LowCarbUSA Podcast

Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine: Low Carb Podcasters
  • 4.5 (35)
  • NUTRITION
LowCarbUSA Podcast

Bringing short. positive episodes to the Low Carb community highlighting success stories from individuals and practitioners as well as tips and tricks and some great recipes.

  1. 11/30/2024

    It IS Possible To Manage Type 1 Diabetes Safely: Ep 121

    In this powerful episode of the LowCarbUSA podcast, Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine sit down with Beth McNally and Matt Miernik, the couple behind T1D Nutrition, to discuss their journey with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the transformative role of nutrition in managing the condition. Their journey began in 2015 when their son Lachlan was diagnosed with T1D at age 9. After months of frustration with conventional high-carb, insulin-heavy treatments, they adopted a very low-carb diet, which dramatically improved Lachlan's blood glucose stability and brought his A1C levels into the normal range. Now, at 18, Lachlan is a thriving athlete, and Beth and Matt are dedicated to sharing the benefits of therapeutic carbohydrate reduction with others facing similar challenges. A central theme of the conversation is the recently published Position Paper by The SMHP on therapeutic carbohydrate reduction for type 1 diabetes, to which Beth, Matt, and a team of experts have made significant contributions. This paper will revolutionize T1D management by advocating for therapeutic carbohydrate reduction as a viable, evidence-based option. It calls for healthcare providers to support patients choosing this approach and underscores the importance of continued research and education on low-carb nutritional strategies. Beth expresses her enthusiasm for the Position Paper, noting its potential to challenge current T1D care practices. With only about 17% of youth and 21% of adults meeting the American Diabetes Association’s A1C target of 7.0, this paper could be a game-changer, providing clinicians with new guidelines and resources to enhance patient outcomes. It advocates for open access and support for those exploring low-carb diets as a therapeutic intervention, signaling a much-needed shift in mindset. Throughout the episode, Beth and Matt stress how this Position Paper will empower both patients and clinicians, offering a solid foundation for discussing low-carb options within healthcare teams and integrating evidence-backed guidelines into mainstream T1D care. They encourage families to share the Position Paper with their doctors, fostering more comprehensive and supportive care. The couple also reflects on their involvement in the January 2024 LowCarbUSA Boca Raton Symposium for Metabolic Health, which featured a dedicated Type 1 Day. This event assembled international experts in T1D management, including Dr. Ian Lake, Dr. Suzanne Schneider, Dr. Eric Westman, Dr. Belinda Lennerz, and Dr. Robert Cywes, who shared innovative insights into how nutrition can stabilize blood glucose levels and improve the quality of life for those with T1D. These presentations set the stage for the Position Paper and underscored the need for a low-carb approach to gain wider recognition and support within the medical community. Matt offers additional insights into why therapeutic carbohydrate reduction is so effective, explaining how reducing carbohydrate intake decreases insulin dependency, leading to more stable blood glucose levels. He compares it to "removing logs from a fire," minimizing the blood glucose fluctuations that make T1D so difficult to manage. This Position Paper will address these scientific principles, equipping clinicians with the knowledge and tools to guide their patients more effectively. Matt also discusses the phenomenon of "double diabetes," a condition where individuals with type 1 diabetes develop insulin resistance, resembling type 2 diabetes. He explains how the conventional high-carb diet paired with large insulin doses can lead to this dangerous overlap, increasing health risks and complications. By adopting a low-carb approach, insulin needs are minimized, reducing the chances of developing double diabetes and supporting better metabolic health in people with T1D. Doug and Pam share how eye-opening the Type 1 Day event was for them and other attendees, with many healthcare professionals admitting they gained more insight into T1D management in one day than they had in their entire careers.  Click here to listen and discover the latest advancements in therapeutic carbohydrate reduction. Additionally, LowCarbUSA® has released all the Dedicated Type 1 Diabetes Workshop & Presenter videos from the recent LCUSA & SMHP Symposium for Metabolic Health, held in January. This video playlist features expert presentations that explore therapeutic carbohydrate reduction, optimal protein intake, healthy fats, and low-carb strategies for T1D. Featured speakers in this series include: Dr. Èvelyne Bourdua-Roy, MD & Dr. Tro Kalayjian, DO- Workshops intro & Prevailing outcomes in T1D Beth McNally, MS MA CNS LDN - Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction (TCR)/Low-carb Diet Implementation for T1D Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP - Low-Carb in T1D: Getting started, troubleshooting and guidance Dr. Belinda Lennerz, MD - Medication & Technology Implementation Allison Herschede, BSN, RN, CDCES - Hormonal Challenges for Women with T1D Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP - Exercise how to & Fasting (intermittent and multi-day) Lester Hightower & Beth McNally, MS MA CNS LDN - Parents Perspective - TCR/Low-carb for Type 1 diabetes Dr. Eric Westman, MD, MHS - Standard of Care - Advances and challenges in Type 1 diabetes care Dr. Jessica Turton, PhD, MND, B.App.Sc (ExSpSc) - Current research on low-carbohydrate diets for Type 1 diabetes management Dr. Belinda Lennerz, MD - Children living with Type one Diabetes - Current and future research questions pertaining to therapeutic dietary carbohydrate reduction in children Dr. Eric Westman, MD, MHS, Dr. Jessica Turton, PhD, MND, B.App.Sc (ExSpSc), & Dr Belinda Lennerz, MD - Panel Discussion Dr. Robert Cywes, MD, PhD - Clinical implementation of low-carbohydrate diets in T1DM – experiences from adults and children Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP - Exercise and Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction – Current research and clinical experiences Suzanne Schneider, PhD Researcher, MSc, Bcomm - Cognitive and Psychological Implications of Carbohydrate Reduction in T1DM Dr. Robert Cywes, MD, PhD, Dr. Ian Lake, BSc, BM,MRCGP, & Suzanne Schneider, PhD Researcher, MSc, Bcomm - Panel Discussion These videos are available for free on the LowCarbUSA® YouTube channel in the "Type 1 Workshop - Symposium for Metabolic Health - Boca 2024" Playlist. Explore this valuable resource to gain insights from the leading voices in T1D management and be part of the growing community dedicated to improving outcomes for those living with type 1 diabetes. Links: T1D Nutrition website

    1h 22m

  2. 08/23/2024

    Metabolic Health Takes Center Stage in Brainerd Lakes, MN

    In a recent LowCarbUSA®, hosts Doug Reynolds, MHP and Pam Devine, MHP spoke with Dr. Jeremiah Eisenschenk and Dr. Angie Ausban, two prominent practitioners from the Brainerd Lakes area in Minnesota, about the upcoming LowCarbUSA® Metabolic Health Conference in Brainerd Lakes. This one-day event, scheduled for September 21, aims to unite healthcare professionals and the public around the importance of metabolic health. Dr. Eisenschenk, a board-certified Family and Obesity Medicine physician, shared his journey into metabolic health, which began after attending a transformative lecture in 2016. Since then, he has co-founded the Metabolic Health Conference in Brainerd Lakes and Essentia Health – Brainerd Weight Management Department, bringing his expertise to both the hospital and community settings. "I saw some pretty impactful results, even in six months," he noted, reflecting on the positive changes in his patients’ health through carbohydrate reduction approaches. Dr. Ausban, who has a background in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, recounted her own evolution in understanding obesity and metabolic health. After co-founding the CentraCare Medical Weight Management program, she became certified in Obesity Medicine and later joined CRMC as the Medical Director of the Metabolic Health and Medical Weight Management Program. "It's not just obesity and diabetes; it's everything—heart disease, stroke, dementia," she emphasized, underscoring the widespread impact of insulin resistance. The one-day event is open to the public, but technical enough to also offer optional CME opportunities for healthcare professionals, carbohydrate reduction meals, and local vendors, fostering a collaborative environment between the community to address the growing metabolic health crisis.  The symposium will feature a diverse lineup of expert speakers, including: Robert Cywes, MD, PhD Gurpreet Padda, MD, MHP, MBA Mark Cucuzzella, MD, FAAFP, MHP Vera Tarman, MD Jeremiah Eisenschenk, MD Angelina Ausban, MD Shawn Roberts, MD. This event is unique for the Brainerd Lakes area, as four health systems have come together to support this initiative—a rare collaboration in today’s competitive healthcare landscape. Dr. Eisenschenk highlighted the importance of this unity, saying, "If we can coalesce for this greater mission... any part of America, any part of the world, can do this." In addition to the symposium, a charity golf event was going to be organized by Dr. Ausban’s husband, Kevin Smith, but will now be postponed and take place next spring to raise funds for the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners and the local Boys and Girls Club. Dr. Ausban invited attendees to participate, adding, "We are super excited about this event." The upcoming symposium promises to be an inspiring and educational gathering, providing healthcare professionals and the public with the tools and knowledge to improve metabolic health and, ultimately, the quality of life for many. Learn more and register here.

    48 min

  3. 07/24/2024

    “Turn Around Diabetes” - Dr. Roshani Sanghani

    This podcast episode offers just a preview of the comprehensive, science-backed health insights Dr. Roshani Sanghani will share at the 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 15-18. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year’s symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease. Endocrinologist Dr. Roshani Sanghani recently sat down with Doug Reynolds for a compelling podcast interview, discussing her innovative approach to diabetes management and her upcoming participation in the LowCarbUSA 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health from August 15-18. Dr. Roshani, who has become a leading voice in the field of endocrinology, shares her profound journey and introduces her new book, Turn around Diabetes: The Step-by-Step Guide to Navigate Type 2 (and Type 1) Diabetes with Less Medication. A Transformative Approach to Endocrinology Dr. Roshani’s medical career began in Mumbai, India, where she completed her medical degree before moving to the United States. She is board-certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. Her practice evolved significantly during the pandemic, transitioning to a 100% virtual model, which she continues to implement successfully. “I've always been interested in the mind-body connection,” she explains. “Endocrinology became a natural space for me because hormones directly link our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Helping that system stay in balance through mindfulness, lifestyle changes, and medication when needed became my passion.” Turning Diabetes Management on Its Head Her shift towards a lifestyle-first practice was catalyzed by a patient in Mumbai who was struggling with uncontrolled diabetes. “This patient was labeled non-compliant because he refused insulin. Instead of ending the relationship, I suggested he reduce his carbohydrate intake. A year later, he was well-managed with just one tablet,” she recounts. This experience ignited her journey toward emphasizing lifestyle changes over medication. Her approach focuses on empowering patients through motivational interviewing, a technique that encourages patients to discover their own motivations for change. “Patients come to us because they want to get better, not stay sick. Motivational interviewing flips the model from compliance to empowerment, helping patients make sustainable changes,” she says. An Advocate for Behavioral Change Dr. Roshani's upcoming book, "Turn Around Diabetes," explores the behavioral aspects of managing diabetes. She emphasizes the importance of addressing psychological barriers and equipping patients with strategies to overcome them. “This book is meant to be a companion for anyone with diabetes, aiming to prevent diabetes, or seeking a healthier lifestyle. It’s about overcoming obstacles in nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise,” she explains. Using the analogy of a “lifestyle car,” she describes how nutrition, sleep, stress management, and exercise are the four wheels that keep us moving forward. “Life is dynamic, and our journey will have its ups and downs. It’s about continuous adaptation and navigating through challenges,” she notes. Joining Forces with LowCarbUSA Dr. Roshani is thrilled to be a speaker at the upcoming LowCarbUSA Symposium. “I’m excited to meet everyone in person and share insights on how behavioral change can significantly impact diabetes management,” she says. Her talk promises to be a highlight, given her reputation for delivering engaging and informative presentations. Doug praised her contributions, noting, “One of the best talks we’ve had was by Dr. Roshani. Her ability to prepare engaging content and provide deep insights is unmatched. We’re looking forward to her talk next month.” Listen to the full podcast interview to gain deeper insights into her approach and philosophy. Her new book, "Turn Around Diabetes," will be available at the LowCarbUSA Symposium, providing attendees with practical strategies to navigate diabetes with less medication.

