MASS Office Hours Episode 56 (Estrogen, Naturalistic Fallacy, and Q&A)
Oct 4, 2024
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Discover the intriguing role of estrogen in muscle growth and recovery, backed by animal studies despite mixed human research. Uncover the benefits of processed protein sources for vegetarians, challenging common dietary misconceptions. The discussion also delves into the importance of fiber for physique athletes and debunks the naturalistic fallacy in nutrition. You'll learn about the risks of ultra-processed foods and the significance of resistance training and cardiovascular exercises for injury prevention, wrapped in a lighthearted exploration of college football rivalries.
The podcast explores the nuanced role of estrogen in muscle hypertrophy, emphasizing the absence of human-specific evidence to support its anabolic effects.
Concerns regarding ultra-processed protein sources for vegetarians are addressed, highlighting their potential benefits in a balanced diet when consumed alongside whole foods.
The episode critiques the appeal to nature fallacy in nutrition, advocating for evidence-based practices over unsubstantiated ancestral diet claims.
Deep dives
The Impact of Estrogen on Muscle Hypertrophy
The role of estrogen, particularly estradiol, in muscle hypertrophy is examined, shedding light on the misconception regarding its anabolic effects. While animal studies have suggested that removing estradiol can lead to muscle loss, translating these findings to humans is challenging due to the lack of sufficient evidence. There is currently no data supporting the notion that higher estrogen levels result in greater muscle growth or better resistance training adaptations in women. Additionally, the relationship between menstrual cycle phases and the timing of resistance training is found to be unsubstantiated, emphasizing the importance of consistency in training rather than syncing workouts with hormonal fluctuations.
Rethinking Processed Foods for Plant-Based Diets
Concerns regarding the consumption of ultra-processed protein sources, especially for vegetarians, are addressed, with the conclusion that these foods can be part of a healthy diet. Research implies that the belief linking ultra-processed foods to poor health outcomes requires more exploration and understanding of the mechanisms involved. For vegetarians, processing can enhance protein quality, as seen with plant-based meat alternatives that improve amino acid profiles and digestibility compared to whole foods. Therefore, incorporating protein shakes and other processed foods is considered beneficial, provided one also consumes sufficient whole foods to meet micronutrient and fiber needs.
Navigating Fiber Intake for Physique Athletes
The balance of dietary fiber for female physique athletes is discussed, focusing on the misconception that high fiber intake could lead to decreased performance or increased midsection size. Athletes are encouraged to find their optimal fiber intake through personal experience, listening to their body's signals like satiety and digestion. Concerns about fiber bulking the GI tract are largely unfounded, as discomfort typically indicates that intake should be adjusted. For those preparing for competitions, a temporary reduction of fiber before events can help reduce stomach bulk, but maintaining a high fiber diet is generally advantageous for health and performance outside of those specific circumstances.
The Appeal to Nature Fallacy in Nutrition
Common logical fallacies in nutrition, particularly the appeal to nature, are critically evaluated, emphasizing the importance of evidence over assumptions. It is highlighted that claims against artificial sweeteners often lack scientific backing, as many studies have disproven myths surrounding their health effects. Similarly, dismissing processed foods altogether overlooks the nutritional benefits of certain processed items, such as whole grain flours or plant proteins. The idea that we should emulate ancestral diets is also challenged, as human diets have always varied based on available food sources rather than adhering to a single 'natural' standard.
Resistance Training for Injury Prevention
The link between resistance training and injury prevention in everyday activities is explored, with a focus on its importance for general physical robustness. While there is insufficient research specifically targeting workplace injury prevention through resistance training, the consensus is that having a strong and mobile body reduces the likelihood of injury in physical tasks. It’s noted that, unlike in sports, where injury predictions are less reliable, everyday activities such as lifting can benefit from strength training. With proper training, individuals can build resilience and reduce susceptibility to injuries that result from routine physical demands.
In Episode 56 of "Office Hours Live," Dr. Eric Trexler and Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple discuss a wide range of health and fitness topics. Dr. Colenso-Semple tackles the question of whether estrogen is anabolic and its role in muscle hypertrophy, explaining the lack of substantial human research but providing insights from animal studies. Dr. Trexler responds to concerns about ultraprocessed protein sources, particularly for vegetarians, and clarifies the benefits of these foods in a balanced diet. The duo also debunks myths around fiber intake and the common appeal to nature fallacy in nutrition. Additionally, they discuss systemic fatigue, resistance band training, and the application of drop sets in workouts. Towards the end, Dr. Colenso-Semple addresses the pseudoscientific claims of nutrient timing with the menstrual cycle, dismissing such notions while encouraging balanced, evidence-based dietary practices. The episode wraps up with a thoughtful reflection on cardiovascular adaptations during calorie deficits and potential injury prevention strategies.
The MASS crew goes live for Office Hours every Wednesday night at 7pm eastern time. Be sure to join us for a future episode!
If you'd like to submit a question ahead of time, please use this link:
https://massresearchreview.com/office-hours/
Time stamps:
0:00 Introduction
5:39 Estrogen and Hypertrophy
15:51 Processed Protein for Vegetarians
21:17 Fiber, GI Tract Hypertrophy, and Physique Athletes
27:58 Naturalistic Fallacies in Nutrition
40:09 LDL cholesterol: How low is "optimal?"
48:23 Systemic Fatigue and Rest Days
55:36 Resistance Band Training
1:00:29 Nutrient Timing and Menstrual Cycles
1:04:21 Resistance training and injuries during activities of daily living
1:08:04 Cardio adaptations during a calorie deficit
1:09:28 Drop sets
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