In *Nature Wants Us to Be Fat*, Dr. Richard Johnson presents evidence on how a biological 'fat switch' is responsible for excess fat storage and many major diseases prevalent in the Western world. This switch, used by animals as a survival mechanism, is triggered by fructose consumption and can lead to conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and dementia. The book discusses how modern diets have permanently activated this switch, and provides recommendations for turning it off to prevent or treat obesity and reduce the risk of developing other diseases.
Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter reveals how carbohydrates, including those from whole grains and fruits, can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, leading to various health issues such as dementia, ADHD, epilepsy, anxiety, and depression. The book argues that a diet high in 'good fats' and low in carbs, especially those containing gluten or high in sugar, is crucial for cognitive function and long-term health. Dr. Perlmutter provides a 4-week plan with easy-to-follow strategies, recipes, and weekly goals to help readers maintain a healthy brain and reduce the risk of neurological diseases without relying on drugs.
In 'Drop Acid', Dr. David Perlmutter explores the role of uric acid in metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The book provides scientific evidence and practical advice on how to lower uric acid levels through dietary changes, particularly by reducing intake of fructose and purines. It includes a three-week diet plan and outlines foods to avoid and those that help lower uric acid levels, aiming to achieve optimal health and prevent chronic conditions.
This episode is brought to you by Rupa Health, Thrive Market, and Cozy Earth.
Uric acid is a central player in metabolic mayhem. Despite its long association with gout and kidney stones, it’s involved in so much more—especially our metabolic disease epidemic. There are three things that raise our levels of uric acid: purines, alcohol, and fructose. The latter is the biggest challenge, due to its overwhelming presence in our Standard American Diet. That doesn’t mean all fruit is bad or even that all alcohol and purine-rich foods have the same effect. Like all parts of health and nutrition, there are nuances we need to consider to create optimal health.
That’s why I’m so excited to take a deep dive into the topic of uric acid with my friend and colleague Dr. David Perlmutter. Dr.Perlmutter is a Board-Certified Neurologist and five-time New York Times bestselling author. He serves on the Board of Directors and is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. He is the author of Grain Brain among others, and his new book, Drop Acid was just released. Dr. Perlmutter received his M.D. degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine where he was awarded the Leonard G. Rowntree Research Award. He serves as a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and has published extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals including Archives of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and The Journal of Applied Nutrition.
This episode is brought to you by Rupa Health, Thrive Market, and Cozy Earth.
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Here are more details from our interview (audio version / Apple Subscriber version):
- What is uric acid and how does it affect our health? (5:30 / 2:00)
- The impact of fructose consumption on our physiology (11:45 / 8:10)
- The differences between fructose and glucose (19:20 / 16:29)
- Why high fructose corn syrup is used in so many foods (21:13 / 17:40)
- The three sources of uric acid (22:57 / 19:23)
- Fructose consumption, uric acid, and gut health (28:19 / 23:43)
- How to eat to reduce uric acid (33:54 / 28:52)
- Medications that increase uric acid (47:07 / 42:04)
- Uric acid and Alzheimer’s (50:28 / 45:28)
- Heavy metals, supplements, sleep, exercise, and uric acid (54:12 / 49:14)
Get Dr. Perlmutter’s new book, Drop Acid: The Surprising New Science of Uric Acid—The Key to Losing Weight, Controlling Blood Sugar and Achieving Extraordinary Health here.
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