In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz is joined by naturopathic physician and acupuncturist Dr. Artemis Morris to uncover what the Mediterranean diet actually looks like in its native context β far richer in wild edible plants, unfiltered olive oil, and community eating practices than the watered-down versions most Americans encounter. Together they trace why cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in traditional Mediterranean populations remain among the best in the world, what happens when those populations migrate and lose their food culture, and how patients can recapture the protective elements of this dietary pattern without moving to Crete. The conversation covers olive oil quality tiers and polyphenol content, the pharmacological power of wild greens, adaptogens, and herbs used across the Mediterranean basin, and practical strategies for incorporating these foods into a modern American lifestyle.
π¬ Watch on YouTube: This episode is now available on the Own Your Heart Health YouTube channel. Subscribe to be notified.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (00:00) Welcome to Own Your Heart Health. I'm Dr. Regina Druz, your holistic cardiologist. This week we explore common heart health concerns, uncover root causes, and unpack scientific discoveries and controversies. The information provided does not constitute medical advice β please contact your healthcare practitioner before making any changes that may impact your health.
Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Artemis Morris β naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist, and someone who has spent her career studying food as medicine in its most original form. We are talking about the Mediterranean diet β but not the version you find in a supermarket pamphlet. We're going deep: wild plants, real olive oil, and the cultural traditions that made this diet one of the most studied and most protective dietary patterns in the history of cardiology. Dr. Morris, welcome to the show.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (01:20) Thank you, Dr. Druz. I am thrilled to be here. This is exactly the conversation I have been wanting to have β because what most people call the Mediterranean diet and what people in Crete, Sardinia, or rural Greece actually eat are two very different things. And that gap matters enormously for health outcomes.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (02:14) Tell us your story. How does a naturopathic physician end up becoming a specialist in Mediterranean food traditions?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (02:30) My grandmother is Greek. I grew up watching her forage for wild greens β horta β in fields and along roadsides. She would blanch them, dress them with lemon and olive oil, and serve them as a staple at every meal. I thought it was just tradition. Then I went to naturopathic medical school, studied phytotherapy and nutritional biochemistry, and realized she had been practicing evidence-based medicine her entire life without calling it that. That set the trajectory for everything I have done since.
I went on to study traditional Mediterranean food systems formally β the ethnobotany, the preparation methods, the seasonal rhythms. I also trained in acupuncture, which deepened my appreciation for systems-based medicine. What ties it all together is the understanding that food is not just fuel β it is information. Every bite is a message to your cells.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (06:30) Let's define the Mediterranean diet β the real version, not the American interpretation.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (06:45) The traditional Mediterranean diet is characterized by high consumption of vegetables β particularly wild and semi-wild greens β legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and abundant olive oil. Fish is eaten several times per week, poultry occasionally, red meat rarely, and dairy in fermented forms: yogurt and aged cheese, not fluid milk. Wine, if consumed, is drunk with meals in modest amounts. Sweets are reserved for celebrations.
What gets lost in translation is the plant diversity. Traditional Mediterranean populations were eating 150 to 200 different plant species over the course of a year. Modern Americans eating a so-called Mediterranean diet might get 20. That diversity is not cosmetic β it means exposure to an enormous range of polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds that each play specific roles in metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (08:52) And the preparation methods matter too?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (09:05) Enormously. Slow cooking, fermentation, sun-drying, marinating in olive oil β these are not just culinary preferences. They affect bioavailability. Tomatoes cooked in olive oil release lycopene in a far more bioavailable form than raw tomatoes. Legumes slow-cooked with aromatics develop prebiotic fiber structures that raw or fast-cooked beans do not. The food culture is part of the medicine. 2000 we knew very little about which biomarkers were causally linked to this process. Over the past 25 years we have learned that the immune system is truly a hub for aging β hallmarks like cellular senescence and epigenetic changes are largely driven by inflammation.The 1000 Immunomes Project was designed to provide solid science around this. We recruited 1,000 relatively healthy, ambulatory individuals and secured over $70 million from federal agencies. The study ran for 15 to 17 years, allowing us to prospectively identify biomarkers of systemic chronic inflammation that predict morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (12:45) Wild edible plants are the most underappreciated element of the Mediterranean diet. Horta β the Greek term for wild greens β encompasses hundreds of species: purslane, chicory, dandelion, amaranth, sorrel, wild mustard greens, and many others. These plants have never been selectively bred for sweetness or cosmetic appearance, so they retain extraordinarily high concentrations of protective compounds.
Purslane, for example, is one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Wild chicory contains inulin β a powerful prebiotic β and bitter compounds that stimulate bile production and liver detoxification. Dandelion greens have among the highest potassium content of any food, which is directly relevant to blood pressure regulation. These are not superfoods in the marketing sense β they are foods that have co-evolved with human biology over tens of thousands of years.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (15:10) What about people who don't have access to wild greens? Can they replicate the benefit?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (15:25) Partially. You can get close by choosing the most bitter, deeply colored cultivated greens β arugula, radicchio, endive, Swiss chard, lacinato kale, beet greens β over iceberg or romaine, which have very little protective value. Farmers' markets often carry heirloom varieties closer to wild ancestors. And for those with a yard or patio, purslane is extraordinarily easy to grow β most people already have it as a weed and are pulling it out.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (19:20) Olive oil is the most misrepresented food in the American market. The label says extra virgin, but most of what is sold in US supermarkets has been adulterated, blended with cheaper oils, or has degraded from mishandling during import and shelf storage. True extra virgin olive oil β freshly pressed, high-polyphenol, properly stored β is a genuinely remarkable cardiovascular medicine.
The cardiovascular protection comes primarily from oleocanthal β a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory activity structurally similar to ibuprofen β and from oleacein. Both are present in high quantities only in fresh, properly processed oil. When olive oil oxidizes, those compounds degrade. The characteristic peppery burn at the back of the throat when you taste good olive oil? That's oleocanthal. If there's no burn, the protective compounds are likely gone.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (22:40) How should patients choose olive oil?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (22:55) Look for a harvest date β not just an expiration date β within the past 12 months. Choose dark glass or metal tin packaging, never clear plastic. Buy from single-origin producers or cooperatives with third-party certification. California Olive Ranch and a handful of Greek and Italian small-estate producers consistently pass independent authentication testing. Expect to pay more. Real extra virgin olive oil cannot be produced cheaply.helium, left ventricular hypertrophy, and arterial stiffening.The second key protein is eotaxin, also known as CCL11. Eotaxin-1 is produced largely in response to airborne exposures β air pollution, cooking vapors, allergens. Macrophages in the lungs produce it, and it enters the bloodstream where it crosses the blood-brain barrier easily. There it causes cognitive dysfunction and is associated with dementia and memory loss.The other three important proteins are gamma interferon (involved in immune system activation), GRO-alpha, and TRAIL. TRAIL is particularly interesting: it sensitizes senescent cells to undergo apoptosis. Low TRAIL means senescent cells are not being cleared, and they accumulate throughout the body β a core driver of tissue aging.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (27:10) The epidemiology is striking. When Greek immigrants to Australia maintain their traditional dietary patterns, their cardiovascular mortality stays low β comparable to their relatives in Greece. When the second generation adopts Australian eating habits, cardiovascular risk rises to Australian population levels within one generation. The diet is not a genetic protection β it is a practice.
What the culture provides that supplements cannot is context: eating slowly, at a table, with others, without screens. That social and ritual dimension directly affects digestion, stress hormones, insulin sensitivity, and satiety signaling. We have reduced the Mediterranean diet to a list of foods when it is actually a set of relationships β with food, with the land, with each other.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (34:55) Let's talk specifically about the cardiovascular evidence.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (35:10) The PREDIMED trial β PrevenciΓ³n con Dieta MediterrΓ‘nea β is probably the best evidence we have. It showed a roughly 30 percent relative risk reduction in major cardiovascular events in high-risk patients randomized to a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts compared to a low-fat control diet. The benefit appeared within the first year and was sustained across follow-up.
Mechanistically, we see reductions in oxidized LDL, improvements in HDL function, reductions in inflammatory markers including hs-CRP, improvements in endothelial function, and favorable changes in gut microbiome composition β all of which contribute to cardiovascular protection. No single drug produces all of those effects simultaneously.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (41:30) Start with three shifts that have the largest impact. First, replace processed vegetable oils with genuine extra virgin olive oil as your primary cooking and finishing fat. Second, add a bitter green to every meal β even a handful of arugula or a serving of sautΓ©ed chard counts. Third, eat one meatless Mediterranean-style meal per week centered on legumes: lentil soup, white bean stew, chickpea dishes with olive oil and herbs. Those three changes alone move the needle measurably.
Once those are established, begin expanding plant diversity. Aim for 30 or more distinct plant species per week β this includes herbs, spices, teas, and nuts, not just vegetables. A weekly farmers' market trip with a commitment to buying two unfamiliar greens each time is a practical way to build that diversity gradually.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (48:00) Mediterranean herbal medicine is a largely untapped clinical resource. Olive leaf extract β distinct from olive oil β contains oleuropein, which has documented antihypertensive, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Hawthorn berry has long been used in European phytotherapy for heart failure and arrhythmia and has some supportive clinical trial data. Artichoke leaf extract supports bile production and helps with lipid metabolism.
Adaptogens from the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions β ashwagandha, rhodiola β are increasingly being studied in cardiovascular contexts because they modulate cortisol, which in chronic excess damages endothelium and drives insulin resistance. These are not replacements for medications but they are meaningful adjuncts when used thoughtfully.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (54:15) Final thoughts β one thing every listener can do today?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (54:30) Buy a bottle of real extra virgin olive oil β with a harvest date β taste it, feel the burn, and use it generously. That single change, applied consistently, is probably the most evidence-backed dietary intervention for cardiovascular health that most Americans are not doing. Everything else builds from there.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (55:45) Dr. Morris, this has been extraordinary. Where can people find you and learn more?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (56:00) My practice website has resources, a newsletter, and information about working with me directly. I also do speaking and practitioner trainings. The best starting point is to simply follow the principles we discussed today β your cardiovascular system will respond.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (56:45) Thank you so much. And thank you to our listeners β as always, please review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, share this episode with someone who could benefit, and I will see you next week on Own Your Heart Health.
The most important difference is plant diversity. Traditional Mediterranean populations consumed 150 to 200 distinct plant species annually β including a wide variety of wild and semi-wild greens foraged seasonally β compared to the 20 or fewer species in a typical modern American diet, even one marketed as Mediterranean. This botanical richness translates into exposure to hundreds of bioactive compounds β polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, bitter glycosides β that work collectively to reduce inflammation, support endothelial function, and improve metabolic health. A second critical difference is olive oil quality: authentic extra virgin olive oil contains high concentrations of oleocanthal and oleacein, compounds with potent anti-inflammatory activity, whereas most mass-market olive oil has degraded or been adulterated and provides little of this benefit. Finally, traditional Mediterranean eating is embedded in a cultural context β slow, communal, seasonal β that affects digestion, stress hormones, and satiety in ways that eating the same foods alone and quickly does not replicate.
The strongest trial evidence comes from PREDIMED β PrevenciΓ³n con Dieta MediterrΓ‘nea β a large randomized trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In high-risk patients, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts produced approximately a 30 percent relative reduction in major cardiovascular events β myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death β compared to a low-fat control diet. The benefit was statistically significant and appeared early in the trial. Mechanistically, the Mediterranean diet reduces oxidized LDL, improves HDL particle function, lowers systemic inflammatory markers including hs-CRP and IL-6, improves endothelial function, and supports a more favorable gut microbiome composition. Population studies from Mediterranean countries have consistently shown lower rates of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and metabolic syndrome than age-matched Northern European or American cohorts β differences that largely disappear in migrant populations who adopt Western dietary patterns.
Wild plants have never been selectively bred for sweetness, size, or shelf life β traits that domestication has optimized at the expense of phytochemical complexity. A wild dandelion green, for example, contains far higher concentrations of flavonoids, carotenoids, and bitter compounds than a cultivated lettuce bred to minimize bitterness, because bitter compounds are part of the plant's own defense chemistry and have co-evolved with animal metabolism over millions of years. Purslane β common as a garden weed β is one of the richest plant-based sources of ALA omega-3 fatty acids. Wild chicory contains inulin prebiotic fiber and bitter sesquiterpene lactones that stimulate bile flow and support liver detoxification. Patients who cannot access wild greens can approximate these benefits by choosing the most deeply pigmented and bitter cultivated greens available β arugula, radicchio, endive, beet greens, lacinato kale β over mild-tasting varieties with lower phytochemical content.
Look for a harvest date β not just a best-by date β within the past 12 months. Fresh oil is meaningfully richer in protective polyphenols than oil that has sat on a shelf for two or three years. Choose dark glass or metal tin packaging, which protects against light-induced oxidation; never buy olive oil in clear plastic. Seek single-origin oils with third-party authentication from organizations such as the California Olive Oil Council or the Australian Olive Association, which test for adulteration and polyphenol content. The simplest sensory test: pour a small amount on a spoon and taste it. Genuine high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil will produce a distinct peppery or burning sensation at the back of the throat within a few seconds β that sensation is oleocanthal, a phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory activity comparable to a low dose of ibuprofen. If there is no burn, the protective compounds have likely degraded. Expect to pay more for authentic oil β it cannot be produced cheaply.
Three foundational changes produce the largest early benefit. First, replace all refined vegetable oils β canola, corn, soybean, and generic cooking oils β with genuine extra virgin olive oil as the primary cooking and finishing fat. Use it generously: the protective dose in PREDIMED was approximately four tablespoons daily. Second, add a bitter green to every meal. Even a handful of arugula on a sandwich or a serving of sautΓ©ed chard alongside a protein qualifies. Third, introduce one meatless Mediterranean-style meal per week built around legumes β lentil soup, white bean stew, chickpea dishes dressed with olive oil and fresh herbs. Once these habits are established, begin expanding plant diversity systematically: aim for 30 or more distinct plant species per week, counting herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, and teas alongside vegetables. A weekly farmers' market visit with a commitment to buying at least two unfamiliar greens is a practical way to build this diversity over time without overhauling the entire diet at once.
Naturopathic Physician | Licensed Acupuncturist Focus: Mediterranean Food Traditions, Wild Plant Medicine, Cardiovascular Nutrition, Phytotherapy, Integrative Cardiology Training: Naturopathic Medical Degree | Acupuncture & East Asian Medicine | Graduate study in ethnobotany and Mediterranean food systems
β’ PREDIMED Trial β landmark Mediterranean diet cardiovascular outcomes trial (Estruch et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2013; corrected 2018)
β’ California Olive Oil Council (COOC) β third-party authentication and polyphenol testing for California-produced olive oils: cooc.com
β’ Wild edible plants referenced: purslane (Portulaca oleracea), wild chicory (Cichorium intybus), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), sorrel, wild mustard greens, amaranth
β’ Herbs discussed: olive leaf extract (oleuropein), hawthorn berry (Crataegus spp.), artichoke leaf extract, ashwagandha, rhodiola
Mediterranean Diet: A dietary pattern traditional to countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by high intake of vegetables (including wild greens), legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish, with low consumption of red meat and processed foods.
Horta: Greek term for wild and semi-wild edible greens, traditionally foraged and consumed as a staple across the Mediterranean basin. Includes purslane, chicory, dandelion, sorrel, amaranth, and many other species.
Oleocanthal: A phenolic compound found in fresh extra virgin olive oil with anti-inflammatory activity structurally analogous to ibuprofen. Responsible for the characteristic peppery burn at the back of the throat when tasting high-quality olive oil. Degrades with heat, light, and age.
Oleacein: A polyphenol in extra virgin olive oil associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial-protective effects. Co-occurs with oleocanthal in high-polyphenol oils.
PREDIMED: PrevenciΓ³n con Dieta MediterrΓ‘nea β a landmark Spanish randomized controlled trial demonstrating approximately 30% relative risk reduction in major cardiovascular events with a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts versus a low-fat control diet.
Polyphenols: A broad class of plant-derived bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes. Found in high concentrations in olive oil, wild greens, berries, legumes, herbs, and spices. Associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular-protective effects.
Inulin: A prebiotic dietary fiber found in chicory root, dandelion greens, garlic, onions, and artichokes. Feeds beneficial gut bacteria (Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus) and supports short-chain fatty acid production relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Oleocanthal / Oleuropein: Distinct but related olive compounds β oleuropein is the dominant polyphenol in olive leaves and unripe olives; oleocanthal is the primary anti-inflammatory phenolic in ripe-olive-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
Endothelial Function: The ability of the endothelium (inner lining of blood vessels) to dilate in response to blood flow and nitric oxide signaling. Impaired endothelial function is an early marker of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk; the Mediterranean diet measurably improves it.
hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein): A blood marker of systemic inflammation used to assess cardiovascular risk. Consistently reduced in Mediterranean diet intervention studies.
Oxidized LDL: Low-density lipoprotein particles that have undergone oxidative modification β the form most atherogenic (plaque-forming). The polyphenols in olive oil and Mediterranean produce reduce LDL oxidation rates.
Phytotherapy: The evidence-based clinical use of plant-derived medicines, including herbal extracts, tinctures, and standardized botanical preparations. A core competency of naturopathic medicine.
Adaptogen: A class of herbs β including ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) β that help the body maintain homeostasis under physical and psychological stress by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol response.
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The information in this transcript is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The discussions about stem cells, exosomes, peptides, and regenerative therapies reflect the clinical experiences and opinions of the physicians involved. These treatments are not FDA-approved for all applications discussed. Individual results vary. Please consult your licensed healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.
]]>In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz is joined by naturopathic physician and acupuncturist Dr. Artemis Morris to uncover what the Mediterranean diet actually looks like in its native context β far richer in wild edible plants, unfiltered olive oil, and community eating practices than the watered-down versions most Americans encounter. Together they trace why cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in traditional Mediterranean populations remain among the best in the world, what happens when those populations migrate and lose their food culture, and how patients can recapture the protective elements of this dietary pattern without moving to Crete. The conversation covers olive oil quality tiers and polyphenol content, the pharmacological power of wild greens, adaptogens, and herbs used across the Mediterranean basin, and practical strategies for incorporating these foods into a modern American lifestyle.
π¬ Watch on YouTube: This episode is now available on the Own Your Heart Health YouTube channel. Subscribe to be notified.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (00:00) Welcome to Own Your Heart Health. I'm Dr. Regina Druz, your holistic cardiologist. This week we explore common heart health concerns, uncover root causes, and unpack scientific discoveries and controversies. The information provided does not constitute medical advice β please contact your healthcare practitioner before making any changes that may impact your health.
Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Artemis Morris β naturopathic physician, licensed acupuncturist, and someone who has spent her career studying food as medicine in its most original form. We are talking about the Mediterranean diet β but not the version you find in a supermarket pamphlet. We're going deep: wild plants, real olive oil, and the cultural traditions that made this diet one of the most studied and most protective dietary patterns in the history of cardiology. Dr. Morris, welcome to the show.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (01:20) Thank you, Dr. Druz. I am thrilled to be here. This is exactly the conversation I have been wanting to have β because what most people call the Mediterranean diet and what people in Crete, Sardinia, or rural Greece actually eat are two very different things. And that gap matters enormously for health outcomes.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (02:14) Tell us your story. How does a naturopathic physician end up becoming a specialist in Mediterranean food traditions?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (02:30) My grandmother is Greek. I grew up watching her forage for wild greens β horta β in fields and along roadsides. She would blanch them, dress them with lemon and olive oil, and serve them as a staple at every meal. I thought it was just tradition. Then I went to naturopathic medical school, studied phytotherapy and nutritional biochemistry, and realized she had been practicing evidence-based medicine her entire life without calling it that. That set the trajectory for everything I have done since.
I went on to study traditional Mediterranean food systems formally β the ethnobotany, the preparation methods, the seasonal rhythms. I also trained in acupuncture, which deepened my appreciation for systems-based medicine. What ties it all together is the understanding that food is not just fuel β it is information. Every bite is a message to your cells.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (06:30) Let's define the Mediterranean diet β the real version, not the American interpretation.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (06:45) The traditional Mediterranean diet is characterized by high consumption of vegetables β particularly wild and semi-wild greens β legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and abundant olive oil. Fish is eaten several times per week, poultry occasionally, red meat rarely, and dairy in fermented forms: yogurt and aged cheese, not fluid milk. Wine, if consumed, is drunk with meals in modest amounts. Sweets are reserved for celebrations.
What gets lost in translation is the plant diversity. Traditional Mediterranean populations were eating 150 to 200 different plant species over the course of a year. Modern Americans eating a so-called Mediterranean diet might get 20. That diversity is not cosmetic β it means exposure to an enormous range of polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds that each play specific roles in metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (08:52) And the preparation methods matter too?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (09:05) Enormously. Slow cooking, fermentation, sun-drying, marinating in olive oil β these are not just culinary preferences. They affect bioavailability. Tomatoes cooked in olive oil release lycopene in a far more bioavailable form than raw tomatoes. Legumes slow-cooked with aromatics develop prebiotic fiber structures that raw or fast-cooked beans do not. The food culture is part of the medicine. 2000 we knew very little about which biomarkers were causally linked to this process. Over the past 25 years we have learned that the immune system is truly a hub for aging β hallmarks like cellular senescence and epigenetic changes are largely driven by inflammation.The 1000 Immunomes Project was designed to provide solid science around this. We recruited 1,000 relatively healthy, ambulatory individuals and secured over $70 million from federal agencies. The study ran for 15 to 17 years, allowing us to prospectively identify biomarkers of systemic chronic inflammation that predict morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (12:45) Wild edible plants are the most underappreciated element of the Mediterranean diet. Horta β the Greek term for wild greens β encompasses hundreds of species: purslane, chicory, dandelion, amaranth, sorrel, wild mustard greens, and many others. These plants have never been selectively bred for sweetness or cosmetic appearance, so they retain extraordinarily high concentrations of protective compounds.
Purslane, for example, is one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Wild chicory contains inulin β a powerful prebiotic β and bitter compounds that stimulate bile production and liver detoxification. Dandelion greens have among the highest potassium content of any food, which is directly relevant to blood pressure regulation. These are not superfoods in the marketing sense β they are foods that have co-evolved with human biology over tens of thousands of years.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (15:10) What about people who don't have access to wild greens? Can they replicate the benefit?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (15:25) Partially. You can get close by choosing the most bitter, deeply colored cultivated greens β arugula, radicchio, endive, Swiss chard, lacinato kale, beet greens β over iceberg or romaine, which have very little protective value. Farmers' markets often carry heirloom varieties closer to wild ancestors. And for those with a yard or patio, purslane is extraordinarily easy to grow β most people already have it as a weed and are pulling it out.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (19:20) Olive oil is the most misrepresented food in the American market. The label says extra virgin, but most of what is sold in US supermarkets has been adulterated, blended with cheaper oils, or has degraded from mishandling during import and shelf storage. True extra virgin olive oil β freshly pressed, high-polyphenol, properly stored β is a genuinely remarkable cardiovascular medicine.
The cardiovascular protection comes primarily from oleocanthal β a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory activity structurally similar to ibuprofen β and from oleacein. Both are present in high quantities only in fresh, properly processed oil. When olive oil oxidizes, those compounds degrade. The characteristic peppery burn at the back of the throat when you taste good olive oil? That's oleocanthal. If there's no burn, the protective compounds are likely gone.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (22:40) How should patients choose olive oil?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (22:55) Look for a harvest date β not just an expiration date β within the past 12 months. Choose dark glass or metal tin packaging, never clear plastic. Buy from single-origin producers or cooperatives with third-party certification. California Olive Ranch and a handful of Greek and Italian small-estate producers consistently pass independent authentication testing. Expect to pay more. Real extra virgin olive oil cannot be produced cheaply.helium, left ventricular hypertrophy, and arterial stiffening.The second key protein is eotaxin, also known as CCL11. Eotaxin-1 is produced largely in response to airborne exposures β air pollution, cooking vapors, allergens. Macrophages in the lungs produce it, and it enters the bloodstream where it crosses the blood-brain barrier easily. There it causes cognitive dysfunction and is associated with dementia and memory loss.The other three important proteins are gamma interferon (involved in immune system activation), GRO-alpha, and TRAIL. TRAIL is particularly interesting: it sensitizes senescent cells to undergo apoptosis. Low TRAIL means senescent cells are not being cleared, and they accumulate throughout the body β a core driver of tissue aging.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (27:10) The epidemiology is striking. When Greek immigrants to Australia maintain their traditional dietary patterns, their cardiovascular mortality stays low β comparable to their relatives in Greece. When the second generation adopts Australian eating habits, cardiovascular risk rises to Australian population levels within one generation. The diet is not a genetic protection β it is a practice.
What the culture provides that supplements cannot is context: eating slowly, at a table, with others, without screens. That social and ritual dimension directly affects digestion, stress hormones, insulin sensitivity, and satiety signaling. We have reduced the Mediterranean diet to a list of foods when it is actually a set of relationships β with food, with the land, with each other.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (34:55) Let's talk specifically about the cardiovascular evidence.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (35:10) The PREDIMED trial β PrevenciΓ³n con Dieta MediterrΓ‘nea β is probably the best evidence we have. It showed a roughly 30 percent relative risk reduction in major cardiovascular events in high-risk patients randomized to a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts compared to a low-fat control diet. The benefit appeared within the first year and was sustained across follow-up.
Mechanistically, we see reductions in oxidized LDL, improvements in HDL function, reductions in inflammatory markers including hs-CRP, improvements in endothelial function, and favorable changes in gut microbiome composition β all of which contribute to cardiovascular protection. No single drug produces all of those effects simultaneously.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (41:30) Start with three shifts that have the largest impact. First, replace processed vegetable oils with genuine extra virgin olive oil as your primary cooking and finishing fat. Second, add a bitter green to every meal β even a handful of arugula or a serving of sautΓ©ed chard counts. Third, eat one meatless Mediterranean-style meal per week centered on legumes: lentil soup, white bean stew, chickpea dishes with olive oil and herbs. Those three changes alone move the needle measurably.
Once those are established, begin expanding plant diversity. Aim for 30 or more distinct plant species per week β this includes herbs, spices, teas, and nuts, not just vegetables. A weekly farmers' market trip with a commitment to buying two unfamiliar greens each time is a practical way to build that diversity gradually.
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (48:00) Mediterranean herbal medicine is a largely untapped clinical resource. Olive leaf extract β distinct from olive oil β contains oleuropein, which has documented antihypertensive, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Hawthorn berry has long been used in European phytotherapy for heart failure and arrhythmia and has some supportive clinical trial data. Artichoke leaf extract supports bile production and helps with lipid metabolism.
Adaptogens from the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions β ashwagandha, rhodiola β are increasingly being studied in cardiovascular contexts because they modulate cortisol, which in chronic excess damages endothelium and drives insulin resistance. These are not replacements for medications but they are meaningful adjuncts when used thoughtfully.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (54:15) Final thoughts β one thing every listener can do today?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (54:30) Buy a bottle of real extra virgin olive oil β with a harvest date β taste it, feel the burn, and use it generously. That single change, applied consistently, is probably the most evidence-backed dietary intervention for cardiovascular health that most Americans are not doing. Everything else builds from there.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (55:45) Dr. Morris, this has been extraordinary. Where can people find you and learn more?
Dr. Artemis Morris Β (56:00) My practice website has resources, a newsletter, and information about working with me directly. I also do speaking and practitioner trainings. The best starting point is to simply follow the principles we discussed today β your cardiovascular system will respond.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (56:45) Thank you so much. And thank you to our listeners β as always, please review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, share this episode with someone who could benefit, and I will see you next week on Own Your Heart Health.
