metabolic disease

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 14 Issue 42

Review of Dr. Casey Means’ Good Energy

In her book, Good Energy, Dr. Casey Means explores the complex relationship between our metabolic health and the quality of energy we experience in daily life. Dr. Means is an ENT surgeon that graduated from Stanford University Medical School before eschewing it all to dive into the world of disease prevention. Drawing from her background in integrative medicine and her deep understanding of metabolic science, Dr. Means presents a compelling case for why energy levels are not merely a factor of rest and diet, but a direct reflection of how well our cells are functioning on a biochemical level. And this is the key, the understanding of the biochemistry of the why!

In today’s modern world, so many of us feel sluggish, fatigued, or burned out, and the causes are often elusive. We live in a time where external stressors, processed foods, environmental toxins, and sedentary lifestyles disrupt our body’s ability to produce and regulate energy efficiently. Dr. Means calls for a paradigm shift in how we view energy: it’s not just about getting more sleep or drinking another cup of coffee. It’s about restoring the metabolic health of our cells to optimize the energy they generate…..plus a literature review and a recipe.

Enjoy,

Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #80 – Deborah Tate, PhD – Studying the Obesity Epidemic

 

Obesity and Change – The Tech Intersection

Welcome to the podcast! Today, I am thrilled to host Dr. Deborah Tate, a distinguished professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, with joint appointments in Health Behavior and Nutrition. She also holds a faculty appointment at the Nutrition Research Institute in Kannapolis, North Carolina where she explores innovative approaches to improve lifestyle behaviors that impact obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease risk. Dr. Tate is a behavioral scientist, receiving her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on two main areas: (a) strategies for improving both short and long-term body weight regulation to reduce disease risks and (b) the development and translation of programs as alternatives to clinic-based care using digital and wearable technologies. She is known internationally for her work has published many papers in major nutrition and medical journals. Her work spans the intersection of behavioral health and obesity whereby she is a pioneer in digital health interventions. Her work has been pivotal in developing digital tools and online programs that support sustainable health changes, making access to wellness resources more inclusive and effective.

Dr. Tate has been at the forefront of harnessing technology to create lasting change, blending behavioral science with digital advancements to empower individuals and families to make improved choices. Her contributions have transformed how we think about health interventions in today’s digital age, offering scalable solutions that reach beyond traditional boundaries. Get ready for an insightful conversation with Dr. Tate as we dive into the science and the potential of digital health to foster resilience and well-being.

Enjoy,

Dr. M

Dr. M’s SPA Newsletter Audiocast Volume 14 Issue 39

Section I

Understanding the Action and Use of GLP-1 Agonists in Children – A Pediatrician’s Viewpoint

The United States, like much of the developed world, is facing increasing rates of childhood obesity and related health concerns. Despite years of research and various efforts, addressing this public health issue remains a complex challenge.

This article reviews the potential mechanisms, benefits, and considerations for using GLP-1 agonists in children based on the current scientific understanding. While early research is promising, the application of these treatments in children requires careful consideration and should always be done in consultation with a healthcare provider.

As a pediatrician, I recognize that while the science behind these treatments is evolving, it’s important to remember that individual responses to treatments can vary. For children, every approach needs to be carefully weighed, considering their unique developmental needs…..

Enjoy,

Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #79 – Robert Lustig, MD – Obesity Epidemic

Welcome to the podcast! Today, I am thrilled to have a true pioneer in the field of metabolic health, Dr. Robert Lustig, MD, joining us. Dr. Lustig is a neuroendocrinologist and Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco. He is best known for his groundbreaking work on the intersection of diet, obesity, and metabolic disease, particularly his deep dive into the role of sugar as a driving force behind many of today’s chronic health issues.

As the author of several influential books, including Fat Chance, The Hacking of the American Mind and Metabolical, Dr. Lustig has been a vocal advocate for public health, helping to raise awareness about the harmful effects of processed foods, particularly refined sugars. His research has been instrumental in shifting the conversation around nutrition, focusing on the biological impacts of sugar and the ways it contributes to insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. His most recent paper entitled Obesogens, A Unifying Theory for the Global Rise in Obesity in the International Journal of Obesity – Nature is a ground stirring take on the current research.

