Drinking Sperm, Smearing Mayonnaise On Your Face, Protein Cycling & A Cell Death Deep Dive With Author Naomi Whittel.

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Body, Diet & Nutrition, Longevity & Age Reversal, Nutrition, Podcast, Podcast-new

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Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.

Recorded in the backseat of an Audi S7 during a mecca trip to get high-dose vitamin C injections at a fringe wellness clinic in Pocatello, Idaho, today's podcast is a mind-blowing deep dive into programmed cell death and autophagy with the author of the brand new book “Glow 15: A Science-Based Plan to Lose Weight, Revitalize Your Skin & Invigorate Your Life.

Naomi Whittel is widely recognized as the one to watch in the “wellness from within” space. Named by Prevention as the nation’s leading female innovator in the natural products industry, Naomi is hailed as a trailblazer and an advocate of purity and potency in nutraceuticals. As CEO of Twinlab Consolidated Holdings, Naomi continues to deliver on her promise to help millions thrive with award-winning supplements they know will truly help them. A premier wellness partner for QVC, Naomi has also been recognized as one of the leading innovators in the natural products industry by Whole Foods Magazine in their exclusive “Who’s Who of Manufacturers and Suppliers”.

Her story and products have been lauded by The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, ABC News, PBS, InStyle, The View, The Doctors, Dr. Oz, SHAPE, Access Hollywood, Natural Solutions, Good Morning America, Today Show and more. She is a steward of sustainability, a sought-after keynote speaker, and a member of the UN Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Naomi lives in Boca Raton, Florida with her husband and their four children.

During our discussion, you'll discover:

-The surprising truth about inducing programmed cell death…[11:55]

-Naomi's autoimmune disorder that sparked her quest to discover how to heal her skin and body…[14:45]

-Why the 2016 Nobel Prize in Medicine was specifically focused on autophagy…[21:50]

-Naomi's shocking discovery about how fish oil is actually harvested…[25:40]

-What Naomi discovered about citrus bergamot's effect on cell death when she was traveling in Italy…[29:20]

-The mind-blowing study Naomi conducted on a group of women in Jacksonville, Florida…[34:00]

-How to induce programmed cell death via intermittent fasting combined with protein cycling…[38:10]

-What foods you should break a fast with…[42:15]

-The best type of exercise to activate cellular autophagy…[55:30]

-How Naomi maintains flawless skin, hair and nails while traveling internationally as hard-charging CEO…[60:50 & 65:00]

-And much more!

Resources from this episode:

-Naomi's book: Glow 15: A Science-Based Plan to Lose Weight, Revitalize Your Skin & Invigorate Your Life.

Jeff Hay's documentary films

Alaskan Flash Frozen Fish Oil

Nicotine gum on Amazon

Nicotine toothpicks on Amazon

Organic Cacao butter on Amazon

Pili nuts on Amazon

Kion Skin Serum

Dr. Jason West's clinic in Pocatello, Idaho

Show Sponsors: 

-Blue Apron –  Check out this week's menu and get $30 off your first order by visiting BlueApron.com/Ben!

-Daily Harvest –  Go to Daily-Harvest.com and enter promo code BEN to get three items FREE off your first box!

-Kion Serum – Rejuvenate your skin and invigorate your complexion with twelve potent, all-natural and organic ingredients that have been expertly blended to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin firmness and elasticity, and even skin tone. Use Kion Serum anywhere you’d like more vibrant, youthful looking skin. Go to GetKion.com to check it out!

Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Naomi or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!

Ask Ben a Podcast Question

48 thoughts on “Drinking Sperm, Smearing Mayonnaise On Your Face, Protein Cycling & A Cell Death Deep Dive With Author Naomi Whittel.

  1. Doug says:

    How do you do the high low protein day with morning workouts?

  2. Joelle says:

    Thank you for the amazing podcast! I am very interested in the citrus bergamot but I am sensitive to caffeine. Do I need to have the black tea with it to activate my autophagy or is there a way to ingest it without caffeine?

    Thank you,

    Joelle

    1. It's difficult to find citrus bergamot tea without earl grey, so alternatively you could take a bergamot supplement: https://amzn.to/2JOxhvr Or, you can add a few tablespoons of this https://amzn.to/2Veob09 to your favorite tea or smoothies.

  3. Carolina says:

    Hi Ben. I have been following Glow 15 but then I listened to you talking about how it’s not good to do HIIT or Tabata when fasting. Naomi’s book recommends working out during the morning in a fasted state on a high day (where we would eat protein). However, your recommendation is to do HIIT in the afternoon. Could you clarify pls? Thanks!

  4. Judy says:

    Do you have any recommendations for those of us with the APOE4 SNP who would like to try out the program? I’m homozygous for it :-(

    1. The APOE4 SNP gene is the one most associated with late-onset Alzheimers, and also associated with increased total and LDL cholesterol, and heart attacks. Proven dietary advice is fairly lacking, especially on the topic of saturated fats. Some research does suggest that a diet high in saturated fats could be harmful for those with the ApoE4 mutation. It’s possible that for people with the variance there are benefits for more of a mediterranean style diet, although more research is needed.

      Some people believe carriers of this gene type are probably more susceptible to environmental triggers (tobacco, chronic stress, sedentary lifestyle, etc), and that IF could be helpful. Perhaps a more moderate-fat and carb diet may be important. It seems like working with a qualified ND or functional nutritionist/practitioner would be important for you.

  5. Gavin says:

    Great episode! I am wondering if the following things ‘break’ a fast and should thus be avoided during IF phases. Amino acids (including Ben’s great blend and lysine which I take before bed), colostrum (i.e., will 3 Mount Capra capsules break the fast?), resistant starch (e.g., 1 tablespoon cassava flour or potato starch), probiotics (such as VSL-3, which includes maltose and cornstarch, presumably as ‘food’ for the bacteria), and fish oil capsules.

    Thank you!

  6. Ana says:

    Hi Ben! I work out very early in the morning (5 am) so I am fasted for my work outs. I have followed your recommendations of taking amino-acids before my workout, but it seems that Naomi recommends working out completely fasted (only coffee) and then having protein after the workout to break the fast. Naomi’s plan also includes 3 days of low protein. My general appreciation of her plan is that is very low on protein. I am aware that we, in general, don’t need as much protein as some programs have us believe, but I worry abut the low protein aspect of her plan. I work out 6 days a week, and do 4 days of weight resistance training, and 2 cardio days. My works outs are moderate to hard. What are your thoughts on this? Do we need protein cycling?

    1. If you trying to BULK UP protein fasting doesn't work that well for that goal, but in your case, the aminos are still allowing you to workout in a fasted state and it appears you are on the right track!

  7. Kana says:

    Thank you so much Naomi, so inspiring!

    After this podcast & bulletproof one, I ordered the book & drinking high quality green tea (I’m Japanese) & Earl Grey.

    One thing, do you have any distributors for reverse age or twin lab products in Japan? Or best to get them through iHerb? Bulletproof coffee diet is so popular over here, I can imagine grow15 to be the next big thing.
    Hope to see you in a book tour!

  8. Scott says:

    Whats your opinion on fermented cod liver oil ? this is what indigonous tribes drink in many parts of the world ? Im assuming fermented is not rancid?

  9. Chris Wesseling says:

    I was hoping for a link to the paper of the study mentioned around 35′ into the podcast.

    And mitochondria is the plural of mitochondrion. Since Noami consistently used singular verbs I was wondering what she meant with “recycling part of the mitochondria”.

  10. Gracie says:

    Do you have any recommendations for tea seed oil, if so what are they?

