Boundless Life

Meet Brian Johnson.

Brian Johnson is the Philosopher & CEO of en*theos - a company that Brian describes as "creating cool stuff to help people optimize their lives".

I first met Brian two years ago through my .mp3 player - where I listened to him walk me through 100 of the greatest personal growth books - in about 20 minutes per book, via "The Philosopher's Notes".

Later, Brian and I connected through random chance when I helped him and his wife interpret their WellnessFX blood testing results, and then I began online coaching Brian for muscle gain and fat loss.

As I grew to know Brian, I realized that he has an incredible story, in which he has combined fitness, health, happiness and business success into a very cool package.

He also had some interesting characteristics, such as: -He never sent e-mail. Ever. -He never said anything negative. Ever. -And he is a very unique combination of self-quantified biohacker, philosopher, CEO and family man.

On this podcast, Brian shares with you his story, and his biggest keys to achieving the ultimate combination of fitness, health, happiness and business success. Resources In This Episode:

-"The Philosopher's Notes"

-My Entheos class: "REV The Human Machine"

-How to Meditate Without Moving To The Himalayas (free class)

-Longevity Tea

-Phenocane / curcumin anti-inflammatory

-WellnessFX

-Coaching with Ben and his team

-Finding Joe DVD documentary

If you have questions, comments or feedback for Brian or me about how to achieve the ultimate combination of fitness and happiness, then leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/284

May 28, 2014 Podcast: How To Run A Marathon With A Knee Injury, Can Heat Make You Burn More Fat, How To Do Magnesium Baths, Stevia vs. Artificial Sweeteners, Natural Remedies for Menstrual Cramps, and Hidden Causes of High Blood Sugar.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right, use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form...but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Need to “train” your body to run X distance at a certain speed? Research shows a treadmill could be a good choice.
• 11 factors that increase (or decrease) the effects of caffeine.
• Good article: Why I Don't Do Crossfit

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-Everything You've Always Wanted To Know About Ayahuasca But Were Afraid To Ask - Click here to go Premium and listen to Ben's "Ayahuasca 101" interview with coach and Ironman athlete Stephanie Holbrook.

-Go ask your burning Obstacle Racing questions at http://www.ObstacleDominator.com for the brand new Obstacle Dominator podcast!

-Ben is speaking at Concordia University - 10 Tips for Achieving the Most Out of Business, Body, and Life. 100% FREE Event - 7:00 p.m. CST, Tuesday, June 10, 2014 - Concordia University - St. Paul Campus (and Live Broadcast Online). Learn how to get the most out of your life with noted athlete and entrepreneur Ben Greenfield. Ben will share practical, real-life tips for increasing your productivity, improving your physical well-being and enhancing your mental performance. Join him as he shares his life journey and the lessons learned along the way, including studying sports science in college, launching a successful string of personal training studios and gyms, beginning an online fitness career, and finally becoming recognized globally as one of the top nutrition, health, and exercise experts in the world. Click here to RSVP on Facebook!

-Ben is now uploading both is weekly workout logs and diet photos to the Inner Circle. Every week Ben discovers new exercises, workout tactics, fat loss tricks, biohacks, deep sleep tips, detoxes, recipes, supplements, etc. - but people often feel like they’re “behind the curve” - constantly trying to wrap their heads around what’s working best at any given time, or what’s going to be best for them and their bodies. In Ben's monthly Inner Circle video workshops and diet and exercise logs, he and his wife Jessa teach you exactly “what’s working now”, so that you can stay on the razor-sharp, cutting-edge of fitness, nutrition and lifestyle optimization. When it comes to “assembling” everything that Ben talks about in the podcast, books, etc. into an easy-to-implement system, the Inner Circle is the way to do that. Click here to try it out now for 10 bucks a month!

-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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

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As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast Sidekick and Audio Ninja.

Tony asks: He was diagnosed with IT Band Friction Syndrome. He went for Physical Therapy and it cleared up but he still has some pain on the front of his knee, just below the patella. He has tried everything he can including: Hokas, Cortisone (which just increased the pressure), Straps, Bands, Joint Supplements and Anti-inflammatories. His marathon is in a about a week - what can he do to give himself the best chance of finishing?

Michael asks: He has seen a lot of people in Holland (where he lives) doing cardio with heat packs on to burn off stomach fat. He hasn't seen any research to support this idea. After reading your articles on cold thermogenesis, he is wondering if heat packs might even have a reverse effect on burning fat.

Ian asks: He has been using the Natural Calm bath salts in warm or hot baths. Now he is wondering is he should be using it in a cold bath (he takes a cold bath outside before and after his workouts). He doesn't drain the cold bath after each session (only every few days) so he is wondering how many days the magnesium would be good for?

Jessica asks: She is curious about the difference between artificial sweeteners and Stevia. She has read a bunch of articles about whether it is good or bad for weight loss and cravings - or over all health. The findings are quite controversial. She is also wondering if the chemical breakdown is different.

Peter asks: His wife and daughter both struggle with menstrual cramps and he tries to keep them away from things like ibuprofen. They do some magnesium (how much is too much) but the pain doesn't go away. Do you have any suggestions? Phenocane? Seems like these pains must be masking something.

Sanket asks: Recently he did a fasting blood test where his A1C came to 5.5. His blood glucose was 116 after a 14 hour fast. He has noticed that if he works out moderately hard his blood sugar stays high for 2 to 3 days. If he doesn't exercise it is more like 80-85. He has a sedentary job, exercises once a week. He eats high fat but also grains. He fasts 11 to 12 hours a day. Are these blood sugar levels normal? Is there any way he can bring the A1C levels down?

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love!--

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may have been hearing a lot lately about something called "Ayahuasca".

From the movie "Wanderlust", in which Jennifer Aniston tips back a cup of ayahuasca, to bodybuilder and six-time Mr. Olympia winner Dorian Yates lauding it's benefits, it seems that this drink seems to be appearing everywhere.

But what is ayahuasca? Is it safe? Is it legal? Does it enhance physical or mental performance? How do you feel when you use it? Does it mess up things like muscle gain or fat loss? How is it different than other adaptogens? Is it addictive?

You'll find out the answer to these questions about ayahuasca and much more in this Premium podcast episode with Superhuman Certified Coach Stephanie Holbrook.

Resources we discuss in this podcast:

-The Superhuman Coach Certification program

-Graham Hancock's TED Talk

-The National Geographic Article on Ayahuasca

-Oklevueha Native American Church

-The Sacred Science Movie

-Don Jose Campos's site

-StephanieHolbrookFitness.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I used to be extremely, painfully shy.

So shy in fact, that I would literally hide in my bedroom when we had visitors to the house, and my parents were forced to coax me away from my fantasy novels to merely come out and make brief eye contact with our visitors...

...before I disappeared back into my bedroom to go back to my novel.

As you learn in my new book, I also thrived on hamburgers and pizza - and my version of a salad was iceberg lettuce drenched in ranch dressing.

But I'm no longer that way, and now I not only podcast, but I also love to speak and engage socially, and actually get paid to travel around the world and talk to lots of people about how to change their fitness, health and lives!

My guest on today's podcast is Jordan Harbinger (pictured right), who has a knack for helping guys just like me to build the skills and confidence necessary for social success.

Jordan has always had an affinity for Social Influence, Interpersonal Dynamics and Social Engineering, helping private companies test the security of their communications systems and working with law enforcement agencies before he was even old enough to drive.

Jordan has spent several years abroad in Europe and the developing world, including South America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and speaks several languages. He has also worked for various governments and NGOs overseas, traveled through war-zones and been kidnapped -twice.

Jordan will tell you - the only reason he’s still alive and kicking is because of his ability to talk his way into (and out of), just about any type of situation. At his website, The Art of Charm, Jordan shares that experience, and the system borne as a result, with his students and clients.

During our discussion in today's podcast, Jordan and I delve into the realm of body language, personal habits, and social confidence.

-What kind of body language mistakes that fit people with nice bodies make which hold them back socially...

-How to reprogram your brain to actually like and appreciate things like kale smoothies and ginger juice...

-A simple eye trick to get you to "fake it until you make it" with extreme social confidence...

-Why bars and clubs are not necessarily the places to go to to enhance your social intelligence and ability to build relationships...

-How I went from eating fast food, being ultra-shy and reading fantasy novels to being named as one of the world's top 100 most influential people in health and fitness...

-And much more!

Do you have questions about body language, personal habits, and social confidence? Then leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and either Jordan or I will respond!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/283

May 21, 2014 Podcast: How To Lower Lactic Acid Burn During Exercise, Should Multivitamins Have Fish Oil, Multivitamin Timing, Can Digestive Enzymes Make You Gain Weight, How Muscle Testing Works, and How To Get Rid of Water Retention.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right, use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form...but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Static stretching on OFF days not DECREASES strength but rather INCREASES it.
• Red Bull doesn’t make you faster and f*&^s up your inflammation.
• 5 apps for tracking your poop.

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Ben is speaking at Concordia University - 10 Tips for Achieving the Most Out of Business, Body, and Life. 100% FREE Event - 7:00 p.m. CST, Tuesday, June 10, 2014 - Concordia University - St. Paul Campus (and Live Broadcast Online). Learn how to get the most out of your life with noted athlete and entrepreneur Ben Greenfield. Ben will share practical, real-life tips for increasing your productivity, improving your physical well-being and enhancing your mental performance. Join him as he shares his life journey and the lessons learned along the way, including studying sports science in college, launching a successful string of personal training studios and gyms, beginning an online fitness career, and finally becoming recognized globally as one of the top nutrition, health, and exercise experts in the world. Click here to RSVP on Facebook!

Ben is now uploading both is weekly workout logs and diet photos to the Inner Circle. Every week Ben discovers new exercises, workout tactics, fat loss tricks, biohacks, deep sleep tips, detoxes, recipes, supplements, etc. - but people often feel like they’re “behind the curve” - constantly trying to wrap their heads around what’s working best at any given time, or what’s going to be best for them and their bodies. In Ben's monthly Inner Circle video workshops and diet and exercise logs, he and his wife Jessa teach you exactly “what’s working now”, so that you can stay on the razor-sharp, cutting-edge of fitness, nutrition and lifestyle optimization. When it comes to “assembling” everything that Ben talks about in the podcast, books, etc. into an easy-to-implement system, the Inner Circle is the way to do that. Click here to try it out now for 10 bucks a month!

Men's Health is launching a search for the next big name in fitness. They're looking for the best trainer that they haven’t yet discovered – a fitness professional who is a top mind in the field, but who also looks the part, and who has the ability to captivate any audience. Click here to vote for Ben to be the Men's Health Top Trainer or visit BenGreenfieldFitness.com/menshealth.

Below is the replay of Ben's multivitamin FAQ. If you trouble playing below, then click here to go watch it... and click here to check out the multivitamin Ben recommends. 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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

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As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast Sidekick and Audio Ninja.

Thea asks: She would like to know why within a couple minutes of exercising she gets severe "lactic acid" burn. It doesn't matter if she is spinning, running or climbing the stairs. Even before she has really done anything yet. Do you know why this is and if there is any way she can make the beginning of her exercising more pleasant?

Fishy asks: Why doesn’t the ThorneFX multivitamin have fish oil in it?

Diane asks: How does the ThorneFX multivitamin compared to the “anti-competition” multivitamin technology in the Nutrience multivitamin from Jayson and Mira Calton. It’s a two-a-day powder for morning and evening, so curious how it compares to Thorne?

Cathy asks: She has heard lately that amylase inhibitors may be used for weight loss by slowing down the digestion of carbs and thus lead to better insulin sensitivity. By that logic would digestive enzymes be good for gaining weight? First, can amylase be used for weight loss? And if so, is her logic correct?

Erin asks: She is curious to know more about muscle testing for or applied kinesiology that practitioners use to test for nutritional deficiencies.

Susan asks: She's in desperate need of help. She is two weeks post-contest and is experiencing severe water retention, she's gained 10lbs, mostly in her belly. She looks pregnant. She didn't binge after the competition, she just went back to her regular per-competition diet. She was expecting some water gain but not this much.

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love!--

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author, fighter and family man Mark Tullius (pictured sparring above) first appeared on this site a few weeks ago in the article "Endurance Sports, MMA and Extreme Exercise – Are They Worth the Risks?"

Mark describes himself like this:

"I'm a father and a husband, a brother and a son. I'm an Ivy League grad who worked in a warehouse, an MMA fighter with too many defeats. I'm the bouncer and bodyguard, the drunk guy in the fight. The jailer and the jailed, the guilty and innocent.

I'm a writer shaped by influences, too many to count. I grew up on King and Koontz while force-fed the Bible. I narrate Dr. Seuss and Disney nearly every night. Like you, I've seen things I wished I hadn't, heard some truths I won't forget.

Writing is my heavy bag, the sparring partner that doesn't punch back. It's where I shed my armor and cast off the blindfold, take a look at myself and the world around me. The writing takes me wherever it wants. Dark alley or dinner table, classroom or morgue. I go along for the ride and try to capture the moment, show life like it is and let you be the judge."

Today, we're going to take a deep dive with Mark into unlocking the psyche of competitive sports, head and other injuries, testosterone and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED's) in MMA and other sports, the best training programs to turn yourself into an absolute beast and much more.

Resources discussed in this episode:

-Martin Rooney's training plans for MMA

-8 Weeks to SEALFIT

-Lumosity Brain Games and Brain Training

-N-back training

-Onnit Alpha Brain

Do you have questions, comments or feedback about this interview with Mark Tullius? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com, and be sure to check out Mark's Amazon author page to see all his books!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I don't think it's any secret that often have a giant, fat-filled, "ketogenic kale shake" for breakfast...

...and sometimes not just for breakfast, but multiple times during the day, especially on busy days. Heck, there's been occasional days where I have had a shake for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

You’ll need a powerful blender for this one. Take a couple large handfuls of kale (preferably dinosaur kale that's been lightly steamed and drained), and toss the kale into the blender. Then add a handful of raw almonds, 3-5 raw brazil nuts (purchased in the shell, like this), 1/2-1 avocado, a teaspoon cinnamon, 1-2 tablespoons dark chocolate powder and 4-6oz full fat coconut milk (preferably the BPA free variety like this). I'll often also add in a handful of fresh herbs (i.e. mint, cilantro, parsley, oregano, etc. – which are fantastic for cleansing the gut and liver too).

Then push blend.

After 30-60 seconds of pulverizing, you can stir in 1-2 heaping scoops grass-fed, cold-processed whey or vegan protein powder and for a bit of added texture (yes, I like to chew my smoothie for better nutrient absorption), 1 teaspoon sea salt (I highly recommend this Aztecan stuff), and a handful of unsweetened coconut flakes with a tablespoon or two of organic cacao nibs.

It tastes magical.

And this recipe has never ripped me out of ketosis - despite it being a good 800-1000 calories if you make a big one! Here’s a video of me punishing the process of gracefully making a variation of that Ketogenic Kale Shake.

Now that shake is certainly a good example of a high-fat, low-carb meal that keeps you in ketosis - and I discuss the benefits of ketosis in Chapter 14 of my book "Beyond Training. But perhaps more importantly, the shake is also extremely nutrient dense, a characteristic of low-carb meals that is often lost in an era of simply guzzling MCT Oil or consuming insane amounts of heavy cream and butter. Lack of nutrient density is one serious danger of ketosis, and my guest on today's podcast is going to explain why that is, tell you the best way to achieve ketosis, and also give you the best nutrient dense foods that you must include on a ketogenic diet if you truly want to optimize your vitamins, minerals, nutrients, micronutrients and hormones. Her name is Dr. Terry Wahls. Dr. Wahls is a board certified internal medicine physician and clinical professor of medicine at the University of Iowa, where she teaches internal medicine residents in their primary care continuity of care clinics, sees patients in a traumatic brain injury clinic and conducts clinical trials. But she is also a patient with a chronic progressive neurological disorder - secondary progressive multiple sclerosis - which confined her to a tilt-recline wheelchair for four years. But during this time, Dr. Wahls did not give up. Instead she began reading the medical literature night after night, looking for her own answers about what drove disability in the setting of MS. She delved into the latest research on autoimmune disease and brain biology, and decided to get her vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids from the food she ate rather than pills and supplements. Dr. Wahls adopted a nutrient-rich Paleo diet, gradually refining and integrating it into a regimen of rich nourishing foods, neuromuscular stimulation, and the spin on a ketogenic diet that you're going to discover in this podcast. And amazingly, she healed herself. First, she walked slowly, then steadily, and then she biked eighteen miles in a single day. In November 2011, Dr. Wahls shared her remarkable recovery in this "Minding Your Mitochondria" TEDx talk that immediately went viral. Now, in her new book "The Wahl's Protocol", Terry shares the exact details of the protocol that allowed her to reverse many of her symptoms, get back to her life, and embark on a new mission: to share the her protocol with others suffering from the ravages of multiple sclerosis and autoimmune and chronic diseases, but also people who simply want to maximize their performance, health and longevity. During our interview, you'll find out:

-The science of why ketosis works for things like nervous system disorders, improving physical endurance, or healing the body.

-How Terry used a ketogenic diet during her healing journey.

-Why Terry need to modify the ketogenic diet, and what some of the potential dangers of a ketogenic diet actually are.

-A "day in the life" of nutrient dense eating for ketosis.

-The most important things to measure if you're going to do ketosis.

Resources from this episode:

-The Wahl's Protocol book

-MCT Oil

-Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

-Green Pastures Fermented Cod Liver Oil or SuperEssentials (which has fish liver oil in it).

-Metametrix Ion Panel from DirectLabs

-Fasted, fat-burning, ketogenesis expert and nutritionist Barry Murray, who was interviewed in this podcast episode and is now a nutrition consultant and coach for Pacific Elite Fitness! You can hire Barry for a consult or for coaching or consulting by clicking here. He specializes in fasting, endurance exercise, low-carb, high-fat protocols and ketosis.

-My Premium podcast episode: “Insider Pro Athlete Nutrition Consult with Ben Greenfield”. In this Premium episode, you get to sit in and hear me analyze the diet of a professional athlete I work with. Click here to go Premium for $9.99/year.

If you have questions, comments or feedback about how to maximize the nutrient density of a ketogenic diet, then leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just freakin' tired of all the tablets, capsules, pills, powders and oils. And bottles. Lots and lots of plastic bottles scattered everywhere.

I distinctly remember the day I finally decided something needed to change. It was when I swung open the door of my refrigerator to dive into my daily regimen of vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients, micronutrients, fish oils...

...and I realized it was getting overwhelming. Sure, it was better living through science, but it was anything but simple.

I'm sure you've experienced the same thing.

You open what seems like nearly a dozen different bottles to launch into your morning supplement regimen....

...or you pack your suitcase to travel and struggle to prioritize which bottles to shove into your limited suitcase space...

...or you spend an inordinate amount of your precious time tracking, ordering and restocking your vitamin D or your fish oil, or your greens, or your multi-vitamin or your minerals or your antioxidants or your amino acids...

You get the idea. Supplement clutter, supplement confusion and utter lack of supplement simplicity.

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Now don't get me wrong. I don't think supplements are an inconvenient and unnecessary curse that should simply all be tossed out.

There is certainly evidence that consuming nutrients from a healthy diet can be more beneficial than relying strictly upon supplements, but even if you're eating a “healthy” diet, studies have shown that it is nearly impossible in our modern era to get all our nutrients, vitamins and minerals only from food. For example, a recent paper by scientists from the Council for Responsible Nutrition in Washington reports:

"Large portions of the population had total usual intakes below the estimated average requirement for vitamins A (35%), C (31%), D (74%), and E (67%) as well as calcium (39%) and magnesium (46%). Only 0%, 8%, and 33% of the population had total usual intakes of potassium, choline, and vitamin K above the adequate intake when food and multivitamin use was considered. The percentage of the population with total intakes greater than the tolerable upper intake level (UL) was very low for all nutrients..."