The most important difference is plant diversity. Traditional Mediterranean populations consumed 150 to 200 distinct plant species annually β including a wide variety of wild and semi-wild greens foraged seasonally β compared to the 20 or fewer species in a typical modern American diet, even one marketed as Mediterranean. This botanical richness translates into exposure to hundreds of bioactive compounds β polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, bitter glycosides β that work collectively to reduce inflammation, support endothelial function, and improve metabolic health. A second critical difference is olive oil quality: authentic extra virgin olive oil contains high concentrations of oleocanthal and oleacein, compounds with potent anti-inflammatory activity, whereas most mass-market olive oil has degraded or been adulterated and provides little of this benefit. Finally, traditional Mediterranean eating is embedded in a cultural context β slow, communal, seasonal β that affects digestion, stress hormones, and satiety in ways that eating the same foods alone and quickly does not replicate.
The strongest trial evidence comes from PREDIMED β PrevenciΓ³n con Dieta MediterrΓ‘nea β a large randomized trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In high-risk patients, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts produced approximately a 30 percent relative reduction in major cardiovascular events β myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death β compared to a low-fat control diet. The benefit was statistically significant and appeared early in the trial. Mechanistically, the Mediterranean diet reduces oxidized LDL, improves HDL particle function, lowers systemic inflammatory markers including hs-CRP and IL-6, improves endothelial function, and supports a more favorable gut microbiome composition. Population studies from Mediterranean countries have consistently shown lower rates of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and metabolic syndrome than age-matched Northern European or American cohorts β differences that largely disappear in migrant populations who adopt Western dietary patterns.
Wild plants have never been selectively bred for sweetness, size, or shelf life β traits that domestication has optimized at the expense of phytochemical complexity. A wild dandelion green, for example, contains far higher concentrations of flavonoids, carotenoids, and bitter compounds than a cultivated lettuce bred to minimize bitterness, because bitter compounds are part of the plant's own defense chemistry and have co-evolved with animal metabolism over millions of years. Purslane β common as a garden weed β is one of the richest plant-based sources of ALA omega-3 fatty acids. Wild chicory contains inulin prebiotic fiber and bitter sesquiterpene lactones that stimulate bile flow and support liver detoxification. Patients who cannot access wild greens can approximate these benefits by choosing the most deeply pigmented and bitter cultivated greens available β arugula, radicchio, endive, beet greens, lacinato kale β over mild-tasting varieties with lower phytochemical content.
Look for a harvest date β not just a best-by date β within the past 12 months. Fresh oil is meaningfully richer in protective polyphenols than oil that has sat on a shelf for two or three years. Choose dark glass or metal tin packaging, which protects against light-induced oxidation; never buy olive oil in clear plastic. Seek single-origin oils with third-party authentication from organizations such as the California Olive Oil Council or the Australian Olive Association, which test for adulteration and polyphenol content. The simplest sensory test: pour a small amount on a spoon and taste it. Genuine high-polyphenol extra virgin olive oil will produce a distinct peppery or burning sensation at the back of the throat within a few seconds β that sensation is oleocanthal, a phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory activity comparable to a low dose of ibuprofen. If there is no burn, the protective compounds have likely degraded. Expect to pay more for authentic oil β it cannot be produced cheaply.
Three foundational changes produce the largest early benefit. First, replace all refined vegetable oils β canola, corn, soybean, and generic cooking oils β with genuine extra virgin olive oil as the primary cooking and finishing fat. Use it generously: the protective dose in PREDIMED was approximately four tablespoons daily. Second, add a bitter green to every meal. Even a handful of arugula on a sandwich or a serving of sautΓ©ed chard alongside a protein qualifies. Third, introduce one meatless Mediterranean-style meal per week built around legumes β lentil soup, white bean stew, chickpea dishes dressed with olive oil and fresh herbs. Once these habits are established, begin expanding plant diversity systematically: aim for 30 or more distinct plant species per week, counting herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, and teas alongside vegetables. A weekly farmers' market visit with a commitment to buying at least two unfamiliar greens is a practical way to build this diversity over time without overhauling the entire diet at once.
Naturopathic Physician | Licensed Acupuncturist Focus: Mediterranean Food Traditions, Wild Plant Medicine, Cardiovascular Nutrition, Phytotherapy, Integrative Cardiology Training: Naturopathic Medical Degree | Acupuncture & East Asian Medicine | Graduate study in ethnobotany and Mediterranean food systems
β’ PREDIMED Trial β landmark Mediterranean diet cardiovascular outcomes trial (Estruch et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2013; corrected 2018)
β’ California Olive Oil Council (COOC) β third-party authentication and polyphenol testing for California-produced olive oils: cooc.com
β’ Wild edible plants referenced: purslane (Portulaca oleracea), wild chicory (Cichorium intybus), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), sorrel, wild mustard greens, amaranth
β’ Herbs discussed: olive leaf extract (oleuropein), hawthorn berry (Crataegus spp.), artichoke leaf extract, ashwagandha, rhodiola
Mediterranean Diet: A dietary pattern traditional to countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by high intake of vegetables (including wild greens), legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish, with low consumption of red meat and processed foods.
Horta: Greek term for wild and semi-wild edible greens, traditionally foraged and consumed as a staple across the Mediterranean basin. Includes purslane, chicory, dandelion, sorrel, amaranth, and many other species.
Oleocanthal: A phenolic compound found in fresh extra virgin olive oil with anti-inflammatory activity structurally analogous to ibuprofen. Responsible for the characteristic peppery burn at the back of the throat when tasting high-quality olive oil. Degrades with heat, light, and age.
Oleacein: A polyphenol in extra virgin olive oil associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial-protective effects. Co-occurs with oleocanthal in high-polyphenol oils.
PREDIMED: PrevenciΓ³n con Dieta MediterrΓ‘nea β a landmark Spanish randomized controlled trial demonstrating approximately 30% relative risk reduction in major cardiovascular events with a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil or nuts versus a low-fat control diet.
Polyphenols: A broad class of plant-derived bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes. Found in high concentrations in olive oil, wild greens, berries, legumes, herbs, and spices. Associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular-protective effects.
Inulin: A prebiotic dietary fiber found in chicory root, dandelion greens, garlic, onions, and artichokes. Feeds beneficial gut bacteria (Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus) and supports short-chain fatty acid production relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Oleocanthal / Oleuropein: Distinct but related olive compounds β oleuropein is the dominant polyphenol in olive leaves and unripe olives; oleocanthal is the primary anti-inflammatory phenolic in ripe-olive-pressed extra virgin olive oil.
Endothelial Function: The ability of the endothelium (inner lining of blood vessels) to dilate in response to blood flow and nitric oxide signaling. Impaired endothelial function is an early marker of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk; the Mediterranean diet measurably improves it.
hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein): A blood marker of systemic inflammation used to assess cardiovascular risk. Consistently reduced in Mediterranean diet intervention studies.
Oxidized LDL: Low-density lipoprotein particles that have undergone oxidative modification β the form most atherogenic (plaque-forming). The polyphenols in olive oil and Mediterranean produce reduce LDL oxidation rates.
Phytotherapy: The evidence-based clinical use of plant-derived medicines, including herbal extracts, tinctures, and standardized botanical preparations. A core competency of naturopathic medicine.
Adaptogen: A class of herbs β including ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) β that help the body maintain homeostasis under physical and psychological stress by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and cortisol response.
holisticheartcenters.com HeartWell.ai β AI-powered cardiovascular risk assessment Address: 55 Bryant Avenue, Suite #6, Roslyn, NY 11576 Phone: 877-511-5166 YouTube: @reginadruzmd | Instagram: @dr.reginadruz Podcast: Own Your Heart Health β available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite platform β it helps more people find the show. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
The information in this transcript is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The discussions about stem cells, exosomes, peptides, and regenerative therapies reflect the clinical experiences and opinions of the physicians involved. These treatments are not FDA-approved for all applications discussed. Individual results vary. Please consult your licensed healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.
]]>Your body is already producing the most powerful antioxidant on the planet, and it starts running out before you turn 30.
On this episode of Own Your Heart Health, holistic cardiologist Dr. Regina Druz sits down with Dr. Nayan Patel, a doctor of pharmacy who has spent 27 years researching a single molecule, glutathione. His findings challenge nearly everything the wellness industry has told us about antioxidants, longevity, and how aging actually works.
Dr. Patel explains that oxidative stress is the number one driver of chronic disease and early death worldwide. It begins quietly, around age 28 or 29, when glutathione levels start to fall and cellular damage begins compounding faster than the body can keep up. Most people are decades behind by the time they start paying attention.
The supplement aisle is not the answer. Dr. Patel breaks down why popular antioxidants like vitamin C and CoQ10 are far less powerful than believed, and why even intravenous glutathione clears the bloodstream within minutes. Real health improvement requires getting glutathione inside the cell, across the cell membranes, where it can do its two core jobs of neutralizing free radicals and supporting liver detoxification.
After years of research, Dr. Patel developed a topical delivery method that does exactly that. A recent clinical trial showed oxidative stress markers dropping to near zero within one hour in every single participant.
But both Dr. Druz and Dr. Patel are clear that no supplement works without the foundation. Cutting alcohol, reducing toxic exposures, and eating a cysteine-rich diet are what sustain your glutathione levels and protect your lifespan long term.
Your body was built to heal itself. This episode shows you how to let it.
π¬ Watch on YouTube: This episode is now available on the Own Your Heart Health YouTube channel. Subscribe to be notified.
Welcome to Own Your Heart Health. I'm Dr. Regina Druz, your holistic cardiologist. This week, we will dive into common heart health concerns, uncovering root causes, and unpacking scientific discoveries and controversies. The information provided does not constitute medical advice. Please contact your health care practitioner before making any changes that may impact your health.
Well, hello everyone. And what do you know? We are at the Vernal Equinox. As I learned today, this is the day when spring officially begins and Earth, our planet, is an equipoise. We get just as much light as we get the night time. So 12 hours and 12 hours, we're right in the middle, we achieve the balance. And so today I have a guest who spent his lifetime refining, finding and bringing us an idea of what it means to be balanced with regards to health optimization and longevity. And he is a doctor, but he's a doctor of pharmacy. And, you know, a very small β sort of tidbit for all of you is that pharmacists are our secret weapon. When we as physicians don't know our stuff, we call the pharmacists, they're like ghostbusters because they can come and they can fix everything. So I present to you Dr. Nayan Patel, who has carved a very unique path in medicine, in pharmacology, of course. And we're going to talk about some of the most exciting topics that you already heard in the show today, but certainly hormonal optimization and my favorite, oxidative stress and detoxification. Welcome to the show, Nayan.
Thank you for having me. What a long introduction, but I was listening to it and I this is very unique and I appreciate the equipos we are in today because at end of the day, all my message is going to be the same way. I hey, how can we do less for our body and recreate this balance that has been there for millions of years? And we're trying to play God by using medications and interventions to extend life and longevity, in reality, it's all about working with the environment and see what that needs. So thank you for reminding me for about an hour.
Exactly. And so, you know, I'm going to ask you the same question I ask all of my guests. How did you grow up to be who you are today? Give us your story.
my goodness, this was, it is not a juicy one, but I was actually in aerospace engineering. β
It is pretty juicy when somebody comes from another industry.
And the thing is, if you think about it back in the, 35 years ago, 37 years ago, the only jobs or only chances you had was working with the government because there was, we didn't have SpaceX like we have today. I wish Elon Musk was there and had that space thing available 35, 40 years ago, I would be a whole different person today. the thing is, I'm glad that he was not there because they gave me a chance to explore a new world in pharmacy.
And the world began in 1996 when I graduated from the Pharmacy School. And I thought that I can change the world with medications, knowledge that I have and help people heal. I quickly realized that all the medications, everything we got was only going to maintain the problem, never going to solve the problem. And hence we are here today talking because I chose a route that I thought is going to give us an opportunity.
to actually heal ourselves instead of just maintaining the problems that we accumulate as we grow older. And so I started my career as a company pharmacist doing hormone optimizations and hormone balancing. And from that early on to 30 plus years ago, I got a whole new appreciation of people that were actually not just looking for just hormone optimization, but looking at that as a stepping stone towards longevity.
So I started training doctors and talking to CEOs and all the high-networked individuals and all those people that are looking for say, this is great. I want my good hormones, but you got something for mental aging. You got something for some longevity. mean, you know, thing is I'm dating myself now over here. But so that my path has also, you know what? I'm a farmer. I'm sure I can figure things out. You know, it was, I had no idea that I was to spend 27 years of my life just working on just one molecule, which is glyothiol.
But here we today talking about glutathione and what I have accomplished in my 27 years of career, not just as company pharmacist alone, but using that knowledge to come to this stage to talk about glutathione as well.
Amazing. you know, this is, I always feel so inspired when I meet people like you and, you know, there have been so many great guests on the show is because often, you know, we as adults, right, we start to doubt ourselves. We start to kind of go and run in all different directions because let's face it, know, longevity as a concept, it's not really well defined. Yes, there's a lot of good research coming around. The research have become much more rigorous.
and intense and artificial intelligence opened the way for a lot of things that we could potentially gather and find these patterns. But let's face it, most adults, whether they're patients or not, if you get a regular person off the street and maybe I'll do it as an experiment, then you'll ask them, what is longevity for you? You're probably going to get 10,000 different answers, right? If you ask 10,000 people. But you discovered that
one of the very fundamental pathways in longevity, and it's one of the hallmarks of aging, of course, is the one that has to do with the oxidative stress. So, you know, this is a concept that I find that even as a physician, I have to spend a little bit of time trying to explain it to my patients. So I want to hear from a pharmacist perspective, you know, like your career of nearly 30 years, what is oxidative stress and why should we care?
So, before I answer the question, I wanna mention people about one more thing about longevity, because longevity, most people that I talk to, longevity is that, I wanna live longer. And so, the only way you can live longer is guess what, if you don't die. And so, I mean, it's a very rudimentary answer, but the thing is, we'll look at it. If I can prevent car accident, and if I can extend your life, is...
not driving every single day and sitting in your home, addressing with longevity? No, because it's not living. You are stuck. Yeah, you won't die of a car accident, but at least you die of some other causes. So if you think about longevity, β the only drug that has ever shown to increase lifespan in the last hundred plus years, it was penicillin. Because a hundred years ago, people were dying off of infections. And so because of that drug β or that
concept of sanitary conditions about in surgeries and whatever you do everything is sanitized now and people live longer but today we will not take β penicillin to external life there's no way right
It's not a synolytic, right. Exactly. It's not a synolytic, which is, go ahead.
So today, the number one cause of death is oxidative stress. It is linked to thousands of diseases. So if we can conquer oxidative stress, we'll come to a new horizon in the near future that, okay, we conquer oxidative stress now, we extend life by another 15, 20, 30 years, whatever we can get, I don't know, we can get five years, I don't know how much we can get extended of lifespan, but you'll come to a new horizon and from there we can see what else will cause us to die.
So we keep on conquering this path as we go. So to me, oxidative stress, mean, oxidative stress is something that is a natural process. Every human being has an oxidative stress because without that extra stress in your body, your body actually crumbles up and die. So it is not good to have zero stress. You're going to have a liberal stress, so the body always stays in a hyper alert. Oxidative stress, the word oxidative means what? Oxygen loving, right? We breathe oxygen every single day.
We, our body consumes oxygen. the only energy source we get. But what happens, the process of using the oxygen also creates something called β reactive oxygen species called ROS. And that's the holy grail of what causes damage to the body. And if we want to give you an analogy, think about a nail. A nail that's outside in the sun, in the water.
is gonna get started rusting. It doesn't rust today, but within a few days it starts rusting. A small speckle comes over here, rusts, and if you don't do anything about it, within a few weeks the whole thing will just crumble up into rust and the whole thing is gone. Then rusting, the process of rusting is what oxidative stress is to me. And so all I'm always thinking is that, my body is rusting from inside every single day. The rust is
Not a good image.
Not a good event, but start at the-
But you did mention something very important, right? So we have to breathe oxygen because that's how we survive. And reactive oxygen species, it does actually have a useful purpose because we use it to kill bacteria, to kill viruses, to kill the cells which are old sort of zombie cells that our body no longer needs, right? So we can't be in this world without generating reactive oxygen species.
it's or these ROSs, but when we generate too many of them and we can't neutralize them, that's where the problem starts, right? So remember how I started the show with all this balance. There has to be this equipoise, right? Between the useful stuff and the negative stuff. how does one, know, what are the processes in the body is sort of, what can one do to figure out, are they in that sort of good stress zone, right? They're generating enough of those ROS's and they're destroying them just as quickly as they come up, know, so the job is done, but you know, there's little damage or are they sort of β kind of progressing more down the damage path?
So in my research, what we have found out is that about the age of 28, 29 is the first time there is a spike in the oxygen stress markers. That's the first time you see in the epigenetic centers, the mutation is increasing, the body's aging at a pace which is much faster than a normal aging pace. And people don't think about 20, 29 is the...
is the starting point of aging process because at 20, 29, guess what? You're invincible. You think that nothing's gonna happen to you ever, right? And anything that happens to you, is because of I just got married, or because I just had a kid, or is it because I have a new job, or I change a house. People will blame the other environmental factors or other things that happens in their life from external sources is the reason why they're not feeling good.
But in reality is that the very first time if you pay a close attention to your body is you start seeing changes in all these markers. And again, it's not enough to do any treatments because you're still within the range. You're not out of the range yet.
You're not sick. You're not optimized. You're just not optimal anymore. Right. So what are those markers that, know, and this is very interesting to me because I've been sort of diving into the longevity research and, know, people, humans, early humans, you know, even like at the dawn of our industrial revolution, a lot of people would sort of pass away in their mid thirties, right? Accidents, infections.
injuries. we, you know, but we cleared that hurdle because we took control of so many of those diseases. You know, we're wearing seat belts and all of that sort of stuff happening, right? But now then we opened up the door to this aging phenomena and we're learning that after 30,
That's when aging starts to accelerate and then those sort of like different trajectories. In some people, this acceleration is very muted and in other people, it's very sharp. I I met patients in their mid to early 30s with horrific coronary artery disease or heart failure. at the end of the day, that's the ultimate expression of that oxidative stress of that aging process.
So what are these markers that you would be looking for, let's say, in fairly, you know, sort of young adulthood, you know, if somebody says, hey, I don't want, know, to rust on the inside, let me, let me take care of it now.
So the thing is I have done so many blood tests. I've probably done thousands and thousands of blood tests for a lot of my patients and worked with the physicians all across the country. there's a few markers that we looked for. One is the MDA, which is melanolaldehyde levels is what we measured. We measured the 4 H and E levels. We also measured 8 hydroxy, oxidative stress markers. We also looked at the oxyestral cholesterol markers, A for B levels. But again, these are all...
secondary markers. mean, the changes are already happening. And the thing is, for me is that do I want to see a change in those markers to do an action? Or do I want to assume that, this is the age things are to go crazy. So let me prevent what happened in the first place. And what you just said is absolutely correct because heart disease is still the number one cause of death.
in the world, right? And think about it, the heart doesn't stop beating because it's getting weaker. It stops beating because now it has a lot more, it has to exert a lot more force to just keep on going. And it starts with oxygen stress markers from early on. Late 20s starts from there and then onwards. And so whatever we can do to reduce oxygen stress, your heart can beat for that much longer.
And to me, that is the best thing that can happen to you because you can live with some of the organs not fully functioning, but you cannot live without a heart fully functioning. I want to make
That's what I always say. I say longevity is vascular because you can have the best muscle mass and the best bone mass, but if your heart does not beat, none of it moves. that's where we are. So very interesting because we look obviously at holistic heart centers. have a lot of patients who are looking for health optimization.
longevity optimization and these are some of the markers you mentioned. And please don't worry everybody about those chemical names and we will spell them out. You'll get the full transcript, but we do measure all these markers, markers of protein oxidative stress, DNA oxidative stress, sugar oxidative stress, fat oxidation. oxidation, this rusting on the inside, it's such a fundamental process that it actually affects
not just one place, but very critical, important places. But, Nayan, you said these are all sort of secondary markers, they're downstream, right? So what is the primary process that is happening in all of us, as we, know, 30 and beyond, that is aging us? You know, what is that sort of critical, you know, chemical reaction or critical process that is taking place in the body?
that exposes individuals to unhealthy oxidative stress.
Well, the unhealthy, so the thing is, stress is there every single day. And you need a little bit of stress every single day because without the stress, you cannot kill all the bacterial growth, or making, getting rid of the zombie cells, or the cellulitic cells, or the old cells. So the oxygen stress is actually necessary. The issue is not about oxidation. This little bit of oxidation is not oxygen stress, it's oxidation, right? When the thing
Life important oxidation.
Yes,
but the thing is if that increases, that's to me, that's oxidative stress because now it's about beyond because that increase in the oxidation is now is damaging the cells, damaging how we regenerate new cells, how we β refurbish all the old cells and things like that. And so that oxidative stress to me is the chronic
exposure of all this oxidation that your body cannot neutralize that part. And the thing is I never understood, I never appreciated how hard your body works to create this homeostasis. Because think about it, every single day you go crazy and your body comes back to homeostasis. You go crazy and come back to homeostasis. But as you age, this marker where the benchmark is,
It's also, when it goes on, it's also shifting. It's also shifting. you come back to homeostasis, but it's shifting towards going towards diseases, going towards something that is irreversible changes in our body. And to me that, I want to stop that from moving forward. Because I want to slow down as low as possible as so much as like,
You want to slow it down.
People went into Tai Chi, the hand movements are so soft and so subtle. I want to do that hand movements that are so subtle that aging literally stops for you, right? But by the time people realize that they need to do that part, I people in their 40s and 50s, which are usually about 15, 20 years late from the first start of the process. So I'm hoping that by listening to you and this conversation that people will take
the information and start if you're in late 20s, start today. And we have tips for you guys, by the way, how to get this thing done. Because I have spent my whole life trying to figure out how do I get the oxygen down to as low as possible. Because what I've learned over my lifetime is that there's not a single product that existed that actually be oxygen stressed down to zero.
It was never there. I mean, there thousands of products in the marketplace today that claim to be antioxidants, that claim that they bring your stress levels down, but nothing, nothing actually ever did that.
That's amazing because you know, so first of all, this process that you're describing, you know, this is a process of hormesis, right? The body maintains the balance. That's homeostasis. Hormesis is you, right? So you as an individual, if you get just enough stress to be beneficial for you, like think, for example,
when you exercise at the gym, right? This is stress. It's stress in cardiovascular system on the muscle, you know, or if you go and do a cold plunge, hey, that's really stressful, right? But what that does is that the beneficial stressors promote adaptations, and that's the concept of hormesis. And so, you know, the oxidative stress, when it's beneficial, when it kills bacteria, old cells, viruses, you cancer cells,
That's hormesis, right? But if, you know, the adaptive good, good, good, good cleaning out opportunity. But if your hormesis is not there, if the body systems are overwhelmed because the damage is cumulative as we get older. And as you said, Nayan, by the time people in their 40s or 50s, it is mind blowing to see kind of how fast
that aging compounding has taken place, right? And so if that is not addressed, you end up in a situation where there is no more hormesis because instead of these beneficial adaptations, there is further injury. And so it is super common. And you know, the word that is used here, as you said, antioxidants, right? People say, I have oxidative stress, I have...
Another favorite word, inflammation aging, right? This is what oxidative stress usually comes with. know, inflammation aging even sort of gets mentioned as one of the hallmarks of aging. So inflammation aging, right? So let me pile on the antioxidants. So what are the antioxidants from the pharmacist perspective? Tell us what are they doing and what are they not doing?
What did I do? So before I answer that question, I want to say one more thing. I just came back from Antarctica. And guess what I did? I did a Polo Plunge. Polo Plunge. was there for, I mean, there was such a big crowd. Everyone wanted to do that part. And so they kind of tie you on a rope so they can pull you back in. Right? was crazy.
my God, they would need to tie me like into three ropes and I will probably just like dip my toe and say, pull me back in.
You know, no, no, I was there. I laid on my back for a little bit too. And then they decided tugging you in. said, β I want to stay in for a little bit longer. It was so, so refreshing. But you know what? As soon as you come out, your body adapts and you come back to know it. And that energy rush that you get after you come out of the water, because it was was zero degrees. It was absolutely the water was.
Well, zero degrees Celsius, so I think 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but it was just a cold, cold, cold water. But your body adapters really fast, and you get this euphoria experience for like a few seconds to maybe a minute or so. That is what people do for it. Other options, you take antioxidants. So let's talk about antioxidants, okay? So there are three categories of antioxidants. So I want to tell you all three categories. One.
I put them in a bucket, I'm gonna put it in three different buckets for you. Bucket number one is all the antioxidants, so-called antioxidants that you take from pills or juices and things from outside sources like vitamin C, vitamin E, carnosine, CoQ10, there's cholera juices and there's mona V juices and some Amazon Ford juices. I don't know, there's so much products out there.
Okay.
So
you eat them, you ingest them.
You
ingest them, you know, take IVs off this vitamin C as well and people do all kinds of things, so-called antioxidants from outside sources. I put them in bucket number one.
Okay, outside supplied, right? Exogenous antioxidants, like exogenous ketones outside of you. Okay.
I'll tell you. Bucket number two, your body pres endogenously inside the body, some enzymes like glyethion peroxidase, GPX for short, or supraxid, dyspotase, SOD for short, or catalase, or small peptides like carnosine, right? These are what the body produces, and I put them in bucket number two. And the bucket number three is a molecule called glyethion.
wow, it deserves its own bucket.
Its own bucket and the reason is its own bucket is because guess what bucket number three, which is glue a thion is more powerful than bucket number one and two combined Wow, and that's a very profound statement because you can take all the thousands of products in the world all the ends that the Jibani produces glue that by itself is more powerful and can be also stressed out to zero within seconds with just glue them by itself
We produce it internally.
producing
currently until the last breath. we, body can produce plenty of it as long as it has the three amino acids, glycine, glutamine, cysteine, which is from your diet. You have the two enzymes that the body needs to put this three amino acids together. The body can produce plenty of it. Probably it has ATP energy, which kind of gets lower as you start aging because of mitochondrial β deficiencies. So ATP and NAD
is an electron transfer molecule. As long as you have all these things available to your body, your body can produce glutathione until the last breath.
The problem is that when the body gets older and when there are chronic diseases in place and these environmental exposures, the glutathione production sort of like starts to peter down, right?
And guess what it starts coming down at? What age? 30. You guessed it right. Why? You see the thing is I had no idea because all the researchers I started looking at, said, hey, 30 is the first time I see it deep in the globe. I it was across all publishers across the globe. And people could figure out why it was 30. Then they started looking at genetic markers, mutations, at the age of 28, 29. And so everything is sort of correlated, right?
In 2029, you start seeing oxidative stress markers. You start seeing reduction of the glyoethyl levels. Everything is about that two or three years. Everything is kind of, it's picking up the snowball of the, you can never blame a snowflake for an avalanche, but it starts from there, right? It starts from there. So age 2029 is the earliest thing you can start figuring out at that time. said, okay, I got to change my life today.
Don't wait till 32, today's the day. If you're 20, 29, today's the day. That's what they say. If you're a desert and if you're in a tree, the best time to plant a tree is guess what, 20 years ago.
Yes, the second best time is now.
It's
today. So if you're 15, do not sweat it. Start today. If you're 17, hey, you're still alive. Start today. It's okay. It doesn't really matter.
I agree with you. So let's talk about glutathione. Let's talk about sort of, because you made a couple of really important points, right? And some people right now are going to get upset at us because they might be taking antioxidants. And first of all, we always tell our patients to get on the antioxidant rich diet and it's still a great way. It's a baseline. You get a lot of nutrients and their natural forms, including the nutrients that Dr. Nguyen will tell you in a few minutes.
that you will actually use to optimize your glutathione production, right? But a lot of people right now are getting upset because they are taking antioxidants, right? They are sometimes, you know, maybe doing intravenous infusions. And now you come in and you say, forget about all of this. What you really need is glutathione and maybe you're like 20 years too late, although I give you some hope, right? So what exactly...
what exactly does glutathione do with, know, why is it more impactful than, as you said, you know, the stuff that we take from the outside and even the stuff that we've produced on the inside? Why is it more impactful than this?
