The Dr. Josh Axe Show

Episode: The Most Underrated Anti-Aging Tool in the World (Boost Stem Cells Naturally!)
Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Dr. Josh Axe

Overview

In this episode, Dr. Josh Axe explores why stem cells are the body’s "master repair" system and the vital—but often overlooked—role they play in slowing aging, preventing disease, and accelerating recovery. Dr. Axe deep-dives into practical, natural strategies for boosting your body's own stem cell production—without pricey clinics or controversial treatments. Drawing from research, real-life case studies, and his own health journey, he arms listeners with nine actionable steps rooted in holistic nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and cutting-edge therapies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What Are Stem Cells & Why They Matter

• Stem cells are the body's "master repair" cells that can transform into any type of tissue—muscle, bone, skin, organs, blood, etc.
• They act as the human body's built-in maintenance and renovation crew, repairing damage and regenerating new tissue throughout life.
• Aging and Stem Cells: As we age, stem cell production naturally declines, contributing to slower healing and tissue degeneration. (04:00)

"If your stem cells are active and working properly, your body's coming in and putting in stone and high-quality wood beams and brick and marble... if your stem cells are low, your body's putting in cardboard and styrofoam."
— Dr. Axe (05:00)

2. History and Ethical Evolution of Stem Cell Research

• 1960s: Discovery that bone marrow cells could regenerate blood.
• 1990s: Unlocking the potential of embryonic stem cells—but leading to ethical controversies.
• 2000s-Now: Major pivot to using adult stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells, which are ethically sourced and still potent for repair and regeneration.
• Dr. Axe describes his—and many colleagues’—personal experience traveling for advanced stem cell treatments due to U.S. regulatory restrictions. (14:50)

3. Types of Stem Cells in Practice

• Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Sourced from adult bone marrow or umbilical cord—safer, tissue-specific, and effective for reducing inflammation and promoting balance (13:00).
• Muse Cells: Newer discovery, naturally occurring, promising in regenerating organs like the heart and shown to support recovery post-stroke (17:30).

"Muse cells... might be the most beneficial stem cells for helping repair and regenerate certain organs, like the heart."
— Dr. Axe (17:50)

4. Practical Applications & Case Studies

• Stem cell therapies have shown benefits across:
  • Neurological recovery (stroke, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s)
  • Cardiovascular repair (post-heart attack)
  • Autoimmune improvements (Crohn’s, thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Orthopedic and chronic inflammatory conditions

Case Study – Stroke Recovery with Muse Cells (20:50):

"Japanese researchers made headlines with a clinical trial using Muse cells... After just 12 weeks, 40% of patients treated with Muse cells regained meaningful mobility and daily function, compared to only 10% in the placebo group."
— Dr. Axe (21:40)

5. U.S. Regulatory Landscape & Why Many Seek Treatment Abroad

• Most advanced stem cell protocols (e.g., culturing for higher doses) are not FDA approved in the U.S.
• Patients and practitioners often go to clinics in Mexico for these therapies.
• Legal battles may alter the future landscape, but currently culturing or multiplying stem cells—even your own—is not permitted in the U.S. (23:30)

Nine Science-Backed Ways to Boost Your Own Stem Cell Production Naturally

(Segment starts ~25:20)

1. Fasting & Caloric Restriction

• Short-term fasting (e.g., 24h) activates autophagy, helping stem cells stay young and multiply.
• Even intermittent fasting (14h daily fast, or 1-day weekly fast) yields notable benefits.
• "Just for most people, doing an intermittent fast one day a week... is a great way to regularly fast and get tremendous benefits for boosting your body's own stem cell production." (29:00)

2. High-Quality, Nutrient-Rich Diet

• Foundation: Wild organic meats, abundant colorful vegetables, healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds), low sugar.
• Standout foods: Wild fish (salmon, sardines), bone broth, berries (blueberries, blackberries, pomegranate), beets, green vegetables.
• Herbs and spices such as rosemary, turmeric, and ginger are highly supportive. (32:00)

