In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we explore the hotly debated topic of cholesterol and its impact on overall health. We begin by discussing cholesterol's fundamental role in our bodies, challenging the long-held belief that dietary cholesterol is a primary cause of heart disease. JP breaks down the intricacies of lipoproteins, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, highlighting how our understanding of cholesterol has shifted over time, heavily influenced by outdated studies and industry age...
Jan 22, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 28
In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we sit down with Dr. Anthony Chaffee to talk about diets, nutrition, and ways to improve health. Dr. Chaffee shares interesting insights on cattle breeding differences in Japan and Australia and talks about his experience switching to a high-fat, meat-based diet. Together, we discuss how diets work differently for everyone, especially for people with autoimmune conditions, due to genetic and environmental factors. Dr. Chaffee emphasizes the health b...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 50 min•Season 4Ep. 27
In this episode, we talk about mTOR, a protein that helps with nutrient sensing and cell growth, and why eating too much in adulthood can be harmful. We also look at how modern eating habits, especially with processed foods, can lead to poor health. We focus on the benefits of fasting and eating whole foods for better health and longer life. You'll get useful tips on intermittent fasting, including how to handle cheat days and why combining fasting with exercise or a ketogenic diet is good for y...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 26
Welcome back to the Health Upgrade Podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Peter Staats to explore the exciting world of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). We’ll take a look at how his interest in neuromodulation began in the 1990s and how it led to amazing advances in noninvasive VNS technology—also called a "digital drug." Peter shares how this technology has developed into a non-surgical option for managing stress, inflammation, pain, and even improving focus. You’ll hear fascinat...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 25
In this e episode, we sit down with the insightful Dr. Barb Woerger to dive into the world of magnesium and its crucial role in our health. Dr. Woerger discusses the importance of selecting specific forms of magnesium to treat different health conditions effectively. From magnesium glycinate's support for the nervous system and sleep to magnesium threonate's impact on cognitive function and brain health, this episode covers it all. The conversation highlights the challenges of meeting magnesium ...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 24
In this enlightening episode, we welcome Dr. Brody Miller to dive into the crucial role of hope in healing and the wonders of neuroplasticity. Dr. Miller, a brain health expert, shares his personal recovery journey from traumatic brain injury and how understanding neuroplasticity transformed his life. The discussion highlights the profound impact of hope, the dangers of labeling it as “false,” and the significance of belief in the recovery process. We also touch on the importance of personalized...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 23
In this episode, Dr. Kimberly Besuden joins us to explore holistic health and its connection to overall well-being. She highlights the importance of digestive health, sharing patient success stories like reversing diverticulitis through gut healing. The conversation touches on how different body systems are interconnected and how specialists sometimes miss the broader perspective. We also discuss topics such as integrative chiropractic care, using herbs and whole foods alongside traditional medi...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 22
In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Torkil Færø, exploring the transformative world of health optimization. Together, we uncover how simple lifestyle adjustments and cutting-edge technology can significantly enhance well-being. Dr. Færø, author of The Pulse Cure, shares his journey into medicine and reveals the untapped potential of heart rate variability (HRV) as a vital health indicator. We discuss how wearable technology, like Garmin watches, offers real-time insights i...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Welcome to another episode of the Health Upgrade Podacat! Today we talk with Dr. Thomas Seyfried, a leader in cancer metabolism research. He shares his amazing discoveries about how cancer is linked to metabolism, starting from his early work with epilepsy and ketogenic diets. He explains how problems in mitochondria and cancer cells' reliance on fermentation challenge the usual genetic view of cancer. We explore how therapeutic ketosis and metabolic therapy could change cancer treatment. Dr. Se...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Welcome back to another episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast! Today, we dive deep into the complexities of cellular energy production, focusing on the essential role of the mitochondria. We explain how the citric acid cycle breaks down sugars into energy, generating ATP—the powerhouse that fuels our cells. However, when mitochondria fail to function properly, it leads to the formation of reactive oxygen species, causing cellular dysfunction and increasing the risk of cancer. The discussion also...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 18
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Miller, a leading scientific expert in aging research. Dr. Miller dives into Cook's groundbreaking research on interleukin 11 and its implications for expanding lifespans in mice. The discussion explores how targeted anti-aging interventions, such as drugs and neurostimulators, have the potential to revolutionize preventive medicine by focusing on aging itself rather than individual diseases. Key highlights include the Interventions Testing Prog...
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Welcome to another episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast! Today we dive into the fascinating world of mitochondria and their crucial role in our health and longevity. We explore how the mitochondria work to produce energy, their historical evolution, and their symbiotic relationship with the immune system. We'll also discuss how diet, stress, and sleep affect both mitochondria and our overall health, and share tips on keeping them strong through balanced nutrition and fasting! Delving deeper, th...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 16
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Elisa Song about how to support children's health by focusing on their gut. She shares simple tips like eating well, breathing exercises, staying active, drinking enough water, and getting good sleep and shows how parents can fit these into daily life. We also explore the role of the vagus nerve in overall health and discuss how small habits, like teaching kids to read food labels, can significantly impact kids' overall health and mindset. JP Errico shares a tou...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 4Ep. 15
In this episode, we explore how inflammation, autoimmune diseases, gut health, and chronic conditions are connected. We break down the roles of the vagus nerve and acetylcholine in controlling the immune system, focusing on issues like obesity and body fat. We also talk about how fat tissue triggers inflammation and share practical tips like intermittent fasting, balanced nutrition, and exercise to improve your health. We highlight the benefits of cutting down on carbs, eating more protein and h...
Oct 16, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 14
keywords menopause, perimenopause, women's health, symptoms, research, stress management, nutrition, sleep, doctor communication, PCOS Summary In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, Navaz Habib and JP Errico engage with Andrea Donsky, a menopause researcher, to discuss the complexities of menopause and perimenopause. Andrea shares her personal journey into menopause research, highlighting the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding the symptoms women experience. The conversation ...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Welcome to another episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Eleanor Stein to dive deep into the intricate connections between the autonomic nervous system, immune system, and central nervous system. Together, we explore how stress impacts our immune response and leads to cognitive issues like brain fog and depression. The discussion covers holistic treatment approaches that combine sleep, counseling, diet, exercise, and vagus nerve stimulation to improve physi...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 12
Welcome to another episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast! In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of vagus nerve stimulation and how it can boost nitric oxide production in the body. We break down how nitric oxide is made through two main paths—our diet and our genes—and explain why this molecule is so important for things like blood flow and digestion. We also talk about how certain enzymes help muscles relax and contract. We'll discuss studies from 2009 and 2022 that show how the amo...
Sep 25, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Welcome back to the Health Upgrade Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Smith, the founder of TruDiagnostic, to talk about the fascinating world of DNA methylation and its role in personalized healthcare and aging. Founded in 2020, True Diagnostic uses AI and genomics to build the largest private epigenetic database. Ryan breaks down epigenetics by comparing DNA to hardware and gene expression to software. He explains how changing the way DNA works without altering its sequence can ha...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Welcome back to the Health Upgrade Podcast! In this episode, we explore how our body chemistry and nervous system affect decision-making and willpower. We talk about the famous marshmallow test and how it shows the importance of delayed gratification in success. We also discuss how stress impacts decision-making in high-pressure situations like sports and law enforcement. You'll learn about practical techniques like deep breathing and visualization to help you stay calm and make better decisions...
Sep 11, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Welcome to another episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast! Today, we're talking about dopamine and how it affects our motivation, movement, and mental health. We'll look into how dopamine is linked to the vagus nerve and why it's important to keep inflammation low to avoid diseases like Parkinson's. Also, we'll discuss a study that suggests stimulating the right side of the vagus nerve might help produce more dopamine, which could be helpful for treating neurological disorders. We'll also talk ab...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Welcome to another episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast! Today we have the pleasure to be joined by Brendan Vermeire. He is a Mental and Metabolic Health Scientist & Researcher, Functional Medicine Educator, Writer, and Speaker. He is a Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Master Nutrition Coach, Master Personal Trainer, USAW Sports Performance Coach, and Crossfit Trainer. Brendan began his career as a personal trainer and nutrition coach at the age of 18 after disappointingly bein...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this eye-opening episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we delve into the complexities of migraines and brain health with our special guest Tom Malterre. After suffering from unexplained intestinal issues, joint pain, brain fog, and fatigue, Tom found out that Celiac disease and multiple food sensitivities were behind his troubles by doing an elimination diet. With his newly calm intestinal tract, boundless energy, and sharp focus, Tom felt like he was experiencing life on a whole new level. ...
Feb 21, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this captivating episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Linda Nguyen, a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and Clinic Chief in the Digestive Health Center. Dr. Nguyen completed medical school at UCLA School of Medicine and GI fellowship training at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Nguyen shares insights into this multifaceted disorder, emphasizing the need to address not just the stomach but the whole person by considering fac...
Feb 14, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, Dr. Marcus Cirelli joins us to explore the multifaceted world of optimal health for high performers. We delve into the impact of lifestyle strategies on overall well-being, discussing the potential effects of weather, sunlight exposure, and geographical differences on health issues. Dr. Cirelli shares insightful success stories from his patients, emphasizing the transformative power of basic lifestyle changes, such as better sleep, and cleaner beaut...
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) along with our guest Dr. Doug Bremner, a renowned expert in PTSD and neurobiology. Today we explore the profound impact of VNS on the brain and peripheral functions. Dr. Bremner shares insights into VNS applications for opioid withdrawal, PTSD, and even cognitive enhancement. The conversation delves into the potential of VNS for improving cognitive function in healthy individuals, ...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Welcome to another episode of the Health Upgrade podcast! Today, we dive into a fascinating study about long COVID and its effects on the autonomic nervous system. In this episode, we discuss a study that delves into the correlation between impaired vagal activity and long COVID symptoms. With a focus on markers such as heart rate variability, inflammation, and the procoagulative state, the study sheds light on the impact of long COVID on patients' health. We dissect the study's findings, highli...
Jan 24, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Hello and welcome to another episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, where we dive deep into the complex world of depression, anxiety, the transformative possibilities unleashed through the stimulation of the vagus nerve. In this episode, we explore the fascinating role of microglial cells in the central nervous system and their impact on stress and inflammation. We highlight the influence of social connections on mental well-being, emphasizing the natural form of vagus nerve stimulation through ...
Jan 17, 2024•55 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Hello and welcome to the Health Upgrade Podcast! In this episode, we will cover the link between allergies, asthma, and eczema. And the mechanism by which each of these conditions occurs. All three conditions cause inflammation, which happens when there is an autoimmune like response to different factors such as stress, food, physiological pain and etc. These factors can trigger a flare up which can cause hives, hypersensitivity, full-blown allergy asthma and likely bronchospasm. When we get int...
May 31, 2023•52 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Welcome back to the podcast! In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of mitochondrial health and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Dr. Terry Wahls is an athlete who suffered from autoimmune diseases due to overtraining and inadequate recovery time. She discovered the power of using mitochondria resuscitation and hormetic stress supplements for improving her mitochondrial function. Despite facing multiple sclerosis, she found a way to enhance their parasympathetic tone thr...
May 19, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Hello, everybody! Welcome back to the Health Upgrade Podcast. In this episode, we will delve into the fascinating topic of the vagus nerve's involvement in the production of our genetic transcription and transcription factors, and how vagus nerve stimulation can affect epigenetics. Our DNA is composed of nucleotides, which contain codes that serve as instructions for protein synthesis. However, epigenetic factors such as behavior and environment can impact the expression of genes and proteins. S...
May 10, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 11
