561: The Top Foods You Need to Eat & Avoid to Fix Your Mitochondria & Metabolic Health | Dr. Rob Lustig
Sep 28, 2023
auto_awesome
Neuroendocrinologist Dr. Robert Lustig discusses the root cause of insulin resistance, types of fats, recommended supplements, the impact of glucose and fructose on mitochondrial function, and the connection between insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction. Various methods to measure sugar consumption and its impact on metabolic health are explored, along with the effectiveness of supplements for mitochondrial function. The podcast also delves into the history of processed food and sugar, strategies for quitting sugar addiction, myths about milk consumption, the pros and cons of calcium supplements, nutrient deficiencies in a plant-based diet, the dangers of food processing, and the impact of sweeteners on health.
Mitochondrial dysfunction is the root cause of insulin resistance and chronic metabolic diseases.
Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids and mono-unsaturated fats can improve mitochondrial function and metabolic health.
Poor diet, exposure to toxins, and air pollution can contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance.
Excess sugar consumption, especially fructose, impairs mitochondrial function and leads to insulin resistance.
Processing food can change its properties and turn helpful substances into harmful ones.
Deep dives
Insulin resistance: The downstream effect of mitochondrial dysfunction
Insulin resistance occurs when the mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells, are not functioning properly. Mitochondrial dysfunction is the root cause of various chronic metabolic diseases. Insulin, the energy storage hormone, helps regulate glucose and fat levels in the body. When the mitochondria are not working efficiently, insulin resistance occurs, leading to higher blood glucose and fat levels. One major contributor to mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance is the accumulation of fat in the liver. Sugar, especially fructose, plays a significant role in the development of fatty liver and subsequent insulin resistance. Other factors, such as poor diet, exposure to obesogens and toxins, and radiation, can also contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction. It is crucial to address these factors to improve metabolic health and prevent or reverse insulin resistance.
Polyunsaturated fats: Omega-3 fatty acids for mitochondrial and neuronal health
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are essential for mitochondrial and neuronal function. They are heart-healthy and have anti-inflammatory properties. While alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from plant-based sources is beneficial, the conversion to EPA and DHA is limited. Therefore, supplementing with EPA and DHA is recommended, especially for vegans who do not consume fish. However, it is important to ensure the source of fish oil capsules is from wild fish that feed on algae, as farmed fish may have a different fatty acid profile. Mono-unsaturated fats, such as oleic acid found in olive oil, also support mitochondrial function by activating the PPAR alpha receptor in the liver, promoting better energy dynamics.
Other factors influencing mitochondrial health and insulin resistance
Various factors can contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance. Poor diet, including a lack of essential fatty acids, exposure to obesogens and toxins, such as flame retardants and pesticides, and air pollution can all impact mitochondrial function. These factors can inhibit mitochondrial energy production and lead to increased inflammation, weight gain, and chronic metabolic diseases. It is important to address these factors through a balanced diet, reducing exposure to toxins, and promoting a clean, healthy environment.
The role of sugar in mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance
Sugar, especially fructose, is a major contributor to mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent insulin resistance. Excess sugar consumption leads to the accumulation of fat in the liver and impairs mitochondrial function. Fructose is particularly harmful as it inhibits enzymes necessary for proper mitochondrial functioning. As a result, glucose metabolism is disrupted, insulin resistance develops, and chronic metabolic diseases may arise. Addressing sugar consumption and adopting a whole food diet can help improve mitochondrial health and prevent insulin resistance.
The Impact of Processing on Food
Processing food can change the properties and qualities of various chemicals within it, turning it from something that could be helpful to poison. Examples include frying potatoes in oil, which can create harmful substances like acrylamide, and grilling food on a barbecue, which produces potentially carcinogenic aryl hydrocarbons.
Understanding Sugar and its Effects
Sugar refers to dietary sugar, such as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, and agave. Glucose, found in all cells, is essential for energy. In contrast, fructose is metabolized differently and has no essential function in animal cells. Fructose inhibits growth and decreases ATP generation in mitochondria, making it harmful rather than contributing to energy production.
The Importance of Fiber
Fiber is an essential component of whole foods and plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic health. Soluble and insoluble fibers work together in the intestines to create a secondary barrier that inhibits the absorption of glucose, fructose, and other substances. Processing food, such as juicing fruits and vegetables, removes fiber and diminishes its beneficial effects.
Key point 1: Fructose is harmful to metabolic health and causes aging.
Fructose, specifically added sugars, can lead to liver fat generation, insulin resistance, and aging reactions. It is important to limit fructose intake to about 9 teaspoons per day for men, 6 teaspoons per day for women, and even less for children and infants.
Key point 2: Education and demand for lower sugar products
Public awareness of the negative impacts of sugar is increasing, leading to some companies voluntarily reducing added sugar in their products. However, significant changes in the industry and government regulations regarding sugar intake are still needed to address the ongoing overconsumption of sugar.
Today you’re getting a deep dive with Dr. Robert Lustig (IG: @robertlustigmd)!
Rob is a neuroendocrinologist, New York Times bestselling author, and Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology.
He is one of the leaders of the current “anti-sugar” movement that is changing the food industry.
Rob has dedicated his retirement from clinical medicine to help to fix the food supply any way he can, to reduce human suffering and to salvage the environment.
On today’s episode, you’ll learn about: the root cause of insulin resistance, the 7 types of fats (good & bad), how to determine the amount of fat in your liver, the 3 supplements Rob recommends, is there a good reason to drink milk?, understanding the science of fiber, fructose inhibits your mitochondria, the diet Rob follows, Rob’s approach to breaking your sugar addiction & so much more!
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!
How can you support our podcast?
1. Apple users, please subscribe and review our show on Apple Podcasts, we make sure to read them all. Android users, be sure to subscribe to our show on Google Podcasts. Subscribers never miss any of the action ;)
2. If you’d prefer to watch vs listen to the interviews, head over to our YouTube channel and enjoy the full video conversations. Be sure and subscribe while you’re there.
3. Tell a friend about The Ultimate Health Podcast. They will surely thank you later. You can use the envelope button below to email a friend or tell them about TUHP in person.
4. Follow our adventures on our favourite social media platform, Instagram.
5. Share using the buttons below.
Thank you!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode