The Secret to Happiness: A Review of "The Wonder Drug"

A Prescription for Happiness

In a world filled with self-help books, "The Wonder Drug" stands out by offering a refreshingly simple yet profound message: the key to happiness lies in serving others.

Key Takeaways:

1. "The Wonder Drug" is written by two physicians, bringing medical credibility to the subject
2. The book presents scientific evidence supporting the benefits of altruism
3. Serving others is proposed as the primary path to a happier, more fulfilling life
4. The authors make potentially dry subject matter engaging and accessible

The Science of Altruism

"The Wonder Drug" doesn't just make claims - it backs them up with scientific research. The authors delve into studies showing how acts of service and kindness can:

1. Boost mental health
2. Improve physical well-being
3. Enhance overall life satisfaction

Why This Book Matters

In an era often criticized for promoting self-centeredness, "The Wonder Drug" offers a counter-narrative. It reminds us that our well-being is intrinsically linked to the welfare of others, fostering a more compassionate and connected society.

Putting Theory into Practice

The book likely offers practical advice on how to incorporate more service into daily life, such as:

1. Volunteering in your community
2. Performing random acts of kindness
3. Focusing on how you can help others in your professional life

A Must-Read for Health and Happiness Seekers

Whether you're looking to improve your own life or seeking to understand the science behind happiness, "The Wonder Drug" appears to be an invaluable resource. Its place of honor on the reviewer's bookshelf speaks volumes about its impact and usefulness.

By blending medical expertise with actionable advice, "The Wonder Drug" offers a unique perspective on achieving happiness. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best way to help ourselves is by helping others.

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Interested in reading more? Purchase "The Wonder Drug" by Stephen Trzeciak M.D. and Anthony Mazzarelli M.D.

The Bionic Beat  v10: Metabolic Health

The last newsletter was about heart health. Today we will talk about metabolic health. Metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, have become increasingly prevalent. These conditions not only affect daily life but also have long-term consequences for overall health, including increased risks of cancer and heart disease. In this newsletter, we'll explore metabolic disease and what we can do to counteract it.  

Metabolic Disease and Increased Risk of Cancer and Heart Disease:

Metabolic disease is bigger than just the disease itself. It's important to understand its connections to other conditions.

For example, people with diabetes are more likely to develop liver, pancreatic, colorectal, and breast cancers. They also have a two to four times greater risk of heart disease compared to those without diabetes.

Diabetes and obesity are associated with an increased risk of multiple cancers, dementia, and can contribute to the development of heart disease.

Understanding these connections help us understand that metabolic disease is bigger than the disease on its own.  

Check out this paper on increased risk of heart disease with type two diabetes: Diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Epidemiology, biological mechanisms, treatment recommendations and future research - PMC (nih.gov)

In this short video, I describe how our Metabolic Module helps you achieve optimal health:

Counteracting Metabolic Disease with Lifestyle:

Daily choices have the power to prevent and manage metabolic disorders. Remember that Rome was not built in a day, so you will want to make incremental changes. I often praise the mantra “progress not perfection”.

For lifestyle, a combination of cardiovascular and resistance training improves insulin sensitivity, for you, this might be increasing your step count or training for an Ironman depending on where you are on your journey.

For diet, I love simplicity, that is why I promote the 800-gram challenge. Try to eat 800 grams per day (about 6 cups) of vegetables, fruit, legumes etc.

Work with your Bionic Advisor on your action plan for an active lifestyle and healthy diet to drive metabolic change.

Check out this video from Peter Attia and Layne Norton:

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Or learn about the origins of the 800-gram challenge:

Medical Interventions for Metabolic Disease:

In addition to lifestyle changes, modern medicine offers powerful tools to manage metabolic disorders.

Metformin reduces liver glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity, while SGLT2 inhibitors help kidneys flush out excess glucose.

