbohydrates during the day for enhanced focus and consuming 200 to 300g in the evening to support better sleep and hormonal balance. Additionally, I've moved away from a saturated fat-heavy keto diet to a Mediterranean-style approach with foods like avocados, olives, oily fish, and olive oil.
Next, you'll hear my latest thoughts on the carnivore diet — a controversial topic where everyone seems to have a different opinion. While initially intriguing for its simplicity and potential therapeutic benefits, I can't ignore the lack of fiber and polyphenols, as well as deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, and E, and minerals like boron, calcium, potassium, and copper that come with adhering to a strict carnivore diet. Overall, while the carnivore diet may offer short-term benefits, it's important to address these nutritional gaps for optimal health in the long run.
When it comes to exercise, I used to be that guy who obsessively crushed two-a-day workout sessions. But the more I dig into the research, the more I've come to understand the importance of staying within the “Goldilocks Zone” — enough training to accrue benefits, but not so much that you risk overtraining.
Another controversial mind shift I've experienced is around statins, which was prompted by my advanced cardiac screening. My Cleerly test revealed plaque buildup, leading me to start a PCSK9 inhibitor and a daily dose of rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe. While I still don't think these drugs should be blindly taken, in some cases the benefits can outweigh the risks if properly monitored.
My view on cold exposure has also slightly changed after digging into research. I was all about long ice baths and open-water cold swims, but now I've shifted to shorter, more frequent cold exposures. (You'll hear multiple times throughout this show that optimizing your body is all about finding the right balance and avoiding excessive stress.)
This show also covers topics like the hidden benefits of aspirin, ginger, and yes… even “dick pills.” Plus, you'll gain insights into sleep hacking, why I'm taking a more discerning stance on cannabis, and the dangers of extreme biohacking.
Prepare to have your beliefs challenged and your mind expanded as I unveil the latest science and biohacking findings that have shifted my perspective!
On this episode, you'll discover:
-Things Ben changed his mind on…06:31
- Boundless — revision of the book is currently in progress
- The research in the health sciences and technologies is changing rapidly
-Ketosis and the ketogenic diet…07:57
- Got interested in the concept of ketosis when he met Dominique D'Agostino and Dr. Peter Attia:
- Ben's first interview with Dr. Dominic D'Agostino:
- Podcast with Dr. Peter Attia:
- Started to experiment with the idea of eating a high-fat, low-carb diet
- Back then, drinkable ketones were not available, unlike today
- Getting into ketosis with carbohydrate restriction and a high intake of fats
- Ben was an IRONMAN athlete at the time
- Began to use ketosis in his racing
- Ben's endurance fuel:
- Studies:
- The effects of a sugar-free amino acid-containing electrolyte beverage on 5-kilometer performance, blood electrolytes, and post-exercise cramping versus a conventional carbohydrate-electrolyte sports beverage and water
- Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets
- Recruited by Dr. Jeff Volek for a study he did at the University of Connecticut
- Followed a strict ketogenic diet — 90% fat, 10% carbs/protein diet for 12 months
- The result is you turn into a fat-burning machine when in ketosis
- Dr. Jeff Volek's FASTER study
- Ben's blog post about his participation in Jeff Volek's research at UConn's Human Performance Laboratory:
- Podcast with Anthony Kunkel
- The long-term keto diet caused problems like dysregulation of the thyroid function or endocrine function
- Therapeutic ketosis has been around since the 1920s for the treatment of epilepsy
- Keto acidosis
- Therapeutic ketogenic diet
- For cancer — cancer thrives in a glucose-rich environment
- For Parkinson's and Alzheimer's — good disease-modifying properties
- For autoimmune diseases — multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis
- For cardiovascular disease — restriction of carbohydrates
- Ben’s current diet:
- Doesn’t eat carbohydrates during the day
- 200–300g in the evening — precursors for serotonin and melatonin
- GDA (glucose disposal agent) before dinner
