The Deep Six

This week on The Deep Six, Dr. James Lewerenz is back with another Ask Me Anything episode, tackling the questions hitting his inbox on hormones, cancer, microplastics, and dementia. He breaks down why hormone replacement therapy is foundational to brain volume, bone density, and muscle mass, and why fear of it often does more harm than good. He makes a bold case that the future of beating cancer lies in building your own immune system through natural killer cells, a marker hiding in plain sight on every standard blood panel. He then addresses the uncomfortable reality of microplastics and closes with a look at peptide therapy and the blood-brain barrier as a target for dementia prevention. Test, don't guess, treat root causes, and build a body that thrives for decades.
Timestamps00:00 Hormones and Longevity05:56 Cancer Detection and Immune Response11:43 The Dangers of Microplastics15:24 Peptides for Dementia and Brain Health
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

On this episode of The Deep Six Podcast, Dr. James Lewerenz sits down with Sifu Patrick Donahue to explore how discipline, consistency, and purpose shape both physical and mental health. Drawing from decades of martial arts training and teaching, Patrick explains why real confidence is built through daily effort, emotional regulation, and keeping promises to yourself. The conversation connects martial arts to everyday life, showing how movement, structure, and community can help people become calmer under pressure, more resilient in adversity, and more intentional in how they live. This episode is a powerful reminder that motivation comes and goes, but discipline creates lasting change. When the body and mind are trained together, growth reaches far beyond the mat and into every part of life.
Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Deep Six Podcast03:34 The Purpose of Life06:16 Martial Arts: The Ultimate Discipline09:00 The Power of Purpose and Consistency12:08 The Lohan Test: Building Confidence14:46 Mind Over Body: True Confidence18:09 Daily Discipline and Life’s Challenges20:00 Journey into Martial Arts and Its Impact23:55 The Power of Gratitude and Morning Routine27:18 Purpose, Confidence, and Community31:02 Discipline Over Motivation34:39 Addressing the ‘Deep Six’ and Mindset39:03 Honesty, Action, and Self-Improvement42:19 Humility, Mentorship, and Forged Willpower46:42 The Transformative Power of Hardship49:49 Conclusion: Discipline, Purpose, and Growth
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

This week on The Deep Six Podcast, Dr. James Lewerenz answers some of the most common and misunderstood health questions in this Ask Me Anything episode. He breaks down why recurrent herpes outbreaks signal immune stress, how sleep, training load, diet, and arginine balance influence viral flares, and what long-term inflammation may mean for brain health. Dr. Lewerenz also addresses cytomegalovirus and its link to accelerated aging through telomere damage.The episode explores trending topics like methylene blue, outlining potential benefits, real limitations, and why caution is warranted without strong human data. Dr. Lewerenz closes with a clear warning on heavy metals, explaining their role in cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and cancer risk. The takeaway is consistent and clear: test, do not guess, and focus on fundamentals that support long-term resilience and longevity.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome & AMA Introduction02:02 Understanding Herpes and Immune Health08:17 Cytomegalovirus and Accelerated Aging10:39 Methylene Blue: Benefits & Cautions16:47 Heavy Metal Toxicity and Health
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

This week on The Deep Six, Dr. James Lewerenz sits down with Chef Nishan Andonian of Entice Catering LLC to explore the powerful connection between food, flavor, and long-term health. Chef Nishan shares how scratch cooking, fresh herbs, and thoughtful techniques can transform clean eating into something sustainable and deeply satisfying. Together, they discuss gut health, gluten sensitivity, protein intake, and why flavorful meals help prevent overeating and support metabolic health.The conversation also tackles popular weight loss injections, with Dr. Lewerenz explaining when GLP-1 therapies can be helpful and why improper use risks muscle loss and long-term decline. From bone broth and gluten-free alternatives to simple first steps in the kitchen, this episode reinforces a core principle: real health is built through intentional nourishment, not shortcuts.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Deep Six Podcast02:27 Scratch Cooking05:50 Culinary Creations and Services08:40 Personal Health Goals and Cooking12:17 Gluten-Free Cooking Techniques18:10 Herbs, Spices, and Protein Sources22:09 Staying Full and Favorite Meals26:13 Chef’s Advice for Home Cooks31:10 GLP-1 Injections and Muscle Loss
Guest Links:Entice Catering Website: https://entice-family-meals.square.site
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

