Ben Greenfield Life – Health, Diet, Fitness, Family & Faith

Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. Apr 30, 2013 Podcast: Is too much nut butter bad for you, why you wake up during the night, how to get rid of food cravings, do collagen supplements work, natural remedies for seasonal allergies, and are there exercise benefits to alcohol? Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of this page, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or (if you hate the sound of your own voice) scroll down to the “Ask Ben” form. Please don't forget to give the podcast a comment/ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute and you could WIN A PRIZE! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and a few other illuminating news flashes each and every week, follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. *PARADIGM BUSTER*: Less GI distress in ultra runners with higher fat intake during race. Yes, your body can make storage glycogen out of fatty acids. Yet another reason to eat fermented foods - their potent fat burning effect. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: If you're looking for a topic we covered in the past - we have released the Ben Greenfield Fitness Top Hits, Vol. 1. Including: 1. The Benefits of Fish vs. Fish Oil 2. The Best Ways to Stop Hair Loss 3. Increase Your Hematocrit & Oxygen Levels 4. Strengthen Your Immune System & Shorten the Duration of a Cold 5. Top 10 Ways to Boost Libido 6. Get Rid of Migraines Naturally 7. Become a Curvaceous, Lean, Ripped Female Athlete Without Destroying Your Health 8. Stop Side Stitches as Fast as Possible 9. Is It Possible for a Vegan to Be a Healthy Endurance Athlete 10. How Much Water Do You Really Need to Drink Each Day 2013 Thailand Triathlon Adventure with Ben Greenfield - details at pacificfit.net. Essentials of Triathlon Workshop with Ben Greenfield - Saturday, May 18, 2013 in Fairfield, Connecticut. In this private clinic you’ll discover everything you need to know about how to maximize your triathlon success, including Ben’s top secrets, tips and tricks to save time, get the most bang-for-your-training buck, and ensure your body, health and hormones are optimized for endurance. Location: Fairfield, Connecticut. - Hour 1: Essentials of Triathlon Fueling + Nutrition Q&A - Hour 2: Essentials of Triathlon Training + Workout Q&A Registration: May 1-17: $50, At-Door Registration: $60. Reserve your spot now. Space is limited! ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Nutbutter says @ 00:19:28 She is a 20-something year old vegan distance runner who is wondering what role you think nut butters play in the diet of a vegan athlete. Lately she has been over-eating the Whole Foods brand cashew butter (that contains safflower oil). Do you think nut butter is necessary for a vegan athlete's nutrition? How healthy do you consider them to be? ~ In my response I mention raw, organic nut butter. Overactive Bladder says @ 00:27:31 She will brush her teeth, go pee and head to bed but after about 15 minutes she has to get up and pee again. Then she will wake up again in 3-4 hours and have to pee again. She had a cross-country running coach that told her "if you're not waking up in the night needing to go to the bathroom, you're not hydrated enough" and she things maybe that stuck with her. She drinks a lot of water, spaced out during the day, not specifically before bed and never has this type of urgency during the day. ~ In my response I mention these sleep resources: Sleep Pack, Sleep Add-Ons, Sleep Gear. Jeremy says @ 00:35:52 When he eats, he tries to get in a good amount of fats, protein and carbs - for good nutrition - but as soon as he finishes eating, and onward between meals, he is always craving all types of food.

