335: Mastering Metabolic Health with Dr. Lara Briden
Aug 5, 2024
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Dr. Lara Briden, a renowned naturopathic doctor and bestselling author specializing in women's health, dives into the complexities of metabolic health. She discusses metabolic flexibility and the significant impact of insulin resistance on women's well-being. Lara highlights the importance of understanding individual metabolic variations and the often overlooked connections between diet, mental health, and menstrual cycles. The conversation also emphasizes a gentle approach to improving metabolic health and challenges mainstream dietary norms for women.
Dr. Lara Briden emphasizes the significance of metabolic flexibility and its profound impact on hormonal balance and overall health.
The discussion highlights how dietary choices and lifestyle factors contribute to metabolic health, urging individuals to prioritize nutrient-dense foods.
Deep dives
Transforming Menstrual Health
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Understanding Metabolic Health
Metabolic health plays a crucial role in hormonal balance, as discussed by Dr. Laura Bryden, who dives into how blood sugar levels interact with the menstrual cycle. The concept of metabolic flexibility, which refers to the body's ability to switch between burning glucose and fat for energy, is emphasized as essential for maintaining hormonal and overall health. Symptoms of metabolic inflexibility, like frequent hunger and low energy, are indicative of underlying insulin resistance, which can have serious health implications if left unaddressed. By recognizing these signs, individuals can take proactive steps toward achieving better metabolic health.
Addressing Metabolic Inflexibility
Metabolic inflexibility, largely caused by insulin resistance, is characterized by the body’s inability to efficiently utilize fat as an energy source. The discussion outlines how individuals often feel the urge to snack frequently, leading to energy crashes, and how this can be reversed by addressing underlying hormonal issues and dietary habits. Practical advice is provided on how to manage blood sugar, including home testing and strategic dietary adjustments, to improve metabolic health. Individuals are encouraged to recognize that overcoming metabolic inflexibility is achievable through education and lifestyle changes.
The Role of Diet and Lifestyle
Dietary choices and lifestyle factors significantly influence metabolic health, making it essential to prioritize nutrient-dense foods and minimize the intake of processed options. The episode explores how environmental factors and modern dietary habits have contributed to rising rates of metabolic dysfunction, particularly in younger populations. With recommendations to reduce reliance on ultra-processed foods high in refined carbohydrates, listeners are urged to adopt a more balanced diet. This holistic approach involves paying attention to overall health rather than solely focusing on weight loss, leading to improved well-being and metabolic metrics over time.
Dr. Lara Briden is a renowned naturopathic doctor and bestselling author of "Period Repair Manual," "Hormone Repair Manual," and her latest book, "Metabolism Repair for Women." With over 25 years of experience in women’s health, Lara has dedicated her career to helping women understand and navigate hormone-related health issues. She's also a respected figure in the scientific community, sitting on several advisory boards and authoring peer-reviewed papers.
In this conversation, Lara and I discuss metabolic flexibility and insulin resistance, the foundational elements of metabolic health, signs and symptoms of metabolic inflexibility, health implications of long-term metabolic inflexibility, common misconceptions about blood sugar, societal pressures surrounding weight loss, the need to address underlying health issues to improve overall well-being and metabolic health, and more. Enjoy the episode!
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