3. Exercise (Hormetic Stress)

• Resistance training and HIIT stimulate the release of stem cells and tissue repair.
• Regular, moderate exercise is key; overtraining can have the opposite effect. (36:00)

4. Cold Exposure (with Caution)

• Cold plunges, cold showers, or cryotherapy can mobilize specific populations of stem cells.
• Best for robust individuals, but not for everyone. For most, brief cold exposures (1-minute cold shower) suffice. (38:00)

5. Heat Therapy: Sauna, Infrared, Red Light

• Frequent sauna use (4-7x/week) is linked to dramatic reductions in all-cause mortality, likely by enhancing vascular repair and lowering inflammation.
• Infrared and red light therapy further boost stem cell and growth hormone production (41:00).

"For 90% of people... heat therapy like infrared sauna, red light therapy... is going to be better for you than cold therapy, to move your blood and warm your body."
— Dr. Axe (42:45)

6. Quality Sleep & Circadian Rhythm Support

• Most repair and stem cell activation occurs during deep sleep.
• Disrupted sleep impairs stem cell activity, even one bad night has negative effects. Aim for 8+ hours nightly minimum. (44:30)

7. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

• Breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber multiplies regenerative stem cells 3.5-fold.
• Shows longevity benefits by lengthening telomeres and reducing aging cells.
• More costly and specialized, but highly effective (46:30).

8. Red and Near-Infrared Light Therapy

• Using a red light panel or bed for 10-20 minutes per session can enhance mitochondrial and stem cell function. (48:20)

9. Targeted Supplements & Adaptogenic Herbs

• Vitamin D3 + K2 (preferably with magnesium)
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Boosts glutathione, protecting stem cells.
• Minerals: Magnesium, zinc, selenium for optimal stem cell synthesis.
• Adaptogens: Astragalus, green tea extract, schisandra berries, medicinal mushrooms, turmeric, ginseng.

"Taking a longevity powder that... has reds in them like pomegranate... adaptogens like ginseng, schisandra, astragalus, doing green tea like matcha—these are things that have been shown in studies to also support your stem cell production."
— Dr. Axe (51:30)

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• On the Promise of Stem Cells:

  "Stem cells are probably the most promising form of medicine to help you... live a life free of drugs, without medications... and live a long, healthy life, free of disease and pain."
  — Dr. Axe (02:10)

• On Everyday Regeneration:

  "Your body’s constantly remodeling itself, creating new and healthy tissue..."
  — Dr. Axe (05:45)

• On Real-World Success:

  "A friend of mine... completely reversed his inflammatory bowel disease with [stem cell therapy]."
  — Dr. Axe (19:45)

• On Sleep:

  "Maybe the single greatest thing you can do is get better quality sleep... even one night of sleep loss can reduce stem cell regeneration."
  — Dr. Axe (45:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:30 - 08:00 — Introduction to stem cells, natural production, and their central role in repair
• 12:00 - 20:00 — History, ethics, and evolution of stem cell treatments (mesenchymal and Muse cells)
• 20:50 - 23:20 — Muse cell stroke recovery clinical trial, FDA/regulatory commentary
• 25:20 - 53:00 — The nine natural methods to boost stem cells, with practical advice and real-life examples

Conclusion

Dr. Axe demystifies stem cells, positioning them as the body’s most "underrated" anti-aging tool, readily accessible through intentional lifestyle changes. He arms listeners with a science-backed, holistic, and actionable blueprint to boost their own regeneration capacity without invasive treatments. Emphasizing that true longevity and healing are possible—and surprisingly affordable—with disciplined lifestyle and nutrition choices, Dr. Axe encourages those seeking vibrant health to begin with these foundational changes.

Listen to the full episode for deeper dives and inspiring stories on the power of regenerative medicine and living younger, longer.