Barbell Medicine Podcast

Austin Baraki, clinician and strength-training physician, breaks down why a one-second handgrip test reflects whole-system health. He explains the neuroanatomy of a maximal squeeze, biomechanics and asymmetry red flags, and why direct grip training can mislead. They compare absolute versus relative grip as metabolic signals and argue for systemic resistance training over chasing the test.

Austin Baraki, a physician specializing in neuromuscular cases, dives into the mystery of a 24-year-old personal trainer who experienced foot paralysis after rapid weight loss. He unpacks Slimmer's Paralysis, revealing how dieting can compromise nerve health. The discussion pivots to weight loss strategies, emphasizing that slower weight loss is crucial for athletes to maintain muscle mass, while for those with obesity, protein intake and resistance training are even more important. They also examine the implications of GLP-1 medications on nerve injury risk.

Dr. Austin Baraki, a sports medicine and nutrition expert, joins to discuss the 2026 Food Pyramid Reset. They dive into the history of dietary lobbying and whether the new focus on protein aligns with scientific evidence. Highlights include the praise for addressing ultra-processed foods, concerns over mixed messages about fats, and the risk of worsening the fiber gap. They also lay out the Barbell Medicine Dietary Guidelines, emphasizing practical, evidence-based approaches to navigating the modern food landscape.

Discover why fiber is often overlooked in nutrition and how it can play a crucial role in your health. Learn about the pitfalls of isolated high-fiber products and the importance of whole-plant foods. Explore how slowly fermentable fibers can benefit colon health and reduce inflammation. Get practical tips for meal building and a ramp-up protocol to enjoy fiber without bloating. Plus, find out how to access valuable resources to help enhance your dietary strategies!

This episode features Austin Baraki, a physician specializing in weight management and metabolic health. He explores the groundbreaking San Francisco lawsuit against Big Food, highlighting how food companies manipulate our choices using tactics reminiscent of the tobacco industry. Austin discusses the concept of 'Bliss Points' and how ultra-processed foods contribute to rising obesity rates. They also dive into the implications of food environmental factors versus individual willpower, ultimately advocating for a collective understanding of health.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Austin Baraki, a physician well-versed in clinical reasoning, navigates a mysterious case of a 23-year-old soldier suffering from hypertensive urgency and acute kidney injury. They unravel how a seemingly innocent supplement led to severe hypervitaminosis D, sparking a deep dive into the dangers of fat-soluble vitamins. Insights include the relationship between vitamin D and jaw pain, the impact of metastatic calcification, and critical updates to endocrine guidelines. A cautionary tale for fitness enthusiasts!

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Austin Baraki, a physician and expert in sports medicine, sheds light on the peptide market's murky waters. He reveals the lack of rigorous human trials for popular peptides like BPC-157 and the potential risks of immunogenicity and heavy metal contamination. Baraki emphasizes the importance of evidence-based medicine over unproven hype, discussing the FDA's regulatory crackdown and highlighting safer, approved alternatives for injury recovery and fat loss. Don't miss his clinical takeaways on navigating this gray market!

Explore why runner's itch is often benign, thanks to vasodilation and nerve sensitization. Learn the crucial distinctions of exercise-induced anaphylaxis through a gripping case study. Delve into the ethics of administering GLP-1 medications alongside alcohol consumption, challenging the misconceptions around health risks. Discover the biomechanical nuances between trap bars and straight bars for deadlifting, emphasizing individual goals and preferences. It's a blend of medical insight, fitness myths, and modern treatment discussions!

Explore the complexities of cardiovascular health and learn why understanding ApoB and LDL is crucial. Discover the paradox of CAC scores and how diet can impact your heart health with the P:S ratio. Delve into innovative strategies for plaque regression and the importance of combination therapy. This series provides practical insights to help lower heart disease risk and emphasizes proactive measures in cardiovascular care.

Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, a physician specializing in women's health, and Dr. Loraine Baraki, an expert in contraception, debunk prevalent myths around menopause, cortisol, and IUDs. They argue that menopause does not diminish recovery abilities and that claims linking fasting to 'cortisol belly' lack scientific backing. Additionally, they clarify that levonorgestrel IUDs function locally and do not harm bone health, empowering women to make informed health choices without fear. Evidence-based guidance prevails over misinformation.