The Energy Balance Podcast

In this episode we discuss:   The mitochondrial effects of low-carb diets, and whether they’re actually worse for energy production The downstream hormonal effects of low-carb diets Whether insulin resistance is a problem of excess glucose metabolism or excess fat metabolism Whether high-carb diets cause overeating and insulin resistance And much more   Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/   Click here to check out the show notes: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/eric-westman-debate-follow-up-the-research-on-low-carb-vs-high-carb-diets/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:05 – why I’m recording this debate follow-up  3:38 – how the body responds to carbohydrate restriction and the broader biological context  9:47 – the mitochondrial effects of low-carb diets: glycolysis vs beta-oxidation, NADH/FADH2 ratios, NAD+/NADH ratios, and effects at the electron transport chain  15:16 – fat oxidation leads to slower rates of ATP production and higher rates of ROS production  18:14 – how fat oxidation blocks glucose utilization, slows mitochondrial respiration, and reduces carbon dioxide production  20:58 – ketone vs. glucose metabolism   21:52 – glucose metabolism confusion, glycolysis, and whether ketones are beneficial   24:25 – the hormonal effects of low-carb diets  28:13 – how do we know that fat metabolism is less efficient than glucose metabolism?  34:09 – whether research on fat metabolism in rodents applies to humans and other animals  37:02 – the research showing that fat oxidation increases ROS production and reduces mitochondrial efficiency in various animals (including humans)  40:31 – the research showing the mechanisms of increased ROS production and reduced efficiency of ATP production with fatty acid metabolism  47:41 – mitochondrial uncoupling increases during fat metabolism due to increases in oxidative stress  49:19 – are there adaptations on a keto diet that would prevent the harmful effects of fat metabolism?  52:48 – are there biopsies done on long-term ketogenic diets showing that fat oxidation doesn’t lead to a decreased NAD+/NADH ratio and more ROS production?  59:17 – whether increased fatty acid oxidation enzymes would reduce ROS production in the mitochondria as Dr. Westman suggested  1:02:58 – low-carb and ketogenic diets in rodents cause increased oxidative stress and less efficient ATP production   1:11:41 – do ketones protect against ROS?  1:16:18 – do the potential positive effects of ketones outweigh the negative effects of ketogenic diets?  1:27:47 –low-carb and ketogenic diets cause oxidative stress and insulin resistance in humans1:36:30 – the evidence that glucagon is a stress hormone  1:39:45 – low-carb and ketogenic diets cause physiological stress in humans  1:43:46 – the effects of low-carb and ketogenic diets on cortisol  1:48:29 – low-carb and ketogenic diets decrease thyroid activity  1:53:54 – effects of low-carb and ketogenic diets on reproductive hormones

In this episode we discuss:   Ryan Fischer’s claim that the body only changes weekly, not daily   Whether all calories are created equal How to fix lactose intolerance   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  0:18 – why Ryan Fischer’s claim that the body only changes weekly is false  6:38 – major problems with the “calories in, calories out” model of weight loss   11:27 – Ryan Fischer’s claim that it takes 3,500 calories to gain one pound  15:07 – whether it’s possible to have more “freedom” on the weekends without wrecking your health  18:11 – Jesse James West & Jeff Nippard on apples vs Sour Patch Kids: are calories all that matter?  24:29 – what calories actually represent and their true role in health  29:03 – is sugar always bad for you?  32:25 – whether tracking calories has any real value  34:21 – problems with equating weight loss with health  38:15 – how to know if excess calories are actually an issue for you  45:33 – why high FODMAP fruits like apples may cause bloating and which fruits would be a better option  49:40 – strategies for reversing lactose intolerance  56:35 – what really drives lactose intolerance and how to tell if it’s affecting you  58:34 – factors that affect lactose intolerance and additional strategies to reverse lactose intolerance  1:04:18 – do leafy greens, digestive enzymes, or slippery elm help with lactose intolerance?

In this episode we discuss:   Jay Campbell, Hunter Williams, and Mark Bell’s supplement stacks for staying insulin sensitive on the sugar diet   Whether using Metformin while on the sugar diet helps improve insulin sensitivity   The major differences between the sugar diet and the bioenergetic approach   Real-life examples of weight regain and other negative experiences after the sugar diet   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  0:24 – the costs of metformin: mitochondrial toxicity, increased lactate, inefficient ATP production, and slowed metabolism  5:22 – is using Metformin a good idea on the sugar diet?  10:30 – the dangers of increasing FGF21 while on Metformin  13:53 – increasing FGF21 activity is counter to the bioenergetic view of health  20:23 – Hunter Williams’ supplement stack for insulin sensitivity: metformin, Jardiance, retatrutide, and dihydroberberine  21:42 – the negative effects of Jardiance  24:59 – whether retatrutide and other GLP-1 agonists are healthy from a bioenergetic perspective  27:30 – whether there are any benefits to using medications like metformin, Jardiance, retatrutide, and dihydroberberine  31:54 – how increasing FGF21 with the sugar diet could lead to heart problems such as arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation (AFIB)  38:58 – does the sugar diet boost metabolic rate the same way the bioenergetic approach does?  46:27 – examples of how the sugar diet downregulates metabolism through stress  50:51 – the cumulative effects of stress: how much stress can we handle?  55:15 – how to recover from the negative effects of the sugar diet  58:24 – is stress beneficial? is it possible to avoid stress altogether?  59:51 – problems with dropping fat too low, especially in lean individuals  1:03:50 – the risks of rapid weight loss and the importance of keeping long-term goals in mind  1:08:02 – why cutting out entire macronutrient groups can backfire and what to do instead  1:11:20 – how extreme diets prime our bodies for weight regain  1:14:54 – real-life examples of weight regain after the sugar diet and why it happens  1:20:18 – is there a smarter way to do the sugar diet?  1:24:01 – are there legitimate benefits to the sugar diet? 

In this episode we discuss:   Cole Robinson’s different iterations of the sugar diet and whether it’s okay to change your mind     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  0:37 – Cole Robinson flip-flops his recommendations on the sugar diet  7:43 – problems with using weight loss as the primary determinant of health  12:43 – Cole Robinson’s early recommendations on sugar fasting  14:16 – the impact of the sugar diet on gut and dental health  16:40 – the importance of understanding how a diet works rather than focusing solely on the short-term results  20:26 – the benefits of eating fruit rather than white sugar sources like candy  21:58 – concerns with blood sugar stability on low-fat diets  23:49 – problems with taking a “1990s low-fat approach” as Cole Robinson recommends  26:18 – Cole Robinson’s flip flop on the sugar diet  31:48 – concerns with digestion and liver detoxification on a low-fat diet  34:46 – Cole Robinson’s history of changing dietary recommendations – from the Snake Diet to the Sugar Diet  36:13 – whether the sugar diet could be used as a short-term tool to lose body fat  38:30 – the many iterations of advice on the sugar diet from Cole Robinson  39:53 – the importance of losing body fat in a healthy way  42:32 – will the 1990s low-fat diet last?  45:29 – whether having enough carbohydrates protects against muscle loss while on the sugar diet  46:57 – caution for those trying the sugar diet for weight loss  51:50 – FGF21 requires a protein deficiency  53:48 – why Cole Robinson’s new low-fat diet may not lead to rapid weight loss like the sugar diet  57:54 – the sugar diet shows that sugar isn’t the cause of insulin resistance  1:03:41 – did Cole Robinson actually lie about what he his original sugar diet recommendations?  1:13:27 – the toxic nature of social media and its impact on learning 

