DrTalks Podcast

Margaret Floyd Barry, RWS, NTP, CGP, FNTP, discusses strategies to help you implement lifestyle changes that improve health, with a focus on behavior change and self-care for those managing diabetes. She emphasized the importance of intention, planning, and creating supportive environments to ensure success in health transformations.

Mike Collins delves into the topic of sugar addiction and its profound effects on physical and mental health. He explains that sugar acts as a psychoactive drug, manipulating the brain's reward system in much the same way as alcohol or nicotine. This means that sugar creates strong emotional and physical dependencies, making it difficult for people to quit despite their best efforts. He also emphasizes that sugar addiction is real, with science backing its impact on brain chemistry, and that it should be taken seriously as a substance use disorder. Collins stresses that eliminating sugar from the diet can help reverse diabetes and other chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Through years of research and personal experience, he has found that sugar abstinence for at least 90 days is critical to recovery. He encourages people to engage in peer recovery communities for support, noting the importance of changing social behaviors and emotional coping mechanisms to break the sugar addiction cycle.

In this interview, Heather Sandison, ND, explains how blood sugar imbalances contribute to the onset of cognitive decline. Drawing from her clinical experience, she outlines the stages of Alzheimer's and emphasizes the importance of early intervention. She explains that managing metabolic health, particularly through diet, exercise, and stress reduction, can not only prevent Alzheimer's but also reverse early cognitive decline. Dr. Sandison highlights the ketogenic diet as a key strategy in improving brain function by switching the body's fuel source from glucose to fat. She also stresses the importance of social engagement and mental stimulation, noting that isolation can accelerate cognitive decline. She shares practical approaches to supporting patients with Alzheimer's, including her integrative care model in which patients receive immersive care focused on lifestyle interventions.

Thomas P. Seager, PhD, discusses the fascinating science behind deliberate cold exposure and its profound benefits for metabolic health. He explains how cold therapy can activate brown fat, which plays a crucial role in insulin sensitivity and energy conversion. Stimulating the body’s mitochondria through cold exposure improves metabolism, making it a promising technique for managing and even reversing diabetes.  Dr. Seager shares compelling evolutionary insights into why humans are biologically adapted to cold environments and how this natural adaptation can be leveraged to improve health outcomes today. He emphasizes the importance of safety and proper technique when starting cold therapy. He also shares practical protocols and encourages individuals to begin with short, manageable sessions of cold exposure, such as ice baths or cold showers.  The results can be remarkable, with many people experiencing significant metabolic improvements and even the reversal of prediabetes. This powerful health strategy, accessible to almost everyone, offers an exciting way to take control of one’s metabolic health and prevent the progression of chronic conditions.

The episode highlights Len’s transformative journey in managing and reversing his type 2 diabetes with the guidance of Dr. Beverly Yates. Len had been struggling to control his blood sugar levels despite using traditional medical interventions and prescription medications. After enrolling in a six-month health program that emphasized personalized care, Len learned how to use data from his Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to make better lifestyle choices. The guidance he received helped him adjust his diet, manage stress, and prioritize sleep—three vital aspects of the Yates Protocol. Len’s story underscores the importance of connecting health data with practical lifestyle changes. Through expert support and focusing on nutrition, meal timing, and sleep, Len saw significant improvements in his blood sugar levels, leading to sustained control and a healthier life. His success serves as a testament to the power of individualized care and the role that continuous monitoring and feedback can play in managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes.

In this insightful interview, Ken Swartz, MS, a leading researcher in antioxidants and mitochondrial health, explains how C60, a unique carbon molecule, can significantly benefit individuals with type 2 diabetes by optimizing mitochondrial function. Mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, are crucial for energy production, hormone balance, and overall cellular health. Swartz discusses how C60 works as a potent antioxidant that selectively neutralizes the most harmful free radicals—superoxide and hydroxyl ions—without interfering with essential cellular processes. For those with diabetes, maintaining mitochondrial health is vital, as it directly impacts energy levels, cognitive function, and blood sugar regulation. Swartz emphasizes that C60 helps reduce oxidative stress, which is often elevated in diabetic patients, leading to improved brain function, reduced fatigue, and better blood sugar control. He also highlights the importance of choosing high-quality C60 products, explaining what to look for to ensure efficacy and safety. Overall, C60 offers a promising natural supplement to enhance health and manage diabetes by addressing the root causes of oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction.

In this enlightening interview, Megan Ramos, a leading expert in therapeutic fasting, explains how intermittent fasting can be used to reverse type 2 diabetes by addressing the underlying issue of insulin resistance. She describes how the conventional approach of frequent eating leads to constant insulin production, which over time, causes the body to become resistant to its own insulin. By strategically reducing meal frequency and allowing the body to enter a fasting state, insulin levels are lowered, and the body can repair its sensitivity to insulin, leading to better blood sugar control and overall health.