"...Conclusions: In large proportions of the population, micronutrient sufficiency is currently not being achieved through food solutions for several essential vitamins and minerals. Use of age- and gender-specific multivitamin supplements may serve as a practical means to increase the micronutrient status in subpopulations of Americans while not increasing intakes above the upper intake level."

So how on earth could this be? Is the planet broken or something?

There's actually nine reasons for the failure of modern diets to supply our bodies with all the nutrients we need.

First, modern commercial farming practices strip our precious soil of nutrients. When plants are repeatedly grown on the same land for year-after-year (a relatively new phenomenon in agriculture that beats up our land but gives us lots and lots of calories), the overused soil loses it's nutrients faster than they can be replaced.  Over time, the plants have fewer nutrients to grow, so the farmers are forced to fertilize.  Fertilizer does indeed contain enough nutrition for a plant to survive until harvesting, but not enough nutrients to support your body's nutrient needs. As discussed in the excellent book "Not On The Label: What Really Goes Into The Food On Your Plate", this results in plants that up to 75% fewer micronutrients. This problem is compounded by the fact that most plants are not harvested fresh, and the nutrients degrade as they often sit on airplanes, trucks, shelves, and counters for weeks before they arrive on your plate.

Second, most modern fruits and vegetables are grown for maximum sugar calories, and not maximum nutrients, and because of this much of your fresh produce that us humans would have historically relied upon for nutrients are instead artificially high in calories, fructose and other sugars while being low in nutrients.  And of course, this is all passed on to the animals (including you!) that are eating the plants. For example, one study in the Journal of Nutrition and Health found copper levels have dropped by 90% in dairy, 55% in meat, and 76% in vegetables!

Third, pesticides are making this problem even worse.  Because polyphenols are produced as a defense against bugs and pathogens, plants exposed to pesticides will be lower in precious polyphenols compared to organic ones. To make matters even more frustrating, even if you buy organic plants, this is no guarantee that they haven't been exposed to pesticides! So unless you're going out of your way to grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables in a pristine backyard garden which contains soil that you've treated with added minerals, you are at a huge risk for malnourishment and nutrient deficiency that adversely affects your performance, fat loss, recovery, digestion, brain, sleep, and hormone balance.

Fourth, it's not just nutrient-poor plants that are affecting the nutrient status of the actual animals we rely upon for food, but it's also what many of those animals are being fed - especially grains. Compared to grass-fed meat, grain-fed meat is lower in antioxidants, micronutrients, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, but unfortunately, eating high-quality, organic grass-fed (and grass-finished) meat, pastured pork and naturally raised poultry is simply not a reality for many people living in urban environments or frequently traveling.

Fifth, the nutrients in your food aren't the only things that are disappearing - your liquids are being affected too. Unless you're drinking from your own well, or relying upon fancy mineralized water such as Pellegrino, Perrier and Gerolsteiner, your bottled water, filter water and tap water is also often stripped of precious minerals - and if does indeed contain adequate minerals, these are typically accompanied by enormous levels of flouride and chlorine. So this means that unless you want to spend lots and lots of money on fancy water, you are stuck in a situation where you must filter your water to get rid of the dangerous stuff, then figure out other methods, such as supplementation, to get the minerals you'd normally be getting from the water.

Unfortunately, milk is not much better than water. The majority of nutrients in milk are found in the fat, so while organic raw, unpasteurized, full-fat dairy is high in nutrients, most of us simply don't have ready access to it, especially at the typical grocery store.  In addition, pasteurization can destroy many of the nutrients in both skim and full fat milk.  Modern, conventional milk and other dairy products from grain-fed cattle can also be higher in aflatoxin and other mycotoxins, which increases your nutrient needs even more, creating a vicious cycle.

So whether it's due to nutrient-poor plants, nutrient-poor animals, nutrient-poor milk, or nutrient-poor water, most diets are now so micronutrient deficient that they require on average 27,575 calories to supply all the essential nutrients that you need. In other words, in our modern era, you would need to be stuffing your face all day long to actually get what your body needs, and this does not into account the fact that if you are trying to lose weight by restricting calories or if you are a physically active person like a triathlete, marathoner, Crossfitter, weightlifter, or other exercise enthusiast, then your risk of nutrient deficiency is going to be even higher! 

In other words, if you are A) trying to lose weight by not stuffing your body full of excessive calories or B) an athlete  or physically active person, then you're pretty much guaranteed to be at a constantly malnourished nutrient deficit (unless you figure out a way to somehow squeeze in all those added nutrients). The older you get, the fewer nutrients you absorb, so as you age, the worse things become. And that's reasons six (weight loss), seven (exercise) and eight (age) that you may need a little help over and above what you'd get from food.

So let's say you dig a well, grow your own produce, milk your own goats, eat strictly grass-fed meat and wild-caught fish, you're relatively young and you avoid excessive physical activity or calorie restriction for weight loss. Then you're safe, right? No added nutrients necessary, right?

The unfortunate ninth fact is that unless you live on a pristine mountaintop in the Himalayas, you're exposed every day to airborne pollutants, xenoestrogens from plastics and BPA, environmental toxins, mold, industrial solvents, electromagnetic fields, heavy metals, fluorescent lighting, constant stress, sleep disruption and a host of other modern-day assailants upon your biology. Your body simply wasn't mean to deal with these physiological stressors - all of which vastly increase your need for nutrients to help you fight the daily battle.

So for the nine reasons above - depleted soil, nutrient-poor produce, pesticides, conventional meat, subpar water and milk, weight loss, physical activity, age, and our modern post-industrial living environment, you definitely shouldn't throw out all your supplements.

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So this was the conundrum I found myself in two years ago as I stood in front of my refrigerator door and sighed in frustration at the dizzying array of supplements and bottles.

I knew that because of my extremely active lifestyle and the other reasons I just listed that I couldn't and shouldn't just throw out all my supplements.

I knew that I needed to keep my precious nutrients topped off for better performance, faster recovery, optimized fat burning, clean digestion, superior mental focus, better sleep and hormone balance...

...but I also knew that I was sick and tired of having to lug around a bunch of bottles, painstakingly use a weekly pill box to keep track of my supplements like an old man tracks his medication, and constantly be headed over to Amazon or some other website to re-order something I was running low in. 

And then there was that gnawing worry at the back of my mind that any of these supplements I was ingesting could be laced with something like chemicals, toxins, metals or illegal-performance enhancing drugs that could potentially damage my body, put pie in my face and get me banned from competing in a sanctioned sport like triathlon.

I wanted better living through science.

But I also desperately needed more simplicity.

And I knew that somewhere, somehow, there must be a way to have both: the ultimate combination of science and simplicity.

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At that point, I embarked upon my quest to discover the greatest multivitamin on the face of the planet - something that could cover all my bases from a nutrient standpoint without requiring a dizzying, inconvenient and exhausting array of pills, bottles and packets. After all, that's kind of the definition of a multivitamin, right? It supposed to cover multiple needs.

As a nutritionist, personal trainer, exercise physiologist and strength and conditioning coach with strict standards about what I find acceptable for myself or my clients to ingest, I also had a very distinct set of criteria that I knew a multivitamin must have - seven criteria to be precise...

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My Multivitamin Criteria #1: Capsules, Not Tablets

Before completely shoving tablets under the bus, I'll acknowledge the two benefits tablets possess.

First, because tablets are pressed together so hard, more nutrients can fill the same amount of space than you can put into a capsule. Second, it’s cheaper to make tablets than capsules. There are several drawbacks, however, to using tablets.

First, tablets are much harder to digest. Because tablets are packed together so tightly and need far more binders and diluents to keep them together, it takes much longer for them to break down in the digestive system.

A capsule, on the other hand, breaks down within just minutes of hitting your digestive tract. This is important because of the little known fact that most of the nutrients in a multivitamin actually need to be absorbed in your stomach. When a tablet takes too long to break down in the stomach, and passes on to your intestinal tract, its content will be far less broken down and absorbed.

And that means expensive pee.

Tablets also need lots of extra nasty ingredients, such as binders, lubricants, coatings, disintegrants, and other excipients. These ingredients must be added to make the tablet stay together, to make the tablet shiny, and to make the tablet break apart.

Tablet press machines compact the powdered nutrients together (that have already been mixed with binders and lubricants) with a tremendous amount of force. Then, to make the tablets shiny and easier to swallow, the tablets are often sprayed with coatings such as shellac (just like the shellac found on furniture but instead labeled “pharmaceutical glaze”) or coated with “vegetable protein,” (most often a protein derived from GMO corn).

Yuk. I'll take a capsule, please.

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My Multivitamin Criteria #2: One Morning Dose & One Evening Dose

Your body needs nutrients throughout the course of the day, not just one huge shotgun dose when you get out of bed in the morning or before you go to bed at night. So I needed to find a multivitamin designed in such a way that it delivered important nutrients for daily metabolism and activity in the morning dose, and important nutrients for recovery, rest, and sleep in the evening dose, but without a dizzying array of capsules.

I'll admit that it does take slightly more discipline to take a multivitamin twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening – but it’s a much better way to deliver the optimal nutrients at the optimal times throughout the day.

After all, you'd rarely eat only breakfast or only dinner, right? I figure if I can handle at least two meals, I can handle two supplement doses - as long it's not a dozen different bottles of stuff.

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My Multivitamin Criteria #3: Low Number of Capsules

One extremely inconvenient factor in most multivitamin formulas out there is the number of capsules necessary for daily use if you truly are going to be able to get all the nutrients that you need from a single formula.

I think that taking three capsules in the morning and three capsules in the evening is practical and doable for me. Anything less than the six capsules per day can significantly reduce the efficacy of a multivitamin formula, but once you get over six capsules, it becomes a pain to manage, difficult to swallow, and a hassle to travel with.

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My Multivitamin Criteria #4: Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly Capsules

Most capsule-based multivitamins use capsules made from bovine gelatin - that's cow. And although I do not personally eat a plant-based diet, I have many clients who are either vegan or vegetarian. So I wanted the actual capsule material to be made from the best alternative to cattle-based bovine gelatin. The ideal answer would be a capsule made of cellulose, which is a natural, vegetable-based material, and is pure plant fiber (usually from pine trees).

In other words, I know it's important to many of my clients and friends that no animals be harmed in the formulation of a good multivitamin.

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My Multivitamin Criteria #5: No Magnesium Stearate or Other Nasty Fillers

Magnesium stearate is probably the most common flowing agent that you will find in the “Other Ingredients” section on the Supplement Facts box on any multivitamin label. Magnesium stearate is a lubricant that is used to manufacture nutritional supplements to help powders flow through manufacturing equipment faster. It allows more tablets to be manufactured per hour and is therefore a cost-savings choice for a manufacturer.

However, studies have shown that magnesium stearate can reduce the absorption rate of some nutrients. It literally wraps around nutrients and keeps them from being absorbed in the digestive tract.

So although magnesium stearate is not necessarily harmful, it can vastly reduce the effectiveness of the nutritional supplements that you are taking.

Instead, I'd rather see a multivitamin use something like calcium laurate, which helps powders flow through the manufacturing equipment, but is a completely naturally-occurring material that does not inhibit absorption. Calcium laurate is not as effective of a flowing agent as magnesium stearate is, so products can’t be manufactured as fast, but it can certainly get the job done without the need to use magnesium stearate.

When it is necessary to fill the capsule with something in addition to a nutrient or botanical, I'd rather see a multivitamin manufacturer use magnesium citrate, a the pure element reacted with pure citric acid; cellulose, a pure plant fiber, magnesium citrate-laurate, a pure element reacted with citric acid and lauric acid (a small fat molecule that does not inhibit absorption), silica, a pure element found in sand, and the amino acid leucine.

Any of these fillers are completely natural and allow you to take a multivitamin without worrying about unnatural or harmful ingredients you might be ingesting.

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My Multivitamin Criteria #6: No GMO's

For  personal health and longevity reasons, and for consideration of the earth's environment, I avoid like the plague any product that contains Genetically Modified Organisms (known as GMOs). Unfortunately, most multivitamins contain GMO-laden ingredients - as well as corn, gluten, and some of the other nasty fillers mentioned earlier.

This requires that any multivitamin I would ever use would need to closely analyzed by the manufacturer and guaranteed to be absolutely certain that none of ingredients are derived from GMO sources nor that they utilize GMOs in their production.

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My Multivitamin Criteria #7: Certified to Have No Banned Ingredients

As I mentioned, it's very important to me that any supplement I take is not only CGMP certified (manufactured in a certified good manufacturing practices facility to ensure purity), but is also free of any ingredients that would get me banned from competing in triathlons, or taint my body with unnatural steroids or hormones.

For years, I've been under the impression that something called an "NSF For Sport" certification was the strictest, third-party verification standard by which to judge whether a supplement contains these potentially illegal or banned ingredients.

Turns out, I was wrong.  

There's something even more strict than NSF. And that is Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the pharmaceutical regulatory agency of Australia. Considered the toughest regulatory agency in the world, the TGA inspection and certification is conducted at a pharmaceutical level standard. Yes, that means the supplements certified by the TGA are verified to be as pure as an actual pharmaceutical drug.

For me to hold a multivitamin to as strict a standard as a TGA certification would be tough. Only a handful of U.S. companies are able to achieve the status of holding a TGA certification and there is really only one dietary supplement company in the U.S. that ever has completed all three strict levels of a TGA certification, since the certification requires not only a review of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) every two years, but also on-site inspection of every aspect of a multivitamin's quality control, laboratory procedures, pharmaceutical good manufacturing practices, and standard operating procedures.

But that's not all.

I'd also prefer for a multivitamin to be certified by Informed Choice. Informed Choice requires five samples from three different production runs of product to be tested, which would further guarantee, because of extremely rigid raw material and finished product testing and production procedures, absolutely no ingredient banned by any amateur or professional organization.

In other words, I want rock-solid, bulletproof confidence that I can hand any multivitamin that I endorse or personally use to the best athlete on the face of the planet with zero reservations about whether or not the multivitamin is pure or might get them banned.

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I also know that there are notoriously neglected ingredients in most multivitamin complexes that make them barely scratch the surface of your true nutrient needs, especially if you're a hard charging athlete, exercise enthusiast, an aging person, a busy professional living a CEO-esque lifestyle, or anyone else with advanced nutrient needs.

Take Vitamin D, for example. The 200-400IU of Vitamin D found in most popular multivitamins is basically enough to keep a child from getting rickets. This is not even close enough to support optimal hormonal balance and physical or mental performance. Problem is, the multivitamins that actually do indeed have the 2000+IU per day of Vitamin D that I like to see do not include optimal amounts of Vitamin A or Vitamin K to allow for ideal absorption and utilization of Vitamin D, or reduced risk of Vitamin D toxicity.

Or take Vitamin K - a crucial fat soluble vitamin usually found in complete zero amounts in a multivitamin. The body actually needs nearly 400mcg per day of Vitamin K to support bone health, calcium and magnesium balance, and vitamin D absorption, among a host of other metabolic and immune-boosting functions. Yet strangely enough, it's not included at all in most multivitamins.

So what else is neglected in most multivitamins that I searched for on my quest to find the greatest multivitamin on the face of the planet?

1. Vitamin B6, B12 and B2 In The Correct Form

The bioactive form of Vitamin B6 is Pyridoxal 5’-Phosphate. But the most common form found in most multivitamins is Pyridoxine HCl, which is not the active form of Vitamin B6. So the Pyridoxal 5’-Phosphate is a must-have in my opinion. The most common form of Vitamin B12 used in nutritional supplements and processed foods is cyanocobalamin. Cyanocobalamin, however, is absorbed at a much lower rate than methylcobalamin, which is the form of vitamin B12 that a multivitamin should actually have. Riboflavin 5’-Phosphate is the bioactive form of vitamin B2, but unfortunately Riboflavin HCl is the form commonly used in multivitamins, and that form needs to be converted in an extra step in the liver to the active form. Why do most multivitamins cut corners on these forms of Vitamin B? They're either uninformed, or going for the cheap alternative.

2. Folate In The Correct Form 

Folic acid is the most common form of folate used in nutritional supplements and fortified foods. However, a significant percentage of the population has trouble converting folic acid to folate, which is the natural form found in foods and in the body. A good multivitamin should use a form of folate called  l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate to ensure folate is absorbed. It does cost considerably more than folic acid, but again, I only want a multivitamin with ingredients that work - not that just look pretty on a label and then give me expensive pee.

3. Minerals That Are Actually Absorbable

Minerals by themselves are poorly absorbed, but when bound to an amino acid (also called a "mineral chelate") they are absorbed much better. Technically the most absorbable form of a mineral is the bisglycinate chelate form, and to avoid the minerals in a multivitamin simply creating expensive pee, I would specifically like to see calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, chromium, and molybdenum minerals in a chelated form.

4. Curcumin That Is Actually Absorbable

Curcumin is one of my favorite supplements, and has received a lot of attention recently as a potent natural anti-inflammatory nutrient that can control brain and muscle inflammation, positively affect muscle health, joint structure and function, and antioxidant activity in the gut, liver, and heart. But the trouble with most curcumin ingredients is that they are extremely poorly absorbed. However, there is one form of curcumin called the phytosome form which was developed by the researchers in Milan, Italy, and has been shown to be absorbed 29 times better than a standard curcumin extract. This is the only form of curcumin that I'd like to see in a multivitamin.

5. Green Tea Extract That Is Actually Absorbable

Green tea is another powerful antioxidant that has been shown to have a mild effect on raising metabolic rate and improving fat oxidation. But like standard curcumin extracts, standard green tea extracts are not well absorbed either. But the same researchers who discovered the curcumin phyotosome have also developed green tea phytosome, which provides a much better absorbed form of green tea extract, and would also ideally be in a multivitamin.

6. Adaptogens

Stress-fighting adaptogens are another notoriously missing component of most multivitamins, but in our hectic era are a must-have for sleep, de-stressing and hormone balance. One of the most potent adaptogenic compounds that I discovered in my multivitamin research to both lower cortisol levels and raise testosterone levels is called "Relora", and is a blend of magnolia officinalis and phellodendron amurense. If added to a multivitamin, it could also help curb cravings and stress-related eating, and help calm the mind and support rest and relaxation prior to bedtime. As a high intensity guy, this addition would be a very important to me as a necessary multivitamin ingredient.

Remember - this all comes down to simplicity. This means that if you or I can't get our hands on a capsule-based, pure and safe, minimalist and simple multivitamin that provides everything I just described above...

...then it means we are instead forced to buy 6, 8, 10 or 12 different supplements to supply our daily nutrient needs and fill in all the "holes" the multivitamin isn't giving.

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So that's what I've been doing over the past two years.

I have been taking a deep, deep dive into educating myself on the wide world of nutrients, supplements, ingredients, fillers, formulations, encapsulation technology and every aspect that goes into creating a multivitamin.

And I have literally been pulling my hair out and hitting dead-end after dead-end as I have been trying to hunt down something that meets my strict quality criteria for a multivitamin.

Of course, I have also found it incredibly frustrating when my clients, or readers, or podcast listeners or me have to simply keep on taking a crazy number of supplements or buying an unbelievable number of bottles and spending inordinate amounts of money when it's so straightforward to see what a multivitamin that meets all our daily nutrients needs should really have (and not have!) in it.

I've even gone so far as to consider simply hunting down the raw ingredients and formulating my own multivitamin.

But frankly, I'm an author, an athlete and a teacher - and don't fancy myself as a supplement manufacturer. I just don't have a desire to get into that business.  I simply want a multivitamin that I can, with a clear conscience, recommend to you and also take myself. Is that asking too much?

And then it happened.

During one of the dozens and dozens of phone calls I made and countless hours attempting to hunt down the perfect multivitamin formulation, a raw ingredient manufacturer informed me of the existence of a new multivitamin formulation created by a company called "Thorne Research", in Dover, Idaho.

That's right - just 60 miles from the front door of my house, in the tiny town of Dover, Idaho, are the Thorne Research facilities (pictured below). After months and months of searching, it turns out the solution could possibly be right in my own backyard.

For over 30 years, Thorne Research has set the standard for exceptional formulations, quality and purity in the dietary supplement industry - and is considered the most respected nutritional supplements brand in the healthcare practitioner space.

That's right - this is is the stuff physicians use with their patients. I'd actually heard of Thorne before, but always knew it was just for the fancy doctors and clinicians so I couldn't really access it or use it.

So until recently, none of the coveted Thorne Research products were available for me or any other personal trainer to actually recommend to our clients, readers or listeners. Instead, these high-quality, private formulations were only available for physicians or dietitians to use with their patients, and only for certified health care providers to use with their clients.

But then, in January 2014, Thorne Research created a new branch called "ThorneFX".

ThorneFX was specifically designed to address the growing demand of fitness experts like me who are seeking a solution for our clients, but don't have the privileged access to the fancy formulations that normally only a doctor or clinician would be able to prescribe or order.

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So I thought it was pretty interesting (and exciting) that I now had access to some of the highest quality formulations on the face of the planet, produced in a facility just an hour's drive from my house.

But it turned out there was even more good news.

I also discovered that when Thorne Research created the ThorneFX branch, they had not just created a multivitamin formulation but they had specifically left no stone unturned to launch the most powerful, absorbable multivitamin on the face of the planet. This was a multivitamin that possibly met all of my strict criteria, but that previously had never been available to the general population unless their doctor or dietitian knew about it.

It's called the Multi AM/PM Complex, and I immediately got my hands on it. Upon closer inspection and using it for 30 days, I instantly knew that this is not your typical multivitamin.

Formulated with superior forms of vitamins and minerals, Multi AM/PM Complex is actually two unique formulations - an AM formula is designed to support daytime energy, and a PM formula designed to support better rest and recovery in the evening. Some of the key differentiators in Multi AM/PM Complex include:

-Vitamins K1 and K2 (most use only K1 or no K2 at all). 

-Natural folate (5-MTHF) instead of folic acid. 

-Methylcobalamin instead of cyancobalamin. 

-Chelated minerals to ensure optimal absorption.

-Higher dose of magnesium and calcium than typically found in a multivitamin.

-Curcumin Phytosome (curcumin complexed with phosphatidylcholine for superior bioavailability)

-Green Tea Phytosome (green tea complexed with phosphatidylcholine for superior bioavailability)

-Relora, a blend of adaptogenic plant extracts to aid in relaxation, curb late-night cravings, and balance cortisol, testosterone and DHEA levels. 

The Multi AM / PM Complex (pictured below) literally satisfies every criteria I require in a multivitamin: all the notoriously neglected ingredients, a TGA and Informed Choice certification, no GMO's, no nasty fillers and ingredients, a capsule instead of a tablet...everything.

I couldn't believe when I first found out about the new formulation.

Three easy capsules in the morning, three in the evening.

Boom.

Simple science.

My quest was over.

Mission accomplished.

See for yourself - below are the label and full ingredients.

Morning dose - three capsules contain:

Evening dose, three capsules contain:

The science is obviously there - every nutrient your body needs.

But the simplicity is so amazingly refreshing - especially when I pack to travel and literally have one morning bottle and one evening bottle to toss into my suitcase - and of course, a heck of a lot of extra space in my refrigerator.

Better yet, if you need some icing on the cake - such as anything extra added in like some extra fish oil, pre-workout amino acids, an added shot of Vitamin D, a vegan protein powder, a whey protein powder, a highly absorbable form of iron, a tasty drinkable fish oil complex for the kiddos - ThorneFX has all that too, with the same huge, unparalleled quality that I've never been able to find before.

It's like a one-stop shop for everything I have ever looked for or wanted in a nutrition supplements line.

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So that's it: pure and simple.

I have never before been able to recommend a complete multivitamin that satisfies all my criteria. And I have always had a refrigerator full of a bunch of bottles.

But now the problem is solved.

And yes, this means that the ThorneFX Multi AM/PM Complex is now my recommended, go-to source for the ultimate combination of science and simplicity. Furthermore, the entire ThorneFX line is now something I back, endorse, vouch for and am now using in my own personal daily routine with great success.

And the best thing yet? 

An entire month of the Multi AM/PM Complex is just 34 bucks.

You heard me right: 34 dollars.

So rather than forking over hundred of dollars for bottle after bottle of fancy supplements, powders, tablets, pills, and oils, you get one multivitamin that hits all your needs for a mere fraction of the price. Go ahead - spend that extra money you were blowing on 10 different supplements on a fancy steak dinner or chock it away for your kid's college or your next car.

Of course, if you're familiar with me, my podcast, or articles I've written in the past, then you may be wondering...

...what about the other supplements I've previously recommended?

What about TianChi?

What about Supergreens?

What about my Gut Fixing Pack, Endurance Pack or Fat Burning Pack?

The good news is that all of these are still available and still consist of specific ingredients that I may use with certain clients or recommend in certain situations when the need arises. After all, everything I have recommended in the past is all excellent, extremely high-quality stuff, and if you're happy with what you're currently using...then that's fine!

But for science, simplicity, peace of mind, and some extra room in my refrigerator and my suitcase, I am moving in the direction of shifting nearly my entire personal supplement protocol to ThorneFX - and specifically what I have discovered to be the greatest multivitamin on the face of the planet: the Multi AM/PM Complex.

Leave your questions over on the blog post for this episode, feel free to ask me about how to use or implement any of the ThorneFX supplements into your current protocol, and leave any questions about any substitutions or replacements for other supplements you're currently taking. I promise to personally respond and walk you through everything.

Enjoy the new simplicity in your life!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Premium episode, you get to sit in and hear Ben Greenfield analyze the diet of a professional athlete he works with. If you like what you hear, you can also have Ben analyze your diet and do a consult with you over at http://pacificfit.net/items/one-on-one-consultation/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You spend countless hours training, working out, and buffeting your body...

...and thousands of dollars on gym equipment, training equipment, health supplements, healthy food, and if you're a triathlete marathoner, cyclist, adventure racer, obstacle racer or anything like that, travel and race entry fees too...

...but if you're overlooking your hormone health, you're often either taking two steps forward and one step back, or stagnating in your performance and fitness, or worse yet, backsliding in your results!

Go take a look at the results from your last workout or event. What was the time gap between you and the top of your category, beating your last workout, or making the progress you wanted?

5%? 10%?

Here's the important thing you need to know - your hormones could be holding you back. And an optimal level of cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen and melatonin could easily be the difference that changes your body, your sleep, your libido, your energy and your training and racing season.

It's time to learn how to make a difference, and to discover the 8 signs that your cortisol and adrenals may be broken.

So in today's podcast, I am joined today by two of the founders of the functional medicine practice Nourish Balance Thrive. Christopher Kelly is a Pro mountain biker, certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner and a recent graduate of the Kalish Institute.

Along with Christopher, I interview Dr. Jamie Busch, also a Pro mountain biker. Jamie is board certified in Family Medicine and by the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. During this episode, you'll learn about how to recognize adrenal stress, how to test adrenal stress, and what you can do about it.

Christopher has also given you seven simple signs below that can help you decide if it’s time to get to know your adrenals a little more intimately.

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Been a long time since you woke up, um, excited? Finding yourself coming up with lots of reasons you really need to just ‘get some sleep?’ Yeah, it’s not fun, and it’s not normal, even for athletes. Sex hormones pay the price of increased adrenal hormone output, which is directly affected by proper digestion, nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, sleep patterns, amount of training, pretty much everything. Testing your adrenals along with your sex hormones tells you exactly what you need to do to get yourself back on track.

You drag yourself out of bed but really you’d rather hit the snooze button. A coffee outage is a major crisis. The rest of the morning is not too bad, but fatigue sets in soon after lunch. What a wonderful time to take a nap! You don’t get as excited about working out as you used to, but feel much better after a really long warm up. These are all signs of cortisol dysregulation. Cortisol follows a diurnal rhythm, highest first thing an hour or so before sunrise, reaching a nadir a couple of hours after bed, but that doesn’t mean that first thing should be your most energetic time of the day, instead you should perceive a consistent level of energy throughout.

You’ve just had lunch and yet you’re still hankering for another handful of nuts or maybe one of those gluten-free Paleo bars. You have a standing date with the office snack pantry and coffee machine at 3PM. Cortisol affects carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism, and low cortisol nearly always means low energy. Eating for symptom relief always leads to weight gain, especially in the presence of other hormonal imbalances.

On rest days you sleep like a baby, but every other day is pretty hit or miss. Race day? Forget it, no rest for the wicked. Wired and tired. All. Night. Long. The half life of cortisol is hours, and high cortisol means high energy and low melatonin, the sleep hormone. In addition, training might not be your only source of stress. High nighttime cortisol can also be associated with an infection, or GI pathogen like H. pylori or Blastocystis hominis.

You’re losing interest in strength training because you’re just not seeing the gains. If you really go for it the delayed onset soreness affects your other training for days. DHEA and testosterone are essential for long term muscle building projects, and over producing cortisol will always lead to low levels of both because they are produced from the same precursors. It makes perfect sense to favor the stress response over building new lean muscle. Your body doesn’t need new muscle if you might not even survive the day.

You’ve started collecting more insurance bills than race medals every season. You keep getting injured, and you don’t even know how. Cortisol is hormone designed to liquidate your assets, and overproducing it leads to excessive breaking down. Too much breaking down leads to injury. Not to mention the inflammation and reduced ability to recover from said injuries.

Really dreading that race food. Runner’s trots. On the bike isn’t much better. Oh the bloating, the bloating is the worst. In the presence of stress, digestion is inhibited. There isn't enough time to derive the energetic benefits of the slow process of digestion so why waste energy on it? Chronically over producing cortisol leads to chronically poor digestion, sometimes through lowered immunity and infection.

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Any one of these scenarios can be the start of a vicious cycle. Athletes and busy, hard-charging individuals alike place a heavy burden on the adrenal system, so it’s even more important to figure it all out. Establishing a baseline can save you tons of time trying to pinpoint every little sign and symptom, it will allow you to start and end the season at a place of health. The best part? Figuring it out isn’t hard. This one simple saliva test that we discuss in today's podcast, and the help of a well trained practitioner, allowed me to design a diet, lifestyle and supplement protocol which after just six months showed some quite remarkable improvement. For example: DHEA-S ng/ml: before 1.75 after 7.6 (+434%), Testosterone pg/mL: before 62.9 after 109 (+173%). As regular readers of BenGreenfieldfitness will know, long term supplementation with hormones is a bad idea. Supplement with testosterone, and first you’ll get disqualified if you are racing or competing, and next, your body will downregulate its own endogenous production and sensitivity to it. A more intelligent solution then would be to uncover and address the root causes of the stress that appears on the test result. Each individual is unique, but a good protocol should take into account eating to maximise nutritional density, getting sufficient rest, a well thought out training program, and lab-based supplementation.

For me, there were far more than seven signs that I needed to get to know my adrenals, but it turned out to be the single most important training exercise I may have ever done.

If you have questions about about this or other tests, then leave your comments at BenGreenfieldFitness.com, and I promise to answer!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/281

May 7, 2014 Podcast: Are weeds healthy to eat, Resistance Bands vs. Free Weights, MCT Oil Allergies, Low T4 and Low T3 with Normal TSH, Natural Remedies for Night Sweats.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right, use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form...but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Ben talks about his coffee enema. If you are a member of the Inner Circle and want to "prep early" for this month's coffee enema workshop, then get this stainless steel enema kit and some mold-free, toxin-free coffee. You may want to review these coffee enema resources too!
• This is why my “morning workout” is simply a bit of journaling, deep breathing and yoga. Save the hard stuff for later when u can.
• DIY Magnesium BiCarbonate recipe - good for what ails ya!
• Want to get the aerobic benefits of HIIT training - particularly mitochondria density increase? Then use SHORT rest periods.

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The brand new Obstacle Dominator podcast is launching! Whether you're just wanting to get started in obstacle course racing or you want to dominate your next race, leave your Spartan, Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, Tough Guy, Dirty Dash or any other obstacle racing question at ObstacleDominator.com.

The "How A Top Silicon Valley Executive Lost 40 Pounds of Fat And Became A Kettlebell Swinging, Paddleboarding, Semi-Pro Tennis Player With 8-Pack Abs" podcast episode with Paul Sebastien, just went live on Premium access. Get it (and over 350 additional audios, videos and PDF's) by clicking here to go Premium for just $9.99 a year!

The Thyroid Sessions went live on May 5 - where Ben is speaking on "How Exercise Destroys Your Thyroid And What You Can Do About It". The frustration and misinformation surrounding thyroid problems needs to stop. An estimated 30 million people in the US and 200 million worldwide have a thyroid disorder — only half have been properly diagnosed. And even less are receiving proper treatment. Unfortunately, the real answers are not offered by their medical practitioners and seldom covered by insurance. That’s why Sean Croxton traveled the country to interview a dozen of the leading functional medicine doctors, nutritionists, and real food chefs for a free online screening called The Thyroid Sessions. And you can click here register today to watch them for FREE!

Ben is now uploading both is weekly workout logs and diet photos to the Inner Circle. Every week Ben discover new exercises, workout tactics, fat loss tricks, biohacks, deep sleep tips, detoxes, recipes, supplements, etc. - but people often feel like they’re “behind the curve” - constantly trying to wrap their heads around what’s working best at any given time, or what’s going to be best for them and their bodies. In Ben's monthly Inner Circle video workshops and diet and exercise logs, he and his wife Jessa teach you exactly “what’s working now”, so that you can stay on the razor-sharp, cutting-edge of fitness, nutrition and lifestyle optimization. When it comes to “assembling” everything that Ben talks about in the podcast, books, etc. into an easy-to-implement system, the Inner Circle is the way to do that. Click here to try it out now for 10 bucks a month!

Get a free gift 2 hour Beyond Training LIVE support video workshop with Ben Greenfield! Click here to upload a photo of you holding more than one copy of your brand new Beyond Training Book, along with your name and e-mail below, and we’ll make the magic happen for you!

Men's Health is launching a search for the next big name in fitness. They're looking for the best trainer that they haven’t yet discovered – a fitness professional who is a top mind in the field, but who also looks the part, and who has the ability to captivate any audience. Click here to vote for Ben to be the Men's Health Top Trainer or visit BenGreenfieldFitness.com/menshealth.

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

-----------------------------------------------------

As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast Sidekick/Ninja.

Adam asks: He lives in Newcastle, Australia and is wondering what common garden weeds are eatable and if any of them are worth picking. Could some of these weeds actually be more nutrient dense than things like the kale he gets from the green grocer?

Ben asks: For exercise in general are resistance bands better? For strength training are free weights better?

Sandy asks: She spilled some MCT oil (Upgraded Brain Octane) the other day and wiped it up with her hands. She then noticed that the back of her hands are covered in hives or bumps. If she is having a topical allergic reaction to the MCT Oil, would she also be having an internal allergic reaction? She uses other coconut products and doesn't have an issue. If it is effecting her internally, how would she know?

Thyroid asks: He recently got diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism but "in reverse". His T4 was low at 3.6 and T3 was low at 1.6 but his TSH was 1.25 (Testosterone was fine). Have you seen this before? Do you know any way to reverse this problem.

Todd asks: He recently read an article about the ink that is used in tattoos. Apparently the nanoparticles can cause health problems down the line. What are you feelings about this?

Tyler asks: He is a fast marathoner who eats paleo/ancestral and follows a 40% carb, 30% protein, 30% fat diet. His training is 80-90kms per week plus 2 to 3 hours of strength & core work. He has noticed lately that he is waking up 2 or 3 times a night to pee. When he wakes up, he also noticed that the sheets are wet from back sweat. He rarely drinks alcohol and limits his liquid intake after 8pm (goes to bed at 10pm). He sleeps well and has never had these issues in the past. Could this be from stress, workout load or the lowered carb intake? His blood work has come back with everything in the normal range. He also feels and looks great.

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love!--

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Sebastien is one of the top executives in Silicon Valley, currently Chief Marketing Officer at a division of T-Mobile after his startup was acquired, and previously held leadership roles at Microsoft's Xbox Live division, Disney Mobile, and has had three of his former startups acquired. He's also gone from not picking up a tennis racquet since he was a kid all the way to playing semi-pro level tennis at age 46 in his spare time.

And he's lost 40 pounds of fat, added muscle he never thought was possible, and looks and feels younger now than he did 15 years ago.

So what does a successful Silicon Valley executive who's also become a semi-professional tennis player while losing 40 pounds, adding muscle, looking and feeling 15 years younger as the most important factors, above all else?

In this episode, you'll discover the exact changes Paul has made to his diet and exercise, and some smart biohacking he implements every day.

Resources:

-Carb Backloading

-Bitter Melon Extract

-Fat Magic Garcinia Cambogia

-F.lux app

-F.lux app for iPhone

-Paul's LinkedIn page

-Paul's Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Do you feel guilty or anxious when you're not working?

Have you stopped playing with your friends?

Do all of your daily activities revolve around building a more successful career?

Are you sitting still and staring at screens for most of your waking hours?

Do you interact with people primarily through screens?

Are you always sleeping fewer than eight hours per night?

Are you consuming stimulants multiple times per day to hide your exhaustion?

Are you indoors all day long, depriving yourself of fresh air and sunlight?

Do you depend on alcohol or drugs to cope with social situations outside of work?

My podcast guest today - Charlie Hoehn, author of the book "Play It Away: A Workaholic's Cure For Anxiety"- has been there, and he knows what that lifestyle is like.

Shallow breathing, tension in the gut, chest pains, rapid heartbeat...

...every moment is exhausting, crushing, and painful. Eventually, anxiety destroys your confidence, your productivity, your relationships, and your ability to enjoy life. The worst part is the gnawing sense that you’ll never feel happy again. Fear no more. You can put an end to your suffering. You can start living again. And it’s not as hard as you think...

In today's podcast, we cover Charlie's entire journey: what caused his anxiety, the “A-ha!” moment that led to his cure and how he got his life back. In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The key breakthrough that allowed Charlie to enjoy life again...
• Charlie's step-by-step plan for healing anxiety without drugs...
• How Charlie turned non-stop worrying into background noise...
• Charlie's unusual technique for stopping panic attacks...
• Why “anchors” fuel anxiety, and how to remove them...
• How Charlie finally started sleeping well again...
• Three common nutrient deficiencies that amplify anxiety...
• How to boost productivity and have guilt-free fun...

Click here to get Charlie's fantastic book "Play It Away: A Workaholic's Cure For Anxiety" , and leave your questions, comments and feedback at BenGreenfieldFitness.com. Either Charlie or I promise to respond!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/280

Apr 30, 2014 Podcast (brought to you today by Harry's Shaving - click here to check 'em out and use code Ben to save 5 bucks!): Does Coolsculpting Fat Loss Surgery Work, What Are Omega 5 and 7 Fats, Should You Exercise Your Chest Every Day, Will A Paleo Diet Cause Gout, 5 Ways To Stay Healthy At College, Are Bluetooth Headsets and Wireless HR Monitors Dangerous, and What Should Your Ratio of Vitamin A, D and K be?

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right, use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form...but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Turns out there actually is something to the whole pH based diet thing - a high acid diet can increase risk of diabetes. Here's a good acid-alkaline food chart.
• How to drink beer all night without getting drunk.
• Leg Press vs. Squat? The latter wins out every time when it comes to your hormones.

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The "Biomat" podcast episode with Mark Sircus just went live on Premium access. Get it (and over 350 additional audios, videos and PDF's) by clicking here to go Premium for just $9.99 a year!

The Thyroid Sessions go live on May 5 - where Ben is speaking on "How Exercise Destroys Your Thyroid And What You Can Do About It". The frustration and misinformation surrounding thyroid problems needs to stop. An estimated 30 million people in the US and 200 million worldwide have a thyroid disorder — only half have been properly diagnosed. And even less are receiving proper treatment. Unfortunately, the real answers are not offered by their medical practitioners and seldom covered by insurance. That’s why Sean Croxton traveled the country to interview a dozen of the leading functional medicine doctors, nutritionists, and real food chefs for a free online screening called The Thyroid Sessions. And you can click here register today to watch them for FREE!

