Transcript of #371 – Women's sexual health: desire, arousal, and orgasms, navigating perimenopause, and enhancing satisfaction | Sally Greenwald, M.D., M.P.H.
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter Sally Greenwald is an OB-GYN who specializes in women's sexual health from a hormonal and physiologic perspective, with expertise spanning desire, arousal, pelvic floor function, contraception, and menopause care. In this episode, she explains why sexual health is a vital component of overall well-being, exploring topics such as the drivers of desire, the anatomy of sexual function, myths and realities around orgasm, and the role of hormones in perimenopause and menopause. She also covers vaginal and pelvic health, pain with sex, evidence-based therapies for low desire and arousal, how contraception and medications can affect sexual function, and practical strategies for enhancing sexual satisfaction and maintaining intimacy across life stages. This episode offers a comprehensive, evidence-based discussion with immediate real-world relevance for women as well as for men who want to better understand their partners. We discuss: How sexual health influences physical health, emotional well-being, and relationships [3:15]; Understanding the physiology of the female orgasm, sexual comfort and satisfaction, and the disparity between men and women [12:45]; Foreplay, the science of desire, and methods to help women cultivate arousal and connection [19:00]; The physiology and sources of female lubrication, the role of clitoral nerve anatomy in pleasure, and the use of lubricants and vibrators to enhance comfort and sexual health [23:45]; Understanding female anatomy and what is needed for orgasm [31:15]; Understanding sexual desire, how to cultivate it, the role of hormones, and testosterone therapy in women [41:15]; Personalizing perimenopause care: how desire for ovulation guides the choice between contraception and menopausal hormone therapy [49:30]; Considerations for choosing contraceptives and hormonal therapies during perimenopause [59:45]; Factors negatively affecting desire, and why female libido persists with age and fluctuates across the menstrual cycle [1:11:00]; How sexual trauma and physical pain can affect sexual health, and evidence-based strategies for recovery [1:15:15]; Vaginal care routine: lubricants, moisturizers, topical hormones, and other approaches for vaginal health [1:19:15]; Tips for sexually satisfying your female partner [1:25:45]; The pharmacology of arousal: various treatments for low sexual desire in women [1:30:30]; Sex during and after pregnancy: impact on arousal, safety of sex, and how to manage postpartum recovery and pain [1:37:45]; How Sally would redesign sex education [1:42:15]; Sally's optimism about a new era in women's sexual health [1:49:00]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 01:52:20
- 990 views
- Published about 1 month ago
Transcript of Longevity 101: a foundational guide to Peter's frameworks for longevity, and understanding CVD, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and more (re-broadcast)
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter In this special episode, Peter provides a comprehensive introduction to longevity, perfect for newcomers or those looking to refresh their knowledge. He lays out the foundational concepts of lifespan, healthspan, and the marginal decade. Additionally, Peter discusses the four main causes of death and their prevention, as well as detailing the five key strategies in his longevity toolkit to improve lifespan and healthspan. Detailed show notes provide links for deeper exploration of these topics, making it an ideal starting point for anyone interested in understanding and improving their longevity. We discuss: Key points about starting exercise as an older adult [2:45]; Overview of episode topics and structure [1:45]; How Peter defines longevity [3:45]; Why healthspan is a crucial component of longevity [11:15]; The evolution of medicine from medicine 1.0 to 2.0, and the emergence of medicine 3.0 [15:30]; Overview of atherosclerotic diseases: the 3 pathways of ASCVD, preventative measures, and the impact of metabolic health [26:00]; Cancer: genetic and environmental factors, treatment options, and the importance of early and aggressive screening [33:15]; Neurodegenerative diseases: causes, prevention, and the role of genetics and metabolic health [39:30]; The spectrum of metabolic diseases [43:15]; Why it's never too late to start thinking about longevity [44:15]; The 5 components of the longevity toolkit [46:30]; Peter's framework for exercise—The Centenarian Decathlon [47:45]; Peter's nutritional framework: energy balance, protein intake, and more [58:45]; Sleep: the vital role of sleep in longevity, and how to improve sleep habits [1:08:30]; Drugs and supplements: Peter's framework for thinking about drugs and supplements as tools for enhancing longevity [1:13:30]; Why emotional health is a key component of longevity [1:17:00]; Advice for newcomers on where to start on their longevity journey [1:19:30]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 01:25:24
- 170 views
- Published about 1 month ago
Transcript of Longevity 101: a foundational guide to Peter's frameworks for longevity, and understanding CVD, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and more (re-broadcast)
