Dr. Rick's Insights

Ask Dr. Cohen When BCAAs Shrink Muscles: How to Use BCAAs the Right Way By: Rick Cohen, M.D. • Updated September 24, 2025 If you’ve heard of BCAAs, currently supplement with them, or you’re considering a BCAA product—read this first. You’ll learn the essentials: what BCAAs are, why an imbalance can backfire, and how to use them correctly so you’re supporting—not shrinking—your muscles. We’ll keep your original links and structure so the post retains its SEO value and slug history. What are BCAAs? BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) are three amino acids with a branched structure: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They’re...

Ask Dr. Cohen C15:0 Fatty Acid — The New Essential Fatty Acid for Healthy Aging By Rick Cohen, M.D. • Updated September 24, 2025 Dolphin longevity research helped spotlight C15:0’s potential role in mammalian health. For years, we simplified fats into “good” vs. “bad.” But emerging research shows not all saturated fats are equal. C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid), an odd-chain saturated fatty acid, has been associated with healthier aging, stronger cell membranes, and reduced inflammation. It may even deserve classification as the first new essential fatty acid discovered in decades. Why C15:0 Matters Unlike common even-chain saturated fats (which often track...

Ask Dr. Cohen My Five Longevity Commandments By Rick Cohen, M.D. • Updated September 24, 2025 I follow many habits for healthspan, but these five strategies consistently deliver the highest leverage. They integrate ancient wisdom, modern research, and practical daily action. Each one addresses a common aging problem, offers a process solution, and ties into tools you can apply right away. Commandment #1: Control Glucose The problem: Spikes in blood sugar accelerate aging even in “healthy” eaters. Post-meal surges drive advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which stiffen collagen, increase wrinkles, inflame joints, and damage organs. Repeated glucose fluctuations also shorten...

Ask Dr. Cohen Why Positive Language Reshapes Your Nervous System By Rick Cohen, M.D. • Updated September 8, 2025 Most people think language is just information. But your body doesn’t process words as data — it receives them as pattern, charge, and vibration. That’s why even well-intentioned statements can backfire if they’re framed in the negative. How Negative Instructions Backfire When you say: “Don’t be afraid.” → The body hears only: “Afraid.”“You’re not broken.” → The field receives: “Broken.”“You shouldn’t stress so much.” → Nervous system response: “I’m doing it wrong.” The nervous system doesn’t parse syntax — it registers...