Controversy around salt
Hi Peter, I recently read the Salt Fix which touts the benefits of increasing salt for most ppl, even those with hypertension. I also have been using LMNT on a regular basis and get a lot of propaganda from them on the benefits of salt. I have searched some of the literature and also read some other's "fact checking" of the salt fix and all of it leaves me very confused. There is so much contradicting research that I don't have the time or skillset necessary to parce it all out and would be very grateful for your summary of the subject matter. I work in a health profession and am in a position to encourage others to hydrate more/better and am wondering how best to approach the salt issue. Thanks so much!
Importance of breathing? A missing pillar of health?
Many topics as it pertains to health have been covered on the podcasts/AMA but I can't help but notice there is a paucity of information regarding the importance of breath. I hadn't thought about it at all until I came across James Nestor's book 'Breath: The new science of a lost art'. If you haven't read it, I would recommend it. I am interested in your point of view from a more science/data driven aspect, the importance of breath, our current breathing mechanics (are we doomed? have our skull and oral cavity structures actually changed that much? Why do we all have to get our 'wisdom teeth' pulled? why so much more OSA independent of obesity?), nasal breathing vs mouth breathing, mouth taping etc.. and should breath be one of your pillars of health? I think there's some adequate data out there regarding sport performance and CO2 tolerance that is interesting but not what I'm aiming for. I'm wondering from a longevity/overall health point of view! Thank you
Hybrid approach for longevity and fun?
Having followed your work for more than ten years, including your book "Longevity" and your recent interview with Olav Aleksander Bu, I am dying to hear the answer to a question that has been on my mind each time you have a guest in the V02max and fitness realm. Over the years, I've noticed a significant overlap between the principles you discuss and what is commonly termed "hybrid training." It appears that achieving optimal performance and longevity often involves maximizing VO2 Max while preserving muscle mass and strength. Hybrid training, as exemplified by sports like Hyrox and DekaFit, emphasizes both strength and endurance, presenting a unique challenge that transcends traditional sports and workouts. I've seen what I'd argue are the fittest individuals in their 55-70 age group who epitomize this approach, many of whom transitioned from backgrounds in triathlons or Olympic running. Their achievements underscore the transformative power of integrating strength and endurance training methodologies. As I approach my sixtieth year, I find myself contemplating the physiological dynamics behind the seamless transition from intense strength movements to sustained sprints, as exemplified in hybrid competitions where we're asked to push a 360lb sled 50 meters, then sprint 1000 meters straight into a 227lb 50 meter sled pull straight into another 1000 meter run, repeat 8 times with various strength zones totaling 8k run and 8 strength zones. Question: Is this ability primarily a product of physiological adaptation, or does it also entail psychological factors such as mastering breathing patterns amidst exertion? In the hybrid community, this phenomenon is often referred to as "compromised running," with proponents asserting its potential for improvement/adaptation akin to strength and endurance gains. I'd love to hear what you and Olav think about the notion that athletes proficient in this transition exhibit superior performance without experiencing the typical disruptions in running mechanics or respiratory rhythm. Question: Could this transitional skill represent a trainable physiological adaptation, akin to strength and endurance development? Your, and your guests like Olav and Inago and others, insights into these questions would be invaluable in deepening our understanding of hybrid training methodologies and their implications for optimizing performance and longevity.
Does much Vitamin B3 ( and NMN, NR) increase CVD risk?
A recent paper in Nature from the Cleveland Clinic seems to indicate that too much Niacin, and NR and NMN, could actually be causing increased risk of CVD and MACE through vascular inflammation by increasing metabolites 2PY and 4PY. This could explain the Niacin paradox but also have major implications for the many people using NR and NMN for longevity. The paper is below. (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02793-8)