- Shifted pretty far away from a largely saturated fat-based version of ketosis
- Ben has a more Mediterranean approach
- Very careful with added sugars
- Look out for added sugars and seed oils on ingredient labels
-The carnivore diet…18:23
- Study: Total and different dietary fiber subtypes and the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality: a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
- Higher fiber intakes were associated with reduced risk of mortality from all causes including cardiovascular disease and cancer
- The downfall of the carnivore diet is the lack of fiber
- Podcast with Paul Saladino:
- Ben followed a carnivore diet for 12 weeks after he met with Paul Saladino
- Felt very good
- The carnivore diet can control a lot of issues people would get from plants like autoimmune triggers or gut distress
- It's like a short-term kind of ketosis, a short-term therapeutic diet
- Very simple to follow
- A study on longevity using methylation and age tracking data
- Looked at polyphenol intake
- Found a significant age-slowing effect from a polyphenol-rich diet
- Difficult to get a high amount of polyphenols on a carnivore diet
- 17 Deficiencies From the Carnivore Diet — article
- Not including organ meat puts you at risk of vitamin A deficiency
- Vitamin B, folate, and biotin are low in meat
- Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that's very difficult to get from a strict carnivore diet
- Vitamin E — only if you're including a lot of fish, fish eggs, and grass-fed beef
- Boron and calcium cannot be found much in meat
- Potassium — add a lot of octopus and salmon to get potassium
- Copper — add a lot of organ meats
- The carnivore diet doesn't contain any plant polyphenols
- Supplement with things like
- It's tough to get that 40g of fiber from a carnivore-based diet
- If you're going to do a carnivore diet, pay attention to fiber and polyphenol intake
-Exercise and plaque build-up…26:20
- James O'Keefe study: The Goldilocks Zone for Exercise: Not Too Little, Not Too Much
- No more than 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise
- Overtraining can lead to chronically elevated cortisol levels and other issues:
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) dysfunction — an imbalance in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, which can disrupt the body's stress response and lead to various health issues
- Brain fog
- Mood, sleep, irritability
- A paradoxical increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease from excess training
- A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that super difficult strength training above 60 minutes a week begins to become the same as if you were sedentary
- Gradual inflammation in the absence of well-programmed recovery days is not doing your long-term health and longevity a favor
- Podcast with Ben Patrick:
- Testing:
- Fountain Life
- Ben's Cleerly test result (CT angiography scan of the heart)
- Prevencio Med HART Cardiovascular Blood Test (arterial stiffness index test)
- Next Health
- Ben's Coronary Calcium Scan
- Fountain Life
- Podcast with Dr. Darshan Shah:
-Insights on heart health and statins from Q&A Episode 458…31:30
- Q&A 458: The Official Guide To Fructose, Triglycerides, Heart Health, Heart Testing, Keto Risks, Statins, Why You Should “Eat Like A Pig” & More.
- Cleerly: Personalized Analysis and Treatment of Heart Disease
- Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography
- AI Evaluation of Stenosis on Coronary CTA, Comparison With Quantitative Coronary Angiography and Fractional Flow Reserve: A CREDENCE Trial Substudy
- Ben's Cleerly test result
- An AI-driven test based on non-invasive coronary CT scanning to measure the amount of plaque buildup in the coronary artery
- Detect heart disease before symptoms arise
- One of the best ways to truly see what's going on in terms of plaque buildup in your heart
- Life Extension Potassium Iodide
- Podcast with Dr. Leland Stillman:
- James O’Keefe, M.D.: Preventing Cardiovascular Disease and the Risk of Too Much Exercise
- Arterial scrubbing agents Ben uses in his protocol:
- Prevencio Med HART Cardiovascular Blood Test
- Rosuvastatin
- Ezetimibe
- Bempedoic Acid
- Aspirin
- Rivaroxaban
- PCSK9 Inhibitors
- Integrating Coronary Atherosclerosis Burden and Progression with Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors to Guide Therapeutic Decision Making.
