Episode

#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
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2:47:05
Published: Wed Nov 27 2019
Description

Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More | Brought to you by HumanN's BeetElite and Peloton. Dr. Peter Attia (peterattiamd.com, TW: @PeterAttiaMD, IG: @peterattiamd, FB: @peterattiamd) is a former ultra-endurance athlete (e.g., swimming races of 25 miles), a compulsive self-experimenter, and one of the most fascinating human beings I know. He is one of my go-to doctors for anything performance or longevity-related. He is also easily the best quarterback and sherpa for the US medical system I've ever met.But here is his official bio to do him justice:Peter is the founder of Attia Medical, PC, a medical practice with offices in San Diego and New York City, focusing on the applied science of longevity. The practice applies nutritional biochemistry, exercise physiology, sleep physiology, techniques to increase distress tolerance, lipidology, pharmacology, and four-system endocrinology to increase lifespan (delaying the onset of chronic disease), while simultaneously improving healthspan (quality of life).Peter trained for five years at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in general surgery, where he was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including resident of the year, and the author of a comprehensive review of general surgery. He also spent two years at NIH as a surgical oncology fellow at the National Cancer Institute where his research focused on immune-based therapies for melanoma. He has since been mentored by some of the most experienced and innovative lipidologists, endocrinologists, gynecologists, sleep physiologists, and longevity scientists in the United States and Canada.Peter earned his M.D. from Stanford University and holds a B.Sc. in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics.Peter also hosts The Drive, a weekly, ultra-deep-dive podcast focusing on maximizing health, longevity, critical thinking and a few other things. Topics include fasting, ketosis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, mental health, and much more. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please enjoy!This podcast is brought to you by HumanN's BeetElite, the endurance superfood and nitric oxide activator. HumanN's BeetElite can help extend endurance, improve energy and stamina, and increase oxygen delivery throughout the body. It provides the nitric oxide equivalent of six whole beets, and BeetElite is trusted by hundreds of elite teams, athletes, and organizations all over the world, so you know you're getting a top-notch performance product.BeetElite is Informed-Sport Certified, and the team at HumanN is making an offer exclusive to my listeners: Take your performance to the next level with BeetElite by going to LiveHuman.com/Tim to get 20% off your first purchase!This podcast is also brought to you by Peloton, which has become a staple of my daily routine. I picked up this bike after seeing the success of my friend Kevin Rose, and I’ve been enjoying it more than I ever imagined. Peloton is an indoor cycling bike that brings live studio classes right to your home. No worrying about fitting classes into your busy schedule or making it to a studio with a crazy commute.New classes are added every day, and this includes options led by elite NYC instructors in your own living room. You can even live stream studio classes taught by the world’s best instructors, or find your favorite class on demand.Peloton is offering listeners to this show a special offer: Enter the code you heard during the Peloton ad of this episode at checkout to receive $100 off accessories with your Peloton bike purchase. This is a great way to get in your workouts, or an incredible gift. That’s onepeloton.com and enter the code you heard during the Peloton ad of this episode to receive $100 off accessories with your Peloton bike purchase.***If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests.For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at tim.blog/sponsor.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chapters
In this episode of the podcast, the host talks about Beat Elite, an endurance superfood and nitric oxide activator that has been recommended to him by multiple world-class athletes.
00:00 - 00:57 (00:57)
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endurance
Summary

In this episode of the podcast, the host talks about Beat Elite, an endurance superfood and nitric oxide activator that has been recommended to him by multiple world-class athletes.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Peloton is a cutting-edge indoor cycling bike that brings live studio classes right to your home.
00:57 - 06:47 (05:49)
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Peloton
Summary

Peloton is a cutting-edge indoor cycling bike that brings live studio classes right to your home. With thousands of classes on-demand, a variety of workouts to choose from, and real-time metrics to track your performance, Peloton offers a unique and convenient exercise experience.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In this podcast, Tim Ferriss talks with Peter Attia about longevity and performance.
06:47 - 10:46 (03:59)
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longevity
Summary

In this podcast, Tim Ferriss talks with Peter Attia about longevity and performance. They discuss five things Attia is excited about currently and five things he has changed his mind on in the last few years.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The concept of the Centenarian Olympics is introduced as a way to prolong the physical and cognitive capabilities of individuals beyond their death certificate death, and to prevent suffering in the last decade of their lives.
10:47 - 14:22 (03:35)
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Aging
Summary

The concept of the Centenarian Olympics is introduced as a way to prolong the physical and cognitive capabilities of individuals beyond their death certificate death, and to prevent suffering in the last decade of their lives. Training towards living until a hundred and being able to participate in the Centenarian Olympics may lead to a better quality of life in the final years of an individual's life.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about creating his personal centenarian olympics which include movements that require hip hinge, aerobic and anaerobic efficiency, scapular stability, strength and more, in order to maintain his physical abilities as he ages.
14:23 - 18:04 (03:41)
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Aging
Summary

The speaker talks about creating his personal centenarian olympics which include movements that require hip hinge, aerobic and anaerobic efficiency, scapular stability, strength and more, in order to maintain his physical abilities as he ages.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Dr. Kelly Starrett explains the benefits of doing goblet squats for real-world movements and how it helps generate spinal traction.
18:05 - 22:26 (04:21)
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fitness
Summary

Dr. Kelly Starrett explains the benefits of doing goblet squats for real-world movements and how it helps generate spinal traction. By stabilizing the body and generating intraabdominal pressure, the goblet squat can be done in a biomechanically correct way, leading to improved movement as you age.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about the benefits of working on weightlifting form, even if it looks silly, and how it helps with generating concentric force and stabilizing the spine.
22:27 - 27:52 (05:25)
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Weightlifting
Summary

The speaker talks about the benefits of working on weightlifting form, even if it looks silly, and how it helps with generating concentric force and stabilizing the spine.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Metformin, a low-risk drug that is primarily used to treat diabetes, is believed to be an agent for cancer prevention and longevity due to its efficient form of energy transfer.
27:52 - 32:42 (04:49)
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Metformin
Summary

Metformin, a low-risk drug that is primarily used to treat diabetes, is believed to be an agent for cancer prevention and longevity due to its efficient form of energy transfer. It aids in the production of energy with the mitochondria, which plays an essential role in the human body.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The benefits of just focusing and doubling down on exercise are probably going to yield better results than the use of metformin.
32:42 - 37:58 (05:15)
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Science/Tech
Summary

The benefits of just focusing and doubling down on exercise are probably going to yield better results than the use of metformin.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss discusses the possibility of creating an eggboxing game with Jocko Willink and shares his excitement about the potency of fasting.
37:59 - 44:21 (06:22)
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Eggboxing, Fasting
Summary

Tim Ferriss discusses the possibility of creating an eggboxing game with Jocko Willink and shares his excitement about the potency of fasting.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Studying the effects of fasting in mice would require people with a thorough understanding of the equivalent effects in humans, and proper chow for the mice.
44:22 - 49:44 (05:21)
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Fasting
Summary

Studying the effects of fasting in mice would require people with a thorough understanding of the equivalent effects in humans, and proper chow for the mice. The study would aim to understand the impact on mortality and get biomarker data.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The eucaloric adlibitum Keto diet is designed to generate ketones to make fasting easier and to prevent overeating.
49:44 - 54:15 (04:30)
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Keto Diet
Summary

The eucaloric adlibitum Keto diet is designed to generate ketones to make fasting easier and to prevent overeating. It involves a week of keto, a water-only fast for a week, and another week of keto.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares his personal struggle with anger issues and discusses how with enough work and effort, it's possible to overcome these deficits.
54:15 - 1:00:10 (05:55)
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Anger Management
Summary

The speaker shares his personal struggle with anger issues and discusses how with enough work and effort, it's possible to overcome these deficits.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker reminisces about the old days when phone stores were in malls and phone books were used; he also shares advice from Terence Real on moving on from past experiences.
1:00:10 - 1:04:52 (04:42)
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Phone Stores
Summary

