Shocking New Research on Smartphone Addiction (& How To COPE!), Is Aspirin A Wonder Drug?, Ben’s Thoughts On “Life Advice” & More! Solosode 490

Ben Greenfield

Jun 21, 2025

Episode description

In this fascinating episode, you’ll get to explore some eye-opening insights that can transform your approach to health and daily living. You’ll discover how I unexpectedly gained nearly 20 pounds of muscle—without major changes to my training—just by increasing my intake of collagen and essential amino acids, and how you can apply this strategy yourself. You’ll also dive into shocking new research on smartphone addiction and brain activity, learning about both the risks and surprising cognitive benefits of tech use, plus how music therapy and analog habits like memorization and family games can help keep your mind sharp.

Whether you’re a biohacker, a health enthusiast, or simply someone looking to live a more boundless and fulfilling life, this episode will give you actionable tips, science-backed insights, and real-world strategies you can start applying today.

Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/490

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Mindsip insights from this episode:

Leverage aspirin to combat aging by reducing inflammatory enzymes

Aspirin may have anti-aging effects by decreasing the inflammatory enzyme INOS, which is different from the beneficial ENOS that improves blood flow.

#anti-aging

#inflammation

Avoid jogging for joint health and fitness effectiveness

The speaker agrees with the advice to not become a jogger, suggesting it's tough on joints and less effective for fitness compared to brisk walking, HIIT, and weightlifting.

#exercise

#joints

Embrace 'I don't know' to liberate your perspective

You will find it liberating to say 'I don't know enough about it to form an opinion,' as you are likely not qualified to have an opinion on most matters.

#awareness

Increase collagen and essential amino acids for muscle gain

The speaker attributes his recent gain of nearly 20 pounds of muscle to dramatically increasing his daily intake of both collagen and essential amino acids to 30-40 grams each.

#collagen

#muscle

Experience intensified cravings after a three-day smartphone fast

A three-day smartphone fast can intensify your brain's craving circuits, making you more excited to see your phone after the break.

#craving

#dopamine

Engage in analog brain training for cognitive longevity

Instead of digital brain training apps, consider analog activities like playing musical instruments, memorizing text, and playing board games to enhance cognitive function without digital side effects.

#cognition

#longevity

Recognize and address symptoms of electromagnetic radiation syndrome

A newly coined condition called Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) syndrome is characterized by symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and heart palpitations linked to exposure to modern technology.

#EMF

Choose toxin-free cookware to avoid microplastics from scratched pans

A single scratch on a nonstick-coated pan can release approximately 9,100 plastic particles, highlighting the need for toxin-free cookware.

#microplastics

#toxin

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