- Companies offering this type of scan:
- Austin Heart
-Plasma velocity measurement…50:26
- Plasma Viscosity test
- Podcast with Dr. Ram Dandillaya:
-The use of aspirin…54:46
- Aspirin:
- Used for treating something like plaque accumulation
- Mimics everything that calorie restriction does for you
- At low doses, it seems to be relatively risk-free
- Intermittent fasting increases cellular autophagy especially if the fast is longer than 16 hours
-The benefits of ginger…58:59
-The impact of erectile dysfunction drugs on heart health…1:02:34
- Article: Erectile Dysfunction Drugs May Have Major Cardiovascular Benefits
- JoyMode (use code GREENFIELD to save 20%)
- Nootopia Nitric Oxide Blend (use code BEN10 to save 10%)
-Over-prescription of statins…1:09:07
- Article: Could this widely used calculator be needlessly driving people to take statins?
- The paper looks at the calculated risk that would indicate that someone should be put on a statin to the actual incidence of heart attack, stroke, or death from blocked arteries
- Overestimates the likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke by 500% or more
- A lot of people who are at high risk based on this calculator are not
- Does not take into account diet and exercise
- Only takes into account total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL cholesterol
- Article: How statistical deception created the appearance that statins are safe and effective in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease
- Episode #179: What Pharmaceutical Companies Don’t Want You To Know About Statins
- The Most Mind-Blowing Information On Heart Disease You’ll Ever Hear: Understanding The Heart (Uncommon Insights Into Our Most Commonly Diseased Organ) — Part 1 With Dr. Stephen Hussey.
- The Most Mind-Blowing Information On Heart Disease You’ll Ever Hear: Understanding The Heart (Uncommon Insights Into Our Most Commonly Diseased Organ) – Part 2 With Stephen Hussey.
- Podcast with Dr. Tom Cowan:
- Out of 100 high-risk people taking statins for five years
- 98.2 will not see any benefit to their heart health at all
- They will be exposed to significant side effects and complications
- The 1.8 people who do benefit will live an average of six months (and a maximum of one year) longer than those who didn’t take the statin
- These results only apply to the people at the highest risk for a future heart attack: middle-aged men who’ve already had a heart attack
- There is little compelling evidence that statins extend lifespan at all in men without pre-existing heart disease or women with or without heart disease
- Ben's exercise protocol:
- Walks
- Play pickleball
- Strength training a couple of times a week
- Kettlebells a couple of times a week
- Occasionally a cardio session or a hike
- Article: The Effects of Geranylgeraniol on Blood Safety and Sex Hormone Profiles in Healthy Adults: A Dose-Escalation, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
- Geranylgeraniol (GG) is in the “building block” for the biosynthesis of skeletal muscle, CoQ10, and MK-4
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like compound that plays a crucial role in the production of energy in the cells, particularly in the mitochondria — does not reverse statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS)
- GG’s acute decimation by statin is the reason why CoQ10 drop
- Supplemental CoQ10 is good to raise levels reduced by statin (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- Clinicians care more about SAMS, which is directly related to GG drop
- Replenishing or restocking “building block” GG is the solution to the unmet need
- Ben’s intake:
- Podcast with Dr. Barrie Tan:
- Tri-K (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- Annatto-E GG (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- CoQnol (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
-Ben’s house in Spokane…1:13:18
-Cold exposure…1:19:56
- Cold plunge video of Thomas Seager of Morozko Forge
- Morozko Ice Baths
- The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal
- Very short daily cold exposures of less than 30 minutes at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit are beneficial
- Induce structural changes in brown adipose tissue
- Cause metabolic process to break down white fat and create more metabolically active brown fat
- 30 to 60 seconds in cold water that's colder than 55 degrees is enough
- Ben’s cold plunge sessions
- 10 to 60 seconds in 33 to 40 degrees
- Once a week, do a longer hot-cold contrast therapy session
- Carnivore Aurelius on cold plunging
- Excess activation of stress hormones from doing excess cold plunging is an issue
- Having a little bit of a hormetic stress response to a hard thing is not a bad thing
- You shouldn't do a long cold plunge after a workout
- The body needs to be able to mount its own anti-inflammatory response
-Is THC harmful?…1:29:03
- Runner's High by Josiah Hesse
- Study: Acute Effects of Ad Libitum Use of Commercially Available Cannabis Products on the Subjective Experience of Aerobic Exercise: A Crossover Study
- Enjoyment and positive effects were higher in the participants who used the CBD-dominant products compared to those who used the THC-dominant products
- Dr. Daniel Amen has done some fantastic write-ups on THC
-Marijuana makes you happy — false
- Fact: Marijuana increases the risk of depression and suicidality
- A 2019 Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry review of 11 studies
- Cannabis use, particularly during adolescence, increases the likelihood of becoming depressed, having suicidal thoughts, or attempting suicide in young adulthood
-Marijuana helps you sleep better — false
- Fact: Cannabis can disrupt sleep
-Marijuana is a natural way to calm anxiety — false
- Study shows that higher concentrations of THC are associated with increases in anxiety
-Marijuana makes you more creative — maybe, but it can induce psychosis
- A 2019 study in The Lancet Journal of Psychiatry suggests that 10% of new cases of psychosis might be linked to newer high-potency strains of cannabis
- High and frequent use of a lot of these plant medicines can induce some form of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder
- BGL article:
-Marijuana doesn’t impact memory — false
- Marijuana impacts long-term and short-term memory
- Negatively impacts brain structures involved with memory
- Accelerates aging of the brain
-Marijuana is an innocuous substance — false
- Accelerates aging of the brain
-Marijuana doesn’t affect your kids — false
- Prenatal exposure to marijuana impacts fetal brain development
- This leads to cognitive deficits and increased risks of neuropsychological problems
-Sleep hygiene…1:36:40
- 3 handy hacks to keep your phone from damaging your sleep patterns:
- The BLUE LIGHT Diet
- Four gold standard sleep hygiene components
- Light
- Temperature
- Sound
- Stress management
- Light:
- Temperature:
- 60 to 64 degrees is the sweet spot
- Avoid hard exercise sessions
- Avoid heavy spicy meals in the three hours leading up to bedtime
- Sound:
- Use earplugs and background noise-producing apps
- SleepStream
- SleepPhones
- NuCalm
- brain. fm
- Yoga Nidra
- Stress management:
-The importance of being moderate…1:42:44
- You can easily harm yourself with certain forms of biohacking
- Red light, ozone, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy create oxidative stress
- When used in appropriate amounts, it won't kill you
- You can get vitamin D toxicity and other toxicities from excess supplementation
- Excess dietary restrictions — OCD with exercise or with nutrition
- Biohacking becomes bioharming when you're using excess amounts of so-called hormetic stressors
- Research has shown the psychological and physical health benefits of social contact are so great that they can outweigh the harmful effects of other risk factors
- Ask yourself, “Am I going overboard?”
-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:
– Podcasts and Articles:
- A Deep Dive Into Ketosis: How Navy Seals, Extreme Athletes & Busy Executives Can Enhance Physical and Mental Performance With The Secret Weapon of Ketone Fuel
- Is It Possible To Be Extremely Active and Eat A Low Carbohydrate Diet?
- Biohacking Endurance, Running On LSD, Crazy Smart Drugs, Burning Massive Amounts Of Fat Vs. Carbs & Much More With Ultrarunner Anthony Kunkel
- Carnivore Diet Myths Debunked, Hard Questions About Meat Vs. Plants, Are Broccoli Sprouts Really Bad For You & Much More With Dr. Paul Saladino.
- How To Get Rid Of Knee Pain Forever, The Best Knee Rehab Exercises, The Ancient Chinese Technique To Keep Your Knees Young & More With Ben Patrick, The “Knees Over Toes Guy.”
- Ben Greenfield Gets A “Young Blood Transfer” Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, How To Melt Plaque, Testing For Cancer & More with Dr. Darshan Shah, MD
- Q&A 458: The Official Guide To Fructose, Triglycerides, Heart Health, Heart Testing, Keto Risks, Statins, Why You Should “Eat Like A Pig” & More.
- The “Monster Mash” Muscle-Building Tactic, Live Like A Polar Bear, Decoding Vitamin C, Melatonin, Iodine, Magnesium & More With Dr. Leland Stillman.
- The Best Way To Test How Healthy Your Heart Is: Ben Greenfield Undergoes A Complete Advanced Cardiac Evaluation & Reports The Surprising Results!
- Episode #179: What Pharmaceutical Companies Don’t Want You To Know About Statins
- The Most Mind-Blowing Information On Heart Disease You’ll Ever Hear: Understanding The Heart (Uncommon Insights Into Our Most Commonly Diseased Organ) — Part 1 With Dr. Stephen Hussey.
- The Most Mind-Blowing Information On Heart Disease You’ll Ever Hear: Understanding The Heart (Uncommon Insights Into Our Most Commonly Diseased Organ) – Part 2 With Stephen Hussey.
- Why Your Heart Is Not A Pump (& What Most Doctors Don’t Know About The True Cause Of Heart Disease).
- The Most Important Supplement To Take If You’re On Statins, Plant-Based Compounds That Increase Testosterone & Bone Density, Japanese Anti-Aging Secrets & More With Dr. Barrie Tan.
- Rewriting The Fat Burning Textbook – Part 1: Why You’ve Been Lied To About Carbs And How To Turn Yourself Into A Fat Burning Machine.
- Rewriting The Fat Burning Textbook – Part 2: Why You’ve Been Lied To About Carbs And How To Turn Yourself Into A Fat Burning Machine.
- The Big Problem With “Plant Medicines”: Part 2
– Books:
- Boundless by Ben Greenfield
- The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal
- Runner's High by Josiah Hesse
- Driven by Douglas Brackmann PhD
– Other Resources:
- HVMN Ketone IQ
- Delta G
- Ketone Aid
- LMNT
- Vitargo
- Kion Aminos
- Dihydroberberine
- Bitter Melon Extract
- Ceylon Cinnamon
- ACV
- Avocado Oil
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sardines
- Herring
- Mackerel
- Anchovies
- Curcumin
- Lycopene
- Green tea
- Pterostilbene
- Red Yeast Rice Extract
- Niacin
- CoQ10
- Pomegranate
- Gin Gins
- Tri-K (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- Annatto-E GG (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- CoQnol (use code BEN15 to save 15%)
- Life Extension Potassium Iodide
- The FASTER Study
- Fountain Life
- Prevencio Med HART Cardiovascular Blood Test
- Next Health
- Cleerly
- JoyMode (use code GREENFIELD to save 20%)
- Nootopia Nitric Oxide Blend (use code BEN10 to save 10%)
- Kettlebells
- Morozko Ice Baths
- How to Turn Your iPhone Screen Red
- The Greatest iPhone Health Hack of All Time
- 1 Tap Zap
- Beacon 40 (use code BENGREENFIELD10 to save 10%)
- EVY LIGHT
- Re-Timer glasses
- Iris
- SleepStream
- SleepPhones
- NuCalm
- brain.fm
- Yoga Nidra
- Red Light
- Ozone (use code BEN10 to save 10%)
- HBOT (HyperBaric Oxygen Therapy)
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Do you have questions, thoughts, or feedback for me? Leave your comments below, and I will reply!
I Got rid of Hsv with his herbal med.. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I highly recommend Dr. Danielle Belardo, the best cardiologist in the world.
Welcome to the plant-based world Ben, we’ve been waiting!
I’m puzzled by the report that statins decrease plaque since one of their well-documented side effects is calcification of soft plaque. I recently heard an interview with James O’keefe interestingly enough where he said that statins don’t reduce plaque. It will be interesting to see your results nonetheless, however there seems to be a large body of prior evidence that would be contradicted. Also, I didn’t hear mention of Vitamin K2 as part of your stack. The doctor who has done the most heart scans AFAIK is Dr. William Davis so you might want to get him on and see what his current thinking is. The other big issue with statins is whether they are still doing damage even at a low dose where the damage does not show up as noticeable symptoms. All that said, I applaud you for keeping an open mind.
Do u have studies regarding the increase in plaque calcification from statins that I could take a look at? I don’t know that statins will melt plaque, although I have seen good results from PCSK-9, although the lowering of cholesterol is the main mechanism of action. And yes, Tri-K from Designs For Health is in my stack…
Ben,
Sorry for the late reply…
Here are several. studies:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10374064/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10618336/
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.120.315737
There was a lot of discussion when it became clear that statins increase calcification regarding whether that was a bad thing, with a lot of cardiologists saying that a calcified plaque is less likely to rupture and cause an event. The other view is that calcified plaque is also harder to remove and still somewhat damaging. A bigger problem is that if statins were actually net beneficial, one would think they would help reduce plaque.
There was also a section of Peter Attia’s podcast with cardiologist James O’keefe where he said in his experience statins absolutely do not reduce plaque. I hope you find something that works for you, but there is a lot of counter-evidence that would have to be explained before statins could get any of the credit for lowering plaque.
Ben,
So I am curious based on the extensive tests you have done on your heart to view the plaque formation, do you think since you have been keeping carbs in your diet + your training program that this is causing you to have a higher plaque count? Do you think if you reduced carb count per day to under 100g per day to see if this decreases the plaque formation from progressing further. I just think 200-300g per day is still too high on high fat diet that you also prescribe to. There is some studies on the effects of AGEs and glycation from too many carbs in the diet mixed with high fat and protein that I am sure doesn’t help the case with plaque formation. Just some insight and want your thoughts on it. I am sure you are on top of it and just maybe giving you other ideas to consider and play around with. Be well Man. – Mike
P.S. would like to work with you in the future via trade skills as I work in the IT cybersecurity pen testing field and would love to help support you and your team in future projects in the health realm.
You mention the O’Keefe study and state those are MAXIMUM amounts of exercise, however the study states that as the minimum, “The optimal dose, or what we term ‘Goldilocks Zone,’ of PA may be: AT LEAST 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, but NOT MORE THAN four to five cumulative hours per week of vigorous (heart-pounding, sweatproducing) exercise, especially for those over 45 years of age. ”
Thanks!
Great podcast. I had an 1100 on a calcium scoring test I took on a whim. I had no idea that I had aheart problem before this. My doctor pescribed almost the same meds that you are taking. But not PCSK-9 since I do not have the same genes that you have. Anyway I love that you are reconsidering some of your past recommendations – I found this podcast very helpful and hope that you continue to provide such information – expeciall of course your heart health journey as it is clearly applicable to me.
I am a big fan of your podcasts!
Love this podcast. Only the smartest people dare to say that they were “working” and change their mind.
Question: Will this eating pattern with carbs at night also be beneficial for women? We know women are not small men and that your reproductive system is quite sensitive. I’m thinking about kisspeptin and LH. I’m thinking about kisspeptin and LH. And also since we are less insulin sensitive at night.
I have a question from the show notes. You write, “–leading me to start a PCSK9 inhibitor and a daily dose of rosuvastatin and acetamide.”
Acetamide? -is this correct?
Hi Dave, it’s actually Ezetimibe not acetamide. This has been corrected in the show notes. Sorry for the miscommunication.
Ben,
I really enjoyed this podcast. You have so much information to share with the world, which I believe is your purpose now… and are so humble with your approach to life now. I am not only learning about the bio hacks but the approaches are so more valuable, less is more. Keep up the wonderful work you do for humanity. May God bless you and your family!
*** HEALTHY USER BIAS ALERT ***
Ben, please consider HEALTHY USER BIAS when talking about “A study on longevity” that “Looked at polyphenol intake” and “Found a significant age-slowing effect from a polyphenol-rich diet” and “mitigation of high amounts of red meat consumption”
Obviously, people who drink green tea every morning and eat a high-polyphenol-rich diet will live longer than the rest of the population because they have a much healthier lifestyle overall – not necessarily because of the high-polyphenol-rich diet.
Obviously, people who avoid red meat because it’s considered “unhealthy” in our society will live longer than the rest of the population (that mostly eats meat at McDonald’s) because they put their health as their top priority when compared to the rest of the population – not necessarily because of the amount of red meat they are eating.
Those are all correlations – not causation. Please be careful when making decisions based on those studies.
There are zero interventional studies that show that any amount of high-quality red meat is dangerous, or that a polyphenol-rich diet is healthier than non-polyphenol-rich diet when all things equal (same with fiber).
I know you know this but it makes me sad you do not mention this in the podcast.
As a huge fan of yours, I trust you to provide the entire picture, even when you are trying to push a specific narrative that you believe in.
With huge respect for your work, Thanks.
Gil.
After 20 years of MS treated from 2000 to 2006 with Rebif(efficient to that year) and then Avonex(not efficient to calm down my lesions’ number increase) i found this website Natural herbs enter . just 3 months ago, and their current Ayurvedic health tech to help curb/manage it. Decided to give it a try and it has made a tremendous difference for me I had improved walking balance, muscle strength and improved vision, always thankful for nature that helps in managing these terrible diseases. Thank you for giving those of us with Multiple sclerosis a new hope. Google natural herbs centre. com
After 20 years of MS treated from 2000 to 2006 with Rebif(efficient to that year) and then Avonex(not efficient to calm down my lesions’ number increase) i found this website Natural herbs enter . just 3 months ago, and their current Ayurvedic health tech to help curb/manage it. Decided to give it a try and it has made a tremendous difference for me I had improved walking balance, muscle strength and improved vision, always thankful for nature that helps in managing these terrible diseases. Thank you for giving those of us with Multiple sclerosis a new hope.
arteries can be cleaned either
– by taking MMS (3x 25 drops) an old lady had 80% of her arteries plugged, after 3 weeks she was at 50%
– or H2O2 0,3% intravenous with DMSO and H to off-set free radicals
with the second way you can be sure, check out a video what happens when h2o2 hits catalase (enzyme in your blood)
Ben, I have a similar arterial plaque issue as you do (although much worse, 750 CAC score and a recent CLEERLY scan showing significant soft plaque). Like you I’ve been on a search for treatments to reduce the plaque and recently I came upon this Australian company (see below) founded by a cardiologist that seemingly has had some tangible success with a molecule called Cyclodextrin which this company uses in a product called Cavadex. I did some research and it seems like it could be a legit approach. Would love to hear your thoughts. Perhaps a podcast with the founder??
https://cholrem-cavadex.com
dear Ben, like you, I recently have found out that I had a high calcium score. After several months of diving into research on this topic, I came across who I consider a valuable resource on this topic and that is Dr. Ford Brewer. He has over 1000 YouTube videos and is the author of a book Prevention Myths.
I highly recommend this book and tuning into some of his videos. Especially, he makes a strong case, when looking at the calcium score that it only shows the hard plaque or calcified plaque. There is also such a thing as soft plaque, and it turns out that it is the soft plaque. That is the culprit in causing 70-80% of heart attacks
Further, he sites a test, CIMT, that is ultra high definition, ultrasound of the carotid artery, that is able to differentiate between soft and hard plaque. This is relatively new technology, but studies have shown that it is 96/97% in being able to predict heart disease/episodes.
BTW, check out his video where he talks about reversing his own plaque buildup.
Another source is Todd Eldridge , whose company trains doctors on use of CIMT technology.
They support each others work. I think this is very valuable information to be aware of. I hope you find this helpful. Cheers!!
Ben discussed this in length in this podcast (hard/ calcified plaque vs soft plaque) and discussed the CLEERLY scan which uses AI to identify soft plaque in the coronary arteries.
Ben I love your work through the years but I would push back a little on long term ketosis. I would say it is context dependent. For many of us we dont have much of a choice. For example I am autistic, my GF is adhd, we feel best while low carb/keto/carnivore, carbs, even whole carbs make me more impulsive, impatient, more easily depressed etc. Or look at the latest research that is coming out regarding psychiatric conditions, many do not have any other choice then to stay on ketogenic diet longterm as not everybody can come off it without crazy side effects from the respective condition. Therefore saying keto is bad longterm I think is a bit unfair for these people and does not apply to anyone. Having said that, I think it is great if we can remove ourselves from dogma and see that different things work for different people.
Greetings from Athens, Greece Ben and keep up the good work, hopefully I didnt come up too harsh :)