The Energy Balance Podcast

In this episode we discuss:   Dr. Ken Berry's claim that humans would historically only eat sweet foods (like fruit and honey) 1-2 weeks out of the year Whether we should always do what our ancestors did to optimize our diets Dr. Ken Berry's claim that fructose causes glycation Whether we can trust AI to provide accurate information     Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:38 – Dr. Ken Berry's claim that humans historically ate fruit and honey to gain weight like bears for the winter  3:45 – whether fructose and fruit are responsible for weight gain in bears and whether this applies to humans  8:53 – whether humans evolved eating a high-carb diet  11:30 – what about carbohydrate consumption in native human cultures and ancestral environments?  17:27 – Dr. Ken Berry's claim that fructose is 10x more glycating than glucose  20:51 – whether sugar and carb consumption cause high blood sugar and AGEs (advanced glycation end products)  27:05 – how low-carb diets can increase glycation and AGEs  32:22 – blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C are often higher on low-carb diets than on diets that include healthy carbohydrates  33:41 – how keto diets cause glycation and increase AGEs  37:41 – what really influences hemoglobin A1C levels  44:32 – the importance of finding optimal carb sources – why candy is not the same as fruit  45:43 – problems with hyper-focusing on one single lab value   48:18 – Dr. Ken Berry's claim that there is no way to test whether fructose is causing glycation  54:05 – regulating blood sugar for type 1 diabetes  59:01 – is glycation happening in the background on a high-carb diet even if your health is improving?  1:00:17 – can we trust AI like Grok and ChatGPT to provide accurate health information?  1:07:42 – debunking Grok's logic on carb vs. fat efficiency as a fuel source  1:13:16 – how to properly use AI – DON'T use it to replace your own thinking  1:18:01 – Grok is wrong about fat being a more efficient fuel source than carbs  1:22:33 – strategies for understanding complex research papers  1:24:14 – using personal experience and logic as a guide toward optimizing health  1:32:35 – the gratification that comes with the process of true learning 

In this episode we discuss:   Gary Brecka's misrepresentation of thyroid function – are thyroid hormones methylated? How thyroid hormone conversion actually works and the factors that can inhibit it Whether taking thyroid hormone replacement suppresses or harms your thyroid gland Seed oils vs. unprocessed PUFA from nuts and seeds – is there a difference? Whether PUFA are “essential” and if there are actually any benefits to consuming them     Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:21 – Gary Brecka's claim that methylation is responsible for T4 to T3 conversion  5:43 – how T4 to T3 conversion really happens and factors that inhibit it  10:17 – whether a lack of T3 is the primary problem in Hashimoto's thyroiditis  12:53 – whether taking exogenous thyroid medications harms the thyroid gland  18:19 – Gary Brecka's advice on how to fix Hashimoto's and why we disagree  24:14 – be careful of quick fixes and magic pills   26:38 – pros and cons of using thyroid hormone replacement therapy  30:17 – issues with thyroid supplementation recommendations within the Bioenergetic sphere  37:38 – whether you can reverse hypothyroidism without using thyroid supplementation  41:31 – Joe Rogan and Gary Brecka discuss why the processing of seed oils is responsible for their harm   47:30 – whether processed foods are inherently bad  49:23 – are there any benefits to eating PUFA and are they “essential”?  52:28 – the toxic effects of PUFA, including from nuts & seeds  55:19 – potential benefits from nuts & seeds are not due to PUFA content 

In this episode we discuss:   Gabrielle Lyon's claims about carbohydrate disposal, “earning our carbs”, and balancing carbs with muscle Whether the body's ability to make glucose through gluconeogenesis means that we don't need to consume carbohydrates How cold plunging may calm the nervous system by first triggering excessive stress, and whether that's worth it Whether the benefits of cold exposure outweigh the costs, and how to gauge when stressors like exercise become too much     Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:45 – Gabrielle Lyon on the amount of carbohydrates we can “dispose of” in a meal  8:52 – whether Gabrielle Lyon's claim that excess carbohydrates turn into fat is valid  12:39 – do we need to “earn our carbs” with exercise?  18:32 – how upregulating gluconeogenesis by not consuming carbohydrates drives insulin resistance  21:27 – do low-carb high-protein diets support skeletal muscle health?  22:56 – strategies for adjusting macronutrients to fit your individual needs  29:24 – how to shift away from low-carb diets, focusing on what's optimal rather than minimum requirements  31:44 – optimal carb intake for muscles and general health   34:57 – applying Ray Peat's “perceive, think, act” process to optimize our diets  39:29 – the difference between parroting information and thinking critically  43:20 – cold plunging calms the nervous system by first driving excessive stress  48:36 – the cumulative effects of stressors like cold plunging and the risks associated with them  53:41 – whether the benefits of cold exposure outweigh the costs and how much stress is too much  56:28 – how hormesis works and whether the dose makes the poison   1:01:34 – what is stress and how do we prevent it?  1:05:09 – how to get the same benefits without using hormetics like fasting, Wim Hof breathing, and cold exposure  1:10:35 – does reaching a goal have to be difficult or stressful? 

In this episode we discuss:   How the sugar diet, honey diet, and other similar diets actually work and whether FGF21 is really responsible for their benefits How you can lose weight while eating sugar and without sacrificing your health The side-effects of the sugar diet and how to modify the diet to prevent those effects The surprising effects of the sugar diet on testosterone, digestion, and bone health  Whether you'll lose muscle on a low protein diet like the sugar diet Whether you shouldn't be eating carbs and fats together due to the Randle cycle   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/eb-134-the-sugar-diet-lose-fat-and-increase-your-metabolism-without-losing-muscle-mass   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:08 – FGF21 summary: increasing metabolism at a cost  4:06 – how the sugar diet, honey diet, and other similar diets actually work  10:03 – low-fat diets improve insulin sensitivity, even without protein restriction or FGF21 upregulation  17:50 – whether very low protein diets are ever beneficial and whether they always lead to muscle loss  25:54 – protein recommendations for insulin sensitivity, weight loss, and kidney function  29:07 – using the sugar diet for rapid weight loss or “getting shredded”  32:13 – sugar diet concerns: bone loss, infertility, stunted growth, muscle loss, metabolic suppression, weight regain, and nutrient deficiencies  35:53 – will eating protein with dinner prevent the negative effects?  36:28 – blood sugar instability, sleep issues, and excess glucagon on the honey diet and sugar diet  40:17 – Randle Cycle misconceptions: do you need to separate carbs and fats  44:50 – how low-fat diets work to improve glucose metabolism and misapplications of the Randle cycle  48:17 – low-fat diets and hormones: low testosterone and DHT levels in men  49:22 – the sugar diet and digestion: SIBO, impaired liver detoxification, low bile flow, and endotoxin  53:52 – is the sugar diet too restrictive? Is it sustainable?  59:57 – how to modify the sugar diet to reduce the negative effects  1:02:23 – how to achieve lasting weight loss while improving long-term health 

Download the free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/      Sign up for a free call for help with weight loss and other health issues: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/call/      Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:20 – overview of FGF21 and how it gets triggered  6:40 – FGF21 works via stress, turning down metabolism and leading to weight regain  11:30 – will the sugar diet cause negative effects if only used short-term? 21:44 – does eating protein at night prevent the negative effects?  27:18 – the negative effects only occur in the research after long-term FGF21 upregulation  

In this episode we discuss:   What are the sugar diet and other related diets like the honey diet, fairy princess diet, and fruit till noon diets Whether FGF21 is responsible for the weight loss seen on these diets The effects of the sugar diet on muscle mass Whether FGF21 really extends lifespan How to increase FGF21 levels and whether it's really good for your health   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/eb-133-the-sugar-diet-honey-diet-and-fgf21-the-research/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:00 – the sugar diet, honey diet, fairy princess diet, and fruit-till-noon diets as discussed by Cole Robinson, Mark Bell, Anabology, Noah Ryan, celestialbe1ng, and others  6:35 – my experience on a high-sugar diet and what the sugar diet means for the health world  11:17 – what is FGF21?  15:54 – how low-protein diets trigger the release of FGF21  20:00 – the context of FGF21 on low-protein diets and the reasons for its effects: is this really beneficial?  26:15 – the long-term effects of FGF21 on body fat, muscle mass, and metabolic health  33:16 – how the sugar diet compares to low-carb diets  35:55 – high-carb low-protein diets vs. high-fat low-protein diets on FGF21  37:34 – low-protein diets increase your metabolism due to stress: brown fat, uncoupling, and energy expenditure  43:59 – FGF21's role in stress, energy conservation, and hibernation  49:56 – FGF21 and cortisol: is FGF21 a stress hormone?  54:09 – FGF21 and hormesis: is FGF21 hormetic?  56:10 – FGF21 and liver fat production go hand-in-hand  59:11 – carb-induced increase in FGF21 is activated by reductive stress  1:05:04 – the role of FGF21 in de novo lipogenesis as an adaptive response to stress  1:10:47 – carb-induced FGF21 causes fat gain and sympathetic activity  1:14:29 – does FGF21 cause metabolic syndrome, diabetes, NAFLD, cardiovascular disease, and obesity?  1:21:08 – does FGF21 extend lifespan? if so, is it worth it?  1:27:03 – can you lose weight and extend lifespan without a protein-deficient diet?

In this episode we discuss:   Whether Robert Lustig is right about fructose being a poison What Robert Lustig completely misses when comparing the biochemistry of glucose, fructose, and alcohol Whether a low-fat, high-carb diet actually causes fatty liver The research on fructose and it's toxicity Whether you should be minimizing fruit juice intake in the form of fruit, fruit juice, and honey   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-132-youve-been-lied-to-about-fructose/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:01 – Robert Lustig's claims that fructose is a poison 5:50 – what Robert Lustig misses when it comes to glucose, the “good carbohydrate” 12:05 – what's really responsible for the toxic effects of alcohol 16:53 – Robert Lustig's claim that fructose can't be converted to glycogen is false [Robert Lustig's fructose lies begin] 20:50 – whether fructose is inherently toxic in the liver 24:22 – the research showing that Robert Lustig is wrong about fructose 32:40 – whether fructose is really different from glucose in terms of its effects at the liver 35:51 – key factors missing in fructose research – endotoxin, PUFA, and rat research 41:22 – average fructose intakes are far below the amounts that are typically used in research 43:41 – whether Robert Lustig is right that fructose causes more fat production than glucose 49:35 – whether fructose (or carbs in general) cause fatty liver disease 52:15 –low-carb, high-fat diets trigger the exact mechanisms Dr. Lustig blames on fructose 1:00:59 – what really causes fatty liver disease 1:04:20 – should we avoid fructose-containing foods to fix fatty liver disease? Is soda and candy the answer?

In this episode we discuss:   The Holistic Psychologist's claim that psychiatric disorders stem from metabolic dysfunction and whether we agree with her solutions Whether Layla Al-Naif is right that sugar is as addictive as a drug The difference between table sugar and natural sugar sources Whether it's possible to live a healthy life without starch   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:44 – the brain's high energy demands and how metabolic dysfunction drives poor brain health 4:19 – are anxiety and depression caused by chemical imbalances in the brain? 7:05 – recognizing insulin resistance as an inability convert glucose to energy 9:42 – whether blood sugar spikes and crashes cause fatigue, brain fog, and psychiatric disorders 11:53 – our take on the Holistic Psychologist's recommendations for stabilizing blood sugar 18:01 – what really interferes with brain energy metabolism – is it just sugar? 24:57 – refined sugar vs natural sugars such as honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and date syrup 30:55 – whether sugar is addictive 33:50 –fat triggers the same reward centers in the brain as carbohydrates 36:34 – how Jay & Mike fixed their sugar cravings from keto and low-carb 39:56 – whether eliminating starch is healthy long-term 44:34 – the negative impact of carnivore diets on gut health 50:16 – tips for recovering from the stress of carnivore and the importance of experimentation 53:46 – how much sugar and starch Jay, Mike, and Theresa eat

In this episode we discuss:   Anthony Chaffee's view that ketosis is the natural state for animals and humans Whether LMNT is a scam Whether we should be getting vitamin D from our food and how that fits with a low-PUFA diet   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:22 – meet Theresa Piela  4:20 – emotional health as an underappreciated Bioenergetic factor  11:03 – is Anthony Chaffee right about ketosis being our natural state?  13:12 – is ketosis is the natural state for humans?  18:57 – is ketosis is the natural state for animals?  24:22 – whether bacteria can serve as a protein source in animals  28:04 – whether ketosis is a natural healthy state rather than a starvation state  32:11 – the potential benefits of ketones are misinterpreted as evidence that ketosis is ideal   34:24 – the appeal of “naturalism” – just because something is natural, does that make it healthy?  36:44 – is LMNT a scam?  44:37 – whether we should always add electrolytes to our drinking water  45:45 – Robb Wolf's claim that insulin drives aldosterone production   51:08 – stevia and allulose vs. sugar  55:42 – whether we should be getting vitamin D from our food  1:00:04 – how to properly supplement with vitamin D and the importance of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K2  1:04:18 – how vitamins E, K2, and A relate to vitamin D  1:08:56 – the benefits of UVB and red light, and what to do to prevent aging skin  1:14:19 – can applying cholesterol topically boost sun benefits?

In this episode we discuss:   The impact of sugar consumption on oxalate production Whether you really need to avoid all high oxalate foods Different cooking and preparation methods to reduce oxalate exposure Which supplements can make oxalate issues worse   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-131-whether-to-avoid-high-oxalate-foods-and-how-to-fix-oxalate-issues/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:53 – whether fructose contributes to increased oxalate production  3:42 – is sugar the culprit behind oxalate issues?  9:14 – the problems with the research demonizing fructose  14:45 – the optimal amount of dietary oxalate and how to determine whether oxalates are an issue for you  17:57 – the importance of testing, experimentation, and listening to your symptoms  25:10 – how to reduce your exposure to high-oxalate foods  32:02 – the best cooking methods to reduce oxalates in food  37:05 – foods highest in oxalates and whether salads are OK to eat  40:17 – oxalate content in raw cacao vs chocolate  45:26 – whether you need to avoid soybeans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, beets, and carrots due to their oxalate content  49:05 – examples of bioenergetic diets with varying oxalate content  57:01 – other dietary considerations for oxalate issues (PUFA, collagen, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, carbohydrates, protein, and fat intake)  1:06:22 – the best supplements to fix your oxalate issues   1:11:45 – which supplements can make oxalate issues worse and whether to take probiotics for oxalate issues  1:14:58 – the long-term impact of carnivore diets on liver and gut health

In this episode we discuss:   Whether the claim that your kidneys can only clear 50mg of oxalate per day has any validity Whether citrate is effective for clearing oxalates The impact of low-carb and high protein diets on oxalate production and clearance How glucose, fructose, and insulin effect oxalate production   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-130-low-carb-diets-oxalates-the-surprising-connection/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:06 – is there a daily limit to how much oxalate the kidneys can process?  9:26 – whether we automatically store oxalates if they aren't cleared through the kidneys  13:40 – why mitochondrial function in the kidney is crucial for calcium oxalate crystal clearance  17:30 – the benefits of citrate and whether it's effective for clearing oxalates  23:30 – whether baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) support the clearance of oxalates  27:05 – how pH balance relates to oxalate clearance  32:19 – is “oxalate dumping” real?  43:06 – how low-carb diets increase oxalate absorption  47:19 – whether having a small amount of oxalates helps prevent oxalate dumping  50:02 – how low-carb diets increase oxalate absorption (cont.)  52:19 – why low-carb diets like keto and carnivore may increase oxalate production relative to high-carb diets  1:00:42 – how high-protein diets lead to increased endogenous oxalate production  1:07:41 – how carbohydrates and insulin reduce oxidative stress and oxalate production  1:11:40 – why glucose does not cause the formation of advanced glycation end products  1:13:18 – how low-carb diets reduce oxalate clearance – stressed kidneys, lack of citrate intake, and more acidic blood & urine

In this episode we discuss: The appeal of intermittent fasting and restrictive diets and why they often do more harm than good Why most women are underfed, under-muscled, and struggling with body composition The extreme things people do in the name of health and the importance of the basics The impact of stress on our health and the connection between emotional and physical health Whether drinking a few glasses of water first thing in the morning is optimal for our metabolism     Kitty's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kittyblomfield/?hl=en   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ Danny's Telegram: https://t.me/dannyroddy     Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:38– how Kitty got introduced to Ray Peat  3:59 – whether intermittent fasting is beneficial for women  9:07 – the appeal of intermittent fasting and other restrictive diets, and why they do more harm than good  14:41 – the truth about body recomposition: women are underfed and lack muscle  17:29 – why low-carb diets like keto and carnivore are not sustainable  19:36 – how mainstream health advice has ruined our diets and why we should eat like our grandparents  25:21 – the role of stress in digestive health and the problem with jumping to supplements  31:12 – when it makes sense to move on to more advanced health strategies such as lab testing, hormone replacement therapy, or gut protocols  38:30 – Is Being Fat a Choice? Middle Ground by Jubilee  41:23 – the relationship between emotional trauma, body image issues, and physical healing  44:16 – what really influences body weight?  53:30 – the importance of enjoying the food you eat daily and how it helps prevent binge eating  55:25 – whether we should drink tons of water first thing in the morning  57:35 – how much water do we really need? 

In this episode we discuss: How much oxalate your body produces and how it compares to the amount you consume in your diet Whether you need to be concerned about vitamin C, hydroxyproline, and glycine converting to oxalates How you can reduce the amount of oxalates your body produces Which nutrients decrease oxalate production How metabolic dysfunction affects oxalate production   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-129-the-forgotten-source-of-oxalates-your-bodys-own-production/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:12 – overview of endogenous vs. exogenous oxalates  5:46 – how much oxalate comes from endogenous production vs. diet  9:14 – when endogenous oxalate production matters more than dietary oxalate  15:03 – rare genetic disorders that cause excessive oxalate production: primary hyperoxaluria  22:36 – the pathways in the liver that lead to oxalate production  32:41 – other biochemical pathways involved in endogenous oxalate production  41:19 – deranged metabolic function as a primary driver of glyoxal production and lipid peroxidation  45:14 – the extent to which glycine and vitamin C contribute to endogenous oxalate formation  48:00 – how much does hydroxyproline contribute to oxalate production?  52:06 – the primary precursor to oxalate that's often ignored (glyoxal)  55:08 – how oxidative stress drives oxalate production and how antioxidants help  1:01:20 – what causes the high oxalate levels seen in type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)?  1:11:16 – the protective effects of glycine in states of excess oxalate production  1:15:54 – elevated stress hormones and gluconeogenesis increase oxalate production  1:22:43 – nutrient deficiencies that contribute to oxalate issues (vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and zinc)