    28 min

  4. 07/18/2024

    Is Diet the Secret to Better Mental Health? - Dr. Georgia Ede

    In an insightful interview conducted by LowCarbUSA® co-founder Pam Devine, Dr. Georgia Ede, MD, shared profound insights from her new book, "Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind," and highlighted the significance of metabolic psychiatry. Dr. Ede, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist with extensive experience in nutrition, brain metabolism, and mental health, will be a key presenter at the upcoming LowCarbUSA 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, taking place from August 15-18, 2024. Pam Devine expressed her excitement about her participation, recalling their first collaboration in 2017. Dr. Ede emphasized the unique atmosphere of the LowCarbUSA® conferences, describing them as "science for the people." She praised the efforts of Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine in creating a warm and welcoming environment. According to Dr. Ede, "Every conference has a different feel, and this particular conference has a really nice down-to-earth, people-focused feel. It's science for the people." Join Us at the Symposium in San Diego, August 15-18 This podcast episode is just a glimpse of the comprehensive, science-backed health insights Dr. Ede will share at the 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 15-18. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year’s symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease. Focus on Metabolic Psychiatry One standout feature of this year's conference is the dedication of an entire day to metabolic psychiatry on August 15th. Dr. Ede noted the explosion of research in the field and the quantum leap it represents for psychiatry. "The brain matters," she stated, highlighting developments in treating mental health conditions through metabolic interventions. Addressing the limitations of conventional psychiatry, she remarked, "We have not been thinking about root causes. Metabolic psychiatry looks at the metabolic root causes, the drivers, the underlying forces that are damaging and destabilizing the brain." She pointed out that the traditional approach of treating mental health conditions as lifelong chemical imbalances requiring medication is being challenged by new findings in metabolic psychiatry. Debunking Dietary Myths Dr. Ede debunked common dietary myths, such as the belief that oatmeal is a brain-healthy breakfast. She shared a case from her book where a physician's blood sugar spiked dangerously after consuming oatmeal, underscoring the need for a fundamental shift in dietary recommendations. "If you want real change to your mental health, you need to fundamentally restructure your diet from the ground up in ways that make biological sense," she stated. "Base your diet on science, not wishful thinking and wild guesses." Importance of Nutrient-Rich Foods She emphasized the importance of nutrient-rich foods that provide the essential building blocks for brain health. "The brain needs nutrients. All food is about parts and energy. We need the right parts to build cells, including brain cells, and we need to fuel those cells sustainably." Essential nutrients include amino acids, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are often lacking in typical modern diets. "Most of what we're eating now is not nourishing or energizing our brain properly. In fact, it's damaging the brain," she added. One major culprit in this dietary crisis is the widespread consumption of vegetable oils. "Vegetable oils are extraordinarily high in Omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid," she noted. "Over the past 60 years, our intake of linoleic acid has increased significantly, and it's accumulating in our body fat and brain, causing oxidative stress and inflammation." This leads to brain damage over time. She highlighted the importance of choosing foods that support brain health by providing necessary nutrients without causing harmful spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. She asserted, "Animal-based foods, rich in essential nutrients and low in carbohydrates, are key to this approach." Dr. Ede also discussed the concept of "quiet diets" featured in her book, which include variations like quiet paleo, quiet keto, and quiet carnivore diets. These diets emphasize low-carbohydrate and ketogenic principles to reduce metabolic stress on the brain. "The more sugary your diet is, the harder it can become for your brain to use that sugar for energy," she explained. This can lead to insulin resistance, making it difficult for the brain to process glucose effectively. Balancing Brain Chemistry She expanded on this, explaining how the brain processes glucose and the critical role of insulin. "The brain doesn't need insulin to let the glucose in; it needs insulin to process the glucose once it comes in," she explained. Without adequate insulin, the brain, despite being flooded with glucose, cannot utilize it effectively, leading to a paradoxical situation where the brain is both overwhelmed with glucose and starving for energy. This disruption in brain chemistry can lead to severe mental health issues. "If you want to balance your brain chemistry, one of the most effective ways to do that is to unbalance your diet," she stated. Lowering carbohydrate intake, particularly to ketogenic levels, can significantly improve brain function by stabilizing glucose and insulin levels and providing ketones as an alternative energy source. Dr. Ede also discussed the balance between glutamate and GABA, the brain's primary neurotransmitters. "Glutamate is the gas pedal, and GABA is the brake pedal," she explained. The balance between these neurotransmitters determines the brain's activity level, and eating refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils can profoundly disrupt this balance, leading to overstimulation and mental health issues. "If you're eating these refined carbohydrates and vegetable oils, you're getting all this inflammation and oxidative stress," she said. "The inflammation and oxidative stress throw this system profoundly out of balance." The interview concluded with Pam Devine highlighting the importance of attending the LowCarbUSA Symposium in person. Dr. Ede echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unique benefits of in-person conferences. "It's a completely different experience," she said. "You'll meet other people, make lasting connections, and leave feeling energized and more knowledgeable." She encouraged people to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from experts and immerse themselves in the latest research on metabolic health.

