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Dhru Purohit Show
Groundbreaking Hypothesis Identifies The Biggest Driver Of Alzheimer's Disease with Dr. Richard Johnson
Apr 10, 2023
02:25:47
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Quick takeaways
- Fructose consumption increases insulin resistance, leading to metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes.
- Constant fructose consumption disrupts satiety signals and promotes weight gain and metabolic health issues.
- Excessive carbohydrate intake can be converted to fructose in the body, contributing to obesity and related health problems.
- Elevated uric acid levels, stimulated by fructose, disrupt mitochondria function and lead to weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
- Fructose consumption is linked to Alzheimer's disease and activates brain regions associated with the condition.
Deep dives
Fructose drives insulin resistance
Fructose increases insulin resistance over time, even without a rise in glucose levels. The body converts glucose to fructose under high glucose conditions, contributing to insulin resistance. This insight explains the connection between fructose and the development of metabolic syndrome, including obesity and diabetes.
Fructose-induced obesity and the survival pathway
Fructose triggers a survival pathway in animals, leading to obesity. When animals consume fructose, it induces insatiable hunger and disrupts the body's ability to feel full. Fructose also lowers ATP levels in cells, causing the body to store more energy as fat. This mechanism was developed by animals to prepare for hibernation, but constant fructose consumption in modern diets leads to weight gain and metabolic health issues.
Carbohydrates conversion to fructose
Carbohydrates, particularly high-glycemic foods like rice and potatoes, can be converted to fructose in the body. Glucose levels can trigger the conversion, leading to increased fructose production and subsequent metabolic syndrome. This discovery suggests that excessive carbohydrate consumption can contribute to the development of obesity and related health issues.
The role of uric acid in obesity
Uric acid levels in the body are associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Fructose, whether from dietary sources or produced within the body, stimulates uric acid production. Elevated uric acid disrupts mitochondria and lowers ATP levels, leading to weight gain and various metabolic problems. Maintaining healthy uric acid levels is crucial in preventing obesity and related health conditions.
The harmful effects of fructose on ATP and mitochondria
Fructose is shown to decrease ATP levels in cells and damage mitochondria, resulting in insulin resistance and inflammation. It stimulates various pathways that contribute to metabolic syndrome and obesity. It is revealed that glucose is meant for immediate fuel while fructose is intended to store fat by dropping ATP levels and activating these pathways. Fructose can be produced from high glycemic carbs and salty foods. Consuming excessive glucose and salt can lead to the conversion of glucose to fructose. Low carb diets are beneficial in reducing fructose production. The combination of glucose and salt, such as in French fries, can be particularly harmful.
Fructose and its connection to Alzheimer's disease
Fructose consumption has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. Fructose activates foraging responses in animals and the brain, leading to wandering behaviors in Alzheimer's patients. Studies show that high fructose levels are found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, fructose affects brain regions associated with Alzheimer's, such as the cortex and hippocampus. The connection between fructose and risk factors for Alzheimer's, such as dietary habits and metabolic syndrome, further supports the hypothesis that fructose plays a role in the development of the disease.
The impact of salt and hydration on fructose metabolism
Salt consumption has been associated with fructose metabolism. High salt diets increase the risk for obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, drinking water before meals or when consuming salt can help dilute salt concentration in the blood and prevent the activation of fructose pathways. Ensuring adequate hydration can inhibit the enzyme converting glucose to fructose and reduce weight gain caused by fructose consumption. Moderate water intake is recommended, usually around 8 glasses per day, to counterbalance excessive salt consumption.
Recommending dietary changes to reduce fructose intake
To limit fructose consumption, it is suggested to reduce intake of high fructose corn syrup, sugary foods, and fruit juices. Whole fruits, such as berries with flavonols that counteract fructose effects, are healthier options. Natural fruits contain beneficial nutrients and are less harmful than highly processed sugary foods. Low carb diets are effective in reducing fructose production. Vitamin C is recommended for its ability to block oxidative stress caused by fructose and support overall health. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and be mindful of sodium intake in processed foods.
Effects of Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup
Consuming foods that contain sugar and high fructose corn syrup, such as processed foods, can lead to health problems. It is important to reduce sugar intake and be cautious of the high levels of sugar found in power drinks and soft drinks. Diet soda, although not causing obesity on its own, can still keep you addicted to sweets and may drive you to consume more calories. Options like tea, coffee, and natural soda alternatives can be better choices.
Impact of High Glycemic Carbs
High glycemic carbs, including bread, white rice, potatoes, and cereals, can raise blood glucose and stimulate insulin production and the production of fructose. It is advisable to minimize the consumption of these foods, especially if they make up the majority of the diet. However, for individuals who engage in regular strength training and exercise, including moderate amounts of these high glycemic carbs, like rice, can be part of a healthy diet without adverse effects if combined with a predominantly whole foods and low processed food intake.
This episode is brought to you by Birch Mattress by Helix and InsideTracker.
This week on The Dhru Purohit Podcast, Dhru sits down with Dr. Richard Johnson to discuss his revolutionary new hypothesis on the link between fructose consumption and Alzheimer’s disease. Dhru and Dr. Johnson discuss the evolutionary mechanism behind fructose metabolism, insulin resistance, and weight gain that has completely backfired today due to its overconsumption.
Dr. Richard Johnson is a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Denver and has been a practicing physician and clinical scientist for over 25 years. He is internationally recognized for his seminal work on the role of fructose in obesity, diabetes, and now, Alzheimer’s disease. His work also highlights the fundamental role of uric acid (which is generated during fructose metabolism) in metabolic syndrome. He is the author of The Fat Switch and his newest bestselling book, Nature Wants Us to Be Fat.
In this episode Dhru and Dr. Johnson dive into:
-Dr. Johnson’s new hypothesis on the relationship between Alzheimer’s and fructose consumption (3:06)
-The origins of Alzheimer’s (what’s going on in the brain) (14:00)
-How modern-day life has hijacked our genetics to make us fat (23:08)
-How fructose impacts mitochondrial function (35:22)
-Why the body converts glucose to fructose (50:00)
-The relationship between salt, dehydration, and fructose production (1:03:03)
-How fructose makes us crave more sugar (1:09:23)
-Fructose and Alzheimer’s disease (1:11:46)
-The importance of strength training for glycemic control and Alzheimer’s prevention (1:30:53)
-Sources of fructose in our ancestral diet (1:36:00)
-The role of salt and dehydration in obesity (1:46:17)
-Hidden “healthy” sources of fructose in the diet (1:58:57)
-High-glycemic foods to minimize in the diet (2:00:03)
-Umami foods and uric acid (2:07:55)
-Dr. Johnson’s thoughts on Saturated fat (2:12:53)
Also mentioned in this episode:
-The Fat Gene
-Could Alzheimer’s disease be a maladaptation of an evolutionary survival pathway mediated by intracerebral fructose and uric acid metabolism?
-Study Suggests Fructose Could Drive Alzheimer's Disease (study press release)
-Nature Wants Us to Be Fat by Dr. Richard Johnson
-The End of Alzheimer's Program by Dr. Dale Bredesen
-Drop Acid by Dr. David Perlmutter
Birch Mattress by Helix is made out of organic latex, organic cotton, New Zealand wool, and American steel springs. To get 20% off your Birch Living mattress, head over to birchliving.com/dhru today.
InsideTracker provides detailed nutrition and lifestyle guidance based on your individual needs. Right now, they’re offering my podcast community 20% off. Just go to insidetracker.com/DHRU to get your discount and try it out for yourself.
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