Nutrition Prescription: Wellness vs Medications

Dr. Steve Hughlett

Join us for practical tips, and inspiring success stories—all designed to help listeners unlock more energy, confidence, and lasting health through nutrition, not restrictive diets or expensive supplements. Whether you're overwhelmed by feeling stuck, interested in getting off medication, or looking for a balanced approach to eating, this show is your trusted guide for healthier habits and sustainable wellness. Hosted by Dr. Steve Hughlett, a Doctor of Pharmacy turned nutrition advocate, every episode explores the power of natural foods, simple lifestyle changes, and holistic health solutions that help people reduce or eliminate the need for medication. Tune in each week to learn how real food, holistic methods, and a brighter mindset can transform your health—one episode, one meal, and one simple choice at a time. This podcast is for you if you are searching for answers to questions such as: How to lose weight and keep it off? Is the keto diet right for me? Should I use a low carb diet? What foods are best for weight loss? What are the best exercises for weight loss? Why can't I lose weight? Which diet is the best one for me? Is cholesterol bad? Are statins safe? How can I get off my diabetes medication?

  1. 1D AGO

    183: Get off All Type 2 Diabetic Medications in 30 Days

    Hey Podcast Friends! If you are needing help getting off diabetes medications and/or losing weight.  We are here to help!  Click the link below to get on a FREE 30 min CHAT to see if we have anything that can help! Free 30-Min. Wellness Solutions Chat In this episode, Dr. Steve Hughlett, a Doctor of Pharmacy with over 35 years of experience, explains how many people with type 2 diabetes can safely get off all their diabetic medications in less than 30 days using nutrition alone—no special foods, no supplements, and no exercise programs required. He breaks down the three "pillars of disease" driving type 2 diabetes—high blood glucose, high insulin, and chronic inflammation—and shows how these same factors damage every organ in the body, leading to fatty liver, heart, kidney problems, and even dementia. He shares why the traditional medical model focuses only on lowering blood sugar with more drugs and injections instead of preventing blood sugar from spiking in the first place, and how this approach has failed millions of patients. He describes how years of constantly stuffing our fat cells leads to insulin resistance and full‑blown diabetes, and why lowering glucose intake and focusing on whole, low‑carb foods allows the body to finally burn stored fat for fuel. You'll hear real‑world results from clients who have gotten off diabetic, blood pressure, pain, antidepressant, and heart medications, while gaining more energy, mental clarity, and weight loss as a powerful side effect—not the main goal. Dr. Hulett also explains a simple waist‑to‑height measurement you can use at home to see if you're likely pre‑diabetic, and why reducing sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods is the key to changing your health path. If you're ready for help to get off medications and reverse type 2 diabetes naturally, click the link in the show notes to schedule a free 30‑minute one‑on‑one conversation with Dr. Hughlett or visit drstevehughlett.com and click the "Work With Us" tab. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Type 2 diabetes is driven by three main pillars—high blood glucose, high insulin, and inflammation—which together damage every organ in the body over time. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> By keeping blood glucose from spiking in the first place (instead of just forcing it down with drugs), many people can get off all type 2 diabetic medications in under 30 days. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Long‑term overfilling of fat cells with sugar‑turned‑fat leads to insulin resistance; lowering carb intake allows the body to burn stored fat and begin reversing this process. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> When patients correct the root cause through nutrition, they often reduce or eliminate other medications too, including blood pressure, pain, antidepressant, and heart medications, while gaining more energy, clearer thinking, and weight loss. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> A waist measurement greater than half your height strongly suggests you are pre‑diabetic, making it critical to shift to low‑carb, whole foods and avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and industrial seed oils. *:first-child]:mt-0 [&_>*:last-child]:mb-0">   *:first-child]:mt-0 [&_>*:last-child]:mb-0"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer:  The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

    28 min
  2. MAY 11

    182: The GOOD N_E_W_S_S_ For Getting Healthy

    Hey Podcast Friends! If you are needing help getting off diabetes medications and/or losing weight.  We are here to help!  Click the link below to get on a FREE 30 min CHAT to see if we have anything that can help! Free 30-Min. Wellness Solutions Chat *:first-child]:mt-0 [&_>*:last-child]:mb-0"> Most people are chasing quick fixes, new medications, and trendy programs that never address the real cause of poor health. In this episode, Dr. Steve Hughlett, Doctor of Pharmacy and author of Your Plate Is Your Fate, shares why real health starts with the GOOD N‑E‑W‑S‑S: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sleep, and Sunlight. You'll hear how constantly elevated insulin, chronic inflammation, and high blood sugar create the "three pillars of disease" and how simple low‑carb, whole‑food habits can help you lose fat, reverse type 2 diabetes, and get your energy back. Dr. Steve also explains why walking matters more than hardcore workouts at the beginning, why most people are dehydrated, how sleep repairs your body, and how getting outside in the sun can improve your hormones, blood pressure, mood, and brain health. If you're tired of adding more and more prescriptions every year and you're ready for a natural, sustainable path to better health, this episode will give you a simple roadmap you can start today. In this episode, you'll learn: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why real health does NOT start in a prescription bottle p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What the GOOD N‑E‑W‑S‑S stands for and how to use it daily p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How high insulin, inflammation, and high blood glucose drive chronic disease p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why lowering carbohydrates and glucose is the key to fat loss and diabetes reversal p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why you can lose fat even if you can't exercise much right now p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How walking supports your lymphatic system, balance, and long‑term mobility p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How to know how much water to drink and when to drink it p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why 7–9 hours of sleep is non‑negotiable for healing and fat burning p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How morning sunlight and evening sunset help reset your circadian rhythm p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The truth about sunlight, vitamin D, and why you shouldn't fear the sun (but also shouldn't burn)   N – Nutrition p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Three pillars of disease: high insulin, chronic inflammation, and high blood glucose. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Glucose comes from carbohydrates, especially refined and processed carbs; when you eat it, blood sugar rises and insulin shoots up. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> High insulin turns excess glucose into fat (triglycerides) and stores it in your fat cells so you can't burn fat for energy while insulin is high. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Over time, fat cells become "stuffed," leading to insulin resistance and higher blood sugar levels. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Key idea: keep glucose out of your mouth (low‑carb, real food) so insulin can stay low and your body can burn fat for fuel. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> God‑made carbs (fruits and vegetables) are OK in controlled amounts, but remember they still contain glucose; above‑ground veggies usually contain less than below‑ground starchy ones like potatoes. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Fructose (fruit sugar, sugar, high‑fructose corn syrup) goes straight to the liver and is rapidly turned into fat—think of how bears fatten up on berries before hibernation. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Laboratory‑made carbs (boxed, bagged, bottled, canned processed foods) are loaded with glucose, fructose, seed oils, and chemicals that inflame your body. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Grains and flour are basically powdered glucose and will fatten you up just like grain‑feeding cows before slaughter. E – Exercise p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Exercise is healthy and important, but it is not required to start losing fat; fat loss is driven by low insulin, which comes from keeping glucose out of your mouth. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> If you're obese or haven't exercised in years, don't let "I can't work out" be the reason you don't start getting healthy. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> As you lose fat and lower insulin, you naturally gain more energy and mental clarity—this is the best time to add in more structured exercise and lifting heavier things. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Walking is non‑negotiable: everyone, at any size, should walk daily. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Walking strengthens your lower body and improves balance, which helps prevent falls as you age. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Walking pumps your lymphatic system (which has no heart to pump it), helping remove toxins, antibodies, and waste from your body so they don't build up and make you sicker. W – Water p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Most people walk around dehydrated, even though they think they are drinking enough. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Drinks with sugar/glucose, caffeine, and alcohol act like "anti‑water" and make you pee out more water than you take in. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Common dehydrating drinks: fruit juices, energy drinks, coffee, tea, soda, and alcoholic drinks. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Best choice: plain water or clean flavored water without artificial sweeteners like sucralose or other chemicals. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How much to drink: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Use your ideal body weight (not current). p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Divide ideal weight (in pounds) by 2 = ounces of water per day. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Example: ideal 180 lbs → about 90 oz of water per day. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Spread water through the day; don't "chug it all" in the morning or your body will just dump it. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Avoid large amounts of water: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Right with meals (it dilutes stomach acid and weakens digestion). p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Within a couple of hours of bedtime (to avoid getting up to pee and disturbing sleep). S – Sleep p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Sleep is when your body repairs and rebuilds itself after the damage and stress of the day. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Everyone needs about 7–9 hours of sleep; the "I only need 4–6 hours" mindset eventually catches up with your health. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Simple rule of thumb: about 1 hour of sleep for every 2 hours awake (16 hours awake → 8 hours of sleep). p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> At night, during deep and REM sleep, your body secretes growth hormone, repairs muscles, regenerates tissues, and burns fat while insulin is low because you're not eating. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The brain's "glymphatic" system flushes out toxins and metabolites while you sleep, helping you wake up with clearer thinking and better mood. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Cortisol (stress hormone) rises before you wake up, dumping stored glucose into your blood—this explains the "dawn phenomenon" where morning blood sugar is higher, especially in diabetics. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Morning is a great time to move and exercise so your muscles use that glucose. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Melatonin helps you fall asleep, and your body only needs about 1 mg; mega‑dose supplements (3–20 mg) can cause problems and are unnecessary. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Blue light from TVs, phones, and computers at night blocks melatonin and ruins sleep quality; shut off screens 1–2 hours before bed. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Good nighttime habits: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Read or write instead of scrolling. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Plan your food and clothes for the next day. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Write down worries and to‑dos on paper to get them out of your head. S – Sunlight p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Sunlight is critical for setting your circadian rhythm: sunrise cues cortisol to wake you up, sunset signals melatonin to help you sleep. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Getting outside in the morning light and again at sunset helps lock in a healthy sleep‑wake cycle. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Sunlight on the skin triggers vitamin D production, which supports bone, muscle, immunity, and overall health; many people are deficient. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The goal is to get sun without burning; burning is what raises skin cancer risk, not normal, smart sun exposure. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Avoid loading your skin with chemical‑laden sunscreens; instead, build up a tan slowly, seek shade, or cover up before you burn. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> UVA rays penetrate deeper, and excess plus burning are linked to aging and cancer, but they also help release nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and can lower blood pressure. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> UVB rays can burn the skin but are needed for vitamin D production and can help with conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Infrared rays improve circulation, support nitric oxide release, reduce pain and inflammation, and may help conditions like osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Sunlight and infrared also improve mood, reduce drowsiness, and support better brain function, even in people with cognitive decline. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> You don't have to buy fancy red‑light devices; just get outside in natural sunlight consistently.   p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"

