TMHS 873: The Truth About GLP-1: Foods That Increase It, What Blocks It, & More - With Dr. Taz
Feb 26, 2025
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Dr. Tasneem Bhatia, a double board-certified integrative medicine physician and best-selling author, dives into the world of GLP-1 and its impact on metabolic health. She uncovers why weight regain often follows GLP-1 medication discontinuation and shares insights on enhancing natural GLP-1 levels through diet. The discussion highlights the critical role of gut health and blood sugar regulation, along with innovative microdosing approaches. Dr. Taz emphasizes the need for personalized strategies to promote lasting well-being beyond just medications.
GLP-1 medications can effectively promote weight loss, but weight regain is common after discontinuation, highlighting their sustainability issues.
Chronic sleep problems negatively impact the body’s natural GLP-1 production, emphasizing the need for improved sleep hygiene and natural remedies.
Targeting specific high-protein and fiber-rich foods can enhance GLP-1 production, supporting weight management and overall metabolic health.
Deep dives
Understanding GLP-1 Drugs and Their Impact
GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wagovi, have gained significant attention for their ability to promote weight loss and improve metabolic health. A year-long study revealed that while these drugs effectively aid weight reduction and enhance cardiovascular markers, patients frequently regain a substantial portion of weight after discontinuation, losing two-thirds of their initial weight loss. This rebound in weight was linked to deteriorating cardiometabolic health, suggesting that reliance on these medications may not be sustainable long-term. The widespread acceptance of these drugs as a standard treatment prompts critical questions regarding their actual benefits versus the potential health costs involved.
The Role of Body Fat in Inflammation
Excess body fat significantly contributes to chronic inflammation, which affects overall health. As fat cells expand, they may trigger inflammatory responses as the body interprets this excess volume as stress, akin to an infection. This persistent inflammatory state has far-reaching implications, emphasizing how reducing body fat can alleviate inflammation and its related health concerns. Addressing body fat not only improves physical appearance and self-confidence but can also lead to measurable improvements in cardiometabolic health.
Sleep Quality and GLP-1 Dysfunction
Chronic sleep issues can directly impact the body’s natural production of GLP-1, leading to increased weight challenges and metabolic dysfunction. Medications for sleep often do not contribute to healthy sleep patterns and can compromise sleep quality by interrupting vital sleep cycles. Improving sleep hygiene and incorporating natural sleep aids, such as chamomile tea and magnesium, can foster a more restorative sleep experience. Addressing underlying sleep problems is crucial for enhancing GLP-1 function and overall metabolic health.
Nutritional Strategies to Enhance GLP-1 Production
Targeting specific foods can naturally increase the body's production of GLP-1, supporting weight management and metabolic health. High-protein foods, such as lean meats and eggs, and fiber-rich options like lentils and high-fiber fruits and vegetables are particularly beneficial. Additionally, incorporating fermented foods, which contribute to gut health, can improve the microbiome and enhance GLP-1 signaling. A strategic approach to nutrition—including consistent meal timing and balanced macronutrients—can yield significant health benefits beyond mere medication reliance.
The Potential of Microdosing GLP-1 Medications
Microdosing GLP-1 medications may offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional dosing, aligning with a holistic approach to health management. Patients on microdoses report fewer side effects and better control over hunger signals, ultimately enabling them to manage their weight without the emotional turmoil of the 'all-or-nothing' mindset that often accompanies conventional dosages. This gradual approach fosters a deeper understanding of eating patterns and metabolic health without the immediate dependency on high doses. By integrating dietary improvements and lifestyle changes, microdosing serves as a complement to a comprehensive strategy for achieving long-term health.
Over the last several years, GLP-1 agonist medications have gained traction as an effective way for folks to lose weight and improve their metabolic health. GLP-1 medications have proven to result in weight loss, but after discontinuing the drug, weight regain is common. Today, you’re going to learn the full story behind GLP-1, foods that increase your natural GLP-1 activity, and so much more. On this episode of The Model Health Show, I’m sitting down with Dr. Tasneem Bhatia. Dr. Taz is a double board-certified integrative medicine physician, best-selling author, and a pioneer of merging holistic medicine with conventional medicine. In this conversation, she’s sharing what goes on behind the scenes with metabolic health and GLP-1. This episode is a goldmine of information, including what you should be eating for optimal health, the role of blood sugar and gut health in regulating metabolism, and how to create a strategic approach that allows your body to heal. Dr. Taz is also sharing her clinical experience with prescribing GLP-1 microdosing to her patients, the benefits, and how this approach differs from the conventional dosing schedule. I hope you enjoy this interview with the one and only, Dr. Taz!
In this episode you’ll discover:
The truth about regaining weight after discontinuing GLP-1 medications.
How glucagon-like-peptide-1 works in the body.
Why some people lose their natural GLP-1 activity.
What GIP is.
The importance of understanding the gut-brain connection for long-term health.
How industrializing our food supply marked a shift in human health.
The role that toxins have on the microbiome.
What we should consider about our electronics and light exposure.
How stress impacts human hormones.
The two main nutrients that you should be eating at every meal.
How meal timing influences your digestion.
The impact that ultra-processed foods have on blood sugar.
A connection between blood sugar and anxiety.
The connection between gut bacteria and GLP-1.
Why fermented food can have a positive influence on your health.
Four science-backed foods you should eat to support GLP-1.
What Dr. Taz learned from prescribing her patients GLP-1 at low doses.
How microdosing varies from conventional dosing.
Why combining holistic medicine and conventional medicine is powerful.
How we can allow our bodies to initiate self-healing.
The importance of creating a strategic approach to reach your health goals.
This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Foursigmatic and LMNT. Visit foursigmatic.com/model to get an exclusive 10% discount on mushroom and adaptogen-packed blends to improve your life. Head to DrinkLMNT.com/model to claim a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any purchase.
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