What's REALLY Happening In Ben Greenfield's Gut? How To Unmask Your "Microbiome Mysteries" With 1 Cutting-Edge Gut Test

Imagine feeling healthy and well most of your life, until one day you begin to experience symptoms like weight gain, brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, and sleep disturbances that just don't go away... Welcome to the rollercoaster ride of perimenopause and menopause. Today's guest, Karen Martel, a leading expert in navigating the unique challenges and transitions of perimenopause and menopause, has made it her mission to guide women through the maze of symptoms and solutions associated with these phases of life. In our conversation, you'll learn the pros and cons of different forms of hormone therapy, from traditional HRT to bioidenticals like estradiol and natural progesterone. Karen will also pull back the curtain on testing methods and interpretations, critical factors like delivery methods and timing, and lifestyle biohacks for smoothing the menopausal journey. As CEO of Hormone Solutions (use code BEN to save 40%), Karen, a certified hormone specialist and transformational nutrition coach, specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and holistic approaches to restore hormone balance. She is also the esteemed host of the highly acclaimed women’s health podcast, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, where she delves deeply into the intricacies of female fat loss, hormone optimization, and the complex interplay between hormones and overall health. Karen’s mission is to empower women with the knowledge they require to seize control of their well-being and thrive throughout every stage of life. Whether you're years away from "the change" or already knee-deep in hot flashes and insomnia, this episode is essential for optimizing your hormones to age gracefully and experience boundless vitality. Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/martel Episode Sponsors: Hygiene Lab: Use code BEN20 for 20% off at HygieneLab.com today. LMNT: Go to DrinkLMNT.com/BenGreenfield to get a free gift with your purchase! FUM: Head to tryfum.com/BEN and use code BEN to get a free gift with your Journey Pack! Ketone-IQ: Save 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at Ketone.com/BENG. C60: Visit shopc60.com/ben-greenfield and use the coupon code GREENFIELD15 for 15% OFF your first order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest on today's show, Dr. Chidozie Ojobor, has devoted his entire career to unraveling the complexities of biological systems, particularly the gut microbiome. In this episode, you'll dive deep into the Vitract gut microbiome test with Dr. Chidozie and I. He'll dissect my personal Vitract results, giving you a firsthand look at what this test can reveal. You'll also explore how 16s sequencing technology identifies the diverse bacteria living in your gut, what the test can tell you about your gut diversity, the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria, the production of microbial metabolites, and signs of gut dysbiosis. Plus, you'll discover how these results can be used to create personalized recommendations for your diet, probiotics, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Ojobor is a scientist with over 15 years of research experience in bacterial genetics. He has a bachelor's degree in microbiology and obtained his Ph.D. in molecular genetics from the University of Toronto. Dr. Ojobor has spent a decade developing novel antimicrobial entities that target disease-causing bacteria in complex biological ecosystems such as the gut. In 2019, he won the Global Citizen Award for combating drug-resistant bacteria implicated in exacerbating cystic fibrosis. Dr. Ojobor’s previous research experience includes phage therapy, CRISPR technology, and gastroenteritis of viral origin in children. Today, he and his team at Vitract are transforming that research expertise into developing comprehensive and accessible gut microbiome testing for clinicians who are keen on improving the gut health of their clients. Vitract (use code BEN10 to save 10%) combines molecular microbiology, complex math, and AI to transform the gut health of Canadians and Americans. Their flagship 16s gut microbiome sequencing test, which I did and which Dr. Ojobor and I discuss on this show, has garnered widespread adoption and is now actively employed in numerous clinics. Vitract's test stands out on two crucial fronts: accessibility and actionability. With an affordable price point, customers can now seamlessly incorporate gut testing into their health regimen, facilitating retesting to gauge progress over time. The test results and detailed reports that you receive with Vitract not only illuminate the composition of the gut microbiome but, more importantly, provide actionable insights on how to modify bacteria for optimal health. Dr. Ojobor and his team's commitment to making advanced gut health insights accessible and actionable marks a significant leap forward in personalized healthcare. Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/vitractpodcast Episode Sponsors: Quantum Upgrade: Unlock a 15-day free trial with the code “BEN15” at quantumupgrade.io. Wild Health: Get 20% off with code BEN at wildhealth.com/ben  ZBiotics: Get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com/BEN when you use code BEN. Hiya: Receive 50% off your first order at hiyahealth.com/BEN. Clearlight Sauna: Go to HealwithHeat.com and use code BEN for a discount and free shipping.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, you'll dive deep into the world of cutting-edge diagnostics and personalized health management with Dr. Matthew Dawson, a seven-time guest. You might know Dr. Dawson for his groundbreaking work at Wild Health (use code BEN20 to save 20%), where he's revolutionizing patient care with advanced DNA methylation testing and AI-driven health recommendations. Use code BENVIP for 10% off the TruDiagnostics TruAge Pace Test. During this show, Dr. Dawson and I explore the intriguing evolution of methylation tests, demystify various biological age tests, and provide insights into how lifestyle choices significantly impact gene expression. Additionally, you'll discover the potential of AI in providing personalized health advice, the importance of human connection, proactive cancer detection strategies, and much more. Dr. Dawson attended medical school at the University of Kentucky before completing his residency in emergency medicine at The University of Utah, where he served as both chief resident and fellow. He has practiced medicine and was an associate professor at the University of Kentucky for seven years, with an acute interest in functional medicine and, later, genomics. Dr. Dawson crystallized this approach to providing patients with true health care, rather than sick care, by building Wild Health — a Precision Medicine service providing personalized, genetics-based care to help patients achieve optimal well-being. Dr. Dawson has trained thousands of physicians in Precision Medicine through online education and has lectured in over twenty countries around the world. He also co-hosts the Wild Health Podcast, a tool for teaching thousands about personalized, genetics-based Precision Medicine. His passion for helping patients maximize their health span and perform at their absolute best considers all aspects of health: mental, physical, and spiritual. For full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/drdawson Episode Sponsors: Beekeepers: Go to beekeepersnaturals.com/BEN or enter code BEN to get 20% off your order. Manukora: Go to manukora.com/ben or use code BEN, you’ll automatically get a free pack of honey sticks with your order - a $15 value. Jigsaw Health: Visit JigsawAC.com and use "Greenfield10" to get 10% off on your order. LeelaQ: Visit http://leelaq.com/ben and use code BEN10 for 10% off. LVLUP Health: Head over to lvluphealth.com/BGL for a special discount on their game-changing range of products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you curious about the shortcuts some celebrities and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs are taking to shed pounds or bulk up? In this episode, you'll discover safe alternatives to popular but potentially dangerous weight loss drugs like Ozempic® and other GLP-1 agonists. You'll also learn about cutting-edge exercise and calorie restriction mimetics that can enhance physical performance. I'll reveal how to calculate your maximum natural muscle potential and expose the truth about undeclared drugs in some supplements. You'll also dive into the world of "exercise mimetics" — compounds that can mimic the effects of a workout or even simulate exercise while you're sedentary. I'll provide details on SLU-PP-332 and its potential for boosting endurance and building muscle without spending hours in the gym every day. Additionally, I'll introduce you to "calorie restriction mimetics" like the novel supplement Mimio. I've started experimenting with this formula and have gained 11 pounds of muscle in just 10 weeks — a relatively unheard-of achievement unless assisted by science. I'll also show you how to calculate your maximum natural muscular potential using the Fat-Free Mass Index. Plus, you'll get my top recommendations for the most trusted third-party testers to ensure your supplements are free of contaminants. So get ready, because by the end of this episode, you'll be armed with a full arsenal of science-backed tactics to enhance your physical and mental performance — without resorting to any sketchy, potentially dangerous shortcuts. Full Show Notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/474 Episode Sponsors: Quantum Upgrade: Unlock a 15-day free trial with the code “BEN15” at quantumupgrade.io. Wild Health: Get 20% off with code BEN at wildhealth.com/ben  ZBiotics: Get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com/BEN when you use code BEN. Hiya: Receive 50% off your first order at hiyahealth.com/BEN. Clearlight Sauna: Go to HealwithHeat.com and use code BEN for a discount and free shipping.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Causenta Wellness, exercise and oxygen therapy aren't just Dr. Thomas Incledon's passion... ...they're a clinical weapon, meticulously wielded to starve cancer cells through hypoxic training, blood flow restriction, and other ingenious strategies. In this episode, you'll get an immersive tour inside one of America's most elite wellness sanctuaries, Causenta Wellness, where Dr. Tom is rewriting the rules of cancer treatment. From witnessing groundbreaking fitness and performance treatments to observing me receive firsthand demos of Dr. Tom's pioneering therapies, you'll gain exclusive access to the frontiers of integrative medicine. Prepare to discover how gene testing, oxygen therapies, and the mind-bending science of red light can unleash your body's innate healing capabilities. This is your VIP pass into the future of health and wellness, where elite athletes and terminal cancer patients alike unlock new levels of human potential. Get ready to experience the future of health optimization and disease treatment through the lens of a true medical maverick. For the full show notes, visit: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/causenta Episode Sponsors: Pique: Visit PiqueLife.com/Ben to get 15% discount. BON CHARGE: Go to boncharge.com/GREENFIELD and use coupon code GREENFIELD to save 15%. Ion Layer: Use code GREENFIELD at ionlayer.com/ben for $100 off your kit and start reaping the benefits of NAD+. Organifi Happy Drops: Go to organifi.com/Ben for 20% off. Ketone-IQ: Save 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at Ketone.com/BENG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine this: You've just powered through an intense workout, reveling in the satisfying burn of a session well done. But what if I told you that your post-exercise routine, like a cold shower or ice bath, could sabotage your gains? In this solosode, prepare to dive deep into groundbreaking research suggesting that cold water immersion might hinder muscle growth, and explore a variety of captivating health and wellness topics challenging the status quo. First up, you'll dissect the truth behind intermittent fasting, uncovering whether it's truly detrimental to your health, as some studies suggest. Then, you'll unravel a study claiming that animal protein might speed up atherosclerosis — a condition where plaque accumulates inside arteries — as I investigate the study's methodology and implications to separate fact from fiction. Next, you'll dive into the potential health hazards of smartphone radio frequencies and unveil strategies to minimize exposure, including the use of low-EMF headphones. Additionally, you'll get to gain insights into the captivating world of placebo effects on performance and health, discovering how your beliefs about caffeine intake could impact your running performance. And that's not all — wrap up with a fascinating study suggesting that blue-green algae could enhance memory in cognitively impaired individuals. I'll even offer a personal recommendation on how to incorporate this superfood into your diet. Join me to expand your understanding of health and wellness, challenging conventional practices with cutting-edge research. Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being? Tune in and take the first step toward a healthier you! For the full show notes, visit: BenGreenfieldLife.com/473 Episode Sponsors:  Young Goose: Visit younggoose.com and use code BEN10 at checkout for 10% discount on your first order. Mito Red Light: Red light helmet & mat at mitoredlight.com use code BGLIFE to save 5%. Neurohacker: Go to neurohacker.com/bensfavs and use code BENSFAVS at checkout for an extra 15% off your first purchase. Fatty15: Go to fatty15.com/BEN and use code BEN at checkout for 15% off the 90-day subscription Starter Kit  Wild Health: Get 20% off with code BEN at wildhealth.com/ben.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're dealing with plaque, high calcium scores, coronary artery disease, or other heart concerns, you're in for an eye-opening podcast that could change your life. In this episode, you'll dive into Patrick Theut's remarkable journey of reversing coronary artery disease, the diet plans and high-dose vitamin regimen that helped him regenerate his pancreas and fix his thyroid, and the crucial role of vitamin K in heart health. Patrick Theut is a biochemist and engineer who has successfully managed to reverse his coronary artery disease, recording his experience in his fascinating Cardiac Manifesto, linked here. In total, he has invested over 16,000 hours of study into the cause of heart disease. Today, you'll uncover his insights into why this disease develops, how to stop it from progressing, and protocols that can potentially reverse it. Additionally, Patrick unveils the hidden power of gut health in maintaining a strong heart and reveals his personal dietary secrets that have kept heart disease at bay. You'll also delve into Patrick's groundbreaking venture in cardiac health, K-vitamins.com. His company sells a vitamin K blend called Koncentrated K that includes micro-encapsulated astaxanthin — a potent carotenoid pigment and antioxidant found naturally in algae, shrimp, lobster, crab, and salmon. Koncentrated K also contains the highest dose of the three most researched forms of vitamin K to help you improve your cardiac health and live a long and vibrant life. Ready to take control of your heart health and explore new frontiers in cardiac wellness? Join me and Patrick as we embark on a journey to understand the intricacies of heart disease, unlock the secrets of optimal cardiac health, and discover groundbreaking approaches to reversing coronary artery disease. Oh, and for further insights into enhancing your heart health, you can explore the “Resources From This Episode” section, where you'll find all of my podcasts, plus interesting studies on neutrophil to HDL ratio (NHR). This wealth of information could be life-changing for you or a loved one! For full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/vitaminkpodcast Episode Sponsors: Kreatures of Habit: Go to kreaturesofhabit.com/ben and use code BGL20 for 20% off your first purchase. Organifi Shilajit Gummies: Get 20% off at organifi.com/Ben. BEAM Minerals: Go to beamminerals.com and use code BEN at checkout for 20% off your order. JoyMode: Go to usejoymode.com/GREENFIELD or enter GREENFIELD at checkout for 20% off your first order. Our Place: Go to fromourplace.com and enter code BEN at checkout to receive 10% off sitewide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine you had a map that revealed a hidden landscape teeming with secrets about your body — decoding your gut health, your genetic predispositions, your oxidative stress levels, and even your biological age.  It's a lot more accessible than you might think... In this episode, you'll get a breakdown of the intricate world of lab testing, mapping out the route to peak health and high performance. From comprehensive gut examinations and cutting-edge hormone analyses to the pivotal Omega-3 Index Report, you're about to get a roadmap for interpreting your body's data. I'll also share my rigorous testing routine, including annual gut and blood tests, once-in-a-lifetime genetic tests, and various one-off samplings, to demonstrate how to tailor testing for your health needs. Why is this so crucial? Because, as I always say, you can't manage what you don't measure. The intel gathered isn't just fascinating — it’s pivotal for anyone serious about optimizing their health and wellness. But here's the kicker: while lab testing is necessary, it can often be unnecessarily expensive. That's why I've created a one-stop-shop resource page featuring the best, most affordable at-home health tests from Rupa Health. Additionally, I've enlisted AI tools and an expert coaching team to help you decode your treasure trove of data after testing to help you minimize costs. Throughout this show, you'll hear about crucial markers like lipid peroxides and 8-OHdG that can tell you a lot about oxidative damage (how fast you're aging on a cellular level). You'll also get to dive into mold and mycotoxin testing you can do from the comfort of your home with Rupa Health, and I’ll explain why the Omega-3 Index Report is more than worth its $84 price tag if you're keen on getting your fatty acid balance in check. There's even the fascinating realm of biological age testing to see if your cells are younger or older than your chronological age. Tune in to uncover the essential lab tests that can reveal everything from hidden food sensitivities and heavy metal toxicity to the intricacies of your gut's microbiome. You won't want to miss this deep dive into the nuances of oxidative stress, fatty acid profiles, hormone health, and more to get a clear picture of how to fine-tune every aspect of your well-being. Ready to demystify the numbers and biomarkers that hold the key to unlocking your best health? For full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/testingpodcast Episode Sponsors: Jigsaw Health: Visit JigsawAC.com and use Greenfield10 to get 10% off on your order. LVLUP Health: Head over to lvluphealth.com/BGL for a special discount on their game-changing range of products. BioStack Labs: Get 15% off your purchase of $100 or more at biostack.com/ben15. Ketone-IQ: Save 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at Ketone.com/BENG. Timeline Nutrition: Go to timelinenutrition.com/BEN and use code BEN to get 10% off your order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloating, gas, constipation, and food intolerances — you've probably experienced these symptoms before. In fact, a study evaluating gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in Americans found that out of 71,812 people, 61 percent reported GI problems in the last week. Experiencing gut health issues is nothing to take lightly, though...   For example, "leaky gut" — an increase in intestinal permeability — can allow toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles into the bloodstream, potentially causing inflammation and autoimmune reactions. Disruptions in the gut-brain axis may also contribute to conditions like anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Additionally, malabsorption of nutrients in the gut can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.  In this "Best of Gut Health" compilation episode, you'll embark on a journey through the world of gut health with my top subject matter experts, getting the opportunity to explore alternatives to GLP-1 weight loss drugs and the latest in probiotics, uncovering the secrets of microbiome testing and its impact on your mood, gaining insights into the delicate balance of a child's microbiome, unlocking the intricate link between eating disorders and gut health, delving into the power of cold thermogenesis in triggering fat loss, and much more! Each of my guests offers a deep dive into gut health, bringing a unique perspective to the table. Dr. Coleen Cutcliffe emphasizes the role of specific bacteria in stimulating GLP-1 production and highlights the importance of a high-fiber diet in this process, which metabolizes into short-chain fatty acids, ultimately influencing insulin responses, blood sugar regulation, and food cravings. Meanwhile, Dr. Patrick Hanaway sheds light on microbiome testing, explaining the significance of individual biomarkers like calprotectin and pancreatic elastase in assessing gut health. He also touches on the impact of gut bacteria on mood and the emerging field of psychobiotics. On the other hand, Raja Dhir discusses supporting children's microbiome, stressing factors like breastfeeding and diet diversity in shaping an infant's gut microbiome. Additionally, Dr. Lauryn Lax explores the concept of total gut reset, linking eating disorders to gut health and discussing strategies for managing conditions like constipation. Lastly, Joel Greene tackles the role of cold thermogenesis in weight loss, explaining its impact on fat loss and sharing tips for optimizing this process for better results. With a wealth of expert perspectives, tips, biohacks, and more, this show is tailor-made for anyone experiencing gut health issues and searching for answers. For the full show notes, visit: BenGreenfieldLife.com/guthealthpodcast Episode Sponsors: IonLayer: Go to ionlayer.com/ben for $100 off your kit to start reaping the benefits of NAD+. FUM: Head to tryfum.com/BEN and use code BEN to save an additional 10% off your order today. BIOptimizers Mushroom Breakthrough: Go to bioptimizers.com/ben now and enter promo code BEN10 to get 10% off any order. Apollo: Head over to apolloneuro.com/bengreenfield and use code BG15 for 15% off. Organifi Shilajit Gummies: Get 20% off at organifi.com/Ben.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I recently read The Glutathione Revolution: Fight Disease, Slow Aging, and Increase Energy with the Master Antioxidant and had my mind blown by a ton of facts I never knew about glutathione, the body's so-called "master antioxidant" that plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals, building and repairing tissue, making chemicals and proteins needed in the body, and supporting the immune system. After 11 years of clinical research on glutathione, Dr. Nayan Patel finally shares how powerful and essential glutathione is to the body’s detox system, discusses the various benefits it has with slowing the aging process, and explains how you can increase your levels naturally. Dr. Patel is regarded as the foremost expert on absorbable forms of glutathione and holds the only patent on transdermal glutathione. In addition to many other topics such as cellular function and hormone replacement, he is a highly sought-after global authority on the critical role that glutathione and all other antioxidants and endogenous molecules play in the body. Along with traveling the world educating practitioners on advanced biochemistry and anti-aging science, Dr. Patel also serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, where he is also an alumnus. He is a licensed compounding pharmacist who is still involved in designing and compounding drugs and nutrition therapies for his patients, including athletes, CEOs, highly stressed actors, physicians, and the community where he has practiced for 25 years. Besides being a pharmacist, CEO, and leader, he is a father to his three kids, husband to his supportive wife, and son to his dad who is his inspiration to help heal the world. Dr. Patel is a firm believer in providing the body with the tools it needs to defend itself and promote a healthy lifestyle that fits the pace of the modern world. His company, Auro Wellness (use code BEN10 for a 10% discount), is deeply committed to research and innovation.  Ready to explore more about one of the latest breakthroughs in anti-aging science? Let's dive in... For the full show notes, visit BenGreenfieldLife.com/auropodcast Episode Sponsors: CAROL Bike: Get $250 off yours with the code at carolbike.com/ben today. ZBiotics: Get 15% off your first order at zbiotics.com/BEN when you use code BEN. Young Goose: Visit younggoose.com and use code BEN10 at checkout to enjoy a 10% discount on your first order. MOSH: Head to moshlife.com/BEN to save 20% off plus FREE shipping. Pique: Visit PiqueLife.com/Ben and get 15% off with a minimum of a $60 purchase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.