Mastering Blood Sugar Dr. Brian Mowll

Dr. Christine Maren, a medical professional specializing in women's health and fertility, discusses various factors that can impact fertility in a podcast interview. She emphasizes the importance of minimizing exposure to toxins, both in the environment and in personal care products. She highlights the significance of clean air, food, and water in promoting reproductive health. Additionally, Dr. Maren notes the role of blood sugar regulation and its impact on hormonal balance, particularly the thyroid. She also highlights the importance of a healthy gut and the potential impact of gut health on fertility. Lastly, she mentions the significance of addressing micronutrient deficiencies for overall health and fertility.


Toxins and Environmental Factors


Dr. Maren highlights the presence of toxins in our environment, including personal care products and the air we breathe. She emphasizes the need to minimize exposure to toxins and investigate one's environment for potential sources. This is particularly relevant for individuals struggling with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss.


Blood Sugar and Thyroid Health


Blood sugar regulation plays a crucial role in hormonal balance and fertility. Dr. Maren suggests that maintaining stable blood sugar levels can help prevent hormonal disruption. She also emphasizes the importance of addressing thyroid health, including testing for thyroid antibodies and suboptimal thyroid function that may contribute to fertility issues.


The Role of Gut Health


Dr. Maren emphasizes the impact of gut health on fertility. She explains how an unhealthy gut, including issues like leaky gut and chronic low-grade infections, can affect reproductive health. The presence of food sensitivities and nutrient absorption issues can further exacerbate these problems, emphasizing the need for a healthy gut in supporting fertility.


Micronutrient Deficiencies


Micronutrient deficiencies are highlighted by Dr. Maren as playing a role in various health issues, including fertility. She suggests that addressing these deficiencies is crucial for overall health and fertility. Factors such as gut infections and nutrient density in the food supply can impact nutrient absorption and availability, making it important to focus on maintaining adequate micronutrient levels.

Key Takeaways:

[01:54] My story of how I got started in functional medicine.
[07:04] Ketosis and blood sugar during pregnancy.
[09:23] Food sensitivities play a role in blood sugar.
[14:57] What are some of the most common food sensitivities you see in your practice?
[18:32] What are some of the most common reactions to gluten?
[23:24] Nutrigenomics and saturated fats.
[25:57] Breast milk is a high fat food, and breast milk quality is reflective of a mom's health.
[30:49]Christine’s website.
[32:16] Dr. Maron’s advice for people who are newly diagnosed with diabetes.

Resources:

Website: https://drchristinemaren.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrChristineMaren/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchristinemaren/
12 Ways to Detox Your Home: https://drchristinemaren.com/gift/
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Drew Manning, the "Fit2Fat2Fit Guy," experienced a unique transformation journey after gaining 75 pounds in 2011. Drew explains his story with Dr. Brian, including how he stopped exercising and ate a standard American diet to gain weight. Drew shares his knowledge of the complex factors influencing weight loss and health change, such as hormones, mental and emotional factors, and food addiction. He also talks about the disconnect between himself and his clients before the experiment due to his never being overweight and how that changed when he completed the Fit2Fat2Fit experiment. 

Lessons Learned From Drew's Fit2Fat2Fit Experience 

Drew experienced first-hand how powerful emotional eating can be. Food is the most accessible drug in the United States because it gives us a dopamine hit. Our brains crave more of that dopamine hit, so we eat more. This dopamine hit is why it is so hard for people to get off processed foods and onto healthier options. It is like going through withdrawal symptoms.


Drew faced cravings but stayed on track with his transformation plan thanks to accountability and motivation from followers. He also learned that transformation involves mental and emotional aspects, addressing food addiction, self-sabotage, nutrient processing, genetics, and hormone balance. Despite the complexity, with motivation and accountability, he achieved a healthier life.

Health and Your Relationship With Food


Genetics can impact our relationship with food. Emotional attachments formed in childhood, such as associating ice cream with rewards, can lead to reaching for it during emotional moments. It's crucial to be aware of our eating patterns and behaviors, considering how genetics influence our relationship with food. With motivation and support, making the necessary changes for a healthier life is achievable.