GLP-1 agonists, prescribed for both diabetes and obesity, regulate appetite and insulin secretion. When used under medical guidance and combined with lifestyle modifications, these medications can be game changers in controlling metabolic disease and reducing long-term health risks.

Are any of these right for you? Send a chat to your Bionic Physician and see what they think.

Checkout this video on why I love GLP-1s:

Remember that we are all about progress not perfection. It’s hard to make change, but we are here to help you and guide you to the best version of yourself and we’ll get there a step at a time.

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Don't forget: Get $50 for a new member referral!

Myth or Reality: Can Targeted Ab Exercises Reduce Belly Fat?

read the paper: "Abdominal aerobic endurance exercise reveals spot reduction exists: A randomized controlled trial"

The Age-Old Debate: Spot Reduction

For years, fitness experts have dismissed the idea of "spot reduction" - losing fat from a specific area through targeted exercises. But a recent small study has sparked new discussions in the fitness community.

Key Takeaways:

1. A small study compared treadmill running to a combination of running and abdominal exercises
2. The group doing abdominal exercises showed more fat loss in the trunk area
3. Ab exercises may also increase lean mass in the abdominal region
4. More research is needed to confirm these findings

The Study Breakdown

• 16 participants were split into two groups
• Control group: 70 minutes of treadmill running
• Test group: 27 minutes of running + abdominal exercises

Surprising Results

1. Total body fat loss: Similar in both groups
2. Trunk fat loss: Greater in the abdominal exercise group
3. Lean mass in abdomen: Increased in the ab exercise group, slight decrease in control group

What This Means for Your Workouts

While this study is intriguing, it's important to note its small scale. Here's how to apply these findings:

1. Don't abandon your overall fat loss strategy
2. Consider incorporating targeted ab exercises into your routine
3. Remember that nutrition still plays a crucial role in revealing abdominal muscles

The Verdict

While "six-packs are made in the kitchen" remains sound advice, this study suggests that targeted ab work might be more beneficial than previously thought. As always, a balanced approach to diet and exercise is key to achieving your fitness goals.

Remember, more research is needed to fully understand the potential of targeted fat loss. In the meantime, keep up those planks and crunches - they might be doing more than just strengthening your core!

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Hi, I'm Dr. Jared P., and I’m excited to share what I’ve been working on for the past eight months with my good friend Robbie Allen.

I've always been passionate about using AI to enhance medicine. Alongside Nuance Communications and Microsoft, I developed Dragon Ambient Experience, which converts doctor-patient conversations into clinical notes, allowing doctors to focus more on their patients.

A year ago, Robbie Allen reached out with an idea for a new venture. Given my background at Microsoft, where I collaborated with leading AI researchers, I was ready for a fresh challenge. We discussed our mutual passion for helping people achieve optimal health.

Many people desire more happiness, peace, adventure, and learning in life, but poor health often hinders these goals, especially as we age. My father's and brother-in-law's premature deaths due to preventable health issues inspired us to create a solution.

We noticed that while high-end healthcare options are available for those who can afford them, there was a lack of accessible, precision healthcare for everyone else. Thus, we founded Bionic Health to offer precision healthcare powered by AI and physicians, making optimal health attainable for all.

Our concept, "the best fourth quarter," aims to extend the period of life where happiness peaks, which studies show is around age 65. Poor health often causes this peak to decline. Our product integrates lab testing, AI decision support, physician care, and advisors to help maintain better health for longer.

We are currently launching our beta phase for early adopters. We emphasize transparent pricing, showing exactly where your money goes, unlike traditional healthcare systems. Although it's currently a cash-pay product, we hope to have insurance coverage in the future once we demonstrate successful outcomes. In our initial testing phase, we identified several life-threatening conditions early, allowing us to intervene effectively.

If you're interested, visit bionichealth.com. We are currently available in North Carolina and will soon expand to Virginia and South Carolina. Sign up for our waiting list if you're in these states. This is an exciting time, and we’re offering a discount link for early adopters. Feel free to reach out with any questions. Let’s achieve optimal health together.

Thank you.

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Understanding Heart Health: Calcium Scans vs. CT Angiograms

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The Battle Against Heart Disease

As heart disease remains a leading health concern, advanced imaging techniques offer valuable insights into our cardiovascular health. Two key players in this field are coronary calcium scans and CT angiograms.

Key Takeaways:

1. Coronary calcium scans detect calcified plaques in heart arteries
2. CT angiograms provide a more detailed view of artery interiors
3. Each test has its own benefits and ideal candidates
4. Cost and radiation exposure differ between the two tests

Coronary Calcium Scan: The Basics

• Detects calcium buildup in coronary arteries
• Scores range from 0 (no detectable calcium) to 300+ (significant buildup)
• Generally costs between $100-$400
• Best for individuals over 40 with moderate risk factors

CT Angiogram: A Closer Look

• Uses contrast dye to visualize artery interiors
• Can detect both calcified and soft plaques
• Provides detailed images of artery narrowing and potential blockages
• Costs range from $700-$1,500, with additional analysis potentially increasing the price

Choosing the Right Test

Consider these factors when deciding between tests:

1. Age: Calcium scans are less useful for those under 40
2. Risk factors: Higher risk individuals may benefit more from CT angiograms
3. Cost: Calcium scans are more budget-friendly but less comprehensive
4. Previous results: A non-zero calcium score might warrant a CT angiogram

Expert Recommendations

• If budget allows, CT angiograms offer the most comprehensive information
• For those over 40, annual calcium scans can be a good starting point
• Discuss results with a cardiologist for personalized interpretations and follow-up plans

The Bottom Line

While both tests offer valuable insights, CT angiograms provide a more detailed picture of your heart health. However, coronary calcium scans remain a useful and cost-effective option for many. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs and risk factors.

Remember, these tests are powerful tools in the prevention and early detection of heart disease. Investing in your heart health today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.

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Bionic Beat  v9: Heart Health

Heart disease is the number one killer in the world. The death of my brother in-law due to a massive heart attack is one of the reasons I started Bionic Health. In this newsletter, we'll discuss three important topics related to heart health: blood pressure, calcium scans versus angiograms, and ApoB as a biomarker. By understanding these factors and taking proactive steps, you can better monitor and manage your cardiovascular health.

Blood Pressure:

90% of the time I ask people if they have high blood pressure, they tell me no. When I have them monitor it for two weeks, 25% of them are found to have high blood pressure. One cool thing about blood pressure is how much you can impact it with diet and lifestyle.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries while your heart pumps and relaxes. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.  

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Check out this great video from Dr Attia and Dr Huberman about blood pressure, how to take it and the importance of it.

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Calcium scan versus Coronary CT Angiogram:

Calcium scans and coronary CT angiograms are two diagnostic tests that can help assess your heart health. A calcium scan measures the amount of calcium buildup in your coronary arteries, which can indicate the presence of calcified plaques.  

A coronary CT angiogram, on the other hand, uses CT with a special dye to create detailed images of your blood vessels, helping to identify blockages or narrowing. With advanced AI techniques, we can also see soft plaques which cannot be seen on a calcium scan.  

A simple rule of thumb is that if you are younger than 45 a calcium scan cannot rule out vascular disease, but it can rule it in. If you are under 45 with a positive calcium scan, we’ll want to be aggressive in trying to prevent further plaque buildup. A CT angiogram can tell us your vessel health no matter the age, but it is about 6 times more expensive.  

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Check out this video from Dr. Pelo about Calcium Scans and CT Angiograms

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ApoB as a Biomarker:

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a protein found in plaque causing cholesterol particles. Recent research suggests that measuring ApoB levels may be a more accurate indicator of cardiovascular risk than traditional cholesterol tests. High ApoB levels indicate a greater number of all plaque causing particles (LDL, VLDL, Lp(a) etc) in the bloodstream, which can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.  

