In this episode of Pursuit of Wellness, Dave Asprey delves into biohacking - his approach to optimizing health through environmental and biological experimentation. He shares his personal journey of overcoming childhood conditions like arthritis and obesity, crediting biohacking for his reported gains in cognitive ability and age reversal.
Asprey unpacks his philosophy on nutrition, favoring a diet rich in animal proteins and healthy fats over the "calories in, calories out" model. The discussion covers Asprey's experiences with mold toxicity, detoxification, and the pervasiveness of toxic molds in modern homes. He also offers insight into his pioneering supplements and use of advanced techniques like high-intensity interval training to enhance human physiology.
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Dave Asprey's biohacking approach stems from childhood health issues like arthritis, obesity, and autoimmune problems. According to Asprey, biohacking optimizes one's environment and biology through experimentation to gain control over health.
Asprey claims to have increased his IQ, reduced his biological age by 19.6 years, and slowed his aging process to 72% of normal. He credits this to his biohacking efforts.
Asprey attributes many of his childhood conditions like ADHD and asthma to toxic mold exposure from living in a flood-damaged basement. He states that mold toxins can weaken the immune system and exacerbate Lyme disease.
Asprey emphasizes the pervasiveness of toxic mold, estimating 100 million US homes/buildings are affected. Mycotoxins from mold can damage mitochondria and trigger intense immune responses even without allergic reactions.
Asprey critiques the "calories in, calories out" model, arguing factors like food quality and toxins significantly impact metabolism and weight. He advocates for a diet rich in animal proteins, healthy fats like ghee, and avoiding plant toxins and inflammatory oils.
Asprey utilizes strategic ketosis rather than as a permanent diet. He recommends affordable, high-quality meats like pasture-raised pork and grass-fed options.
Asprey pioneered collagen and MCT oil supplements for performance enhancement. His new AI tool provides personalized biohacking recommendations based on an individual's goals and data.
Asprey harnesses advanced medical-grade equipment and techniques like high-intensity interval training to rapidly improve human physiology.
1-Page Summary
Dave Asprey's dedication to biohacking stems from his own health struggles and has led him to develop an approach centered on taking full control of one's health through data and environment optimization.
Asprey was diagnosed with arthritis at the young age of 14, which marked the beginning of long-standing health problems. By age 23, he tipped the scales at 300 pounds. He struggled not only with weight and constant body pain but also with severe brain fog that affected his ability to work. Despite starting testosterone therapy—which provided some relief—Asprey still faced obesity and autoimmune issues. It was his frustration with these persistent health challenges that propelled him to apply his skills in computer hacking to his biological systems.
Asprey details how biohacking combines art and science to modify both the external environment and internal biological processes for optimum health. His methodical, inquisitive approach to biohacking involves a cycle of experimentation and assessment contrary to exclusive reliance on traditional medical advice. Asprey advocates for a more efficient use of time and energy concerning health, stating the use of apps and technology to monitor and enhance health practices.
Dave Asprey's personal health journey and biohacking philosophy
Dave Asprey shares his personal experiences with mold exposure, detailing its profound impact on his health and highlighting the widespread issue of toxic mold in our environments.
Dave Asprey grew up in a basement in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that had previously been flooded, leading to toxic mold exposure from a very young age. This exposure manifested in various health issues such as frequent nosebleeds, rashes, asthma, and behavioral disorders. As a result, Asprey was diagnosed with conditions associated with mold exposure including ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Asperger's syndrome. He also discusses being diagnosed with active Lyme disease and suggests that a significant number of those with chronic Lyme have concurrent toxic mold exposure, which compromises the immune system. Asprey postulates that addressing the mold issue could assist the body in overcoming Lyme.
Toxic mold is a common issue in many homes and businesses. Asprey cites the experts in his documentary "Moldy Movie," claiming that around 100 million homes or businesses in the US alone are currently battling toxic mold. He reiterates this point by mentioning a podcast interview with a UCLA expert who indicated that many symptoms attributed to Lyme disease might actually be caused by mold exposure rather than the Lyme bacteria itself.
Asprey speaks to the potent immune system activation by mold, distinguishing between allergic responses to mold and mycotoxin exposure. He was personally affected by ochratoxin A (OTA), a kidney and bladder toxin present in his house, which is one of many mycotoxins that can poison mitochondria and disrupt immune system function.
In discussing the difference between mold allergies and toxic responses, Asprey explains that inhaling mold spores or having them on your skin can provoke allergic reactions. More dangerous, however, are myc ...
Mold toxicity and detoxification
Dave Asprey criticizes the commonly held "calories in, calories out" model, advocating for a deeper look into the impact of food quality and environmental factors on metabolism and weight. He also shares his principles for a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet and tips for making it affordable.
Asprey criticizes the oversimplified calorie model by discussing the effects of mycotoxins, like xerolinone, on weight retention and hormonal balance. He challenges the model further by mentioning that grain-fed cows can gain fat on 30% fewer calories due to mold toxins, evidence that factors beyond calorie intake affect weight gain. He conveys that calories matter but are only one part of a complex equation involving quality of food and potential toxins.
Despite exercising for 18 months straight, Asprey's personal experience of not losing weight until addressing other health factors, like hormone imbalance and stress from overtraining, suggests that calorie management alone doesn't encapsulate the intricacies of metabolism and weight.
Asprey strongly supports an animal-protein-rich diet, stating that plant proteins are not as bioavailable and usually come with a significant carbohydrate load. He advises against consuming inflammatory oils, such as canola, that can damage cell membranes. Instead, he highlights the benefits of saturated fats, like butter and ghee, which he incorporates into his own diet, and that after two years of substituting bad oils, cravings for saturated fats may decrease.
Asprey describes his regimen consisting largely of animal proteins, including bison, steak, lamb, and occasionally fish like sushi. He specifically avoids pla ...
Nutrition and diet
Dave Asprey, the founder of Bulletproof, has made significant contributions to the supplement industry and the field of biohacking. His innovative approaches to performance enhancement and his use of cutting-edge technology aim to guide individuals on their health and wellness journeys.
Dave Asprey has been a trailblazer in the supplements industry, particularly in the niche of performance enhancement.
Asprey pioneered the practice of using collagen as a performance supplement, turning it into a billion-dollar industry category. He was the first to market collagen in this way through Bulletproof, signifying his influence on dietary supplementation practices.
Asprey is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence with biohacking to offer bespoke health solutions.
He discusses the launch of a new AI-powered tool that's been in development for over two years along with a multimillion-dollar investment. The AI tool is designed to prescribe personalized recommendations for supplements, biohacks, and lab tests aligning with an individual's top health goals. The AI system integrates with wearable technology to track various health metrics, offering tailored advice without requiring extensive research from the user, thereby saving costs and making biohacking ...
Supplements and biohacking
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