Podcast Summary: The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey - Biohacking News Weekly Update (Ep. 1383)
Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Dave Asprey
Overview of Episode
In this "Weekly Upgrade" episode, Dave Asprey covers the most significant recent developments in biohacking, longevity science, and human performance. The episode spotlights trending topics like supplement regulation, breakthrough heart health diagnostics, sauna use for detoxification, psychedelics’ impact on metabolism, and cutting-edge mitochondrial research. Asprey distills actionable advice for listeners aiming to optimize their biology in an era where technology and wellness science are advancing rapidly.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Supplement Label Changes and Consumer Caution
[01:38] - [02:56]
- The FDA is considering loosening rules on the DSHEA disclaimer (“these statements have not been evaluated...”) for dietary supplements. The disclaimer may now only appear once, not beside every claim.
- Dave’s Warning: This reduces visible oversight and makes health claims seem more “legit,” which may mislead consumers. Brands may push unsubstantiated claims with less consumer scrutiny.
- Actionable Take:
- Vet brands carefully; the onus is on consumers to educate themselves about supplement efficacy and safety.
Notable Quote:
“Labels could look more legitimate precisely when oversight is getting lighter... More people can easily get tricked by over promised and unsubstantiated results.”
— Dave Asprey [01:49]
2. Next-Level Heart Diagnostics: CardiacQ
[02:56] - [04:13]
- Mayo Clinic and SandboxAQ are testing CardiacQ: a non-invasive scanner reading magnetic fields around the heart—no contact, no radiation.
- Potential: Detects ischemia/blockages much earlier—potentially before any symptoms or heart damage occur.
- Asprey notes that quick, noninvasive screenings could soon be routine, possibly even wearable.
Asprey’s Basics Reminder:
Until these innovations are common, traditional markers—blood pressure, glucose, heart rate, VO2 max, and especially sleep—are critical early warning tools.
Notable Quote:
"We're inching toward a world where diagnostics get ahead of symptoms... If this gains traction, it's only a matter of time until it becomes far more accessible in a wearable. Now that is awesome."
— Dave Asprey [04:00]
3. Saunas, Sweating, and Detoxification (Microplastics Myth-Busting)
[04:13] - [06:17]
- Claim: Sauna sessions can “sweat out” microplastics.
- Science Check: Sweat removes BPAs, phthalates, and other dissolved plastic chemicals, but not actual plastic particles.
- Practical Takeaways:
- Effective sweat for detox requires high heat; dry saunas are best, not standard exercise or steam saunas.
- Complement with exposure reduction (filtered water, less plastic packaging, clean food storage).
- Hydrate well: Dehydration cancels out sauna benefits.
Tech Recommendation:
Asprey endorses Sunlighten infrared (if budget allows) but notes affordable portable dry saunas now exist.
Notable Quote:
"15 minutes at 180 degrees and you might just be doing the best known thing for removing microplastics from your body... But you're not going to see a measurable result by just your daily four mile jog."
— Dave Asprey [05:45]
4. Psychedelics and Metabolic Health: A New Frontier
[06:17] - [09:26]
- Industry update: Brian Johnson tested psilocybin (under supervision) to see if it physically impacts longevity markers.
- Result:
- His continuous glucose monitoring showed a substantial (8%) improvement in average glucose and zero time above 125 mg/dL post-session.
- HbA1c dropped by 6.8%—a result normally requiring months of diabetes medication (e.g., Metformin).
- Implication: Suggests a possible “brain reset” effect on body-wide metabolic regulation—potential rewiring of brain-liver-pancreas loops.
- Caveat: Early evidence; clinical trials needed.
Notable Quote:
"Seeing it happen after one psychedelic session suggests there might be a link between the brain's reset and how the liver and pancreas manage blood sugar... Maybe some metabolic problems come from the brain-body communication loops."
— Dave Asprey [08:23]
5. Mitochondrial Research: Cox7RP and Lifespan Extension
[11:42] - [14:32]
- Mouse study: Increasing Cox7RP (a mitochondrial protein) led to 6.5% longer lifespan, better insulin sensitivity, lower liver fat, increased endurance, and improved lipid profiles.
- Mechanism: Cox7RP organizes mitochondrial "super complexes" that optimize energy (ATP) production.
- Takeaway: Asprey emphasizes that while dramatic molecular tweaks are exciting, foundational practices (strength training, aerobic work, blood sugar control) likely protect mitochondrial super complexes.
- Bottom Line: Caring for your mitochondria may be the simplest, most effective longevity “hack” of all.
Notable Quote:
“The anti aging secret might not be some exotic molecule at all. It might be the same thing mitochondria have been asking for since the beginning... When your cells make energy like a young person, your lifespan just becomes a side effect.”
— Dave Asprey [13:37]
Actionable Summary & Integration
[13:45] - [14:32]
- Be a skeptical, educated supplement consumer.
- Track your heart health basics for early warning and future diagnostics.
- Use dry sauna deliberately, combine with exposure reduction and hydration.
- Invest in your mitochondrial health through daily habits.
- Stay plugged in to the latest science; incremental self-care “upgrades” add up over time.
Asprey's Weekly Motivation:
"The goal is to stay around long enough to let the science catch up to longevity, terminal velocity. One day at a time. We'll keep doing it together."
— Dave Asprey [14:27]
Memorable Moments & Timestamps
| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|-------------| | FDA Supplement Label Changes | 01:38–02:56 | | CardiacQ Heart Diagnostics | 02:56–04:13 | | Saunas & Microplastics Detox | 04:13–06:17 | | Psychedelics & Glucose Control | 06:17–09:26 | | Mitochondrial Research (Cox7RP) | 11:42–14:32 |
Tone & Style
Dave Asprey’s tone is direct, data-driven, and occasionally playful (“mitochondria fetishist”). He blends practical, actionable tips with speculative excitement about coming advances, all with a strong emphasis on personal agency and informed skepticism.
For Listeners New and Old
Whether you’re deep into biohacking or just starting to upgrade your health, this episode gives concise updates on headline developments with critical context and real-world applications—no hype, ads, or fluff included.