Sauna, BDNF, and Cultural Habits

In this episode, I dive deep into one of my favorite topics—bio-individuality—and why your genes may hold the missing key to your health struggles. Kashif Khan joins me to unpack how his own health crisis at 38, marked by eczema, psoriasis, gut issues, depression, and debilitating migraines, sent him down a rabbit hole that ultimately led to genetics. What he discovered completely reframed the way he thought about wellness.

We explore how two people can eat the same food, live the same lifestyle, and experience radically different outcomes—and why that discrepancy often comes down to gene expression. Kashif breaks down dopamine pathways, addiction tendencies, trauma imprinting, and how certain genetic profiles can be both a superpower and a liability depending on context. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re wired the way you are or why certain habits feel nearly impossible to break, this conversation will hit home.

We also get into estrogen metabolism, detox pathways, hormone replacement therapy, environmental toxins, and the shocking role negative emotions play in turning disease-related genes on. One of the biggest takeaways for me was how ancestral habits, geography, and even generational trauma can influence which genes are expressed.

This episode is a powerful reminder that health isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about understanding your unique blueprint. If you’re tired of guessing and ready to personalize your approach to fitness, supplements, hormones, and longevity, this one is going to open your eyes in a big way.

Join the free DNA Five Pillar Program webinar and live Q&A with Kashif and me on March 4 at 7:30 pm Eastern Time/6:30 pm Central Time. You can visit www.hackmydna.com/lukestorey to sign up.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended for diagnosing or treating illnesses. The hosts disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects from using the information presented. Consult your healthcare provider before using referenced products. This podcast may include paid endorsements.

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MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

(00:00:00) From Health Crisis to Genetic Awakening

(00:17:04) Ethnicity, Epigenetics, & the Hidden Code Behind Resilience

(00:43:32) Why the Same Healing Tool Works for Some People—and Fails Miserably for Others

(01:01:37) Cold Plunges, Hormone Cycles, & the Genetic Case for Personalized Biohacking

(01:14:17) The Truth About DNA Testing, Data Ownership, & Why Personalization Beats Trial-and-Error

Resources:

• Website: kashkhanofficial.com

• Website: thednacompany.com

• Instagram: instagram.com/kashkhanofficial

• Facebook: facebook.com/thednacompany

• X: x.com/mrkashkhan

• TikTok: tiktok.com/@kashkhanofficial

• YouTube: youtube.com/@thednacompany4669

• Shop all our merch designs at lukestoreymerch.com

• Join me on Telegram: t.me/lukestorey