Lately, social media has been flooded with misconceptions from studies claiming that hormetic stressors like intermittent fasting and cold plunging are harmful to your health.

In this episode, I tackle those claims, explaining the science that supports these practices as well as why recent headlines suggesting otherwise are misleading.

As most listeners know, I fast, cold plunge and sauna bathe on a regular basis, and I consider all three activities to be an integral part of my wellness routine. So I'll also share some personal insights, practical advice and nuanced perspectives to help you leverage these strategies safely and effectively.

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro

02:12 - The Misleading Headlines

03:17 - Understanding Hormetic Stressors

05:56 - Hormonal Stages and Their Impact

07:28 - Personal Experience and Recommendations

09:22 - The Science of Fasting

10:55 - My Wife’s Experience with Cold Plunging

12:32 - Hormetic Stressors and Female Health

14:04 - Overall Recommendations

15:58 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations with experts in health, fitness, and beyond.

#PrimalShiftPodcast #HormeticStressors #ColdExposure #SaunaBath #Fast

Learn more:

• Listen to Primal Shift Podcast Episode #8: “The Power of Hormesis in Boosting Health and Resilience.”

• Learn about the health benefits of cold plunging and sauna use.

• Get tips on how to survive your first cold plunge.

• Learn how to make fasting easier long-term, and read my top 10 tips to curb hunger while fasting.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, HLTH CODE!

HLTH Code meal replacement shakes, formulated by Dr. Ben Bickman, are high in protein and fat to keep you satiated, low in carbs to avoid glucose and insulin spikes, and free of unhealthy ingredients. Available in chocolate and vanilla, they mix easily with raw milk, water, or other liquids. Check out my full HLTH Code review and visit HLTH Code here.

Click here to get 15% OFF your first order!

More From Michael Kummer:

Website: https://michaelkummer.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MichaelKummer

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mkummer82

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer

Understanding the true impact of what we eat and drink means comprehensively assessing the effect that different foods and beverages have on our bodies. So in this episode, we’re talking about the hidden truths behind foods often labeled as “healthy,” including why some so-called health foods can actually be harmful.

I'm joined by food anthropologist Dr. Bill Schindler, who brings his deep understanding of dietary science to the discussion. Together, we tackle the misconceptions surrounding plant-based superfoods and oxalates, as well as the importance of proper food preparation that is based on ancestral wisdom.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to make informed choices about their diet. It includes practical advice on how to safely prepare foods, along with insights into why developing a deeper understanding of food's biological impact is critical if your goal is optimal health.

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro

02:00 - Dr. Schindler's background and approach to food

07:49 - The role of evolution in shaping human nutrition

14:18 - Safe preparation of potentially harmful foods

20:13 - Ancestral dietary practices for modern health

21:14 - Oxalates and their effects on health

24:38 - Addressing common dietary misconceptions

34:55 - The simple trick to make potatoes less toxic

41:43 - How to detoxify common vegetables and grains

44:42 - Summary and key takeaways

Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations with experts in health, fitness, and beyond.

#PrimalShiftPodcast #BillSchindler #EatSmart #ToxicPlants

Learn more:

• Learn why I stopped eating most vegetables, and switched to an animal-based dietary framework.

• Listen to Primal Shift Podcast Episode #42: Let Nature Dictate what you Should be Eating.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, OneSkin!

OneSkin’s lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company’s proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review and visit OneSkin here.

About Dr. Bill Schindler:
Dr. Bill Schindler is the author of Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health, and is an internationally-recognized archaeologist, primitive technologist and chef. He founded and directs Eastern Shore Food Lab, which has a mission of preserving and reviving ancestral dietary approaches to create a nourishing, ethical and sustainable food system. Schindler and his wife Christina also operate Modern Stone Age Kitchen, a restaurant designed to provide nourishing food created using ancestral approaches that maximize safety, nutrient density and bioavailability. In 2016, he co-starred in the National Geographic Channel series The Great Human Race, which aired in 171 countries.

Email: bill@eatlikeahuman.com

Website: https://eatlikeahuman.com/

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DrBillSchindler

Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/drbillschindler/

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/drbillschindler/

More From Michael Kummer:

Website: https://michaelkummer.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MichaelKummer

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mkummer82

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer

"Every hour, our modern lives ambush us with stressors our ancestors rarely faced."

This is the essence of our conversation today! Joined by my wife Kathy and her sister Silvia, we explore how Apollo — a small wearable device that uses inaudible soundwaves to help regulate your nervous system — has become a cornerstone of our efforts to manage stress, anxiety and migraines.

We’ll also share personal stories of how Apollo has significantly enhanced sleep quality, and helped us stay calm in challenging social situations. Plus, Kathy and Silvia provide a unique perspective on the tactile stimulation device, detailing their experiences with its various modes designed to promote relaxation and focus!