April 24, 2013 Podcast: Electronic cigarette health, the best sleeping position, how to recover from pneumonia, exercising in pollution, how to make bulletproof coffee, when to use olive oil and when to use coconut oil, and supplements for beta cells. Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of this page, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or (if you hate the sound of your own voice) scroll down to the “Ask Ben” form. Please don't forget to give the podcast a comment/ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute and it helps grow our healthy and fit community! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and a few other illuminating news flashes each and every week, follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. Another good reason NOT to static stretch before your workout. If you have the choice to run in sand vs. running in grass, sand is better for getting fitter. Of note to those concerned about low carb diets/glycogen stores, protein does indeed replace glycogen stores. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: If you're looking for a topic we covered in the past - we have released the Ben Greenfield Fitness Top Hits, Vol. 1. Including: 1. The Benefits of Fish vs. Fish Oil 2. The Best Ways to Stop Hair Loss 3. Increase Your Hematocrit & Oxygen Levels 4. Strengthen Your Immune System & Shorten the Duration of a Cold 5. Top 10 Ways to Boost Libido 6. Get Rid of Migraines Naturally 7. Become a Curvaceous, Lean, Ripped Female Athlete Without Destroying Your Health 8. Stop Side Stitches as Fast as Possible 9. Is It Possible for a Vegan to Be a Healthy Endurance Athlete 10. How Much Water Do You Really Need to Drink Each Day 2013 Thailand Triathlon Adventure with Ben Greenfield - details at pacificfit.net. Ask Ben Anything About Minimalist Triathlon Training - Saturday April 27, 6pm PDT. Go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/innercircle to get your Spreecast access. Essentials of Triathlon Workshop with Ben Greenfield - Saturday, May 18, 2013 in Fairfield, Connecticut. In this private clinic you’ll discover everything you need to know about how to maximize your triathlon success, including Ben’s top secrets, tips and tricks to save time, get the most bang-for-your-training buck, and ensure your body, health and hormones are optimized for endurance. Location: Fairfield, Connecticut. - Hour 1: Essentials of Triathlon Fueling + Nutrition Q&A - Hour 2: Essentials of Triathlon Training + Workout Q&A Registration: Early bird (by May 1): $40, May 1-17: $50, At-Door Registration: $60. Reserve your spot now. Space is limited! ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Anne asks @ 00:22:56 She is wondering if there could be any negative effects associated with second hand "smoke" from electronic cigarettes? Her boss smokes them around her all the time in enclosed areas. Anonymous asks @ 00:28:17 Which sleeping position - back, side or stomach - is the best for rest and recovery for athletes? ~ In my response I mention Esther Gokhale's book: 8 Steps To A Pain-Free Back, this study and a previous podcast we did on the best mattress. James says @ 00:36:04 Recently came down with pneumonia which has killed his race season and has been warned to take it easy and give himself time to heal. He has finished a course of on antibiotics and then immediately started taking probiotics, oil of oregano and fish oil. His biggest issue right now is his lung capacity and shortness of breath. He wants to know what he can do to get healthy as quickly as possible. ~ This question is answered in part by a track from the iTunes album Ben Greenfield Fitness Top Hits, Vol. 1. Julius asks @ 00:50:23 His nephew recently moved from Indiana to Beijing.

Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. April 18, 2013 Podcast: Lasik eye surgery for sports performance, natural remedies for restless leg syndrome, how to get rid of side stitches, can blood sugar go up during exercise, which artificial sweeteners are good, and is bench press bad for your shoulders? In the opening we talk about Ben's Vietnam Race Report. Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of this page, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or (if you hate the sound of your own voice) scroll down to the “Ask Ben” form. Please don't forget to give the podcast a comment/ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute and it helps grow our healthy and fit community! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and other interesting news flashes every week, follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. Here's why we generally use coconut flour instead of almond flour. The "4-2-4" sleep cycle. Do you do this or have you tried it? Red light therapy for enhancing endurance performance…anybody use red light? ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: If you're looking for an easy way to find a past podcast topic - we have released the Ben Greenfield Fitness Top Hits, Vol. 1. Including: 1. The Benefits of Fish vs. Fish Oil 2. The Best Ways to Stop Hair Loss 3. Increase Your Hematocrit & Oxygen Levels 4. Strengthen Your Immune System & Shorten the Duration of a Cold 5. Top 10 Ways to Boost Libido 6. Get Rid of Migraines Naturally 7. Become a Curvaceous, Lean, Ripped Female Athlete Without Destroying Your Health 8. Stop Side Stitches as Fast as Possible 9. Is It Possible for a Vegan to Be a Healthy Endurance Athlete 10. How Much Water Do You Really Need to Drink Each Day The entire “Become Superhuman” experience - was recorded in HD video, along with convenient .mp3 audio downloads, slides, and convenient ”take-away” notes, and your all-access pass (which never expires and which you can use whenever and wherever you want, as many times as you’d like) is now available for instant download. Thailand Adventure Trip - November 24-December 1, 2013, to reserve your spot, e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com Get Ben's brand new "Essential Guide To Becoming Superhuman" - at superhumancoach.com Upcoming Spreecasts - go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/innercircle to get access: April 27, Saturday, 6pm PST: "Ask Ben Anything About Minimalist Triathlon Training" and April 20 - Adrenal Exhaustion at superhumancoach.com Go to AudiblePodcast.com/ben - to get an audiobook of your choice, free, with a 30-day trial. With your membership, you will receive one credit every month, good for any audiobook on Audible. Saturday, May 18, 2013: “Essentials of Triathlon Workshop with Ben Greenfield” - Fairfield, Connecticut. In this private clinic you’ll discover everything you need to know about how to maximize your triathlon success, including Ben’s top secrets, tips and tricks to save time, get the most bang-for-your-training buck, and ensure your body, health and hormones are optimized for endurance. Location: Fairfield, Connecticut. - Hour 1: Essentials of Triathlon Fueling + Nutrition Q&A - Hour 2: Essentials of Triathlon Training + Workout Q&A Registration: Early bird (by May 1): $40, May 1-17: $50, At-Door Registration: $60. Reserve your spot now. Space is limited! ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Craig asks @ 00:32:38 After listening to the interview with Dr Cobb, he was wondering if Lasik (laser) Eye surgery might positively effect performance. ~ In my response to Craig, I mention the Z-Health interview and the Bates Method. Ian asks @ 00:42:27 His father has Restless Legs.

On my way back from Vietnam and a recent finish in the Laguna Lang Co Triathlon (a must-visit race for any triathlon travelers out there), I'm bringing you this special podcast episode with Dean Dwyer. Who is Dean Dwyer? Dean is the author of the book, blog and the podcast all of the same name: "Make Shift Happen". A former educator, he now spends his time teaching others how they can make shift happen in their own lives to change how they look, work and live. During this episode, I ask Dean: -What's your background and how did you come to do what you do now? -What does it mean to Make Shift Happen? -When someone finds themselves in a performance or weight loss "rut", what kind of mental techniques can they use to get progress again? -Can you share a few of the epic shifts in your book with us? Be sure to check out Dean Dwyer's Amazon Page and also Dean's website, and leave your questions, comments and feedback below!

A couple months ago, I published an extremely controversial guest article: "Is Fiber Bad For You? The Top 12 Myths And The Real Truth About Whether Fiber Is Killing Your Insides." 96 comments later, it still seems some confusion persists about exactly how much fiber to eat, where to get your fiber, and whether fiber really is a dangerous villain that is killing your insides. So today, in my interview with health researcher Konstantin Monastyrsky, the original author of that article, you're going to find everything you need to know about out why he says that fiber is bad. ------------------------------------------- In my discussion with Konstantin, who is author of the book "Fiber  Menace", you'll find out: -The 5 minute cliff notes version of why he's not a fan of fiber... -Why it is that doctors tell use to eat plenty of fiber...and what doctors don't know... -How much fiber is "too much", and how much does it vary from person to person... -What is the best source of the fiber? For example, is there a difference between just eating lots of fruits and vegetables vs. using a high fiber "cleanse"? -Which are the more dangerous "laxatives" out there... -What someone with constipation can do if high fiber and laxatives is not the solution... -And much more! If you want to try any of Konstantin's supplements for healing the gut or eliminating constipation, or read his book "The Fiber Menace", simply click here. Questions, comments or feedback about how much fiber to eat? Leave them below! And if you enjoyed this podcast, you may also want to check out Zen Of Taking A Good Poop.  ------------------------------------------- Official Video, Audios, Slides, Take-Away Notes, & DVD’s Now Available from The Become Superhuman Live Event. Click Here To Get ‘Em Now.

Your nervous system manages your entire body. If you need to make changes in pain, range of motion, strength, coordination, speed, agility, or any other physical attribute, the fastest path to getting there is to figure out how to adjust your nervous system. In other words, your nervous system runs the whole show. Research has proven that the nervous system can continue to learn and adapt at any age, which means you can improve your body at any point in your life by focusing on the nervous system. And since your nerves communicate at lightning-fast speed, if you impact the nervous system correctly, you can make nearly instantaneous changes in the body. By using the nervous system to rapidly "debug" your movement patterns, you can create extremely quick and responsive improvements in performance (plus pain relief, injury prevention, and mindset.) Today, in my interview with Dr. Eric Cobb from Z-Health Performance Solution you're going to learn exactly how to make your nervous system unstoppable, eliminate pain and build your brain. Dr. Eric Cobb is the founder and CEO of Z-Health Performance Solutions, a movement health and fitness company with three different educational divisions: Rehabilitation, Health Improvement and Performance Enhancement. Dr. Cobb is a chiropractic physician, professional speaker, author and nationally sought-after fitness trainer. During this interview, Dr. Cobb and I discuss exactly how to debug, fix and strengthen your brain and neuromuscular system. ------------------------------------------- What is Z-Health? Z-Health is a program that teaches the general public how to strengthen their nervous system, certifies fitness professionals, and provides books and programs to teach you how to make your nervous system stronger. Z-Health is based around: Efficient movement patterns. Movement is the fastest way to communicate with the nervous system. The movement tells your body where it is in space, how fast it is moving, and what movements are safe. By re-training and "waking up" these nerve endings, you can help your body get out of pain and perform at your true genetic potential. Sensory integration training. The nervous system needs accurate information from the visual, vestibular (balance and spatial orientation), and proprioceptive (brain’s 3D map of the body in space) systems, and their integration. Addressing the whole person with continuous assessment. By applying the Z-Health Model during every training session, you can be assured that you are getting EXACTLY what you need during that session. Only when joints, muscles, and other tissues are able to move in throughout full ranges of motion, pain-free, will the nervous system release the governor on your performance. ------------------------------------------- Resources During our interview, Dr. Cobb references the following resources: -Buteyko Institute of Breathing & Health -Z-Health  -Z-Health certification (for fitness professionals) -Z-Health store/books/programs Questions, comments or feedback? Leave them below! ------------------------------------------- Official Video, Audios, Slides, Take-Away Notes, & DVD’s Now Available from The Become Superhuman Live Event. Click Here To Get ‘Em Now.

Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. April 3, 2013 Podcast: Does the pill make you gain weight, are earthing mats safe, how to stop leg cramps and spasms, how to breathe the right way during exercise, are minimalist shoes ok for flat feet, how much protein should you eat during exercise, and natural remedies for strokes. Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of this page, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or (if you hate the sound of your own voice) scroll down to the “Ask Ben” form. Please don't forget to give the podcast a comment/ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute and it helps grow our healthy and fit community! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and other interesting news flashes every week, follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. One of the reasons why I think drinking milk is just fine (especially for athletes). Here's why single-speed, "junk mile" training is addictive. Think pot. Interesting. Control your inflammation to run a faster marathon! ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: AudiblePodcast.com/Ben - sign up today and get your own copy of the audio book "A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire, Book I" Get Ben's brand new "Essential Guide To Becoming Superhuman" at superhumancoach.com Lean Lifestyle Insider - For the past several weeks, one of my friends (Abel James Bascom AKA the “Fat Burning Man”) and I have been filming all the daily tips, tricks and tools we use to achieve maximum fat loss, lean muscle and optimized health and performance. Upcoming Inner Circle webinars - go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/innercircle to get access: - April 6, Saturday, 6pm PST: "How To Raise Superhuman Kids" - April 27, Saturday, 6pm PST: "Ask Ben Anything About Minimalist Triathlon Training" Call in and leave your "low carb" question for our Jimmy Moore episode - by using the "Ask Ben A Question" option on right side of page or calling toll-free to 1-877-209-9439 and leaving a pre-recorded message. Superhuman Supplement Workshop ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Anonymous asks @ 00:27:31 Oral Contraceptives and weight gain? She has recently switched over to a new pill that is higher in estrogen (she was diagnosed with low estrogen) and is wondering if the weight gain is psychological or if there is something to it? ~ In my response, I recommend the books The Hormone Cure and The Pill. Avi says @ 00:39:12 He recently listened to the podcast episode you did with the creator of the Earth Pulse. He is wondering what the difference is between that and the earthing mat that Dave Asprey uses. There is a large cost difference but it sounds like they can be used in similar ways. ~ In my response, I reference the Earthpulse and Greenwave filters. Colin asks @ 00:49:04 Looking for supplements that will help with muscle spasms. He's been having trouble running downhill. His leg gets a sharp twinge in his vastus laterus/medialus and rectus femerus. If he limps for half a kilometre or so he is able to start shuffling again but he has to be very careful or the spasm will come back. ~ In my response to Colin, I mention: Transdermal magnesium, Trace minerals, Rumble Roller. Fred asks @ 00:56:52 He has been doing the Beach Body Insanity workouts and is wondering when they say to "engage your core" and "use those abs" what does that really mean? The people in the video seem to be sucking their guts way in but he is concerned that will impeded proper deep breathing. Do you have any guidance on how to "engage your abs" correctly. ~ In my response, I refer to the article How To Breathe The Right Way. Gabriel says @ 01:04:16

