February 17, 2025

#336 - AMA #68: Fasting, well-balanced diets, alcohol, exercise for busy people, wearables, emotional health, assessing cardiovascular health, and more

27 minutes

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In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter tackles a diverse set of listener-submitted questions, covering a wide range of health and performance topics. He dives into assessing cardiovascular health, discussing key biomarkers and risk factors, and breaks down various fasting approaches, including time-restricted eating and prolonged fasting. The conversation also explores the impact of alcohol on health and disease risk, fundamental principles of nutrition, and optimal protein intake. Additionally, he examines the pros and cons of ketogenic and low-carb diets, strategies for building effective exercise routines, and the role of wearables in tracking health metrics. The episode concludes with insights on emotional health, making this a well-rounded discussion packed with practical takeaways for anyone looking to optimize their well-being.

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We discuss:

Episode format: overview of common health topics based on listener questions [1:30];
How to accurately assess your cardiovascular health [3:00];
The impact of fasting, time-restricted eating, and dietary restriction on metabolic health [9:00];
Alcohol: health risks of consumption, limitations of research, and how to weigh the risks against social and personal enjoyment [13:45];
Principles of a well-balanced diet: macronutrients, micronutrients, protein, energy balance, and more [23:45];
The benefits and drawbacks of ketogenic diets: impact on satiety, metabolic health, athletic performance, lipid levels, and more [29:15];
Protein: best sources for muscle growth, total intake, PDCAAS scoring system, and getting adequate amounts on plant-based diets [36:15];
Creating an effective fitness routine that fits into a busy schedule [41:45];
The role of rest and recovery in a workout routine [46:00];
How to track fitness progress beyond just weight on a scale [48:30];
The best low-impact exercises for individuals with joint issues [52:00];
Wearables: insight vs. compliance, and how to use them effectively [54:45];
How to evaluate the risks and benefits of medical interventions: procedural risks, complication rates, and asking informed questions [59:00];
Sleep: impact on metabolic and cognitive health, and tips for improving sleep quality [1:03:45];
How to identify and address emotional health challenges [1:08:30]; and
More.

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By Peter Attia, MD

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