Kayla Barnes-Lentz is a trailblazer in the world of brain health and biohacking, combining precision medicine with innovative wellness strategies.
Founder of Brain Upgraded and LYV The Wellness Space, she’s dedicated to helping others optimize their health and achieve longevity.
In a recent interview with Phil Newman, Kayla shared her journey, her favorite techniques, and actionable tips for anyone looking to take control of their well-being.
Here’s a quick look at the highlights from the interview, or you can catch the full discussion to explore all the details.
From junk food to whole foods
Kayla’s passion for health began with a personal transformation. Growing up on a standard American diet – packed with ultra-processed snacks – she had a wake-up call in college when she started studying nutrition.
By swapping out packaged foods for whole, nutrient-dense options, she noticed dramatic improvements in her energy and focus. This shift sparked a deeper curiosity: “What else can I do if I feel so much better by just changing what I’m eating?”
Her journey didn’t stop at food. Early in her career, Kayla realized that achieving her entrepreneurial goals required a sharper, more resilient body and mind.
“Health is the foundation of greatness,” she says. Without it, she couldn’t maintain the stamina for long hours or the mental clarity to achieve her vision.
A brain-first approach to longevity
Inspired by her studies and collaborations with experts like Dr. Daniel Amen, Kayla adopted a “brain-first” approach. While many focus on visible markers of health, like weight or muscle tone, Kayla emphasizes the importance of what’s happening inside.
“The brain consumes a significant portion of our calories every day,” she explains. “What are you feeding it?”
Her recommendations for brain health include:
- Prioritizing sleep: Quality rest allows the brain’s glymphatic system to clear out waste, setting the stage for better cognitive function and fewer cravings the next day.
- Reducing inflammation: Anti-inflammatory foods, like extra virgin olive oil and avocados, play a key role in keeping the brain and body functioning at their best.
- Staying active: Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, boosts dopamine, and releases endorphins, improving both physical and mental health.
Over the years, Kayla has incorporated cutting-edge tools and therapies into her lifestyle. Her home, equipped with devices like red light panels, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, and PEMF machines, functions as a personal clinic. These tools, she says, are part of an ongoing process of testing and refining what works.
Among her top biohacks:
- Red light therapy: This technique supports cellular energy by enhancing mitochondrial function. Kayla uses intranasal photobiomodulation and cranial devices to improve cognition.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Originally introduced to her by Dr. Amen, this therapy enhances brain health and may even lengthen telomeres, markers of cellular aging.
- Peptides: Kayla has explored peptides like thymosin alpha-1 to boost immunity and others to maintain muscle mass, especially as aging presents challenges like bone density loss.
Female-centric health strategies
Kayla champions the need for health protocols tailored to women. “Women are not small men,” she says, referencing Dr. Stacey Sims’ research.
From hormonal fluctuations to different responses to therapies, women’s needs often require distinct approaches. Kayla is vocal about creating female-centric protocols and ensuring women’s longevity receives the attention it deserves.
Metrics that matter
As someone deeply invested in health optimization, Kayla frequently measures her progress. From grip strength to VO2 max, she tracks metrics that provide a real-time snapshot of her fitness and longevity. She also uses advanced tools like spirometers and wearable devices to monitor sleep, cardiovascular health, and more.
While she’s enthusiastic about biological age tests, Kayla also acknowledges their limitations. “There are so many different measurements, and they can give varied answers,” she says. For her, balance is key – prioritizing the insights these tests offer and the practical steps supporting overall health.
Accessible tips for everyone
Kayla’s journey may involve advanced therapies, but her foundational advice is accessible to all. She emphasizes starting with everyday habits:
- Eat mindfully: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods that nourish the body and brain.
- Move daily: Even a short walk can enhance circulation and mental clarity.
- Sleep well: Make rest a priority to reset and recharge.
In closing
Kayla Barnes-Lentz demonstrates how a commitment to health can unlock personal and professional potential. From optimizing brain function to exploring advanced therapies, her approach blends science with practicality.
Her journey highlights the power of small, consistent changes that build toward significant results. Whether through sleep, nutrition, or exercise, prioritizing health creates a strong foundation for longevity and success.
By sharing her insights and tools, Kayla inspires others to take control of their well-being. Greatness starts with prioritizing the health of both your mind and body. For those seeking inspiration, her expertise offers actionable steps to elevate health.