We use many different markers to look at your cholesterol health, but ApoB is the big picture molecule when it comes to plaque causing cholesterol. However, high ApoB doesn’t guarantee a plaque, it just means there is a higher risk. It is necessary for causing plaques but not sufficient alone, meaning there are other factors as well (metabolic disease, blood pressure, smoking, genetics).  

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Check out this video from Dr Attia and Dr Huberman about how to think about ApoB and how it causes heart disease.

Conclusion:

By staying informed about blood pressure, heart scans, and ApoB, you can take a more proactive approach to your heart health. Remember to discuss these topics with your Bionic team and work together to develop a personalized plan for monitoring and managing your cardiovascular well-being. Small steps, such as adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and staying up-to-date with recommended screenings, can make a big difference in protecting your heart for years to come.

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Don't forget: Get $50 for a new member referral!

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Transforming Primary Care: A Conversation with Dr. Catherine Isaac

In the third episode of our groundbreaking Medicine 3.0 podcast, Dr. Jared Pelo sits down with Dr. Catherine Isaac, one of Bionic Health's newest physicians. Dr. Isaac brings a wealth of experience in internal medicine and mind-body medicine, offering a unique perspective on the future of primary care.

Key Takeaways:

1. A Holistic Approach to Medicine: Dr. Isaac's journey from traditional internal medicine to mind-body medicine highlights the importance of treating the whole person, not just symptoms.

2. The Burnout Crisis in Healthcare: Dr. Isaac candidly discusses her experience with physician burnout, shedding light on a critical issue affecting healthcare providers nationwide.

3. Integrative Medicine in Practice: Through personal anecdotes, Dr. Isaac demonstrates how integrating traditional and alternative approaches can lead to better patient outcomes.

4. The Importance of Body Composition and Performance Testing: Dr. Isaac expresses excitement about Bionic Health's approach to comprehensive health assessment, emphasizing the value of understanding muscle mass, strength, and mobility.

5. Rethinking Weight Loss: The conversation challenges the traditional focus on calorie restriction, advocating instead for a balanced approach that includes building strength and muscle mass.

6. The Future of Primary Care: Dr. Isaac's journey to Bionic Health represents a shift towards a more sustainable and patient-centered model of care.

Dr. Isaac's story is a powerful reminder of the challenges facing primary care physicians and the potential for innovative approaches to transform healthcare delivery. Her enthusiasm for Bionic Health's comprehensive approach, particularly in areas like body composition testing and performance evaluation, highlights the potential for these tools to revolutionize preventive care.

The episode underscores the importance of addressing physician burnout and creating systems that allow doctors to provide the level of care they aspire to. Dr. Isaac's experience illustrates how alternative models like Bionic Health can offer a path forward, benefiting both patients and providers.

As we continue to explore the frontiers of Medicine 3.0, Dr. Isaac's insights remind us that the future of healthcare lies in combining the best of traditional medicine with innovative approaches that address the whole person. Her journey from burnout to renewed enthusiasm serves as an inspiring example of how reimagining healthcare delivery can reinvigorate both providers and patients alike.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Medicine 3.0, where we continue to explore the cutting edge of health and longevity science with the passionate team at Bionic Health.

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Omega-3s: Brain Food for a Sharper Mind

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Read the article, here: Plasma Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Risk for Incident Dementia in the UK Biobank Study: A Closer Look

The Omega-3 Connection

We've long known that fish is brain food, but new research is shedding light on just how powerful omega-3 fatty acids can be in protecting our cognitive health.