We are excited to explore his latest insights into metabolic health and the science of obesity, and how we can apply this knowledge to improve our own well-being. Let’s welcome Dr. Lustig to the show!

Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast David Katz, MD – Childhood Obesity Part II Repost

David L. Katz, MD, MPH is a specialist in Preventive Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, with particular expertise in nutrition.
He earned his BA at Dartmouth College (1984); his MD at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1988); and his MPH from the Yale University School of Public Health (1993). He completed sequential residency training and board certification in Internal Medicine (1991) and Preventive Medicine/Public Health (1993). Katz is the founder and former director of Yale University’s Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (1998-2019); Past President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine; President and Founder of the non-profit True Health Initiative; and Founder and CEO of Diet ID, Inc. The recipient of numerous awards for teaching, writing, and contributions to public health, Katz was a 2019 James Beard Foundation Award nominee in health journalism, has been a widely supported nominee for the position of U.S. Surgeon General, and has received three honorary doctorates. Katz has served as a nutrition columnist for O, the Oprah Magazine; an on-air contributor for ABC News/Good Morning America, and with appearances on most major news programs and contributions to most major magazines and leading newspapers, including OpEds in the New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
His most recent book, How to Eat, co-authored with Mark Bittman, is a 2021 IACP Awards finalist and is worth your time. I have had the pleasure of hearing him speak many times over the years and he is an amazing orator and I am blessed to have this hour with him. Today, we dive into the science of childhood obesity and what are the public health pain points that can be pressed on to change the negative trajectory.
Enjoy,
Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #78 – Elisa Song MD – Healthy Kids Happy Kids

This week I sit down with Dr. Elisa Song to discuss her new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids. Dr. Song is a graduate of Stanford University with a degree in political Science. She then attended New York University for her medical degree and finally a stop at the University of California San Francisco for pediatric residency training. In her own words, Dr. Song is a holistic pediatrician. She founded Whole Family Wellness, an integrative pediatric practice in Belmont, CA – one of the first and most highly regarded holistic pediatric practices in the country. She created Healthy Kids Happy Kids – dedicated to empowering parents to take charge of their kids’ health … naturally! She lectures around the world for the Center for Education and Development in Clinical Homeopathy (CEDH), Academy for Pain Research, Institute for Functional Medicine, and Holistic Pediatric Association, A4M among others. In this interview we look at health through a prevention first lens with a deep look at the intestinal microbiome and nutrition. Dr. Song’s immense fund of knowledge is on full display in her book and this interview.

Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Elisa Song,

Dr. M

Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #77 – Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD – Microbes and Health

This weeks guest is Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe.

Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe is a researcher and a thinker with persistence. Throughout history, these are the human qualities that lead people to develop amazing products and lead projects for the world to benefit from. Her story is one of discovery, passion and caring.

Dr. Cutcliffe holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Biochemistry from Wellesley College. Her scientific background is complemented by her experience in managing both research and operations teams in the biotech sector. Before founding Pendulum Therapeutics, she held senior positions at Pacific Biosciences and Elan Pharmaceuticals, where she was instrumental in developing various technological platforms. She is the co-founder and CEO of Pendulum Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative solutions to improve gut health through microbiome-based interventions. With over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, Dr. Cutcliffe has become a recognized leader in microbiome science, applying her expertise to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical, consumer-facing health solutions. At Pendulum Therapeutics, Dr. Cutcliffe has led the development of novel probiotic formulations specifically designed to address metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Her work has been pivotal in the growing recognition of the microbiome’s role in human health, pushing forward the concept of targeted probiotics as a potential therapeutic option. Under her leadership, Pendulum Therapeutics has gained recognition for its scientific rigor and innovative approaches to personalized nutrition.

Today, we discuss the story of her discovery and the fact that her work is the beginning of a hopeful wave of change for humans through gut microbiome manipulation. Dr. Cutcliffe helps us understand the basics of the microbiome, what helps it stay balanced and conversely, what upsets it. How does it support our metabolism and health in general. The main thrust of her work comes into the spotlight with Akkermansia mucinophilia, a keystone species for positive health.

Please Enjoy my conversation with Dr. Cutcliffe,

Dr. M