So first of all, the number one antioxidant sold in the world is vitamin C. And if you think about vitamin C as a chemical, it is not an antioxidant. It's a pro-oxidant. Interesting. Then here's a question. How does vitamin C actually work as an antioxidant? If you think about it, vitamin C, okay, let me back up a little bit. β Glutathione.
pharmacist and you is coming out. Here we go.
The gluthion is a reduced form, The active form of gluton is in a reduced form and the reduced form gets oxidized once it's
Explain to people please what a reduced form is because you I used to love organic chemistry, but I can't imagine that, you know, lot of people are like that, you know, so what is a reduced form of something? Like, is it just a smaller form or is it like a special form?
It's a special form. It's not a smaller form. The reduced form is basically it's missing a charge on the electron. So that way it can accept the electron from somebody else and get it neutralized. But it doesn't get neutralized, gets oxidized, so to speak, right?
That thought because we're going to bridge the gap right now for our listeners, right? Because it gets a little bit technical. So these reactive oxygen species that we spoke about just maybe whatever 10 minutes ago, ROS, they are not neutral, right? So, you know, in life you could be positive, negative or neutral, right? You could have, you know, positive attitude, negative attitude or neutral attitude. The same as, you know, so for the molecules in our body, reactive oxygen species are actually not neutral.
They are charged, they're usually negatively charged. And because of that, you know, as most people with negative attitudes, they're highly reactive. They need to discharge that charge attached to something and just unload all that negative energy, right? Sort of like you when you're hungry or something like that. you know, so that sort of the analogy, right? So we need to have an antioxidant or a substance.
that could allow this negative charge to be disposed off, right? And so that's what reduced form actually means because it will get that negative charge, you know, sort of absorbed in and, you know, it will get it neutralized.
Yeah, you're so good at this thing because I'm thinking of a pharmacist's brain. I'm looking at chemical structures and all those things, but I understand that the people need to understand what is coming from the thing. So gluten actually absorbs all the negative energy from our species. In that process, it gets oxidized. That's right. gets oxidized. And so two oxidized molecules of gluten comes together and becomes stable so it doesn't damage your body.
Exactly what it means.
but it's stable enough that they can circulate power. Now here's the thing, this oxides form of glutathione, the stable molecule can accept the energy from vitamin C and become reduced again.
It could recycle. It serves its function, but it could recycle.
Dr. Nayan Patel (31:29)
So vitamin C is actually recycling glucothione, oxidized glucothione, and making it reduced again. So you can go on and pick up lot more energy from this ROH species. So vitamin C is actually not an antioxidant, but it's allowing the glucothione to recycle and act as an antioxidant. That's why people always say, low dose of vitamin C is an antioxidant.
and high dose is a pro-oxidant. mean, vitamin C is not that smart of a molecule, trust me, right? It's not that smart. It is just there to revive oxidized glutathione back to the reduced form. And so I just wanna make sure people understand that part because that's what the so-called antioxidants are. Now the glutathione by itself, it's an amazing antioxidant because it can...
quench all these free radicals really, really fast, faster than any other chemicals or any other enzymes in a body that's been produced. So that's why glutathione is the most abundant molecule produced in the human body.
It's the bullet. it reflects our burden of this reactive oxygen species that we need to do literally, you we probably, you and I are probably quenching them right now as we speak.
Yeah, so anyway, so that's why I have such a high respect for gluothione in the sense that we can't do that part. But it's not just taking supplements. I want people to understand just taking supplements is not the answer of gluothione. Right? You're going to do two or three things before you supplement and that should be your daily lifestyle because I'll tell you one simple story. I asked my grandpa, I said, grandpa, how do people become rich?
And you know what he said? Rich people have low expenses. I said, what do mean? If you don't have anything to spend on, guess what? Whatever money you've got, you're rich because you have nothing to spend on. So you got to reduce your expenses. Whatever things that can deplete the gluten levels out of your system, you got to stop doing that. Stop exposing yourself to pollutions, toxic chemicals, smoke.
Oh, that's, that's, I'm not gone to that party yet. This is outside environment. Internally, the number one thing is smoke, right? Smoke inhalation is, it defeats the gluten levels. And by the way, one drink of alcohol, one drink can deplete your gluten levels for at least four hours.
want you to hold that thought because my patients know this and I tell it to them all the time is that alcohol is a toxin, right? It's not just implications and HL fibrillation and everything else. Alcohol is a toxin. is a toxic substance. And β whether you believe World Health Organization data or not,
You know, their research had shown that it is a toxin in any amount. So there isn't a safe amount. It is a socially acceptable toxin, but that's what it actually is. So one drink depletes glutathione.
or four hours. I mean, recently, recently, we just heard the story about alcohol is linked to seven different cancers. I mean, that's more cancers than smoke inhalation. So if you think about it, it's yeah, it's, I don't care which way you look at it, just because it's flavored salt. I call alcohol as a solvent because it's a solvent. And solvent in a chemistry lab is the most toxic products in the whole lab. We have a special β case.
a metal case labeled poison. In that we store, guess what? Salads. And we drink salads because it's flavored. said, my.
And
we wear protective goggles and everything on top. So you said, so three things. So one thing, number one is to reduce these toxic exposures that deplete your glutathione. What is the thing number two?
Thing number two, your diet. Your diet should be rich on all the things that necessary to increase the glutine production on your own naturally, because your body can do it. So make sure your diet is a cysteine rich diet. So cysteine is one of those amino acids that is not in everybody's diet, because these are the stinky foods, right? β So it might not be in everybody's diet. So if you just put your favorite search engine or your AI robot, just ask that person, say, hey.
What are the 16 rich foods and you can get your vegan choices, your omnivore, your carnivore, all, I don't care what diet plan you follow, you're going to get some choices. Make sure that those foods are in your daily diet plan every single day. And if you just do those two things alone, you can literally sustain your glutathione levels until the age of 35 to 40.
Bye, Kanye.
Already good extension
Yeah, it's a very good extension. by itself, I mean, you're thinking about 10 to 15 years of extension of life by just having a proper diet and not exposing to all these toxic chemicals. So to me, that's the best thing you can do for yourself. And at that point, when everything fails, starting at the age of 35 to 40, and actually in most cases, 99 % of the people are not going to be doing that part, they're going to start supplementation at the age of 30.
the supplementation is only glutathione. And to me is, okay, glutathione, are thousands of products out there, which one is the best one to use it? And I'll go into detail about that product solution as well. But supplementation is only necessary and is only beneficial if you combine them with reducing exposure and having proper diet. So you've got to have the alternate.
So that's so important. You know, I want to emphasize it again, because you you have heard this on the show every single episode, right? Foundation is key. You need to build a foundation because no supplement, no hormone, no peptide, sometimes not even drug will actually do that foundational building part. You're the one who has to do the foundational building part.
And it's hard because most of these solutions, they're not sort of like, β I'll spend the day doing it tomorrow and everything will be fine. Most of these solutions require you to change patterns in your life that very often have been longstanding habits. And some of those patterns are actually very difficult to change. I remember, for example, I had a patient who came in because he was β advised to get a defibrillator.
And he was advised to get a defibrillator because his heart muscle was very weak, call this condition, conditional heart failure. β He unfortunately was using a little bit too much alcohol. He was depressed. He was also working far away from his primary residence. So he was in traffic two and a half hours, one way each day. So about five hours in traffic every single day, inhaling all the dust, inhaling all the carfumes.
And one of the solutions, the obvious one was to obviously stop his alcohol exposure. One of the solutions was for him to get a small studio by his workplace because he had to continue to be employed for a couple more years to earn his pension and to quit, to get that small studio to cut down on his commute, not only to stop breathing the fumes, but also open up some time when he can have some fresh air, when he can go and exercise.
This patient, you we did a lot of other things obviously, but this patient reversed his heart failure. He never had a need for defibrillator. He basically ended up staying healthy, vital, doing everything that he wanted on a minuscule amount of maintenance drugs, never needing a defibrillator device because his heart recovered. So there is a lot of power to these approaches, to this foundational.
It is and I want to make sure people do understand that part that hey We are here to help you but we are God we cannot reverse every single thing that can happen to you and this thing came to me very Clear because I was helping my wife in the kitchen one day cleaning the oven Right. Mm-hmm. one has all this melted cheese on there because yes, we like to cook on their things and it took me literally two hours
to scrub every single thing in the oven. And in two hours, you'd assume it'll be spotless brand new. Nope. No, it's never brand new. It's never brand new. Right? And so I want people to realize that part that we can help you as much as possible, but we cannot reverse every single damage that has happened to your body. So stop damaging in the first place. Prevention is so much better than treating
afterwards. So, yeah, so we can help you, we can get you stabilized and hopefully have a better quality of life, but I would rather prefer that you don't come to us in the first place because you prevented this problem from the very get-go from happening. And I want to make sure to emphasize that there is a way you can prevent this problem today, provided you stop smoking, stop drinking, a better lifestyle, stop exposing yourself to all these toxic chemicals.
having a proper diet, making sure that those are important, those replace all the things, having a better sleep pattern, having a better exercise routine, having some time to yourself to enjoy all those things. And after all those things, if you're only 30, I only take one supplement, by the way. I'm not here to gouge any of the companies today because.
and I know which one it is.
Yeah, but I only take one supplement because it's glutathione and that's the reason is because That has been such a huge impact Not just in my life, but all my family's life my my patients life said it you know I deal with all kinds of patients all over the world now and it has it has made a Such a huge impact and I get patients there in the 60s and 70s They have been damaged the whole body and I was able to stabilize them
reverse some of the damages, not of course 100%, nothing's 100%, but they are able to have a very good quality of life moving forward. And so I'm going to help you save money today.
So tell people how to choose a glutathione supplement, what they should look for, is there anyone who shouldn't be using it? Because as always with supplements, sometimes most people are okay with them, but sometimes there are groups of people that may not really benefit or where it could be a little trickier. So how should somebody, people listening to us right now and they're saying...
I'm going to go get that glutathione for myself, right? That's what's going through people's minds. I know it's going through my mind. How should people approach that?
So I'm going to tell you the history of gluothione now. All right. 140 years ago, gluothione was discovered. It was thought to be the ultimate product that can change the trajectory of how life can be in singularity, which is life in perpetuity forever. That was a thought process 140 years ago that, we can live in perpetuity for the rest of our life now. We will never die if our gluothione levels are optimized at all times. That was a thought process 140 years ago.
140 years Nobody ever figured out how to enhance growth levels inside your body to the highest amount. Nobody figured out, right?
The solution is there, but we lost the key from that door.
Yes. so the thing is, we have in 1999, I made the first liposome, glutathione product in my pharmacy. Liposome is a technology that basically protects the glutathione, doesn't get broken down. Glutathione is a tripeptide, is a three amino acid chain peptide. So peptides are not proteins, but the body sends them as amino acid chains and they just chop it up and break it apart. Right? Right.
The stomach just incinerates everything. Yes.
and it only absorbs the amino acids out of it. So I thought if I put in liposomes, it will protect from the harshness of the stomach acid and hopefully will absorb it in the intestines. But guess what? It didn't matter. It did not matter. The liposome forms were being destroyed. The glutamate was not getting absorbed. My glutamate levels are rising. I couldn't figure out why it was rising in some people, not in everybody. But long story short, it did not work for me.
So I said, this is not going to work for me long term because I need guaranteed results in everybody.
You need to bypass the stomach.
Yes, so that did not work. So secondly, first, secondly, you know what? 2001 come out, I was just going to inject it. So I started making injectable glue with iron. And for 20 years, I've been injectable glue with irons. I'll probably be one of the largest producer in the United States. I mean, if you think about 25 years ago, I was selling it to Las Vegas where people are just getting drunk and think the IV pushes. 25 years ago, it was unheard of it.
People didn't even think about it. Not today, everybody gets it all the time, but 25 years ago, I was pioneering this whole industry with some physicians trying to get this thing done. It did not work for more than 15, 20 minutes. And I go, why not? Why not? And then I found a research back in 1991 saying that, if you inject lyrithion, it only stays in the plasma, the water part of the blood. It never entered the blood cells, ever.
never enter the blood cells and the plasma gets cleared by the kidneys every five to 15 and everything was in the urine in the five to 15 minutes and so it's
Quickly.
So expensive infusions for expensive urine. Yeah.
Only for the glutathione. Okay, if you're doing some other infusions for all the vitamins like magnesiums and calciums and C's and all those things, go for it. Knock yourself out. But when it comes to glutathione, it did not do the trick. Now, it helped my people that were passed out and have your hangover because...
in acute situation.
problems, it cleared the liver out with alcohol temporarily and give them a chance to survive. And guess what? We put these people back on the streets again, so they're drinking the second day again and come back. It was just a vicious cycle. don't recommend it to anybody. please don't use it. No, not a good choice. So it did not work. So I knew that if I want to have a fighting chance of improving glutathione levels, I have to
penetrate the cell membrane. getting to cell membrane is nearly impossible. has any technology in the world that can penetrate the cell membrane. So to me, this is what I have to crack the code now. So I started research basically back in 2000, 2001, trying to figure out how do we get through cell membranes. And so back then,
There was something there was new emerging polysaccharide sugar types of molecules that were being used to see β if the the cell membranes can penetrate that part What we found out was on the cell membranes. There's something called lipid rafts Does therefore sell to cell communication? Now if you think about it if somebody want to transport nutrients all over the body You get into the bloodstream the blood goes all over the body and you get nutrients everywhere in the body
Well, wait a second. There's something called cell-to-cell transfer and they use lipid wraps to go through that. And so to me, it's okay. This is a tripe that produced inside the cell membrane by the mitochondria. It's not in the mitochondria, it's inside the cell and then it gets transferred into the mitochondria. So said, I need to get inside the cell membrane. If I can get there, it can go from cell to cell transfer all of it. I don't have to worry about the bloodstream at all.
You could distribute exactly.
Okay, so tell us how does one get it into a cell membrane?
So I got, what I discovered was, I took some bunch of polysaccharide molecules and I got to the cell membrane. I said, the trick part is, how can I take this polysaccharide molecule, which is circling in shape, and stuff glutathione inside? It's like having a huge beach ball and having a small one inch ring and stuff the beach ball into that ring. It's impossible. And so that took me seven years to figure out
How do we use protein developing methods? How do we twist the molecules without losing the polarity? All those things. in 2007, making stable, in 2007 was the first year I discovered a way to squeeze this molecule, get in this ring structure, put it inside it, transport it through the skin because skin cells are available to us immediately.
stable.
I can use it in the buccal membrane, but buccal, there's a lot of enzymes, it will chop it up. The nose was, another choice was a good choice, but nose, the pH was so low, there was literally having some burning sensation, which most people might be okay, but no, it's not a choice for long-term use. So only cells that were available to me was skin. And oh my God, it was like, I pry over here and boom, it gets to skin.
and the skin transports to the body. β
It's one of the, not the largest surface because our largest surface is actually our endothelial surface, but you know, but it's the second largest surface. That's amazing. So one could reasonably elevate their levels of glutathione using the transdermal or through the skin application.
It's a topical solution. wish it was transdermal. Transdermal is going through the skin membrane inside your bloodstream. It's not doing that. It's taking the skin surface, but there was a research done just about a year ago, was just published, β of the head of the neurology at NFL did a study where I had no idea because he's a patient of mine, was just buying the glutathione from me. And so he applied the glutathione and he saw the
brain glutathione levels just spike.
Interesting. So did he apply actually, do you have to apply it close to the organ that you intend to influence or you can just like do it anywhere in your skin?
I think he applied on his arm or his belly and he saw the glutine levels in the brain lit up and it was nothing in the blood. So the body was distributing this. The only expression, as I said earlier, the only expression we have is there's something called skin cell to cell transfer using the lipid rafts.
And communication, there's cell-to-cell communication, which sort of directs it to the right place.
And so now this is a recent study that was published. Even though I had seen the results in the past, I couldn't explain how and why. And so for the very first time, very first time, because here's the thing, you can inject glutathione, I don't care, 5,000 milligrams, 10,000 milligrams, and your oxygen stress will never go down to zero. With a topical application.
I can literally get down to zero oxygen stress with only like maybe a couple hundred milligrams.
Amazing. So how often does one have to apply it though, right? Because as you and I just discussed, know, the damage is cumulative. happens every single day from multiple sources. So is it something that one has to do several times per day, once per day, like sort of what's on the part of the user, right? What would the user need to do?
So I'm going to give you an analogy for a house. If your house is really, really, really dirty.
I clean all the time.
Right what you what you gonna do is you're gonna clean one section at a time So when it comes to glue a time Slow and steady every single day is what you got to do because if you're trying to clean the whole house in one day You can have so much reactions because the body's gonna body's gonna go into like conservation more it's gonna be having herc-shimer reactions where you're have rashes and itching and Headaches and diarrhea people do not understand
We don't want those.
We don't, nothing, nothing like that. So slow and steady, four sprays, is about 100 milligrams, twice a day is all you need. And slowly, slowly, slowly start detoxing your body. And it's not like, okay, let me back up one more time. Glutide is only doing two things for you, by the way. It's not, it is not this miracle molecule that people think is gonna solve all my problems. It only does two things.
One is it's an anti-oxidant, that means it quenches all the free radicals, both of oxygen and nitrogen. β
We haven't even discussed reactive nitrogen, that's okay.
That's okay. But nitrogen is essential for our blood pressure and for heart functions. Nitrogen is a very essential gas, but nitrogen reactive species are also damaging to the heart as well. So those have to be quenched and they have to be neutralized. So both oxygen and nitrogen free radical have to be neutralized. That's one thing. The second that the glutathione does, it aids in the conjugation pathways in your liver where it attaches itself to...
active chemicals or metals and things like that where it can destroy, it gets destroyed in the process, but it can eliminate through your liver once and for all.
So it's detoxifier, right? So it's important for people to understand. That's what that conjugation process actually means. It's about liver detox. So not only is it a master antioxidant, it's also a detoxifier. That's why when we have a deficiency, it influences so many chronic conditions because both, you know, all of the chronic conditions are, get worse, unfortunately, when the oxidative stress builds up and detoxification.
capacity decreases, right? So that's sort of like that room for chronic conditions.
So those two processes, if they're taking care of it, imagine the whole human biology now is free to do whatever he wants to do. Because to me, it's the most important thing in our body is to quench the free radicals and detoxification. When those two things are done, you're actually unleashing the human potential to do whatever it wants to do. And to prove that,
I did a study, there was a human trial done two years ago at the, it was a medical school in California. It was a three day trial, three days trial. You give glutine twice a day, just 100 milligals is what we talked about, is four sprays twice a day. And for three days, and what they did was they took the blood and in the test tube and infected the blood with mycobacterium infection. Now mycobacterium has no...
No cure at this point, right? There's no antibiotics, else. So what they said, hey, what could happen, right? Just indulge with me. These are the results. These are very shocking, right? When you apply the glyothione, within one hour, they saw reduction in the oxidative stress markers. Within one hour. So that was proven. And it was not just like five or 10 % or 20 % of the cases. 100 % of the cases.
The MDA levels went down, all of them. Okay? So that was one thing. Then they took the blood out and they put the, in front of the blood, the mycobacterium infection. Of course it was against the placebo. People that have mycobacterium infection, the load of the bacteria went down within four hours. Amazing. The one with the placebo, went up because it was incubating, so it was multiplying. was growing. It was growing.
in the active group it went down and so the professor says, hey, wait a second, this is not antibiotic, how is it helping, how is it working, right?
It's
releasing bodies natural, enhancing naturally built pathways and defenses that we were born with. We were born into this world to have these defenses.
defend itself. Yeah. And so the defense systems are what? IL-2, IL-12, interferon gamma, TNF alpha, all those immune markers went up. In normal cases, I my God, that's going to kill you because it's too much immunity, too much inflammation. But that went up because it was infected with mycobacterium. So it literally reduced the dose down. And so the thing is, we realized that
the body has the capacity to literally fight within hours, within hours to
It just needs a little help from time to time.
So if the body doesn't have to clean the whole body and if that's the taking care of it, guess what? It will unleash the potential of β human behavior or human immune system to literally regenerate, rejuvenate, and basically detoxify your whole body from inside out. And to me, that was the most profound thing I can ever have because as much as I love you Dr. Drews, but trust me, human body can find more problems and fix the problems before
any diagnostic tool that we have in the hospital today can find it.
That is so true. And I tell it to my listeners all the time because patients often or adults often would say, β my LDL cholesterol is too high, my ApoB is too high. And I always tell my patients, look at it as a signal. It's the red flag that your body is waving at you and says, hey, something is wrong with you metabolically. Something is wrong with you with regard to oxidative stress. Maybe you have immune system out of whack.
Maybe you have an infection. This is, you know, hormones out of balance. This is why your LDL all of a sudden is unleashed and it's climbing, right? You know, so yes, it will damage the arteries, but it's also is a signal. Nayan, this has been super profound. I learned a ton. So can β people get this product at Aura Wellness or how do people get, you know, β glutathione, which they can use top?
Two ways, one, we only distribute through healthcare practitioners like yourself. you can have it and they can buy it from you directly or they can buy it through my website, which is oralvalidness.com. Please mention this podcast. Yeah. Or Dr. Drew's name, or we can jump a link in that part. But keep in mind, this was just in 2007. It took me 14 years before I released this product to the public in 2021.
sign up β
Drop a link.
Because in that 14 years, I had to figure out how much to give you, how often to give you, how long can I give it to you, am I gonna have any issues, am I gonna have results, what kind of results am I gonna get? And please, all my work is in my book, The Glutathione Revolution. If you're not gonna pick up a copy, trust me, it is not gonna make me rich by all means, but it's gonna make you so much healthier that it's absolutely worth that read to at least take your, you need to become the CEO of your own health.
That's right. And that's why this podcast is called own your heart house, because this is what I want every single person to do. Own your heart house, own your longevity. It's up to you. It's not up to anyone else. This has been super. I will drop all the links in the show notes. I'm just going to say that I'm so glad you didn't stick with aerospace engineering.
Because if you did, we would not have had this glutathione breakthrough, which is something that is absolutely super powerful and really a longevity benefit, personal benefit that each person can execute on themselves. Thank you so much.
Thank you, thank you so much.
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]]>Your body is already producing the most powerful antioxidant on the planet, and it starts running out before you turn 30.
On this episode of Own Your Heart Health, holistic cardiologist Dr. Regina Druz sits down with Dr. Nayan Patel, a doctor of pharmacy who has spent 27 years researching a single molecule, glutathione. His findings challenge nearly everything the wellness industry has told us about antioxidants, longevity, and how aging actually works.
Dr. Patel explains that oxidative stress is the number one driver of chronic disease and early death worldwide. It begins quietly, around age 28 or 29, when glutathione levels start to fall and cellular damage begins compounding faster than the body can keep up. Most people are decades behind by the time they start paying attention.
The supplement aisle is not the answer. Dr. Patel breaks down why popular antioxidants like vitamin C and CoQ10 are far less powerful than believed, and why even intravenous glutathione clears the bloodstream within minutes. Real health improvement requires getting glutathione inside the cell, across the cell membranes, where it can do its two core jobs of neutralizing free radicals and supporting liver detoxification.
After years of research, Dr. Patel developed a topical delivery method that does exactly that. A recent clinical trial showed oxidative stress markers dropping to near zero within one hour in every single participant.
But both Dr. Druz and Dr. Patel are clear that no supplement works without the foundation. Cutting alcohol, reducing toxic exposures, and eating a cysteine-rich diet are what sustain your glutathione levels and protect your lifespan long term.
Your body was built to heal itself. This episode shows you how to let it.
π¬ Watch on YouTube: This episode is now available on the Own Your Heart Health YouTube channel. Subscribe to be notified.
Welcome to Own Your Heart Health. I'm Dr. Regina Druz, your holistic cardiologist. This week, we will dive into common heart health concerns, uncovering root causes, and unpacking scientific discoveries and controversies. The information provided does not constitute medical advice. Please contact your health care practitioner before making any changes that may impact your health.
Well, hello everyone. And what do you know? We are at the Vernal Equinox. As I learned today, this is the day when spring officially begins and Earth, our planet, is an equipoise. We get just as much light as we get the night time. So 12 hours and 12 hours, we're right in the middle, we achieve the balance. And so today I have a guest who spent his lifetime refining, finding and bringing us an idea of what it means to be balanced with regards to health optimization and longevity. And he is a doctor, but he's a doctor of pharmacy. And, you know, a very small β sort of tidbit for all of you is that pharmacists are our secret weapon. When we as physicians don't know our stuff, we call the pharmacists, they're like ghostbusters because they can come and they can fix everything. So I present to you Dr. Nayan Patel, who has carved a very unique path in medicine, in pharmacology, of course. And we're going to talk about some of the most exciting topics that you already heard in the show today, but certainly hormonal optimization and my favorite, oxidative stress and detoxification. Welcome to the show, Nayan.
Thank you for having me. What a long introduction, but I was listening to it and I this is very unique and I appreciate the equipos we are in today because at end of the day, all my message is going to be the same way. I hey, how can we do less for our body and recreate this balance that has been there for millions of years? And we're trying to play God by using medications and interventions to extend life and longevity, in reality, it's all about working with the environment and see what that needs. So thank you for reminding me for about an hour.
Exactly. And so, you know, I'm going to ask you the same question I ask all of my guests. How did you grow up to be who you are today? Give us your story.
my goodness, this was, it is not a juicy one, but I was actually in aerospace engineering. β
It is pretty juicy when somebody comes from another industry.
And the thing is, if you think about it back in the, 35 years ago, 37 years ago, the only jobs or only chances you had was working with the government because there was, we didn't have SpaceX like we have today. I wish Elon Musk was there and had that space thing available 35, 40 years ago, I would be a whole different person today. the thing is, I'm glad that he was not there because they gave me a chance to explore a new world in pharmacy.
And the world began in 1996 when I graduated from the Pharmacy School. And I thought that I can change the world with medications, knowledge that I have and help people heal. I quickly realized that all the medications, everything we got was only going to maintain the problem, never going to solve the problem. And hence we are here today talking because I chose a route that I thought is going to give us an opportunity.
to actually heal ourselves instead of just maintaining the problems that we accumulate as we grow older. And so I started my career as a company pharmacist doing hormone optimizations and hormone balancing. And from that early on to 30 plus years ago, I got a whole new appreciation of people that were actually not just looking for just hormone optimization, but looking at that as a stepping stone towards longevity.
So I started training doctors and talking to CEOs and all the high-networked individuals and all those people that are looking for say, this is great. I want my good hormones, but you got something for mental aging. You got something for some longevity. mean, you know, thing is I'm dating myself now over here. But so that my path has also, you know what? I'm a farmer. I'm sure I can figure things out. You know, it was, I had no idea that I was to spend 27 years of my life just working on just one molecule, which is glyothiol.
But here we today talking about glutathione and what I have accomplished in my 27 years of career, not just as company pharmacist alone, but using that knowledge to come to this stage to talk about glutathione as well.
Amazing. you know, this is, I always feel so inspired when I meet people like you and, you know, there have been so many great guests on the show is because often, you know, we as adults, right, we start to doubt ourselves. We start to kind of go and run in all different directions because let's face it, know, longevity as a concept, it's not really well defined. Yes, there's a lot of good research coming around. The research have become much more rigorous.
and intense and artificial intelligence opened the way for a lot of things that we could potentially gather and find these patterns. But let's face it, most adults, whether they're patients or not, if you get a regular person off the street and maybe I'll do it as an experiment, then you'll ask them, what is longevity for you? You're probably going to get 10,000 different answers, right? If you ask 10,000 people. But you discovered that
one of the very fundamental pathways in longevity, and it's one of the hallmarks of aging, of course, is the one that has to do with the oxidative stress. So, you know, this is a concept that I find that even as a physician, I have to spend a little bit of time trying to explain it to my patients. So I want to hear from a pharmacist perspective, you know, like your career of nearly 30 years, what is oxidative stress and why should we care?
