Holohacking, optimization of inner+outer self
My friend breathwork pro Niraj Naik (download his app SOMA Breath) asked me my view of this controversial video:
My response was that many substances thought to be addictive or unhealthy are actually healthy in small doses such as nicotine. Same goes for psychedelics and MDMA.
This is also true for caffeine, radiation, heat and cold exposure, certain plant toxins, carbon monoxide, and low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection.
Some studies link light to moderate alcohol consumption with lower risk of coronary heart disease, reduced risk of gallstones, and increased HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) though even light consumption is also linked to negative effects on health such as increased cancer risk. One's epigenetics would be the determinant as to whether one would extract primarily the positives while overriding the negatives
That said, it has been mistakenly believed that one's DNA is the final determinant when in reality, most health outcomes result from a dialogue between your DNA and your environment/lifestyle. In other words, it gets complicated so personalized medicine by way of AI is the future. In the meantime, Viome in the US and now MyBioma https://mybioma.com/en/products/kit in the US are available so one can optimize their diet and microbiome.
HOLOHACKING: There is biohacking, and there is what I call holohacking which focuses on the growth of one's inner self (some call it soul). This determines mindset which is influenced by human connection, facing your fears, and how you treat others. Unresolved fears can result in bad actions towards others. Hypnotherapists such as Marisa Peer and Gabor Mate whom I discuss in Chapter 12 of my book Truth to Power https://chriskacher.substack.com/ have online tools such as this video:
to help you resolve any traumas so you dissolve your fears.
So you can exercise, sauna, ice bath, and eat right but if your inner self remained unevolved, you may find yourself in an anxious or depressed state at times. This causes stress which will eat away at your efforts.
Tools such as AI especially as it becomes more personalized and services such as Viome can help one optimize their health and thus can provide a solid foundation on which one can evolve their inner self. As Liberace said, without health, one has nothing.
Summary of the following video:
# Summary: "Nicotine Is Not the Villain: What Big Pharma Hides From Parents" (Dr. Bryan Ardis & Alex Clark)
## Overview
This podcast episode, hosted by Alex Clark and featuring Dr. Bryan Ardis, explores claims about **nicotine’s potential health benefits**, emphasizing that mainstream narratives have “misled” the public about its effects. Dr. Ardis argues that nicotine is not inherently addictive or harmful, and contends that it could play a major role in treating or preventing various ailments. The show suggests there is suppression of this information by pharmaceutical interests.
## Key Claims and Topics
### 1. **Misconceptions About Nicotine**
- Dr. Ardis states that nicotine, contrary to widespread belief, is not intrinsically addictive or cancer-causing when isolated from tobacco products.
- References a Harvard study (2016) concluding that **nicotine alone does not cause tobacco addiction**; instead, 15 man-made chemicals called pyrazines, added to tobacco products, are pointed to as the true addictive agents.
### 2. **Nicotine’s Potential Health Benefits**
- **Neurological Disorders:** Claims that dietary nicotine (including that found in vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes) can prevent or reverse **Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)**.
- **Chronic Illness:** Suggests nicotine has strong anti-inflammatory effects and can benefit those with arthritis, migraines, ulcerative colitis, and hypothyroidism.
- **Autism & Myocarditis:** Argues that nicotine patches have been used to improve personality traits in autistic children and cure myocarditis in days.
- **Diabetes:** Asserts that nicotine increases insulin production in type 1 diabetics.
- **Cancer:** Cites research allegedly showing that nicotine shrank glioblastoma brain tumors rapidly, though acknowledges these ideas are highly controversial and not mainstream medical advice.
### 3. **Nicotine and COVID-19**
- Dr. Ardis references studies suggesting that COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms were less prevalent and severe among smokers due to nicotine exposure.
- Specifically claims that a 7mg nicotine patch worn daily for six days “completely eradicated” long COVID symptoms for patients in one cited study.
### 4. **Safety, Dosage, and Application**
- Discusses recommended dosages for adults and children if nicotine patches are used therapeutically (based on weight/age and always with caution, with an emphasis on starting with low doses).
- Warns not to use high doses initially to avoid side effects.
- Recommends the Rugby brand of nicotine patches for “cleanliness” and consistency.
### 5. **Nanotechnology and Detox Claims**
- Contains a segment highlighting a Spanish research video purportedly showing nicotine in boiled tobacco “dissolving nanotech” found in vaccines and other substances, suggesting powerful detoxification properties.
### 6. **Criticism of Regulatory Agencies**
- States the FDA and pharmaceutical companies have financial motives to hide nicotine’s benefits and perpetuate its negative reputation.
- Blames policy, not science, for labeling nicotine as an addictive substance on tobacco products.
### 7. **Plant Sources of Nicotine**
- Notes that common vegetables (eggplant, tomato, potatoes) naturally contain nicotine, though at lower concentrations than tobacco.
- Questions why comparable warnings are not required on these foods.
## Table: Claimed Health Implications of Nicotine (per Dr. Ardis)
| Health Area | Claimed Benefit of Nicotine |
|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Parkinson’s/Alzheimer’s | Prevents/reverses symptoms |
| Multiple Sclerosis | Reduces risk and symptoms |
| Arthritis & Migraines | Strong anti-inflammatory response |
| Long COVID | Eradicates symptoms with 7mg patch |
| Diabetes | Increases insulin production (Type 1) |
| Autism | Improves personality traits |
| Cancer (Glioblastoma) | Rapid shrinkage in experimental claims |
| Myocarditis | Cures and reverses scarring |
| Detoxification | “Dissolves” nanotech, per experimental video |
## Final Notes
- The episode is highly critical of “big pharma” and regulatory bodies, promoting a counter-mainstream perspective on nicotine’s risks and benefits.
- Many of the claims—especially those about curing complex diseases—are outside of accepted medical consensus and should be critically evaluated.
- The podcast encourages further research and debate, but listeners should be aware that these views are controversial and not representative of established science[1].
Citations:
[1] Nicotine Is Not the Villain: What Big Pharma Hides From Parents | Dr. Bryan Ardis, DC