Unlock Good Energy: Paleo Metabolism vs. Modern Food with Dr. Casey Means
Feb 18, 2025
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Dr. Casey Means, a metabolic health expert and pivotal figure in Jeff Krasno's health journey, discusses the glaring disconnect between our hunter-gatherer genetics and modern lifestyles. She highlights how shifts to ultra-processed foods and sedentary habits undermine our health. Casey offers practical strategies for aligning nutrition, sleep, and movement with our biological needs. She also delves into the importance of temperature variation and stress management in enhancing metabolic health, emphasizing that small lifestyle tweaks can lead to significant improvements.
The drastic shift from whole foods to ultra-processed diets has caused a breakdown in our metabolic communication, leading to chronic diseases.
Restricting eating windows and aligning meal timing with our circadian rhythms can significantly enhance metabolic health and glucose metabolism.
Incorporating regular movement and temperature variations into daily routines can bolster metabolic function and overall wellness, counteracting sedentary lifestyles.
Deep dives
The Impact of Modern Diet on Health
Modern diets have shifted from whole, unprocessed foods to predominantly ultra-processed foods, causing significant health issues. Over the past century, the percentage of ultra-processed foods in our diet has surged dramatically, leading to a state where our bodies struggle to understand and utilize these Franken-foods. This drastic dietary change results in a breakdown of communication between the nutrients we consume and our biology, exacerbating chronic diseases. Additionally, even the whole foods we do consume are often nutrient-depleted due to industrial agriculture practices, further diminishing their potential health benefits.
The Importance of Meal Timing
Eating patterns have become increasingly erratic, with the average person now grazing over a 15-hour period filled with multiple eating events throughout the day. This constant intake prevents necessary periods of rest for the body, inhibiting insulin drop and fat-burning processes. By restricting eating windows and prioritizing earlier meal consumption, individuals can better support their metabolic health. Adjusting meal timing to align with natural circadian rhythms allows for improved glucose metabolism and overall health benefits.
Sedentariness and Movement
A majority of modern life is characterized by prolonged periods of sitting, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle that directly impacts our biological health. Despite the body’s design for movement, many people spend more than 80% of their time sitting or inactive, with fewer than 30% meeting minimum exercise recommendations. Regular low-grade movement throughout the day is crucial for metabolic health as it stimulates glucose uptake and promotes mitochondrial function. Engaging in simple activities, like standing or taking brief walks, can counteract the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
Temperature and Metabolic Health
Modern comforts have led to a state of temperature neutrality that detracts from our health by preventing the body from experiencing beneficial temperature extremes. Exposure to both cold and heat can serve as a stimulus for metabolic processes and mitochondrial health, encouraging the body to adapt and thrive. By engaging in practices like cold exposure or thermogenesis, individuals can leverage temperature as an ally in improving metabolic function. Embracing these natural temperature variations can enhance energy production and overall wellness.
Reframing Sleep and Stress Management
Sleep quality and duration have dramatically decreased in recent years, with reduced sleep directly linked to declines in metabolic health. The research reveals that inadequate sleep can shift individuals from healthy insulin sensitivity to pre-diabetic states quickly. However, improving sleep is not solely about duration; it encompasses quality and consistency as well. Focusing on foundational health practices—such as nutrition, movement, and stress management—can facilitate better sleep by optimizing overall cellular health and functioning.
This is the third in a four-part Good Energy series with Dr. Casey Means. Here Casey and Jeff explore how our hunter-gatherer genes are wildly mismatched with our modern way of living, leading to metabolic health issues. With these mismatches in mind, Casey outlines steps we can take in our nutrition, sleep, exercise, and social practices to realign our habits with our biology.
This episode originally aired on June 13, 2024.
Watch Casey’s Commune course, Optimize Your Metabolism, with a 14-day trial of Commune Membership. Sign up for free at onecommune.com/trial.