BioHackers Lab: Health Show for How to Live Your Best Life

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Iain Campbell, a metabolic psychiatry researcher at the University of Edinburgh, to explore the emerging science behind using ketogenic diets as a potential treatment for bipolar disorder and other serious mental health conditions. With both scientific expertise and lived experience of bipolar type II, Iain shares how nutritional ketosis may be more than just a physical health tool — it might be a game-changer for mental health too. We dive into the connection between metabolism, brain energy, glutamate, circadian rhythms, and psychiatric medications — and what happens when these systems go off balance. Whether you're dealing with bipolar disorder, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about the future of psychiatry, this episode offers deep insights and real hope. 00:00 Introduction & Why Metabolic Psychiatry Matters 01:57 Ketogenic Diet & Bipolar Disorder – Where It All Began 03:21 Iain’s Personal Battle with Bipolar & Path to Discovery 05:10 The Link Between Ketosis and Mood Stabilization 08:11 Ketone Levels – What’s Optimal for Mental Health? 12:20 Exogenous Ketones & MCT Oil for Rapid Relief 13:35 Evolution, Ketosis & Our Modern Diet 14:44 Ketosis, Mania, and Glutamate Explained 17:00 Fixing the “Engine” – Root-Cause Mental Health Solutions 18:18 The Spring Equinox & Seasonal Triggers in Bipolar 21:06 Evolutionary Advantage of Bipolar Genes? 22:25 Managing Mood Swings Through Diet 24:01 Insulin Resistance as a Driver of Psychiatric Disorders 26:37 Who Else Could Benefit from This Approach? 28:05 A Breakthrough Moment in Psychiatry’s Acceptance 31:00 How a Tweet Changed Everything 33:18 The Future of Metabolic Psychiatry Research 34:34 Diet + Medication – Why Integration Matters 36:38 The Power of a Patient-Driven Movement 39:02 Rethinking Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications 42:09 Can We Prevent Mental Illness with Early Intervention? 43:29 Hope for Young People Facing a Diagnosis 44:15 Upcoming Research & What’s Next ▬▬ Links ▬▬▬▬▬ Follow Dr. Iain Campbell: @iaincampbellphd Learn more at: https://www.ketoforbipolar.com Watch his patient interview series: Keto for Bipolar on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SaWFpW2U8o&list=PLzWI83-NWCL5wLVxPUIjg9fP92sl7bdhP Dr. Chris Palmer’s work: https://www.brainenergy.com Big thanks to the guys at https://octopod.productions for their fantastic audio and video editing! ✅ Check out the episode including all the extra show note links here: ✅ Link to this YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/UZRkupq7ZCM ✅ Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/biohackerslab ✅ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiohackersLab ✅ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackers.lab/ If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might benefit from this groundbreaking discussion. Your support helps us keep bringing these important conversations to light! Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Biohackers Lab I talk to Dr. Glen Jeffery from University College London's Institute of Ophthalmology about his groundbreaking red light therapy research. Learn how red light can improve our vision by recharging retinal mitochondria and even help control blood sugar levels by affecting systemic mitochondrial functions. Dr. Jeffery shares insights on the mechanisms of red light therapy, the implications of light sources on health, and the potential to enhance quality of life through innovative lighting solutions. Discover the fascinating applications and benefits of red light therapy in both eye health and metabolic regulation. 00:00 Recharging the Battery 00:50 Intro 01:33 Discovering the Power of Red Light 02:47 Mitochondria: The Cellular Batteries 04:26 Red Light Therapy for Vision Improvement 06:38 Aging and Mitochondria 12:05 Clinical Trials and Challenges 14:38 Innovative Applications of Red Light 18:10 The Impact of Light Bulbs on Vision 21:03 The Incandescent Light Bulb Dilemma 22:15 The Impact of LED Lighting on Health 23:17 Innovations in LED Technology 26:31 The Cost of Poor Lighting 31:48 Red Light Therapy and Blood Sugar Control 37:33 Red Light Therapy for Parkinson's Disease 40:49 The Future of Lighting and Health 42:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Big thanks to the guys at https://octopod.productions for their fantastic audio and video editing! ✅ Link to this YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/0Hiu6FP_auI ✅ Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/biohackerslab ✅ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BiohackersLab ✅ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackers.lab/ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Biohackers Lab I talk to Chris Cornell. We discuss Chris's incredible journey of transformation. Despite being in poor shape at 51, Chris turned his life around through dedication to nutrition and fitness, achieving peak health well into his 60s. He shares how a low-carb diet and resistance training helped him lose excess weight sustainably and regain physical strength and muscle growth, all while overcoming challenges along the way like a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Chris also delves into his approach to satiety, meal replacements, and the importance of setting simple, consistent rules for achieving long-term fitness goals. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to make meaningful lifestyle changes, regardless of age. 00:00 Intro 04:05 What is a low carb lifestyle? 