So, before I answer the question, I wanna mention people about one more thing about longevity, because longevity, most people that I talk to, longevity is that, I wanna live longer. And so, the only way you can live longer is guess what, if you don't die. And so, I mean, it's a very rudimentary answer, but the thing is, we'll look at it. If I can prevent car accident, and if I can extend your life, is...
not driving every single day and sitting in your home, addressing with longevity? No, because it's not living. You are stuck. Yeah, you won't die of a car accident, but at least you die of some other causes. So if you think about longevity, β the only drug that has ever shown to increase lifespan in the last hundred plus years, it was penicillin. Because a hundred years ago, people were dying off of infections. And so because of that drug β or that
concept of sanitary conditions about in surgeries and whatever you do everything is sanitized now and people live longer but today we will not take β penicillin to external life there's no way right
It's not a synolytic, right. Exactly. It's not a synolytic, which is, go ahead.
So today, the number one cause of death is oxidative stress. It is linked to thousands of diseases. So if we can conquer oxidative stress, we'll come to a new horizon in the near future that, okay, we conquer oxidative stress now, we extend life by another 15, 20, 30 years, whatever we can get, I don't know, we can get five years, I don't know how much we can get extended of lifespan, but you'll come to a new horizon and from there we can see what else will cause us to die.
So we keep on conquering this path as we go. So to me, oxidative stress, mean, oxidative stress is something that is a natural process. Every human being has an oxidative stress because without that extra stress in your body, your body actually crumbles up and die. So it is not good to have zero stress. You're going to have a liberal stress, so the body always stays in a hyper alert. Oxidative stress, the word oxidative means what? Oxygen loving, right? We breathe oxygen every single day.
We, our body consumes oxygen. the only energy source we get. But what happens, the process of using the oxygen also creates something called β reactive oxygen species called ROS. And that's the holy grail of what causes damage to the body. And if we want to give you an analogy, think about a nail. A nail that's outside in the sun, in the water.
is gonna get started rusting. It doesn't rust today, but within a few days it starts rusting. A small speckle comes over here, rusts, and if you don't do anything about it, within a few weeks the whole thing will just crumble up into rust and the whole thing is gone. Then rusting, the process of rusting is what oxidative stress is to me. And so all I'm always thinking is that, my body is rusting from inside every single day. The rust is
Not a good image.
Not a good event, but start at the-
But you did mention something very important, right? So we have to breathe oxygen because that's how we survive. And reactive oxygen species, it does actually have a useful purpose because we use it to kill bacteria, to kill viruses, to kill the cells which are old sort of zombie cells that our body no longer needs, right? So we can't be in this world without generating reactive oxygen species.
it's or these ROSs, but when we generate too many of them and we can't neutralize them, that's where the problem starts, right? So remember how I started the show with all this balance. There has to be this equipoise, right? Between the useful stuff and the negative stuff. how does one, know, what are the processes in the body is sort of, what can one do to figure out, are they in that sort of good stress zone, right? They're generating enough of those ROS's and they're destroying them just as quickly as they come up, know, so the job is done, but you know, there's little damage or are they sort of β kind of progressing more down the damage path?
So in my research, what we have found out is that about the age of 28, 29 is the first time there is a spike in the oxygen stress markers. That's the first time you see in the epigenetic centers, the mutation is increasing, the body's aging at a pace which is much faster than a normal aging pace. And people don't think about 20, 29 is the...
is the starting point of aging process because at 20, 29, guess what? You're invincible. You think that nothing's gonna happen to you ever, right? And anything that happens to you, is because of I just got married, or because I just had a kid, or is it because I have a new job, or I change a house. People will blame the other environmental factors or other things that happens in their life from external sources is the reason why they're not feeling good.
But in reality is that the very first time if you pay a close attention to your body is you start seeing changes in all these markers. And again, it's not enough to do any treatments because you're still within the range. You're not out of the range yet.
You're not sick. You're not optimized. You're just not optimal anymore. Right. So what are those markers that, know, and this is very interesting to me because I've been sort of diving into the longevity research and, know, people, humans, early humans, you know, even like at the dawn of our industrial revolution, a lot of people would sort of pass away in their mid thirties, right? Accidents, infections.
injuries. we, you know, but we cleared that hurdle because we took control of so many of those diseases. You know, we're wearing seat belts and all of that sort of stuff happening, right? But now then we opened up the door to this aging phenomena and we're learning that after 30,
That's when aging starts to accelerate and then those sort of like different trajectories. In some people, this acceleration is very muted and in other people, it's very sharp. I I met patients in their mid to early 30s with horrific coronary artery disease or heart failure. at the end of the day, that's the ultimate expression of that oxidative stress of that aging process.
So what are these markers that you would be looking for, let's say, in fairly, you know, sort of young adulthood, you know, if somebody says, hey, I don't want, know, to rust on the inside, let me, let me take care of it now.
So the thing is I have done so many blood tests. I've probably done thousands and thousands of blood tests for a lot of my patients and worked with the physicians all across the country. there's a few markers that we looked for. One is the MDA, which is melanolaldehyde levels is what we measured. We measured the 4 H and E levels. We also measured 8 hydroxy, oxidative stress markers. We also looked at the oxyestral cholesterol markers, A for B levels. But again, these are all...
secondary markers. mean, the changes are already happening. And the thing is, for me is that do I want to see a change in those markers to do an action? Or do I want to assume that, this is the age things are to go crazy. So let me prevent what happened in the first place. And what you just said is absolutely correct because heart disease is still the number one cause of death.
in the world, right? And think about it, the heart doesn't stop beating because it's getting weaker. It stops beating because now it has a lot more, it has to exert a lot more force to just keep on going. And it starts with oxygen stress markers from early on. Late 20s starts from there and then onwards. And so whatever we can do to reduce oxygen stress, your heart can beat for that much longer.
And to me, that is the best thing that can happen to you because you can live with some of the organs not fully functioning, but you cannot live without a heart fully functioning. I want to make
That's what I always say. I say longevity is vascular because you can have the best muscle mass and the best bone mass, but if your heart does not beat, none of it moves. that's where we are. So very interesting because we look obviously at holistic heart centers. have a lot of patients who are looking for health optimization.
longevity optimization and these are some of the markers you mentioned. And please don't worry everybody about those chemical names and we will spell them out. You'll get the full transcript, but we do measure all these markers, markers of protein oxidative stress, DNA oxidative stress, sugar oxidative stress, fat oxidation. oxidation, this rusting on the inside, it's such a fundamental process that it actually affects
not just one place, but very critical, important places. But, Nayan, you said these are all sort of secondary markers, they're downstream, right? So what is the primary process that is happening in all of us, as we, know, 30 and beyond, that is aging us? You know, what is that sort of critical, you know, chemical reaction or critical process that is taking place in the body?
that exposes individuals to unhealthy oxidative stress.
Well, the unhealthy, so the thing is, stress is there every single day. And you need a little bit of stress every single day because without the stress, you cannot kill all the bacterial growth, or making, getting rid of the zombie cells, or the cellulitic cells, or the old cells. So the oxygen stress is actually necessary. The issue is not about oxidation. This little bit of oxidation is not oxygen stress, it's oxidation, right? When the thing
Life important oxidation.
Yes,
but the thing is if that increases, that's to me, that's oxidative stress because now it's about beyond because that increase in the oxidation is now is damaging the cells, damaging how we regenerate new cells, how we β refurbish all the old cells and things like that. And so that oxidative stress to me is the chronic
exposure of all this oxidation that your body cannot neutralize that part. And the thing is I never understood, I never appreciated how hard your body works to create this homeostasis. Because think about it, every single day you go crazy and your body comes back to homeostasis. You go crazy and come back to homeostasis. But as you age, this marker where the benchmark is,
It's also, when it goes on, it's also shifting. It's also shifting. you come back to homeostasis, but it's shifting towards going towards diseases, going towards something that is irreversible changes in our body. And to me that, I want to stop that from moving forward. Because I want to slow down as low as possible as so much as like,
You want to slow it down.
People went into Tai Chi, the hand movements are so soft and so subtle. I want to do that hand movements that are so subtle that aging literally stops for you, right? But by the time people realize that they need to do that part, I people in their 40s and 50s, which are usually about 15, 20 years late from the first start of the process. So I'm hoping that by listening to you and this conversation that people will take
the information and start if you're in late 20s, start today. And we have tips for you guys, by the way, how to get this thing done. Because I have spent my whole life trying to figure out how do I get the oxygen down to as low as possible. Because what I've learned over my lifetime is that there's not a single product that existed that actually be oxygen stressed down to zero.
It was never there. I mean, there thousands of products in the marketplace today that claim to be antioxidants, that claim that they bring your stress levels down, but nothing, nothing actually ever did that.
That's amazing because you know, so first of all, this process that you're describing, you know, this is a process of hormesis, right? The body maintains the balance. That's homeostasis. Hormesis is you, right? So you as an individual, if you get just enough stress to be beneficial for you, like think, for example,
when you exercise at the gym, right? This is stress. It's stress in cardiovascular system on the muscle, you know, or if you go and do a cold plunge, hey, that's really stressful, right? But what that does is that the beneficial stressors promote adaptations, and that's the concept of hormesis. And so, you know, the oxidative stress, when it's beneficial, when it kills bacteria, old cells, viruses, you cancer cells,
That's hormesis, right? But if, you know, the adaptive good, good, good, good cleaning out opportunity. But if your hormesis is not there, if the body systems are overwhelmed because the damage is cumulative as we get older. And as you said, Nayan, by the time people in their 40s or 50s, it is mind blowing to see kind of how fast
that aging compounding has taken place, right? And so if that is not addressed, you end up in a situation where there is no more hormesis because instead of these beneficial adaptations, there is further injury. And so it is super common. And you know, the word that is used here, as you said, antioxidants, right? People say, I have oxidative stress, I have...
Another favorite word, inflammation aging, right? This is what oxidative stress usually comes with. know, inflammation aging even sort of gets mentioned as one of the hallmarks of aging. So inflammation aging, right? So let me pile on the antioxidants. So what are the antioxidants from the pharmacist perspective? Tell us what are they doing and what are they not doing?
What did I do? So before I answer that question, I want to say one more thing. I just came back from Antarctica. And guess what I did? I did a Polo Plunge. Polo Plunge. was there for, I mean, there was such a big crowd. Everyone wanted to do that part. And so they kind of tie you on a rope so they can pull you back in. Right? was crazy.
my God, they would need to tie me like into three ropes and I will probably just like dip my toe and say, pull me back in.
You know, no, no, I was there. I laid on my back for a little bit too. And then they decided tugging you in. said, β I want to stay in for a little bit longer. It was so, so refreshing. But you know what? As soon as you come out, your body adapts and you come back to know it. And that energy rush that you get after you come out of the water, because it was was zero degrees. It was absolutely the water was.
Well, zero degrees Celsius, so I think 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but it was just a cold, cold, cold water. But your body adapters really fast, and you get this euphoria experience for like a few seconds to maybe a minute or so. That is what people do for it. Other options, you take antioxidants. So let's talk about antioxidants, okay? So there are three categories of antioxidants. So I want to tell you all three categories. One.
I put them in a bucket, I'm gonna put it in three different buckets for you. Bucket number one is all the antioxidants, so-called antioxidants that you take from pills or juices and things from outside sources like vitamin C, vitamin E, carnosine, CoQ10, there's cholera juices and there's mona V juices and some Amazon Ford juices. I don't know, there's so much products out there.
Okay.
So
you eat them, you ingest them.
You
ingest them, you know, take IVs off this vitamin C as well and people do all kinds of things, so-called antioxidants from outside sources. I put them in bucket number one.
Okay, outside supplied, right? Exogenous antioxidants, like exogenous ketones outside of you. Okay.
I'll tell you. Bucket number two, your body pres endogenously inside the body, some enzymes like glyethion peroxidase, GPX for short, or supraxid, dyspotase, SOD for short, or catalase, or small peptides like carnosine, right? These are what the body produces, and I put them in bucket number two. And the bucket number three is a molecule called glyethion.
wow, it deserves its own bucket.
Its own bucket and the reason is its own bucket is because guess what bucket number three, which is glue a thion is more powerful than bucket number one and two combined Wow, and that's a very profound statement because you can take all the thousands of products in the world all the ends that the Jibani produces glue that by itself is more powerful and can be also stressed out to zero within seconds with just glue them by itself
We produce it internally.
producing
currently until the last breath. we, body can produce plenty of it as long as it has the three amino acids, glycine, glutamine, cysteine, which is from your diet. You have the two enzymes that the body needs to put this three amino acids together. The body can produce plenty of it. Probably it has ATP energy, which kind of gets lower as you start aging because of mitochondrial β deficiencies. So ATP and NAD
is an electron transfer molecule. As long as you have all these things available to your body, your body can produce glutathione until the last breath.
The problem is that when the body gets older and when there are chronic diseases in place and these environmental exposures, the glutathione production sort of like starts to peter down, right?
And guess what it starts coming down at? What age? 30. You guessed it right. Why? You see the thing is I had no idea because all the researchers I started looking at, said, hey, 30 is the first time I see it deep in the globe. I it was across all publishers across the globe. And people could figure out why it was 30. Then they started looking at genetic markers, mutations, at the age of 28, 29. And so everything is sort of correlated, right?
In 2029, you start seeing oxidative stress markers. You start seeing reduction of the glyoethyl levels. Everything is about that two or three years. Everything is kind of, it's picking up the snowball of the, you can never blame a snowflake for an avalanche, but it starts from there, right? It starts from there. So age 2029 is the earliest thing you can start figuring out at that time. said, okay, I got to change my life today.
Don't wait till 32, today's the day. If you're 20, 29, today's the day. That's what they say. If you're a desert and if you're in a tree, the best time to plant a tree is guess what, 20 years ago.
Yes, the second best time is now.
It's
today. So if you're 15, do not sweat it. Start today. If you're 17, hey, you're still alive. Start today. It's okay. It doesn't really matter.
I agree with you. So let's talk about glutathione. Let's talk about sort of, because you made a couple of really important points, right? And some people right now are going to get upset at us because they might be taking antioxidants. And first of all, we always tell our patients to get on the antioxidant rich diet and it's still a great way. It's a baseline. You get a lot of nutrients and their natural forms, including the nutrients that Dr. Nguyen will tell you in a few minutes.
that you will actually use to optimize your glutathione production, right? But a lot of people right now are getting upset because they are taking antioxidants, right? They are sometimes, you know, maybe doing intravenous infusions. And now you come in and you say, forget about all of this. What you really need is glutathione and maybe you're like 20 years too late, although I give you some hope, right? So what exactly...
what exactly does glutathione do with, know, why is it more impactful than, as you said, you know, the stuff that we take from the outside and even the stuff that we've produced on the inside? Why is it more impactful than this?
So first of all, the number one antioxidant sold in the world is vitamin C. And if you think about vitamin C as a chemical, it is not an antioxidant. It's a pro-oxidant. Interesting. Then here's a question. How does vitamin C actually work as an antioxidant? If you think about it, vitamin C, okay, let me back up a little bit. β Glutathione.
pharmacist and you is coming out. Here we go.
The gluthion is a reduced form, The active form of gluton is in a reduced form and the reduced form gets oxidized once it's
Explain to people please what a reduced form is because you I used to love organic chemistry, but I can't imagine that, you know, lot of people are like that, you know, so what is a reduced form of something? Like, is it just a smaller form or is it like a special form?
It's a special form. It's not a smaller form. The reduced form is basically it's missing a charge on the electron. So that way it can accept the electron from somebody else and get it neutralized. But it doesn't get neutralized, gets oxidized, so to speak, right?
That thought because we're going to bridge the gap right now for our listeners, right? Because it gets a little bit technical. So these reactive oxygen species that we spoke about just maybe whatever 10 minutes ago, ROS, they are not neutral, right? So, you know, in life you could be positive, negative or neutral, right? You could have, you know, positive attitude, negative attitude or neutral attitude. The same as, you know, so for the molecules in our body, reactive oxygen species are actually not neutral.
They are charged, they're usually negatively charged. And because of that, you know, as most people with negative attitudes, they're highly reactive. They need to discharge that charge attached to something and just unload all that negative energy, right? Sort of like you when you're hungry or something like that. you know, so that sort of the analogy, right? So we need to have an antioxidant or a substance.
that could allow this negative charge to be disposed off, right? And so that's what reduced form actually means because it will get that negative charge, you know, sort of absorbed in and, you know, it will get it neutralized.
Yeah, you're so good at this thing because I'm thinking of a pharmacist's brain. I'm looking at chemical structures and all those things, but I understand that the people need to understand what is coming from the thing. So gluten actually absorbs all the negative energy from our species. In that process, it gets oxidized. That's right. gets oxidized. And so two oxidized molecules of gluten comes together and becomes stable so it doesn't damage your body.
Exactly what it means.
but it's stable enough that they can circulate power. Now here's the thing, this oxides form of glutathione, the stable molecule can accept the energy from vitamin C and become reduced again.
It could recycle. It serves its function, but it could recycle.
Dr. Nayan Patel (31:29)
So vitamin C is actually recycling glucothione, oxidized glucothione, and making it reduced again. So you can go on and pick up lot more energy from this ROH species. So vitamin C is actually not an antioxidant, but it's allowing the glucothione to recycle and act as an antioxidant. That's why people always say, low dose of vitamin C is an antioxidant.
and high dose is a pro-oxidant. mean, vitamin C is not that smart of a molecule, trust me, right? It's not that smart. It is just there to revive oxidized glutathione back to the reduced form. And so I just wanna make sure people understand that part because that's what the so-called antioxidants are. Now the glutathione by itself, it's an amazing antioxidant because it can...
quench all these free radicals really, really fast, faster than any other chemicals or any other enzymes in a body that's been produced. So that's why glutathione is the most abundant molecule produced in the human body.
It's the bullet. it reflects our burden of this reactive oxygen species that we need to do literally, you we probably, you and I are probably quenching them right now as we speak.
Yeah, so anyway, so that's why I have such a high respect for gluothione in the sense that we can't do that part. But it's not just taking supplements. I want people to understand just taking supplements is not the answer of gluothione. Right? You're going to do two or three things before you supplement and that should be your daily lifestyle because I'll tell you one simple story. I asked my grandpa, I said, grandpa, how do people become rich?
And you know what he said? Rich people have low expenses. I said, what do mean? If you don't have anything to spend on, guess what? Whatever money you've got, you're rich because you have nothing to spend on. So you got to reduce your expenses. Whatever things that can deplete the gluten levels out of your system, you got to stop doing that. Stop exposing yourself to pollutions, toxic chemicals, smoke.
Oh, that's, that's, I'm not gone to that party yet. This is outside environment. Internally, the number one thing is smoke, right? Smoke inhalation is, it defeats the gluten levels. And by the way, one drink of alcohol, one drink can deplete your gluten levels for at least four hours.
want you to hold that thought because my patients know this and I tell it to them all the time is that alcohol is a toxin, right? It's not just implications and HL fibrillation and everything else. Alcohol is a toxin. is a toxic substance. And β whether you believe World Health Organization data or not,
You know, their research had shown that it is a toxin in any amount. So there isn't a safe amount. It is a socially acceptable toxin, but that's what it actually is. So one drink depletes glutathione.
or four hours. I mean, recently, recently, we just heard the story about alcohol is linked to seven different cancers. I mean, that's more cancers than smoke inhalation. So if you think about it, it's yeah, it's, I don't care which way you look at it, just because it's flavored salt. I call alcohol as a solvent because it's a solvent. And solvent in a chemistry lab is the most toxic products in the whole lab. We have a special β case.
a metal case labeled poison. In that we store, guess what? Salads. And we drink salads because it's flavored. said, my.
And
we wear protective goggles and everything on top. So you said, so three things. So one thing, number one is to reduce these toxic exposures that deplete your glutathione. What is the thing number two?
Thing number two, your diet. Your diet should be rich on all the things that necessary to increase the glutine production on your own naturally, because your body can do it. So make sure your diet is a cysteine rich diet. So cysteine is one of those amino acids that is not in everybody's diet, because these are the stinky foods, right? β So it might not be in everybody's diet. So if you just put your favorite search engine or your AI robot, just ask that person, say, hey.
What are the 16 rich foods and you can get your vegan choices, your omnivore, your carnivore, all, I don't care what diet plan you follow, you're going to get some choices. Make sure that those foods are in your daily diet plan every single day. And if you just do those two things alone, you can literally sustain your glutathione levels until the age of 35 to 40.
Bye, Kanye.
Already good extension
Yeah, it's a very good extension. by itself, I mean, you're thinking about 10 to 15 years of extension of life by just having a proper diet and not exposing to all these toxic chemicals. So to me, that's the best thing you can do for yourself. And at that point, when everything fails, starting at the age of 35 to 40, and actually in most cases, 99 % of the people are not going to be doing that part, they're going to start supplementation at the age of 30.
the supplementation is only glutathione. And to me is, okay, glutathione, are thousands of products out there, which one is the best one to use it? And I'll go into detail about that product solution as well. But supplementation is only necessary and is only beneficial if you combine them with reducing exposure and having proper diet. So you've got to have the alternate.
So that's so important. You know, I want to emphasize it again, because you you have heard this on the show every single episode, right? Foundation is key. You need to build a foundation because no supplement, no hormone, no peptide, sometimes not even drug will actually do that foundational building part. You're the one who has to do the foundational building part.
And it's hard because most of these solutions, they're not sort of like, β I'll spend the day doing it tomorrow and everything will be fine. Most of these solutions require you to change patterns in your life that very often have been longstanding habits. And some of those patterns are actually very difficult to change. I remember, for example, I had a patient who came in because he was β advised to get a defibrillator.
And he was advised to get a defibrillator because his heart muscle was very weak, call this condition, conditional heart failure. β He unfortunately was using a little bit too much alcohol. He was depressed. He was also working far away from his primary residence. So he was in traffic two and a half hours, one way each day. So about five hours in traffic every single day, inhaling all the dust, inhaling all the carfumes.
And one of the solutions, the obvious one was to obviously stop his alcohol exposure. One of the solutions was for him to get a small studio by his workplace because he had to continue to be employed for a couple more years to earn his pension and to quit, to get that small studio to cut down on his commute, not only to stop breathing the fumes, but also open up some time when he can have some fresh air, when he can go and exercise.
This patient, you we did a lot of other things obviously, but this patient reversed his heart failure. He never had a need for defibrillator. He basically ended up staying healthy, vital, doing everything that he wanted on a minuscule amount of maintenance drugs, never needing a defibrillator device because his heart recovered. So there is a lot of power to these approaches, to this foundational.
It is and I want to make sure people do understand that part that hey We are here to help you but we are God we cannot reverse every single thing that can happen to you and this thing came to me very Clear because I was helping my wife in the kitchen one day cleaning the oven Right. Mm-hmm. one has all this melted cheese on there because yes, we like to cook on their things and it took me literally two hours
to scrub every single thing in the oven. And in two hours, you'd assume it'll be spotless brand new. Nope. No, it's never brand new. It's never brand new. Right? And so I want people to realize that part that we can help you as much as possible, but we cannot reverse every single damage that has happened to your body. So stop damaging in the first place. Prevention is so much better than treating
afterwards. So, yeah, so we can help you, we can get you stabilized and hopefully have a better quality of life, but I would rather prefer that you don't come to us in the first place because you prevented this problem from the very get-go from happening. And I want to make sure to emphasize that there is a way you can prevent this problem today, provided you stop smoking, stop drinking, a better lifestyle, stop exposing yourself to all these toxic chemicals.
having a proper diet, making sure that those are important, those replace all the things, having a better sleep pattern, having a better exercise routine, having some time to yourself to enjoy all those things. And after all those things, if you're only 30, I only take one supplement, by the way. I'm not here to gouge any of the companies today because.
and I know which one it is.
Yeah, but I only take one supplement because it's glutathione and that's the reason is because That has been such a huge impact Not just in my life, but all my family's life my my patients life said it you know I deal with all kinds of patients all over the world now and it has it has made a Such a huge impact and I get patients there in the 60s and 70s They have been damaged the whole body and I was able to stabilize them
reverse some of the damages, not of course 100%, nothing's 100%, but they are able to have a very good quality of life moving forward. And so I'm going to help you save money today.
So tell people how to choose a glutathione supplement, what they should look for, is there anyone who shouldn't be using it? Because as always with supplements, sometimes most people are okay with them, but sometimes there are groups of people that may not really benefit or where it could be a little trickier. So how should somebody, people listening to us right now and they're saying...
I'm going to go get that glutathione for myself, right? That's what's going through people's minds. I know it's going through my mind. How should people approach that?
So I'm going to tell you the history of gluothione now. All right. 140 years ago, gluothione was discovered. It was thought to be the ultimate product that can change the trajectory of how life can be in singularity, which is life in perpetuity forever. That was a thought process 140 years ago that, we can live in perpetuity for the rest of our life now. We will never die if our gluothione levels are optimized at all times. That was a thought process 140 years ago.
140 years Nobody ever figured out how to enhance growth levels inside your body to the highest amount. Nobody figured out, right?
The solution is there, but we lost the key from that door.
Yes. so the thing is, we have in 1999, I made the first liposome, glutathione product in my pharmacy. Liposome is a technology that basically protects the glutathione, doesn't get broken down. Glutathione is a tripeptide, is a three amino acid chain peptide. So peptides are not proteins, but the body sends them as amino acid chains and they just chop it up and break it apart. Right? Right.
The stomach just incinerates everything. Yes.
and it only absorbs the amino acids out of it. So I thought if I put in liposomes, it will protect from the harshness of the stomach acid and hopefully will absorb it in the intestines. But guess what? It didn't matter. It did not matter. The liposome forms were being destroyed. The glutamate was not getting absorbed. My glutamate levels are rising. I couldn't figure out why it was rising in some people, not in everybody. But long story short, it did not work for me.
So I said, this is not going to work for me long term because I need guaranteed results in everybody.
You need to bypass the stomach.
Yes, so that did not work. So secondly, first, secondly, you know what? 2001 come out, I was just going to inject it. So I started making injectable glue with iron. And for 20 years, I've been injectable glue with irons. I'll probably be one of the largest producer in the United States. I mean, if you think about 25 years ago, I was selling it to Las Vegas where people are just getting drunk and think the IV pushes. 25 years ago, it was unheard of it.
People didn't even think about it. Not today, everybody gets it all the time, but 25 years ago, I was pioneering this whole industry with some physicians trying to get this thing done. It did not work for more than 15, 20 minutes. And I go, why not? Why not? And then I found a research back in 1991 saying that, if you inject lyrithion, it only stays in the plasma, the water part of the blood. It never entered the blood cells, ever.
never enter the blood cells and the plasma gets cleared by the kidneys every five to 15 and everything was in the urine in the five to 15 minutes and so it's
Quickly.
So expensive infusions for expensive urine. Yeah.
Only for the glutathione. Okay, if you're doing some other infusions for all the vitamins like magnesiums and calciums and C's and all those things, go for it. Knock yourself out. But when it comes to glutathione, it did not do the trick. Now, it helped my people that were passed out and have your hangover because...
in acute situation.
problems, it cleared the liver out with alcohol temporarily and give them a chance to survive. And guess what? We put these people back on the streets again, so they're drinking the second day again and come back. It was just a vicious cycle. don't recommend it to anybody. please don't use it. No, not a good choice. So it did not work. So I knew that if I want to have a fighting chance of improving glutathione levels, I have to
penetrate the cell membrane. getting to cell membrane is nearly impossible. has any technology in the world that can penetrate the cell membrane. So to me, this is what I have to crack the code now. So I started research basically back in 2000, 2001, trying to figure out how do we get through cell membranes. And so back then,
There was something there was new emerging polysaccharide sugar types of molecules that were being used to see β if the the cell membranes can penetrate that part What we found out was on the cell membranes. There's something called lipid rafts Does therefore sell to cell communication? Now if you think about it if somebody want to transport nutrients all over the body You get into the bloodstream the blood goes all over the body and you get nutrients everywhere in the body
Well, wait a second. There's something called cell-to-cell transfer and they use lipid wraps to go through that. And so to me, it's okay. This is a tripe that produced inside the cell membrane by the mitochondria. It's not in the mitochondria, it's inside the cell and then it gets transferred into the mitochondria. So said, I need to get inside the cell membrane. If I can get there, it can go from cell to cell transfer all of it. I don't have to worry about the bloodstream at all.
