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Millionen Menschen nehmen täglich Medikamente gegen zu hohes Cholesterin – und trotzdem reicht es bei vielen nicht aus. Jetzt wurde in Amerika ein neues Mittel zugelassen, das LDL, also den bösen Cholesterinwert, um bis zu 60 Prozent senken kann.In dieser Folge sprechen wir darüber, was schlechtes Cholesterin im Körper anrichtet, warum ein niedriger Wert nicht immer besser ist – und wann dieses Medikament auch bei uns zu erwarten ist.Es geht um Schaumzellen, B-Zell-Margarine und PCSK9.02:24 HDL und LDL04:30 Statin09:09 Ernährung als Hebel13:10 „Edel-Klinik“
What are normal cholesterol levels, and what do your numbers really mean for your heart health? Discover the truth about good and bad cholesterol, what your cholesterol levels reveal, and how to lower cholesterol naturally to support your overall health. 0:00 What are normal cholesterol levels?0:53 Normal cholesterol levels explained1:46 LDL cholesterol levels and heart disease prevention2:44 What is LDL?4:36 Small-dense LDL and insulin resistance 5:17 The problem with cholesterol guidelines8:11 Statins vs. natural remedies to lower cholesterol9:46 What causes insulin resistance?
Get personalized root-cause care with Empower Functional Health.Learn more at empowerfunctionalhealth.com_____Heart surgeon Dr. Philip Ovadia joins Judy Cho to discuss what may actually drive heart disease beyond a single focus on LDL cholesterol. Drawing from 25 years in cardiac surgery and more than 3,400 operations, he explains why insulin resistance, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, diet, and vascular damage deserve more attention in heart disease prevention.The conversation also examines statins, coronary artery calcium scans, CT angiograms, seed oils, processed carbohydrates, red meat, vegan diets, gut health, and nutrient absorption. Dr. Ovadia shares how becoming obese and prediabetic changed his own understanding of metabolic health, and why he now focuses on helping patients avoid the operating table.We discuss the following: Dr. Ovadia's lessons from 3,400 heart surgeriesWhy cholesterol isn't the root causePharmaceutical and food industry influenceHow diet guidelines failed patientsDr. Ovadia's personal health transformationSeed oils vs processed carbohydratesEarly warning signs of heart diseaseCoronary calcium scan and CT angiogramWhat a heart surgeon eats for breakfastDr. Ovadia's new bookCan vegans have optimal health?When diet alone isn't enough_____EPISODE RESOURCESNutritionist's Guide to the Carnivore DietDr. Philip Ovadia's WebsiteDr. Philip Ovadia's InstagramStay Off My Kitchen Table BookStay Off My Operating Table (First Book)_____WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
For decades, we've been told that eating less fat is one of the healthiest things we can do. That advice reshaped the foods we buy, the way we think about weight loss, and even how parents feed their children.But what if we misunderstood fat in the first place?In this episode, nutrition researcher Dr. Arne Astrup traces how the war on fat began, why many of its core assumptions haven't held up under decades of research, and what we've learned instead. Rather than asking whether fat is "good" or "bad," he argues that the more useful questions are: What foods actually keep us healthy? Why do some people gain weight more easily than others? And what happens when we reduce nutrition to single nutrients instead of whole foods?Free course: Improve your metabolic healthGet our free email course on how glucose, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and measurement can help you build habits that support better energy and long-term health: https://levels.link/wnl
What happens if you take berberine for 30 days? Does berberine really mimic Ozempic? Discover the berberine benefits beyond weight loss, the connection between berberine and blood sugar, and why some consider it a natural Metformin. 0:00 30 days on berberine 0:20 Is berberine a Metformin alternative1:55 Berberine and Ozempic2:19 What is insulin resistance?3:15 Berberine vs. Metformin4:18 Metformin side effects5:36 Berberine benefits 6:02 Berberine dosage
In this week's episode of Medicine: The Truth, hosts Jeremy Corr and Dr. Robert Pearl dig for the facts beneath healthcare's biggest headlines. Today's show opens with the issue most likely to shape how Americans think about healthcare heading into the midterm elections: affordability. Dr. Pearl explains that medical costs have now reached $5.7 trillion, rising more than 7% for the third consecutive year. Federal actuaries project that healthcare spending could approach $9 trillion by 2034, accounting for more than 20% of the U.S. GDP. For voters, employers, patients and families, those numbers aren't just an endless string of zeroes. They're impacting everyday life. Premiums, deductibles, copays and prescription drug costs are forcing people with private insurance, Medicare and exchange coverage to delay care, take on debt or choose worse coverage. Two major drivers stand out: hospital spending and drug costs. Hospital care remains the largest share of national healthcare expenses, while drug spending is rising fastest, driven in part by the growing use of GLP-1 medications. Pearl sees enormous potential in these drugs to improve health and reduce complications over time, but only if prices fall low enough for the long-term savings to justify the near-term expense. That tension becomes clearer in the discussion of Medicare's new GLP-1 pilot program for weight loss. Under the “bridge program,” eligible Medicare enrollees will be able to obtain GLP-1 medications for $50 a month, far below current retail prices. Pearl calls the program an important experiment, but also notes its limitations: coverage is not automatic, eligibility is restricted, administrative hurdles remain and the pilot may end after 18 months. If patients lose access and regain weight, the program could fail despite the promise of the medication. The episode then moves into several unusual and important stories, including new research into the origins of life, the medical risks of cannibalism, the promise and limitations of wearable health data, a large cyclosporiasis outbreak, rising e-bike injuries among children and adolescents, a new cholesterol-lowering pill, CDC leadership and measles. Here are the major storylines from episode 109: Researchers studying the origin of life made progress by taking a counterintuitive approach: building a synthetic cell from simple inorganic materials rather than stripping existing life forms down to their minimum parts. “Spud cell” research could eventually help scientists understand which genes are essential and create engineered cells capable of producing new medical treatments. A new study suggests cannibalism may have disappeared in part because of medical consequences, including infections and prion diseases that harmed tribes practicing it. Wearable devices are generating valuable health data, but most doctors lack the time, reimbursement and regulatory pathways needed to integrate that information into clinical care. A large cyclosporiasis outbreak has raised concerns about foodborne illness surveillance, produce safety and the difficulty of identifying contamination sources when symptoms appear one to two weeks after exposure. E-bike injuries are rising, especially among children and adolescents, with head, face and neck injuries posing particular concern. The FDA has approved a new pill that can lower LDL cholesterol to very low levels, though Pearl emphasizes that most average-risk patients should still rely on low-cost generic statins. The nomination hearing for Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director highlighted the continuing tension between science and politics, especially around vaccines, RFK Jr. and public trust in federal health agencies. Measles cases continue to rise, with nearly all occurring among unvaccinated people and with serious risks for those whose immunity has waned. Generative AI may reduce costs and accelerate parts of drug development, but no AI-generated medication has yet obtained FDA approval. The episode closes with a broader reflection on Season 11 of Fixing Healthcare. Pearl notes that the concerns raised by guests with large public followings are often different from the priorities emphasized by clinicians and national medical societies. Most Americans are not asking for unreasonable things. They want healthcare that is easier to access, affordable for their families and personalized to their circumstances. That gap, Pearl argues, may change how patients use technology. Large language models such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini are available 24/7, provide information at no additional cost and become more personalized as patients share more details. While many doctors worry that hospitals or insurers will replace them with AI, Pearl sees a different threat emerging: patients at home, frustrated by delays, high costs and feeling unheard, turning to generative AI because the healthcare system has not met their needs. Tune in to hear the full discussion and subscribe to Medicine: The Truth for more fact-based analysis of the medical, scientific and policy stories shaping American healthcare. * * * Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine” about the impact of AI on the future of medicine. Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on X and LinkedIn. The post MTT #109: Healthcare affordability, GLP-1s and the patient revolt ahead appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.
A 42-year-old man walked into my office.Blood pressure: 165 over 100.His doctor had already written the prescription. He was sitting across from me, looked me in the eye, and said:“I don't want to just manage this. I want to fix it.”Four weeks later, his blood pressure was completely normal. No medication change. No direct blood pressure treatment.Because here's the thing — we never once directly treated his blood pressure.We treated the system that was producing it.That's what this episode is about.The Reframe That Changes EverythingMost people — and most conventional medical appointments — treat blood pressure like it is the problem. The number is high, so we lower the number. Done.But blood pressure is not the problem. It's a report card. It's your body's way of showing you — in a very measurable, very undeniable way — that something upstream has gone wrong.Think of it like the check engine light in your car. You don't put tape over it and drive off. You open the hood.So today, we're opening the hood.Before we do — let's make sure we're speaking the same language. Blood pressure is two numbers:* Systolic (top number): pressure when your heart contracts and pushes blood out* Diastolic (bottom number): pressure when your heart is relaxing between beatsConventionally, 130/80 or above is classified as Stage 1 hypertension. A lot of people are sitting in that zone, being told to “keep an eye on it.”That advice isn't enough. Something created that pressure. And until we find out what, we're managing a symptom — not solving a problem.The 6 Root Drivers of High Blood PressureFrom a functional and metabolic medicine standpoint, there are six primary root drivers I look at when someone walks in with elevated blood pressure. Almost every time, it's not one of these in isolation — it's a combination.1. Insulin ResistanceThis is the big one. And it is criminally underdiagnosed.Here's the mechanism: when insulin is chronically elevated — from too much processed food, too much sugar, not enough movement — the kidneys start holding onto sodium. More sodium means more water in the bloodstream. More volume means more pressure. Basic physics.On top of that, high insulin activates your sympathetic nervous system — your fight-or-flight response — which causes blood vessels to constrict. Less room for the same amount of blood? Pressure goes up.Here's what makes this especially tricky: your blood sugar can look completely normal on a standard lab panel, and you can still have significant insulin resistance. That's why I don't just check fasting glucose. I look at fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1C, and when needed, a glucose tolerance test with insulin levels drawn at multiple time points.2. Chronic InflammationInflammation damages the endothelium — the delicate inner lining of your blood vessels. When it's damaged, vessels lose their flexibility. They can't dilate and constrict properly.And a key molecule called nitric oxide — your body's natural blood vessel relaxer — drops off significantly when the endothelium is inflamed.Less nitric oxide, stiffer vessels, higher pressure. Every time.I test this with high-sensitivity CRP, homocysteine, and sometimes oxidized LDL. These aren't on a standard panel, but they tell me everything about what's happening inside those vessels.3. HPA Axis Dysregulation (Chronic Stress)Your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis — your stress response system — when chronically activated, keeps you pumping out cortisol and adrenaline. Both cause vasoconstriction. Both tell your kidneys to hold onto sodium. Both keep your heart rate elevated.Your body was designed to activate this system in short bursts — run from a predator, deal with a crisis. It was never designed to do this 24 hours a day in response to emails, traffic, and financial pressure.But that's the world most of us are living in. And for a lot of people, their blood pressure reflects it.4. Mineral DeficienciesMagnesium is the most important mineral almost nobody talks about in the context of blood pressure.It's a natural calcium channel blocker — and calcium channel blockers are literally one of the most prescribed blood pressure medications on the market.Magnesium helps blood vessels relax. It regulates the sodium-potassium pump in your cells. When it's low — and estimates suggest 60 to 80% of Americans are suboptimal — vessels stay tight.Potassium works hand-in-hand with magnesium and sodium to regulate fluid balance and vascular tone. I look at sodium-to-potassium ratios, not just absolute numbers, because that ratio matters enormously for cardiovascular regulation.5. Sleep Deprivation & Circadian DisruptionYour blood pressure is supposed to dip 10 to 20 percent during sleep. This is called nocturnal dipping, and it's when your cardiovascular system gets its nightly repair window.When you're not sleeping enough — or sleep quality is poor — that dip doesn't happen. Your heart works overtime, around the clock. Over weeks and months and years, that creates a chronically elevated baseline.Obstructive sleep apnea is a massive, underdiagnosed contributor here. If you wake up tired, snore loudly, or wake with morning headaches, please get tested. The connection between sleep apnea and hypertension is direct and well-established.Poor sleep also elevates cortisol and inflammatory markers — feeding every other driver on this list simultaneously.6. Mitochondrial DysfunctionThis one is underappreciated even in functional medicine circles.Your mitochondria — the energy factories inside every cell — are responsible for generating the ATP that powers your heart muscle, your vascular smooth muscle, everything. When they're dysfunctional — from chronic stress, poor nutrition, environmental toxins, or oxidative damage — cellular energy production drops.Your cardiovascular system then has to compensate by working harder. Blood pressure creeps up as a downstream consequence of your cells simply not having enough energy to function efficiently.We'll come back to this when we get to the quantum biology piece — because this is where it gets really interesting.This is the part most people have never heard anywhere. Lean in.Quantum biology examines the role of light, water, electrons, and quantum mechanical processes inside living cells. When it comes to blood pressure specifically, three things stand out.Light and the MitochondriaYour mitochondria are not just calorie-burning machines. They are fundamentally light-responsive.Near-infrared light — the kind emitted by the sun in the morning and evening, and also by incandescent and red light sources — directly stimulates cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain.When properly stimulated by light, mitochondria produce more ATP, more structured water, and more nitric oxide. There's that word again — nitric oxide. The natural vasodilator. The thing that keeps blood vessels relaxed and flexible.When people stop getting morning sunlight and spend their entire day under blue-shifted artificial light, mitochondrial function degrades. Nitric oxide drops. Blood vessels stiffen. Pressure rises.This isn't fringe science. There is solid, published research connecting light exposure — particularly morning sunlight — to cardiovascular and blood pressure outcomes.Circadian BiologyYour body has a master clock in a region of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Nearly every cell in the body has its own peripheral clock synchronized to it.Blood pressure has a natural circadian rhythm. It should be lower at night, begin rising about an hour before waking, peak in the late morning, and modulate through the day. When circadian rhythm is disrupted — by artificial light at night, irregular eating, shift work, or poor sleep — that rhythm breaks down.A disrupted circadian clock is directly linked to hypertension. The mechanisms involve cortisol timing, aldosterone regulation, and inflammatory gene expression — all of which influence vascular tone.This is why I ask every patient about their light environment. When do you go outside? What does your bedroom look like at night? What time do you eat your last meal? These feel like lifestyle questions. They are cardiovascular questions.Structured Water and Vascular FunctionResearcher Gerald Pollack at the University of Washington has done groundbreaking work on what he calls the fourth phase of water — EZ water, or exclusion zone water. This is a gel-like, structured form of water that forms at hydrophilic surfaces, including the inner lining of blood vessels.EZ water is negatively charged and creates a kind of biological battery that powers cellular function and supports smooth, low-friction blood flow — essentially a lubrication layer inside your vascular system.What builds EZ water? Sunlight (particularly infrared), movement, grounding, and proper hydration with mineralized water.What degrades it? Dehydration, toxic load, poor light environment, chronic EMF exposure.When the vascular lining is not properly hydrated at this structured level, blood viscosity changes, endothelial function suffers, and blood pressure goes up.The bottom line: your blood pressure is not just a plumbing problem. It's a biological energy problem. And the inputs that drive cellular energy — light, water, minerals, sleep, movement, stress — are the same inputs that drive blood pressure.What This All Means: A Quick RecapHere's the picture pulled together:* Blood pressure is a symptom, not the root problem* The six root drivers are: insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, HPA axis dysregulation, mineral deficiencies (especially magnesium and potassium), sleep deprivation and circadian disruption, and mitochondrial dysfunction* Applied kinesiology provides a way to assess how structural and neurological interference contributes to sympathetic dominance and vascular dysregulation* From a quantum biology perspective, your light environment, your circadian rhythm, and the quality of structured water in your vascular system directly influence how your vessels function and how your cells produce energy* When you address these upstream drivers — as we did with Marcus — the blood pressure number takes care of itself5 Things You Can Do TodayThese are not theoretical. Start here.1. Get morning sunlight — today. Within 30 to 60 minutes of waking, get outside and get natural light in your eyes and on your skin for at least 10 to 20 minutes. No sunglasses. This sets your circadian clock, starts stimulating mitochondrial function, and triggers nitric oxide production in the skin. It costs nothing.2. Cut refined carbohydrates and added sugars for two weeks. Not forever — just try it. This single change drops fasting insulin in most people within days. Lower insulin means less sodium retention, less sympathetic nervous system activation, and lower blood pressure. No prescription required.3. Start magnesium supplementation. Magnesium glycinate or magnesium malate — 300 to 400 mg in the evening. This is one of the safest, most evidence-backed interventions for vascular health. It supports vessel relaxation, improves sleep quality, and aids mitochondrial energy production. Ask your practitioner about your specific dose.4. Treat sleep like a clinical intervention. Because it is. Target 7 to 9 hours. Create a dark, cool sleeping environment. Eliminate screens 60 to 90 minutes before bed. Blue light at night suppresses melatonin, disrupts circadian rhythm, and keeps your nervous system in sympathetic mode. If you have signs of sleep apnea — waking up tired, loud snoring, morning headaches — get tested. This is non-negotiable.5. Prioritize resistance training. 30 minutes, three to four times a week. Strength training improves insulin sensitivity, builds mitochondrial density, supports nitric oxide production, and reduces arterial stiffness. Muscle is metabolic medicine.Ready to Go Deeper?If you read this and thought “this sounds like me” — or you've been told your blood pressure is borderline and you're not sure what to do about it — the next step is a conversation.I offer a free 45-minute Metabolic Audit Call where we look at what's actually driving your numbers — your symptoms, your history, your labs — and map out the highest-leverage moves for your specific situation.Spots are limited each week.Until next time — Be well. And Aloha.
Half of the people who show up with a heart attack have completely normal cholesterol. That statistic is exactly why I brought back Dr. Philip Ovadia, a board certified cardiac surgeon who spent years operating on hearts while morbidly obese and pre-diabetic himself. In 2016, before Ozempic or any of the GLP-1 medications existed, he lost 100 pounds and reversed his own prediabetes, and it changed what he believed about the disease he had spent his whole career treating. We get into why insulin resistance carries six times the heart disease risk that elevated LDL cholesterol does, based on the Women's Health Initiative data, and why nearly 90 percent of adults are walking around metabolically unhealthy without knowing it. Dr. Ovadia walks through fasting insulin, a simple and inexpensive blood test that can flag this risk years before a cholesterol panel ever would, and explains why imaging that actually looks at your arteries tells you more than blood work alone ever can. We also talk honestly about statins, what the real numbers behind their benefit show once the marketing is stripped away, and why he now tells patients that meat, not cholesterol, belongs back on the table. It is a conversation that reframes what actually predicts a heart attack and gives you real questions to bring into your next cardiology appointment. Normal cholesterol does not mean a healthy heart. Want more practical health tips? Join my newsletter! https://freechapter.lpages.co/newsletter-opt-in/ Get Dr. E's FREE 5 Red Flag Phrases guide here: https://freechapter.lpages.co/5-phrases-that-are-red-flags/ Check us out on social media: https://www.instagram.com/drefratlamandre https://www.facebook.com/drefratlamandre https://www.tiktok.com/@drefratlamandre #functionalmedicine #drefratlamandre #medicaldisruptor #NPwithaPHD #nursepractitioner #medicalgaslighting Chapters 0:00 - Introduction 2:15 - From obese surgeon to carnivore & "meat is medicine" 8:18 - Insulin Resistance vs. Cholesterol & the $15 Test 19:36 - Why Doctors Miss It: Fasting Insulin, CRP & GLP-1s 23:45 - Gut Health, Fiber, Fermented Foods & ApoE4 31:25 - Fixing the Cardiology Visit & What to Ask Your Doctor Guest Links: FB: https://www.facebook.com/ovadiahearthealth IG: https://www.instagram.com/ifixhearts/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/ @IFixHearts Dr. Philip Ovadia New Book: https://stayoffmykitchentable.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In episode 83 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Steven Grinspoon joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide an update on guidelines for statin use in people with HIV based on results from the REPRIEVE trial. Dr Grinspoon is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a clinician in the Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Tumor Clinical Center and faculty member at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He is a clinical researcher who studies hypothalamic control of body weight and fat distribution in obesity and lipodystrophy with a focus on the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of visceral fat accumulation. Dr Grinspoon is the author of more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and serves as the chief of the Massachusetts General Metabolism Unit and the director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard. Dr Grinspoon and Dr Saag discuss the latest findings from the REPRIEVE trial and provide updates on statin guidelines for people with HIV as well as providing insights into cardiovascular risk management. They discuss the safety and efficacy of statins and the role of cardiovascular risk calculators in clinical practice in addition to discussing the impact of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and inflammation on cardiovascular risk. Dr Grinspoon also offers his outlook for where further research is needed based on the outcomes of the REPRIEVE trial.0:00 – Introduction 1:33 – Overview of the REPRIEVE trial findings2:44 – Changes in statin guidelines for people with HIV 6:51 – Safety and efficacy of statins9:09 – Use of statins and diabetes risk11:16 – Cardiovascular risk calculators16:00 – Statin use and blood pressure17:14 – Impact of LDL cholesterol and inflammation on cardiovascular risk24:08 – Future directions in cardiovascular research for people with HIV Resources:Going anti-Viral: Episode 56 – Cardiovascular Health in People with HIV – Dr Steven GrinspoonApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-management-of-cardiovascular-health-in-patients/id1713226144?i=1000725697103 YouTube:https://youtu.be/297vweZ5bjQ REPRIEVE Trial: https://www.reprievetrial.org/ __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...
The conversation explores the limitations of AI in interpreting metabolic health data and the importance of context in understanding blood test results. It highlights the impact of a low-carb diet on blood glucose and LDL levels, as well as the challenges faced by patients and doctors in interpreting results within the context of metabolic health.TakeawaysContext is crucial in interpreting blood test resultsAI's reliance on standard information can limit its understanding of real clinical experienceChapters00:00 The Impact of Context on Blood Glucose02:20 Understanding LDL in the Context of Metabolic Health04:14 The Conflict Between Protocol and Patient06:25 AI's Reliance on Real Clinical Experience08:13 The Importance of Context in Interpreting Results
Could your diet lower your LDL cholesterol almost as effectively as medication in some cases?In this solo episode, Dr. Suzanne Rutherford explores the science behind the Portfolio Diet, an evidence-based nutrition strategy shown to significantly reduce LDL cholesterol. She explains the five key pillars of the diet, the unique science behind why it works, and when it may be the right choice compared with other well-known dietary patterns like the Mediterranean and DASH diets.Whether you're a woman navigating midlife or a clinician looking to better support your patients, this episode will give you practical, research-backed strategies to improve heart health through nutrition.--
Why can two people with similar LDL levels experience radically different cardiovascular outcomes? In this episode, I speak with Peter Anderson about the possibility that endothelial nitric oxide may be one of the major variables separating these outcomes.We explore whether nitric oxide can be understood as a protective “bank” that is progressively depleted by ageing, hypertension, smoking, insulin resistance, obesity, sleep deprivation, psychological stress and circadian disruption.We also discuss dietary nitrate, rocket and beetroot, oral bacteria, sunlight, ultraviolet A, infrared light, movement, erectile function, flow-mediated dilation, ketosis, statins, calcium scores and the emerging controversy surrounding coronary CT analysis in lean-mass hyper-responders.CONSULT DR MAX
If you reach for a caffeine-filled drink first thing every morning, you've probably heard conflicting advice over the years. Caffeine is good for you, caffeine is bad for you. So which is it? A new scientific review published in the journal Circulation suggests we've been asking the wrong question. Instead of asking whether caffeine is healthy, we should be asking what the caffeine comes packaged with. Your morning coffee and an energy drink might contain similar amounts of caffeine, but they are not the same when it comes to your heart. Studying caffeine sounds simple, give people caffeine and see what happens. The problem is that researchers usually aren't studying caffeine in isolation, they're studying coffee. And coffee isn't simply a caffeine delivery system, it's a remarkably complex drink containing hundreds of biologically active compounds, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules that appear to have health effects of their own. Rather than conducting one new experiment, researchers reviewed decades of evidence, bringing together large population studies involving hundreds of thousands of people, randomised controlled trials, genetic research and laboratory experiments to build the clearest picture yet of caffeine and heart health. The findings were reassuring for coffee drinkers. For most healthy adults, consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day (3-4 cups of regular coffee) appears to be safe. Surprisingly people who drank moderate amounts of coffee (even decaf) consistently showed lower risks of heart disease, stroke, heart failure and Type 2 diabetes. Scientists think those benefits may have less to do with caffeine itself and more to do with the antioxidants in coffee which appear to improve blood vessel function, increase insulin sensitivity and even influence the bacteria living inside our gut. Coffee isn't just delivering caffeine; it's delivering an entire chemical cocktail that may help offset some of caffeine's effects. Energy drinks contain similar amounts of caffeine to coffee, but they also contain ingredients such as taurine that may increase how quickly caffeine is absorbed. Unlike coffee, these highly concentrated caffeine drinks were associated with: increased blood pressure abnormal heart rhythms cardiovascular problems, even in otherwise healthy young adults. The caffeine molecule may be identical, but the delivery system isn't. Ever wondered why one person can drink an espresso after dinner and sleep perfectly, while someone else lies awake after a lunchtime coffee? Researchers estimate that 30–50 percent of the differences in how people tolerate caffeine are inherited. Much of that comes down to variations in a liver enzyme called CYP1A2, which controls how quickly caffeine is broken down. Fast metabolisers clear caffeine quickly, slow metabolisers can experience stronger and longer-lasting effects, even after drinking exactly the same cup of coffee. That's why there is no universal "safe" amount that works for everyone. Finally, how you brew your coffee matters. Unfiltered coffee, including French press, Turkish coffee and some espresso preparations contains higher amounts of a compound called cafestol, which can raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Paper filters remove most of it meaning your brewing method may influence your heart health just as much as the amount of coffee you drink. This study doesn't suggest everyone should start drinking coffee, but instead, highlights that foods are more than the sum of their ingredients. Coffee delivers caffeine alongside hundreds of naturally occurring compounds that may work together to produce health benefits. Energy drinks often deliver concentrated caffeine alongside ingredients that appear to amplify cardiovascular stress. The stimulant may be the same, but the biology isn't. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ten pounds in two weeks. No hunger. No craving for coffee or alcohol. This is Jeff's personal, week-by-week account of starting tirzepatide (sold as Zepbound), tracked through blood sugar, cholesterol markers, and a noticeable dimming of everyday motivation and joy. What changed in the first two weeks: appetite, weight, and energy Tracking glucose, LDL, ApoB, and other metabolic markers with a CGM and blood panels Why alcohol and coffee stopped feeling rewarding The emerging link between GLP-1s, dopamine, and the brain's reward circuitry The trade-off between appetite control and a sense of vitality or spark This episode is for anyone weighing GLP-1s for themselves, or curious what the drugs are actually like beyond the headlines. This episode was made possible by: CocoaVia:. Use code COMMUNE2026 for 25% off at CocoaVia.com LMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at drinklmnt.com/commune. Stemregen: Get 20% off your first order at stemregen.co/commune with the code COMMUNEPOD Vivobarefoot: Try Vivobarefoot risk-free with a 100-day return guarantee, and get 25% off your order at vivobarefoot.com/commune. Stripes: Visit stripesbeauty.com and use the code COMMUNE20 for 20% off our entire product line.
Artificial Sweeteners & Cognitive Decline, Myosteatosis on Coronary CT, Merck's Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor, Cyclospora Outbreak, Gut-Brain Synchronization, and the Banana Smoothie Mistake Explained Artificial Sweeteners Linked To 62% Faster Cognitive Decline In Landmark Brazilian Study A study tracking more than 12,700 adults (average age 52) over eight years found that people consuming the most artificial and low-calorie sweeteners, roughly 191 mg a day, about what's in a single can of diet soda, showed cognitive decline 62% faster than the lowest-intake group, equivalent to 1.6 extra years of brain aging, with memory hit hardest. Six of the seven sweeteners tested, including aspartame, saccharin, and acesulfame K, were linked to faster decline; tagatose was the lone exception. Researchers point to gut-microbiome disruption, altered glucose and insulin signaling, and possible direct neuronal effects as plausible mechanisms. Host Dave Asprey breaks down why a dose this small was enough to move the curve, why tagatose deserves more scrutiny before being called "safe," and where diet products' short-term weight-loss marketing conveniently ignores the long-term cost to your brain. Source: https://www.inc.com/kevin-haynes/study-links-cognitive-decline-to-surprisingly-small-daily-amount-of-artificial-sweeteners/91376522 ~~ AI Analysis Of 1,722 Heart Scans Finds Muscle Quality Predicts Heart Attacks Independent Of Calcium Score Using data from the SCOT-HEART trial, a University of Edinburgh team ran an AI model against ten years of coronary CT angiogram scans, measuring skeletal muscle attenuation, a marker of myosteatosis, or fat infiltration into muscle tissue. Every 10-point increase in muscle density corresponded to a 31% lower heart attack risk and 39% lower all-cause mortality over the following decade, and critically, this held independent of coronary calcium score, the current gold-standard risk marker. The same low-density-muscle patients also showed higher lung attenuation, lower liver attenuation, and more torso fat volume, a pattern consistent with systemic insulin resistance rather than a muscle-specific issue. Host Dave Asprey unpacks why calcium score isn't capturing the full risk picture, why myosteatosis is really a readout of whole-body insulin sensitivity, and what he'd add to a routine workup on top of a calcium score. Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jun/30/strong-chest-back-less-likely-heart-attack-analysis ~~ FDA Approves First Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor, Cutting LDL By Up To 60% Without Injections Merck's enlicitide (brand name Lipfendra) is now FDA-approved as the first once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor, lowering LDL cholesterol by up to 60% in a phase 3 trial of 2,912 patients, routinely bringing levels down to 50-60 mg/dL. It works by blocking PCSK9, a liver protein that tags LDL receptors for destruction, the same target as injectable drugs like Repatha and Praluent, which have shown roughly 20% reductions in heart attacks and strokes in high-risk patients. Lipfendra is priced at $315 for a 30-day supply, with no excess side effects reported versus placebo over six months, though long-term outcome data is still pending. Host Dave Asprey explains why crushing total LDL without checking ApoB, LDL particle number, or oxidized LDL is optimizing the wrong variable, and what he'd want on his labs before considering a drug like this. Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/16/science/the-fda-approves-a-new-pill-to-slash-cholesterol-levels.html https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/16/mercks-cholesterol-pill-gets-us-fda-approval.html ~~ Cyclospora Outbreak Tied To Taylor Farms Lettuce Spreads To 34 States, Prompts Nationwide Recall Federal investigators have linked a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, with Michigan alone logging over 5,000 cases and 100+ hospitalizations, much of it traced to lettuce used at Taco Bell. Taylor Farms has recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, and Walmart has pulled Marketside Iceberg Salad and Marketside Shredded Lettuce with specific date codes across 27 states. Cyclospora spreads through fecal contamination and causes weeks of watery, explosive diarrhea if untreated; washing doesn't reliably eliminate it, since the parasite requires heat above 158°F to inactivate. Host Dave Asprey explains why pre-washed, pre-cut bagged greens remain a recurring contamination risk no matter what the label claims, and connects the outbreak's gut damage to lingering gut-brain consequences long after symptoms resolve. Sources: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/07/18/taylor-farms-shredded-lettuce-sample-cyclospora/90969103007/ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-5-state-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026 ~~ New Research Links Excessive Gut-Brain Synchronization To Anxiety And Depression Emerging research on the enteric nervous system, which contains over 100 million neurons and sends more signals to the brain than it receives, finds that when the gut's electrical rhythm synchronizes too tightly with the brain's, that over-coupling correlates with higher rates of anxiety and depression. The gut communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve, hormones, and immune signaling, and dysbiosis or ENS dysfunction has separately been linked to mood disorders in both human and animal studies. Host Dave Asprey breaks down why the goal isn't maximum gut-brain connection but the right kind of connection, questions whether the coupling is driving the anxiety or the anxiety is driving the coupling, and makes the case for treating mood from the gut up instead of the brain down. Source: https://refractor.io/medical/enteric-nervous-system-brain-link-mental-health/ ~~ Rhonda Patrick Explains Why She Never Adds Bananas To Her Berry Smoothies Rhonda Patrick has been telling audiences she skips bananas in her berry smoothies because of polyphenol oxidase, an enzyme in bananas that degrades the polyphenols in blueberries linked to improved cognition and vascular health, based on in-vitro and food chemistry data. She now builds her smoothies on an avocado base instead, and notes that vitamin C from citrus can partially inhibit the enzyme for anyone unwilling to drop the banana. Host Dave Asprey weighs in on the gap between lab chemistry and clinical outcome data, why that gap doesn't make the mechanism any less real, and why this is a low-cost swap worth making even without a human trial behind it. Sources: https://www.reddit.com/r/Biohackers/comments/1v2jbib/dr_rhonda_patrick_i_dont_add_bananas_to_my/ https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/polyphenol-oxidase-bananas-smoothies ~~ This episode is designed for biohackers, longevity enthusiasts, and high-performance listeners who want mechanism-level insight into a sweetener risk hiding in everyday diet products, a heart attack predictor buried inside routine CT scans, the tradeoffs of a new cholesterol drug, a produce recall worth paying attention to, the science behind gut-driven anxiety, and a smoothie mistake that's quietly undercutting your polyphenol intake. Host Dave Asprey connects clinical research, cohort data, and food chemistry into practical frameworks for protecting brain health, cardiovascular health, and gut-brain resilience. New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Keywords: artificial sweeteners cognitive decline, aspartame brain aging, tagatose safety, diet soda memory loss, myosteatosis coronary CT, skeletal muscle attenuation heart attack, SCOT-HEART trial, coronary calcium score insulin resistance, enlicitide Lipfendra FDA approval, oral PCSK9 inhibitor, LDL particle number ApoB, cyclospora outbreak 2026, Taylor Farms lettuce recall, cyclosporiasis symptoms treatment, enteric nervous system anxiety, gut brain synchronization, vagus nerve mental health, Rhonda Patrick polyphenol oxidase, banana blueberry smoothie mistake, biohacking news 2026, Dave Asprey, The Human Upgrade Thank you to our sponsors! - Suppgrade Labs | Get real restorative sleep with Quiet Mode. Use code DAVE15 at shopsuppgradelabs.com. - EMR-Tek | https://www.emr-tek.com/DAVE and use code DAVE for 40% off. - iRestore | Reverse hair loss at www.irestore.com/DAVE and get exclusive savings on the iRestore Elite, use code DAVE Resources: • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/ • Get My 2026 Biohacking Trends Report: https://daveasprey.com/2026-biohacking-trends-report/ • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today. • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/ • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 00:19 – Story 1: Artificial Sweeteners 02:05 – Story 2: Muscle Fat & Heart Risk 04:36 – Story 3: PCSK9 Cholesterol Pill 06:27 – Story 4: Cyclospora Lettuce Outbreak 07:56 – Story 5; Gut-Brain Axis & Anxiety 09:29 – Story 6: Banana vs. Blueberry 11:08 – Predictions for Next 5 Years See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Here is the link to the article "Why I Reject Vitamin B12 Supplementation" by Akin Olokun, which discusses the alternative perspective on B12 touched on in the video:https://akinolokun.com/b12/ Brain Health Breakthrough Coaching Programhttps://rawfoodmealplanner.clickfunnels.com/webinar-replay-brain-health-breakthrough-coaching-programJoin January 2027 RawFoodMealPlanner's 21-Day Challengehttps://rawfoodhealthempowermentsummit.com/the-rawfoodmealplanner-s-21-day-new-year-meal-prep-challenge Boost Your Wellness Journey:The Brain Reboot Plan: 5 Simple Daily Shifts for More Focus, Energy & Peacehttps://rawfoodmealplanner.com/brain-reboot-plan/Revitalize Your Brain: A Lifestyle Approach for Women Over 50https://rawfoodmealplanner.clickfunnels.com/webinar-replay-brain-health-breakthrough-coaching-programRESET: 3 Metabolic Mistakes Women 30+ Make And How to Fix Themhttps://rawfoodmealplanner.com/reset-3-metabolic-mistakes-women-30-make-and-how-to-fix-them/The Lancet published a study here https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(24)00191-0/fulltext emphasizing that young adults (ages 18–39) are a neglected but crucial window for dementia prevention. Most dementia research focuses on mid-to-late life, yet many modifiable risk factors that affect long-term brain health emerge or peak in young adulthood.Key Modifiable Risk FactorsEducation: Low levels reduce cognitive reserve and increase the risk of dementia.Hearing loss: One billion young adults globally are at risk due to unsafe listening practices.Traumatic brain injury (TBI): High rates from sports, motor accidents, and intimate partner violence.Hypertension: One in 12 young adults is affected; rates higher among Black Americans and in LMICs.Alcohol use: Peaks in early 20s, linked to long-term brain changes.Obesity & physical inactivity: Both rising rapidly; linked to inflammation and cardiovascular risk.Smoking/vaping: 90% of daily smokers start before 26.Depression & social isolation: Peak in early 20s, linked to later ADRD (Alzheimer's disease and related dementias) risk.Diabetes: 4% prevalence in young adults; prediabetes affects 1 in 4.Environmental factors: Air pollution, vision loss, high LDL cholesterol, and even emerging risks like sleep disruption, stress, spirituality, and microplastics.Join the Conversation:Subscribe and share this episode with anyone on their own path of health and transformation. // HOST Samantha Salmon, NBC-HWC Nationally Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach Brain Health Licensed Trainer | Integrative Nutrition Coach | Intuitive Nutrition Coach for Brain & Metabolic HealthThe information provided in this broadcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or the equivalent in your country. Any products/services mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. RawFoodMealPlanner.com © 2026
Wylecz Insulinooporność!---Matrix wmawia nam, że niski cholesterol to gwarancja zdrowia. My pokazujemy twarde dowody naukowe: straszenie cholesterolem LDL i bezrefleksyjne przepisywanie statyn to błąd w sztuce! Pod patronatem Polskiego Towarzystwa Leczenia Insulinooporności obalamy największe kłamstwa dietetyczno-medyczne i analizujemy Wasze wyniki na żywo.
Leveling Up: Creating Everything From Nothing with Natalie Jill
Before menopause, our risk of heart disease is HALF what a man's is. Within a few years of our last period, it is EQUAL. By our seventies, it is HIGHER. So why is nobody screening us for it? This is the conversation midlife women have been waiting for. I sat down with Dr. Jayne Morgan, a research cardiologist and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart, who is calling out menopause itself as the most missed opportunity in preventive cardiology. She is the creator of the Stairwell Chronicles, a science communicator who translates complex cardiology into kitchen-table language, and she has spent 25+ years researching what is actually happening to our hearts in midlife. This is our fourth cardiologist on the show. And she is different. She brings the research, the data, and a fierce honesty about why our healthcare system was built around the male body, and what we do about it now. WE GO DEEP ON: • Why menopause is a CARDIOVASCULAR event, not a gynecologic footnote • The half / equal / greater stat that every midlife woman needs to memorize • The 37-minute delay women face in the ER for cardiac care, and the exact phrase that gets you seen • Why hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, and brain fog are cardiovascular signals, not just inconveniences • What estrogen actually does for your heart and what happens when it drops, and the 10-year HRT window • Her take on statins, the online backlash, and what the research actually says about LDL • What to do if you tried a statin and felt terrible — • Why it is LDL AND insulin resistance AND inflammation — not one versus the other • The labs to demand: ApoB, Lp(a), hs-CRP, fasting insulin, CAC scan • Why women were excluded from cardiovascular clinical trials until 1993, and how that built the entire field on the wrong data • The exact advocacy phrase that gets your concern documented in your chart • Three things you can do this week that actually move the needle This is not a doom episode. This is the conversation you bring to your doctor tomorrow. TIMESTAMPS: • 00:00 — Why menopause is a cardiovascular event • 12:00 — The symptoms women miss and the 37-minute ER delay • 26:00 — Estrogen, HRT and the 10-year window • 42:00 — LDL, cholesterol and the statin debate • 54:00 — What to test, what to track, what to demand • 66:00 — Health equity and self-advocacy • 76:00 — Three things this week Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube Learn More About Dr. Jayne Morgan Instagram ➜ http://www.instagram.com/drjaynemorgan Website ➜ https://drjaynemorgan.com/ Hello Heart➜ https://www.helloheart.com/ Thank you to our show sponsors: LEELA QUANTUM: Get 10% off your first Leela Quantum order with the code NatalieJill at checkout at https://midlifeconversations.com/leela TIMELINE: Timeline is offering 20% off your order of Mitopure! Go to https://timeline.com/NATALIEJILL BIOPTIMIZERS: Stop settling for one form of magnesium when your body needs all 7. This one has them all! Get yours at https://bioptimizers.com/nataliejill and use code NATALIEJILL to save Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/ Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen. Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.
This week, Dr. Kahn discusses the FDA approval of the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor, Lipfendra (enclicitide), taken as a 20 mg daily tablet. In a study of nearly 3,000 patients with elevated LDL cholesterol despite treatment with statins and, in many cases, ezetimibe, LDL-C dropped by more than 50% while Lipoprotein(a) levels fell by 28%, with an excellent safety profile. The medication is expected to retail for approximately $315 per month and will be available in pharmacies soon. A larger outcomes trial evaluating its impact on heart attack and stroke rates is currently underway. Other topics include oatmeal for diabetes, avocados for cholesterol, ketogenic diets and cancer, serotonin and heart valve disease, air pollution and cardiovascular events, and the relationship between sweetened beverages, fruit juice, and high blood pressure. Dr. Kahn also mentions the air filtration system he uses at home and in his office, available at: airdoctorpro.com Finally, thanks to this week's sponsor, the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club. Learn more at getfreshDrKahn.com.
Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!You've heard “eat more fiber,” but almost nobody explains it in a way clients actually remember or apply. We keep it simple and useful: soluble fiber acts like a sponge, and insoluble fiber works like a broom. That one shift makes nutrition coaching easier, whether you're helping a client manage hunger, improve gut health, or make sense of cholesterol labs without getting lost in jargon.We walk through what soluble fiber does best, including slowing digestion, blunting blood sugar spikes, and supporting healthier LDL cholesterol levels. Then we connect it to real foods people will eat: oats, apples (yes, the skin counts), berries, beans, carrots, flax, and chia. From there, we cover insoluble fiber and why it matters for fullness and regularity, with practical examples like whole wheat, brown rice, seeds, and leafy greens. We also talk about how most foods are a blend, so you don't need a perfect list, you need a consistent pattern.If you've been hearing loud takes about fruit being “bad” because of fructose, we address that fear head-on and explain why fiber-rich fruit can be a net positive for heart health and digestion. We finish with coaching strategy: fiber targets (roughly 38g for men and 25g for women), why jumping from low fiber to high fiber overnight backfires, and how to progress it like training. Subscribe, share this with a trainer friend, and leave a rating and review if it helps you coach nutrition with more confidence.Want to become a SUCCESSFUL personal trainer? SUF-CPT is the FASTEST growing personal training certification in the world!Want to ask us a question? Email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show!Website: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Successful Personal Trainer Book Vol. 2 (Amazon): https://a.co/d/1aoRnqANASM / ACE / ISSA study guide: https://www.showupfitness.com
Dr. Gary McGowan drops in to share a masterclass on cardiovascular disease and its major risk factors, including:The relationship between cholesterol and cardiovascular diseaseWhy LDL cholesterol is importantWhat causes LDL cholesterol to riseThe dietary factors that can increase LDL cholesterolNavigating misleading claims about LDL from the carnivore diet communityWhy elimination diets can appear to improve someone's healthThe relationship between obesity and cardiovascular diseaseWhy not all fat storage in the body is associated with the same level of disease riskVisceral fat, BMI, and the personal fat thresholdWhy cardiovascular risk accumulates over timeThe role of genetics in cholesterol and blood pressureWhat causes high blood pressureThe role of dietary sodium in hypertensionThe most important lifestyle behaviours for lowering cardiovascular disease riskHow to screen for atherosclerotic plaque buildup in your arteriesCoronary artery calcium scans and CCTA imagingWhether caffeine and energy drinks increase the risk of heart problemsAnd much moreFollow Gary on Instagram:@drgarymcgowanCHAPTERS01:31 Cholesterol and Heart Risk04:50 Why LDL Rises06:23 Diet Drivers of LDL09:31 Coffee and Cholesterol10:32 Exercise and Lipids12:19 Carnivore LDL Debate18:32 Elimination Diet Reality21:48 Obesity and Heart Disease26:26 Visceral Fat and BMI31:15 BMI Reality Check32:24 Personal Fat Threshold32:46 Obesity Over Time33:58 Cumulative Risk Model34:58 Blood Pressure Drivers36:04 Salt and the Modern Diet38:21 Lifestyle Risk Pillars38:53 Heart Plaque Screening41:32 Calcium Scans Explained44:33 CCTA for Soft Plaque48:17 Caffeine and Heart Risk53:14 Energy Drink Extremes55:21 Where to Find Gary57:34 Final Wrap-UpSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you better understand cholesterol, blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease risk, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media — tag me and I'll respondSending it to someone who is confused about cholesterol, blood pressure, or heart healthFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST – FREE PREMIUM TRIALDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you'll be asked:“How did you hear about us?”Type in the code: ANDREWKNKG BAGS – 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-DAY TRIALComplete these two steps:Go to:https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive — or email trials@trainheroic.com — and let them know Andrew sent you.L1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents
Pentagon plans widespread testosterone screening for troops; New study claims arthroscopic surgery for age-related degenerative changes of knees is worthless; Widely touted “precision” proton therapy doesn't outperform conventional radiation treatment for prostate cancer; Comparing the effectiveness of gummies and liquids vs. tablet or capsule forms of supplements; Supplements to lower LDL; Lithium orotate for Alzheimer's prevention; Novel ultrasound treatment may target inflammation in osteoarthritis; Researchers explore antiviral treatments for multiple sclerosis.
In this episode of Nurah Speaks, I continue my Know Your Numbers series by focusing on one of the most important health markers we often overlook: cholesterol.After discussing blood sugar and blood pressure in previous episodes, I explain what cholesterol is, why our bodies need it and why it's so important to know your cholesterol numbers before they become a serious health issue.I also encourage all of us—especially within the Black community—to prioritize annual physicals, review our lab results and take advantage of free health screenings if health insurance is a barrier. Prevention and early detection can save lives.In this episode, I discuss:• Why knowing your cholesterol numbers matters• What cholesterol is and the role your liver plays• The difference between LDL ("bad") cholesterol and HDL ("good") cholesterol• How high cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries• The connection between high cholesterol, heart disease, heart attacks and stroke• Simple lifestyle changes that can naturally improve cholesterol levels without medications.Please subscribe to Nurah Speaks on YouTube and follow the podcast on your favorite streaming platform. Be sure to like, share and leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts on this conversation.You can follow Nurah Speaks on X, Instagram and Facebook @NurahSpeaks.
