Biohacker's Podcast: Psychedelics for Therapeutic Optimization with Shawn Wells

Introduction

In this section, the host introduces the topic of psychedelics and their use for mental health. The guest speaker, Sean Wells, is introduced as a renowned wellness expert and biochemist who will share his insights on the science of psychedelics.

Introducing Psychedelics

• The podcast explores the latest advancements in health, biohacking, and general human optimization.

• Sean Wells is introduced as a renowned wellness expert and biochemist who will discuss the role of neurotransmitters beyond serotonin in mood regulation supplements to enhance the effects of psychedelics.

• Microdosing has gained popularity especially in the Creative Tech Elite in San Francisco and Beyond.

• Echo dosing is introduced as taking an echo of the microdose after a proper journey sometimes repeatedly to help with integration.

Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelics

In this section, Sean Wells shares his personal story on how psychedelics transformed his life. He explores the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and shares some advice as a biochemist.

Personal Story

• Sean Wells shares an intimate personal story on how psychedelics transformed his life especially in dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts.

Therapeutic Potential

• Sean Wells explores the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

• Statistics show that 23% more patients are on antidepressants than five years prior. 308 million people worldwide have PTSD which is almost equal to the population of United States.

Conclusion

In this section, Daniel Arena concludes by thanking Sean Wells for sharing his insights on the science of psychedelics and their effectiveness in clinical studies.

Final Thoughts

• Daniel Arena concludes by thanking Sean Wells for sharing his insights on the science of psychedelics and their effectiveness in clinical studies.

The Future of Psychedelic Medicine

In this section, the speaker discusses the shift towards legalizing psychedelic medicine and the importance of understanding the science behind it.

Legalization and Global Shift

• Studies on MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, LSD, and ibogaine are becoming more common due to increased funding.

• Certain states in the US and Amsterdam have already shifted towards legalization.

• A global change is expected in the next 5 to 10 years.

Facilitated Psychotherapy

• Popular psychedelics used in research include psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, LSD, and ibogaine.

• Facilitated psychotherapy is crucial for a positive experience with these substances.

• Without facilitation, individuals may not integrate their experiences properly.

Research Findings

• Psilocybin has been found to increase neuron growth by 10% in depressed patients.

• 71% of participants in a psilocybin study experienced a 50% or greater reduction in depression symptoms after just one dose.

• After a year-long study on psilocybin at Johns Hopkins University, 58% of participants needed no further treatment.

Clear Solutions

• Psychedelic medicine can be a clear solution for those suffering from PTSD or depression.

• Ketamine is fast acting and legal for clinical use in the US. It has shown promise for treating PTSD.

The Serotonin Theory and SSRIs

This section discusses the serotonin theory of depression and the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a treatment for depression.

The Serotonin Theory

• The serotonin theory suggests that increasing levels of serotonin can improve mood.

• However, research shows that the benefits of antidepressants are minimal and possibly without any importance to the average patient with major depressive disorder.

• Antidepressants should not be used for adults with major depressive disorder before valid evidence has shown that the potential beneficial effects outweigh the harmful effects.

SSRIs

• Inhibiting only one neurotransmitter path, such as serotonin, is an oversimplification. Other neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, glutamate, dopamine, norepinephrine, histamine, GABA, glycine and endorphins also play a role in mood and brain health.

• Glutamate, norepinephrine, GABA and dopamine are all depressed in those who suffer from depression or anxiety. SSRIs do not bring all these neurotransmitters back online but psychedelics do.

Psychedelics vs. SSRIs

This section compares psychedelics to SSRIs as treatments for depression.

Psychedelics

• Psychedelics have a global impact on the brain by bringing all neurotransmitters back online.

• Elevated bdnf (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is key to neuroplasticity, which is how resilient the brain is. Psychedelics increase bdnf and can help rewire the brain.

• Participants in a study ranked their psilocybin experience as one of the most meaningful in their lives, comparable to the birth of a first child or the death of a parent.

SSRIs

• SSRIs work far slower than psychedelics and research shows that their benefits are minimal.

• Inhibiting only one neurotransmitter path, such as serotonin, is an oversimplification. Other neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, glutamate, dopamine, norepinephrine, histamine, GABA, glycine and endorphins also play a role in mood and brain health.

Supplements for Psychedelic Journeys

In this section, the speaker discusses various supplements that can be taken to enhance psychedelic journeys and promote relaxation.