In this episode we discuss: Peter Attia's admission that he was wrong about fasting and that it caused him to lose muscle mass Whether fasting is optimal just because our ancestors went through periods of scarcity Whether fructose is as damaging as alcohol like Anthony Chaffee and Robert Lustig suggest Whether methionine restriction is a good idea for increasing lifespan and what alternative may be a better approach Tips for optimizing gut health and avoiding seed oils while eating out at restaurants Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ Danny's Telegram: https://t.me/dannyroddy   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 0:48 – Peter Attia admits he was wrong about fasting after 10 years of muscle loss  4:00 – the importance of critical thinking and whether it's okay to change your mind  11:46 – why experimentation should be guided by sound logic  18:06 – whether supplementing with BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) while fasting prevents muscle loss  20:58 – the long-term cost of fasting and relying on adrenaline for energy and focus: impaired cognition, thyroid, testosterone, digestion, and more  30:19 – Peter Attia says there's no benefit to fasting beyond calorie restriction – is reduced protein intake the only drawback?  38:34 – the problems with traditional education, where memorization replaces true learning  41:03 – whether fasting is optimal because our ancestors fasted  45:32 – whether evolution is purely random and whether we should mimic our ancestors  51:58 – the cumulative effects of fasting and high stress hormones (anxiety, insomnia, low body temperature, weakened immune function)  54:09 – whether methionine restriction is recommended to increase lifespan  1:03:08 – the importance of consuming more gelatinous, collagen rich cuts of meats   1:06:03 – the benefits and possible drawbacks of supplementing with glycine and taurine  1: 10:53 – how to properly use taurine for bile acid stimulation  1:16:33 – Anthony Chaffee disagrees with Paul Saladino on fructose – is fructose just alcohol without the buzz?  1:23:11 – whether fructose is broken down into the same byproducts as alcohol  1:30:01 – the difference between fructose and alcohol metabolism in the liver  1:35:10 – whether fructose increases de novo lipogenesis and contributes to fatty liver disease  1:44:43 – the problems with trusting medical advice based on appearance and authoritative stance, and how to discern credible sources  1:51:04 – critiquing Paul Saladino's take on the benefits of nitric oxide  1:55:43 – the cost of organ transplants  1:57:32 – optimizing gut motility, relieving constipation, and how fiber can help with protein and fat digestion  2:04:03 – how dining out at restaurants can hinder progress and impede healing  2:08:30 – how even high-end restaurants use toxic cooking oils and reasons to avoid aged meat  2:12:44 – strategies for avoiding toxic foods in social settings and while traveling   

In this episode we discuss: Whether the harmful effects of oxalates are legitimate or overblown How your gut health impacts your susceptibility to oxalate issues Which nutrients help decrease oxalate absorption How fat digestion relates to oxalate absorption Whether a candida overgrowth may be at the root of your oxalate issues   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-128-are-oxalates-the-problem-or-is-it-your-gut/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:08 – common misconceptions about oxalates and whether oxalate concerns are justified 5:21 – symptoms often attributed to oxalates and whether they are truly responsible for most health problems 12:48 – what are oxalates?  16:18 – oxalates cause kidney damage and reduce mineral bioavailability 21:34 – oxalates and cardiovascular disease 24:43 – oxalates as a driver of gut dysbiosis and decreased bile acid production 29:16 – metabolic damage caused by oxalates 37:06 – how a low-PUFA diet and vitamin E can protect against oxalate damage 43:19 – high oxalate foods and factors that impact oxalate absorption 53:29 – soluble vs. insoluble oxalates 57:04 – how calcium affects oxalate absorption and the impact of parathyroid hormone and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 1:07:41 – the effects of magnesium on oxalate absorption 1:12:44 – how deficiencies in vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B6 can increase oxalate levels 1:14:44 – how gut health relates to oxalate issues (fat digestion, intestinal permeability, and oxalate degrading bacteria) 1:22:23 – “oxalate dumping” on low-carb diets and carnivore diets may be due to poor gut health 1:26:15 – whether candida infections or other fungal infections cause excess oxalate production

In this episode we discuss: Gabrielle Lyon's protein recommendations, the problems with high-protein diets, and the major cost to her 1:1 protein-to-carb ratio suggestion Dr. Boz's take on the drivers of high fasting blood glucose on the carnivore diet Why Dr. Berg's view of serotonin as the "happy hormone" is unsubstantiated and our thoughts on his recommendations for raising serotonin How the Glucose Goddess's strategies for blood sugar regulation demonstrate a poor understanding of glucose and insulin Whether obesity is truly caused by genetics and if eating less and exercising more can influence obesity outcomes The benefits of sunlight and red-light exposure     Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ Danny's Telegram: https://t.me/dannyroddy     Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:46 – Gabrielle Lyon promotes bro science: 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight  7:15 – problems with high-protein diets – stress hormones, low testosterone, slowed metabolism, and gut toxins 15:21 – whether studies on Eskimo and Inuit populations support a high-protein diet 16:59 – the problems with Gabrielle Lyon's recommendation of a 1:1 protein to carbohydrate ratio 23:48 – the minimum amount of carbs we need daily and the consequences of not getting enough 26:56 – Gabrielle Lyon is confused about fats 35:43 – types of fats commonly used in bodybuilding and whether they're truly optimal 37:37 – Dr Boz's recommendations for high blood sugar on carnivore and OMAD (one-meal-a-day) 45:59 – the drivers of high fasting blood glucose on low-carb diets 49:38 – whether overeating is really an issue on the carnivore diet and why increased appetite signals improved health 57:28 – whether Dr. Boz's recommendation to shift the eating window earlier has any validity 1:01:33 – Sean Baker's shift away from the carnivore diet 1:03:31 –Dr Boz denies that the carnivore diet caused increased fasting blood sugar 1:11:16 – why Dr Berg is wrong – serotonin is not the “happy hormone” 1:20:40 – the idea that low serotonin causes depression and high serotonin reverses it is unsupported 1:23:05 – our thoughts on Dr. Berg's recommendations for raising serotonin: exercise, fasting, and tryptophan 1:28:46 – whether vitamin D increases serotonin 1:30:56 – the benefits of sunlight and red-light exposure 1:39:39 –the problems with Glucose Goddess's strategies to prevent blood glucose spikes 1:49:22 – insulin and blood sugar spikes are misunderstood 1:54:46 – how an excessive focus on blood glucose and insulin misses the underlying issues 1:55:59 – is obesity primarily caused by genetics? 2:01:49 – whether diet and exercise impact obesity rates 2:09:26 – the vital importance of finding fulfillment in life, following our passions, and escaping the grind of the rat race 2:15:12 – what it really takes to be healthy and whether it's possible to improve your health without expensive interventions

In this episode we discuss: Why increasing lipolysis through low-carb diets, cold plunges, fasting, and excess exercise is not necessary for fat loss How less lipolysis can lead to more fat loss The role of fat release and free fatty acids in diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity What to focus on instead of lipolysis to support healthy fat loss   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/     Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-127-lipolysis-and-fat-loss-lose-body-fat-without-increasing-fat-burning/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:08 – the fat loss narrative: release more fat from your fat stores through intense exercise, fasting, cold plunges, and low-carb diets 4:08 – how fat gets released from our fat stores 8:40 – the baseline rate of fat release from our fat stores and the impact of degenerative states like cancer on lipolysis 12:09 – how fat is released from our fat stores in response to stressors like exercise 15:34 – the connection between lipolysis, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver disease 23:29 – the research showing that decreasing lipolysis leads to less body fat (not more) 33:47 – whether we want to block hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) activity 37:47 – the research showing that increasing fat burning and lipolysis does not increase fat loss 44:25 – how to lose body fat without relying on stress-driven fat oxidation 49:56 – strategies for fat loss without increased lipolysis: are exercise, fasting, and cold plunges the solution?

In this episode we discuss: How Jack & Dalton from Analyze & Optimize were introduced to the work of Ray Peat Robert Lustig's claims that fructose is as harmful to the liver as alcohol Whether Jordan Peterson's Serotonin Hierarchy has any merit The negative effects of the carnivore diet, especially on gut health The link between birth control and cancer and the protective effects of progesterone What we think of Dave Asprey's thoughts on the “Ray Peat diet”     Analyze & Optimize's Website: https://www.analyzeandoptimize.io/     Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/     Download the Free Energy Balance Food Guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/     Danny's Telegram: https://t.me/dannyroddy     Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:38 – how Analyze & Optimize (Jack & Dalton) got introduced to work of Ray Peat  6:32 – how Analyze & Optimize create their videos  10:40 – refuting Robert Lustig's claims – is fructose as harmful to the liver as alcohol?  17:40 – whether Analyze & Optimize are paid by “big sugar”   20:30 – Robert Lustig's fructose claims are unsupported  28:06 – is white sugar safe to consume?  33:04 – Serotonin & Hierarchy by Jordan Peterson  34:33 – SSRI use and serotonin's role in promoting learned helplessness and anhedonia  40:46 – how the perceived benefits of serotonin could be attributed to other factors  45:45 – whether serotonin is the “dominance” hormone  47:17 – Analyze & Optimize respond to Shawn Baker on sugar cravings being a sign of health and youth  51:04 – declining health on the carnivore diet, whether it's sustainable, and why your immune system needs carbohydrates  54:04 – carnivore diet effects on gut health – quorum sensing, biofilms, high stress hormones, and damage to thyroid health  1:01:30 – why chronic low-calorie intake turns down metabolic function and leads to obesity  1:07:00 – the harm caused by conflating progesterone and synthetic progestins  1:14:57 – the link between birth control and cancer and the protective effects of progesterone  1:18:20 – the negative effects of synthetic progestins and estrogen, especially unchecked by natural progesterone  1:24:45 – Why Is the Right So Obsessed with Seed Oils? by Ej Dickson  1:31:15 – Dave Asprey argues with Paul Saladino on supplements vs orange juice  1:39:10 – whether Ray Peat's ideas and principles promote orthorexia  1:44:22 – using precision medicine vs. listening to your body  1:51:09 – where to find more of Jack & Dalton's work 

