#226: How To Make Your Immune System Bulletproof (And Shorten The Duration Of A Cold)

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Jan 16, 2013 free podcast: How To Make Your Immune System Bulletproof (And Shorten The Duration Of A Cold). Also: IGF1 and Testosterone levels, pain from long commutes, how to fuel for a hard race on a low carb diet, can altitude affect PMS, the best Personal Trainer certification, and how a high fat diet can irritate your throat.

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News Flashes:

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• Poop transplants for serious digestive issues? Oh yeah, it's a reality.
• Caution! How prevalent is Vitamin B12 deficiency in vegetarians? Pretty high.
• How to tell if you're Vitamin B12 deficient without actually testing (and a good Vitamin B12 Spray).
• Oh yeah, intermittent fasting could make you live longer. Of course, paradox is you may not enjoy life if you overdo it.
• Eat your heart out, Gatorade…tomato juice beats out sports drinks. LOL.

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Special Announcements:

DATE CHANGE - Thursday, January 31, 12pm PST: Heat Prep For Cold Climate Athletes. In this webinar presentation, Ben Greenfield will teach you the science of the body’s physiological response to heat. You’ll learn how cold climate athletes who are non heat-acclimated can prepare for hot races via the research-proven use of body cooling gear, heat acclimation strategies, hydration strategies, dietary supplements, food choices and more. All USAT coaches are eligible for CEU’s from this course. Get in now.

Thursday, January 31: Join Ben for a LIVE Q&A on Jimmy Moore's "Ask The Low Carb Experts" to discuss low carb diets and performance. Tune in Thursday night at 4PST/7EST! Call 712-432-0900 or Skype freeconferencing. 7124320900. Use access code 848908.

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2013 training camps:

• February 22 to 28: Winter Triathlon Camp in Austin.
• March 2 to 8: Winter Triathlon Camp in Florida.
• April 5 to 7: Wildflower Camp.
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Listener Q&A:

As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick".

Audio Question from Clay @ 00:26:17 Has some "lung crud", sinus headache and a cold. Wants to know if there is anything other than antibiotics that he can use to cure this? Probiotics? ~ In my response to Clay, I mention this article and also my article on how to mitigate effects of antibiotics.

Audio Question from Scott @ 00:37:01 Has tested his IGF1 and Testosterone levels, first thing in the morning in a fasted state about 8 weeks apart. Both tests showed low free testosterone levels (3.9 and 4.7) and high IGF1 levels (332 and 300). He is wondering how you would interpret these results (he has his own ideas too). He's 29 years old and is training for a power lifting competition. ~ In my response to Scott, I mention private consultations with me, at pacificfit.net. I also reference my podcast with Christopher Walker on how to balance your hormones and also lab testing via WellnessFX.

Audio Question from a full-time driver @ 00:43:48 Has been spending a lot of time in his car (2 to 4 hours per day) and has noticed that his running form is getting bad and his knees are hurting (especially on the left). Is there anything he can do or anything he can use to minimize the damage of being in the car so long everyday? ~ In my response I mention this set of stretches.

Audio Question from Vince @ 00:49:50 Has gone low-carb (30 to 50 grams per day) and is doing less cycling and more weight lifting (off-season). He currently feels great, doesn't feel hungry, has lots of energy in the gym and on the bike. Is this the type of eating that he can maintain when the cycling season starts up again? He is concerned that a low-carb diet is good for the off-season but will not give enough "burst of energy" fuel that is necessary for a crit. ~ In my response to Vince, I recommend my Low Carb Fueling Package at www.lowcarbtriathlete.com.

Audio Question from Chris @ 00:56:56 His girlfriend has been experiencing increasingly severe symptoms associated with her period since she moved to Utah for school. She is 19 years old, she's been living at 5000 feet elevation and didn't seem to get as bad symptoms when she was at 1000 feet. She gets emotional, bloated, lack of appetite, back pain and stomach cramps/pain (to the point of not wanting to get out of bed). She's not an athlete but is healthy and eats ok. Could this be happening because she is getting older, because of the elevation change, or the climate, or something else? Is there a holistic approach she could take to help with this? ~ In my response to Chris, I mention Chinese Adaptogenic Herbs like TianChi.

Audio Question from Troy @ 01:06:40 Is thinking of getting a Personal Trainer certification. Has done the NASM and wasn't very impressed. The one called Nation Personal Training Institute. It is a 6 month course, 5 days a week, 9 to 5. It is about $6000 (pricey?). Seems comprehensive and is a classroom format rather than online or by mail. What would you recommend or suggest? ~ In my response to Troy, I recommend my mentorship at www.SuperhumanCoach.com.

Audio Question from Keerthi @ 01:13:49 Has been following a high fat diet for a while now but he has noticed that when he eats a lot of healthy fats (like coconut oil or grass fed butter) he sometimes gets an irritation in his throat. Do you know why this might happen and what would be a possible remedy? ~ In my response to Keerthi, I recommend including lipase, or digestive enzymes like Caprazymes.

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