

Degrees of Health
Benjamin Hopkins and Eloise Desoutter
We exist to connect the dots across health disciplines, and to share information that gives you the agency to change the trajectory of your own health journey - wherever you are at. The health industry is siloed, confusing and means we're often in the back seat, with little to no belief in our autonomy to improve our health status. We're here to change that and to highlight the ways that you can too.Subscribe on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple Music Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 27, 2024 • 48min
Dr John Mulhall, MD | 70% of ED cases are vascular. Gents, here’s what that means for you
Dr. John Mulhall doesn't just treat erectile dysfunction (ED), he's also on a global mission to demystify its causes, highlight its complexities, and offer an alternative to how we currently think about sexual health.This is for you if you’re wondering: what can I do today to ensure better sexual health tomorrow? Even if it's good today, don't you want to ensure it'll be good in your later years? And if it's not where you want it to be today, perhaps you've not spoken to anyone about it yet - you're not alone here. There are answers out there and support to be given. But you've got to ask for it.We cover:🏃 Exercise and erectile health - getting it up (your heart rate)📈 Durability and frequency - it matters, but it should only matter to you👨⚕️ Exogenous testosterone - risk of transference and its impact on fertility💦 Premature ejaculation: lifelong vs. acquired - and what to do about each💉 Navigating treatment options - pills, patches, and injectables and caution over the the ‘Wild West’ of supplements💊 PDE5 inhibitors - how they work, their cardiovascular benefits, and their limitations🧠 The psychology behind ED - how placebos enter in and integrating psychological and medical approaches for effective treatment🔬 Emerging therapies - shockwave therapy, platelet-rich plasma, and penile botox injections - do they work?His ultimate advice? Don’t wait to bring it up. Whether you’re a patient or a physician, empowering conversations can make all the difference. Find John:Twitter (@SaveYourSexLife)Dr John's BookWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 1min
Dr. Kate Balestrieri | Modern Intimacy and The Nuances of Sex: Trading Judgement for Curiosity
Just how judgey are we when it comes to sex? With ourselves, with our partners, with friends, when listening to others online... Be honest. What benefit does it serve? Or a better question to ask perhaps is what damage might it be doing?❗Whether you’re navigating your own relationship challenges or seeking deeper insights into your own sexual exploration, listen here to Dr Kate because it's a rich and honest conversation that might just reshape how you think about and experience intimacy, equality, and desire.Dr. Kate, who has spent thousands of hours with individuals and couples in private practice, shares with us the complexities of sexual struggles that are often silenced. And what's most sad to Dr Kate is just how many people tolerate dissatisfaction in their relationships, and never experience the full potential of their intimate capacity. We unpack a lot in this episode:🤨 Can we trade out judgement for curiosity when it comes to ... well everything, but sex in particular?🪝 Hook up culture - what happens when we only focus on individual rather than shared pleasure?🖋️ Better sex education (not excl. anatomy + pleasure) and pleasure equity👨 The challenges men face in being emotionally present balanced with still proving that they check all the boxes of 'what it means to be a man'🍼 How intimacy evolves and changes (!) over time, the inequities of emotional labor and discrepancies in desireSome tougher topics to face: --Why do happy people cheat? --How do trauma and dissociation impact intimacy? --What does it take to create the psychological and emotional space necessary for genuine connection? Dr. Kate is relentlessly positive in her regard and nothing is off the table to explore. She shares actionable advice on how couples can work at building shared realities, breaking down barriers to arousal, and cultivating a sense of safety and play.Mentioned in this episode:She Comes First by Ian Kerner (see previous episode with Ian)Come As You Are - Emily NagoskiKate Mann - Down Girl; EntitledThe Patriachs by Angela Saini Everyday Sexism - Laura Bates Yes, Mistress by Alicia ZadigFind Kate:ModernIntimacy.comInstagramPodcast: Get Naked with Dr Kate Book release Feb 2025 - What Happened To My Sex Life?Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 13, 2024 • 1h 3min