You could distribute exactly.
Okay, so tell us how does one get it into a cell membrane?
So I got, what I discovered was, I took some bunch of polysaccharide molecules and I got to the cell membrane. I said, the trick part is, how can I take this polysaccharide molecule, which is circling in shape, and stuff glutathione inside? It's like having a huge beach ball and having a small one inch ring and stuff the beach ball into that ring. It's impossible. And so that took me seven years to figure out
How do we use protein developing methods? How do we twist the molecules without losing the polarity? All those things. in 2007, making stable, in 2007 was the first year I discovered a way to squeeze this molecule, get in this ring structure, put it inside it, transport it through the skin because skin cells are available to us immediately.
stable.
I can use it in the buccal membrane, but buccal, there's a lot of enzymes, it will chop it up. The nose was, another choice was a good choice, but nose, the pH was so low, there was literally having some burning sensation, which most people might be okay, but no, it's not a choice for long-term use. So only cells that were available to me was skin. And oh my God, it was like, I pry over here and boom, it gets to skin.
and the skin transports to the body. β
It's one of the, not the largest surface because our largest surface is actually our endothelial surface, but you know, but it's the second largest surface. That's amazing. So one could reasonably elevate their levels of glutathione using the transdermal or through the skin application.
It's a topical solution. wish it was transdermal. Transdermal is going through the skin membrane inside your bloodstream. It's not doing that. It's taking the skin surface, but there was a research done just about a year ago, was just published, β of the head of the neurology at NFL did a study where I had no idea because he's a patient of mine, was just buying the glutathione from me. And so he applied the glutathione and he saw the
brain glutathione levels just spike.
Interesting. So did he apply actually, do you have to apply it close to the organ that you intend to influence or you can just like do it anywhere in your skin?
I think he applied on his arm or his belly and he saw the glutine levels in the brain lit up and it was nothing in the blood. So the body was distributing this. The only expression, as I said earlier, the only expression we have is there's something called skin cell to cell transfer using the lipid rafts.
And communication, there's cell-to-cell communication, which sort of directs it to the right place.
And so now this is a recent study that was published. Even though I had seen the results in the past, I couldn't explain how and why. And so for the very first time, very first time, because here's the thing, you can inject glutathione, I don't care, 5,000 milligrams, 10,000 milligrams, and your oxygen stress will never go down to zero. With a topical application.
I can literally get down to zero oxygen stress with only like maybe a couple hundred milligrams.
Amazing. So how often does one have to apply it though, right? Because as you and I just discussed, know, the damage is cumulative. happens every single day from multiple sources. So is it something that one has to do several times per day, once per day, like sort of what's on the part of the user, right? What would the user need to do?
So I'm going to give you an analogy for a house. If your house is really, really, really dirty.
I clean all the time.
Right what you what you gonna do is you're gonna clean one section at a time So when it comes to glue a time Slow and steady every single day is what you got to do because if you're trying to clean the whole house in one day You can have so much reactions because the body's gonna body's gonna go into like conservation more it's gonna be having herc-shimer reactions where you're have rashes and itching and Headaches and diarrhea people do not understand
We don't want those.
We don't, nothing, nothing like that. So slow and steady, four sprays, is about 100 milligrams, twice a day is all you need. And slowly, slowly, slowly start detoxing your body. And it's not like, okay, let me back up one more time. Glutide is only doing two things for you, by the way. It's not, it is not this miracle molecule that people think is gonna solve all my problems. It only does two things.
One is it's an anti-oxidant, that means it quenches all the free radicals, both of oxygen and nitrogen. β
We haven't even discussed reactive nitrogen, that's okay.
That's okay. But nitrogen is essential for our blood pressure and for heart functions. Nitrogen is a very essential gas, but nitrogen reactive species are also damaging to the heart as well. So those have to be quenched and they have to be neutralized. So both oxygen and nitrogen free radical have to be neutralized. That's one thing. The second that the glutathione does, it aids in the conjugation pathways in your liver where it attaches itself to...
active chemicals or metals and things like that where it can destroy, it gets destroyed in the process, but it can eliminate through your liver once and for all.
So it's detoxifier, right? So it's important for people to understand. That's what that conjugation process actually means. It's about liver detox. So not only is it a master antioxidant, it's also a detoxifier. That's why when we have a deficiency, it influences so many chronic conditions because both, you know, all of the chronic conditions are, get worse, unfortunately, when the oxidative stress builds up and detoxification.
capacity decreases, right? So that's sort of like that room for chronic conditions.
So those two processes, if they're taking care of it, imagine the whole human biology now is free to do whatever he wants to do. Because to me, it's the most important thing in our body is to quench the free radicals and detoxification. When those two things are done, you're actually unleashing the human potential to do whatever it wants to do. And to prove that,
I did a study, there was a human trial done two years ago at the, it was a medical school in California. It was a three day trial, three days trial. You give glutine twice a day, just 100 milligals is what we talked about, is four sprays twice a day. And for three days, and what they did was they took the blood and in the test tube and infected the blood with mycobacterium infection. Now mycobacterium has no...
No cure at this point, right? There's no antibiotics, else. So what they said, hey, what could happen, right? Just indulge with me. These are the results. These are very shocking, right? When you apply the glyothione, within one hour, they saw reduction in the oxidative stress markers. Within one hour. So that was proven. And it was not just like five or 10 % or 20 % of the cases. 100 % of the cases.
The MDA levels went down, all of them. Okay? So that was one thing. Then they took the blood out and they put the, in front of the blood, the mycobacterium infection. Of course it was against the placebo. People that have mycobacterium infection, the load of the bacteria went down within four hours. Amazing. The one with the placebo, went up because it was incubating, so it was multiplying. was growing. It was growing.
in the active group it went down and so the professor says, hey, wait a second, this is not antibiotic, how is it helping, how is it working, right?
It's
releasing bodies natural, enhancing naturally built pathways and defenses that we were born with. We were born into this world to have these defenses.
defend itself. Yeah. And so the defense systems are what? IL-2, IL-12, interferon gamma, TNF alpha, all those immune markers went up. In normal cases, I my God, that's going to kill you because it's too much immunity, too much inflammation. But that went up because it was infected with mycobacterium. So it literally reduced the dose down. And so the thing is, we realized that
the body has the capacity to literally fight within hours, within hours to
It just needs a little help from time to time.
So if the body doesn't have to clean the whole body and if that's the taking care of it, guess what? It will unleash the potential of β human behavior or human immune system to literally regenerate, rejuvenate, and basically detoxify your whole body from inside out. And to me, that was the most profound thing I can ever have because as much as I love you Dr. Drews, but trust me, human body can find more problems and fix the problems before
any diagnostic tool that we have in the hospital today can find it.
That is so true. And I tell it to my listeners all the time because patients often or adults often would say, β my LDL cholesterol is too high, my ApoB is too high. And I always tell my patients, look at it as a signal. It's the red flag that your body is waving at you and says, hey, something is wrong with you metabolically. Something is wrong with you with regard to oxidative stress. Maybe you have immune system out of whack.
Maybe you have an infection. This is, you know, hormones out of balance. This is why your LDL all of a sudden is unleashed and it's climbing, right? You know, so yes, it will damage the arteries, but it's also is a signal. Nayan, this has been super profound. I learned a ton. So can β people get this product at Aura Wellness or how do people get, you know, β glutathione, which they can use top?
Two ways, one, we only distribute through healthcare practitioners like yourself. you can have it and they can buy it from you directly or they can buy it through my website, which is oralvalidness.com. Please mention this podcast. Yeah. Or Dr. Drew's name, or we can jump a link in that part. But keep in mind, this was just in 2007. It took me 14 years before I released this product to the public in 2021.
sign up β
Drop a link.
Because in that 14 years, I had to figure out how much to give you, how often to give you, how long can I give it to you, am I gonna have any issues, am I gonna have results, what kind of results am I gonna get? And please, all my work is in my book, The Glutathione Revolution. If you're not gonna pick up a copy, trust me, it is not gonna make me rich by all means, but it's gonna make you so much healthier that it's absolutely worth that read to at least take your, you need to become the CEO of your own health.
That's right. And that's why this podcast is called own your heart house, because this is what I want every single person to do. Own your heart house, own your longevity. It's up to you. It's not up to anyone else. This has been super. I will drop all the links in the show notes. I'm just going to say that I'm so glad you didn't stick with aerospace engineering.
Because if you did, we would not have had this glutathione breakthrough, which is something that is absolutely super powerful and really a longevity benefit, personal benefit that each person can execute on themselves. Thank you so much.
Thank you, thank you so much.
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]]>In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz is joined by Dr. Jennifer Roelands β a board-certified OB-GYN who practices integrative gynecology and longevity medicine β to reframe GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide and tirzepatide) as a form of hormonal replacement therapy rather than simple weight-loss drugs. They unpack why perimenopausal women experience sudden weight resistance despite clean nutrition and disciplined exercise, how microdosing can lower inflammation and insulin resistance without sacrificing muscle or facial volume, and why a structured medically supervised program β not a med-spa shortcut β is what turns these medications into durable cardiovascular and metabolic wins. The conversation also covers thyroid autoimmunity, adrenal hormones, PCOS, and practical on-boarding and off-boarding protocols.
π¬ Watch on YouTube: This episode is now available on the Own Your Heart Health YouTube channel. Subscribe to be notified.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (00:02) Welcome to Own Your Heart Health. I'm Dr. Regina Druz, your holistic cardiologist. This week we dive into common heart health concerns, uncovering root causes and unpacking scientific discoveries and controversies. The information provided does not constitute medical advice β please contact your healthcare practitioner before making any changes that may impact your health.
Today I'm joined by a wonderful guest. When we attended a conference together, I didn't know her at all, but she came up to me and said, "Hi, I'm Dr. Jennifer, and I really like the things you're talking about β can we connect?" What we're discussing today is exactly why Dr. Jennifer is here. She is an integrative gynecologist and longevity physician, and this is an amazing opportunity for us as women to understand how our life cycle factors into our longevity. The exciting part is that we have options today that we didn't have just a few years ago β options that bridge hormonal optimization and longevity optimization. In my opinion, these are game changers for women, especially women in perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Jennifer, welcome to the show.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (01:42) Thank you. I'm so excited to be here β and yes, you're a gem. That's why I approached you. Integrative cardiologists are hard to find.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (01:51) I wish there were more of us. We're actually training some physicians to become integrative cardiologists, so that's always a good sign. Jennifer, I ask every guest the same opening question: how did you grow up to become an integrative gynecologist?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (02:08) I have a somewhat unique story. No one on either side of my family even graduated from high school. I was raised in a traditional Italian family where the expectation was to get married and have babies. My parents married at 16 and 17 and never finished school. I grew up as an unusual military kid who thought, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do when I get older." At 17 or 18, I didn't have a boyfriend, so the marriage-and-babies path wasn't going to work out. I tried this college thing, fumbled my way into medicine, and discovered that I loved helping people and loved science. I became an OB-GYN because it's a cool specialty β you walk with patients through the whole lifespan, then with their daughters and mothers too.
I entered the integrative world when I was struggling with infertility. A patient came to me in the exact same situation β she couldn't get pregnant, fertility doctors had dismissed her with "you're young, it'll work out." I ran my own labs and realized I had PCOS and Hashimoto's. My thyroid antibodies were a thousand and my TSH was totally normal. I helped that patient explore things more deeply β what should I eat, is it not just about medication? When I took an Institute of Integrative Nutrition class, it felt like a complete medical education I'd never received. Ultimately, my patient conceived spontaneously, and I ended up conceiving with Clomid. Once you see this, it's hard to unsee it.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (04:40) Yesterday I watched a Netflix documentary on plastic detox that focused on fertility. Decades of plastic contamination, microplastics β they are found in placenta, in breast milk; they affect genital development of babies and lead to low sperm count. It was absolutely fascinating. An investigator ran a small field trial with six couples, and without spoiling it, the results were striking. What struck me is that it examined the environment through both the lens of contamination and the broader lens of diet, exercise, and body composition.
Cardiology is backing into this truth one study at a time. We just had an article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology linking consumption of ultra-processed foods to incident cardiovascular events. The more ultra-processed food people consumed, the more heart attacks and strokes they had. What was fascinating is that the authors used an index called NOVA, which evaluates food processing rather than the ingredients themselves β so certain foods we would consider healthy ended up in the ultra-processed category. No wonder patients β and clinicians β are confused about nutritional strategy. So, Jennifer, as an integrative gynecologist, what is your framework for hormonal balance and optimization?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (07:19) Most patients come in saying, "I think I have a hormonal imbalance." They're typically referring to sex hormones β estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. Not every woman realizes testosterone is in that category, because we've demonized it. But in whole-body medicine, thyroid matters enormously. Metabolic hormones β fasting insulin, leptin β are just as critical for hormone balance as estrogen or progesterone. I describe it to patients as a symphony: every instrument has to play together. If the violin goes rogue, you can hear it above everything else.
In our type of medicine we are always the "why" seekers. Why does this lab look the way it does? Why do you have persistent thyroid symptoms even though your TSH is normal? Did anyone look at a full thyroid panel? Did they check antibodies? Thyroid antibodies are missed all the time β patients are told they have Hashimoto's and have never had antibodies measured. That's part of the diagnosis. If antibodies stay high, symptoms persist, so we ask: is it gut inflammation? Environmental toxins? Other hormones derailing the thyroid? Autoimmunity is essentially one problem wearing different costumes β which organ did the immune system decide to attack? Thyroid, pancreas, joints? It's the same fundamental issue.
PCOS is the perfect example of hormones needing to be treated as a system. High testosterone leads to insulin resistance, which drives inflammation, which raises testosterone further. Giving a PCOS patient a birth control pill doesn't stop her from gaining weight, or from experiencing brain fog and anxiety from inflammation, because two of the three corners of the triangle were never addressed.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (10:28) This framing matters enormously, because when women come to me with new hypertension, chest pains, weight gain, or disrupted sleep and ask for "hormones," they usually mean estrogen, progesterone, maybe vaginal replacement, occasionally testosterone. They aren't thinking about adrenal hormones, which powerfully affect blood pressure regulation, water retention, and the autonomic nervous system of the heart. They aren't thinking about thyroid, which is tied to autoimmune activity that translates into vascular risk. And they're often not thinking about metabolic hormones at all.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (12:46) I was recently at a conference where a nutritionist made a point that stuck with me. She said the new medications β Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, and related agents β should not be thought of as weight-loss medications. They should be thought of as hormonal replacement therapy, because there is an age-related decline in the endogenous hormones these medications agonize. That reframing is profound. Jennifer, you've been using these in your practice. What are you seeing?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (12:46) I see predominantly perimenopausal and menopausal patients β and I'm in perimenopause myself, so I naturally attract people who say, "She knows what's going on." This population is now developing insulin resistance and inflammation precisely as estrogen declines. I describe insulin to patients as the bouncer of the bar β it decides whether glucose goes in to make energy, or goes to storage. Estradiol is the bar manager who tells the bouncer what to do. When the bar manager leaves, the bouncer starts making his own decisions, and that is not good.
So you have insulin resistance, inflammation, and lowering estrogen cascading into weight gain. Women tell me, "I am doing everything β I'm eating clean, I'm exercising." They often don't recognize that they're losing muscle because they're not doing resistance training. When GLP-1s exploded in use a couple of years ago, patients started telling me, "I don't meet the insurance BMI criteria, but I want to try a low dose." With compounding, we could prescribe off-label to patients who needed to lose 10, 15, 20, 30 pounds β not the 200-pound trial populations β and who really had metabolic dysfunction to correct. That's how I started microdosing.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (15:37) Let me unpack this for listeners. Compounding pharmacies are allowed to provide medications containing active ingredients from FDA-approved drugs, particularly during shortages β and we had several with semaglutide. That allowed clinicians to manipulate dosages. Currently, with the FDA no longer recognizing shortages, a well-established pathway for microdosing comes directly from the manufacturer. At Holistic Heart Centers we use LillyDirect, which provides vials of tirzepatide (brand name Zepbound; the diabetic formulation is Mounjaro). From a vial you can draw any amount, which is technically what microdosing means β any dose below the official starting dose.
This is off-label use of an FDA-approved medication, which physicians are permitted to do. Jennifer, when you refer to microdosing, which agent, what starting dose, and what patient profile leads you to choose this strategy?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (18:35) First, who chooses microdosing? Often it's a patient about to start HRT β it will take a couple of months for HRT to optimize her body composition, and she wants the weight-loss process going in parallel, because it's hard to stay motivated at the gym when nothing is moving. So question one is always: is this for weight loss, or for another indication? I have patients with binge eating disorder for whom decrease in food noise has drastically changed their lives β that's a neuroinflammation pathway, not a weight goal, and the doses are very small.
Next I assess rate of weight loss desired and current lifestyle. If a patient tells me, "I eat terribly, I have four kids, I'm running through drive-throughs," I'm not going to push higher and higher doses. You'd be pushing a boulder uphill. I usually start with semaglutide at 0.25 mg β the starting dose β or even half of that. The dose is weekly. I always ask if they've used GLP-1s before, because if they were previously on 0.75 mg three years ago, starting at half the starting dose today won't do much for them.
On off-boarding, in my experience it goes better to wean than to stop cold turkey. The body went from an endogenous hormone with a short half-life to a weekly injection, and if you pull it abruptly, patients tell me the food noise roars back. That's a predictable biologic response.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (22:01) This is exactly right. In the original clinical trials, which did not use microdosing, patients were on full pharmacological doses for 12 to 18 months. People sometimes expect miraculous results in weeks, but these are part of a hormonal replacement strategy. The medications potentiate hormones that the body naturally makes and which decline with age.
What I've observed as someone who used microdosing myself, and who is now on the initial Zepbound dose, is a clear anti-inflammatory effect at the low doses. In cardiology, we have a parallel concept with statins β what we call pleiotropic effects: vascular-stabilizing properties that are independent of the dose-related lipid effect. There's growing recognition that semaglutide and tirzepatide have pleiotropic effects too β in the central nervous system, in the vascular endothelium. Trials show favorable vascular effects that track with the drug, not with the weight loss. Are you seeing this anti-inflammatory effect in your patients?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (25:03) Exactly the same thing. Patients on low doses tell me, "I didn't lose a lot of weight, but the puffiness is gone. My joints feel better. My brain is clearer. It's like someone melted the inflammation away." That tells me we're moving in the right direction β because the goal for this population is to lower the two biggest drivers, insulin resistance and inflammation.
Let me give you an example. I had a patient who was absolutely dialed in β macros, micros, protein, fiber β and could not lose weight. When I dug into the mind-body side, she told me she had lost her 19-year-old son to cancer and had never been the same. In traditional medicine, adrenal measurement is a disaster β it's essentially not recognized. She wanted to try a low dose of a GLP-1 because she felt inflamed. She took half the starting dose, did nothing else, and lost 10 pounds in six weeks. Nothing dramatic. But her brain fog lifted, and she told me, "My brain feels ready to process this trauma." I sent her to a hypnotherapist, and she maintained her weight after coming off the GLP-1. She needed a biological nudge to access trauma work.
Patients report their asthma improves. Arthritis improves. Patients on immunomodulatory biologics report they don't need them as often. We know GLP-1s lower inflammation β we simply don't yet know how broadly. Diabetics are the classic example: they don't just improve glycemically, they report other comorbidities improving too.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (28:15) This connects to something integrative and functional medicine does well β tissue-level thinking. A functional medicine colleague of mine used to say, "In traditional medicine we look for issues with tissues; in functional medicine we look for tissues with issues." In cardiology, we're finding that GLP-1 agonists reduce cardiac events β and increasingly the evidence suggests this is independent of weight loss, through cardiometabolic remodeling. In heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, these medications appear to reduce the volume of epicardial adipose tissue β the fat that sits on top of and infiltrates the heart β and shut off its inflammatory signaling.
Are you aware of any formal studies on microdosing? I searched the literature and found only sporadic observational reports.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (31:09) Right β mostly observational, nothing that meets the randomized controlled trial gold standard. I have no doubt Eli Lilly will eventually run formal microdosing or low-dose trials, especially now that they have direct-to-consumer offerings. The original FDA approvals were for obesity and diabetes β not perimenopause, not chronic inflammatory conditions, not binge eating. Formal evidence for those uses is not yet there, though it would be enormously valuable.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (33:09) It would be valuable. And since we're both integrative physicians, it's important to emphasize that these medications truly shine as part of a structured program. When we work with patients on insulin sensitivity, personalized nutrition, sleep, stress, and movement β and treat the medication as an enhancement rather than the entire strategy β three things happen. One: we get a deeper result than medication alone. Two: we can often use a lower dose, with fewer side effects. Three: when the medication is eventually tapered, the foundational skills allow patients to maintain their gains.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands (35:14)
Yes β and my answer to the patient who says, "Doc, just give me the drug, I'll sort the rest out," is, "Then you can probably get it online." I don't allow patients in my practice to just do anything, the same way I wouldn't let them self-manage hypertension or diabetes medications. The downside to the current landscape is that there are a million online companies, med-spas β gyms these days have a salesperson on the corner. You can access it, but you won't get sustainable weight loss or sustainable health optimization.
When I used GLP-1s myself in early perimenopause β eight pounds appeared out of nowhere β I was the person who ate asparagus for breakfast. But I discovered behaviors I hadn't noticed: if I had a second glass of wine I was more likely to have dessert. When I actually counted my fiber, I was at 15 grams β embarrassing. I thought I was doing fiber and protein correctly, and I really wasn't. That's information you only get through a clinical relationship.
Patients come to me saying, "I did a med-spa program, nobody follows up, I got off and had to get right back on." I ask, did they measure your hormones? Your fasting insulin? Your CRP? Your metabolic markers? If none of those got better on the GLP-1, we were probably on the wrong dose or even the wrong drug β semaglutide is different from tirzepatide, which is different from retatrutide. You have to see the biomarkers move to know you're on the right medication, the same way you check blood pressure to know if a blood pressure pill is working.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (40:20) Another critical issue: these medications, at full pharmacological doses in clinical trials, did not spare skeletal muscle. Up to 40% of the weight lost came from lean mass, which is not where anyone wants to be. With microdosing and medical supervision we can prioritize fat loss over muscle loss β in our patients, typically only about 4% of weight lost is muscle. Part of that is timing: microdosing avoids exposure to full pharmacological doses from day one, so the body can adjust. Patients can structure their nutrition better because food noise is quieter and they can make deliberate choices β more fiber, better protein, better decisions. Jennifer, what's your favorite microdosing protocol?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (40:20) One more thing on muscle β and specifically face loss. I do aesthetics, so this is real. Patients say "I want to lose 10 pounds this month," and I say, "No, you don't." At 25 you'd get it back; at 55 you won't. If you lose weight too fast, it comes out of your face too, and the only option then is to fill it back in. Preserve the real estate.
I typically start with semaglutide. If someone doesn't tolerate GLP-1s on a small dose β severe nausea, constipation, exhaustion β giving them tirzepatide is not going to fix that. Tirzepatide in my experience has less nausea, but if someone flat-out feels awful on semaglutide, escalating to two hormones isn't the answer. Tirzepatide is also generally more expensive. Starting with semaglutide is a safer test of the waters.
If the patient has food-related behavioral patterns β raised in a culture where food equals love, or where they had to clean the plate, or craving fast food at the smell of it β I find tirzepatide works a little better, likely because of the GIP hormone component.
My typical rhythm: the patient gives themselves the first shot in the clinic so I know they can do it. I send them home with one dose. We reassess at two weeks. How much weight moved? How did you feel? How much of the nutrition guidance did you implement? Then we set up a four-shot rhythm, one monthly visit, with access to me by email or phone. I always prescribe Zofran for backup nausea β sometimes a patient gets the flu three days after a shot, or a college student finishes exams eating caffeine and donuts and needs rescue. I have a very direct conversation about fiber and constipation β don't wait three to five days, it does not get better on its own.
At the four-week mark we discuss: dose up, hold, or even scale down. If someone lost six pounds in the first month I might slow them down to preserve real estate. By month two we talk about off-boarding β spacing out doses, decreasing the dose, or moving to maintenance. A few of my patients do maintenance, one shot every three to four weeks, purely to keep inflammation at bay. That's deeply off-label and not formally studied, but it works clinically.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (46:26) Even conventional obesity experts now say we go as fast or as slow as the patient can tolerate. I tell my patients: this is not a race. There are no brownie points for escalating your dose every month. You may stay on the same dose for two months. This is a form of hormonal replacement, and since we can't reliably measure these endogenous hormones in a living patient, each individual becomes their own calibration. The slower we go, the better patients seem to respond β because they get the time to dial in the foundation.
If a patient lands on a maintenance dose, do they typically come off it entirely, or is some residual dosing helpful?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (48:19) The majority of patients off-board completely. They figured out the why β they're now on HRT, they're lifting weights, sleeping, getting fiber, getting protein, moderating alcohol β and the medication is no longer needed. The small number who stay on maintenance, I re-engage every six months with full biomarker labs. If nothing has changed, I mail them a six-month vial supply from the pharmacy; by that point they know how to draw up the medication.
For patients where the drug stops working, we troubleshoot: maybe tirzepatide is the better option, maybe thyroid is suboptimal, maybe hemoglobin A1c is too high and the GLP-1 is trying to be the whole cake instead of the icing. GLP-1s are the icing. The foundation has to be there or the medication can't do its job. Once the foundation is dialed in, patients often come down to very low doses β someone on 0.25 mg with six-pound monthly loss and beautiful labs may drop further, not higher. That kind of personalization is what you cannot get from mass-volume med-spa prescribing.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (50:57) This point cannot be overstated. All hormonal replacement therapy β and GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide, the dual-incretin agents, and retatrutide as a triple agonist) are hormones β shines when the foundation is dialed in. Bringing HRT onto unprepared terrain is when side effects appear and strategies backfire. The same principle applies to peptides. These medications are FDA-approved peptides in their chemical structure. What we're seeing in culture right now I call "shiny object syndrome" β people want a shortcut, a magical injectable β without putting in the foundational work. Unfortunately, some patients learn in their own skin that time favors those who take the time to prepare. Jennifer, last words for our listeners.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (52:53) I want to emphasize something our colleague Dr. Shaw discussed in a recent interview: some peptides interact with other peptides, and stacking them incorrectly cancels their benefit. You can't throw BPC-157 into a shot with another peptide and assume both will work β you may have just neutralized one of them. Cycling matters. Timing matters. Without supervision, patients are wasting money and undermining results. It has to be a personal approach, and it has to be medically supervised.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (54:00) Building the foundation is not glamorous, it is not sexy, it is work, it doesn't make headlines β but it gets you far. I always use the house analogy: you need a roof, but there is no roof without a foundation. Jennifer, thank you so much β enormously informative. To our listeners, if you have questions, please post them; we do our best to respond. We can't provide medical advice, but we can guide your thought process.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (54:56) Thank you so much.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (54:58) Thank you for tuning in to Own Your Heart Health with Dr. Regina Druz. This podcast is powered by Holistic Heart Centers. If you enjoyed the show, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform. To learn more about our services, visit holisticheartcenters.com and subscribe to our YouTube channel β the link is in the show notes. See you next week.
Integrative Gynecologist | Longevity Physician | Board-Certified OB-GYN
Focus: Perimenopause, Menopause, PCOS, Hormonal Optimization, GLP-1 Microdosing
Training: Institute of Integrative Nutrition | Conventional OB-GYN Residency
holisticheartcenters.com HeartWell.ai β AI-powered cardiovascular risk assessment Address: 55 Bryant Avenue, Suite #6, Roslyn, NY 11576 Phone: 877-511-5166 YouTube: @reginadruzmd | Instagram: @dr.reginadruz Podcast: Own Your Heart Health β available on all major platforms
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite platform β it helps more people find the show. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
The information in this transcript is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The discussions about stem cells, exosomes, peptides, and regenerative therapies reflect the clinical experiences and opinions of the physicians involved. These treatments are not FDA-approved for all applications discussed. Individual results vary. Please consult your licensed healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.