    1h 7m

  5. 07/08/2024

    Exploring Ketogenic Diets for Mental Health with Dr. Erin Bellamy

    LowCarbUSA co-founders Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine recently sat down with Dr. Erin Bellamy, a ketogenic specialist and metabolic health practitioner, for an illuminating podcast episode. Dr. Bellamy, who holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of East London and an MSc in psychiatric research from King’s College London, brings a wealth of experience in using ketogenic metabolic therapy to improve mental health. A Journey into Ketogenic Diets and Mental Health Dr. Bellamy began the conversation by sharing her journey into the field of ketogenic diets and mental health. Her interest was sparked during her time working in psychiatric inpatient units, where she noticed a connection between diet and mental well-being. "I always had an interest in nutrition and diets," she explained, recounting her early research on eating disorders and her personal struggles with weight. Her curiosity led her to explore the impact of low carbohydrate diets on type 2 diabetes and subsequently on mental health. She recalled discovering a 1965 study on the ketogenic diet and schizophrenia, which demonstrated significant improvements in patients' symptoms. This study ignited her passion for investigating the potential of ketogenic diets to support mental health, ultimately leading to her PhD research. Pam highlighted the burgeoning interest in this field and the importance of collaboration among researchers and practitioners. Erin echoed this sentiment, expressing her excitement about the growing momentum in the field of metabolic psychiatry. "It's mind-boggling to me that we are actually building a little bit of momentum," she said. "We might actually get somewhere." The Foundational Role of Nutrition Throughout the interview, Erin emphasized the foundational role of nutrition in mental health. She likened metabolic health to a pyramid, with stable blood sugar levels, good sleep, and strong social connections forming the base. "You need a strong, healthy foundation," she stressed. Only after solidifying this foundation should individuals consider other interventions, such as hormonal testing or specialized therapies. One of the most impactful insights she shared was the transformative effect of nutritional ketosis on mental resilience. "Once you have somebody on a ketogenic diet for a while, they start to feel that kind of Zen feeling and sense of calm," she observed. This newfound stability enables individuals to effectively utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapeutic tools. "It seems like through nutritional ketosis, people seem to have a bit more buffer space," she added. Erin’s approach underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of mental health conditions. Her work demonstrates the potential of ketogenic diets to not only improve physical health but also to provide a foundation for mental well-being. As the field of metabolic psychiatry continues to grow, her insights offer a promising perspective on the integration of nutrition and mental health. Pam shared an anecdote highlighting the profound impact of metabolic health on anxiety. She recounted a story about someone who had a severe fear of bees, which subsided once they achieved metabolic health through ketosis. This led to a deeper discussion about the physiological and hormonal changes brought about by ketosis. "The really cool thing about ketones is they have lots of different roles," Erin explained. "One of them is their anti-inflammatory properties, and another is that they are anxiolytic, meaning they reduce anxiety in the body." Qualitative Research on Ketogenic Therapy for Depression Erin also discussed her recent research, which focuses on the qualitative experiences of individuals using ketogenic metabolic therapy for depression. Her study revealed that those with higher levels of depressive symptoms found it easier to adhere to the ketogenic diet and reported significant improvements in self-esteem, motivation, and overall outlook on life. "One participant said he had a renewed sense of meaning and purpose in life," she shared, highlighting the transformative potential of the diet. Doug noted the importance of these personal stories in convincing others to try ketogenic metabolic therapy, recounting a Symposium for Metabolic Health held in Boca Raton back in 2020 when Christopher Palmer MD, a Harvard psychiatrist, delivered a powerful presentation where he described a case of a patient with schizophrenia.  Palmer went into great detail explaining how traumatic the person's life was beforehand, and then told the story of how the patient used a ketogenic diet to effectively put his schizophrenia into remission. “No meds, functioning as a regular person in society,” Doug recounted. “And I'm even choking up now with that," he said. "It was amazing. And everybody in attendance just sat there and looked at each other. I think everybody had a lump in their throat. I had to kick off the Q&A session after that, and I couldn't speak." Doug continued, "What you're doing, Erin, relating all of these other anecdotes and these people's experiences, I think that's what's going to convince people that this is something that's worth trying much more than somebody giving them the physiology of it behind it – This is how different your life can be. I think that's huge." The Importance of Proper Medical Supervision Erin concluded by emphasizing the importance of proper medical supervision for individuals on psychiatric medications who wish to try the ketogenic diet. She advised working closely with a knowledgeable professional to ensure safe medication adjustments and overall well-being. Accreditation and Ethical Standards of The SMHP In the podcast, Erin emphasized the value of her accreditation as a Metabolic Health Practitioner (MHP) through the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (The SMHP™). She noted that prior to The SMHP, there was no international consensus on guidelines for therapeutic carbohydrate restriction or ethics in the field. She stressed the importance of having a governing body like The SMHP that works to establish clinical guidelines, ethics, and scope of practice. This helps ensure MHPs are providing safe and beneficial care to clients. She appreciates being part of a like-minded group of practitioners who have access to science backed information from a trusted organization.  As a chartered psychologist, under the jurisdiction of the British Psychological Society, she is governed by ethical standards through her professional body. She sees The SMHP membership as complementing this, allowing her metabolic health work to be backed by a trusted society.  Access the full podcast interview here. 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health The 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health will be held August 15-18. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year’s symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease. Learn more and register here.

    55 min

  6. 06/28/2024

    Paul Mason, SMH, LowCarbUSA, Bloodwork interpretation, SMHP, Symposium

    Join us for an enlightening episode of the LowCarbUSA® podcast, where host Doug Reynolds sits down with Dr. Paul Mason, a distinguished sports and exercise medicine physician, to discuss the nuances of blood test interpretation and preview the upcoming LowCarbUSA®  9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, to be held August 15-18. Meet Dr. Paul Mason Dr. Mason uses an evidence-based approach to challenge conventional medical wisdom on topics such as saturated fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and sun exposure. He has authored a chapter on nutrition in the textbook Clinical Sports Medicine and is actively involved in curriculum development and teaching within the Australasian College of Sports and Exercise Medicine. His approach to managing complex medical conditions spans patients from the general public to elite athletes, including the Australian Olympic rowing team. Revolutionizing Blood Test Interpretation In the podcast, he offers profound insights into the often misunderstood realm of blood tests. "The concept of having biomarkers that reflect our health is a very good one," he explains, "but the trouble is, some of them are more reliable than others, and sometimes the reference intervals are completely out of whack." He emphasizes the need to interpret blood test results through the lens of optimal health rather than population averages and he believes reference intervals should be set using data on longevity. "The people who take statins whose cholesterol actually lowers the most actually have the worst survival," he noted, highlighting issues with overly aggressive cholesterol lowering. He went on to explain, "Every blood panel I do is actually personalized to their history." He also discussed the complexities of evaluating markers like ferritin and the importance of considering inflammation. His meticulous and systematic approach ensures that each patient receives a nuanced and accurate health evaluation. Optimizing Health for Longevity Dr. Mason advocates for using all-cause mortality data to set health benchmarks, stating, “My favorite outcome in science is mortality. And that's because you can't fudge it. In terms of clinical outcomes, nothing beats living. And you can't fake that. You can't have a mischievous researcher come through and manipulate the methodology too much when you've got mortality as an outcome.” Listeners also learned how subtle factors like thyroid function can influence cholesterol levels. He  provides valuable insights on the importance of thyroid health and its impact on cholesterol levels. "An underactive thyroid can elevate your triglyceride levels and your cholesterol levels," he explains, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various health markers. Join Us at the Symposium in San Diego, August 15-18 This podcast episode is just a glimpse of the comprehensive, science-backed health insights Dr. Mason will share at the 9th Annual San Diego Symposium for Metabolic Health, August 15-18. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and interact with leading experts in metabolic health. This year’s symposium will feature a full day, Thursday, August 15th, dedicated to exploring the connection between mental health and metabolic disease.

    30 min

  7. 04/05/2024

    Shaking Things Up with Sugar-Free Cocktails & Low-Sugar Liqueurs

    An engaging conversation with Jeff Roslund and Ryan Boudreau, the innovative minds behind Dapper Barons, a company at the forefront of crafting near sugar-free liqueurs and zero-sugar ready-to-drink cocktails. In a culture where sugar consumption is a growing concern, especially among those following ketogenic and low-carb diets, Jeff and Ryan shared their journey and passion for revolutionizing the cocktail industry. Jeff explained the genesis of their idea, "We're the first company to create near sugar-free liqueurs, as well as zero-sugar ready-to-drink cocktails. We knew if we could pull the sugar out of these liqueurs, you could go back to making cocktails the way they're meant to taste." Their conversation covered the nuances of alcohol's impact on the body, particularly in relation to a ketogenic lifestyle.  Jeff clarified a common misconception about the sugar content in spirits. He noted, "All of these products like vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, are sugar and carbohydrate-free. When you start to get into the flavored spirits, that's where brands are starting to reintroduce sugars." This distinction is crucial for those striving to make healthier choices without giving up on enjoying a drink occasionally. The conversation touched on the often overlooked aspect of calorie content in alcohol which Ryan stated was normally around 80 to 90 calories per ounce, depending on the base spirit.  It emphasizes the point that even if a product is sugar free there are often still calories associated with it which we need to be aware of. One of the most striking moments of the discussion came when Jeff presented a visual comparison to illustrate the sugar content found in typical liqueurs, comparing it to the sugar in a Hershey's candy bar. "So, you know, you're looking at about 300 grams [of sugar in a bottle of Kahlua]. That's the level that we're talking about." This vivid imagery serves as a stark reminder of the hidden sugars in many popular beverages and the necessity of transparency in labeling, a challenge the alcohol industry continues to face. You can find out more about getting some to try out on their website and click on the 'Where To Buy' menu option.

