Holotropic breathing

Holotropic breathing, which involves deep, fast breathing to induce altered states of consciousness, has been discussed on the Huberman Lab.

In an episode featuring Dr. Matthew Johnson, he mentions that breath work, similar to Holotropic breathing, can lead to psychedelic-like experiences. He highlights that such techniques are used in some therapeutic contexts, and his team has ongoing research that includes surveys on the therapeutic use of psychedelics and these breath work practices 1.

For more detailed discussions, you may find the full episode here: Dr. Matthew Johnson: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders | Huberman Lab Podcast #38.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been discussed in several episodes of the Huberman Lab podcast. Here are some insights:

1. Behavioral Impact:

   • Andrew Huberman discussed with Sara Gottfried the effectiveness of CGMs in changing behavior. Huberman found it fascinating how various behaviors, such as food choices and sleep patterns, affected his blood glucose levels in real-time. This real-time feedback can be highly motivating for individuals to make healthier choices 1.

2. Nutritional Insights:

   • In a conversation with Dr. Casey Means, they explored how adding fat and fiber to meals can lower glucose response. Fiber, for example, creates a mesh that blocks the absorption of some glucose, while fat slows gastric emptying. Such insights help in understanding how different foods impact glucose levels and can aid in making better dietary choices for improved long-term health 2.

3. Sleep and Metabolism:

   • Huberman highlighted the importance of sleep in regulating blood glucose levels. Even factors like light exposure during sleep can affect glucose levels. It was noted that insufficient sleep, especially lacking REM sleep, can disrupt blood glucose regulation, illustrating the interconnectedness of sleep quality and metabolic health 3.
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       1

       Behavior Change Insights

       01:25:11
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       2

       Glucose Monitoring Benefits

       02:19:19
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       3

       Sleep and Metabolism

       02:33:10

4. Exercise and Lifestyle:

   • Usage of the CGM allowed Huberman to understand how different exercises and routines, such as sauna use, modulate glucose levels. This knowledge helped him adjust his diet, exercise, and sleep schedules to maintain stable blood glucose levels and overall energy throughout the day 4.

Overall, CGMs are valuable tools for gaining personalized insights into how diet, behavior, and lifestyle choices impact blood glucose levels, supporting better health and longevity.