]]>In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz is joined by Dr. Jennifer Roelands β a board-certified OB-GYN who practices integrative gynecology and longevity medicine β to reframe GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide and tirzepatide) as a form of hormonal replacement therapy rather than simple weight-loss drugs. They unpack why perimenopausal women experience sudden weight resistance despite clean nutrition and disciplined exercise, how microdosing can lower inflammation and insulin resistance without sacrificing muscle or facial volume, and why a structured medically supervised program β not a med-spa shortcut β is what turns these medications into durable cardiovascular and metabolic wins. The conversation also covers thyroid autoimmunity, adrenal hormones, PCOS, and practical on-boarding and off-boarding protocols.
π¬ Watch on YouTube: This episode is now available on the Own Your Heart Health YouTube channel. Subscribe to be notified.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (00:02) Welcome to Own Your Heart Health. I'm Dr. Regina Druz, your holistic cardiologist. This week we dive into common heart health concerns, uncovering root causes and unpacking scientific discoveries and controversies. The information provided does not constitute medical advice β please contact your healthcare practitioner before making any changes that may impact your health.
Today I'm joined by a wonderful guest. When we attended a conference together, I didn't know her at all, but she came up to me and said, "Hi, I'm Dr. Jennifer, and I really like the things you're talking about β can we connect?" What we're discussing today is exactly why Dr. Jennifer is here. She is an integrative gynecologist and longevity physician, and this is an amazing opportunity for us as women to understand how our life cycle factors into our longevity. The exciting part is that we have options today that we didn't have just a few years ago β options that bridge hormonal optimization and longevity optimization. In my opinion, these are game changers for women, especially women in perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Jennifer, welcome to the show.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (01:42) Thank you. I'm so excited to be here β and yes, you're a gem. That's why I approached you. Integrative cardiologists are hard to find.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (01:51) I wish there were more of us. We're actually training some physicians to become integrative cardiologists, so that's always a good sign. Jennifer, I ask every guest the same opening question: how did you grow up to become an integrative gynecologist?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (02:08) I have a somewhat unique story. No one on either side of my family even graduated from high school. I was raised in a traditional Italian family where the expectation was to get married and have babies. My parents married at 16 and 17 and never finished school. I grew up as an unusual military kid who thought, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do when I get older." At 17 or 18, I didn't have a boyfriend, so the marriage-and-babies path wasn't going to work out. I tried this college thing, fumbled my way into medicine, and discovered that I loved helping people and loved science. I became an OB-GYN because it's a cool specialty β you walk with patients through the whole lifespan, then with their daughters and mothers too.
I entered the integrative world when I was struggling with infertility. A patient came to me in the exact same situation β she couldn't get pregnant, fertility doctors had dismissed her with "you're young, it'll work out." I ran my own labs and realized I had PCOS and Hashimoto's. My thyroid antibodies were a thousand and my TSH was totally normal. I helped that patient explore things more deeply β what should I eat, is it not just about medication? When I took an Institute of Integrative Nutrition class, it felt like a complete medical education I'd never received. Ultimately, my patient conceived spontaneously, and I ended up conceiving with Clomid. Once you see this, it's hard to unsee it.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (04:40) Yesterday I watched a Netflix documentary on plastic detox that focused on fertility. Decades of plastic contamination, microplastics β they are found in placenta, in breast milk; they affect genital development of babies and lead to low sperm count. It was absolutely fascinating. An investigator ran a small field trial with six couples, and without spoiling it, the results were striking. What struck me is that it examined the environment through both the lens of contamination and the broader lens of diet, exercise, and body composition.
Cardiology is backing into this truth one study at a time. We just had an article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology linking consumption of ultra-processed foods to incident cardiovascular events. The more ultra-processed food people consumed, the more heart attacks and strokes they had. What was fascinating is that the authors used an index called NOVA, which evaluates food processing rather than the ingredients themselves β so certain foods we would consider healthy ended up in the ultra-processed category. No wonder patients β and clinicians β are confused about nutritional strategy. So, Jennifer, as an integrative gynecologist, what is your framework for hormonal balance and optimization?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (07:19) Most patients come in saying, "I think I have a hormonal imbalance." They're typically referring to sex hormones β estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. Not every woman realizes testosterone is in that category, because we've demonized it. But in whole-body medicine, thyroid matters enormously. Metabolic hormones β fasting insulin, leptin β are just as critical for hormone balance as estrogen or progesterone. I describe it to patients as a symphony: every instrument has to play together. If the violin goes rogue, you can hear it above everything else.
In our type of medicine we are always the "why" seekers. Why does this lab look the way it does? Why do you have persistent thyroid symptoms even though your TSH is normal? Did anyone look at a full thyroid panel? Did they check antibodies? Thyroid antibodies are missed all the time β patients are told they have Hashimoto's and have never had antibodies measured. That's part of the diagnosis. If antibodies stay high, symptoms persist, so we ask: is it gut inflammation? Environmental toxins? Other hormones derailing the thyroid? Autoimmunity is essentially one problem wearing different costumes β which organ did the immune system decide to attack? Thyroid, pancreas, joints? It's the same fundamental issue.
PCOS is the perfect example of hormones needing to be treated as a system. High testosterone leads to insulin resistance, which drives inflammation, which raises testosterone further. Giving a PCOS patient a birth control pill doesn't stop her from gaining weight, or from experiencing brain fog and anxiety from inflammation, because two of the three corners of the triangle were never addressed.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (10:28) This framing matters enormously, because when women come to me with new hypertension, chest pains, weight gain, or disrupted sleep and ask for "hormones," they usually mean estrogen, progesterone, maybe vaginal replacement, occasionally testosterone. They aren't thinking about adrenal hormones, which powerfully affect blood pressure regulation, water retention, and the autonomic nervous system of the heart. They aren't thinking about thyroid, which is tied to autoimmune activity that translates into vascular risk. And they're often not thinking about metabolic hormones at all.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (12:46) I was recently at a conference where a nutritionist made a point that stuck with me. She said the new medications β Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, and related agents β should not be thought of as weight-loss medications. They should be thought of as hormonal replacement therapy, because there is an age-related decline in the endogenous hormones these medications agonize. That reframing is profound. Jennifer, you've been using these in your practice. What are you seeing?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (12:46) I see predominantly perimenopausal and menopausal patients β and I'm in perimenopause myself, so I naturally attract people who say, "She knows what's going on." This population is now developing insulin resistance and inflammation precisely as estrogen declines. I describe insulin to patients as the bouncer of the bar β it decides whether glucose goes in to make energy, or goes to storage. Estradiol is the bar manager who tells the bouncer what to do. When the bar manager leaves, the bouncer starts making his own decisions, and that is not good.
So you have insulin resistance, inflammation, and lowering estrogen cascading into weight gain. Women tell me, "I am doing everything β I'm eating clean, I'm exercising." They often don't recognize that they're losing muscle because they're not doing resistance training. When GLP-1s exploded in use a couple of years ago, patients started telling me, "I don't meet the insurance BMI criteria, but I want to try a low dose." With compounding, we could prescribe off-label to patients who needed to lose 10, 15, 20, 30 pounds β not the 200-pound trial populations β and who really had metabolic dysfunction to correct. That's how I started microdosing.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (15:37) Let me unpack this for listeners. Compounding pharmacies are allowed to provide medications containing active ingredients from FDA-approved drugs, particularly during shortages β and we had several with semaglutide. That allowed clinicians to manipulate dosages. Currently, with the FDA no longer recognizing shortages, a well-established pathway for microdosing comes directly from the manufacturer. At Holistic Heart Centers we use LillyDirect, which provides vials of tirzepatide (brand name Zepbound; the diabetic formulation is Mounjaro). From a vial you can draw any amount, which is technically what microdosing means β any dose below the official starting dose.
This is off-label use of an FDA-approved medication, which physicians are permitted to do. Jennifer, when you refer to microdosing, which agent, what starting dose, and what patient profile leads you to choose this strategy?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (18:35) First, who chooses microdosing? Often it's a patient about to start HRT β it will take a couple of months for HRT to optimize her body composition, and she wants the weight-loss process going in parallel, because it's hard to stay motivated at the gym when nothing is moving. So question one is always: is this for weight loss, or for another indication? I have patients with binge eating disorder for whom decrease in food noise has drastically changed their lives β that's a neuroinflammation pathway, not a weight goal, and the doses are very small.
Next I assess rate of weight loss desired and current lifestyle. If a patient tells me, "I eat terribly, I have four kids, I'm running through drive-throughs," I'm not going to push higher and higher doses. You'd be pushing a boulder uphill. I usually start with semaglutide at 0.25 mg β the starting dose β or even half of that. The dose is weekly. I always ask if they've used GLP-1s before, because if they were previously on 0.75 mg three years ago, starting at half the starting dose today won't do much for them.
On off-boarding, in my experience it goes better to wean than to stop cold turkey. The body went from an endogenous hormone with a short half-life to a weekly injection, and if you pull it abruptly, patients tell me the food noise roars back. That's a predictable biologic response.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (22:01) This is exactly right. In the original clinical trials, which did not use microdosing, patients were on full pharmacological doses for 12 to 18 months. People sometimes expect miraculous results in weeks, but these are part of a hormonal replacement strategy. The medications potentiate hormones that the body naturally makes and which decline with age.
What I've observed as someone who used microdosing myself, and who is now on the initial Zepbound dose, is a clear anti-inflammatory effect at the low doses. In cardiology, we have a parallel concept with statins β what we call pleiotropic effects: vascular-stabilizing properties that are independent of the dose-related lipid effect. There's growing recognition that semaglutide and tirzepatide have pleiotropic effects too β in the central nervous system, in the vascular endothelium. Trials show favorable vascular effects that track with the drug, not with the weight loss. Are you seeing this anti-inflammatory effect in your patients?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (25:03) Exactly the same thing. Patients on low doses tell me, "I didn't lose a lot of weight, but the puffiness is gone. My joints feel better. My brain is clearer. It's like someone melted the inflammation away." That tells me we're moving in the right direction β because the goal for this population is to lower the two biggest drivers, insulin resistance and inflammation.
Let me give you an example. I had a patient who was absolutely dialed in β macros, micros, protein, fiber β and could not lose weight. When I dug into the mind-body side, she told me she had lost her 19-year-old son to cancer and had never been the same. In traditional medicine, adrenal measurement is a disaster β it's essentially not recognized. She wanted to try a low dose of a GLP-1 because she felt inflamed. She took half the starting dose, did nothing else, and lost 10 pounds in six weeks. Nothing dramatic. But her brain fog lifted, and she told me, "My brain feels ready to process this trauma." I sent her to a hypnotherapist, and she maintained her weight after coming off the GLP-1. She needed a biological nudge to access trauma work.
Patients report their asthma improves. Arthritis improves. Patients on immunomodulatory biologics report they don't need them as often. We know GLP-1s lower inflammation β we simply don't yet know how broadly. Diabetics are the classic example: they don't just improve glycemically, they report other comorbidities improving too.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (28:15) This connects to something integrative and functional medicine does well β tissue-level thinking. A functional medicine colleague of mine used to say, "In traditional medicine we look for issues with tissues; in functional medicine we look for tissues with issues." In cardiology, we're finding that GLP-1 agonists reduce cardiac events β and increasingly the evidence suggests this is independent of weight loss, through cardiometabolic remodeling. In heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, these medications appear to reduce the volume of epicardial adipose tissue β the fat that sits on top of and infiltrates the heart β and shut off its inflammatory signaling.
Are you aware of any formal studies on microdosing? I searched the literature and found only sporadic observational reports.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (31:09) Right β mostly observational, nothing that meets the randomized controlled trial gold standard. I have no doubt Eli Lilly will eventually run formal microdosing or low-dose trials, especially now that they have direct-to-consumer offerings. The original FDA approvals were for obesity and diabetes β not perimenopause, not chronic inflammatory conditions, not binge eating. Formal evidence for those uses is not yet there, though it would be enormously valuable.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (33:09) It would be valuable. And since we're both integrative physicians, it's important to emphasize that these medications truly shine as part of a structured program. When we work with patients on insulin sensitivity, personalized nutrition, sleep, stress, and movement β and treat the medication as an enhancement rather than the entire strategy β three things happen. One: we get a deeper result than medication alone. Two: we can often use a lower dose, with fewer side effects. Three: when the medication is eventually tapered, the foundational skills allow patients to maintain their gains.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands (35:14)
Yes β and my answer to the patient who says, "Doc, just give me the drug, I'll sort the rest out," is, "Then you can probably get it online." I don't allow patients in my practice to just do anything, the same way I wouldn't let them self-manage hypertension or diabetes medications. The downside to the current landscape is that there are a million online companies, med-spas β gyms these days have a salesperson on the corner. You can access it, but you won't get sustainable weight loss or sustainable health optimization.
When I used GLP-1s myself in early perimenopause β eight pounds appeared out of nowhere β I was the person who ate asparagus for breakfast. But I discovered behaviors I hadn't noticed: if I had a second glass of wine I was more likely to have dessert. When I actually counted my fiber, I was at 15 grams β embarrassing. I thought I was doing fiber and protein correctly, and I really wasn't. That's information you only get through a clinical relationship.
Patients come to me saying, "I did a med-spa program, nobody follows up, I got off and had to get right back on." I ask, did they measure your hormones? Your fasting insulin? Your CRP? Your metabolic markers? If none of those got better on the GLP-1, we were probably on the wrong dose or even the wrong drug β semaglutide is different from tirzepatide, which is different from retatrutide. You have to see the biomarkers move to know you're on the right medication, the same way you check blood pressure to know if a blood pressure pill is working.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (40:20) Another critical issue: these medications, at full pharmacological doses in clinical trials, did not spare skeletal muscle. Up to 40% of the weight lost came from lean mass, which is not where anyone wants to be. With microdosing and medical supervision we can prioritize fat loss over muscle loss β in our patients, typically only about 4% of weight lost is muscle. Part of that is timing: microdosing avoids exposure to full pharmacological doses from day one, so the body can adjust. Patients can structure their nutrition better because food noise is quieter and they can make deliberate choices β more fiber, better protein, better decisions. Jennifer, what's your favorite microdosing protocol?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (40:20) One more thing on muscle β and specifically face loss. I do aesthetics, so this is real. Patients say "I want to lose 10 pounds this month," and I say, "No, you don't." At 25 you'd get it back; at 55 you won't. If you lose weight too fast, it comes out of your face too, and the only option then is to fill it back in. Preserve the real estate.
I typically start with semaglutide. If someone doesn't tolerate GLP-1s on a small dose β severe nausea, constipation, exhaustion β giving them tirzepatide is not going to fix that. Tirzepatide in my experience has less nausea, but if someone flat-out feels awful on semaglutide, escalating to two hormones isn't the answer. Tirzepatide is also generally more expensive. Starting with semaglutide is a safer test of the waters.
If the patient has food-related behavioral patterns β raised in a culture where food equals love, or where they had to clean the plate, or craving fast food at the smell of it β I find tirzepatide works a little better, likely because of the GIP hormone component.
My typical rhythm: the patient gives themselves the first shot in the clinic so I know they can do it. I send them home with one dose. We reassess at two weeks. How much weight moved? How did you feel? How much of the nutrition guidance did you implement? Then we set up a four-shot rhythm, one monthly visit, with access to me by email or phone. I always prescribe Zofran for backup nausea β sometimes a patient gets the flu three days after a shot, or a college student finishes exams eating caffeine and donuts and needs rescue. I have a very direct conversation about fiber and constipation β don't wait three to five days, it does not get better on its own.
At the four-week mark we discuss: dose up, hold, or even scale down. If someone lost six pounds in the first month I might slow them down to preserve real estate. By month two we talk about off-boarding β spacing out doses, decreasing the dose, or moving to maintenance. A few of my patients do maintenance, one shot every three to four weeks, purely to keep inflammation at bay. That's deeply off-label and not formally studied, but it works clinically.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (46:26) Even conventional obesity experts now say we go as fast or as slow as the patient can tolerate. I tell my patients: this is not a race. There are no brownie points for escalating your dose every month. You may stay on the same dose for two months. This is a form of hormonal replacement, and since we can't reliably measure these endogenous hormones in a living patient, each individual becomes their own calibration. The slower we go, the better patients seem to respond β because they get the time to dial in the foundation.
If a patient lands on a maintenance dose, do they typically come off it entirely, or is some residual dosing helpful?
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (48:19) The majority of patients off-board completely. They figured out the why β they're now on HRT, they're lifting weights, sleeping, getting fiber, getting protein, moderating alcohol β and the medication is no longer needed. The small number who stay on maintenance, I re-engage every six months with full biomarker labs. If nothing has changed, I mail them a six-month vial supply from the pharmacy; by that point they know how to draw up the medication.
For patients where the drug stops working, we troubleshoot: maybe tirzepatide is the better option, maybe thyroid is suboptimal, maybe hemoglobin A1c is too high and the GLP-1 is trying to be the whole cake instead of the icing. GLP-1s are the icing. The foundation has to be there or the medication can't do its job. Once the foundation is dialed in, patients often come down to very low doses β someone on 0.25 mg with six-pound monthly loss and beautiful labs may drop further, not higher. That kind of personalization is what you cannot get from mass-volume med-spa prescribing.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (50:57) This point cannot be overstated. All hormonal replacement therapy β and GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide, the dual-incretin agents, and retatrutide as a triple agonist) are hormones β shines when the foundation is dialed in. Bringing HRT onto unprepared terrain is when side effects appear and strategies backfire. The same principle applies to peptides. These medications are FDA-approved peptides in their chemical structure. What we're seeing in culture right now I call "shiny object syndrome" β people want a shortcut, a magical injectable β without putting in the foundational work. Unfortunately, some patients learn in their own skin that time favors those who take the time to prepare. Jennifer, last words for our listeners.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (52:53) I want to emphasize something our colleague Dr. Shaw discussed in a recent interview: some peptides interact with other peptides, and stacking them incorrectly cancels their benefit. You can't throw BPC-157 into a shot with another peptide and assume both will work β you may have just neutralized one of them. Cycling matters. Timing matters. Without supervision, patients are wasting money and undermining results. It has to be a personal approach, and it has to be medically supervised.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (54:00) Building the foundation is not glamorous, it is not sexy, it is work, it doesn't make headlines β but it gets you far. I always use the house analogy: you need a roof, but there is no roof without a foundation. Jennifer, thank you so much β enormously informative. To our listeners, if you have questions, please post them; we do our best to respond. We can't provide medical advice, but we can guide your thought process.
Dr. Jennifer Roelands Β (54:56) Thank you so much.
Dr. Regina Druz Β (54:58) Thank you for tuning in to Own Your Heart Health with Dr. Regina Druz. This podcast is powered by Holistic Heart Centers. If you enjoyed the show, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform. To learn more about our services, visit holisticheartcenters.com and subscribe to our YouTube channel β the link is in the show notes. See you next week.
Integrative Gynecologist | Longevity Physician | Board-Certified OB-GYN
Focus: Perimenopause, Menopause, PCOS, Hormonal Optimization, GLP-1 Microdosing
Training: Institute of Integrative Nutrition | Conventional OB-GYN Residency
holisticheartcenters.com HeartWell.ai β AI-powered cardiovascular risk assessment Address: 55 Bryant Avenue, Suite #6, Roslyn, NY 11576 Phone: 877-511-5166 YouTube: @reginadruzmd | Instagram: @dr.reginadruz Podcast: Own Your Heart Health β available on all major platforms
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite platform β it helps more people find the show. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
The information in this transcript is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The discussions about stem cells, exosomes, peptides, and regenerative therapies reflect the clinical experiences and opinions of the physicians involved. These treatments are not FDA-approved for all applications discussed. Individual results vary. Please consult your licensed healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.
]]>In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz is joined by Dr. David Furman β Stanford-trained immunologist, data scientist, and creator of the iAge (Inflammatory Age) metric β to explore the biological roots of cardiovascular and brain aging. Dr. Furman explains why standard inflammation markers like hs-CRP miss the chronic inflammatory proteins that most accurately predict disease, and how proteomic testing can reveal silent arterial stiffening and organ aging years before clinical symptoms appear. The conversation covers the 1000 Immunomes Project, a landmark 17-year study at Stanford, and introduces two groundbreaking technologies: an AI-based organ aging model derived from routine blood labs, and a NASA-developed microgravity cell culture platform that functions as a personal digital twin for future aging.
π¬ Watch on YouTube: This episode is now available on the Own Your Heart Health YouTube channel. Subscribe to be notified.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (00:02): Welcome to Own Your Heart Health. I'm Dr. Regina Druz, your holistic cardiologist. This week, we dive into common heart health concerns, uncovering root causes and unpacking scientific discoveries. Please remember that the information provided does not constitute medical advice β consult your healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.Today I am joined by Dr. David Furman, a societal entrepreneur and prolific researcher whose goal is to redefine how we approach biomarkers of longevity. His work centers on testing that allows us to choose actionable steps for extending not just our lifespan, but our health span. Dr. David, welcome to the show.
Dr. David FurmanΒ (01:17): Thank you so much for having me, Regina.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (01:20): I always ask my guests: how did you grow up to become who you are today? Tell us your story.
Dr. David FurmanΒ (01:31): I was born in Argentina, moved to Israel when I was young, and by 17 or 18 I was deeply immersed in arts and music. I wanted to create impact in humanity. My father convinced me that studying biology rather than medicine would allow me to affect far more people. So I pursued biology, then immunology, then became a data scientist. Stanford recruited me while I was finishing my PhD. After analyzing data from the 1000 Immunomes Project β which we launched in 2007 β I realized that most of the signal pointed to the biology of aging. That realization shifted my entire focus around 2012.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (03:47): People may not appreciate that one of the primary systems that ages as we get older is the immune system. Can you explain what is happening with the immune system, and what the 1000 Immunomes Project was designed to discover?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (04:31): The immune system is one of the most important determinants of how rapidly other organ systems age, because it senses the environment and reacts to it β producing what we call systemic chronic inflammation. Inflammation is the silent enemy that drives cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, musculoskeletal conditions, and metabolic disorders. By 2000 we knew very little about which biomarkers were causally linked to this process. Over the past 25 years we have learned that the immune system is truly a hub for aging β hallmarks like cellular senescence and epigenetic changes are largely driven by inflammation.The 1000 Immunomes Project was designed to provide solid science around this. We recruited 1,000 relatively healthy, ambulatory individuals and secured over $70 million from federal agencies. The study ran for 15 to 17 years, allowing us to prospectively identify biomarkers of systemic chronic inflammation that predict morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (06:29): Were these participants volunteers from the general public, or patients from the Stanford healthcare system?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (06:41): Completely healthy volunteers who came in for a flu vaccine. People with serious uncontrolled disease were excluded, although those with well-managed conditions β hypertension being very common in individuals over 65, for example β were included. This design allowed us to prospectively predict who developed various conditions as the study progressed.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (07:25): Most of my patients have had high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) measured. These are the classic inflammation markers. But the immune system aging and chronic inflammation you describe β is that the same thing we see on a standard blood panel?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (08:04): The key distinction is acute versus chronic inflammation. For roughly two decades, research has shown that hs-CRP β and IL-6 are very poor predictors of non-communicable diseases. Cardiovascular disease can be predicted only marginally better than chance using hs-CRP, and most cardiologists no longer rely on it. These markers do rise dramatically with acute infection β a cut finger, a flu β but systemic chronic inflammation shows up as entirely different proteins in the blood. Because there was a gap in knowledge, we took an unbiased approach: we measured hundreds of thousands of parameters from those thousand individuals to find the most predictive ones.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (09:43): What did you find? Which biomarkers emerged as the most important predictors of aging?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (11:05): Out of all the data we analyzed β gene expression, proteins, cell frequencies, metabolites β proteins were the most predictive of chronological aging and disease risk. The single most predictive protein was not IL-6. It was CXCL9, also called MIG. CXCL9 circulates in the blood, increases with age, and causes damage to the endothelium β the inner lining of blood vessels. Elevated CXCL9 is associated with cellular senescence of the endothelium, left ventricular hypertrophy, and arterial stiffening.The second key protein is eotaxin, also known as CCL11. Eotaxin-1 is produced largely in response to airborne exposures β air pollution, cooking vapors, allergens. Macrophages in the lungs produce it, and it enters the bloodstream where it crosses the blood-brain barrier easily. There it causes cognitive dysfunction and is associated with dementia and memory loss.The other three important proteins are gamma interferon (involved in immune system activation), GRO-alpha, and TRAIL. TRAIL is particularly interesting: it sensitizes senescent cells to undergo apoptosis. Low TRAIL means senescent cells are not being cleared, and they accumulate throughout the body β a core driver of tissue aging.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (14:23): Fascinating. CXCL9 β is it produced by immune cells, or by the endothelium itself as it ages?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (14:39): In the textbook, CXCL9 is produced by immune cells to call lymphocytes to a site of infection. But in aging, what we see is that damaged endothelium itself produces CXCL9 β and then that CXCL9 damages neighboring endothelial cells. You get a propagating senescence signal: more senescence leads to stiffer tissue, higher vascular resistance, elevated pressure on the heart, and eventually hypertrophy β which is very difficult to reverse.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (15:38): We can measure endothelial dysfunction and plaque progression in clinical practice. Recently, AI tools have been able to detect inflammation in epicardial adipose tissue β the fat surrounding the heart, sometimes abbreviated EAT. When this tissue infiltrates the cardiac muscle it leads to stiffening and a syndrome called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), strongly linked to obesity. At what age should people begin testing these proteomic markers? Because someone could have a beautiful lipid profile, normal hs-CRP, and no cardiac hypertrophy on ultrasound, and yet already carry these protein signatures of endothelial dysfunction.
Dr. David FurmanΒ (17:30): That happens all the time. We conducted a study in 150 people who were matched for CRP, BMI, and every conventional cardiovascular risk factor. Those with elevated Inflammatory Age β our metric β had measurable arterial stiffening on pulse wave velocity testing and increased left ventricular changes, despite having no clinical symptoms and never presenting to a clinic for cardiovascular concerns.The molecular and cellular changes that precede disease begin 15 to 20 years before any clinical presentation. I would say the early 30s is a reasonable starting point for measuring these biomarkers β that is when we can intercept the molecular trajectory of disease before it becomes irreversible.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (20:00): What are the most powerful interventions? What can actually be changed, and on what timeline?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (21:02): There are several layers. Layer one is the foundation β the one-size-fits-all baseline that everyone must establish first. Without it, advanced interventions provide no benefit and may even cause harm. Layer one includes: quality sleep and sleep hygiene; regular movement (sedentary behavior measurably raises inflammation); time in nature (even viewing greenery reduces inflammatory markers in peer-reviewed studies); and a whole-food diet rich in nutrients.From a dietary standpoint, refined wheat products β bread, pasta β are among the strongest drivers of organ aging in our data. Dairy products are also inflammatory. Conversely, berries and small fish are highly beneficial. Microplastics from plastic food storage accumulate in blood and tissues and are now recognized as contributors to inflammation.Layer two is fine-tuning based on your specific protein deviations. For example, if your eotaxin is elevated, we investigate your air quality at home and at work and recommend air purification. Each deviated protein has a corresponding environmental or behavioral trigger.Layer three involves newer technologies β including AI-based organ aging analysis from standard labs, and the microgravity-based digital twin technology.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (25:47): Resilience is the word I always come back to. The foundation has to come first. Patients often tell me: I exercise, I eat well, I don't smoke, I sleep, I manage stress β why is my blood pressure still elevated? The honest answer is that effort intensity does not always match the cellular processes already in motion. The proteome gives us a window into those processes so we can address them specifically.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (27:00): Tell me more about the organ aging AI. Is this an algorithm that takes standard blood work and correlates it to the proteomic signatures from the Immunomes Project?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (27:39): Close, but distinct. We use a comprehensive panel of 33 standard biomarkers β cardiovascular, metabolic, and others β from standard labs. The algorithm is agnostic to textbook organ assignments; we simply took all available biomarkers from half a million people and trained it to predict system-specific mortality across ICD-10 disease chapters: cardiovascular, Alzheimer's and dementia, musculoskeletal, and metabolic.The assumption is that the older a system biologically, the higher its mortality risk. We validated the model in 10,000 individuals from the Health and Retirement cohort. For example, creatinine β typically used for kidney function β turns out to be predictive of metabolic syndrome in our model. Cystatin C similarly crosses traditional organ boundaries. The AI captures these cross-system interactions naturally, telling the clinician not just what's aging, but what to do about it.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (30:47): What is your view on epigenetic age clocks? I have patients with stellar epigenetic biological ages who nevertheless have significant coronary artery disease, pristine blood work, and extensive plaque burden.
