Introducing the Human Performance Project – a daring initiative that aims to bring attention to preventing suicide among military veterans by improving public health through a groundbreaking exploration of human performance. 

The Human Performance Project (HPP) has set out on an ambitious 7X Tour to push human performance to its limits and document the optimum training, performance and recovery habits, technologies, and programs.

HPP has one overarching goal: to bring attention to preventing suicide among our returning veterans by improving their physical health, as well as the health of the public at large. Embarking with the 7X team to lead the charge on this mission, HPP is undertaking an epic worldwide journey to seven continents in seven days, in which they will complete seven marathons, seven tandem jumps, and seven swims. Special Operations veterans will each complete a marathon, a swim, and a skydive on each of seven continents in seven days. 

By pushing human performance to its limits, HPP is working to make the data accessible in a publicly available best practice manual to help struggling veterans, first responders, and anyone who wants to improve their quality of life. The HPP team is committed to outcomes research that will simplify the training needed for a young person to train with longevity in mind, as well as develop a curriculum for those with past trauma to reboot their systems. 

Composed of Navy and Army special warfare operators, professional extreme sports athletes, elite medical professionals, and human performance specialists, the 7X project is dedicated to preventing veteran suicide and improving public health. Former Navy SEAL sniper Ryan “Birdman” Parrott is leading the charge, hand-selecting Special Operations veterans as team members to participate in outcomes research on true human performance. 

“When thinking about human performance, I have always had this idea that it was only for the gifted, like the Olympians, tour cyclists, and professional athletes,” Parrott says. “What I came to find out is that this idea of human performance is not just a gift to the individuals who seek it, but a requirement for all humanity. And while it might seem hard to figure out what plan or steps to take when beginning your journey toward health and wellness, it can definitely be done.” 

Physical challenges, emotional growth

HPP focuses on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual growth for combat veterans, first responders, and those dealing with trauma. The team is composed of medical professionals, including MDs, PhDs, dietitians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and sport physiologists, who drive the research and data collection.

HPP's ultimate goal is to provide a publicly available best-practice manual to help struggling veterans, first responders, and anyone who wants to improve their quality of life. The data collected from the tour will be compiled into a manual for the active-duty military, veteran, and first responder communities in the United States and its allies. In addition, a full-length documentary on the 7X journey and the collected research outcomes will be produced. 

The project is focused on two main objectives: 

  1. The first is to gain outcomes research from participants’ training to simplify what a young person needs in order to train with longevity in mind. 
  2. The second is to develop a curriculum for the 20-year warfighter, firefighter, police officer, civilian, or someone with past trauma to reboot their systems after it’s been fractured. Ultimately, the HPP team aims to compile all this information into a simple manual offered to the public that focuses on a cost-effective process versus an expensive short-term solution.

Beyond the research and data collection, the Human Performance Project is committed to raising funding and awareness for veteran and first responder charities. 

Empowered by Thorne’s Sports Performance team

With such incredible demands on fueling, as well as the training and recovery of these athletes leading up to the event and, ultimately, the event itself, Thorne's Sports Performance team, led by Executive Director of Sports Performance Tom Pazdernik, was instrumental in supporting 7X lead dietitian Chelsea Burkart in the leadup to the epic event. 

An expert in the field of performance nutrition, with more than a decade in the NCAA and military, Burkart explains the process: 

“Thorne has been walking alongside us, supporting the 7X project for the past eight months,” she says. “We started off by testing biomarkers in each of our six runners, such as blood, stool, and saliva, with Thorne's mail-to-home testing kits. Thorne covered testing and all recommended supplementation for each athlete, shipping individualized products all over the country, and even some across the globe.”

What were the results from Thorne’s health testing?

“We all have nutrient gaps. Some, more than others,” Burkart says. “As a functional nutrition performance dietitian, I reviewed their results with each athlete. Thorne provides a fantastic readout that I was able to complement, creating results-driven action plans, with dietary, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations.”

What were those action plans and recommendations?

“We collaborated to create the optimal one-month pre-trip protocol to support seven marathons in seven days,” Burkart continues. “Thorne even hooked up everyone on the plane with a couple of my favorite foundational nutrients for the trip: Basic Nutrients 2/Day, and Super EPA.” 

Thorne Director of Sport Science Joel Totoro, RD, explains further: "The 7X project is unlike anything I've ever witnessed. The incredible asks of the body and mind and the sheer logistics of optimizing human performance across seven continents in seven days requires a multi-disciplinary team of the best of the best in all aspects of training and health.”

The elite performers undertaking this mission are uniquely motivated to expand the conversation of mental health in the military and first responder communities. The team they have brought in to support them is equally unique in their expertise and commitment to evidence-based practice to support this mission. Not only is the 7X project a one-of-a-kind experiment in the limits of the human body, it is also taking care to tightly monitor data and biomarkers along the way with the objective of applying these learnings to lead change for the larger population as well.

In addition to the foundational products listed above, below is a behind-the-scenes look at the suite of Thorne diagnostic health tests and supplements used by the 7X team during their preparation for the event:

Diagnostics

Advanced Health Panel – A comprehensive evaluation of one's physical well-being, composed of 89 biomarkers crucial for muscular function, injury prevention, and overall fitness, this blood panel has surfaced as an all-inclusive approach to promoting optimum health. The outcome of this intensive examination is a tailored regimen intended to enhance an individual's health and wellness routine.

Gut Health Test – An optimal state of wellness is rooted in gut health. To address gastrointestinal discomfort and achieve optimal wellness, Thorne offers a cutting-edge Gut Health Test with a revolutionary microbiome wipe. The test’s personalized analysis yields a comprehensive report and customized plan targeting individual needs. Through the implementation of Thorne's patent-pending wipe technology and advanced sequencing techniques, meaningful alterations can be made easily to the microbiome. Individuals can experience the benefits of a healthier gut with Thorne's Gut Health Test.

Stress Test – The adrenal glands play a crucial role in managing the body’s stress response by producing two key hormones – cortisol and DHEA. But how does a person know if their adrenal health is optimal? Thorne’s at-home saliva test provides insights into stress response and adrenal health by measuring hormone fluctuations. From dealing with rush hour traffic to navigating complex work situations, stress is a constant in our daily lives. The ability of the adrenal glands to adapt and respond to stress is critical to overall health and resilience. This easy and convenient at-home test enables an individual to gain valuable information about their stress response and provide actionable steps to manage it.

Supplementation

Basic Nutrients 2/Day – Amid the hustle and bustle of daily life, ensuring that our body receives all the essential nutrients we need can often take a backseat. Experts advise that deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals can leave us vulnerable to multiple health issues. Basic Nutrients 2/Day, a comprehensive multi-vitamin/mineral formula, is packed with powerhouse nutrients that promote heart, brain, nerve, immune, bone, and skin health.* Designed to provide foundational support, this supplement uses only the purest, most readily absorbed vitamins and minerals – without unnecessary additives or preservatives.

Creatine – This essential amino acid is predominantly present in the muscles and brain. It is made in the body from the conversion of other amino acids. Dietary sources such as meats, eggs, and fish contain creatine. Thorne’s creatine monohydrate powder provides additional nutritional support for individuals who have increased dietary needs, such as those undertaking an intense physical challenge.* Creatine’s significance lies in its contribution to cellular energy generation by facilitating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.* ATP is crucial for strenuous physical activity, in addition to supporting cardiac and cerebral functions.

Magnesium Bisglycinate – Magnesium, an often-overlooked mineral, plays a vital role in promoting optimal health, affecting the well-being of the heart, blood vessels, brain, bones, muscles, and lungs.* Studies show that magnesium is essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar, promoting bronchial relaxation, and supporting electrical activity in the heart – crucial for maintaining a healthy heart rate and rhythm.* This crucial mineral also helps relax smooth and skeletal muscles and supports the dilation of blood vessels (vasodilation), which enhances blood flow and supports healthy blood pressure.* In addition, magnesium acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in cellular energy production.*

Super EPA – A powerful supporter of cardiovascular health, Thorne’s Super EPA is an omega-3 fish oil that promotes optimal blood flow and helps maintain healthy levels of triglycerides.* In addition, it also supports a healthy inflammatory response in joints and muscles, upregulates immune function, and provides nutritional support for the brain, memory, and mood.* Super EPA supports healthy skin and helps with weight management by promoting a healthy insulin response.* For athletes, Super EPA is incredibly beneficial. The supplement’s EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids help balance the post-workout inflammatory response, supporting healthy joints and muscles.* Moreover, Super EPA promotes good circulation and blood flow, contributing to faster recovery.* Finally, it plays a critical role in down-regulating oxidative stress by supporting the production of the body's own antioxidant enzymes.*

Pro-Resolving Mediators – Pro-resolving mediators (PRMs), the end products of the body's metabolism of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, are garnering increasing attention. Thorne’s Pro-Resolving Mediators supplement includes the precursors the body needs to create pro-resolving mediators – two pre-resolving mediators from DHA and one pre-resolving mediator from EPA, as well as their parents EPA and DHA, creating a powerful combination that promotes a balanced inflammatory response.* PRMs function as part of the body's “cleanup crew,” after an injury or other bodily insult.* PRMs also promote healthy brain structure and cognitive function.* By supporting the clearance of cellular debris – the dead cells and byproducts of the inflammatory process – PRMs facilitate exercise recovery.* 

SynaQuell – Among the key ingredients in Thorne’s SynaQuell is the ketone beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which provides an alternate fuel source for both an injured or an uninjured brain, and branched-chain amino acids – important precursors to the body’s key neurotransmitters – dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.* CoQ10 phytosome also supports cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and supporting mitochondrial function, while DHA, an essential fatty acid found in high concentrations in the membranes of the brain's nerve cells, promotes a healthy balance of inflammatory cytokines in the brain.* Finally, nicotinamide riboside (NR) promotes NAD+ production, a critical substance that protects brain cells in athletes and non-athletes alike.*

Curcumin Phytosome – For hundreds of years, turmeric has been a staple in Asian cuisine, prized for its potent health benefits. At the heart of turmeric's efficacy lies curcumin, the spice's most active component. Curcumin acts as a powerful antioxidant and is well known for supporting joint, liver, gastrointestinal, ocular, and cardiovascular functions.* However, despite its many advantages, curcumin is notoriously difficult for the human body to absorb, whether ingested through foods or supplements. Enter Thorne's Curcumin Phytosome, the most clinically studied curcumin on the market. Curcumin Phytosome (trademark Meriva®) boosts curcumin’s absorption rates as evidenced by a human trial demonstrating its 29-times greater absorption compared to ordinary curcumin. 

EnteroMend® – This dietary supplement blends the powerful properties of L-glutamine with easily absorbed botanical compounds, culminating in a one-of-a-kind amino acid/botanical formula that fortifies the intestinal tract.* Curcumin and Boswellia extracts contribute to maintaining a healthy inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal system, while an aloe extract soothes intestinal mucus membranes.* Sunfiber fosters the flourishing of beneficial gut bacteria, thus improving butyrate levels and promoting healthy bowel movements.* L-glutamine is critical for reducing intestinal permeability and enhancing overall intestinal health.*

FloraSport 20B® – Thorne’s Florasport 20B is composed of a superior blend of 20 billion active cultures per capsule. FloraSport 20B probiotic capsules are individually sealed in blister packs to ensure optimal humidity and temperature control. FloraSport 20B supports individuals who subject their digestive tracts and immune systems to high demands, whether due to travel, athletic training, competition, or chronic stress.* 

RecoveryPro® – With its synergistic combination of whey protein, tryptophan, magnesium bisglycinate, and PharmaGABA®, Thorne’s RecoveryPro provides the ultimate support for training and recovery needs.* Containing 13 grams of whey protein per serving, it promotes muscle repair and recovery, while its clinically studied nighttime consumption has been shown to improve morning alertness and support memory.* Additionally, its blend of tryptophan and magnesium bisglycinate works to encourage restful sleep, allowing an athlete to recharge for the next day's training.* RecoveryPro also contains high levels of cysteine, an amino acid linked to improved athletic performance.* It is an excellent source of branched-chain amino acids for promoting muscle repair.* And with PharmaGABA as a natural source of GABA, a calming brain neurotransmitter that acts like a brake during stress, athletes can trust that RecoveryPro has their recovery and stress management needs covered.*

Follow the 7X journey on Instagram with @7x.project.