#1958 - Andrew Huberman
NaN minutesEpisode #1958
Andrew Huberman, PhD, is a neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford University’s School of Medicine. Andrew is also the host of the Huberman Lab podcast, which aims to help viewers and listeners improve their health with science and science-based tools. New episodes air every Monday on YouTube and all podcast platforms.
www.hubermanlab.com
Episodes with Andrew Huberman
Episode Timestamps
The potential for a lab-leak caused by human error
- The conversation turns to the lab-leak hypothesis surrounding the origins of the coronavirus
- The guest shares her thoughts on the matter, indicating that the idea of a lab-leak due to human error is plausible
- She shares insight into her field, where accidents can happen even when dealing with less hazardous viruses
- Furthermore, she discusses the exotic animal trade in China, which potentially played a role in the virus's spread
Theories surrounding the source of the coronavirus
- The conversation continues on the various ideas surrounding the origins of the coronavirus, including the lab-leak hypothesis and the possibility of it coming from an exotic animal
- They discuss a recent article in the New York Times about the virus potentially coming from a raccoon dog
- The conversation also touches on civet, a member of the cat family, and its importance in producing kopi luwak coffee
Lab Leak Hypothesis and Gain of Function Research
- People were infected before the establishment of animal testing.
- Lab leak hypothesis is more plausible.
- Gain of function research is common in labs worldwide.
- CRISPR is also being used for gene manipulation in laboratories.
CRISPR Gene Manipulation
- Gene manipulation can rescue diseases like Huntington's.
- CRISPR is being used in labs globally.
- An ethics committee is needed to decide the limits of gene manipulation.
The Nobel Prize and spicy receptors
- The Nobel Prize was given to Ardem Padapuchin and David Julius for discovering receptors for pressure, cool heat
- These pathways go to areas of the brain involved in behavior and hormone control
- People who can tolerate stronger spice have higher levels of circulating testosterone
Acute pain pathways
- Acute pain pathways in the brain do exactly what exercise does
- People who are better at sweating can cool more easily in clothes or when doing physical activities
- There's an advantage to being better at sweating
The Psychological and Physiological Impacts of Cold Exposure,
- Deliberate cold exposure can lead to headaches and anxiety.
- The prefrontal cortex is not active for the first 20 to 30 seconds of cold shock.
- Negotiating with oneself and pushing through the impulse to get out can help increase tolerance and decrease anxiety.
- Cold exposure releases dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine that last for hours, leading to mental and physical benefits.
Catecholamine Release from Cold Exposure,
- Cold exposure leads to the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
- The increase in catecholamines is 2-3X above baseline and can last for hours.
- Cold exposure has been shown to have more significant catecholamine effects than conventional exercise or drugs.
- Cold exposure before workouts is more effective than after for athletes.
Sunlight and Movement;
- Sunlight exposure during the day is important, while limiting bright light exposure at night is recommended.
- Movement is crucial, including both cardiovascular and resistance training.
Nutrients and Sleep;
- Proper nutrient intake is vital, including macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
- Sleep is essential for mental and physical health, and it's crucial to prioritize enough quality sleep.
The Dynamics of Vasodilation and Vasoconstriction
- Blood vessels, capillaries, and arteries are actually made up of a series of cells.
- Vasoconstriction and vasodilation aid in maintaining healthy blood vessels and arteries.
- Cold exposure and sauna are helpful for cardiovascular health.
The Power of Cold Exposure
- Cold exposure has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.
- Difficult tasks can be completed more successfully after experiencing something harder first.
- Cold exposure can be achieved through cold showers, ice baths, or putting a small portion of skin in ice-cold water.
Temperature and performance
- Temperature is a powerful variable in performance
- Professional sports teams and tier one military are studying this
- Temperature helps increase work and recovery
- Cold after training is good for reducing inflammation but can also block training benefits
The importance of independent journalism
- Traditional mainstream media corporations are influenced by money
- Independent journalism is necessary for fact checking and revealing influence
- Sager and Crystal's independent journalism is praised
- Without independent journalism, people can be easily duped by corporations with a vested interest in one narrative
Traditional Media and Reputation
- The speaker had a bad experience with traditional media where a quote was attributed to them incorrectly.
- Without a good reputation in science, one has nothing.
- The speaker generally declines traditional media interviews except for a few trusted sources.
The Evolution of View on Supplements
- View on supplements is changing, from unnecessary to beneficial.
- Supplements can be a powerful addition to good sleep, nutrition, training, and social connection.
- There is a range of quality and expertise in supplements, as in any profession.
The Influence of Money on Science,
- Journals determine what papers get accepted
- During the pandemic, there was a high incentive for publishing papers in top-tier journals
- Money drives research and having more money allows for more margin for error
- Limited federal research budget compared to what is needed
The Case of Alzheimer's Study,
- An initial data fraud issue affected theories about Alzheimer's and the drugs used
- Money from a big landmark discovery can lead to future investments
- Philanthropy and private money allow for the testing of alternative and high-risk pioneering science
- Science funding is influenced by conservative views
The pressure to please more experienced scientists can lead to falsified data and hinder scientific progress.
- Incentives to please elders in science leads to continued research that may not necessarily be valid or productive.
- Personal experience with advisors and postdocs passing away has allowed speaker to focus on research without worrying about satisfying others.
- Scientists may also feel pressure to write positive letters of recommendation for tenure or promotions.
The pressure to please others in science can contribute to fraudulent work.
- In the case of Alzheimer's research, there was an incentive to validate previous research and publish positive findings.
- This led to fraudulent data and the founding of companies with investor money that ultimately failed.
- The relationship between dietary cholesterol and saturated fat was also perpetuated by funding from sugar companies.
Philanthropy and Donations
- Many influential people donate large sums of money to universities, law schools, and business schools
- While some may be great individuals, it's important to recognize that philanthropy also serves as a way for donors to gain recognition and influence
- However, universities also need to operate as businesses, with needs ranging from paying staff to gaining grants for research
Changes in Perception of Psychedelics
- Psychedelics were once taboo and discussing them openly could cost someone their job
- Michael Pollan and others have helped change public perception, leading to more research and funding
- While academia and pharma may not be fully aligned with the history and culture surrounding psychedelics, the potential benefits are too great to ignore.
Introduction to Psychedelic Medicine
- Psychedelic medicine is becoming mainstream
- Studies show high success rates for treatment of psychiatric illnesses such as anorexia, ADHD, and depression
- Legalization efforts are important for greater accessibility
Ibogaine and DMT
- Ibogaine and DMT have shown potential for treating addiction
- Ibogaine can provide intense introspection for 22 hours
- DMT can provide a strong trip like a "shockwave of an atom bomb"
- More research is needed to fully understand these psychedelics
Psilocybin and Depression Treatment
- Psilocybin macrodose (25mg) seems to be an effective treatment for depression
- Microdosing (1mg daily) has not shown impressive results for treating depression
- Microdosing can make daily life fun and enjoyable
- Robin Cardart Harris describes psilocybin as one of the more "honest psychedelics"
- People need to stay in the eye mask during psilocybin journey for introspection
Importance of Individualized Advice on Physical and Mental Health
- Dosage and psychology of individual impact results of physical and mental health interventions
- Cannabis has clear health benefits, but high THC cannabis can increase risk of psychotic episode in individuals with predisposition to psychosis
- Individualization of advice is important
- People distributing health advice should have a good health game themselves
- Too much work for most people to maintain good health through various interventions
- Ridiculous to look at the world through only pharmacological interventions, medicine, etc.
Importance of proper health maintenance in hormone supplementation
- Regular blood work and monitoring by a qualified physician needed for hormone supplementation
- Neglecting health maintenance can have serious consequences like high blood pressure, high body fat, dehydration, low vitamin D and magnesium
- Those who neglect health maintenance should not be distributing advice on hormone supplementation
The discovery and effects of semaglutide on weight loss
- Semaglutide is a GLP-1 drug that suppresses appetite and makes the stomach feel full
- Humans produce GLP-1, which can be stimulated by a variety of compounds like yerba mate tea
- GLP-1 signals to multiple tissues of the body, not just adipose tissue, and promotes weight loss and obesity treatment
- However, it has side effects, like loss of muscle and bone mass, and must be taken in combination with healthy exercise habits
The Importance of Resistance Training for Muscle Maintenance
- Starving oneself can lead to muscle tissue absorption, and core body temperature decrease.
- Semiglutide causes muscle loss, making resistance training imperative in combination with the drug.
- There are many misconceptions in exercise science, such as the idea that reducing carbohydrate intake burns more body fat.
- Calories in, calories out balance is the most crucial factor in weight loss.
Gut-Brain Axis and Nutrient Signaling
- Neurons in the gut signal dopamine centers in the brain in search of amino acids, fats, and sugar.
- Foraging for high-quality protein and fats is the best way to build the foundation of a diet, and carbohydrates should be consumed on an as-needed basis.
- Blood sugar increase and sugar anticipation are causes of sugar cravings.
- Glycogen depletion during weight training justifies a low or zero carbohydrate diet.
NMN and NAD pathway for cellular health and longevity.
- NAD is critical for energy production in all cells and levels tend to decrease with age.
- NMN and NR are two supplements that can increase NAD levels.
- NMN is a precursor for NAD and is taken as a sublingual powder or capsule.
- NR is also taken in capsule form.
- There is controversy over which supplement is better and whether or not NAD or NR are more effective.
- NMN was recently banned as a supplement and may soon become a prescription drug.
- People interested in keeping NMN on the market as a supplement should write to the FDA.
NMN vs. NR and controversy surrounding NMN.
- There is controversy over which supplement is better, NMN or NR.
- Some people take both supplements.
- NMN is generally taken as a sublingual powder.
- NMN was recently banned as a supplement and may soon become a prescription drug.
- There is some skepticism around the effectiveness of NMN and sublingual absorption, but many people swear by it.
- People interested in keeping NMN on the market as a supplement should write to the FDA.
Cellular Growth Pathways :
- Joe Rogan speculates on the benefits of cellular growth pathways using NMN
- Notes that he did not change his routine except for the inclusion of NMN and still experienced positive effects
- Admits that he does not know if it will make him live longer or not but is happy with the way he feels
FDA's Regulations on Testosterone :
- Joe Rogan discusses the potential for the FDA to regulate testosterone administration and the impact it may have on accessibility
- Mentions how current online clinics prescribe testosterone based on blood work and how monthly visits would be difficult for people to manage
- Suggests a subcutaneous dose every three days instead of a big dose every two weeks