#229: How To Legally Boost Hematocrit, Limit The Damage From Night Shift Work, The Dangers Of Vasectomies and More!

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Feb 6, 2013 free podcast: How To Legally Boost Hematocrit, Limit The Damage From Night Shift Work, The Dangers Of Vasectomies and More! Also: should you eliminate all dairy if you have asthma, and how to run faster for longer.

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Listener Q&A:

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

Audio Question from Dwight @ 00:24:14 He is a shift worker who works alternating days and nights - 3 on and 3 off. He finds it hard to get into a routine at the gym or with regular meals. Can Ben offer some workout routines for coming off nights and on to days and also any supplements that might help with the transitions back and forth. ~ My recommendations to Dwight:

Home or Office "light" workout gear -GymStick -FIT10 -MostFit Suspension Strap -Perfirmer

Sleep (Supplements) -400-500mg potassium citrate combined with 400-500mg Natural Calm magnesium (30-60 minutes prior to bed) -MillenniumSports Somnidren GH (use on empty stomach, 30-60 minutes prior to bed) -Hammer REM caps (use 15% referral code 80244)

Sleep (Testing/Tracking) -Zeo Personal Sleep Coach system -More affordable alternative to Zeo: SleepTime app by Azumio

Sleep (Tools) -Install “Flux” on computer so it dims at night -Wear blue light blocking glasses, especially for evening computer use. Recommend Gunnar. -Install low blue light bulbs, and put blue light blocker screen on computer -PZizz iPhone app for quick naps -Dream Essentials contoured face mask and fitted ear plugs -“The Delta Effect” CD’s/mp3 downloads -Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for enhancing deep sleep cycles – recommend EarthPulse -NatureBright Sun Touch for morning light therapy -Sunrise Alarm Clock for waking

Audio Question from Jenny @ 00:38:29 She has heard that reducing or eliminating dairy can help with asthma. Does this extend to goat and sheep milk or is it only cow. Should she also cut out whey protein (even the Mount Capra stuff) and eggs as well? ~ In my response to Jenny I mention the Metametrix Immunoglobulin test, LivingProtein (vegan protein source), and my goat's milk vs. cow's milk interview with Joe Stout from Mt. Capra.

Audio Question from Jim @ 00:48:43 He is currently doing a lot of interval work, mostly 5 minute intervals and some 1 minute intervals based on the Jack Daniels system. His job is very physical (on his feet, lifting and pushing). What would you suggest he do to work on extending his ability to maintain a fast pace. ~ In the response to Jim, Ben mentions his book "Weight Training For Triathletes" and suggest supplementation with oxaloacetate.

Audio Question from Mike @ 00:59:00 Is wondering about Hematocrit levels. His is usually between 39 and 40. He has heard that levels above 50 can be suspect for "doping". Is 40 low? What would it mean, performance wise, if his was 45? Is there a natural way to raise it? Would he want to?

Anonymous asks @ 01:13:16 I am thinking of getting a vasectomy but I don't want to mess up my race season or my health. How long will I need to take off running and lifting after the procedure? I'm less concerned about cycling and swimming, but that is also a factor. The medical literature says "don't bathe or swim for 48 hours", "take it easy for 2 or 3 days", "limit your activity for 5 days" and also "strenuous exercise or lifting should be avoided for a total of 7 days". That doesn't sound too bad…. does it?

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