JRE #2060 – Gary Brecka

9-Nov-23







This podcast features Gary Brecka, a human biologist and co-founder of 10X Health System, discussing his insights into human health and the importance of understanding our body’s fundamental needs. He delves into topics such as genetic methylation, nutrient deficiencies, and the role of lifestyle factors in overall well-being. Brecka presents a compelling argument for focusing on the root causes of health issues, challenging conventional medical approaches and advocating for a more holistic approach to health.

Topics Covered

  1. Dana White’s Health Transformation:
    1. Brecka details how he helped UFC President Dana White improve his health by identifying and addressing underlying nutrient deficiencies.
    2. Brecka highlights how White’s high homocysteine levels contributed to his hypertension, despite being on medication.
    3. He explains how White’s blood pressure normalized after supplementing with trimethylglycine (TMG), demonstrating the power of targeted supplementation.
    4. Brecka emphasizes that White’s health transformation was a testament to the body’s ability to heal itself when provided with the right nutrients.
  2. Genetic Methylation and its Impact on Health:
    1. Brecka introduces the concept of methylation, a crucial process for converting raw materials into usable forms in the body.
    2. He explains how gene mutations affecting methylation pathways can lead to nutrient deficiencies, contributing to various health issues.
    3. He highlights the prevalence of the MTHFR gene mutation and its connection to conditions like hypertension, ADD/ADHD, and mood disorders.
    4. Brecka advocates for personalized supplementation based on genetic methylation profiles, suggesting that addressing deficiencies can significantly improve health outcomes.
  3. The Dangers of Folic Acid:
    1. Brecka exposes the widespread use of folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, and its potential downsides for those who can’t convert it into the usable form, methylfolate.
    2. He discusses the link between folic acid consumption and increased incidences of ADD/ADHD, OCD, and mood imbalances, suggesting that it may exacerbate existing conditions.
    3. Brecka highlights the unnecessary fortification of processed foods with folic acid, calling it a health hazard for a significant portion of the population.
    4. He urges listeners to avoid folic acid and opt for methylfolate instead, particularly during pregnancy, to prevent potential complications.
  4. Addressing Anxiety and Mood Disorders:
    1. Brecka challenges the notion that anxiety and mood disorders are solely mental conditions, emphasizing the role of nutrient deficiencies in their development.
    2. He discusses the COMT gene mutation and its connection to anxiety, suggesting that supplementation can help regulate catecholamines and reduce anxiety symptoms.
    3. Brecka recommends a complex of B vitamins, including methylcobalamin, hydroxycobalamin, and methylfolate, along with supplements like magnesium, zinc, and SAM-e, to support proper neurotransmitter breakdown and mental well-being.
    4. He emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying nutrient deficiencies before resorting to medications, highlighting the potential for natural interventions to improve mental health.
  5. The Gut as a Conveyor Belt:
    1. Brecka uses the analogy of Henry Ford’s assembly line to explain the importance of gut motility in digestion and overall health.
    2. He highlights how digestive issues, often misdiagnosed as allergies or sensitivities, can stem from impaired gut motility rather than food-related factors.
    3. Brecka advocates for addressing gut motility issues through targeted supplementation, emphasizing that restoring proper peristaltic activity can resolve many digestive problems.
    4. He emphasizes the importance of considering gut health as a critical factor in overall well-being, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive approach to digestive health.
  6. The Importance of Vitamin D3:
    1. Brecka underscores the significance of vitamin D3, highlighting its crucial role in overall health and its connection to immune function.
    2. He shares his observations from the mortality space, noting the frequent misdiagnosis of vitamin D3 deficiencies as autoimmune disorders, illustrating the potential for misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
    3. Brecka emphasizes that vitamin D3 is essential for immune function, bone health, and overall well-being, suggesting that adequate supplementation can significantly improve health outcomes.
    4. He encourages listeners to prioritize vitamin D3 levels, reminding them of the potential for improving health through simple and effective interventions.
  7. The Dangers of Corticosteroids:
    1. Brecka outlines the potential downsides of corticosteroids, including their cytotoxic effects on joints, gut health, and overall well-being.
    2. He explains how corticosteroids can disrupt protein metabolism, leading to joint degeneration and pain, and their impact on gut motility, causing digestive issues.
    3. Brecka cautions against prolonged use of corticosteroids, emphasizing the importance of addressing the underlying causes of inflammation before resorting to medication.
    4. He encourages listeners to explore natural alternatives to corticosteroids for managing inflammation, promoting a more sustainable and less harmful approach to health.
  8. The FDA’s Role in Health and Wellness:
    1. Brecka questions the FDA’s role in restricting access to potentially beneficial compounds, like BPC-157 and growth hormone peptides, while allowing potentially harmful substances, like folic acid and fluoride, to remain in the market.
    2. He expresses concern about the FDA’s emphasis on single-dose toxicity over cumulative dose toxicity, suggesting that this approach may not adequately protect public health.
    3. Brecka highlights the potential for the FDA’s regulations to limit access to natural health solutions, potentially hindering individuals’ ability to improve their well-being.
    4. He encourages listeners to remain informed and critical of regulatory bodies, promoting a more independent and evidence-based approach to health decisions.
  9. The Importance of Natural Sunlight and Breathwork:
    1. Brecka emphasizes the benefits of natural sunlight exposure, particularly first light in the morning, for mitochondrial function and overall health.
    2. He advocates for incorporating breathwork into daily routines, highlighting its impact on stress reduction, improved oxygen utilization, and overall well-being.
    3. Brecka promotes the practice of grounding, or earthing, as a simple and effective way to improve cellular health and reduce inflammation.
    4. He encourages listeners to embrace free and accessible natural interventions, emphasizing that these simple practices can have profound impacts on health and well-being.
  10. Red Light Therapy:
    1. Brecka delves into the benefits of red light therapy, highlighting its effects on skin health, mitochondrial function, and overall well-being.
    2. He explains how red light therapy can increase microvascular circulation and improve oxygen utilization, promoting cellular repair and detoxification.
    3. Brecka discusses the different types of red light beds available, emphasizing the importance of choosing a bed with high milliwatts of irradiance and specific wavelengths.
    4. He encourages listeners to consider red light therapy as a safe and effective tool for improving health, particularly for those seeking to enhance energy, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health.
  11. The Importance of Electrolytes:
    1. Brecka highlights the importance of maintaining adequate electrolyte balance, particularly sodium, magnesium, and potassium.
    2. He discusses the potential link between low sodium levels and migraine headaches, encouraging listeners to pay attention to their sodium intake.
    3. Brecka emphasizes that proper hydration involves adequate electrolyte levels, not just water intake, suggesting that supplementing with electrolytes can improve overall health.
    4. He encourages listeners to avoid processed salts like pink Himalayan sea salt due to potential heavy metal contamination and opt for Celtic sea salt instead, promoting a more natural and healthier approach to electrolyte supplementation.
  12. The Power of a Ketogenic Diet:
    1. Brecka describes the benefits of a prescribed ketogenic diet, emphasizing its role in reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting weight loss.
    2. He explains how a ketogenic diet shifts the body’s primary fuel source to fat, reducing reliance on carbohydrates and leading to improved metabolic function.
    3. Brecka highlights the production of deuterium depleted water, a lighter form of water, as a byproduct of consuming healthy fats, and its role in enhancing mitochondrial efficiency.
    4. He encourages listeners to explore the potential of a ketogenic diet for improving health, particularly for those seeking to address metabolic issues and improve overall well-being.
  13. The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Health:
    1. Brecka emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues, advocating for a holistic approach to wellness.
    2. He encourages listeners to prioritize lifestyle factors, such as diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management, as integral components of overall health.
    3. Brecka encourages listeners to take an active role in their health journey, emphasizing the power of informed choices and personalized interventions.
    4. He promotes a preventative approach to health, suggesting that addressing nutrient deficiencies and supporting optimal cellular function can lead to a more resilient and fulfilling life.

