Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

The Key Driver of Chronic Disease That Nobody’s Talking About with David Perlmutter #368

42 snips

Jun 6, 2023

In this engaging discussion, David Perlmutter, a renowned neurologist and bestselling author, uncovers the overlooked importance of uric acid in chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. He explains how our modern food environment clashes with our biological needs, emphasizing how even slightly elevated uric acid can be detrimental. The conversation also highlights the critical connections between nutrition, brain health, and lifestyle choices, advocating for preventative health measures and mindful dietary habits to combat metabolic disorders.

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INSIGHT

Metabolic Dysfunction and Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease share a common link: metabolic dysfunction.
These diseases are primarily driven by lifestyle and food choices, not genetics.

INSIGHT

Uric Acid's Wider Impact

Uric acid, often associated with gout, has broader health implications.
Even slightly elevated levels can contribute to various metabolic issues.

INSIGHT

Food as Information

Food acts as information, signaling our bodies how to function.
The right cues promote thriving, while wrong cues lead to malfunctions.

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What do obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, fatty liver disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and dementia have in common? They are all chronic diseases that together are the leading cause of death in the world today. And they’re largely caused not by genes, but by our environment, lifestyle and food choices.

This much many of us already know. But today’s guest brings some valuable new information to the table: the role of uric acid. Dr David Perlmutter is a board-certified neurologist and six-time New York Times bestselling author. He is on the Board of Directors of the American College of Nutrition and an Associate Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. His latest book, Drop Acid: The Surprising New Science of Uric Acid, focuses on the pivotal role of uric acid in chronic metabolic diseases, claiming that lowering its level in the body holds the key to losing weight, controlling blood sugar, and transforming health.

Many of us only think about uric acid in relation to a painful condition called gout. But, as David explains even slightly raised uric acid levels, can have damaging and widespread implications for our health. David and I discuss what he calls the ‘evolutionary environmental mismatch’ - how modern lives are at odds with what serves our biology best. And one of the key elements that is driving this mismatch is the modern food environment.

Many of us simply think about food as energy or calories but David and I discuss why we need to start thinking about food as information. Every bite that we eat is giving our body cues and signals. If we give our bodies the right cues they will thrive. If we give them the wrong cues they will start to malfunction.

We also talk about the relationship between our fructose intake and uric acid levels, the evolutionary benefit for slightly higher uric acid levels, how increased uric acid can drive fat storage, high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. We also discuss what changes we can make with our food choices to reduce uric acid levels in our body.

David explains how certain food choices can make us more impulsive, less compassionate and less empathetic and how the right food choices can help us make better decisions and increase our happiness. David is a gifted communicator and someone who is committed to helping as many people as possible, live healthier and happier lives. I hope you enjoy listening.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/368

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.