    37 min

  8. 12/29/2023

    Charting a New Course in Type 1 Diabetes

    In this episode we talk with Pascal Lemieux, a passionate advocate for health and wellness, with a specific focus on type 1 diabetes management and endurance sports.  His blend of personal experience and professional dedication makes him an invaluable voice in the dialogue on type 1 diabetes care. His involvement in the planning and organization of the special workshop and presentations devoted to type 1 diabetes management at the upcoming Symposium for Metabolic Health January 11-14, 2024 in Boca Raton is a testament to his experience and passion for making a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. Use the code TYPE1BOCA to get a 20% discount Pascal was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 11 and has navigated through various complications associated with the condition, including proliferative retinopathy, gastroparesis, and severe hypoglycemia. These challenges have deeply shaped his understanding and approach to diabetes management.  In 2020, he took a significant step in his career by pursuing nursing, aiming to leverage his personal insights to assist others dealing with type 1 diabetes. This professional shift underscores his commitment to making a tangible impact in the diabetes community. A turning point in his journey was the discovery of the benefits of a low-carb diet in 2014. Inspired by Dr. Richard K. Bernstein's "Diabetes Solution," Pascal adopted a very low-carb diet that remarkably controlled his diabetes, reversed many of his complications, and significantly reduced his insulin dosage. This approach not only transformed his health but also fueled his passion to educate and support others in managing type 1 diabetes. "I was shocked because no one ever told me about this way of managing type 1 diabetes," he said. Despite skepticism from his endocrinologist, Pascal persisted, and the results were remarkable: "My A1C went down to 6.7, then 6.4, then 6.2. Now it is 5.4 (normal, non-diabetic range). My retinopathy reversed, my frozen shoulder went away, my trigger fingers are now perfect, and I lost 60 pounds."  His transformation extended to his passion for marathons, where he proved that a low-carb diet could sustain intense physical activity. "In 2017, I ran a marathon, requiring only 25 grams of carbohydrate... I still had energy to go even further," he said. He subsequently ran 60 kilometers in one day and required only 40 grams of carbohydrate. “That convinced me that I don't need 300 grams of carbohydrate a day to live. I do fine with eating between 30 and 50 grams of carbohydrate a day.” Recognizing the lack of support and guidance for many with type 1 diabetes, Pascal became a fervent advocate for education and community support. "There's at least 40 plus factors that affect blood glucose in type 1 diabetics... we're trying to cover most topics that are important for someone who wants to try low-carb," he explains. His involvement in organizing workshops and events is driven by a desire to bridge the information gap for both physicians and patients.  His motivation is fueled by the diabetes community's solidarity and success stories. "It's all about the community holding together to change the world," he said, looking forward to the focus on type 1 diabetes at the upcoming Symposium. “It's about empowering patients and physicians with knowledge and practical tips." You can see all the topics to be covered at the Symposium here. His story is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the impact of community-driven support. His journey from battling the complications of type 1 diabetes to becoming a leading advocate for dietary management and patient empowerment is truly inspirational. His experience, shared in this podcast, is not just informative but a call to action for better understanding and management of type 1 diabetes. Register for the 2024 Boca Symposium for Metabolic Health here.

    30 min
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4.5
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

Bringing short. positive episodes to the Low Carb community highlighting success stories from individuals and practitioners as well as tips and tricks and some great recipes.

Information

  • Creator
    Doug Reynolds and Pam Devine: Low Carb Podcasters
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 LowCarbUSA®
  • Show Website
    LowCarbUSA Podcast

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