The speaker reminisces about the old days when phone stores were in malls and phone books were used; he also shares advice from Terence Real on moving on from past experiences.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The guest reminisces about the lost art of tearing phone books, while also discussing his new-found passion for archery hunting and eating wild game.
1:04:53 - 1:10:35 (05:41)
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Hunting
Summary

The guest reminisces about the lost art of tearing phone books, while also discussing his new-found passion for archery hunting and eating wild game.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The host shares a personal experience of struggling with his bow during archery practice and injuring himself, but the sport has helped him reduce his appetite for consuming food he has no relationship with, and plans to only eat food he's killed by next year.
1:10:36 - 1:16:29 (05:53)
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Archery
Summary

The host shares a personal experience of struggling with his bow during archery practice and injuring himself, but the sport has helped him reduce his appetite for consuming food he has no relationship with, and plans to only eat food he's killed by next year.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The host and guest talk about the mechanics of archery, including the use of compound bows and the importance of a surprise release.
1:16:31 - 1:21:20 (04:48)
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Archery
Summary

The host and guest talk about the mechanics of archery, including the use of compound bows and the importance of a surprise release. They also discuss equipment such as sights and different types of releases.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Childhood events, like losing a parent, can cause chaos and helplessness, leading to long-term effects on emotional health.
1:21:20 - 1:27:18 (05:57)
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Childhood trauma
Summary

Childhood events, like losing a parent, can cause chaos and helplessness, leading to long-term effects on emotional health. It is important to understand the implications of childhood trauma to address the emotional health of adults.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In this episode, the speaker talks about how meditation and therapy helped him overcome his anger issues by giving him a gap to inspect and examine his template of beliefs that feed into his anger and learning how to recognize and understand what triggers it stemming from.
1:27:19 - 1:32:11 (04:52)
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Therapy, Meditation
Summary

In this episode, the speaker talks about how meditation and therapy helped him overcome his anger issues by giving him a gap to inspect and examine his template of beliefs that feed into his anger and learning how to recognize and understand what triggers it stemming from.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses feelings of anger towards a recent incident with a bobcat killing his family's chickens and the inadequacy he feels for failing to protect them.
1:32:11 - 1:37:27 (05:15)
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Anger Management
Summary

The speaker discusses feelings of anger towards a recent incident with a bobcat killing his family's chickens and the inadequacy he feels for failing to protect them. He also mentions a 10-11 day course on anger for coping mechanisms.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The most valuable therapists are the ones who are able to tell you when you're wrong and the author appreciates his three main therapists who are able to do this effectively.
1:37:28 - 1:42:02 (04:34)
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Therapy
Summary

The most valuable therapists are the ones who are able to tell you when you're wrong and the author appreciates his three main therapists who are able to do this effectively. However, the most important aspect is seeing actual results and reducing suffering.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Peter shares a childhood game he played called "Forks and Knives" where he counts the utensils while unloading the dishwasher.
1:42:03 - 1:46:11 (04:07)
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Chores
Summary

Peter shares a childhood game he played called "Forks and Knives" where he counts the utensils while unloading the dishwasher. He explains that he was the best at chores and wonders how many billable hours his colleagues are racking up while he talks about it.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast host talks about his failed attempt to get a supply of xenon gas, which was believed to have performance-enhancing effects similar to EPO for cycling.
1:46:11 - 1:51:01 (04:50)
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Doping in Sports
Summary

The podcast host talks about his failed attempt to get a supply of xenon gas, which was believed to have performance-enhancing effects similar to EPO for cycling. However, they also discuss the lack of evidence to support the efficacy of xenon gas or MDMA as performance enhancers in sports.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Learning how to drive a race car teaches you a good skill for life, where it's important to realize your mistakes and be able to learn from them.
1:51:02 - 1:54:30 (03:27)
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Racing
Summary

Learning how to drive a race car teaches you a good skill for life, where it's important to realize your mistakes and be able to learn from them. It also highlights the difference in skill level between yourself and professional drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Ayrton Senna.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The creation of BDNF or Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor is one of the benefits of exercise.
1:54:31 - 1:59:45 (05:13)
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Exercise
Summary

The creation of BDNF or Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor is one of the benefits of exercise. All types of exercise, including low-intensity cardio, high-intensity cardio, and strength training, increase BDNF levels.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses non-chemical methods to improve sleep quality, emphasizing that sleep is similar to exercise in that it requires consistent effort and cannot be fixed with a pill.
1:59:47 - 2:03:15 (03:28)
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Sleep Quality
Summary

The speaker discusses non-chemical methods to improve sleep quality, emphasizing that sleep is similar to exercise in that it requires consistent effort and cannot be fixed with a pill.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker believes that their Classy azul reposado tequila is less toxic than other alcohols, such as a moscow mule, however, it is unclear if sipping a tequila is less damaging than achieving the same blood alcohol content through red wine.
2:03:15 - 2:10:39 (07:23)
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Health
Summary

The speaker believes that their Classy azul reposado tequila is less toxic than other alcohols, such as a moscow mule, however, it is unclear if sipping a tequila is less damaging than achieving the same blood alcohol content through red wine.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Kevin used to play pranks and offer cash rewards, once he offered $20 to a friend if he could drink a whole bottle of hot sauce.
2:10:40 - 2:17:33 (06:52)
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Pranks
Summary

Kevin used to play pranks and offer cash rewards, once he offered $20 to a friend if he could drink a whole bottle of hot sauce. Another person talked about changing one insignificant thing about himself, cutting vegetables with his toenails instead of a knife, and asked if his girlfriend would still like him.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Neil deGrasse Tyson and Joe Rogan have an entertaining and humorous conversation covering topics such as the possibility of parallel universes, interviewing skills, and multitasking.
2:17:33 - 2:23:23 (05:50)
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Neil deGrasse Tyson, Joe Rogan
Summary

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Joe Rogan have an entertaining and humorous conversation covering topics such as the possibility of parallel universes, interviewing skills, and multitasking.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares the importance of preparation and avoiding missing important points during an interview, which can be challenging without the aid of body language, emphasizing the importance of in-person interviews.
2:23:24 - 2:28:29 (05:05)
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Interviewing
Summary

The speaker shares the importance of preparation and avoiding missing important points during an interview, which can be challenging without the aid of body language, emphasizing the importance of in-person interviews.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The ability to compartmentalize and parallel process is crucial when interviewing multiple guests.
2:28:30 - 2:32:41 (04:10)
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Interviews
Summary

The ability to compartmentalize and parallel process is crucial when interviewing multiple guests. Identifying subject matter experts is valuable, however interviewing two people simultaneously can be difficult and pose challenges.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In this transcript, the speaker provides tips on how to prepare for a podcast.
2:32:41 - 2:36:18 (03:36)
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podcast preparation
Summary

In this transcript, the speaker provides tips on how to prepare for a podcast. These tips include pre-recording, structural preparation, and knowing which questions to ask.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In this episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, Tim interviews Peter Attia and they discuss longevity, health, wellness, and much more.
2:36:18 - 2:40:26 (04:07)
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Longevity
Summary

In this episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, Tim interviews Peter Attia and they discuss longevity, health, wellness, and much more. They also discuss the format of the show and encourage feedback.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares their experience with Peloton, an indoor cycling bike that offers live studio classes available at home, and also promotes Beat Elite, a nitric oxide activator.
2:40:26 - 2:44:20 (03:54)
listen on Spotify
Peloton, Beat Elite
Summary

The speaker shares their experience with Peloton, an indoor cycling bike that offers live studio classes available at home, and also promotes Beat Elite, a nitric oxide activator. They also mention their weekly email newsletter called Five Bullet Friday where they share interesting finds and musings.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Beet Elite is a supplement that can boost your workout performance up to 10 to 20 percent by improving endurance and reducing recovery times.
2:44:21 - 2:46:58 (02:37)
listen on Spotify
Beet Elite
Summary

Beet Elite is a supplement that can boost your workout performance up to 10 to 20 percent by improving endurance and reducing recovery times. It is trusted by hundreds of elite teams, athletes, and organizations worldwide and is certified to not contain any banned substances.

Episode
#398: Peter Attia, M.D. — Fasting, Metformin, Athletic Performance, and More
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show