EP 1323

1323. Sulforaphane, Curcumin, and NEW GLP-1 Drugs (Biohacking for Longevity)

In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey reveals the surprising truth about broccoli—why adult broccoli can block thyroid function and irritate the gut, while broccoli seeds deliver sulforaphane, the powerful compound that activates all three of your body’s detox pathways. Joined by two Johns Hopkins–trained researchers in biochemistry and functional medicine, Dave uncovers how sulforaphane protects against glyphosate, repairs leaky gut, boosts mitochondria, and enhances metabolism, neuroplasticity, and brain optimization. You’ll learn how sulforaphane, berberine, curcumin, and alpha-lipoic acid can rival GLP-1 weight loss drugs, improve dopamine balance, and deliver smarter not harder biohacks for human performance, longevity, and resilience. 

Subscribe To The Human Upgrade

In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...

Most people think broccoli is a superfood, but the reality is more nuanced. In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey explores the good and bad of broccoli—why adult broccoli can block thyroid function and cause gut issues, while broccoli seeds deliver sulforaphane, the powerful compound that activates all three of your body’s detox pathways. You’ll learn how sulforaphane protects against glyphosate, repairs leaky gut, and upgrades mitochondria, metabolism, and longevity. 

 

Dave is joined by two Johns Hopkins–trained researchers whose expertise in biohacking, biochemistry, and functional medicine makes them trusted leaders in the field. Together they reveal how sulforaphane, berberine, curcumin, and alpha-lipoic acid outperform bulk vegetables and even rival GLP-1 weight loss drugs—delivering natural ways to improve metabolism, regulate dopamine, and protect the brain. Their research shows how targeted supplements can boost neuroplasticity, brain optimization, and human performance without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. 

 

Dave and his guests break down why bulk vegetables don’t deliver enough beneficial compounds, how to hack plant toxins for maximum benefit, and why supplement stacks often outperform carnivore, vegan, or high-vegetable diets for long-term health. You’ll discover how biohacking tools like fasting, ketosis, nootropics, cold therapy, and sleep optimization amplify these compounds for smarter not harder living. 

 

You’ll Learn: 

  • Why adult broccoli can disrupt thyroid function while broccoli seeds fuel detox and longevity
  • How sulforaphane, berberine, curcumin, and alpha-lipoic acid support metabolism and mitochondria
  • Why natural compounds can rival GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and energy regulation
  • The connection between glyphosate, leaky gut, inflammation, and brain fog
  • How to stack supplements with fasting, ketosis, and cold therapy for brain optimization
  • Why functional medicine and biohacking provide better long-term solutions than fad diets
  • The smarter not harder way to extract benefits from plants without the toxic load

 

This episode is essential for anyone serious about biohacking, upgrading metabolism, extending longevity, and achieving high performance with resilience and clarity. 

 

Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners,?The Human Upgrade?is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, hacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. 

 

Episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (audio-only) where Dave asks the questions no one else dares, and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing. 

 

Keywords: sulforaphane supplements, broccoli seed extract, detox pathways phase 1 2 3, NRF2 activation, glyphosate gut health, leaky gut repair biohacking, thyroid blockers broccoli, DIM I3C compounds, functional medicine detox, Johns Hopkins biohacking research, berberine metabolism, alpha lipoic acid mitochondria, curcumin weight loss, GLP-1 natural alternatives, dopamine metabolism regulation, neuroplasticity supplements, fasting and sulforaphane, ketosis and detox synergy, smarter not harder supplements, Dave Asprey broccoli 

 

Mara Labs Website: https://mara-labs.com/Dave for 28% off!

 

Thank you to our sponsors!  

EMR-Tek | https://www.emr-tek.com/DAVE and use code DAVE for 40% off.

Timeline | Head to https://www.timeline.com/dave to get 10% off your first order.

Calroy | Head to https://calroy.com/dave for an exclusive discount.

“You can eat ten pounds of broccoli—or you can take one capsule of broccoli seed extract and actually get the results.”

Mara Labs

00:00 — Trailer 

A fast-paced highlight reel sets up the episode’s focus on broccoli compounds, detox, and weight loss. 

01:10 — Introduction 

Dave welcomes Johns Hopkins biochemists back to discuss detox pathways, AI-assisted research, and new findings. 

01:49 — Broccoli Benefits & Risks 

Exploring the differences between mature broccoli and sprouts, including thyroid blockers, DIM, I3C, and sulforaphane. 

09:24 — Plant Toxins & Modern Diet 

Why plants contain both beneficial compounds and toxins, and how biohacking isolates what works without the downsides. 

12:56 — Mold Detox Experiences 

Dave shares his mold exposure history and explains how sulforaphane and glutathione help him recover during travel. 

18:30 — Mycotoxins, Glyphosate & Gut Health 

The team explains how mold toxins and glyphosate disrupt tight junctions in the gut, and how sulforaphane repairs the damage. 

26:20 — Metabolic Syndrome & Endotoxins 

Breaking down the drivers of metabolic syndrome, from high blood pressure and fatigue to endotoxin-induced inflammation. 

35:44 — Timing Sulforaphane for Glyphosate Protection 

Research shows sulforaphane strengthens tight junctions when taken before glyphosate exposure, protecting gut integrity. 

39:35 — Weight Loss & GL Perfect 

A deep dive into natural alternatives to GLP-1 drugs using sulforaphane, EGCG, and berberine for satiety and metabolism. 

49:19 — Personalization & Supplement Stacking 

Why biohacking requires customizing stacks for individual biology, and how enhanced bioavailability changes outcomes. 

55:10 — Sleep, Ketosis & Berberine 

How berberine supports sleep quality, glucose control, and even deeper ketosis when timed strategically. 

58:30 — Alpha Lipoic Acid + Berberine Synergy 

The combination of alpha lipoic acid and berberine activates AMPK, improves glucose uptake, and supports mitochondria. 

1:01:00 — Natural Alternatives to GLP-1 Drugs 

Closing insights on safe, effective supplement strategies that rival expensive GLP-1 medications for metabolic health. 

 

Resources:  

Enjoy the show!

LISTEN:

“Follow” or “subscribe” to The Human Upgrade™ with Dave Asprey on your favorite podcast platform.

REVIEW: 

Go to Apple Podcasts at daveasprey.com/apple and leave a (hopefully) 5-star rating and a creative review.

FEEDBACK:

Got a comment, idea or question for the podcast? Submit via this form!

SOCIAL:

Follow @thehumanupgradepodcast on Instagram and Facebook.

JOIN: 

Learn directly from Dave Asprey alongside others in a membership group: ourupgradecollective.com.

Subscribe To The Human Upgrade

Similar Episodes

podcast-divider-bottom.png

Subscribe To The Human Upgrade

BOOKS

4X NEW YORK TIMES
BEST-SELLING SCIENCE AUTHOR

AVAILABLE NOW

Smarter
Not Harder

Smarter Not Harder: The Biohacker’s Guide to Getting the Body and Mind You Want is about helping you to become the best version of yourself by embracing laziness while increasing your energy and optimizing your biology.

If you want to lose weight, increase your energy, or sharpen your mind, there are shelves of books offering myriad styles of advice. If you want to build up your strength and cardio fitness, there are plenty of gyms and trainers ready to offer you their guidance. What all of these resources have in common is they offer you a bad deal: a lot of effort for a little payoff. Dave Asprey has found a better way.
media-section-06-img.png

Also Available

footer-line-img.png

Start hacking your way to better than standard performance and results.

Receive weekly biohacking tips and tech by becoming a Dave Asprey insider.

By sharing your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy