Quiet the Diet

Weight Loss Resistance: The Interplay of Stress, Gut Health, Circadian Rhythms, and Nutrition On Our Overall Health with Dr. Alexis Cowan, PhD

Apr 1, 2024

Dr. Alexis Cowan, PhD, a molecular biologist specializing in nutrition and metabolism, discusses the interplay of stress, gut health, circadian rhythms, and nutrition on overall health. Topics include antibiotics' impact on microbiomes, improving gut health, nature connection, stress effects on health, light environment importance, energy expenditure control for weight, omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, and brain's role in weight gain/loss.

01:24:02

Episode guests

Alexis Cowan

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Quick takeaways

Proper light exposure regulates circadian rhythms for energy balance and appetite control.

Managing stress levels is crucial for metabolic balance and effective weight loss strategies.

Supporting detoxification processes minimizes toxicity and improves weight loss outcomes.

Deep dives

The Significance of Proper Light Exposure on the Circadian Rhythm and Metabolism

Proper light exposure, especially sunlight, plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian rhythm, impacting hormone production, energy expenditure, and appetite regulation. Lack of adequate light exposure can disrupt the production of essential hormones like melatonin, affecting sleep patterns and overall metabolic function. Sunlight exposure triggers the production of key hormones involved in energy metabolism and appetite control, highlighting the fundamental importance of managing light environments for optimal health and weight management.

Diet is not the Sole Regulator of Microbiome

01:21

Importance of Lymphatic Support in Weight Loss

01:02

Unseen Workplace Health Hazards

01:23

Understanding Weight Loss Resistance

00:59

Introduction

2min

Exploring Health Insights and Weight Loss Perspectives

3min

Unraveling Weight Loss Resistance

21min

Unveiling the Hidden Health Risks in New York City Public Schools

18min

Exploring the Gut-Brain Axis and Introducing NERVA Sponsor

3min

Exploring the Interplay of Metabolism, Hormones, and Weight Loss

21min

Optimizing Omega Three to Omega Six Ratio for Health

8min

Utilizing a Lamp for Vitamin D Maintenance and Light Exposure

2min

Exploring the Connection Between Gut Microbiome and Exercise Motivation

6min

Dr. Alexis Cowan, PhD a molecular biologist specializing in nutrition and metabolism, joins Michelle to discuss the sophisticated dance between our microbiome, stress, dietary choices, and the environments we occupy (both internal and external) when it comes to overall health.

Tune in to hear:

How Alexis’ journey with weight loss, body dysmorphia and disordered eating led her to the study of biochemistry, metabolism and food systems [7:16]
The long lasting impact of antibiotics on our microbiomes [17:46]
Alexis’ recommendations for someone wanting to improve their gut health [19:41]
How connecting with nature can enhance our overall well-being [22:30]
The role stress plays in our health [30:32]
Why our light environment is crucial for overall health and weight [37:45]
Weight loss is more than just calories in-calories out [57:29]
How our brain controls energy expenditure and what that means for weight gain/loss [01:00:17]
Ancestral vs. modern omega-6 to omega-3 ratio and why it matters [01:05:57]

Watch the full episode on the Quiet The Diet Youtube Channel

Dr. Alexis’s Resources:
Instagram: @dralexisjazmyn
Links: https://dralexisjazmyn.wordpress.com/link-in-bio/

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Episode Page (with full transcript!)

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