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

Gary Kirwan

The BioHackers Lab podcast explores how to improve your health including your gut, mind, and body so that you can live the best life you can. Lifestyle changes you make can be customised to how your body works. This is biohacking your own ideal life. Your host, Gary Kirwan, talks with people all around the world who are helping to improve health in interesting ways. This may includes different diets, using certain supplements, using exercise, mind training & health gadgets. The ideas shared are meant to be actionable so that you can start creating a better you starting today. Please go to the website https://www.biohackerslab.com for all episodes and summary notes from interviews.

  • 49 minutes 41 seconds
    Can a Ketogenic Diet Treat Bipolar Disorder? | Dr. Iain Campbell

    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.

    17 April 2025, 2:52 pm
  • 44 minutes 24 seconds
    How Red Light Helps Our Vision and Blood Glucose Levels: Dr Glen Jeffery PhD

    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.

    11 February 2025, 8:55 pm
  • 54 minutes 55 seconds
    Stronger at 60 vs 50 Years Old: Chris Cornell's Health Journey

    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 Was It a low carb lifestyle that made the difference?
    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.

    30 January 2025, 5:08 pm
  • 55 minutes 46 seconds
    Why Reduce Visceral Fat? Before vs After MRI Scans Improvement | Dr Ana Rosa MD PhD

    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.

    24 January 2025, 6:27 pm
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    What is the Satiety Per Calorie Model Way of Eating? | Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt

    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.

    14 January 2025, 5:58 pm
  • 24 minutes 36 seconds
    Matthew Amsden - What is ProofPilot?

    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.

    27 July 2020, 10:17 am
  • 24 minutes 7 seconds
    Dr Benjamin Jack - Custom Made Emergency Med Kit Service by Duration Health

    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.

    28 May 2020, 1:06 pm
  • 35 minutes 2 seconds
    Sleep Apnea Help for Adults & Kids - Dr Meghna Dassani DMD

    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.

    10 March 2020, 6:50 pm
  • 56 minutes 58 seconds
    Danny Johnson - Meat Buying Tips from a Butcher

    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.

    4 March 2020, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 4 minutes
    Jerry Teixeira - Why Do Bodyweight Strength Training Exercises

    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.

    25 February 2020, 5:23 pm
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    Greg Potter PhD - How Nutrition & Habits Can Affect Sleep

    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.

    17 February 2020, 1:15 pm
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