Protocols
Protocols are a specific sets of behaviors or procedures intended to achieve specific outcomes. These tasks or behaviors often aim to optimize the brain and body, cope with stress, or enhance performance. These protocols are based on scientific research and are designed to be practical and implementable in daily life.
Filter by Health Benefit
Acupuncture
Health Benefit
Mental Health, Stress Management, Anti-Inflammatory
Summary
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It aims to balance the flow of energy or life force, known as Qi, through pathways in the body. Acupuncture is used to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall health. It can help with various conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and digestive issues. By stimulating the body's natural healing processes, acupuncture can enhance blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote physical and emotional well-being. It's widely recognized for its benefits in managing pain and improving quality of life.
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Cupping
Health Benefit
Longevity, Skin Health, Anti-Inflammatory
Summary
Cupping is an ancient therapeutic practice that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction draws blood to the surface, promoting increased blood flow and enhancing circulation in the treated areas. The benefits include relief from muscle tension, reduction in inflammation, and improvement in blood flow, which aids in healing. Cupping can also alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Often used in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed to balance energy and improve overall well-being. It's particularly popular for its effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal issues and enhancing athletic recovery.
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Foam Rolling
Health Benefit
Exercise, Longevity, Mobility
Summary
Foam rolling, also known as self-myofascial release, involves using a cylindrical foam roller to apply pressure to muscles. This technique helps to alleviate muscle tightness, soreness, and inflammation, and increases the range of motion in the joints. By breaking up adhesions and scar tissue, foam rolling can enhance blood flow and aid in muscle recovery. Regular use can improve flexibility, reduce muscle pain, and enhance athletic performance. It's a popular recovery tool among athletes and fitness enthusiasts for its ability to expedite muscle recovery and improve overall mobility.
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Seed Oil Avoidance
Health Benefit
Anti-Inflammatory, Longevity
Summary
People avoid seed oils primarily due to their high omega-6 fatty acid content, which can disrupt the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, potentially leading to inflammation and an increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Additionally, seed oils are prone to oxidation and the formation of harmful compounds, such as trans fats and aldehydes, when exposed to heat during cooking. This oxidation process is linked to various health issues, including inflammation and chronic disease. The industrial extraction methods used for seed oils often involve high heat and chemical solvents, which can strip beneficial nutrients and introduce harmful substances. Compared to other fats like olive oil and coconut oil, seed oils are seen as less nutrient-dense and lack beneficial compounds such as antioxidants. Some research also suggests a connection between high seed oil intake and negative health outcomes, including obesity and metabolic syndrome. Consequently, many people opt for more stable and nutrient-rich fats like olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil, which are considered healthier alternatives
What to Eat
Microdosing
Health Benefit
Stress Management
Summary
Microdosing involves taking very small doses of psychedelic substances, which some individuals report can enhance mood, creativity, focus, and overall mental health. While research is still emerging, anecdotal evidence suggests that microdosing may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall well-being. It is important to note that microdosing involves substances that are often illegal and can carry risks, including legal consequences and potential psychological effects. Individuals considering microdosing should approach it with caution, ideally under the guidance of a medical professional, and consider the legal and health implications.
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Journaling
Health Benefit
Mental Health, Stress Management
Summary
Journaling involves writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences, which can help reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and enhance self-awareness. Regular journaling can serve as a therapeutic outlet, allowing individuals to process emotions, reflect on their day, and set goals. It can also improve cognitive function by organizing thoughts and promoting problem-solving skills. Journaling supports mental health by providing a safe space for expression and self-reflection, leading to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and better emotional regulation. This practice can contribute to overall well-being and personal growth by fostering a deeper understanding of oneself.
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Blackout Curtains
Health Benefit
Sleep Regulation
Summary
Blackout curtains block external light sources, creating a dark environment conducive to better sleep. By eliminating light pollution, blackout curtains help regulate circadian rhythms, improve sleep onset, and enhance overall sleep quality. A dark sleeping environment promotes the production of melatonin, a hormone essential for sleep regulation. Using blackout curtains can lead to deeper, more restorative sleep, improving mood, cognitive function, and overall health. They are particularly useful for individuals living in urban areas with significant light pollution or those who need to sleep during the day, such as shift workers.
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Blue Light Blockers
Health Benefit
Sleep Regulation, Stress Management
Summary
Blue light blockers, such as glasses or screen filters, reduce exposure to blue light from electronic devices, which can disrupt melatonin production and impair sleep quality. Using blue light blockers in the evening can help maintain circadian rhythm, improve sleep onset, and enhance overall sleep quality. Reducing blue light exposure before bedtime supports better sleep hygiene, leading to improved mood, cognitive function, and overall health. These tools are particularly beneficial for individuals who use electronic devices extensively in the evening, helping to mitigate the negative effects of blue light on sleep and circadian rhythms.
