573: How to Eliminate Visceral Fat & Reverse Insulin Resistance | Dr. Sean O’Mara
Dec 5, 2023
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Dr. Sean O'Mara, specializing in Health & Performance Optimization, discusses the impact of visceral fat and insulin resistance on our health. They talk about cutting out processed carbs, reversing diabetes, and the benefits of a healthy microbiome. They also cover topics like brown fat, cold exposure, sprinting, and the importance of diet and fermented foods. The podcast explores tools for eliminating visceral fat, improving skin turgor, and optimizing nitric oxide levels.
Visceral fat, which accumulates around organs, can be reduced by cutting out processed carbs and measured accurately through MRI scans.
Brown fat, stimulated by exposure to cold temperatures and fasting, improves metabolism and provides protection against metabolic conditions and cardiovascular diseases.
Sprinting, including variations like sprint swimming and sprint cycling, is highly effective in reducing visceral fat and improving overall quality of life.
Deep dives
Understanding the dangers of visceral fat
Visceral fat is a dangerous type of fat that accumulates around organs and secretes inflammatory molecules. It can lead to chronic diseases and starts to accumulate even in toddlers who consume sugary cereals and grains. Eliminating visceral fat is essential for improving health and reducing the risk of disease. MRI scans are the most accurate way to measure visceral fat. Processed foods, especially carbohydrates, contribute to the accumulation of visceral fat.
The role of brown fat and its benefits
Brown fat, also known as brown adipose tissue (BAT), has increased mitochondria and helps improve metabolism. Exposure to cold temperatures, consuming spicy foods, and fasting can increase brown fat levels. Brown fat reduces the risk of metabolic conditions and offers protection against cardiovascular diseases. The use of dry Finnish saunas, rather than infrared saunas, is recommended for its traditional and beneficial heat exposure. Incorporating brown fat activation techniques in daily routines can optimize health.
Utilizing sprinting as an effective exercise
Sprinting is highly effective for reducing visceral fat. Short, intense bursts of sprinting can have significant benefits, even for individuals with joint injuries or limitations. Sprinting can be done in various ways, such as sprint swimming, sprinting against water resistance, or sprint cycling on stationary bikes. Sprinting activates fast twitch muscles, preserves fast reaction times, and improves overall quality of life. It is crucial to start slowly, gradually increasing intensity, and avoiding excessive stress on joints.
Balancing stress and hormetic stressors
Stressors, such as cold plunges, saunas, sprinting, and fasting, can be beneficial in moderation. Short-term and intense stressors, also known as hormetic stressors, can improve overall health. Exposing oneself to these stressors helps build resistance and leads to positive adaptations in the body. However, it is essential to avoid chronic stress or excessive stressors to maintain a healthy balance. Variety is key, and one should listen to their body's capabilities and adjust accordingly.
The Benefits of Sprinting as Exercise
Sprinting is highlighted as the most beneficial form of exercise, but other forms such as sprint cycling and sprint rowing can also provide benefits. Varying the duration and intensity of sprints is recommended to avoid muscle memory and mimic natural evolutionary conditions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of nature favoring variety in sprinting routines, with sprint durations ranging from three seconds to one minute.
Optimizing Diet for Muscle Mass and Gut Health
The importance of adequate protein intake and eliminating visceral fat is discussed. Eating copious amounts of protein is emphasized to combat muscle loss and sarcopenia. The speaker suggests starting with eliminating visceral fat and then incorporating a diet called 'feasty' once at a healthy weight. Fermented foods are highlighted for their ability to aid digestion and increase protein absorption. The speaker challenges the notion that fiber is necessary, promoting a low-fiber carnivore diet for optimal gut health and efficient digestion. The importance of efficient bowel movements and the absence of gas and odor is emphasized as indicators of a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
Dr. Sean O’ Mara (IG: @drseanomara) is the only physician in the world specializing in Health & Performance Optimization.
He works with individuals and corporations interested in the biological optimization of humans through innovation and safe natural lifestyle strategies shown to be more effective than medications.
Dr. Sean especially enjoys working with exceptionally motivated individuals such as business executives, professional performers and athletes whose livelihood is predicated upon performance.
In this episode, we discuss:
What is visceral fat?
Cutting out processed carbs reduces visceral fat
Myosteatosis causes insulin resistance
Love handles = visceral fat
Get an MRI scan
Reverse diabetes and heal your body
Motivation comes from a healthy microbiome
Brown fat improves your metabolism
The benefits of cold showers/cold plunges
Why Dr. Sean likes dry Finnish saunas & isn't a fan of infrared saunas
Saunas reduce the risk of dementia
Sprinting improves your quality of life
4 ways to start sprinting
How many seconds should you sprint for?
Dr. Sean’s meat-focused diet + fermented foods
The fasting/feasting approach to maintaining muscle mass
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