    1. Hi Gracie,
      You can try the companies, Arette and SunPlan.

  11. Awesome podcast with lots of great information. But surprised that Naomi is unaware of Green Pasture FCLO. Absolutely the best. Recommended by the WAPF and countless wellness practitioners. She’ll love it! Dave Wetzel went through a similar experience, traveling to the source to get the cod livers. Not only is the FCLO sourced well, but the entire process from the fish to the bottle is transparent, traditional, and proven over a decade now. Somebody get her a bottle of FCLO fast ;-)

    http://www.greenpasture.org/

    1. louie says:

      so I’m assuming the recommended omega 3 by you ben Omax 3 is just a very purified and expensive rancid fish oil ? This is according to your guest !!!! This whole supplement industry needs to be overhauled , gutted and have serious accountability. i was taking a very popular green juice for years ( not organify) and kept getting sicker and sicker, so i sent a sample in to be independently tested , turns out had high levels of lead and mercury !!! its been years and I’m detoxing daily and still test for elevated levels in me. i think we need to start testing everything we take now a days. An independent testing association that tests the product and certifies that the products are what the label says they are, and that there are no heavy metals. companies could pay to have this certification . i would pay extra knowing that a product I’m giving to my family is safe!!!!

      Read more at: https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/podcast/glow-15-book-interview-on-cell-autophagy-with-naomi-whittel/

  12. NANCY R CORDOVA says:

    I loved the podcast and immediately bought the book. I have a question about the egg muffin recipe. I made both a high and a low batch, but do you really put in 6 eggs and 6 egg whites in the low recipe? I had a lot leftover after I filled the muffin tin. And on the high recipe calling for just 6 egg yolks I didn’t have quite enough. Even so they were both very tasty!

    1. Hi Nancy,
      They are delicious aren’t they! I’m so glad you enjoyed them. For a Low day, you’ll use 6 egg yolks, for High days, you’ll use 6 eggs + the whites from the Low day eggs you set aside. Each recipe makes around 3 servings.

  13. Gary says:

    So, what about men? Do we do the same plan? or?

    1. Hi Gary,
      I’m so excited you are interested in Glow15. Yes, you can absolutely follow the plan. If you are already accustomed to IF or you find that you adapt easily to it upon beginning, you can increase the frequency of fasting in the morning. Whereas women’s hormones may be more sensitive to the good stress involved in fasting, men tend to do just fine with consistent fasting on consecutive days. Have fun and let me know how it works for you.

  14. Fernanda Galvez says:

    Awesome episode! Do you know of a good brand of Trehalous by chance?

    1. Hi Fernanda,
      You can try trehalose from Bulksupplements for your topical DIY skincare: https://www.amazon.com/Bulksupplements-Pure-Trehalose-Powder-grams/dp/B01N3SQFB2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1522775651&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=trehalose&psc=1

      Enjoy!

  15. Judy says:

    Great podcast! Does Naomi plan to release your book Audible?

  16. Rachael Albanese says:

    Hi Ben,

    I love your podcasts! I’m forwarding you an article link about turmeric and black pepper as it relates to bioavailability. I follow and listen to who I consider to be 3 amazing individuals @ ATP Science in Australia. Their podcast is titled The ATP Project. My interest was sparked when I listened to you on several

    Podcasts speak about turmeric/black pepper/bioavailability and to what ATP science shared about this – which was two different take-aways. Please let me know your thoughts on this article- via a message response or if you would express them on one of your upcoming podcasts.

    Thanks!

    Rachael

    https://atpscience.com/turmeric-controversy/

    1. If you want to provide a brief summary with a question, you can call it in to the podcast here: speakpipe.com/bengreenfield

  17. Karen says:

    Loved this episode! It’s only been 2 hrs since I listened to it and I’ve been to Naomi’s website, ordered her book and got me some citrus bergamot. However, I still need to find a good source for one of the other topics you covered. ;) Haha! Thanks Ben for keeping us informed and entertained.

    1. Funny Karen!

      Sources of spermidine include cheese, chicken, steak, broccoli, cauliflower, lentils, mushroom, peas, potatoes, red beans, grapefruit, pears, soy sauce, vinegar, alcohol, and fermented foods

      Enjoy!

  18. Dave says:

    WOW, interesting podcast! What spirulina and chorella tablets you use?

  19. Kristie says:

    I’m not finding whole citrus bergamot tea Amazon. Can you suggest a name brand.

