Podcast Summary
From Traditional to Regenerative Medicine: Dr. Khan's journey from traditional medicine to regenerative medicine emphasizes the importance of questioning conventional methods and seeking innovative solutions. Regenerative medicine, including cell therapy, gene therapy, and tissue engineering, offers new hope for patients through the use of plasma's growth factors and cytokines.
The field of medicine is constantly evolving, and up to half of what we learn within a few years may be outdated. Dr. Adeel Khan, a Canadian board-certified physician, shares his journey from traditional medicine to regenerative medicine, which he found to be more effective and regenerative, rather than destructive like some conventional treatments. He emphasizes the importance of questioning conventional methods and seeking innovative solutions. Regenerative medicine, which includes cell therapy, gene therapy, and tissue engineering, is a rapidly growing field that offers new hope for patients. Plasma, a component of our blood, plays a crucial role in regenerative medicine due to its growth factors and cytokines that help reduce inflammation. However, it's essential to ensure the quality of these treatments as the industry is becoming saturated with providers. Dr. Khan's passion for making his patients better led him to regenerative medicine, and it opened up a whole new world of possibilities in medicine.
Effectiveness of PRP therapy depends on injury type and inflammation level: PRP therapy is best for acute injuries with high inflammation, while stem cell therapy is preferred for chronic inflammatory conditions or complex autoimmune diseases. Lifestyle choices impact PRP therapy's effectiveness, and tissue engineering is the future of regenerative medicine.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which uses a patient's own plasma to promote healing, is most effective for acute injuries, such as sports injuries, where inflammation is the primary issue. However, for chronic inflammatory conditions or complex autoimmune diseases, stem cell therapy may be a better option. It's important to note that the quality of the plasma used in PRP therapy can be affected by a patient's lifestyle choices, such as diet. For instance, a high-fat diet can make the plasma less effective. Additionally, allogeneic PRP, which uses donor plasma, is now being developed as an off-the-shelf product for older patients. PRP is particularly useful for athletes, as it can help accelerate the recovery process and reduce the need for surgery. However, for more severe injuries, such as a torn tendon that has retracted, surgery may still be necessary. The future of regenerative medicine lies in tissue engineering, which involves using 3D bioprinters to print tissue and stem cells to reconstruct damaged areas. Common injuries among bodybuilders include osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the cartilage, and can be treated with regenerative medicine, including PRP and stem cell therapy.
Focusing on biomechanics and mobility for bodybuilders: Emphasizing good biomechanics and mobility in bodybuilding helps reduce joint stress, extend careers, and minimize injury risk.
Bodybuilding, especially at an elite level, puts immense stress on the body, leading to various issues such as muscle tears, degeneration, neurological problems, and organ damage. These athletes often push their bodies to the extreme, and even with perfect form, the heavy loads and tension placed on the joints can cause harm. To reduce the risk of these issues, it's crucial to focus on mobility, stability, and biomechanics, ensuring the joints are in a favorable position as much as possible. This emphasis on good biomechanics is becoming increasingly important in the world of bodybuilding and fitness, as people aim to lift heavy weights throughout their entire lives. While certain exercises may be beloved by bodybuilders, it's essential to consider their long-term impact on the body and potentially transition to alternatives that put less strain on the joints. By focusing on biomechanics and mobility, we can extend the careers of bodybuilders and athletes, allowing them to continue lifting weights and achieving their goals while minimizing the risk of injury.
Exploring Alternative Approaches for Chronic Pain and Diseases: Personal experiences and compassion led to exploring alternative treatments for chronic pain. Conventional medical system biased towards pharmaceuticals due to pharmaceutical influence. Importance of nutrition and exercise for mental and physical health. False information in clinical trials and financial incentives for keeping people sick.
Traditional medical treatments for chronic pain and diseases may not be sufficient, and alternative approaches, such as PRP, stem cells, peptides, and gene therapy, may be necessary for effective treatment. The speaker's personal experience and compassion for those suffering from chronic pain led them into this field, but they believe the conventional medical system in developed countries is biased towards pharmaceutical solutions due to the influence of pharmaceutical companies. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of nutrition and exercise for mental and physical health, and criticizes the lack of emphasis on these factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also point out the issue of false or misleading information in published clinical trials and the financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies to keep people sick.
Disruptive Technologies in Pharmaceuticals: Navigating the Complex Landscape: Stay informed and proactive in seeking reliable sources and trustworthy experts to navigate the complexities of disruptive technologies in pharmaceuticals, despite potential challenges from traditional medical models and powerful industry players.
The pharmaceutical industry's past issues with vaccine production and the potential risks of DNA fragments leading to health concerns have created a need for disruptive technologies like cell and gene therapy in the medical field. The resistance from traditional medical models and powerful players in the industry can make it challenging for new advancements to gain acceptance, similar to Tesla's early struggles against the oil industry. With the rise of disruptive technologies, it's crucial for individuals to find reliable sources of information and trustworthy experts to navigate the complex landscape. The average person may face challenges in determining where to look and who to trust, but with dedication and the right resources, progress can be made. For those seeking to make a difference or improve their own circumstances, it's essential to be proactive in seeking out knowledge and opportunities for growth.
Recognizing the limitations of knowledge in healthcare: Healthcare professionals should approach health and medicine with a critical, open-minded perspective, considering multiple viewpoints and seeking out reproducible evidence to provide optimal care.
The medical field is constantly evolving, and it's crucial for healthcare professionals and self-proclaimed gurus alike to recognize the limitations of their knowledge and be open to learning. The medical literature is doubling at an astonishing rate, and even the most educated doctors may be factually incorrect about a significant portion of what they've learned. The Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias that affects intelligent individuals, can make it difficult for some doctors to admit when they're wrong or don't know everything. Instead, it's essential to approach health and medicine with a critical, open-minded perspective, considering multiple viewpoints and seeking out reproducible evidence. Ultimately, the best practitioners are those who are willing to learn and adapt, and who understand that individualized approaches are necessary for optimal health outcomes.
Understanding the Limits of Natural Bodybuilding: Focus on optimizing nutrition, training, and lifestyle habits for natural bodybuilding progress. Be aware of size limitations and the importance of education to distinguish natural from enhanced physiques.
Natural bodybuilding has its limits, and it's essential to be aware of them. The speaker mentioned that a naturally built 6-foot male might reach a maximum size of around 180-190 pounds when shredded, which is around 210 pounds when walking around with some body fat. However, anyone bigger than that is likely enhanced. The speaker also emphasized the importance of education and knowing the difference between natural and enhanced physiques. Many fitness influencers and celebrities may appear natural online, but the reality is that most are not. Instead of relying on shortcuts like steroids, individuals should focus on optimizing their nutrition, training, and lifestyle habits to reach their full potential naturally. The speaker also touched on the importance of genetics and how they can influence one's body composition and response to training. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that natural bodybuilding requires dedication, consistency, and a solid understanding of the basics, including proper nutrition, training, and lifestyle habits.
Small, sustainable habit changes for a desirable physique: Focus on small, achievable steps for a desirable physique through consistent training and proper nutrition, with potential enhancements from anti-aging treatments.
Achieving a desirable physique doesn't require extreme measures or constant sacrifice. Instead, making small, sustainable habit changes can lead to significant progress. The fitness industry often makes it seem like an impossible task, requiring hours at the gym and strict diets. However, a minimalist approach with consistent training and proper nutrition can help maintain a desirable shape. Additionally, advancements in anti-aging treatments, such as cell and gene therapy, can help improve energy levels and overall vitality. The key is to focus on small, achievable steps and long-term sustainability.
Stem cells have more anti-inflammatory cytokines than PRP for systemic inflammation reduction: Stem cells offer a more effective anti-inflammatory treatment through intravenous therapy, while plasmid gene therapy targets specific genes for muscle gain and aging reversal, with follostatin as the first product. Though expensive, it's becoming more affordable.
Stem cells have more anti-inflammatory cytokines than platelet-rich plasma (PRP), making them more effective in reducing systemic inflammation throughout the body. This can be achieved through intravenous stem cell therapy. Additionally, plasmid gene therapy offers a more accurate and safer alternative to traditional gene therapy, with the ability to target specific genes and proteins in the body with 100% accuracy. The first product developed using this technology is follostatin, a myostatin inhibitor that increases lean body mass, energy, and strength for up to 1.5 to 2 years with one injection. This gene therapy addresses the main reason for aging - muscle loss - and offers a more convenient and sustainable solution compared to traditional methods. However, it is currently expensive but becoming more affordable over time.
Exploring the Benefits of Follistatin for Anti-Aging and Weight Loss: Follistatin, an anti-aging peptide, protects muscle mass while promoting fat loss. It's preferred over Ozempic due to muscle preservation and fewer side effects. CJC and ipramorelin are other weight loss peptides, while NAD+ supports energy production.
