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Functional Diagnostics Practitioner

Author Of Untapped - A guide on how to optimise your health

Creator Of The Gut Repair & Nutrition Foundations Protocols

Founder Of - Untapped Podcast

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ABOUT DAVE O’BRIEN

Dave’s been a personal trainer and a health & wellbeing coach for over 20 years. He’s worked with some of the best trainers, doctors and holistic practitioners around the world, such as Charles Poliquin, Wim Hof, Ido Portal, James LaValle and Reed Davis to name a few. Dave has spent 10,000+ hours and a small fortune learning directly from the most knowledgeable experts in their field.

Dave shares his extensive knowledge, own personal insights and experiences educating other coaches and corporate leaders to designing results-based programs that don’t compromise people’s health in the pursuit of looking good and feeling amazing.

Dave sincerely wants to help people feel their best inside and out. He believes in focusing on what’s happening on the inside (gut health, stress management, inflammation reduction) just as much as the outside (movement, body fat, muscle). Dave’s also passionate about exposing people to varied styles of exercise, from yoga to strength training, or gymnastics to heavy lifting.

It’s Dave’s belief that too many people repeatedly exercise and nourish themselves the same way too much. It simply isn’t good for their body, or mind. He believes that we all need to embrace new ways of moving, and eating; it’s not only more fun but also much better for us.

Philosophy

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guthealth

The state of our gut has a significant impact on the quality of our lives both in the short and long-term.

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Dave has helped hundreds of people reap incredible benefits by healing their gut using his unique knowledge, and gut repair protocol techniques.   The Results: Boosted energy levels, clearing skin issues, removing brain fog, strengthening the immune system, improving their body composition. Dave’s helped people with Heavy metal issues, digestive stress issues, multiple sclerosis, PCOS, CFS and many more serious health issues with his Gut Repair Protocols.

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community

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.

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Dave’s chosen life path is to help as many people take control of their health and lifestyle as possible. To improve the quality of life for individuals and the community around them. His methodologies are disruptive and confronting at first but his ability to relate, educate and empower the people around him is what makes Dave a compassionate leader in the community.  Dave’s already built a 10,000+ strong community in Australia, through his award-winning practice, 5th Element Wellness.

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food

Everyone is genetically unique, with different fitness and nutritional history. And we certainly live different lifestyles.

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This means what works for one person may not be suitable for the next. Each individual should be thoroughly analysed to determine what is best for their respective scenario. Dave’s ability to understand the individual’s lifestyle, psychological, biological needs is what makes him an expert in food, nutrition and gut health. Dave is a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, with 20+ years as world-leading personal trainer and a degree in sports exercise science. He’s helped thousands of people, from all over the world, to understand their food and nutritional needs.

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resilience

Applying stress to the body is a good thing. It allows the body to adapt to its environment, making it stronger and more resilient.

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Stimulating particular hormones like testosterone increases our ability to tolerate high periods of stress. Meaning our resilience increases and our body is better prepared. One type of stress that allows adaptation is training. When it comes to training, we need to work on all  three of our energy systems. Combined, these systems help us get the most out of our bodies. Neglecting even one can impact your recovery and overall resilience. Most people just keep pushing and that’s when they can encounter serious issues.  Dave’s proven programs are designed specifically to make you stronger, more resilient, whilst removing the risk of overstress and burnout by implementing personalised recovery techniques which he’s developed over many years of working with his clients. 

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goodstressors

If you can learn how to use your mind, anything is possible.

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Dave is passionate about developing mental strength, human connection, a desire to thrive, helping others recognise their potential. In an ever confusing and changing health and fitness industry, Dave will bring you the truth about good stressors and how putting your body through a small series of high-intensity stress, such as ice baths and heat therapy, can actually benefit the body and mind in a dramatic way.  As a certified Wim Hof Instructor, Dave will help you forge an unwavering belief in yourself, and see your best self as you truly are.

Services

AUTHOR + THOUGHT LEADER

As a recognised leader in the Fitness Industry, Dave has featured in a score of podcasts including, 180 Nutrition, Mind Valley and more. Enquire

EVENT FACILITATOR

Join Dave at a range of workshop-style events from ice-water therapy and breathwork, gut health, strength disciplines and more. Enquire

BIO-ANALYSIS: BLOODS + STOOL

Discover how to function at your full potential through an in-depth blood and stool analysis. Enquire

COACH EDUCATION + MENTORSHIP

Learn Dave’s signature holistic method of managing strength, hormones, gut health, nutrition and more. Enquire

BLOOD MARKER SOFTWARE

Founder of the worlds first blood marker software product helping thousands of trainers and nutritionists with reading blood markers. Enquire

CORPORATE WELLNESS PROGRAM

Kick-starting the health, fitness and well being of desk warriors across the nation through an incredible 12 or 20 week challenge. Enquire

Client Journeys

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“Melissa’s Gut Environment Is Now Much Healthier”

If you think your destiny is already written then just chat to Melissa and she will convince you it most certainly is not!

Your problems seem pretty insignificant when you come across somebody like Melissa. Her symptoms were so bad they simply can’t fit on this blurb. When diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune condition that affects the protective nerve coverings) Melissa knew she wanted to tackle it head-on. Under Dave’s guidance, she initially went from scraping through one training session a week to now training 5 times a week regularly! Melissa struggled with gut issues such as structural damage and bacteria, and her lead levels were off the charts! Her gut environment is now much healthier, and according to recent heavy metal testing, her lead is in the lowest percentile. Melissa practices gratitude after every training session and it’s clear the shackles of her condition are completely unraveling.

Melissa Kiraly’s Results:

  • Overcame multiple sclerosis & now training 5x per week
  • Detoxed huge amount of lead
  • Now practises gratitude everyday

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“Hollywood actor Dominic Cooper received the best possible health results and a great body transformation”

Dominic Cooper from hit movies like Mama Mia, Captain America and TV series Preacher, came to Dave looking for a transformation.

Dom was suffering from energy slumps during the day, sugar cravings, a high antibody response, along with cholesterol and metabolism complications. Dave checked what significant correlations were taking place with his blood markers, and supplemented these with the correct support nutrients. Through a change in nutrition and Dave’s personalised exercise program, Dom found energy that would sustain him for much longer periods whilst filming on set. Dom’s friendly nature and energy were contagious, his commitment to Dave’s program allowed him to achieve some amazing results including pulling 200kg on a backwards drag. 

Dominic Cooper’s Results:

  • Dropped 7.5kg body fat 
  • Increased muscle mass to 5.2kg
  • Increase energy and no more slumps during long days of acting

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“Gen’s Body Has Been Transformed Inside And Out”

Have you been in a calorie deficit and training hard for a while and not getting anywhere? Meet Gen her body has been transformed inside and out!

What’s the cost of pushing our body to the brink? Gen could tell you directly, and she often does. It’s severe neurological problems and a digestive system that ticked every gut ailment you can name! Her answer when faced with these challenges was to drive the body harder, less food and more training. I want to break the news to everyone, we are all different and we have to help according to their individual make up and issues! This is exactly what Dave did with Gen. The end result was better gut health, a far better relationship with food, and now she’s ready to welcome a healthy little baby into the world. Gen dropped a good 5.3% body fat and gained 1.6kg of muscle along the way too. This body is now equipped to handle anything that’s thrown at it!

Gen D’Rozario’s Results:

  • Improved gut health & relationship with food
  • Achieved her long desired physique
  • Welcoming a new baby into the world

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“Mark Has The Spirit Of A Teenager And The Body Of An Athlete”

Are you male? Got midline belly fat? Low testosterone and not enough energy to keep up with the kids!! Mark is about to inspire that inner roar!

Men are set in their ways! They get to over 50 and they figure well I’ve got this far doing what I’ve been doing it’s surely going to get me another 50 years! Except they are most likely a ticking time bomb! Well they could definitely take a leaf out of Mark’s books! Since he was taken under the wing of Dave he has put on a healthy 6 kilos of muscle and looks more ripped than guys in their 20’s! Yet this is not the most impressive facts on Mark! During this journey Mark has found his purpose! With the spirit of a teenager and the body of an athlete we have no doubt he will succeed! Mark puts to the sword the saying ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!’. Clearly Mark has proven you can!!

Mark Kluwer’s Results:

  • Gained 6kg muscle & leaned up
  • 50 year old with spirit of a teenager & the body of an athlete
  • Proved change is always possible

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“Tara Developed Strength That Rivaled Many Of The Guys”

Tara developed strength in strongman exercises that rivaled many of the guys in the gym! Yet it was her gut and eating habits that were the big winner in this experience!

Tara came to 5th Element looking for a better looking body shape! The fact of the matter is she left with a lot more. Whilst working with Dave, Tara grew in all aspects of her everyday life! She overcame ongoing digestive stress, especially in the realms of Candida overgrowth. She overcame her fear of food. She also developed strength that she previously thought was beyond her! As Tara’s health improved so did her confidence. Coming out of her shell more and more. Tara ticked off some body composition goals dropping 8.8% body fat and gaining 7 kilos of muscle!

Tara Hoger’s Results:

  • Solved aggressive digestive stress issues
  • Learned to embrace a positive relationship with food
  • Dropped 8.8% body fat and gained 7kg of muscle

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“Zena Overcame Fertility Issues & Got Into Incredible Shape”

Are you a woman struggling with PCOS (Polycystic Ovaries)? No menstrual cycle? Concerned that fertility may be a major issue in the future? Zena conquered it all!

When dealing with Zena, we focused on the major underlying problem leading to PCOS – insulin resistance! With the correct nutrient support Zena made massive progress. There was also imbalances in her micro mineral balance, in particular Zinc to Copper ratio. This was creating mood swings. But also micro-nutrient depletion especially in regards to vitamin B6 and Zinc. Once factors like this were restored Zena had a more calm demeanor. At the end she also had body composition results that remain today with 14.5% drop in body fat and lean muscle of up to 9.2kg. If you asked Dave what the most rewarding aspect of watching Zena’s progression it would no doubt be the day she told him she was pregnant! Her little girl Charlie is lucky girl to have a mum like Zena! Patient and determined!

Zena Moussi’s Results:

  • Overcame PCOS – naturally pregnant
  • Improved mood, rediscovered a more calm demeanor
  • Dropped 14.5% body fat gaining 9.2kg

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“James Is More Productive For His Business”

Run your own business? Feel highly stressed? Well, James does and he definitely was! He still dropped 11.1% and gained a whopping 14.3kg of muscle!

When James started with Dave, the key objective was to peel back his layers of stress just like an onion. Upon investigation, it was found that James had a plethora of unwanted visitors in his gut. One of them was a parasite named Dientamoeba Fragilis. It invades the large intestine and can lead to long term issues like leaky gut and chronic fatigue. With problems like this, it was no wonder his resilience was poor. With multiple gut healing protocols, a switch in training structure and breathing exercises the inner goodness of the onion was revealing itself. James has dropped a huge 11.1% and gained a massive 14.3kg of muscle. He now feels amazing and is so much more productive for his business.

James Doyle’s Results:

  • Healed gut problems & embraced vitalising breathing techniques
  • Dropped 11.1% fat & gained massive 14.3kg muscle
  • Increased stress & resilience, boosted work productivity

Podcasts

How To Restore Gut Health

May 2019

Wolfpack
Host: Mark Ottobre

Click to listen

Striving for Longevity with David O’Brien

April 2019

Inspired Revolution
Host: Amrit Sandu

Click to listen

 

Dave O’Brien; 5th Element Wellness

January 2019

Stag Roar
Host: Ryan O’Connor

Click to listen

Getting Real With Fasting & Cold Exposure with David O’Brien

January 2019

Host: Guy Lawrence

Click to listen

5 Life Lessons From The Happiest & Healthiest People On The Planet

February 2018

The Guy Lawrence Podcast
Host: Guy Lawrence

Click to listen

The 5 Elements of Wellness: Nutrition, Mobility, Strength, Detoxification & Stress Management with David O’Brien

December 2017

Inspired Revolution
Host: Amrit Sandu

Click to listen

Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue & The 5th Element Of Wellness

May 2017

180 Nutrition
Host: Guy Lawrence

Click to listen

 

From Inside the Wim Hof Retreat: The Power of the Breath and Cold Exposure

August 2016

180 Nutrition presents The Health Sessions
Host: Guy Lawrence

Click to listen 

Get in touch

Dave would love to hear more about your journey to see if there's anyway he can assist with making you healthier and happier. Please get in touch.