Go UnPro: A Doctor’s 52 Week Journey to an Unprocessed Life

Go Un-Pro with Dr. Brent W. Laartz, MD FIDSA: Living an Unprocessed Life for Longevity and Healthspan

Have you ever known that something is SO good for you that you just can't wait, but life gets in front of you and prevents you from doing it? The inaction and procrastination could occur for a variety of reasons, and we will delve into my motivations and affirmations of a healthy life from this day forward.  I am starting this series of videos and articles so that I can be accountable to myself regarding the changes in my diet that I REALLY NEED to survive into my 90s without heart disease, dementia, and arthritis. And hopefully, as you follow along, you can make your own improvements that will extend your life and prevent the horrible illnesses that are heart disease, dementia, and arthritis.  

Can I introduce myself? I'm Dr Brent W. Laartz, and I am an Infectious Diseases physician with a Master's in Neuroscience, author, creator, and entrepreneur.  I've been involved with medical education for almost all my life and have been sharing my knowledge, teaching students, patients, and other doctors as faculty of a medical school, in hospitals, and clinics around the world.  I’m ashamed to admit that I have lived a life of processed foods despite knowing the facts that are stacked against me if I continue living this way. My most recent research into longevity and its connection to our diet, exercise, sleep, and mental health, all with help from our microbiome, the bacteria living in our body, has me wanting to shout this information to the masses from the rooftops! This is so important that I am going to communicate what I have learned in every forum possible. Simply put, I am not going to do it anymore, and I am going to stay accountable to myself so that I follow through with it this time.

Hence, the launch of this podcast, which I have been wanting to do for quite some time now. In addition, I am also launching publicly available Master courses that will delve incredibly deeply into the science behind diet and other interventions that will help me live well into my '90s and 100s, but not just live, but REALLY live! This is the concept of Healthspan. I know there are a lot of billionaires who are prominent in the media, trying to live forever, spending millions of dollars, but I am here to prove you can do it without spending a lot of money. The interventions I am doing will cost a little more money, but my budget is to only increase expenditures by a few $100 a month. 

Episodes

Apr 28, 2026

28 min

Week 4 A Doctor's 52 Week Journey to an Unprocessed Life 1080.m4a
 
Summary of Key Points, Decisions, and Next Steps by Speaker
 
Dr. Brent Laartz
 
Key Points and Decisions:
 
Focusing on longevity and healthspan, not just cosmetic appearance
 
Importance of polyphenols, calorie restriction, and certain medications (acarbose, canaglifosin) for longevity
 
Emphasis on strength, grip strength, and quick movements to maintain activity into older age
 
Strategies for navigating the holidays, including bringing your own food, doing active activities with family, and tracking progress
 
Next Steps:
 
Continuing low-carb, no-sugar diet with focus on whole foods, vegetables, and limited pasta/bread
 
Increasing cardiovascular exercise to 3 times per week and resistance training 2-3 times per week
 
Improving sleep habits, including using Oura ring, avoiding screens before bed, and exploring 40Hz light/sound therapy
 
Engaging in more mindfulness, creativity, and connection activities like writing, music, and spending time with loved ones
 
Further reducing plastic use by switching to cotton clothing, glass/stainless steel cookware and utensils, and natural oral hygiene products

Apr 28, 2026

28 min

Apr 27, 2026

24 min

Sunday Science Week 1 Microbiome and Cancer
 Comprehensive Summary of Key Topics, Insights, and Conclusions
Key Topics
Colon cancer incidence and mortality
Rising incidence of early-onset colon cancer in young people
Potential links between diet, microbiome, genetics, and colon cancer development
Screening and diagnosis of colon cancer
Role of colibactin-producing E. coli and its association with colon cancer mutations
Dietary factors and their impact on the microbiome and colon cancer risk
Insights and Takeaways
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths globally, but the fourth most common diagnosed cancer, indicating it may be more deadly than other cancer types.
The incidence of early-onset colon cancer (under age 50) has been rising, with a 51% increase since 1994, and now accounts for 10% of all colon cancer cases.
Factors like diet, microbiome, and genetics play a significant role in the development of colon cancer, especially in young individuals.
Colibactin-producing E. coli strains are associated with specific mutation patterns in colon cancer, and their prevalence is higher in younger cancer patients.
Dietary factors, such as low-fiber, high-fat, and high-sugar diets, can promote the growth of colibactin-producing bacteria and increase the risk of colon cancer.
Fiber-rich, plant-based diets and a healthy microbiome may be protective against colon cancer development.
Conclusions and Decisions
Early-onset colon cancer is a growing concern, and the potential link between childhood diet, microbiome, and colon cancer development later in life needs further investigation.
Screening guidelines for colon cancer may need to be revised to include younger individuals, especially those with risk factors.
Promoting a healthy, fiber-rich, and plant-based diet from an early age may be crucial in preventing the development of colon cancer.
Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between diet, microbiome, genetics, and colon cancer, as well as the potential role of probiotics and other interventions in modulating the microbiome and reducing cancer risk.
Educating the public, especially parents, about the importance of a healthy diet and its long-term impact on colon cancer risk in their children is essential.

