LowCarbUSA Podcast

In the latest episode of the LowCarbUSA Podcast, Pam and I sit down with Siouxie Boshoff, founder of Scrummy Sweets, for a discussion exploring the murky world of food manufacturing, ingredient transparency, and the quest for truly clean, sugar-free treats. She says, “I'm just a girl who loved gummy bears and couldn't find one that didn't either kick me out of ketosis, spike my blood sugar, or disrupt my digestive tract in a way that was pretty catastrophic,” she explained. “So I made my own.” Throughout the conversation, she exposes some of the food industry's best-kept secrets—like how manufacturers sneak toxic additives into products without disclosing them. She recounts a shocking moment when a production manager suggested using an anti-foaming agent to fix a minor visual flaw in her gummy bears, “She looked at me and said, ‘Oh, don't worry, you don't have to put it on the label. It's just considered part of the manufacturing process.' And I was like—You think I don't want it in there because I don't want to put it on the label? I eat my own product!” Siouxie's commitment to clean ingredients is unwavering. She discusses the meticulous process of sourcing organic, non-GMO ingredients and how even “natural flavours” can be a smokescreen for hidden additives. Her message is clear: if you care about your health, you need to demand better. Her insights are already making an impact. One sceptical physician at LowCarbUSA's recent Symposium for Metabolic Health in Boca Raton, FL admitted he initially avoided Siouxie's booth, assuming her products were just another “sugar-free gimmick.” But after attending her talk, his perspective completely shifted, “I've been avoiding them all weekend, thinking it's just another sweet thing I can't trust,” he said, “but after hearing you speak, I get it. We need more products like this.” From revealing the hidden dangers of maltodextrin to explaining why she insists on MCT oil over seed oils in flavouring agents, Siouxie leaves no stone unturned. If you've ever wondered what's really in your “healthy” snacks—or why so many sugar-free products still sabotage metabolic health—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Watch the full interview and join the conversation on how we can push for cleaner, truly nourishing food choices in our world today. ScrummySweets website Scrummy Sweets Instagram Scrummy Sweets Facebook

In this powerful episode of the LowCarbUSA podcast, Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine sit down with Beth McNally and Matt Miernik, the couple behind T1D Nutrition, to discuss their journey with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the transformative role of nutrition in managing the condition. Their journey began in 2015 when their son Lachlan was diagnosed with T1D at age 9. After months of frustration with conventional high-carb, insulin-heavy treatments, they adopted a very low-carb diet, which dramatically improved Lachlan's blood glucose stability and brought his A1C levels into the normal range. Now, at 18, Lachlan is a thriving athlete, and Beth and Matt are dedicated to sharing the benefits of therapeutic carbohydrate reduction with others facing similar challenges. A central theme of the conversation is the recently published Position Paper by The SMHP on therapeutic carbohydrate reduction for type 1 diabetes, to which Beth, Matt, and a team of experts have made significant contributions. This paper will revolutionize T1D management by advocating for therapeutic carbohydrate reduction as a viable, evidence-based option. It calls for healthcare providers to support patients choosing this approach and underscores the importance of continued research and education on low-carb nutritional strategies. Beth expresses her enthusiasm for the Position Paper, noting its potential to challenge current T1D care practices. With only about 17% of youth and 21% of adults meeting the American Diabetes Association's A1C target of 7.0, this paper could be a game-changer, providing clinicians with new guidelines and resources to enhance patient outcomes. It advocates for open access and support for those exploring low-carb diets as a therapeutic intervention, signaling a much-needed shift in mindset. Throughout the episode, Beth and Matt stress how this Position Paper will empower both patients and clinicians, offering a solid foundation for discussing low-carb options within healthcare teams and integrating evidence-backed guidelines into mainstream T1D care. They encourage families to share the Position Paper with their doctors, fostering more comprehensive and supportive care. The couple also reflects on their involvement in the January 2024 LowCarbUSA Boca Raton Symposium for Metabolic Health, which featured a dedicated Type 1 Day. This event assembled international experts in T1D management, including Dr. Ian Lake, Dr. Suzanne Schneider, Dr. Eric Westman, Dr. Belinda Lennerz, and Dr. Robert Cywes, who shared innovative insights into how nutrition can stabilize blood glucose levels and improve the quality of life for those with T1D. These presentations set the stage for the Position Paper and underscored the need for a low-carb approach to gain wider recognition and support within the medical community. Matt offers additional insights into why therapeutic carbohydrate reduction is so effective, explaining how reducing carbohydrate intake decreases insulin dependency, leading to more stable blood glucose levels. He compares it to "removing logs from a fire," minimizing the blood glucose fluctuations that make T1D so difficult to manage. This Position Paper will address these scientific principles, equipping clinicians with the knowledge and tools to guide their patients more effectively. Matt also discusses the phenomenon of "double diabetes," a condition where individuals with type 1 diabetes develop insulin resistance, resembling type 2 diabetes. He explains how the conventional high-carb diet paired with large insulin doses can lead to this dangerous overlap, increasing health risks and complications. By adopting a low-carb approach, insulin needs are minimized, reducing the chances of developing double diabetes and supporting better metabolic health in people with T1D. Doug and Pam share how eye-opening the Type 1 Day event was for them and other attendees, with many healthcare professionals admitting they gained more insight into T1D management in one day than they had in their entire careers.  Click here to listen and discover the latest advancements in therapeutic carbohydrate reduction. Additionally, LowCarbUSA® has released all the Dedicated Type 1 Diabetes Workshop & Presenter videos from the recent LCUSA & SMHP Symposium for Metabolic Health, held in January. This video playlist features expert presentations that explore therapeutic carbohydrate reduction, optimal protein intake, healthy fats, and low-carb strategies for T1D. Featured speakers in this series include: Dr. Èvelyne Bourdua-Roy, MD & Dr. Tro Kalayjian, DO- Workshops intro & Prevailing outcomes in T1D Beth McNally, MS MA CNS LDN - Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction (TCR)/Low-carb Diet Implementation for T1D Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP - Low-Carb in T1D: Getting started, troubleshooting and guidance Dr. Belinda Lennerz, MD - Medication & Technology Implementation Allison Herschede, BSN, RN, CDCES - Hormonal Challenges for Women with T1D Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP - Exercise how to & Fasting (intermittent and multi-day) Lester Hightower & Beth McNally, MS MA CNS LDN - Parents Perspective - TCR/Low-carb for Type 1 diabetes Dr. Eric Westman, MD, MHS - Standard of Care - Advances and challenges in Type 1 diabetes care Dr. Jessica Turton, PhD, MND, B.App.Sc (ExSpSc) - Current research on low-carbohydrate diets for Type 1 diabetes management Dr. Belinda Lennerz, MD - Children living with Type one Diabetes - Current and future research questions pertaining to therapeutic dietary carbohydrate reduction in children Dr. Eric Westman, MD, MHS, Dr. Jessica Turton, PhD, MND, B.App.Sc (ExSpSc), & Dr Belinda Lennerz, MD - Panel Discussion Dr. Robert Cywes, MD, PhD - Clinical implementation of low-carbohydrate diets in T1DM – experiences from adults and children Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP - Exercise and Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction – Current research and clinical experiences Suzanne Schneider, PhD Researcher, MSc, Bcomm - Cognitive and Psychological Implications of Carbohydrate Reduction in T1DM Dr. Robert Cywes, MD, PhD, Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP, & Suzanne Schneider, PhD Researcher, MSc, Bcomm - Panel Discussion These videos are available for free on the LowCarbUSA® YouTube channel in the "Type 1 Workshop - Symposium for Metabolic Health - Boca 2024" Playlist. Explore this valuable resource to gain insights from the leading voices in T1D management and be part of the growing community dedicated to improving outcomes for those living with type 1 diabetes. Links: T1D Nutrition website

In a recent LowCarbUSA®, hosts Doug Reynolds, MHP and Pam Devine, MHP spoke with Dr. Jeremiah Eisenschenk and Dr. Angie Ausban, two prominent practitioners from the Brainerd Lakes area in Minnesota, about the upcoming LowCarbUSA® Metabolic Health Conference in Brainerd Lakes. This one-day event, scheduled for September 21, aims to unite healthcare professionals and the public around the importance of metabolic health. Dr. Eisenschenk, a board-certified Family and Obesity Medicine physician, shared his journey into metabolic health, which began after attending a transformative lecture in 2016. Since then, he has co-founded the Metabolic Health Conference in Brainerd Lakes and Essentia Health – Brainerd Weight Management Department, bringing his expertise to both the hospital and community settings. "I saw some pretty impactful results, even in six months," he noted, reflecting on the positive changes in his patients' health through carbohydrate reduction approaches. Dr. Ausban, who has a background in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, recounted her own evolution in understanding obesity and metabolic health. After co-founding the CentraCare Medical Weight Management program, she became certified in Obesity Medicine and later joined CRMC as the Medical Director of the Metabolic Health and Medical Weight Management Program. "It's not just obesity and diabetes; it's everything—heart disease, stroke, dementia," she emphasized, underscoring the widespread impact of insulin resistance. The one-day event is open to the public, but technical enough to also offer optional CME opportunities for healthcare professionals, carbohydrate reduction meals, and local vendors, fostering a collaborative environment between the community to address the growing metabolic health crisis.  The symposium will feature a diverse lineup of expert speakers, including: Robert Cywes, MD, PhD Gurpreet Padda, MD, MHP, MBA Mark Cucuzzella, MD, FAAFP, MHP Vera Tarman, MD Jeremiah Eisenschenk, MD Angelina Ausban, MD Shawn Roberts, MD. This event is unique for the Brainerd Lakes area, as four health systems have come together to support this initiative—a rare collaboration in today's competitive healthcare landscape. Dr. Eisenschenk highlighted the importance of this unity, saying, "If we can coalesce for this greater mission... any part of America, any part of the world, can do this." In addition to the symposium, a charity golf event was going to be organized by Dr. Ausban's husband, Kevin Smith, but will now be postponed and take place next spring to raise funds for the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners and the local Boys and Girls Club. Dr. Ausban invited attendees to participate, adding, "We are super excited about this event." The upcoming symposium promises to be an inspiring and educational gathering, providing healthcare professionals and the public with the tools and knowledge to improve metabolic health and, ultimately, the quality of life for many. Learn more and register here.

This podcast episode offers just a preview of the comprehensive, science-backed health insights Dr. Roshani Sanghani will share at the 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 15-18. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year's symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease. Endocrinologist Dr. Roshani Sanghani recently sat down with Doug Reynolds for a compelling podcast interview, discussing her innovative approach to diabetes management and her upcoming participation in the LowCarbUSA 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health from August 15-18. Dr. Roshani, who has become a leading voice in the field of endocrinology, shares her profound journey and introduces her new book, Turn around Diabetes: The Step-by-Step Guide to Navigate Type 2 (and Type 1) Diabetes with Less Medication. A Transformative Approach to Endocrinology Dr. Roshani's medical career began in Mumbai, India, where she completed her medical degree before moving to the United States. She is board-certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. Her practice evolved significantly during the pandemic, transitioning to a 100% virtual model, which she continues to implement successfully. “I've always been interested in the mind-body connection,” she explains. “Endocrinology became a natural space for me because hormones directly link our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Helping that system stay in balance through mindfulness, lifestyle changes, and medication when needed became my passion.” Turning Diabetes Management on Its Head Her shift towards a lifestyle-first practice was catalyzed by a patient in Mumbai who was struggling with uncontrolled diabetes. “This patient was labeled non-compliant because he refused insulin. Instead of ending the relationship, I suggested he reduce his carbohydrate intake. A year later, he was well-managed with just one tablet,” she recounts. This experience ignited her journey toward emphasizing lifestyle changes over medication. Her approach focuses on empowering patients through motivational interviewing, a technique that encourages patients to discover their own motivations for change. “Patients come to us because they want to get better, not stay sick. Motivational interviewing flips the model from compliance to empowerment, helping patients make sustainable changes,” she says. An Advocate for Behavioral Change Dr. Roshani's upcoming book, "Turn Around Diabetes," explores the behavioral aspects of managing diabetes. She emphasizes the importance of addressing psychological barriers and equipping patients with strategies to overcome them. “This book is meant to be a companion for anyone with diabetes, aiming to prevent diabetes, or seeking a healthier lifestyle. It's about overcoming obstacles in nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise,” she explains. Using the analogy of a “lifestyle car,” she describes how nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise are the four wheels that keep us moving forward. “Life is dynamic, and our journey will have its ups and downs. It's about continuous adaptation and navigating through challenges,” she notes. Joining Forces with LowCarbUSA Dr. Roshani is thrilled to be a speaker at the upcoming LowCarbUSA Symposium. “I'm excited to meet everyone in person and share insights on how behavioral change can significantly impact diabetes management,” she says. Her talk promises to be a highlight, given her reputation for delivering engaging and informative presentations. Doug praised her contributions, noting, “One of the best talks we've had was by Dr. Roshani. Her ability to prepare engaging content and provide deep insights is unmatched. We're looking forward to her talk next month.” Listen to the full podcast interview to gain deeper insights into her approach and philosophy. Her new book, "Turn Around Diabetes," will be available at the LowCarbUSA Symposium, providing attendees with practical strategies to navigate diabetes with less medication.

In an insightful interview conducted by LowCarbUSA® co-founder Pam Devine, Dr. Georgia Ede, MD, shared profound insights from her new book, "Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind," and highlighted the significance of metabolic psychiatry. Dr. Ede, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist with extensive experience in nutrition, brain metabolism, and mental health, will be a key presenter at the upcoming LowCarbUSA 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, taking place from August 15-18, 2024. Pam Devine expressed her excitement about her participation, recalling their first collaboration in 2017. Dr. Ede emphasized the unique atmosphere of the LowCarbUSA® conferences, describing them as "science for the people." She praised the efforts of Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine in creating a warm and welcoming environment. According to Dr. Ede, "Every conference has a different feel, and this particular conference has a really nice down-to-earth, people-focused feel. It's science for the people." Join Us at the Symposium in San Diego, August 15-18 This podcast episode is just a glimpse of the comprehensive, science-backed health insights Dr. Ede will share at the 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 15-18. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year's symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease. Focus on Metabolic Psychiatry One standout feature of this year's conference is the dedication of an entire day to metabolic psychiatry on August 15th. Dr. Ede noted the explosion of research in the field and the quantum leap it represents for psychiatry. "The brain matters," she stated, highlighting developments in treating mental health conditions through metabolic interventions. Addressing the limitations of conventional psychiatry, she remarked, "We have not been thinking about root causes. Metabolic psychiatry looks at the metabolic root causes, the drivers, the underlying forces that are damaging and destabilizing the brain." She pointed out that the traditional approach of treating mental health conditions as lifelong chemical imbalances requiring medication is being challenged by new findings in metabolic psychiatry. Debunking Dietary Myths Dr. Ede debunked common dietary myths, such as the belief that oatmeal is a brain-healthy breakfast. She shared a case from her book where a physician's blood sugar spiked dangerously after consuming oatmeal, underscoring the need for a fundamental shift in dietary recommendations. "If you want real change to your mental health, you need to fundamentally restructure your diet from the ground up in ways that make biological sense," she stated. "Base your diet on science, not wishful thinking and wild guesses." Importance of Nutrient-Rich Foods She emphasized the importance of nutrient-rich foods that provide the essential building blocks for brain health. "The brain needs nutrients. All food is about parts and energy. We need the right parts to build cells, including brain cells, and we need to fuel those cells sustainably." Essential nutrients include amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are often lacking in typical modern diets. "Most of what we're eating now is not nourishing or energizing our brain properly. In fact, it's damaging the brain," she added. One major culprit in this dietary crisis is the widespread consumption of vegetable oils. "Vegetable oils are extraordinarily high in Omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid," she noted. "Over the past 60 years, our intake of linoleic acid has increased significantly, and it's accumulating in our body fat and brain, causing oxidative stress and inflammation." This leads to brain damage over time. She highlighted the importance of choosing foods that support brain health by providing necessary nutrients without causing harmful spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. She asserted, "Animal-based foods, rich in essential nutrients and low in carbohydrates, are key to this approach." Dr. Ede also discussed the concept of "quiet diets" featured in her book, which include variations like quiet paleo, quiet keto, and quiet carnivore diets. These diets emphasize low-carbohydrate and ketogenic principles to reduce metabolic stress on the brain. "The more sugary your diet is, the harder it can become for your brain to use that sugar for energy," she explained. This can lead to insulin resistance, making it difficult for the brain to process glucose effectively. Balancing Brain Chemistry She expanded on this, explaining how the brain processes glucose and the critical role of insulin. "The brain doesn't need insulin to let the glucose in; it needs insulin to process the glucose once it comes in," she explained. Without adequate insulin, the brain, despite being flooded with glucose, cannot utilize it effectively, leading to a paradoxical situation where the brain is both overwhelmed with glucose and starving for energy. This disruption in brain chemistry can lead to severe mental health issues. "If you want to balance your brain chemistry, one of the most effective ways to do that is to unbalance your diet," she stated. Lowering carbohydrate intake, particularly to ketogenic levels, can significantly improve brain function by stabilizing glucose and insulin levels and providing ketones as an alternative energy source. Dr. Ede also discussed the balance between glutamate and GABA, the brain's primary neurotransmitters. "Glutamate is the gas pedal, and GABA is the brake pedal," she explained. The balance between these neurotransmitters determines the brain's activity level, and eating refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils can profoundly disrupt this balance, leading to overstimulation and mental health issues. "If you're eating these refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils, you're getting all this inflammation and oxidative stress," she said. "The inflammation and oxidative stress throw this system profoundly out of balance." The interview concluded with Pam Devine highlighting the importance of attending the LowCarbUSA Symposium in person. Dr. Ede echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unique benefits of in-person conferences. "It's a completely different experience," she said. "You'll meet other people, make lasting connections, and leave feeling energized and more knowledgeable." She encouraged people to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from experts and immerse themselves in the latest research on metabolic health.

LowCarbUSA co-founders Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine recently sat down with Dr. Erin Bellamy, a ketogenic specialist and metabolic health practitioner, for an illuminating podcast episode. Dr. Bellamy, who holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of East London and an MSc in psychiatric research from King's College London, brings a wealth of experience in using ketogenic metabolic therapy to improve mental health. A Journey into Ketogenic Diets and Mental Health Dr. Bellamy began the conversation by sharing her journey into the field of ketogenic diets and mental health. Her interest was sparked during her time working in psychiatric inpatient units, where she noticed a connection between diet and mental well-being. "I always had an interest in nutrition and diets," she explained, recounting her early research on eating disorders and her personal struggles with weight. Her curiosity led her to explore the impact of low carbohydrate diets on type 2 diabetes and subsequently on mental health. She recalled discovering a 1965 study on the ketogenic diet and schizophrenia, which demonstrated significant improvements in patients' symptoms. This study ignited her passion for investigating the potential of ketogenic diets to support mental health, ultimately leading to her PhD research. Pam highlighted the burgeoning interest in this field and the importance of collaboration among researchers and practitioners. Erin echoed this sentiment, expressing her excitement about the growing momentum in the field of metabolic psychiatry. "It's mind-boggling to me that we are actually building a little bit of momentum," she said. "We might actually get somewhere." The Foundational Role of Nutrition Throughout the interview, Erin emphasized the foundational role of nutrition in mental health. She likened metabolic health to a pyramid, with stable blood sugar levels, good sleep, and strong social connections forming the base. "You need a strong, healthy foundation," she stressed. Only after solidifying this foundation should individuals consider other interventions, such as hormonal testing or specialized therapies. One of the most impactful insights she shared was the transformative effect of nutritional ketosis on mental resilience. "Once you have somebody on a ketogenic diet for a while, they start to feel that kind of Zen feeling and sense of calm," she observed. This newfound stability enables individuals to effectively utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapeutic tools. "It seems like through nutritional ketosis, people seem to have a bit more buffer space," she added. Erin's approach underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of mental health conditions. Her work demonstrates the potential of ketogenic diets to not only improve physical health but also to provide a foundation for mental well-being. As the field of metabolic psychiatry continues to grow, her insights offer a promising perspective on the integration of nutrition and mental health. Pam shared an anecdote highlighting the profound impact of metabolic health on anxiety. She recounted a story about someone who had a severe fear of bees, which subsided once they achieved metabolic health through ketosis. This led to a deeper discussion about the physiological and hormonal changes brought about by ketosis. "The really cool thing about ketones is they have lots of different roles," Erin explained. "One of them is their anti-inflammatory properties, and another is that they are anxiolytic, meaning they reduce anxiety in the body." Qualitative Research on Ketogenic Therapy for Depression Erin also discussed her recent research, which focuses on the qualitative experiences of individuals using ketogenic metabolic therapy for depression. Her study revealed that those with higher levels of depressive symptoms found it easier to adhere to the ketogenic diet and reported significant improvements in self-esteem, motivation, and overall outlook on life. "One participant said he had a renewed sense of meaning and purpose in life," she shared, highlighting the transformative potential of the diet. Doug noted the importance of these personal stories in convincing others to try ketogenic metabolic therapy, recounting a Symposium for Metabolic Health held in Boca Raton back in 2020 when Christopher Palmer MD, a Harvard psychiatrist, delivered a powerful presentation where he described a case of a patient with schizophrenia.  Palmer went into great detail explaining how traumatic the person's life was beforehand, and then told the story of how the patient used a ketogenic diet to effectively put his schizophrenia into remission. “No meds, functioning as a regular person in society,” Doug recounted. “And I'm even choking up now with that," he said. "It was amazing. And everybody in attendance just sat there and looked at each other. I think everybody had a lump in their throat. I had to kick off the Q&A session after that, and I couldn't speak." Doug continued, "What you're doing, Erin, relating all of these other anecdotes and these people's experiences, I think that's what's going to convince people that this is something that's worth trying much more than somebody giving them the physiology of it behind it – This is how different your life can be. I think that's huge." The Importance of Proper Medical Supervision Erin concluded by emphasizing the importance of proper medical supervision for individuals on psychiatric medications who wish to try the ketogenic diet. She advised working closely with a knowledgeable professional to ensure safe medication adjustments and overall well-being. Accreditation and Ethical Standards of The SMHP In the podcast, Erin emphasized the value of her accreditation as a Metabolic Health Practitioner (MHP) through the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (The SMHP™). She noted that prior to The SMHP, there was no international consensus on guidelines for therapeutic carbohydrate restriction or ethics in the field. She stressed the importance of having a governing body like The SMHP that works to establish clinical guidelines, ethics, and scope of practice. This helps ensure MHPs are providing safe and beneficial care to clients. She appreciates being part of a like-minded group of practitioners who have access to science backed information from a trusted organization.  As a chartered psychologist, under the jurisdiction of the British Psychological Society, she is governed by ethical standards through her professional body. She sees The SMHP membership as complementing this, allowing her metabolic health work to be backed by a trusted society.  Access the full podcast interview here. 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health The 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health will be held August 15-18. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year's symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease. Learn more and register here.

Join us for an enlightening episode of the LowCarbUSA® podcast, where host Doug Reynolds sits down with Dr. Paul Mason, a distinguished sports and exercise medicine physician, to discuss the nuances of blood test interpretation and preview the upcoming LowCarbUSA®  9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, to be held August 15-18. Meet Dr. Paul Mason Dr. Mason uses an evidence-based approach to challenge conventional medical wisdom on topics such as saturated fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and sun exposure. He has authored a chapter on nutrition in the textbook Clinical Sports Medicine and is actively involved in curriculum development and teaching within the Australasian College of Sports and Exercise Medicine. His approach to managing complex medical conditions spans patients from the general public to elite athletes, including the Australian Olympic rowing team. Revolutionizing Blood Test Interpretation In the podcast, he offers profound insights into the often misunderstood realm of blood tests. "The concept of having biomarkers that reflect our health is a very good one," he explains, "but the trouble is, some of them are more reliable than others, and sometimes the reference intervals are completely out of whack." He emphasizes the need to interpret blood test results through the lens of optimal health rather than population averages and he believes reference intervals should be set using data on longevity. "The people who take statins whose cholesterol actually lowers the most actually have the worst survival," he noted, highlighting issues with overly aggressive cholesterol lowering. He went on to explain, "Every blood panel I do is actually personalized to their history." He also discussed the complexities of evaluating markers like ferritin and the importance of considering inflammation. His meticulous and systematic approach ensures that each patient receives a nuanced and accurate health evaluation. Optimizing Health for Longevity Dr. Mason advocates for using all-cause mortality data to set health benchmarks, stating, “My favorite outcome in science is mortality. And that's because you can't fudge it. In terms of clinical outcomes, nothing beats living. And you can't fake that. You can't have a mischievous researcher come through and manipulate the methodology too much when you've got mortality as an outcome.” Listeners also learned how subtle factors like thyroid function can influence cholesterol levels. He  provides valuable insights on the importance of thyroid health and its impact on cholesterol levels. "An underactive thyroid can elevate your triglyceride levels and your cholesterol levels," he explains, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various health markers. Join Us at the Symposium in San Diego, August 15-18 This podcast episode is just a glimpse of the comprehensive, science-backed health insights Dr. Mason will share at the 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 15-18. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year's symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease.

An engaging conversation with Jeff Roslund and Ryan Boudreau, the innovative minds behind Dapper Barons, a company at the forefront of crafting near sugar-free liqueurs and zero-sugar ready-to-drink cocktails. In a culture where sugar consumption is a growing concern, especially among those following ketogenic and low-carb diets, Jeff and Ryan shared their journey and passion for revolutionizing the cocktail industry. Jeff explained the genesis of their idea, "We're the first company to create near sugar-free liqueurs, as well as zero-sugar ready-to-drink cocktails. We knew if we could pull the sugar out of these liqueurs, you could go back to making cocktails the way they're meant to taste." Their conversation covered the nuances of alcohol's impact on the body, particularly in relation to a ketogenic lifestyle.  Jeff clarified a common misconception about the sugar content in spirits. He noted, "All of these products like vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, are sugar and carbohydrate-free. When you start to get into the flavored spirits, that's where brands are starting to reintroduce sugars." This distinction is crucial for those striving to make healthier choices without giving up on enjoying a drink occasionally. The conversation touched on the often overlooked aspect of calorie content in alcohol which Ryan stated was normally around 80 to 90 calories per ounce, depending on the base spirit.  It emphasizes the point that even if a product is sugar free there are often still calories associated with it which we need to be aware of. One of the most striking moments of the discussion came when Jeff presented a visual comparison to illustrate the sugar content found in typical liqueurs, comparing it to the sugar in a Hershey's candy bar. "So, you know, you're looking at about 300 grams [of sugar in a bottle of Kahlua]. That's the level that we're talking about." This vivid imagery serves as a stark reminder of the hidden sugars in many popular beverages and the necessity of transparency in labeling, a challenge the alcohol industry continues to face. You can find out more about getting some to try out on their website and click on the 'Where To Buy' menu option.

In this episode we talk with Pascal Lemieux, a passionate advocate for health and wellness, with a specific focus on type 1 diabetes management and endurance sports.  His blend of personal experience and professional dedication makes him an invaluable voice in the dialogue on type 1 diabetes care. His involvement in the planning and organization of the special workshop and presentations devoted to type 1 diabetes management at the upcoming Symposium for Metabolic Health January 11-14, 2024 in Boca Raton is a testament to his experience and passion for making a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. Use the code TYPE1BOCA to get a 20% discount Pascal was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 11 and has navigated through various complications associated with the condition, including proliferative retinopathy, gastroparesis, and severe hypoglycemia. These challenges have deeply shaped his understanding and approach to diabetes management.  In 2020, he took a significant step in his career by pursuing nursing, aiming to leverage his personal insights to assist others dealing with type 1 diabetes. This professional shift underscores his commitment to making a tangible impact in the diabetes community. A turning point in his journey was the discovery of the benefits of a low-carb diet in 2014. Inspired by Dr. Richard K. Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution," Pascal adopted a very low-carb diet that remarkably controlled his diabetes, reversed many of his complications, and significantly reduced his insulin dosage. This approach not only transformed his health but also fueled his passion to educate and support others in managing type 1 diabetes. "I was shocked because no one ever told me about this way of managing type 1 diabetes," he said. Despite skepticism from his endocrinologist, Pascal persisted, and the results were remarkable: "My A1C went down to 6.7, then 6.4, then 6.2. Now it is 5.4 (normal, non-diabetic range). My retinopathy reversed, my frozen shoulder went away, my trigger fingers are now perfect, and I lost 60 pounds."  His transformation extended to his passion for marathons, where he proved that a low-carb diet could sustain intense physical activity. "In 2017, I ran a marathon, requiring only 25 grams of carbohydrate... I still had energy to go even further," he said. He subsequently ran 60 kilometers in one day and required only 40 grams of carbohydrate. “That convinced me that I don't need 300 grams of carbohydrate a day to live. I do fine with eating between 30 and 50 grams of carbohydrate a day.” Recognizing the lack of support and guidance for many with type 1 diabetes, Pascal became a fervent advocate for education and community support. "There's at least 40 plus factors that affect blood glucose in type 1 diabetics... we're trying to cover most topics that are important for someone who wants to try low-carb," he explains. His involvement in organizing workshops and events is driven by a desire to bridge the information gap for both physicians and patients.  His motivation is fueled by the diabetes community's solidarity and success stories. "It's all about the community holding together to change the world," he said, looking forward to the focus on type 1 diabetes at the upcoming Symposium. “It's about empowering patients and physicians with knowledge and practical tips." You can see all the topics to be covered at the Symposium here. His story is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the impact of community-driven support. His journey from battling the complications of type 1 diabetes to becoming a leading advocate for dietary management and patient empowerment is truly inspirational. His experience, shared in this podcast, is not just informative but a call to action for better understanding and management of type 1 diabetes. Register for the 2024 Boca Symposium for Metabolic Health here.

In the latest episode of the LowCarbUSA® Podcast, host Doug Reynolds sits down with renowned health influencer Dr. Eric Berg, an authoritative figure in the ketogenic diet and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction community. This engaging interview explores Dr. Berg's personal health journey, his professional insights, and the global impact of his work. He candidly shares his transformation from a junk food enthusiast to a keto diet advocate. His personal health struggles in his late 20s led him to discover the life-changing benefits of the keto diet. This revelation not only alleviated his own health issues but also sparked a deep interest in nutrition and low-carb diets. He has a massive online presence, with over 28 million subscribers across his YouTube channels. He emphasizes the importance of making complex medical information accessible to the general public. He has successfully done this through his simple, easy-to-understand explanations of nutritional concepts and is the author of the popular book The Healthy Keto Plan. Doug talks with Dr. Berg about his enormous reach in non-English speaking countries. His channels in Arabic, Russian, and Taiwanese, among others, show the universal appeal of the keto message. Dr. Berg's efforts in providing translated content demonstrate his commitment to spreading health awareness globally.  He shares his unique approach to content creation, focusing on topics that resonate with his audience and exploring new, sometimes unconventional, aspects of nutrition and health. His dedication to continuous learning and providing fresh, research-based information has helped build a robust, engaged community. Listeners will be excited to hear about Dr. Berg's upcoming participation in the upcoming LowCarbUSA Symposium for Metabolic Health conferences in Boca Raton and San Diego. Learn more about the Symposium and register here. Connect with Dr. Eric Berg: YouTube Website Instagram Facebook Twitter

Sangeetha Aiyer, MHP, an accredited Metabolic Health Practitioner based in Mumbai, recently joined host Doug Reynolds on the LowCarbUSA® Podcast, sharing her inspiring journey and profound insights about metabolic health, sustainable fat loss, fitness and more.  In her 40s and a mother to a teenager, Sangeetha embodies the everyday struggles and triumphs of a working woman balancing family life. Her quest for health began with a common goal: weight loss. However, this objective soon evolved into a pursuit of optimal health and fitness, transcending the superficialities of mere physical appearance.  Her approach, 'Rewrite Your Story,' is a testament to her belief in the power of personal transformation through informed choices in diet and fitness. In the podcast, she discusses her personal health challenges, including battling PCOS and pre-diabetes. She candidly discusses the limitations of conventional advice and her transformative journey through the adoption of a low-carb, ketogenic lifestyle.   "I went from being pre-diabetic and overweight to reversing my PCOS and achieving my high school weight,” said Sangeetha. “It was not just about vanity but understanding that something deeper was happening with my health."  She explained to Doug that finding a path to good health required her to challenge much of what she had been taught about health and nutrition.  "The ketogenic lifestyle was a complete overturn of what mainstream advice had told me. Embracing animal protein and saturated fat was crucial in my journey towards health,” she said. She talked with Doug about the intricacies of tailoring nutrition plans for diverse dietary preferences, particularly focusing on Indian vegetarian diets. She emphasized the importance of restructuring the traditional food pyramid to suit individual needs. For pure vegetarians, she advocates a diet rich in dairy products, supplemented by whey protein, and a balanced intake of lentils, legumes, non-starchy vegetables, and low-carb fruits.  A significant challenge she addresses is catering to vegetarians who are also lactose intolerant. In such cases, she resorts to soy-based products like tofu and tempeh, despite her reservations about soy. She acknowledges the challenges in managing diets for individuals with specific health issues like gluten intolerance and advocates for personalized approaches based on one's tolerance and metabolic markers. Sangeetha stressed the importance of sharing transformative health stories and success cases, especially relating to Indian cuisine adapted to low-carb diets. "Sharing success stories and adaptations of Indian cuisine to low-carb diets is crucial. It's not about eliminating carbs but changing your plate proportion to prioritize protein and healthy options."  Her insights reflect a deep understanding of the complexities of dietary preferences and the importance of customizing nutrition plans. Her focus on education, adaptation, and gradual changes offers a realistic and inclusive approach to healthier eating habits. Connect with Sangeetha Aiyer: Twitter Instagram Website

In the latest episode of the LowCarbUSA® podcast, host Doug Reynolds engages in a fascinating conversation with Hal Cranmer, the visionary behind A Paradise for Parents Senior Living, based in Arizona.  Hal's career journey, which began in the Air Force and traversed through the realms of corporate operations and real estate, took a life-changing turn when he stepped into the world of assisted living. Inspired by his personal experiences of caring for his aging relatives, including an uncle who battled Lou Gehrig's Disease, Hal transformed his real estate acumen into a mission to revolutionize elder care. He discuses with Doug his commitment to providing exceptional care, regardless of the complexity of residents' needs. From basic assistance to advanced memory care, his facility pledges the same level of compassionate care that his uncle received, treating each resident as a valued member of their extended family.  He goes on to describe his unique approach to enhancing metabolic health and fitness in the older population. He shares enlightening perspectives on therapeutic carbohydrate reduction, a method he passionately advocates for in improving the quality of life for the elderly.  Hal's approach to senior care goes beyond traditional methods, focusing on a model that integrates diet and exercise as key components of health. His observations about the detrimental effects of sedentary lifestyles and poor diets among the elderly have led to revolutionary changes in his facilities. By reducing sugary desserts and unhealthy foods, and incorporating regular physical activities, he has seen a significant improvement in the overall health of his residents. This includes a remarkable reduction in the need for medications. His own personal journey with dietary changes adds an authentic layer to his advocacy. Adopting a predominantly animal-based, low-carb diet himself, he experienced firsthand the benefits of this lifestyle change, which he describes as rejuvenating. This personal transformation not only strengthens his belief in the diet's efficacy but also provides a relatable example for others to follow. Perhaps most striking are the improvements he has observed in residents with chronic conditions, particularly diabetes and dementia. By managing blood sugar levels through diet, he has witnessed a decrease in insulin dependency among diabetic residents. Moreover, his concerns about the rising rates of Alzheimer's and dementia underscore his commitment to preventative health measures. He emphasizes the potential of dietary intervention in slowing down, or even preventing, the onset of these conditions. "It's not just about adding years to life, but adding life to years,” says Hal, whose dedication to combating chronic illnesses in the elderly through diet is particularly evident when he discusses the potential of therapeutic diets to manage conditions like type 2 diabetes.  He notes the significance of early intervention, stating, "Alzheimer's begins developing long before symptoms appear, often starting in the 30s and 40s." His proactive approach is exemplified in his success story of a resident whose dementia improved dramatically after six months on a ketogenic diet, underscoring the importance of nutrition in managing cognitive decline. Physical activity is another cornerstone of Hal's philosophy. He challenges the conventional wisdom of restricting movement to prevent falls among the elderly. Instead, he advocates for strengthening exercises and outdoor activities, understanding that physical and mental health are deeply interconnected.  "I tell people, the way I want people to not fall is we make them strong enough that they don't fall," Cranmer explains, highlighting the empowering aspect of his approach. This combination of diet and exercise has led to significant improvements in the residents' motivation and overall health. Implementing these lifestyle changes has not been without challenges, particularly resistance from some families and the medical community. Hal points out the irony in how unhealthy foods are readily accepted, while healthier options like the ketogenic diet are often viewed as unconventional. Despite these hurdles, he remains committed to his vision of improving elderly care through a holistic approach.  The most compelling evidence of his success comes from the stories of residents who have dramatically improved under his care. He shares heartwarming anecdotes, such as the 98-year-old resident who, after regaining health and vitality, was able to enjoy a cruise with his family. These stories are not just about medical improvements but also about restoring dignity and joy to the lives of seniors.  "In the eight years I've been doing this, I've sent seven people home that got well enough that they could live at home," Hal proudly shares. Connect with Hal Cranmer: Twitter: A Paradise for Parents  Facebook: https://aparadiseforparents.com Email list signup: https://fightmemoryloss.com Instagram: Assisted_Living_Hal_Cranmer

In a compelling LowCarbUSA® podcast interview with host Doug Reynolds, Dr. Roshani Sanghani shares her multifaceted approach to managing a wide range of health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, weight management, and other metabolic health conditions. An American board-certified endocrinologist, Dr. Sanghani brings 15 years of clinical experience to the table, alongside her own personal journey as a patient of hypothyroidism and pre-diabetes. This personal touch allows her a deep understanding of the struggles many patients face, including medication's side effects and escalating doses. Her philosophy? The true "magic pill" is lifestyle change.  Her medical journey is as layered as her approach to healthcare. She grew up between Chicago and Mumbai, completing her medical training in both cities. Her career took a transformative turn when she encountered a type 2 diabetes patient with a dangerously high HbA1c level who refused insulin. "In a patient compliance model, the doctor holds the power and tells the patient what to do,” she told Doug. “I've worked to flip that to a patient empowerment model, where my knowledge as a doctor can empower the patient to decide what they want to do for themselves."  To bolster her approach, Dr. Sanghani became a certified diabetes educator in the U.S., subsequently launching culturally relevant diabetes education classes in Mumbai. "I want to help you make lifestyle changes to reduce your medication,” she emphasized. One of her key strategies is addressing the nutritional imbalances many patients face, particularly in India, where vegetarianism is culturally prevalent. "One of the biggest challenges we have is protein deficiency," she noted. To tackle this and other chronic conditions more effectively, she shifted from "one-off" doctor visits to a model of ongoing, three-to-six-month coaching programs. She also calls attention to broader challenges in healthcare, particularly in India, criticizing a traditional, reactive model that is ill-suited for lifestyle-induced chronic diseases.  While discussing the evolving attitudes toward a lifestyle-based approach to healthcare, she admitted her own evolving perspective. "I've sat across from patients probably until 2014, till my eyes opened. I used to convince patients they needed insulin therapy for progressive type 2 diabetes because I just didn't know better."  She is forthright about the complexities of behavior change, calling it a piece that's often missing in healthcare. "Behavior change is extremely complex.  So I took The SMHP™ training to be part of this community and am also working aggressively on coaching techniques." In summary, this interview provides a captivating look at a patient-centered, lifestyle-focused approach to healthcare. It presents a compelling case for a paradigm shift—one that empowers patients rather than merely prescribing to them. This podcast is a must-listen for those interested in sustainable healthcare solutions that tackle root causes instead of solely treating symptoms. You can find her on Instagram @roshanisanghani and through her website.

In a revealing LowCarbUSA podcast interview with host Doug Reynolds, Dr. Diljan Mansoor shares the inspiring yet challenging journey that led him to become an advocate for low-carb diets as a treatment for metabolic illnesses. Dr. Mansoor, who is also known as Dr. Kurt, is an internal medicine doctor who is Nepal's first low carb practitioner. His journey into low-carb nutrition was deeply personal and profoundly influenced by his father's medical struggles, which included type 2 diabetes and kidney damage. "My dad was hypertensive and diabetic, and despite everything I learned in med school, I couldn't control his hyperglycemia,” he said. “There was a complication and I lost my dad." This tragic loss left him questioning the medical practices he'd been taught and subsequently sparked his interest in alternative approaches to treating conditions like diabetes and hypertension. His search led him to discover low-carb community experts, including Dr. Jason Fung. “I started digging into this low carb community, and I decided in my post-graduation I'm going to work as a low-carb doctor," he said. Challenging the conventional wisdom around diabetes treatment, Dr. Mansoor focused on preventative measures to stop diabetes from progressing into kidney disease. Dr. Mansoor's clinic in Kathmandu soon boasted more than 6,000 patients benefiting from a low-carb, high-fat diet approach. "Things were beyond my imagination," he said. "I was tapering them off medication, taking them off medication, it was like a miracle for me.” His clinic specialized in group counseling sessions for patients suffering from metabolic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions associated with poor dietary habits. The setting not only allowed him to reach and educate more patients simultaneously but also fostered a sense of community among those struggling with similar health issues. However, his non-conventional approach attracted scrutiny from regulatory authorities. They forced the clinic to shut down for three months, citing the absence of scientific papers supporting the low-carb, high-fat diet that he advocated. "They asked me to do counseling one on one. That's what they want me to do," he said. He finally reopened his clinic, and he now conducts one-on-one sessions, still committed to helping metabolically ill patients improve their health through dietary intervention, albeit at a smaller scale. Despite these limitations, his dedication to his patients and his belief in the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in medicine remain steadfast. Doug took this opportunity to ask Dr. Mansoor if there was anything that can be done to help him as he encounters resistance from authorities in his country. Dr. Mansoor stressed that he will continue to help as many people as he can within the constraints that have been placed on him. He is hopeful for the future, believing that increasing evidence will continue to tip the scales in favor of low-carb diets and metabolic health. "Maybe this is new for my country, but gradually people are going to understand what is happening," he said. The interview serves as an eye-opening journey through the complexities medical practitioners face around the world when advocating alternative health practices.

Host Doug Reynolds welcomes Shashikant Iyengar and Anup Singh to the podcast to discuss their contributions to metabolic health in India, and the upcoming Metabolic Health India Conference slated to take place October 27-29, 2023.  Metabolic Health India will be available for live streaming across the globe.  This resource is being made available at no charge. Shashikant, who is the creator of the Metabolic Health India, was the first Metabolic Health Practitioner accredited by the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners in India. Singh is the founder and CTO of the dLife.in Indian Diabetes Community, and he is working with Iyengar on the organization of this conference. Iyengar talks about his long career in the pharmaceutical industry before devoting his primary focus to metabolic health and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction. After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2015, he went in search of alternative ways to manage the condition. That led him to low-carb, high-fat diets. With guidance from Singh, he saw his HbA1c levels drop from 7.2 to 5.2 in a month. Impressed with the results and armed with multiple certifications, he transitioned into health coaching in November 2022. Anup Singh, also a Type 2 diabetic, went a different route, adopting a 100 grams per day carb limit. Though he faced skepticism from the medical community, his HbA1c dropped to 5.0 in May 2011, underscoring the effectiveness of his approach. He emphasized that the challenges of adopting a low-carb diet in India are cultural, given the heavy reliance on carbohydrates in the traditional diet. Both guests discussed the cultural difficulties of implementing low-carb or keto diets in India. Iyengar pointed out that different Indian regions have unique dietary patterns, making it complicated to offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Anup stressed that while the western model of low-carb is difficult to implement in India, he has found success in adapting the approach to suit Indian palates. The podcast ended with a discussion of the upcoming Metabolic Health India Conference, which aims to bring more awareness and resources to the low-carb community in India. Both guests are enthusiastic about their roles in helping people navigate metabolic health challenges in India and look forward to sharing their experiences at the upcoming conference.  

Tune in for a compelling episode of the LowCarbUSA podcast featuring guest Dr. Laura Buchanan, a board-certified family medicine physician who graduated valedictorian from the University of Florida College of Medicine. Dr. Buchanan recently completed her family medicine residency at Wake Forest in 2022 and now collaborates with Dr. Tro Kalayjian at Dr. Tro's Medical Weight Loss and Direct Primary Care. Both serve on the board of directors at the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (The SMHP™). In this episode, host Doug Reynolds and Dr. Buchanan explore the intriguing intersections of longevity, metabolic health, lifestyle changes, and chronic disease management. she offers her unique perspective on lifestyle modification as a first-line standard of care, emphasizing her dual role as a physician: promoting prevention and practicing medicine. This conversation provides invaluable insights into the real-world effectiveness and scientific underpinnings of low-carbohydrate lifestyles. Dr. Buchanan shares critical insights based on her clinical and research experience, stating, "The standard dietary advice has failed us. It's time for a shift in the paradigm." She highlights the transformative outcomes she has witnessed in her patients, adding, "When people understand the 'why' behind nutritional changes, their adherence and success skyrocket." Reynolds complements this perspective by saying, "I've seen countless lives changed, including my own, by just understanding the right way to eat." Dr. Buchanan discusses the advancements and contributions of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners in the field of evidence-based medicine. She highlights the focus on type 1 diabetes in the upcoming 2024 Boca Symposium for Metabolic Health and the organization's efforts to secure ACCME accreditation, which will make it easier for other conferences to earn credits and attract more attendees. Additionally, she talks about the forthcoming Journal of Metabolic Health, aimed at expediting the dissemination of new research in the areas of ketosis and carbohydrate reduction. She mentions mentoring programs designed to guide people through the process of submitting research papers and case studies. She also reflects on her experiences and frustrations in conventional medicine settings, particularly the resistance to low-carb interventions and dietary advice. She underscores the lack of data supporting conventional beliefs that low-carb or ketogenic diets are harmful, pointing out their efficacy in treating conditions like eating disorders and metabolic diseases. Laura notes a growing interest in metabolic health within the medical community, suggesting that change is happening, albeit slowly. She is also developing a new four-week course focused on diabetes to educate the public about the disease's prevalence and dangers, viewing these educational programs as essential steps toward combating widespread issues like diabetes and insulin resistance.

Dr. Bret Scher joins host Doug Reynolds on the LowCarbUSA® podcast to discuss his role as the director of Metabolic Mind.  A board-certified cardiologist, lipidologist, and therapeutic ketogenic diet expert, Bret has over 20 years of experience as a preventive cardiologist and served as the medical director for Diet Doctor for over three years. Metabolic Mind was founded by Roblox CEO David Baszucki and his wife, author Jan Ellison Baszucki, after their son Matthew recovered from a severe bipolar disorder using ketogenic metabolic therapy.  “They were having a really hard time getting Matthew treated in a way that not only controlled the symptoms, but gave him his life back,” Bret recounts. “There was a point where he was in and out of inpatient treatment facilities and he actually checked himself out and hitchhiked from Oregon down to California. He was homeless, giving away all his possessions, and living behind a dumpster.  These are the stories that often end tragically, but the Baszucki's were fortunate enough to connect with Dr. Chris Palmer, who was able to get Matt started on a ketogenic diet and that's what really turned things around.”  Matthew has been able to slowly get weaned off his medications, and is now living a normal life.  He has completed college and is currently employed full-time in the tech industry. As he continues to gradually reduce his medication dosage, he shows no signs of the debilitating symptoms—mania, depression, or anxiety—that once afflicted him.  You can read Jan Baszucki's account of the family journey here. Bret discusses the growing momentum in the field of metabolic psychiatry. He shares that research is underway, with five different trials being funded by Metabolic Mind, and how the psychiatric community has overwhelmingly welcomed these advances.  “Our brain needs energy, just like the rest of our body needs energy. And just like our body can be insulin resistant, and not be able to use glucose for energy, the same can happen in our brains,” he explains.  Despite the advancements, Bret highlights that there are still physicians with misconceptions about ketogenic diets, often fueled by mainstream media.  “This concern of keto diet equals fat equals high LDL and heart attack just needs to disappear, because that is purely false,” he states, citing data from Dr. Shivani Sethi and Dr. Ian Campbell that debunks this notion. Bret discusses the complex science behind how ketosis can benefit the brain. He points out that ketones can serve as alternative fuel sources to significantly improve brain function, reduce neuroinflammation, and balance neurotransmitters.  He emphasizes the critical role of education, pointing out that the knowledge of metabolic therapies is often missing from medical schools and residencies, creating a barrier for wider adoption. He hopes to disseminate this information to both clinicians and the public. Later in the interview Bret draws an analogy between the growing acceptance of the keto diet for type 2 diabetes and the growing interest in metabolic psychiatry.  “That's how we start to build this movement to really just help more people, right. That's the ultimate goal. We want more people being treated in this fashion to help them get their lives back,” he concludes, calling for collective efforts to make a lasting impact. Doug and Bret conclude the interview with a discussion about plans to organize a special focus day for Metabolic Health in San Diego on metabolic therapies for mental illnesses at a future Symposium for Metabolic Health.

Dr. Chris Knobbe joins host Doug Reynolds on the LowCarbUSA® podcast to discuss his work researching the impacts of Westernized diets and highly polyunsaturated vegetable oils on health. Dr. Knobbe, an internationally recognized expert on diet and health, will deliver a presentation titled “Omega-6 Apocalypse: Vegetable Oils, Overweight, and Chronic Disease – What's the Evidence?” at the 8th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health held August 17-20, 2023. In this engaging interview, Dr. Knobbe talks with Doug about the seed oils and other dietary culprits behind the growing epidemic of obesity and metabolic disease. He discusses his research linking processed foods and vegetable oils to not only widespread chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, cancers, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, and autoimmune diseases, but also age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness in people over the age of 50, globally. If you're interested in the intersection of diet and disease, or simply want to better understand the true impact of your food choices, this episode is not to be missed. Dr. Knobbe dissects the potentially catastrophic effects of modern dietary habits and offers insightful perspectives that could change the way we view our plates – and our health – forever. Dr. Knobbe discusses the deleterious effects of seed oils, particularly their contribution to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and more. He argues that while refined sugars and flours are problematic, he is especially concerned with the role of seed oils in the worsening health statistics we're seeing. Doug pushes back on Chris's view that seed oils may have an even bigger role in our metabolic health crisis than even sugar and other processed carbohydrates, and a fascinating discussion ensues.

Paul Kolodzik, MD joins host Doug Reynolds on the LowCarbUSA® podcast to talk about his new book, The Continuous Glucose Monitor Revolution for Nondiabetics: Lose Weight, Look Great, and Live Longer with Continuous Glucose Monitoring (https://www.amazon.com/Continuous-Glucose-Monitor-Revolution-Monitoring-ebook/dp/B0C4MP8MJN/&tag=lcu-20/). Dr. Kolodzik is a double board-certified emergency and metabolic-health physician with 30 years of experience. During his 25 years in emergency medicine he treated victims of motor vehicle accidents, shootings and overdoses, but he was always astonished by the number of patients whose hospitalization was due to conditions related to vascular issues and obesity.  He believes a large percentage of these conditions are preventable, but only if patients receive the necessary information and treatment in time.  “Preventative health can address the majority of disease,” he said, “and it often boils down to two things: blood sugars being too high, and being overweight.” Five years ago, Dr. Kolodzik opened a private practice, Metabolic MD, based in Ohio, to help patients with preventative measures that can help them improve their metabolic health and achieve sustainable weight loss.  As a private-practice metabolic MD, Dr. Kolodzik has used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to help thousands of patients lose weight and prevent and reverse disease. The success he's seen with patients in his practice inspired him to write The Continuous Glucose Monitoring Revolution. “The device (CGM) itself can be life changing,” said Dr. Kolodzik. “After you eat that cake, and see the spike in blood glucose, you can never unsee it.”  He and his team are able to monitor patient data remotely and in real time. Just two weeks of data from a CGM can provide enough valuable information to develop a comprehensive plan that can lead patients to sustained weight loss and improved metabolic health, including improvements in a1C and lipid levels.  “Once a patient experiences using a CGM, they get a great sense about what is going on with their physiology,” he says “The data they see as a result of what they put in their mouth is amazing. A light bulb goes off in their head – they understand for the first time what's going on with their body and why they're overweight, and why diabetes runs in their family, and it provides them with the basis for intervention – people get religion real quick looking at this data.” Dr. Kolodzik stressed that while CGMs have been used most often by diabetes patients who use insulin, the value to those who have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes can be enormous. He suggested patients look for a metabolic health provider with the expertise to guide them through the entire process. In the United States and many other countries, a prescription is required to obtain a CGM, so the provider can help with that as well (https://thesmhp.org/directory/). Easiest place to find the book is on Amazon and it will be out on Audible any day now.

Babs, who is also known as “The Healthy Cheese Lady”  is currently writing a book about healthy cheeses, and she spends much of her time educating people about the nutritional benefits cheeses can provide. She is determined to let people know that for far too long we have been misinformed and lied to by so-called nutritional and medical experts who told us that saturated fat has no place in a healthy diet and to avoid eating cheese.  “The guidelines for a healthy diet have been killing us since the late 70's,” said Babs, who has used her anger to motivate her to spread her message to as many people as possible. She discusses with Doug the differences between industrial cheeses and farmstead cheeses, and some of the ways a consumer can determine which cheeses are best for their health.   Babs talks about her Texas Cheese Tour, a journey she wrote about after traveling across the state in 2012 and 2013 to find out why and how great cheese is made. The tour included interviews with chefs, cheese store owners, dairy farmers, restaurant owners, marketing specialists, professional cheesemakers, and one home cheesemaker. During her tour, Babs learned interesting behind-the-scenes details about animals, cheese nutrition, and the cheesemaking process.  In addition to working on her book about healthy cheeses (no publication date has yet been announced), Babs is currently gearing up for a Keto Cheese Diet she plans to launch via Zoom in February (check her Facebook page for details).

We talk with Shashikant Iyengar who recently became the first First Metabolic Health Practitioner (MHP) in India. A Mumbai native, Shashi  reversed his type 2 diabetes in less than 4 months. After more than 2 decades as a pharma rep, he adopted low-carb diet and launched a health coaching business. Shashi is the first in India to receive accreditation from the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (The SMHP™).

LowCarbUSA® and Society of Metabolic Health founder Doug Reynolds has often talked about the importance of making therapeutic carbohydrate restriction available to as wide an audience as possible, in spite of any cultural, religious, ethical, or other differences.  “We don't want to exclude anyone from reaping the benefits of a low-carb, ketogenic lifestyle, regardless of their differences,” Doug said. “We are enthusiastic to learn that there is a book like this that provides recipes that are healthy and delicious, while meeting the needs of those who choose to follow a vegetarian way of eating.” In Episode 101 of the LowCarbUSA® Podcast, Doug talks with Vasudha Viswanath, a lifelong vegetarian and passionate home cook, whose new book, The Vegetarian Reset: 75 Low-Carb, Plant-Forward Recipes from Around the World, will hit bookshelves January 17, 2023.  "In The Vegetarian Reset, we take a little trip around the world to draw inspiration from an array of traditional cuisines. Learn to cook creative and flavorful vegetarian meals that are low-carb and high-protein, such as recipes for zucchini bread from scratch, paella with cauliflower rice, or paneer transformed into gnocchi!"  Whether you already follow a low-carb lifestyle, or simply want to add more healthy dishes into your diet, discover the tools to reset your plant-forward palate with these 75 recipes. Vasudha is not only the author of The Vegetarian Reset, she is the founder of We Ate Well (www.v8well.com), a community for vegetarian foodies that puts nutrition back in focus. She has been a lifelong vegetarian and passionate home cook. Her journey into eating healthy started after the results of a physical revealed that her A1C level identified her as pre-diabetic.  “I had always thought of myself as fit and healthy,” Vasudha said. “I never thought I could get a diagnosis like that. I found myself asking, ‘What am I supposed to eat?'”  She subsequently transformed the way she cooks to cut out excessive starch and sugar and has never felt better.  “The world is running in this plant-based direction,” she said, “but the focus is on highly processed products like fake meat and refined grains. Eating plant-based doesn't automatically make you healthy. For any diet to be sustainable long-term, you need to get the right nutrients.” You can order The Vegetarian Reset on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Reset-Low-Carb-Plant-Forward-Recipes/dp/1685550371/&tag=lcu-20 Vasudha Viswanath on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/v8well/ Follow Vasudha Viswanath on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/v8well

As they were gearing up for the Symposium for Metabolic Health in Boca Raton (https://www.lowcarbusa.org/smhp-symposiums/) - their 18th conference over the past eight incredible years - they decided to celebrate their 100th episode of the LowCarbUSA® Podcast with a look back at how they got here. In Episode 100, they talk about how they first learned about the low-carb/ketogenic lifestyle, and how they got the idea to organize the first Symposium for Metabolic Health in 2016. They also discuss the creation of the Clinical Guidelines (https://thesmhp.org/clinical-guidelines/), the formation of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (The SMHP), the free resources available from both LowCarbUSA and The SMHP, the Metabolic Health Practitioner (MHP) accreditation process (https://thesmhp.org/membership-account/membership-levels/), and much more, including many of their hopes and dreams for the future! After the very first conference in San Diego, in 2016, we really started to realize how much this meant for the healthcare professional. And we really knew that's where we wanted to focus and make sure that healthcare professionals were aware of this information, first of all, and second of all, that there were conferences and training where they could come to learn all about it.

Annette Bosworth, MD (Dr. Boz) shares her ‘accidental' discovery of ketosis while helping her mom battle cancer.  "In my best prayers, we were hoping for a 50% reduction of her cancer & it went down 70%", she said.  "I thought I was giving her the best care possible & what I was missing was something cheap, easy, safe & effective." Dr. Boz explains that in the addiction world, the single biggest predictor of continued sobriety was whether or not the patient regularly attended group meetings.  She felt that it would be the same to help people stick with the ketogenic diet so she now leads regular group meetings to help her keep her patients on track much more effectively. She is the author of Any Way You Can which is the story of her mother's journey and Keto Continuum which you can find out more about on her website as well as all the other programs and stuff she has going on.

LowCarbUSA®  co-founders Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine recently interviewed Tia Reid, who used a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) way of eating to overcome type 2 diabetes, NAFLD, hypertension, obesity, GERD, and more. Tia sustainably lost 85 pounds and came off 20 medications, after finding Dr. Robert Cywes, MD, PhD, who advised her to end her "love affair with carbs." "I really did think I was going to die," said Tia, "but low-carb, high-fat nutrition healed my body. Type 2 diabetes doesn't have to be chronic and progressive." Tia works as Director of Nutritional Services at a local critical access hospital, and she has been able to incorporate low-carb/keto foods into the food options offered to staff at the hospital. Tia has earned her SMHP Metabolic Health Practitioner (MHP) accreditation, as well as certifications focused in LCHF/Keto Nutrition, Diabetes Reversal and Food Addiction, and she is SUGAR Certified and licensed through Bitten Addiction. Doug and Pam talked with Tia about the upcoming Symposium for Metabolic Health to be held in Boca Raton, Florida, January 13-15. The event will also include a Bonus Clinical Workshop on Carbohydrate Addiction for practitioners who are able to arrive early – to be held on the afternoon of Thursday, January 12, in addition to an entire day dedicated to the topic of carb addiction during the main presentations. During their conversation, Doug, Pam and Tia referenced an 11-chapter series of videos featuring Dr. Cywes. The series is titled Diabetes Understood, and is available for free on the LowCarbUSA® website. You can connect with Tia using the following links: Instagram - @ReidTia Twitter - @Tia_Foodqueen Facebook - Tia Birchler Reid LinkedIn - Tia Reid, CDM, CFPP, MHP

LowCarbUSA co-founders Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine interviewed Tracey McBeath, The Health & Healing Coach who lives in Melbourne, Australia. Tracey totally changed her lifestyle at age 40 after a fatty liver and prediabetes diagnosis and is now a Nutrition Network lecturer, qualified personal trainer, and the founder of the Low Carb Lifestyle Hub.  She is also is the author of the book, 'You Have Today'. Tracey has now put on a couple of summits as well and they discuss the upcoming Men's Health Matters Series to be held by the Low Carb Nutrition Hub on November 12, 19, & 20. The event is available for live streaming and recordings are available for purchase. You can find  all her stuff on her website at: https://traceymcbeath.com.au/

We speak with Pete Delannoy, PhD, a highly trained biochemist, certified Primal Health Coach, and Nutrition Network Advisor in the application of the keto lifestyle to put gout in remission, reverse diabetes, and help clients lose weight. In this compelling interview, Pete discusses many issues, including: the relationship between the glucose-centric model of insulin resistance and fructose/uric acid metabolism. working to have more research conducted on the causes and treatments of gout. making people aware of the fact that when someone is suffering from gout, there is almost no chance that they are not suffering from one or more chronic diseases. "We cannot look at gout like it's a bastard stepchild," said Pete. "A gout sufferer needs to be analyzed for their complete blood panel. 74% of gout sufferers have high blood pressure, 71% have kidney disease, 25% have diabetes, and approximately 15% have cardiovascular disease.  We need to start asking questions about the role hyperglycemia plays, and we need to understand to a much greater degree how these biochemical pathways are all related." "By shifting to a low-carb diet and monitoring uric acid, about 50% of the people with gout can put it into remission."

LowCarbUSA®  Founder and CEO Doug Reynolds recently had an encouraging conversation with Tro Kalayjian, DO and Laura Buchanan, MD, MHP, about developing low-carb/keto resources for practitioners and patients. The interview is now available as Episode 95 of the LowCarbUSA® podcast. Dr. Tro is on the Board of Directors of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (The SMHP) and a well-known practitioner in the world of therapeutic carbohydrate restriction (TCR) and metabolic health. He runs Tro's Medical Weight Loss & Direct Primary Care in Tappan, NY. Laura Buchanan recently completed her third year of residency and has joined The SMHP board of directors, with a goal of helping to to provide resources for future medical students and residents, whose careers could be shaped by having more formal education about how TCR can be used to treat obesity, reverse type 2 diabetes, and improve metabolic health.  Laura recently joined Dr. Tro's practice, where she began seeing patients just last week. Doug spoke with Tro and Laura about their hopes of developing a community where practitioners, many of whom are working in solo practices, can work cooperatively to create information, policies, and support systems to make it easier and more efficient to build a business that can help greater numbers of patients.  “I've always been passionate about developing information doctors can use to better serve their patients,” said Dr. Tro. “The question we need to ask is how can we work together in a way that makes the process easier and more efficient? An important part of that involves providing more resources and opportunities for new doctors.” In an article published last March (https://thesmhp.org/low-carb-couple-smhp/), Laura and her husband, Dr. Matt Calkins, spoke with The SMHP about the lack of education medical students receive in the area of nutrition, especially anything related to low-carb or ketogenic diets.  They are both members of The SMHP's Resources Committee (Matt is the committee chair), which was formed to curate resources on nutrition and metabolic health, and then work with medical students, residencies, and clinicians to integrate them into their educational programs and daily practices. During the podcast interview, Laura explained how she relied on the LowCarbMD podcast over the past several years to learn about TCR. The hope is that future medical students will be able to learn about these therapies as part of their formal curriculum, and that easy-to-access information, supported by scientific evidence and reliable research, will be available to any practitioner who needs it.  The interview provides a great deal of reason for optimism, as opportunities in the world of TCR become more accessible to new doctors like Laura.   Dr. Tro and Laura detailed many of the successes that are occurring everyday for patients, including drastic weight loss, reductions in A1C, reversal of type 2 diabetes, and de-prescription of medications. On a more sobering note, they discussed the many challenges doctors face, including insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and food manufacturers. Perhaps most discouraging was the news that the West Virginia hospital Dr. Mark Cucuzzella convinced to stop selling sugary beverages, recently reversed that decision.

James and Doug discuss the health benefits of organ meats, and the fact that their consumption, particularly in the U.S., has declined over the past several decades. This is unfortunate, according to James, and is due in part to several misconceptions people have about organ meat. “Organ meats are the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, and we're not eating them,” He said. “In essence, organ meats are Mother Nature's multivitamin. I believe that eating nose to tail is one of the most important things in a person's diet. Currently 92% of the U.S. population is nutrient deficient.” James explained how we miss out on benefits when we only eat muscle meat and skip the organs. He also acknowledged that many people fear the taste of organ meat or have some other reason for avoiding it. He said one common misperception is that consuming organs will result in vitamin toxicity, such as from too much Vitamin A. “That's actually not true,” said James. “When the vitamins are coming from a whole food source, the body will absorb what it needs, and get rid of what it doesn't need.”  “Another myth you hear a lot with organ meats is that organs are the processing and storage site for toxins, and that's actually incorrect as well,” he said. “Organs are more like a filter than a sponge. Their job is to process and convert potentially toxic byproducts into more water soluble forms that can be excreted.” James developed Pluck as the perfect gateway into eating organs because it doesn't taste like organ meat. “What you taste is the savory, deliciousness of umami (the fifth taste). Eating organs support the health of your organs.”  He explained that the nutritious Pluck seasoning tastes great and will help even picky eaters develop a liking for organ meats. He said that consuming the Pluck seasoning consistently was a form of micro-dosing that would confer nutritional benefits, and that a reasonable goal would be to eventually add organs to the diet for maximum benefits.

LowCarbUSA®  Founder and CEO Doug Reynolds had a fascinating conversation about ketone dosing with BioSense Chief Medical Officer Naomi Parella, MD, and BioSense President and CEO Jim Howard. If you've ever been interested in easily measuring and tracking your level of nutritional ketosis over time, and in using these results to help you better manage your metabolic health and fat burning , you will be fascinated by Episode 93 of the LowCarbUSA® Podcast. The Biosense® device measures breath acetone, which is produced as a byproduct of ketogenesis. The concentration of acetone in the breath indicates one's level of nutritional ketosis. The Biosense® system is intended for self-testing of acetone and is intended for home (lay user) or professional use in the management of patients seeking to reach or maintain nutritional ketosis. Dr. Parrella is a family physician and obesity medicine specialist. She is a nationally recognized expert and frequently invited speaker, educator and strategist for universities, hospitals, communities, and businesses. An Associate Professor in both the Department of Family Medicine and the Department of Surgery, she is the Chief of Lifestyle Medicine, the Medical Director for Rush University's Center for Weight Loss and Lifestyle Medicine, and the Director of Strategic Planning and Implementation within the Department of Surgery. Jim Howard is a 27-year MedTech executive focused on value creation with novel approaches to patient care. He is passionate about behavioral changes in chronic diseases, putting healthcare in the hands of patients. Throughout his career, Jim has had great success scaling companies and attracting capital with disruptive digital health and software devices, including AR/VR, genomics, cardiovascular, and clinical decision support. He has used non-traditional strategies in the successful development of global health tech companies. You can connect with BioSense on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or on their website.

Ede Fox, aka. The Black Carnivore discusses how by 2015 she had reached an all time high weight of 246 lbs, she was in a lot of pain and decided she really need to do something about it.  She had a go at the keto diet and found that even before she really lost a lot of weight, the pain was going away and the brain fog lifted and her life was improving immensely.  She went on to lose about 80 lbs which she was really happy with but continued to suffer from certain health problems that she learned had cleared up for a lot of other keto diet adopters, but not for her.  Her asthma and eczema and other allergies were still uncontrolled and she was taking a bunch of medications to control them. She started to hear about the carnivore diet and she first decided to try a beef and butter diet she had heard about.  It was supposed to be for 3 days but she decided to do it for 2 weeks and by day 2 she said she felt phenomenal.  All her allergies cleared up and she knew that this was going to be home base for her, diet wise from then on.  She's gone on to create a community for other black people who wanted to try this way of eating to provide the support they really need.  You can reach out to her for help or to learn more on Instagram @BlackCarnivore.

Today we talk with Brett Ender (aka @MrSollozzo) and hear how he reversed debilitating ulcerative colitis by adopting a carnivore diet.  He had started to notice symptoms while at college but while serving an internship after that and commuting 4 hours a day by train to and from New York City.  He started to notice more and more blood in his stool but was too embarrassed to mention it to anyone and just assumed it would heal on its own.  But it just got worse and worse and at its peak he was going to the bathroom 30 times or more a day and effectively he was just passing straight blood!  Finally he tells a doctor and ends up on a drug called REMICADE which does help but it is $65,000 per infusion and he is told he will need an infusion every 6 - 8 weeks for the rest of his life. Then he stared to hear that a carnivore diet approach might help him and when he heard doctors like Shawn Baker talk about it he though it might be worth trying.  He started to notice improvements .  Before long all his symptoms had evaporated.  But he was still on the REMICADE and experiencing a lot of bad side effects from it.  He had to work really hard to convince his doctor to take him off it but finally he did and it's been plain sailing every since!!

Doug Reynolds interviews Frank Llosa about his new concept of hard ketones.  It comes in the form of R1,3-Butanediol, an alcohol without the toxicity and side effects of the ethanol contained in beer, wine, and hard liquor (visit This Page to enjoy a 15% discount at checkout). Frank, who competed as an elite Division 1 track athlete, is well known for his ketone ester product, KetoneAid KE4 Pro, a performance-enhancing drink used by many elite athletes and others.  By splitting off the R1,3-Butanediol molecule from the ester molecule you essentially have something which, while technically an alcohol, contains no ethanol with all it's toxic side effects.  It is billed as the “World's First Ketogenic, Ethanol-Free Alcohol”. The beverage contains no sugar, no carbs, and only 75 calories (100% from the alcohol).   Most people who consume it get that chilled feeling, according to Frank,  It's more of a relaxed state compared to that experienced when consuming an ethanol based drink. It raises blood ketones 5 times more per gram than MCT oils. Frank explains that some of his customers are using R1,3 as a way to transition away from traditional alcoholic beverages.  During the interview, Doug explains his own experience with the R1,3 Selzer (he tried three cans) and describes the product's effects.

At a time when nearly 90 percent of our human population is metabolically unhealthy, we were extremely interested to meet Jaron Lucas, who has devoted his career to helping dogs regain their health through proper nutrition.  Jaron sat down with LowCarbUSA® co-founder Doug Reynolds for an incredibly informative podcast interview. After personally discovering many of the health benefits after implementing a ketogenic diet for himself, Jaron wondered if he could use what he learned to improve the health of his own dog by changing the formulation of the food he served. “I discovered that the pet food industry is a very large industry with many really terrible products in it, including dry kibble. After doing a good amount of research, I started to believe strongly that we could create something better.” So he co-founded the Yumwoof Natural Pet Food company along with two others who, like him, had spent years working in the tech industry. The stated mission of their company is to increase the health span of dogs through the creation of healthy food for dogs.  “We went back, and we looked at NIH studies that have been done over the last 10 to 15 years,” said Jaron, “and we looked at the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) dog food nutrient profiles with the goal of creating an industry-leading low carb dog food.” He discovered that many of the most popular brands of dog food are loaded with nearly 50% carbohydrates, a fact that does not align well with the primarily meat-based diet that dogs historically consumed.  “One of my biggest pet peeves in the pet food industry is the marketing lie that rice and potatoes are good for your dog,” said Jaron. “There no scientific evidence to show that dogs were digging potatoes out of the ground and eating them. They're just chains of simple sugar molecules that raise blood insulin levels, and cause the same kind of damage in dogs as they do in humans.” He talked with Doug about the surging rates of obesity in dogs, which he says is caused by diets containing too many carbohydrates and the feedings which, in many cases, are too frequent.  “We're seeing a 60% obesity rate in dogs,” he said. “When dogs eat too much (carbs), they can't store it anymore in their fat cells. Diabetes rates have almost doubled over the last 20 years in dogs.” According to an article Jaron recently wrote, “...canine diabetes is up 79% since 2006, 56% of dogs are now classified as obese, and almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer.”  He explained how he and his partners have created a recipe that includes important vitamins and minerals dogs need, as well as other ingredients such as antioxidants and MCT oils.  “Might that help them live longer?” The answer is yes,” said Jaron. “There have been many studies done to show that dogs with more antioxidants in their diet benefit.” Discussing a study that compared dogs that ate a processed diet, (dry kibble) to dogs that ate a natural diet of whole foods, he says, “Unsurprisingly, the group of dogs who were eating whole foods had doubled the microbiome diversity than the other dogs, which is associated with greater longevity,” said Jaron. ”We are trying to apply this latest nutrition evidence to fulfill our company mission of extending the lifespan of all dogs.” He went on to explain how popular dog food companies exploit the current labeling requirements, specifically the fact that carbohydrates do not need to be listed per FDA and AAFCO requirements.  The reason, according to Jaron, is motivated by profit. Carbohydrates in the form of rice and potatoes are cheap, and their use leads to larger margins. he also explained how many brands use ingredients like beef meal, chicken meal, fish meal, and other byproducts to make their products more profitable. “Not a lot of people know this, but beef meal is where they just take the beef bones and put them through a highly processed manufacturing process to extract all the protein that's left. There's a lot of ultra processing going on in the creation of most dry kibble.” “This is a topic that's really important to me,” said Jaron. “The largest pet food companies who manufacture dry kibble are also effectively in control of the regulating body in pet food. I think that a grassroot action is really the only way that we can achieve change.”  He has launched a petition aimed at getting United States lawmakers to add carbohydrate nutritional information to pet food labels. “This is really a passion project for me,” he said, “I think we need to work to bring a greater level of honesty to the pet food industry, for the benefit of consumers and their dogs.

Ken Berry, MD, speaks with LowCarbUSA®  co-founder Doug Reynolds about the proper human diet, as well as the importance of getting to know the people behind the screen, by meeting others in person at live events. Dr. Berry was a presenter at the hugely successful Low Carb Boca Conference, and will be presenting at the upcoming Low Carb San Diego Conference to be held August 25-28. Tickets to the San Diego event are now available at a special early bird price. Use code 'EarlyBirdSD' to save 35% on tickets, spectacular low-carb-dinners, and CME/CMHE credits if you register now. "If you try to feed a highly processed modern diet to us, we get fat, we get sick, we get pre-diabetic, and we get fatty liver," said Dr. Berry. "Well, in that same vein, I think there's a need for human interaction, a need to be part of a tribe, a need to meet new people, and form lasting meaningful relationships in person. I think the research is very clear that that's very important for overall mental health..." Dr. Berry said he believes social media can help people learn about health and nutrition, and can help them make important connections, but ultimately there is no substitute for actually meeting other people in person. "When you meet people in person, it's almost like a family reunion," said Dr. Berry. "It's the coolest thing, you've never met these people in your life, but you feel like you're at a reunion of family or old friends. It's like I've been following you for two years on Instagram, it's so wonderful to meet you in person. I think it takes those social media relationships to the next level, a deeper and more meaningful level. I think it's almost magical." The new relationships one makes at an in-person event can be life-changing, said Dr. Berry.  "You're going to walk away with a cell phone full of new contacts, new cell phone numbers, and new email addresses... I would encourage everyone, if you have not been to one of these low carb events, save up your money, I promise you it is an investment in your long term physical and mental health, to be part of this tribe. Take a friend with you, find a buddy who maybe doesn't live in the same town, but is also interested in low carb and say, Hey, let's go to this thing, let's meet there and make some new friends."  

Martha Tettenborn is a Registered Dietitian and a Health Coach who was going through life quite 'smug with her health' as she puts it until one day she found an unexpected large lump in her abdomen and was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer.  It had ruptured and so she required surgery and then 6 rounds of chemo to take care of any cancer cells that might be floating around and seed new tumours. The thought of the side effects of chemotherapy  terrified her so she started searching for what she could do and she learned that the use of fasting might help to mitigate the side effects of the treatment.  To describe it simply, she says that fasting makes your heathy cells go quiet and the cancer cells can't downregulate and become stressed so the chemo drugs seek them out and leave your healthy cells, which are in 'Stealth Mode', alone for the most part.  So the side effects are drastically reduced and the treatment itself may also be more effective. Martha is not able to function as an RD outside of her home state but she has developed what she calls a Cancer Doula role where she is able to provide support and comfort for anyone going through treatment.  She has written a 'Keto Fasting Protocol' which is available for free on her website She has also just published the book, 'Hacking Chemo' - getting through chemo with a keto diet, targeted therapeutic fasting and a kick ass attitude.

One month after Maggie Jones' 40th birthday, she was diagnosed with terminal, stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to her eye, liver, four tumors in her brain, and more than a dozen lymph nodes throughout her chest, neck and abdomen. Her prognosis of six to eight months with conventional treatment seemed optimistic.  Her doctors were focused on making her comfortable.  She was dying. After doing a bunch of research and adopting a whole new lifestyle and a ketogenic diet she found herself cancer free in just one year.  We talked with her and husband,  Brad Jones, about their incredible journey and how that has led to them taking on a project to make a documentary called 'Cancerevolution' in an attempt to reach as many people as possible that there is hope for people out there who are diagnosed with cancer. Their driving goal is to raise awareness of marginalized but evidence-based metabolic cancer therapies that can be used in conjunction with conventional treatment and can help save lives. The special deal they are offering LowCarbUSA folks is here.  Scroll down a bit and on the right you will see a 'Secret' offer for LowCarbUSA.  For just $25 you get the movie the minute it is released and your pre-payment goes to help fund the graphics and editing efforts to get it all finished.  

Dr. Philip Ovadia is a cardiothoracic surgeon who found himself becoming morbidly obese and running the risk of ending up on his own operating table. He came across the ketogenic diet and the concept of carbohydrate restriction initially at a conference where Gary Taubes was talking.  "What he was saying made a lot of sense", Dr. Ovadia says and so he started researching more and reading Gary's books and in the end adopted the diet and lifestyle changes for himself.  Now he has lost more than 100 lbs and has taken his health back. On top of his surgery practice, he now has a lifestyle consulting business where he helps people to get healthy and stay off his operating table.  He has written a book to that effect, "Stay Of My Operating Table", and you can learn more about him and even get in touch with him through his website.

This is such an amazing story!  Bethany McKenzie is a mom on a mission to tell the story of how she manages her son's Type 1 Diabetes through diet and lifestyle in spite of the resistance from the doctors and supposed specialists.  "I just tell my story in a very common way", she says and in doing so she is reaching so many people with the message that they don't have to accept the suffering and anguish experienced by most Type 1 families following the current Standard of Care. She bases her management strategy on Dr. Bernstein's book call The Diabetes Solution.  She has created a foundation to help other parents to implement this strategy with their children.  Her journey led her down a path to where she decided to make a movie.  "I felt I needed to get this story out to parents all over the world", she says.  She found a director and went and filmed a bunch of families with kids with Type 1 Diabetes who were managing their condition this way.  She got permission from Dr. Bernstein to use the title 'The Diabetes Solution' and the movie is streaming on iTunes, AppleTV, Google Play, Vimeo (for international folks) and Youtube.  You can learn more about the work she is doing and her foundation here.

At our last in-person event in Boca Raton in January 2020, Tekla did a great presentation on food labels and all the ways she felt they came up short, not only in terms of content but also on what foods had labels on them.  For instance, why shouldn't we see labels on apples and bananas.  Maybe not on each one but at least at the display in the grocery store.  If people saw how much sugar was in these fruits they might reconsider eating them.  And that's another thing I didn't know and that is that food labels don't always show the amount of sugar in an item other then the added sugar.  So orange juice, for instance, often comes with a label showing zero grams of sugar as there is no added sugar. But we all know how frighteningly high OJ is in naturally occurring sugar and as we also all know, sugar is sugar, naturally occurring or not. She also feels the labels should highlight the quality of protein.  Just showing grams of protein is not enough, we need to know the makeup of the protein and what essential versus non-essential amino acids are in there.  That is critical. If you want to contact here about the project or just learn more about the project and how food labels could be better, you can find her on her website.

Alison Gannett was an organic farmer and professional extreme skier travelling the world competing and one day she was cooking bacon at home and it caught on fire.  Her husband walked in to see her admiring the flames and realised they were really in trouble.  After a CT scan they found an orange sized tumour in her brain.   It was a type of terminal brain cancer and they reckoned she had around 6 months to live.  She refused to take this lying down and worked with Dr. Nasha Winters to reverse her insulin resistance via dietary interventions and today the brain tumour is gone and at 56 she says she feels better than when she was 20. Her main focus these days is on teaching people about how their DNA can have a profound effect on their health.  She identifies certain genes that could be causing problems and then how tweaking your diet and lifestyle can negate the effects of these genes.  She goes into detail about a few genes like the ones that affect the processing of things like dairy, lactose in particular, coffee, chocolate and the ApoE4 that affects how we processes saturated fats and how people carrying that gene are more inclined to develop Alzheimer's.  She also touches on the study of epigenetics where we can learn how to turn certain genes on or off, again, through diet and lifestyle changes. You can reach her through her website: https://alisongannett.com/

r. Alexandra Sowa is a dual board-certified physician of Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine, helping thousands of patients through her practice in New York.  Seeing a growing need for patients to easily be able to get access to relevant lab tests that can help diagnose as well as track responses to interventions, she has created the concept of at-home testing.  Once the kit arrives at your door a simple finger prick is all that is required to collect the samples which can then be mailed off to the lab and the results come back days later.  For me, the most exciting test she offers is insulin.  Before, it was such a task to find a doctor who would even order an Insulin test for you and then after the doctor visit you had to physically go to the lab to get it done.  Now that is a thing of the past.  Listen to this awesome chat we had with her about this new concept and if you want to contact her or order a test kit you can find her at: Website: alexandrasowamd.com Instagram: @alexandrasowamd

One of the things we have not really addressed before is the role of reduced carbohydrates in wound care and infectious diseases.  As a physician trained in these areas as well as obesity medicine, Dr. Ravi Kamepalli is working to improve patient outcomes with keto(genic)-based nutrition. "Insulin Resistance is the core problem," he said, "and I've found that cutting carbs really helps a patient to heal."  He says that while clinical trials are important, we also need to do n=1 trials.  We need to move from the mass medicine mindset and narrow it down to personal health.  That is where healthcare is going, and that is where we have to empower doctors." You can follow him further by finding his website 'https://nobadbugs.com' and you can find links to his social media accounts at the bottom of the page.

Allen Green weighed in at 403 lbs at age 49 when he discovered the concept of carbohydrate restriction and the ketogenic diet.  Now he has regained his health, is off all his medications, of which there were many, and he has lost almost 200 lbs to boot.  He discusses how he got to that point in the first place and what it was that made him decide that it was imperative that he correct the situation. He  talks for not being able to go on theme park rides with his kids and not wanting to play basketball with his young son as he was literally afraid of tripping and falling on him and killing him.  As with most of us, he is now super motivated to pay it forward and try to help others who are in a similar state to the one that he was in to recover and get their lives back.

The other day, Tim Noakes tweeted the following: "Third truly iconic book in low-carb literature. All written by investigative journalists who've done as much for promoting low-carb science as anyone: 'Good Calories Bad Calories' by Gary Taubes; 'Big Fat Surprise' by Nina Teicholz and now 'Ravenous' by Sam Apple. We're blessed!"  Praise doesn't come much higher than that. This is a fascinating journey where he explores how the life and work of Otto Warburg is intricately woven into the story of the Nazis and Adolf Hitler and how different things might have been had things panned out differently for Warburg. You can find 'Ravenous' in book stores, and on Kindle and Audible.  You can learn more about Sam Apple on his website and catch him on twitter:  @sam_apple1

Recently Pam and I were approached by Casey Means, MD who is the co-founder and Chief medical officer of a company called Levels which is creating an App to integrate with a CGM and provide a whole lot of added value to basic scan data available in the CGM dashboard.  We go over all the features, like Metabolic Score, that they have implemented in the App to help people understand the implications of what they eat, as well as other lifestyle factors like sleep and stress, on their blood glucose levels and ultimately their metabolic health. Levels was kind enough to let both of us trial the App for a month and we scheduled this interview half way through that trial so that we would have something to talk about.  Wearing a CGM is a fascinating experience and I feel everyone should have to wear one for at least a month to see how their lifestyle and diet affects their blood glucose levels so profoundly.  Once we had the CGM sensors in place we did regular finger prick comparisons using our trusty Keto-Mojo blood ketone and glucose meter to see if there was a difference.  There was a small difference of about 10 mg/dL but it was consistent and so it was easy to know with some accuracy what our actual blood glucose readings were.  The most important thing you get from the CGM is not the actual values themselves but the trends seen when we ate or drank something and exercised and experienced stress or lack of sleep. To learn more about Levels and how you might take part in the pilot, visit the Levels website here.

Jackie Fletcher and Louise Reynolds were both morbidly obese at one point but both follow a ketogenic lifestyle now and both have reversed that situation although they followed very different paths to get there.  Louise is a university professor from Australia although currently she is resident in Bangkok.  After trying everything to beat it she finally made the decision to have weight loss surgery.  Determined to use the surgery as a tool, she went through ongoing therapy to help her refrain from the emotional eating she felt had got her there and over the next 3 years she had lost about 90 lbs and was keeping it off but it was hard work.  Then she had a massive motorbike accident which left her with many injuries and incredible chronic pain.  Her mother was that one who suggested to her that she try the ketogenic diet to help with the pain.  She found that one of the side effects was to lose another 40 lbs and, not only that, but she found it was now so easy to stay on track and keep the weight off. Jackie had also tried everything and besides the weight gain she was a suffering from debilitating migraines (12 or so a month), ulcers and a score of other issues.  She had given up on life and was convinced that any sort of diet does not work until she heard about the book called 'Why We Get Fat' by Gary Taubes and the light bulb went on.  Like most of us she had to find her way with this lifestyle but she started seeing results right away and that inspired her to learn more to do it better. They are both thriving now and together they produce the Fabulously Keto Podcast where they strive to help others turn their lives around Jackie manages the Fabulously Keto Website where she provides online coaching as well.

Dubbed the "Sherlock Holmes of Health," Mary Ruddick is an internationally acclaimed nutritionist currently based in Africa, where she is studying traditional tribal diets and their impact on health.  She is the Director of Nutrition for CaptainSoup.com, Enable Your Healing, The REIGNS Method, and the Back to Joy Program.   She has been featured with the book, "Beat Autoimmune" and she can be found on several productions from GundryMD, the Food Lies, MeatRx, and the LowCarbUSA Podcasts. Mary specializes in rebalancing the microbiome by addressing nutritional and epigenetic aspects that underlie various physical and mental health disorders.   She is a specialist in the field of autoimmunity, histamine intolerance (MCAD), mental disorders, and nervous system disorders to include dysautonomia, and seizure disorders. Having used both lifestyle and dietary changes on her own miraculous healing journey, she emphasizes the balance of both.  Meditation, cold therapy, light therapy, and limbic system exercises are used extensively in her programs. Mary will be speaking in August,2021 at the LowCarbUSA - San Diego, 2021 event which will BE IN PERSON AGAIN!!  If you want to get hold of her or join one of her therapy groups, you can do that on her website.

Arthur Agatston, MD, attended New York University School of Medicine. He did his internal medicine training at Montefiore Medical Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and his cardiology fellowship at NYU. He spent a year on staff at NYU while training to best combine both academic medicine with clinical practice. He then moved to the Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, associated with the University of Miami School of Medicine, and later became the director of the Mt. Sinai Non-Invasive Cardiac Lab.  He continued to pursue his practice and research in the field of noninvasive cardiac diagnostics, specifically in the areas of echocardiography and transesophageal echo and began lecturing regularly and published articles in academic journals on topics such as aortic stenosis, pericarditis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Arthur and his colleague Warren Janowitz, MD, a radiologist, did early work on quantifying calcium in the coronary arteries as a measure of arteriosclerosis (as a predictor of heart attack and stroke). He is one of the developers of the electron beam tomography scan, or EBT, a screening method used to detect coronary artery disease and other diseases. EBT scans for this purpose are given a score on the "Agatston Scale," to gauge the severity of the disease. He talks here about the early days and how the Agatston Score came about and we look forward to seeing him in August,2021 at the LowCarbUSA - San Diego, 2021 event which will BE IN PERSON AGAIN!!

William Schumacher Found when he adopted a keto diet he was like me and did not miss bread at all but what he did miss was really good crunchy chips (or crisps as they are called in various other regions).  Uprising Foods is on a mission to rebuild and reformulate the staple categories of food that are so fundamental to many, if not most, people's perception of core foods. They set out to develop something that was made from quality clean ingredients and vey low in carbs that had a high nutritional value and did not compromise on taste. Turns out they actually started with bread  because they wanted to address the product that most people found psychologically hardest to give up.  They call it their "Sour Dough" cube.  It's inspired by the sour dough concept but made predominantly from nuts and seeds.  Now you can make French Toast and grilled cheese and all the things you were used to pre-low carb lifestyle.  More importantly the rest of the family who are maybe not low carb with you (yet) can enjoy it just as much. Then came the chips (crisps) which was nearest and dearest to his heart.  He really missed that crunch!  This sensation of crunch that so many people really desire. It took them a year to come up with something that delivered the crunch they were looking for. You can find out everything you need to know about getting these super foods in your home by visiting their website here.

I was introduced to Emily Fletcher by Robb Wolf after I was talking with him about my issues with traumatic brain injury and he said the Ziva meditation method that Emily has developed totally changed his life.  He describes it now as Life Before Ziva and Life After Ziva.  Before actually talking to her, I got her book, Stress Less, Accomplish More and immediately became aware of the fact that although we are always talking these days about the fact that it is not just a diet, but rather a lifestyle change, that we need to embrace.  And a big part of that is to develop effective strategies to deal with stress so that we limit the deleterious effects of excessive cortisol and other stress related hormones in our bodies.  So even though I was still a little skeptical of the efficacy of meditation, I thought it was worth investigating further and so I set up this talk with Emily. She has done great things by learning about meditation in detail (including a 3 year period in India) and then developing a whole new practice which she calls the Ziva technique.  The important thing that sets the Ziva technique apart from others is the fact that it teaches us to be self sufficient and enables us to be able to do it anywhere, in an airport, on the train, anywhere (just not while we're driving).  There no reliance on funky positions or meditation apps that have become so popular these days.  After talking with her I agreed to enroll in her online course which teaches the technique (very effectively, I might add) over a period of 2 weeks. I have to say that I have not seen or noticed any big changes (as some people have experienced) but I do find that I look forward to the meditations so that must mean something?  I literally go to bed at night looking forward to the fact that I get to meditate as soon as I wake up.  I have always slept well so it is hard to judge if it has helped me in that respect and the LowCarb Lifestyle already results in massive improvements in cognitive function and mental health so it is hard to say now whether there is an even greater improvement since I started with Ziva.  If I look at it, I have noticed small things like a couple of times I have remembered things that I wouldn't normally expect myself to remember (because of the TBI).  The other day I was in Costco and came around the corner into a massive checkout queue and I just stood there patiently and waited my turn.  Normally I would have imploded (Pam will attest to that) and I didn't even become aware of it until I got back to the car and thought, "Wow, that didn't even stress me out, maybe this Ziva thing does work!"  I believe that we are the sum of all things in our life so adding in a practice that seems to make me happy and is probably drastically reducing my stress levels is a good thing to keep in place. You can learn more about Emily's online course here.