Weight Loss Is Highly Individualized 


Despite genetic influences on our relationship with food, it's possible to achieve a healthier life. Understanding our own food patterns is crucial. Comparing ourselves to online influencers and expecting their results is unrealistic. Weight loss is a complex and individual journey, requiring empathy for those facing challenges.


Key Takeaways:

[02:14] Getting fat to motivate clients.
[03:58] Complex factors in diabetes management.
[07:00] Processed food and addiction.
[17:14] Emotional eating habits.
[20:30] Fitness industry and body types.
[27:10] Accessibility to healthy food.
[29:11] Overcoming mental and emotional hurdles.
[38:10] Maintaining weight loss.
[41:22] Self-love and healthy lifestyles
[45:10] Age and fitness transformation.

Resources:


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fit2fat2fit/
Website: https://fit2fat2fit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fit2fat2fit/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fit2fat2fit
Fit2Fat2Fit: The Unexpected Lessons from Gaining and Losing 75 lbs on Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/Fit2Fat2Fit-Unexpected-Lessons-Gaining-Purpose/dp/0062194216
Complete Keto: A Guide to Transforming Your Body and Your Mind for Life: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Keto-Guide-Transforming-Your/dp/1401956262/
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In this episode, Angelique Panagos, a nutritional therapist from the UK, joins the show to chat about the topics of hormones, digestion, and blood sugar health. Angelique shares that blood sugar is the cornerstone of her work as it significantly impacts energy levels, hormonal symptoms, mental clarity, and overall quality of life. She emphasizes the importance of balancing blood sugar levels to help reverse hormonal conditions and improve people's quality of life. This episode provides valuable insights into the role of nutrition in promoting overall health and wellness. Tune in for a conversation about the benefits of functional medicine and how it can help clients effectively manage various health conditions.

Balancing Blood Sugar Levels
Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is essential for optimal health and well-being. Nutritional therapist Angelique Panagos believes that balancing blood sugar levels is the cornerstone of her work and is vital for improving people's quality of life. When our blood sugar levels become unbalanced, it can lead to various issues, from hormonal imbalances and digestive problems to poor mental clarity and low energy. 
When working with clients, Angelique analyzes their diets for refined carbohydrates, sugary foods, long periods without eating, and caffeine. She also requests a food and mood diary to understand their eating habits and mood changes. Nutritional therapists can help identify imbalances and create a plan to achieve balanced blood sugar levels, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to our diets.
Reduce Stress and Eat Better
One of the most common mistakes that can lead to poor blood sugar levels is eating desserts for breakfast. Clever marketing has tricked many people, making identifying healthy food choices difficult. Eating processed foods and sugary snacks can also lead to poor blood sugar levels. 
Modern life often causes stress, which can harm our health and affect our blood sugar levels. To minimize stress, taking time for self-care is crucial, along with being mindful of our diets. Practicing self-care and eating a balanced diet can improve our overall health and well-being.
Make Lifestyle Changes To Balance Hormones
One of the most important things we can do to improve our health is to make lifestyle changes to balance our hormones. Hormones are crucial for our overall health and well-being, and when they are out of balance, they can significantly impact our physical and mental health.
Hormonal imbalances can affect stress hormones, sex hormones, and thyroid hormones, causing various symptoms such as tiredness, irritability, and hair loss. To balance hormones, we need lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, eating a balanced diet, and practicing self-care. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help reduce stress.

Key Takeaways

[00:01:10] Importance of blood sugar health.
[00:05:17] Dessert for breakfast.
[00:07:27] Deceptive marketing of "healthy" foods.
[00:10:38] Sugar and hormone balance.
[00:14:21] Hormones and stress interplay.
[00:18:00] Hormonal effects on health.
[00:21:44] Changing diet for PCOS.
[00:25:13] PCOS and sugar addiction.
[00:29:18] Hormonal balance and diet.
[00:33:32] Food industry's social responsibility.
Resources

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angeliquepanagos
Energy Masterclass: https://angeliquepanagos.lpages.co/energy-masterclass/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/apnutrition
The Balance Plan: https://www.amazon.com/Balance-Plan-Optimize-Hormonal-Health/dp/1912023040
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpDBzJwNoPCfuI6rlfOc6bw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeliquepanagos/
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In this podcast episode, Dr. Brian interviews Dr. David Perlmutter about his new book, "Drop Acid," which focuses on uric acid and how it relates to metabolic health, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. The two discuss the importance of understanding the role of uric acid in the body and how it can be managed through diet and lifestyle changes to support overall health. As a neurologist, Dr. Perlmutter became interested in uric acid's impact on the brain and explored this topic in his book.
Elevated Uric Acid Can Cause Disease
Elevated uric acid levels in the body can cause several diseases and conditions. Uric acid is a naturally-occurring substance in the body, but when it is present at higher-than-normal levels, it can cause many health problems. Uric acid is most commonly associated with gout, a type of arthritis, but it can also be linked to other conditions such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines, which are found in certain foods such as organ meats, sardines, anchovies, and mushrooms. When the body cannot properly process and excrete the excess uric acid, it can build up in the bloodstream and cause problems.

Limit Added Sugar Consumption

In today’s modern world, limiting added sugar consumption is more important than ever. Fructose is a type of sugar found naturally in fruits and vegetables and is also added to many processed foods. Fructose is metabolized differently than other sugars and has been linked to higher uric acid levels in the body. Excess fructose intake has been linked to several metabolic issues, including hypertension, cognitive decline, and obesity.

Lower Uric Acid For Better Health

Uric acid is a by-product of fructose metabolism, and elevated uric acid levels can lead to serious health problems. High uric acid levels are associated with an increased risk of death from all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, and stroke. Additionally, it can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and lead to the formation of uric acid crystals in the blood vessels and joints. 
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce uric acid levels and improve health. The first step is to identify and avoid hidden sources of fructose. This includes reading labels and being aware of the different names for added sugars, such as organic cane syrup. It is also important to limit alcohol consumption, especially beer, as it is rich in purines which can raise uric acid levels.

Key Takeaways:
[00:00:36] Uric acid and metabolic health.
[00:05:00] Uric acid's causative role.
[00:09:29] The dangers of fructose.
[00:13:05] Uricase mutation and body fat.
[00:17:23] Uric acid and fructose.
[00:23:51] Uric acid and erectile dysfunction.
[00:28:07] Uric acid and blood sugar.
[00:29:58] AMP kinase and uric acid.
[00:34:10] Paleo movement and our ancestors.
[00:38:14] Lowering uric acid levels.
[00:42:14] Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's.
[00:46:13] Fruit consumption and uric acid.

Resources:
Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com
Drop Acid: https://www.drperlmutter.com/books/drop-acid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DavidPerlmutterMD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidPerlmutterMd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidperlmutter
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In this episode, Dr. Brian interviews dietitian Michelle Hurn, author of "The Dietitian's Dilemma," who shares her story of recovering from anorexia nervosa at the age of 12 and how it led her to become a low-carb advocate. Michelle discusses the importance of metabolic health and how diet and lifestyle can improve it. Through her own experience and working with clients, she emphasizes the benefits of a low-carb, high-fat diet and debunks some common nutrition myths. Listen to this insightful episode to gain valuable insights into improving your metabolic health.

Avoid Processed Carbs and Oils
Processed carbs and oils are some of the worst things you can put in your body. Not only are they unhealthy, but they can also contribute to serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. That's why it's so important to avoid processed carbs and oils whenever possible.
One of the primary sources of processed carbs and oils is processed food. Processed food is often loaded with unhealthy ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, corn syrup, canola oil, and soy protein. These ingredients make food taste better but can also lead to various health issues. That's why it's so important to read the labels on food before you buy it and avoid any food that contains these ingredients.
Question Conventional Approaches To Health
In today's world, it is all too easy to accept conventional approaches to health without questioning them. We often take the advice of doctors, nutritionists, and other health professionals without considering the potential consequences. However, it is essential to remember that conventional approaches are not always the best or most effective.
Take nutrition, for example. For years, the dietary guidelines have recommended a diet high in carbohydrates, low in fat, and low in protein. This approach has been accepted by many as the only way to eat for optimal health. But recent research has shown that this approach may not be the best for everyone.
Heal With Real Food
It is vital to keep it simple and to focus on quality, nutrient-dense foods. When transitioning to a real food diet, focusing on nutrient-dense foods such as beef, butter, liver, and salmon is crucial. It is also essential to avoid processed foods and sugary drinks. Coffee can be consumed with heavy cream, and having carrots a few nights a week is okay.
Key Takeaways

