The SHN #73: Libido, Why We Get Sick, and Life Planning

Welcome back to The Synergetic Health Newsletter! 

In this edition, we’ll discuss the secrets to a healthy libido.

After that, a look into all the reasons we get sick.

Then, a chance to zoom out of your life using the three questions proposed by life planner George Kinder.

October 10th, 2024. Greetings once again from Bali!

I was pleasantly surprised by the positive reception to Monday's "Spirits Are Real" letter.

For those who missed it, here's a quick TLDR: Within each of us exist non-physical beings that can either help or hinder us. The good news? We can learn to connect with the beneficial ones and remove the harmful ones.

The "good guys" can offer guidance, support, and healing. The "bad ones," however, are far more prevalent than you might think and likely play a significant role in the current mental health crisis – think of them as the proverbial "devil on your shoulder." Here’s a quick YouTube short on chatting with the good guys.

I know this sounds wild, but that's largely due to our Western education system. We've got a lot of things wrong, and the idea that our minds are isolated, closed systems is one of those misconceptions.

If you haven't had a chance to read the full post, I encourage you to check it out and share it with anyone who would like it!

All is going well in this island paradise. I’ve explored South Bali this week and saw some amazing secluded beaches, a Hindu temple with hundreds of monkeys swinging around, the ritzy/secluded bit hosting all the top hotel chains, cliffside bars and restaurants, the famous Savaya “top club in Asia”, wild motorbike traffic, and rapid development for the growing hordes of tourists.

See you again next week!

👫 The Secrets to a Healthy Libido

A problem that many men experience in life is a silent health crisis: low libido. Once rare, this issue now affects men of all ages, even those in their 20s. But a man's libido isn't just about sex. It's a strong indicator of overall health. Today, we're looking deep into this topic, armed with insights from health researcher George @helios_movement and other sources I found.

Note: While this post is primarily aimed at men's health, many of the underlying principles and lifestyle suggestions could be beneficial for women experiencing similar issues. The importance of sunlight, stress management, hormone balance, and overall health applies to everyone, regardless of gender.

The Sunlight Connection

Surprise surprise, your morning routine could be the key to boosting your libido. Getting sunlight exposure first thing in the morning and throughout the day can significantly impact your melanocortin levels. These peptides play a huge role in sexual function. So, once again I remind everyone of the importance of seeing early morning sunlight.

Stress: The Libido Killer

Chronic stress is a major culprit behind low libido. To combat this, we need to balance our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Here are some practical tips:

• Ditch the "fasted" black coffee mornings

• Increase vitamin C intake through foods

• Take a 12-week break from alcohol

• Monitor your prolactin levels (I’ll have to write about the importance of prolactin in a future newsletter)

The Hormonal Dance

Hormones play a crucial role in libido. Here's what you need to know:

• DHT (Dihydrotestosterone): Avoid 5-AR inhibitors and ensure you're getting enough magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and fat-soluble vitamins.

• Aromatase and SHBG: Keep an eye on these. High body fat, stress, and nutrient deficiencies can increase aromatase activity, converting more testosterone to estrogen.

• Adrenaline: Excess adrenaline can wreak havoc on your libido. Maintain stable blood sugar, don't skip dinner, and ensure adequate zinc and magnesium intake.

• Dopamine: Low dopamine can significantly impact libido. Ensure you're getting enough bioavailable protein, zinc, vitamins C, K, D, and E, and quality fats.

The Testosterone Factor

While it might seem obvious, don't forget to get your testosterone and free testosterone levels checked. These are fundamental things to monitor for libido and overall health.

Understanding ED Medications

Many turn to medications like Viagra or Cialis for quick fixes. While these drugs “work”, it's crucial to understand how they work and their potential side effects. These drugs inhibit PDE5, increasing cGMP levels, which helps with vasodilation. However, they can also affect eyesight, liver function, and blood pressure.

The BH4 Breakthrough

One often-overlooked factor in libido health is BH4 (tetrahydrobiopterin). This crucial cofactor is involved in nitric oxide synthesis and neurotransmitter production. To support healthy BH4 levels:

• Exercise regularly

• Ensure adequate folate intake

• Get enough vitamin C

• Manage stress

• Prioritize sleep

Natural Alternatives

If you're looking for natural PDE5 inhibitors, consider incorporating these into your diet:

• Pomegranates

• Black ginger

• Watermelon

• Guarana

• Cranberries

• Goji berries

• Ginger

The Holistic Approach

Addressing low libido, like all health improvement interventions, isn't about quick fixes. It's always about taking a holistic approach to your health. Here's a quick checklist:

• Optimize your sleep

• Get regular sunlight exposure

• Manage stress through lifestyle changes, mindfulness and exercise

• Eat a nutrient-dense diet rich in vitamins and minerals

• Stay hydrated

• Limit alcohol and avoid nicotine

• Regular exercise, focusing on both cardio and strength training

• Regular health check-ups, including hormone level tests

Low libido is often a sign that your body needs attention in multiple areas. So listen to that signal, take action, and monitor your progress.

🤒 Why Do We Get Sick?

