Biohacking Superhuman Performance Nathalie Niddam

Have you experienced an injury that just won't seem to heal? It may be time to look beyond the site of pain and consider the impact of stress on your body. 
 
In this episode of Biohacking Superhuman Performance, I chat with Charlie Cates about Muscle Activation Technique (MAT) - a unique approach to addressing pain and injury by focusing on the activation of inhibited muscles. Through targeted isometric contractions or manual stimulation, MAT aims to restore efficient muscle contraction, allowing the body to better withstand external forces and protect itself from pain and injury.
 
We discuss MAT compared to other modalities and the fact that MAT recognizes that the source of the problem may not always be local. This conversation offers advice on the benefits of MAT, and how it can increase longevity and physical freedom. By helping to heal and prevent long-term, nagging injuries, MAT can keep people engaged in their favorite activities.
 
Overall this episode offers guidance on using MAT to identify the true source of the pain problem, improve communication within the body, and keep muscles functioning well 
 
Charlie Cates graduated from Northeastern Illinois University, where he earned a Master of Science degree in exercise science. He specializes in helping his clients and community live healthier and stronger lives through exercise that is sustainable and pain-free. He is a certified Muscle Activation Techniques® practitioner and is one of Chicago’s most sought-after specialists for muscle and joint issues.
 
He authored the book “The Exercise For Life Method”, and co-hosts the Exercise Is Health® podcast with his wife, Julie. He has two amazing children who give him a greater reason to prioritize his health every single day. His current long-term goal is to have a dunk contest with his son when he is 50 years old.



Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible:
Neurohacker Collective: Visit neurohacker.com/nathalie and use code NATHALIE
BEAM Minerals: Get 20% at https://www.beamminerals.com by using the code Nathalie
Berkeley Life: Consumers may register and place an order using my code NIDDBL for 10% off at berkeleylife.com 
 
Find more from Charlie Cates:
To work with Charlie: www.exerciseforlifestudios.com | https://www.matschaumburg.com/ 
Instagram: @CharlieCates 
To find an MAT practitioner near you go to www.muscleactivation.com 



Find more from Nathalie:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ 
Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community 
Sign up for Nats Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i7d5m0 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/ 
Website: www.NatNiddam.com   
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance 
 
What We Discuss: 
(1:00) Getting started in MAT
(4:30) Muscular Activation Technique 
(12:00) MAT vs other modalities 
(19:00) Do emotions cause muscular dysfunction? 
(22:10) Fascia is the new black 
(24:10) What a MAT session is like 
(31:00) Common nagging injuries 
(39:00) Current developments for MAT 
(45:00) Find more from Charlie Cates
 
Key Takeaways:
MAT aims to "activate" inhibited muscles through targeted isometric contractions or manual stimulation. Once activated, the muscles can contract more efficiently, withstanding greater external forces and protecting the body from pain or injury. MAT views these neurological weaknesses as communication issues rather than strength issues, and the assessment identifies positions where muscles cannot contract or sustain contraction on demand.
MAT is different from other modalities in the fact that it specifically addresses the dormant muscles that aren’t working properly. 
Just because the pain is local, doesn’t mean the problem is local. 
If you want to be active, MAT can keep you active. It helps heal and

Ever wondered what’s true and what’s not when it comes to insulin sensitivity, women’s hormones, and fat-loss peptides? There is a lot of information no matter where you look, and it’s hard to know what to believe! 
 
In this episode on the Biohacking Superhuman Performance Podcast, I talk with Karen Martel, and Dani Hamilton about popular health trends, separating fact from fiction. We discuss the importance of purchasing peptides from reputable labs to ensure safety and quality, emphasizing that cheap deals may lead to scams.
 
We also explore the highly individualized nature of blood sugar, revealing that 93% of people in the US are metabolically unhealthy. We even get into the dangers of oats and oat milk!
We dive deep into the role of estrogen and progesterone in preventing breast cancer, dispelling the misconception that these hormones are dangerous for women in menopause. 
This conversation also focuses on the effectiveness of weight loss peptides, such as semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), the benefits of these peptides beyond weight loss, and how to optimize the results. 
 
Karen Martel is a hormone specialist who provides women with accurate, evidence-based information and support regarding peri and post menopause, enabling them to make more informed choices about the management of their hormones and provide a better pre and post-menopausal quality of life. Dani Hamilton is a Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner who helps people find freedom from sugar and carb cravings with real food and lifestyle tips so they can heal the body, balance blood sugar, lose weight, and feel amazing!
 
Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible:
LVLUP: Use code NAT10 to save 10% off at https://lvluphealth.com/ 
 
 
Find more from Nathalie:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ
Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community
Sign up for Nats Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i7d5m0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/
Website: NatNiddam.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance
 
Find more from Karen Martel:
Website: https://karenmartel.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenmartelhormones/ 
Podcast: https://karenmartel.com/category/ontrack-podcast/ 
 
Find more from Dani Hamilton: 
Website: https://www.daniellehamiltonhealth.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellehamiltonhealth 
Podcast: https://www.daniellehamiltonhealth.com/podcast 
 
What we discuss:
(2:13) Don’t buy cheap peptides
(9:00) The impact of oat milk on blood sugar 
(19:00) CAROL bike vs Peloton 
(23:00) Misinformation about women’s hormones 
(36:00) Hormone pellets 
(42:00) Weight loss peptide side effects 
(55:00) Blue light and metabolic health
(1:00:00) Shame and judgment around weight loss peptides
(1:10:00) Fasting and insulin sensitivity 
(1:15:00) Where to find more from Nat, Dani, and Karen.  



Key Takeaways:
Buying peptides is already a leap. Don’t opt for cheap deals as you’re likely to get scammed. If you buy from a proper lab, you have the ability to go back to them if something goes wrong. They keep partials of each vial to re-test if needed. Make sure you’re finding someone who is doing the work and can vouch for the research. 
Blood sugar is completely bio-individual. However, 93% of people in the US are metabolically unhealthy. Oats and oat milk both break down into pure sugar, causing blood sugar issues in these individuals. It’s an assault on the body! 
Research shows estrogen and progesterone can help prevent breast cancer. It’s not a danger to women in menopause. Estrogen is one of the most important hormones - related to preserving the brain, insulin sensitivity, heart health, and more. It has about 800 different functions! 
Weight loss peptides

We’ve all heard of the placebo effect, so we know with certainty that our minds have healing abilities. But how powerful is it really? 
 
In this episode of Biohacking Superhuman Performance, I chat with Brandy Gillmore about her life-changing injury and how she healed herself with her mind. We discuss the power of positive reinforcement, the importance of repetition in creating new positive neuropathways, and how emotions influence healing. It’s important to be careful with how you talk to yourself so that you’re not reinforcing negative energy. Our conversation covers biophotons, and their implications in healing due to the effect it has on cellular proliferation. 
 
Overall, this episode offers guidance for working on your health outside of conventional methods and the power our emotions have over the body. 
 
Brandy Gillmore is a motivational speaker, author, and consultant. Her expertise began after her own devastating illness when she found herself somewhere she never thought she’d be — disabled, spending most of her days in bed, on various forms of morphine, and yet still in extreme pain.  For years, one doctor after another told her there was nothing they could do for her. That’s when Brandy became determined to get her life back. She spent several years studying and researching and eventually began to discover key insights that became life-changing. Since her incredible recovery, Brandy works with people worldwide to understand the profound impact that stress and emotions can have on their bodies and their lives.
 
Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible:
BodyBio: Visit BodyBio.com today and get 15% on your first order with code Nathalie
 
Berkeley Life: Consumers may register and place an order using my code NIDDBL for 10% off at berkeleylife.com
 
Inside Tracker: Use code NIDDAM to save 20% at https://www.insidetracker.com 
 
Find more from Brandy Gillmore:
Website: https://brandygillmore.com/ 
Ted Talk: https://youtu.be/5dEbqRYqY_0?si=COa00XWw3s1zoGQY 
Podcast: Heal Yourself Change Your Life
Instagram: @brandygillmore 
Book Now Available: Master Your Mind & Energy To Heal Your Body (Kindle, Amazon, Barnes & Noble) 
 
Love what you heard on this episode?  Special Offer for Listeners of this Podcast: get a free 90 Minute Training with Brandy Gillmore plus a special offer - go to brandygillmore.com/Nat-Gift 



Find more from Nathalie:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ 
Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community 
Sign up for Nats Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i7d5m0 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/ 
Website: www.NatNiddam.com   
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance 
 
What We Discuss: 
(1:30) Healing with the mind - Gillmore’s Work
(3:00) Life changing injury 
(8:30) Placebo effect and belief
(12:00) Open-Label Placebo Studies 
(15:00) How emotions influence healing
(21:00) Amplifying emotions
(28:00) Creating positive neuropathways 
(34:00) The shift from effort to full healing
(38:00) Coaching others in mind healing
(42:00) Biophotons
(54:00) Homunculus map 
(56:00) Pain relief through mindset 
(1:08:00) The 4 minute mile principle  
(1:11:00) Find more from Brandy Gillmore 
 
Key Takeaways:
When it comes to healing with the mind, it takes real mental change. You must work on your patterned way of thinking, reinforcing good or positive energy. You can create positive neuropathways in your brain to fight the negative. Working on optimism helps, but you must amplify the emotions and really feel it. 
Our subconscious is a very powerful thing. How you speak to yourself can affect how you live and feel. By amplifying your emotions, you can help influence your subconscious by delivering a different message. Repetition helps develop these p

Have you tried all of the popular detox methods, but continually feel worse and worse? 
 
In this episode of Biohacking Superhuman Performance, I chat with Dr. Dan Pompa about why popular detox methods aren’t the answer to many of the chronic problems people are suffering from. True detox starts within the cell, and Dr. Pompa discusses the 5 Rs - a step by step guide to cellular health. We also discuss many detoxification myths, hormone resistance (which can be caused by toxins in the cell!), and the process of hormesis. 
 
Overall, this episode offers guidance on upregulating your cell's detox pathways, how to adapt to good stress for maximum benefits and the importance of reducing inflammation. 
 
For the past two decades, Dr. Pompa has been designing, practicing, and teaching his cellular detox strategies around the world, to both practitioners and the public. Dr. Pompa’s powerful presentations focus on ancient fasting strategies, cellular detox, his multi-therapeutic approach to healing, and common, but frequently misdiagnosed autoimmune, hormone, and neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Pompa’s own story, which he has titled “From Pain to Purpose to Promise,” unveils how his health struggles, family tragedy, and legal battles have transformed him into a powerful health and longevity evangelist which led him to fulfill his purpose.



Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible:
Fatty15: Visit http://fatty15.com/NAT and use promo code NAT to save.
 
BEAM Minerals: Get 20% off at https://www.beamminerals.com by using the code NAT20
 
BiOptimizers: For Sleep Breakthrough use code BIONAT10 at checkout to save 10% at sleepbreakthrough.com/bionat
 
Find more from Dr. Dan Pompa:
Website: https://drpompa.com/, healthcenters.com, pompaprogram.com 
Instagram: @drpompa 
Podcasts: https://drpompa.com/podcasts/ 
Use code Nathalie10 for 10% off your purchase at the Health Center Store
Pompa Core Certification


 
Find more from Nathalie:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ 
Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community 
Sign up for Nats Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i7d5m0 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/ 
Website: NatNiddam.com 
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance 




What We Discuss: 
(2:00) Look for the cause, not just the symptoms
(5:00) The oral microbiome 
(7:00) Detoxification myths
(12:50) The need for binders 
(17:30) The 5 Rs of detoxification
(28:00) Take time to learn, not just get treated
(32:00) Heavy metals are the squatters of the cell 
(35:00) Hormone resistance 
(48:00) Hormesis: Adapting to good stress
(1:04:00) Is red light bad? 
(1:10:00) Find more from Dr. Pompa 
 
Key Takeaways:
Detoxification is often maligned. Many detox treatments can work in the short term, but real detoxification starts with the cell. Our cells can naturally detox themselves unless they are overwhelmed. For a lasting, sustainable detox, start working to upregulate the detox pathways in the cell.
The steps for true detoxification: One - upregulate detox pathways in the cell so the toxins are pushed out of the cell. Two - chelators outside of the cell help move the toxins out of the body. Three- Binders are used to mop up any leftover toxins in the gut and liver to remove them from the body. 
Hormesis is a good type of stress for the body. You can activate it with exercise, eating stressed plants, cold and heat exposure, and fasting. But it’s important that your body is adapting, otherwise it just turns into a huge negative stress. 
 

You’ve heard of Ozempic and Monjarou, but do you know how they work, as well as the benefits, and the downsides? 
 
In this episode, I discuss the use of fat loss peptides, specifically semaglutide and tirzepatide. Tune in as I explore the benefits, differences, and side effects of these compounds. This episode emphasizes the importance of using them properly and making lifestyle changes to achieve long-term weight loss. They do have some highlights - the potential health benefits of these peptides, such as improved insulin sensitivity and heart health can be game changers. Overall this episode provides guidance on protein intake, exercise, and gradual weight loss. You’ll learn who should not use these compounds as well as tips for safe usage and tapering off.
 