In this episode we discuss: What causes increased triglycerides on a high-carb diet Whether the small, dense LDL particles are really the culprits behind cardiovascular disease  How lipid values on a high-carb diet compared to a low-carb diet, including lean mass hyper responders Whether low HDL levels will increase your risk of heart disease Whether high triglyceride levels cause heart disease   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/     Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-126-high-triglycerides-on-a-high-carb-diet-should-you-be-worried/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:10 – whether elevated triglycerides on a high-carbohydrate diet warrant concern  3:21 – the association between LDL, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome  5:52 – the lipid energy model and what accounts for the lipid values seen in Lean Mass Hyper-Responders (LMHR)   9:26 – what causes higher triglycerides seen on higher-carb, lower-fat diets in someone who is insulin sensitive  11:39 - what causes high triglycerides in insulin resistance  18:08 – are elevated triglyceride levels on a high-carb diet concerning, and do they drive cardiovascular disease?  24:08 – whether small, dense LDL and low HDL levels drive heart disease  28:25 – native cultures showing high triglycerides on a high-carb diet with no signs of cardiovascular disease:Tarahumaras, Tukisenta, and the Kitavans  34:10 – high-carb diets support insulin sensitivity and don't increase uric acid levels in the Tukisenta   37:23 –high-carb diets support insulin sensitivity without increased activity levels in the Kitavans  43:43 – when elevated triglycerides might become a concern after increasing carbohydrate intake 

In this episode we discuss: What Layne Norton is missing regarding seed oils What we think of Liver King's steroid use and how this relates to fitness culture and unhealthy body image Ben Bikman's complete misapplication of a study regarding blood sugar and insulin resistance Jay's response to Thomas DeLauer regarding omega-3s and cod liver oil     Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/     Download the Free Energy Balance Food Guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/     Danny's Telegram: https://t.me/dannyroddy   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 0:28 – Andrew Huberman and Layne Norton on whether seed oils are inherently harmful 4:18 – why Layne Norton's "calories-only" view is flawed, as it ignores how the type of food actually affects our bodies 9:58 – whether animal studies are useful in nutritional research, or if only human randomized control trials (RTC) should be considered 15:57 – problematic assumptions and biases in nutritional research and how they can shape research outcomes 20:59 – why the reported health benefits of polyunsaturated fats in research are misleading and harmful 26:54 – the connection between chronic disease and polyunsaturated fats, and how focusing solely on calories relieves the food industry of responsibility for health outcomes 31:43 – Liver King's self-esteem, body image struggles, steroid use, health risks, and why his apology was commendable 41:36 – why cultural standards for physical appearances are unrealistic, unhealthy, and can lead to conflating steroid-enhanced bodies for genuine health 51:12 – health risks associated with steroid-use and having too much muscle mass 1:00:34 – Thomas Delauer and Derek from moreplatesmoredates discuss omega-3s 1:06:21 – whether the antioxidants in fish oil are worth the damage caused by lipid peroxidation 1:10:54 – whether cod liver oil is any better than fish oil 1:17:11 – how to effectively hydrate your cells and the importance of getting enough salt 1:24:44 – why consuming a lot of plain water without electrolytes actually impairs hydration, contributing to increased swelling, increased stress, and impaired energy production 1:32:38 – the importance of getting adequate potassium in addition to salt intake 1:38:03 – factors that may increase your need for water 1:40:02 – what Ben Bikman misses when it comes to blood glucose and insulin resistance 1:48:15 – the true relationship between insulin and blood sugar regulation 1:54:30 – Ben Bikman misapplies this study: it does not support that carbohydrates cause insulin resistance 2:00:38 – creating content in the health sphere, choosing high quality foods, and the benefits of tracking food (using Cronometer or another similar app)

In this episode we discuss: Whether estrogen is just a reproductive hormone Whether you need to be concerned about testosterone converting to estrogen How you can have excess estrogen production even after menopause The best way to use progesteron Whether Calcium D-glucarate is effective for lowering estrogen     Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/     Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-124-forget-about-cico-a-smarter-approach-to-fat-loss/     Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:07 – our thoughts on Wendy Sellens' recent interviews with the Strong Sistas (Ashley and Sarah Armstrong)  6:30 – the importance of reviewing research with an open mind, avoiding any rigid or authoritative stance  9:38 – whether all research should be rejected due to Rockefeller funding and whether Dr Ray Peat was “Rockefeller trained”  15:47 – whether reproductive hormones affect only reproductive organs  20:35 – how hormonal imbalances affect all areas of health—reproduction, digestion, edema, bloating, cancer risk, weight gain, brain health, bone health, and muscle growth  23:38 – whether Dr Hobbins' experiments proved that there are no receptors for reproductive hormones in non-reproductive organs  26:51 – why Wendy's claim—that the rise in estrogen during pregnancy is caused by exogenous compounds (phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens)—is incorrect  29:29 – estrogen's role as a growth-promoting hormone and how progesterone counterbalances it by promoting cellular differentiation  35:47 – whether testosterone can be converted into estrogen  36:52 – how you can have excess estrogen production even after menopause and problems with estrogen testing  40:19 – body fat as a major source of estrogen  44:33 – why Wendy's claim that calcium D-glucarate increases estrogen is incorrect  46:56 – the mechanism through which calcium D-glucarate effectively lowers estrogen levels  50:28 – confounding variables that make it difficult to accurately interpret the results of breast thermography scans 

In this episode we discuss: The criticism of Georgi regarding estrogen and cancer The major point that Siim Land is missing when it comes to increasing NAD+ Why we think Dr. Berg is completely wrong on serotonin Nutrition With Judy's suggestion that thyroid issues on a carnivore diet are not caused by the lack of carbohydrates, and why we think this isn't the case Dave Asprey's recommendation to drink orange juice and whether it's for the right reasons Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Danny's Telegram: https://t.me/dannyroddy   Danny's Substack: https://dannyroddy.substack.com/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:10 – whether estrogen is a carcinogen  6:13 – estrogen's role in driving weight gain and chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and Type 2 Diabetes  8:03 – the dangers of synthetic progesterone (progestin) use  10:14 – the difference between estrone and estradiol and the problems with estrogen testing  16:14 – whether estrogen therapy should be used in post-menopausal women  17:17 – the difference between oral and transdermal estrogen use  24:44 – the connection between inflammation and estrogen production  27:57 – why estrogen levels are not actually low in post-menopausal women  37:59 – our take on Siim Land's post on NAD+ and mitochondrial uncoupling  48:25 – why intentionally seeking hormetic responses, like the activation of heat-shock proteins, should be avoided  50:37 – which form of CoQ10 is better: ubiquinone or ubiquinol  53:34 – what Siim Land and many others get wrong when it comes to raising NAD+   55:44 – does fasting and AMPK upregulation cause cancer?  1:00:29 – fat fuels cancer and why not to restrict sugar for cancer  1:09:56 – Dr Berg's take that serotonin is the “happy hormone” – why we disagree  1:19:06 – serotonin's role in driving chronic diseases and conditions including depression, anxiety, IBS, and cancer  1:27:24 – Nutrition with Judy claims that the low thyroid levels generally seen on the carnivore diet have nothing to do with a lack of carbohydrates  1:39:01 – how the rate of living theory changed mainstream medicine's view that thyroid health is important  1:45:37 – how excessive exercise raises stress hormones, setting you up for weight regain  1:51:30 – why the combination of fasting and exercise is detrimental to our health  1:53:44 – how estrogen is used to fatten animals   2:02:42 – why Dave Asprey is talking about endotoxin and orange juice  2:07:00 – whether the sugar in orange juice feeds bacteria and increases endotoxin  2:09:40 – why the low-carb trend keeps resurfacing, despite the growing evidence against it  2:14:41 – where to find Georgi and IdeaLabs 

In this episode we discuss: An alternative framework to CICO for conceptualizing fat loss Why eating less and exercising more is not the best solution for fat loss Why excess energy does not cause fat gain and instead leads to fat loss How you can get stuck in a cycle of weight gain, undereating, and constant hunger, and how to get out of that cycle   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/     Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-124-forget-about-cico-a-smarter-approach-to-fat-loss/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:06 – recapping the problems with CICO 5:02 – the Energy Balance approach as an alternative to CICO for fat loss 12:12 – why calories do not equal energy and considering the possible fates of the food we consume 17:39 – efficient mitochondrial function as a central piece that determines whether substrate will be stored as body fat 19:39 – the amount of food you eat does matter 21:46 – conceptualizing Energy Balance with numerical units 24:00 – fat gain as a consequence of impaired mitochondrial function 29:01 – how you can lose fat while eating more 33:12 – the effects of energy availability on hunger and stress hormones 36:41 – how stress hormones, along with energy deficits, cause the body to break down muscle, bone, and skin for energy 43:16 – the benefits of having an energy surplus: improved sleep, immune function, digestion, cognitive function, and more 46:20 – comparing the Energy Balance approach with CICO and the major cost of the advice to “eat less and exercise more

Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Danny's Telegram: https://t.me/dannyroddy   Danny's Substack: https://dannyroddy.substack.com/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 0:36 – catching up: fruit quality in the Philippines and Ecuador, and the effects of mold toxicity 5:28 – Kiran Krishnan and Nutrition with Judy discuss why they believe coconut oil should not be consumed 9:55 – whether coconut oil causes greater release and absorption of endotoxin (LPS) 12:11 – should you eat coconut oil even if your ancestors didn't? 21:08 – how MCT oil compares to coconut oil as it relates to the microbiome 32:28 – concerns with adopting dietary ideologies 36:21 – Morley Robbins on why the thyroid doesn't run the body and we shouldn't ignore the adrenals 47:05 – adrenal fatigue as a systemic issue and whether the thyroid or adrenals run the body 56:45 – our take on Real Food Gangsta's (Josh & Jeanne Rubin) view that the adrenal glands regulate the body's mineral and fuel availability 1:07:02 – the importance of optimal gut motility and how to alleviate gut motility issues such as constipation and loose stools 1:19:54 – which lab tests provide the most valuable information 1:25:14 – the benefits of spending time without stimulation (letting your mind wander) during the day 1:27:20 – simple mindset strategies to help you reach your goals 1:32:55 – Alan Aragon's argument that not all seed oils are harmful 1:40:56 – why the claim that seed oils lower cholesterol does not mean they are healthy 1:42:25 – whether animal studies are valuable for understanding the effects of seed oils on human health

In this episode we discuss: Whether “calories in, calories out” is physiologically accurate The many misconceptions related to “calories in, calories out” Why a calorie deficit is NOT required for fat loss Why “calories in, calories out” does not mean that eating less and exercising more is good advice for fat loss What most people miss when it comes to “calories in, calories out”   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/     Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-123-debunking-the-cico-myth-calorie-deficits-are-not-required-for-fat-loss/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:07 – questions about the calories-in, calories-out (CICO) model of weight loss that I'll be answering  7:18 – what is (and isn't) a calorie?  11:49 – misapplications of CICO and why CICO is not physiologically accurate in the ways most people use it  19:46 – why the idea that “a calorie is a calorie” is misleading  29:11 – how energy in food is measured and the inaccuracy of food labels  36:16 – the impact of behavioral compensation and metabolic adaptation on energy expenditure  42:07 – how cutting calories lowers metabolism, reduces thyroid function, and increases stress hormones, appetite, and weight regain  48:26 – Herman Pontzer's Constrained Model of Energy Expenditure and the adverse effects of energy deficits  52:21 – whether CICO can accurately represent physiology  1:00:04 – a simplified version of CICO  1:05:41 –why calories do not equal usable energy or weight  1:13:27 – examples demonstrating the issues with common CICO misconceptions  1:21:09 – summarizing the central issues with CICO and how you can lose body fat without a caloric deficit  1:28:13 – whether there's value to CICO

Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Danny's Website: https://t.me/dannyroddy   Danny's Substack: https://dannyroddy.substack.com/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 0:33 – why we started this podcast 6:25 – our take on Bryan Johnson's Longevity Blueprint and problems with biohacking 12:13 – whether we should adopt any of the strategies from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint to achieve optimal health 14:50 – the cost of continually being in a caloric deficit and why this does not increase longevity 21:06 – issues with eating hard-to-digest foods and whether supplements can make up for missing nutrients in the diet 22:13 – the importance of avoiding reductionistic thinking around supplements touted for weight loss benefits 28:00 – potential pros and cons of Bryan Johnson's Blueprint and how to measure health 32:39 – Bryan Johnson's supplement protocol 41:09 – how low-carb diets negatively affect NAD+ to NADH ratios and estrogen status 46:20 – whether body fat percentage and cholesterol levels can be too low 52:20 – what is stress? 1:03:20 – issues with hormesis and the idea that stress is beneficial 1:07:34 – whether avoiding stress is possible and how to develop resilience to stress 1:13:17 – addressing Marty Kendall's response to our take on glucagon and insulin 1:24:17 – glucagon's short-term and long-term effects on metabolic function 1:26:46 – glucagon's role in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes 1:37:16 – metabolic dysfunction as a driver of insulin resistance 1:41:06 – whether we need to be concerned about wasting energy on hormone production 1:44:50 – whether we should always try to avoid gluconeogenesis 1:51:45 – how to use carbohydrates to stabilize your blood sugar 1:56:11 – habit stacking, simplifying supplementation, and adopting a long-term mindset when it comes to health

In this episode we discuss: Whether Berberine and Urolithin A are good options for weight loss How Berberine lowers your blood sugar and whether this is really a good thing The effects of Berberine and Urolithin A on your gut Whether you always need to avoid blood sugar spikes Whether you always need to have protein with your carbohydrates   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-122-weight-loss-with-berberine-and-urolithin-a-blood-sugar-spikes-and-pairing-protein-with-carbs-qa/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:10 – what are berberine and urolithin A? 2:26 – the benefits of berberine on gut health 9:06 – berberine as a mitochondrial poison and the mechanisms of berberine's toxicity and blood-sugar-lowering effects 13:13 – of the effects urolithin A on mitochondria and the gut 18:15 – whether urolithin A is beneficial for weight loss and increases brown adipose tissue activity 22:13 – the importance of avoiding reductionistic thinking around supplements touted for weight loss benefits 26:31 – powerful weight loss strategies that are simple and effective, without supplementation 31:02 – whether we always need to avoid blood sugar spikes and dips 35:30 – when having protein alongside carbs is necessary and why increasing carbohydrate intake improves insulin sensitivity, even in people with type 2 diabetes 40:49 – how fat, fiber, and protein help slow the absorption of carbohydrates and improve blood sugar management 46:20 – issues with grain-based carbs and the importance of finding carb sources that work for you

In this episode we discuss: How to fix adrenal fatigue and adrenal insufficiency and whether these are really adrenal problems Whether it makes sense to use desiccated adrenal products or hydrocortisone for adrenal fatigue How the GAPS diet can resolve autoimmune issues and whether you should consider trying it How to improve fat digestion and bile flow How to improve digestion without a gallbladder   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-120-vitamin-a-toxicity-retinoic-acid-toxicity-accutane-and-whether-hypervitaminosis-a-exists   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:13 – what is adrenal insufficiency and what causes it? 7:02 – what is adrenal fatigue and how can we reverse it? 11:54 – the drivers of adrenal fatigue and issues with typical treatments 18:51 – the importance of establishing solid diet and lifestyle foundations before adding supplements for adrenal support 24:42 – whether our bodies lose the ability to produce hormones as we age 27:20 – concerns with the use of natural supplements like desiccated adrenal glandulars, licorice, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) 36:07 – whether the GAPS diet is ideal for healing autoimmune conditions 40:01 – problems with the GAPS diet and other elimination diets 47:37 – the importance of individualizing your gut protocol and the problems with a cookie-cutter approach 52:09 – the connection between gut health, stress hormones, mental health, and autoimmunity 55:40 – how to improve digestion without a gallbladder 59:13 – common issues seen in those without a gallbladder 1:02:08 – long-term consequences of gallbladder removal and how to heal gallbladder issues 1:05:30 – when to use ox bile, TUDCA, taurine, glycine, or vitamin C 1:09:16 – how much fat to include in your diet to stimulate bile flow, and what types of fats are optimal 1:12:55 – strategies for preventing and resolving bile dumping and reflux 1:15:44 – additional consequences of gallbladder removal 1:17:36 – gallbladder issues in relation to hypothyroidism and estrogen dominance

In this episode we discuss: The research behind vitamin A toxicity and whether vitamin A is really a poison Whether you need to be concerned about the use of Accutane Whether retinoic acid is toxic because it's used as a chemotherapeutic agent Whether Grant Genereux's claims about vitamin A toxicity are valid   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-120-vitamin-a-toxicity-retinoic-acid-toxicity-accutane-and-whether-hypervitaminosis-a-exists   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:15 – why we're examining Grant Genereux's take on vitamin A toxicity and the evidence behind his claims 4:50 – conceptualizing the amount of vitamin A needed for toxicity 7:07 – is hypervitaminosis A (vitamin A toxicity) real? 9:27 – cautioning against the idea of "detox" as an excuse for negative effects and vitamin A toxicity as an unfalsifiable hypothesis 12:36 – is there a conspiracy to poison the masses with vitamin A? 18:36 – how likely is it that you have vitamin A toxicity? 22:30 – problems with the first in vivo study that Grant uses to support vitamin A toxicity 35:14 – vitamin A toxicity in the studies Grant cited require massive doses of vitamin A that would be impossible to obtain from diet 42:44 – Grant's cited research actually supports the safety of vitamin A 50:52 – more of Grant's cited research supporting vitamin A safety 58:25 – further research supporting that extremely high doses are required to cause vitamin A toxicity 1:07:57 – whether vitamin A toxicity is driving autoimmunity 1:09:54 – whether retinoic acid is toxic based on concerns regarding the use of Accutane  1:15:40 – how conflating Accutane with retinoic acid is misleading  1:22:12 – whether retinoic acid is toxic because Accutane is used as a chemotherapeutic agent  1:29:37 – evaluating Grant's claim that retinol automatically becomes “toxic” retinoic acid  1:35:05 – our concluding thoughts on Grant's arguments regarding vitamin A toxicity

In this episode we discuss: Whether vitamin A toxicity exists and is something you need to be worried about Whether Grant Genereux's claims about vitamin A deficiency are valid Whether vitamin A is actually a poison rather than a vitamin What we think about the current state of the Ray Peat forum The research on vitamin A deficiencies and whether vitamin A deficiencies exist   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-119-vitamin-a-toxicity-examining-the-evidence-for-vitamin-a-deficiency   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:09 – why we're discussing vitamin A toxicity and Grant Genereux's perspective 4:53 – closedmindedness within the “low vitamin A” sphere and how it compares to Ray Peat's work 7:33 – how a low vitamin A diet can have benefits 9:27 – cautioning against the idea of "detox" as an excuse for negative effects and vitamin A toxicity as an unfalsifiable hypothesis 12:33 – the importance of evaluating information objectively while avoiding censorship, tribalism, fearmongering, and religiosity 21:17 – concerns with the current state of the Ray Peat Forum and how to recognize unsubstantiated claims 26:45 – Grant's initial critiques of the original studies on vitamin A deficiency are extremely weak and unsubstantiated 41:48 – introducing Wolbach's 1925 study on vitamin A deficiency 45:47 – refuting Grant's argument that the retinoic acid in the vitamin-free casein would have caused toxicity 52:35 – refuting Grant's argument regarding confounding variables in lard and butter 1:02:53 – research on vitamin A deficiency and whether vitamin A deficiencies exist 1:20:32 – the necessity of vitamin A for pregnancy, fetal growth, and development

In this episode we discuss: Why serotonin is NOT the “happy hormone” and you may not want to increase it How serotonin and depression relate to stress and energy balance Whether SSRIs are effective for depression How SSRIs actually work, their impact on metabolism, and whether they're the best treatment option for depression The real drivers of depression and anxiety   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-118-the-truth-about-serotonin-and-ssris-why-serotonin-is-not-the-happy-hormone   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 0:58 – the research showing that serotonin is not the “happy hormone” 4:56 – serotonin's role in driving the stress state that leads to depression 8:26 – the overlap between anxiety and depression and why they are both characterized by elevated serotonin levels 10:27 – the origins of the idea that serotonin is the “happy hormone” and how serotonin became a marketing tool for pharmaceutical companies 14:49 – serotonin is increased during fasting and starvation and why increasing serotonin should not be our goal 20:16 – serotonin is increased during stress, shock, and infection and leads to learned helplessness 29:04 –SSRIs use in neonates causes depression in adulthood 31:35 – the serotonergic system as an adaptive stress response to a lack of energy 39:09 – serotonin's role in energy redistribution under stress 43:15 – how SSRIs inhibit mitochondrial respiration, glucose metabolism, and energy production in the brain and liver 47:13 – how SSRIs can reduce symptoms and how the brain responds to SSRIs 52:42 – the true drivers of depression and anxiety 1:01:30 – how serotonin relates to stress hormones, including cortisol, and energy balance

In this episode we discuss: Concerns surrounding fructose malabsorption and whether fructose is really a FODMAP Whether you need to be concerned about excess fructose in foods Whether you should avoid sugar and supplement with fish oil for brain inflammation Diet and supplement strategies for brain injuries The impacts of drinking alcohol from the Bioenergetic view   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-117-fructose-malabsorption-protecting-against-alcohol-and-brain-injuries-and-inflammation-q-and-a   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:15 – how fructose gets absorbed in the small intestine 4:24 – the optimal fructose to glucose ratio and how to tell if you have fructose malabsorption 8:41 – the details of how glucose helps with fructose absorption 12:04 – which foods have a high fructose to glucose ratio 16:24 – issues with FODMAP categorization and whether fructose is really a FODMAP 21:23 – listening to your body and understanding individual context vs following rigid “food rules” 27:39 – anti-inflammatory diets and whether we should avoid sugar and supplement with fish oil to reduce brain inflammation 32:06 – dietary and supplement strategies to promote an anti-inflammatory state in the brain 39:15 – the effectiveness of red-light therapy, methylene blue, progesterone, exogenous ketones, and polyphenols in treating brain injuries 44:31 – why we don't want to prioritize omega 3s in the diet and whether eating fish is any better than fish oil supplementation 47:21 – reducing inflammation with the use of aspirin 47:53 – the main concerns with drinking alcohol: intestinal permeability, endotoxin production, and liver health 52:32 – stress-relieving supplement alternatives to alcohol and the effects of alcohol on vitamins and minerals 54:37 – strategies to mitigate the effects of alcohol in the short-term 58:14 – whether it makes sense to drink alcohol, alcohol use as a coping mechanism, and the impact of culture 1:00:07 – more strategies for mitigating the effects of alcohol in the short and long term

In this episode we discuss: The validity of the counterarguments against the Lipid Energy Model Whether the Lipid Energy Model means that high LDL does not increase cardiovascular disease risk How thyroid and metabolism relate to high LDL on a low-carb diet What the Lean Mass Hyper-Responder phenotype means in terms of metabolic health Whether low-carb diets are ideal for cardiovascular disease health and health in general   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-116-the-truth-about-ldl-and-heart-disease-lmhr-and-the-lipid-energy-model/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:17 – the primary counterarguments against the Lipid Energy Model  4:15 – BMI, not saturated fat, correlates with the LMHR phenotype  8:15 – eating carbs dramatically lowers cholesterol in LMHR  11:14 – whether Oreos are more effective at lowering cholesterol than statins  17:30 – high cholesterol levels in the LMHR phenotype are not due to excess saturated fat intake or cholesterol production  19:25 – prominent cardiologists and researchers dismissing the lipid energy model due to dogmatism interferes with progress in science and medicine  24:40 – Dr. Shawn Baker's carbohydrate experiment and contextual considerations when reintroducing carbs into the diet  28:46 – further support for the lipid energy model and the relationship with thyroid function  33:32 – the difference between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats in relation to lipid profiles  34:40 – whether LDL cholesterol and ApoB cause heart disease and plaque formation  42:18 – how the Lipid Energy Model helps uncover the underlying cause of heart disease  45:15 – LDL levels as a marker of metabolic health rather than a cause of cardiovascular disease and why we may not always want to lower LDL  55:02 – evidence suggesting that LDL does not drive cardiovascular disease  1:05:43 – the difference between high LDL due to metabolic dysfunction and high LDL due to a low-carb diet  1:09:58 – lipid values don't tell us the whole picture: the Kitavans  1:16:54 – why decreases in insulin, glucose, and HbA1C as well as increased lipolysis and fat oxidation on a low-carb diet is not necessarily a sign of improvement  1:22:57 – increased lipolysis on low-carb diets does not lead to body-fat loss  1:24:25 – whether the Lipid Energy Model proves that low-carb diets are optimal for health

In this episode we discuss: Whether you should be concerned about high LDL or high cholesterol on a low-carb diet The validity of the Lean Mass Hyper-Responder (LMHR) Phenotype and Lipid Energy Model proposed by Dave Feldman The metabolic state that drives the Lipid Energy Model How the "Lean Mass Hyper-Responder" and Lipid Energy Model support the Bioenergetic view of cardiovascular disease   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-115-lmhr-and-the-lipid-energy-model-implications-for-metabolism-and-hormones   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:14 – what is the Lean Mass Hyper-Responder (LMHR) phenotype 3:33 – how the Lipid Energy Model challenges the mainstream dogmatic view linking high cholesterol levels to heart disease 6:33 – the protective effects of cholesterol and why it does not cause heart disease, despite being necessary for atherosclerosis 9:49 – the distinction between Lean Mass Hyper-Responders and those with high cholesterol levels in the context of metabolic dysfunction 15:10 – what is the Lipid Energy Model 22:10 – how the body adapts to a lack of carbohydrates, leading to elevated cholesterol levels 27:22 – the hormonal and metabolic state underlying the Lean Mass Hyper-Responder phenotype 32:21 – how adding carbohydrates lowers cholesterol levels in those who don't have metabolic dysfunction at a cellular level 37:11 – whether Lean Mass Hyper-Responders are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease 42:00 – why the Lean Mass Hyper-Responder phenotype isn't ideal: stress and low thyroid function 51:10 – the parallels between the lipid energy model and physiological insulin resistance

In this episode we discuss: How increasing carbohydrate intake actually improves insulin sensitivity, even in people with type 2 diabetes  The research showing that fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease are both characterized by excess fatty acid oxidation  The research showing that fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease are both characterized by excess fatty acid oxidation  Why strategies such as intermittent fasting, cold plunges, and OMAD (one meal a day) are not effective for improving insulin sensitivity    Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-114-fat-burning-drives-insulin-resistance-and-eating-carbohydrates-improves-insulin-sensitivity/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:17 – stress hormones (glucagon, epinephrine, and cortisol) are major contributors to insulin resistance and diabetes  4:05 – elevated glucagon levels, not carbohydrates, are the driving force behind high fasting blood glucose levels 6:43 – glucagon is a driver of insulin resistance, while insulin is just a symptom 12:46 – the research showing that blocking stress hormones directly improves insulin sensitivity 15:14 – “hormetic” stressors like intermittent fasting, cause insulin resistance 19:30 – fat burning drives insulin resistance and keeps us in a catabolic state, driving weight gain and muscle wasting  22:15 – cortisol drives insulin resistance and why serum cortisol levels don't provide the full picture 25:00 – low-carb diets reduce insulin sensitivity while carbohydrate intake improves it  29:40 – decreasing fatty acid oxidation by increasing carb intake improves our ability to tolerate carbohydrates 33:46 – burning fat contributes to increased disease processes and does not lead to losing more body fat 38:04 – fatty acid oxidation damages our mitochondria and increases fat storage 46:22 – type 2 diabetes directly contributes to heart disease by upregulating fatty acid oxidation  52:05 – how to decrease fatty acid oxidation and improve glucose metabolism

In this episode we discuss: Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are diseases of excess fat burning and impaired glucose metabolism How increasing carbohydrate intake improves insulin sensitivity, even in people with type 2 diabetes Evidence supporting the bioenergetic view of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes Why carbs are not actually the cause of insulin resistance and diabetes   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-113-carbohydrates-dont-cause-insulin-resistance-or-diabetes-evidence-for-the-bioenergetic-view   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:28 – what the mainstream view of insulin resistance gets wrong when it comes to what causes insulin resistance and diabetes 3:24 – glycolysis and fat oxidation are favored, and glucose oxidation is inhibited in insulin resistance and diabetes 8:39 – what happens to glucose in diabetic cells 10:32 – why insulin resistance is a symptom rather than the driver of diabetes 12:55 – research showing that insulin resistance is driven by poor glucose metabolism 20:50 – impaired glucose uptake is not caused by excess insulin; fat-burning and impaired glucose metabolism are the culprits  27:10 – the problems with relying on fat oxidation over carbohydrate oxidation  30:43 – how increasing blood glucose levels or increasing insulin can restore normal glucose uptake in diabetes 35:28 – how insulin actually lowers blood sugar and the effects of insulin on cortisol and other stress hormones 37:16 - why fatty acid oxidation is NOT the underlying cause of insulin resistance 40:06 – factors that support or block mitochondrial respiration 41:20 – how excess fatty acid oxidation contributes to the pathology of insulin resistance and can impair glucose metabolism over time 42:49 - how insulin actually lowers blood sugar and the effects of insulin on cortisol and other stress hormones (cont.) 47:08 – why we don't want to blame insulin for insulin resistance and what really causes high fasting blood glucose 49:22 – how low-carb diets increase stress hormones and decrease insulin sensitivity