I’ve continued to investigate the merits of the germ theory of disease, and still currently believe it’s BS. I do not believe that pathogens are causative of illness. So yes— I don’t believe you can “catch” a cold, or come down with the flu because someone in your house also had it.

I will have more on this in future newsletters but think about this— the germ theory of disease is so foundational that if we find out that it’s built on a house of cards (it is)— it will have widespread implications across many industries, not just the medical industrial complex.

Understanding illness requires looking beyond just germs. Here are the key factors contributing to dis-ease in modern times:

Physical Deficiencies:

• Lack of real food and clean water

• Insufficient movement and natural light exposure

• Inadequate rest and time in nature

Physical Toxicity:

• Exposure to harmful chemicals (e.g., glyphosate, fluoride)

• Overconsumption of processed foods

• Negative effects of certain pharmaceutical products

Metaphysical Malnutrition:

• Absence of community and purpose

• Lack of stillness, prayer, and laughter

Metaphysical Toxins:

• Toxic relationships and limiting beliefs

• Chronic stress (perpetual fight/flight response)

• Exposure to non-native electromagnetic fields (nnEMFs)

Emotional and Spiritual Factors:

• Unresolved trauma (physical or emotional)

• Fear and poor spiritual hygiene

Structural Imbalances:

• Various physical and energetic misalignments in the body

By addressing these diverse aspects of health, we can create a more robust "terrain" in our bodies and minds, potentially reducing our susceptibility to illness and promoting overall well-being.

Consider this thought experiment: If we no longer blame the boogeyman of germs as the culprit of disease, we must admit that other sources of toxins we've let proliferate in modern society may play a significant role. This shifts the focus from invisible pathogens to human behavior and choices.

If we acknowledge that it's not just about germs, but a mix of factors including toxic compounds from materials and products we manufacture and consume, it would have widespread implications across many industries who would share responsibility for modern diseases.

For some reason, my energy often returns to this subject— so I feel called to continue research more myself and do my part to share what I’m learning. If we stay healthy in body and mind we have to worry WAY less about disease and illness.

🌱 Life Planning

I just finished a book by George Kinder called “The Three Domains of Freedom: Each Moment Is Yours, Your Life Is Yours, Your Civilization is Yours.”

Known as the “father of the life planning movement”, Kinder is an author and speaker with the stated goal of bringing freedom to every human on the planet. In his book, he includes the three questions he has people ask themselves in order to gain more clarity on what it is you really want in life.

Here are Kinder’s three questions:

1. Imagine you wake up one morning and discover that you have all the money you need for the rest of your life. What would you do with your life? How would you live?

2. You go to your doctor feeling perfectly healthy, but you receive news that you have a rare illness which means you have 5 to 10 years left to live. What would you do with your life during that time? How would you live?

3. You visit your doctor and are shocked to learn you have only 24 hours left to live. Reflecting on everything you hoped to accomplish in life, who did you not get to be, and what did you not get to do?

𝕏 Thread of the Week

🇰 Ketamine Up-Close: This podcast explores ketamine therapy for mental health with Dr. Jennifer Ellice, an emergency physician specializing in this treatment. It covers ketamine's potential for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain, addressing misconceptions and safety concerns. The discussion includes ketamine's medical applications, clinical processes, and administration methods.

Kevin Rose shares his live ketamine booster therapy experience, offering an unfiltered look at the treatment. The episode aims to demystify ketamine therapy, reduce stigma, and present it as a viable option for mental health issues. It provides a balanced, scientific perspective on this promising treatment in modern psychiatry.

📚 Conscious Parenting Book List: Kyle Kowalski is a self-education entrepreneur who runs the website Sloww.com. He reads broadly and synthesizes information and key concepts in the fields of lifestyle design, spirituality, life purpose, human development, slow living, philosophy, science, and more. In this Google sheet you will find his full reading list, with a new tab specifically devoted to books about conscious parenting.

🍄 The Psychedelic Ibogaine Is Effective for Traumatic Brain Injury: Stanford Medicine researchers found that ibogaine, a psychoactive compound effectively treats traumatic brain injury (TBI) in special ops veterans. The study, published in Nature Medicine, involved 30 veterans who underwent treatment in Mexico. Results showed significant improvements in PTSD, anxiety, depression, and overall functioning, with effects persisting at least one month post-treatment.

Veterans experienced an average 88% reduction in PTSD symptoms, 87% in depression, and 81% in anxiety. Cognitive functions also improved. No serious side effects were reported. These results are crazy good and beat the pants off of any big pharma intervention.

🔗 One Hitters

👟 What is the best shoe for you? (Video)

🍦 The Ninja Creami is the first purchase I make when I settle back into a permanent home (Protein Ice Cream ftw)

🙏 Curious about prayer but don’t know how start (Try this)

🛢️ Fossil fuels are better for the environment? 😵‍💫 (Video)

💬 “If a world that’s utterly insane doesn’t see you as crazy, it’s time to ask why.” (Podcast Interview)

📚 Read my e-book, “Self-Development for Authentic Living” for free.

🔗 If you know anyone who loves learning about these types of topics, send them this link!

📰 To read all past newsletters, go here.