The way I see it, there's two things you need to worry about when it comes to your brain: 1) Keep your precious neurons and brain tissue protected from damage (AKA "brain inflammation"); 2) Do everything you can to maximize your focus, IQ, acuity and mental productivity. If you can nail this one-two combo, you'll not only beat brain fog and think more clearly, but you'll also be more intelligent, have more dynamic conversational prowess, enhance productivity, solve problems more quickly, tackle difficult situations more efficiently, and have a mind that operates the way it's supposed to - despite how many toxins, stressors and pollutants you encounter in your daily life. Today, in this audio interview with mental nutrients expert Steven Fowkes, you're going to find out the best brain supplements and smart drugs to shut down brain inflammation and make you smarter, and you're also going to discover the hidden lifestyle triggers that could be making your brain sluggish and holding you back from your true mental potential. During the interview, Steven tells us: -what brain inflammation is and how it's caused... -how we can protect our brains... -how we can get smarter and increase IQ... -the difference between natural supplements and "smart drugs"... -the addictive potential and safety of smart drugs... -what works BEST when it comes to supplements for getting smarter or enhancing focus... -what would be considered "illegal" in sports... -and much more! Keep reading to listen now and to get access and links to the best brain-building resources... Additional Brain Building Resources & Stuff We Talk About During This Podcast If you dig this interview, I'd highly recommend: -Several times per week, use the CNS Tap Test app to track nervous system performance and reaction time... -Several times per week, use the N-Back phone app to track and build your IQ... -When you have a bit of extra time on your hands, explore Quantified-Mind.com... -This TianChi and SuperEssential Fish Oil brain supplements pack, used every day... -A vitamin B complex mixed with antioxidants, used every day (the one I use is called "Lifeshotz")... -One to two shots of trace liquid minerals every morning... -If you're a hard-charging athlete, have a protein deficient diet, or you're vegan/vegetarian, consider adding in essential amino acids at 5-10 capsules per day.... -Take 500-1000mg Aniracetam combined with 1-2g Phosphatidylcholine, used sparingly before high mental demanding activities... -If you really want to get serious, look into the pharmaceutical drug "Deprenyl" that Steven recommends during our talk, which he refers to as a "neuroendocrine resensitizer" (AKA "Selegiline") -Explore any of Steven Fowkes' books on Amazon... -Steven's Google Tech Talk on "Nutrients For Better Mental Performance" video (watch below): Questions, comments or feedback about the best brain supplements and smart drugs to shut down brain inflammation? Leave your thoughts below!

Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast  episode. March 27, 2013 free podcast: What's wrong with the China Study? Also: is greek yogurt healthier than regular yoghurt, what can you do about nervous system failure, the best natural supplements to control pain, what is EvoAthelete, and does marijuana increase exercise performance? This is a big one, folks... (that's what she said!) Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of this page, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or (if you hate the sound of your own voice) scroll down to the “Ask Ben” form. Please don't forget to give the podcast a comment/ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute and it helps grow our healthy and fit community! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and other interesting news flashes every week, follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. YES. I've been saying for years they need to do "pre-workout" carb studies in NON-fasted athletes & they finally have. Could Bikram yoga increase your deadlift? Perhaps. Results of this cycling cadence study surprised me. 60rpm turns out to be quite efficient for triathletes. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Get 36 Blood Tests via Talking20 - and a 10% discount with code BENTEST Get Ben's brand new "Essential Guide To Becoming Superhuman" at superhumancoach.com Lean Lifestyle Insider - For the past several weeks, one of my friends (Abel James Bascom AKA the “Fat Burning Man”) and I have been filming all the daily tips, tricks and tools we use to achieve maximum fat loss, lean muscle and optimized health and performance. Upcoming Inner Circle webinars - go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/innercircle to get access: - April 6, Saturday, 6pm PST: "How To Raise Superhuman Kids" - April 27, Saturday, 6pm PST: "Ask Ben Anything About Minimalist Triathlon Training" Call in and leave your "low carb" question for our Jimmy Moore episode - by using the "Ask Ben A Question" option on right side of page or calling toll-free to 1-877-209-9439 and leaving a pre-recorded message. Help us out by completing this survey - please, we need 250 responses! Get featured on the podcast by creating your own MyList - here's what to do (did I mention that it's free?): Create your own "MyList" list that targets your passion in health, fitness or nutrition (gear, tools, supplements or anything else), Share your MyList right here by leaving a link to it in the comments section at the bottom of the page, I'll choose the best list, and contact you for an interview about why you chose the items on your list. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Kamil says @ 00:24:55 He read The China Study and is confused about whether he should stop eating meat or not. ~ In my response I mention this Raw Food SOS article. Bill asks @ 00:37:22 Why is Greek yogurt better than regular yogurt? Is it made with different milk? If not, wouldn't it cause the same intestinal leakage, gastric distress and inflammation? ~ In my response, I mention Episode #212 What Kind Of Yogurt Is Best? Steve asks @ 00:47:34 He drummed for 121 hour straight (breaking a Guinness World Record) to raise money for cancer research. During the session he subluxated 4 ribs and had a seizure (around hour 116) when his core temp plummeted. It is a year later and he still has fatigue and strange symptoms (he can't get his heart rate over 120 on the bike), can you help him figure out why and what he should do about it? ~ In my response, I recommend Tian Chi and trace minerals. JD says @ 01:00:00 During a recent surgery, while making an incision in his back, his right lower thoracic nerve was cut.

I'll admit it. I'm a total self-quantification nerd. You know this if you read my article "A Crash Course On Finding Out What Is Happening Inside Your Body", in which I tell you about a ton of different blood, saliva and urine tests that you can do. I also spend several hours per week doing wellness and performance consulting with people who have done baseline, performance, longevity testing with Pacific Elite Fitness and WellnessFX. So my nerdy self is super excited about this new thing I've found called "Talking20", which we talk about in the video above and I give you the nitty-gritty details on below... Basically, Talking20 is disrupting health as we know it by merging biology with technology to deliver personal health data in a way that I think may actually trigger a personal health revolution. Here's how it works: You send in a few drops of blood on one of their kits, and you’ve opened the gateway to everything happening inside you, anytime you want it.  Talking20 is using mass spectrometry to analyze its blood samples, the same technology used by NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency use to conduct their studies of very small samples taken from all over on (and off) the planet. Using this technology, Talking20 will eventually run 100's of blood tests off a single, convenient drop of your dried blood. The instrumentation and techniques of mass spectrometry earned Nobel Prizes in 1922 and then again for advances in 2002. In short, the way mass spectrometry works is that blood collected on the cards is hit with an accelerated dose of electrons.  During this collision, the molecules being measured are knocked out of the sample and pushed into a gas state.  This accelerated beam of gases is then passed through a magnetic field, which allows each molecule to be measured based on its unique properties.  This technique can be performed with solar wind samples collected outside the Earth’s atmosphere (like at NASA) - or from samples collected on Talking20’s special filter paper. Each biomarker that is tested at Talking20 must be specially calibrated in house and each test is currently being built in a stepwise process. The "Gold Card panel" that Heather and I talk about in the video above is made up of several well known tests, such as cholesterol and vitamins, but over the next three years they are developing literally hundreds of other tests you can get off one card. I think this stuff is going to literally blow the roof off personal biohacking and the ability to peer into your personal health and performance in real time as you test anytime, anywhere in the world. Examples of tests they are are planning to include are: All organ function related proteins, including current and future indications of organ function: liver, kidney, pancreas, autoimmunity problems and more. All vitamins and minerals, including all fat and water soluble vitamins, and circulating minerals, amino acids, electrolytes and more. All hormones, including cholesterols, cortisol, testosterone, DHEA, estrogens, progesterone and more. All disease proteins, including current and future indicators of cancers, such as colon, prostate, breast, kidney, lung cancers and more. All future biomarkers they ever discover, which are included in your future panels at no extra cost. -------------------------------- How To Test With Talking20 OK, I know you probably want to get down to the bottom line and know what this kind of stuff actually costs and how the process works: 1. You go to the Talking20 website and order one Gold Card package, which includes all test materials and all online services, and is good for 36 separate tests (3 years worth if you test, say, ever month). 2. This Gold Card package retails at $1295 USD (but you get a 10% discount if you use code BENTEST, which lowers this to $1165). 3. Compared  to conventional phlebotomy laboratory testing,

March 21, 2013 free podcast: How Much Water Do You Really Need To Drink Each Day? Also: how to get rid of varicose veins, the difference between protein and amino acids, healthy eating for camping, what causes hives, and how many hours a week should you lift weights? Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of this page, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or (if you hate the sound of your own voice) scroll down to the “Ask Ben” form. Please don't forget to give the podcast a comment/ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute and it helps grow our healthy and fit community! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and other interesting news flashes every week, follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. Doesn't appear endurance training is quite as bad for your thyroid as some would have you to believe. I'll be sharing my thought about this on today's podcast. Want to take a photon shower for your jet lag? Coming soon to an airport near you (I mention the NatureBright Sun Touch). ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Lean Lifestyle Insider - For the past several weeks, one of my friends (Abel James Bascom AKA the “Fat Burning Man”) and I have been filming all the daily tips, tricks and tools we use to achieve maximum fat loss, lean muscle and optimized health and performance. Upcoming Inner Circle webinars - go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/innercircle to get access: - April 6, Saturday, 6pm PST: "How To Raise Superhuman Kids" - April 27, Saturday, 6pm PST: "Ask Ben Anything About Minimalist Triathlon Training" Call in and leave your "low carb" question for our Jimmy Moore episode - by using the "Ask Ben A Question" option on right side of page or calling toll-free to 1-877-209-9439 and leaving a pre-recorded message. Help us out by completing this survey - please, we need 250 responses! Get featured on the podcast by creating your own MyList - here's what to do (did I mention that it's free?): Create your own "MyList" list that targets your passion in health, fitness or nutrition (gear, tools, supplements or anything else), Share your MyList right here by leaving a link to it in the comments section at the bottom of the page, I'll choose the best list, and contact you for an interview about why you chose the items on your list. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Chris says @ 00:22:05 He has veins that are popping out in his shoulders and bicep. They look like varicose veins (but not as severe - zig zaggy) and he doesn't like the way it looks. Is there anything he can use to make them disappear or is he screwed? ~ In my response, I mention the transcript to a previous episode we did on varicose veins, Also: Horse Chestnut Extract, Grape Seed Extract, and Butcher's Broom. Brian asks @ 00:31:30 He is new to the supplement thing and would like to know about MAP - is it Amino Acids or Protein? ~ In my response, I mention MAP, FAQ and Ask the Doc Special: Your Guide to Understanding Master Amino Acid Pattern. George asks @ 00:37:57 Planning a 10 day trip with some boy scouts and would like to know if UCAN SuperStarch be ok to take for 10 straight days (thrown in with the stuff you recommended to a listener for a race in Mongolia - pemican, dark chocolate, SuperGreens, nuts). ~ In the response, I mention my previous episode on the race in Mongolia. In that podcast, I had talked about Pemmican, Cocochia bars, and Supergreens. I also mention you can make your own beef jerky OR eat 200-300 calories of jerky from US Wellness Meats. You can also eat or swallow 25-50 EnergyBits and 5-10 Master Amino Pattern (MAP) capsules. Use 10% discount code “BEN” at EnergyBits.com and get MAP at pacificfit.net.