Apr 27, 2026

24 min

Apr 27, 2026

10 min

The Go UnPro Podcast Sunday Science Week 3 Klotho Gene And Enzyme
 Speaker-Organized Summary: Key Points, Decisions, and Next Steps
Dr. Brent Laartz
Summary of Key Points and Decisions
The discussion focuses on a gene and gene product called Klotho, which was discovered in 1997 and is named after the Greek god of fate and destiny.
Knockout mice with Klotho upregulation showed a 15-30% longer lifespan and improved cardiovascular, renal, and brain health, as well as lower rates of cognitive decline.
However, a recent study published in the Journals of Gerontology in 2025 found a U-shaped relationship between Klotho levels and all-cause mortality.
The study showed that both high and low levels of Klotho were associated with increased mortality, and this was linked to increased liver fibrosis.
Next Steps
Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between Klotho levels and health outcomes.
Multiple studies on Klotho have been published in the past year, and more are expected in the next one to two years.
The speaker encourages the audience to follow the podcast on various platforms to stay updated on the latest developments in longevity and science.

Apr 27, 2026

10 min

Apr 27, 2026

31 min

Week 3: A Doctor's 52 Week Journey to an Unprocessed Life
 
Speaker-Organized Summary: Key Points, Decisions, and Next Steps
 
Dr. Brent Laartz
 
Key Points and Decisions:
Acknowledged the difficulty of staying motivated during the holidays, but emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Discussed the concept of "holiday heart" and the negative impacts of overconsumption of unhealthy foods and alcohol during the holidays.
Decided to implement pre-holiday and post-holiday work to minimize the damage to his metabolic health, such as having a vegan diet a few days before and after the holiday.
Outlined his diet plan for the week, including reducing packaged and fast foods, increasing water intake, incorporating daily berries and greens, and implementing time-restricted feeding.
Committed to increasing his exercise and cardiovascular activity to at least 3 times per week, as well as his resistance training.
Emphasized the importance of tracking his sleep and making adjustments to improve sleep quality, such as limiting light exposure and alcohol intake.
Discussed the importance of social connection, mindfulness, and self-awareness, and plans to engage in art therapy, writing, and reconnecting with friends and family.
Shared his plan to journal and identify his limiting beliefs, create daily affirmations, and use vision boards and manifestation techniques to overcome them.
Continued his efforts to reduce plastic usage in his life, including using glass containers, stainless steel water bottles, and avoiding plastic utensils and storage containers.
Next Steps:
Implement the pre-holiday and post-holiday work to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the holidays.
Continue tracking his diet, exercise, sleep, and other health metrics using the habit tracker.
Engage in art therapy, writing, and regular social connections to improve his overall well-being.
Identify and work to overcome his limiting beliefs through journaling, affirmations, and manifestation techniques.
Further reduce plastic usage in his life by utilizing glass, stainless steel, and other eco-friendly alternatives.
Share his progress and challenges with the audience and seek their input and support.
 

Apr 27, 2026

31 min

Apr 20, 2026

1 hr 8 min

Speaker-Organized Summary: Key Points, Decisions, and Next Steps
Dr. Brent Laartz
Key Points & Decisions:
Continuing the "Go Unpro" journey to an unprocessed life, building on progress from Week 1
Focusing on 4 pillars of longevity: diet, exercise, sleep, and social connection
Instituting a low-sugar, high-fiber, mostly plant-based diet
Avoiding processed foods, plastic containers, and seed oils
Implementing time-restricted feeding/intermittent fasting
Tracking habits and progress using apps for accountability
Next Steps:
Eliminate fast foods, limit packaged foods, and avoid soda this week
Drink 32oz of water twice daily
Eat berries daily, trying a new fruit/veggie each week
Aim for 40 different fruits, nuts, and veggies per week for microbiome
Incorporate 3 days per week each of cardio and resistance training
Improve sleep hygiene by reducing light exposure at night
Reconnect with someone you haven't spoken to in a while, 2-3 times per week
Practice mindfulness and creativity to support overall wellbeing
The key is a gradual, sustainable approach with celebration of small successes along the way. Dr. Laartz emphasizes the importance of self-love, therapy, and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals to stay motivated and overcome obstacles on the journey to an unprocessed life.

Apr 20, 2026

1 hr 8 min

Apr 20, 2026

12 min

Summary of Key Points, Decisions, and Next Steps by Speaker
Speaker: Dr. Brent W. Laartz
Key Points and Decisions:
Longevity and health span are the focus, defined as living a long, healthy life into the 90s and beyond.
Four key pillars for health span: diet, exercise, sleep, and sense of purpose.
Transitioning to a whole, minimally processed, mostly plant-based diet.
Incorporating small, achievable goals each week rather than drastic changes.
Emphasizing the importance of hydration, reducing plastic use, and establishing a consistent sleep-wake cycle.
Avoiding strict diets or excessive supplements, focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes.
Building a supportive community to foster accountability and shared progress.
Next Steps:
Normalize drinking 32 ounces of plain water each morning, adding a small amount of psyllium husk.
Identify and replace one plastic item in the household with a more sustainable alternative.
Establish a sense of purpose by committing to this health journey and creating community.
Expose oneself to early morning sunlight to regulate the circadian rhythm and improve sleep.
Explore accountability apps and tracking tools to monitor progress, but avoid obsessing over the scale.
Gradually introduce additional weekly goals and lifestyle changes backed by scientific evidence.
Maintain a positive mindset, celebrate small wins, and be willing to restart after any setbacks.

Apr 20, 2026

12 min

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