Ben is now uploading both is weekly workout logs and diet photos to the Inner Circle. Every week Ben discover new exercises, workout tactics, fat loss tricks, biohacks, deep sleep tips, detoxes, recipes, supplements, etc. - but people often feel like they’re “behind the curve” - constantly trying to wrap their heads around what’s working best at any given time, or what’s going to be best for them and their bodies. In Ben's monthly Inner Circle video workshops and diet and exercise logs, he and his wife Jessa teach you exactly “what’s working now”, so that you can stay on the razor-sharp, cutting-edge of fitness, nutrition and lifestyle optimization. When it comes to “assembling” everything that Ben talks about in the podcast, books, etc. into an easy-to-implement system, the Inner Circle is the way to do that. Click here to try it out now for 10 bucks a month!

Get a free gift 2 hour Beyond Training LIVE support video workshop with Ben Greenfield! Click here to upload a photo of you holding more than one copy of your brand new Beyond Training Book, along with your name and e-mail below, and we’ll make the magic happen for you!

Men's Health is launching a search for the next big name in fitness. They're looking for the best trainer that they haven’t yet discovered – a fitness professional who is a top mind in the field, but who also looks the part, and who has the ability to captivate any audience. Click here to vote for Ben to be the Men's Health Top Trainer or visit BenGreenfieldFitness.com/menshealth.

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripe

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As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast Sidekick/Ninja.

Atanas asks: What is your opinion of coolsculpting? Is it good?

Brian asks: We hear plenty of info about Omega 3, 6 and 9 fats but nothing about 5 and 7. Are there any benefits or drawbacks to these omega fats? Especially for an Ironman Triathlete?

Donald asks: He works out with a guy who exercises his chest every single time they go to the gym. Some times 3 or 5 times a week, back to back, he will work our his chest. Is this dangerous? Is it effective? He has never gotten injured or even sore. Is this something specific to the chest, where you can work it out more?

Daniel asks: After a couple years of eating a high protein, paleo, body builder diet, he has experienced some symptoms of gout. Pain in his knees, elbows and ankle along with the big toe attacks you hear about from gout. How can he get rid of the uric acid crystals once and for all? Is there a detox he can do? He plans to do Dan John's Mass Gain protocol and will include all the amino and protein supplements you recommend. Will this be a problem?

Jennifer asks: Her daughter is going off to college in the fall (running track and cross country) and she is worried that her daughter will become unhealthy while she is there. What can she do to help her daughter stay healthy? What to eat in the cafeteria, how to keep her dorm room healthy, how to avoid fluorescent light and everything else that could make her unhealthy and hurt her running.

Hyesun (pronounced Hesson like Lesson) asks: She is wondering if you have concerns about EMFs from bluetooth technology (the HR monitor straps and patches) that we wear right on our bodies? What about EMFs from the Biomat? She's thinking about getting one, but is concerned about the EMFs coming from it. Do you have any thoughts or fears?

Meg asks: She has heard you talk about how you need to take adequate amounts of Vitamins A and K when you are supplementing with high dose (10,000 - 15,000iu) Vitamin D... but what exactly is an adequate amount? Is the RDA adequate (A is 5,000 and K is 80mcg)?

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love!--

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Mark Sircus originally appeared on the BenGreenfieldFitness show in the episode "The Shocking Information About A Compound That Pharmaceutical Companies Really Don’t Want You to Know About."

And now, from a remote internet bar in Brazil, he's back with another biohack that flies under the radar, but is an amazing healing tool that...

• Reduces stress and fatigue
• Relieves anxiety and promotes relaxation
• Improves sleep patterns
• Reduces inflammation
• Eases joint pain and stiffness
• Provides warm, soothing pain relief
• Eliminates toxins in the body
• Increases blood circulation
• Alleviates migraines and tension headaches
• Reduces allergy symptoms
• Improves immune system function
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Burns calories and controls weight
• Improves muscle tone and skin quality

It's called a "Biomat".

The core of the BioMat technology is a combination of three technologies: far infrared rays, negative ion effects and the conductive properties of amethyst channels. These three stimulators are combined in a single mat that delivers soothing, deep-penetrating heat while stimulating the regeneration of damaged cells in your body. It’s a safe and natural way to achieve optimal health and maintain a stronger, more resilient body.

Here is a helpful FAQ for you to learn more, and there is a ton of additional research, resources, articles, and a 0% financing with 30 day risk free trial over at the Biomat website.

Far infrared rays are part of the electro-magnetic light spectrum and are close to the light frequency of natural sunlight. However, far infrared does not contain any of sunlight’s harmful UV/UVB radiation. The beneficial properties of far infrared light have received particular attention from the scientific community in recent years, although the first research conducted on this part of the light spectrum was undertaken by NASA decades ago. More recent studies suggest that far infrared light stimulates the production of healthy cell tissue, promoting faster, more complete healing processes. Far infrared therapy also encourages the elimination of cellular wastes and toxins. Today, health practitioners from a wide range of disciplines agree on the beneficial properties of far infrared technology.

An ion is a particle containing an electrical charge. An ion with a negative electrical charge is called a negative ion, and this type of ion is now considered to be integral to healthy cellular function. If there are enough negative ions inside and outside the cell, the cell is able to absorb nutrients and eliminate waste product more effectively. Flooding the body with negative ions enriches it at the cellular level and encourages the elimination of toxins and oxidants.

The BioMat stimulates ion channels by producing negative ions that deliver healing energy to the cells of the body. As well as delivering negative ions to the cells of the body, the BioMat produces far infrared waves by delivering pulses of energy through a patented carbon ceramic material called Japanese Kurera Super Fiber. This material forms part of the bonded, multilayer material at the base of the BioMat. The topmost layer of the BioMat is constructed of superconducting channels of pure amethyst, which allow the far infrared rays and negative ions to penetrate the body as far as seven inches. View an illustration of BioMat layer technology.

Far infrared rays and negative ions produce a wide array of positive effects on the human body. Negative ions activate the body’s entire cellular communication system by opening cell channels and allowing nutrients to enter more easily and wastes to be eliminated, purifying the body at the cellular level. Far infrared rays deliver deep warmth and stimulation to the entire circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous system to encourage healthy functioning. A healthy circulatory and lymphatic system delivers nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body, and removes cell waste, while the endocrine system regulates hormonal uptake in our bodies, which controls everything from our mood, tissue growth and health to metabolism and sexual and reproductive functions.

Amethyst’s healing properties have been acknowledged and celebrated for centuries by ancient scientists, healers and mystics. Now, modern science has confirmed the highly conductive properties of this remarkable mineral. Amethyst crystals offer the most consistent and powerful delivery of far infrared light waves, and ionic effects to the human body. Amethyst’s superconducting qualities have been shown to provide relief for:

• Insomnia
• Depression and anxiety
• Swelling and inflammation
• Body toxicity
• Low or imbalanced energy levels

Because the BioMat’s far infrared rays penetrate deeply into the body and address imbalances at the cellular level, it can be used to treat a wide range of health issues:

• Pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation
• Arthritis and musculo-skeletal ailments
• Sprains, neuralgia, bursitis, muscle spasms
• Joint stiffness and soreness
• Age-related stiffness and pain
• Circulation issues
• Cardiovascular issues
• Toxin and oxidant buildup
• Immune disorders
• Tension, anxiety, insomnia
• Hormonal imbalances
• Lymphatic and endocrine problems

The BioMat is a perfect addition to yoga practice and meditation, because it supports deep, delta-state relaxation, increases blood flow for improved mental conditioning, and provides a warm, soothing environment to facilitate improved mental peace and serenity.

There are a range of BioMat products designed to be effective when used individually or together:

BioMat Professional: Ideal for health care professionals looking for a way to extend and enhance their treatment options, or for home users who want comfortable, full-body treatment. The BioMat Professional measures a full 6’5 in length, allowing for full-length body contact and optimal results.

BioMat Mini: At just 17” x 33” inches and 8.2 pounds, the BioMat Mini is ideal for people who want to enjoy treatments at the office or on their travels. It works perfectly for the spot treatment of a specific problem area, or for treatments for children or family pets. It’s also the right size to be used in a medical spa or dental office chair, making it a perfect choice for health providers.

BioMat Pillow: The right choice for people who want targeted treatment of chronic neck and back pain, headaches, migraines and more. The BioMat Pillow is also an excellent complement to the Professional or BioMat Mini, providing stabilization for the vulnerable head and neck area. The Pillow keeps the head cool during treatment, while delivering the benefits of negative ion therapy to this area.

Although the BioMat is a certified medical device, it is very easy to self-administer calibrated treatment. The computerized control panel is intuitive to use, and comes with a simple set of instructions.

The way the 7 day trial works is that you purchase the BioMat upfront. The day that your mat arrives starts the 7 day period. This way you will be able to try the BioMat as much as you like, you can test out different heat settings and experience the difference on each, you can spend as much time as you want on the Biomat, and also at different times of day (you could even try sleeping on it). This will give you a much better perspective and a greater amount of information to make a decision about whether you see the BioMat being a beneficial asset to you. If on day 6 you if you don’t love it as much as everyone who tries it does, just give us a call and we will have a return authorization issued for you.

Your BioMat can safely be used every day. In fact, by using the BioMat several times a week or on a daily basis, you are helping to strengthen your immune system and keep your body in optimal condition.

Your whole family can use your BioMat safely, including young children, the elderly and even family pets! The BioMat offers the same health benefits to people of all ages, and has therapeutic value for pets as well.

You can sleep for any length of time on your BioMat, from a 20-minute nap to a full night’s rest. Use of the BioMat will help regulate your sleep patterns and create a warm, soothing environment.

Every person’s experience with the BioMat is different. Many people achieve immediate relief from pain and discomfort, and notice increased energy levels and vitality right away. For others, it will take a few weeks before the deep-penetrating treatment begins to bring relief from symptoms and an overall feeling of well-being and contentment.

All BioMat medical devices are constructed to the highest standards and protected by a 30 Year Limited Warranty plus lifetime trade-in warranty. The product has been subjected to rigorous quality testing and is both a FDA Registered Class II Medical Device and ISO certified.

If you have more questions, don't hesitate to e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com or simply check out the Biomat website for a more complete FAQ!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olga Kotelko (see video below) is not your average ninety-five-year-old.

She not only looks and acts like a much younger woman, she holds over twenty-three world records in track and field, seventeen in her current ninety to ninety-five category. Convinced that this remarkable woman could help unlock many of the mysteries of aging, my guest on today's podcast, Bruce Grierson, set out to uncover what it is that’s driving Olga.

He considers every piece of the puzzle, from her diet and sleep habits to how she scores on various personality traits, to what she does in her spare time to her family history. In the book "What Makes Olga Run?: The Mystery of the 90-Something Track Star and What She Can Teach Us About Living Longer, Happier Lives", Bruce details how Olga participates in tests administered by some of the world’s leading scientists and offers her DNA to groundbreaking research trials. What you'll get to hear today is not only a tremendously uplifting personal story but a look at which parts of our health and longevity are determined by the DNA we inherit at birth, and which parts we can shape ourselves. You'll discover how your genes, opportunities, and choices forge the course of your life, especially during your golden years. During our discussion, you'll discover: -The fascinating story of Olga and how she has defied aging... -How to discover if you have the the Superstar gene, the Worrier gene or Warrior gene, and how this affects your longevity... -One big myth about stress, adversity and aging... -What Bruce thinks about the new class of telomere activating drugs... -Why plaques in your brain may not be as big an issue as you may think... -The single cognitive-boosting activity that is far more important than Sudoku, crossword puzzles and brain games... -When it is too late for exercise to make a difference... -The surprising truth about exercise intensity... -Why sleeping steadily 8-9 hours through the night may not actually be necessary for longevity... -A trick that Olga does with an old wine bottle that keeps her joints young and supple... -The single most important personality trait for achieving long age... -How you can change your living and working environment to maximize longevity...

What do you think? If you have questions, comments or feedback for author Bruce Grierson or any of the anti-aging tips you learn in the episode, leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com...

...and be sure to grab your copy of What Makes Olga Run?: The Mystery of the 90-Something Track Star and What She Can Teach Us About Living Longer, Happier Lives.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/279

Apr 23, 2014 Podcast: The Science of the Runner's High, Is Vitamin B12 Megadosing Dangerous, How To Track Every Element Of Your Fitness, Healing The Skin Naturally, and Is Creatine Safe?

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right, use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form...but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Blood testing with the WellnessFX Premium Package is now available
• Red light exposure before bed enhances endurance performance and sleep.
• Here’s a cool way to raise DHEA: hypoxic swimming!
• New study says iron supplements boost performance. (Ben recommends this new iron bisgylcinate supplement from ThorneFX)

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Ben is now uploading both is weekly workout logs and diet photos to the Inner Circle. Join now for just ten bucks a month and learn by example!

We have 2 Color run race entries to giveaway for any event near you! Check locations at ColorRun.com. To win, all you need to do is leave a book review on Amazon for Ben's new book and comment on the BenGreenfieldFitness Facebook page letting Ben know that you left a review! We will randomly choose two lucky winners later this week! Get a free gift 2 hour Beyond Training LIVE support video workshop with Ben Greenfield! Click here to upload a photo of you holding more than one copy of your brand new Beyond Training Book, along with your name and e-mail below, and we’ll make the magic happen for you!

Men's Health is launching a search for the next big name in fitness. They're looking for the best trainer that they haven’t yet discovered – a fitness professional who is a top mind in the field, but who also looks the part, and who has the ability to captivate any audience. Click here to vote for Ben to be the Men's Health Top Trainer or visit BenGreenfieldFitness.com/menshealth.

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

-----------------------------------------------------

As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast Sidekick/Ninja.

Celia asks: She is looking for a "Runner's High". She's been running since 2012 and has only experienced it a few times (with no common denominator or trigger). Do you know what causes the high and how she might be able to create one? She usually doesn't have trouble getting out the door for a training session but she can see how that might be a good motivator.

Jim asks: He has never heard us talk about mega-dosing with Vitamin B12. He is training hard and long for Ironman. He uses a drink called ZipFizz which has 41000% of the RDA of B12. The drink tastes good and it seems to give him an energy boost... but it could be placebo.

Todd asks: He made a commitment to himself to be in better shape at 50 than he currently is at 46. He did the same thing at 30 for 35 and 35 for 40. He is looking for a quantifiable criteria or some number of metrics that he can test himself for, every couple of years, so it isn't just subjective.

Emilie asks: What food would you and Jessa introduce babies to, as they move towards the world of solid food, and in what order? Also, is there any point in introducing them to gluten at all so they might be able to tolerate it later on?

Allysa asks: She has the skin condition Keratosis Pilaris (unsightly red bumps or "chicken skin") on her upper arms. Some people grow out of it but she is 26 and doesn't think that will happen. Do you know the etiology of this? Is it a dietary, allergy, or hormone imbalance? Do you know of any food, creams or anything else that can help out with it?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've probably never heard of it.

It's at the very bottom of the food chain.

Yet it feeds over 99% of all ocean life and supports 100% of all life on the face of the planet.

If this unique superfood ceased to exist, life on Earth would rapidly die off.

According to NASA research, it is responsible for producing up to 90% of the Earth's oxygen... (compare this to a mature tree which only creates enough oxygen for two human beings)...

Its main "job" is to turn inorganic raw material (like seawater, minerals, sunlight and CO2) into over 100's of living edible, organic nutrients...(This includes vitamins, bioavailable minerals, all amino acids, essential fatty acids, carotenoids and more)...

Now - imagine how you would react when you put just one dose (a total of 170 billion cells in a single dropper) of this superfood into your body. You're about to find out.

This stuff is marine phytoplankton, and in today's interview with Activation Products CEO and Founder Ian Clark, you'll discover:

-What is marine phytoplankton?

-What type of nutrients are in phytoplankton?

-Aren’t the oceans polluted, and how can you eat phytoplankton without getting this pollution?

-What about bioavailability issues with phytoplankton?

-Are there different species of phytoplankton, and some type that is best?

-How is this stuff harvested?

-And much more.

During the interview, Ian mentions a discount on the Ocean's Alive Marine Phytoplankton. Just click here and use code "GREENFIELD10" for a 10% discount. Enjoy, and leave your questions, comments and feedback at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/279

Apr 16, 2014 Podcast: Does Garcinia and Green Coffee Extract Help Fat Loss, Interpreting Your Own Bloodwork, Should You Drink Ocean Water, Are Water Alkalinizers Bad, How To Prevent Razor Burn, and the Pros and Cons of Protein Cycling.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right, use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form...but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

-----------------------------------------------------

You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• 8 beers that you should stop drinking now.
• SCARY: the uptake of aluminum from antiperspirants is above the maximal tolerable daily exposure levels. (and a Primal Pit Paste deodorant alternative)
• The 100 hardest body weight exercises of all time.

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Get a free gift 2 hour Beyond Training LIVE support video workshop with Ben Greenfield! Click here to upload a photo of you holding more than one copy of your brand new Beyond Training Book, along with your name and e-mail below, and we’ll make the magic happen for you!

Men's Health is launching a search for the next big name in fitness. They're looking for the best trainer that they haven’t yet discovered – a fitness professional who is a top mind in the field, but who also looks the part, and who has the ability to captivate any audience. Click here to vote for Ben to be the Men's Health Top Trainer or visit BenGreenfieldFitness.com/menshealth.

Ben's new book has been released. Pre-order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com - and be sure to spread the word, contribute to the cause and change the way people exercise forever at Rally.org/BeyondTraining.

Want some free hidden chapters, audio clips and videos from Beyond Training? Check out the Beyond Training book torrent at BenGreenfieldFitness.com/torrent!

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

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As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast "Sidekick".

Heather asks: She's seen a bunch of stuff on Facebook about it and would like your expert opinion of Plexus Slim.

Mike asks: He is looking for a concise and easy to read chart (or list) of the "normal" values for all the blood markers you regularly test for.

Molly asks: She heard Kerri Rivera interviewed about curing autism with ocean water. It made her wonder what that would be like for the rest of us to do. Is there something beneficial about ocean water? Could it replace minerals and nutrients in the body? She can't find anything about it online but likes the idea of healing from the earth.

Randy asks: A friend of his bought an alkaline water system (spent $3-4k on it) and she says that it can sure everything from acne to cancer. The way he understands it is that even if you correct the ph of your gut and urine that it would not change the ph of your blood. Is that even important to do?

John asks: If he shaves the same morning as doing a hot workout he gets really bad razor burn around his neck. Do you know any ways to avoid that or alleviate the symptoms?

Troy asks: Would you cover the pro and cons and benefits of protein cycling?

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love! --

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I didn't used to be a very anxious guy.

But it seems the more tasks I take on, the more pressure there is to maintain a fit body or healthy nutrition protocol, the older and more active my twin boys become, and the more responsibilities it seems like I have...the less "laid back" I get. Sleep quality diminishes. I sometimes laugh less. There are more days where I need to remember to simply stop and smell the roses.

During the summer last year, a WellnessFX blood cortisol reading that was extremely high convinced me I needed to do some serious stress management before I started to take years off my life. So I delved into the type of protocols I outline in the article "7 Of The Best Ways To Stop Stress".

Since then, I've been very interested in the anti-aging, life-enhancing, health-bestowing benefits of properly managing stress and anxiety.

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As a a holistic medical physician practicing in Florida, today's podcast guest Dr. Eudene Harry noticed a similar thread running through many of her patients’ lives.

They were all extremely stressed out.

And that stress was drastically affecting their physical health in a variety of negative ways. So, Dr. Harry decided to make stress and anxiety management and elimination a primary focus of her work. Several years later, the ultimate result was her new book: Anxiety 101: The Holistic Approach to Managing Your Anxiety & Taking Back Your Life. Now I have to admit that when I first got this book, I figured it would be the typical ho-hum advice, like "quit worrying", "get a massage", "sleep more" or "learn to meditate". But in this book, Dr. Harry goes way above and beyond, not only giving one of the most thorough biological and biochemical explanations of anxiety I've ever seen, but providing a comprehensive list of the wide variety of integrative holistic treatment options available - and many, many techniques, tips, foods, supplements and strategies I didn't know about.

In addition to a refreshingly unbiased review of the pharmaceuticals commonly used to treat anxiety (serotonin boosters, GABA boosters, and beta blockers), a long list of alternative therapies are included in this book, including many of the strategies we talk about on this show, such as: Natural anxiety remedies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), neurofeedback, exercise, herbs, nutrients and vitamins, nutrition, meditation, visualization, essential oils, massage, probiotics, laughter, sleep, and weight loss. You're going to learn about all that and much more in today's interview, which includes:

-How the concept of a "brighter tomorrow" can actually make you more anxious, and exactly what you can do about it...

-The surprising role that genetics plays in anxiety...

-Why you need to pull a specific part of your brain - the locus coeruleus- out of a tonic state...

-One rogue molecule that can make you more anxious no matter how good your stress management techniques are...

-The link between probiotics, progesterone hormone and anxiety...

-How something called a "functional deficiency" can wreak havoc on your stress and anxiety levels...

-How L-Theanine, Valerian, Kava and Apigenin can also help with anxiety...

-A simple "hand-warming" technique that can instantly eliminate anxiety...

-And much more!

Do you have questions, comments or feedback about how to eliminate anxiety and take your life back? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com, and be sure to check out Dr. Harry excellent book "Anxiety 101: The Holistic Approach to Managing Your Anxiety & Taking Back Your Life".

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet chef Seamus Mullen. A recent Men's Journal article described Seamus as follows:

"Few people have subjected their bodies to as much wear and tear as Manhattan chef and restaurateur Seamus Mullen. The mastermind behind the red-hot Manhattan restaurant Tertulia and a regular on the Food Network, Mullen has seen it all. He contracted dengue fever on a mountain-bike trip across Costa Rica. He was bitten by a vampire bat while cooking at an eco-lodge in the jungles of Venezuela, an injury that required an emergency helicopter trip to the closest hospital. He spent five months on a punishing 11,000-mile dirt-bike trek from San Francisco to Panama and back. There have been bike races, cyclocross challenges, and mountain-bike half-centuries – not to mention years of brutal 90-hour workweeks in high-end restaurant kitchens all over the world."

And it doesn't end there. Click here to read the rest of that article. In today's podcast, I interview Seamus about his remarkable journey from hellness to wellness, fighting back from rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain and inflammation to being well on his way to peak fitness at nearly 40 years old. Seamus is a chef and restaurateur in New York City, he's found food to be the single most important factor in his journey to getting better, and he just published the book "Hero Food, How Cooking with Delicious Things Can Make Us Feel Better". In the past year, through work with Dr. Frank Lipman, he has managed to turn his health around significantly to the point of having zero signs of rheumatoid arthritis in any of his blood markers - and as of the fall of 2013, he has been off all medication for the first time in 11 years. All of his inflammatory markers have gone from extremely high to normal, his white blood cell count has gone from a constantly elevated state to an extremely healthy 9%, his cholesterol is terrific, he has lost a pounds of fat, gained pounds muscle and most importantly, for the first time in over ten years, he feels like a different person.

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During our call, Seamus and I discuss how our medical industry is very focused on symptomatic treatment rather than addressing the root cause of the symptoms - and how this often leads to protracted, ineffective palliative care that leaves patients with even more complex medical problems than they started out with. In the case of Seamus, a severe auto-immune issue (in all likelihood caused by undiagnosed parasitic and bacterial infections, along with imbalanced micro-biota) led to a seizure caused by medications he was taking, and infections that spread to his brain and spinal cord as a result of immuno-suppressants, blood clots and pulmonary embolisms that nearly killed him. This also led to an immune system that made him vulnerable to every bug that came myhisway and finally - the icing on the cake - a chemical dependency on so-called "safe" synthetic pain medication. For years, Seamus followed the advice of "experts" in the field and any time he suggested anything as radical as a "gluten-free diet" or perhaps acupuncture, he was told "...if you feel as though it helps, I don't have a problem with it, but there's no clinical data to support any claims around diet and rheumatoid arthritis." After doing a systemic cleanse, a gut biome reboot, following 6 months of a gut-healing protocol with regular acupuncture, a primarily ketogenic diet and regular exercise, Seamus started to see major improvements in his health. And he noticed this differnece not only in how he felt, but also had the empirical results of his bloodwork to back it up. Fast forward another 9 months and he is stronger and fitter than he's been in years. In his twenties I was was a semi-pro mountain biker, racing 40-50 races a year and while I'm not quite back at that fitness level, it's in my crosshairs to get there this year. You'll learn about lessons Seamus has learned along the way, including:

-How Seamus was saved at the last minute from a botched diagnosis and attempt to do massive pelvic surgery...

-A crazy but correct diagnosis that uncovered the true reason behind Seamus's auto-immune issues and extreme joint pain...

-How Seamus completely destroyed intestinal parasite issues, eliminated his gut inflammation and healed his digestive system...

-The alternative medical procedure Seamus used once a week to address both gut and joints at the same time...

-How Seamus reversed the damage caused by prednisone and chemo drugs...

-What exercises he does now that Seamus would have done differently 10 years ago to avoid getting two spinal surgeries later in life...

-Easy and delicious recipes you can use that are completely non-inflammatory and help to heal your gut...

-Biohacks that Seamus is using to prepare for La Ruta de los Conquistadores in October and the Absa Cape Epic in South Africa next year...

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

-Dr. Frank Lipman

-Bragg's apple cider vinegar

-Squatty potty

-Powerlung (use code BGF025 for 25% discount)

-Earthing sheet

-Biomat

-No Jet Lag

-Seamus's Manhattan Tertulia restaurant and El Colmado

Do you have questions, comments or feedback about this podcast with Chef Seamus Mullen? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com, and be sure to check out his excellent book: Hero Food, How Cooking with Delicious Things Can Make Us Feel Better!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, in the post "21 Steps To Optimizing Your Diet And 11 Foods You Need To Stop Eating Now", you learned about the book "Deep Nutrition" and all about the concept of why your genes need traditional food.

Today, Deep Nutrition author and physician Dr. Cate Shanahan is featured on the podcast to delve into how the way your body interprets the food you eat in a way that you can make you either lean or fat - depending on your food choice. You're going to discover...

-Why information is more important than energy, and why calories don't count...

-The Deep Nutrition formula for weight loss...

-Why you'll never get on Baywatch without body fat...

-Why supplements don't work...

-The problem with distorted fats...

-Where stem cells fit in...

-Why starvation diets fail and moderation or small food portions are actually not a good idea...

-6 factors that make you build fat...

-6 factors that eliminate fat...

-How inflammation makes fat like cancer...

-Why you need to "feel" your exercise, even if it's aerobic...

-3 habits of successful exercisers...

-And much more!

If you have questions, comments or feedback about using food as fat loss language, leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com, and don't forget to grab Cate's book Deep Nutrition, which I highly recommend!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/277

Apr 2, 2014 Podcast: 5 Ways To Get Better at Pull-Ups, Natural Gym Bag Deodorants, Maintaining Muscle When Fasting, Acne During Pregnancy, How To Exercise With A Foot Stress Fracture, Recovery Tips for Eye Surgery, and Nutrition for Liver Bilirubin.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right, use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form...but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• 11 Surprisingly Effective Exercises You Can Do Without Being “That Guy” in the Office.
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil is just as good for joint pain as a popular NSAID medication.
• Want to shut down fat formation? Guzzle some olive oil. (and the great extra virgin olive oil scandal)
• Game changer. Pretty stoked about this new Iron Bisglycinate as a non-constipating form of iron for anemic athletes.

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At this month's PaleoFX, Ben and Jessa Greenfield are presenting on Ancestral Athlete Tactics, Fermenting Foods, Biohacking Stress, Fueling Workouts, Primal Strength and Conditioning and much more. Can't make it to Austin for the live event? We have you covered. All presentations are available for Live Streaming, on all three days, April 11 - April 13, 2014. Click here to get access to the livestream of PaleoFX now, no matter where you live in the world. Do you live in or near Austin and want to register or just stop by and check out the expo? Then click here to grab your tickets to PaleoFX now!

Get a free gift 2 hour Beyond Training LIVE support video workshop with Ben Greenfield! Click here to upload a photo of you holding more than one copy of your brand new Beyond Training Book, along with your name and e-mail below, and we’ll make the magic happen for you!

Men's Health is launching a search for the next big name in fitness. They're looking for the best trainer that they haven’t yet discovered – a fitness professional who is a top mind in the field, but who also looks the part, and who has the ability to captivate any audience. Click here to vote for Ben to be the Men's Health Top Trainer or visit BenGreenfieldFitness.com/menshealth.

Ben's new book has been released. Pre-order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com - and be sure to spread the word, contribute to the cause and change the way people exercise forever at Rally.org/BeyondTraining.

Want some free hidden chapters, audio clips and videos from Beyond Training? Check out the Beyond Training book torrent at BenGreenfieldFitness.com/torrent!

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

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As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast "Sidekick".

Phil asks: His wife has struggled with completing a proper push-up and a proper pull-up. He knows that this is often an issue for women (and also men) and is wondering if there are some exercises that people can do to gain the strength to complete a proper pushup or pullup?

Jim asks: His fitness gear stinks. The moment any moisture hits his riding, running or yoga gear - it reeks. He is looking for some natural ways to clear his gear and make it smell better.

Mark asks: He has just started Intermittent Fasting to lose some body fat. He is doing a daily 16 hour fast (eating all his calories in 8 an hour window). His workouts often happen in the morning, which his fasting time. He wants to know if he should have a protein shake after the workout to maintain muscle or skip it to maintain the fast?

Alexander asks: His girlfriend is in her 2nd trimester of her third pregnancy and is having trouble with an acne outbreak. She has cut down on almost all sugars, carbs and grains and there has been no change - she might even be getting worse. Any ideas of what else they could do?

Chris asks: She is 55 years old and has spiral fractured her 5th metatarsal and needs to stay off her foot for at least a month. She had been running and doing body weight workouts. Do you have any suggestions on how to do workouts without putting any weight on one foot?

Keerthi asks: He is having PRK eye surgery next month where the corneal epithelium needs to be removed and regenerated. Do you have any recommendations of supplements he should take to recover faster? Maybe collagen? Also do you have any opinions of this surgery?

George asks: He was born with Gilbert's syndrome. He has too much bilirubin in his liver. He's not sure if he should be concerned and wants to know if there are any nutritional guidelines he should be following.

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love! --

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Moses coaches 26 of the world's top entrepreneurs, CEO's and companies on how to dramatically grow their businesses, grow their people and elevate their own performance.

He also travels all over the world speaking at industry conferences and company events. Mark started his first company at age 19, and has successfully built and sold two companies. He won Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award and the Blue Chip Enterprise award for overcoming adversity.

His last company ranked #1 Fastest-Growing Company in Los Angeles as well as #10 on the Inc. 500 of fastest growing private companies in the U.S. Mark has served on the Board of the Children's Hospital of Orange County for the last several years.

Oh yeah, just a couple other things...

...Mark also won the U.S. National Squash Championship in 1992...

...and he has completed 12 full distance Ironman Triathlons, including the Hawaii Ironman World Championship 5 times.

I'll bet you'd like to know Mark's secrets, eh? Good news, because I was able to pick Mark's brain for this audio podcast. During my discussion with Mark, you'll discover:

-What compelled Mark to do his first Ironman triathlon...

-What Mark has found to be the biggest challenges for a busy and successful guy like you to stay in Ironman shape...

-How Mark's training has changed much over the 12 Ironman triathlons he's completed...

-How Mark tackles feeling mentally confident training “minimalist” vs. putting in more volume...

-Mark's most important lessons he's learned about how to manage your time and still stay fit...

-The #1 hotel room workout Mark does when he travels...

-Where nutrition fits in for Mark...

-What Mark you wish you’d known when you first started training for Ironman...

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-US Master's Swimming

-Sufferfest Cycling Workouts

-Triathlon coaching with Ben Greenfield

-The minimalist "Triathlon Dominator" training plan

-The article: The Zen Of Getting Uber-Fit Without Neglecting Your Friends, Your Family and Your Career.

-The podcast episode with Sami Inkinen "How To Maximize Triathlon Success With Minimal Training Time"

Questions, comments or feedback for Mark Moses or about minimalist triathlon training programs or time management for Ironman triathlon? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/276

Mar 26, 2014 Podcast: 5 Ways To Get Fit In Your Car, How To Drink Less Alcohol, Natural Malaria Remedies, Headaches From Swimming, 4 Ways To Avoid Heart Arrhythmias, and Supplements for Hepatitis B.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right, use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form...but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Want to get the most bang for your buck out of HIIT? Choose an elliptical over a bicycle.
• Body weight circuits vs. explosive strength training for runners? The latter is better.
• Combining weight training and high intensity intervals does NOT (as many believe) decrease rate of muscle gain. It INCREASES it!
• Are antioxidants REALLY effective?
• WellnessFX just dropped the price of it's performance panel big time, to $479. Worth a look.

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Men's Health is launching a search for the next big name in fitness. They're looking for the best trainer that they haven’t yet discovered – a fitness professional who is a top mind in the field, but who also looks the part, and who has the ability to captivate any audience. Click here to vote for Ben to be the Men's Health Top Trainer or visit BenGreenfieldFitness.com/menshealth.

Ben's new book has been released. Pre-order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com - and be sure to spread the word, contribute to the cause and change the way people exercise forever at Rally.org/BeyondTraining.

Want some free hidden chapters, audio clips and videos from Beyond Training? Check out the Beyond Training book torrent at BenGreenfieldFitness.com/torrent!

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

-----------------------------------------------------

As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast "Sidekick".

Robert asks: He is a police officer who needs help maintaining wellness at work. Contrary to popular belief, they are not as active as you might think. He will spend up to 7 hours in the car, crowded with gear. He is worried about EMF exposure, posture problems (has to reach to the right to use the computer in the car), sitting, poor sleep (crazy hours), erratic diet. He can't just get out of the car and do burpees (not safe). He eats plant based, vegan diet. He runs and plays team sports when he can.

Jean asks: Are people affected differently, physiologically, by alcohol? She and her husband will have the same amount to drink and she will get negative and augmentative while he will just fall asleep. She also has more trouble having just one glass than he does. Are there some people who should just not drink alcohol due to genetics? Do you have any tips on how to have "just one" drink?

Summer asks: She gets GI issues while she runs anything over 2-3 miles. She has been taking mefloquine, a Malaria medication for travel to Uganda, weekly. Right after she takes it she feels great but by the end of the week her GI issues while running return. She has looked into the FODMAP diet but is looking for more suggestions on how to run longer distances without GI distress... other than taking mefloquine.

Trigraine asks: Competitive Masters runner who had transitioned into triathlon (70.3 and Olympic). She usually runs right after she swims and without fail gets migraine headaches after the run finishes (also gets swollen hands when she runs). She always drinks electrolytes while she swims and usually while she runs. She has tried plenty of drinks and electrolyte capsules but is at a loss of what to try next.

Una asks: She was diagnosed with Wenkebach heart block, supraventricular tachycardia, and an atrial flutter back in 2003. She had an ablation to correct it all in 2006 but she still get "skippy". She has her cardiologist blessing to continue to run and has a big year of races ahead of her. She still goes into arrhythmia easily (like when she drinks ice water) but would like to try things like TianChi to give her training a boost but is leery of stimulants. She has heard you mention that some stimulants act on different pathways in the body and don't trigger the same response. Do you have any recommendations of supplements she could try that are less likely to trigger her arrhythmia?

Chris asks: His girlfriend is a Hepatitis B carrier. She is not sick, which is great, but the doctor says there is no way to cure it and that she has probably had it for 25 years (since she wasn't vaccinated). The doctor suggested some foods to avoid, like chili powder but says that she will always have it although it is not life threatening. He doesn't want to accept that it is not curable and is looking for supplements, diet or lifestyle changes she could make to rid herself of Hep B.

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love! --

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I first heard about a device that could generate new blood vessels, remove waste from muscles, maximize flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body, and allow muscle fibers to fire with lightning-like precision, I knew I had to do a podcast about it.

It’s called a “MarcPro“, it’s a form of electrical muscle stimulation, works much differently than something like a Compex, and in today’s episode with CEO Ryan Heaney, you’re going to discover:

-What is the MarcPro?

-How does it help with muscle recovery?

-Are there any effects on performance or strength?

-Can you build muscle with it?

-How is this any different than other electrical stimuation devices?

-Whether you can use it during exercise.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:

-How To Use Electrical Muscle Stimulation to Enhance Performance, Build Power and VO2 Max

-Can Electrical Stimulation Devices Make You Fit or Help You Burn Fat?

Do you have questions about the Marc Pro or how to use it? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com! And remember, you can get a $32 discount on the MarcPro with code “Ben” at http://www.MarcPro.com, and the website offers a very affordable $54/month payment plan!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/275

Mar 19, 2014 Podcast: 5 Ways To Mitigate Damage From Endurance Sports, Should You Change Your Run Form, Is Deer Meat Healthy, Is Progesterone Dangerous, Do Standing Workstations Cause Varicose Veins, Getting Rid Of Heavy Metals, and Magnetico vs. Biomat Sleep Pads.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right, use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form... but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Concerned you might die early? Here’s which biomarkers to track.
• Don’t have carbs with your fatty coffee. When MCT is consumed with carbs, insulin secretion inhibits mobilization your own fat stores.
• If “comfortable” fat loss is your thing, this isn’t for you. But if you don’t mind being cold for ~1hr/day, this is my #1 way to burn fat FAST.

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Men's Health is launching a search for the next big name in fitness. They're looking for the best trainer that they haven’t yet discovered – a fitness professional who is a top mind in the field, but who also looks the part, and who has the ability to captivate any audience. Click here to vote for Ben to be the Men's Health Top Trainer or visit BenGreenfieldFitness.com/menshealth.

Two other cool things you should check out: 1) Monkii Bars Kickstarter Campaign... Remember the old-school playground? There were huge climbing towers, endless slides, tanbark, and everyone’s favorite: monkey bars. I was home a few years back visiting my parents and went down to my old elementary school playground to work out. I was in shock at what I saw. Bright plastic had replaced steel and the area around the playground was rubberized. Everything looked really safe and really boring. We created monkii bars as a tribute to the wildness we all experienced as kids on the playground. With monkii bars you can work out anywhere. Get outside and sneak in workouts at the office, on the trail or even on your next business trip. They come as a set of 2 bars, with all 18 feet of suspension line stored inside each bar. Setup is fast, it takes less than 60 seconds. Remove the line, toss it over any support structure, adjust, and work out. The strength comes from an aerospace-grade aluminum core and the beauty from a finished maple grip. 2) The Optimal Reset... Here are just a few topics covered during the Optimal Reset: Shopping & Eating Epi-Paleo...Creating Your Optimal Kitchen...Overcoming hunger and sugar cravings...Taking on the Leptin Reset...Getting started with Cold Thermogenesis (CT)...Creating optimal sleep...Healing your hormones...Getting started with biohacking...Reducing EMF exposure in your home or office...Finding a doctor to help you biohack and support your journey to optimal.

Ben's new book has been released. Pre-order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com - and be sure to spread the word, contribute to the cause and change the way people exercise forever at Rally.org/BeyondTraining.

Want some free hidden chapters, audio clips and videos from Beyond Training? Check out the Beyond Training book torrent at BenGreenfieldFitness.com/torrent!

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some! 

-----------------------------------------------------

As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast "Sidekick".