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro

01:52 - Discovering Apollo's Benefits

03:29 - Personal Impact on Migraines

06:10 - Using Apollo for Better Sleep

09:57 - Stress Management with Apollo

13:14 - My Wife’s Testimonial on Apollo

19:10 - Social Anxiety and Apollo’s Role

21:03 - Daily Use and Lifestyle Integration

21:00 - Health and Wellness Enhancements

24:00 - Closing Thoughts

Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations with experts in health, fitness, and beyond.

#PrimalShiftPodcast #ApolloNeuro #MentalHealth #SleepQuality

Learn more:

• Read my detailed Apollo Neuro review for a deep dive into how I used the device as part of my wellness regimen.

• Watch this YouTube video to learn about the science behind Apollo Neuro.

• Want to know if Apollo really works? Here’s what the research says.

• Get 15% off Apollo with this link.

• Read about my top gadgets for stress relief.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, OneSkin!

OneSkin’s lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company’s proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review and visit OneSkin here.

More From Michael Kummer:

Website: https://michaelkummer.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MichaelKummer

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mkummer82

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer

I don’t travel as much as I used to, back when I had a corporate sales job that took me away from home on a regular basis. But Kathy and I still have family in Austria and Costa Rica, who we try to visit at least once a year, and we’ve been increasingly traveling around the country to talk to people about MK Supplements at healthy living conferences and expos like Hack Your Health (formerly known as KetoCon).

Staying healthy on the road can be a significant challenge, but there are a few essential items (16, to be exact) that I make sure to always pack in my travel bag — from health gadgets like the Hypoair Air Angel (which purifies indoor air using bi-polar ionization technology) to safety tools like a trauma kit and a glass-breaking pen.

Each item is handpicked to ensure I can maintain my lifestyle and be prepared for any situation, no matter where I am in the world. They not only simplify my trips but also enhance my overall travel experience

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, this episode offers practical tips and product recommendations that can make your next journey smoother and more enjoyable!

In this episode:

00:00 - Introduction

02:13 - Item 1: Hypoair Air Angel

03:27 - Item 2: Battery Pack for iPhone

03:46 - Item 3: Beef Sticks

04:07 - Item 4: Exogenous Ketones

04:55 - Item 5: Book or Magazines

05:23 - Item 6: Emergency Cash and an Extra Credit Card

07:15 - Item 7: Electrolytes

07:46 - Item 8: Everyday Carry Flashlight

07:55 - Item 9: Pen That Doubles as a Glass Breaker

08:46 - Item 10: Organic Instant Coffee

09:29 - Item 11: Stainless Steel Coffee Mug

10:38 - Item 12: Salt

11:17 - Item 13: Sleep Mask

12:00 - Item 14: Sleep Remedy Supplement

13:01 - Item 15: Stainless Steel Water Bottle

14:04 - Item 16: Trauma Kit

14:47 - Final Thoughts

Remember to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who could benefit from it. And as always, thank you for tuning in to the Primal Shift Podcast!

#PrimalShiftPodcast #TravelEssentials #TravelTips

Links:

• The HypoAir Angel is an air purifier and includes full polar ionization and AHPCO, allowing it to cover larger areas of up to 300 square feet. It’s ideal for when you’re traveling (e.g., sleeping in hotel rooms or spending hours at a time in your car).

• Try LMNT, one of my favorite electrolyte supplements.

• Learn more about the best exogenous ketone supplements based on science.

• My favorite organic instant coffee is Bulletproof.

• Experience the all-natural, life-changing benefits of deep, regenerative sleep with Sleep Remedy by Dr Kirk Parsley.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, MK Supplements!

Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your MK Supplements order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com

More From Michael Kummer:

Website: https://michaelkummer.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MichaelKummer

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mkummer82

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer

In this episode, we're exploring the intricate world of stress management with Dr. Dave Rabin, a neuroscientist, inventor, entrepreneur and co-founder of Apollo Neuroscience, which makes wearable devices that use low-frequency (inaudible) sound waves to help reduce stress levels and blood pressure, speed up recovery, and positively influence your autonomic nervous system by changing your heart rate variability (HRV).

Dr. Rabin shares his expert insights on the dual nature of stress (eustress vs. distress), and introduces us to innovative ways to harness this powerful force for good. We also talk about the Apollo wearable, including how it works and how I’ve used it to help increase my own HRV.

This conversation is a must-listen if you want to enhance your ability to manage stress and turn everyday tension into a source of strength.

In this episode:

0:00 - Introduction

1:40 - Understanding Stress

5:00 - The Role of Inflammation in Cell Communication

7:00 - Benefits of Eustress

9:20 - How Cold Exposure Stress Can Positive or Negative

14:03 - Apollo Technology Explained

27:30 - Closing Thoughts and Episode Wrap-up

Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations with experts in health, fitness, and beyond.

#PrimalShiftPodcast #DaveRabin #Stress #Apollo

Learn more:

• Read about my top gadgets for stress relief.

• Read my detailed Apollo Neuro review for a deep dive into how I used the device as part of my wellness regimen.

• Watch this YouTube video to learn about the science behind Apollo Neuro.

• Want to know if Apollo really works? Here’s what the research says about the device.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, OneSkin!

