Maximize Tissue Health with Dr. Keith Baar, PhD

Summary

Dr. Beau interviews Keith Baar, a muscle and tendon expert, about his research and findings. They discuss the practicality of research and the challenges of sifting through vast amounts of information. Keith Baar shares his background in kinesiology and how he transitioned to studying tendons. They delve into the importance of tendon as a master mechanical tissue and the implications for tendon injuries and rehabilitation. They also touch on the use of vitamin C and gelatin in enhancing tendon health and the importance of timing and targeting in collagen synthesis. The conversation explores the use of blends of proteins, such as whey protein and hydrolyzed collagen, along with vitamin C, to benefit the musculoskeletal system. The combination of these components can increase connective tissue protein synthesis and muscle adaptation. The importance of vitamin C in collagen utilization is highlighted, as it is essential for collagen secretion from cells. Fasted training can enhance adaptation by increasing metabolic stress and activating specific molecular signals. The timing of nutrient intake, particularly protein, is crucial for optimal muscle and immune system function. The concurrent training effect, where strength and endurance training are combined, may be influenced by protein intake and metabolic demands. The benefits of fasted workouts and the time dependency of glycogen depletion are discussed, with a focus on mitochondrial adaptation and connective tissue response. Splitting training sessions into multiple bouts can provide more stimuli to connective tissues while still achieving the same adaptive signal for the heart and skeletal muscle. Low glycogen training can be achieved by having a low carbohydrate dinner the night before a session, resulting in a fasted state without negative effects on the body. Multiple smaller sessions of rehab exercises throughout the day may be more effective than one longer session for tendon healing. The donut hole theory of tendon healing suggests that offloading a tendon can lead to scar-like changes, while loading the tendon can promote healing. The relationship between muscle mass and strength is not linear, and strength gains can be achieved without significant muscle growth. There may be a nutrition molecular pathway that can increase tendon lengthening, which could have implications for athletic performance and injury prevention.