To learn more about peptides, and where to get them, check out my “Nat Recommends” page on my website. It has all things peptides! https://www.natniddam.com/nat-recommends-peptides 
 
Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible:
LVLUP: Use code NAT10 to save 10% off at https://lvluphealth.com/
 
Peptides Nat Recommends: 
https://www.natniddam.com/nat-recommends-peptides 
LVLupHealth (ships worldwide): Use Code NAT10
Healthgevity: http://healthgevity.com/Nat Use Code LONGEVITY 
LELabs Use Code NAT20
 
Microbiome Test: Use Code NAT10 at vitract.com to save on a Vitract test
 
Find more from Nathalie:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ
Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community
Sign up for Nats Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i7d5m0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/
Website: NatNiddam.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance



What we discuss:
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:46 Comparison of Semaglutide and Terzepatide
03:04 Side Effects and Dosage
05:20 Contraindications and Precautions
09:12 How the Compounds Work
14:24 Benefits for Insulin Sensitivity and Metabolism
20:00 Importance of Exercise and Muscle Maintenance
23:18 Gradual Weight Loss and Lifestyle Changes
25:10 Who Should Not Use GLP-1 or GIP Agonists
26:08 Using the Compounds Safely
31:31 Duration of Use and Tapering Off
32:29 Final Tips and Conclusion
 
Key Takeaways:
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are fat loss peptides that can be effective when used properly.
These compounds have benefits such as increased satiety, improved insulin sensitivity, and higher resting metabolic rate.
It is important to make lifestyle changes, including exercise and protein intake, to achieve long-term weight loss.
Individuals with certain health conditions should avoid using these peptides.
Using the lowest effective dose and gradually tapering off is recommended.
 

If you’re struggling with a hormone imbalance, resist the temptation to just throw more hormones into the mix  to try and fix it. 
 
In this episode of Biohacking Superhuman Performance, I chat with Dr. Anna Cabeca - The Girlfriend Doctor,  about how environmental toxins and stress can wreak havoc on your hormones, leading to issues like irregular periods and feeling unwell. But, did you know that it can take more than hormones to fix hormones. 
 
The good news? You can improve your hormonal health and even reverse many of these  issues naturally. We explore the importance of detoxification to eliminate those toxins and support your body's natural systems. Dr. Cabeca also highlights that birth control pills might contribute to hormonal imbalances due to synthetic ingredients. But hormones are just one piece of the puzzle. This episode emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach, including diet, stress management, and even creating a more alkaline body environment to improve mood and mental well-being.
 
We also dive into the power of oxytocin, the "love hormone" and how healthy activities can naturally boost your oxytocin levels. Overall, this episode offers guidance on balancing hormone health whether you’re pre-, peri-, or post-menopause. 
 
Anna Cabeca, DO, OBGYN, FACOG, is the best selling author of The Hormone Fix ,  Keto-Green 16 and MenuPause. Dr. Anna is triple-board certified and a fellow of gynecology and obstetrics, integrative medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. She holds special certifications in functional medicine, sexual health, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She lectures frequently on these topics throughout the world to large audiences and is known nationally as The Girlfriend Doctor and is the host of The Girlfriend Doctor show.  Dr. Cabeca has personally developed natural products to help women balance hormones and thrive through menopause including the highly acclaimed Julva® cream for the vulva and MightyMaca® Plus, a powerful superfood blend. She now lives in Dallas with her daughters, horses, and dogs.
Visit https://drannacabeca.com/?rfsn=7917868.e8e3fd and save on Dr. Cabeca's women's health & wellness products.


Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible:
Neurohacker Collective: Visit neurohacker.com/nathalie and use code NATHALIE
BodyBio: Visit BodyBio.com today and get 15% on your first order with code Nathalie
Inside Tracker: Use code NIDDAM to save 20% at https://www.insidetracker.com
 
Find more from Dr. Anna Cabeca:
Website: https://drannacabeca.com/ 
Instagram: @thegirlfrienddoctor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegirlfrienddoctorclubhouse 
Podcast: The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast




Find more from Nathalie:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ
Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community
Sign up for Nats Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i7d5m0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/
Website: NatNiddam.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/
 
What We Discuss: 
(1:00) The Girlfriend Doctor - creating comfort in conversation
(3:00) How life affects labs 
(11:00) Toxins in water
(14:40) Detoxifying from birth control 
(18:00) It takes more than hormones to fix hormones. 
(22:00) Vitamin D and Iodine - why they are crucial. 
(29:00) Supporting the body’s detoxification pathways
(32:27) Annual Mamograms may increase the risk of breast cancer
(37:00) BHRT for post menopause 
(39:30) Oxytocin - the most powerful hormone in the body
(46:20) How to help your system overcome long haul effects of viruses 
(53:00) Find more from Dr. Anna Cabeca 
 
Key Takeaways:
Exposure to environmental toxins and stress in life greatly affects our hormone health. If you struggle with abnormal menstrual cycles or feel bad all of the time, it can be turned around. You