Abigail asks: She is 22 years old, has been running quite consistently since she was 16. She's been racing shorter races (5k, 10k) but really likes the idea of endurance racing. She plans to race a triathlon and some marathons with the ultimate goal of going to Greece to race the 150 mile Spartathlon. She recently read your article about how endurance athletes are unhealthy and now she is not sure that this is something she should pursue.

Elle asks: She is 40 years old and is feeling stuck in her running ways. She has picked up the Chi Running book and DVDs and it really makes sense to her but is it worth the time and effort to change her form now? She is finding it difficult to do on her own.

Jaime asks: Her dad is a hunter and expects that she has some Deer Meat coming her way. Is there anything you can tell her about how to use deer meat and organs. Is there anything she should know nutritionally or preparation wise?

Jas asks: She is taking supplemental progesterone to induce her menstrual cycle. She is not amenorrheic from exercise but was born that way. What are the positives or negatives to taking these hormone replacements?

Jlynam asks: She was listening to you talk on PaleoCon about going barefoot more often (running, walking and standing) and is wondering how that applies to people with varicose veins. They are supposed to support the legs and veins for health and not be standing for long lengths of time, especially without support. What would you say to that?

Natalie asks: She had the Genova Diagnostics Ion Blood Panel. He results showed that she had very high mercury, aluminum and arsenic. She cut out fish, stopped using deodorant and the next test showed lower aluminum but mercury was still high (likely from the amalgam fillings in her teeth) and arsenic was also still high. Could the arsenic be from eating rice? Maybe protein powder (she has at least 3 protein shakes per week)? Where else could it be coming from?

Shai asks: Magnetico Sleep Pad vs. Earth Pulse. What is your preference and why? Why don't you recommend using them together?

-----------------------------------------------------

-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love! --

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet the amazing iceman: Wim Hof. Wim is a Dutch world record holder, adventurer and daredevil, nicknamed "the Iceman" for his ability to withstand extreme cold. He holds twenty world records - including a world record for longest ice bath, and has stayed immersed in ice for as long as 1 hour and 52 minutes and 42 seconds. In 2007, Wim attempted, but failed (due to a foot injury), to climb Mount Everest wearing nothing but shorts. Then, in 2009, he reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in his shorts within two days. In 2009, Wim also completed a full marathon above the polar circle in Finland, in temperatures close to −20 °C (−4 °F) - dressed in nothing but shorts. He finished the marathon in 5 hours and 25 minutes. In 2011, Hof also ran a full marathon in the Namib Desert without water.

So how does the Iceman do it?

Wim describes his ability to withstand extreme cold temperatures as being able to "turn his own thermostat up" by using his mind. And in today's audio episode, we're going to delve into his tips, tricks and biohacks to conquer the cold and get quantum leaps in performance, including.

-How Wim uses the science of breathing to control his body temperature and resistance to the cold...

-Wim's meditation technique...

-How Wi ran full marathon in the desert with no water...

-Whether cold thermogenesis give some kind of adaptation to perform better in heat...

-Why cold doesn't really make you sick, and the true effects on the immune system...

-Why Wim took a group of thrombosis patients into the icy Sweden wilderness...

-How you can learn Wim's secret techniques from the Iceman himself...

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...from this article on HighExistence.com: The Method

1) Get comfortable and close your eyes

Sit in a meditation posture, whatever is most comfortable for you. Make sure you can expand your lungs freely without feeling any constriction. It is recommended to do this practice right after waking up since your stomach is still empty.

2) Warm Up

Inhale deeply. Really draw the breath in until you feel a slight pressure from inside your chest on your solar plexus. Hold this for a moment and then exhale completely. Push the air out as much as you can. Hold this for a moment. Repeat this warm up round 15 times.

3) 30 Power Breaths

Imagine you’re blowing up a balloon. Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth in short but powerful bursts. The belly is pulled inward when you are breathing out and is pulled outward when you are breathing in. Keep a steady pace and use your midriff fully. Close your eyes and do this around 30 times or until you feel your body is saturated with oxygen. Symptoms could be light-headedness, tingling sensations in the body, electrical surges of energy.

4) Scan your body

During the 30 power breaths, delve into your body and become aware of it as possible. Trace your awareness up and down your body and use your intuition as to what parts lack energy and what parts are overflowing. Scan for any blockage between the two. Try to send energy/warmth to those blockages. Then release them deeper and deeper. Tremors, traumas and emotional releases can come up. It can be likened to kundalini rising. Feel the whole body fill up with warmth and love. Feel the negativity burn away.

Often people report swirling colors and other visual imagery during this exercise. Once you encounter them, go into them, embrace them, merge with them. Get to know this inner world and how it correlates to the feeling of tension or blockages in your body.

5) The Hold

After the the 30 rapid succession of breath cycles, draw the breath in once more and fill the lungs to maximum capacity without using too much force. Then push all of the air out and hold for as long as you can. Draw the chin in a bit so as to prevent air from coming in again. Really relax and open all energy channels in your body. Notice how all the oxygen is spreading around in your body. Hold the breath until you experience the gasp reflex on the top of your chest.

6) Recovery Breath

Inhale to full capacity. Feel your chest expanding. Release any tension in the solar plexus. When you are at full capacity, hold the breath once more. Drop the chin to the chest and hold this for around 15 seconds. Notice that you can direct the energy with your awareness. Use this time to scan the body and see where there is no color, tension or blockages. Feel the edges of this tension, go into it, move the energy towards this black hole. Feel the constrictions burning away, the dark places fill with light. Relax the body deeper as you move further inward, let everything go. Your body knows better than you do. After 15 seconds you have completed the first round.

Start this practice with one or two rounds. Try to do it daily and add two more rounds in a few days. After you feel more comfortable with holding your breath you can start to add exercises and stretches. Work up to a minimum of 15 minutes or 6 rounds with exercises. You can do this practice for how long it pleases you. If you feel dizziness or pain, get out of the posture and lie on your back. Breathe easily again and stop this practice session. Reserve at least 5 minutes after this practice to relax and scan the body. Summary

1. 30 times balloon blowing
2. Breathe in fully
3. Breath out fully and hold until gasp reflex
4. Inhale fully and hold for 10-15 seconds.
5. Repeat until finished
6. Take 5 minutes to relax and scan your body

Bonus Power-ups

-Add push-ups or yoga poses during the time you are holding your breath until you wait for the gasp reflex. Notice that you are stronger without air than you would normally be if you could breathe!

-Charge the energy up the spine by holding moola banda, contract the rectum & sex organ and pull the navel inward towards the spine.

-Stand up in squat position and do the balloon breath. Try to breathe away the burn. (get seated again the moment you continue the cycle, you don’t want to be standing and faint) See if you can get the energy overtake the pain. Don’t give up easily and see how far you can go if you have the willpower!

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-Wim's breathing technique fully explained...

-IcemanWimHof.com...

-Study: The influence of concentration/meditation on autonomic nervous system activity and the innate immune response...

-Wim's book: "Becoming The Iceman"...

-The book "Breathology"...

Did you enjoy this episode? Check out where Wim also appears in:

-Is There One Single Diet That Helps Top Athletes To Perform Their Best?

-Tips For Burning More Fat With Cold Thermogenesis (And Why Icing Really Does Work).

If you have questions, comments or feedback about cold thermogenesis, conquering the cold, and everything Wim Hof and I discuss in this episode, then leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/274

In this special podcast episode, I take you into the ultimate gut reboot with special guest Tim Jackson - along with high protein diet damage, irradiated fish, getting fit in 4 minutes and much more!

Get a $50 discount on ANY consultation or service from Dr. Tim Jackson at HealYourBody.org when you use code "BEN" or mention this podcast.

Leave your questions, comments and feedback at BenGreenfieldFitness.com, and remember to click here to go subscribe and leave the show a rating in iTunes!

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You can get even more news flashes just like this every day by following Ben on Twitter.

-The very last rules in this article are pure weight loss/plateau gold.

-Contrary to popular belief, you actually burn more calories if you run a mile vs. walking a mile.

-How to get fit in a few minutes a week and READ THE LAST PARAGRAPH.

-High protein intake is NOT synonymous with smoking, and the high protein study was pretty flawed. Here’s why, from the guys at Examine.com. Also, here's another good breakdown of this study from Denise Minger at RawFoodSOS.com and another one from Mark Sisson at MarksDailyApple.com.

-Before you stuff butter and coconut milk down the hatch indiscriminately, you may want to read this.

-Radiation concerns? You should probably worry more about flying on an airplane than eating “irradiated” fish.

-Pre-order Ben's new book now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com - and be sure to spread the word, contribute to the cause and change the way people exercise forever at Rally.org/BeyondTraining. Want some free hidden chapters, audio clips and videos from the book? Check out the Beyond Training book torrent at BenGreenfieldFitness.com/torrent! -Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle.

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You may remember Tim Jackson (pictured left) from the very popular article that appeared here a few weeks ago entitled Broken Gut to Big Butt: How A Busted Digestive System Can Make You Hormonally Fat. Tim also appears as a guest in Dr. Jack Kruse's "Optimal Reset" program.

Dr. Tim Jackson received his undergraduate degree in Health science and chemistry from Wake Forest University in 2003. He completed his Doctorate in Physical Therapy(DPT) from the Medical University of SC in 2009. Realizing that manual therapy and orthopedic care helped only some of his patients, he began studying functional and environmental medicine, as well as digestive health, in an effort to help others achieve wellness. Dr. Tim is educated in nutritional biochemistry, digestive health and its systemic effects, as well as functional endocrinology.

He recently completed the Spine portion of the Active Release Technique methodology, a system that addresses musculoskeletal trigger points and helps to expedite the healing process. Currently, Dr. Tim is working on his Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist certification. He also trained with Dr. Kendal Stewart, M.D. to learn the far-reaching implications of methylation deficits and their role in Neuro-immune syndromes. He combines his background in integrative medicine with the cutting-edge protocols developed by Dr. Stewart to optimize patient outcomes.

Tim also offers long-distance consultations to help guide you through the process of addressing methylation. Unfortunately, this process requires much more than simply taking a L-5-methylfolate supplement, and you must address gut/digestive health, control inflammation, and address other SNP's (single nucleotide polymorphisms).

During our discussion, you'll discover:

-Why your mother and the health of her umbilical cord affects you for life...

-Why digestive issues are becoming more and more common today...

-The #1 best test to get to find out if you have a broken gut...

-How high cortisol can damage your gut...

-The best way to clean your liver...

-How to do genetic testing and find out if you have polymorphisms that affect your gut...

-Why you may not be making enough stomach acid, even if you're less than 35 years old...

-Why you may not want to be taking probiotics every day...

-How bacteria can move from your large intestine into your small intestine, and what you can do about it...

-Why biofilm prevents you from obtaining optimal digestion...

-And much more!

Get a $50 discount on ANY consultation or service from Dr. Tim Jackson at HealYourBody.org when you use code "BEN" or mention this podcast.

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-Pharmax labs probiotics for children -GI Effects 2200 Profile or CDSA through Metametrix (order via DirectLabs) -Adrenal Stress Index (ASI test) for cortisol -Adaptogenic herb TianChi to lower cortisol -24 urine hormone panel through DirectLabs -23andMe genetic testing -http://www.mthfrsupport.com/ and http://www.geneticgenie.com for importing 23andme results -The best stress management tips and techniques for healing the gut -Betaine Hydrochloride supplements for healing the gut -L-Glutathione for detoxing and healing the gut -L5-Methyl-Folate supplements for addressing methylation issues -Addressing mineral deficiencies through 15-20mg of zinc picolinate and 4-6 drops of nascent iodine -Prescript Assist Probiotics -Bacterial Overgrowth Breath Test-Genova KIT -Enteric-coated peppermint oil and oil of oregano for bacterial overgrowth -InterPhase and Nattokinase for biofilm overgrowth -Ben's "sleep chamber": Biomat, Blue Light Blocking Glasses, Infrared Light Therapy, EarthPulse, Passionflower Extract, Five Minute Journal. -Tim Jackson's Facebook page -Tim Jackson's e-mail -Dr. Jack Kruse's "Optimal Reset" program.

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Leave your questions, comments and feedback at BenGreenfieldFitness.com, and remember to click here to go subscribe and leave the show a rating in iTunes!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the article "Underground Training Tactics For Enhancing Endurance – Part 1", I introduce you to the concept of using things like resisted, restricted and hypoxic breathing to significantly increase your oxygen utilization, your lung power, your VO2 max, and your inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength and endurance.

In that article, I mention a "PowerLung", which is a special portable restricted breathing device that I personally use when I'm driving around in my car, watching a movie, or waiting in line at the airport as a way to squeeze in a quick lung workout. I keep the Powerlung in my bag and just pull it out whenever I know I have a chance to boost my VO2max. It seems like cheating, but I can actually exercise my lungs just about anytime, anyplace.

But how does the PowerLung thing actually work, is it proven, and can you actually increase your VO2 max without exercising?

In today's audio podcast, I interview Greg Wells, Ph.D., the Assistant Professor of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education at the University of Toronto and Associate Scientist of Physiology and Experimental Medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children. During our interview, you'll learn:

-Which hidden muscles use over 15% of your energy needs during exercise...

-The 2 best ways to do resisted breath training...

-How your body pulls precious blood away from your arms and legs if you have weak breathing muscles...

-Why breathing in and out of a straw isn't a good idea...

-The sets and reps you should use for potent resisted breath training workout...

-How resisted breathing is different than hypoxic training...

-Why doing breath training the wrong way can increase body acidity...

-What kind of resisted breath devices to use if you have asthma or other lung issues...

-How resisted training could actually give you a six-pack abs...

-And much more!

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-The PowerLung (use code BGF025 for 25% discount) -Study: Respiratory Muscle Power Before and After Training -White Paper: The Importance of Respiratory Muscle Training Inspiratory and Expiratory Muscles. -The Sick Kids Foundation (10% of proceeds when you use code BGF025 at PowerLung.com go to the Sick Kids Foundation)

Questions, comments or feedback about the Powerlung? Leave you thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special podcast episode, which is a recording from my PrimalCon presentation in Tulum Mexico, you'll learn endurance biohacking tips, anti-aging tips, fat loss tips and much more!

All the resources I talk about in this presentation can be found by clicking here (will open in a new window).

Topics I cover (slides below) include:

-Why the human body has natural endurance...

-Why the least important thing you need to prioritize is your stamina...

-6 ways to maximize fat oxidation...

-4 tricks to stand all day without getting tired...

-One powerful breathing technique you can use to enhance workouts and races...

-How to instantly drop your heartrate by 10 beats...

-5 ways you can stop electromagnetic damage to your body now...

-The best blood and gut tests to get...

-2 of the best apps for building brain power...

-Why soft tissue work is one of the best ways to keep your joints from damage...

-How just 5 minutes per day can maximize your health...

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mighty Dave Asprey joins us today to put the mold-free icing on the cake with Part 3 of the popular "How To Biohack The Ultimate Healthy Home" series.

In part 1 of this series with Dr. Jack Kruse, we talked about lowering your exposure to EMF, artificial light and other biological assailants in the episode "How To Biohack The Ultimate Healthy Home: Part 1"...

...and in part 2, we spoke with green architect Stephanie Horowitz about ways your home can be built or modified to make it a healthier place to live: How To Biohack The Ultimate Healthy Home: Part 2, with Stephanie Horowitz...

And today, Dave and I delve into the truth about mold in your home, mycotoxins in your body, and what you can do about it, including:

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-Why mold is a serious problem in homes these days, and where a company called "Dupont" fits in... -Why even a brand new home could have mold... -The best test to know if you have mold issues in your home... -Three ways to fix your body after mold exposure... -How to test your blood for mold and mycotoxins... -Which genes make you more susceptible to mold, and how to test your genes... -Easy hacks can you add to your home to keep mold from getting there in the first place... -And the one area of an airport you must avoid...

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Dave is founder of The Bulletproof Executive and a Silicon Valley investor and technology entrepreneur who spent 15 years and over $300,000 to hack his own biology. He lost 100 pounds without counting calories or excessive exercise, used techniques to upgrade his brain by more than 20 IQ points, and lowered his biological age while learning to sleep more efficiently in less time. Learning to do these seemingly impossible things transformed him into a better entrepreneur, a better husband, and a better father. From private brain EEG facilities hidden in a Canadian forest to remote monasteries in Tibet, from Silicon Valley to the Andes, Dave has used hacking techniques and tried everything on himself. Be sure to check out Dave's "Upgraded Self" website for all his featured biohacks.

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-Dave's mold and mycotoxins talk at the Become Superhuman Live Event

-Environmental Relative Mold Index

-American Air Testing

-Mold Profile and Mycotoxin Panel blood testing

-23andme genetic testing

-Amy Yasko's book - Genetic Bypass: Using Nutrition To Bypass Genetic Mutations

-Bulletproof Upgraded Coconut Charcoal

-Edible clay

-Cholestyramine

-HEPA filters

Do you have questions about mold in your home, mycotoxin exposure or anything else Dave Asprey talked about? Leave your thoughts in the comments at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/273

Feb 26, 2014 Podcast: Do-It-Yourself Fix For Leg Length Discrepancies, Which Chocolate Is Good For You, Best Ways To Learn More About Health, Exercise and Nutrition, How To Increase Balance, How To Naturally Increase Fertility, and The Best Supplements for Inflammation.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right, use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form... but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Ben mentions his new Biomat from BenGreenfieldFitness.com/biomat.
• Another VERY good reason NOT to check your email right before that big workout or race.
• I KNEW that second glass of wine in the evening would come to good use...
• How you can your bread & eat it too (my wife does this 1x/week).
• In the bread news flash, Ben mentions "Hard Red Wheat" from the Palouse and this sourdough starter.

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We mention a new premium episode - a 1 hour audio recording in which Ben Greenfield helps Nate (who gave permission for Ben to record and release this episode) with inflammation, power, shoulder injuries, anti-aging, fashion and more!

Ben's new book has been released. Pre-order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com - and be sure to spread the word, contribute to the cause and change the way people exercise forever at Rally.org/BeyondTraining.

Want some free hidden chapters, audio clips and videos from Beyond Training? Check out the Beyond Training book torrent at BenGreenfieldFitness.com/torrent!

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

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As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast "Sidekick".

Ben asks: He has Short Leg Syndrome and is wondering who to see and what the treatments are for it. His chiropractor just wants to give him lifts.

Bill asks: There is a new Dark Chocolate product out called Zen Evo Dark Chocolate. There are some different options: one with caffeine, one with Vitamin D and one plain. What are your thoughts on this product and dark chocolate in general... he knows that you are a fan!

Erin asks: She has been listening to the show for 2 years and is always blown away. What do you do on a daily basis to keep up to date with the knowledge to have specific recommendations and the latest studies. How do you prepare for the podcast? Do you get the questions ahead of time and do research or do you just have things on hand to reference? Can you give and specific recommendations for someone who wants to be... more like you?

Michelle asks: She had an acoustic neuroma tumour in her brain. She had surgery in 2001 to debulk the tumour and she lost all hearing and her vestibular nerve on her right side. She knows that her left side compensates for her right side but are the imbalances she has today from the surgery or just regular imbalances? Can she improve them with one legged exercises? She has trouble with one legged balances and has to really focus or grab on to something. Is there anything she can do to improve her balance?

Mike and Laura asks: They want to have a baby. He is already training for a race and she is wondering if things like riding a bike and taking ice baths will hurt his "swimmers". He wants to know what kind of food or supplements guys can take to help maintain or enhance his fertility. Any other advice for people trying to conceive?

Rob asks: He is in rehab from coming off his bike last year and it is going well although he is in near constant muscular discomfort. He is avoiding NSAIDS and supplementing with Fish Oil, Magnesium and Tissue Salts. He saw some research that showed CLA had some pretty potent anti inflammatory properties. Have you seen that and do you think it is worth supplementing with?

