Kurt Seidensticker: Exploring the Science of Mushrooms, AHCC & Optimal Immune Health

In this episode of The Art of Being Well, I sit down with Kurt Seidensticker, a wellness industry innovator, to explore the science and medicinal properties of mushrooms, with a special focus on AHCC. We dive into what sets AHCC apart from other immune-supporting ingredients, its key health benefits, and the scientific research backing its effectiveness. Kurt also shares how to incorporate AHCC into your daily wellness routine, whether through capsules or powder, and the importance of consistency for long-term immune support and overall health.

An industry disruptor and serial entrepreneur, Kurt Seidensticker started his professional career as a rocket scientist at NASA, designing missions and training astronauts how to fly the space shuttle. He went on to pioneer the first generation of cell phone networks and the internet backbone we use today. After being recognized as one of the Top 50 Innovators in E-Commerce, he shifted his focus to his true passion of entrepreneurial wellness - leading him to his most successful venture: Vital Proteins. After exiting the category-defining brand to Nestle Health Sciences in 2022 - the most successful supplement exit in history - Kurt looked to venture capital as a way to innovate the wellness category at greater scale. Today, Kurt’s venture firm, Starshot Ventures, has successfully developed 5 disruptive supplement and food companies and committed capital and operational support to the accelerated growth of multiple consumer products brands. Kurt’s unmatched success and deep knowledge of the wellness industry has established him as one of the foremost entrepreneurs in CPG today. 

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

• The science and medicinal properties of mushrooms.
• AHCC: What it is and how it differs from other immune-supporting ingredients.
• Key health benefits of AHCC, including immune system support and antioxidant properties.
• Scientific backing and credibility of AHCC.
• The challenge of mass education around AHCC and related compounds, and the importance of increasing awareness of their potential benefits.
• Use cases and applications: How AHCC can be used for daily immune support.
• How to incorporate AHCC into a daily wellness routine, including typical dosage and forms (capsules or powder), and the importance of consistency for long-term benefits.

Links to things we talked about in this episode: 

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• Visit us.jshealthvitamins.com/willcole and use code WILLCOLE at checkout for20% your first order or subscription
• Go to timelinenutrition.com/WILLCOLE and use code WILLCOLE to get 10% off your order
• Take on the most advanced approach to hair wellness with Vegamour’s new GRO+ Advanced System. Learn more at Vegamour.com/WILLCOLE and use code WILLCOLE to save 20% on your first order.

Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

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In Health,

Dr. Will Cole