LEVELS – A Whole New Level

Dr. Sharon Bergquist, a physician-scientist and director at Emory’s Healthy Aging Center, dives into the complex interplay between immune health and metabolic function. She explains the dual nature of inflammation, discussing how it can both protect and harm. The conversation highlights the significance of white blood cells in assessing immunity and stress levels. Dr. Bergquist shares practical tips to cultivate immune resilience through diet, exercise, and lifestyle tweaks, emphasizing the importance of regulating rather than boosting the immune system.

Dr. Ben Bikman, a metabolic scientist and author, joins Mike Haney to delve into glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. They explore how insulin plays a crucial role in energy regulation and why understanding HbA1c is essential. Dr. Bikman discusses early signs of insulin resistance and practical lifestyle strategies to lower insulin levels naturally. He emphasizes that chronic high insulin can lead to weight gain and fatigue, and highlights the protective role of muscle tissue against metabolic dysfunction.

Dr. David Perlmutter, a board-certified neurologist and bestselling author, joins Mike Haney to discuss the surprising connections between brain health and metabolic factors. They explore why Alzheimer's is referred to as 'Type 3 diabetes' and how insulin resistance affects cognitive decline. Perlmutter shares insights on key biomarkers that can predict dementia risk decades early and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices over pharmaceuticals. The conversation also delves into the potential of GLP-1 medications and practical steps for protecting brain health.

Join Matt Kaeberlein, a molecular biologist and expert on aging, as he dives into fascinating longevity biomarkers and how they can influence healthy aging. He discusses the crucial differences between lifespan, health span, and ‘sick span.’ Kaeberlein emphasizes the importance of emotional health and community in longevity while critiquing the practicality of certain cellular tests. He also highlights lifestyle changes that can dramatically improve health span and shares insights on protein intake, exercise priorities, and the potential of the drug rapamycin.

Dr. Angela Mazza, an integrative endocrinologist and founder of the Metabolic Center for Wellness, joins Mike Haney to unpack the complexities of thyroid health. They explore what the thyroid does and how conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can manifest. Angela shares insights on interpreting thyroid test results, the significance of individualized treatment, and the role of nutrition and lifestyle in managing thyroid issues. Their engaging discussion also tackles common misconceptions and the importance of holistic care in achieving optimal health.

Dom D’Agostino, PhD, a renowned researcher in metabolic health, joins Ben Grynol to reveal how newfound accessibility to glucose biosensors can transform health monitoring. They emphasize that these tools can empower individuals to improve metabolic health, manage women’s health issues, and enhance workout performance. The duo discusses the significance of glucose trends for longevity and the necessity of a balanced approach to nutrition, debunking common dietary myths while advocating for continuous monitoring to guide healthier food choices.

Dr. Richard Johnson, a Professor emeritus focused on kidney disease, joins Mike Haney to dive into kidney health. They discuss how the Western diet negatively influences kidney function, with common culprits like diabetes and high blood pressure being key risk factors. The duo emphasizes the importance of biomarkers in assessing kidney health, including serum creatinine and albumin levels. They also explore the effects of lifestyle changes, heat stress, and the significance of maintaining a balanced diet to protect these vital organs.

Join Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a board-certified gastroenterologist and best-selling author, along with Mike Haney, as they explore the fascinating world of the gut microbiome. They discuss how gut health impacts everything from mental well-being to immune function. Key topics include the gut-brain connection, the importance of fiber-rich diets, and how lifestyle choices shape gut health. They also touch on microbiome testing and the benefits of dietary diversity, emphasizing that a happy gut leads to a healthier body overall.

Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric neuroendocrinologist and metabolism expert, joins Mike Haney to delve into the complexities of pancreatic health. They discuss essential blood tests for monitoring pancreatic function and the critical differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The conversation highlights the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on the pancreas and its connections to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Listeners will learn about reversing beta cell dysfunction through lifestyle changes and the importance of dietary management in preventing serious pancreatic issues.

Dr. Natalie Crawford, a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert from Austin, insights into women's hormonal health. She discusses the importance of lab testing for female hormones, shedding light on menopause and fertility. Natalie highlights how brain-ovary communication shifts throughout the menstrual cycle and the impact of inflammation on reproductive health. She advocates for women to understand their health better and when to test hormones, ensuring they are empowered at the doctor's office.