648: Carbs Don’t Cause Insulin Resistance, It’s Actually This... | Dr. Anthony Gustin
Apr 15, 2025
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In this engaging conversation, Dr. Anthony Gustin, a former sports rehab clinician turned farmer, shares his mission to reshape our food system. He discusses the benefits of reintroducing carbohydrates after strict keto, highlighting improved energy and mental clarity. Dr. Gustin emphasizes the importance of local foods and their health benefits while addressing the downsides of processed ingredients. He also shares his personal health journey, overcoming metabolic dysfunction and emphasizing a holistic approach to diet and environmental health.
Excess consumption of seed oils, rich in linoleic acid, leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, and long-term metabolic disorders.
Eating locally sourced foods enhances nutritional density and supports individual microbiomes while benefiting local agricultural practices.
A ketogenic diet can effectively address metabolic dysfunction, but individualized approaches to carbohydrate intake are essential for optimal health.
Deep dives
The Impact of Seed Oils
Seed oils, which are often high in linoleic acid, pose significant health risks when consumed in excess. These oils can become integrated into cell membranes, leading to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Unlike naturally occurring fats that contain only 2-3% linoleic acid, processed seed oils can comprise up to 85% of this harmful fatty acid, contributing to inflammation and metabolic disorders. The body struggles to eliminate these oils, with some being retained in tissue for years, making them difficult to fully avoid and necessitating a long-term dietary shift for recovery.
Emphasizing Local Food
Eating locally sourced food significantly enhances nutritional density and overall well-being. As food travels longer distances, its nutrient content degrades, impacting health outcomes and the body’s response to such foods. Local produce and proteins not only offer better taste and freshness but are also more aligned with individual microbiomes, potentially aiding in allergies and metabolic responses. Furthermore, supporting small, local farms helps in advocating for sustainable practices that maintain ecological health.
Carbohydrates and Metabolic Health
The speaker shares insights on an evolving perspective towards carbohydrates, moving from prior avoidance to incorporating them into a diet. After addressing seed oil consumption and repairing metabolic machinery, the body can tolerate carbohydrates more effectively, challenging previous notions that demonized carb intake. Variations in carbohydrate tolerance are influenced by individual metabolic history, and people may need to navigate their unique responses to enjoy improved energy without adverse effects. Recognizing the balance between low-carb and higher-carb diets based on personal health and lifestyle is crucial for optimizing health.
Navigating Seasonal Eating
Diet and nutrition should take into consideration seasonal variations and local availability of food. Different environments yield foods that are better suited for human consumption during specific seasons, both in terms of digestibility and biological compatibility. An increased focus on consuming seasonal foods supports local agricultural practices while potentially mitigating issues like allergen responses through local adaptation. Understanding which foods thrive in certain regions and times can enhance dietary choices and general health.
The Healing Role of Ketosis
A ketogenic diet can serve as a powerful method for individuals experiencing metabolic dysfunction, providing an alternative energy source when the body struggles with glucose processing. While reintroducing carbohydrates, it remains essential to prioritize how physiological responses vary based on individual metabolic history and food choices. Employing keto or low-carb phases intermittently can also assist in resetting metabolic functions and promoting improved energy utilization. Through such adjustments, individuals who once struggled with carb intolerance may rediscover their ability to thrive on varied diets.
Addressing the Mold Health Crisis
The speaker discusses the serious health implications related to mold exposure in residential environments, detailing the challenges posed by mycotoxin accumulation in the body. Symptoms associated with mold exposure can manifest in fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive impairment, creating significant barriers to daily function. Mold remediation requires thorough testing and may involve costly and disruptive interventions, which often remain overlooked by mainstream health approaches. Understanding and addressing residential mold issues is critical for restoring health and well-being, reflecting a broader need for awareness regarding environmental toxins.