In this episode, I sit down with Doug Evans to make the case for the humble sprout as one of the most underrated foods for your heart. Most people push sprouts to the side of the plate as a garnish. Doug and I think that's a mistake.We talk about broccoli sprouts and sulforaphane, the plant compound that research has tied to the NRF2 pathway, glutathione production, and your body's own antioxidant and detox defenses. For me, that matters because oxidative stress and the health of your endothelium sit closer to the root of heart disease than the LDL and HDL numbers most cardiologists chase.Doug also walks through the practical side: which seeds to start with, why three-day-old sprouts are the most potent, how to tell healthy root hairs from mold, and why growing your own runs about a fifth of the grocery-store price. If you want one simple daily habit that lines up with how your body was actually designed to heal, this conversation is worth your time.- - - - -About the Guest:Doug Evans is the co-founder of The Sprouting Company and the author of The Sprout Book, a top-100 Amazon bestseller. A longtime pioneer in the natural-food world, he has spent more than thirty years championing whole, plant-based foods. After moving to the Mojave Desert and landing in a literal food desert, Doug began sprouting nearly all of his own food and turned that experience into a mission to make countertop sprouting simple, affordable, and accessible. He designed The Sprouting Company's growing kit and tracked down high-glucoraphanin broccoli seeds so anyone can grow nutrient-dense sprouts at home in days, without soil, sunshine, or fertilizer.Website: thesproutingcompany.comInstagram: @dougevans | @thesproutingcompanyBook: The Sprout Book- - - - -Jack Wolfson, DO, FACCWebsites: https://drjackwolfson.com/; https://naturalheartdoctor.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjackwolfsonReady to move past the confusion and fear of typical heart health approaches? Visit naturalheartdoctor.com/discovery to schedule your free discovery call and start your journey toward a 100-year heart with real, evidence-based answers.- - - - -PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/
Smoke from wildfires in Canada is creating dangerous air quality conditions for approximately 100 million Americans in more than a dozen states. Rob Marciano has the latest.During his primetime speech on Thursday, President Trump outlined alleged Chinese efforts to collect voter data and repeated disproven claims about voting by noncitizens. Weijia Jiang and CBS News election law contributor David Becker have more on the president's claims.The FDA has approved a pill form of a powerful class of medication that targets bad LDL cholesterol. Chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook explains.The prediction market Kalshi alleges President Trump's longtime teleprompter operator engaged in trading, betting on the words the president would use in speeches. Jo Ling Kent reports.Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that develop in the muscle of the uterus. In the U.S., the medical condition affects more than 26 million pre-menopausal women. Dr. Tara Shirazian explains how she's helping to guide other doctors through educational videos. She also discusses how patients can educate themselves and treatment options.Tennis legend Novak Djokovic talks with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King about continuing to play at an elite level at the age of 39, Serena Williams' return to tennis and what he still hopes to accomplish in his career.Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon, who star in "The Odyssey," speak to "CBS Mornings" about the movie, the challenges they faced during filming and working with Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan.
T3 + Vitamin A = LDL + Pregnenolone = All Sex Steroid Hormones The Critical Biochemical Pathway Most People Never Learn About In this episode of the Improvement Warrior Podcast (Substack, Apple), Jason Yun breaks down a critical biochemical pathway: how T3 (the active form of thyroid hormone) works with Vitamin A to help utilize LDL cholesterol, which then supports the production of pregnenolone — the precursor to all sex steroid hormones (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, etc.). Jason explains the interconnected roles of these molecules in energy production, hormone balance, fertility, mood, and overall vitality. He connects this pathway to his core teachings on circadian biology, mitochondrial health, and the importance of proper light exposure. The discussion highlights why disruptions in this chain are common in modern life and offers practical insights into supporting it naturally through lifestyle, nutrition, and environment. Whether you're dealing with low energy, hormonal imbalances, or simply want to understand how your body produces and regulates sex steroids at the deepest level, this episode delivers clear, actionable knowledge rooted in real biology rather than conventional approaches.Timestamp Log 0:00 – Intro & welcome to Episode 891:10 – Overview of the key pathway: T3 + Vitamin A3:45 – Role of LDL Cholesterol in the process6:20 – Pregnenolone as the mother hormone9:00 – How this leads to all sex steroid hormones11:30 – Practical implications for energy, hormones & vitality13:45 – Ties to circadian biology, light exposure, and mitochondria15:30 – Key takeaways and action steps16:40 – Closing thoughts & outroResources MentionedImprovement Warrior Newsletter PatreonSubstackOne Tap ZapMagnesium Breakthrough
Dr. Rob Cywes is a board-certified surgeon specializing in pediatric surgery and surgical critical care, widely recognized for his pioneering work in obesity, diabetes, and metabolic health. Known to many as "The Carb Addiction Doc," Dr. Cywes helps patients understand the powerful role of carbohydrate addiction, insulin resistance, and emotional health in chronic disease. Through his evidence-based, psychology-first approach, he empowers individuals to address the root causes of obesity rather than simply treating its symptoms. A sought-after speaker, educator, and clinician, Dr. Cywes is passionate about helping people achieve lasting health through therapeutic carbohydrate reduction, behavior change, and compassionate care. In this episode, Drs. Brian and Rob talk about… (00:00) Intro (04:50) The ONLY way to know for sure whether or not you have heart disease (08:40) Dietary fat, LDL, and heart disease (11:27) GLP-1 meds and cardiovascular risk reduction (14:46) Energy utilization and metabolic health (22:23) Cancer, genetics, and dietary interventions (36:07) Stress, diet, and health (42:22) Outro For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening! Links: Dr. Rob Cywes Website: https://obesityunderstood.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCywesCarbAddictionDoc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carbaddictiondoc/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carbaddictiondoc/ Dr. Brian Lenzkes: Arizona Metabolic Health: https://arizonametabolichealth.com/ Low Carb MD Podcast: https://www.lowcarbmd.com/ HLTH Code: HLTH Code Promo Code: METHEALTH • • HLTH Code Website: https://gethlth.com
Brain Health Breakthrough Coaching Programhttps://rawfoodmealplanner.clickfunnels.com/webinar-replay-brain-health-breakthrough-coaching-programJoin January 2027 RawFoodMealPlanner's 21-Day Challengehttps://rawfoodhealthempowermentsummit.com/the-rawfoodmealplanner-s-21-day-new-year-meal-prep-challenge Boost Your Wellness Journey:The Brain Reboot Plan: 5 Simple Daily Shifts for More Focus, Energy & Peacehttps://rawfoodmealplanner.com/brain-reboot-plan/Revitalize Your Brain: A Lifestyle Approach for Women Over 50https://rawfoodmealplanner.clickfunnels.com/webinar-replay-brain-health-breakthrough-coaching-programRESET: 3 Metabolic Mistakes Women 30+ Make And How to Fix Themhttps://rawfoodmealplanner.com/reset-3-metabolic-mistakes-women-30-make-and-how-to-fix-them/The Lancet published a study here https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(24)00191-0/fulltext emphasizing that young adults (ages 18–39) are a neglected but crucial window for dementia prevention. Most dementia research focuses on mid-to-late life, yet many modifiable risk factors that affect long-term brain health emerge or peak in young adulthood.Key Modifiable Risk FactorsEducation: Low levels reduce cognitive reserve and increase the risk of dementia.Hearing loss: One billion young adults globally are at risk due to unsafe listening practices.Traumatic brain injury (TBI): High rates from sports, motor accidents, and intimate partner violence.Hypertension: One in 12 young adults is affected; rates higher among Black Americans and in LMICs.Alcohol use: Peaks in early 20s, linked to long-term brain changes.Obesity & physical inactivity: Both rising rapidly; linked to inflammation and cardiovascular risk.Smoking/vaping: 90% of daily smokers start before 26.Depression & social isolation: Peak in early 20s, linked to later ADRD (Alzheimer's disease and related dementias) risk.Diabetes: 4% prevalence in young adults; prediabetes affects 1 in 4.Environmental factors: Air pollution, vision loss, high LDL cholesterol, and even emerging risks like sleep disruption, stress, spirituality, and microplastics.Join the Conversation:Subscribe and share this episode with anyone on their own path of health and transformation. // HOST Samantha Salmon, NBC-HWC Nationally Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach Brain Health Licensed Trainer | Integrative Nutrition Coach | Intuitive Nutrition Coach for Brain & Metabolic HealthThe information provided in this broadcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or the equivalent in your country. Any products/services mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. RawFoodMealPlanner.com © 2026
Your brain is not broken, it's doing what it was designed to do: panic over vivid, rare threats and ignore the slow, familiar ones. That's the risk perception gap, and it's why a headline about hantavirus can feel more urgent than the everyday drivers of cardiovascular disease, even though heart disease remains a top killer worldwide. We get candid about how fear gets “calibrated” online, why viral health content often misses the point, and how to stop stepping over dollars to pick up pennies.We walk through the real-world risk factors that actually move the needle: high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, uncontrolled blood sugar, smoking, sedentary living, excess alcohol, low fiber intake, and diets heavy in saturated fat and ultra-processed foods. Then we make the stats feel human. Using a Framingham-style risk score and a simple projection exercise, we explain how “25% risk in 10 years” changes when it becomes “a one in four chance you miss the trip you've been dreaming about” or “you're not there for the moments that matter.”You'll also hear a string of common examples where people fear the wrong thing, from microwaving plastic while eating processed, saturated-fat-heavy meals, to worrying about medication side effects while underestimating the risks of untreated obesity, sleep apnea, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. We close with why clinicians need a voice online, how lifestyle medicine helps cut through misinformation, and how to prioritize the essentials before chasing accessory “health hacks.” If this helped you rethink your risk radar, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review.Go check out my website for tons of free resources on how to transition towards a healthier diet and lifestyle.You can download my free plant-based recipes eBook and a ton of other free resources by visiting the Digital Downloads tab of my website at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/shopDon't forget to check out my blog at https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/blog You can also watch my educational videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpkQRXb7G-StAotV0dmahQCheck out my upcoming live events and free eCourse, where you'll learn more about how to create delicious plant-based recipes: https://www.plantbaseddrjules.com/Go follow me on social media by visiting my Facebook page and Instagram accountshttps://www.facebook.com/plantbaseddrjuleshttps://www.instagram.com/plantbased_dr_jules/Last but not least, the best way to show your support and to help me spread my message is to subscribe to my podcast and to leave a 5 star review on Apple and Spotify!Thanks so much!Peace, love, plants!Dr. Jules
Is a plant-based diet the best for supporting metabolic health? Cardiologist Dr. Jaimela Dulaney spent years practicing plant-based nutrition before her own experience with insulin resistance, blood sugar swings, and endurance running led her to rethink what personalized nutrition can look like.In this episode, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with Dr. Dulaney about what changed her perspective, both personally and professionally.They cover:How CGMs helped reveal unexpected blood sugar patternsWhy insulin resistance can show up even in active, normal-weight individualsHow Dr. Dulaney thinks about LDL cholesterol in the context of metabolic healthWhy low-carb and ketogenic diets may help some people improve energy, recovery, and blood sugar stabilityWhy there may not be one “best diet” for every patientThis conversation highlights the importance of listening to patients, tracking meaningful lab trends, and staying open to new evidence when personal experience and clinical outcomes begin to tell a different story.
Can you really reverse heart artery disease? In this episode, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE, shares the remarkable story of a HealthspanMD member who thought he was doing everything right. Despite taking a statin, maintaining healthy blood pressure, staying active, and keeping his blood sugar under control, advanced imaging revealed he was still accumulating dangerous soft plaque in his coronary arteries. Dr. Hurst explains how plaque composition analysis works, why traditional cholesterol targets may not be enough for some people, and what happened when they implemented a more personalized strategy focused on achieving exceptional cardiovascular results. Today's guest is a HealthspanMD member with a strong family history of heart disease who was committed to protecting his heart health. After advanced CT angiography revealed significant soft plaque progression despite years of following conventional recommendations, he partnered with Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE, and the HealthspanMD team to take a more proactive, personalized approach. One year later, his results demonstrated what may be possible when root causes are identified and risk factors are optimized. Key Timestamps 00:03 – The patient's frustration despite doing everything "right." 00:45 – Understanding CT angiography and plaque composition analysis 01:32 – The concerning findings revealed by advanced imaging 02:15 – Why LDL goals below traditional guidelines may matter 03:00 – The strategy used to aggressively lower ApoB and LDL cholesterol 03:25 – One year later: the repeat CT angiogram results 03:45 – Soft plaque volume cut by more than half 04:00 – Low attenuation plaque reduced to zero 04:25 – What Dr. Hurst is seeing in patients with repeat plaque analysis testing 05:00 – Why guideline cholesterol targets may not be enough for everyone 05:35 – The seven root causes of coronary artery disease 06:05 – Lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and dementia 06:45 – Can soft plaque disappear completely over time? 07:15 – Why proactive, personalized healthcare produces better outcomes 08:00 – The HealthspanMD philosophy for preventing and reversing heart disease Topics Discussed Reversing coronary artery disease Soft plaque vs calcified plaque CT angiography with plaque composition analysis ApoB and LDL cholesterol targets Coronary artery disease prevention Personalized cardiovascular medicine Root causes of heart disease Plaque regression Heart attack prevention Healthspan-focused healthcare This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor. *Connect* *with* *HealthspanMD* :
Brain Health Breakthrough Coaching Programhttps://rawfoodmealplanner.clickfunnels.com/webinar-replay-brain-health-breakthrough-coaching-programJoin January 2027 RawFoodMealPlanner's 21-Day Challengehttps://rawfoodhealthempowermentsummit.com/the-rawfoodmealplanner-s-21-day-new-year-meal-prep-challenge Boost Your Wellness Journey:The Brain Reboot Plan: 5 Simple Daily Shifts for More Focus, Energy & Peacehttps://rawfoodmealplanner.com/brain-reboot-plan/Revitalize Your Brain: A Lifestyle Approach for Women Over 50https://rawfoodmealplanner.clickfunnels.com/webinar-replay-brain-health-breakthrough-coaching-programRESET: 3 Metabolic Mistakes Women 30+ Make And How to Fix Themhttps://rawfoodmealplanner.com/reset-3-metabolic-mistakes-women-30-make-and-how-to-fix-them/The Lancet published a study here https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(24)00191-0/fulltext emphasizing that young adults (ages 18–39) are a neglected but crucial window for dementia prevention. Most dementia research focuses on mid-to-late life, yet many modifiable risk factors that affect long-term brain health emerge or peak in young adulthood.Key Modifiable Risk FactorsEducation: Low levels reduce cognitive reserve and increase the risk of dementia.Hearing loss: One billion young adults globally are at risk due to unsafe listening practices.Traumatic brain injury (TBI): High rates from sports, motor accidents, and intimate partner violence.Hypertension: One in 12 young adults is affected; rates higher among Black Americans and in LMICs.Alcohol use: Peaks in early 20s, linked to long-term brain changes.Obesity & physical inactivity: Both rising rapidly; linked to inflammation and cardiovascular risk.Smoking/vaping: 90% of daily smokers start before 26.Depression & social isolation: Peak in early 20s, linked to later ADRD (Alzheimer's disease and related dementias) risk.Diabetes: 4% prevalence in young adults; prediabetes affects 1 in 4.Environmental factors: Air pollution, vision loss, high LDL cholesterol, and even emerging risks like sleep disruption, stress, spirituality, and microplastics.Join the Conversation:Subscribe and share this episode with anyone on their own path of health and transformation. // HOST Samantha Salmon, NBC-HWC Nationally Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach Brain Health Licensed Trainer | Integrative Nutrition Coach | Intuitive Nutrition Coach for Brain & Metabolic HealthThe information provided in this broadcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or the equivalent in your country. Any products/services mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. RawFoodMealPlanner.com © 2026
Hosts: Ed Jones (Owner – Nutrition World) & Clint Powell A variety of topics all related to living a healthy life Presented by: Nutrition World www.nutritionw.com Broadcasting from the Nooga Dentistry Studio www.noogadentistry.com Production of: Whitfield Media Group www.vitalhealthradio.com Title: All about Spike Proteins with Dr. Glenn, Beyond Cholesterol & Better Heart Testing with Dr. Dearing [0:00:00] – Intro: Brian Johnson, Longevity & Oxalates + Farmers Market Light banter about: Ed coining the term “peak span” and using it in interviews. Ed's social media success (8.3 million views in 90 days). Joking about Ed doing a shirtless video and his bodybuilding competition and carb loading. Ed talks about Brian Johnson (longevity guru who spends ~$2M/year trying to live to 120): Johnson recently announced an autoimmune condition where his stomach is “eating its own stomach.” Ed admires his data and “Blueprint” protocol but believes two key factors in Johnson's regimen contributed to this issue. Ed teases that one factor is excess oxalate-rich foods; the other factor is left as a teaser for Ed's social media video. Ed announces a weekly farmers market at Nutrition World: Every Wednesday, inside the store, morning to mid-afternoon. Run by a young family with clean farming practices and minimal chemicals. Nutrition World does not profit from it; framed as a service to the community and support for small farmers. [0:05:04] – Upcoming Guests, Ed's E‑Books & Podcasts Ed previews two interviews for this episode: Dr. Glenn – testing and managing spike proteins. Dr. Curt Dearing – discussing his new book “Beyond Cholesterol” and non-traditional views on cardiovascular risk. Ed's e‑books: Six e‑books available on theholisticnavigator.com, including: Quality sleep Oxalates and pain “Are You Sick and Tired?” (diet & overall health) Oral health Immune system “Core Four” foundational supplements Podcasts: Ed mentions his Holistic Navigator podcast Clint promotes Nooga Podcasts (noogapodcasts.com) – a network of 20+ podcasts. [0:09:26] – Interview with Dr. Glenn: What Are Spike Proteins & Why They Matter Dr. Glenn defines spike proteins: Discovered in the 1960s, normally part of viruses from nature. Our immune system usually recognizes and dissolves natural spike proteins. For COVID-era, lab-made spike proteins: They are not recognized properly by the body. They can persist and are not efficiently eliminated. Mechanism (simplified): Spike proteins interact with ACE2 receptors (“locks” on the cell door). They unlock and open the cell doors, enter the cells, and damage/destroy cells from the inside. Clint notes he never heard the term “spike protein” before COVID; Dr. Glenn explains: Previously, they weren't an issue because the body just handled them. This is the first time in history we've dealt with lab-made spike proteins at scale. Dr. Glenn stresses this is not simply vaccinated vs. unvaccinated: mRNA vaccines were designed to produce spike proteins. But unvaccinated people with bad cases of COVID can also carry very high spike levels. His personal story: Got severe COVID in Jan 2020, pre-official naming: 2 weeks very ill on couch/bed. 3 months to feel “recovered,” but that was just the start of long-term issues. Over the next 3+ years, progressive cellular damage accumulated, leading to a broad set of symptoms. Dr. Glenn's symptoms when spikes were very high: Whites of eyes turned gray, with burning eyes all day (constant eye drops). Tinnitus (ringing in ears). Cyclical rashes under armpits. Burning nerves in quads; needed leg massage devices nightly to sleep. Gout attacks (kidneys not handling uric acid well). Venous congestion in lower left leg. Severe fatigue, getting sick frequently despite doing everything “right.” Developed endocarditis (inflammation of heart and valves); resting heart rate jumped from 55–60 to 80–105. Subtle Bell's palsy–type weakness on left side of face and brain symptoms. Laboratory findings: Test: SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein antibody test (semi-quantitative). Thresholds: 1000: likely too high, potential cell damage. 5000: “a whole other level of danger.” His highest result: 11,694 (measured around Oct 28, 2023). Progress over four tests: 11,694 → 11,087 → ~9,950 → 8,905 (as of June 30, current year). Many symptoms have significantly improved, though: Heart rate better but not back to baseline. Tinnitus persists. Spike level is still high, so work remains. Symptoms can vary dramatically from person to person: Because spikes can enter different “doors” (cells/tissues) in different bodies. One person's profile may be mostly neurological; another's cardiovascular, etc. Dr. Glenn's clinic policy: He will not work with someone on issues like hormones, gut, or cognitive problems without a spike antibody test, because: Otherwise they may be “paddling upstream” against ongoing spike-related damage. Observation: Many patients say: “My doctor says my bloodwork is fine,” yet they feel terrible. Conventional doctors rarely order spike protein antibody tests [0:23:01] – Managing High Spike Proteins: Testing, Risk & Protocol Who Should Test & How: Ed notes frequent COVID infections (he's had it six times) and that many people have unexplained symptoms. Both Ed and Dr. Glenn suggest: Spike antibody testing should be considered for anyone with mysterious chronic symptoms, regardless of age or vaccination status. Testing can be done through labs like Be Well Labs (which Nutrition World works with) or other local options. Reference values: < 0.08 means essentially no exposure to COVID. Out of ~130 tests Dr. Glenn has reviewed, only one person was
Is it safe to stop statins “cold turkey”? Can the supplement ingredient HMB counteract age-related muscle loss? Researchers may have discovered the key to development of a true fat-burning weight loss medication; Can a mammogram yield clues about cardiovascular risk? Their bottom line threatened by GLP-1 weight loss drugs, BIg Food tweaks portion sizes, adds spices and flavorings to pique blunted appetites; Vitamins A & D may improve lung health for asthma sufferers; When it comes to thyroid medication prescribing, treat the numbers or treat the patient?
Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 7-09-2026: Researchers refined a technique to reverse skin cell aging by about 30 years while preserving cellular identity. Exposing adult fibroblasts to Yamanaka factors—stopping before full reversion to pluripotent stem cells,reset the epigenetic clock and gene expression patterns to resemble much younger cells. The rejuvenated fibroblasts produced significantly more collagen, migrated faster to close artificial wounds, and showed reversal of gene expression patterns associated with Alzheimer's and cataracts. Since long-term epidemiologic data doesn't yet exist, Dr. Dawn follows up on last week's vaping question by exploring cancer mechanisms. Vaping aerosols impair DNA repair fidelity while triggering IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha secretion. Nicotine-derived nitrosamines, reactive carbonyls (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein) are generated when propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are heated. Upregulated cytochrome P450 enzymes convert precarcinogens like benzopyrene into carcinogens. Mice exposed for 54 weeks developed lung adenocarcinomas in 22% and precancerous bladder hyperplasia in 57%, with markers matching those show predict lung cancer years before diagnosis. The Mexican Biobank—which includes over 40,000 samples from all 31 Mexican states revealed dramatic regional variation in drug-metabolism genes driven by Indigenous ancestry. In Chiapas, nearly 40% of the population carries two copies of a CYP2D6 variant reducing fentanyl metabolism, versus just 10% in Sinaloa. The SLCO1B1 variant hindering statin metabolism is found in over 15% of Yucatán residents., where 8 million Mexicans take statins. Dr. Dawn discusses both the promise and potential dark side of population genetic testing, including UK plans to genotype all children at birth for inborn errors of metabolism. Dr. Dawn briefly revisits the recent Indian study showing conch-shell blowing reduces sleep apnea by 34%, comparing it to earlier didgeridoo research, both of which strengthen airway muscles through forced-blowing exercises. A caller from Capitola recovering from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma near the L5 nerve asks about Japanese Kampo medicine formulas (Goshajinkigan, Yokukansan) for post-treatment nerve pain. Dr. Dawn suggests the pain likely originates from scar tissue tethering the nerve, and recommends consulting the Oriental Medicine Doctor program at Five Branches in Santa Cruz where faculty can advise on herbal formulas that trace back thousands of years through cultural exchange between China and Japan. Dr. Dawn explains Lp(a):lipoprotein(a), a small protein string attached to LDL particles that promotes clumping and clotting, is a genetically-determined coronary artery disease and stroke risk factor invisible to standard lipid panels. Levels of 250 particles double coronary risk and 350 particles triple it. Less than 75 is normal. Two new pharmaceutical strategies are in development to reduce Lp(a) : antisense oligonucleotides (single-stranded RNA that recruits RNase H to cleave target mRNA) and small interfering RNA (double-stranded RNA that triggers destruction of matching mRNA). Pelacarsen, a monthly injection in Phase 3 trials, reduces Lp(a) by 80%. These gene-silencing platforms open therapeutic possibilities for previously undruggable orphan diseases. Vitamin K2 is produced in the gut microbiome. MK-4 is most common in humans. Dr. Dawn recommends MK7 for stabilizing coronary calcium plaques and directing calcium into bone. A study of hepatitis B and C patients found MK4 to be protective in hepatocellular carcinoma. HCC developed in 2 of 21 MK-4-treated patients versus 9 of 19 controls, with a risk ratio of 0.2. MK-4 activates protein kinase A in vitro, inhibits HCC invasiveness, and restores apoptosis signaling that cancer cells normally block. Dr. Dawn recommends a couple milligrams of MK-4 daily for anyone with cirrhosis or prior hepatitis B or C infection.
