Degrees of Health

Benjamin Hopkins
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

We exist to connect the dots across health disciplines, and to share information that gives you the agency to change the trajectory of your own health journey - wherever you are at. The health industry is siloed, confusing and means we're often in the back seat, with little to no belief in our autonomy to improve our health status. We're here to change that and to highlight the ways that you can too. Subscribe on YouTube Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 22h ago

    Is Alzheimer’s Really a Disease of the Mitochondria? | Dr. Russell Swerdlow

    What if one of the biggest clues to Alzheimer’s disease lies inside our mitochondria? In this episode of Degrees of Health, Ben Hopkins is joined by Dr. Russell Swerdlow to explore the mitochondrial cascade hypothesis of Alzheimer’s — and why mitochondrial dysfunction could be playing a much bigger role in the disease than we once thought. Russell talks through the research that led him to this hypothesis, including his early cybrid experiments, which found that mitochondrial DNA from Alzheimer’s patients could transfer reduced cytochrome oxidase activity into cell models. From there, the research uncovered a number of other changes, including increased oxidative stress, abnormal mitochondria, problems with calcium handling and changes in APP biology. The conversation then gets into the metabolic side of Alzheimer’s. Why does the brain become less able to use glucose? What does “type 3 diabetes” actually mean? And why might mitochondrial dysfunction sit upstream of some of these changes? They also discuss ketones, redox balance and the importance of keeping the brain’s “carbon rivers” flowing — and why targeting mitochondrial function could potentially be a more upstream approach than simply targeting amyloid plaques. Russell also shares his thoughts on exercise, lifestyle and where future treatments could come from, including the possibility of using what we learn from lifestyle interventions to develop new pharmaceutical approaches. And ultimately, there’s a much bigger question: could solving Alzheimer’s mean solving brain ageing itself? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌈 Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off the FlexBeam from Recharge Health via this link: ⬇️ https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn (learn more about the benefits of healing with light in our 'Light as Medicine' Playlist). 🤝 Join the community - by subscribing, you are self-selecting as a health nerd. We like you. We applaud you. You are shaping in real time the future of health information. As a thank you, we pledge to bring you the best we can, where we are, with the tools we have. 🎧 Listen to us on-the-go! Available wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. New episode every Wednesday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is Alzheimer’s Really a Disease of the Mitochondria? | Dr. Russell Swerdlow

  2. Aug 12

    Glycation, Blood Sugar & Healthy Ageing | Professor Paul Reynolds

    Could something as simple as the way our bodies handle sugar play a bigger role in ageing and chronic disease than we realise? In this episode, Ben Hopkins sits down with Professor Paul Reynolds for a fascinating conversation about glycation, what it is, why it happens, and why it might be something we should all know a little more about. Glycation is essentially what happens when sugar sticks to things in our bodies that it shouldn't. While some of this happens naturally, Paul explains why frequent blood sugar spikes may increase the amount of damage over time. They explore how this could affect different parts of the body, including the **heart, brain, eyes, skin and kidneys**, and why glycation may be an important part of the bigger picture when it comes to ageing and chronic disease. The good news is that there are things we can do. Paul shares some practical ideas around food, movement, fasting, exercise and supporting the body's natural clean-up systems**. They also discuss blood sugar monitoring, HbA1c, continuous glucose monitors and what the future of tracking our metabolic health could look like. This is a really interesting conversation for anyone who wants to understand more about **healthy ageing, blood sugar, metabolic health and how small changes might help us stay healthier for longer.** In this episode, we talk about: • What glycation actually is and why it matters • Why blood sugar spikes may be more important than we think • How glycation could affect the heart and blood vessels • What it might mean for brain health and Alzheimer's • Why our eyes and skin can show signs of ageing • The connection between glycation and kidney health • How food and lifestyle can influence glycation • Why movement after meals could be helpful • The potential benefits of fasting and giving the body time to recover • How the body naturally deals with some of the damage • What HbA1c can tell us about blood sugar • Why continuous glucose monitors could be useful • What the future of health and ageing monitoring might look like • Simple ways to think about keeping blood sugar under control Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Glycation and Its Impact on Health 02:02 Inflammation as a Central Cause of Disease 03:26 What is Glycation and How Does It Occur? 06:05 The Connection Between Glycation and Metabolic Diseases 09:05 Managing Glycation Through Lifestyle and Diet 12:14 Glycation's Role in Heart Disease and Vascular Damage 17:58 Glycation and Its Effects on Brain Health and Alzheimer's 23:11 Early Signs and Measurement of Glycation 29:09 Strategies to Slow Down Glycation and Aging 34:03 The Role of Autophagy and Fasting in Glycation Prevention 40:02 Future Technologies and Monitoring for Glycation Glycation is something that happens naturally, so the goal isn't to completely eliminate it. As Paul explains, the focus is really on slowing things down, reducing unnecessary blood sugar spikes and giving the body the best chance to keep up with the damage and repair process. Ben and Paul also discuss the idea that what we do consistently over many years may matter far more than what we do occasionally. #Glycation #MetabolicHealth #HealthyAgeing #Longevity #BloodSugar #Healthspan #Fasting #Glucose #Inflammation #aging ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌈 Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off the FlexBeam from Recharge Health via this link: ⬇️ https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn (learn more about the benefits of healing with light in our 'Light as Medicine' Playlist). 🤝 Join the community - by subscribing, you are self-selecting as a health nerd. We like you. We applaud you. You are shaping in real time the future of health information. As a thank you, we pledge to bring you the best we can, where we are, with the tools we have. 🎧 Listen to us on-the-go! Available wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. New episode every Wednesday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Aug 5

    Everything You've Been Told About Anxiety Is Wrong | Dr. Nicole Cain

    Anxiety affects millions of people, but what if everything we have been taught about it is wrong? In this episode, Dr. Nicole Cain shares a completely different way of thinking about anxiety, panic attacks, and healing. Drawing from her own experience and years of clinical practice, she explains why anxiety is not the problem but a signal from your body that something needs attention. We talk about trauma, the nervous system, neuroplasticity, gut health, mitochondria, natural ways to support anxiety, and the practical steps you can take to feel calm again. This conversation is packed with insights that could change the way you think about your mental and physical health. If you have ever struggled with anxiety, panic attacks, or constant stress, this episode is for you. **Chapters** 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Why anxiety is not the problem 02:42 Dr Nicole Cain's story with anxiety and panic 10:54 The difference between fear and anxiety 15:45 Understanding panic attacks 17:07 Why panic attacks are not dangerous 21:24 What happens in the brain during anxiety 22:50 Why panic can feel like a heart attack 24:58 How neuroplasticity helps you heal 29:45 The connection between mitochondria and mental health 34:20 The four step process to becoming panic proof 39:42 Why accepting anxiety changes everything 43:23 The best natural supplements for anxiety 45:44 Treating the root cause instead of the symptoms 49:41 The role of spirituality in healing 53:16 The one message everyone needs to hear about anxiety 53:54 Can anxiety really be healed? 54:32 Where to find Dr Nicole Cain If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌈 Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off the FlexBeam from Recharge Health via this link: ⬇️ https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn (learn more about the benefits of healing with light in our 'Light as Medicine' Playlist). 🤝 Join the community - by subscribing, you are self-selecting as a health nerd. We like you. We applaud you. You are shaping in real time the future of health information. As a thank you, we pledge to bring you the best we can, where we are, with the tools we have. 🎧 Listen to us on-the-go! Available wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. New episode every Wednesday! #Anxiety #PanicAttacks #MentalHealth #Neuroplasticity #Trauma #GutHealth #Wellness #HealthPodcast #DrNicoleCain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Everything You've Been Told About Anxiety Is Wrong | Dr. Nicole Cain

