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Transform Your Metabolic Health & Longevity by Knowing Your Unique Biology | Dr. Michael Snyder

Episode 245 Sep 8, 2025 2h 45m 21 insights
My guest is Michael Snyder, PhD, professor of genetics at Stanford and an expert in understanding why people respond differently to various foods, supplements, behavioral and prescription interventions. We discuss how to optimize your health and lifespan according to what type of glucose responder you are, which genes you express, your lifestyle and other factors. Dr. Snyder also explains the key ages when you need to be particularly mindful about following certain health practices. We also discuss how people respond in opposite ways to different fiber types. This episode ought to be of interest and use to anyone seeking to understand their unique biological needs and how to go about meeting those needs. Sponsors AGZ by AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Wealthfront*: https://wealthfront.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman *This experience may not be representative of the experience of other clients of Wealthfront, and there is no guarantee that all clients will have similar experiences. Cash Account is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) on cash deposits as of December 27,‬ 2024, is representative, subject to change, and requires no minimum. Funds in the Cash Account are swept to partner banks where they earn the variable‭ APY. Promo terms and FDIC coverage conditions apply. Same-day withdrawal or instant payment transfers may be limited by destination institutions, daily transaction caps, and by participating entities such as Wells Fargo, the RTP® Network, and FedNow® Service. New Cash Account deposits are subject to a 2-4 day holding period before becoming available for transfer. Timestamps 00:00 Michael Snyder 03:33 Healthy Glucose Range, Continuous Glucose Monitors CGM, Hemoglobin A1c 09:02 Individual Variability & Food Choice, Glucose Spikes & Sleepiness 12:18
Actionable Insights

1. Prioritize Whole, Unprocessed Foods

Aim for 90% of your food intake to consist of whole, unprocessed foods to support overall health and reduce the likelihood of adverse metabolic responses.

2. Consistent Sleep Schedule

Maintain a consistent bedtime by going to bed at the same time each night, as this practice is associated with lower glucose levels and improved sleep quality.

3. Regular Physical Activity

Engage in regular physical activity, as consistent movement is a fundamental factor for a long, healthy life and even short breaks from prolonged sitting are beneficial.

4. Incorporate Resistance Training

Build muscle mass through daily resistance training, alternating light days with more reps and heavier days for strain, to reduce muscle insulin resistance and maintain health.

5. Walk After Meals

Take a brisk 15-20 minute walk after eating to help suppress glucose spikes and mitigate post-meal sleepiness or brain fog.

6. Monitor Blood Glucose (CGM)

Use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for about 14 days to understand your individual blood glucose response to specific foods and aim to keep levels between 70-140 mg/dL (or 70-180 mg/dL if diabetic).

7. Establish Health Baselines

Obtain baseline health measurements, such as whole-body MRIs and comprehensive blood tests, to track changes over time and detect potential health issues early, even before symptoms appear.

8. Cultivate Social Connections

Foster strong social networks through family or community, as this is a common characteristic observed among populations with extended healthspans.

9. Avoid Late-Night Eating

Do not eat for at least three hours before sleeping, as this practice is associated with lower glucose levels the next day and improved sleep quality.

10. Optimize REM Sleep Temperature

Warm your sleeping environment during the last two hours of sleep to significantly increase the amount of REM sleep you get, enhancing restorative sleep.

11. Practice Deliberate Exhales

Periodically throughout the day, perform a deliberate, long exhale to empty your lungs, as this can activate the vagal pathway, slow heart rate, and improve heart rate variability (HRV) during both waking and sleeping states.

12. Cultivate Positive Anticipation

Foster positive anticipation for the next day, as it is a strong determinant of sleep quality and can enhance the restorative effects of sleep, potentially allowing for quality sleep even with less total duration.

13. Personalized Fiber Intake

Understand that individual microbiomes react differently to various fiber types; explore different fiber sources (e.g., Metamucil, inulin) and potentially specific probiotics to optimize gut health based on personal response.

14. Filter Water, Avoid Plastic

Filter your drinking water and avoid disposable plastic bottles to reduce exposure to microplastics and other potential contaminants.

15. Consider Metabolic Age Tracking

Utilize services like IOLO (I-O-L-L-O) to track your ‘ageotypes’ through deep metabolic profiles, which provide AI-driven specific recommendations on foods and actions to improve metabolic markers.

16. Acupuncture for Blood Pressure

Consider electroacupuncture for blood pressure management, as it has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure in some individuals.

17. Caution with Metformin/Berberine

If taking metformin or berberine, ensure sufficient consumption of starchy carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia and associated headaches.

18. Avoid Overexercising (ALS Risk)

If at risk for ALS, avoid overexercising, as it has been correlated with worse outcomes for the condition.

19. Address Concussions Seriously

If you experience a severe concussion, especially in sports, consider finding a new sport to prevent further head injuries.

20. Monitor Air Quality

Use air quality monitors to understand exposure to particulates, allergens (like pollen), and chemicals (like DEET or pesticides) in your environment, and correlate with internal health markers.

21. Embrace AI for Health Insights

Utilize AI-powered health platforms that integrate personal data (genomics, wearables, lab reports) to gain comprehensive insights and personalized recommendations for health management.