In this episode we discuss: Why you might want to think twice about using resistant starch for blood sugar regulation and gut health Ways to increase or reduce the amount of resistant starch in the foods you eat  How to tell if resistant starch is negatively impacting your gut health, and why non-resistant starch may also pose a problem The optimal calcium to phosphorus ratio according to the research The calcium paradox and why calcium intake doesn't increase excitation or calcification The hidden dangers of excess phosphorus intake    Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-112-the-problems-with-resistant-starch-and-balancing-the-calcium-to-phosphorus-ratio-qa   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:00 – mainstream health claims about resistant starch and why we disagree 6:15 – whether there are any benefits to including resistant starch in your diet 11:07 – how to tell if resistant starch is negatively impacting your gut health and how to avoid it 16:05 – which starches are easiest to digest and the factors that affect our ability to digest starches optimally 21:38 – why we should pay attention to our calcium to phosphorus ratio and the risks of high parathyroid hormone levels 26:19 – the optimal calcium to phosphorus ratio and the calcium paradox in terms of regulating blood pressure  31:21 – which phosphorus-containing foods we should avoid to optimize bone density  34:36 – the calcium paradox and why consuming calcium doesn't increase intracellular calcium

In this episode we discuss: How spore-based probiotics differ from typical probiotics and whether we should be using either of them to improve our gut health  Whether low-carb or ketogenic diets are an ideal solution for epilepsy  The role of gut health and metabolism in epileptic seizures Concerns with using low- or no-calorie sweeteners Whether stevia is actually any better than artificial sweeteners   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide   Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-111-stevia-vs-sugar-ketogenic-diets-for-epilepsy-and-spore-based-vs-standard-probiotics-qa   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:17 – whether spore-based probiotics can cause bacterial overgrowths like SIBO 4:53 – the drawbacks of standard probiotic use and the limitations of stool testing 9:55 – how spore-based probiotics protect against pathogenic bacteria and endotoxin and which spore-based product Jay recommends 15:39 – long-term benefits of spore-based probiotics and how long you need to use them for these benefits 21:05 – whether low-carb or ketogenic diets are necessary to improve epilepsy  29:25 – using ketones for fuel and why the production of ketones isn't the problem on a ketogenic diet  30:48 – the main drivers of epileptic seizures and how ketones help to prevent or reverse them  34:17 – the role of the gut microbiome in brain health and epilepsy 42:18 – concerns with low- or no-calorie sweeteners like stevia 48:03 – whether we should be concerned about the lack of nutrients in table sugar, honey, and maple syrup  54:55 – stevia as a potential endocrine disruptor that may have negative effects on the thyroid, liver, and kidneys 

In this episode we discuss: Why insulin resistance and diabetes are not caused by excess carbohydrate consumption and are not actually an insulin signaling problem  The problems with the idea of metabolic flexibility, earning your carbs, and the carb-insulin model of obesity  Why carbs are beneficial even for people who have insulin resistance or diabetes  The role of fat burning and stress in driving insulin resistance  Specific diet, movement, and supplement recommendations to reverse insulin resistance and diabetes    Free Energy Balance Mini-Course: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-110-the-true-cause-of-insulin-resistance-and-diabetes-from-the-bioenergetic-view/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:14 – metabolic flexibility, earning your carbs, the carb-insulin model of obesity, and dispelling other common insulin resistance myths 7:48 – low-carb, keto, and carnivore diets may improve symptoms but are not the solution for insulin resistance 13:13 – what the mainstream views of insulin resistance gets wrong when it comes to what causes insulin resistance 15:50 – why you might not want to use a continuous glucose monitor and the unnecessary fear of blood glucose spikes 17:48 – whether insulin is harmful and whether we want to keep insulin levels as low as possible 22:15 – whether we can restore optimal insulin sensitivity without low-carb diets  25:16 –the bioenergetic view of insulin resistance  27:12 – insulin resistance as an adaptive evolutionary process that is crucial for survival 31:22 – the difference between physiological and pathological insulin resistance 34:40 – how inhibited glucose oxidation causes insulin resistance 40:46 – how fatty acid oxidation causes increased production of ROS, slows cellular respiration, and blocks glucose oxidation (The Randle Cycle) 51:06 – the harms of ROS production from fatty acid oxidation and other forms of stress 53:04 – insulin resistance as an energy deficient state 54:19 – insulin resistance is not an insulin signaling problem, it's an energy production problem  58:30 – the role of stress hormones (like cortisol) in insulin resistance  1:02:09 – how insulin and carbohydrates decrease stress  1:05:59 – how to fix insulin resistance and restore insulin sensitivity by fixing our capacity to produce energy   1:10:38 – specific diet, movement, and supplementation recommendations for insulin resistance and diabetes  1:17:55 – why you don't need to tailor your carb intake to your carb tolerance   

In this episode we discuss: Our thoughts on Chris Palmer's “Brain Energy” theory of mental health Why low carb diets are not the solution for anxiety and depression and what to do instead What most people miss when it comes to weight loss and why we shouldn't focus on fat-burning Strategies to optimally manage blood sugar for Type 1 Diabetes Whether we should lower our fat intake to lose weight    Sign up for the Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide    Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Click here to check out the show notes: https:/jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-109-chris-palmers-brain-energy-type-1-diabetes-and-low-fat-diets-for-weight-loss-qa   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:19 – our take on Chris Palmer's “Brain Energy” theory of mental health disorders 5:04 – challenging the misconception of a separation between the brain and body 8:03 – why low-carb, ketogenic, and carnivore diets can produce temporary mental health benefits 10:36 – how impaired energy production underlies poor brain health and how to fix it without using low-carb diets 14:05 – how fat burning can temporarily relieve symptoms of poor glucose utilization (with a major cost) 18:29 – why fatty acid oxidation is our default metabolic state under stress and underlies all chronic disease 22:20 – whether ketogenic diets promote metabolic flexibility 24:53 – poor glucose metabolism as a driver of Alzheimer's disease and other mental health conditions 28:13 – the adaptive benefit of burning fat during stress 31:31 – blood sugar management for Type 1 Diabetes and whether a low-carb diet is optimal 38:13 – whether lowering fat intake is necessary for burning and losing fat 42:09 – whether improving metabolic function alone is enough to reduce stored fat and when a decrease in dietary fat intake may be necessary 47:32 – the difference between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat and their potential implications 50:34 – how to fix our hunger signals to prevent excessive eating 54:33 – weighing the costs of extreme diets and the need for more innovative thinking around health

In this episode we discuss: The unexpected costs of using excess exercise to lose weight  Our thoughts on Herman Pontzer's book Burn and the Constrained Model of Energy Expenditure  Our thoughts on Ted Naiman's protein to energy ratio diet (PE Diet)  The cost of eating too much protein and what to do instead  How to increase caloric intake to raise your metabolism and reverse hypothyroidism  The major category of nutrients that's often missed for optimizing mitochondrial function      Sign up for the Free Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy     Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/     Click here to check out the show notes: https:/jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-108-herman-pontzers-burn-ted-naimans-pe-diet-and-increasing-calorie-intake-to-raise-metabolism-qa/   Timestamps: 1:25 – Herman Pontzer's Constrained Model of Energy Expenditure and the adverse effects of energy deficits 7:13 – problems with the additive model of energy expenditure and the physiological cost of excess exercise 10:40 – environmental factors that we can change to increase metabolism 16:42 – the unexpected costs of using excessive exercise to lose weight 19:16 – weight gain as an adaptive response to an energy deficit 22:46 – when eating too much can be a problem and how to identify your ideal calorie intake 32:18 – Ted Naiman's protein to energy ratio diet and optimal protein intake 41:13 – the problems with using protein as an energy source 46:45 – how to increase caloric intake to raise metabolism and reverse hypothyroidism 50:47 – how to track your symptoms and progress to better guide your nutrient goals 56:55 – the best foods for increasing calorie intake and what to do if you have a low appetite 1:00:30 – the essential role of both macro and micronutrient density in promoting mitochondrial health 1:04:00 – why sugar cravings are not the same as sugar addiction 1:06:46 – easy ways to incorporate more macro and micro nutrient dense foods into your diet

In this episode we discuss: Studies showing that omega-3 consumption decreases lifespan and increases disease processes  The potentially harmful effects of omega-3 usage during pregnancy on offspring  The impact of omega-3s on inflammation, endotoxin, and mitochondrial respiration  The data in native cultures showing that omega-3 intake doesn't improve cardiovascular disease or mortality  Extremely healthy populations that consume high-carb and high-saturated fat diets with almost no omega-3s      Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/     Download the Free Energy Balance Food Guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/     Click here to check out the show notes: https:/jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-107-omega-3s-decrease-lifespan-and-increase-disease   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:30 – studies showing that omega-3 consumption decreases lifespan and increases disease processes in animals 13:55 – studies on animals showing the harmful effects of omega-3 consumption during pregnancy on offspring 17:37 – studies showing that omega-3 consumption contributes to disease processes, increases inflammation, causes oxidative stress, increases endotoxin, and interferes with mitochondrial respiration 28:19 – whether we should be concerned about saturated fats increasing endotoxin absorption 29:33 – how omega-3 consumption leaves us more susceptible to damage when we're under stress 32:53 – whether we should be consuming fatty fish 35:01 – the lack of benefit of omega-3 consumption in native populations consuming large amounts of fatty fish and seafood 38:40 – low incidence of cardiovascular disease in native populations consuming very little omega-3s 59:30 – concluding thoughts on whether we should consume omega-3s based on the data on omega-3s in RBCs and phospholipids and mortality

In this episode we discuss: Studies showing that fish oil and cod liver oil supplementation increase oxidative damage in humans, even in the triglyceride form alongside antioxidants  Why omega-3s are harmful in both healthy and unhealthy humans  The harmful metabolic and hormetic effects of omega-3s (and why omega-3s aren't beneficial due to hormesis)  The research showing that omega-3s do not improve chronic health conditions or mortality in humans      Sign up for the Free Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy     Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/     Click here to check out the show notes: https:/jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-106-omega-3s-increase-inflammation-and-oxidative-stress/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:26 – a summary of the harmful effects of omega-3 consumption in humans 9:14 – omega-3 consumption amplifies the damage from stress (including fasting) 17:08 – vitamin E does not protect against lipid peroxidation from fish oil consumption 20:06 – studies showing that increased omega-3 consumption (including fish oil and cod liver oil) in humans and other animals increases lipid peroxidation, even in triglyceride form 31:45 - how omega-3s triggers hormesis, and why this doesn't make omega-3s beneficial 39:50 – the context of the omega-3 research and its application 42:57 – studies showing that omega-3 supplementation doesn't improve chronic health conditions or reduce mortality in humans