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love! --

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curious what it’s like to do a consult with Ben? This is a 1 hour PREMIUM audio recording in which Ben Greenfield helps Nate (who gave permission for Ben to record and release this episode) with inflammation, power, shoulder injuries, anti-aging and more! Resources mentioned during this episode: -One-on-one consultation -Sweetbeat HRV app -Wireless Polar H7 heart rate monitor -Tinké -Beastie Ball -Eating Evolved for chocolates -Foundation exercise book -EnergyBits for spirulina/chlorella (use 10% code and FREE shipping code BEN) -Citicholine TianChi -EGCG Green Tea extract -Vitamin B complex -InflammationFactor.com -DEEP30 Whey Protein -CNS Tap Test -Dan John -Breathology book -Powerlung -Active Release Therapy -Colostrum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph De Sena (pictured) is 44 years old.

His racing resume is the stuff of legends - over 50 ultra-endurance events overall and 14 Ironman events (in one year alone). Most of his races are 100 miles or more with a few traditional marathons in the mix. (He once said that running a 26.2 marathon distance was “adorable.”)

To put things in perspective, Joe raced the Vermont 100, the Lake Placid Ironman and the Badwater Ultra… all in one week. The elevation climb for the 135-mile Badwater race, which starts hundreds of feet below sea level in Death Valley, is over 8,500 feet up to Mt. Whitney and temperatures soar into the 120’s.

Joe also biked cross-country in the Furnace Creek 508 which has been coined “The Toughest 48 Hours in Sport.”

Joe’s other athletic achievements include:

- Raid International Ukatak: Canada, January 2001

- IditaSport: Alaska February, 2001 (1st place)

- Odyssey Adventure Race: Big Island, Va., March 2001

- OAR Beast of the East: Clayton Lakes, Va., April 2001 (1st place)

- Raid The North Extreme: Newfoundland, June 2001 (13th place out of 42)

- Adrenaline Rush: Dublin, Ireland, July 2001

- Discovery World Championships: St. Moritz, Switzerland August, 2001

And Joe is CEO and Co-founder of the popular Spartan Race series.With over 80 events planned for 2014, Reebok Spartan Race is making obstacle racing one of the fastest growing sports in the world. This international, timed event series features races at three distances (Sprint, Super and Beast), culminating each year in World Championship finals – $300,000 in cash and prizes were awarded in 2013 alone.

While featuring competitive elite heats, Reebok Spartan Races are for athletes of all levels and abilities and are geared toward ripping people off their couches and getting them into the outdoors, living a fitter life. 

Joe just wrote a new book entitled "Spartan Up!: A Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Peak Performance in Life" and in this audio episode, we're going to delve into Joe's book, and how you can live a Spartan lifestyle while achieving peak performance in your own life.

This is just Part 1. Part 2 is going to be YOUR questions for Joe. So leave your questions in the comments section under this show, and we'll get to them in Part 2! If you enjoyed this episode, you should also check out:

-Look, Feel and Perform Like An Ancient Spartan Warrior – How To Become An Absolute Physical Beast

-Train Like The Lone Survivor – 3 Books That Will Turn You Into A Beast: Spartan, SEALFIT and Obstacle Racing Book Reviews

-The Ultimate Guide to Get Ready for an Obstacle Race, Mud Run, Spartan Race or Tough Mudder.

Questions, comments or feedback about Joe DeSana and the Spartan lifestyle? Do you like Joe's take-no-prisoners approach or do you think he's too extreme? Do you have questions for Joe or Ben? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com, along with your questions for Joe!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/272

Dr. Jack Kruse is one of those guys who truly unlocked the secrets of healing and optimizing the human machine, both inside and out.

In other episodes, Dr. Kruse has come on the BenGreenfieldFitness podcast to talk about.. -"How To Live Like A Polar Bear And Eat Like A Great White Shark".. -"How To Biohack The Ultimate Healthy Home".. -"How You Can Use Cold Thermogenesis To Perform Like Lance Armstrong And Michael Phelps"..

And today, in a preview of Dr. Kruse's brand new Optimal Reset program, we delve into 9 ways to push the reset button on your body, including:

-Why Paleo diets are lacking and the foods you need to include to go a step beyond Paleo...

-What you need in your kitchen to make your kitchen optimal (including where bamboo fits in)..

-The one most important test you need to get to see if you are sensitive to leptin..

-Two practical ways to get started with cold thermogenesis today..

-What Apple knows about your cell phone that you don't..

-Why magnetic sleep pads so popular among biohackers could actually be bad for you..

-What the three most important blood tests are to ask your doctor for or get tested..

-One simple and easy way to find a doctor who will actually support your biohacks..

-Why women have so much trouble losing weight..

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General

-The Optimal Reset

-Jack's free "Biohacking 101" course

Food

-The Nori seaweed Ben wraps all his salads in

-Organic herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs

-Organic, grass fed meat that you can order bulk

Kitchen

-Bamboo cooking utensils

-Cast iron cookware

Resetting Leptin

-a "reverse T3 test"

-Install “Flux” on computer so it dims at night

-Wear Encoder wristband

-Wear blue light blocking glasses, especially for evening computer use. Recommend Gunnar.

-Install low blue light bulbs, and put blue light blocker screen on computer

-Jack's redox article

Cold Thermogenesis (CT)

-CoolFatBurner.com vest

Reducing EMF

-Use dirty electricity filters in main rooms of house (recommend Greenwave filters)

-Use airtube headset on phone (recommend “Envi airtube“)

Creating Optimal Sleep

-Reverse Osmosis filter

-Whole House Structured water filter (that Ben uses)

-The Magnetico sleep mat

-The Biomat sleep mat (sleep on or put your water on)

Blood Tests

-HS-CRP/DHEA/Vitamin D -WellnessFX testing

Finding A Doctor

-HealthProfs.com -FunctionalMedicine.org -Naturopathic.org -PrimalDocs.com -PaleoPhysiciansNetwork.com -CuroSeven.com (for the UK)

Healing Your Hormones

- The Heal Your Hormones bootcamp -23andme genetic testing

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The Optimal Reset is a free 90 Day program with Dr. Kruse (and special guests including myself) to help you reverse disease, lose weight, clean up your diet, get in shape, heal your hormones, build your medical team and more. Speakers include:

-Dr. Bonlie on Super-Detoxing Magnetism... -Ben Greenfield on Biohacking Sports Performance... -Dave Asprey on Stress -Ameer Rosic on Sleep -Dr. Kendal Stewart from Neurobiologix on Fertility -Heather Brown from eMeals on Meal Planning -Dr. Bhavesh Patel on Path to Optimal for Busy Executives -Gretchen Bronson on The Affordable Care Act -Michael Neuert on How to Prevent EMFs in Your Home -Dr. Tim Jackson on Why We Have Trouble Losing Weight -Dr. John Sorrentino on Dentistry -Evan Brand on Our Nature Deficiency

The webinars are free for the first 24 hours of the live presentation and the entire Optimal Reset package can also be purchased to listen at your own rate. Click here to register for free for the Optimal Reset now to get the full schedule and list of special offers and bonuses..

..and leave your questions, comments and feedback about the "9 Ways to Push the Reset Button On Your Body" at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BJ Tucker is a long distance runner, health advocate, father of 5 and has been married for 28 years.

His journey started 2 1/2 years ago when he was tired of being overweight, tired and not able to walk up a flight of stairs without losing his breath.

So he started eating plants. And running. And eliminating alcohol and grains. Since then he has lost 75 pounds, and become a successful long distance runner with achievements like back-to-back marathons. BJ recently featured my "10 Steps To Mastering A Plant Based Diet" post on his website. Why was BJ so interested in that? Because BJ is a self-described "plant-powered athlete". He eats no meat. So in today's audio podcast, I ask BJ: Questions:

-How did you lose 75 pounds over the past 2 years?

-Where did alcohol fit into the picture for you?

-How do you manage to eat a plant-based diet and yet go, as Vinnie Tortorich says, "NSNG"? Aren't grains very common on a plant-based diet?

-It's no secret that plant-based diets often contradict what I personally recommend here at BenGreenfieldFitness - namely a high-fat diet combined with avoidance of long, slow cardio. But you eat a plant-based diet and run long distances. Are you concerned about your blood work, hormones or gut, or do you pay attention to that?

-What's your running protocol look like? Do you have any special strategies you want to share, such as run-walk protocols, pacing methods, etc?

-Do you strength train, and if so, what do you do?

-How do you manage 5 kids, a successful marriage and long distance running? Any tips for our audience?

-Does your family also eat a plant-based diet? If so, do your kids ever ask about eating meat?

Do you have questions, comments or feedback about how to lose 75 pounds by eating plants? Leave your questions, comments and feedback at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and BJ or I will reply!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Murray is a guy I have had my eye on for awhile.

Every once in a while he mysteriously pops up on a forum or Facebook thread I'm following, and talks about just having killed some ultra-race out in the middle of nowhere, or completed an epic mountain run...

...on nothing but a bit of butter or coconut oil the day before.

He's doing some crazy workouts in a fasted state, and yet managing to pull off amazing feats of physical performance.

And furthermore, he's not a diet hack - the dude actually knows his stuff - with a degree in Chemistry (BSc) and a Masters (MSc) in Sports Nutrition. He works with professional cyclists, triathletes, distance runners and last year worked as Sports Nutritionist to the BMC Professional Cycling Team. Yes, that BMC Professional Cycling Team.

Like I mentioned, Barry is also a competitive endurance athlete himself and races in ultramarathon events. He represented his country at the 2011 World Ultra Trail Championships, and has won several ultra trail marathons, placed 2nd at one of the UK’s toughest 100mile ultras, and has also set national records for trail routes over the Dublin mountains.

So how does Barry (pictured right) do it? You find out in today's audio interview, in which Barry and I talk about: -How Barry got into fasted workouts... -An overview of the mechanism, function and exactly what happens inside your body when you combine fasting and exercise... -The steps to becoming fat-adapted, and how long it takes... -What types of workouts, athletes and sports fasting and exercise is good for, not not good for... -Whether elite or world class athletes combine fasting and exercising or racing... -What happens when fasting and exercise go wrong... -How today's Primal and Paleo recommendations can mislead people... -How to get started with fasted exercise, where it can take you, and how far you can go...

-How To Turn Yourself Into A Fat Burning Machine By Fasting For 24 Hours Then Going Out And Do Monster Workouts Without Bonking.

-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.

-The Great Ketogenic Ironman Experiment – Can You Go Low-Carb And Be A Fast Endurance Athlete Without Destroying Your Body?

-Jack Kruse Tells You How To Live Like A Polar Bear And Eat Like A Great White Shark.

-Barry's website: www.OptimumNutrition4Sport.com

Do you have questions about combining fasting and exercise? Comments or feedback from the interview? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/271

Feb 12, 2014 Podcast: When Is It Safe To Exercise After Being Sick, Vinegar For Fat Loss, Mucus In Your Stool, How To Fix Your Colon, Why Your Stomach Sticks Out, Can A Yeast Infection Cause Alcohol Cravings, and Building Swim Endurance.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form... but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Here’s why cheaters, dopers & steroid users shouldn’t be allowed back into the sport afterwards.
• Problem #1 with the “Vitamin C & Vitamin E ruin endurance” study - they used dl (synthetic) form of Vitamin E.
• Problem #2 with the “Vitamin C & Vitamin E ruin endurance” study - they used ascorbic acid (fake) form of Vitamin C.
• (I also mention American Nutraceuticals Vitality C and SuperBerry)

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March 1-6, 2014: PrimalCon Vacation Tulum Mexico 2014! Join Ben and Jessa Greenfield, Mark Sisson, Cate Shanahan, Darryl Edwards, and other leaders in the Paleo (plus Brock), Primal and Ancestral Health community to celebrate healthy living in style - at the magnificent Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa, an all-inclusive 5-star resort on the Mayan Riviera. You'll be immersed in outdoor fitness workouts, luxurious health food, exploring Mayan ruins, lots of beach time, fun in the sun - and much more! Click here to get in now, and be sure to tell them Ben Greenfield sent you to get all-star treatment!

Ben's new book has been released. Pre-order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com - and be sure to spread the word, contribute to the cause and change the way people exercise forever at Rally.org/BeyondTraining.

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

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As compiled, deciphered, edited and sometimes read by Brock Skywalker Armstrong, the Podcast "Sidekick".

Daniel asks: He has been diagnosed with pneumonia and has been off training for 3 days already. Aside from wanting to heal quickly, not get too out of shape, and mitigate the damage from the antibiotics - he also would like to know how quickly he can return to training once he is better.

Eric asks: He would like to hear your opinion of vinegar as a fat loss supplement. Is this a myth of should it be a part of your daily dietary consumption?

Holly asks: She has been using your Detox Gut Healing Pack for about 5 days and in the last 2 days she has noticed some mucus or jelly in her bowel motions. This worried her a bit as her nursing background tells her that is indicative of inflammation. She knows the pack is gentle and shouldn't be causing any inflammation but she would like to know what could be causing this and if you have heard of people having a mucus reaction before.

Josh asks: A family member has been diagnosed with colon cancer and had to have a large amount of his colon removed. They found the cancer while they were doing a routine appendectomy so now he has no appendix and very little colon. Is there any supplement or dietary advice you would give him?

Michael asks: He has fairly low body fat but for some reason his stomach sticks out and makes him look fat even though he is not fat. Do you have any suggestions, diet or exercise, that could get rid of this abdominal distention?

Richard asks: Over the last few years he has needed to drink more and more wine in order to get the same effect. It's almost like a craving - he opens a bottle and keeps going until "the job is done" rather than just enjoying a glass. He feels that it is a sugar craving and is wondering if it could be candida (he also wonders if the candida could have contributed to his needing a heart bypass a few years ago). His plan to kill the candida by drinking hefty amounts of New Zealand pinot noir doesn't seem to be working :) Could you talk about what candida is and how to get rid of it?

Sebastian asks: He is new to triathlon (he has a strong cycling background and is a decent runner) and is having trouble building his swim endurance. He can only swim 50m at a time before he gets very out of breath and has to stop. How can he build his aerobic capacity for swimming? What is the best way for him to build his swimming distance from 50m to 750m and so on?

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love! --

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Greer is one bad-ass old dude.

I first met Mike at the Become Superhuman live event. The guy wandered into our morning workout and proceeded to destroy a handful of fit young guys and girls at burpees, lunges, push-ups and Turkish get-ups. With his Ironman gear and well-tanned skin, I figured he was one of these 50-some year-old triathlete workout enthusiasts.

Then I found out he was 75.

As I got to know him, one of the first things I learned about Mike Greer is this: just call him Greer.

The guy has worn many hats over the years: entrepreneur who has started over eight businesses, a military career as a retired Lt. Colonel, a football player, a seven-time Ironman triathlete, the past president of the board of USA Triathlon, the president of the board and CEO of the Obstacle Racing Association, in the Texas Triathlon Hall of Fame, a father, grandfather, and a freaking great-grandfather...the list goes on and on and on.

Greer has what he calls “Eleven Points of Healthy Ageless Living”, and in this audio podcast episode, we delve into his anti-aging tips and ageless living secrets, including:

-What Greer means when he says "healthy, ageless living"...

-How to live an active sex life as you get older, and why you need to do it...

-Greer's tips for eating to live as long as possible...

-Greer's exercise protocol for healthy, ageless living...

-Why holding a grudge is one of the worst things you can do for your longevity...

-How stress can actually make you live longer...

-Greer's biggest mistake he's made that you can learn from...

-Greer's biggest tip for achieving amazing feats of physical performance without destroying your body...

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also want to tune into:

-7 Natural Anti-Aging Strategies That Will Stop Your Body From Getting Prematurely Old And Worn-Down.

-Why You’re Aging Faster And 5 Things You Can Do About It.

-The Zen Of Aging: How To Stay Fit and Look Amazing As You Get Older.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/270

Feb 5, 2014 Podcast: Natural Remedies For Snoring, Weight Training For Endurance Athletes, Can D-Ribose Reverse Heart Disease, How to Lose Weight With A Low Thyroid, Train For A Marathon Without Losing Muscle, and Sports Nutrition For Females.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form... but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Foam rolling doesn’t help performance. Soreness: yes. But performance: no.
• It’s not as much about how long you sit during the day as it is how much PROLONGED unbroken sitting time you have.
• Is Vitamin D really useless? (in which I recommend this comprehensive treatise on supplements from Examine).

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March 1-6, 2014: PrimalCon Vacation Tulum Mexico 2014! Join Ben and Jessa Greenfield, Mark Sisson, Robb Wolf, Cate Shanahan, Darryl Edwards, and other leaders in the Paleo (plus Brock), Primal and Ancestral Health community to celebrate healthy living in style - at the magnificent Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa, an all-inclusive 5-star resort on the Mayan Riviera. You'll be immersed in outdoor fitness workouts, luxurious health food, exploring Mayan ruins, lots of beach time, fun in the sun - and much more! Click here to get in now, and be sure to tell them Ben Greenfield sent you to get all-star treatment!

Ben's new book has been released. Pre-order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com.

Get in on the single most in-depth, life-changing paleo event EVER. Created & hosted By the World’s Biggest Paleo Community. Register now for PaleoCon.

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

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As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick".

Ari asks:About 4 years ago he had his deviated flare septum fixed. The doctor also coblated the turbinates. The doc said he would likely need to have the coblated again. Immediately after the surgery, for about a year, he didn't snore at all and his sense of smell was great. Eventually he could feel them swelling up again and now days he snores a lot and had a terrible sense of smell. He has used xylitol spray and breathe right strips and they work well but are annoying. Do you have any advice on swollen turbanites or snoring?

Joe asks: He is a weak cyclist who wants to build power quickly but doesn't want to spend hours riding in Zone 2. He uses intervals but is wondering if a tough, high rep squat routine would help with that (like the one we are doing from Dan John). He is also wondering if you are still doing the cold showers even while doing the Mass Gain Protocol.

Keith asks: He recently read a book about reversing heart disease by Dr. Sinatra. In it, the doctor recommends taking D-Ribose. Do you know how effective D-Riboseis for reversing heart disease? They recommend at least 5000/day.

Kim asks: She is about 80lbs overweight and is wondering if you have advice for someone with a thyroid condition to speed up weight loss? Are there any supplements that are safe to take when on synthroid? Sanket asks:His wife has Hashimoto's thyroiditis and one of her alternative doctors is encouraging her to try a brain mapping exercise to reset the connections in her brain and help heal the Hashimoto's. He is wondering if this would work or if this is even a safe thing to go. Have you heard of this? Do you know what the risk is?

Mary asks:She recently transitioned from endurance sports to physique competitor. She is running the 2014 Boston Marathon and also qualifying for Nations in Physique competing. What is the best way to train for a marathon without sacrificing and muscle. She isn't planning to PR in Boston but she does want to complete. What should her mileage be and how should she fuel?

McAuley asks:She would like to know if there is a difference between what she should eat before, during and after a workout and what a man should eat in those same time periods? Is it gender specific?

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love! --

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special app exclusive interview, podcast sidekick Brock Skywalker Armstrong sits down with Mark Kennedy to talk about his new iPhone app (soon to be Android) called Fuel My Run - the first running app that lets you track your workouts, while helping you take in enough fuel to finish your run strong.

Mark is a former Kinesiologist that applies his knowledge with vigor to his day-to-day life. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at the Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. Mark’s past experiences include working as an Exercise Therapist within a clinical setting and as a Personal Trainer. His work involved conducting ergonomic work-site assessment, rehabilitating injured workers back into the workplace, training professional athletes, performing fitness assessments and prescribing sport-specific fitness routines. Find out more at www.healthynomics.com

During the interview we mention: -Mark's blog and podcast -FuelMyRun on iTunes -This podcast with Dr Stellingwerff

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/269

Jan 29, 2014 Podcast: Which supplements can you replace with real food, how to grow more facial hair, calories in protein vs. amino acids, are energy drinks acidic, can healthy foods be inflammatory, and how yo-yo dieting destroys your metabolism.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form... but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Interesting: The effects of caffeine, nicotine, ethanol, and tetrahydrocannabinol on exercise performance.
• 3-6 cups of coffee per day hydrate you just as well as water. Mmm…beet juice with your coffee anyone? LOTS of beet juice?
• Feeling an urge to snack, hunger or cravings? Maybe you just need to go exercise.

