I've Had 6 Back Surgeries And Almost Died: Here's What 40 Years of Medicine Actually Taught Me

This week, I’m the one answering the questions in a deeply personal conversation about my health journey. I speak openly about some of the hardest parts of that journey, the treatments I’ve tried, the beliefs I’ve reconsidered, and what a lifetime devoted to health has taught me about what matters most. Here’s some of what I share: How becoming the patient changed the way I practice medicine How nearly dying changed what longevity means to me and what I believe a healthy life is actually for Which wellness and longevity therapies I personally use, and how I decide what’s worth trying Why the pursuit of optimal health can sometimes become unhealthy What I’m still trying to understand about myself at this stage of my life I’ve spent much of my life trying to understand how we can live longer and feel better. But nearly losing my own life reminded me that health isn’t the destination. It’s what allows us to be present for the people we love, remain curious, and experience our lives more fully. I hope this conversation encourages you to ask yourself what you want your health to make possible. Continue exploring: Watch my conversation with Dr. Tyna Moore here. Learn more about my Brainshaping Academy here. View Show Notes From This Episode Sign up for Dr. Hyman’s Brainshaping Academy to learn how to nourish the biological systems that support your mental, emotional, and cognitive health https://drhyman.com/products/brainshaping?utm_source=dr_hyman_show&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=may_27&utm_content=link Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hymanhttps://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journalhttps://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Healthhttps://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox Join the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Resultshttps://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive This episode is brought to you by Paleovalley, BIOptimizers, Timeline, Rho, Sunlighten, and Pique. Shop nutrient-rich foods and supplements at paleovalley.com/hyman and save 15% off your first order. Shop Magnesium Breakthrough at bioptimizers.com/hyman and save 15% with code HYMAN. Support healthy aging and get up to 20% off when you subscribe on top of the new starting price of $79 at timeline.com/drhyman. Explore science-backed products at rhonutrition.com and use code HYMAN for 20% off the entire site. Discover why so many people are using sunlighten.com. Use the code HYMAN to save up to $2,100 today and free shipping. Elevate your daily wellness ritual at piquelife.com/hyman and enjoy 20% off plus free gifts. (0:00) Dr. Hyman's health decline, initial back surgery, and introduction to Q&A session (1:51) Dr. Hyman's early career, first herniated disc, and subsequent back surgeries (10:55) Mercury poisoning and its impact on health (17:06) Discovery of functional medicine and Jeffrey Bland's influence (20:27) Impact of personal health journey on Dr. Hyman's career and recovery from major surgery (24:04) Reflections on mortality, peace during surgery, and the role of spirituality and psychedelics (26:21) Changes in perspective on longevity, health, and specific recovery strategies (30:06) Navigating physiological depression and relationship with body as we age (33:48) Rapid-fire health tools: cold plunges, sauna, and more (43:32) IV therapy, red light therapy, and stem cell therapy for recovery (47:26) Exosomes and critique of wellness industry trends (50:31) Risks of over-testing, over-supplementation, and underrated treatments in functional medicine (58:13) Dr. Hyman's personal life, hobbies, and balancing passion with well-being (1:04:51) The Ultramind Solution, mental health, and root cause analysis in MS (1:07:06) Focus on strength training, functional health, and shifts in health understanding (1:09:23) Surprising changes in beliefs and impact of becoming a grandfather (1:11:42) Career reflections, ongoing curiosity, and closing remarks (1:14:38) Disclaimer and gratitude to sponsors