Dr. David FurmanΒ (31:47): Epigenetic clocks were the first technology developed for biological age estimation and they remain the best at predicting chronological age β but who needs to predict something they already know? The problems are: (1) they are very difficult to change because we do not know how to intervene on the epigenome; (2) test-retest precision is poor β the same person tested at different labs may see a 10-to-20 year spread in results. In contrast, if inflammatory protein markers are elevated, we know exactly which interventions move those proteins. With standard lab-based organ aging, we have 120 years of clinical research behind the levers to optimize those values.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (33:38): You've mentioned Holistic Heart Centers is now offering immune system age testing. Can you also tell our listeners about your NASA collaboration and what you discovered with astronauts?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (34:25): NASA reached out about five years ago because they observed accelerated aging in astronauts during and after space missions. Using a NASA-developed cell culture system that simulates zero-gravity, we can expose a person's own cells to microgravity conditions and observe how they age β creating what is essentially a digital twin of your future biological state. A recently pre-printed paper shows that this microgravity model can predict, for each hallmark of aging, how an individual will age β compared not against a population, but against themselves. The product is called Beyond Age and is available through concierge medicine and longevity clinics.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (36:35): At Holistic Heart Centers we are building a longevity suite, including HeartWell.ai β our simulation platform for cardiovascular risk modeling. The trials of the future will likely be pragmatic, n-of-1 investigations at scale. The idea that we could take a simple swab, simulate your cellular future in microgravity, and return a personalized risk profile β that is genuinely transformative preventive medicine.
Dr. David FurmanΒ (38:58): The most important message is this: biological aging is malleable. You can change the future of your health. This is not fatalism β it is empowerment. With the right measurements and the right interventions, patients can take meaningful control of how they age.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (39:17): One hundred percent. Be there for your family and friends. Dr. David, this has been immense. I have learned a tremendous amount, and I am ordering my Beyond Age testing kit as soon as we finish recording. We will revisit this topic once my results come in. Thank you for tuning in to Own Your Heart Health with Dr. Regina Druz. This podcast is powered by Holistic Heart Centers. Please rate and review us on your favorite platform, visit holisticheartcenters.com, and subscribe to our YouTube channel β the link is in the show notes. See you next week.
Inflammatory Age β or iAge β is a biological aging metric developed by Dr. Furman's team at Stanford based on a panel of inflammatory proteins identified in the 1000 Immunomes Project. Unlike standard inflammation markers such as hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) or IL-6, which primarily reflect acute infection or injury, iAge captures chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation β the kind that silently drives cardiovascular disease, brain aging, and cellular senescence over decades. The key proteins measured include CXCL9 (linked to endothelial damage and arterial stiffening), eotaxin/CCL11 (linked to brain and memory decline), gamma interferon, GRO-alpha, and TRAIL. Standard panels can appear completely normal even when iAge reveals significant underlying inflammation. If you are interested in getting your immune system age measured, ask your physician about iAge testing or visit holisticheartcenters.com.
Dr. Furman recommends starting in the early 30s, because the molecular and cellular changes that precede disease typically begin 15 to 20 years before clinical symptoms appear. By the time a patient develops hypertension, arterial stiffening, or cardiac hypertrophy, the underlying inflammatory processes have often been active for well over a decade. In the research study, 150 individuals who were matched for every conventional cardiovascular risk factor β normal CRP, normal BMI, no known disease β were found to have measurable arterial stiffening detected only through iAge and pulse wave velocity testing. Testing earlier gives patients and clinicians the opportunity to intercept these processes before they become irreversible. Individuals with a family history of heart disease, high polygenic risk scores, or early lipid abnormalities may benefit from starting even sooner.
Dr. Furman describes a layered intervention approach. The essential foundation β what he calls Layer One β applies to everyone and must be in place before anything else: consistent quality sleep, regular physical movement (sedentary behavior is a measurable driver of inflammation), time in natural environments, and a whole-food diet free of refined grains and processed dairy. Berries and small fish are particularly beneficial. Reducing microplastic exposure by switching from plastic to glass food storage also matters. Layer Two is personalized: if eotaxin is elevated, for instance, improving indoor air quality through air purifiers and monitoring outdoor pollution becomes a priority target. The key insight is that chronicity of exposure is the risk factor β an occasional pizza does not undo a strong baseline. Sustainable daily habits are what move the needle on these proteins.
The AI-based organ aging model developed by Dr. Furman's team analyzes 33 standard blood biomarkers β the kind already available from labs like Superpower or Function β and predicts system-specific mortality risk across major organ categories including cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and metabolic. Validated in over 500,000 individuals and a separate 10,000-person cohort, the model assigns a biological age to each organ system and identifies which may be aging fastest. This differs significantly from epigenetic age clocks, which estimate chronological age from DNA methylation patterns but have limited actionability and poor test-retest precision (results can vary by 10-20 years across labs). The organ aging model is grounded in biomarkers that clinicians already know how to move β giving both doctor and patient a clear target for intervention.
Beyond Age is a personalized aging prediction tool developed in collaboration with NASA. A sample of a patient's own cells is exposed to a simulated zero-gravity environment using a cell culture system originally designed for space medicine research. Because microgravity accelerates cellular aging processes, this allows scientists to observe how that individual's cells will age across the hallmarks of aging β not compared to a population average, but relative to the patient's own baseline. The result is a form of biological digital twin: a window into your cellular future. The technology is currently available through concierge medicine practices and longevity clinics. Holistic Heart Centers is exploring its incorporation into the longevity suite alongside iAge and HeartWell.ai cardiovascular risk modeling. Please note that this is an emerging technology and has not yet completed full clinical validation as of the recording of this episode.
Immunologist | Data Scientist | Longevity & Aging ResearcherStanford-trained; former researcher, 1000 Immunomes ProjectCreator of iAge (Inflammatory Age) and co-developer of Beyond AgeLocation: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
β’ iAge Immune System Age Test β available through longevity/concierge medicine clinics including Holistic Heart Centers
β’ Beyond Age (microgravity digital twin) β beyondage.com (confirm current URL with Dr. Furman's team)
β’ 1000 Immunomes Project β Stanford University longitudinal study on immune aging biomarkers
β’ Inflammatory Age (iAge): A biological aging score based on five inflammatory proteins predictive of morbidity and mortality.
β’ CXCL9 (MIG): A protein that increases with age and drives endothelial senescence, arterial stiffening, and left ventricular hypertrophy.
β’ Eotaxin (CCL11): A chemokine produced in the lungs in response to air quality exposures; crosses the blood-brain barrier and is associated with cognitive decline.
β’ TRAIL: A protein that promotes apoptosis (programmed cell death) of senescent cells. Low TRAIL = accumulation of senescent cells throughout the body.
β’ Cellular Senescence: A state in which damaged cells stop dividing but do not die, instead releasing inflammatory signals that damage surrounding tissue.
β’ hs-CRP: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein β a common acute-phase inflammation marker with limited utility for predicting chronic cardiovascular aging.
β’ Proteomics: The large-scale study of proteins in a biological system, including their structure, function, and interactions.
β’ Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT): Fat surrounding the heart that, when excessive, can infiltrate cardiac muscle and contribute to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
β’ Pulse Wave Velocity: A clinical measure of arterial stiffness β higher values indicate stiffer arteries and greater cardiovascular risk.
β’ ICD-10: International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision β the global standard for disease classification used in clinical and research settings.
β’ HFpEF: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction β a form of heart failure where the heart muscle contracts normally but the ventricles are stiff.
holisticheartcenters.com HeartWell.ai β AI-powered cardiovascular risk assessment Address: 55 Bryant Avenue, Suite #6, Roslyn, NY 11576 Phone: 877-511-5166 YouTube: @reginadruzmd Instagram: @dr.reginadruz Podcast: Own Your Heart Health β available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite platform β it helps more people find the show. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
The information in this transcript is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The discussions about stem cells, exosomes, peptides, and regenerative therapies reflect the clinical experiences and opinions of the physicians involved. These treatments are not FDA-approved for all applications discussed. Individual results vary. Please consult your licensed healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.
]]>In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz is joined by Dr. David Furman β Stanford-trained immunologist, data scientist, and creator of the iAge (Inflammatory Age) metric β to explore the biological roots of cardiovascular and brain aging. Dr. Furman explains why standard inflammation markers like hs-CRP miss the chronic inflammatory proteins that most accurately predict disease, and how proteomic testing can reveal silent arterial stiffening and organ aging years before clinical symptoms appear. The conversation covers the 1000 Immunomes Project, a landmark 17-year study at Stanford, and introduces two groundbreaking technologies: an AI-based organ aging model derived from routine blood labs, and a NASA-developed microgravity cell culture platform that functions as a personal digital twin for future aging.
π¬ Watch on YouTube: This episode is now available on the Own Your Heart Health YouTube channel. Subscribe to be notified.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (00:02): Welcome to Own Your Heart Health. I'm Dr. Regina Druz, your holistic cardiologist. This week, we dive into common heart health concerns, uncovering root causes and unpacking scientific discoveries. Please remember that the information provided does not constitute medical advice β consult your healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.Today I am joined by Dr. David Furman, a societal entrepreneur and prolific researcher whose goal is to redefine how we approach biomarkers of longevity. His work centers on testing that allows us to choose actionable steps for extending not just our lifespan, but our health span. Dr. David, welcome to the show.
Dr. David FurmanΒ (01:17): Thank you so much for having me, Regina.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (01:20): I always ask my guests: how did you grow up to become who you are today? Tell us your story.
Dr. David FurmanΒ (01:31): I was born in Argentina, moved to Israel when I was young, and by 17 or 18 I was deeply immersed in arts and music. I wanted to create impact in humanity. My father convinced me that studying biology rather than medicine would allow me to affect far more people. So I pursued biology, then immunology, then became a data scientist. Stanford recruited me while I was finishing my PhD. After analyzing data from the 1000 Immunomes Project β which we launched in 2007 β I realized that most of the signal pointed to the biology of aging. That realization shifted my entire focus around 2012.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (03:47): People may not appreciate that one of the primary systems that ages as we get older is the immune system. Can you explain what is happening with the immune system, and what the 1000 Immunomes Project was designed to discover?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (04:31): The immune system is one of the most important determinants of how rapidly other organ systems age, because it senses the environment and reacts to it β producing what we call systemic chronic inflammation. Inflammation is the silent enemy that drives cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, musculoskeletal conditions, and metabolic disorders. By 2000 we knew very little about which biomarkers were causally linked to this process. Over the past 25 years we have learned that the immune system is truly a hub for aging β hallmarks like cellular senescence and epigenetic changes are largely driven by inflammation.The 1000 Immunomes Project was designed to provide solid science around this. We recruited 1,000 relatively healthy, ambulatory individuals and secured over $70 million from federal agencies. The study ran for 15 to 17 years, allowing us to prospectively identify biomarkers of systemic chronic inflammation that predict morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (06:29): Were these participants volunteers from the general public, or patients from the Stanford healthcare system?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (06:41): Completely healthy volunteers who came in for a flu vaccine. People with serious uncontrolled disease were excluded, although those with well-managed conditions β hypertension being very common in individuals over 65, for example β were included. This design allowed us to prospectively predict who developed various conditions as the study progressed.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (07:25): Most of my patients have had high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) measured. These are the classic inflammation markers. But the immune system aging and chronic inflammation you describe β is that the same thing we see on a standard blood panel?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (08:04): The key distinction is acute versus chronic inflammation. For roughly two decades, research has shown that hs-CRP β and IL-6 are very poor predictors of non-communicable diseases. Cardiovascular disease can be predicted only marginally better than chance using hs-CRP, and most cardiologists no longer rely on it. These markers do rise dramatically with acute infection β a cut finger, a flu β but systemic chronic inflammation shows up as entirely different proteins in the blood. Because there was a gap in knowledge, we took an unbiased approach: we measured hundreds of thousands of parameters from those thousand individuals to find the most predictive ones.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (09:43): What did you find? Which biomarkers emerged as the most important predictors of aging?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (11:05): Out of all the data we analyzed β gene expression, proteins, cell frequencies, metabolites β proteins were the most predictive of chronological aging and disease risk. The single most predictive protein was not IL-6. It was CXCL9, also called MIG. CXCL9 circulates in the blood, increases with age, and causes damage to the endothelium β the inner lining of blood vessels. Elevated CXCL9 is associated with cellular senescence of the endothelium, left ventricular hypertrophy, and arterial stiffening.The second key protein is eotaxin, also known as CCL11. Eotaxin-1 is produced largely in response to airborne exposures β air pollution, cooking vapors, allergens. Macrophages in the lungs produce it, and it enters the bloodstream where it crosses the blood-brain barrier easily. There it causes cognitive dysfunction and is associated with dementia and memory loss.The other three important proteins are gamma interferon (involved in immune system activation), GRO-alpha, and TRAIL. TRAIL is particularly interesting: it sensitizes senescent cells to undergo apoptosis. Low TRAIL means senescent cells are not being cleared, and they accumulate throughout the body β a core driver of tissue aging.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (14:23): Fascinating. CXCL9 β is it produced by immune cells, or by the endothelium itself as it ages?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (14:39): In the textbook, CXCL9 is produced by immune cells to call lymphocytes to a site of infection. But in aging, what we see is that damaged endothelium itself produces CXCL9 β and then that CXCL9 damages neighboring endothelial cells. You get a propagating senescence signal: more senescence leads to stiffer tissue, higher vascular resistance, elevated pressure on the heart, and eventually hypertrophy β which is very difficult to reverse.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (15:38): We can measure endothelial dysfunction and plaque progression in clinical practice. Recently, AI tools have been able to detect inflammation in epicardial adipose tissue β the fat surrounding the heart, sometimes abbreviated EAT. When this tissue infiltrates the cardiac muscle it leads to stiffening and a syndrome called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), strongly linked to obesity. At what age should people begin testing these proteomic markers? Because someone could have a beautiful lipid profile, normal hs-CRP, and no cardiac hypertrophy on ultrasound, and yet already carry these protein signatures of endothelial dysfunction.
Dr. David FurmanΒ (17:30): That happens all the time. We conducted a study in 150 people who were matched for CRP, BMI, and every conventional cardiovascular risk factor. Those with elevated Inflammatory Age β our metric β had measurable arterial stiffening on pulse wave velocity testing and increased left ventricular changes, despite having no clinical symptoms and never presenting to a clinic for cardiovascular concerns.The molecular and cellular changes that precede disease begin 15 to 20 years before any clinical presentation. I would say the early 30s is a reasonable starting point for measuring these biomarkers β that is when we can intercept the molecular trajectory of disease before it becomes irreversible.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (20:00): What are the most powerful interventions? What can actually be changed, and on what timeline?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (21:02): There are several layers. Layer one is the foundation β the one-size-fits-all baseline that everyone must establish first. Without it, advanced interventions provide no benefit and may even cause harm. Layer one includes: quality sleep and sleep hygiene; regular movement (sedentary behavior measurably raises inflammation); time in nature (even viewing greenery reduces inflammatory markers in peer-reviewed studies); and a whole-food diet rich in nutrients.From a dietary standpoint, refined wheat products β bread, pasta β are among the strongest drivers of organ aging in our data. Dairy products are also inflammatory. Conversely, berries and small fish are highly beneficial. Microplastics from plastic food storage accumulate in blood and tissues and are now recognized as contributors to inflammation.Layer two is fine-tuning based on your specific protein deviations. For example, if your eotaxin is elevated, we investigate your air quality at home and at work and recommend air purification. Each deviated protein has a corresponding environmental or behavioral trigger.Layer three involves newer technologies β including AI-based organ aging analysis from standard labs, and the microgravity-based digital twin technology.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (25:47): Resilience is the word I always come back to. The foundation has to come first. Patients often tell me: I exercise, I eat well, I don't smoke, I sleep, I manage stress β why is my blood pressure still elevated? The honest answer is that effort intensity does not always match the cellular processes already in motion. The proteome gives us a window into those processes so we can address them specifically.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (27:00): Tell me more about the organ aging AI. Is this an algorithm that takes standard blood work and correlates it to the proteomic signatures from the Immunomes Project?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (27:39): Close, but distinct. We use a comprehensive panel of 33 standard biomarkers β cardiovascular, metabolic, and others β from standard labs. The algorithm is agnostic to textbook organ assignments; we simply took all available biomarkers from half a million people and trained it to predict system-specific mortality across ICD-10 disease chapters: cardiovascular, Alzheimer's and dementia, musculoskeletal, and metabolic.The assumption is that the older a system biologically, the higher its mortality risk. We validated the model in 10,000 individuals from the Health and Retirement cohort. For example, creatinine β typically used for kidney function β turns out to be predictive of metabolic syndrome in our model. Cystatin C similarly crosses traditional organ boundaries. The AI captures these cross-system interactions naturally, telling the clinician not just what's aging, but what to do about it.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (30:47): What is your view on epigenetic age clocks? I have patients with stellar epigenetic biological ages who nevertheless have significant coronary artery disease, pristine blood work, and extensive plaque burden.
Dr. David FurmanΒ (31:47): Epigenetic clocks were the first technology developed for biological age estimation and they remain the best at predicting chronological age β but who needs to predict something they already know? The problems are: (1) they are very difficult to change because we do not know how to intervene on the epigenome; (2) test-retest precision is poor β the same person tested at different labs may see a 10-to-20 year spread in results. In contrast, if inflammatory protein markers are elevated, we know exactly which interventions move those proteins. With standard lab-based organ aging, we have 120 years of clinical research behind the levers to optimize those values.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (33:38): You've mentioned Holistic Heart Centers is now offering immune system age testing. Can you also tell our listeners about your NASA collaboration and what you discovered with astronauts?
Dr. David FurmanΒ (34:25): NASA reached out about five years ago because they observed accelerated aging in astronauts during and after space missions. Using a NASA-developed cell culture system that simulates zero-gravity, we can expose a person's own cells to microgravity conditions and observe how they age β creating what is essentially a digital twin of your future biological state. A recently pre-printed paper shows that this microgravity model can predict, for each hallmark of aging, how an individual will age β compared not against a population, but against themselves. The product is called Beyond Age and is available through concierge medicine and longevity clinics.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (36:35): At Holistic Heart Centers we are building a longevity suite, including HeartWell.ai β our simulation platform for cardiovascular risk modeling. The trials of the future will likely be pragmatic, n-of-1 investigations at scale. The idea that we could take a simple swab, simulate your cellular future in microgravity, and return a personalized risk profile β that is genuinely transformative preventive medicine.
Dr. David FurmanΒ (38:58): The most important message is this: biological aging is malleable. You can change the future of your health. This is not fatalism β it is empowerment. With the right measurements and the right interventions, patients can take meaningful control of how they age.
Dr. Regina DruzΒ (39:17): One hundred percent. Be there for your family and friends. Dr. David, this has been immense. I have learned a tremendous amount, and I am ordering my Beyond Age testing kit as soon as we finish recording. We will revisit this topic once my results come in. Thank you for tuning in to Own Your Heart Health with Dr. Regina Druz. This podcast is powered by Holistic Heart Centers. Please rate and review us on your favorite platform, visit holisticheartcenters.com, and subscribe to our YouTube channel β the link is in the show notes. See you next week.
Inflammatory Age β or iAge β is a biological aging metric developed by Dr. Furman's team at Stanford based on a panel of inflammatory proteins identified in the 1000 Immunomes Project. Unlike standard inflammation markers such as hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) or IL-6, which primarily reflect acute infection or injury, iAge captures chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation β the kind that silently drives cardiovascular disease, brain aging, and cellular senescence over decades. The key proteins measured include CXCL9 (linked to endothelial damage and arterial stiffening), eotaxin/CCL11 (linked to brain and memory decline), gamma interferon, GRO-alpha, and TRAIL. Standard panels can appear completely normal even when iAge reveals significant underlying inflammation. If you are interested in getting your immune system age measured, ask your physician about iAge testing or visit holisticheartcenters.com.
Dr. Furman recommends starting in the early 30s, because the molecular and cellular changes that precede disease typically begin 15 to 20 years before clinical symptoms appear. By the time a patient develops hypertension, arterial stiffening, or cardiac hypertrophy, the underlying inflammatory processes have often been active for well over a decade. In the research study, 150 individuals who were matched for every conventional cardiovascular risk factor β normal CRP, normal BMI, no known disease β were found to have measurable arterial stiffening detected only through iAge and pulse wave velocity testing. Testing earlier gives patients and clinicians the opportunity to intercept these processes before they become irreversible. Individuals with a family history of heart disease, high polygenic risk scores, or early lipid abnormalities may benefit from starting even sooner.
Dr. Furman describes a layered intervention approach. The essential foundation β what he calls Layer One β applies to everyone and must be in place before anything else: consistent quality sleep, regular physical movement (sedentary behavior is a measurable driver of inflammation), time in natural environments, and a whole-food diet free of refined grains and processed dairy. Berries and small fish are particularly beneficial. Reducing microplastic exposure by switching from plastic to glass food storage also matters. Layer Two is personalized: if eotaxin is elevated, for instance, improving indoor air quality through air purifiers and monitoring outdoor pollution becomes a priority target. The key insight is that chronicity of exposure is the risk factor β an occasional pizza does not undo a strong baseline. Sustainable daily habits are what move the needle on these proteins.
The AI-based organ aging model developed by Dr. Furman's team analyzes 33 standard blood biomarkers β the kind already available from labs like Superpower or Function β and predicts system-specific mortality risk across major organ categories including cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and metabolic. Validated in over 500,000 individuals and a separate 10,000-person cohort, the model assigns a biological age to each organ system and identifies which may be aging fastest. This differs significantly from epigenetic age clocks, which estimate chronological age from DNA methylation patterns but have limited actionability and poor test-retest precision (results can vary by 10-20 years across labs). The organ aging model is grounded in biomarkers that clinicians already know how to move β giving both doctor and patient a clear target for intervention.
Beyond Age is a personalized aging prediction tool developed in collaboration with NASA. A sample of a patient's own cells is exposed to a simulated zero-gravity environment using a cell culture system originally designed for space medicine research. Because microgravity accelerates cellular aging processes, this allows scientists to observe how that individual's cells will age across the hallmarks of aging β not compared to a population average, but relative to the patient's own baseline. The result is a form of biological digital twin: a window into your cellular future. The technology is currently available through concierge medicine practices and longevity clinics. Holistic Heart Centers is exploring its incorporation into the longevity suite alongside iAge and HeartWell.ai cardiovascular risk modeling. Please note that this is an emerging technology and has not yet completed full clinical validation as of the recording of this episode.
Immunologist | Data Scientist | Longevity & Aging ResearcherStanford-trained; former researcher, 1000 Immunomes ProjectCreator of iAge (Inflammatory Age) and co-developer of Beyond AgeLocation: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
β’ iAge Immune System Age Test β available through longevity/concierge medicine clinics including Holistic Heart Centers
β’ Beyond Age (microgravity digital twin) β beyondage.com (confirm current URL with Dr. Furman's team)
β’ 1000 Immunomes Project β Stanford University longitudinal study on immune aging biomarkers
β’ Inflammatory Age (iAge): A biological aging score based on five inflammatory proteins predictive of morbidity and mortality.
β’ CXCL9 (MIG): A protein that increases with age and drives endothelial senescence, arterial stiffening, and left ventricular hypertrophy.
β’ Eotaxin (CCL11): A chemokine produced in the lungs in response to air quality exposures; crosses the blood-brain barrier and is associated with cognitive decline.
β’ TRAIL: A protein that promotes apoptosis (programmed cell death) of senescent cells. Low TRAIL = accumulation of senescent cells throughout the body.
β’ Cellular Senescence: A state in which damaged cells stop dividing but do not die, instead releasing inflammatory signals that damage surrounding tissue.
β’ hs-CRP: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein β a common acute-phase inflammation marker with limited utility for predicting chronic cardiovascular aging.
β’ Proteomics: The large-scale study of proteins in a biological system, including their structure, function, and interactions.
β’ Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT): Fat surrounding the heart that, when excessive, can infiltrate cardiac muscle and contribute to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
β’ Pulse Wave Velocity: A clinical measure of arterial stiffness β higher values indicate stiffer arteries and greater cardiovascular risk.
β’ ICD-10: International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision β the global standard for disease classification used in clinical and research settings.
β’ HFpEF: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction β a form of heart failure where the heart muscle contracts normally but the ventricles are stiff.
holisticheartcenters.com HeartWell.ai β AI-powered cardiovascular risk assessment Address: 55 Bryant Avenue, Suite #6, Roslyn, NY 11576 Phone: 877-511-5166 YouTube: @reginadruzmd Instagram: @dr.reginadruz Podcast: Own Your Heart Health β available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite platform β it helps more people find the show. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
The information in this transcript is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The discussions about stem cells, exosomes, peptides, and regenerative therapies reflect the clinical experiences and opinions of the physicians involved. These treatments are not FDA-approved for all applications discussed. Individual results vary. Please consult your licensed healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.
]]>π¬ Watch on YouTube: This episode is now available on the Own Your Heart Health YouTube channel. Subscribe to be notified.
[00:02] Welcome & Introduction [02:04] From Neurosurgeon to Regenerative Medicine Pioneer [06:54] Stem Cells 101 β What They Are and How They Work [08:50] The Source Question β Whose Stem Cells, and Why It Matters [15:40] From Stem Cells to Exosomes β What's Actually Doing the Work [22:36] Plant Exosomes β Nature's Delivery System for Phytonutrients [25:44] Clinical Results β Cartilage, Inflammation & Systemic Benefits [31:51] Who Should Consider Regenerative Therapy β and When [36:35] The Upstream Question β Starting Early in Cardiovascular Prevention [49:36] Closing β The Future of Integrative and Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Regina Druz (00:02): Welcome to Own Your Heart Health. I'm Dr. Regina Druz, your holistic cardiologist. Each week we uncover root causes of common heart health concerns and unpack the latest scientific discoveries β and controversies. The information provided does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before making any changes that may affect your health.
Today's guest is Dr. Jeffrey Gross β neurosurgeon, spine specialist, and self-described "bio-nerd." About seven to eight years ago, Dr. Gross made a bold pivot away from traditional surgery into longevity-driven regenerative medicine. With longevity becoming one of the most talked-about topics in medicine, I wanted someone who represents what it actually means in practice β a physician who studies the physiology, understands the biochemistry, and can connect the dots for patients. Jeff, let's start with the question I ask every guest: how did you grow up to be who you are today?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (02:04): I was a spine fellowship-trained neurosurgeon β neck and back, disc problems, the full range. We were always looking for less invasive, more biologic ways to avoid surgery, and I found I didn't quite fit in with conventional colleagues. Spine surgery hasn't changed appreciably in decades. I finally decided to look beyond the standard of care and pursue stem cells, which my patients were already asking about. My background is in biochemistry, and as you said, Dr. Druz, it always comes back to cellular function. Studying stem cells reconnected me to that foundation. From there my entire practice transformed β stem cells, exosomes, peptides, regenerative applications, longevity. I'm more functional in my mindset than I've ever been.
Dr. Regina Druz (03:56): How did your traditional colleagues react? I ask because I've seen this shift in cardiology too. The Journal of the American College of Cardiology recently published research on a Chinese movement practice for blood pressure control. We're seeing papers on microplastics and air pollution. Integrative approaches are moving into the mainstream β but it took time. What was your experience?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (05:02): Many colleagues still have blinders on. They're focused on volume, driven by what insurers will reimburse. A few open-minded ones are curious and starting to dip their toes in. But most are holding onto the sick-care system because it pays their bills.
Dr. Regina Druz (05:49): It's the security blanket of conventional medicine. Though, as I like to say β the future favors the bold, and not all pioneers take arrows in the back.
Dr. Regina Druz (06:54): Let's give our listeners a foundation. What are stem cells? How are you using them? And what impact do they have on longevity and health span?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (06:54): When you are a fertilized egg, you are a single omnipotent stem cell β capable of creating an entire person. Those cells divide and differentiate. First pluripotent (can create a limb or organ), then multipotent (can repair and regenerate tissue, but can't create a limb). By adulthood, we rely on multipotent stem cells, but with age, inflammatory stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, seed oils, and poor sleep, those cells become exhausted β fewer in number and diminished in function.
Dr. Regina Druz (08:24): Where do those stem cells actually live in the adult body?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (08:50): Mostly in bone marrow. Also in fat, and in other tissues surrounding blood vessels. They're distributed throughout the body in all our tissues to some extent.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (08:50): When we use stem cells therapeutically, you can use your own β but when you take your car for an oil change, you don't put the old oil back in. I prefer donated perinatal sources: amniotic fluid, umbilical cords, and placenta, collected at the time of a scheduled C-section from healthy, screened, consenting mothers. This material would otherwise be discarded. It goes through FDA-registered lab and tissue donation processes. You do not need to travel outside the country β that's a myth international clinics love to perpetuate. The source we use tests for multiple variables, including using only tissue from mothers who were not COVID-vaccinated, because we don't yet fully understand what the spike protein may be doing long-term.
Dr. Regina Druz (10:32): In my practice, we've been navigating the FDA's complex stance on peptides β some were moved to a compound category that created a gray market of unregulated, untested products. With stem cells, you're describing an FDA-regulated pathway. How does that actually work?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (11:23): The FDA regulates the handling, documenting, and marketing of these biologics β but it does not regulate the practice of medicine. Clinicians can legally offer these treatments under the doctrine of informed consent. IV fluids for dehydration are not FDA-approved β but everyone uses them. A physician can discuss all options, including stem cell or regenerative approaches, and let the patient make an informed decision. What we cannot do is make marketing claims about outcomes. If a doctor presents you with a knee replacement as your only option without discussing regenerative alternatives, that doctor has arguably failed the informed consent standard.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (15:40): Here's something that surprised us: the stem cells themselves aren't primarily doing the therapeutic work. If you came to my clinic for IV stem cells, within a couple of days those cells are gone from your body. But the benefits β reduced inflammation, increased energy, improved sleep, cognitive clarity β last weeks, months, and some changes appear to be permanent. What's doing the work? The stem cells are delivery trucks. The actual packages are peptides, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles called exosomes. Those exosomes carry cargo into your cells, signal anti-inflammatory pathways, and essentially reactivate your body's own youthful repair mechanisms. This is why we've largely shifted to using exosomes directly. They're about a third of the cost of stem cells, travel through tissue more efficiently, and cross the blood-brain barrier.
Dr. Regina Druz (20:31): Let me translate the biology. Cells communicate by packaging small portions of themselves β including signaling molecules β into tiny membrane-bound vesicles and releasing them. Neighboring cells take those vesicles in through endocytosis (a process that doesn't require a lock-and-key receptor). It's more like mail being dropped in a mailbox β the recipient picks it up and reads the message inside. Is that accurate?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (21:52): That's exactly right. And importantly, all of our cells produce exosomes. For therapeutic purposes, we focus on stem cell-derived exosomes from amniotic sources β filtered, tested, concentrated, fresh-frozen, and unmanipulated.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (22:36): Here's something most people don't know: plants deliver their phytonutrients β resveratrol, sulforaphane, quercetin, B vitamins, vitamin C β through exosomes. We've partnered with a lab in Italy that can extract exosomes directly from organic plants. We've developed a longevity supplement β Longev-X β that delivers plant phytonutrients via their natural exosome packaging, getting nutrients directly into the cell. Early data suggests delivery is 700 times more efficient than a liposomal supplement and 4,500 times more effective than a traditional supplement.
Dr. Regina Druz (24:11): How does the plant exosome survive the stomach's acidic pH of around 2?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (24:22): The plant exosome membrane is significantly more durable than human cell membranes and survives the digestive process intact, reaching the small intestine where absorption occurs with high bioavailability. This is supported by preclinical studies and we are entering clinical trials now.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (25:44): Structurally, we've seen remarkable results in joints. Patients who were bone-on-bone and facing knee replacement have come in for a single injection and within a year shown measurable cartilage regrowth on MRI β in some cases 25% or more thickening. We're not inventing this; European literature includes 15-year follow-up data on similar protocols. The mechanism: we turn off the inflammatory damage in the cells that produce cartilage, allowing the body to restart the factory that built it in the first place. Systemically, we've seen improvements in HRV (heart rate variability), reductions in C-reactive protein and homocysteine, improvements in lipid profiles, and consistent patient-reported improvements in energy, sleep quality, and cognitive clarity.
Dr. Regina Druz (27:13): A cardiovascular perspective: once joint inflammation subsides, we'd expect systemic inflammatory markers to shift as well β and that matters enormously for cardiovascular and brain health. Joint inflammation is an early sign of total body inflammation.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (27:24): Exactly. HRV is a sensitive metric for tracking this. I've seen HRV increase by up to 50% in some patients within days of an IV exosome treatment. One high-performance athlete in his thirties went from HRV in the 60s to the 90s β with a slow, gradual decline over months before returning for another treatment.
Dr. Regina Druz (31:51): Let's talk patient selection. I see a lot of mid-40s and mid-50s busy professionals β overweight, hypertensive, some with subclinical coronary disease or a prior cardiac event. We address lifestyle, weight loss, anti-inflammatory protocols, hormones, peptides. Where does regenerative medicine fit in that sequence?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (31:51): Lifestyle and foundational optimization always comes first. Fix the terrain β diet, exercise, nutrition, sleep β so the person gets the most from any regenerative intervention. Then peptides as a less expensive entry point. Then regenerative biologics like exosomes, unless there's a specific reason to move faster β an autoimmune condition, long COVID, significant systemic inflammation, or a focal structural problem. I cluster patients into three groups: an older population managing energy decline and diffuse osteoarthritis; middle-aged patients becoming aware of suboptimal lifestyle choices; and younger high-performance biohackers wanting faster workout recovery and proactive aging prevention. For frequency: a young biohacker every 6-12 months, I personally do every three months, and an older patient with specific conditions perhaps annually.
Dr. Regina Druz (36:35): I want to raise something I'm seeing at HeartWell.ai, our cardiovascular risk platform. A recent Harvard study looked at patients with low traditional cardiovascular risk scores but high polygenic risk scores. Over a thousand people in their 50s had CT angiography with AI quantitation. Even with a calcium score of zero, 50% had soft plaque β and approximately a third had high-risk plaque features. We are systematically underestimating cardiovascular risk. Should longevity medicine be moving upstream to address this earlier?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (37:23): Absolutely β early and often. If AI risk assessment identifies elevated genetic and imaging risk, we should be considering proactive interventions: nattokinase, lumbrokinase, endocalytics β tracking those patients and learning what works. We need to move upstream in pattern recognition, and you're doing that in cardiology.
Dr. Regina Druz (37:23): The environmental burden compounds this further. One day of exposure to fine air pollution has been linked to increased cardiac mortality. Microplastics are being found in arterial plaques. The risk calculus is far more complex than traditional scoring systems capture.
Dr. Regina Druz (49:36): Jeff, this has been a fascinating conversation. A few things come through clearly. First, lifestyle optimization remains foundational β no regenerative intervention substitutes for it. Second, once that foundation is in place, there is a real opportunity for optimization through regenerative approaches. And third, we now have the tools β exosomes, AI risk assessment, genetic panels, digital health monitoring β to do this with more precision than ever. I recently had a patient who, through integrative protocols without medications, dropped his LDL cholesterol by 47%. His follow-up note from Cleveland Clinic ended with the phrase "working with your functional medicine cardiologist." That's progress.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (49:04): The paradigm is shifting. We have the knowledge, the tools, and increasingly the evidence. I've never been more passionate about medicine. Most of our patients aren't in Las Vegas β we consult remotely anywhere and invite you in when you're a candidate.
Dr. Regina Druz (52:08): Thank you for tuning in to Own Your Heart Health. This podcast is powered by Holistic Heart Centers. If you enjoyed the show, please rate and review us on your favorite platform. Visit holisticheartcenters.com to learn more, and subscribe to our YouTube channel β link in the show notes. See you next week.
Stem cells are living cells that act as delivery vehicles, releasing signaling molecules that instruct surrounding tissue to reduce inflammation and begin repair. Exosomes are the extracellular vesicles those stem cells release, containing the actual therapeutic cargo: peptides, growth factors, and genetic signaling molecules. Research has shown that exosomes are primarily responsible for the clinical benefits β the stem cells themselves leave the body within days. Exosomes are now preferred by many regenerative medicine physicians because they are smaller, travel more freely throughout the body, cross the blood-brain barrier, cost significantly less, and can be delivered more precisely.
Yes β though with important nuance. The FDA regulates the handling, processing, testing, and marketing of biologic products, including stem cells and exosomes derived from donated perinatal tissue (amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, placenta). Reputable U.S.-based clinics use FDA-registered labs and follow tissue donation protocols. What the FDA does not regulate is the practice of medicine itself β meaning a licensed physician can legally offer these treatments under the doctrine of informed consent, provided no unauthorized marketing claims are made. Patients do not need to travel outside the United States for legitimate regenerative treatments.
The strongest evidence exists for musculoskeletal applications: osteoarthritis, cartilage degeneration, joint inflammation, and spinal disc conditions. MRI data has shown cartilage thickening of 25% or more in some patients following a single injection, with European literature including 15-year follow-up data. Systemically, IV exosome infusions have been associated with reductions in C-reactive protein, improvements in heart rate variability (HRV), better sleep quality, increased energy, and enhanced cognitive clarity. Emerging applications include neurodegenerative conditions, long COVID, autoimmune-driven inflammation, and proactive longevity optimization. These are clinical observations, not FDA-approved indications.
Plant exosomes are naturally occurring nanoparticles that plants use to package and deliver phytonutrients β including resveratrol, sulforaphane, quercetin, and most B vitamins. Their membranes survive digestion and deliver nutrients directly into cells with dramatically higher bioavailability β estimated at up to 700 times more efficient than liposomal delivery. Injectable human perinatal exosomes are used for direct therapeutic intervention. The two approaches serve different purposes and can complement each other: plant exosomes support daily cellular maintenance, while injectable exosomes address specific inflammatory or structural conditions.
Physicians track both subjective and objective markers. Patients commonly report improved energy, better sleep, reduced joint pain, and enhanced cognitive function within days to weeks. Heart rate variability (HRV), tracked via wearables, has shown increases of up to 50% shortly after IV treatment. Blood markers including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine, and lipid panels are monitored before and after. Frequency varies: younger patients may do treatments every 6-12 months; middle-aged patients typically every 3-6 months; older patients as needed, sometimes annually. Treatment intervals are ideally individualized based on how long benefits are sustained.
Practice: ReCelebrate Regenerative Medicine | Las Vegas, NV Specialty: Regenerative medicine, stem cells, exosomes, peptides, longevity medicine Supplement: Longev-X plant exosome longevity capsule Remote consultations available β visit is arranged if you are a candidate for treatment
Exosomes β extracellular vesicles containing peptides, growth factors, and genetic signals released by cells to communicate with neighbors Perinatal biologics β stem cells and exosomes sourced from amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, and placenta collected at scheduled C-section HRV (Heart Rate Variability) β a sensitive metric of cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system health, trackable via wearables hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) β a blood marker of systemic inflammation; goal under 1.0 mg/L Polygenic risk score β a genetic assessment combining multiple variants to estimate cardiovascular disease risk HeartWell.ai β Dr. Druz's AI-powered cardiovascular risk assessment platform
holisticheartcenters.com HeartWell.ai β AI-powered cardiovascular risk assessment Address: 55 Bryant Avenue, Suite #6, Roslyn, NY 11576 Phone: 877-511-5166 YouTube: @reginadruzmd Instagram: @dr.reginadruz Podcast: Own Your Heart Health β available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on your favorite platform β it helps more people find the show. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
The information in this transcript is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The discussions about stem cells, exosomes, peptides, and regenerative therapies reflect the clinical experiences and opinions of the physicians involved. These treatments are not FDA-approved for all applications discussed. Individual results vary. Please consult your licensed healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.
]]>π¬ Watch on YouTube: This episode is now available on the Own Your Heart Health YouTube channel. Subscribe to be notified.
[00:02] Welcome & Introduction [02:04] From Neurosurgeon to Regenerative Medicine Pioneer [06:54] Stem Cells 101 β What They Are and How They Work [08:50] The Source Question β Whose Stem Cells, and Why It Matters [15:40] From Stem Cells to Exosomes β What's Actually Doing the Work [22:36] Plant Exosomes β Nature's Delivery System for Phytonutrients [25:44] Clinical Results β Cartilage, Inflammation & Systemic Benefits [31:51] Who Should Consider Regenerative Therapy β and When [36:35] The Upstream Question β Starting Early in Cardiovascular Prevention [49:36] Closing β The Future of Integrative and Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Regina Druz (00:02): Welcome to Own Your Heart Health. I'm Dr. Regina Druz, your holistic cardiologist. Each week we uncover root causes of common heart health concerns and unpack the latest scientific discoveries β and controversies. The information provided does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before making any changes that may affect your health.
Today's guest is Dr. Jeffrey Gross β neurosurgeon, spine specialist, and self-described "bio-nerd." About seven to eight years ago, Dr. Gross made a bold pivot away from traditional surgery into longevity-driven regenerative medicine. With longevity becoming one of the most talked-about topics in medicine, I wanted someone who represents what it actually means in practice β a physician who studies the physiology, understands the biochemistry, and can connect the dots for patients. Jeff, let's start with the question I ask every guest: how did you grow up to be who you are today?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (02:04): I was a spine fellowship-trained neurosurgeon β neck and back, disc problems, the full range. We were always looking for less invasive, more biologic ways to avoid surgery, and I found I didn't quite fit in with conventional colleagues. Spine surgery hasn't changed appreciably in decades. I finally decided to look beyond the standard of care and pursue stem cells, which my patients were already asking about. My background is in biochemistry, and as you said, Dr. Druz, it always comes back to cellular function. Studying stem cells reconnected me to that foundation. From there my entire practice transformed β stem cells, exosomes, peptides, regenerative applications, longevity. I'm more functional in my mindset than I've ever been.
Dr. Regina Druz (03:56): How did your traditional colleagues react? I ask because I've seen this shift in cardiology too. The Journal of the American College of Cardiology recently published research on a Chinese movement practice for blood pressure control. We're seeing papers on microplastics and air pollution. Integrative approaches are moving into the mainstream β but it took time. What was your experience?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (05:02): Many colleagues still have blinders on. They're focused on volume, driven by what insurers will reimburse. A few open-minded ones are curious and starting to dip their toes in. But most are holding onto the sick-care system because it pays their bills.
Dr. Regina Druz (05:49): It's the security blanket of conventional medicine. Though, as I like to say β the future favors the bold, and not all pioneers take arrows in the back.
Dr. Regina Druz (06:54): Let's give our listeners a foundation. What are stem cells? How are you using them? And what impact do they have on longevity and health span?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (06:54): When you are a fertilized egg, you are a single omnipotent stem cell β capable of creating an entire person. Those cells divide and differentiate. First pluripotent (can create a limb or organ), then multipotent (can repair and regenerate tissue, but can't create a limb). By adulthood, we rely on multipotent stem cells, but with age, inflammatory stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, seed oils, and poor sleep, those cells become exhausted β fewer in number and diminished in function.
Dr. Regina Druz (08:24): Where do those stem cells actually live in the adult body?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (08:50): Mostly in bone marrow. Also in fat, and in other tissues surrounding blood vessels. They're distributed throughout the body in all our tissues to some extent.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (08:50): When we use stem cells therapeutically, you can use your own β but when you take your car for an oil change, you don't put the old oil back in. I prefer donated perinatal sources: amniotic fluid, umbilical cords, and placenta, collected at the time of a scheduled C-section from healthy, screened, consenting mothers. This material would otherwise be discarded. It goes through FDA-registered lab and tissue donation processes. You do not need to travel outside the country β that's a myth international clinics love to perpetuate. The source we use tests for multiple variables, including using only tissue from mothers who were not COVID-vaccinated, because we don't yet fully understand what the spike protein may be doing long-term.
Dr. Regina Druz (10:32): In my practice, we've been navigating the FDA's complex stance on peptides β some were moved to a compound category that created a gray market of unregulated, untested products. With stem cells, you're describing an FDA-regulated pathway. How does that actually work?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (11:23): The FDA regulates the handling, documenting, and marketing of these biologics β but it does not regulate the practice of medicine. Clinicians can legally offer these treatments under the doctrine of informed consent. IV fluids for dehydration are not FDA-approved β but everyone uses them. A physician can discuss all options, including stem cell or regenerative approaches, and let the patient make an informed decision. What we cannot do is make marketing claims about outcomes. If a doctor presents you with a knee replacement as your only option without discussing regenerative alternatives, that doctor has arguably failed the informed consent standard.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (15:40): Here's something that surprised us: the stem cells themselves aren't primarily doing the therapeutic work. If you came to my clinic for IV stem cells, within a couple of days those cells are gone from your body. But the benefits β reduced inflammation, increased energy, improved sleep, cognitive clarity β last weeks, months, and some changes appear to be permanent. What's doing the work? The stem cells are delivery trucks. The actual packages are peptides, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles called exosomes. Those exosomes carry cargo into your cells, signal anti-inflammatory pathways, and essentially reactivate your body's own youthful repair mechanisms. This is why we've largely shifted to using exosomes directly. They're about a third of the cost of stem cells, travel through tissue more efficiently, and cross the blood-brain barrier.
Dr. Regina Druz (20:31): Let me translate the biology. Cells communicate by packaging small portions of themselves β including signaling molecules β into tiny membrane-bound vesicles and releasing them. Neighboring cells take those vesicles in through endocytosis (a process that doesn't require a lock-and-key receptor). It's more like mail being dropped in a mailbox β the recipient picks it up and reads the message inside. Is that accurate?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (21:52): That's exactly right. And importantly, all of our cells produce exosomes. For therapeutic purposes, we focus on stem cell-derived exosomes from amniotic sources β filtered, tested, concentrated, fresh-frozen, and unmanipulated.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (22:36): Here's something most people don't know: plants deliver their phytonutrients β resveratrol, sulforaphane, quercetin, B vitamins, vitamin C β through exosomes. We've partnered with a lab in Italy that can extract exosomes directly from organic plants. We've developed a longevity supplement β Longev-X β that delivers plant phytonutrients via their natural exosome packaging, getting nutrients directly into the cell. Early data suggests delivery is 700 times more efficient than a liposomal supplement and 4,500 times more effective than a traditional supplement.
Dr. Regina Druz (24:11): How does the plant exosome survive the stomach's acidic pH of around 2?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (24:22): The plant exosome membrane is significantly more durable than human cell membranes and survives the digestive process intact, reaching the small intestine where absorption occurs with high bioavailability. This is supported by preclinical studies and we are entering clinical trials now.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (25:44): Structurally, we've seen remarkable results in joints. Patients who were bone-on-bone and facing knee replacement have come in for a single injection and within a year shown measurable cartilage regrowth on MRI β in some cases 25% or more thickening. We're not inventing this; European literature includes 15-year follow-up data on similar protocols. The mechanism: we turn off the inflammatory damage in the cells that produce cartilage, allowing the body to restart the factory that built it in the first place. Systemically, we've seen improvements in HRV (heart rate variability), reductions in C-reactive protein and homocysteine, improvements in lipid profiles, and consistent patient-reported improvements in energy, sleep quality, and cognitive clarity.
Dr. Regina Druz (27:13): A cardiovascular perspective: once joint inflammation subsides, we'd expect systemic inflammatory markers to shift as well β and that matters enormously for cardiovascular and brain health. Joint inflammation is an early sign of total body inflammation.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (27:24): Exactly. HRV is a sensitive metric for tracking this. I've seen HRV increase by up to 50% in some patients within days of an IV exosome treatment. One high-performance athlete in his thirties went from HRV in the 60s to the 90s β with a slow, gradual decline over months before returning for another treatment.
Dr. Regina Druz (31:51): Let's talk patient selection. I see a lot of mid-40s and mid-50s busy professionals β overweight, hypertensive, some with subclinical coronary disease or a prior cardiac event. We address lifestyle, weight loss, anti-inflammatory protocols, hormones, peptides. Where does regenerative medicine fit in that sequence?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (31:51): Lifestyle and foundational optimization always comes first. Fix the terrain β diet, exercise, nutrition, sleep β so the person gets the most from any regenerative intervention. Then peptides as a less expensive entry point. Then regenerative biologics like exosomes, unless there's a specific reason to move faster β an autoimmune condition, long COVID, significant systemic inflammation, or a focal structural problem. I cluster patients into three groups: an older population managing energy decline and diffuse osteoarthritis; middle-aged patients becoming aware of suboptimal lifestyle choices; and younger high-performance biohackers wanting faster workout recovery and proactive aging prevention. For frequency: a young biohacker every 6-12 months, I personally do every three months, and an older patient with specific conditions perhaps annually.
Dr. Regina Druz (36:35): I want to raise something I'm seeing at HeartWell.ai, our cardiovascular risk platform. A recent Harvard study looked at patients with low traditional cardiovascular risk scores but high polygenic risk scores. Over a thousand people in their 50s had CT angiography with AI quantitation. Even with a calcium score of zero, 50% had soft plaque β and approximately a third had high-risk plaque features. We are systematically underestimating cardiovascular risk. Should longevity medicine be moving upstream to address this earlier?
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (37:23): Absolutely β early and often. If AI risk assessment identifies elevated genetic and imaging risk, we should be considering proactive interventions: nattokinase, lumbrokinase, endocalytics β tracking those patients and learning what works. We need to move upstream in pattern recognition, and you're doing that in cardiology.
Dr. Regina Druz (37:23): The environmental burden compounds this further. One day of exposure to fine air pollution has been linked to increased cardiac mortality. Microplastics are being found in arterial plaques. The risk calculus is far more complex than traditional scoring systems capture.
Dr. Regina Druz (49:36): Jeff, this has been a fascinating conversation. A few things come through clearly. First, lifestyle optimization remains foundational β no regenerative intervention substitutes for it. Second, once that foundation is in place, there is a real opportunity for optimization through regenerative approaches. And third, we now have the tools β exosomes, AI risk assessment, genetic panels, digital health monitoring β to do this with more precision than ever. I recently had a patient who, through integrative protocols without medications, dropped his LDL cholesterol by 47%. His follow-up note from Cleveland Clinic ended with the phrase "working with your functional medicine cardiologist." That's progress.
Dr. Jeffrey Gross (49:04): The paradigm is shifting. We have the knowledge, the tools, and increasingly the evidence. I've never been more passionate about medicine. Most of our patients aren't in Las Vegas β we consult remotely anywhere and invite you in when you're a candidate.
Dr. Regina Druz (52:08): Thank you for tuning in to Own Your Heart Health. This podcast is powered by Holistic Heart Centers. If you enjoyed the show, please rate and review us on your favorite platform. Visit holisticheartcenters.com to learn more, and subscribe to our YouTube channel β link in the show notes. See you next week.
Stem cells are living cells that act as delivery vehicles, releasing signaling molecules that instruct surrounding tissue to reduce inflammation and begin repair. Exosomes are the extracellular vesicles those stem cells release, containing the actual therapeutic cargo: peptides, growth factors, and genetic signaling molecules. Research has shown that exosomes are primarily responsible for the clinical benefits β the stem cells themselves leave the body within days. Exosomes are now preferred by many regenerative medicine physicians because they are smaller, travel more freely throughout the body, cross the blood-brain barrier, cost significantly less, and can be delivered more precisely.
Yes β though with important nuance. The FDA regulates the handling, processing, testing, and marketing of biologic products, including stem cells and exosomes derived from donated perinatal tissue (amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, placenta). Reputable U.S.-based clinics use FDA-registered labs and follow tissue donation protocols. What the FDA does not regulate is the practice of medicine itself β meaning a licensed physician can legally offer these treatments under the doctrine of informed consent, provided no unauthorized marketing claims are made. Patients do not need to travel outside the United States for legitimate regenerative treatments.
The strongest evidence exists for musculoskeletal applications: osteoarthritis, cartilage degeneration, joint inflammation, and spinal disc conditions. MRI data has shown cartilage thickening of 25% or more in some patients following a single injection, with European literature including 15-year follow-up data. Systemically, IV exosome infusions have been associated with reductions in C-reactive protein, improvements in heart rate variability (HRV), better sleep quality, increased energy, and enhanced cognitive clarity. Emerging applications include neurodegenerative conditions, long COVID, autoimmune-driven inflammation, and proactive longevity optimization. These are clinical observations, not FDA-approved indications.
Plant exosomes are naturally occurring nanoparticles that plants use to package and deliver phytonutrients β including resveratrol, sulforaphane, quercetin, and most B vitamins. Their membranes survive digestion and deliver nutrients directly into cells with dramatically higher bioavailability β estimated at up to 700 times more efficient than liposomal delivery. Injectable human perinatal exosomes are used for direct therapeutic intervention. The two approaches serve different purposes and can complement each other: plant exosomes support daily cellular maintenance, while injectable exosomes address specific inflammatory or structural conditions.
Physicians track both subjective and objective markers. Patients commonly report improved energy, better sleep, reduced joint pain, and enhanced cognitive function within days to weeks. Heart rate variability (HRV), tracked via wearables, has shown increases of up to 50% shortly after IV treatment. Blood markers including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine, and lipid panels are monitored before and after. Frequency varies: younger patients may do treatments every 6-12 months; middle-aged patients typically every 3-6 months; older patients as needed, sometimes annually. Treatment intervals are ideally individualized based on how long benefits are sustained.
Practice: ReCelebrate Regenerative Medicine | Las Vegas, NV Specialty: Regenerative medicine, stem cells, exosomes, peptides, longevity medicine Supplement: Longev-X plant exosome longevity capsule Remote consultations available β visit is arranged if you are a candidate for treatment
Exosomes β extracellular vesicles containing peptides, growth factors, and genetic signals released by cells to communicate with neighbors Perinatal biologics β stem cells and exosomes sourced from amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, and placenta collected at scheduled C-section HRV (Heart Rate Variability) β a sensitive metric of cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system health, trackable via wearables hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) β a blood marker of systemic inflammation; goal under 1.0 mg/L Polygenic risk score β a genetic assessment combining multiple variants to estimate cardiovascular disease risk HeartWell.ai β Dr. Druz's AI-powered cardiovascular risk assessment platform
holisticheartcenters.com HeartWell.ai β AI-powered cardiovascular risk assessment Address: 55 Bryant Avenue, Suite #6, Roslyn, NY 11576 Phone: 877-511-5166 YouTube: @reginadruzmd Instagram: @dr.reginadruz Podcast: Own Your Heart Health β available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms
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The information in this transcript is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The discussions about stem cells, exosomes, peptides, and regenerative therapies reflect the clinical experiences and opinions of the physicians involved. These treatments are not FDA-approved for all applications discussed. Individual results vary. Please consult your licensed healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your health regimen.
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