In this episode we discuss: Whether the research suggesting that omega-3s decrease mortality is valid Omega-6 intake as a major confounding variable when looking at omega-3 research The dramatic lifespan-lowering effect of omega-3s and total PUFA across all species How omega-3s increase susceptibility to oxidative stress and damage Looking at the Masai diet as an example of a low-omega-3 diet with high omega-3s in the red blood cells     Download the Free Energy Balance Food Guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/     Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/     Click here to check out the show notes:  https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-105-challenging-the-idea-that-increased-omega-3-consumption-lowers-mortality/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 1:35 – why we're discussing omega-3s and lifespan 8:10 – the studies showing an association between omega-3 content in phospholipid and reduced mortality 16:48 – conflict of interest as a confounding variable in these studies 18:12 – healthy user bias as a confounding variable in these studies 20:46 – omega-6 consumption as a confounding variable in these studies 29:04 – problems with using RBC phospholipids and serum fatty acids as markers of fatty acid composition of the diet 30:35 – a low omega-6 diet will increase omega-3 content in the RBC phospholipids and serum fatty acids 36:35 – the effect of heritability on RBC phospholipid and serum fatty acid composition 43:58 – the effect of oxidative stress on RBC phospholipid and serum fatty acid composition 52:57 – why it's important to consider interventional studies and other research to determine whether we should increase omega-3 consumption to reduce mortality 55:30 – research looking at the relationship between composition of phospholipids and lifespan across species 1:07:33 – research looking at the relationship between composition of phospholipids and lifespan within species 1:23:30 – increased consumption of omega-3s increases omega-3 content in phospholipids and therefore the peroxidizability index 1:28:53 – looking at the Masai diet: low omega-6 intake increases omega-3 content in RBC fatty acids

In this episode we discuss: Individualism and competition vs. collaboration and communitarianism Whether humans are inherently selfish and destructive  The cost of social media and other forms of distraction How drugs and alcohol can function as numbing agents  Why many causes that appear worthy turn out to be distractions from the real problems   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Download the Free Energy Balance Food Guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/   Click here to check out the show notes:  https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-104-how-western-culture-keeps-us-distracted-and-fighting-amongst-ourselves/   Timestamps: 1:14 – individualism and competition vs. collaboration and communitarianism 25:45 – randomness, subjectivism, moral relativism, and the resulting nihilism 31:20 – the consequences of the idea that humans are selfish, destructive, and useless other than what we can produce 41:39 – how potentially beneficial advancements become co-opted to maintain the current power structure 48:04 – how western culture degrades esteem and prevents self-actualization 49:43 – the many aspects of modern technology and entertainment that distract us from what's important 55:26 – how drugs and alcohol can also function as numbing agents 1:03:42 – how worthy causes become co-opted to prevent legitimate progress 1:13:18 – contrasting with cultures that are family-oriented and less distracted by technology 1:16:10 – the effects of culture in science, health, and everyday life   

In this episode we discuss: How lower wages and higher costs have dramatically reduced our quality of life How we've ended up working more and resting less with worse outcomes Whether advancements in technology have improved the quality of life of the average person How marketing and consumerism keep us on the hamster wheel The hidden costs of convenience culture Concerns surrounding the collusion between government and corporations How divide and conquer tactics convince us to blame each other rather than the powers that oppress us   Download the Free Energy Balance Food Guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/   Sign up for the Free Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy   Click here to check out the show notes:  https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-103-how-western-culture-keeps-us-poor-and-destroys-our-family-community-and-relationships/   Timestamps: 1:34 – how western culture degrades safety and security through financial means 7:33 – how lower wages with higher costs reduces safety and forces people to prioritize work over quality of life 15:14 – we currently work more with less leisure time than ever before, with worse outcomes 20:24 – the cost of consumer culture and marketing as an engine that drives consumerism 30:53 – the cost of convenience culture: freedom, privacy, morals, ethics, and health 36:14 – the problems with profit-driven motives and the collusion between government and corporations 45:36 – how western society has become fragile and unstable 51:13 – how western culture degrades relationships and feelings of love and belonging 52:41 – continued how western culture degrades relationships and feelings of love and belonging 53:27 – divide and conquer tactics within western culture and encouraging the “us vs. them” mentality   

In this episode we discuss: Why culture matters and how we can effectively navigate it The impact of the diet culture and the “eat less exercise more” paradigm How Western culture blames the individual for their poor health and the toll that this takes  The problems with excess work, time indoors, and sedentarism How the modern medical system takes away your capacity to improve your health Why the alternative health sphere can be just as problematic as mainstream medicine    Sign up for the Free Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-102-how-western-culture-mainstream-medicine-keep-us-sick/   Timestamps: 0:00 – why we're discussing culture and our concerns with the culture in the US and the relationship between culture and health   6:05 – frames through which we can view culture and the importance of Maslow's hierarchy of needs 13:00 – how western culture degrades health: diet culture and the food industry 27:43 – how western culture degrades health: excess work, time indoors, and sedentarism  34:30 – how easily we can become numb to the effects of our culture or environment  38:07 – the broken modern medical system and the problems with the allopathic, symptom management model  48:21 – problems with the alternative health sphere  

In this episode we discuss: Why you want to avoid vegetarian-fed chicken and acorn-fed pork  The best bioenergetic fat, protein, and carb sources  Why it's best to avoid salmon and bluefin tuna, and what fish and seafood to have instead  Whether we should be including vegetables and fiber in our diet  How to avoid vegetable oils and what fats to use instead  When it makes sense to include high-FODMAP foods    Download the Free Energy Balance Food Guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Sign up for the Free Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-101-building-a-bioenergetic-diet-optimal-carb-fat-and-protein-sources/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:34 - bioenergetic food guide  2:59 - bioenergetic fat sources  6:20 - bioenergetic protein sources  15:01 - the importance of collagen/gelatin  18:51 - bioenergetic carbohydrate sources  31:25 – foods and additives to avoid  34:15 – experimentation and context as primary components of the bioenergetic view   

In this episode we discuss: Optimal macronutrient breakdowns for meals and snacks How to calculate your protein, carbohydrate, and fat needs How to use taste, cravings, hunger, and experimentation to guide your macro intake How to find your starting calorie intake The optimal number of meals and snacks to have in a day   Download the Free Energy Balance Food Guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-100-building-a-bioenergetic-diet-macros-calories-and-meal-timing/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:21 – context for these dietary guidelines and the importance of the “why”  7:58 – guidelines for optimal protein intake from the bioenergetic view  14:46 – guidelines for optimal fat intake from the bioenergetic view  29:27 – guidelines for optimal carb intake from the bioenergetic view   31:32 – how to find your starting calorie intake  35:29 – guidelines for optimal carb intake from the bioenergetic view (continued)  42:00 – using taste, cravings, hunger, and experimentation to adjust these guidelines  45:35 – guidelines for optimal meal and snack timing and composition from the bioenergetic view   

In this episode we discuss: The problems with using T4-only medications like Synthroid and levothyroxine for hypothyroidism   When it makes sense to use thyroid hormone supplements  How to use T3, T4, and/or desiccated thyroid (NDT) for hypothyroidism   Whether thyroid hormones should be taken away from food due to absorption concerns   Whether we should be concerned about thyroid hormone supplementation suppressing our own thyroid hormone production    Sign up for the Free Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-99-medications-supplements-for-hypothyroidism-and-the-problems-with-t4-medications-hypothyroidism-part-5/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:24 – vitamin and mineral supplementation for thyroid function  5:22 – the context for using thyroid hormone supplementation  7:16 – the problems with using T4-only medications (like Synthroid and levothyroxine) for hypothyroidism  13:58 – evidence that T4 monotherapy is less effective than T3/T4 combination therapy  21:48 – how to use T3, T4, and/or desiccated thyroid (NDT) for hypothyroidism  37:15 – whether thyroid hormones should be taken away from food due to absorption concerns  41:49 – how much is 1 grain of desiccated thyroid?  42:29 – whether thyroid hormone supplements are pharmaceuticals, food, or something in between  44:30 – whether we should be concerned about thyroid hormone supplementation suppressing endogenous thyroid hormone production  46:50 – thyroid hormone supplements in context 

In this episode we discuss: How fasting decreases thyroid function   Why carbs are essential for thyroid function  Specific anti-thyroid foods to avoid   Why interventions like cold thermogenesis, caloric restriction, and fasting are not the answer for hypothyroidism  The impact of sleep on our thyroid health    Sign up for the Free Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/ep-98-how-to-optimize-your-diet-lifestyle-for-hypothyroidism-hypothyroidism-part-4   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:06 – how to address and reverse hypothyroidism 2:36 – the importance of carbs, calories, and fat for improving thyroid function 16:24 – the importance of eating consistently (and not fasting) for thyroid function 18:00 – saturated fats vs. PUFA and micronutrients for thyroid function 19:45 – basic bioenergetic diet recommendations for hypothyroidism 22:14 – anti-thyroid foods (goitrogens) to avoid 23:08 – other diet considerations when transitioning to a bioenergetic approach 25:56 – low iron in women and excess iron from carnivore or keto diets 27:47 – cruciferous vegetables and thyroid health 28:43 – how to properly address nutrient deficiencies for thyroid health 35:06 – whether stressors like exercise, cold thermogenesis, caloric restriction, and fasting are supportive of thyroid health 47:54 – optimizing sleep for thyroid function