Metabolism, Hormones and Weight Management with Emma Sutherland and Dr. Jade Teta
Dec 5, 2022
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Dr. Jade Teta and podcast ambassador Emma Sutherland discuss the connection between metabolism, hormones, and weight management. They debunk the calorie-in vs calorie-out myth and emphasize the holistic view of metabolism as a sensory apparatus responding to stress, hormones, and temperature. Hormonal influences, including leptin, insulin, estrogen, and progesterone, on metabolism and weight management are explored. The podcast provides insights on metabolic flexibility, effective approaches to managing metabolism, signs and symptoms driving patients to seek assistance, body recomposition, leptin resistance, and cortisol's role in metabolism and hormone function.
Metabolism is a sensory apparatus that responds to multiple stimuli, such as stress, hormones, and temperature, rather than just calories.
Monitoring signs and symptoms like sleep, hunger, mood, energy, and cravings can assess metabolic flexibility and rigidity.
Reversing leptin resistance involves avoiding extreme and prolonged dieting, opting for approaches that control hunger and including fiber and protein-rich foods.
Deep dives
Understanding Metabolism: A Sensing and Responding Apparatus
Metabolism can be seen as a sensing and responding apparatus that looks at both external and internal cues to maintain balance. Traditionally, metabolism was understood through a calorie calculator model, but that has proven to be inadequate. The metabolism is more accurately described as a stress barometer and thermostat. It takes into account factors like stress, nutrient status, inflammatory signals, and more. Rather than focusing on speeding up metabolism, the key is to create a resilient and adaptive metabolism. Extreme dieting and prolonged calorie reduction can disrupt the metabolism, while short, extreme or gentle, prolonged approaches with hunger control may be more effective.
Assessing and Monitoring Metabolism
Assessing metabolic flexibility and rigidity can be done by paying attention to signs and symptoms. The key indicators are sleep, hunger, mood, energy, and cravings, collectively known as SHMEC. Monitoring body composition changes, particularly fat loss and inches lost, can also be informative. While lab tests can provide additional insights, they may not detect dysfunction early on. Early signs and symptoms are often indicative of metabolic wellness or lack thereof. By tracking these indications, clinicians can assess and monitor the metabolic status of their patients.
Addressing Leptin Resistance and Achieving Metabolic Flexibility
Leptin resistance occurs when the brain becomes less responsive to the hormone leptin, which plays a role in appetite and fat storage. Reversing leptin resistance involves avoiding extreme and prolonged dieting, and instead opting for short, extreme or gentle, prolonged approaches that control hunger. Including foods high in fiber and protein can help regulate hunger. Additionally, an appropriate approach to diet and exercise that does not stress the body excessively may help improve metabolic flexibility and overcome leptin resistance.
Managing Cortisol and Its Impact on Metabolism
Cortisol, known as the 'Jekyll and Hyde hormone,' can have varying effects on metabolism depending on its levels. Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt hypothalamus-pituitary signaling, causing cascading effects on hormonal balance. Chronic stress can keep cortisol levels consistently high, leading to a net pro-inflammatory effect that can interfere with insulin sensitivity. Managing cortisol involves aligning with the body's circadian rhythm, prioritizing rest and recovery, and finding a balance between intense and relaxing activities. Temperature exposure through hot and cold therapy can also influence cortisol levels in a beneficial way.
The Influence of Estrogen and Progesterone on Weight and Metabolism
Estrogen and progesterone, being twin sisters, play important roles in metabolism and weight. Estrogen improves insulin sensitivity and helps maintain fat balance, preventing excess storage as belly fat. Progesterone's insulin resistance can counterbalance estrogen to some extent. However, during perimenopause and menopause, estrogen becomes volatile and progesterone levels decline, leading to weight gain, especially around the midsection. It becomes crucial to pay attention to rest and recovery as well as manage carbohydrate intake. Understanding the individual's unique physiology, psychology, preferences, and practical circumstances is essential for personalized care in addressing estrogen and progesterone's impact on weight and metabolism.
Dr. Jade Teta, Naturopath, author and podcast host, joins our ambassador Emma Sutherland, as he describes the connection between metabolism, hormones and weight management. Working to define metabolism, Jade debunks the calorie-in vs calorie-out paradigm often relied on for weight management, replacing it with a holistic view of metabolism as a sensory apparatus within the body operating to respond to multiple stimuli including stress, hormones and temperature. Describing the difference between metabolic flexibility and inflexibility, Jade highlights the benefits of both a short and extreme diet and a gentle and prolonged diet for weight management.
Turning to hormonal influences, Jade and Emma discuss the role of leptin, insulin, oestrogen and progesterone on metabolism and in turn, weight management.
Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.fxmedicine.com.au/podcast/metabolism-hormones-and-weight-management-emma-sutherland-and-dr-jade-teta
***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on FX Medicine is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***
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