    33 min
  3. MAY 4

    181: Are You a Carb Burner or a Fat Burner

    *:first-child]:mt-0 [&_>*:last-child]:mb-0"> Hey Podcast Friends! If you are needing help getting off diabetes medications and/or losing weight.  We are here to help!  Click the link below to get on a FREE 30 min CHAT to see if we have anything that can help! Free 30-Min. Wellness Solutions Chat Your body runs on two different fuels — fat and glucose — and most people are unknowingly using the wrong one. In this episode, Dr. Steve Hughlett breaks down why your body was designed to burn fat as its main energy source, and what happens when you run on glucose (sugar and carbs) instead. Spoiler: it's not good. Over time, too much glucose leads to weight gain, low energy, damaged blood vessels, and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Steve walks you through exactly how your body processes each fuel, why fat keeps you full for hours while carbs leave you hungry and crashing, and how insulin quietly stores fat on your body every time you eat the wrong foods. You'll also learn why eating fat does NOT make you fat — and how to start shifting your body back to fat-burning mode without starving yourself or giving up food you love. This episode is your first step toward steady energy, a healthier weight, and feeling like yourself again. Ready to take the next step? Book a free 15-minute wellness chat with Dr. Steve at drstevehughlett.com. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Your body has two fuel sources — and the one most people use every day is slowly destroying their health. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Fat is your body's clean, long-lasting fuel, but carbs and sugar have hijacked your energy system. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Learn why insulin is the hidden reason you keep storing fat no matter how little you eat. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Eating fat does NOT make you fat — and Dr. Steve explains exactly why in plain, simple terms. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Find out how one small change to how you combine foods can help you burn fat and feel full for hours.   p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer:  The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications               *:first-child]:mt-0 [&_>*:last-child]:mb-0">

    34 min
  4. APR 27

    180: Type 2 Diabetes IS Metabolic Syndrome

    Hey Podcast Friends! If you are needing help getting off diabetes medications and/or losing weight.  We are here to help!  Click the link below to get on a FREE 30 min CHAT to see if we have anything that can help! Free 30-Min. Wellness Solutions Chat   Buy my Book.  Your Plate is Your Fate In this episode, Dr. Steve explains why type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance are really the same fire burning in your body—and how lowering glucose at the source can help you lose weight, lower blood pressure, and get off medications without starving or living in the gym. What we cover in this episode: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What metabolic syndrome really is p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The history of the terms "metabolic syndrome," "syndrome X," and type 2 diabetes. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The 5 markers: high blood glucose, high triglycerides, increased abdominal obesity, low HDL, and high blood pressure—and why having just 3 means you already have metabolic syndrome. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How insulin resistance actually develops p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What happens when you eat glucose: blood sugar rises, insulin rises, liver converts extra glucose to triglycerides, and fat cells keep filling up. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How overstuffed fat cells become insulin resistant, leading to full-blown type 2 diabetes over years or decades. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Where all that glucose is really coming from p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why sugar (50% glucose, 50% fructose), flour, and high-carb foods are constantly pushing your glucose and insulin up. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The danger of "laboratory foods" in boxes, bags, bottles, and cans, and why focusing on real "God-made" foods (meat, eggs, vegetables, some fruit) changes everything. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why fruits and starchy vegetables (especially those that grow below ground) can be a problem when you already have metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why just "lowering blood sugar" with meds is not enough p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How most diabetes medications work by raising insulin or insulin sensitivity, which can actually worsen insulin resistance over time. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why the better question is, "Why is my blood sugar going up in the first place?" instead of "How do I force it down?" p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The body-wide damage from chronic high glucose and insulin p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Fatty liver and fatty pancreas, and why we now see fatty liver disease even in teens and young adults. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Damage to fat cells (hormones like leptin, inflammation, aromatase), heart (fat around the heart, small dense LDL, damaged arteries), kidneys (leading cause of dialysis), nerves (neuropathy and amputations), eyes (retinopathy), brain (dementia, "type 3 diabetes"), and ovaries (PCOS).When you stop feeding your body constant glucose and processed carbs, you lower blood sugar and insulin naturally, start burning stored fat for fuel, and give your organs a chance to heal. For many people, this is the path to more energy, less belly fat, and fewer medications—without a restrictive "diet" or hours in the gym.   p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Click the link in the show notes to schedule your free 15-minute wellness chat to see if one of our programs can help you lower medications and move toward reversing type 2 diabetes. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Visit drstevehughlettt.com and click "Work With Us" to learn more about the Thrive Natural Transformation course. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer:  The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

    31 min
  5. APR 20

    179: What Does Healthy Eating Really Mean

    Hey Podcast Friends! If you are needing help getting off diabetes medications and/or losing weight.  We are here to help!  Click the link below to get on a FREE 30 min CHAT to see if we have anything that can help! Free 30-Min. Wellness Solutions Chat Do you feel like you "eat healthy," but your weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, or joint pain keep getting worse? In this episode, Dr. Steve Hughlett breaks down what eating healthy really means for people in their 30s to 70s who are tired, overweight, and frustrated with confusing diet advice. You'll learn what your body is actually made of (and therefore what it really needs), why "healthy" salads, juices, and whole grains may be keeping your insulin and blood sugar high, and how glucose and fructose slowly drive diabetes, fatty liver, high blood pressure, and low energy over decades. Dr. Steve explains why animal-based, whole foods are nutrient-dense, why most man‑made foods in boxes, bottles, bags, and cans are toxic "Franken foods," and how to use low‑carb, real food to lower insulin, burn fat, and regain energy without starving or living in the gym. He also walks you through practical first steps: stop drinking sugar, cut out ultra‑processed snacks, make meat the main part of your plate, and use fruits and vegetables (especially the higher‑carb ones) wisely based on your health status. You'll hear how many of his patients have gotten off diabetic medications in under a month simply by keeping glucose out of their mouths and insulin levels low. If you've been told type 2 diabetes is "chronic and progressive" and you're stuck on more and more meds, this episode will help you see a different path forward using food as your most powerful medicine. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What "eating healthy" really means: feeding your body protein, fat, cholesterol, vitamins, and minerals instead of constant carbohydrates and man‑made foods. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why glucose and fructose from sugar, grains, juices, and processed foods slowly drive weight gain, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and organ damage over 10–40 years. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How to think about carbs: veggies above ground vs. below ground, high‑sugar fruits vs. lower‑sugar options, and why drinking your produce spikes blood sugar. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why animal‑based whole foods are deeply nutrient‑dense, and how making meat, eggs, and healthy fats the center of your plate lowers insulin and helps you burn stored fat. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Simple starting steps: stop drinking sugar, cut ultra‑processed snacks, avoid seed oils and fried foods, minimize high‑sugar fruits and starches, and focus on real, low‑carb, whole foods p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer:  The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

    30 min
  6. APR 13

    178: We Have All Been Duped!

    Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my  Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course   If you are needing help getting off diabetes medications and/or losing weight.  We are here to help!  Click the link below to get on a FREE 30 min CHAT to see if we have anything that can help! Free 30-Min. Wellness Solutions Chat       In this episode, Dr. Steve pulls back the curtain on how we've all been systematically misled about nutrition, fat, cholesterol, and chronic disease—for decades. He traces the story from Ancel Keys and the American Heart Association to the 1992 food pyramid, showing how grain, sugar, cereal, and vegetable oil industries shaped our guidelines for profit, not health. You'll learn why red meat, natural fats, and cholesterol have been wrongly demonized, and why glucose and fructose from ultra-processed foods are the true drivers of obesity, gout, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic damage. Dr. Steve explains the three pillars of disease—high insulin, high inflammation, and high blood glucose—and how a glucose-heavy, man‑made food supply keeps all three elevated. He breaks down what really causes gout, heart attacks, insulin resistance, and "bad" LDL, and why statin drugs have become a multi‑billion‑dollar business built on a flawed cholesterol story. You'll also hear a clear, practical framework for getting healthy again: focus on God‑made foods (animal protein, healthy fats, and low‑toxicity plants), avoid man‑made boxed and bagged products, and keep glucose out of your mouth if you want to reverse type 2 diabetes, get off medications, and lose body fat. If you're ready to challenge everything you've been told about diet and disease—and finally understand how to take back control of your health—this episode is for you. Call to action: If you're struggling with obesity or type 2 diabetes and want a realistic, sustainable way to turn your health around without exercise, click the link in the description to book a free 15‑minute Wellness Solutions Chat with Dr. Steve. To enroll in the Thrive Naturally Transformation course, visit drstevehughlett.com and click the "Work With Us" tab. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How Ancel Keys' unproven fat hypothesis, the American Heart Association, and the 1992 food pyramid set us up for an epidemic of chronic disease. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why red meat, fat, and cholesterol were falsely blamed, while grains, sugar, seed oils, and ultra‑processed foods quietly became the foundation of our diet. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The truth about gout, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease: the roles of glucose, fructose, uric acid, triglycerides, and small dense LDL. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The three pillars of disease—high insulin, high inflammation, and high blood glucose—and how a glucose‑based diet drives all three. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> A simple roadmap to reclaim your health: eliminate man‑made foods, prioritize animal protein and healthy fats, keep glucose low, and restore metabolic flexibility p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer:  The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

    26 min
  7. APR 6

    177: Unpacking Macros_The Real Culprit Behind Modern Disease

    Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my  Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course If you are needing help getting off diabetes medications and/or losing weight.  We are here to help!  Click the link below to get on a FREE 30 min CHAT to see if we have anything that can help! Free 30-Min. Wellness Solutions Chat     Most of the diseases filling our hospitals today are not from bad luck, bad genes, or just getting older—they're driven by what we eat all day, every day. In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down the basic macronutrients—protein, fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrates—and explains which ones help you heal and which ones quietly drive weight gain, diabetes, and low energy. You'll learn why your body makes you "hungry," why constant snacking keeps you sick, and how a simple low-carb, whole-food approach can lower insulin, burn fat, and protect your organs. He also shares the truth about seed oils, the lies behind the old food pyramid, and why focusing on real meat and above-ground vegetables can completely change your health path. 5 Key Takeaways p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Almost every modern disease shares the same root cause: constant intake of glucose-heavy, man-made foods that spike insulin and get stored as fat. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Protein is your body's building block; if you don't eat enough, your body will break down muscle to protect your organs, especially on crash diets or GLP‑1 drugs. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Healthy fats and cholesterol from foods like meat, eggs, butter, and fruit oils are vital for hormones, cell membranes, brain health, and vitamin absorption—and are not the enemy. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Toxic seed oils and processed carbs from boxed, bagged, and canned "franken foods" drive inflammation, fatty liver, type 2 diabetes, and organ damage. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> To reverse diabetes, lose fat, and gain energy, you must keep insulin low by cutting glucose (refined carbs, sugars, grains) and focusing on low-carb whole foods—meat and above-ground vegetables. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer:  The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications   p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0">

    29 min
  8. MAR 30

    176: Do Statins Help_Or Harm?

    Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my  Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course If you are needing help getting off diabetes medications and/or losing weight.  We are here to help!  Click the link below to get on a FREE 30 min CHAT to see if we have anything that can help! Free 30-Min. Wellness Solutions Chat   Your doctor just put you on a statin and told you it will "lower your bad cholesterol." But is that the whole story? In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down what statins actually do in your body, why LDL cholesterol has been oversimplified, and how your everyday food choices—not a "statin deficiency"—drive dangerous cholesterol changes, inflammation, and blood vessel damage. He also shares simple, low-carb, whole‑food steps you can take to lower triglycerides, raise HDL, protect your blood vessels, and support your energy and long‑term health without relying on more and more medications.​ In this episode, Dr. Steve explains what statins are, how they work, and why simply chasing a lower LDL number can backfire on your health. He unpacks the difference between large, buoyant LDL (the kind your body normally makes and uses) and small, dense LDL (the kind that gets glycated, inflamed, oxidized, and stuck in your artery walls). He then connects the dots between high fructose and glucose intake, ultra‑processed "laboratory food," and the overproduction of triglycerides that leads to those small, dense LDL particles in the first place.​ You'll learn why cholesterol itself is vital for life, how every cell makes it through the mevalonate pathway, and why blocking that pathway with statins doesn't just lower cholesterol—it also lowers other crucial compounds like vitamin K, CoQ10, dolichols, and more. Dr. Steve explains how this can damage cells all over the body and why statins have dozens of documented harmful effects while mainly "helping" one lab number your doctor is trained to focus on.​ Instead of obsessing over LDL alone, Dr. Steve shows you how to read your own cholesterol panel using simple ratios: triglycerides divided by HDL, and total cholesterol divided by HDL. He shares what healthy ranges look like, what they suggest about your LDL particle type, and how to improve those ratios with low‑carb, whole‑food eating, more healthy fats, and resistance training—not another prescription.​ You'll also hear practical guidance on which fats support better HDL and lower inflammation (like animal fats and fruit oils) and which industrial seed oils to avoid because they drive inflammation and poor metabolic health. If your goal is to lose weight, tame inflammation, protect your heart and brain, and decrease medications over time, this episode will give you a clear, hope‑filled roadmap to start taking back control of your health.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Statins work by blocking HMG‑CoA reductase, which shuts down the cell's mevalonate pathway and reduces not only cholesterol, but also vitamin K, CoQ10, dolichols, and other survival‑critical compounds.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The real danger is not "all LDL," but small, dense LDL particles that form when you eat a lot of glucose and fructose from processed foods and sugary drinks, leading to glycation, inflammation, oxidation, and artery damage.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> You can quickly gauge your LDL particle pattern by checking two ratios: triglycerides ÷ HDL (aim for under 2, closer to 1) and total cholesterol ÷ HDL (aim for under 5, ideally under 3.5).​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Lowering triglycerides and raising HDL comes from eating fewer carbs and ultra‑processed foods and more healthy fats like animal fats, extra‑virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil, plus doing resistance training.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Statins may lower LDL numbers on paper, but they do so at the cost of your cells' ability to heal and thrive, which is why Dr. Steve argues that fixing diet and lifestyle is a far better long‑term strategy than relying on statins.​ Ready to lose weight, lower inflammation, and get off medications the natural way? If you'd like help applying these principles to your own life, click the link below to schedule your free 15‑minute Wellness Solutions Chat with Dr. Steve and learn which of our one‑on‑one or online programs is the best fit for you. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer:  The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

    32 min
4.9
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

Join us for practical tips, and inspiring success stories—all designed to help listeners unlock more energy, confidence, and lasting health through nutrition, not restrictive diets or expensive supplements. Whether you're overwhelmed by feeling stuck, interested in getting off medication, or looking for a balanced approach to eating, this show is your trusted guide for healthier habits and sustainable wellness. Hosted by Dr. Steve Hughlett, a Doctor of Pharmacy turned nutrition advocate, every episode explores the power of natural foods, simple lifestyle changes, and holistic health solutions that help people reduce or eliminate the need for medication. Tune in each week to learn how real food, holistic methods, and a brighter mindset can transform your health—one episode, one meal, and one simple choice at a time. This podcast is for you if you are searching for answers to questions such as: How to lose weight and keep it off? Is the keto diet right for me? Should I use a low carb diet? What foods are best for weight loss? What are the best exercises for weight loss? Why can't I lose weight? Which diet is the best one for me? Is cholesterol bad? Are statins safe? How can I get off my diabetes medication?

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