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March 1-6, 2014: PrimalCon Vacation Tulum Mexico 2014! Join Ben and Jessa Greenfield, Mark Sisson, Robb Wolf, Cate Shanahan, Darryl Edwards, and other leaders in the Paleo (plus Brock), Primal and Ancestral Health community to celebrate healthy living in style - at the magnificent Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa, an all-inclusive 5-star resort on the Mayan Riviera. You'll be immersed in outdoor fitness workouts, luxurious health food, exploring Mayan ruins, lots of beach time, fun in the sun - and much more! Click here to get in now, and be sure to tell them Ben Greenfield sent you to get all-star treatment!

How to REV the Human Machine: Recover Your Body. Your human body is capable of "superhuman" performance and recovery if you are given the proper user's manual. 60-minute Livestream class Friday, January 31st at 12:00PM PST. Register NOW!

Ben's new book has been released. Pre-order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com.

Get in on the single most in-depth, life-changing paleo event EVER. Created & hosted By the World’s Biggest Paleo Community. Register now for PaleoCon.

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

-----------------------------------------------------

As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick".

Anil asks:He wants to have six-pack abs, good shoulders, biceps and triceps but he doesn't want to take any protein powders or supplements - he only wants to use real natural foods. Is this possible and if he doesn't use supplements how much longer will it take to achieve?

Beard asks:He wants to grow a bad-ass beard but he has very patchy facial hair growth right now. Is there any food, supplement, cream, or ointment he can use to help grow a better beard?

Connor asks:He is wondering how we actually get calories from protein. When he looks at the back of a particular protein supplement it shows 4 calories per gram of protein but when he looks at a bottle of amino acids it has zero calories in it. How does this work? Also, how could this relate to staying in ketosis?

EnergyDrink asks:Her grandson (21 years old) is consuming 6 to 8 Monster Energy drinks per day and is complaining of bad stomach cramps and coughing up blood. Could the Monster drinks be causing this problem?

Glen asks: He read the book called The Plan by Lyn-Genet Recitas. What do you think of The Plan's strategy to finding foods that may be inflammatory to your system? What are your criticisms or praises of the systems set forth in this book?

Jessica asks:She is a 22-year-old former Div 1 Tennis player. She has been yo-yo dieting for a while now (between 23% and 12% body fat). She is worried that she has hurt her metabolism through this yo-yoing.

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love! --

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/268

Jan 22, 2014 Podcast: How To Understand Your Genotype, Are Multivitamins A Waste of Money, Should You Use Orthotics, How To Rebuild Nerves, How To Use Fermented Foods, and Substitutes For Foam Rolling.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form... but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

-----------------------------------------------------

You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• This article is bull.
• Very good up-to-date sleep article, including fact that melatonin works & you don’t build tolerance.
• What do you think of this? Do you use tylenol to “kill the pain” during exercise? Think it’s safe?

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March 1-6, 2014: PrimalCon Vacation Tulum Mexico 2014! Join Ben and Jessa Greenfield, Mark Sisson, Robb Wolf, Cate Shanahan, Darryl Edwards, and other leaders in the Paleo (plus Brock), Primal and Ancestral Health community to celebrate healthy living in style - at the magnificent Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa, an all-inclusive 5-star resort on the Mayan Riviera. You'll be immersed in outdoor fitness workouts, luxurious health food, exploring Mayan ruins, lots of beach time, fun in the sun - and much more! Click here to get in now, and be sure to tell them Ben Greenfield sent you to get all-star treatment!

Ben's new book has been released. Pre-order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com.

Get in on the single most in-depth, life-changing paleo event EVER. Created & hosted By the World’s Biggest Paleo Community. Register now for PaleoCon.

Want a done-for-you coaching package with Ben? Check out the new Black Box Coaching Package.

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 - leave your review for a chance to win some!

-----------------------------------------------------

As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick".

Allie asks:Her brother has the ApoE 3,4 genotype and high cholesterol. This genotype indicates that he is more likely respond to dietary changes in fat. They say that he should be eating a low-fat diet but they don't explain what that means. Do you have any advice what kinds of fat he should eat/avoid OR if a low fat diet is actually good for that genotype.

Jason asks: He read about the "Are multivitamins a waste of money?" article on CNN.com referencing a paper in the Annals of Internal Medicine which says that "using supplements and multivitamins to prevent chronic conditions is a waste of money". What is your take on that?

Amy asks:She has just returned to running from some time off due to a foot injury. She hasn't been back long and she is already having foot issues again. Where would you recommend going to get some good advice and diagnostics done on her feet or running gait. She feels like her podiatrist is just a glorified orthotic salesman.

Katie asks:Her father was just released from hospital/rehab after 42 days from Guillain-Barré syndrome as a result of a flu shot. He is currently in a wheel chair and cannot walk. Do you know any supplements or foods that will help rebuild his nerves and speed his healing?

Kelly asks: She listened to your podcast "Top 5 Reason Athletes Get Fat" and you recommend eating a variety of fermented foods. She makes her Kombucha and drinks it every day. Is that bad? Should she be seeking out different sources instead of getting all her bacteria from one place?

Hugo asks: He knows that you love the Rumble Rollerbut real foam rollers can be expensive. Is there any reason why he couldn't use a PVC pipe instead? Do you have any other suggestions of cheap, easy to find things that he could use for rolling?

-----------------------------------------------------

-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love! --

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I used to be an indoor cycling instructor. I absolutely loved it. It was really part of my identity. People called me the "Spin Nazi" and everybody knew if you wanted to really get your butt kicked, you should show up to Ben Greenfield's evening spin class.

It was pure joy for me to put together a 60 minute killer soundtrack, strap on the wireless microphone and lead my cycling troops into battle for a solid hour. I must admit - teaching that spin class three times per week for 3 years gave me mutant-like lungs and rock-solid legs.

And whether you want to become a better cyclist or triathlete, or you just want the beautiful legs and toned butt that you see in many cyclists, there's no denying that indoor cycling (AKA "spinning") can be a potent way to cross-train, to get better lungs and to develop impressive glutes.

But there are many, many things that happen during indoor spinning classes that people simply should not be doing – indoor cycling moves that can be very dangerous for knees and backs, spinning styles that can be ineffective for weight loss and fitness, and a general lack of good knowledge among certified spinning or fitness instructors about how to actually teach the spinning or indoor cycling class.

So in today's audio episode, I have indoor cycling expert Jennifer Sageto tell you exactly how to make sure your indoor cycling class isn't destroying your body or wasting your time. Jennifer was previously a guest on the BenGreenfieldFitness episodes:

-"10 Ways To Get More Out Of Your Indoor Cycling."

-"A Spinning & Indoor Cycling Instructor Gets A Bit Hot Under the Collar."

 Today Jennifer is back, and she’s on a mission to clean up spinning and indoor cycling around the world. Jennifer is the mastermind behind the Indoor Cycling Association, an online educational resource for indoor cycling instructors. She is also the author of the excellent Indoor Cycling book "Keep it Real" - which is chock full of practical tips, workouts and sage advice for beginner, intermediate, and advanced indoor cyclists.

-What kind of spin classes are a complete waste of your time...

-Specific moves that you must avoid if you're going to do indoor cycling...

-How much you should stand up vs. sit down when you're riding indoors...

-When cycling at an extremely high RPM is OK, and when it becomes dangerous...

-What kind of education it takes to become an indoor cycling instructor...

-3 things you should do when you walk into a spin class to ensure your bike is ready...

-Whether you should ride in an "aero" position on a spin bike...

-Why Ben's favorite way to get an indoor cycling workout is with "Sufferfest" videos...

Do you have questions about whether your indoor cycling class is bad for you? Leave your feedback at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and Jennifer or I will reply!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you’re scrambling to slim down for the New Year or burn fat fast to get ready for swimsuit season, doing a quick crash course cleanse may seem like an easy way to get things done.

After all, detox diets promise to help you shed pounds fast, flush out toxins from your gut, liver, kidney or colon, give your digestive system a much-needed break, eliminate brain fog, maximize energy levels, cure your food cravings, and even improve your hair, skin and nails. The problem is, detoxes can be dangerous.

Often, much of the weight loss is due to muscle wasting, self-cannibalization and dangerous levels of dehydration. This can result in a long-term lowering of your metabolism, hormonal imbalances and a body that easily becomes fatigued, overtrained, skinny-fat, and more likely to gain weight in the future.

Worse yet, as I discussed in the recent root canals podcast, many detoxes (especially heavy metal detoxes) leach metals and other toxins into the bloodstream. If you have a leaky blood brain barrier caused by lack of sleep, stress, inflammation, food intolerances, overtraining, airline travel or any other biological assailant, these metals and toxins can end up in your neural tissue and cause brain fog, mental fatigue and neural damage.

But not all detox diets are harmful. So to help you distinguish the difference between dangerous detox fads and truly helpful cleanse, to jumpstart your New Year and to give you a safe way to clean your body, balance your hormones and spark safe and lasting fat loss, Ben and Jessa Greenfield sit down in this podcast and give you their entertaining take on the 8 most popular detox diets, including:

-The BluePrintCleanse

-The Cooler Cleanse

-Jill Pettijohn Nutritional Cleanses

-The Master Cleanse

-David Kirsch 48-Hour Super Charged Cleanse

-Dr. Junger's Clean Gut Program

-Martha’s Vineyard Diet

-Kaeng Raeng

After Ben and Jessa tell you about the pros and cons of each detox diet, they then turn off the mic and keep going for Part 2 of this Detox Special Podcast, which is only available to BenGreenfieldFitness Inner Circle members.

In Part 2, available in both video and audio by clicking here and joining the Inner Circle, Ben and Jessa reveal Ben's #1 recommended way to detox (hundreds of dollars less expensive than popular detox diets), discuss Jessa's questions about detoxes, and answer listener questions about detox diets, including:

For more resources on detoxing, check out:

-The Zen of Taking A Good Poop

-How Much Fiber To Eat, Where To Get Your Fiber, And Is Fiber *Really* Killing Your Insides?

-How To Detox – A Quick Primer On How To Cleanse Your Body For The New Year (Without Going To Some Expensive Resort On A Mountaintop)

-How To Fix Your Gut: 9 Bad Things That Happen When Your Digestion Goes Wrong, How To Hit The Reboot Button & The Best Way To Detox Your Body.

-Why Healthy Eaters Can Still Have Broken Guts, and What You Can Do About It.

Other detox resources Ben and Jessa discuss in this episode include:

Testing:

-CDSA 2.0 with Parasitology Gut Test

-WellnessFX Baseline Panel or Top 10 Tests from DirectLabs

Diets:

-The Paleo Autoimmune Diet

-The SCD Diet

Supplements:

-Ben's recommended Gut Healing Pack (use the oil of oregano in this pack as the 15-20 drops 3x/day, and take everything else according to bottle instructions)

-Metal Free Heavy Metal Detoxification Formula -follow spray instructions on bottle, use for 30-60 days

-Liposomal Glutathione - 2-3 sprays under tongue and hold for 20-30 seconds, use for 30-60 days

-6mg of iodine per day – use for 30-60 days

-Oral magnesium in supplemental form before bedtime (around 400-600mg/day, or until you get loose stool)

-A high quality greens supplement – use for detox maintenance

-For colon detox, highly recommended to include 30-60 days of Colorectal Recovery Program if you get constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea, etc. If you use this, then you can skip the magnesium and greens listed above

Gear:

-Use Squatty Potty for any bowel movements

-If you can afford one, sleep or spend 20-30 minute sessions each day laying on Biomat

-Clean up your house with Ben's recommended safe and clean household cleaners and personal care products

Questions, comments or feedback about the most popular detox diets or how to detox? Leave your questions at BenGreenfieldFitness.com, and be sure to sign up for the BenGreenfieldFitness Inner Circle for access to Part 2 of this episode!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the podcast episode How To Biohack The Ultimate Healthy Home: Part 1, Jack Kruse taught us about microwaves, EMF's, infrared lighting, and much more...

...and in Part 2, which you can now listen to below or download for later, architect Stephanie Horowitz fills us in on the best design concepts for a new home, ways that the air, lighting and flooring in your home can affect your health, and how to fix an old home to make it healthier.

During this audio, you'll discover:

-Why a brand new home can still destroy your health and negatively affect your family...

-How your home’s lighting affects your health, and specific lighting strategies to increase your exposure to natural light...

-How the airflow in your home affects your health, and the best air filters to use...

-Exactly what to do about mold, mildew and other mycotoxins in your home...

-Why carpet is one of the worst things you could have in your home...

-How to screen for volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and formaldehyde...

-Why you need to be worried if you have an attached garage, and what you can do about it...

-How you can use alternate energy sources to save money on your home...

-Why a free energy audit is one of the best things you can do this year...

Resources Stephanie and I discuss during this episode:

-Stephanie's Ultra Low Energy Lifestyle TedX talk

-Black out shades for the bedroom

-HEPA air filter

-Green Label plus carpets and flooring

-Flor modular carpet tiles

-The Green Housekeeping book

-Environmental Working Group (EWG) website

-Building A Healthy House (free .pdf)

-Free energy audits from Energy.gov

Leave your questions, comments and feedback at BenGreenfieldFitness.com, and be sure to tune into "Biohacking A Healthy Home: Part 3" podcast coming up next month with Bulletproof Exec Dave Asprey!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/267

Jan 8, 2014 Podcast: How Root Canals Can Destroy Your Health, Natural Remedies for Stomach Ulcers, The Best Kind Of Garlic To Use, How to Get Rid Of Car Sickness, How Long Should You Rest After Interval Training, What Supplements To Use Before Workouts, and How To Train For An Ultramarathon?

Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form... but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• This may disturb strict fasting+exercise enthusiasts, but turns out that eating during your workout BOOSTS metabolism.
• Here's another sleep hack stack for you: one dropperful Kava Kava + Valerian Root + Passionflower.
• Holy cow, this is cool. You can run on water.

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Jan 12, 6:30pm Pacific/9:30pm Eastern: How To Detox Your Body For The New Year! It’s time to shatter dangerous detox myths, learn how to hit the reboot button on your body, and achieve a safe, nourishing, life-changing cleanse for the New Year. Visit the BenGreenfieldFitness Inner Circle to get in now!

March 1-6, 2014: PrimalCon Vacation Tulum Mexico 2014! Join Ben and Jessa Greenfield, Mark Sisson, Robb Wolf, Cate Shanahan, Darryl Edwards, and other leaders in the Paleo, Primal and Ancestral Health community to celebrate healthy living in style - at the magnificent Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa, an all-inclusive 5-star resort on the Mayan Riviera. You'll be immersed in outdoor fitness workouts, luxurious health food, exploring Mayan ruins, lots of beach time, fun in the sun - and much more! Click here to get in now, and be sure to tell them Ben Greenfield sent you to get all-star treatment!

Want a done-for-you coaching package with Ben? Check out the new Black Box Coaching Package.

Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle.

Ben's new book has been released. Pre-order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com.

And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - leave your review for a chance to win some!

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As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick".

Steve asks:Whats your take on root canals? I have seen and read alot of info by Dr. Mercola saying how bad they are . What are my options zirconia implant? Extraction partial i really dont wanna be toothless but i do wanna be healthy please help.

• Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions
• Consumers for Dental Choice
• International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine
• International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
• Holistic Dental Association
• International Association of Mercury Safe Dentists

Anna asks:I have a question regarding stomach ulcer. I got one and I was wondering if you could tell me what I should do to fix my problem.

Brian asks:My name is Brian and I am a firm believer in garlic raw and supplement form, I am wondering what is the best brand of garlic and what should I look for in the supplement?

Betsy asks:I live in Denver - we have a house in Breckenridge at 11,000 ft (near Mt. Quandary) . Since we have had kids, it's been difficult to make it up for weekend adventures. The last two times we have attempted mountain trips our almost 3 year old gets really car sick. The drive is about 1 hour 3 min. She has puked both times. The route isn't too too swirly. We've tried the regular advice - roll down the window (even though it's freakin' cold), light snack before we go - tell her to look out the window... No dice.

Jacob asks:I do triathlon and had a question about training. I work out two to three times a day and when I swim, I always do intervals. My question is this: Should I do hard intervals in both bike and run workouts in the same day and then make the next day a recovery day? Or, besides swimming, keep the intervals to either the bike or the run for that day and then do the intervals in the other discipline the next day. I have heard of some cyclists smashing themselves with hard intervals twice a day and then going very easy on off days. I am wondering if this or if doing intervals everyday ( except for weekly rest day ) in just bike or the run is the the way to go. I would appreciate your input.

Peggah asks: So I read your personal vitamin regimen, and specifically, the supplements you take pre-workout. I don't take any pre-workout supplements now and was wondering if you had any recommendations. I workout usually after sitting at a desk for close to 10 hours, and feel like I would definitely benefit from having additional energy and would love to take something that would help me burn more fat/build more muscle. But I'm also not training for a triathlon or doing crazy-hard workouts, so I imagine (but am not sure) that something like the X2 Performance would be overkill. I'm 28, 5'4, 130lbs (would like to lose 10 and just get more toned), can run like 4 miles at a 10 min pace, workout 3-4 times a week, and generally do a combination of cardio and weights for 45 minutes at my apartment's gym. Anyway, if you have any thoughts on pre (or post) workout supplements for a pretty average gym-goer who wants to step it up a little, would love to hear your thoughts!

James asks:My name is James STACIWA, I am a chiropractor in Newcastle, Australia & have been doing triathlons for about 4years now & I love the endurance side of things. In 2014 I plan on tackling a different beast, an Ironman in Jan, a 75k ultramarathon in the Victorian mountain country then a 100k north face ultramarathon in the nsw mountains. I was wondering if you would have any recommendations/suggestions for a training regime that would require me to go from ironman athlete to ultramarathon man?

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-- And don't forget to go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/love! --

Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!

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If you read the article "Look, Feel and Perform Like An Ancient Spartan Warrior - How To Become An Absolute Physical Beast", then you know that in an effort to challenge my body and mind, I'm personally adding some epic events to my 2014 calendar, such as the Spartan Beast, the SEALFIT Academy and the SEALFIT Kokoro Camp.

How about you? Do you want to know how to train, eat and think like the world's toughest fighters? Turn yourself into an absolute physical beast? Or perhaps just get the mental edge to be tough when it really counts? Then today's podcast with Commander Mark Divine (pictured above) is for you. Mark is the mastermind behind SEALFIT. His certifications, experience, and honors include:

-CPA, New York State -BUD/s class 170 Honor man -SEAL TEAM 3 Platoon CDR -Commanding Officer, NR SEAL TEAM 1 -Commander, US Navy Reserves -Colonel, Kentucky Order of Colonels -Ambassador, SEAL (NSW) Foundation -Ashtanga Yoga Instructor training -Combat Defense Master Trainer -S.C.A.R.S. Military H2H instructor -Seido Karate: black belt -Goju Ryu Karate: black belt -Saito Ninjutsu: brown belt -Various CrossFit and Self Defense certifications

Mark is the author of several forthcoming books, including 8 Weeks to SEALFIT, Way of the SEAL and Unbeatable Mind, and during this show, you'll discover:

-Mark's unique story of how he went from financial accountant to Navy SEAL...

-Some of the craziest things that happen during the Seal's infamous "Hell Week"...

-Mark's top tip to deal with extreme cold and fluctuations in temperature...

-2 potent tricks the Navy Seals use to deals with sleep deprivation...

-5 components of fitness to make you extremely physically tough...

-A sample workout to see if you're fit enough to be a Navy SEAL...

-What the SEALs do about overtraining, and how to make sure you don't overtrain...

Questions, comments or feedback about How To Train, Eat & Think Like The World's Toughest Fighters? Leave your thoughts at BenGreenfieldFitness.com and either myself or Commander Mark Divine will answer!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.