Franco Cavaleri progressed from competitive bodybuilder to pioneering health researcher and successful entrepreneur, showcasing the fundamental value of a personality matrix composed of discipline, determination, work ethic, and commitment as an underlying mechanism that he can direct at any goal to manifest success. One person, one life with so many diverse achievements; his common driving force is an unwavering commitment made up of this matrix. “Everyone has this potential built within their genetic codes and spiritual being”, Cavaleri says, “ They simply need to be able to KNOW it is there and be absolutely convinced they are capable. Believe in your potential; be able to see the vision with clarity everyday; and get to work on it …. everyday! “
His work in natural medicine, particularly in the study of curcumin and its effects on inflammatory diseases, has set new standards in the field and led to the development of groundbreaking health products. Furthermore, it has led to discovery in inflammatory signaling that is now published in peer-reviewed journals. In fact, he has authored dozens of scientific medical journals showcasing his insight in medicine from neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons to more general biological activity centered on inflammation – “Inflammation is the core chemistry of every disease we are haunted by, including depression.” he says.
Cavaleri’s story is one of personal triumph over health challenges, academic adversity, and industry skepticism, ultimately contributing to advancements in natural health solutions. “Discovery is not commonly made under normal, expected, compliant conditions.” Cavaleri explains. “ In order to discover what has not yet been seen, we often have to journey outside the sandbox everyone else is playing in. This often leads to peer judgment, ridicule and even challenge by those who cannot do or see what you see. We need to be bold, strong, independent and confident enough to expect this but stay focussed on the work; and not be distracted by those with sand filled diapers.”
Reflecting on his path, Cavaleri shared, “Strength, personal satisfaction, and power; being smaller in stature on the soccer field drove me to delve deeper into nutrition science to optimize performance. This led to the roots of biohacking, developing my own theories about optimizing performance through nutrigenomics. And later on in life, looking deep into the cell’s genome to decode these hacks at the source or roots- our DNA.”
By combining his passion for sports and nutrition, Cavaleri has become a leading figure in natural health research, demonstrating that determination and a commitment to scientific exploration can lead to remarkable achievements.
“It’s important to persist with discovery within and outside yourself, applying findings to serve the community, one person at a time,” Cavaleri said. “Success requires a meaningful platform that drives you with purpose.”
Franco Cavaleri Transforms Personal Health Crisis into Research Passion
In 1991, Cavaleri’s bodybuilding career was threatened by a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, a debilitating autoimmune disease. Faced with the possibility of needing surgery, Cavaleri instead channeled his energy into researching natural anti-inflammatory strategies.
“This disease derailed me twice with hospitalization,” Cavaleri recalled. “But it was also the impetus that changed my course of research forever.”
His efforts paid off very well. Not only did Cavaleri avoid surgery, but he went on to win the IFBB Mr. North America bodybuilding championship in 1992, just one year after his diagnosis. “I became ill when working toward Mr. North America in 1991, was hospitalized with ulcerative colitis, lost 25 pounds, and bounced back to win unanimously in 1992,” Cavaleri said, highlighting his determination.
This personal health battle kindled a lifelong passion for researching natural medicines and their potential to fight inflammatory diseases. It also marked the beginning of Cavaleri’s transition from competitive athlete to dedicated researcher and entrepreneur in the natural health field.
“The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was a pivotal moment in my life and reshaped my career,” he shared. “My ability to win consecutive titles and apply academic knowledge, combined with an in-depth exploration of biohacking, propelled my career. Discovering that my strategies were mitigating an inflammatory disease that I didn’t know I had inspired me to learn more about the disease and further develop optimized treatments.”
This revelation motivated him to excel in his athletic and academic pursuits and fueled his passion for developing innovative health solutions that could benefit others facing similar challenges. After winning Mr. IFBB North America, he deferred medical school to start a business, giving himself two years to find the right business path or return to university.
Cavaleri’s business thrived, leading him to dedicate 20 years to its success. However, feeling his academic journey needed to be completed, he returned to school to earn a doctoral degree. “I set high goals and never waver until the job is done,” he says.
Franco Cavaleri Pioneers Research in Curcumin and Inflammation
Cavaleri’s work with curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has been groundbreaking. He developed a method to isolate and study individual curcuminoids, the active components of curcumin, allowing for more precise targeting of cellular processes involved in inflammation.
“I was able to unravel the pharmacology of each constituent at a cellular and subcellular level in multiple cell lines and tissues,” Cavaleri explained. “This way, we can predict curcumin and curcuminoid activity with greater precision, potentially designing therapies that more selectively target proteins involved in disease symptoms and pathology.”
This research has led to new understandings of how curcumin-based therapies might be tailored for specific health conditions, setting a new standard in the field. Cavaleri’s approach combines rigorous scientific methodology with a practical focus on developing effective natural health products, bridging the gap between traditional natural remedies and modern pharmaceutical research techniques.
His work extends beyond curcumin to explore the broader field of nutrigenomics – the study of how nutrients interact with genes to influence health outcomes. This cutting-edge research holds promise for developing more personalized approaches to nutrition and health; and maximal human performance.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Drives Franco Cavaleri to Multiple Successful Ventures
Cavaleri’s research findings have not remained confined to the laboratory. He has founded and led several successful companies in the natural health products industry, each focusing on different aspects of health and wellness.
His first venture, Champion’s Choice Advanced Nutrition, was founded in 1991 and focused on sports nutrition and sports medicine products. The company was later acquired by Nulife Nutrition Ltd. in 1998. Subsequent ventures included Biologic Nutritional Research Inc., BiologicVET (for pet health products), and Biologic Publishing Inc. These companies were built from the ground up and eventually sold or acquired.
Currently, Franco Cavaleri serves as CEO, President, and Research Director of Biologic PharmaMedical Research, Plasm Pharmaceuticals, and Biologic Publishing Inc. These roles allow him to continue his research while also developing practical applications for his findings.
“To improve upon your own skills, knowledge base, and character in perpetuity is to hone your God-given gift with which you are expected to contribute to the improvement and advancement of humanity,” Cavaleri said, explaining his entrepreneurial spirit.
This approach has allowed Cavaleri to translate his research findings into practical products that can benefit consumers directly while also advancing the field of natural health research.
Overcoming Challenges in Academia and Industry
Cavaleri’s path has been challenging. His return to academia to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine was marked by conflicts between his business activities and academic pursuits. “It was disheartening that some leaders in the academic process, who are supposed to encourage researchers and students, ended up discouraging them for reasons that were purely political and even prejudiced,” Cavaleri reflected.
Despite these challenges, Cavaleri maintained a high academic performance while continuing to innovate in his business ventures. He views these experiences as valuable lessons in perseverance and standing up for one’s principles. “This experience, though filled with adversity, provided invaluable lessons on humanity, humility, academic ego, and the importance of persevering towards one’s goals despite obstacles,” he says.
Cavaleri’s ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining his commitment to academic research and practical product development demonstrates his grit and dedication to his mission.
“My doctoral journey at the University of British Columbia was not just about academic achievement but also about learning to stand firm in the face of adversity and bias,” Cavaleri shared. “It was about standing up for my rights—human rights that were trampled on by people hiding behind the administrative screen; people who never once considered the human being, a man committed to the academic process, a man with a family to feed, young children witnessing the attacks and turmoil; a family that had to absorb stories and rumors that had risen out of the mess; business disruption that consequently occurred; and strain on a spousal relationship that inevitably occurred because of the stress and strain.”
The entire experience transformed his life for the better.
“It highlighted the importance of fighting for what one believes is right, no matter how difficult, staying with what is right, and the transformative power of confronting and overcoming obstacles, both in academia and life,” he said. “UBC delivered an immense education and built me up as a transformed powerhouse ready for adversity. The academic achievement was the amazing, secondary, consequential value I extracted from this transformative journey.”
Looking to the Future of Natural Health Research
As Cavaleri continues his work in biomedical research and product development, he remains focused on bridging the gap between natural medicines and conventional pharmaceutical approaches. “Immersing natural medicines into current allopathic drug research protocols that mainstream medical practitioners are familiar with will allow us to make groundbreaking discoveries and set new standards for natural medicines that are reliable and irrefutable,” Cavaleri explained.
His ongoing research includes exploring the pathology of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases, focusing on how natural compounds like curcuminoids can modulate cellular processes involved in these conditions.
Cavaleri’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a belief in the power of natural medicines to transform lives. From overcoming personal health challenges to navigating the complex worlds of academia and business, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing natural health research.
As he looks to the future, Cavaleri remains focused on developing new natural health solutions backed by solid scientific evidence. His work continues to challenge conventional wisdom and push for higher standards in the natural products industry. “Success requires a meaningful platform that drives you with purpose,” Cavaleri reflected. For him, that purpose is clear: to harness the power of nature to improve human health, one discovery at a time. “The definition of SUCCESS is also a personal matter,” he says. “To me it’s about never having to ‘work’ because I enjoy what I do and am thoroughly excited to see what the day’s laboratory dives into our genepool dredges and brings up to the surface.”
When he puts down the white coat at the end of the day, one achievement stands above the rest.
“I’m most proud of being an influence in my kids’ lives and watching them grow into their own shape,” Cavaleri said. “I also enjoyed coaching soccer for 17 years to be witness to the development of young children into young men and women. I tear up at the sight of kids working towards their dreams. Nothing feels as satisfying as mentoring my kids and community youth that reaches out; helping guide them to their own goals and potential.”
