In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Mike T. Nelson and I discuss metabolic and physiological flexibility, and explore their significance in human performance and health. We discuss the importance of being able to switch between carbohydrate and fat metabolism, the role of exercise in enhancing metabolic flexibility, and the implications of research findings on variability in metabolism. The conversation also touches on practical applications for athletes and individuals looking to optimize their metabolic health through tailored training and nutrition strategies. In this conversation, we discusses the importance of metabolic and physiological flexibility, mitochondrial health, and the role of exercise in enhancing metabolic adaptation. We emphasize the significance the concept of physiological flexibility, which includes temperature regulation, pH balance, and oxygen/CO2 management. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of these physiological systems and the necessity of a balanced approach to training and recovery. TAKEAWAYS - Metabolic flexibility is the ability to switch between carbohydrate and fat metabolism. - Exercise plays a crucial role in enhancing metabolic flexibility. - Insulin acts as a fuel selector switch in the body. - Physiological flexibility involves maintaining temperature, pH, and gas exchange in the face of greatly changing stress environments. Enjoy! More about Mike: Mike T. Nelson, PhD, MSME, CSCS, CISSN, is a research fanatic who specializes in metabolic flexibility, heart rate variability, and human performance. He has spent 20 years of his life learning how the human body works. He has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, and a MS in Mechanical Engineering (biomechanics). He's an Associate Professor at the Carrick Institute, university instructor at Rocky Mountain University, creator of the Flex Diet Certification & Physiologic Flexibility Cert and a Human Optimization Specialist with the Special Forces Experience. He also is the Research and Human Performance Science Advisor at Tecton -makers of a unique ketone ester, and performance analysis with Rapid Health. He has published research in both physiology and engineering peer-reviewed journals. He's even been called in to share his techniques with top military agencies. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, lifting odd objects, going to metal concerts, and kiteboarding. Find out more at www.miketnelson.com Enjoying these podcasts, subscribe to get notified when new episodes are released. If you have a question or topic you want me to address, leave a comment! Follow Phil on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/criticalo2 Interested in learning more about physiology? Check out the critical oxygen website for blogs, courses and coaching -https://www.criticaloxygen.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Understanding Metabolic Flexibility 10:13 The Journey into Human Optimization 19:59 Research Insights on Variability and Metabolism 29:45 Practical Applications of Metabolic Flexibility 40:14 Training for Optimal Metabolic Health 54:36 Metabolic Flexibility and Mitochondrial Health 01:01:05 The Role of Exercise in Metabolic Adaptation 01:06:42 Strength Training and Muscle Mass Preservation 01:12:46 Physiological Flexibility: Understanding the Four Pillars 01:16:36 The Interconnectedness of Physiological Systems KEYWORDS metabolic flexibility, exercise physiology, heart rate variability, human performance, endurance training, carbohydrate metabolism, fat metabolism, physiological testing, energy systems, health optimization, metabolic flexibility, mitochondrial health, exercise adaptation, strength training, physiological flexibility, muscle mass, recovery, high intensity training, CO2 tolerance, health optimization