Follistatin, a peptide with anti-aging properties, is currently available but not widely used, with the long-term goal being insurance coverage. It's particularly beneficial for those who struggle with behavior change and muscle loss due to aging. Unlike some weight loss peptides, follistatin is anti-catabolic, meaning it protects muscle mass while promoting fat loss. The speaker expressed skepticism towards Ozempic, a popular weight loss peptide, due to its potential negative side effects and lack of muscle preservation. The speaker also mentioned CJC and ipramorelin as preferred options for weight loss peptides, and introduced NAD+ as a separate topic related to energy production. Peptides, in general, are chains of amino acids that send signals to the body to perform specific functions, and their uses range from energy production to weight loss and brain health. As people age, their levels of certain peptides decrease, making supplementation an option for maintaining optimal health.
Exploring the Future of Medicine: Gene Therapy and Stem Cells: Gene therapy and stem cell research hold the key to curing chronic diseases and potentially extending human lifespan. Seek out reputable researchers and advanced technologies like gene-edited iPSCs to ensure safety and effectiveness.
The future of medicine lies in gene therapy and stem cell research, offering potential cures and reversals for various chronic diseases. However, it's crucial to ensure the quality and safety of these treatments by seeking out reputable researchers and advanced technologies, such as gene-edited Yamanaka stem cells (iPSCs). These advancements could lead to breakthroughs in curing diseases like diabetes and Parkinson's, potentially even extending human lifespan with a good quality of life. Companies like Altos Labs, led by industry pioneers, are already exploring these possibilities.
Simple steps to slow down aging: Incorporate a well-designed resistance training program, good nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, meaningful purpose, healthy relationships, hormone optimization, and over-the-counter supplements like creatine, HMB, and high-quality whey protein for longevity and anti-aging. Prioritize quality in supplements.
While advanced aging research and treatments, such as those being pursued by the Yamanakas, may be out of reach for many people, there are simple and accessible steps that can be taken to help slow down the aging process. The foundation includes a well-designed resistance training program, good nutrition, adequate sleep, managing stress, having a meaningful purpose in life, and healthy relationships. Hormone optimization through TRT or HRT, and the use of peptides like thymogen, are also relatively affordable options for those interested in anti-aging. Over-the-counter supplements, such as creatine, HMB, and high-quality whey protein, can also be beneficial. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of supplements depends on their quality, and regular blood testing and customized supplement formulas can be helpful but may not be necessary for everyone. Simplifying the process, CreaPure, 5 grams a day, HMB, 3 grams a day, and high-quality whey protein are three easy supplements to incorporate for longevity and anti-aging. Always prioritize quality when it comes to supplements, and consider working with reputable brands and third-party testing for assurance.
Recommended protein intake vs. excessive consumption: Maintain recommended protein intake for optimal health, avoid excessive consumption to save costs and minimize potential negative effects. Creatine safe and beneficial supplement, recommended dosage is 5g/day, no need to cycle.
While a protein intake of 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight is recommended, consuming excessive amounts is unnecessary and may lead to unnecessary costs and potential negative effects. Creatine, on the other hand, is a supplement that can help maintain cell function and is recommended for everyone, regardless of fitness goals. The recommended dosage is 5 grams per day, and it is safe to take consistently without the need for cycling. While there have been concerns about hair loss and other side effects, studies suggest that these concerns may be overblown, and safer alternatives like pumpkin seed oil exist. Ultimately, it's important to consider the risks and benefits of any supplement and make informed decisions based on reliable sources.
Weighing the risks and benefits of hair loss treatments and supplements: Individuals should consider personal circumstances and potential risks versus benefits when deciding on hair loss treatments or supplements. Personalized micronutrient supplementation and evidence-based treatments like red light therapy and ice baths can offer health benefits.
When considering interventions like hair loss treatments or supplements, the decision to use them should be based on individual circumstances and potential risks versus benefits. For instance, some individuals may be willing to accept the risk of depression or libido issues for the sake of keeping their hair. In the case of micronutrient supplementation, personalized solutions tailored to individual needs can lead to optimal health benefits. Regarding specific treatments like red light therapy and ice baths, they can offer cellular health benefits and psychological advantages, respectively. However, it's essential to ensure the legitimacy and proper usage of these treatments. Red light therapy, specifically infrared, can contribute to mitochondrial health and chronic inflammation reduction. Ice baths, on the other hand, may provide psychological benefits through discipline and mental fortitude development. Ultimately, it's crucial to consider individual preferences, potential risks, and evidence-based research when deciding on various health interventions.
Exploring various therapies for recovery and longevity: Ice baths aid in acute inflammation recovery, saunas promote long-term health benefits, PEMF treatment heals injuries, hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces inflammation, and wearable devices monitor health while practicing auto-regulation enhances overall well-being.
While there are various therapies like ice baths, saunas, PEMF treatment, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and wearable devices that can aid in recovery, reduce inflammation, and contribute to overall health and longevity, it's essential to understand their benefits and limitations. For instance, ice baths may help with acute inflammation and joint pain recovery, but they don't significantly contribute to longevity. Saunas, on the other hand, have more data supporting their long-term health benefits. PEMF treatment is beneficial for healing injuries and facilitating regeneration, while hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. Wearable devices like Apple Watch can be useful tools for monitoring health and providing guidance but should not dictate one's entire life. Ultimately, it's essential to listen to your body, practice auto-regulation, and use these therapies and tools as complementary methods to enhance your overall well-being.
Listening to our bodies and adapting routines: Adapt routines based on body needs, travel or lifestyle changes, maintain commitment to fitness goals, prioritize health, pure intentions in training, and consider intermittent fasting for nutrition while traveling.
While technology like Heart Rate Variability (HRV) can provide valuable insights into our bodies, it doesn't always dictate whether we should rest or train. Our training protocols, lifestyle factors, and personal goals play significant roles in shaping our fitness journeys. The speaker shares how traveling and inconsistent gym schedules have affected their powerlifting aspirations, leading them to adapt a bodybuilding routine. They also discuss the importance of having pure intentions when it comes to training and the benefits of working out as a form of meditation. When asked about nutrition while traveling, they mention their belief in intermittent fasting and the importance of making health a priority despite a busy schedule. Ultimately, it's essential to listen to our bodies and adapt our routines to fit our unique circumstances while maintaining a commitment to our fitness goals.
Understanding food's macronutrient profile for improved health: Discovering what and why we eat impacts health, energy, and performance. Awareness leads to healthier choices and improved wellbeing.
Having a conscious relationship with food and understanding its macronutrient profile can lead to improved health and energy levels. The speaker shares their personal experience of discovering they didn't need to eat breakfast every day and feeling more energetic as a result. However, planning and foresight are necessary to ensure proper nutrition, especially during workouts or when traveling. The importance of being aware of what and why we eat cannot be overstated, as food is essential information for our bodies. Unhealthy relationships with food, such as eating for emotions or to cope with stress, can lead to negative consequences, including weight gain and hormonal imbalances. By developing a healthy relationship with food, we can nourish our bodies for optimal health and performance.
Hormonal imbalances and metabolic damage from extreme diets and intense training: Extreme diets and intense training can lead to hormonal imbalances and metabolic damage, making it difficult to lose weight or maintain a healthy body. Addressing these underlying issues through targeted treatments and therapies is crucial for long-term health and weight management.
Extreme dieting and intense training regimens, especially for extended periods, can lead to hormonal imbalances and metabolic damage. These issues can make it difficult to lose weight or maintain a healthy body, going beyond the simple calculation of calories in and calories out. Dr. Achan, a leading expert in cell and gene therapy, shared his experience of encountering numerous fitness models with adrenal dysregulation, which impacts cortisol regulation and results in weight gain and water retention. He emphasized the importance of addressing these underlying hormonal imbalances through targeted treatments and therapies, such as hormone profiling and supplementation. Dr. Achan's team is currently conducting clinical trials for various conditions, including sarcopenia, type 1 diabetes, and cancer, and he continues to see patients worldwide, focusing on making advanced treatments more accessible. To learn more about Dr. Achan's work and insights, follow him on Instagram @dr.achan.khan or visit eterna.health.
Learn from Longevity Experts in Austin: Join experts like Dave Asprey, Ben Greenfield, and Tom Bilyeu in Austin for a day of education on the latest facts and separating fiction about longevity.
An influential longevity event is taking place in Austin, Texas on February 24th. Speakers include Dave Asprey, Ben Greenfield, and Tom Bilyeu, as well as scientific experts. The event aims to educate attendees about the latest facts and separate fiction regarding various longevity-related topics. The speaker lineup and the opportunity for the speaker to attend made it an event the speaker wanted to be a part of, and they plan to make the trip to the United States for it. If you're interested in longevity and want to learn from experts, consider attending this event.