Key Takeaways:

1. A recent study links higher omega-3 levels to lower rates of dementia
2. The omega-3 index is a key measure, with levels over 7 being ideal
3. Benefits are seen for various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's
4. Fish like salmon and sardines are excellent natural sources of omega-3s

The Science Behind the Benefits

A study published in the Journal of Nutrients in November 2023 analyzed data from the UK Biobank, including:

• 267,000 participants
• Metabolomic data from 102,000 people
• Measures of DHA levels and omega-3 index in relation to dementia risk

Types of Dementia Affected

While beneficial for all types of dementia, omega-3s showed the strongest protection against:

1. Small vessel disease dementia
2. Lewy body dementia
3. Other non-Alzheimer's forms of dementia

Alzheimer's disease also saw benefits, though to a lesser extent.

How to Boost Your Omega-3 Levels

1. Eat fatty fish like salmon and sardines regularly
2. Consider fish oil supplements if you don't consume enough fish
3. Aim for an omega-3 index above 7 for optimal benefits

Why It Matters

With dementia rates on the rise globally, finding natural ways to protect our cognitive health is crucial. Omega-3 fatty acids offer a simple, accessible method to potentially reduce your risk of cognitive decline.

The Bottom Line

Whether you prefer grilled salmon, tinned sardines, or a daily fish oil supplement, increasing your omega-3 intake could be one of the smartest moves you make for your long-term brain health.

Remember, while omega-3s are beneficial, they're just one part of a healthy lifestyle. Combine them with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a balanced diet for the best results in keeping your mind sharp as you age.

So, next time you're at the grocery store or planning your meals, think of your brain and reach for those omega-3-rich options. Your future self may thank you for it!

The Bionic Beat v8: Cognitive Health

When I share my passion for longevity and healthspan with others, a common concern I hear is, "I wouldn't want to live longer if my brain isn't functioning well." It is a valid point. Quality of life is just as important as quantity, and a healthy brain is crucial for enjoying our later years.  

In this newsletter, we will explore three key aspects of brain health: the role of genetics in dementia, the importance of the Omega-3 Index, and how challenging your brain through learning can help keep your mind sharp.

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But first, a quick product announcement!

Your Biomarker Dashboard is now live!

We’re excited to announce that the new biomarker dashboard with scores and biological age is now available to all members.

Make sure you have the latest app update, swipe the score in the center to see more, and tap the ? icon above each score to see our explanations for each.

We’re launching with support for blood-based biomarkers with more observation types to come soon.

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Predicting Alzheimer's

Recent studies have highlighted the gene ApoE, particularly its variant number 4, which is known to increase the risk of Alzheimer's Dementia (AD).

If you have two of these variants, your lifetime risk of cognitive impairment or dementia rises to 30-67%.

But genetics is only part of the story; our lifestyle choices matter significantly. That is why we are developing our genetics module, to provide people with the information they need to improve their odds.

Here is the citation to the most recent paper. Despite its daunting findings, it provides valuable insights:

APOE4 homozygozity represents a distinct genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease | Nature Medicine

You can also watch my take on the paper and why biologic diagnosis of something is different from clinical diagnosis.

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‍Here is a short video from Jared talking about his take on the paper and why biologic diagnosis of something is different from clinical diagnosis.

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The Omega-3 Index

We check many biomarkers, some extremely specific to body systems and others important for multiple systems.

The Omega-3 Index is one such critical biomarker, essential for overall health, heart health, and especially brain health. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked by regular doctors.

Watch this clip from Dr. Bill Harris, the foremost expert on the Omega-3 Index, discussing its relevance to brain health:

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Additionally, here is a video where I talk about one of my favorite papers on the Omega-3 Index and dementia:

Exercising your brain

We have discussed the benefits of exercise for mental health in past newsletters, emphasizing its importance for brain health.

A more intriguing question is whether you can directly exercise the brain through learning.

The answer is yes. Much like physical exercise, stimulating your brain and building new neural pathways helps maintain brain health.

Check out this lecture by Neurologist Josh Turknett from Emory Medical School, explaining the best ways to train your brain and why learning an instrument might be beneficial at any age:

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Don't forget: Get $50 for a new member referral!

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