09:56 Upping protein intake 11:19 Cancer diagnosis, how did Chris manage to get through it? 14:26 Exercising as a part of the journey 18:13 How long did it take Chris until he could do his first pull up? 22:54 It's still achievable to go after your goals, even in your fifties 26:33 HLTH Code meal replacement experiment 33:03 Protein in the morning 35:26 Feeling satisfied with the food that you eat reduces the hunger 37:27 Explaining satiety to a potential client 43:41 Implementing consistency 45:23 What is Chris's next goal? 49:48 Six rules for simplicity and success Big thanks to the guys at https://octopod.productions for their fantastic audio and video editing! Link to YouTube video of this interview: https://youtu.be/cupTlVF6xTM Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Biohackers Lab I talk to Dr. Ana Rosa MD PhD, a radiologist with over 25 years of experience all about the dangers of visceral fat, PLUS what she did personally to reduce her high visceral fat levels. Dr. Rosa shares her extensive knowledge and personal experience in: 👉 How to deal with excess visceral fat 👉 Why measuring visceral fat levels is a crucial biomarker 👉 How it silently impacts our health Follow Dr Rosa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anarosagratitude/ Dr Rosa explains what visceral fat is, how it surrounds our abdominal organs, and its role in promoting chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Dr. Rosa also discusses how MRI scans can help reveal hidden visceral fat levels even in those who appear thin on the outside but are fat on the inside also known as TOFI. She also offers practical diet, exercise, and stress management strategies she used to combat it. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on improving your internal health and functional longevity. 00:00 Intro 01:08 What is visceral fat? 03:06 What is a normal level of visceral fat? 07:30 What kind of scan is used? 09:45 How does body fat percentage relate to visceral fat levels? 12:40 Proxies for visceral fat. 17:25 Before and after pics of Dr. Rosa. 21:50 MRI images of of people with different levels of visceral fat. 26:25 Lose fat AND build muscle! 33:15 Advice to people starting their fat loss journey. Importance of Stress! 41:21 Nutrition advice for reducing visceral fat. 44:30 Exercise advice for reducing visceral fat. 49:05 What to ask your doctor about? Big thanks to the guys at https://octopod.productions for their fantastic audio and video editing! Link to YouTube video of this interview: https://youtu.be/grnmfXmFIhs Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to understand what is the Satiety Per Calorie Model or a High Satiety Diet? Join me and Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt in this episode of Biohackers Lab as we discuss a groundbreaking approach to nutrition—the Satiety Per Calorie Model (SPC). Dr. Eenfeldt, founder and CEO of DietDoctor, introduces Hava, a new app that uses cutting-edge AI technology to help users identify foods that promote satiety and better health outcomes. We delve into various aspects of nutrition, from the impact of ultra-processed foods to practical dietary adjustments that can aid in weight loss and disease prevention when using SPC model thinking. Learn how this model could be a game-changer for diverse diet preferences, whether it’s low-carb, vegan, or carnivore. Perfect for anyone looking to optimize their diet and enhance their metabolic health. AD - Link to Hava App with the discount code BIOHACKERSLAB for a discount on a premium Hava subscription - https://www.biohackerslab.com/get/hava-app/ 00:00 Intro 00:40 Understanding the Satiety Per Calorie Model 02:32 The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods 05:57 Exploring the Role of Protein 12:12 The Four Key Factors of Satiety 23:45 Practical Applications and AI Integration 32:25 Rethinking Low Carb and Diabetes Management 34:20 Understanding Insulin Resistance and Diet 37:07 Ketones and Mental Health 39:06 Meal Replacements and Satiety Per Calorie 40:42 The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods 43:07 The Satiety Per Calorie Model 49:55 Personalising Your Diet with the HAVA App 01:00:38 Simplifying Food Logging with AI Link to YouTube video of the interview: https://youtu.be/ct0pCFuVClg Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CEO and founder of ProofPilot, Matthew Amsden, is today’s guest interview. Matthew talks to us about his company ProofPilot. He explains how it is making research easily available to consumer good companies that traditionally didn't have opportunities to run these types of studies. We then find out about the type of products that can be tested, how the research can be conducted remotely and who can participate in the studies. We also go into discussing managing placebos, using alternatives such as case controls or wait-list controls, study reliability, avoiding conflict of interest and removing incentives bias, third party review, as well as advice on how to use clinical research in the health decision making process. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 113 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep113-matthew-amsden/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Practicing emergency medicine physician and founder of Duration Health, Dr Benjamin Jack, is today’s guest interview. Benjamin talks to us about the emergency medicine kit service his company can provide people. He explains what type of medicine and tools the kit contains and who could benefit from getting one. We then find out about the process of obtaining one and physician support it includes. We also go into discussing where the medication comes from, the kits shelf-life, renewal process, pricing and payment options as well as advice on when it is a good idea to seek medical attention. Go to the show notes for episode 112 at BioHackers Lab https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep112-dr-benjamin-jack/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dentist, Dr Meghna Dassani, is today’s guest interview. Meghna talks to us all about how to identify and ways to deal with sleep apnea. She explains what sleep apnea is and how to recognise the signs and symptoms. We then find out that sleep disordered breathing should never be ignored as it can lead to more serious problems and what we can do to treat it. We also go into discussing sleep apnoea in children, the importance of breastfeeding in early development, snoring, how dentist can help diagnose breathing problems, risk factors such as obesity, misdiagnosis, as well as treatments such as CPAP machines and dental braces. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 111 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep111-dr-meghna-dassani/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Captain of the American Butchers’ Guild Team and head butcher at Taylor’s Market, Danny Johnson, is today’s guest interview. Danny talks to us about how to choose the best cuts of meat for your budget. He explains why it is a good idea to build a good relationship with your butcher and how to know when you found a good one. We then find out about sourcing meat and get tips on lesser known cuts of meat, how to talk to your butcher, buying in bulk and how trends drive prices. We also go into discussing organ meat, cooking tips, freezing meat, ageing, questions to ask your butcher when buying bacon and sausages as well as the Butchers Guild mission and the World Butchers Challenge. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 110 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep110-danny-johnson/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man behind the Bodyweight Strength Training YouTube channel, Jerry Teixeira (JT), is today’s guest interview. JT talks to us about how you can get superior results at home without the use of gym equipment. He explains why we should focus on compound movements to build strength for the best and fastest results. We then find out about the benefits of callisthenics as well as how maintaining our strength and incorporating exercise in general into our routine are vital for health and longevity. We also go into discussing age related muscle loss, how to get started, progressive bodyweight training, tips on recovery and active recovery, benefits of stretching and the role of diet in training. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 109 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep109-jerry-teixeira/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sleep, nutrition, and metabolism researcher, Greg Potter (PhD), is today’s guest interview. Greg talks to us all about sleep quality and the many factors that influence it. He explains where to begin when fixing a broken sleep schedule and why good sleep hygiene is important. We then find out about what makes good sleep quality and the many factors that influence this; in particular we talk about how diet affects sleep. We also go into discussing chrononutrition and time restricted eating, stimulus control, metabolic health, carbohydrates, creatine, shift work, stimulant consumption and caffeine, alcohol consumption and tips on improved sleep. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 108 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep108-greg-potter/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Professor, Dr Ben Bikman, is today’s guest interview. Ben is back with us to talk about how insulin resistance is making us sick. He explains how a wide range of diseases are in some ways connected to insulin resistance and how lifestyle interventions in terms of diet can stop progression. We then find out about different types of fat and combining fat with carbohydrates. We also go into discussing listener questions about protein, low ketones, the carnivore diet, OMAD, high fat meal replacement shakes, as well as tips on mitigating the insulin response. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 107 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep107-dr-ben-bikman/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Owner of SES Research and founder of MyVitalC, Chris Burres, is today’s guest interview. Chris talks to us all about the anti-aging supplement, C60. He explains how research has shown that C60, when taken as a ESS60 supplement in olive oil, improves longevity and has a range of other possible health benefits. We then find out about why ESS60 is the preferred supplement form and the problems that may arise when processing C60. We also go into discussing toxicity, solvents, different oil mediums, the perfect dosage, olive oil, healthy skepticism, various reported benefits and more. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 106 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep106-chris-burres/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor of Genetic Epidemiology, Tim Spector, is today’s guest interview. Tim shares with us the importance of considering our own gut microbiome when making nutrition choices. He explains how the gut microbiome trumps genetics in determining how we respond to diet and why we develop disease. We then find out about why generalised nutrition advice fails and how personalised prediction models might soon give us highly individualised diet recommendations. We also go into discussing what data on twin studies tells us, other important factors such as circadian rhythms, timing of meals, fasting, microbes and drug efficacy as well as probiotics, prebiotics, the carnivore diet and the effect of location on the microbiome. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 105 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep105-tim-spector/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Husband and wife carnivores, Laura and Chris Spath, are today’s guest interview. They share with us how switching to a carnivore diet helped them lose 250 pounds of excess weight and regain their health. They explain their diet background and the health scare that led them to considering an all meat diet. We then find out about what made this diet different from keto and low carb. and why it worked long-term to help them keep their weight off. We also go into discussing satiety, family dynamics, reversing type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure and other health issues, women mentors, consistency, as well as tips on getting started, sourcing and cooking meat. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 104 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep104-laura-and-chris-spath/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author of the blog Fire in a Bottle and creator of The Croissant Diet, Brad Marshall, is today’s guest interview. Brad shares with us how The Croissant Diet that he came up with helped him lose weight and reduce his waist size. He explains how historical French way of eating inspired the idea of creating the Croissant Diet weight loss experiment and the scientific hypothesis behind it. We then find out about why fat quality trumps macros, why Brad decided to increase the stearic acid ratio in the butter he was using and incorporating carbohydrates. We also go into discussing satiety, insulin, saturated fat and unsaturated fat ratios, as well as all things stearic acid (tips, cost, percentages and more). Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 103 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep103-brad-marshall/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life sciences entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Seed, Raja Dhir, is today’s guest interview. Raja shares with us how the right probiotics can improve and optimise our health. He explains exactly what probiotics are, the differences between probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics and what to look out for when choosing a suitable strain. We then find out about upcoming research into the role of microbes in a myriad of conditions and their application in improving digestion, skin and cardiovascular conditions as well as oral health, cancer therapies, food allergies and more. We also go into discussing fermented foods, possible risk factors, CFU and AFU numbers, antibiotics, dosage and the best way to take probiotics. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 102 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep102-raja-dhir/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founder of Ra Optics, Matt Maruca, is today’s guest interview. Matt explains what is 'The Light Diet' and why it is so important in restoring the health of our mitochondria. He explains the artificial light we are exposed to damages our mitochondria which are critical for our health. We then find out about the importance of getting out into the sunlight and minimising artificial blue light exposure. We also go into discussing WiFi, nutrition, exercise, the inner light principle, different wavelengths of light and Matt shares tips on achieving a better light lifestyle. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 101 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep101-matt-maruca/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Co-founders of Apollo Neuroscience Inc. and inventors of Apollo technology, Dr David Rabin MD, PhD and Kathryn Fantauzzi, are today’s guest interview. Dave and Kathryn help me review how the new wearable technology Apollo that they designed works to help restore balance to our nervous system and manage stress levels. They explain how Apollo uses vibration to help rapidly restore balance through our sense of touch. We then find out about the clinical studies and case studies that showed improvements to heart rate variability, sleep and focus. We also go into discussing user goals and various applications, Bluetooth connectivity and Airplane mode, FDA, HIPAA and bioavailability testing, how to wear it as well as how to use it. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 100 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep100-apollo-founders/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Urologist and male sexual health expert, Dr Judson Brandeis, is today’s guest interview. Judson discusses the issue most men are afraid to talk about, erectile dysfunction (ED). He explains all about what erectile dysfunction is and how we can recognise and test if we have a problem. We then find out about different types of erectile dysfunction, different treatment options from medication to diet, exercise and supplements, plus, how GAINSWave shock wave therapy treatment can help fix the root of the problem. We also go into discussing prostate cancer and ED, nitric oxide supplements, night time and morning erections, low libido and testosterone, diabetes, penile shortening, P shots, as well as, how to maintain good penile health as a man gets older. Go to the show notes for BioHackers Lab podcast episode 99 at https://www.biohackerslab.com/ep99-dr-judson-brandeis/ for more links & highlights. Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/biohackerslab See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.