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Zone 2 Training
Health Benefit
Exercise, Longevity, Weight Management
Summary
Zone 2 and Zone 5 training involve different intensity levels of cardiovascular exercise. Zone 2 training, at a moderate intensity, enhances aerobic capacity, improves fat metabolism, and supports endurance. Zone 5 training, at high intensity, boosts anaerobic capacity, increases speed, and enhances overall cardiovascular performance. Combining these training zones provides a well-rounded fitness regimen that supports cardiovascular health, improves physical performance, and promotes longevity. Regularly incorporating both types of training can enhance endurance, strength, and overall metabolic health, contributing to a longer and healthier life.
How to Move
Continuous Glucose Monitor
Health Benefit
Weight Management
Summary
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide real-time data on blood glucose levels, helping individuals manage their diet and lifestyle more effectively. CGMs can identify blood sugar spikes and drops, enabling better control over insulin levels and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes. By providing insights into how different foods and activities affect blood glucose, CGMs support more informed dietary choices and improved metabolic health. This tool can enhance longevity and overall health by promoting optimal blood sugar regulation and reducing the risk of complications associated with poor glucose control.
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Hydrogen Water/Rev Osmosis Water
Health Benefit
Nutrition
Summary
Drinking hydrogen-rich water or water purified through reverse osmosis can provide various health benefits. Hydrogen water has antioxidant properties, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting overall health and longevity. Reverse osmosis water filtration removes contaminants, providing clean and safe drinking water. Consuming purified water can improve hydration, support metabolic processes, and enhance cellular function. These water types can contribute to better physical performance, cognitive function, and overall well-being by ensuring that the body receives clean and beneficial hydration.
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Coconut Pulling
Health Benefit
Anti-Inflammatory, Nutrition, Longevity
Summary
Coconut pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, involves swishing coconut oil in the mouth for several minutes. It can improve oral hygiene by reducing harmful bacteria, plaque, and gingivitis. Coconut pulling may also support overall health by reducing inflammation and detoxifying the body. Regular practice can lead to fresher breath, whiter teeth, and improved gum health. Additionally, by promoting oral hygiene, coconut pulling can contribute to longevity by reducing the risk of oral infections and systemic health issues linked to poor oral health.
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Grounding
Health Benefit
Longevity
Summary
Grounding, also known as earthing, involves direct physical contact with the Earth's surface, such as walking barefoot on grass or soil. It can improve sleep, reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and enhance overall well-being. Grounding has been shown to normalize cortisol levels, support cardiovascular health, and improve mood by reducing stress and promoting a sense of connection with nature. This practice can contribute to longevity and enhance the quality of life by promoting relaxation and reducing the negative effects of chronic stress.
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Red Light Therapy
Health Benefit
Longevity, Skin Health
Summary
Red light therapy offers a wide range of health benefits, including enhanced collagen production for improved skin elasticity, reduced wrinkles, and accelerated wound healing, which minimizes scar appearance. It aids muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to faster recovery and enhanced performance for athletes. Pain relief is another significant benefit, as red light therapy alleviates chronic pain conditions like arthritis and joint pain, while also accelerating the healing process of acute injuries. For cognitive function, the therapy provides neuroprotective effects, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and improving mood by influencing neurotransmitter production. It also regulates melatonin production, promoting better sleep quality, reducing insomnia, and aligning circadian rhythms. Additionally, red light therapy stimulates hair follicles, encouraging hair growth and reducing hair loss. It boosts mitochondrial function, increasing cellular energy (ATP) production, essential for various bodily functions, and exhibits anti-aging effects by improving overall cellular function and promoting longevity.
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Walk After Meals
Health Benefit
Weight Management
Summary
Movement after meals, even light walking, can effectively lower blood glucose levels by sequestering glucose from the blood to muscle and glycogen stores, reducing its storage as body fat. This is particularly helpful for those struggling with blood sugar regulation. Incorporating a short walk after meals can significantly reduce post-meal glucose spikes, with studies showing that a simple 10-minute walk can reduce glucose response by 30-35%. Additionally, light exercise such as walking increases gastric emptying time, helping transition from a fed state to a fasted state more quickly, benefiting those practicing intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating.
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Nicotine
Health Benefit
Cognitive Support
Summary
Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, affecting neural circuits that regulate attention, mood, and motivation. This binding enhances cognitive functions like focus and alertness but also increases heart rate and blood pressure. Nicotine can promote cognitive function and has mood-modulating properties, which makes it attractive for mental tasks. However, Huberman warns against its use for physical performance enhancement due to its relaxing effect on skeletal muscles, potentially impairing reaction times and coordination.
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Cannabis
Health Benefit
Stress Management
Summary
While cannabis use can offer certain medical benefits, such as pain relief and anxiety reduction, it also has potential detrimental effects, especially with long-term use. Regular cannabis consumption can impair cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. It may also increase the risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and in some cases, psychosis. Physical health risks include respiratory issues from smoking, potential cardiovascular problems, and negative impacts on reproductive health. Furthermore, heavy cannabis use can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms, affecting overall quality of life. Moderation and medical supervision are recommended to mitigate these risks.
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Stretching/Mobility Training
Health Benefit
Longevity, Exercise
Summary
Mobility and flexibility exercises, such as stretching, yoga, and dynamic movements, improve joint range of motion, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance overall physical performance. Regular mobility work can alleviate muscle stiffness, improve posture, and support better movement patterns during daily activities and exercise. Flexibility training also promotes relaxation and can reduce stress levels by releasing physical tension. Incorporating mobility and flexibility exercises into your routine supports long-term physical health, enhances athletic performance, and contributes to overall well-being by maintaining optimal functional movement and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
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Meditation
Health Benefit
Longevity, Mental Health, Stress Management
Summary
Meditation involves techniques such as mindfulness, focused attention, and deep breathing to promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and enhance emotional well-being. Regular meditation practice can improve focus, increase self-awareness, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Meditation also supports physical health by lowering blood pressure, improving heart rate variability, and reducing inflammation. By cultivating a regular meditation practice, you can enhance overall mental resilience, improve sleep quality, and promote a sense of inner peace and balance.
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NSDR (Non-Sleep Deep Rest)
Health Benefit
Longevity, Mental Health, Stress Management
Summary
NSDR, or Non-Sleep Deep Rest, involves practices like Yoga Nidra or specific guided meditations that promote deep relaxation without actual sleep. These sessions can help reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall well-being. Regular NSDR practice can also improve sleep quality by training your body and mind to relax more deeply, facilitating quicker sleep onset and more restorative sleep. Additionally, NSDR can enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of calm, contributing to better mental and physical health.
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Heat Exposure
Health Benefit
Longevity, Mental Health, Stress Management
Summary
Heat exposure through activities like sauna bathing induces hyperthermia, which enhances blood flow, improves cardiovascular health, and promotes detoxification through sweating. It also stimulates the production of heat shock proteins, which help repair damaged cells and improve cellular function. Regular sauna use is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and improved longevity.
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Cold Exposure/Ice Bath
Health Benefit
Longevity, Mental Health, Stress Management
Summary
Regular exposure to cold stimulates the production of norepinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that helps reduce inflammation and pain. Cold exposure also improves circulation, boosts immune function, and enhances mental resilience by promoting the release of endorphins and increasing tolerance to stress.
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Breathing Techniques
Health Benefit
Longevity, Mental Health, Stress Management
Summary
Controlled breathing techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing the body's stress response. The double inhale/sigh helps clear carbon dioxide from the lungs, enhancing oxygen intake and promoting relaxation. Box breathing, a form of slow, deep breathing, helps regulate the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety by lowering heart rate and promoting a sense of calm.
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Training to Failure
Health Benefit
Exercise
Summary
Training close to muscle failure maximizes muscle fiber recruitment, promoting muscle growth and strength gains. High weights with low repetitions are ideal for building strength, while moderate weights with higher repetitions are effective for muscle hypertrophy and endurance. Tailoring the training intensity and volume to personal goals and preferences ensures optimal results.
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Hypertropy Training
Health Benefit
Exercise, Longevity
Summary
Different resistance training protocols target specific fitness goals. Strength training involves lifting heavier weights with fewer repetitions to build muscle strength. Hypertrophy training focuses on increasing muscle size through moderate weights and higher repetitions. Endurance training uses lighter weights with high repetitions to improve muscular endurance.
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High-Intensity Interval Training
Health Benefit
Exercise, Weight Management
Summary
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest or low-intensity periods. This training method improves cardiovascular fitness, increases metabolism, and burns fat more effectively than steady-state cardio. HIIT also helps maintain muscle mass while promoting fat loss.
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Zone 3 Training
Health Benefit
Exercise, Weight Management, Longevity
Summary
Engaging in 150–180 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week helps improve cardiovascular health, enhances lung capacity, and boosts overall endurance. Regular cardio reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, and aids in weight management.
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Alcohol
Health Benefit
Nutrition, Sleep Regulation, Longevity, Weight Management, Anti-Inflammatory
Summary
Limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks per week reduces the risk of alcohol-related health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and certain cancers. Moderate alcohol intake is also less likely to disrupt sleep patterns and cognitive functions.
What to Eat
Water Intake
Health Benefit
Nutrition
Summary
Staying well-hydrated throughout the day is essential for maintaining bodily functions, including temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and waste elimination. Consuming 2.4 liters (80 oz) of fluids in the first 10 hours of the day ensures adequate hydration, especially during periods of increased physical activity or hot weather.
What to Eat
Saturated fats
Health Benefit
Nutrition, Weight Management
Summary
While saturated fats are necessary for hormone production and other bodily functions, excessive intake can increase the risk of heart disease. Balancing saturated fat intake with healthy fats (e.g., poly-unsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats) helps maintain overall health and reduce disease risk.
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Fiber Intake
Health Benefit
Nutrition, Weight Management
Summary
Consuming 50 grams of prebiotic fiber daily supports digestive health and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Fiber also aids in regulating blood sugar levels, reducing cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy weight.
What to Eat
Macronutrient Distribution
Health Benefit
Nutrition, Weight Management
Summary
A balanced intake of carbohydrates and fats is essential for overall health. Avoiding extremes (e.g., very low-carb or very high-fat diets) ensures that you receive adequate nutrients and energy. Both macronutrients play vital roles in energy production, hormone regulation, and overall bodily functions.
What to Eat
Protein Intake
Health Benefit
Nutrition, Weight Management
Summary
Consuming 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is sufficient to increase lean body mass and support muscle repair and growth. Adequate protein intake is crucial for maintaining muscle mass, especially when engaging in resistance training or during weight loss to prevent muscle loss.
What to Eat
Consistent Sleep/Wake Cycle
Health Benefit
Mental Health, Sleep Regulation, Longevity, Stress Management
Summary
Adequate sleep duration tailored to your individual needs is crucial for cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall health. A dark, cool sleeping environment helps facilitate the natural drop in core body temperature and the production of melatonin, enhancing sleep quality and duration.
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Avoid Food Before Bed
Health Benefit
Nutrition, Sleep Regulation
Summary
Eating close to bedtime can disrupt sleep by causing indigestion and interfering with the natural decline in body temperature needed for sleep. Allowing a few hours between your last meal and bedtime supports better digestion and more restful sleep.
What to Eat, How to Heal
Sunset Walk
Health Benefit
Sleep Regulation, Mental Health
Summary
Evening walks and exposure to the setting sun help signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. This natural light exposure helps regulate melatonin production, preparing your body for sleep. It reinforces your circadian rhythm by contrasting the bright morning light with the dim evening light.
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Minimize Caffeine 8 Hours before Bedtime
Health Benefit
Sleep Regulation
Summary
Consuming caffeine in the afternoon can interfere with melatonin production, delaying sleep onset and reducing sleep quality. Avoiding caffeine after 2 PM ensures your body can produce melatonin effectively, promoting better sleep.
What to Eat
Time Restricted Eating
Health Benefit
Nutrition, Weight Management
Summary
Time-restricted eating, such as the 16/8 protocol, aligns your eating schedule with your circadian rhythm. This pattern can improve metabolic health, aid in weight management, and enhance cellular repair processes during fasting periods, supporting overall health and longevity.
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Morning Exercise
Health Benefit
Sleep Regulation, Exercise, Weight Management, Mental Health
Summary
Morning exercise boosts metabolism and energy levels, helps synchronize your body’s internal clock, and leads to better sleep at night. Exercising on an empty stomach may enhance fat oxidation and improve insulin sensitivity.
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Delay Caffeine
Health Benefit
Sleep Regulation
Summary
Caffeine acts as an adenosine competitive inhibitor. Adenosine promotes sleep by slowing down neural activity. When caffeine binds to adenosine receptors, it blocks this effect, making you feel more awake. Consuming caffeine immediately upon waking can interfere with the natural cortisol surge, leading to potential dependence on caffeine for alertness. Allowing your body's cortisol levels to peak naturally helps maintain a healthier circadian rhythm and reduces caffeine dependence.
What to Eat
Morning Sunlight
Health Benefit
Sleep Regulation, Mental Health
Summary
Morning sunlight exposure helps reset your circadian clock by suppressing melatonin and increasing cortisol levels, making you feel more awake. This synchronization with the natural day-night cycle enhances sleep quality at night, improves mood, boosts vitamin D production, and supports overall health. The intensity of natural sunlight is much greater than indoor light, providing a stronger stimulus to reset your internal clock.
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