Parasympathetic State

• Default mode network is about dissociation and getting into a parasympathetic state.

• Adaptogens like rhodiola and ashwagandha can energize or relax you, promoting the flow state.

• Supplements that enhance blood flow to the brain, such as niacin and ginkgo biloba, are ideal during a journey.

Cannabinoids and Serotonin

• CBD has a profound impact on mood, pain, inflammation, immunity through the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

• Neural protectant supplements like vitamin C and curcumin can help counteract potential neurotoxicity from substances like MDMA.

• Zembran is a natural SSRI that helps build up serotonin levels post-journey.

Acetylcholine and Anxiolytic Supplements

• Acetylcholine is important for focus during deep work. It may be depleted during a journey.

• Anxiolytic supplements reduce anxiety which can be helpful before committing to a journey.

• Microdosing LSD at one-tenth of an experiential dose can promote positivity, happiness, insightfulness, creativity.

Paul Stamets Protocol

In this section, Sean Wells discusses the Paul Stamets protocol for using various substances to improve neuroplasticity and brain function.

Key Ingredients

• L-ergofyanine: a mitochondrial antioxidant that protects the mitochondria.

• Lion's mane: improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for neuroplasticity.

• 7,8-dihydroxyflavone: potent at helping with hangovers and improving BDNF.

• Parazanthine: a breakthrough metabolite of caffeine that has all the benefits without the side effects.

Benefits

• These ingredients can help bring your brain back online to be more productive and have a better mood day-to-day.

Microdosing Psychedelics

In this section, Sean Wells talks about microdosing psychedelics and its potential benefits.

What is Microdosing?

• Microdosing involves using sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances such as LSD or magic mushrooms.

• A typical dose would be 2 grams or more, while a microdose would be 0.1 to 0.3 grams of dried mushrooms or 5 to 20 micrograms of LSD.

Potential Benefits

• Improved mood, increased well-being, enhanced positivity.

• Improved cognitive function including creativity, problem-solving abilities, and focus.

• Anxiety and stress-reducing effects.

• Increased emotional awareness, empathy, and better emotional regulation.

• Potential benefits for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Studies

• A study conducted by Quantified Citizen showed that psilocybin microdosing demonstrated greater observed improvements in mood and mental health at one month relative to non-microdosing controls.

Stamets Stack and LSD Microdosing

This section discusses the Stamets Stack, which combines niacin and Lion's Mane to potentially treat mental decline and nervous system conditions. It also mentions a study on LSD microdosing that found no improvements in mood or performance.

The Stamets Stack

• The Stamets Stack combines niacin and Lion's Mane.

• Niacin makes the brain more receptive to psilocybin features.

• Lion's Mane stimulates neural growth factors.

• The stack may have potential use for treating mental decline and nervous system conditions.

LSD Microdosing Study

• A 2022 study on LSD microdosing found no improvements in mood or performance.

• The study noted a slightly stimulant effect of LSD microdosing.

• Proper macro doses of psychedelics have been used safely in cultural and historical settings for thousands of years.

• Repeated daily microdosing does not have such a cultural or historical context.

• LSD exerts its effects through the serotonin 5HD2A receptor, which is expressed throughout the human body including the brain, gut, and cardiovascular system.

• Regularly stimulating these receptors on a daily basis may have some issues but there is not enough evidence yet or research conclusions.

Legalization of Psychedelics

This section discusses the decriminalization or legalization of psychedelics in various countries around the world.

Decriminalization/Legalization of Psychedelics

• Mushrooms are decriminalized in Oregon, San Francisco, Washington Auckland, Santa Cruz, Seattle, Detroit and Denver.

• Some countries like the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Jamaica, Portugal and Brazil have made mushrooms either legal or decriminalized them.

• In Oregon and Colorado there is legislature in place to allow regulated access to psilocybin therapy sessions.

• Canada has also passed laws to allow psilocybin and MDMA sessions under the compassionate access scheme.

Conclusion

This section concludes the transcript by encouraging responsible expansion of consciousness through psychedelics and promoting an upcoming conference on expanding consciousness.

Responsible Expansion of Consciousness

• Expand your mind in a responsible way.

• Psychedelics are being decriminalized or legalized in many countries around the world.

Upcoming Conference

• The Parker Summit on October 14th and 15th 2023 in Amsterdam will focus on expanding consciousness through various modalities including psychedelics.

• Learn more about the conference at bikersummit.com.