For the past several weeks, one of my friends (Abel James Bascom AKA the "Fat Burning Man") and I have been filming all the daily tips, tricks and tools we use to achieve maximum fat loss, lean muscle and optimized health and performance. Basically we followed each other around with a video camera, geeked out on everything that we do to get lean fast, and turned it into convenient video, audio and transcripts for you. When it comes to getting lean fast, sleeping better, performing at your peak potential, recovering more quickly, and even increasing your mental acuity, we fill you in on everything we've discovered. You'll learn underground tips and tricks like: -Our own special secret recipes and twists on high-fat coffee... -What kind of "smart drugs" Abel and I use... -How we jump-start fat loss before we even start exercising... -The top 3 ways we fall asleep as fast as possible... -Which items I keep beside my bed to minimize stress and maximize energy... -Over a dozen of the easy foods we use every day to keep our bodies in fat-burning mode... -Why Abel's house is cleaner than mine... -And much more! Just click here to visit the Lean Lifestyle Insider page today and get instant insider access to Abel's secrets and my secrets of how to get lean fast, along with access to ask your personal questions about everything we do from foods to supplements to workouts! Questions? Simply leave them below... ...and my apologies in advance for not having my hair perfect in every video that you'll find on the inside - and for Abel's obnoxious Spongebob Squarepants coffee cup you'll find in the very first breakfast video. P.S. Access is $47. And that's not a monthly fee or anything like that. Just a *one time* $47 ticket to access Lean Lifestyle Insider for the rest of all time. P.P.S. Yes, this stuff works for guys AND girls.

I have a confession: I poop once per day. One smooth, silky, glorious morning movement, and then I'm done. And I don't really think about number 2 at all until the next day. It's quite convenient, actually - especially compared to my old days of hitting the head a handful of times during the day, occasionally straining, always feeling like I had something "still inside", and having to deal with a bit of bloating to boot. Not anymore, baby. One key to this pooping revolution is revealed in a popular article I wrote last year called "How I Ate A High Fat Diet, Pooped 8 Pounds, And Then Won A Sprint Triathlon". In that article, I tell you about the shocking results of my switch to proper pooping mechanics (squatting to poop instead of sitting to poop), using something called a "Squatty Potty". As a matter of fact, one of these Squatty Potty devices now resides in every bathroom in my house - I own a white wooden model, a white plastic model and a quite fashionable bamboo model. The gist of that whole squatting discussion was that your body is meant to be in a squatting position to properly eliminate stuff from your colon, and when you’re sitting (as most Westerners mistakenly do), you put upward pressure on your rectum, creating a "kink" that keeps much of your poop inside (or at least makes you strain a lot harder as you try to push it out). But when it comes to learning how to poop the right way, there are some tricks that go way above and beyond simply squatting to poop. So today, in my discussion with certified health nut and former male model Troy Casey, you're going to learn exactly what those tricks are, and ensure smooth bowel movements and banished constipation forever (and I have a hilarious video for you at the end of this post)... During my discussion with Troy (pictured right), I ask him: -What is the best way to take a poop? -How do minerals and hydration play a role in healthy pooping action?  -What are some ways to get you pooping if you're constipated? -How do you "clean the poop shoot"? -Are colonics good? -How does what you eat affect your poop? -What does a healthy poop look like? -How does an impacted colon affect the whole system? -Why is pooping properly so important for overall performance? -Why is pooping properly so important for overall health? It turns out even though we both squat to poop, and we both avoid intestinal irritants like wheat, soy and commercial dairy, it turns out that Troy and I actually have two different approaches when it comes to supplements or herbs for taking a good poop. Here's a synopsis of our two different approaches: Troy's Better Pooping Regimen 1. Dr. Schultz's Intestinal Formula - Troy refers to this as "drain-o for your digestive tract". It apparently stimulates and strengthens the muscular movement of the colon. The ingredients include aloe, senna and cascara sagrada. I've personally never used it. 2. Clay - yes, literally edible earth. It is supposed to have a detoxifying effect, and is also a rich sources of minerals. And you just eat the stuff. Once again, something I haven't personally used, but Troy swears by it. 3. Fiberzon Herbal Colon Cleansers from the rainforest - OK, this one is a high fiber supplement. I tend to side with Dr. Konstantin Monastyrsky when it comes to high fiber (he wrote this article on BenGreenfieldFitness about why too much fiber is bad), and I feel the long term health effects may outweigh the short term pooping benefits. But Troy mentioned it, so I wanted to give you a link in case you want to try it! Ben's Better Pooping Regimen 1. Colorectal Recovery Program - In the article I wrote about how to limit the damage from antibiotics, you learn how use of antibiotics can completely nuke the healthy bacterial terroir in your digestive tract. It turns out that in my fight with MRSA last year, during which I was forced into a high antibiotic dosing regimen,

Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. March 13, 2013 free podcast: How To Become A Curvaceous, Lean, Ripped Female Athlete Without Destroying Your Health. Also: what does deer antler velvet spray do, how to use Ucan SuperStarch properly, how to get rid of migraines using your diet, what is the Moxymonitor, and are activity tracking devices (like the Fitbit) useful. Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of this page, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or (if you hate the sound of your own voice) scroll down to the “Ask Ben” form. Please don't forget to give the podcast a comment/ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute and it helps grow our healthy and fit community! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and other interesting news flashes every week, follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+. If your blood looks like this after weight training, just imagine after an IRONMAN! Yes, alternate day fasting + endurance exercise can cause weight loss - but what about hormones? Scary stuff if you use personal care products with lots chemicals - check out urinary levels of phthalates after ONE shower! ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Superhuman domination packs - get a custom sport bag jam-packed with books, supplements, gear and everything you need to Become Superhuman (and leave this week's best podcast ranking to get one free)! Call in and leave your "low carb" question for our Jimmy Moore episode - by using the "Ask Ben A Question" option on right side of page or calling toll-free to 1-877-209-9439 and leaving a pre-recorded message. Help us out by completing this survey - please, we need 250 responses! Make sure to visit audiblepodcast.com/ben - to grab your very own FREE audio book. Wednesday, March 13 at 6:00pm PST - Come see Ben Greenfield, vegan athlete Rich Roll and celebrity trainer Vinnie Tortorich duke it out over diets on spreecast.com. Get featured on the podcast by creating your own MyList - here's what to do (did I mention that it's free?): Create your own "MyList" list that targets your passion in health, fitness or nutrition (gear, tools, supplements or anything else), Share your MyList right here by leaving a link to it in the comments section at the bottom of the page, I'll choose the best list, and contact you for an interview about why you chose the items on your list. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Zach says @ 00:23:02 He has heard talk about Deer Antler Velvet Spray and wants to know more about it. Allie asks @ 00:29:06 Is wondering how to use  Generation UCAN Superstarch to fuel for a marathon. ~ In my response I reference Generation Ucan Sports Drink Mix Tony asks @ 00:29:22 Has been using  UCAN Superstarch and is wondering if Ucan only works if you are in a fat burning state and if he might have taken in too many carbs to use it effectively. ~ In my response I reference this Endurance Supplement Pack. Jason asks @ 00:43:25 Wants to know how Jessa got rid of her migraines. He heard she did it by altering her alkalosis and acidosis using only food sources. ~ In my response, I mention the How To Get Rid Of Migraine Headaches episode and also transdermal magnesium. Ken asks @ 00:49:12 Would like to know what you think of the moxymonitor? Valerie asks @ 00:55:33 Wants to know your opinion of activity trackers like the FitBit. Are they accurate, do they work well, are they worth it? Jenna asks @ 01:02:16 She is an underweight 19-year-old triathlete and is looking to build muscle mass (her BMI is below healthy level). She would like some specific help putting together a plan that would accelerate the process.

Click here for the full written transcript podcast of this episode. March 7, 2013 free podcast: Is Decaf Coffee Healthy, Can You Have Too Much Iron, How Often Should You Pee On The Bike, How To Stop Chafing When You're Running, What Happens To Your ...