On this episode of The Deep Six, Dr. James Lewerenz sits down with Nik Hughes, drummer for the rock band Bush, to explore the physical, mental, and emotional demands of life on tour. Nik shares how drumming at a high level requires intentional training, long warmups, hydration, and recovery, especially as he ages and manages past injuries. The conversation connects performance with longevity, highlighting how fitness, nutrition, sleep, and mindset support both musicians and everyday professionals. Nik also opens up about balancing touring with family life and caring for a child with type 1 diabetes. This episode reinforces how sustainable health habits, consistency, and purpose allow people to perform at their best while protecting long-term well-being.
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nik Hughes, Drummer for Bush05:15 Drumming Inspirations and Influences07:30 Rock Doc to Rocker: Health on Tour11:04 Balancing Family and a Musician’s Life16:19 Travel Experiences and Cultural Connections21:00 Fitness Routine and Injury Recovery29:34 Dietary Habits and On-Tour Nutrition34:08 Evolution of Musician Lifestyles39:04 Bush’s Future and Band Culture42:44 Future of Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
Guest Links:Personal Website: https://www.nikhughesdrum.com/Band Website: https://www.bushofficial.com/
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

In this AMA episode of The Deep Six Podcast, Dr. James Lewerenz answers listener questions that span daily habits, emerging diagnostics, and long-term brain and heart health. He walks through his personal non-negotiables, including gratitude, movement, heat and cold exposure, and intentional community, explaining how small daily practices shape physiology over time.Dr. Lewerenz also highlights newer biomarkers for cognitive decline, advances in genetic cancer screening, and why cardiac imaging plays a growing role in proactive care. Throughout the conversation, he reinforces the importance of viewing health through the Six Point Model and thinking beyond short-term goals. This episode emphasizes prevention, clarity, and playing the long game so listeners can protect their brains, hearts, and overall vitality for decades to come.
Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Deep Six02:56 Daily Routine and Non-Negotiables06:50 New Biomarkers and Genetic Screening12:12 Deeper Dive into Heart Health14:47 Toxins and Cognitive Decline19:27 Long Game for Lifelong Health
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

On this episode of The Deep Six Podcast, Dr. James Lewerenz sits down with Dr. Samantha Buchanan, DACM, owner of Pointe Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, to explore how Chinese medicine and Western functional medicine can work together in modern longevity care. Dr. Buchanan shares how a serious running injury led her from a pre-med path into acupuncture, herbs, and integrative practice, along with what comprehensive intake and pattern-based assessment look like in real life. They break down how acupuncture may support the autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve, helping with stress, sleep, chronic pain, and recovery, and why practitioner training and licensure matter when symptoms could signal something more serious. The conversation also touches on fertility and IVF support, plus the “five pillars” fundamentals, including the often-overlooked impact of social connection on long-term health.
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sam’s Practice04:07 Journey to Chinese Medicine08:39 Acupuncture Experience and Diagnosis14:24 Acupuncture Approaches and Specialties19:16 The Importance of Licensed Practitioners23:56 Acupuncture for Stress and Infertility33:49 Social Life and Generational Wisdom43:20 Acupuncture for Pets and Powerful Results
Guest Links:Point Acupuncture: https://www.pointeacupuncture.com/
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

On this episode of The Deep Six, Dr. James Lewerenz sits down with Cathy Eason, MS, BCHN, FNTP, Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life, to unpack why nitric oxide is so central to vascular health, aging, and daily performance. Cathy explains how nitric oxide works in the body, why levels decline with age, and why endothelial health must be a lifelong priority, not just a concern after symptoms show up.They explore the difference between amino acid-based approaches like arginine and clinically studied dietary nitrates, the role of the oral microbiome and saliva in nitric oxide production, and how support can impact blood pressure, energy, recovery, cognition, sexual wellness, and more. Cathy also previews upcoming research in peri- and post-menopausal women and shares practical reasons nitric oxide support belongs in every long-term prevention strategy.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction02:16 Cathy’s Background & Nitric Oxide Importance05:41 Gratitude and Personal Insights07:04 What is Nitric Oxide?12:26 N.O. Supplementation & Benefits17:44 Arginine vs. Nitrate Pathways & Oral Health23:12 The Entero-Salivary Pathway27:34 Top Benefits of Nitric Oxide33:03 Future Research & Menopause Focus38:43 Conclusion & Call to Action
Guest Links: https://berkeleylife.com/
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/