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter In this special episode, Peter provides a comprehensive introduction to longevity, perfect for newcomers or those looking to refresh their knowledge. He lays out the foundational concepts of lifespan, healthspan, and the marginal decade. Additionally, Peter discusses the four main causes of death and their prevention, as well as detailing the five key strategies in his longevity toolkit to improve lifespan and healthspan. Detailed show notes provide links for deeper exploration of these topics, making it an ideal starting point for anyone interested in understanding and improving their longevity. We discuss: Key points about starting exercise as an older adult [2:45]; Overview of episode topics and structure [1:45]; How Peter defines longevity [3:45]; Why healthspan is a crucial component of longevity [11:15]; The evolution of medicine from medicine 1.0 to 2.0, and the emergence of medicine 3.0 [15:30]; Overview of atherosclerotic diseases: the 3 pathways of ASCVD, preventative measures, and the impact of metabolic health [26:00]; Cancer: genetic and environmental factors, treatment options, and the importance of early and aggressive screening [33:15]; Neurodegenerative diseases: causes, prevention, and the role of genetics and metabolic health [39:30]; The spectrum of metabolic diseases [43:15]; Why it's never too late to start thinking about longevity [44:15]; The 5 components of the longevity toolkit [46:30]; Peter's framework for exercise—The Centenarian Decathlon [47:45]; Peter's nutritional framework: energy balance, protein intake, and more [58:45]; Sleep: the vital role of sleep in longevity, and how to improve sleep habits [1:08:30]; Drugs and supplements: Peter's framework for thinking about drugs and supplements as tools for enhancing longevity [1:13:30]; Why emotional health is a key component of longevity [1:17:00]; Advice for newcomers on where to start on their longevity journey [1:19:30]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 01:25:24
- 130 views
- Published about 1 month ago
Transcript of #370 - AMA #76: Peter evaluates longevity drugs, aspirin for CVD, and strategies to improve muscle mass — proven, promising, fuzzy, noise, or nonsense?
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter In this "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) episode, Peter revisits the "proven, promising, fuzzy, noise, nonsense" scale and applies it to a variety of popular topics. He begins with a refresher on what each category represents before classifying a range of interventions based on the strength of their supporting evidence. The conversation spans three main areas: drugs for geroprotection (including GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, methylene blue, and telomere-lengthening supplements), the use of low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention, and strategies to improve muscle mass through optimal protein intake and follistatin gene therapy. This episode provides a clear, evidence-based overview for listeners seeking to understand where these popular health and longevity interventions stand on the spectrum of scientific credibility. If you're not a subscriber and are listening on a podcast player, you'll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you're a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or our website at the AMA #76 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here. We discuss: A scale for evaluating scientific claims: proven, promising, fuzzy, noise, or nonsense [1:30]; Strong convictions, loosely held: the mindset that separates great scientists from the rest [7:30]; GLP-1 receptor agonists: are there benefits beyond improving metabolic health and promoting weight loss? [12:45]; GLP-1 drugs and the brain: exploring the potential cognitive benefits [18:45]; GLP-1 drugs and lifespan: examining the evidence for potential geroprotective effects [23:00]; Rapamycin and geroprotection: why it remains in the "promising" category [25:45]; SGLT2 inhibitors and their potential geroprotective effect [27:30]; Methylene blue: examining the evidence of an anti-aging effect [34:45]; Methylene blue's potential neuroprotective effects: limited and inconsistent evidence in humans, and the challenges of dosing and safety [41:15]; Telomeres: what they are, how they relate to aging, and why telomere-lengthening supplements lack credible scientific evidence [43:45]; Does the idea of targeting telomere length to extend lifespan have scientific merit? [50:15]; Low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention: weighing its clot-prevention benefits against bleeding risks across different populations [55:00]; Rethinking the protein RDA: why most people need twice the recommended amount for muscle health [1:00:45]; Debunking the protein–cancer myth: why higher protein intake doesn't promote tumor growth [1:06:15]; The biology of follistatin and myostatin, and why follistatin gene therapy has become an emerging topic of interest for muscle growth [1:13:15]; Follistatin gene therapy for muscle growth: state of the evidence in animals and humans, and the technical challenges and regulatory barriers [1:17:00]; Why injectable follistatin is theoretically possible but impractical for real-world use [1:23:15]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 17:12
- 110 views
- Published about 1 month ago
Transcript of #370 - AMA #76: Peter evaluates longevity drugs, aspirin for CVD, and strategies to improve muscle mass — proven, promising, fuzzy, noise, or nonsense?
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter In this "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) episode, Peter revisits the "proven, promising, fuzzy, noise, nonsense" scale and applies it to a variety of popular topics. He begins with a refresher on what each category represents before classifying a range of interventions based on the strength of their supporting evidence. The conversation spans three main areas: drugs for geroprotection (including GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, methylene blue, and telomere-lengthening supplements), the use of low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention, and strategies to improve muscle mass through optimal protein intake and follistatin gene therapy. This episode provides a clear, evidence-based overview for listeners seeking to understand where these popular health and longevity interventions stand on the spectrum of scientific credibility. If you're not a subscriber and are listening on a podcast player, you'll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you're a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or our website at the AMA #76 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here. We discuss: A scale for evaluating scientific claims: proven, promising, fuzzy, noise, or nonsense [1:30]; Strong convictions, loosely held: the mindset that separates great scientists from the rest [7:30]; GLP-1 receptor agonists: are there benefits beyond improving metabolic health and promoting weight loss? [12:45]; GLP-1 drugs and the brain: exploring the potential cognitive benefits [18:45]; GLP-1 drugs and lifespan: examining the evidence for potential geroprotective effects [23:00]; Rapamycin and geroprotection: why it remains in the "promising" category [25:45]; SGLT2 inhibitors and their potential geroprotective effect [27:30]; Methylene blue: examining the evidence of an anti-aging effect [34:45]; Methylene blue's potential neuroprotective effects: limited and inconsistent evidence in humans, and the challenges of dosing and safety [41:15]; Telomeres: what they are, how they relate to aging, and why telomere-lengthening supplements lack credible scientific evidence [43:45]; Does the idea of targeting telomere length to extend lifespan have scientific merit? [50:15]; Low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention: weighing its clot-prevention benefits against bleeding risks across different populations [55:00]; Rethinking the protein RDA: why most people need twice the recommended amount for muscle health [1:00:45]; Debunking the protein–cancer myth: why higher protein intake doesn't promote tumor growth [1:06:15]; The biology of follistatin and myostatin, and why follistatin gene therapy has become an emerging topic of interest for muscle growth [1:13:15]; Follistatin gene therapy for muscle growth: state of the evidence in animals and humans, and the technical challenges and regulatory barriers [1:17:00]; Why injectable follistatin is theoretically possible but impractical for real-world use [1:23:15]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 17:12
- 190 views
- Published about 1 month ago
Transcript of #369 ‒ Rethinking protein needs for performance, muscle preservation, and longevity, and the mental and physical benefits of creatine supplementation and sauna use | Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D.
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter Rhonda Patrick is a scientist, health educator, and host of the FoundMyFitness podcast whose work explores the intersection of nutrition, aging, and disease prevention. In this episode, Rhonda joins Peter for part two of his deep dive on protein, continuing last week’s discussion with David Allison and expanding the conversation to include creatine supplementation and sauna use. She discusses why the current RDA for protein is insufficient, how much more is needed to maintain muscle mass and prevent frailty, how activity level and aging influence protein requirements through mechanisms such as anabolic resistance, and how to determine optimal protein intake. The conversation also covers creatine’s proven effects on strength, endurance, and performance; its overlooked benefits for cognition and brain health; and the optimal dosing for different populations. Rhonda closes with the science behind sauna use, including its cardiovascular and cognitive benefits, the role of heat shock proteins, and practical guidance on temperature and duration. We discuss: Why the current protein RDA is too low, and why maintaining sufficient amino acid intake is vital for muscle preservation and health [3:30]; The case for raising the protein RDA by at least 50% [9:45]; Anabolic resistance: why inactivity—more than aging—blunts the body’s response to protein, and how resistance training restores it [14:00]; How sarcopenia develops, the profound effect of frailty on quality of life, and why it’s crucial to build and maintain muscle early [20:00]; Finding the optimal protein dose [25:00]; Why aiming higher is smarter: the case for targeting 2g of protein per kg of body weight in the real world [32:15]; Protein needs for pregnant women and growing adolescents [37:30]; Why higher protein intake is crucial when trying to lose fat while preserving or gaining muscle [39:45]; GLP-1 drugs: protein needs, muscle preservation, dosing strategies, evidence of broader health impacts, and more [43:45]; How overweight individuals should calculate protein needs based on target body weight [50:45]; Unpacking a misunderstood topic: the relationship between protein intake, mTOR activation, and longevity [52:00]; Why it’s unclear whether rapamycin is geroprotective in humans, and how misinterpreted animal data have fueled misconceptions about protein or mTOR activation being harmful [1:00:45]; The unmatched longevity benefits of exercise, its synergy with higher protein intake, and Peter’s recommended protein intake [1:06:15]; How Rhonda became fascinated with creatine—a well-studied, safe, and effective supplement for improving exercise performance [1:09:00]; Creatine for the brain: how higher doses may enhance cognition under stress and support resilience against aging and disease [1:16:30]; Optimal creatine use: dosing for adults and teens, safe product selection, debunking kidney myths, and more [1:25:45]; Sauna: how deliberate heat exposure mimics exercise, boosts cardiovascular and brain health, and shows promise for improving mood and mental resilience [1:32:15]; The benefits of sauna for reducing risk of dementia, and why hotter may not be better [1:41:15]; The FoundMyFitness podcast [1:45:30]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 01:49:59
- 480 views
- Published about 2 months ago
Transcript of #299 ‒ Optimizing muscle protein synthesis: the crucial impact of protein quality and quantity, and the key role of resistance training | Luc van Loon, Ph.D.
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter Luc van Loon is an internationally renowned expert in skeletal muscle metabolism. In this episode, Luc starts with an exploration of the roles of insulin and triglycerides in endurance exercise, highlighting their impact on skeletal muscle metabolism, and he offers profound insights into the significance of protein in this context. He elucidates how different protein types and forms influence muscle protein synthesis rates, exploring the nuances of protein absorption, digestibility, amino acid quality, and their implications for performance and recovery. Delving deeper, he differentiates between animal and plant protein sources, unraveling the distinctive properties of various protein types, from the differences between whey and casein to the emerging trends in collagen protein supplementation. Moreover, Luc dissects the intricate connections among physical activity, lean muscle mass, muscle protein synthesis induced by resistance training, and dietary protein. We discuss: Luc’s background and insights about fuel selection during exercise [3:30]; Fuel utilization during endurance exercise [9:30]; Fat metabolism, intramuscular lipids, and the nutritional dynamics of endurance sports [17:15]; The optimal window for replenishing intramuscular fat stores and glycogen post-exercise [25:15]; Luc’s interest in protein metabolism and exploration of amino acids' dual role as building blocks and signaling molecules in driving muscle protein synthesis [32:15]; How protein metabolism differs between sedentary individuals and those engaged in predominantly strength training or endurance training [38:45]; The basics of how proteins are digested and absorbed, and how muscle protein synthesis is measured [50:30]; How factors like food texture, cooking methods, and protein composition impact muscle protein synthesis, and the importance of protein distribution throughout the day [59:45]; Differences in whey and casein proteins, and the ability of ingested protein to stimulate muscle protein synthesis [1:03:30]; Dietary protein distribution and quantity for the maximization of muscle protein synthesis [1:09:00]; Muscle loss with age and inactivity and the importance of resistance exercise to maintain type II muscle fibers [1:17:15]; Differences between whey and casein proteins, and the importance of both quantity and quality of protein sources [1:28:30]; Optimizing muscle protein synthesis: exercise, timing of protein intake, protein quality, and more [1:37:00]; How to preserve muscle while trying to lose weight [1:46:00]; Anabolic resistance and overcoming it with physical activity [1:55:45]; Importance of protein intake and physical activity in hospitalized patients [2:06:30]; Reviewing the efficacy of collagen supplements [2:13:30]; Plant-based diets: how to ensure a balance of amino acids, and other considerations [2:20:30]; Future research: understanding protein metabolism in the brain [2:23:45]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 02:30:05
- 2.5K views
- Published over 1 year ago
Transcript of #298 ‒ The impact of emotional health on longevity, self-audit strategies, improving well-being, and more | Paul Conti, M.D.
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter Paul Conti is an author and practicing psychiatrist who specializes in helping people heal from trauma. In this episode, Paul returns to The Drive to delve into the intricate relationship between emotional health, healthspan, and lifespan. He first challenges common assumptions about the inevitable decline of emotional health with age, providing strategies for conducting a comprehensive audit of internal emotional health. He establishes a framework for the foundation of good emotional health: a balance between the generative drive, the assertive drive, and the pleasure drive. Paul also explores the nuanced dynamics of motivation, happiness, and satisfaction as it relates to material possessions, draws connections between physical and emotional well-being, confronts the impact of negative self-talk, and describes how making peace with our mortality can foster a sense of hope, purpose and well-being. Additionally, Paul offers many practical insights into initiating emotional health improvements and navigating the search for a suitable therapist. We discuss: The importance of prioritizing emotional health as we age [2:45]; The impact of emotional health on healthspan and how to foster a proactive approach to emotional well-being [7:00]; The discrepancy between outward success and inner fulfillment, and the importance of a healthy “generative drive” for genuine well-being [13:00]; A deeper dive into generative drive: impact on human behavior, resilience, purpose, and more [23:15]; Evaluating one’s inner self: introspection, self-awareness, challenging societal norms, and returning to the basics of physical and emotional well-being [29:00]; Self-auditing tools: introspection, curiosity, and exploring underlying reasons for unwanted behaviors [41:45]; Breaking free from destructive cycles by understanding the continuum of self-care and addictive behaviors and remaining curious [50:15]; Critical self talk: the malleability of one’s inner dialogue and the potential for transformative change with perseverance and self-compassion [1:00:15]; Slowing the anger response and gaining insights into the underlying triggers to achieve lasting change and self-understanding [1:13:45]; Foster gratitude and humility by achieving balance between the three drives—assertion, pleasure, and generative [1:20:45]; The conflict between intellectual understanding and emotional feelings, problematic comparison frameworks, and the importance of living in the present with intentionality [1:24:15]; How making peace with our mortality can foster a sense of hope, purpose and well-being [1:34:45]; Advice for finding a compatible therapist [1:43:45]; The key components of therapeutic progress [1:57:00]; The caricatures of four common patient phenotypes, and how to get through to them [2:05:30]; How Paul manages his own well-being and the emotional challenges that come with his line of work [2:15:15]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 02:23:50
- 1.1K views
- Published over 1 year ago
Transcript of #297 - AMA #58: Iron: its role in health, testing methods, and strategies for preventing and managing iron deficiency
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter delves into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of iron and iron deficiency. He explores why iron is indispensable for the body, explains the repercussions of iron deficiency, and sheds light on the prevalence of this issue and who is most susceptible. Peter outlines strategies for increasing iron levels, covering dietary iron, supplementation, and infusion options, while also discussing the suitability of each approach for different individuals. Shifting gears, Peter tackles rapid-fire questions on creatine and sodium, as well as inquiries related to his book. If you’re not a subscriber and are listening on a podcast player, you’ll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you’re a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or our website at the AMA #58 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here. We discuss: Overview of today’s topics and the importance of understanding iron levels in the body [1:45]; The importance and ubiquity of iron in the body, and the role of the protein called ferritin [4:30]; The processes of iron absorption, utilization, and transportation [9:30]; Options for testing iron levels and how to interpret the results [13:45]; What does it mean to be iron deficient, and how is it different from anemia? [17:15]; Symptoms of iron deficiency and/or anemia [22:15]; How prevalent is iron deficiency, and who is most susceptible? [24:30]; The importance of consuming an adequate amount of iron daily to prevent deficiency [30:30]; The best way to improve iron levels for someone who is deficient [34:45]; Iron supplementation: various formulations and potential side effects [37:45]; Intravenous iron infusion as an alternative to oral supplements -- plus restless legs syndrome and other topics [42:00]; Iron supplementation: who should and should not consider it [44:00]; Peter’s approach to creatine and his pre- and post-workout supplements [50:15]; Navigating sodium intake: effect on blood pressure, who should use precaution, and other considerations [54:45]; Peter’s thoughts about the potential of writing another book [57:15]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 17:56
- 1.9K views
- Published over 1 year ago
Transcript of James Clear: Building & Changing Habits (#183 rebroadcast)
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter James Clear is the author of the New York Times bestseller Atomic Habits. His extensive research into human behavior has helped him identify key components of habit formation and develop the “Four Laws of Behavioral Change.” In this episode, James provides insights into how both good and bad habits are formed, including the influence of genetics, environment, social circles, and more. He points to changes one can make to cultivate more perseverance and discipline and describes the profound impact habits can have when tying them into one’s self-identity. Finally, James breaks down his “Four Laws of Behavioral Change” and how to use them to create new habits, undo bad habits, and make meaningful changes in one’s life. We discuss: Why James became deeply interested in habits [2:00]; Viewing habits through an evolutionary lens [6:15]; The power of immediate feedback for behavior change, and why we tend to repeat bad habits [9:30]; The role of genetics and innate predispositions in determining one’s work ethic and success in a given discipline [14:45]; How finding one’s passion can cultivate perseverance and discipline [23:30]; Advantages of creating systems and not just setting goals [29:30]; The power of habits combined with self-identity to induce change [36:45]; How a big environmental change or life event can bring on radical behavioral change [50:45]; The influence of one’s social environment on their habits [54:30]; How and why habits are formed [1:00:45]; How to make or break a habit with the “Four Laws of Behavior Change” [1:09:45]; Practical tips for successful behavioral change—the best strategies when starting out [1:16:30]; Self-forgiveness and getting back on track immediately after slipping up [1:30:45]; Law #1: Make it obvious—Strategies for identifying and creating cues to make and break habits [1:40:00]; Law #2: Make it attractive—examples of ways to make a new behavior more attractive [1:48:00]; Law #3: Make it easy—the 2-minute rule [1:59:00]; Law #4: Make it satisfying—rewards and reinforcement [2:03:45]; Advice for helping others to make behavioral changes [2:06:15]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 02:19:55
- 3.1K views
- Published almost 2 years ago
Transcript of #283 ‒ Gut health & the microbiome: improving and maintaining the microbiome, probiotics, prebiotics, innovative treatments, and more | Colleen Cutcliffe, Ph.D.
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter Colleen Cutcliffe is an expert in molecular biology and co-founder of Pendulum Therapeutics, a company working to develop treatments for a variety of diseases by targeting the microbiome. In this episode, Colleen delves into the complexity of the microbiome, how it is tested, and how it changes over time. She explores how probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics affect the gut and makes a compelling case that well-developed products have the potential not only to enhance gut health but also to positively influence overall metabolic well-being. Colleen emphasizes the significance of a high-fiber diet in sustaining a thriving gut microbiome, shares insights on minimizing microbiome damage during antibiotic use, provides tips for fostering and preserving a healthy gut, and much more. We discuss: Colleen’s background and current focus [4:45]; The basics of the microbiome [7:15]; The study of the human microbiome [15:15]; Categories of bacteria, and the implications on health of the rapid evolution of bacteria [19:45]; Methods for measuring and understanding the microbiome, and key indicators of microbiome health [28:30]; The important role of fiber for promoting gut health through the production of butyrate [38:30]; The case for manipulating gut bacteria via fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) [45:00]; Dynamics of the microbiome: the gut-brain connection and how antibiotics, nutrition, stress, and more impact the microbiome's diversity and function [50:15]; Factors that influence the vaginal microbiome [55:15]; The effect of gut microbes on obesity and challenges with fecal transplants in people [58:45]; Beneficial strains of gut bacteria and strains commonly found in probiotics [1:01:15]; The difference between a probiotic and prebiotic, and how CFUs are a measure of the “active ingredient” [1:09:45]; Considerations about how probiotic strains are produced, and more on the meaning of CFU [1:14:15]; Mitigating the effect of antibiotics on the microbiome [1:22:30]; What do we know about the effect of artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiome? [1:30:00]; Why Akkermansia is a keystone strain with implications for metabolic health and an individual’s response to dietary interventions [1:36:15]; The essential steps necessary to develop a robust probiotic for optimal health support [1:45:45]; How Akkermansia helps control blood glucose, and potential implications of Akkermansia in weight loss, diabetes management, and more [1:48:45]; Pendulum Therapeutics’ commitment to rigorous product develop [2:06:30]; Details about the probiotic “Glucose Control” and other probiotics developed by Pendulum Therapeutics [2:13:00]; Further studies of Akkermansia that have been proposed or are underway [2:20:30]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 02:32:40
- 2.4K views
- Published almost 2 years ago
Transcript of #282 - AMA #54: Magnesium: risks of deficiency, how to correct it, supplement options, potential cognitive and sleep benefits, and more
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter tackles essential questions about magnesium, beginning with the important roles it plays in the body and why maintaining proper levels is crucial. Peter discusses the harms of magnesium deficiency, how to determine if you're deficient, potential causes of deficiency, and how diet and supplementation can be used to increase magnesium levels. Peter unravels the confusion surrounding magnesium supplementation, discussing the optimal forms and recommended daily intake while addressing concerns about excess consumption. He also explores the potential cognitive and sleep benefits associated with magnesium supplementation. Finally, Peter concludes with a look into his recent experimentation with new exercises to serve as benchmarks to assess his progress and fitness levels as he navigates the aging process. If you’re not a subscriber and are listening on a podcast player, you’ll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you’re a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or our website at the AMA #54 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here. We discuss: The important roles of magnesium in the body [2:45]; How to determine if you might be deficient in magnesium [10:15]; Addressing migraines related to low magnesium [14:45]; The prevalence of magnesium deficiency [16:30]; Various conditions and drugs that can negatively impact magnesium levels [21:30]; Magnesium-rich foods and factors that impact absorption of magnesium [24:30]; Daily targets for magnesium supplementation and whether it’s possible to take too much [30:15]; The different forms of supplemental magnesium [34:00]; How absorption of magnesium from food compares to absorption from supplements [36:15]; Choosing the right magnesium supplements for optimal absorption [37:15]; The unique ability of magnesium L-threonate to increase brain magnesium concentration [40:15]; Potential cognitive benefits of magnesium [43:00]; Potential sleep benefits of magnesium [48:45]; Takeaways on magnesium and a look into Peter’s personal protocol [53:15]; Peter’s new benchmarks related to exercise and age [58:30]; and The potential impact of hearing loss on brain health and neurodegeneration [2:04:30]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- 20:32
- 2.6K views
- Published almost 2 years ago
Expert insight on health, performance, longevity, critical thinking, and pursuing excellence. Dr. Peter Attia (Stanford/Hopkins/NIH-trained MD) talks with leaders in their fields.