Episode 2825 - Vinnie Tortorich speaks with Dr. Philip Ovadia to discuss confusion around LDL, his second book, and why food matters. https://vinnietortorich.com/2026/07/why-food-matters-dr-philip-ovadia-episode-2825 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Pure Vitamin Club Pure Coffee Club NSNG® Foods VILLA CAPPELLI EAT HAPPY KITCHEN YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - @FitnessConfidential Podcast Vinnie's workout videos are available to purchase! Choose from a 2-day, 4-day, or 6-day workout–or buy all three at a discount! TO PURCHASE VINNIE'S WORKOUT VIDEOS, CLICK THIS LINK: https://vinnietortorich.com/workout Why Food Matters Dr. Philip Ovadia is a cardiologist and heart surgeon. Heart disease is still the number one killer in the United States. (6:30) Dr. Ovadia's first book is a best seller you can find in Vinnie's book club: Stay Off My Operating Tablehttps://amzn.to/3SelRrs Even athletes in what appears to be extraordinary good health can still suffer from heart disease and cardiac arrest. (14:00) Heavy carb cycling or loading could be contributing to it. (16:00) How important is monitoring LDL only? (25:00) Small, dense LDL particles are important to monitor. Statins lower the large-particle LDL, which is the healthy form, but not the small-particle LDL. Insulin resistance and chronic inflammation are drivers of "bad" LDL. Dr. Ovadia explains how Repatha works. (30:00) He also explains some complications during its trials. A challenge of the Western medical system is that specialties have become too compartmentalized. (35:30) Pre-Order Dr. Ovadia's second book. Pre-orders are important to the algorithm. (Stay Off My Kitchen Table) He shares a story about his friend and ghost writer, Joshua. (41:00) Pre-order Dr. Ovadia's book using this link: https://ifixhearts.com/books/ Dr. Ovadia explains the importance of knowing what food goes into your body and what it does (or doesn't) for you. The vegan diet is propaganda. Dr. Ovadia explains. (54:00) Technology and testing methods have improved, and imaging is now clearer. Also, you may not be limited to dealing only with a local doctor; telehealth may now be available to you. You can also find Dr. Ovadia on socials and at iFixHearts.com. Anna's products are now linked to PureVitamin Club's website. Look under the "Food and Snacks" section to purchase them there, too. https://purevitaminclub.com/collections/food-and-snacks Vinnie hopes to add other products as well, all of which will be health-related. The NSNG® VIP GROUP IS NOW CLOSED AGAIN AS OF SUNDAY, MARCH 15TH Anna's next cookbook, Eat Happy Cocktail Hour, is filled with cocktails, mocktails, and appetizers and is available for pre-order right now. If you pre-order, you'll get bonus goodies! You can preorder from a wide variety of booksellers at https://eathappycocktailhour.com/ Save your receipt from wherever you preorder, you'll need it for your bonuses! Physical Release Date is October 2026 You can book a consultation with Vinnie to get guidance on your goals. https://vinnietortorich.com/phone-consultation-2/ More News Serena has added some of her clothing suggestions and beauty product suggestions to Vinnie's Amazon Recommended Products link. Self Care, Beauty, and Grooming Products that Actually Work! https://www.amazon.com/shop/vinnietortorich/list/3GPVU29UHHPMY?ref_=aipsflist Don't forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel. "Dirty Keto" is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it here.https://amzn.to/4d9agj1 Please make sure to watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna's second cookbook, is available! You can go to https://eathappyitalian.com You can order it from Vinnie's Book Club. https://amzn.to/3ucIXm Anna's recipes are in her cookbooks, on her website, and on Substack —they will spice up your day! https://annavocino.substack.com/ PURCHASE DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie's fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views it receives, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries
The chronic disease epidemic in the U.S. is not caused by what you think. Discover why overdiagnosis is so common and why chronic disease diagnoses continue to rise. 0:00 The chronic disease epidemic 1:03 Diabetes, cholesterol, and hypertension diagnosis1:18 Hypertension diagnosis changes1:41 Cholesterol guidelines changes 2:17 Diabetes and prediabetes2:48 Overdiagnosis controversy4:34 Does overdiagnosis help? 5:46 What causes insulin resistance and chronic illness? 6:18 Type 2 diabetes reversal6:51 How to lower cholesterol naturally7:50 How to lower blood pressure
Dealing with the heat - Europeans' disdain for air conditioningI have scaly and bumpy areas on my scalp that itch!Did homeopathic human growth hormone increase my cholesterol?
The Nutrition Diva's Quick and Dirty Tips for Eating Well and Feeling Fabulous
871. Your doctor says your LDL is too high and you'd rather change your diet than take a pill. The Portfolio Diet promises results that rival statin drugs -- but wait until you hear what it actually takes to follow it. Nutrition Diva breaks down the science, the evidence, and the real-world catch. References:Effects of a Dietary Portfolio of Cholesterol-Lowering Foods vs Lovastatin on Serum Lipids and C-Reactive Protein | Cardiology | JAMA | JAMA Network Assessment of the longer-term effects of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods in hypercholesterolemia - ScienceDirect Related Episodes:560 - Fiber 2.0—Fiber's New Science of Health-Boosting Benefits 592 - Is Soy Healthy or Harmful?260 - What Are Phytosterols?Nutrition Diva is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, hosted by Monica Reinegal.New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a question for Nutrition Diva? Email: nutrition@quickanddirtytips.comFind Monica at wellnessworkshere.comDiscover more from Nutrition Diva:Facebook LinkedInNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send us Fan MailCholesterol warnings have a way of flattening any nutrition story into one scary number, even when the bigger picture points the other way. We take on one of our favorite topics coffee and zoom in on the debate that keeps resurfacing: should you avoid unfiltered coffee because it contains cafestol, a compound known to raise cholesterol modestly?We break down what actually changes when you switch from filtered coffee to unfiltered coffee methods like French press or Turkish coffee. Paper filters remove much of the coffee oil fraction, including diterpenes such as cafestol and kahweol, while leaving plenty of other valuable compounds like chlorogenic acids. Then we ask the more important question: if coffee consistently shows protective associations for cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and even brain health, why do so many public health messages treat a small lipid bump as the final verdict?From endothelial function and inflammation to insulin sensitivity, fat oxidation, and LDL oxidation resistance, we explore why cafestol may be far more beneficial than the headlines suggest. We also connect this coffee debate to a broader problem in modern nutrition and medicine: prioritising a single biomarker over lived outcomes and overall risk. Finally, we get practical about brew choices, lighter roasts, steep time, and the easiest way to ruin a great cup by adding sugar, synthetic creamers, or highly processed sweeteners.If you love coffee, keep loving it ! For video recording and slides: www.thehealthedgepodcast.com Subscribe, share the show with a friend who worries about coffee and cholesterol, and leave a review with your go-to brew method.
If you've ever been told your high cholesterol is "just genetic" and there's nothing you can do but take medication, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the exact, research-backed changes that helped me drop my total cholesterol by 35 points, LDL by 27 points, and triglycerides by 80 points in 12 months, no medication required. As a Registered Dietitian and mom of 3, I'm breaking down the biggest high cholesterol myths (starting with the dietary cholesterol myth, yes, eggs are fine!) and walking through the lifestyle and nutrition shifts that actually move the needle on cholesterol naturally. In this episode, you'll learn: Why eating cholesterol-containing foods like eggs and shrimp isn't the real problem The truth about genetics and high cholesterol, predisposition isn't destiny How strength training and walking impact LDL, HDL, and triglycerides Why added sugar (not dietary fat) is one of the biggest drivers of high cholesterol The role of fiber in naturally lowering LDL cholesterol Cholesterol-supportive supplements to ask your doctor about: omega-3s, vitamin D, berberine, turmeric/ginger, plant sterols How blood sugar regulation ties directly into healthy cholesterol levels My personal before-and-after lab numbers after one year of consistency Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting supplements or adjusting cholesterol medication. Want pre-balanced meals that support healthy cholesterol without tracking or giving up your favorite foods? Join us inside Busy Mom Meals Come hang out with me on Instagram @nutrition.for.mamas
In today's episode, Randy Vawdrey dives into cardiovascular prevention with a special focus on coronary artery calcium (CAC) testing. He guides us through why traditional cardiovascular risk factors like LDL cholesterol, HDL, and BMI may not be as predictive of heart attack risk as once thought, and how CAC scores can provide a much clearer picture.You'll hear about the latest research, practical steps for interpreting CAC scores, and the lifestyle and supplemental interventions that can help halt the progression of cardiovascular disease. Enroll in the Master Class: Preventive Cardiology: Comprehensive & Integrative CV Risk Reduction with Randy Vawdrey, NP-C at https://pages.kharrazianinstitute.com/vawdrey-cardioTIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Discussing cardiac risk assessment factors05:50 Predictive value of CAC scores07:17 Understanding Agatston scores10:22 Boulder cardiologist's health tips13:52 Discussing methylfolic acid and statins16:42 Managing stress with coronary scores20:17 Podcast sponsor shout-out and disclaimersSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/solving-the-puzzle-with-dr-datis-kharrazian. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"The idea of metabolic scoring is to take guilt out of the picture. Because this is not anyone's fault. It's basically a cosmic shift in just our whole lifestyle here in Western civilization." — Dr. Ron HunninghakeIn this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake and Dr. Drew Rose discuss the complexities of metabolic syndrome, its prevalence in the Western world, and the lifestyle factors contributing to it. They emphasize the importance of identifying root causes and implementing personalized health strategies to combat this growing epidemic.
→ Ora Organic | Real ingredients, planet-friendly packaging, easy to love. Head to https://ora.organic/pages/drg and use my code HEALTHYSELF30 to enjoy 30% off your first Ora order today. → Puori | Go to https://puori.com/DRG and use the code DRG at checkout to get 32% off your first Puori Creatine+ subscription order. → Santa Barbara Chocolate | CocoaDynamics available at https://SantaBarbaraChocolate.com. Use code DRG20 for 20% off. Episode Description: Social media has convinced women that they need to lower their cortisol to lose belly fat, sync their workouts to their menstrual cycle, eat differently depending on their cycle phase, avoid heavy lifting to stay lean, and take a stack of longevity supplements to live longer. Dr. Mary Pardee is here to call most of that what it is. Dr. Mary is a naturopathic and functional medicine doctor, one of Dr. G's closest friends, and one of the most evidence-based voices in the wellness space. This is her third time on Heal Thy Self and she is not holding back. From LDL cholesterol to VO2 max to the Mediterranean diet to cold plunge, she is cutting through the noise and giving women the clearest, most direct framework for actually living longer. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why LDL cholesterol is causative for heart disease the way smoking is causative for lung cancer, what numbers to actually target at different life stages, and why plaque formation begins in your 20s • The truth about cycle syncing workouts and food, why it is a marketing tactic designed to confuse a vulnerable population into buying something, and what the research actually says about training through your cycle • How to structure protein intake for muscle building, the exact grams per kilogram targets for different goals, and why women are still chronically under eating protein even in 2026 Plus the labs every woman should be running, what a DEXA scan actually reveals about body composition, and why cold plunge has no longevity evidence behind it while sauna does. Find Dr. Amy Pardee: Website: https://www.modrnmed.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.marypardee Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 2:07 - Rapid Fire: Cortisol, LDL, Heavy Lifting & Cycle Syncing — Myth or Fact? 5:30 - How Dr. Mary Became the Most Evidence-Based Naturopathic Doctor Dr. G Knows 9:10 - The Vulnerable Populations Being Targeted by Wellness Influencers 11:45 - The Truth About Cortisol and Belly Fat (And Who This Advice Is Actually Hurting) 15:00 - Calories vs. Whole Foods: Why "Just Eat Clean" Is Gaslighting a Lot of People 19:00 - DEXA Scans, Skinny Fat & Why Women Often Need to Add Muscle, Not Lose Weight 22:30 - How Much Protein Women Actually Need and Why Most Are Undereating It 26:00 - Animal Protein vs. Plant Protein: Has Dr. Mary Changed Her Mind? 28:30 - Heart Disease Is Still the #1 Killer — Here's Why That Hasn't Changed 31:00 - LDL Is Causative for Heart Disease, Full Stop (And Why the Nuance Is Misleading People) 35:00 - What LDL Numbers Should Actually Trigger Treatment 37:30 - Should People in Their 30s Be on Statins? Dr. Mary Says Yes 39:00 - How Much Can Diet Actually Lower Your LDL? The 20% Reality 42:00 - The Mediterranean Diet vs. Keto vs. Carnivore: What the Research Actually Supports 45:00 - VO2 Max: What It Measures, Why It Matters & Whether You Need to Test It 49:30 - Cycle Syncing Your Workouts and Diet: Social Media Trash 52:30 - Cold Plunge vs. Sauna for Longevity: What the Evidence Actually Shows 54:30 - The Labs Every Person Should Ask Their Doctor to Run 58:00 - One Thing Dr. Mary Wants Every Woman to Walk Away With Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. John Kim was 33 years old, a practicing functional pharmacist who thought he was living a healthy life, when he walked into the ER with chest pain and was told he was probably fine. He wasn't. An 85% blockage in his LAD, a stent, three days in cardiac ICU, and a month later — a positive test for Bartonella, sky-high aspergillus antibodies, mycoplasma pneumonia, Epstein-Barr, parasites, and severe mercury toxicity traced back to childhood. Two years to clear the Bartonella. Six months for the mold. And a complete reinvention of how he practices medicine. In this conversation with Freddie, Dr. Kim breaks down what functional medicine is getting dangerously wrong right now — the supplement stacking, the endless detox protocols, the practitioners who skip the nervous system entirely — and lays out what actually has to happen first. Heart coherence before supplements. Nervous system regulation before binders. EMDR before mold remediation. And a lipid panel that actually includes lipoprotein A and APO B instead of just chasing LDL numbers. The second half of this episode goes deep on biotoxins and cellular damage in a way you won't hear in most wellness spaces. Dr. Kim explains the cell danger response — why the mitochondria shifts from making energy to playing defense, and why so many people with MCAS, long COVID, Lyme, and autoimmune conditions are completely stuck in that state — and what it actually takes to get out. He breaks down how toxins like heavy metals, mold, and BPA bind directly to DNA in what's called a DNA adduct, why plasma therapies and standard detox protocols don't reach that level of damage, and what does — butyric acid, TUDCA, and a sequenced approach that rebuilds the cell membrane before asking the body to clear anything. He also covers the IGL epigenetic blood test from Germany, protein misfolding, and why the goal of any good practitioner should eventually be to never see their patient again. Find Dr. John Kim at drjohnkim.com and on Instagram at john.pharmd. Episode Highlights - [00:00] – Dr. John Kim shares the heart attack that changed his life at just 33 years old. - [07:30] – Why clean cholesterol and normal labs didn't prevent a life-threatening cardiac event. - [08:36] – The heart markers beyond cholesterol that deserve more attention. - [10:36] – Heart coherence, gratitude, and how nervous system regulation supports cardiovascular health. - [15:07] – Understanding the Cell Danger Response and why chronic illness gets stuck. - [20:22] – A practical healing hierarchy for mold illness, MCAS, and chronic inflammatory conditions. - [24:59] – Why circadian rhythm may be the most overlooked free intervention in health. - [37:46] – The problem with treating lab results instead of treating the person. - [44:24] – Should people order their own functional lab testing? The benefits and limitations. - [53:57] – A real-world story showing how heart coherence transformed chronic anxiety in six weeks. - [55:59] – The truth about plasmapheresis, detox culture, and expensive biohacking trends. - [01:01:58] – Why lasting healing requires resilience—not lifelong detox protocols. Connect with Dr. John Kim: Website: https://drjohnkim.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.pharmd My Circadian App: https://mycircadianapp.com Upgrade Your Health LightPathLED: https://lightpathled.pxf.io/c/3438432/2059835/25794 Code: beautifullybroken Silver Biotics Wound Healing Gel: https://bit.ly/3JnxyDD 30% off with Code: BEAUTIFULLYBROKEN MaxGen Labs: https://maxgenlabs.com/BEAUTIFULLYBROKEN StemRegen: https://www.stemregen.co/products/stemregen?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=1&affid=52 Code: beautifullybroken CONNECT WITH FREDDIEWork with Me: https://www.beautifullybroken.world/biological-blueprintWebsite and Store: (http://www.beautifullybroken.world) Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/freddie.kimmelYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beautifullybrokenworld Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Carnivore Diet, Cholesterol, Gut Bacteria, Microbiome, and Fasting Insulin Results from a 90-Day Self-Experiment What if cutting out fiber entirely actually improved your gut bacteria? This episode breaks down a real 90-day carnivore self-experiment, complete with before and after blood work, stool testing, and continuous glucose data, that challenges everything you think you know about fiber, cholesterol, and metabolic health. Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR Host Dave Asprey sits down with Ben Azadi, founder of Keto Kamp and bestselling author of Metabolic Freedom. After overcoming obesity and severe health challenges, Ben has spent years educating millions of people on metabolic health, fasting, ketosis, and biohacking strategies through his podcast, books, and YouTube channel with over a million subscribers. He is known for turning complex science into practical tools anyone can use to burn fat, boost human performance, and support long-term longevity. Ben walks through what happened when he ate nothing but meat, eggs, and dairy for 90 straight days, tracking everything from his microbiome diversity to his LDL particle size. His cholesterol numbers spiked, but the full lipid panel tells a very different story than most doctors would assume. They get into why ketosis works better when you cycle in and out of it, how sodium and electrolytes play a bigger role in insulin resistance than most people realize, and why eating 17 to 23 times a day might be quietly wrecking your metabolism. The conversation also covers the real science behind creatine absorption, why Dave adds his to hot coffee for better brain uptake, the truth about cooking oils and smoke points, and why cold plunging is one of the most misunderstood biohacks in the wellness space. Dave and Ben dig into mitochondria, fasting protocols, sleep optimization, and the supplements that actually move the needle for energy, fat loss, and anti-aging. This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, functional medicine, brain optimization, and building a body that performs at a higher level for longer. You'll Learn: What 90 days of zero fiber actually did to his gut bacteria and microbiome diversity Why his cholesterol went up but his cardiovascular risk markers stayed low The real reason cyclical ketosis works better than staying in ketosis full time How sodium and electrolyte intake affects insulin resistance and metabolism Why eating too frequently keeps your body stuck in glucose and insulin spikes The creatine hack that increases brain absorption using hot coffee Why cold plunging is overrated for most people who skip the hormesis basics Thank you to our sponsors! - PredictiveMind™ | Get your Brain Pattern Mapping report at predictivemind.io/dave and use code DAVE for 10% off. - ZenBud | Dave's Nervous System Biohack. Visit zenbud.health and use code DAVE15 at checkout for a discount. - Timeline | Visit timeline.com/dave to learn more about Mitopure and get 20% off your first order for a limited time. - ENERGYbits | If you want a simpler, smarter way to support your body… this is it. Head to ENERGYbits.com and use code ASPREY for 20% off your order. Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights inhealth, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: Ben Azadi, Keto Kamp, carnivore diet, 90-day carnivore experiment, gut microbiome, gut bacteria diversity, fiber-free diet, LDL particle size, cyclical ketosis, fasting, autophagy, electrolytes, sodium intake, insulin resistance, fasting insulin, creatine, blood-brain barrier, melatonin, mitochondria, hormesis, cold plunge, dopamine receptors, olive oil polyphenols, smoke point, beef tallow, seed oils, HRV, sleep optimization, KetoFlex, Metabolic Freedom Resources: • See All Of Ben Azadi's Content At: https://benazadi.com/ • Check Out Ben's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KetoKamp • Get My 2026 Clean Nicotine Roadmap | Enroll for free at https://daveasprey.com/2026-clean-nicotine-roadmap/ • Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today. • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15 • My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off) • Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off) • Dave Asprey's BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com • Dave Asprey's New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated • Join My Substack (Live Access To Podcast Recordings): https://substack.daveasprey.com/ • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Trailer 01:15 – 90-Day Carnivore Experiment 04:43 – Cholesterol & Lipid Results 09:12 – Cyclical Keto Approach 20:19 – Reading Body Signals 26:36 – Danger Creatine Launch 31:55 – Calories vs. Hormones 33:53 – Root Cause of Insulin Resistance 35:37 – Sodium & Electrolytes 45:11 – Sleep Optimization 49:19 – Cold Plunging Overrated 51:17 – BICEP & Dopamine Reset See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
LDL is one of the most important lab values to understand for NP boards because it plays a central role in cardiovascular risk and treatment decisions. In this minisode, I review the key LDL targets to know, explain when high-intensity statins come into play, and walk you through the clinical reasoning behind common board questions so you can confidently choose the next best step in dyslipidemia management. Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/smnpreviewsofficial
Can small daily doses of herbs and spices really drop LDL cholesterol by double digits?
The newest AHA and ACC guidelines for treating dyslipidemia are here — and according to Dr. Kim Williams, they mark a powerful shift toward prevention, earlier testing, and whole-food, plant-based nutrition as the foundation of cardiovascular care.Rip welcomes back Dr. Kim Williams, past president of the American College of Cardiology, for a practical and deeply encouraging breakdown of what these updated cholesterol guidelines mean for everyday people.Dr. Williams explains why cardiovascular risk is no longer just about one cholesterol number. Instead, clinicians are being encouraged to look at the whole picture: LDL cholesterol, ApoB, Lp(a), inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar, kidney function, family history, lifestyle, and coronary artery calcium when appropriate.The most exciting part for the PlantStrong community? Lifestyle optimization is now treated as the clinical foundation — and Dr. Williams is clear about what that means: a whole-food, plant-based diet built around beans, grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms, along with exercise, sleep, mindfulness, strong social connections, and avoidance of tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful substances.This conversation also tackles statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, Lp(a), coronary calcium scoring, and the new philosophy of treating risk lower, earlier, and longer — always with food first, and medication when needed.Key TakeawaysThe new cholesterol guidelines emphasize lifestyle first, not lifestyle as an afterthought.Dr. Williams says a whole-food, plant-based diet should be built around beans, grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms.LDL cholesterol is still important, but it is no longer the only number that matters.ApoB may give a clearer picture of risk in some people, especially those with diabetes, high triglycerides, or central obesity.Lp(a) is largely genetic and should be measured at least once in adulthood; the 2026 guideline includes updated recommendations for elevated Lp(a).Coronary artery calcium scoring can help personalize risk and guide LDL targets.Dr. Williams emphasizes that the goal is not “plants versus statins.” It is whole plant foods first, medications when needed.The overall prevention philosophy is: lower, earlier, longer.Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6cD8tGpsAggLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/ Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyLearn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrong.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify
Episode Description: Everyone is calling it nature's Ozempic. That is marketing. And it is doing a total disservice to what berberine actually does. Berberine is not a GLP-1 drug. It does not work the same way. The weight loss outcomes are not comparable. And if you are taking it expecting to drop 15% of your body weight, you are going to be disappointed. But here is what the research actually shows, and why Dr. G takes berberine every single day. The clinical evidence on berberine for blood sugar, cholesterol, insulin resistance, and gut health is genuinely compelling. A three month randomized controlled trial in newly diagnosed type two diabetics showed reductions in HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, and post-meal blood glucose that were comparable to metformin. A 2022 meta analysis confirmed it hits triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, blood pressure, and insulin resistance markers simultaneously. And the gut microbiome research is a piece almost nobody is talking about.In this episode, you will learn: • What berberine actually does in the body through the AMPK pathway, why it is not a GLP-1, and what to realistically expect from it • Why standard berberine has a major absorption problem, what dihydroberberine is and why it may deliver 2 to 4 times more into circulation at a fraction of the dose • Exactly how to buy berberine intelligently, what standardization means on a label, which forms to choose, and what to avoid Dr. G's recommended berberine brands linked in the show notes.Product reviews assess both brand transparency and product quality. If a company doesn't respond to our outreach, it doesn't automatically mean their product is low quality but it does mean they're failing their customers on transparency and communication. We reach out multiple times. No response isn't an oversight, it's a choice. And consumers deserve better. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 1:44 - How Berberine Works in the Body (And Why It's Not a GLP-1 Drug) 3:24 - The Weight Loss Reality: What Berberine Can and Can't Do 4:48 - Blood Sugar and Insulin Resistance: Where the Evidence Is Strongest 6:30 - Comparable to Metformin in Some Trials — What That Actually Means 7:42 - Cholesterol, Triglycerides & Cardiovascular Risk: Berberine's Strongest Evidence Base 9:44 - How Dr. G Uses Berberine in His Own Daily Routine 10:38 - Berberine's Underrated Effect on the Gut Microbiome 12:30 - The Big Absorption Problem With Standard Berberine (And the Solution) 14:22 - Dihydroberberine: 2-4x More Bioavailable in Human Trials 15:18 - How to Buy Berberine Intelligently: Standardization, Form & Third-Party Testing 17:00 - Who Should Take Berberine (And Who Shouldn't) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices