Podcast Summary: The Dr. Gundry Podcast – "4 Biohacking Tricks That DON’T Work – Dr. G's Quick Health Tip" (EP 383.B)
Date: December 25, 2025
Host: Dr. Steven Gundry
Episode Focus: Dr. Gundry busts four popular biohacking trends, explaining why they don't work as promised, often waste money, and what to do instead. He references research, shares patient experiences, and advises on what really moves the needle for health and longevity.

Episode Overview

In this quick-hit solo episode, Dr. Gundry breaks down four much-hyped biohacking tricks and treatments that he believes DON’T actually deliver meaningful or lasting results. He draws on both the latest science and decades of clinical experience, warning listeners about tests and therapies that sound exciting but don't yield long-term benefits—and offering sensible alternatives.
(Main Biohacks Critiqued: Stool tests, IV vitamin treatments, biological age testing, stem cell treatments)

Key Discussion Points and Insights

[00:39] What Is Biohacking—and Why The Hype?

• Dr. Gundry defines biohacking as:
  "Obviously the idea is to hack or modify your basic biologic physiologic functions with tricks."
• He expresses appreciation for some "tricks" for mitochondrial health but says the trendy biohacking field has gone off the rails with expensive, unproven fads.

[01:50] #4: Stool Microbiome Testing Is Overrated

• Stool microbiome tests are marketed as crucial biohacks, but Dr. Gundry calls them "merely a snapshot of your microbiome that day. It’s merely a Polaroid picture of that instant in time."
• Your microbiome shifts significantly within a few days based on what you eat; major changes occur after just three days on plant-based vs. carnivore diets.
  • "For instance, if you adapt a completely plant-based diet for three days, your microbiome will change ... If you decide to go carnivore ... your microbiome will change dramatically" (03:03).
• He does use these tests in practice (prefers Gut Zoomer Vibrant Wellness) but primarily as a guide for severe gut/autimmune patients.
  • Nearly 100% of patients with autoimmune/IBS are lacking beneficial bacteria that make short chain fatty acids like butyrate.
  • He nearly always prescribes a specific probiotic and butyrate supplement as a "one, two punch."
• Limitations:
  • "Are stool tests useful? Well, if you want to know what you ate yesterday, absolutely. But on an overall view, they’re not going to help you that much." (08:52)
• Practical Advice: Focus less on tests and more on feeding your gut properly with prebiotics, fiber, and postbiotics along with probiotics.

[09:33] #3: IV Vitamin Treatments Are Largely a Waste

• Many biohackers tout IV glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin B, methylene blue, etc., for boosts in energy or anti-aging.
• Glutathione cannot be easily absorbed orally, and IV versions give only a temporary effect:
  • "It's only going to last for as long as the IV is running and then it's gone." (11:28)
• High-dose IV vitamin C is useful for certain acute medical uses (e.g., sepsis, ICU, some cancer cases), but as a biohacking tool, the benefits are fleeting.
  • "Knock your socks off, go get a needle poked in your arm ... you'll have this fabulous event for a few minutes, maybe a couple hours. But don't be naive that this is a long-term solution." (11:58)
• He also issues a safety warning—patients can have severe reactions.
• Notable Quote:
  • "That's why I personally think they're a waste of money and I've never had one." (11:59)
• Supplements like NAC and glycine help support your body’s own glutathione production better than IVs.

[12:18] The Placebo Effect Plays a Big Role

• Many IV treatment users feel better temporarily—often due to placebo and the investment they've made.
• Dr. Gundry: "If I'm shelling out a large amount of money and having somebody poke me in the arm, I'm gonna probably feel better because I spent a lot of money..." (12:20)
• If you want a temporary boost, sure—but don’t confuse short-lived euphoria with meaningful, lasting gains.

[13:49] A Promising but Untested Area: Exosome Therapies

• He notes interest in the emerging science of peptides, exosomes (extracellular vesicles), and their roles in body communication—cites upcoming conferences and his writing.
• But: "Is it ready for primetime? Sorry. Absolutely not." (14:57)

[15:13] #2: Biologic Age Testing — Not Ready For Prime Time

• Tests which supposedly tell you your “biological age” (versus chronological) are trending (thanks to celebrities), but the metrics are highly variable and mainly “make me feel really good about myself.”
• Personal example: Using wearable data, travel, and activity—all supposed to lower biological age—but the test results fluctuated unpredictably.
  • "My heart rate variability was now sky high. And yet my apparently biologic age dropped ... when I haven't been walking very much, my heart rate variability plummeted, yet my biologic age went back up. So, I don't know." (16:14)
• Methylation biological age tests suffer the same flaw—methyl groups come and go by the day.
  • "Once again, you're getting a snapshot of time, of how many methyl groups were attached to your DNA at the time your test was done." (17:33)
• Takeaway:
  • "I'm not a big fan of right now spending your money to figure out how biologically old you are." (18:19)
  • Instead, look at yourself: "Just show them your hands, show them your face, and don't shell out your money for these tests yet." (19:30)

[19:38] #1: Stem Cell Treatments—A Major Waste Without Lifestyle Change

• Dr. Gundry says he sees many patients spending big on stem cell infusions (autologous or from donor sources abroad) for joint pain and other conditions.
• "Here's what I can tell you ... Most of them come back feeling better, particularly stem cell treatments in a painful joint. And these treatments seem to work very effectively for three months, six months, maybe a year. But here's the point. If you don't change your underlying behavior ... all those stem cell treatments will be undone" (20:03).
• He was once offered a lucrative role to promote stem cell treatments, but turned it down for lack of evidence.
• "Let me assure you, you have plenty of stem cells ... lining the wall of your gut just waiting to repair the wall of your gut. The point is, you need to activate your own stem cells. And I've laid out how in all my books." (21:19)
• Best way to activate & use stem cells: Vitamin D and intermittent fasting.
• Final advice: "Please, at this point, don't waste your money on stem cell treatment. Spend your money on making your own stem cells wake up and go to where they're needed and then stop doing the damage." (21:55)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On gut testing: "Are stool tests useful? Well, if you want to know what you ate yesterday, absolutely. But on an overall view, they're not going to help you that much." (08:52)
• On IV vitamins: "Go get a needle poked in your arm ... you'll have this fabulous event for a few minutes, maybe a couple hours. But don't be naive that this is a long-term solution to a problem that can be fixed by food." (11:58)
• On placebo effect: "The placebo effect is incredibly powerful." (12:25)
• On biological age tests: "[They] are not ready for prime time ... Just show them your hands, show them your face, and don't shell out your money for these tests." (19:30)
• On stem cells: "You have plenty of stem cells ... lining the wall of your gut just waiting to repair." (21:19)
• Final actionable tip: "One of the best ways to turn your stem cells on is vitamin D and intermittent fasting." (21:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:39 – Defining biohacking and hype
• 01:50 – #4: Stool tests = only a day’s snapshot
• 09:33 – #3: IV vitamin treatments (why they don’t really last)
• 12:18 – Placebo effect and human psychology in biohacking
• 13:49 – Exosome/extracellular vesicle therapy (not ready for primetime)
• 15:13 – #2: Biologic age testing (celeb trends & scientific flaws)
• 17:40 – Methylation testing is only a fleeting snapshot
• 19:38 – #1: Stem cell treatments (and why real change is internal)
• 21:46 – How to truly activate your stem cells: Vitamin D & intermittent fasting

Natural Tone and Closing Thoughts

Dr. Gundry’s tone is direct, conversational, sometimes humorous, and always practical. He repeatedly encourages listeners to be skeptical of costly trends, focus on what’s proven, and empower their bodies naturally.

Bottom Line:
Don’t waste money on hype. Eat right, supplement wisely, use intermittent fasting, make commonsense lifestyle changes—and let your body’s own “hacks” (like stem cell activation) work for you.

For more practical tips, check Dr. Gundry’s books or previous episodes.