Download the free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/      Sign up for a free call for help with weight loss and other health issues: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/call/      Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  4:29 – Ben Bikman suggests the sugar diet only works for lean, active, healthy men 9:33 – Ben Bikman’s claim that satiety is lower on high-carb diets 14:37 – Ben Bikman parrots the argument that carbohydrates are not essential 19:40 – Thomas DeLauer on sugar fasting and insulin sensitivity 22:15 – Thomas Delauer says high-sugar diets cause glycation and AGEs 24:44 – Ken Berry and Anthony Chaffee fearmonger about glycation, glucose, and insulin 28:01 – the truth about glycation on high-carb diets 31:48 – how low-carb diets can cause glycation and increase AGEs 35:22 – Nick Norwitz says the sugar diet won't work for obese people due to FGF21 resistance 39:14 – Nick Norwitz claims that fructose harms the liver 44:24 – Nick Norwitz also parrots the argument that carbohydrates are not essential  

Kate Deering, author and bioenergetics expert, dives into the world of menopause and hormone therapy. She discusses the potential benefits and risks of estrogen therapy, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach for pre- and post-menopausal women. Kate critiques common dietary myths, especially the idea that carbs are unnecessary for nutrient absorption. Listeners will learn about symptoms management, the roles of various hormones, and practical strategies to improve well-being during this life stage.

A lively debate breaks out over the necessity of carbohydrates, with experts challenging the myths surrounding them. Bill Burr hilariously shares his fasting experiences for fat loss, revealing the psychological toll it can take. The conversation dives into how fasting can lead to food obsession and explores the emotional impacts of dietary restrictions. Plus, insights from the Minnesota Starvation Experiment shed light on the dangers of diet extremes. Ultimately, the discussion champions a balanced, healthier relationship with food.

The podcast dives into Dr. Ken Berry's provocative claims about fructose and its impact on human diets, questioning whether our ancestors truly only consumed sweet foods a few times a year. It challenges the oversimplified associations of fructose with weight gain and emphasizes the complexities of glycation processes. The speakers advocate for a nuanced understanding of carbohydrates, metabolic health, and the influence of modern lifestyles on dietary choices. They also critique the reliability of AI in nutritional advice, encouraging listeners to think critically about health information.

Dive into the intriguing world of thyroid health as the discussion uncovers misconceptions about T4 to T3 conversion. The hosts challenge popular claims on hormone replacement therapy and its effects on thyroid function. Explore the complexities of Hashimoto's disease and the roots of thyroid dysfunction, pushing past quick fixes. The conversation also critiques seed oils versus unprocessed polyunsaturated fats, urging listeners to rethink their dietary choices for better health outcomes.

In this episode we discuss:   Gabrielle Lyon’s claims about carbohydrate disposal, “earning our carbs”, and balancing carbs with muscle Whether the body’s ability to make glucose through gluconeogenesis means that we don’t need to consume carbohydrates How cold plunging may calm the nervous system by first triggering excessive stress, and whether that’s worth it Whether the benefits of cold exposure outweigh the costs, and how to gauge when stressors like exercise become too much     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  0:45 – Gabrielle Lyon on the amount of carbohydrates we can “dispose of” in a meal  8:52 – whether Gabrielle Lyon’s claim that excess carbohydrates turn into fat is valid  12:39 – do we need to “earn our carbs” with exercise?  18:32 – how upregulating gluconeogenesis by not consuming carbohydrates drives insulin resistance  21:27 – do low-carb high-protein diets support skeletal muscle health?  22:56 – strategies for adjusting macronutrients to fit your individual needs  29:24 – how to shift away from low-carb diets, focusing on what’s optimal rather than minimum requirements  31:44 – optimal carb intake for muscles and general health   34:57 – applying Ray Peat’s “perceive, think, act” process to optimize our diets  39:29 – the difference between parroting information and thinking critically  43:20 – cold plunging calms the nervous system by first driving excessive stress  48:36 – the cumulative effects of stressors like cold plunging and the risks associated with them  53:41 – whether the benefits of cold exposure outweigh the costs and how much stress is too much  56:28 – how hormesis works and whether the dose makes the poison   1:01:34 – what is stress and how do we prevent it?  1:05:09 – how to get the same benefits without using hormetics like fasting, Wim Hof breathing, and cold exposure  1:10:35 – does reaching a goal have to be difficult or stressful?