  4. Jul 28

    How Ketones Boost Brain and Body Health | Dr Mark Mattson

    Dr. Mark Madsen discusses the science behind intermittent fasting, ketosis, and their effects on health, aging, and brain function. He explores mechanisms like BDNF, autophagy, and evolutionary perspectives on stress responses. Key Topics - Mechanisms of fasting benefits: calorie restriction, glycation, inflammation - Role of ketones as signaling molecules and energy sources - BDNF and brain plasticity - Exogenous ketones and athletic performance - Evolutionary perspective on stress and adaptation Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 00:11 Ben's fasting experiments and Ori Hoffmeckler influence 01:13 Are fasting benefits due to calorie restriction or other mechanisms? 01:31 Experimental evidence on fasting and lifespan extension in mice 02:30 Human study on 5-2 fasting and metabolic health 05:27 Benefits of fasting beyond calorie restriction 07:11 Fasting, ketosis, and athletic performance 08:10 Second wind phenomenon and metabolic flexibility 09:16 Fasting and metabolic health in athletes like Matthew Pinson 10:25 Exogenous ketones and their role in health and performance 16:02 BDNF, brain health, and the effects of ketones 19:10 Evolutionary perspective on brain and body adaptation 20:23 Stress response, autophagy, and cellular health 25:47 Exercise, challenge, and brain resilience 27:50 Lifestyle, obesity, and cognitive health 28:34 The importance of stress and challenge in evolution 43:31 Impact of media and public awareness on fasting science 45:28 Clinical trials and health benefits of intermittent fasting 46:26 Healthcare system, prevention, and societal challenges 48:23 Barriers to healthy lifestyle and socioeconomic factors 49:10 Diet, supplements, and natural chemicals in health 53:22 Neuroendocrinology and brain development 54:30 Neurotransmitters, glutamate, and neural wiring 56:26 Excitotoxicity and neural damage in disease 58:00 Dietary chemicals and adaptive stress response 01:02:59 Evolutionary mechanisms of plant chemicals and human health 01:04:58 Dose, duration, and frequency of stressors 01:06:06 Optimal intermittent fasting patterns and research challenges 01:07:41 Connecting lifestyle, stress, and evolutionary biology Mark Madsen's Institute - https://matsonianinstitute.org Brain Ponderings Podcast - https://matsonianinstitute.org/podcast Website - https://matsonianinstitute.org Podcast - https://matsonianinstitute.org/podcast ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌈 Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off the FlexBeam from Recharge Health via this link: ⬇️ https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn (learn more about the benefits of healing with light in our 'Light as Medicine' Playlist). 🤝 Join the community - by subscribing, you are self-selecting as a health nerd. We like you. We applaud you. You are shaping in real time the future of health information. As a thank you, we pledge to bring you the best we can, where we are, with the tools we have. 🎧 Listen to us on-the-go! Available wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. New episode every Wednesday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How Ketones Boost Brain and Body Health | Dr Mark Mattson

  5. Jul 22

    Catching Up with Dr Mary Newport | Ketosis, Cholesterol and Brain Health

    In this episode, Dr. Mary Newport discusses the latest insights on cholesterol, the benefits of coconut oil, and the role of ketones in brain health and metabolic diseases. Discover how dietary fats influence health and the potential of ketogenic strategies for longevity and disease management. KEY TOPICS Cholesterol controversy and the cholesterol code documentaryImpact of statins on brain cholesterol and confusion in elderlyTypes of LDL particles and their role in artery invasionCoconut oil studies and its effects on cholesterol levelsThe role of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in ketosisBreast milk's MCT content and implications for infant healthKetone production from coconut oil and exogenous sourcesThe relationship between insulin levels, ketosis, and agingPotential of ketogenic diets in managing Alzheimer's and diabetesFuture directions in metabolic health and disease prevention Chapters 00:00 Introduction and weather update 00:25 The cholesterol code documentary and its implications 00:39 Controversies around statins and brain cholesterol 02:06 Cholesterol in the brain and neuronal function 03:04 Types of LDL particles and cardiovascular risk 04:14 Coconut oil studies and myth-busting 05:10 Effects of coconut oil on lipid profiles 06:36 Long-term coconut oil research in Asia 07:30 Study on coconut oil vs sunflower oil in heart disease patients 08:29 Most viewed article in Nutrients journal 2025 09:04 Fats, ketosis, and brain health 10:08 Why coconut oil enhances brain boost with ketones 12:01 Ketone levels from coconut oil and self-measurement 14:37 Medium-chain triglycerides and brain energy 16:31 Sustaining ketones with MCTs and exogenous supplements 17:12 Ketones and reaction time in sports 19:35 Diet, ketosis, and natural biology 21:29 Dietary patterns, sugar, and chronic disease 23:25 Combining diet and exogenous ketones for health 27:25 Breast milk, ketosis, and infant development 30:48 Ketones as building blocks for brain fats 33:28 Ketones, insulin, and brain processing speed 35:11 Current projects and future research 37:35 Recipe: Greek salad with ketogenic oils 52:01 Closing remarks and contact info Coconut Ketones Website - https://coconutketones.com Dr. Mary Newport on Twitter - https://twitter.com/DrMaryNewport Website - https://coconutketones.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/DrMaryNewport ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌈 Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off the FlexBeam from Recharge Health via this link: ⬇️ https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn (learn more about the benefits of healing with light in our 'Light as Medicine' Playlist). 🤝 Join the community - by subscribing, you are self-selecting as a health nerd. We like you. We applaud you. You are shaping in real time the future of health information. As a thank you, we pledge to bring you the best we can, where we are, with the tools we have. 🎧 Listen to us on-the-go! Available wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. New episode every Wednesday! #MetabolicHealth #WomensHealth #PCOS #KetogenicDiet #Nutrition #Hormones #PostpartumDepression #Metabolism #Fasting #HealthPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Catching Up with Dr Mary Newport | Ketosis, Cholesterol and Brain Health

  6. Jul 14

    Rethinking Biology: Energy and Information | Dr Nirosha Murugan

    In this conversation, Dr Nirosha Murugan discusses the evolving understanding of biology through the lens of energy dynamics and information transfer. She emphasises the importance of viewing health and disease not just through chemical interactions but as a complex interplay of energetic signals. The discussion covers the implications of energy resistance in health, the role of light in cancer treatment, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach in scientific research. Dr Murugan also explores the concept of consciousness as an emergent property of energy interactions, advocating for a new perspective on how we understand life and health. Chapters 00:00 Exploring New Paradigms in Biology 05:31 Energy Dynamics and Human Health 11:12 Understanding the Energy Resistance Principle 16:30 The Role of Light in Cancer and Health 21:43 Consciousness and Energy: A New Perspective 27:03 The Intersection of Science and Multidisciplinary Approaches 32:25 Future Directions in Health Tech and Research Takeaways - Scientific theories are rough approximations of reality. - Energy is the capacity to do work in biological systems. - Homeostasis may not be the right term for biological stability. - Life can be viewed through the lens of energy dynamics. - Patterns in energy can communicate information within biological systems. - Cancer may arise from dysregulated energy resistance. - Light plays a crucial role in health and disease. - Consciousness may emerge from energetic interactions. - A multidisciplinary approach can enhance our understanding of health. - The future of health tech lies in understanding bioelectric and photonic signals. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌈 Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off the FlexBeam from Recharge Health via this link: ⬇️ https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn (learn more about the benefits of healing with light in our 'Light as Medicine' Playlist). 🤝 Join the community - by subscribing, you are self selecting as a health nerd. We like you. We applaud you. You are shaping in real time the future of health information. As a thank you, we pledge to bring you the best we can, where we are, with the tools we have. 🎧 Listen to us on-the-go! Available wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. New episode every Wednesday! #MetabolicHealth #WomensHealth #PCOS #KetogenicDiet #Nutrition #Hormones #PostpartumDepression #Metabolism #Fasting #HealthPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Rethinking Biology: Energy and Information | Dr Nirosha Murugan

  7. Jul 8

    The Surprising Lack of Breakthroughs in Life Extension Science Over 40 Years | Siim Land

