#377: From Leukemia SURVIVOR to Longevity Doctor: Dr. Lisa Koche on Quantum Biology, Overhyped Biohacks & True Personalization

Today, I’m sitting down with two true pioneers in the health optimization space: microbiologist Kiran Krishnan from Just Thrive, and Forrest Smith, founder of Kineon. In this episode, we bridge two often separate worlds—gut health and photobiomodulation—to explore what happens when you combine spore-based probiotics with red and near-infrared light therapy. You'll hear about the unexpected links between the gut and brain, the pivotal role of leaky gut in everything from neurodegeneration to hormone imbalance, and why Forrest started experimenting with shining red light directly on his abdomen. Whether you're looking to optimize your longevity, support immunity, or simply understand how foundational gut health really is, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, cutting-edge insights, and a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of our bodies.   • Visit Justthrivehealth.com/discount/NAT and use code NAT20 for 20% off sitewide. • Visit https://kineon.io/NATNIDDAM for 10% off!   Episode Timestamps: Gut Health, Probiotics & Red/Near Infrared Light ... 00:03:43 Forrest’s Red Light Gut Experiment ... 00:04:45 The Gut-Brain Axis & Neurodegeneration ... 00:09:20 Leaky Gut and Systemic Inflammation ... 00:13:09 GLP-1 Impacts on Gut-Brain Communication ... 00:19:32 Endotoxins, Inflammation & Brain Health ... 00:23:47 Synergy: Probiotics Plus Red Light ... 00:31:16 Microbes & Light: Evolutionary Health Foundations ... 00:31:38 Mucosal Lining and Phototherapy ... 00:36:33 Spore-Based Probiotics: Why They Matter ... 00:40:26 Universal Colonizers & Gut Health ... 00:49:32 Gut-Skin Axis, Environmental Factors, Phototherapy ... 00:55:50 Biohacking: Mimicking Nature ... 01:02:20 Endocrine Disruption & Gut Connection ... 01:03:02 Vagus Nerve: Two-Way Highway & Stimulation ... 01:09:34 Practical Tips: Who Should Use These Tools ... 01:20:52 Digestive Bitters: Simple, Upstream Fix ... 01:27:59 Myths About Probiotics & Red Light ... 01:33:10   Our Amazing Sponsors: MitoQ - is a breakthrough in cellular health, built on 20 plus years of research. Its patented molecule, mitoquinol, is the first antioxidant engineered to target your mitochondria directly. Visit mitoq.com and use code NAT for an extra 10% off at checkout.   Thymus & Pineal BioRegulators by Profound Health - Thymus Bioregulator helps keep immune response balanced and small human studies in older adults link it with healthier immune markers and fewer seasonal respiratory issues. Pineal Bioregulator supports your natural melatonin/circadian rhythm so you get the kind of sleep that underpins immune resilience. Head to profound-health.com and use code LONGEVITY15 for 15% off your first order.   Body Cream by Young Goose - Powered by NAD+ APEX, CelVio Spermidine, and targeted peptides, this advanced formula restores cellular energy, supports collagen production, and enhances skin resilience. It clears cellular waste, improves skin texture, and deeply hydrates areas where aging shows most—like arms, legs, neck, and décolleté. Visit YoungGoose.com—use code NAT10 to get started, or 5NAT if you’re an existing customer.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I’m diving solo into a topic that’s both fascinating and a little bit spooky—senescent cells, also known as “zombie cells.” Understanding zombie cells is a crucial piece of the puzzle if you want to feel younger, stronger, and more resilient as you age. In this episode, I unpack what senescent cells are, why they’re not just harmless bystanders, and how their buildup can accelerate the aging process and drive chronic inflammation—one of the hallmarks of aging. I break down the lifestyle habits that might be quietly increasing your zombie cell load, the early warning signs your body could be giving you, and most importantly, the evidence-backed interventions you can start using right now—from exercise and diet, to cutting-edge supplements, peptides, and more.   Episode Timestamps: What are Senescent (“Zombie”) Cells and Why They Matter ... 00:00:36 Key Causes and Lifestyle Factors Driving Senescence ... 00:02:40 Dietary Strategies: Mediterranean Diet, Protein, and Polyphenols ... 00:08:57 How Zombie Cells Disrupt Tissue and Drive Chronic Disease ... 00:13:37 Symptoms Linked to Excess Senescent Cells ... 00:20:58 Challenges in Measuring Senescent Cells ... 00:23:31 Senescent Cells: Helpful in Healing, Harmful in Excess ... 00:30:39 Senolytics and Senostatics: Drugs and Natural Compounds ... 00:36:14 Lifestyle and Supplement Strategies to Reduce Zombie Cells ... 00:39:14 Peptides for Advanced Senescence Management ... 