Lily Nichols, RDN, CDE | The Fertility Factors: Blood Sugar, Protein, and Nutrient Density
This episode's information revealed just how much of our 'regulated' nutritional information is either completely outdated or incorrect. Here with Lily Nichols, a renowned dietitian and author who is not afraid to speak on the controversial dietary topics, we discuss where current nutritional guidelines on protein and micronutrients impact overall health and hold us back, particularly for those looking to optimise fertility and metabolic health.Tune in to get the latest on:🤰 Nutritional foundations for maternal and child health - pre-pregnancy, pre-natal, and post natal🍩 Blood sugar regulation and nutrient-dense diets for prospective parents ℹ️ The actually essential roles of non-essential amino acids 👶🏻 A protein-forward, nutrient dense intake for maternal health and fetal development 🌾 Supplementing vs real foods - the synergies 🧬 How nutrients (like choline, vitamin D, and B12) influence genetic expression from the womb onwardThis conversation is a must for prospective parents, and anyone seeking to understand how optimal nutrition intersects with fertility, energy, and lifelong health.Find Lily:Website, Blog Posts and BooksFree 1st Book Chapter - Real Food for PregnancyInstagramWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 6, 2024 • 1h 7min
Dr Casey Peavler, MD | Cancer, Ketosis, and Control: Taking the Driver's Seat in Treatment
A powerhouse of knowledge, we're joined by Dr. Casey Peavler who invites us to address 3 impending needs: 1. for medicine to become less siloed 2. for doctors never to stop learning or being curious and 3. for patients to not lose their autonomy and agency in health treatments and decisions. Here, Ben and Dr Casey delve into the evolving understanding of cancer treatment, contrasting the traditional somatic mutation theory with the emerging metabolic theory of cancer. The conversation highlights the intricacies and nuances of new and promising routes to understand cancer and its treatment to remission. As with many of our conversations and guests, Casey emphasises the importance of patient agency and the need for informed decision-making in collaboration with healthcare providers. We discuss:🥼 Somatic vs. Metabolic Theories of Cancer - why our understanding of cancer needs to evolve and where they both have merit 🤏The Press Pulse Protocol - “starving” cancer cells while strengthening the body🥥 Exogenous Ketones, Glucose, and Glutamine — Targeting cancer cells’ energy sources for effective treatment🔅 Chronic low-level sun exposure for Vitamin D - crucial for both cancer prevention and treatment 💊 Dosing strategies - daily dosing of certain medications may be more effective than intermittent dosing for cancer treatment but context is key🙋 The Power of Patient Agency — Moving from passive recipient to active participant in cancer careDr. Peavler urges patients to 'take the wheel' in their health journey. This conversation we hope will inspire you to explore all the avenues available to us when it comes to health, emphasising that you never lose the opportunity to be an agent within your own care - get information, learn, gather resources and identify what looks like a path to health for you. And we'd love to hear from you if you do. Find Casey:Integra MedicineYouTubeMentioned in this episode:Books by Dr Fung - The Cancer Code. The Obesity Code.Study Douglas Wallace Study Press-pulse: a novel therapeutic strategy for the metabolic management of cancerBook Defeating Cancer!: The Biological Effect of Deuterium Depletion by Gabor SomlyaiBook The Plant Paradox by Stephen GundryBook Keto Fast by Joseph MercolaBook - Cancer as a Metabolic Disease by Thomas SeyfriedWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 30, 2024 • 59min
Dr Brendan Egan, PhD | Promise or Hype? Natural and Exogenous Ketosis for Performance & Recovery
More keto! We're interested in everything keto at the moment. The different ways to get into ketosis, how the body and brain respond to a ketogenic state, the complexities of exogenous ketones, and what possible benefits and drawbacks a state of ketosis has.Dr. Brendan Egan this week helps us to dissect the current literature of ketones within the field of exercise performance and recovery, and offers a suggestion to look past ketones as a one-size-fits-all solution. Brendan also shares insight on the future of ketone research and the importance of focusing on foundational health practices.We cover:🥜 Natural ketosis - fasting and/or a ketogenic diet🧪 Exogenous ketones explained: ketogenic precursors (MCTs), salts, esters, and dosage🔬 The current data on ketosis and performance / recovery - the promising and the no-shows😟 The potential value of ketosis when the body is really stressed💪 Muscle protection - mitigating the effects of bed rest 💊 Placebo Power: Impacts performance and supplement perception.If you're interested in using keto as a dietary intervention for exercise performance, recovery, or as a protective mechanism with reduced mobility or bed rest, have a listen. It certainly could be worthwhile seeing if shifting your body's fuel source helps you in your endeavour. We'd love to hear from you - have you had any personal results that demonstrate anything similar to or contrary to the current literature?Mentioned in this episode:Study Nutritional Ketosis Alters Fuel Preference and Thereby Endurance Performance in AthletesStudy Ketone Bodies Attenuate Wasting in Models of AtrophyBook Outlive by Peter AttiaBook Surely You’re Joking and What Do You Care What Other People Think? by Richard Feynman Herology Women's Supplements Find Brendan:EmailGoogle ScholarWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram @degreesofhealth Disclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 22, 2024 • 56min
Ian Kerner, PhD | Let’s Talk About Sex (Seriously, It’s Important)
Why are we scheduling dentist appointments but not sex? How do we tackle desire discrepancies—when one of us is in the mood while the other is wondering what’s on Netflix? And why is "performance anxiety" such a thing?!Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of what really makes relationships tick? We sit down with Ian Kerner - he’s got the answers to all those questions you probably didn’t ask at your last dinner party. From how common it is for couples to be inches apart physically but miles apart emotionally, to the very real consequences of deprioritising sexual attraction, this conversation is a masterclass in sex and intimacy.We go into:📢 Why sexual compatibility should be a top priority in relationships🪜 Bridging the gap in desire differences⏰ Performance anxiety and the male obsession with "lasting longer"👑 The clitoris as queen: closing the orgasm gap📅 Scheduling sex: Unsexy or genius?👴👵 Keeping the flame alive in long-term relationshipsWe see all of you out there experiencing this and not asking the questions. So we did it for you. You're welcome! Watch, listen, take note, maybe even try a new approach. Whether you're in a relationship, looking for one, or just curious, this conversation might start you thinking that there's another way to think about sex for your relationship health - and it could just be better than what you've got now...And let us know - what do you think? What other questions do you have? "Is it normal that...?" Has it helped? Are there more obstacles?Find Ian:WebsiteMentioned in this episode:She Comes First by Ian KernerSo Tell Me About the Last Time You Had Sex by Ian KernerThe Erotic Mind by Jack MorinStudy - More Than Just Sex: Affection Mediates the Association Between Sexual Activity and Well-BeingWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram @degreesofhealth Disclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 18min
Dr Dom D'Agostino | Augmenting Cancer Outcomes: Ketogenic Diets, Caloric Restriction & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Join Dr. Dom D'Agostino, a researcher and professor specializing in metabolic therapies for cancer, as he dives into innovative approaches to augment cancer outcomes. He discusses the therapeutic benefits of ketogenic diets and caloric restriction in slowing tumor growth and managing seizures. Dr. D'Agostino also highlights the synergy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy with traditional treatments and the role of fasting. Discover how mitochondrial health influences cancer development and the exciting potential of dietary interventions in enhancing standard care.

Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 7min
James O'Hara, NP | Hair Loss, Hormones and Health Optimisation
Are you struggling with hair loss and not sure where to start? Or perhaps you have a hormone profile back that you want to work to improve? Whether you’re dealing with hair loss, want to optimise your hormonal profile towards a specific goal, or just want to feel at your best, this episode is packed with a science-backed medical perspective to provide you with the information to make decisions that support your journey to better health.James O'Hara, a nurse practitioner with a keen specialisation in preventative medicine, explores the science behind hair loss, hormonal balance, and how lifestyle choices impact these areas, and our overall well-being. If you’re seeking practical solutions for improving both your vitality and appearance, this episode is for you.Key Discussion Points:🔍 Root causes of hair loss – from iron deficiency to hormonal imbalances in men and women⚖️ Balancing hormones and hair loss treatments – exploring total testosterone, DHT, dutasteride and finasteride📚 Stacking for regrowth – combining lifestyle changes with other interventions e.g. microneedling, nutrient optimisation, red light🥗 Diet and testosterone – how fat, carbs, and supplements can influence hormone levels🔄 Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) – who might benefit, and the risks involved🧠 Cognitive Performance – Enhancing brain function with caffeine, Modafinil, and other low-risk toolsJames emphasises the importance of a holistic approach, reminding us that no single treatment fits all. It’s about personalisation according to the individual, stacking therapies, managing lifestyle, and optimising nutrition for desired health outcome and long term well-being. Find James:InstagramGillet Health PodcastWebsiteMentioned in this episode:Study - Acute administration of roflumilast enhances sensory gating in healthy young humansStudy - Acute administration of roflumilast enhances immediate recall of verbal word memory in healthy young adultsStudy - Acute treatment with the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast improves verbal word memory in healthy old individuals---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 2024 • 43min
Mary Newport, M.D. Part 2 | Brain Fuel: How Coconut Oil and MCTs Can Transform the Alzheimer's Brain
PART 2! If you or someone you love is affected by Alzheimers, this is for you. If you believe you’re at risk genetically or you want to prevent your own cognitive decline, this is also for you. If you’re curious about the role of ketones and the ketogenic diet in brain health, this is absolutely for you.Find Mary Newport:Website and BooksMentioned in this episode:Use of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil in subjects with Alzheimer's diseaseStudy of the ketogenic agent AC-1202 in mild to moderate Alzheimer's diseaseDr Stephen Cunane. Can Ketones Help Rescue Brain Fuel Supply in Later Life?Low-fat versus ketogenic diet in Parkinson's disease:Study due 2025: Refueling the post COVID-19 brain: potential role of ketogenic medium chain triglyceride supplementation: an hypothesisA short history of saturated fat: the making and unmaking of a scientific consensusLauric acid promotes neuronal maturation mediated by astrocytes in primary cortical culturesMetabolical by Robert LustigCancer as a Metabolic Disease by Thomas SeyfriedRavenous by Sam AppleWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 2024 • 48min
Mary Newport, M.D. Part 1 | Brain Fuel: How Coconut Oil and MCTs Can Transform the Alzheimer's Brain
PART 1! If you or someone you love is affected by Alzheimers, this is for you. If you believe you’re at risk genetically or you want to prevent your own cognitive decline, this is also for you. If you’re curious about the role of ketones and the ketogenic diet in brain health, this is absolutely for you.Dr. Mary Newport, neonatologist, author and certified Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist, shares her personal story of using a ketogenic diet to support her late husband, Steve, in his battle against early-onset Alzheimer’s. She explains the science behind ketones and how they serve as an alternative fuel for the brain. This episode doesn’t only offer insight into how ketones can improve cognitive function, mood, and overall quality of life, it also provides a very valid explanation for how they can be used to improve already existing cognitive decline. We cover (but so much more too):🧠 The brain-energy gap – how ketones bridge the gap🥥 MCT oil and coconut oil – their structures and unique role in producing ketones🍼 The connection between MCTs in breast milk and infant brain development🔥 Ketones: anti-inflammatory, appetite-suppressing, and brain-protective properties🩺 Can ketones prevent Alzheimer’s in high-risk individuals?🔬 Research on ketone esters and future treatments for cognitive declineDr. Newport also touches on the need for more research into the use of ketones for Alzheimer's, the impact on inflammation and cerebral blood flow, and the challenges to traditional low-fat dietary guidelines. She emphasises the potential of ketogenic diets to improve brain health both in slowing the development of Alzheimer's and as a preventative measure, and discusses her upcoming book on dietary guidelines and brain ageing.Find Mary:Website and BooksMentioned in this episode:Reference list on Mary Newport's websiteFull reference list can be found in Part 2Want to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram @degreesofhealth Tik Tok @degrees_of_healthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.