  20. tedbennet says:

    Ben

    Finally the sperm drinking episode…

    THX

  21. Nate says:

    Great podcast Ben! I love the topic. Naomi had mentioned not eating until noon for intermittent fasting. However Valter Longo has mentioned how skipping breakfast can be harmful and is not the way he recommends doing an intermittent fast. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks.

  22. Drew fairman says:

    What brand of Nicotine gum do you suggest ?

    Also, what’s the name of the fish oil that Naomi just created ?

    1. GoodSense: https://amzn.to/2pZpX63 I don't think the fish oil has been developed yet, but Vital Choice has a good, Alaskan, flash-frozen fish oil: BenGreenfieldFitness.com/vitalchoice

      1. Todd says:

        Am I reading this right? Per the Vital Choice website, the Wild Sockeye Salmon Oil (1,000 mg softgels) only have 210 mg EPA and 230 mg of DHA in three softgels? Seems very low. Or, should I be looking at a different product?

      2. David says:

        The link in the comment and in the show notes does link to a Fish Oil product. A search of the Vital Choice site does not show a Frozen Fish Oil Product. Thanks in advance.

        1. The product itself is not frozen. "Flash-frozen" refers to the fish being frozen on the boat immediately after catch to avoid spoiling and retain freshness.

          1. David says:

            Thank you for the reply. I’m must have misunderstood. She is only recommending a source for the fish used to produce Fish Oil supplements, not a product itself? And if not which Fish Oil do you recommend?

          2. Yes she describes the problems with most fish oil supplements and how to select the highest-quality ones. The one I recommend is in the shownotes, Vital Choice: https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/vitalchoice

  23. Jackie says:

    I’m really enjoying the podcast – not quite done listening yet though. Naomi, do you think that either diffusing or ingesting citrus bergamot essential oil would have the same effect as drinking the tea? I’m a huge fan of essential oils and diffuse them all the time. Thank you.

    1. Jackie says:

      I think I found the answer to my question – on Amazon, all the Earl Grey teas are just black tea and oil of bergamot. So I’ll just make my own tea with bergamot essential oil, which I have. Or, sometimes I just put a drop of EOs on a TB of honey and eat. Also, here’s where I got my pili nuts. They’re just plain, unpeeled, raw pili nuts. I soaked and dehyrated them myself. https://www.therawfoodworld.com/organicpilinuts16oz-pi1004784

    2. HI Jackie,
      While I think there are benefits to diffusing essential oils, in order to reap the medicinal impact and activate autophagy please include drinking the autophatea. I think you’ll find the taste quite enjoyable!

      1. Amanda says:

        I had also been thinking of just adding a drop or two of bergamot oil to my yaupon tea. As long as we’re ingesting, as opposed to diffusing it, should get the same benefits as earl grey, yes? I bought some earl grey, and it doesn’t taste that bergamoty to me. And I prefer to drink yaupon over black tea anyway. And the earl greys just appear to have bergamot oil added, I can’t seem to find anything other than a supplement that uses the entire fruit, not just the oil, which is presumably derived from the peel. Also: trehalose seems to have some sort of possible association with c-diff. Do you have thoughts on this, in relation to using it as a sweetener? I have tested positive for a c-diff bacteria, and while I”m not symptomatic, seems like a good idea not to feed it unnecessarily. :) Thanks!

  24. I was really surprised to hear about the additional benefits of Bergamot and that you weren’t familiar with Bergamot already since it’s one of my fav Young Living essential oils! Smells awesome!

  25. Bill Montgomery says:

    Will the process of autophagy get rid of already dead cells? If not, what is that body process and is there a way to speed it up?

    I had a procedure done that killed a bunch of cells in my prostate, When those dead cells are gone my prostate shrinks so sooner the better.

    Thanks,

    Bill

    1. Hi Bill,
      Yes, the process of autophagy does help facilitate the removal of “dead cells” which is called cell corpse clearance. Autophagy also helps to remove cellular debris and cellular components called organelles when they are no longer functioning in a healthy way. The Glow15 plan is an excellent option for you to more strongly induce autophagy in your body to help with your healing process.

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