00:48:09   Our Amazing Sponsors: Probiotic Breakthrough by Bioptimizers: uses a stress-tested Lactobacillus plantarum strain that showed over 30× greater survival in bile and intestinal fluid vs. generic strains. Save 15% at bioptimizers.com/bionat and use code BIONAT for 15% off any order.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I’m joined by the remarkable Dr. Lisa Koche, a leukemia survivor turned clinician who has spent her career bridging the worlds of conventional, functional, and quantum medicine. In our conversation, Dr. Koche opens up about her unique journey—from facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis at just fifteen, to questioning conventional medical dogma, to becoming a pioneer in mitochondrial health, personalized medicine, and nervous system regulation.   Episode Timestamps: Leukemia diagnosis and integrative healing journey ... 00:04:00 From patient to physician: asking “why” in medicine ... 00:07:00 Building collaborative, personalized care ... 00:11:00 Biohacking, mitochondria, and the limits of one-size-fits-all ...00:13:00 Wearables, nervous system, and self-assessment ... 00:18:00 Quantum biology, intuition, and energetic health ... 00:23:00 Supplements, subtle energy modalities, and future trends ... 00:32:00 Regenerative and mitochondrial testing advances ... 00:34:00 Nervous system regulation and the risk of overdoing biohacks ... 00:41:00 Guiding patients: self-awareness, nature, and media boundaries ... 00:44:00 Food, minerals, intention, and foundational self-care ... 00:55:00 Bridging science, energy, and personal sovereignty ... 01:00:00 A paradigm-shifting energy healing experience ... 01:02:00   Our Amazing Sponsors: Digestive Bitters by Just Thrive - One capsule before eating helps your body absorb more nutrients, ease digestion, and leave you feeling light instead of weighed down. Head over to Justthrivehealth.com/discount/NAT and use code NAT20 for 20% off.   NootroPept by LVLUP - an advanced cognitive enhancement formula that combines fast-acting neuropeptides, cholinergic support, and mitochondrial-boosting compounds to sharpen mental clarity, memory, and long-term brain performance. Visit https://lvluphealth.com/ and use code NAT at checkout for 20% off.    NMN+G Rx by Wizard Sciences - A scientifically formulated blend of NMN, ginsenosides from Panax ginseng, and apigenin. Together, they enhance mitochondrial function, boost NAD+ levels, and support cellular repair. Go to wizardsciences.com and look for NMN+G. Use code NAT15 at checkout to get 15% off your purchase.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I’m joined by the phenomenal Dr. Carrie Jones, a true powerhouse in hormone health education, to map out a sane and actionable plan for thriving through perimenopause and menopause. In our conversation, Dr. Jones breaks down what to test (and when), how to decode the difference between early and late perimenopause, and why supporting estrogen metabolism can make all the difference. She brings not only deep knowledge but also her trademark wit, making even the most complex topics feel approachable.   Episode Timestamps: Common and overlooked symptoms of perimenopause ... 00:07:00 Doctors’ approach to menopause symptoms and hormone therapy ... 00:09:00 Myths and misconceptions about menopause and HRT ... 00:13:00 Types of hormone testing: blood, saliva, urine ... 00:15:00 Personalizing hormone treatment and testing for women ... 00:17:00 Key nutrients and liver support for estrogen metabolism ... 00:26:00 Lifestyle factors: digestion, toxins, and alcohol impact ... 00:31:00 Advances in at-home hormone and breast health tests ... 00:40:00 Bone density, quality, and estrogen’s importance ... 00:45:00 Social media, nuance, and hormone conversations ... 00:49:00 Rapid fire: bioidentical hormones, fasting, cardio, weight gain, HRT ... 00:50:00 Risks for HRT and when to consider or avoid ... 00:54:00 Is it ever too late for HRT? ... 00:55:00   Our Amazing Sponsors: Manukora honey - From remote forests in New Zealand, where bees collect nectar from the native Manuka tea tree. That nectar is naturally rich in antibacterial compounds like MGO, plus antioxidants and prebiotics that support immunity and gut health. Visit manukora.com/NAT to save up to 31% plus $25 worth of free gifts with the Starter Kit - you’ll get an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook.   Puori: It’s minimally processed, made from pasture-raised cows’ milk, and it’s tested for over 200 contaminants every single batch. It’s also very Yummy! Go to Puori.com/NAT and use code NAT for 20% off— it also applies to subscriptions so you’ll get nearly a third off the price.   NEW Timeline Gummies: Urolithin A supports muscle strength and cellular energy. It’s about improving how your body functions at the source. Mitopure is the only clinically proven Urolithin A, giving you six times more than you’d get from a glass of pomegranate juice. Visit Timeline.com/nat20 and use code nat20 for 20% off your purchase.    Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I’m joined by the remarkable Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon, elite sports doctor, and a passionate advocate for redefining how we age. Dr. Wright’s philosophy goes far beyond the operating room—she believes that saving our mobility is truly what saves us from the ravages of chronic disease and a life of unnecessary pain. Fresh from the operating room and still in her scrubs, she sits down to share her mission: empowering women (and men!) with the knowledge and actionable habits that protect our strength, bones, and brains as we move through midlife and beyond.   Episode Timestamps: Saving mobility to prevent chronic disease ... 00:07:17 Empowering women in healthcare decisions ... 00:09:04 Focusing on women’s strength, aging, and research ... 00:11:23 Master athletes: mobility impact on aging bones and brain ...00:12:12 MRI evidence: active vs. sedentary muscle ... 00:15:51 Can seniors regain strength? Real-life transformation ... 00:19:54 Nutrition basics: protein, sugar, and inflammation ... 00:27:53 Critical decade: 35–45 and early warning signs ... 00:42:16 Hormone optimization and bone health ... 00:48:37 Dr. Vonda’s personal menopause journey ... 00:52:08 Lifting, sprinting, and body recomposition ... 00:58:10 Fitness advice: women vs. men, VO2 max, and frailty ... 01:00:05 Rapid fire: exercise tips, nutrition, aging myths ... 01:05:41 Book announcement and key takeaways ... 01:09:09 Final thoughts: It’s never too late ... 01:10:03   Our Amazing Sponsors: MitoLux Lite Sunlamp - UVB at 295 nm to naturally boost vitamin D, plus red light for collagen and infrared for recovery. Get 10% off your MitoLux Lite Sunlamp at https://mitolux.com/NAT10. NAT10 will be automatically applied at checkout.   BEAM Minerals - Mineral deficiency support. One shot in the morning, tastes like water, and you’ve just restored every essential mineral your cells are craving. Go to beamminerals.com, use code NAT20, and get 20% off your first order.   Nootropept by LVLUP - an advanced cognitive enhancement formula that combines fast-acting neuropeptides, cholinergic support, and mitochondrial-boosting compounds to sharpen mental clarity, memory, and long-term brain performance. Visit https://lvluphealth.com/ and use code NAT at checkout for 20% off.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I’m sitting down with Alex Tarnava and Dr. Tyler LeBaron, two of the brightest minds pioneering the use of molecular hydrogen in health optimization. Alex, the innovative creator behind the open cup hydrogen tablet technology, and Dr. LeBaron, founder of the Molecular Hydrogen Institute, join me to shed light on why this tiniest molecule could be the secret weapon in your longevity toolkit. We dive into their personal stories—Alex’s relentless search for relief from autoimmune symptoms, and Dr. LeBaron’s early curiosity that led him to decades of hydrogen research and advocacy. To learn more visit  inhaleh2.com/NAT. There is a special discount between 20% - 24% percent off, depending on your pre-order.   Episode Timestamps: What is molecular hydrogen? ... 00:00:31 Guest backgrounds and early hydrogen research ... 00:04:37 Hydrogen’s biological role and health benefits ... 00:09:24 Alex’s personal health journey and invention ... 00:16:24 Clinical trials and real-world benefits ... 00:26:01 Hydrogen as a selective antioxidant ... 00:34:20 Inflammation, mitochondria, and aging ... 00:45:47 Delivery methods: water, inhalation, bathing ... 00:58:16 Dosing tips and protocols ... 01:14:21 Inhalation machines: safety and efficacy ... 01:17:47 Safety, final advice, and resources ... 01:26:26   Our Amazing Sponsors: StemRegen - A plant-based supplement protocol designed to enhance stem cell function. support your recovery, flexibility, and long-term vitality. Visit stemregen.co/NAT15 and use code: NAT15 for 15% off your order.   Body Cream by Young Goose - Powered by NAD+ APEX, CelVio Spermidine, and targeted peptides, this advanced formula restores cellular energy, supports collagen production, and enhances skin resilience. It clears cellular waste, improves skin texture, and deeply hydrates areas where aging shows most—like arms, legs, neck, and décolleté. Visit YoungGoose.com—use code NAT10 to get started, or 5NAT if you’re an existing customer. OraltidePro- A unique mouthwash that: Promotes growth of shrinking gums, Speeds healing of mouth & tongue, Prevents oral infections (such as gingivitis), Helps with enamel remineralization, Reduces bacteria growth and etching and Fills slots in damaged enamel. check out OraltidePro at profound-health.com and use code NAT15 for 15% off your first order.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I’m joined by Kiran Krishnan, a celebrated scientist best known as the innovative mind behind spore-based probiotics and someone who’s made waves in both the practitioner and consumer health spaces. In this conversation, Kiran shares what inspired his leap from the world of microbiome science into the realm of ancestral and Ayurvedic medicine—specifically, his groundbreaking work with novel bioactives derived from the Ashwagandha root. To find out more, visit regenerive.co and use code NAT25 for 25% off.   Episode Timestamps: Kiran Krishnan’s background and Regenerive overview ... 00:00:30 The promise and problems of herbal/Ayurvedic medicine ... 00:05:31 Ashwagandha: extraction, quality, and toxicity issues ... 00:11:02 Discovery of new Ashwagandha bioactives (ASHx4) ... 00:21:27 Preclinical and human clinical results (longevity, sirtuins, telomeres) ... 00:23:09 Physical and metabolic benefits in aging adults ... 00:48:33 Safety and dosing of Longfara supplement ... 00:57:38 Biohacks and healthy aging habits from Kiran ... 01:04:49 How to get Regenerive and wrap-up ... 01:07:32   Our Amazing Sponsors: Tro Zzz by Troscriptions -  This isn’t just melatonin—it’s a powerhouse! Oblipair gives you honokiol and agarin to enhance GABA binding, while adenosine and cordycepin boost sleep drive and deep sleep. CBD, CBN, and 5‑HTP round it out. Head to troscriptions.com, use NAT10, and get 10% off your first order.   NAD+ By Qualia - A groundbreaking formula that can increase NAD+ levels by up to 67%, using three of the most powerful precursors known to science: niacin, niacinamide, and NIAGEN. Go to qualialife.com/NATHALIE  and use promo code NATHALIE to get 15% off—and try it risk-free with their 100-day money-back guarantee.   Manukora honey - From remote forests in New Zealand, where bees collect nectar from the native Manuka tea tree. That nectar is naturally rich in antibacterial compounds like MGO, plus antioxidants and prebiotics that support immunity and gut health. Visit manukora.com/NAT to save up to 31% plus $25 worth of free gifts with the Starter Kit - you’ll get an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 5 travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I’m joined by Sumit Rai, CEO of Cancer Check Labs and a passionate force for innovation in cancer detection. Sumit’s personal story is deeply moving—after losing his younger sister to cancer, he made it his life’s mission to change how we find and fight this devastating disease. With over 25 years as an entrepreneur and investor, he’s poured his expertise and heart into developing groundbreaking technology that can detect cancer at its earliest stages—sometimes even before there’s a visible tumor. Episode Timestamps: Sumit’s mission and background ... 00:04:12 Cancer statistics and urgency ... 00:09:45 How circulating tumor cells (CTCs) work ... 00:11:46 How the Cancer Check Labs test works ... 00:12:50 Types of cancer detected and limitations ... 00:20:13 Detecting early-stage cancers ... 00:22:17 Why early detection matters; immune system role ... 00:24:13 Comparison with Galleri test ... 00:26:20 Lifestyle, toxins, and risk factors ... 00:34:06 Firefighters’ cancer risk ... 00:42:13 Test anxiety and benefit of knowing ... 00:44:20 Precision medicine potential ... 00:48:43 Recommended screening frequency ... 00:53:09 Early intervention and integrative approaches ... 00:54:58 Future tech: cancer dialysis and personalized medicine ... 01:04:49   Our Amazing Sponsors: MitoLux Lite Sunlamp - UVB at 295 nm to naturally boost vitamin D, plus red light for collagen and infrared for recovery. Get 10% off your MitoLux Lite Sunlamp at https://mitolux.com/NAT10. NAT10 will be automatically applied at checkout.   Body Cream by Young Goose - Powered by NAD+ APEX, CelVio Spermidine, and targeted peptides, this advanced formula restores cellular energy, supports collagen production, and enhances skin resilience. It clears cellular waste, improves skin texture, and deeply hydrates areas where aging shows most—like arms, legs, neck, and décolleté. Visit YoungGoose.com—use code NAT10 to get started, or 5NAT if you’re an existing customer.   Digestive Bitters by Just Thrive - One capsule before eating helps your body absorb more nutrients, ease digestion, and leave you feeling light instead of weighed down. Head over to Justthrivehealth.com/discount/NAT and use code NAT20 for 20% off.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I’m joined by Annette Verpillot, the visionary founder of Posturepro, whose work is transforming how we think about alignment, movement, and brain health. Annette shares her groundbreaking brain-first approach to posture, revealing how the real root of tension, pain, and subpar movement lies not just in your muscles or bones, but deep within your nervous system. Episode Timestamps: The three sensory pillars: feet, eyes, and jaw ... 00:11:11 Parkinson’s, basal ganglia, and movement improvement ... 00:09:12 How sensory input drives posture, energy, and cognition ... 00:14:46 Vagal system, childhood development, and stress ... 00:17:09 Jaw and tongue posture in child and adult health ... 00:23:22 Jaw, feet, and eye interplay: posture chain explained ... 00:28:47 Risks of dental interventions without holistic assessment ... 00:32:42 Therapeutic insoles vs. orthotics and how they work ... 00:46:08 User experience: insoles, Vivobarefoot, and performance gains ... 00:51:27 Blood pressure normalization and cardiovascular connection ... 00:55:17 Hormones, HRV, and the stress cascade ... 00:59:47 Functional Activator and jaw retraining benefits ... 01:06:11 Mouth breathing, sleep, and natural jaw development ... 01:09:00 Troubleshooting, compliance, and optimizing results ... 01:14:08 Rapid-fire: myths, habits, and overhyped tools ... 01:18:22   Our Amazing Sponsors: Puori: It’s minimally processed, made from pasture-raised cows’ milk, and it’s tested for over 200 contaminants every single batch. Go to Puori.com/NAT and use code NAT for 20% off— it also applies to subscriptions so you’ll get nearly a third off the price.   Digestive Bitters by Just Thrive - One capsule before eating helps your body absorb more nutrients, ease digestion, and leave you feeling light instead of weighed down. Head over to Justthrivehealth.com/discount/NAT and use code NAT20 for 20% off.   Wizard Sciences - NMN+G Rx - A scientifically formulated blend of NMN, ginsenosides from Panax ginseng, and apigenin. Together, they enhance mitochondrial function, boost NAD+ levels, and support cellular repair. Go to wizardsciences.com and look for NMN+G. Use code NAT15 at checkout to get 15% off your purchase.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group

Today, I’m joined by the remarkable Dr. Robin Rose—a pioneering physician, author, and survivor who refused to accept a devastating kidney disease diagnosis as her fate. Instead of waiting for dialysis, Robin dove deep into the world of diet, detoxification, peptides, and bioregulators, turning her health crisis into a calling and culminating in her groundbreaking new book on chronic kidney disease. In our conversation, Robin shares why kidneys are often the “forgotten organ,” the real reasons so many cases of kidney decline go undetected, and how lifestyle choices—from protein intake to environmental toxins—can be both the problem and the path to healing. We get personal about the subtle symptoms, practical lab markers, and actionable steps you can take right now to protect your kidney health for the long term.   FREE GIFT: I made a free gift to thank you for listening: a quick list of my Top 5 Peptides. Grab yours here natniddam.com/top5. Episode Timestamps: Robin Rose’s kidney journey ... 00:02:00 Kidney disease often missed ... 00:04:00 Early detection & eGFR ... 00:10:00 High protein diet caution ... 00:16:00 Kidney-friendly diet basics ... 00:25:00 Gut toxins & kidney health ... 00:27:00 Potassium, phosphorus labs ... 00:37:00 Mindset in recovery ... 00:39:00 Top kidney supplements ... 00:43:00 Peptides & bioregulators intro ... 00:47:00 Bioregulator dosing & cycling ... 00:52:00 Clotho & aging ... 00:57:00 Book & hopeful takeaway ... 01:04:00   Our Amazing Sponsors: Qualia Senolytic - A cutting-edge formula designed to help your body eliminate senescent cells, also known as “zombie cells.” Go to qualialife.com/NATHALIE  and use promo code NATHALIE to get 15% off—and try it risk-free with their 100-day money-back guarantee.   NEW Timeline Gummies: Urolithin A supports muscle strength and cellular energy. It’s about improving how your body functions at the source. Mitopure is the only clinically proven Urolithin A, giving you 6 times more than you’d get from a glass of pomegranate juice. Visit Timeline.com/nat20 and use code nat20 for 20% off your purchase.   Ultimate GI Repair by LVLUP Health - Whether you're struggling with digestive discomfort or want to strengthen your gut health, Ultimate GI Repair provides the comprehensive support your body needs to restore balance. The ingredients are unmatched! Visit https://lvluphealth.com/ and use code NAT at checkout for 20 % off.   Nat's Links:  YouTube Channel Join My Membership Community Sign up for My Newsletter  Instagram  Facebook Group