OneSkin’s lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company’s proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review and visit OneSkin here.

About Dr. Dave Rabin:
Dr. Dave Rabin, M.D., Ph.D, is a neuroscientist and psychiatrist who has conducted more than 15 years of research into chronic stress. He co-founded Apollo Neuroscience, where he serves as Chief Medical Officer and helps develop wearable technology that enhances sleep and relaxation. Dr. Rabin is also the Executive Director of The Board of Medicine, as well as Medical Director at the Apollo Clinic.

Website: https://www.drdave.io/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidrabin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdavidrabin

More From Michael Kummer:

Website: https://michaelkummer.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MichaelKummer

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mkummer82

In this episode, we explore the critical aspects of blood sugar management and the innovative use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to maintain optimal health, even on a low-carb diet.

We'll unravel some common misconceptions about diabetes, including the idea that diet is the only risk factor for developing type-2 diabetes. I’ll also share personal insights from my own experiences with CGMs. Learn how dietary choices, stress, and other lifestyle factors can profoundly affect your blood sugar levels and overall health.

This discussion is essential for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of metabolic health and prevent chronic illnesses through practical, data-driven insights.

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro

01:49 - My Discoveries Using CGMs

03:24 - What Happens When Your Blood Sugar Levels Rise?

04:22 - The Concept of Type 3 Diabetes and Mental Health

06:04 - Dietary Impacts on Blood Sugar Levels

07:37 - Stress Impacts on Blood Sugar Levels

08:26 - Exercise and Its Immediate Effects on Blood Sugar

09:09 - The Role of Chronic Stress and Poor Sleep

11:57 - How to Use and Choose the Right CGM

16:10 - CGMs That I Use

16:42 - The Importance of Using a CGM

21:06 - Closing Thoughts: Why Monitor Your Blood Sugar?

Remember to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who could benefit from it. And as always, thank you for tuning in to the Primal Shift Podcast!

Links:

• For a limited time, join Levels and receive an additional two free months on your annual membership.

• Try the Nutrisense CGM here.

• Read my comparison of Levels Health and Nutrisense on the blog.

• Check out my conversation with Laura and Erin from Mark Sisson’s Primal Health Coach Institute and learn how to boost your health by shifting gears.

• Learn more on how exercise influences your blood glucose response (I drank a can of Coke as an experiment).

• Learn how continuous glucose monitoring can improve your health and fitness.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, MK Supplements!

Use code “primalshift” to save 15% on your MK Supplements order at https://shop.michaelkummer.com

More From Michael Kummer:

Website: https://michaelkummer.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MichaelKummer

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mkummer82

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer

In this episode we're joined by former US Navy SEAL and sleep expert Dr. Kirk Parsley.

Dr. Parsley shares his profound insights on the critical importance of sleep and its often underestimated impact on overall health. He also tells us about the unique perspective he gained from his experience with the extreme sleep deprivation endured during both SEAL training and medical residency.

Learn the surprising truths about shift work, the pitfalls of modern medical training on sleep education, and actionable strategies to improve your sleep hygiene for optimal health.

This conversation is for anyone looking to seriously upgrade their health through the power of sleep. Dr. Parsley dismantles common misconceptions about sleep and provides practical advice that stems from his background as a Navy SEAL and medical doctor.

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro

01:40 - Meet Dr. Kirk Parsley: Navy SEAL Turned Sleep Doctor

02:56 - The Shocking Reality of Sleep Deprivation in Medicine and Military

06:20 - The Misconceptions of Western Medicine and Disease Care

10:31 - How Light Affects Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

14:57 - Exploring the Deadly Impact of Shift Work on Lifespan

16:00 - The Role of Napping: When and Why It's Essential

35:08 - Sleep Myths and Misunderstandings Debunked

42:47 - Supplements for Sleep: What Works According to Science

53:37 - The Future of Sleep Science and Personal Health Adjustments

58:00 - Closing Thoughts and Episode Wrap-up

Don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations with experts in health, fitness, and beyond.

#PrimalShiftPodcast #KirkParsley #SleepScience

Learn more:

• Experience the all natural, life changing benefits of deep, regenerative sleep with Sleep Remedy by Dr Kirk Parsley.

• Learn why you might have trouble falling asleep.

• Learn how to sleep better and fall asleep quicker.

• Primal Shift Podcast #14: Do THIS for Better Sleep

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, OneSkin!

OneSkin’s lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company’s proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review and visit OneSkin here.

About Dr. Kirk Parsley:
Dr. Kirk Parsley is a retired Navy SEAL and medical doctor who specializes in sleep medicine. He is widely recognized for his expertise in sleep optimization, particularly addressing the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation experienced in high-stress environments like the military and medical fields. Dr. Parsley is a leading speaker and consultant, promoting the importance of sleep for overall health and peak performance.

Website: https://docparsley.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleepremedy/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIyEpdW88wakXSh0JYYHxGA

More From Michael Kummer:

Website: https://michaelkummer.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MichaelKummer

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mkummer82