In this insightful session, Dr. Joel Kahn, a leading cardiologist, delves into the profound connection between diabetes and heart disease, revealing how these conditions often develop silently and go unnoticed until they result in serious health crises. He stresses the importance of prevention through lifestyle changes, particularly advocating for a whole food, plant-based diet as a powerful tool in reversing both diabetes and heart disease. Dr. Kahn also introduces the heart calcium CT scan, a vital but underutilized diagnostic tool that can detect silent heart disease early, offering patients a chance to take corrective action before it's too late. Dr. Kahn further explains how modern lifestyle factors, including poor diet and inactivity, contribute to the rise in both diabetes and heart disease. He emphasizes the need for individuals to take charge of their health through regular monitoring and the adoption of healthier habits. By focusing on early detection and making informed dietary choices, patients can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and potentially reverse diabetes, leading to a longer, healthier life.

In this informative session, Dr. Audrey Wells, a seasoned sleep medicine physician, explores the crucial relationship between sleep and diabetes management. She explains how poor sleep quality, particularly due to sleep apnea, can disrupt insulin sensitivity and exacerbate blood sugar issues in people with diabetes. Dr. Wells highlights the importance of early screening and diagnosis of sleep disorders in diabetic patients, as untreated sleep apnea is common and can have severe health consequences. She also addresses common misconceptions about sleep apnea, emphasizing that symptoms like snoring are not always present, especially in women, and that the absence of snoring does not rule out the condition. Dr. Wells provides actionable advice for improving sleep, such as keeping a regular sleep schedule, avoiding late-night eating, and using technology to monitor sleep patterns if you sleep alone. She also discusses the effectiveness of CPAP therapy as the gold standard for treating sleep apnea and offers insights into alternative treatments for those who struggle with CPAP compliance. The session underscores that improving sleep quality is a powerful tool in managing diabetes and enhancing overall health.

In this insightful session, Dr. Nasha Winters, a leading expert in integrative oncology, discusses the concept of metabolic flexibility and its importance in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. She explains that metabolic flexibility refers to the body's ability to switch between burning glucose and fat for energy, a capability that is often lost due to poor lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Dr. Winters also emphasizes that many people, regardless of their appearance, may be metabolically unhealthy and are at risk for serious health issues. She stresses the importance of assessing metabolic health through regular lab tests and understanding personal metabolic responses to diet and lifestyle.

In this presentation, Dr. Beverly Yates shares the inspiring story of Pam, a woman who struggled with Type 2 diabetes for over 25 years. Despite years of relying on medications and various health professionals, Pam saw little improvement until she began working with Dr. Yates. The key to Pam's transformation was addressing the root cause of her fatigue and cravings—cortisol imbalance. Through the Yates Protocol, which emphasizes nutrition, meal timing, stress management, sleep, and exercise, Pam was able to regain her energy, reduce her dependency on medications, and make healthier food choices that supported her long-term health goals. Pam’s journey demonstrates the profound impact that addressing underlying issues can have on managing and even reversing Type 2 diabetes. By focusing on the five lifestyle factors of the Yates Protocol, Pam not only improved her blood sugar levels but also transformed her overall quality of life. Her success story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, showing that with the right support and strategies, it is possible to take control of one's health and achieve lasting change.

What if there was a drug-free approach to managing diabetes? Join William Pawluk, MD, MSc, as he discusses the therapeutic benefits of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for diabetes management. He explained how this innovative therapy can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall tissue health, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional treatments.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Mindy Pelz, an expert in fasting and hormone health, shares valuable insights into how fasting can be a powerful tool for women, particularly during menopause. As women age and estrogen levels drop, they become more insulin resistant, making it difficult to maintain a healthy weight and regulate blood sugar levels. Dr. Pelz explains that the same dietary habits that worked in a woman's 30s may no longer be effective in her 40s and 50s. By understanding the body's energy systems and using fasting to switch from glucose burning to fat burning, women can regain control over their metabolism, support brain health with ketones, and improve overall well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Terry Wahls discusses her groundbreaking approach to managing neurodegenerative diseases through diet and lifestyle changes. Drawing from her personal experience with multiple sclerosis, Dr. Wahls emphasizes the importance of nutrient-dense foods, particularly those rich in mitochondria-supporting nutrients, to improve brain health. She explains the benefits of her Wahls Protocol, which includes consuming nine cups of vegetables daily, focusing on leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and sulfur-rich foods. Dr. Wahls also highlights the advantages of a personalized ketogenic diet, stressing the importance of monitoring lipid levels and considering variations such as an olive oil-based ketogenic diet.

In this episode, Dr. Heather Sandison, ND, interviews Max Lugavere, a filmmaker, health journalist, and author of "Genius Foods" and "Genius Kitchen." Max shares his personal journey of researching brain health and nutrition after his mother was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. He emphasizes the importance of diet in maintaining cognitive function and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Max explains that the brain requires specific types of fats, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, for optimal health. He discusses the different types of fats and oils, advocating for extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil as the healthiest options. He also highlights the importance of whole, unprocessed foods, and criticizes the overconsumption of refined, bleached, and deodorized grain and seed oils like canola, corn, and soybean oil. The discussion covers the benefits and potential risks of dairy and red meat. Max believes that full-fat dairy can be beneficial for those who are not lactose intolerant, while he recommends choosing grass-fed, grass-finished red meat for its nutrient density and lower environmental impact. He also discusses the importance of choline, found in foods like eggs and red meat, for brain health. Max emphasizes the value of home-cooked meals and provides practical tips for incorporating brain-healthy foods into daily meals. He shares his own dietary habits, which focus on high-quality protein sources, vegetables, and whole fruits. Max also touches on intermittent fasting and its benefits for brain health, recommending a 12-hour eating window as a simple and effective strategy.

In this episode of the Reverse Alzheimer’s Summit, Dr. Dale Bredesen is joined by Jennifer Maynard, CEO of Nutrition for Longevity, and Julie Gregory, founder of ApoE4.Info. They discuss the crucial role of nutrition in preventing and reversing cognitive decline, emphasizing a tailored approach to diet that includes high phytonutrient, organic, and mildly ketogenic foods. Jennifer Maynard explains the importance of sustainable farming practices and the impact of nutrient-dense foods on overall health. She highlights the precision of Nutrition for Longevity's offerings, which are designed to support specific health conditions, including cognitive decline. Julie Gregory shares her experience as an ApoE4 homozygous individual and the success she has had with a plant-rich, mildly ketogenic diet. She stresses the importance of metabolic flexibility and using high polyphenol olive oil to achieve mild ketosis. Dr. Bredesen adds that reducing inflammation and improving brain energetics are key to reversing Alzheimer’s disease, and highlights the importance of a personalized approach to nutrition. The discussion also touches on the benefits of intermittent fasting, the significance of maintaining an optimal weight, and the need for adequate protein intake, especially for those who are underweight. Jennifer mentions the strides made in getting Medicare and Medicaid to cover these nutritional interventions, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of such approaches in reducing healthcare expenses associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

In this episode of the Reverse Alzheimer’s Summit, Dr. Heather Sandison welcomes Dr. Mark Mattson, a leading neuroscientist and expert on intermittent fasting. Dr. Mattson, who recently retired as the Chief of Neuroscience at the National Institutes of Aging and now teaches at Johns Hopkins University, discusses his research on the crucial role of glutamate in brain function and the benefits of intermittent fasting for brain health. Dr. Mattson explains that glutamate is the brain’s most important neurotransmitter, involved in more than 90% of brain neurons, and is essential for learning and memory. He describes how excessive glutamate can lead to neuronal damage and is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Mattson also highlights the significance of other neurotransmitters, such as GABA, which modulate glutamate activity.

In this episode of the Reverse Alzheimer’s Summit, Dr. Heather Sandison welcomes Dr. David Jockers, a renowned expert in natural medicine, ketosis, and intermittent fasting. Dr. Jockers discusses how our bodies can run on two major energy sources: glucose and fatty acids, with ketones being particularly beneficial for brain health. He explains that most people are stuck in a chronic sugar-burning mode due to constant food intake, especially high carbohydrate and processed foods. This leads to insulin resistance and inhibits the body's ability to burn fat and create ketones.

In this episode of the Reverse Alzheimer’s Summit, Dr. Heather Sandison interviews Dr. Beverly Yates, a naturopathic doctor specializing in type 2 diabetes care. They explore the connection between blood sugar management and Alzheimer’s disease, often referred to as type 3 diabetes. Dr. Yates explains how insulin resistance contributes to cognitive decline and shares her personal experiences with this condition in her family.

In this episode of the Reverse Alzheimer’s Summit, Dr. Steven Gundry delves into the complex relationship between the APOE4 gene and Alzheimer’s disease. He explains how APOE4 affects lipid metabolism, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s, and emphasizes the importance of mitochondrial function in managing this risk. Dr. Gundry shares his evolving perspective on the ketogenic diet, highlighting the role of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in producing ketones, which serve as signaling molecules to promote mitochondrial repair and efficiency. Dr. Gundry also discusses the benefits of incorporating goat and sheep milk products into the diet of APOE4 carriers, as these foods contain beneficial medium-chain triglycerides. He explains the concept of mitochondrial uncoupling, where mitochondria waste energy to produce heat, which improves their function and longevity. Furthermore, he underscores the importance of metabolic flexibility and gut health in maintaining cognitive function and preventing Alzheimer’s. Dr. Gundry’s insights provide a comprehensive understanding of how diet and lifestyle choices can influence brain health and mitigate the risks associated with the APOE4 gene.