Memorable Quotes

  • “Human beings are not as sick as we have been led to believe we are. The majority, in my opinion, of pathology and disease as we know it today, are nutrient deficiencies, missing raw material in the human body.” – Brecka challenges the conventional understanding of disease, emphasizing the often overlooked role of nutrient deficiencies.
  • “We rarely go outside the heart to diagnose whether or not… We never looked outside the heart to say, well, could it possibly be beating into a dysfunctional arterial system?” – Brecka highlights the limited focus on cardiovascular health, suggesting that a broader understanding of the body’s interconnected systems is necessary.
  • “The standard American diet is going to be like a pop tart, a white bagel, a bowl of cereal, right? And all of those are fortified with folic acid… It could make their mind race.” – Brecka illustrates the potential for folic acid to have a detrimental impact on children’s mental health and behavior, prompting reflection on food choices and supplementation.
  • “The presence of oxygen is the absence of disease.” – Brecka emphasizes the crucial role of oxygen in cellular function and overall health, suggesting that optimizing oxygen utilization can significantly improve health outcomes.
  • “I really think magic things happen to human beings. If their body just has the raw material it needs to do its job.” – Brecka underscores the transformative power of addressing nutrient deficiencies, suggesting that a more focused approach to nutrition can unlock the body’s innate healing potential.


 

Leave a Comment