The Energy Balance Podcast

Discover how Andrew transformed his health through a bioenergetic approach, reversing sleep issues, poor digestion, and high blood sugar by embracing carbohydrates. The show explores the myth of carbohydrate addiction, emphasizing that a well-balanced intake can eliminate cravings. Andrew shares the importance of journaling to track wins and maintain motivation. Learn about the process of repaying metabolic debt and the benefits of increased caloric intake without weight gain. Ultimately, fat loss is presented as a natural result of improved health and metabolism.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Wallen, a seasoned health coach and sports performance expert, shares his turbulent journey through various diets like low-carb, keto, and fasting. He reveals how these approaches initially empowered him but eventually led to severe health issues, including brain fog, fatigue, and digestive problems. Andrew examines the stress of following strict dietary rules and the emotional toll of binging. Tune in to hear how he started questioning the true meaning of health and began exploring balance and recovery.

Explore the hidden dangers of heavy metals and microplastics in your home. Discover why certain nonstick cookware poses risks and the benefits of switching to glass or ceramic options. Learn about the importance of avoiding synthetic fabrics to reduce microplastic exposure. Uncover skincare essentials that steer clear of harmful PUFA and estrogenic chemicals. Plus, get tips on sourcing high-quality, regenerative meats and the benefits of sunlight for health.

Mike Vabe, a health and bioenergetics expert, delves into the complexities of the Randle Cycle, dispelling myths about carbohydrate and fat consumption. He explains how this cycle impacts fuel usage, suggesting that eating these macronutrients together doesn't necessarily lead to weight gain or insulin resistance. The discussion covers the efficiency of using fats versus carbohydrates as fuel, how stress affects mitochondrial function, and the importance of the right balance of these nutrients in our diet for optimal health.

The discussion highlights how glucose and insulin actually help reduce glycation, contradicting common beliefs about low-carb diets. It reveals that ketogenic diets may elevate harmful substances, leading to increased AGE formation. The role of autophagy in clearing AGEs is explored, but it's emphasized that merely boosting it isn't enough. Practical advice includes optimizing metabolism, managing oxidative stress, and using specific nutrients to support detoxification. The episode redefines the relationship between dietary carbohydrates and glycation risks.

Discover why glucose and fructose are not the main culprits behind glycation. Explore how fats, amino acids, and ketones also contribute to advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Learn about dicarbonyls as key drivers of glycation, and how they can arise from low-carb diets. The conversation delves into the surprising speed at which polyunsaturated fats form AGEs compared to glucose. Also, find out whether fructose is really more glycating than glucose and why most concerns about it may be overstated.

Dive into a lively debate about the potential risks of massive glucose consumption and its impact on overall health. The hosts dissect claims that glucose can't harm you and explore the contrasting roles of glucose and fructose in metabolism. Can sucrose cross the blood-brain barrier? They also tackle the controversial idea that mental health issues stem from glucose deficiency. Tune in for insights on balanced carbohydrate sources and the importance of individualized nutrition in achieving optimal health.

In this episode we discuss:   Andrew Huberman’s ideas about what causes of nighttime wakings and what to do about them   How to meet all our nutrient needs   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:21 – what Huberman misses when it comes to nighttime wakeups  4:50 – the most common causes of nighttime wakeups and how to resolve them  9:44 –Huberman’s advice to go to sleep earlier is impractical for most people  11:42 – what a healthy sleep schedule looks like and whether running out of melatonin is a concern  13:38 – the relationship between blood sugar and sleep, and whether to have a bedtime snack  16:21 – common drivers of sleep disturbances: gut irritation and elevated stress hormones  19:25 – hidden stressors that could be impacting your sleep: SSRIs, EMFs, devices, and more  22:13 – how to handle unavoidable stressors that interfere with sleep  24:05 – strategies for improving sleep quality and circadian rhythm  26:32 – whether to avoid drinking too many fluids before bed  27:52 – the metabolism-suppressing effects of melatonin and whether supplementing with melatonin is a good idea  29:48 – supplements that may interfere with sleep, and paradoxical reactions that occur while using medications such as SSRIs  33:09 – sleep strategies for shift-workers and recovering from working night shifts  36:33 – the effects of Wi-Fi, EMFs, and dirty electricity on sleep  39:21 – how hormones impact sleep for post-menopausal women  40:54 – evaluating whether supplements are affecting your sleep  44:34 – how low-carb diets impair sleep and increase stress  47:01 – improved thyroid function and weight loss on a bioenergetic approach  48:14 – meeting daily micronutrient needs with food and supplementation  52:57 – how to identify nutrient gaps and excesses  55:37 – which labs to get to gauge micronutrient status and how thiamine (vitamin B1) impacts nutrient absorption  1:00:00 – how concerned should we be with nutrient absorption?  1:03:00 – how anti-nutrients like phytates and oxalates impact nutrient absorption  1:04:37 – navigating different forms of nutrients (non-heme iron vs heme iron, retinol vs beta-carotene, and vitamin K2 vs vitamin K1), and how to know if gut issues are interfering with nutrient absorption  1:07:42 – problems with dietary camps that demonize single nutrients (low vitamin A, low vitamin D, and iron overload)  1:11:24 – how fear and stress deplete critical nutrients

The hosts dive into whether Dr. Ray Peat had it all wrong about biochemistry. They explore why some people bloat after reintroducing carbs and discuss the importance of restoring redox states for better metabolism. Conflicting health information on social media is critiqued, alongside the limitations of the 'Ray Peat diet.' Practical tips on safely reintroducing carbs after restrictive diets are shared, along with insights on how gut health can impact carb tolerance. Tune in for an engaging discussion about nutrition and energy balance!

Explore the complexities of low-carb diets, including how low T3 and high glucagon levels impact health. Discover why the brain prefers glucose over fat and the debates surrounding metabolic rates and longevity. Uncover the relationship between high-carb diets and insulin sensitivity, as well as the misconceptions about glycation. Additionally, learn why some studies suggest high-carbohydrate diets could reduce cravings and promote healthier eating habits. It's a deep dive into dietary myths and metabolic insights!