    Uncover the surprising truths about longevity with Siim Land, a leading voice in the emerging world of life extension. Despite decades of research, the biggest breakthroughs in drastically extending lifespan remain elusive, with the strongest evidence pointing towards fundamental factors like calorie restriction and genetics. Siim reveals how current science shows us what not to do and why that matters more than ever if we're serious about living longer, healthier lives. This episode dives deep into the concept of longevity escape velocity, where science might one day enable us to outpace ageing itself and why genetics could be the key unlocking exponential lifespan growth. Siim discusses the latest insights on genetic traits from long-lived species like hydras and bowhead whales, and how future pharmaceuticals could make a 100-year-old feel as vibrant as someone fifty years younger. You'll discover the critical balance between gaining muscle and maintaining longevity, and how cyclic strategies of stimulating and resting mTOR pathways optimise health span. We also explore practical strategies Siim employs today: from personalised fasting routines to balancing resistance training, and how circadian rhythms influence ageing. Curious about the most undervalued supplements? Siim shares why omega-3s and glycine could be your secret weapons, and why some popular interventions, like NMN or NAD boosters, may be overhyped. Plus, get insights on how to interpret biological age clocks and use them as feedback tools to fine-tune your longevity plan. With the stakes higher than ever and the window to act narrowing, this episode is essential listening for anyone committed to healthspan, ageing gracefully, and pushing the boundaries of human potential. Whether you're a longevity enthusiast or just starting your health journey, Siim's evidence-based approach helps you understand the science's real potential and how to turn it into everyday practice. Siim Land is a longevity researcher and biohacker known for blending cutting-edge science with practical lifestyle strategies. His work bridges the gap between the lab and real life, helping you implement longevity principles today. This episode leaves you with compelling questions about the future of human lifespan and tangible actions to improve your health today. Are you ready to maximise your biological age and extend your healthspan? Hit play and start rewriting your ageing story. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌈 Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off the FlexBeam from Recharge Health via this link: ⬇️ https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn (learn more about the benefits of healing with light in our 'Light as Medicine' Playlist). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Surprising Lack of Breakthroughs in Life Extension Science Over 40 Years | Siim Land

  8. Jun 30

    The Truth About Aging Clocks and Biomarkers | Dr. Matt Kaeberlein

    In this episode, Ben Hopkins sits down with longevity scientist Professor Matt Kaeberlein to unpack the biggest questions in aging, health span, and the science of living longer. They cover the promise and pitfalls of biological age clocks, why resveratrol failed to live up to the hype, how to think about aging as entropy and resilience, and which interventions actually look promising today. Matt also explains where lifestyle, hormones, and medications like rapamycin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and more fit into a practical longevity strategy. If you’re interested in evidence-based longevity, proactive health, and the future of aging research, this conversation is packed with insights. 00:00 Intro 00:37 Are biological age clocks a breakthrough or a gimmick? 06:04 What is aging, really? 11:25 Resveratrol: signal or noise? 21:58 The biggest proven levers for health and lifespan 27:25 SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1s, and proactive medicine 38:28 Testosterone, hormones, and aging 51:01 Why rapamycin has been so misunderstood 55:13 Compound bets: what’s most promising? 60:50 What surprised Matt most in longevity science? 63:58 The Dog Aging Project and longevity research in dogs Learn more about Matt’s work on the Dog Aging Project and Dog Aging Institute, and check out his podcast and research updates for more on the science of longevity. If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who would benefit from learning more about women's metabolic health. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off via this link Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTube Instagram  @degreesofhealth Disclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Truth About Aging Clocks and Biomarkers | Dr. Matt Kaeberlein
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

We exist to connect the dots across health disciplines, and to share information that gives you the agency to change the trajectory of your own health journey - wherever you are at. The health industry is siloed, confusing and means we're often in the back seat, with little to no belief in our autonomy to improve our health status. We're here to change that and to highlight the ways that you can too. Subscribe on YouTube Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Benjamin Hopkins
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Benjamin Hopkins
  • Show Website
    Degrees of Health