[00:02:29] Low bone density in athletes.
[00:03:19] Carbs and diabetes.
[00:13:24] Low-carb diet and anxiety.
[00:18:01] Ethics in dietetics.
[00:21:17] Extreme diets and eating disorders.
[00:23:48] Refeeding the brain with fat.
[00:31:02] Carnivore diet for blood sugar.
[00:47:51] Lifestyle changes for better health.

Resources

Website: https://thedietitiansdilemma.net/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TYVDGS4/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runeatmeatrepeat/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleHurnRD
 Coaching Programs: https://ketogeniclifestylecoaching.com/get-coaching/coaching-programs/


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In this episode, Dr. Brian interviews Dr. Paul Saladino, the Carnivore MD, on his unconventional approach to nutrition and health. Dr. Saladino challenges the common belief that vegetables are always good for humans and advocates for a carnivorous diet instead.

He discusses his book and the research behind his ideas, inviting listeners to consider new perspectives on health and nutrition. The conversation touches on the influence of parents and cultural programming and the importance of questioning our assumptions.

Vegetables Are Not Always Healthy
Vegetables are often considered one of the most essential and healthy foods a person can eat. We are taught to include them in our diet from a young age, and doctors and nutritionists often recommend them. However, recent research by Dr. Paul Saladino, the carnivore MD, has challenged this assumption.

Dr. Saladino suggests that not all vegetables are healthy for humans. He argues that some vegetables contain compounds that can harm our bodies. For example, Dr. Saladino points to the presence of lectins, proteins found in some plants that may lead to inflammation and other adverse health effects. He also suggests that some vegetables contain compounds that can be hard for our bodies to digest, such as oxalates and phytates, which can interfere with the absorption of specific vitamins and minerals.

Eliminate Seed Oils and Processed Sugar
Dr. Saladino emphasizes the importance of eliminating seed oils and processed sugar from our diets. Seed oils, such as corn, canola, safflower, sunflower, and grape seed oil, are often found in processed foods and can contribute to various health issues. Processed sugar also contributes significantly to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Eat Animals For Nutrients
Eating animals for their nutrients is a concept that has been around for centuries. In recent years, however, the idea has been met with skepticism because plants contain more vitamins and minerals than animals. However, this is not necessarily true. While plants contain some vitamins and minerals, they also contain defense chemicals that can harm humans. Additionally, animal foods are more bioavailable than plant foods, meaning that our bodies can more easily absorb and use the nutrients found in animal foods.

The Hadza, an indigenous people living in Tanzania, is an example of a culture that relies heavily on animal foods. The Hadza are hunter-gatherers, hunting and gathering their nutrition from the land. They consume various animals, including antelope, wildebeest, and other game, as well as honey, fruits, and nuts. Studies have found that the Hadza have an excellent nutrient intake, with adequate levels of vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. This is likely due to their diet, which is high in animal foods.

Key Takeaways

[00:01:25] Challenging beliefs about vegetables.
[00:03:44] Vegetables are potentially not healthy.
[00:09:11] Plant defense mechanisms.
[00:18:22] The benefits and detriments of vegetables.
[00:21:40] Molecular hormetics in plants.
[00:24:19] Why we should eat animals.
[00:27:20] Metabolic dysfunction and diet.
[00:33:04] Fructose and fruit vs. processed sugar.
[00:41:30] Seed oils and metabolic disease.
[00:44:41] Optimal human diet.
[00:56:43] Evolution of human vision.

Resources

Website: https://www.carnivoremd.com
The Carnivore Code: https://www.amazon.com/Carnivore-Code-Unlocking-Returning-Ancestral/dp/035846997X/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carnivoreMD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carnivoremd2.0/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/paulsaladinomd
Heart&Soil: https://heartandsoil.co/
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